Category: Bulletin Articles

Ron Thonnas

 

Thanksgiving is, in the eyes of some, esteemed as the greatest of holidays. When one thinks about the idea of thanksgiving, it is easy to appreciate the holiday as some do being the Those who are truly greatest of holidays.

thankful, however, are those who were once dead, but are now alive. The Lord spoke to the Jews and said that the hour was coming in which the dead would hear His voice and live John 5:25). The Lord was not referring to the second coming, for that He does in John 5:28-29. The Lord referred to those who heard His voice (orally, and through the written word) and responded to His holy will. They were dead in sin, but applying the truth of God’s word to their individual lives, they are now alive spiritually (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:17). Those who live, but were once dead, were dead in sin ( Ephesians 2:1-10), but now are alive in Christ. This is a time for Thanksgiving.

Via Bulletin Digest

By Joe Slater

“See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all'” (1 5:15). Thessalonians

In the text above, Paul’s word pursue is the same as “persecute elsewhere in the New Testament. It means to chase. Saul persecuted Christians by chasing them down to harm them. After becoming a Christian, the same man urged the Thessalonians to chase what was good for themselves and else. everyone By contrast, he urged them not to seek payback for ill treatment. Too many are bent on revenge! Jesus taught His disciples to “love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).

Revenge appeals to the it. above rise calls to God flesh, but us Paul exhorted Timothy to flee the love of money and all the pitfalls that go with it, and to “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness”” (1 Timothy 6:9-11). A few years later Paul urged him similarly: “Flee also youthful lusts: but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2Timothy2:22).

Successfully chasing something takes energy; it takes time; it takes determination and perseverance. Is what you catch worth the effort? If you’re chasing revenge, money, or fulfillment of the fleshly appetites, you might say “yes” at first, but in the long run you’ll be disappointed. The pursuit of righteousness and good things, however, yields rich rewards both now and eternally.

Church of Christ in Justin, TX.
Via Bulletin Gold

By (Anonymous)

I have learned there is little I can do in my life that will make me truly happy. I have also learned that most of the time I do not need half of what I think I do. Therefore, I have learned to depend on God to make me happy and to meet my needs. When a need arises in my life, I have learned to TRUST GOD to supply according to HIS riches. God has never let me down! The Psalmist wrote, “Happy is that people, whose God is the LORD” (Psalm 144:15). This is the SECRET to Happiness.

You might say, That is too simple! Well, take a moment and reflect over your own life. Possibly you once thought that a bigger house would make you happy, but it did not. Maybe you thought a better paying job would make you happy, but it did not. When did you really realize your greatest happiness? Was it when you were sitting on the floor with your grandchildren, playing games with your children, eating your favorite food, or reading a story? Those are all simple gifts from God.

Friend, you cannot depend on physical things (including money and people) to make you happy. Only God in His infinite wisdom can do that. God will take care of you. You simply must TRUST HIM. You must believe and really TRUST God! As you trust God for happiness in your life, please consider the following five suggestions:

(1) Make up your mind to be happy (cf. Prov. 17:22).

(2) Locate life’s center [Jesus Christ and Him crucified| (Col. 1:17-18; Gal. 2:20; John 14:6).

(3) Define life’s purpose (Ecc. 12:13-14; Isa. 43:7).

(4) Make the most of your time and blessings (Phil. 4:11-13; James 4:13-15).

(5) Do something for someone else (Acts 20:35; Eph. 2:10). Proverbs 3:5-6

by Edd Sterchi

It always amazes me how some can claim that it is impossible for a Christian to fall away from the grace of God. Consider these Hebrews: book of the from texts

Heb. 2:1, “Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.”

Heb. 3:12, “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God”

Heb. 4:1, “Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it.

Heb. 6:4-6, “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift.if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for of God. Son the themselves

Heb. 10:26, “For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins”

Heb. 10:38, “Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, has soul pleasure in him.” My no

Heb. 12:15, “looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this defiled become many

Heb. 12:25, ‘much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks heaven from

Heb. 13:9, “Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines.”

And that’s just the book of Hebrews, let alone all the others books of the New Testament (of which there are many, many more passages that relate this truth). The Bible clearly reveals that it is possible to fall away from God’s grace. Knowing that, we should be inspired to remain faithful and active for the Lord. Let us watch our steps and be careful not to fall. “But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul” (Heb. 10:39),

By Rob Albright

Proverbs 1:7 reads, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”A wise person will simply take the teachings (doctrine) that come from the Bible and make them a part of his or her life.

Unfortunately, some choose to reject or ignore the teachings of Jesus. He is the Savior and Lord and is the perfect example of right living (John 8:24; Luke 6:46-49; Acts 4:12). Jesus is the only one who can bring us into a right relationship with God (2 Corinthians 5:17-21). It is a sad situation when people reject the only hope they have. Some feel His teachings are too restrictive so they shop around for a church that fits the way they feel about things. You hear them say things like, “This is my life and I can live it any way I choose.” Choosing our own way instead of following the way of God and His Son brings tragic consequences (Mark 1 10:16; John 2:17b). Luke 7:9;

Jesus came to save us from sin (Acts 4:10-12) and bring those saved into His church (Acts 2:47; 1 Corinthians 12:13) where we become “the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:17, 21). It’s all because of Jesus that we can become right in the sight of God. We have the Word of God where we can come to know about Jesus, learn to love Him, obey His words and follow His example. He is the perfect pattern for our life.

