Be a Barnabas                                                    `February 9, 2025

In our Sunday School class we’re studying the beginning of the church in Acts.  We read in Acts 2:42-45 how the early church continued steadfast in the apostle’s doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.  All who believed had everything in common and sold their possessions and goods and divided it among themselves as anyone had need.  In Acts 4 we learn that one of these believers was Joses.  Joses sold a field and brought the money to the apostles.  The apostles nicknamed him Barnabas which meant “son of encouragement” (Acts 4:36).  Barnabas went on to be a great help to the apostle Paul by encouraging the disciples to accept him after his great persecution of the church (Acts 9:26-27).

According to Strong’s the word encouragement is derived from the Greek verb paraklésis which primarily refers to the act of calling someone to one’s side for the purpose of offering comfort, encouragement, or exhortation. It encompasses a range of meanings from consolation in times of distress to encouragement and exhortation in the context of moral and spiritual guidance.  Encouragement is an important element of the Christian’s walk.  It’s important that the Christian both receive and give encouragement.

God showed great encouragement to Joshua by telling him to be strong and courageous, and that He would never fail or abandon him, and would be with him wherever he went (Joshua 1:1-9).  God doesn’t speak to us directly today as He did to Joshua, however, He did promise us the Holy Spirit.  Jesus reiterated this promise in John 14:16-17 and John 16:7.  The KJV refers to the promised Holy Spirit as the comforter.  This word comes from the Greek word paraklétos which speaks to the role of guiding, comforting, encouraging and advocating.  God has given us the Holy Spirit to empower us, encourage us and remind us of His truth and presence.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:2 Paul reminds us that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.  He also states that we are destined to obtain salvation through Christ.  1 Thessalonians 5:11 teaches us to encourage each other and build each other up so as to help others be prepared and remain steadfast in their relationship with God.  Hebrews 10:24-25 states “and let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”  This verse again reiterates the importance of mutual encouragement.  It’s interesting that the writer ties meeting together with encouragement.  If we refuse to meet together it is difficult to give and receive encouragement. 

Encouragement can be very powerful and have a tremendous impact on others and ourselves.  We should take every opportunity to be an encourager every day.  We can do this by using kind, uplifting and loving words; by taking actions based on kindness, grace and unconditional love; by sharing scripture and in meeting together.  God has given us the Holy Spirit to encourage us.  Thus we can rely on His Spirit to be the encouragers God expects us to be.  In encouraging one another it will help

the church grow and help ensure we remain steadfast in our relationship with God and finish the race we have been called to run and receive the crown of righteousness.                 By Kevin Pickles

The Little Things                                                              February 2, 2025

   People often seem prone to wanting big things out of life.  If we are going to accomplish anything, we want it to be big, fancy, and impressive.  Culturally, we tend to think in terms of big names, sports and movie stars, or heroic action.  Famous people get our attention.  Consequently, we might not think as much about the little things.  These tend to get lost in the mix, go unnoticed, or downplayed in importance.  The big things are what matter, we think, but are we missing something?

   We might recall Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria and a mighty man of valor (II Kings 5).  Sadly, for him, he was a leper.  After a young girl from Israel was captured, she suggested a prophet in Israel who could heal him.  Naaman finally went to see Elisha, who told him to go wash seven times in the Jordan River.  Naaman was angry about this, saying, “Behold, I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call upon the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper.”  He thought the rivers from which he came were better, and he left in a rage.  His servant, however, came to him and said, “My father, it is a great word the prophet has spoken to you; will you not do it?  Has he actually said to you, ‘Wash and be clean’?”  Naaman finally went to the Jordan, did what he was told, and was healed.

   That mindset of Naaman is not uncommon.  We look for pomp and show sometimes, some great things to happen, and look down on the little things.  What we may not realize, however, is that the little things are far more important than what we might know.  It takes humility on our part to recognize this and be responsible for those little things that may not be seen as much.  Consider the principles we see in some example passages:

   1. The parable of the talents demonstrates that one who is faithful with a little will be faithful with more (Matthew 25:14-30).  Both the five talent and two talent men were commended for what they received and did.  They were told, “Well done, good and faithful servant.  You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much.  Enter into the joy of your master.”  The one talent man, however, hid his talent and did nothing to add to it.  When the master returned, the man gave the talent back, saying, “Here, you have what is yours.”  His attitude was one of trying to do just enough to get by.  It didn’t work, and he was rebuked: “You wicked and slothful servant!”  If we are not faithful in the little things, we cannot expect to be rewarded with the bigger and greater things.

