Lessons from Samuel                                              January 18, 2026

1 Samuel 12 marks the transition between the era of the judges leading Israel to the establishment of kings leading Israel.  In 1 Samuel 10 – 11 Saul was anointed the first king of Israel.  The Israelites wanted to be like all the other nations around them and have a king.  So the elders of Israel demanded Samuel to anoint a king (1 Samuel 8:5).

In some bibles 1 Samuel 12 is entitled Samuel’s farewell address.  However, in James Coffman’s commentary, he rightly points out, “Some have called this, `Samuel’s Farewell Address,’ but that is an error. Samuel by no means retired from his ministry of guiding Israel into the new system of government, as subsequent chapters of First Samuel abundantly prove.”  There is much we can glean from Samuel’s address to the Israelites.  His words are still able to provide guidance and direction for us today.

Samuel states that he is a man of integrity and clearly the life he has lived has demonstrated this.  The Israelites agree with his assessment (1 Samuel 12:1-5).  Integrity starts where no one else can see it – in our hearts. Psalm 86:11 teaches us that we are to have pure hearts and a desire to live according to God’s truths.  In Acts 24:16 when Paul was before Felix he states that he tried to live his life in such a way to “have a clear conscience before God and all people.”  In Matthew 5:37 Jesus teaches us to let “our yes be yes and our no be no.”  Simply put our word needs to be reliable, people need to know that our word can be counted on.  Men like Job and Daniel also demonstrated integrity in their lives and are fantastic examples for us to follow.

Samuel understood and could articulate Israel’s history and God’s faithfulness to deliver His people when they were in trouble (1 Samuel 12:6-12).  Are we able to articulate our history, God’s faithfulness and His ability to deliver us? Do we recognize that God is our King?  We are explicitly told to ensure that the stories of God’s past deeds are handed down from generation to generation  so that future generations will put their hope in God  (Psalm 78:4-8).  The Israelites often made physical reminders in order to prompt opportunities to articulate the story of God’s deliverance.  In Joshua 4, twelve stones were erected as a memorial after God had allowed the Israelites to cross the Jordan on dry ground, so that in the future their children could ask what these stones meant.  Peter tells us in 1 Peter 3:15, “And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.”  We have to be able to clearly articulate what God has done in our lives and how we should demonstrate obedience to His will.  In Acts 7, Stephen clearly summarizes Israel’s history and demonstrates how God has remained faithful despite their disobedience.  So, will our history as Christians be one of obedience or disobedience?  Can we learn from Israel’s mistakes and not repeat them?

Despite this transition to an earthly king to lead the Israelites, Samuel identifies that the conditions of the covenant that God had established have not changed (1 Samuel 12:13-25).  Samuel implores his people to turn away from their evil habits.  Samuel reminds them they and their king are God’s chosen people and they need to fear the Lord, serve Him and obey Him. We live under a new covenant today.  Hebrews 9:15 and Hebrews 12:24 tells us that Christ is the mediator of a new covenant.  This covenant was put into place by the blood of Christ and requires us to live transformed, obedient lives for God who gives us the hope of eternal life with His Son in heaven.   We live in a fast-paced ever changing world, but just as it was in Samuel’s day the conditions of God’s covenant with us today have not changed.  In order for us to enter this glorious covenant relationship with God, we must first hear the gospel message (death, burial and resurrection) of Christ (Romans 10:17; I Corinthians 15:1-4).  Then we must be convicted (believe) that Jesus is the son of God and the only Saviour  (John 8:24).  Further we need to turn away from our sinful lives and live a life focused on God (repentance) (Acts 2:38).   Then we need to confess our belief that Jesus is Lord (Romans 10:9) and be baptized for the forgiveness of our sins (Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16).  Finally we must live steadfast, faithful, obedient lives  (1 Corinthians 15:58). 

1 Samuel 12 reminds us that while leadership and cultures change, God’s standards do not. Whether in the days of the judges, kings, or the modern era, God calls His people to lives of integrity, obedience and faithfulness.  By remembering our history and honoring our covenant relationship, we ensure that the story of God’s redemption, grace, mercy and love continues to be told.

                                                                                                            By Kevin Pickles

When Too Few Carry Too Much                                     January 11, 2026

          Some churches are gasping for air – not because God isn’t present, but because too few are supplying what He gave them.

