We often find comfort in the familiar. We are commanded by Christ to love one another, especially our own brethren. John 15:12, 17 says, “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. . . These things I command you, that you love one another.” This sentiment is the bedrock of the church, repeated in Matthew 19:19 and Matthew 22:39. A Radical Command However, Jesus takes this a step further—into territory that challenges our very nature. He tells us to

We often find comfort in the familiar. We are commanded by Christ to love one another, especially our own brethren. John 15:12, 17 says, “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. . . These things I command you, that you love one another.” This sentiment is the bedrock of the church, repeated in Matthew 19:19 and Matthew 22:39. A Radical Command However, Jesus takes this a step further—into territory that challenges our very nature. He tells us to

Just imagine what God can do with us when we fully surrender to Him and His will. It is a concept that sounds daunting at first—giving up control—but the Bible promises a beautiful transformation when we do. When we submit to God, He will lift us up (James 4:10). One of the most profound ways He lifts us up is by adopting us into His family. A New Environment for Growth When you are baptized and added to the Body of Christ, you aren’t just joining a religion; you are given a

Just imagine what God can do with us when we fully surrender to Him and His will. It is a concept that sounds daunting at first—giving up control—but the Bible promises a beautiful transformation when we do. When we submit to God, He will lift us up (James 4:10). One of the most profound ways He lifts us up is by adopting us into His family. A New Environment for Growth When you are baptized and added to the Body of Christ, you aren’t just joining a religion; you are given a

What does "active ministry" look like in a practical sense? We noticed last week that every person in the Lord’s church should be a contributing member in the work. For most of my life I’ve heard church leaders talking about “The Big 3” ministries in the church. Let’s identify those three things and their primary function to the Body. Benevolence is the heartbeat of a living faith, manifesting as a tangible response to the physical and emotional suffering of others ( M

When many people think of "ministry," they picture a man in a pulpit or a missionary in a far-off land. They envision someone with a specific degree or a formal title. But in the New Testament, ministry was never intended to be a spectator sport. It wasn’t a performance by a "clergy" for an audience of "laity." Instead, the church was described as a living, breathing body where every single part—no matter how small—had a vital function. I am a member of the church of Christ b

When many people think of "ministry," they picture a man in a pulpit or a missionary in a far-off land. They envision someone with a specific degree or a formal title. But in the New Testament, ministry was never intended to be a spectator sport. It wasn’t a performance by a "clergy" for an audience of "laity." Instead, the church was described as a living, breathing body where every single part—no matter how small—had a vital function. I am a member of the church of Christ b

In a world increasingly fractured by the poison of racism—a lie that suggests some humans are superior to others—we must return to the very beginning to find our footing. Racism thrives on the illusion of fundamental difference, but I submit to you that the soil of the Garden of Eden tells a different story. We’re all connected to the same Source. The Word of God reveals that every human being, regardless of shade or stature, shares a single, divine origin. When the Creator f

In a world increasingly fractured by the poison of racism—a lie that suggests some humans are superior to others—we must return to the very beginning to find our footing. Racism thrives on the illusion of fundamental difference, but I submit to you that the soil of the Garden of Eden tells a different story. We’re all connected to the same Source. The Word of God reveals that every human being, regardless of shade or stature, shares a single, divine origin. When the Creator f

Many people view religion as a weekend hobby—something to be checked off a list on Sunday morning before returning to "real life" on Monday. But for the follower of Christ, there is no distinction between the secular and the sacred. When we emerge from the waters of baptism, we don’t just join a church; we embark on a completely new way of existing. I am a member of the church of Christ because we emphasize that Christianity is a 24/7 commitment. It is not enough to worship r

Many people view religion as a weekend hobby—something to be checked off a list on Sunday morning before returning to "real life" on Monday. But for the follower of Christ, there is no distinction between the secular and the sacred. When we emerge from the waters of baptism, we don’t just join a church; we embark on a completely new way of existing. I am a member of the church of Christ because we emphasize that Christianity is a 24/7 commitment. It is not enough to worship r

If you were to ask ten different religious leaders, "What must I do to be saved?" you would likely receive ten different answers. Some might tell you to "say the sinner’s prayer." Others might say, "Just believe in your heart." Some might tell you that you were saved before you were even born, while others suggest a long process of sacraments and rituals. In the midst of this confusion, where do we find the truth? Within the churches of Christ, we believe the answer must come

If you were to ask ten different religious leaders, "What must I do to be saved?" you would likely receive ten different answers. Some might tell you to "say the sinner’s prayer." Others might say, "Just believe in your heart." Some might tell you that you were saved before you were even born, while others suggest a long process of sacraments and rituals. In the midst of this confusion, where do we find the truth? Within the churches of Christ, we believe the answer must come

Over my 30 years in ministry I’ve fielded a lot of questions about our modern holidays. Most of us realize that December 25th isn't Jesus’s literal birthday (He was likely born in the spring), and that the date of Easter shifts every year. This often leads to a deeper, more personal question: Is it actually okay for a Christian to celebrate these days? How do we even know which day is correct in celebrating that holiday? The word "holiday" literally comes from "holy day," but

Imagine you held the cure for a global pandemic in your hand. You knew exactly how to stop the suffering, how to heal the sick, and how to prevent future deaths. Would you keep it to yourself? Would you hide the formula in a drawer, or would you shout it from the rooftops? The Gospel—the "Good News" of Jesus Christ—is the only cure for the spiritual pandemic of sin. Every person we pass on the street, every coworker in the next cubicle, and every neighbor across the fence is

Imagine you held the cure for a global pandemic in your hand. You knew exactly how to stop the suffering, how to heal the sick, and how to prevent future deaths. Would you keep it to yourself? Would you hide the formula in a drawer, or would you shout it from the rooftops? The Gospel—the "Good News" of Jesus Christ—is the only cure for the spiritual pandemic of sin. Every person we pass on the street, every coworker in the next cubicle, and every neighbor across the fence is

Giving is more than just a logistical necessity of the church; it is a profound act of worship rooted in the examples and commands found in the New Testament. When we look at the early Christians, we see a pattern of generosity that wasn't just about money, but about a deep-seated devotion to God and their fellow believers. A Pattern of Purpose The early church established a clear rhythm for their contributions. In I Corinthians 16:1–2, Paul provides specific instructions: "N

Giving is more than just a logistical necessity of the church; it is a profound act of worship rooted in the examples and commands found in the New Testament. When we look at the early Christians, we see a pattern of generosity that wasn't just about money, but about a deep-seated devotion to God and their fellow believers. A Pattern of Purpose The early church established a clear rhythm for their contributions. In I Corinthians 16:1–2, Paul provides specific instructions: "N

In any organization, the structure of leadership determines its direction, health, and longevity. If you look at the corporate world, you see CEOs and boards of directors. In the political world, you see presidents and parliaments. In the religious world, you often see popes, archbishops, or centralized "headquarters" that dictate policy for thousands of local congregations. However, when we look at the New Testament, we find a completely different model. The church of Christ

In any organization, the structure of leadership determines its direction, health, and longevity. If you look at the corporate world, you see CEOs and boards of directors. In the political world, you see presidents and parliaments. In the religious world, you often see popes, archbishops, or centralized "headquarters" that dictate policy for thousands of local congregations. However, when we look at the New Testament, we find a completely different model. The church of Christ