The beginning of a new year is a fascinating time. Many people optimistically make plans and resolutions for the coming year, deciding what they want to accomplish and feeling excited about what the year may bring. Others might feel indifferent about the new year, anticipating another year of the same old grind. Some people may even dread the new year, fearing some unknown event or dreading challenges it may bring, and feeling concerned that they will not live up to some stan

It was the night before Christmas, when all through the house people were grumpy, even Aunt Gail. Uncle George brought up politics without any care, grandpa lost his temper right then and right there. Grandma hid in her room consumed with dread, while visions of disaster danced in her head. Aunt Jill and Uncle Tom were fuming that James brought that girl to dinner, and his sister was stoking the fire with her sarcastic ire...

According to certain theologians, some of God’s commands seem to unequally impact those who have been harmed by cruel people. Because of this the argument is made that God’s commands don’t pertain in certain situations. These are often presented in hypothetical “what if” statements. These statements are formed in such a way where following God’s commands looks like the cruel option, and going against God’s law seems like the merciful option...

We live in a very negative and pessimistic society. Doom and gloom permeate every aspect of culture. Unfortunately, that pessimism has also permeated the church. Many Christians will only look at the negatives of any given situation. They see how hard it is to resist sin, so they despair of ever being able to overcome their bad habits. They see how difficult evangelism is, so they start to think that the church can never grow...

There was a time in the not-too-distant past when members of the church of Christ were known as people who knew the word. Sadly, that cannot be said quite as confidently about us in more recent decades. Too many people make excuses for not memorizing Scripture. They may say that they are not smart enough or that it is too difficult. They may say they are too busy. Regardless of which excuse someone uses, they are refusing to put the work in - but it can be done...

Most religious groups want to be holy. And God’s word teaches us how to be holy (c.f. 1 Peter 1:15-16). If those desiring to be holy simply did what God says to do, then the world would be a much better place. But for many, just “doing what the Bible says” seems oversimplified and they feel that there must be more to it than that.

How quickly can one fall away or become ensnared by the temptations and lusts of the world and step outside the security of the Kingdom?

Some might despair at what the passage asks of us: rejoicing all the time, even when we’re down; being reasonable all the time, even when we don’t feel gentle or reasonable; being anxious for nothing when we in fact feel anxiety. However, this is an application passage: the application of a foundation. We need to develop a mind set on peace, a mind that is focused on and dwelling on peace of Christ.

Who will carry the torch for you once you have gone to your eternal reward?

God, in His perfect wisdom, knows what makes a good leader: character, faith, and wisdom.

Someone somewhere in your life has made, or still makes decisions toward the care and benefit of your wellbeing.

No matter how many times you may read the Sermon on the Mount over a lifetime, it just keeps giving, providing spiritual sustenance...

Not only do the elders and evangelist help us grow, but each member of the body has a part in helping us mature.

We must keep in mind that positive emotions like joy and gladness do not exclusively belong to those with a greater affinity for optimism.

The assurance of knowing is meant to be not only faith-producing and sustaining but also is both the express will of God for man...

Do your best then to internalize Paul’s words from 1 Timothy 6: 6, “Godliness with contentment is great gain.”

Habakkuk gives us a great example of humbly trusting God, even when he didn’t like what God had in store.

We are so thankful you are considering joining us for service. It can be tough to visit new places with little ones! So don't feel bad if...