          Ask around and you’ll hear the same pattern.  A handful of people are carrying most of the weight.  A couple of faithful servants are stretched thin – doing, planning, giving, stepping in where others won’t.  They’re not complaining, but they’re worn.  And the body they’re part of isn’t thriving – it’s just trying to hold itself together.

          Paul says the church is a body – “fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament” – and when each part works properly, the whole body grows (Ephesians 4:16).  But when parts stop moving, the rest can’t function the way God designed.  The body becomes imbalanced, overworked, and eventually unhealthy.

          This isn’t a new problem.  Even in the Old Testament, we see what happens when ministry is left to a few.  Moses was burning out trying to carry everything alone, until his father-in-law stepped in with wisdom:  “What you’re doing is not good.  You will wear yourself out…  This task is too heavy for you.  You cannot do it alone” (Exodus 18:17-18).  That same issue resurfaced in the early church.  As needs increased, the apostles realized they couldn’t meet ever demand themselves – so they called for others to step in and take ownership of the work (Acts 6:1-7).

          Like Moses, some of us may be carrying too much because we haven’t asked for help – or made room for others to step in.  That takes humility too.

          In both cases, the solution wasn’t “try harder.”  It was “bring more people in.”  More hands.  More hearts.  More members doing what God equipped them to do.

          And in the early church, we see what that looked like when it worked.  “They devoted themselves…they gave as any had need…every day, they continued together…” (Acts 2:42-47).  Ministry wasn’t reserved for leaders.  It was shared by the whole church – each person alive, present, and supplying what the Spirit gave.

          And maybe part of the reason so many sit back is because of how the gospel’s been preached – like it’s only about what’s been done for us, not what we’re called into.  But salvation wasn’t meant to produce spectators.  It was meant to raise up servants.

          We’re not all called to do the same thing.  But we are called to do something.  “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us…If it’s serving, then serve.  If it’s teaching, then teach…” (Romans 12:6-8).  No one is placed randomly.  And no one is meant to sit back and be a spectator. 

          When that happens – when we assume someone else will step up – the body shifts, strains, and limps.  People get overextended.  Others go unseen.  And the church, instead of growing stronger, starts trying to survive on partial strength.

          This isn’t just about “helping out.”  It’s about honoring Christ as the Head of the church by responding to His design.  Because when you don’t respond, something He intended doesn’t move. 

          So don’t just ask, “Is the church struggling?” Ask this: “What part am I playing to help it thrive?”

          There’s a space in the body that only you can fill.  And if you’ve been unsure where you fit, or if you’ve quietly stepped back…maybe now’s the time to step forward.

          The church doesn’t need more heroes.  But it does need every member.  And it needs what God gave you.     

                                                                                                   By Tim King

New Year’s Resolutions for 2026                                                January 4, 2026

With the coming of a new year, perhaps you’ve made some resolutions.  It’s a good time to resolve to do some things of a spiritual nature.

1)  To Become a Christian

What better way to start off the new year, than by being a New Testament Christian? Luke writes, “And now why do you delay?  Arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.” (Acts 22:16)

2)  To Return to the Lord & His Church

There are sheep who have wandered away from the flock that need to come home.  Now is a good time to do just that.  Hear the words of the Prodigal son, “I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight.” (Luke 15:18)

3)  To Attend Every Service

It’s a good time to attend every service of the Lord’s church.  This is part of putting first things first as Jesus taught, “But seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness…” (Matthew 6:33)

4)  To Read the Bible Daily

It’s a good time to start a daily Bible reading schedule.  Remember the Bereans, who “… searched the scriptures daily to see if …”  (Acts 17:11)

5)  To Pray Always

How about worrying less and praying more in the new year?  Paul declared, “Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” (Philippians 4:6)

6)  To Win One Soul to the Lord

Since “…he that wins souls is wise” (Proverbs 11:30), how about making it your resolution to find one soul and win that soul to the Lord in 2026?

7)  To Be Hospitable

Christians in the first century were found “…breaking bread from house to house…” (Acts 2:46)

8)  To Be Ready to Go to Heaven

Let’s make it our spiritual resolution to live in such a way as to go to heaven!  “…Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10)

By John Isaac Edwards, adapted

Happy New Year!!

Having a True “Happy New Year”                                    December 28, 2025

How many times in the last few years have you heard these words, “Happy New Year”?  Probably far more than you can remember.  These words may have various meanings depending on one’s background and their own spiritual values.  Have you ever considered the spiritual aspects and implications of this phrase?

