Change? For the Better! - Joey Ferrell

As we come to the end of another year, I cannot help but reflect on this year to embrace some changes, to consider those things that I could have changed, and what things still may need to be changed…but not just changed, because we know that change is inevitable, but change for the better!

In the book of Hebrews, the word “better” shows up 13 times. Now, ironically, there are 13 chapters; however, the word is duplicated in some places but not in every chapter. Why is that important? Well, let’s talk about the overall concept of things being better in that letter that was written.

Jesus was better than the angels (Hebrews 1:4)

Jesus was the better sacrifice (Hebrews 9:22)

Jesus ushered in a better covenant (Hebrews 7:22, 8:6)

God provided something better and a better place for us! (Hebrews 11:16, 11:40)

Those are just a few of the statements made of the 13 talking about being better. But, there is one that really stands out to me personally, and this is it:

"But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner." Hebrews 6:9

Did you see what is said? “We are confident of BETTER things concerning you…”

Within the context, the writer identifies some things that were not so great from some of those who had gotten “stuck” in their maturity of the word and of Jesus Christ. You might recognize verse 1 especially talking about moving along from those first principles (the “easier” stuff) to some much more challenging ideas.

The writer does not leave us wondering what those things were and are. He uses some great analogies, as well as couples the work of God in salvation of His children to being the formula in which these “better” things will be seen.

The chapter rounds out talking about the hope in Jesus being the ANCHOR of our faith and of our lives being “better” in Him.

That is what I want to focus on for just a moment in closing.

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Each year, many will make resolutions, or at least have some thoughts about how the new year will be a better one for them or those that they love. I know oftentimes, not only in the new year, but also in my own prayers, I ask God to help me to be a better husband, father, grandfather, friend, man, and especially Christian in which others may see Christ in me. Sometimes those thoughts and prayers seem to motivate me to become better…and then sometimes I fail miserably. But, that is what is so wonderful about having the idea that we can start fresh at times. I am not just referring to what we might find on a calendar - because simply it is just another day that the Lord may bless us with to be able to rise from a sleep and live on this earth. I am referring to more than just that.

When we put on Christ in baptism, we begin a fresh new start. It is a time of rejoicing for our own souls and from the many saints that love us as well. But, we cannot stop there. We must strive to do better. We must leave behind those things that were of the “old” person and move to find those things that will strengthen our faith, hope, influence, love, and become a new person. Yes, it really is that simple. Baptism cleanses us from all sin and sets us free from the stains of those sins…but we must be better!

It isn’t always easy to live in a world filled with immorality, temptation, sin, discouragement, and strife; however, we have a better life to live. Sometimes we may feel that we cannot be better, but we must strive to be. We will fail. The bible tells me that. But, we have that better Advocate in Jesus to help us in that as well. It is obvious throughout the book of Hebrews that there were as many failures in mankind as there are those stories of faithfulness. Those stories of failure can be turned around! That is what I see in Hebrews 6:9.

You see, if we back up a few verses to verse 5 and 6, we see that there will be some of us (really all of us most likely) that will stumble. We will make bad decisions. We will sin “putting Christ on the cross afresh.” But, there is Good News! Because of His sacrifice…that BETTER sacrifice, we can put those sins way back behind us in repentance and with the amazing forgiveness of our God. Then…we just need to strive to do better!

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It is my prayer, that my life is better in this new year. Lord willing, if we all live and Jesus does not return before the end of this new year that we can all reflect back and say, “I am BETTER!”

Happy New Year and may God bless you all!

Joey

What Must I do to be Saved? (Part 5) - Ben Bailey

What Must I do to be Saved? {Part 5}

A final step in the plan of salvation that is overlooked by many is the act of baptism. While many in our religious world would agree that a person needs to believe, repent, and confess Jesus as Lord to be saved, they would not teach that a person must be baptized to be saved. Let’s notice what the Bible teaches us about the necessity of being baptized to be saved.

1. “He who believes and is baptized will be saved, but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16). It is clear from this text that Jesus believed and taught that baptism was essential to salvation. A parallel to this language might be: He who eats and drinks will be filled. If a person eats only is he filled? No. If he only gets a drink is he filled? No. He is not filled until he eats and drinks. The same is true for baptism. Unless a person is willing to do all that God says, he will not be saved.

2. “Then Peter said to them, “Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). This is one of the clearest verses on the importance of baptism. The people on Pentecost asked what they needed to do to be saved from their sins. Peter responded to their question (how do we get rid of our sin problem?) by saying “You must repent and be baptized to have your sins forgiven." Peter clearly taught that baptism was FOR the remission of past sins.

3. At Paul’s conversion he was commanded to: “ Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). From this text, we learn that the purpose of baptism is to wash away one’s sins. If baptism is the point at which one’s sins have been washed away, then those who have not been baptized have not had their sins washed away. Also, we learn how a person calls on the Lord’s name. Like Paul, to truly call on the name of the Lord a person must do all that God says to be saved, which includes being baptized into Christ.

4. The Apostle Peter clearly stated, “Baptism does now also save us” (1 Peter 3:21). One of the key words here is the little word also. Not alone. Combined with hearing God’s Word (Heb. 11:6), believing in Jesus Christ (John 8:24), Repenting of one’s past sins (Luke 13:3), and confessing Jesus as Lord (Rom. 10:10) one is saved. Truly, as the final condition of salvation baptism does now save us! If the Apostle Peter said baptism does now save us, how can anyone say baptism is not necessary for salvation?

Dear friend, have you truly obeyed the gospel as the Bible teaches. There are many who will just teach that all you have to do to be saved is believe in Christ. That’s all. Nothing more is required. That is not the full plan of salvation. The Bible teaches that we are not saved “by faith only” (James 2:24). It is our prayer to God that you will study these very important matters and obey the will of God.

To Learn what to do after one is baptized, check out our video after baptism, now what: https://thegospelofchrist-tgoc.subspla.sh/svknvdf

It Never Gets Old - and You Had a Part! - Joey Ferrell

I received a video in an email a few weeks ago. It was from the man in the picture’s grandfather-in-law, He had reached out to tell us about his granddaughter’s husband watching one of the episodes on baptism that has been airing throughout October and November.

He said, “The last weeks lesson on baptism helped my grand daughter’s husband to be baptized".”

We hope you will join us in praying for Clayton and for his journey as a new babe in Christ. To God be the glory!

Today, as we opened the incoming mail, there was a letter from a new Christian in North Carolina. He said that he had known what he was needing to do for many years, but in his 80s, he had been studying through some of our transcripts on baptism and was recently baptized at the local church where he lives and has attended for years.

Another soul added to the church. To God be the glory!

What a blessing! We don’t always hear of the good news, but we always are hopeful that one way or another we are reaching lost souls through television, our app, transcripts, articles, studies with people that call in or who come to speaking engagements that we may be present.

These two precious souls obeyed the gospel because they heard the word of God (Romans 10:17), they believed in what they heard through the local preaching and through opportunities to study such as The Gospel of Christ programs (John 8:24). They showed their desire to change their lives in repentance (Acts 3:19-20), confessed Jesus as God’s own living son (Matthew 10:32-33), and they were immersed in the watery grave of baptism for the remission of their sins (Acts 2:38, 22:16). It was at that point that they became my brothers in Christ…your brothers in Christ…members of the one true church - the Lord’s church and they were added to that one body by the blood of the Lamb! (Acts 2:47). Hallelujah Praise Jehovah!

Why do we share this? Because of you! Many of you pray for our efforts, some even daily. We appreciate that so much. Many of you encourage us by sharing our content and telling others about this work. We certainly are thankful for that. Some of you financially support this work…and to that we are unimaginably grateful. You see, it is not our work…it is the Lord’s work. He has entrusted you and I to sow the seed, cultivate it, water it…but it is God who will give that increase. We are soldiers working together to do what we can to reach souls by teaching and living our lives sharing the Gospel with others (1 Timothy 4:16). You were a big part of these precious souls in this process…and to that we say thank you…and to God be all glory!

Was that a visitor? - Parker Webster

(This was an article posted on Facebook, used with permission - title given by TGOC)

Was that a visitor?

How do outsiders feel in our assemblies? A new assembly and a new type of worship is intimidating. Do we realize our visitors have taken a great step of courage to walk into worship?

One of the worst things we can do to that shocked, newly challenged visitor is to ignore their presence. Many will leave in a daze having experienced a new way to serve God while not making any personal connections.

About a week ago, I learned a much needed lesson. I was a visitor. I knew what to expect from the worship and teaching. However, on this occasion my family was COMPLETELY ignored. This wasn’t some back row dash after worship. We sat near the front, took notes, and all sang out. Not a word spoken, not even a handshake. We were all very discouraged.

My family will be fine—we have amazing church families back home, we are saved, and we are deeply connected to the work of the Kingdom.

What about that visitor? What will they think? How will they feel? Will they ever darken the doors again?

