Shadyside Church of Christ

The church is called by its Lord to do good works. But the church should beware of getting so involved in doing good works of all kinds that it forgets the primary purpose and mission which Jesus has given to it. And that would be to proclaim the gospel to a lost world. Many groups and agencies do good works, but only the church has the gospel to share.

By and large, people do not understand love as God does. The world sees love as a warm feeling which, in turn, doesn't want to hurt the feelings of others. God says: I love you just the way you are, but I love you too much to let you stay that way. God has our best interests at heart - our eternal interests. Problem is - too many people choose to ignore their eternal interests.

Long ago, Job wondered that if a person died would they live again.  Resurrection of the dead is difficult to believe in.  It just goes against the reality which we know.  Even some of those present on the very day of Jesus' resurrection would not believe it happened.  Yet, others rejoiced that Jesus was alive again.  Eye witnesses reported a risen Jesus.  If their witness is true, this changes everything!  What about you?

Regarding faith, Abraham is called "the father of us all" by Paul.  If we consider the many events in his life, we must marvel that he continued to believe in God despite the opposing and contrary circumstances he faced.  What are the key elements of such a faith as Abraham's?

The word of God can penetrate deep into the heart and soul to reveal our thoughts and intents. A person can respond to the word with belief and humble obedience, or they can disbelieve, resist and turn away from the truth of God. Two kings of Judah illustrate these two responses for us quite well, and give us all "food for thought."

A careful look at scriptures which detail the gospel reveals that each one contains some different truths not found in the others.  The church has probably been guilty of shrinking the gospel message into a "neat little package" and not presenting its many and rich truths for people to make an informed, faith decision.  This could be one reason why the church itself is shrinking in many places.

Most Christians would say they trust the Lord, but when things get tough, do we trust Him or look to something else? David had trusted the Lord all his life, but turned his heart elsewhere in a weak moment. It caused a lot of trouble for Israel and cost many lives. What can we learn?

Suicide rates continue to rise in this country as more and more people find life has nothing to offer them any more. Even if suicide is not contemplated, many people in different situations find that life is meaningless and that they are just hanging around waiting to die. What is the answer? Is life worth living? Jesus would answer with a resounding "Yes!" Let's see what the Word has to say.

We have all learned the importance of being ready for significant events - a test, an interview, a wedding, etc. In the parable of the wise and foolish virgins, Jesus teaches us the importance of being ready for the next greatest event on this earth - His return for His bride, the church. The story teaches us that those who are ready will join in the celebration, but those who are not ready will be shut out. Are you ready?

When Jesus faced off with the devil in the wilderness, a lot was going on.  God had never been tempted before, but now the Son of God in a human body was on enemy turf.  The devil tried to bribe Jesus and buy Him off in order to divert Him from His mission, but Jesus would have none of it - He was not for sale!   We need to follow Jesus' example and not take any of the devil's bribes.

Much of the world denies the supernatural.  Such folks argue that all that exists is matter and energy.  Yet, many people pursue the paranormal and are thrilled with a Harry Potter book or movie.  Wonder why that is?  The Bible affirms the existence of the supernatural.  From God Himself who is spirit, to angels to, in fact, our own spirit and soul, the world is filled with the supernatural.

One of the joys of being a Christian is sowing the seed of God's word and helping it grow in people. It grows at different rates in different folks, and there is usually the need to keep watering and cultivating for the tender plant to truly take root and thrive on its own. This is joyful work in which we follow in the steps of our Lord.

The author of Hebrews cautions his readers about drifting way from "so great a salvation."  What makes this salvation in Christ so great?  Has even the church today lost sight of salvation's greatness and substituted some "soft sell" message to get people in the pews?

The scriptures have a lot to say about what we say!  The tongue can do a lot of damage to people, or it can do a lot of good.  The Holy Spirit affirms there is great healing power in the tongue - how our words can encourage, uplift and comfort others at different times in life.  We all need to learn to do a lot better with what we say and when we say it.

It will be a great and marvelous day when Jesus comes back at the end of earth time.  Many things will happen then which will make it a great day.  What will take place on that day?  Jesus said that no man, not even the angels, but only the Father knows when He will return.  So Jesus' word to all of us is to "be ready!"