Welcome to the Groveland Church of Christ.
In this section, you will find announcements of upcoming congregation events and fellowship activities as well as articles of spiritual interest and encouragement.
MEN TO SERVE
CAN WE REALLY BE LIKE JESUS?
By Jay Launius, via Bulletin Digest
When thinking about the earthly life of Jesus Christ, it is nothing short of extraordinary. From His humble birth in a manger, to His ministry to the multitudes, we are fascinated by His composure, compassion and character. He reached out to the rich and the poor, the popular and unpopular, without partiality. Having the full measure of the Holy Spirit, He performed amazing healing miracles including bringing the dead back to life. Yes, when we consider the life of Jesus, it is remarkable.
Thus, the perceived dilemma of 1 John 2:3-6. “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.” Walk (live) just as Jesus walked? How is that possible? Why would God ask us to do the impossible? The truth is, He never would.
Not only does this passage encourage us to be like Jesus, but there are others as well. Matthew 11:29, John 13:15, and 1 Peter 2:21 all tell us to exemplify the life of Christ.
We do this by being humble, compassionate, giving, sacrificial, and possessing the servant’s attitude. We may not be able to heal the sick, raise the dead, or walk on water, but we can take on the character of the Christ and thus be like Jesus!
With Whom Are You Walking? You cannot walk with Jesus and with the world at the same time. They are going two different directions. –Doug Smith
CULTIVATING FRIENDSHIPS
By Glen Elliott via Bulletin Digest
Friendship is one of our deepest needs. Yet so many have no idea about how to fulfill that longing. Fortunately, the Bible has much to say about the matter. Solomon wrote, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Prov. 17:17). Later, he adds, “There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (18:24). Such friendship is a beautiful and treasured possession. A friend is one who loves at all times, even when our weaknesses become evident. An old proverb says, “He who seeks a friend without a fault remains without one.” A friend does not easily give up but seeks to encourage and strengthen. “A friend loves at all times.” In fact, “A brother is born for adversity” (17:17). If you cannot lean on a friend, who can you lean on? How does a friend get to be someone who sticks closer than a brother? The answer lies in the realm of adversity. A friend does not give up on us, even when we have given up on ourselves. A friend remains loyal when loyalty is not popular. A friend believes and expects the best of his friend and their friendship. How do we go about developing friendships? There are no short-cuts. Relationships require time and energy. In our madly-paced world, many are starving for friendship. Many of our “so-called” friendships are shallow and unfulfilling. The one who would have friends must show himself to be friendly (Prov. 18:24, KJV).
No one would argue that a person can seriously seek friendship without seeking to be a friend. In a practical sense, this means that we must develop those qualities which will make us a good friend to others. Loyalty, dependability, a sense of caring and an ability to overlook another’s weaknesses are a few of the essentials of friendship. It takes time to develop close friendships; but while we are waiting, we must seek to develop the qualities which will make a good friend.