We may only have one shot. Get out of your comfort zone. Don’t just stare, go speak to them. Don’t just thank them for coming, ask them about their life. Sit back and listen. Let the love of Jesus shine through you. (Col. 3:15)

What Must I do to be Saved? [Part 2] - Ben Bailey

What Must I do to be Saved? [Part 2]

There is nothing more important in the entire world than our eternal soul. Jesus said, “What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul” (Mark 8:36-37). God has made it possible for all people to be saved and live the best life (1 Timothy 2:4, John 10:10). Since this is the case we must ask the question, “What must I do to be saved?” In our last post, we noticed the first step in God’s plan of salvation was to hear/listen to God’s Word. Today, let’s look at the second step in God’s plan of salvation.

The second step in the plan of salvation is belief. Jesus said, “If you do not believe that I am He, you will surely die in your sins” (Jn. 8:24). True belief is always an active obedient faith in God. Jesus taught the multitudes that they could not just call him “Lord” and not do the things He said (Matt. 7:21). Believing in Jesus means that we are willing to trust and follow him with our whole hearts. A beautiful example of this is seen in Acts 8. Phillip has just started teaching the Ethiopian Nobleman the gospel plan of salvation. As he teaches him about Christ the Bible tells us they came to a certain water and he wanted to be immersed. Phillip then tells him, “If you believe with all your heart you may” (Acts 8:37). From this text, we learn that belief is a deep conviction that Jesus is Christ the Savior of the world. We also learn that we must be willing to do whatever Jesus says if we really believe in Him (Acts 8:38ff).

While we do not want to underemphasize the importance of belief, please understand that belief alone will never save anyone. In fact, the word belief never means mental acceptance only. Belief always means an active, obedient trust in God (Gal 5:6). We understand this in everyday life. For example, imagine a person is out in the middle of the lake about to drown and someone comes along and throws them a life preserver. If that person just believes the life preserver will save them and never does anything to “be saved” (Acts 2:40), will he be saved? Absolutely not! That person must take steps of action such as reaching for the preserver, holding on, and helping pull himself in. Likewise, there are steps of action associated with belief that one must do to be saved. It is so sad that there are thousands of denominational people who teach that all one must do to be saved is believe in Jesus and accept Him as your personal Savior. Nothing could be further than the truth. Did you know that the Bible never says belief alone will save? In fact, the only time belief alone is used in the Bible, James says it will not save a person (James 2:24). True belief is always associated with the action of doing what God says to be saved (See Hebrews 11).

Have you believed in Jesus as Lord and Savior? Are you willing to put your trust in Him and do what He says to be saved? Be looking for our next post tomorrow as we discuss the most challenging step in salvation--repentance.

You can also watch our video on the plan of salvation from this link: https://thegospelofchrist-tgoc.subspla.sh/wcnmxp2

What Must I do to Be Saved? - Part 1 - Ben Bailey

**This is an article that is part of a series of 5

What Must I Do to Be Saved? [Part 1]

The Bible says that our Lord and Savior came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). If we are honest with ourselves, we realize that Jesus came to seek and save every one of us. God says, “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). Scripture teaches us that our sins separate us from Him and cause spiritual death (Isa. 59:1-2, Rom. 6:23). The good news is that God does not want anyone to be lost. He wants all people to be saved (1 Tim. 2:4). Jesus gave Himself as a sacrifice for all people to be saved (Heb. 2:9; 1 John 2:1-2). The Word of God was given to us so we can know the truth about salvation and be saved (John 8:32; 1 John 5:13). That being true, each person must ask a very important question. What must I do to be saved? Over the next few posts, we are going to examine in detail exactly what the Bible teaches one must do to be saved. As we do this, I want to ask you to honestly examine yourself and see if you are saved the way the Bible teaches (2 Cor. 13:5). Let us notice the first step in God’s plan of salvation.

1. Hear God’s Word. The Bible says, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom 10:17). And “without faith, it is impossible to please God” (Heb. 11:6). In the past I am afraid that we have underemphasized the importance of hearing God’s word. What does it mean to really hear God’s word? Please understand that hearing God’s word does not mean you accept anything someone says, even if they say it is from the Bible. By hearing God’s word, two fundamental principles are taught.

First, hearing God’s word means that we recognize its authority. As God said on the Mount of Transfiguration, “This is My Beloved Son in whom I am well pleased, hear Him” (Mk. 9:7). The Bible is the ultimate and final authority in all matters of religion (Matt. 28:18ff, Col. 3:17, Jn. 12:48). On all matters of religion and salvation, we must let the voice of God be the final authority. The question of Romans 4:3 should stand out in our minds. “What do the Scriptures say?” Too many times we hear the voice of other men or commentaries or church manuals over the voice of God. When we choose to hear God’s Word we are letting God have the final say in our salvation.

Second, hearing God’s word means that we give a diligent effort to study, search, seek, and test what we hear. In the process of hearing, one must use the reasoning capabilities God has given him to discern truth from error (I Thes. 5:21). We need to be good hearers like the noble Bereans who “…received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the Scriptures daily whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11, ASV). Let us be careful and intelligent in how we hear (Lk. 8:18), what we hear (Mk. 4:24), and Who we hear (Mk. 9:7). To hear God’s word requires that we engage our ears and our mind and make an intellectual decision about what is said based on the Bible as our authority.

Dear friend, who have we been listening to on the matter of salvation? Do we listen to God alone? Or, do we listen to God and someone else’s opinion or teaching? Remember, only the voice of God and His Word will matter on Judgment Day (John 12:48). Remember to read our next post as we will discuss the very important but highly misunderstood step of belief.

You can also watch this video that discusses more about the Plan of Salvation in detail: https://thegospelofchrist-tgoc.subspla.sh/wcnmxp2

Be Not Anxious - Amy Lawrence

Women’s Studies Amy Lawrence July 8, 2023

Be Not Anxious

A Study On Conquering Worry

If one were to look at the statistics, it is a truth that women are more prone to worry and anxiety than men. Psychological studies show that this can be attributed to several factors; each gender’s social differences, hormones, size and strength, even sense of morality. It is agreed throughout the medical community that women, due to their worry, are better at staying alive than men - however, we are also more commonly diagnosed with anxiety disorders than men. The Holy Spirit commanded through the apostle Paul that we “be anxious in nothing”, Phil. 4:6. If we as women are both physically and psychologically disposed to worry, how can we keep this command? Let’s find out what God’s word has to say about the matter. If anyone can answer this question, it is our Creator.

The first step to finding the cure for worry is to find the cause. There are as many answers of what worries us as there are branches of a tree, but the root cause is the same for all: fear. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. There are two ends to the spectrum of fear. One is a respectful fear, the other disrespectful. Respectful fear can save one’s life. One of my favorite things to do is horseback riding. I love it, but I equally have a respect for the possibilities if I am not careful. In this, fear is bothnecessary and built upon good sense. Throughout the book of Proverbs, there is a foundation upon which such knowledge, understanding, and wisdom stand. Without this foundation, these three fail. What foundation is of such strength as to hold up the weight of knowledge, understanding, and wisdom? Fear of the Lord. (Pr. 1:7,29; 2:5; 8:13; 9:10; 10:27; 14:26-27; 15:16,33; 16:6; 19:23; 22:4; 23:7)

Our respect of God’s commandments and promises, both the pleasing ones and the difficult ones, are at the heart of a fear of the Lord. It requires an understanding of the might and wisdom of God and a trust in His power, Pr. 3:5-6, Rom. 1:20. Solomon wrote, “Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.” (Pr. 31:30) Fear has its place. There are things for which we should always have a respectful fear, Heb. 10:31. “Concern” is also a synonym we use for this type of emotion. Paul had “concern” for the churches, 2 Cor. 11:28, a healthy care for the well- being of the fellow Christians Paul knew and loved. There are also, however, dangers in being on the wrong end of fear. The most chronic worry I face on a daily basis is that for my child. I’ve learned in my motherhood over the last 14 years that sometimes I allow this fear to be a disrespectful fear. Therein is the danger. This end of the ‘fear spectrum’ does not take into consideration all the things I cannot control. It is also a selfish fear. This fear believes that it can control everything and exhausts all energy into attempting to do so. This fear forgets to trust God. It forgets that if we do things God’s way, it all turns out the way it should in the end, Rom. 8:28. It provokes us to seek our own will over God’s and is the first of a long list of vices that will keep us out of Heaven, Rev. 21:8. The original Greek word for fearful (NKJV - cowardly) in this verse is δειλός (deilos). It means “faithless”. We seek our own will because we lack faith in God’s will, in doing things God’s way.

