Archives for December 2018

Happy New Year

As the end of one year comes to a close and a New Year begins, people often make New Year’s resolutions. The resolutions are often related to losing weight, getting into shape by going back to the gym, finding a new job or even being nicer to those that irritate us. As one year comes and goes so quickly, it seems that many of our resolutions do as well. It is great to try to become a better person but the results often don’t come from the heart-felt intentions. I pray all that have made resolutions can see positive changes in their lives.

It is important to remember that physical and emotional resolutions and change are not the only areas that need to be addressed. The spiritual being needs to also be under consideration when resolving to become a better person. The spiritual aspect of a person is the area that is rewarding both now and in the time to come. The Apostle Paul told Timothy, “For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that is and of that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4:8). The spiritually well-kept person will have a good life now and then the great reward of heaven one day.

It is my prayer for you in the year 2019 that you consider your spiritual being and resolve to become more like God. May your health prosper not only physically, but also spiritually. If you are not spiritually healthy, God has given us a Great Physician. This great physician brings comfort in the life that is now lived and perfect healing in the life that is to come. “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under Heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

If we abide in Christ, then great profit is available to all who seek Him. The greatest of profit is in the Bible. This is the revelation of God that shows us how to return to Him. According to the Apostle Paul it also thoroughly furnishing us to every good work (2 Timothy 3:16). Our true profit will be in Christ rather than the riches of the world. Worldly riches will one day end but Christ is forever.

Being in Christ will give us peace in this life. The Philippians were told that there is a peace of God which surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Because of this peace we can dwell in gladness and safety. Having this peace should also help us to be peaceful and love others. Peace with those that are around us will help us to be honest and sincere that we may be an example to all.

It is also my pray for the year 2019, that you consider your name. Are you are New Testament Christian? The name Christian means Christ-like and gives us the privilege of a great inheritance. God is our Father who is in Heaven. Those that are Christians have become fellow heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). Because of this, the Christian should want to be around fellow heirs, remembering their blessings and preparing for that great reunion of all that are faithful in Christ and to God.

Being a co heir with Christ means that we are linked or yoked to Him. Christ is the great shepherd that leads His sheep in the way of safety. He knows the way of safety because He has traveled the way before. Because we are His sheep, our strength can be renewed in both good times and bad. Jesus has shown the way and given us the armor to protect ourselves in all situations.

It is also my prayer for 2019, that you reconcile yourself if you are not a child of God.

^“For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled  in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight—  if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister” (Colossians 1:19-23).

Christ was sent so that man could return to God. If you are not a New Testament Christian and would like to learn what the Bible teaches about obedience to God and promise of eternal life, please contact me.

Happy New Year

Health- 3 John 2

Abide- Galatians 2:20

Profit- 2 Timothy 3:16

Peace- Psalms 4:6-8

Yes- Matthew 5:7

 

Name- 1 Peter 2:9

Eat- Acts 20:7

Watch- Matthew 24:42

 

Yoked- Matthew 11:28-30

Eagles Wings- Isaiah 40:31

Armor- Ephesians 6:11

Reconcile- Colossians 1:20-22

 

Scott is the minister at the Elm Grove Church of Christ. Meeting times are Sunday at 9:30 a.m. for Bible class and 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. for worship. Mid-week Bible study is on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. All are invited. Please visit our website at elmgrovechurchofchrist.org. He invites any questions or comments and would love to sit down and study. He can be reached- at the Elm Grove Church of Christ, 740-493-2451.

Purpose of Heart

Which Way

“Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, and the years of your life will be many.  I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, and when you run, you will not stumble.  Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go;
Keep her, for she is your life. Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it, do not travel on it; Turn away from it and pass on.  For they do not sleep unless they have done evil; and their sleep is taken away unless they make someone fall.
For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. But the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble” (Proverbs 4:10-19).

These are the words of King Solomon. He was the third King of Israel and the son of David. It is unknown how old Solomon was when he began to reign, but he wanted to be wise in his kingship. The only way that Solomon could achieve this was through the help of God. In 1 Kings 3:9 he asked, “Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” This was pleasing to God and because Solomon asked for an understanding heart rather than a long life or great riches, God granted him his request. With the exception of Jesus Christ, Solomon is the wisest man that ever lived. He is also possibly the richest man that ever lived. It was because of these riches that Solomon also made some foolish decisions. Solomon loved many foreign women and they turned his heart to other gods. Even though Solomon ruled with great wisdom, he also had an understanding of both a wise way and a foolish or evil way.

Solomon addresses his son in the above text. He encourages him to receive his word. If his son receives the word, then his years can be many. Solomon is teaching about the way of wisdom. He understands this path and the benefit of it. He can KNOW that this is the best path because he has insight into the path of evil.  The path of evil must be avoided for the path of righteousness. In the path of righteousness, the way is clearer. Solomon says that the steps will not be hindered and one can run without stumbling. This path is to be held securely for it is a path of safety. It is a path of light. It shines bright every day. One can see where they are going.

The path of evil is the contrast. Solomon says do not walk on this path. Not only does he suggest to not walk on this path, he says to avoid and turn away from it. Don’t even come close to entering this way. This is a path that is full of wickedness and evil. Those that are on this path are full of sin and tempting others to sin with them. The sinner is encouraging others to follow along with them as though the majority adds justification to the path. On this path independent thinking is not required. Followers are welcome. This is a path that once taken is hard to find a different way. It is a path of darkness where stumbling is the norm. What makes one to stumble is unrecognizable for the path is dark.

Like Solomon, we love our children as well. We want them to find the path of .righteousness. We want what is best and right for them every step of their lives. As parents, we try to teach them to know and respect the difference between right and wrong, to be kind to others and to strive to serve God. It is the experience and knowledge of a parent that helps to guide their own children in hopes that they will not make the same mistakes—the mistakes of evil where darkness and stumbling is the norm. The way of wisdom is the only way in life that gives light to our path.

It is my prayer that you walk in the path of righteousness. It is my prayer that you are teaching your children which way to go. The way of sight and vision is not the way of darkness. The way of righteousness is a path that is full of light. God is light (1 John 1:5). God will direct the steps of the righteous. However, where there is darkness, God cannot be found. No darkness can be found in God (1 John 1:5). May you be walking in the light and teaching your children the path of righteousness.

Scott is the minister at the Elm Grove Church of Christ. Meeting times are Sunday at 9:30 a.m. for Bible class and 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. for worship. Mid-week Bible study is on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. All are invited. Please visit our website at elmgrovechurchofchrist.org. He invites any questions or comments and would love to sit down and study. He can be reached- at the Elm Grove Church of Christ, 740-493-2451.