What Jesus has Done for His People
The Bible is a never-ending repository of the mysteries of salvation. What has Jesus done for mankind? The answers can be found in the pages of scripture! He descended to earth that we might ascend to Heaven (John 6:38; 14:3). He became poor that we might become rich (2 Corinthians 8:9; James 2:5). He was […]
Another Texas Church Uses Beer
After last week’s bulletin article, “Texas Church Attracts New Followers With Beer,” I had a brother call me about another Texas church that he knew of using a bar and beer to try to “minister” to people. Only this time — it was a church of Christ. The Bar Church is located in Abilene, TX […]
Ten Commandments for a Happy Congregation
Speak to people. Speak to everyone, especially to those you do not know. There is nothing quite so nice as a cheerful word of greeting. Smile at people. It takes far more muscles to frown than to smile. Your smile is one of your finest assets. Use it! It does not cost a thing! Call […]
Texas Church Attracts Followers with Beer
A Texas church is trying something different to attract new congregates. A pub in Fort Worth is home to the Church-in-a-Pub, where members of the Calvary Lutheran Church meet for services and grab a pint at the same time. Calvary Lutheran Church “pastor” Phillip Heinze explained how the idea first came about. “We we’re looking […]
The Word “Church”
The etymology of “church” is unclear. When one consults linguistic sources he finds several suggestions as to how the word may have evolved into our language. The most common theory is that it came into English from an adaptation of one or more of the European languages’ adaptation of the Greek word kyriakon meaning “of […]
Alienated by Technology
Ten years ago, we were all given a big promise of community, civics, and convenience — through the magic of technology (phones, tablets, etc.). Ten years on, we’re dislocated, distrustful, and disengaged. We, regrettably, have been alienated by technology. Perhaps the ones who will pay the highest price will be the youngest in society: the […]
Did Paul go to Heaven When He Died?
To answer this question there is only one place we may go: to his writings. Thus we will consider Paul’s writings and in doing so will look at different periods in his life and the things he wrote during those times. We will examine his early letters in the years circa A.D. 52-53, to his epistles […]
What Does Your Church Look Like?
For at least a couple of decades, denominational churches have pushed their “youth ministries” to the point that they basically resemble a rock concert. Darkened stages, lasers, dry ice, and rock music betray the “market-driven” approach that is ironically pushing their youth out the door. The problem is “preference.” “Market-driven youth ministry” gives young people […]
It Has Always Been Around
A lot of Christians are caught up in the idea that the present time is the only time filled with strife, division, and false teaching. Churches of Christ have always had strife (Philippians 1:15-16), division (3 John 9-10), false teachers (2 Peter 2:1-3), false gospels (Galatians 1:6-9), perverse members (Acts 20:29-30; Jude 4), and servants […]
Adam and Jesus
Our Sunday morning Bible class has been studying Romans, and the power of this book is always striking to me. In Romans 1-4, the topic of righteousness through faith in Christ and man’s individual responsibility for his sin and response to Christ has been emphasized in clear, prosaic language. In Romans 5:12-21, Paul sums up […]
