Posts by Lincoln Park Church of Christ (Page 4)
Loving Those with Whom We Disagree
By Glen Elliot We must love those with whom we disagree. Jesus set the example when, from the cross, He prayed for His tormentors, saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing” (Lk. 23:34). His life and ministry were characterized by both com- passion and conflict. But, in His love for people, Jesus never sacrificed truth. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught us to love even our enemies (Matthew 5:44). Such love does…
Punching Holes in the Darkness
By Brett Petrillo A young boy had his face pinned to the window and he watched with fascination as an old lamplighter came down the street. One by one he was lighting the old-fashioned gas streetlamps. Excited, the young boy called out to his grandmother, “Nana! Nana! Come quickly. There is a man outside who is punching holes in the darkness!” At its most simple, the responsibility of Christians is to punch holes into the darkness of this world. Without…
We Love the Souls of Everyone
“This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:3–4 Because we love the souls of mankind and want them to go to heaven, we preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul knew this burden and said, “I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. So I…
Just Win Today
Brett Petrillo In 1933, Bill Knox bowled a perfect 300 game. And he did it without ever seeing the pins. Knox had a screen placed just above the foul line. He could bowl under it, but he couldn’t see past it. So how did he do it? By looking at the marks on the lanes and at the individual boards. He knew that if he bowled the ball over a particular mark, by the time the ball made it to…
Living for Jesus
To really live, we need more than food, clothing, and shelter—the necessities of life. How many of the nearly seven and a half billion people on this planet live meaningful lives? And, of that number, how many are living for something which will outlast this life? Only Jesus can put life into our lives. He is “the way, and the truth, and the life…” (John 14:6). Purposeful living–the kind that leads us to heaven–is impossible apart from union with Christ.…
The Blessed in Christ
Ephesians chapter one is a great chapter to explore the blessings that God gives to His people. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). After this verse, Paul begins to enumerate the many blessings that are in Christ. Christians are: Chosen by God (Ephesians 1:4). Holy and Without Blemish (Ephesians 1:4). Before Him in Love (Ephesians 1:4). Adopted as Children…
Why do we not have musical instruments?
The simple answer to this question is that the church in the New Testament did not worship with instrumental music, and since we want to be like them, we do not worship with instrumental music. Now, what does the New Testament say about worshipping God with music? In Ephesians 5:19 we read, “speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” In Colossians 3:16 we read, “Let the…
Where Could I Go?
We sing a song during worship titled “Where Could I Go?” The song looks at some of life’s most important issues such as facing temptation. It then asks the question, “Where could I go but to the Lord?” God is a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). In II Chronicles 20, Jehoshaphat and the Israelites had a great army of Moabites, Ammonites and others coming against them. Jehoshaphat feared this army so he turned towards God for help. He…
Difference Makers
Regardless of season or the state of the economy, it seems people are always in need physically, emotionally, financially, spiritually, and mentally. Some may see this as a challenge. The church should view these obstacles as opportunities to demonstrate benevolence. Benevolence is not just a term used to describe the act of giving someone food, shelter, or money. The noun definition of benevolence is a desire to do good to others. “Doing good” to others may be shaped differently depending…
Salvation by Grace or by Works?
Many people believe that religion is just about morality. In that vein, they will make statements like, “All religions are the same; one is no better than the other. They all teach the same morality, so what difference does it make which one I believe?” First, they do not all teach the same morality, but even if they did, they still would not be the same because of the differences in doctrine. Is there one God, or many? Is God…
Let’s Do What We Can
As Mary of Bethany gave the best she had to Jesus (Mark 14:1-9), so as Christians, each of us should give the best we have to the Lord as well. Our efforts may not seem significant, but God can use them for His glory. The story is told of a man who was crossing the Atlantic by ship. He became terribly seasick and was confined to his cabin. One night he heard the cry “Man overboard!” But he felt that…
Pursue Righteousness, Pursue Truth!!!
It’s fun to watch a good football game. Sometimes, runners will break through the line and sprint downfield. Their opponents pursue them vigorously. They do not want them to score. Sometimes, they score; sometimes, they are stopped. Regardless, they are pursued. Do we love the truth enough to pursue it like a linebacker chasing a half- back? Paul told the people of Athens, “And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face…