Remain Unmovable

We live in a society where things are constantly changing. Every time you turn around technology is changing. There’s Bluetooth, laptops, Blackberries…the list goes on and on.

One thing I’m glad does not change is the Bible. First Corinthians 15:58 says it best: “Therefore my brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable always abiding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

We must stay constant in our faith. Things may change. Technology may change, but our obedience to God’s Word, the Bible, must remain the same in order to gain eternal life.

Once we start compromising the Word, we are in danger of losing our souls. Sometimes we may have to stand alone in the truth.

In I Cor. 1.10, the Bible states, "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment."

Death is something we don't like to talk about but someday we all must answer that call. Will you be ready when the Lord calls us? We must always be studying and teaching the Word to others.

II Tim. 4:6-8 says it best: "For I am now ready to be offered and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

–-Mark Smith

Gentleness in the Lives of Christians

Gentleness is defined as the virtuous quality by which we treat all men with perfect courtesy, with a kind and humble demeanor, that we can rebuke without rancor, that we can face the truth without resentment, that we can be gentle and not weak.

A. In Particular…

1) Christians are to receive the Word of God with meekness. (James 1:21)

2) We must approach brethren in error with a spirit of gentleness. (Galatians 6:1)

3) We must correct those in opposition with humility. (2 Tim 2:24-25)

4) We are to answer inquiries concerning our hope with meekness. (I Pet. 3:15)

B. In General…

1) Gentleness is necessary for the Christian man who would be wise.

2) Gentleness is necessary for the Christian woman who would be precious in the sight of God. (I Peter 3:1-3)

Conclusion: One who is walking by the Spirit is going to be a gentle person, even in the most trying circumstances…not because of weakness or cowardice, but because of humility, coupled with the inner strength to control one’s behavior.

Our Lord demonstrated gentleness and a lowly heart at all times. (Matt 11:29.)

1) Let those who claim to be Jesus’ disciples seek to emulate His example.

2) Let there be found in us that fruit of the Spirit which was found in our Lord as well.

--Brenda White Jordan

The Cost of Discipleship

“When He (Jesus) had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, he said to them, ‘Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.”—Mark 8:34 (NKJV)

“The Cost of Discipleship”

The first Sunday morning of this year, Brother Patterson, preached the lesson, “The Cost of Being Disciples.” His text was Luke 14: 25-33, concentrating on verse 28. A few key points:

• “In order to be disciples [we] must love (Christ) supremely.”
• “If you don’t put God first, it won’t work.”
• “When we plan…our plan needs to proceed (begin?) with Jesus, and our plan needs to end with Jesus.”
• “We plan to fail when we plan without Christ.”
• “To move this church to another level, we must (have a plan) that includes Christ.”
• “Learn to plan and plan to learn.”

---Notes from Kenneth Patterson’s January 4, 2009 Sunday morning lesson.

These practical lessons along with the verses in Luke 14:25-33 and Mark 8:34-38 remind us of the seriousness involved with following Jesus Christ.

Lectureship Photos

Several weeks ago, Sister Wyche spoke to our ladies' class about her trip to Nigeria for the 1st Annual Nigerian Churches of Christ National Lectureship. The Arlington Road Church of Christ has posted a link, showing photographs from the lectureship.

What are you thinking about?

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”--Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

Just a thought: It is important for Christians to focus on holy things, and not allow ourselves to be more influenced by the world than by God’s Word.

One obvious way to stay focused on God is to study our Bibles. Other ways to keep our thoughts pure and to continue being transformed and renewed as we’re instructed to be in Romans 12:2, are to read books and articles by sound, faithful members of the body of Christ, and to listen to (and sing along with) spiritually uplifting songs.

What you put in is what you will think about. What you think about, is what will come out.

No Other Help I Know...

"Father I stretch my hands to Thee; no other help I know. If Thou withdraw thyself from me, Ah, wither shall I go?"

It’s hard to hear these old hymn lyrics without thinking of one our deceased brothers in Christ, Brother Johnson, who worshipped with the congregation at Jefferson Street until his death in the 1990s. He always spoke the lyrics before his prayers.

God, the Father, is the “THEE” of this hymn. The words help us to keep our focus on God, and remind us that we are able to do nothing without His help. We, His children, must remember to go to him for any and every kind of help, no matter how small we may think it is.

Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” The Bible is clear in letting us know that God wants us to depend on Him. He already knows what we need (Matthew 6:8). He wants us to reach up and rely on Him.

Thought for the Week

“When potential is used, it becomes our purpose…but if we hold in our potential, we kill ourselves.”—Kenneth Patterson, 12/14/08 sermon, “We Have Potential Because We Have Faith.”

“Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let not your hands be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well.”—Ecclesiastes 11:6 (NIV)