Now for the cure. As a person who has struggled with anxiety for the better part of 23 years, I have tried several different methods to battling it. I am not a medical professional and will therefore not advise on what method anyone should use. I can, however, share the recipe that works for me. My anxiety is controlled with prayer, Bible study, chiropractic care, exercise, nutrition, meditation, and medication. When used properly, these are blessings from God, James 1:17. Scripture is by far my favorite and the best method of meditation, Ps. 1:1-2. It allows me to rest my mind by reminding me Who to trust, Ps. 146, because He is in control, Acts 17:27-28, Rom. 11:36.

I suffered a brain injury when I was 19, and one of the results of that injury was chronic anxiety. At the heart of that issue was sensory overload, especially in social situations. My brain tries to pay attention to everything, all the time. Sorting through what is relevant and what is not is even more of a nightmare, one that takes time and effort and is often confused as me withdrawing into my own mind. I am frequently accused of not paying attention when in fact I am paying attention, my brain is just busy making sure whether or not all the input coming into it is relevant. It is overwhelming and stressful. It has taken many years and many trials and errors to learn how to maintain peace in my own mind. I have good days and bad days just like anyone. When I study scripture, I still have an abundant amount of information coming into my head, but instead of being a torrential thunderstorm, it flows as a calm river - because it is all connected. It is all relevant. It teaches that in God is peace, the cure for anxiety, Phil. 4:6-7, if I keep my mind on God, vss. 8-9, Rom. 8:6. Spiritual peace can also become physical peace. I study my Bible daily because that is the most peaceful place in the world. It teaches us how and where to find comfort and help when needed, Heb. 4:16.

I pray daily because there is no therapist in the world like God. He listens, 1 Jn. 5:14, and He cares, 1 Pet. 5:7. But how can we do these things on such a busy schedule, Amy? One of the most precious sacrifices one can make for God is time, because it is something that we will never get back. It is something that cannot be accumulated. I am a firm believer that if you are too busy for God, you are too busy. There is a portion of every day that I set aside for God and only God. This is how I keep my sanity. I look forward every day to conversing with God through prayer and scripture. If you want this peace of which I speak, if you find anxiety to be your struggle, let’s have a Bible study together. I will be more than happy to share with you the peace I’ve found.

"Decisions, Decisions..." - Joey Ferrell

A very dear friend of mine, wonderful preacher, licensed therapist, and brother in Christ, Lonnie Jones used a statement some years ago in a lesson designed to reach younger souls that has stuck with me ever since…and I think it is just as valuable to us “older” folks as well and maybe you will agree. Here is the phrase:

You must decide which you want…is it what you want most, or what you want right now.

If that doesn’t make you stop and think for a few minutes, I am not sure you read it. Look at it again! Lonnie told me that it was seen on a poster and attributed to Abraham Lincoln.

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Every one of us has to make a decision about our lives nearly every minute of every single day. Satan’s hand is in the midst of every one of these decisions and we have to decide where we must fall within this range of the question.

Think about some of our iconic studies of some who have been faced with those similar challenges in their lives:

• Adam and Eve - charged with the first sin…why? They chose what they wanted right now over what they wanted most.

• Lot - He survived the destruction of Sodom and Gomorra because he chose what he wanted most, unfortunately, his wife chose what she wanted right now (looking back to see the loss of her friends and her own family.

• Joseph - He walked away from a sinful situation he was faced with in the story of Potiphar’s wife. He could have yielded very easily to temptation. The opportunity was very similar to what we may see today in a world filled with temptation regarding sexual sin and immorality…but he chose wisely…he chose what he wanted most.

• Judas - We all know that he chose what he wanted right now…when he had what he wanted most sitting right beside him at the very table that he was dining at the Last Supper.

There are many other stories in the Bible that we could look at with this “turn signal” of events. Some were stories that we can celebrate, and the others we mourn over and grieve those decisions.

What about you and I? Have we decided what we want right now or what we want most? It can be a tough question at times and it certainly appears at every juncture in our lives. I like the way that the English Standard Version renders 1 Corinthians 10:13 regarding our help in these times. Take a look at how that reads:

The only temptation that has come to you is that which everyone has. But you can trust God, who will not permit you to be tempted more than you can stand. 1 Cor 10:13, ESV

You see, we each one have a conscience that can be seared when we make the wrong decision, but we also each one have a way of escape. Some may say that it is not as easy as it sounds…and for the ones who may not have a hope of eternal life in Christ Jesus, they cannot understand the power of this verse. After all, Hebrews 4:15 tells us that even our Lord suffered the temptations of this life…not faltering!

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Heb 4:15 NKJV

If you will recall, He was tempted in all counts in the events of Matthew 4. The devil put forth the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life temptations. Honestly, any sin we commit today falls within those definitions as well.

So, what do we do? Be strong. Study and put the word of God in your heart. Know that you will not escape temptation, but God will give you a way to move beyond that in your decision of:

What you want most…or what you want right now!

Visit Lonnie’s podcast at “Keeping up with the Jones: The Lonnie Jones Podcast Adventure” on all platforms.

"Why didn't they offer us a bible study?" - Anonymous

****Editor’s note: This story was used with permission by the author, and is shared for the benefit of opening the eyes of some of our own shortcomings in evangelism and reaching the lost. The article is being published in its entirety without any edits as requested by the family that shared it with us. Their names are not included, neither are the congregations in which they visited. This is just a raw story to help encourage us all to be the best we can.

As an aside, The Gospel of Christ would certainly encourage congregations and individuals to take a look at how this family felt that they were left behind by the church. Our prayer is for this family to continue loving the Lord and that we can all be an encouragement to others in what we see through the eyes of others.

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Their journeys to the baptistry both began as young as 8 and 9 years old. You see both became denominational Christians at those ages. Their hearts were sincere with belief and they did exactly the steps they were told. Fast forward, they are married and continue following the traditions that they were raised in, the Southern Baptist Church. About 4 years ago they moved to a new area and decided to find a church that they could serve God in. In the past, they were always searching for the perfect one to fit their wants. This is when they felt their hearts changing and turning more towards God. They dove right in.  Both started teaching Sunday school classes and volunteering at the local mission house in the community. It felt good to be serving others for the Lord.  The husband was teaching an adult class and the wife the Elementary grades.  They began learning specific things about obedience and the importance of baptism, but they still did not understand it all quite yet. The leadership in the church got noticeably unsound so with heavy hearts they left after 3 years. Amid that they had their second daughter. What joy this brought their lives, but this made it more of an urgent matter for them.  They wanted to lead their family correctly according to His Word.  The husband started searching churches with the oldest daughter while the wife was at home recouping with the newborn. He was more mindful to check the scripture against what the preacher was teaching, and quickly was seeing error.   They went to a few different non-denominational churches and ended up back into a comfort zone of the Baptist congregations again, but this next one was considered Independent. After several weeks they noticed Calvinistic beliefs coming out.  They were familiar with Calvinism and knew from studying that specifically it was contradicting to God’s Word so they left. At this point they are tired and weary.  They just wanted to find a church home and family.  Their love for God was growing as they continued in personal studies and prayer.

 You need to know that they had been around Christians their entire lives.  Growing up in West TN and spending their adult lives in Middle TN, but none of them looked or acted any different from any other denominational Christian.  Their view on the Church of Christ was just another Denomination.  Hearing terrible things of the Church.  For instance, it was a cult, baptism being overly emphasized, and they were the only ones going to heaven. Praying and studying the husband felt a shift and threw out the idea of trying the churches of Christ.  They were very nervous and uncomfortable with that.  By trusting in God, taking deep breaths, and praying they visited their first Church of Christ. It was different, but familiar with the Baptist church minus the instrumental music and observation of the Lord’s supper.  They felt very uncomfortable but continued to go and share with this congregation that they had left the Baptist church and were wanting to follow sound doctrine. They were searching for the truth but didn’t realize what that meant at the time. They felt they were hearing the truth there.  Some people were friendly but most not so friendly.  The wife felt judgement quickly to attend on Wednesday even if it was a baby’s bedtime.   They did not understand at this point faithful attendance.   They hadn’t even obeyed the gospel yet!  They really stepped out of their comfort zone when they accepted an informal lunch invitation at a congregant’s home with two other couples. The husband was candid about what they were going through and were searching for a sound church that preached sound doctrine. There was even a convert from a Baptist church there!  He shared his tension filled story of how his parents and him do not get along because of his conversion. That was intense and they still had no clue exactly why there would have been such a line drawn.  They met deacons and elders and the preacher, and no one offered a bible study. Not one. Because that church seemed unfriendly, they decided to try a neighbor’s church. It was Church of Christ too, but not until later did they realize this was what is called and (Non-institutional). The friendliness factor was there.  They enjoyed the preaching and the people. It did not take long to meet with the two elders and get serious about becoming members there. Still no bible study offered.  They began to study more on Baptism specifically because the elders asked them a question, “were you baptized for the remission of sins?” See to join this church you had to have been baptized for the remission of sins. They thought and thought, and both decided, yes. Why would we get baptized for any other reason?  Still studying, the Lord was helping them put pieces together.  They were still under the belief that we were saved before baptism, but that it was step of obedience after your salvation belief. The eldership never asked any other specific questions to help them.  It was like, if you say yes, then sure you can join up with us.  