   2. Luke records Jesus teaching this lesson after telling the parable of the dishonest manager: “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much , and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.  If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?  And if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own?” (Luke 16:10-12).  The principle shows that the little things matter because it speaks to the issue of trust.  If one cannot be trusted with the little things, why should that one be trusted with bigger things?  Faithfulness should not depend on how big the prize is or how little the job is.  If we are faithful at all, we will be faithful over all for which we are responsible.

   We must not measure a task by how big or little it is.  Rather, we must see to it that we are faithful over any task with which we have been entrusted.  We need not sound trumpets before us, parade our work about to get the credit, or fret when others don’t see us acting.  After all, “your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:4).  Our emphasis is not to do some great thing, but rather to glorify God in any way that opportunity affords.

   Paying attention to the big things and ignoring the little things will turn us into hypocrites, for we will give the impression that we care when our works are seen.  Yet if we care only that we are noticed, then when we are tasked with something not impressive, we may be willing to pass it by or do less than our best.  Our attitude becomes, “Here you have what is yours,” and the Lord will all us wicked and lazy.  Pay attention, then, to the little things and be dedicated to giving your best no matter the size of the task or the greatness of the reward.  Our goal is to be faithful to whatever we have and thereby glorify God.  He, then, will exalt the humble in HIs time and in His way.                                   By Don Moyer

How Is the Gospel For Everyone?                           January 26, 2025

Our Lord made it perfectly clear that salvation is for everyone, since Christ’s death was for the whole world (John 3:16).  Let’s take a closer look at this to understand that there is absolutely no favoritism when it comes to the gospel message.  The fact that it is to be taught to everyone (Mark 16:15) is proof of this.  Yet, let’s see additional evidence to this.

Your financial status doesn’t matter.  When it comes to the grace of our Lord, it doesn’t matter if you are rich or poor.  Unfortunately, people think those who are financially ser are favored by God.  Jesus said that the rain falls on the just and unjust (Matthew 5:45).  The message of the cross has nothing to do with money, and the sooner people understand this, the better off they’ll be.  Keep in mind, preaching the gospel to everyone means everyone!

Your standing with men doesn’t matter.  It was the apostle Paul who said that, “not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.” (I Corinthians 1:26).  Notice the text said not many.  This implies some do respond to the calling of the gospel.  It’s vital that all realize that our Father in heaven doesn’t care about your status in society.  After all, the Lord isn’t looking for those who seek the approval of men.  To receive the lifesaving message means to put the Lord first (Galatians 1:10).

Your education level doesn’t matter.  In the Corinthian text we mentioned in our last point, in the same chapter the apostle stated, “we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness.” (I Corinthians 1:23).  To think you are required to have a high level of education to know the truth is false.  In truth, many who reject the gospel are those who are very “smart” in man’s eyes.  Remember that there are many intelligent people who fail to see the plain and simple gospel message.

Your sinful past doesn’t matter.  For some, there is the idea that the gospel favors those who have lived a good, moral life.  To think the gospel message isn’t for those who have lived a rough life, couldn’t be any more wrong.  The fact is, everyone has sinned (Romans 3:23).  No one is more deserving of the death of Jesus than anyone else.  The power of the gospel will change the life of anyone that will turn to and follow the Lord.  It even happened to one who considered himself the chief of sinners (I Timothy 1:15).

Your age doesn’t matter.  Other than being a child that doesn’t have the capacity to understand right and wrong, there is no age limit.  The point here is that someone might be thinking that they have lived too long in sin, that there is no place for them in God’s family.  Again, that is just not true.  Christ’s parable about the laborers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16), dealt with this issue.  Sometimes people don’t hear the gospel until they are older.  Even though at their conversion they regret their past, they are welcomed into God’s family.  That’s what the gospel does.

