“Therefore, if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things are passed away; behold, they are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17). 

In the apostle Paul's first missionary journey, he encountered a situation that could have left him fearful, discouraged, and ready to quit. But thanks be to God, he got back on the horse.

In this portion of the epistle, we have an account of the unhappy strife and contention prevailing among the saints in the city of Rome. The contention hinged about the distinction of meats and days. The apostle Paul, with extreme care, lays down principles and directions for the purpose of settling all such disputes and preventing their occurrence. Let us give thought to his practical exhortations.

 This time of year, is a reminder of our need to always have an attitude of thankfulness, but it can also be a time of stress for families as they navigate the holidays. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus(Phil. 4:6,7 NKJV). 

 Throughout the Bible, we see thanksgiving for blessings as a theme. The Old Testament resounds with the people praising God; Israel had a history of giving thanks to God for the mercy and deliverance he showed them. In the New Testament we read, Jesus “Then he took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven he gave thanks and broke them” (Luke 9:16). At the Last Supper Jesus took bread, gave thanks, and offered it to His followers (1 Cor. 11:24).

 Because we are made in the image of God, who said through the apostle Paul, that we should "aspire to lead a quiet life" (1 Thessalonians 4:11), and to pray for the civil authorities so that "we may lead a quiet and peaceable life" (1 Timothy 2:2). Yes, quietness is a virtue which we are to pursue. 

 There are times when we should be ashamed of ourselves but never is there a time when we should be ashamed of the gospel. We should not be ashamed to declare it, to defend it, to manifest its power in our lives. The man who is ashamed of the Christ (or his gospel), of him the Christ will be ashamed when he comes in his glory. (Mark 8:38.) 

 God's word has been compared to a fire: “Is not My word like a fire?” says the LORD, “And like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces" (Jeremiah 23:29 NKJV)? A fire was lit a week ago here at St. Andrews Road! Our hearts burned within us as the Scriptures were opened up, and we were taught the biblical model of evangelism. The real-life conversion accounts we heard were powerful. The soul winning process demonstrated was very practical. The presentation made by our speaker was passionate! Now it is our turn to participate in the mission of the church of Christ. .

 For many years now we have heard the statement that the church’s primary task is to do that work which only the church can do---namely, the work of evangelism. This is not to imply that the church is not to be concerned with benevolence or edification, but it is to understand that after all, there is a vital connection between these works and the work of evangelism.

Good news travels fast! But did you know that this was the case long before the information age consisting of computers, telephones, and the mailman? When Jesus began His ministry, it was not long before multitudes heard about Him.

In this prominent passage we are told that the Lord “looketh.” (Read context.) Now comes the question, On what does the Lord “looketh” – focus his attention? Or, in his eyes, what thing is of prime importance?

It is wrong for us to become so involved in the business of this busy world that we have no time left for the things of God. Jesus commanded, in the great sermon on the mount, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God with its righteousness, and these things shall be added unto you.” (Matt. 6:3i3).

Fervent lips with a wicked heart are like earthenware covered with silver dross. He who hates, disguises it with his lips, and lays up deceit within himself; when he speaks kindly, do not believe him, for there are seven abominations in his heart; though his hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness will be revealed before the assembly (Proverbs 26:23-26 NKJV).

Ephesians 4:30 says, “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” This commonly misunderstood passage carries great implication in general, and specifically for the context in which it is found. What does it mean to grieve the Holy Spirit? How do we properly apply this passage?

Think of flattery as the opposite of gossip. The latter is something you say behind someone's back that you would never say to his face. Flattery is something you say to someone's face that you would never say behind his back. In other words, you heap praise upon a person, but it is a lie to gain something from them.

When we respond to the grace of God in obedience to the gospel, Jesus washes away our sins (Revelation 1:5; Acts 22:16), and we then have fellowship with God and with one another (1 John 1:3). The underlying word in the original language of the New Testament for fellowship means: "close association involving mutual interests and sharing, association, communion, fellowship, close relationship" (BDAG).

First of all, realize that you are not alone. Death and grief are as old as the human race (Gen. 3:19; Heb. 9:27). Yet death cannot be treated as just another fact of life. It is inevitable and universal, but not to be taken lightly. Since it is inevitable, coping with death should be a preventive measure, as with any other event. A study of the subject may help prevent some of the bitter effects of grief in ourselves and others. “Forewarned is forearmed.”

I stand in awe when I consider the love, mercy, and longsuffering of God! God has done so much for us in order for "us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light" (Col. 1:12). God's eternal desire is for "all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Tim. 2:4).

 I believe it is no coincidence that the men the Lord appointed to oversee the church would be called shepherds/pastors. And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers (Ephesians 4:11 NKJV). 

Man has always been the victim of his pride and selfishness. It goes back to Adam and Eve (Genesis 2-3). Pride was the problem of the nation of Edom (Obadiah 1:3). Pride is one of the major problems of our society. Our generation stresses self-sufficiency – do your own thing.