Now the wheels were spinning and hearts were opening so they studied even harder. Scripture after scripture they found on how baptism signifies the death, burial and resurrection, and how it’s the antitype that saves us, and flat out plain as day Mark 16:16.  They realized that it is not about just one step, it is about all of them together. The gospel is perfectly put together and easy to see when you simply read and study the texts with a sincere open heart.  

Their driving force was from a sincere love for The Heavenly Father. They ended up listening to a Baptist converts podcast one night getting ready for bed. That evening a lightbulb went off simultaneously for them. Not all of what they were taught growing up was false, but that they were led falsely with the gospel. You see, they are products of you cannot be taught wrong and obey right. They wanted to become members of this church but did not realize they needed to be added to the Lord’s church. The thought of their families hindered their baptisms that night. The next day after those conversations occurred nothing was stopping them from obeying the gospel!  Their families were confused but somewhat supportive. They grew so much through continued personal studies and great GBN resources that they found on their own being broadcast locally on TV.  They were on fire to share the gospel, but no one else was. The more verbal they got to encourage biblical things the more they felt that friendliness leave. It became an intolerable environment to worship. The more they learned about God’s Word and His Church they realized error quickly. Remember that vague question they asked them concerning the reason for their past baptism? There were at least two people in that church who had not obeyed the gospel but were accepted members. It broke their hearts for them to be led so incorrectly.   They attempted talking to one lady by sharing their conversion story with her. She had been convinced she was fine because of elderships vague leadership and acceptance. There were other big issues, and they took these matters to eldership, too. They were aware, but the elders had let the leaven grow so much that it would be too hard to get it out now. They had to leave. Discouraged and sad all they had was God’s Word and programs on GBN that kept them encouraged and striving to share the Good News!! Their zeal had not wavered, and they continued attending other congregations. They seemed to find one that the preaching was sound, and the appeal of several young families was promising. Their loneliness and eagerness to be a part of a family of God made them identify quickly. 

Fast forward to today.  They yet again had to remove themselves from a congregation over unsound leadership arising in this case in an absence of an eldership.   

Questions that flood their minds- Why do we feel like our transformation is not understood by many?  Weren’t we all outside of Christ and converted by the gospel?  Why does it feel the churches of Christ are attempting to convert us to their denomination away from the 1st century standards of the New Testament Church?  Why are brethren more interested in clinging to their own man-made traditions while they point fingers at how the denominational world is wrong?  Why is there an arrogance and pridefulness towards the lost?  Why are members of The Church unwilling to share the good news of the Gospel with all they encounter?  How can we be ready to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear 1 Peter 3:15 when we have lost people every Sunday sit next to us in our pews and we pretend they aren’t lost?  When did Matthew 28:19-20 become an option for a Christian and not a command?  When did offering a simple bible study become the furthest thing from a Christian’s mind? 

A Shield About Me: A Study on Christian Joy - Amy Lawrence

Suffering is a frequently introduced topic by those that argue God does not exist. It is presented as an infallible proof that no loving God would allow His creation to suffer. Although there is ample evidence that God does truly exist, I will not be using this article to present said evidence. (There are many literary works that do present the evidence of God’s existence, the main being of course scripture.) I want this article to present the reasons why we as Christians follow Christ, even through suffering.

I would first like to set a foundation. Any structure needs a strong foundation or it will not stand. The concrete we will be working with is the mind. The human mind is a frequent subject in scripture. It is the birthplace of decision that leads to action and is presented in scripture as a battlefield between good and evil, Rom. 7:23. It is the seat of emotions and the internal place where everything external is perceived. The health of the mind determines how that external is processed and what kind of person it produces. According to scripture, a healthy mind is capable of seeing things for what they are or aren’t, discerning properly between what is good and what is evil according to scripture, and matching their person to the pattern of good, Ecc. 2:26, Heb. 5:14. Here and only here is where joy can begin.

So…what is joy? ‘Joy’ is a noun, a thing. The verb of joy is ‘rejoice’ - the action that is produced from the thing. But how can joy be a thing? It has no mass, no structure, no weight. It is not constrained by time, space, or matter…but we’ve all seen it and felt it. I could define it using a massive Oxford English Dictionary, but that is the definition by the world’s standards. How does the Bible describe joy? For the Christian, joy is a fruit. One of nine, to be exact, Gal. 5:22. I call it the Spirit’s Fruit Basket. Anyone who eats these spiritual fruits on a daily basis can enjoy the nutritional value they offer; freedom from sin, Gal. 5:1. Here’s the thing, though…you can’t have just joy. There are eight other fruits. If you want joy, you must also have love, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, and self-control. These are all things that start in the brain and manifest themselves in behavior, giving us the tools to defeat the Devil. Not all are interested in defeating Satan, though. This same chapter also gives the alternate, or as I like to call it, the recipe for Satan’s Selfish Soup, Gal. 5:19-21. Warning: each spoonful decreases any chance of getting into the Kingdom of God, the place where joy is found, vs. 21.

Joy has many superpowers, but one in particular makes it incredibly appealing to every Christian. Read James 1:2-3 and Matt. 5:11-12. Yes, you read it correctly: joy IN suffering. No, we are not happy to be suffering, but joy is not the same as happiness. Biblical joy is a contentment that can endure anything - ANYTHING - because we know what’s on the other side, Ps. 30:5, Jn. 16:21-22. So many confuse Christian joy with happiness, but let me tell you the difference; happiness is not nearly as strong as joy, because joy is tempered. It is a steel that is made only by fire. It cannot be bent, it cannot be broken, because it is forged in persecution and rests on the promises of God and our fellowship with each other, Phil. 1:1-7. Joy is also not something that comes and goes. If you have it, true joy holds its position. It is often accompanied by other emotions, but such emotions are either driven away by joy or are amplified by joy. Why wouldn’t anyone want that?

A great number of people seek this joy. Unfortunately, only few find it…because the majority is either looking for it in all the wrong places or cannot bring themselves to do the things required in order to have this joy. They seek happiness in worldly selfish ambitions, but they find over time that everything gained in this world can and will be taken away, Ecc. 5:9-16. Christians find the joy that cannot be taken away, Jn. 16:22, by walking the difficult path and living a life pleasing to God. Now, the question is, why? Why did I call joy a shield? Why do Christians deny ourselves in this life the things that the world calls good but God calls evil? Why does the world see us as wasting this life by disallowing ourselves to indulge in things that they are sure will bring anyone pleasure? Why do we choose suffering now? Christians follow God. If God says it is good for us or bad for us, we believe Him. We have been educated by God. In this, we know there are two paths and know what is at the end of both paths. One leads to an eternal life of nothing but good things, the other leads to an eternity of nothing but suffering. One is constructed by God, the other by Satan, Mt. 7:13-14. We choose suffering now because we know that we are on the right path and it leads to a place where suffering ends, Heb. 11:24-26. It’s a “no-brainer”, but I have had countless conversations with various people, even some of my own family and friends, about WHY. They hold on so tightly to this life that they can’t see the importance of preparing for the next life, Mt. 25:1-13. I’ve tried both paths. I have found the joy of which I speak, and it is a joy that I’ve never found in anything this world has to offer. I will not give it up. FOR ANYTHING. Have you ever had a joy this strong? I can say with certainty that if everything I love were taken from me right now, this very moment, I would have temporary sorrow but still eternal joy - a shield that protects everyone who stands behind it and knows its strength. It’s the joy worth sharing. I can’t share it with you if you don’t want it. It will not be forced upon you. Your mind has to make a decision, 1 Kings 18:21.

Does this mean I can’t invest in anything in this life? No! I invest in people! I want as many souls as I can reach to enjoy what I myself have found! I want them to start looking in the right places if they haven’t already. “How do you know what the right place is, Amy?” I’m standing in it, the place where I found it, along with all of my brothers and sisters in Christ. It is the church, the ark of salvation, Acts 2:47. Invest in the church. It is the only investment that yields a joy that cannot be taken from you.

"A Study on Character Based Appearance" - Amy Lawrence

Modesty

A Study on Character-Based Appearance

There are so many methods that we use to communicate. Did you know that only 7% of human conversation uses words? 37% is in our tone of voice, but 55% of our communication is in our body language. That’s more than half ! How we sit or stand, how we use our hands or the expressions upon our faces - these all communicate to others, right down to even the clothes we wear. What many do not know is that there are outward behaviors that indicate inward ideals - and they show, whether we want them to or not.