Your race doesn’t matter.  There is nothing in the gospel message that favors a certain race.  If someone thinks so, you can be sure they don’t understand the message of the cross (Romans 1:16).  It matters not the color of your skin.  Let’s not create barriers that are just not there.      By Chuck Bartlett

They Keep Watch Over Your Souls                   January 19, 2025

“Obey your leaders, and subject to them; for they keep watch over your souls, as those who will give an account.  Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this will be unprofitable for you.” (Hebrews 13:17)

Obey Your Leaders.  We live in a world that does not like to be told anything by anyone.  Such thinking leads only to trouble and conflict and it is especially dangerous when it creeps into the minds of Christians.  As members of the Lord’s church we are told to obey the Godly instruction of the leaders of the church.  In the text above  I believe it is referring to the Godly leadership of the elders.  We are to obey their instruction and guidance.  If we reject them we reject God who has placed them in charge of His church by their meeting the elder’s qualifications listed in I Timothy 3:1-7.

Be Subject to Them.  This implies one’s willingness to be guided, controlled or ruled by something or someone.  The head of the church is Christ, not me nor you.  Since it is His church then His design for leadership needs to be obeyed and followed.  If one refuses to subject to His leadership then they are, in fact, disobeying Him.

Elders Keep Watch Over Your Souls.  Shepherds protect the flock from anything that will harm them.  In the church they keep watch over every sheep within the flock.  Their presence is to make sure the members are safe from danger and they will do anything to protect them from harm and from getting lost.  They are watching you.

They Will Give An Account About You to God.  God will enable elders to remember the details of their leadership and your response to their leadership.  That account will either be joyful or with grief and disappointment.

An Elder’s Account About You Will Either Be Profitable or Unprofitable For You.  No one will want to stand before God and learn that their life as a sheep in the Lord’s church brought grief to the shepherds of that flock.  It will not be a good time for that individual.

Take Advantage of Being Under A Godly Eldership.  Do whatever you can to support the choices the elders make for the church.  When they say it’s time to meet for Bible study then be there.  To wilfully neglect doing this simply says that you’re unwilling to subject to them and that would be unprofitable for you before God.

Brian Thompson

No Deposit, No Return                                       January 12, 2025

If I gave you the phrase, “No deposit, no return,” some of us would immediately connect with that phrase while others would not.  This phrase has its history in the bottling industry.  Before plastic bottles and plastic containers became part of our lives, glass bottles were considered very valuable.  Bottlers & grocery stores encouraged consumers to return the bottles when they were finished with the product and they would be given a small amount of money for what they returned.

When I worked at a grocery store while in high school and college, customers were given ten cents for every bottle that was returned.  That may not seem like a lot of money, but in the late 1980s and early 1990s you could save money on your soft drink purchases.  If you returned 8 bottles which were considered a carton, you would be paid $.80 which would cause your new purchase of a carton of 8 of your favorite soft drink to be $.80 less.  Instead of paying the full amount of $3.00, you now would pay $2.20.  All you had to do was keep up with your glass bottles and return them to receive the benefit.  Returning the bottles was your deposit or contribution and you would be rewarded!  Instead of saying, “No deposit, no return,” you could then say, “Make a deposit, get a return.”

You see the spiritual application.  In Galatians 6:7, Paul reminds us that God is not mocked – whatever we sow, we will reap.  If we invest in good deeds, kindness, and faithfulness, we will reap a harvest of God’s blessings.  But, it is more than that.  This verse says: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.”  Paul’s reference to “reaping” is a reference to the blessings of eternal life (rather than to temporal blessings) that the believer will “reap” as the result of “sowing” his life to the Spirit.

If we invest in sin, we lose our life.  If we redeem the time as God would have us to, we avoid the trappings of the world.  Ephesians 5:16-18 says, “redeeming the time (making the most of your time), because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.  And do not get drunk with wine, in which is dissipation (being lead into evil behavior); but be filled with the Spirit.”  We know wine controls the mind, ruins judgment and a sense of propriety, leading to debauchery, in contrast with this, being “filled with the Spirit” leads to self-control along with other fruits of “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness” (Galatians 5:22-23).  Making a deposit in our relationship with Christ does not ensure a perfect life, but a fulfilled one which leads to an eternal one!  How we spend our days is how we spend our lives.

