Church Blog (Page 3)

Numerous conversations center around the Body of Christ losing their children to the world. Some researchers have cited the Church of Christ as one of the most significant and fastest-growing religious groups during the 1950s – 1970s. Additionally, historians mark a sharp decline in this same group immediately following this period. One recent study by Dr. Flavil Yeakley (2008) stated that over 61% of the children reared in religious congregations would willingly step away from their faith upon leaving childhood…

Reading through the New Testament, one will notice two distinctive reactions to the “good news” of Jesus Christ. For example, on the Day of Pentecost, Peter proclaimed, “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36, NKJV). The text puts forth about three thousand souls obeyed the Gospel unto the saving of their souls (Acts 2:41). But what about the rest? Although implied, many others…

Ralph Waldo Emerson is given credit for stating, “If a man can write a better book, preach a better sermon or make a better mouse trap than his neighbors, though he builds his house in the woods, the world will make a beaten path to his door” (common lecture, 1871). Many have taken this statement and have built a vast semblance in pursuit of truth. For example, some state truth cannot be known. This implies several contested facts. One, is…

It is a challenging conversation on the right course of action regarding Church Safety. It is not complicated, as in, “we need to do something,” but rather, “what do we do?” and “who is going to do it?” One camp will state the irrationality of having to have this discourse, and I agree, but we are not far removed from times when people did what was right in their own eyes. (Judges 21:25) Obviously, violence among the innocent is not…

Many Christians should undertake a full and vested prayer life. I believe it goes without question that almost everyone claiming to be a child of God understands the need to pray, but are we confident our prayers are justifiable before God? Prayer is to be made without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17, NKJV). Intercession should be manufactured based on the assurance that the recipient, God, has and will receive (James 1:6). But the challenging part lies in the fact that too…

The Apostle James once recorded, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror” (James 1:22-23, NKJV). This mandate is reminiscent to his Brother’s teaching while He was physically on his earth. Jesus had encouraged His disciples to LIVE the Word, not simply teach them (John 13:17). Our Lord often regarded discipleship…

The Apostle James once recorded, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror” (James 1:22-23, NKJV). This mandate is reminiscent to his Brother’s teaching while He was physically on his earth. Jesus had encouraged His disciples to LIVE the Word, not simply teach them (John 13:17). Our Lord often regarded discipleship…

One of the more familiar refrains in temporal hymns repeats, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me” (Psalm 51:10-11, NKJV). What a wonderful cry to make unto the Lord! As I read this, I perceive a sincerity in heart to be one with God. I see one who has harmed self, others, and their Creator…

The Apostle Paul once stated, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:23-24, NKJV). The Holy Spirit reminds all NT Christians to labor for righteousness’ sake. This is often difficult due to the lived experiences based on reward/punishment system seen all over the world. For example, many of us grow up in…

“I sing because I’m happy. I sing because I’m free. His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches me (He watches me). His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches. I know He watches. I know He watches me” Just a thought, is God really omniscient? Job thirty-seven records God being perfect in knowledge. The third of First John accounts God recognizes the very aim of our hearts. The Palmist records God determining the…

“I believe for every drop of rain that falls, A flower grows. I believe that somewhere in the darkest nights, A candle glows. I believe for everyone who goes astray, Someone will go to show the way. I believe, Oh, I believe. I believe above the storm, The smallest breath will still be heard. I believe that someone in the great somewhere, Is everywhere. Every time I hear a newborn baby cry, Or touch a leaf, Or see the sky,…

“A charge to keep I have, A God to glorify, A never dying soul to save, And fit it for the sky. To serve the present age, My calling to fulfill: O may it all my powers engage, To do my Master’s will! Arm me with jealous care, As in Thy sight to live; And O Thy servant, Lord, prepare, A strict account to give! Help me to watch and pray, And on Thyself rely, Assured if I my trust…