ByEdd Sterchi

To start off this article, I was going to make up a joke about social distancing, but this was as close as I could get! (Give it some thought, it will come to you.)

Now that we are starting to get more and more out into society, we are asked to pay special attention to the social distancing measures that are in place. This is to prevent viral contraction of COVID-19 and becoming infected. The recommended distance to stay away from others is 6 feet. This is common sense.

There is another “social distancing” that God wants us to do. He wants us to social (and private) distance from sin. God knows that if we get too close to sin’s fire, we will get burned. Satan wants us to sin and turn our backs on God. That’s why he tempts us so – for he knows that temptation can lead to sin and sin to spiritual death (James 1:14-15). That’s why God wants us to practice social distancing from sin – so that we do not become spiritually infected.

The Bible is replete in warning us to practice social distancing from sin:

“Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn away from it and pass on.” (Pro. 4:14-15).

“For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God…Therefore do not be partakers with them.” (Eph. 5:5-7) “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness” (Eph. 5:11).

“Do not…share in other people’s sins” (1 Tim. 5:22) “Flee also youthful lusts” (2 Tim. 2:22)

“Abstain from every form of evil.” (1 Thess. 5:22)

By Joe Slater

I suppose you’ve seen those obnoxious insurance commercials insisting that you should switch to that company because you’l only pay for what you need. Unless your name is Rip Van Winkle, you know that all insurers let you select the coverage you want. If your vehicle has no loan against it, you aren’t required to have full Not right? exactly coverage. news, How does “only pay for what you need” apply to our relationship with God? Just how much religion do you need, and what will it cost you?

Some would say they don’t need much at all. “I’m a good person. I don’t drink or cuss or smoke or … (you extend the list as far as you like). So why would I need religion?” Let us be reminded: “There is none righteous, no, not one (Romans 3:10). I doubt that you’re any better than Cornelius (Acts 10), who needed to hear “words by which you and all your household will be saved” (Acts 11:14). Cornelius needed full coverage; so do you!

As to what it will cost you, the premium is astronomical. If you had all the money in the world, you couldn’t start to commence to begin to make a down-payment on the interest! Fortunately for us, Jesus paid the price for our blood redemption: His (1 Peter 1:19)

There is a sense, however in which it will cost you everything. Jesus said, “Whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:33). We’re not talking dollars-and-cents here. We’re talking about dedication and willing surrender to the will of Christ – not half-hearted lip service, but genuine commitment to the Lord.

Jesus paid for everything you need. Do you mean it when you sing, “I surrender all”?

by Joe Slater Church of Christ in Justin, TX

Does having a “religious experience” save you (or prove that you are saved)? Some religious groups require one to relate a religious experience; then they decide whether that experience shows the person is saved and should be granted membership. How does this compare to the New Testament record?

In Acts 2, the Jews in Jerusalem definitely had a religious experience! “And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they (the 120) were sitting … And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language” (2:2, 6). But even though it was supernatural, that “experience didn’t save anyone! When the apostles preached the gospel, 3000 believed and responded in repentance and immersion, thus receiving salvation.

Who can deny that Saul of Tarsus had a religious experience in Acts 9? “Suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, ‘Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’” (9:3-4). Contrary to popular belief, this experience didn’t save Saul. God sent Ananias to tell him what to do; Saul “arose and was baptized” (9:18).

Cornelius certainly could lay claim to having a religious experience. An angel of God appeared, telling him to send for Peter (Acts 10:1-6). But that experience didn’t save him! Peter told him “words by which you and all your household will be saved” (Acts 11:14). Cornelius and his household obeyed the 10:47-48).gospel just like all the others (Acts 10:47-48)

Even if you had a supernatural experience today (which you won’t), that wouldn’t save you! “Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord!” (Acts 22:16)

What do you see when you look at the word “America?” What mental pictures do the seven letters create in your mind?

To me the capital letter “A” suggests our magnificent snow-covered mountain peaks, and the wigwams of the original Americans.

The letter “M” symbolizes the broad shoulders of our pioneers; shoulders-to-the-wheel pushing our frontiers westward; broad shoulders swinging axes, building a Nation.

The letter “E” might be the lariats of the cowboys riding the plains; lariats of Kit Carson or Buffalo Bill.

The letter “R” is a man with hand outstretched in friendship and cooperation toward all who love freedom, justice and peace.

The letter “I” represents the individual American with his rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

The letter “C” is a bent bow from which an arrow had just sped toward the stars of mankind’s highest ideals.

The final letter “A” is a man on his knees in prayer, symbolizing a Nation which recognizes its Creator and gives thanks for His blessings.

Yes, America is a beautiful word!

Via Beech Grove church of Christ. Spring Hil, TN

It is generally thought that the Christians in Colossae  were being pressed upon by external forces to follow  fallacious teachings regarding the worship of angels,  spirits, demons and other objects of God’s creation.  Burton Coffman describes Colossians 1:16 as the verse  that was “the divine thunderbolt that cleared the  atmosphere and let the light of God shine in”. 

For by him all things were created, in heaven and on  earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones  or dominions or rulers or authorities-all things  were created through him and for him. (Colossians  1:16) 

G.G. Findlay said, “By this the apostle declares that  the invisible beings of the world above us, however  lofty their names or mighty their powers, are Christ’s  creatures as much as the lowliest objects within our  sight” 

David Lipscomb said, “This certainly means that  Christ created the whole universe,”  That being the case there is no room for anyone to  worship any  lesser  being than the Creator  Himself…Jesus is truly the Pre-Eminent Creator.