Shadyside Church of Christ

With all of the shootings, fraud, drug overdosing, political divisiveness, etc. in the news, it's often difficult to think there's anything good in the world.  We can't allow ourselves to be distracted by all the evil (one of the devil's tactics), but to develop a heart and eye to look for what is beautiful and good.  God has set a lot of beauty in His world if we but look for it.

#cofcshadyside

In our "throw away" society where people get new smart phones more often than a new pair of shoes, and ballplayers change teams when the wind changes direction, too many people are led to think they are replaceable also.  But God has a different take on things.  He knows and loves each and every person and wants each one to enjoy eternal life with Him.  No one can be replaced.

Sometimes our problems in life seem overwhelming and insurmountable.  Goliath of the Philistines was such a problem for Saul and Israel.  They cowered in fear at this nine foot war machine.  But David, the shepherd lad, had the answer.  It was found in his heart, in his long-practiced skills, and in his God.

We know this is one of the things which Jesus said while being crucified.  We might just explain this by saying that Jesus did what He was sent by His Father to do.  This of course is true, but when we look at everything which Jesus accomplished and fulfilled in His life and death, we are again in awe of God and the purposes which He achieved in His Son Jesus Christ.

In the first century, people from both Jewish and pagan religious backgrounds were being added to this new church of Christ followers.  In their former religions, they had traditions which they observed.  The question became, then, what do we do in our new faith?  Jesus and the apostles (by the Holy Spirit) passed down the "traditions" to the early church, and we still have them to follow today.

Over the years, kings, countries and individuals have claimed that God is on their side in some conflict or struggle.  We see this all through history, and even in the events of today.  Does God choose sides in these kinds of situations?  Does God remain neutral in conflicts?  Just how does this work?

James and John made a request of Jesus that they could sit in places of honor on either side of Him in the kingdom.  Jesus had to set them straight about how to become "great."  He said if you wanted to be great or be first in His kingdom you had to become a servant to all, just as He was.  So what are some things we can do to become servants and become great in the kingdom?  They might surprise you.

When our clothes get dirty and smelly we put them in the laundry basket and eventually into the wash machine to get clean.  When a Christian sins, how does she get those sin stains removed?  Only one thing can remove sin and that's the blood of Christ.  So if we don't remain in the faith and bring our sins to Jesus for removal, will we be cleansed of those sins? 

Because of the fierce competition in today's world, people want recognition for their accomplishments.  Every person and every company is seen to promote themselves.  The Lord is not averse to honoring people, but He does so for reasons different from the world, and He does it in a very different way.

Acts of evil and violence seem to be escalating in our world.  Countries and individuals are taking lives for the most selfish of reasons and without remorse.  What is the source of all of this?  What should be the church's response?  What can an individual Christian do?

Most of us dream (drool?) about what we would do if we won one of those multi-million dollar lotteries.  New house and vehicles?  Pay off all debts and loans?  World travel?  Maybe even do some good for those in need?  But Jesus spoke of "true riches."  And Paul writes of "the unfathomable riches of Christ."  What are these?  And how much are they worth?

Are you saved?  Can you know for sure?  Scholars and believers of all stripes have debated this over the years.  To be sure of one's salvation, it must be based on something which cannot fail under any circumstances and will always be available.  What would that be?  Do you have it?

From the beginning, work has been a part of God's plan.  Scripture records about creation: "By the seventh day God completed His work which He had done."  Adam was given the task of tending the Garden.  Even Jesus was a carpenter.  So, work is part of human life, and is seen by God as necessary and important.  How we do our work matters to God.

After He was raised from the dead, Jesus told His disciples to go proclaim the gospel - this good news - to all creation.  That Somebody came back from the dead and now promises eternal life to all those who will follow Him is incredibly great news!  Why do His followers have so much trouble sharing it?

Jesus said "It is more blessed to give than to receive."  In our very materialistic and self-centered world, even Christians have a hard time with this statement.  Of course it's true, and we must find the blessedness in learning to give as God has given to us.  Not only material possessions are in view, but skills, time, smiles, prayers, et al.  And God even offers a special blessing for those who give freely.

Every Christian needs to engage in their own personal Bible reading and study.  In order to help us in that pursuit, the Holy Spirit has provided in the word itself some key basics for profitable study.  If we use these guidelines, we will keep ourselves from misinterpreting scripture and wandering too far to the right or to the left of the truth of God's word.

Last time, we observed that the devil is the master of lies and deception, opposing the word of truth and making counterfeit Christians.  The devil met his match in the Son of God as Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil and provide His people with the weaponry to fight him off.  The devil's final end may surprise you.