Consider the “deposits” you’ve been making lately.  Are you sowing to the flesh and investing in the world?  When we have our sins washed away through baptism, we understand forgiveness.  When we walk with Christ, we understand restoration.  Investing, making a deposit and giving our time to our relationship with Christ is not motivated by instant & earthly gratification, but rather a desire for an eternal destination.  What returns are you getting on your investments?

By Allen Jones (Adapted)

Taking Inventory                                     January 5, 2025

Some states and some locations within states collect inventory tax.  At year’s end a store or other business might deliberately deplete its inventory to avoid some of the tax burden.  Taking inventory can also help a business see where it has done well and what areas need improvement.

I recommend taking a different kind of inventory.  No government entity will tax these things, but we can take a candid look at progress on which we can build as well as weak areas we can strengthen.

God has our complete inventory every day; He knows us better than we know ourselves!  King David marveled that God knew his very thoughts: “You understand my though from afar off” (Psalms 139:2).  Not only that, but God knew David’s every word: “For there is not a word on my tongue but, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether” (139:4).  Taking inventory of our thoughts and words will indicate the condition of our heart, for “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34), and “out of the heart proceed evil thoughts” (15:19).

David also knew the ever-present, all-powerful God was worthy of his worship.  “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalms 139:14).  What do you find when you inventory your worship habits?

David valued God’s word: “How precious also are your thoughts to me, O God!” (139:17).  How valuable is the Bible to you?  Does its value show in your reading and study?

Finally, David pleaded, “Search me, O God, and know my heart … and see if there is any wicked way in me” (139:23-24).  We wish our inventory of sin would find none.  Realistically, though, let’s ask: Are they the same sins we found a year ago?  Five years ago? Ten?  Are we striving against sin, or marking time, or just floating along with the current?

It’s time to take inventory!

                                                                   By Joe Slater

New Year’s Resolutions December 29, 2024

“I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your laws” (Psalm 119:30).

The term “resolution” (as we often think of it) basically means “firm determination to take a course of action.” With each new year people all around the nation make their new year’s resolutions. With some it is to quit smoking; with others its to go on a diet or to get more exercise (etc.). Though intentions are usually very good, for many it seems that their determination loses steam in just a short while.

The same kind of frustration can be seen in our spiritual lives. It’s not good enough to just talk the talk, we must also walk the walk. There is little good in making noble plans if we will not put those plans into action and see them through.

God (our most perfect example) says of Himself, “…Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it” (Isaiah 46:11).

Let me encourage you to follow God’s example. And let us not only resolve to do the Lord’s will, let us actually do it.
Aaron Veyon, Fredericktown Church of Christ, Fredericktown, OH

Tis the Season                                                  December 22, 2024

We are rapidly approaching the time of year when many of our friends and the world in general thinks about Jesus.  In particular, the baby Jesus.  Nativity scenes are displayed, special services are held, and we see the billboards proclaiming, “Jesus is the reason for the season.”  How do we respond to this?  What do we say when we are asked about our “special” Christmas services?  Let’s look at this from a Biblical perspective.

It must be understood that nowhere in the Bible does God give us any definite date for Jesus’ birth.  Only two of the four gospels even mention His birth (Matthew and Luke).  We are told that He would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14) and that was to be during the reign of the Roman emperor Augustus Caesar (Luke 2:1).  Other than that, we are given no time of year or even the year itself.  This should tell us that the actual day is not that important.  We have already been given “everything that pertains to life and godliness” (II Peter 1:2-3).

Contrast this with the death and resurrection of which we are told the time (Passover) and the day (15th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan).  We also note that the early church, led by the inspired apostles met on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7) to worship and partake of the Lord’s Supper.  Nowhere in the Bible do we ever read about any special celebration for Jesus’ birth.

So, what does the birth of Jesus mean to us?  It is the fulfillment of God’s promise to man to send a Savior (Romans 8:3; Ephesians 2:4-8).  It means the delivery of God’s word to mankind (Hebrews 1:2; John 1:14).  It opened the door to salvation for us (Romans 16:25-27).

Someone may ask, “What does it hurt to pick out a special day to celebrate Jesus’ birth?”  God has given us instruction on how to worship Him.  He has set out a pattern (Hebrews 8:5; II Peter 3:1-2).  It includes singing, praying, observing the communion (Lord’s Supper), giving and teaching.  If we add to this “special days” are we not telling God that we think we have a better way than He has given us?  Jesus cautions us to “do the will of the Father” (Matthew 7:21-23).  Paul warned us about “self-made” religion (Colossians 2:20-23).