Why is it important to understand how we communicate ourselves to others? Imagine with me a woman getting ready for an interview for a job. The interview is at 8:00am. She will be trying out for the position of sous chef at the finest restaurant in New Orleans. At 8:03am, into the restaurant walks a woman dressed in rags; filthy jeans with holes in the knees, a shirt 2 times too big with dirt stains in the shape of hands on the front, shoes that are caked in mud, and grime under every fingernail. Her hair is matted, covered in flecks of mud and debris, and she is nonchalantly chewing on the end of a straw. Everyone in the restaurant takes their turn staring at her as she saunters toward the kitchen. She passes the kitchen staff as she moves toward the head chef ’s office, sending a sideways grin and wink to every face she sees. She stops when she reaches the head chef, plucks the straw from her teeth, and announces that she is here to apply for the job of sous chef. The head chef waits for an explanation for what he sees. When he doesn’t receive one, he requests one. The woman gives him a nonplussed expression and shrugs her shoulders.

The head chef then turns somber, demanding in a heavy French accent that she leave immediately. She goes, but not before she bellows how much they are ignoring her talents simply because of her appearance and they are going to regret not hiring her. Now…why would this

scenario invoke such a reaction from each individual? And what does this have to do with modesty? It all begins and ends with respect.

When you study the Bible, you’ll see that there is a thread that stretches from Genesis to Revelation: respect God. (It is frequently worded as “fear of the LORD”. Ps. 34:11-16 instructs us in how to learn this respect.) One cannot be a successful child of God without respect for the sovereignty and authority that belongs only to God, Is. 40:21-31. Job uses “fear of the LORD” and “wisdom” synonymously in Job 28:12-28. One that has a healthy relationship of love and respect for God will obey His commandments, Jn. 14:21, and this falls within the definition of wisdom, Ps. 111:10. One of these commandments is that we love one another, Jn. 15:12. This love has to be the same love that Jesus gave us, vs. 13. It is a sacrificial love, Rom. 15:1-3, Phil. 2:3-4. In our love and respect toward one another, there will be times that sacrifice will be asked of us in order to maintain that love and respect. This is where our Christ-like behavior comes into play. Even though He was equal to God, Christ subjected Himself to God for the purpose of saving us to the point of being the sacrifice for us, Phil. 2:5-8. When we learn to have respect for God, this in turn teaches us to have respect for each other as His children.

Respect for fellow humans is incredibly important in any societal structure. The more a generation migrates toward a disregard for respecting one another, the more that society begins to degrade and destroy itself. I gave the scenario earlier to show two perspectives of the same situation. One side respected the other, one side did not. Can you figure out which was which? The head chef was on time to the interview, dressed in the proper attire and ready to begin work. In his respect for both those he works with and anyone interviewing for the position, he made it clear with his clothing and punctuality that he respected both them and the responsibility he’d been given to find a suitable sous chef. He portrayed this message in his appearance and his behavior, as did every other worker in the kitchen. We as Christians are commanded to be in subject to one another, 1 Pet. 5:5. We should have the checks and balances necessary in our relationships with fellow Christians to keep us on the straight and narrow path…but this only works when we respect one another. This means we put forth the effort to see and meet the needs of one another - things that we should both give and get - in love, Eph. 4:11-15. This is how we grow, vs. 13. Now, let’s tie this into modesty.

Modesty is defined as 1.) behavior, manner, or appearance intended to avoid impropriety or indecency, 2.) the quality or state of being unassuming or moderate in the estimation of one’s abilities, and 3.) moderate, limited, or small in amount, rate, or level.

There are unspoken rules that are understood by those within any community that determine whether something is proper or improper, decent or indecent. To illustrate, it would be improper for an employee of Sea World to show up for work carrying a fishing pole. It would be indecent for a man or woman to walk into Walmart without their pants. It is proper for anyone to clean up a mess they’ve made, it is decent to respect anyone’s personal space. Humility is also defined as an aspect of modesty, and so it goes without saying that a person that is immodest is also a person that lacks humility (either simply in that moment or as a regular habit). Let’s apply this to our scenario. The woman showed her disrespect for everyone in the restaurant by not being properly prepared for the interview and not offering an explanation as to why she wasn’t. It is sensible to assume that no one would want this woman to serve food that she had cooked, risking ingesting whatever was under her fingernails. Upon seeing her, is it likely the patrons felt that not only would they not be returning, but they would advise others not to visit the restaurant. Based on this woman’s appearance, the quality of the head chef ’s work would fall into question by the patrons if he had hired her. These are all basic proprieties that should be considered by everyone in a community. Our appearance and behavior do not just affect us alone. They affect everyone around us. Humility is required for anyone that is part of a community to understand that they are a part of the whole. The head chef and kitchen staff work as a team, and in seeking a sous chef, they were looking for someone who was both able and willing to commit to teamwork. Any good chef knows that it doesn’t matter how great he is if he has no kitchen staff to help him. The kitchen staff knows that without the head chef, there is no one to lead them and teach them. Both sides must humble themselves in order to work well together. The head chef could see the outward expression of the woman’s disdain for order, cleanliness, punctuality, and humility - all of which are required to function within a community. She was, by definition, immodest.

Now, let’s apply this to the church, a community of Christians. First, we must realize that a standard has already been established; God is the One that decides what is morally proper/ decent and what is not, because the church belongs to Him, Acts 20:28. He makes the rules, 1 Cor. 14:37. It is also important to understand that the church does not stop being the church

outside of the church building. We are the church every day, every where. We must also remember why we are the church. We’re ambassadors for Christ! (2 Cor. 5:20) Don’t forget what we signed up for when we became Christians: to be like Christ, to teach others of Christ, and to bring as many souls to Christ as we can. To do this, we have to wear the same virtues Christ wore

- humility, unselfishness, and holiness - in order to fulfill the task given to us, 1 Pet. 1:16-17. How we appear, approach, and associate with others will tell others who and what we are. When that standard remains at the forefront of every decision we make, our appearance and behavior match accordingly. A life focused on God shines with the image of Christ. We shouldn’t want the attention to be on us, but on Him.

Desire for the attention that belongs to Christ is a characteristic of Satan, Mt. 4:1-11.

Unfortunately, I’ve seen some Christians wearing an image that looks nothing like Christ. When we take our eyes off of Christ and the church, a desire to look more like the world grows stronger. Then the fight for rights instead of righteousness begins. I feel I should be specific in this area concerning the goal of Christians. We should want the attention to be on God. Those that argue that they should be allowed to wear, say, do whatever they want have forgotten what they signed up for when they were baptized. They want the same attention Satan wants, 1 Jn. 2:16. We as Christians must be careful lest pride causes us to fall into the same condemnation as that old serpent, 1 Tim. 3:16.

Let’s go through some things that fall under the description of “immodest”.

1. Clothing. This is the most commonly addressed immodesty; clothing one chooses to wear that prevents others from seeing God in the person wearing them. Although this isn’t limited to women, more frequently are women the source of such immodesty. Anything from inappropriate bathing suits to short skirts and low-cut neck lines, women like to show off skin - skin that only a husband should see. Many a tale has been told of men conducting the worship service struggling to focus because one or more females are immodestly dressed. Do these females realize what they’re doing? Worshipping God, following God every day, requires focus. They’re taking attention that belongs to God and making it their own. This doesn’t just happen during a worship service, either. Taking another Christian’s focus away from God, no matter where you are and no matter your intent, is immodest. It is not limited to just worship service. Some even have the audacity to suggest that it’s the man’s responsibility to keep himself in check. There is

   nothing more selfish than having no compassion for the struggles of others. Such disrespect for another’s spiritual health is in itself sinful, 1 Cor. 8:12. By fighting for rights instead of righteousness, the seed of disunity is sown…and Satan is always thrilled to see discord among brethren.

   Men can wear clothing that distracts from God as well. Once I remember a man serving at the Lord’s table wearing jeans with holes, a t-shirt, and flip-flops. Knowing that he owned better clothes (because I’d seen him wear better), there were multiple distractions. It was a struggle to keep my mind where it needed to be - an unnecessary struggle. The man had been inconsiderate of his fellow Christians. Yes, it could have been a situation of extenuating circumstances, but he still had the option of seeking out a properly dressed man to take his place. It wasn't done maliciously. He didn’t get dressed that morning thinking to himself, “I’m going to throw off as many trains of thought as I possibly can today.” Sins can be committed in ignorance, Heb. 9:7. Once we learn it is a sin, acknowledging it as such and trying our best to do better in the future is a mark of repentance, Lk. 15:7, 2 Cor. 7:9. We must try our best to keep others focused on God.

2. Character. First, let me make one thing clear: none of us are sinless, Rom. 3:10. We are all works in progress. Some simply refuse to progress in the pathways of God. Jesus said, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” (Lk. 6:45) Our clothes are not our only method of communicating who we are. If you pay attention long enough, a person will tell you who they are with their words and their behavior.