Jesus’ words on the Sermon on the Mount can so easily help us to see that the Bible speaks of happiness, not just at the beginning of a year, but about true happiness every day of the new year.

Jesus began His first recorded discourse with the Beatitudes.  The word “beatitudes” is a Latin word for being blessed.  In His sermon, Jesus used the word “blessed” nine times.  The Greek word found here is far different from the way we usually define the word.  It means, Happy, fortunate.”  When the angel announced to Mary that she was to bear the Son of God, he said, “Blessed are you among women” (Luke 1:42).  The windows of heaven had been opened and the favor of God had been poured on upon the virgin.  The Greek word the angel used is not the one found in the Beatitudes.  Here it means, “Well spoken of.”

Defining the word “blessed” in the Beatitudes.  The word “blessed” in Matthew 5:3-11 indicates happiness and joy.  Jesus defined the source of true happiness in this first sermon.

Who is the one who is blessed (happy)?  What avenue should we follow to have true happiness from heaven?

• Have a humble spirit (poor in spirit), not filled with pride
• Learn how to deal with grief (those who mourn)
• Putting others before self (those who are meek)
• Longing to be righteous (hungering and thirsting for it)
• Have a forgiving spirit (those who are merciful)
• Purity of life and soul (pure in heart)
• Sowing peace (being a peacemaker)
• Suffering for doing what is right (persecuted)
• Reviled (all kinds of evil falsely said about you)

Look at His conclusion: “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad.”  Now that’s real happiness!

What is the motivation for seeking this kind of a happy new year?  Look at the verses again and pay attention to what awaits us:

• Being part of His kingdom here and in heaven (Vs 3)
• Being comforted in heaven (Vs 4)
• Possessing the earth in a way the ungodly will never understand (Vs 5)
• Filled with His righteousness (Vs 6)
• Receiving abundance of mercy (Vs 7)
• Seeing God (Vs 8)
• Being called God’s child (Vs 9)
• Receiving His kingdom (Vs 10)
• Being associated with the prophets and having a great reward in heaven (Vs 12)

Happy New Year!                                                               Posted by Dan Jenkins (Adapted)

Jesus the Baby and Jesus the Adult                                        December 21, 2025

            Everything we know from the Scriptures indicates either spring or autumn as the time when Jesus was born.  Nevertheless, much of the world has set aside December 25 as the date of His birth.  Rather than launch into a rant excoriating people for their misunderstanding, I recommend that we take advantage of a season when most of our neighbors are at least in a positive frame of mind about Jesus.  Understanding who He is, what He did, and what He requires of us outweighs any concerns about the date about His birth.

            Who can help but love a newborn baby?  He’s tiny and sweet and innocent and helpless.  Everyone with a heart loves baby Jesus in the manger.  As a baby, He makes no demands on us.  We don’t even have to hear Him cry when He’s hungry, or when He needs changing.  In our minds we picture Him lying there quietly – no muss, no fuss.

            Jesus the grown-up is an entirely different matter.  Multitudes who practically swoon over Jesus the baby are not so keen on Jesus the adult.  After all, the grown man Jesus says things that are politically incorrect and makes demands that many find offensive.  “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12).  Even some religious folks find that statement arrogant and presumptuous.  “I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).  This flies in the face modern notions of tolerance and inclusiveness.

            “If you do not believe that I am He (the Christ), you will die in your sins” (John 8:24).  “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3).  “Follow Me” (Matthew 9:9).  Not only follow Me, but “deny (yourself), take up (your) cross, and follow Me” (Matthew 16:24).  Worldly minds find these outrageous!

            We must help our neighbors to understand that this is the same Jesus Who was born in Bethlehem and lay in that manger.  He really is the Son of God, and He has every right to say what He says and require our whole-hearted trust and obedience.  In due time we can correct the errors commonly associated with His birth (no, He wasn’t born in December, nor did the wise men visit the manger, nor did the shepherds follow a star).  But let’s get first things first.

By Joe Slater                              

God Loves …                                                                  December 14, 2025

          “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son …” (I John 3:16).  Wow.  The gift of the ages!  We had sold ourselves to Satan through sin, and He bought us back, not with gold or silver, but with the blood of His only Son (I Peter 1:18-19).

          Agape love cannot be expressed without some type of sacrifice.  Time, money, things, patience … all are sacrifices that express love.  Notice that “God so loved the world that He Gave …” (John 3:16).

