Church guide

Thought for the day: It is impossible to exaggerate the importance of God's holy character.

MOVING INTO THE WEEK Today is Tuesday. We are moving into our week at work. The activities of Sunday are fading every minute. As we move into week, we need to be reminded of a few things. 1. We are Christians. We should be Christ-like. 2. The Bible is our guide in life. 3. We need to pray always. 4. We need to appreciate the Lord’s death. 5. Sin is sin any and every day. 6. We must be lights for others. 7. We should take advantage of opportunities to teach the gospel. 8. Don’t forget you brothers and sisters in Christ, especially the sick and shut-in. 9. There is no promise of tomorrow. 10. Your family is very important. 11. Love others, even your enemies. 12. Take advantage of mid-week Bible Study. 13. Rejoice in persecutions and sufferings. 14. Be the worker, student, volunteer, etc., that stands out from the others because of your attitude, your work ethic, and your kind words. 15. When wounded by others, do not seek revenge. There are many “ways of living” we need to keep at the forefront on our minds. Keep heaven always in your mind as well. Make certain you are stretching for that finish line every day of the week. Please don’t live your life in such a way as to miss it. Author : Victor M. Eskew

WHO WILL BE SAVED? Saved? What do we mean? We mean man has a soul. We mean God has given mankind a law. We mean that violating God’s law is sin. We mean sin separates one from God. We mean that unless those sins are forgiven, man will ultimately suffer punishment in hell. We mean that man needs to be rescued. Being rescued is to be saved. But, who will be saved? Who will be rescued? There are two basic requirements to be saved. 1. Obey the gospel of Christ (Heb. 5:9). 2. Be faithful till death (Rev. 2:10). These things bring one into contact with the death and blood of Jesus Christ (Rom. 6:3-4; I John 1:7). It is this blood that paid the price for our sins ( I Pet. 1:18-19). It is this blood that saves us (Rom. 5:10). But some will say: “But I thought God loves all men.” He does, but He will not force men to be saved. We must choose that for ourselves ( Acts 2:40). He wants us to respond with our love to His love (I John 4:19; John 14:15). Who will be saved? All who submit to God’s plan of salvation and who live faithfully all of their lives. Can you do that? Sure you can! My friends, don’t be lost. BE SAVED! Author : Victor M. Eskew

Thought for the day: Our greatest threat is not the enemies around us but the appetites within us.

Seek the church that Jesus actually built. This is what it looks like. God's Authorized Worship - Colossians 3:17 1. Lord's Supper - The New Testament and early church history record that Christians met on the first day of every week (Sunday) to worship God and remember Christ (Acts 20:7; I Corinthians 11:23-34; 16:1-2). 2. Prayer - (Acts 2:42; Philippians 4:6-7; I Thessalonians 5:17-18). 3. Singing - God's word authorizes only vocal music and specifically singing (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 2:12). The New Testament shows no use of mechanical instruments of music in worship to God by the church Christ established. Church history notes no such use for nearly 700 years after the New Testament was completed. It is an innovation of men, not of God. 4. Giving - Free-willed, cheerful generous, and every week (Acts 20:35; I Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 8:9). 5. Preaching of the Word - The gospel of Christ, not men's doctrines nor entertainment, saves and strengthens us (Acts 2:42; 20:7; Romans 10:17; I Corinthians 1:18-23) Identifying Characteristics of the Lord’s Church 1. Christ’s name is exalted (Colossians 3:17; Philippians 2:9-11) 2. Christ is supreme authority (Colossians 1:18; 2:6, 7) 3. Headquarters are heaven (Philippians 3:20; Hebrews 12:23) 4. God’s Word is the standard (2 Timothy 2:15; 3:15- 17) 5. Autonomous congregations (Acts 14:23; 20:17) 6. Funded by free-will giving (1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:7) 7. Male leadership (1 Corinthians 14:34-35; 1 Timothy 2:8-15) 8. Plan of salvation (Mark 16:15, 16; Acts 2:37, 38) 9. Day of worship (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1, 2) 10. Form of worship (John 4:23, 24; Matthew 15:8, 9) 11. Vocal/heart music (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16) 12. Evangelistic (Matthew 28:18-20; Ephesians 3:10; Acts 8:4) 13. Believes the truth (John 8:31, 32; Ephesians 1:13; 2 Thess. 2:13) 14. Practices the truth (1 John 2:3, 4; 1 Peter 1:22; 3 John 4) 15. Teaches the truth (Ephesians 4:15; 2 Timothy 2:15) 16. Defends the truth (1 Timothy 3:15; Jude 3; 1 Peter 3:15) 17. Priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:5, 9; Revelation 1:6) 18. Likeminded (1 Corinthians 1:10; Philippians 1:27; Romans 15:5, 6) 19. Love (John 13:35; 1 Corinthians 13:1-7; 1 John 4:7-21) 20. Good works (Ephesians 2:10; James 2:14-26; Titus 2:14) 21. Benevolence (Galatians 6:10; James 1:27; Matthew 25:34-40) 22. Mutual edification (Romans 14:19; 1 Corinthians 14:12) 23. Practices discipline (Matthew 18:15-17; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15) 24. Promotes family values (Matthew 19:4-9; Ephesians 5:22-6:4) 25. Upholds moral principles (Matthew 5:13-16; 1 Peter 4:15) God's Plan of Salvation: Hear: Romans 10:17 Believe: John 8:24 Repent: Luke 13:3 Confess: Romans 10:10 Be Baptized: Mark 16:16 Remain faithful: Revelation 2:10

Jesus warned: "Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets" (Luke 6:26)!

Thought for the day: Money can buy diamonds; it cannot purchase wisdom, character, sympathy, faith, or holiness.

Thought for the day: When you have reached your wit's end, you may have come to God's starting point.

DISCUSS, ARGUE, OR DODGE There are times when individuals post things in order to start a discussion. Usually the topic is controversial. What I have found are three reactions to these posts. 1. Some just like to argue. A. They immediately oppose the individual. B. They will use harsh words. C. They will sometimes attack the individual. D. They reject questions about their position. E. They do not really read the replies of others. F. They are right and they know it. G. Their language and attitude turns others off. 2. Some will dodge the issue. A. They will make a comment, often in disagreement. B. Their pet answer is: "You just do not understand." C. They never try to get another to understand. D. They just continue to disagree regardless of the facts. E. Their position is not true, but they will not admit it. F. For some reason, they MUST hold their position. G. It is useless to try to discuss things with them because they will tell you that you will never understand. 3. Some will discuss the issue. A. They do not view you as an enemy. B. They treat you with respect. C. They have arguments for their position. D. They will seek to answer your arguments. E. They may not change their mind, but they do not write the person off in anger and hate. F. They truly want you to know where the other person is coming from. G. If they are wrong, they will admit it. It is rare to find a person who really wants to discuss an issue. Arguing with others and dodging the issues allow individuals to hold on to what they believe without really considering the side of the other individual. These two methods also keep people divided from each other. We must be able to discuss issues openly and honestly. In the course of time, there may come a point when the discussion ends. Too, fellowship may not be something that can be maintained between the two. At least, if healthy discussion has ensued, we maintain our honor and dignity both for self and for our fellowman. Too, the discussion can continue in the future when things for one or both are different. Let's open up the discussion. Author : Victor M. Eskew

Thought for the day: Prayer is needed in smooth waters as well as stormy seas.

Jeremiah 23: 29. Is not my word like fire? saith Jehovah; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?

Thought for the day: The person who walks with God will always get to his destination.