   Habits are difficult if not impossible to hide. Does this mean we have to be perfect? None of us can be. We all have bad habits we wish we could shed. The difference between a modest and an immodest human is the effort one puts into shedding bad habits and into having and maintaining a character that denotes a respect for God and fellow humans. A person that has a strong respect for God is also one that has respect for others. When disrespect for others is shown, it’s a good chance they also have little to no respect for God. We are all deserving of death, and the only thing keeping us from that death is a life in Christ, Rom. 6:23. With this knowledge, it is therefore the natural desire to do what is pleasing to God. This desire is at the forefront of a reasonable mind and manifests itself in action. God alone has the answers to all the questions we would ask in seeking to be in Christ. To learn, we must submit, James 4:7-10. Submission requires humility. Love and obedience are the natural children of humility, Phil. 2:8. Righteousness, not perfection,

   is God’s expectation, and Matthew had something to say about this: “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.” (Mt. 5:6).

   Don’t be one that makes the mistake of thinking you can never change. An immodest person can become modest just as a modest person can become immodest. Both depend on the choices we make, Ezek. 33:10-16.

3. Company. “Do not be deceived. Evil company corrupts good morals.” 1 Cor. 15:33. I mentioned before about the opinion the head chef might garner had he hired the woman. Some might argue that ‘Jesus ate with publicans and sinners and so it shouldn’t matter what kind of people we let in to our circle. We shouldn’t be judged by that.’ Yes, He ate with them. He didn’t sin with them. He didn’t allow “fitting in” to direct His choices. He also had 12 apostles with Him. Thirteen are much more difficult to sway than one. When you have thirteen friends using modest behavior and wearing modest clothing, it’s a lot easier to make the decision to be modest in an immodest world. Our human nature craves to fit in, even when our more sensible spiritual mind tells us that fitting into a sinful crowd is contrary to the will of God. Anyone reading this article has experienced temptation and the pull that it has on our carnal desires. The head chef would also have been concerned with his kitchen staff. If the woman began to persuade any of his staff to stop caring about punctuality or cleanliness, the order they depended upon to continue to run a restaurant would have been compromised. In pursuing modesty, we should take care who we let into our circle.

One of the benefits of the church that is often overlooked is having brothers and sisters that love us telling us when we are getting too close to the fire, Jude 23. Every one of us needs eyes other than our own to see us so that we have the ability to see ourselves from a perspective other than just our own. It’s hard to see the big picture when you’re not the one behind the camera. We as Christians need to be open to receiving constructive criticism. The Hebrew writer describes elders as those that “watch out for your souls”, Heb. 13:17, as should every Christian toward one another, Heb. 13:1. To do this, we must be subject to one another, trust each other, and allow ourselves to be molded into Christ with one another, Gal. 6:1-10.

We will never influence the world by trying to be just like it. Be like Christ - in all things.

Inward Spiritual Struggles - Good or Bad? - Ben Bailey

Inward Spiritual Struggles—Good or Bad?

Do you ever feel like you need to do more for the cause of Christ? Does the feeling that you aren’t everything you need to be trouble you? Maybe these feelings are something you struggle with every day. I have a friend who constantly struggles with this problem. He would often get discouraged by the feeling of imperfection and deeply distressed over the fact that he just didn’t feel like he was doing enough in the kingdom. As I thought about his situation and the inward struggle that each of us faces, I wondered “Are these feelings of imperfection a good or bad thing”? The more I thought about this matter the more I realized this truth: It’s not the people who have these struggles and feelings of imperfection that I worry about, it’s the ones that don’t that bother me. I know this is correct, for Paul expressed this to the church in Philippi saying, “not that I have already attained” and “not that I have already perfected” or “I do not count myself as apprehended” (Phil. 3:12-14). In essence, Paul was recognizing the fact that all of us face the inward struggles of imperfection and incompetence. And, if we use those feelings correctly they are not bad. How can these feelings help us?

If these feelings of imperfection motivate us to do more, they are beneficial to us. In view of his own inward struggles Paul said, “I Press on” (Phil. 3:12). Instead of getting discouraged, Paul used his inward struggle as a motivating factor. As one faces these struggles, maybe a little introspection would be in order. Paul said, “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves” (2 Cor. 13:5). In times like these we should each look for more ways to serve God faithfully and stay busy in the kingdom!

If these feelings of imperfection keep us on our toes, they are beneficial to us. Maybe these feelings are simply a correct response of a good conscience seeking to help us do more and be more for Christ (1 John 3:20; Rom. 2:15). Rather than growing stagnant and becoming lukewarm, they remind us to stay busy and fruitful in the kingdom.

While a person can take these feelings to the extreme and allow them to affect his spiritual life negatively if used correctly they do have a positive spiritual benefit. Remember, the Apostle Paul said, “Not that I have already grasped it all or have already become perfect, but I press on if I may also take hold of that for which I was even taken hold of by Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:12).

Sin... - Joey Ferrell

The title says it all. Sin. That is what has been on my mind…well, not the actual sin itself, but the idea of sin. From the very time that man first sinned in the Garden of Eden, until today…and even into the future, sin lives on, and it is our worst enemy at work.

Sometimes, we tend to discount sin. We might overlook this or that because of societal changes, or because “everyone else is doing it,” and so on. Sin becomes more natural to us each and every day when we allow it to enter into our lives. Sin enslaves us, making us more adept to continuing in it day after day as a habit more than a vice.

Paul had plenty to write about sin. Let’s look at a few verses:

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.”

(Galatians 5:1)

“Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.”

(Romans 6:16–18)

“And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.”

(Ephesians 2:1–7)

We could probably continue with posting scriptures about sin and how it enslaves us; however, you probably get the idea. What bothers me about sin is much more than just the idea of a trespass. I cannot help but think about the consequences of sin, the pain that sin has caused many from the age of creation, the misery in even death that was caused as a result of one man’s sin (Romans 5:12-21). I also cannot help but think about how my own sin has caused heartache for even my own family, but more importantly…my God. I am sure you can say the same thing.

But…there is some good news!

Sin CAN be forgiven. Sin CAN be overcome. Sin CAN be healed from in part.

Romans 6:23 talks about the wages of sin being death…and certainly that idea rings heavy, but don’t lose sight. The back half of that verse tells us to have hope in the eternal ife in Jesus Christ with His gift!

What does that mean? That means that even the vilest of the vile, the meanest of the mean, the lyingist of the lying, and so on…can be washed from those sins in the soul-saving blood of Christ, our Lord.

Paul recounts his conversion in Acts 22. In this story, Paul is told that he must go to find a man that would tell him all that he would need to do. He finds him. That man tells him how to be saved, and then he asks a very important question:

“Why tarryiest thou? Arise and be baptized, calling on the name of the Lord, washing away your sins…”

Did you see that? Those sins were gone with the empty mop water bucket. History. Never to be held against Paul any longer. Friend, you can have that same cleansing in Christ Jesus! Maybe you believe you are saved, yet you have not done what is required based on the scriptures. In Acts 19, there were some who had been baptized that did not know why they were baptized, or were not baptized into the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins. What happened? Well, we see Paul teaching them and they were baptized…correctly after learning the truth! Hallelujah for second opportunities!

Maybe you need to find out more about the free gift of life…maybe you have questioned your own salvation in recent times. We have answers. We want to help! May God bless you as you seek truth.

The Folly of “Following Your Heart” - Chase Green

“It’s my life and I’ll do what I want!” Perhaps the tune reverberates through your mind as you recall the 1965 song recorded by the Animals, or several newer renditions covered by various bands. Or maybe you’re more familiar with the much newer “The Heart Wants What it Wants” by Selena Gomez? But do these hit singles really reflect the truth?

“Follow your heart.” “Let your conscience be your guide.” These overused Disneyesque clichés have become mainstay philosophy for much of the masses. But are these thoughts Biblical?

Let me start by saying that only if one guides his heart with the Bible do the statements “follow your heart” and “let your conscience be your guide” become acceptable. Again, that’s a tremendous qualifier to the statement – one must only follow his heart (or conscience) if his heart and conscience are properly trained by the Word of God. Ezra 7:10 says that Ezra “prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel” (emphasis mine throughout). First Timothy 1:5, 1:19, and 3:9 emphasize the importance of a “pure heart,” a “good conscience,” and “sincere faith.” First Timothy 4:2 says that the conscience can be “seared with a hot iron,” Titus 1:15 indicates that the conscience can be “defiled,” and Hebrews 9:14 tells us that the blood of Christ purges our consciences from dead works toward serving the living God.

To use the expression, none of this comes “through osmosis.” One must dedicate himself to diligent study of God’s Word in order to discover God’s eternal truths that, when applied, will make one accepted in God’s sight.

The fact of the matter is that most individual’s hearts, if followed, will lead them down the path of destruction. The Bible says in Prov. 4:23 that we are to keep our hearts with all diligence, because out of our hearts spring the issues of life. Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; Who can know it?” Jeremiah 10:23 says, “O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.”