          Love gives.  Love gives not to get, but to bless, not to attain, but to sustain, not to acquire, but to inspire.  Love, above all, gives!  You give love to that newborn, not because he or she can make a housing payment or do the dishes.  You love because that little princess is your child.  Eventually, if maturing properly, that child will give back … not to get college tuition, but to express the same love that has been modeled by the parents.

          And so it is with God’s children.  As we mature, we begin to recognize what God has done for us, both in daily provision and eternal salvation.  We see the love of the Father and the Son conspire to bring Jesus to the cross, then bring Him from an empty tomb.

          We see the love of Paul as he imitates Christ (I Corinthians 11:1) in evangelistic zeal that is not quenched by stripes of the whip or storms of the sea.  He loves Jesus too much to shut up and he loves the lost too much to stand still.  He goes from city to city in spite of stonings and beatings and imprisonments (II Corinthians 11).  His words reach pauper and prince, Gentile and Jew.

          Why did He give His life in such sacrificial service?  Love …the real reason true givers give!  I am elated that I have not been called to be beaten, stoned and shipwrecked.  But I have been called to give.

          There is an interesting and sublime reality expressed by Jesus in John 15:10-11, “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.  These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.”

          Did you catch it?  Jesus abides in the Father’s love because He keeps the Father’s commandments.  And if we do the same, we shall have “joy … made full.”  One of those commandments often ignored is giving … yes, the Sunday morning contribution to give as you have been prospered as well as any time when the need to give arrives.  For more about giving read I Corinthians 16:2; II Corinthians 8:1-15 and I Timothy 6:17-19.

          There are some types of love that I may not be able to fully explain.  I know God loves the world … the whole sinful lot of us.  But in II Corinthians 9:7 He ups the ante, “God loves a cheerful giver.”  Yes, He loves all, but in some special way He points out the “cheerful giver.”  Perhaps we are never more like Jesus than when we sacrifice willingly and cheerfully.  Pray about it!                   Ray Wallace (Adapted)

Do Not Read This Article!                                          December 7, 2025

            The HOP Shops Food Marts and Truck Plazas in northern Kentucky is a popular destination for visitors.  Specifically, their restrooms!  Select locations feature a button on the bathroom wall with a “Do Not Push This Button” sign.  Those who push it are bathed in bright colorful lights reflected in a mirror ball with upbeat disco music playing over the PA system.  The “Home of the Famous Disco Bathrooms,” HOP shops boast online of their status as “America’s Cleanest Restrooms” (hopshops.com).  Their attraction is built on the proven strategy that the best way to get some people to do something is to order them NOT to do something.

            It is significant that the New Testament closes with a dire warning to not twist and transfigure God’s inspired word (Revelation 22:18-19).  It is a huge “Do Not Push This Button” sign that is ignored by many professing Christians in a multi-denominated religious world.

            Biblical Christianity is under siege in a modern world that rejects God’s truth for human desires.  This is the very thing Paul warned about in II Timothy 4:3-4, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires … they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth.”  Jude recognized our need to possess, proclaim and preserve the one, only and forever “common salvation” (Jude 3) presented in God’s inspired word.  That is the truth God wants us to preach and practice.

By David Bragg (via Bulletin Gold)

*******************************************************************

“Every flower that has ever bloomed had to go through a lot of dirt to get there.”

By Jon Rowe (via Facebook)

Facing Death With Faith                                           November 30, 2025

Hebrews 9:27 says, “It is appointed for people to die once – and after this, judgment.”  Those are sobering words.  Death is not a possibility; it is a certainty.  The question is not if we will die, but how we will face it.

Death Is Certain

From the moment Adam and Eve sinned, death entered the world.  God told Adam, “You are dust, and you will return to dust” (Genesis 3:19).  That single sentence explains every funeral we attend.  The Bible reminds us that death is an appointment we will all keep (Hebrews 9:27).  Accepting this reality leads us to wisdom: “teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts” (Psalms 90:12).

Death Is A Separation

Scripture defines death as the separation of body and spirit.  Ecclesiastes 12:7 says, “The dust returns to the earth as it once was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.”  James 2:26 explains, “The body without the spirit is dead.”  Death is not annihilation.  The body goes back to the dust, but the soul continues.  For the faithful, this separation means being “away from the body and at home with the Lord” (II Corinthians 5:8).