Let’s instead use the opportunity to talk to people about Jesus and God.  It is one of the few times when lots of people even think about Jesus.  Invite them to a worship service, engage them in a Bible study, tell them the real way to celebrate Jesus’ birth is by taking advantage of His sacrifice by becoming a Christian and have Him make a difference in our lives each day of the year.                            By Randy Shouse (Adapted)

Nothing Comes From Nothing                     December 15, 2024

As Maria (Julie Andrews) sang of her love for Captain von Trapp (Christopher Plummer) in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s hit musical, “The Sound of Music,” she stated what ought to be an obvious truth: “Nothing comes from nothing; nothing ever could.”  She was expressing her belief that there had to be a reason behind their love for each other, though she couldn’t pinpoint just what the reason was.

The truth that nothing comes from nothing applies in other contexts, too.  For example, there must be a reason the universe exists.  Many “scientists” maintain that it originated in a gigantic explosion.  Guess what exploded?  If you said “nothing,” you got it!  That’s so absurd on the face of it: the “singularity.”  But of what does “the singularity” consist?  Nothing.

Though it is called the “Big Bang Theory,” it really fails the test of being a theory at all.  By definition, a theory can be tested and must be capable of being falsified.  How would one test whether “nothing” can become “something”?  Big Bang adherents acknowledge that no human was there to observe the Big Bang.  Likewise, no one has observed “nothing” become “something.”  At best, it’s the “Big Bang Hypothesis,” and it really isn’t even a very good hypothesis.

Reasonable people know that nothing comes from nothing; nothing ever could.  But the fact is, “something” exists (the universe, including us).  The scientific laws of thermodynamics show that matter is not eternal.  The universe had a beginning.  Therefore, something or someone non-material must have brought the universe into being.  That someone or something must be eternal, existing prior to the beginning of the universe.

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1).

By Joe Slater

What Were You Taught?                                           December 8, 2024

In Finland, the public schools teach logic before they teach factual classes.  When I read that recently it reminded me of something I read many years ago about American public schools, “Today in American schools, children are told what to think rather than being taught how to think.”  Sadly, I’ve seen a lot of evidence that confirms that assessment.

This American approach to education is precisely the opposite of what true education should be, but more importantly, it is the opposite of what God calls us to do.  In Isaiah 1:18 we see God’s call to mankind: “Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord, “Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool,” (NASB).

Did you catch it?  God, Himself, is calling us to “reason” – the very act of using our logic to understand something (rather than merely being told what to think).  The specific subject in this passage is understanding the forgiveness of our own sins, but the call to use our reason (logic) is clear.

Some of the brightest men in history have, indeed, used their reason and logic to recognize God’s word as truth (as Jesus said in John 17:17).  Even Anthony Flew, (1923-2010) once known as the world’s foremost debating atheist, changed his mind about the existence of God, the one who built the universe and created man.  His last book was entitled, “There is a God: How the World’s Most Notorious Atheist Changed His Mind.”

From creation in Genesis chapters 1 & 2 to the details about the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus, we must use our logic.  From the birth of the church in Acts 2 to details about Paul’s church plantings, we must use our reason to understand what God wants us to know.  We, as His people, must read and understand God’s word, and never, ever, apply our human interpretation.  “But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God” (II Peter 1:20-21, NASB).

So we must not apply our human ideas to scripture, but let scripture guide our understanding of scripture.  It comes from God and is not spun by man.  Yes, God gave us a book we can, indeed, understand.  But we have to read it!  As Paul wrote in Ephesians 3:4-5 (NASB), “By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit.”  God gave us a book we can understand.  He calls us to read it and not to make up human interpretations, but rather take Him at His word…again, John 17:17 says, “Sanctify them in truth, Thy word is truth.”

Then and only then can we ever hope to “not go beyond what is written,” which was God’s command through Paul’s pen in I Corinthians 4:6.  Let us take God at His word, not go beyond His written word, and continue to read and understand as we let His word guide our hearts and our minds into obedience to Him.

By Ray Wallace