Even a cursory reading of the book of Jeremiah surely impresses upon the reader that the human heart, left to its own devices, only brings sin and sorrow. Proverbs 29:15 similarly shows that “a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.” Children must be brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Eph. 6:4) if they are to have hearts molded by Scripture.

While it is true that young people have free will, thus, the ability to choose their own path, it is also true that rearing children with knowledge of God’s will for their lives greatly increases the likelihood of spiritual success (Deut. 6:1-9; Prov. 22:6). The bottom line, though, is this – we must ensure that young people understand that “following your heart,” generally-speaking and without molding one’s heart by the Word of God, only leads to disaster because the human heart left to its own devices is desperately wicked. Who can know it?

The Christian Influence - Ben Bailey

The Christian Influence....

To illustrate the power of our influence an Old Korean Proverb says, “Power lasts ten years, influence not more than a hundred.” Sometimes we may think, “Am I influencing anyone? The question asked is really a faulty one. It’s not IF we are influencing anyone, but HOW are we influencing them. All of us are an influence on others either for good, bad, or indifference. What type of influence should a Christian possess? Let’s notice what God says.

Concerning our influence, Jesus said, "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Mt. 5:13-16). Jesus likened our influence to two powerful examples in this text: salt & light. All of us can see the value and effect of these in our everyday life. For example, think back to the blandest and most boring meal that you have eaten. Don’t you remember thinking to yourself, “This needs some spice?”. Our influence is that “spice” that adds flavor to life. Oh, how we need to add good “spice” to this life. Then, think about the effects of light. When you walk into a room at night the very first thing you do is…turn on the light. Why? Light helps us to see and adds beauty, vividness, and life to all it touches. The same is true of our example. Our “light” must shine in such a vivid and beautiful way that others can see it and glorify our God!

Parents especially have an influence on their children. Henry Ward Beecher so eloquently said, “What a mother sings to the cradle goes all the way down to the coffin.” How parents need to be a good example to set a principle for their children’s lives. Of the lasting effect of parents upon children, the Holy Spirit said, “…bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). As the old hymn says, “God give us Christian homes” and especially Christian influence in the home!

As we think about influence may our question not be, “Am I influencing anyone?” But rather, “How am I influencing everyone I come in contact with?” May God help us to be influential for Him!

God Knows You! - Jameson Steward

God Knows You

“O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O LORD, You know it altogether” (Psalm 139:1-4).

One of the most significant challenges for anyone who teaches or preaches is that you don’t know some people who are listening all that well. I may know some things about you and try to make an application that I think will be helpful – but sometimes it’s just a shot in the dark. 

Very few people – if any – may know of your deepest, darkest struggles with temptation. Few people may know of the difficulties you are facing in your life. Maybe no one on this earth knows about the tears you’ve cried. However, there is One who knows everything that goes on in your life. 

David wrote that the LORD had searched him and knew him. This refers to profoundly personal and intimate knowledge. The LORD knew things about David that no one else knew or could have known. 

David went on to say that the LORD knew what he was doing – and even knew and understood what he was thinking. David emphasizes that not only does the LORD know what you are doing, but He understands fully why you acted that way. He understands your thoughts, and He understands how you think. 

The LORD fully understands and sees the path we are traveling in life, even when we may not be able to see where a particular decision will lead us. Even when you feel alone, He sees you. The LORD is “acquainted with” (or familiar with) all your ways. 

David wrote that the LORD knew and understood the words he would say before he even said them. God knows and perfectly understands how your mind works and knows the words that come to your mind before you ever say them. It’s safe to say that the LORD knows us better than we even know ourselves. 

The reason the LORD knows everything about us is because He made us. “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well” (Psalm 139:13-14). 

Because God knows everything about us and is our Creator, His word ought to be precious to us (Psalm 139:17-18). He tells us everything we need to know (2 Timothy 3:16-17). This is why it is so crucial for preachers and teachers to proclaim God’s word (2 Timothy 4:2). I may not know you all that well – but God does, and His word is precisely what you need to hear. 

Jameson Steward

"A new year...a new YOU? - It is time!" - Joey Ferrell

Here we are…once again at the end of a year. A year that may have been prosperous for you individually…or it may have been challenging in one way or another. In some ways, all of us can say that we have been prosperous, can we not? We have lived yet another day on this earth and we are alive and somewhat well enough to even read this article. And then…some of us may have had the absolute worst financial, emotional, physical…and maybe even spiritual years we have ever had.

For this author, this year has been a tough mixture of both…but GOD is GREAT all the time! Here I am on the next to the last day of the year looking out the window at what appears to be a warming day after an intense cold spell with record temperatures watching the animals in my own and in my neighbor’s farm. God has truly blessed me beyond measure…in the good times, and in the bad.

I can’t help but think about what James wrote concerning our trials. You may remember in the first chapter, starting in verse 2, James says this:

Brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience, but let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete…”

James goes on to tell us some much more needed wisdom in how we seek out this perfection that we can afford while on this earth, and what a great reading it is.

So…even though we have all had some challenging times….and we have all had some joyous times…we get a “virtual” do-over by changing the calendar in a day or two. Isn’t that an interesting concept? Some days I think that is the silliest concept in the world since all we are doing is writing a different date on things…but then I get it. The paradigm is the underlying idea…not the calendar. Maybe you have had a tough physical year. Unfortunately, I have. Maybe you have lost some very close friends and loved ones. Unfortunately, I have. Maybe some of your closest relationships have become strained. Unfortunately, mine have. Maybe your financial situation changed through a job change, inflation or other things. Both fortunately…and unfortunately, mine has. But look at what we have to look forward to! John records the words of Jesus in Revelation 21 talking about the beauty of eternity in which none of these things will matter as long as we are on the “right side” of eternity.

Let me leave you with some verses that may help us all in the coming year to be better in our patience, our love, our spiritual being, and ourselves. We hope you have had a great year in 2022…and here is to an even better year in 2023!! (Translations vary)

Isaiah 43:18-19 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.
19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

Exodus 12:2 “This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you.”

2 Chronicles 15:7 “But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.”

Psalm 27:1 “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”

Psalm 103:2 “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and do not forget all His kind deeds.”

James 1:17 “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”

Psalm 68:19 “Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, The God who is our salvation.”

Isaiah 43:25 “I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.”

1 Corinthians 9:24 “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.”

Lamentations 3:40 “Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord.”

Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Ezekiel 36:26 “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”

2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

May God bless each of you and we are so thankful for you all!

Until 2023!

~Joey

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From the field and around the www…

It has been a great year for both. We have seen some ups and some downs in our budget, our broadcast footprint, and our field rep visits.

We thought you would like to know though that at the end of the year, we have these analytics to share:

• We have had over 278,000 pages viewed on our website from hundreds of countries

• There have been over 204,000 visitors to the website (a new record)

• 3,616 downloads of our app have occurred this year

• Scott and Joey visited a total of 50 congregations (including three lectureships) in 7 different states

• At year end, we have over 90 local broadcasts on mostly major networks like CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox, MyTv, CW as well as some independent stations

• We measured over 43,000 households watching each week BEFORE adding CW Plus in October

• And…thankfully to our generous contributors, we went from a major deficit in October to being on budget at the end of December

May God ALWAYS have all the glory! Can we come and visit with you in 2023? Please let us know where you are. We would love to talk with you.

Where is Your Treasure? - Ben Bailey

Where is Your Treasure?

            "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal;   but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.   For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:19-21).  With these words our Lord teaches us the folly of material wealth and the splendor of heavenly riches.   There are many worldly temptations that the Devil throws before us each day: money, power, luxuries, etc,.  Jesus clearly teaches us that none of these are more important than our eternal soul.  Jesus said, “What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and looses his own soul?  Or, what shall a man give in exchange for his soul” (Mk. 8:36-37).  Nothing is more important than your soul!  Notice several reasons why we must not put our focus on earthly treasures.

            Worldly Treasures Decay.  No matter how big a home you build, it will one day rot and decay into debris.  No matter how much money you horde up, you will one day die and your money cannot go with you.  In reality, all that exists or ever will exist will one day be destroyed by fire (See 2 Peter 3:9-12).  Why would you want to put your focus on earthly things that will fade away and amount to nothing?

            Wordly Treasures Darken.  One of the major problems with a worldly focus is it blocks our view of what is really important.  Howard Hughes is a modern example of this.  Although he was a multi-millionaire, history reveals to us in his last days he was a sad recluse with no real self-worth.  Jesus teaches us not to let anything get in our way of going to Heaven when he says, “Seek first the kingdom of God…” (Matt. 6:33).  Are worldly treasures obstructing your view of what’s really important?

            Wordly Treasures Divide.  One thing is certain about worldly treasures and God; you can’t have the best of both.  Worldly treasures definitely divide your allegiance.  Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon” (Matt. 6:24).  The reason a person cannot have the best of both worlds is because Jesus will take nothing less than 100% of your devotion (Mark 12:30ff).  Are the treasures of this world dividing you from God?