Death Is Not the End

Jesus told the story of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31).  Both men died, but their story did not end at the grave.  Eternity had just begun.  That is why Paul could write, For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).  And that is why we rejoice with the words of I Corinthians 15: “Death has been swallowed up in victory … thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!”

The Promise of Christ

In John 11:25, Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life.  The one who believes in Me, even if he dies, will live.”  That is the promise we cling to.  Death is inevitable, but it is not the end.  For those in Christ, death is the doorway into eternal life.

By Matthew Allen

Things For Christians to Consider Before Criticizing the Church (Part Three)            November 23, 2025

(Continuation from last week’s article)

No One Will Listen Before Long

Maybe most of the criticism levied against the church is rightfully deserved, but if that is all we are known for we will eventually be tuned out.  This is true in many areas of life.  The boss that only sees what employees do wrong soon loses respect.  The coach that only points out mistakes as he breaks down film soon loses the ears of those he is coaching.

Maybe the congregation where you are a member is not perfect (welcome to the club), but if the only time you speak up is when you speak against something, people will not listen after a while.

Timothy was encouraged not to be quarrelsome.  He should contend for the faith without constantly being contentious (II Timothy 2:24-26).  If we want to be heard and actually make a difference when we speak out against blind spots in the church we should not make it our hobby horse.

There Will Always Be Problems

The church is perfect on the divine side but the human side will always have problems (I John 1:8, 10).  This does not mean we should throw up our hands and cease our efforts to be all we can be, that would not please God (Philippians 3:13-14).  However, we must realize that the church will always have weaknesses as long as human beings are involved and live in a fallen world.

Jesus thought enough of the church to give His life for her, we should have a high view of her as well.  Someone may get the impression that we are not happy to be Christians if all we ever do is criticize the body of people we willingly aligned with.  There are things to be corrected – there always will be – but there is much to praise God about while the church is shining her light in all the world.

The church is criticized by outsiders and enemies enough, we should not add to it with unnecessary criticism.  It may be cool and trendy to find all the fault with God’s people and plaster it everywhere, but it is not what God wants.

We should be careful not to bash the body of Christ before unbelievers, not to appear self-righteous, surrender our balance, and lose our audience.  The church is not perfect but her husband is and that’s enough.                                                By Hiram Kemp

Things For Christians to Consider Before Criticizing the Church (Part Two) November 16, 2025

(Continuation from last week’s article)

We Appear Self-Righteous

To assume that we have found all the blemishes in the church and can fix all of her perceived problems in this generation is to put too much confidence in ourselves.  Knowledge truly does puff us up (I Corinthians 8:1).  As we see areas of fault or blind spots we need to point those out, but it would be nice to focus more on what the church is doing right.

Though Paul had much to correct the Corinthians about, he was sure to acknowledge their areas of obedience and faithfulness (I Corinthians 1:3-7; 11:2).  It is arrogant to assume that everyone has viewed countless Bible passages wrong for centuries until our “enlightened” age has come along (see Job 12:2).

Most criticism comes from a heart that wants to see the church be all that she can be and this commendable.  However, too much criticism will discourage people from doing anything at all lest they fall under the same condemnation as those before them.

The Pharisees became experts in how every Jew was wrong about the law and they eventually became stagnate in their obedience (Matthew 23:1-4).

It Betrays Balance

Paul told Timothy to reprove and rebuke, but also to encourage (II Timothy 4:2).  So many are doing their best to follow the New Testament and live pleasing to God and when all they hear is that they need more doctrine or devotion, or the church is too silent in the cause of social injustice, they will think they never do anything right.  God’s commands are not a burden and we can please Him.  Christians need to hear this message (I John 5:3).

As Christians, we need encouragement daily or else sin will harden our hearts (Hebrews 3:12-13).  Yes, Paul, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and others challenged and rebuked God’s people for their error but this was always after they had been encouraged, uplifted, and given countless chances to make corrections (II Corinthians 12:3).

Paul often used the sandwich method in his writing.  He would begin a letter with praise for a faithful church, rebuke or make recommendations in the middle, and then end the letter with praise in the expectation that what he has said will be done.

We could learn a lot from this.  Jesus challenges the churches in the book of Revelation, but he is sure to point out the good in each congregation and encourage them to overcome.  This is how it should be done today.  We talk a lot about balance but we all struggle to show it.

(This article will continue next week.  See you then!)                                 By Hiram Kemp