            Please understand that we are not saying having nicer things is wrong.  That is not the point.  Rather, our focus, passion, and desire cannot be first and foremost on worldly treasures.  May God help each of us to focus on spiritual things first!

Praying - Amy Lawrence

Praying

A Study on Communication

Amy Lawrence

As I write this, I am thinking how unqualified I am to be discussing something I struggle with myself. Don’t get me wrong, the desire to pray is not the trouble. God’s command to pray is for our benefit, not His, Phil. 4:6-7. The struggle is remembering to talk to God without making it nothing but a check in a box. Communication - real, deep communication - is one of my shortcomings. There is only so much of myself that I let be seen. I have my reasons, but I tend to be reserved in any relationship. Rare is the person that can get me to feel comfortable enough to fully open up. I’ve built that habit in my communication with God as well. When I remember (but not as frequently as I should) that my shortcomings shouldn’t keep me from talking to God, I pray. He knows me better than anybody already. There is nothing that is hidden from Him - not even our insecurities - and He still loves us all. That knowledge makes me speak from my heart to the only One that can see the picture in my head before I utter a single word.

As we study together, my desire is that we have a better understanding of prayer that will make us see it for what God intended it to be in our lives and put that into practice. As part of the introduction to this study, let me ask some questions. Does it matter who prays? What should be the quality of our prayers? Where should we pray? How often should we pray? Is there a right or wrong way to pray? The word of God can answer.

Let’s begin with defining the idea of prayer. Before we can define what prayer is, we must first establish what prayer isn’t. It is a common belief that God is this magical force that exists only to grant our wishes. Too many don’t believe or stop believing in God because they pray and think they don’t get an answer, ignoring or dismissing the possibility that God’s answer was “no”. David prayed. God’s answer was no, 2 Sam. 12. He continued to be a servant of God. Jesus prayed. God’s answer was no, Mt. 26. He continued to the cross. Paul prayed. God’s answer was

no, 2 Cor. 12:7-10. He continued in a life of poverty, pain, and peril, 2 Cor. 11:22-29, knowing that it would in the end lead to rest, 2 Tim. 4:6-8. God is not an ATM that fulfills our selfish desires. He is our Creator and knows better than we do what we want and need. Praying is our form of communication with God. It is the avenue created by the Almighty to make our requests known to Him, Phil. 4:6. (Does this mean God doesn’t already know? Absolutely not, Mt. 6:8. He still requires we ASK, Mt. 7:7-8.) It is the method we have of thanking God for giving us what we need - and many times what we want, Col. 3:17, Phil. 4:6, and it is the place our hearts go when we are overwhelmed, Ps. 61:2, Rom. 8:26.

Does it matter who prays? Paul wrote to Timothy that only men are to pray aloud in a worship assembly, 1 Tim. 2:8. Does this mean women cannot pray at all in the assembly? We can pray in worship services - just not out loud, 1 Cor. 14:34. James wrote that the “fervent prayer of the righteous” is the most beneficial, James 5:16…but what about the unrighteous? Recorded in Proverbs 15:29, God’s ear is “far from the wicked”. Isaiah wrote that God “will not hear” the unrighteous, Is. 59:1-2. God told Jeremiah not to pray for Judah, Jeremiah 14:11-12. Why? The answer is found in verse 10. They had no desire to follow God and His commandments, therefore God refused to hear them. It matters who prays. Let’s be clear here, though. We should pray for all; including the unrighteous, that they find their way to God, 1 Tim. 2:1. What God disallowed Jeremiah to pray for (and disallows us today, 1 Jn. 5:16) was for God to forgive the sins of the unrepentant. A person that is made aware of sin and still refuses to make their life right in the sight of God is one who has made the choice to remain beyond reach, Is. 59:1-2, 1 Pet. 3:12.

What should be the quality of our prayers? The quality is as important as the quantity. In my personal experience, my prayers vary. Sometimes it is a brief prayer, Jn. 11:41-42, sometimes it is an intense hour of talking with God, Mt. 14:23-25. I talk differently in private versus leading a prayer in the ladies’ Bible class, i.e. personal details and mannerisms compared with general topics concerning the church as a whole to a public audience. It would not be appropriate for me to make a personal, individual prayer when leading others in prayer, nor should my prayers be routine and practiced to the point of robotic habit, Mt. 6:7. There are many factors to be considered in prayer. First and foremost, the condition of the heart determines if a prayer is received, Ps. 51:15-17. One that has the right kind of heart will keep God’s commandments, 1 Jn. 3:22. Respect and honor are also due the One to whom we speak, Jude 24-25. He has earned it. Emotions also play a large part in the quality of prayers, Phil. 1:3-4, Rom. 15:30, Mk.

14:32-34. My most frequent emotions are joy and thankfulness, Phil. 4:4, Col. 3:15, but there have been times when confusion, frustration, anger, and overwhelming sadness were a part of my prayers. Paul was confused, Acts 9:4-6. Moses was frustrated, Ex. 15:23-26, and angry, Num.

16:12-15. Job was overwhelmed with sadness, Job 3, as was Jesus, Lk. 22:44. What these all have in common is that they talked to God about it. We must remember that we can always talk with God…but sometimes we need help. This is a job for the Helper, Jn. 14:16. Who is this? The Holy Spirit! As Christ intercedes for us through sacrifice, Heb. 7:25-28, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us through prayer, Rom. 8:26-27, Eph. 6:18. Our prayers can be spoken with the assurance that the One listening has all the answers, Rom. 8:28.

Where should we pray? There is no wifi on the planet like prayer. We can pray from anywhere, and there is no interference or disconnection. Solomon prayed from a scaffold, 2 Chr. 6:13. Elijah sat beneath a juniper tree as he talked with God, 1 Kings 19:4. Paul and Silas lifted up prayer while in prison, Acts 16:25. Nowhere is beyond God’s ability to hear, not even our own minds, 1 Sam. 1:9-15. It is no wonder; God is everywhere, 2 Chr. 16:9, Ps. 34:15. (It is up to our good sense to know if where we are is a good place to pray out loud or not.)

How often should we pray? I will first admit that my prayers are not as frequent as they should be. On days when I am on point, I pray intermittently from the time I wake until the time I lay back down to sleep, 1 Thess. 5:17. There is no wrong time to pray and no such thing as praying too much. We must, however, be careful if we are not praying enough.

Is there a right or wrong way to pray?1 Jn. 5:14 “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, he hears us…” Anything we ask of God must be in congruence with both the will of God and the laws that He has established by which we must live. One cannot pray according to God’s will if one does not know God’s will. Once there exists in Christians a knowledge of the commands and nature of God, this allows us to pray as we ought - fervently, unselfishly, and in accordance with God’s purpose, Lk. 11:1-4.

When we bare our souls to God through prayer regularly, this allows the peace Christ offers to settle in and take up residence in our hearts, Phil. 4:6-7. No such peace is found anywhere else. I hope this study has brought as much enlightenment to your prayer life as it has to mine.

Thanksgiving to God - Ben Bailey

Thanksgiving to God

Ben Bailey

“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise.  Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.  For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations” (Psalm 100:4-5).  With the recent Thanksgiving holiday upon us, many are counting their blessings.  But shouldn’t thanksgiving be an everyday event instead of a once a year holiday.  To the child of God, everyday is a day of thanksgiving.  But, what should we thank God for?

“…Proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving, And tell of all Your wondrous works” (Psalm 26:7).  Christians should be thankful for all that God has done for them.  These works would include: God’s love (Rom. 5:6-8), God’s mercy (Lam. 3:21-22), God sacrifice (Isa. 53:10, Matt. 27:46), and God’s salvation (Eph. 2:8-10).  Truly, Christians are the most blessed people in the entire world.

“For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer” (1 Tim. 4:4-5).  The Christian should be thankful for the necessities of life that God provides.  God is the one who provides all our needs (Phil 4:19).  If we are seeking first God’s kingdom and His righteousness, then all else will be provided for us (Matt. 6:33).   Aren’t you thankful you don’t have to worry about such things as where your next meal will come from or what clothes you will wear? 

“Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms” (Psalm 95:2).  In this context the psalmist is elated that He can be in the presence of the God of the Universe.  Today, we should be thankful that we are able to have a relationship with God.  We should be thankful that we can call Him father (Matt. 6:9).  We should be grateful that we are part of His family (1 Tim. 3:15).  Truly, it is an awesome privilege to have a relationship with Jehovah!

“ Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving” (Col. 4:2).  May every day of our lives be filled with prayers of thanksgiving to God.  If there is a time when we become unthankful, may we stop for just a moment and think about those who are less fortunate than us.  “ I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving, And will call upon the name of the LORD” (Psalm 116:17).