"The No Drama Club" - Amy Lawrence

Peacemakers

The No Drama Club

There is a particular type of personality in certain individuals I have encountered over the years that I call the “drama junkie” personality. Drama is an addiction to them; if they don’t have it, they seek it. If they can’t find it, they make it. It is a way of life they have lived for so long that they know no other way to exist. Peace and quiet are foreign to them, even painful sometimes. They are, as a result of their personality, characteristically dramatic - both emotionally and practically. A relationship with such a person rarely involves peace. Given that God commands Christians to be

Peacemakers (Rom. 12:18), I felt it necessary to dive into a study, not just as an article subject, but for my own personal spiritual growth as well. Please allow me to share with you what I found.

It would be ridiculous for me to suggest that all drama can be avoided. We all know that such is not the case in this life. Struggles are a reality, and truth be told, there are enough of them occurring naturally that makes purposely adding more a senseless endeavor. Matthew wrote, “sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Mt. 6:34). We don’t need to add to an already heavy load of daily struggles…but there are those that cannot seem to help themselves. It’s a habit, really; one that some continue in ignorance and some continue on purpose. The ways by which drama is cultivated more popularly among us as women include gossiping and meddling in affairs that do not concern us. Scripture gives the usual reason for such actions: idleness, 2 Thess. 3:11, 1 Tim. 5:13. The old maxim “Idle hands are the Devil’s workshop” rings all too true. We tell this to our children, but there are some adults that could benefit from the proverb as well. What is rarely acknowledged is the division that is caused by such actions. Gossip can divide the closest of friends. Meddling can separate like an axe laid to a block of wood. Paul pleaded with the Corinthians that there “be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgement”, 1 Cor. 1:10. He later stated that there should be “no schism (division) in the body (church), but that the members should have the same care for one another”, 1 Cor. 12:25. So…how do we do this?

The first step to solving any problem is acknowledging that there is a problem. Women are stereotyped for being gossipers, and for good reason. It’s generally women doing the gossiping. This is not to say that men never gossip, but let’s be real here, ladies. Men are not famous for talking about feelings, and they rarely, if ever, have the inclination to meddle in others’ affairs. Women are normally the culprits. I myself despise gossip. I’ve seen what it can do. It is a viral evil that destroys trust and connection. There is no such thing as innocent gossip. It is done purely for entertainment purposes and has no value whatsoever. As a matter of fact, it costs more than it garners. Solomon wrote, “He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a dog by the ears.” (Prov. 26:17) I’d like to think we are all smart enough to stay well away from a dog’s teeth, but somehow we have all fallen into the trap of listening to/helping spread gossip and meddling in affairs of which we have no business meddling. I have been guilty, and as my past contains incidents of such, I have learned first hand the damage such actions produce. It’s like a drug; we know it’s wrong, but our carnal minds find ways to justify it. I hate it, try my best to avoid it, but it is still a temptation. The good thing is, we know Someone that can help us avoid temptation.

There are a number of tools necessary to avoid such temptations. A primary tool in our Christian toolbox should be courage. When we read of the Christian armor in Ephesians 6, this courage is found in the context. Notice verses 11, 13, and 14 use the word “stand”. There is courage in standing instead of cowering or running away. Gossiping is cowardly. First, the subject of the gossip is not there to defend themselves, and second, gossip is an attempt to recruit others to join in the behavior. If a person has committed a legitimate offense worth mentioning, there is protocol found in scripture for such situations, Mt. 18:15-17. Have courage, and be gentle, Gal. 6:1. If it’s not worth mentioning, don’t mention it. 

Another tool in our box should be wisdom. The Holy Spirit through Solomon said, “Wisdom is the principal thing…” (Prov. 4:7). How do we gain wisdom? Where does it begin? I recommend studying the phrase “fear of the Lord” in scripture. It is remarkable how many times and in what context you will find this phrase. The psalmist wrote, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…” (Psalm. 111:10). Wisdom in scripture is often coupled with knowledge and understanding. We like to call it “sense” or “reason”. A person that is in possession of these faculties has the ability through learning and experience to make wise decisions. Meddling is making an unwise decision to become a part of a situation that is none of our business. Peter tried to meddle, Jn. 21:21. Jesus, in so many words, told Peter it was none of his business and that he should keep his focus on what truly mattered, vs. 22. We are encouraged by scripture to do the same, 1 Pet. 4:14-16.

Christians are called to be peacemakers, Mt. 5:9. This false idea that peace means a complete absence of drama is not supported by scripture, because peace is not the absence of drama. It is the presence of justice. As long as there is justice, there is peace. When justice begins to disappear, history has proven time and again that peace shortly follows. We must also notice in scripture that peace is the direct antithesis of division. This concept is brought out in verses such as Lk. 12:51 and Eph. 2:14-15. As division separates, peace brings together. We must unite against sin instead of allowing ourselves to be divided because of sin. Part of this unity is allowing ourselves to be subject to one another, 1 Pet. 5:5. We must help one another. Part of this help is encouraging, and part is rebuking. We must be humble enough to receive both with alacrity, give both with love, courage, and gentleness. 

Let us be peacemakers, James 3:13-18.

David, A Leader in Purity

Ralph Waldo Emerson once stated, “What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lives within us.”  This statement defines the real essence of leadership.  Great leaders are not defined by past accomplishments of future endeavors.  Great leaders are distinctly remembered for their integrity of heart.  For example, David was a great military leader.  His leadership accomplishments range from the defeat of Goliath to the conquering of the enemy nations.  Yet, when we think of King David it is not those accomplishments that stand out.  David is best remembered for that one statement God made concerning him: “I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will” (Acts 13:22).   David will forever be remembered as a leader after God’s own heart.  What  made David a leader in purity?  And, what characteristics can we possess to be leaders in purity?

True leaders are pure in principle.  Peter Marshall, who served as U. S. Senate Chaplain in 1947, is famous for making the following statement, “Give us clear vision that we may know where to stand and what to stand for - because unless we stand for something, we shall fall for anything.”  David was dedicated to doing the right thing, even when it was difficult.  For example, in a cave in the wilderness of En Gedi David could have very easily assassinated his enemy Saul.  He came very close to doing so—so close that he cut a corner of David’s robe off.  Yet, the Scripture records that David’s heart was troubled for almost taking Saul’s life because he was the anointed of the Lord (1 Sam. 24).  Even when it would have promoted his own wellbeing, David did what was right regardless of the cost.  We need more leaders, like David, who God said, he “kept My commandments and who followed Me with all his heart, to do only what was right in My eyes” (1 Kings 14:8). True leaders are committed to doing right no matter what!

True leaders are pure in the pattern they follow.  Swiss Psychiatrist Carl Gustav Jung made a correct observation when he said, “The true leader is always led.”  David was a leader of purity because he was led by the right source—God & His Word.  David trusted in the Scriptures as God’s inspired guide to man (2 Sam. 23:1-2).  In the transporting of the Ark and death of Uzzah, David learned very quickly that you must “consult Him about the proper order” of things (1 Chron. 15:13).  From that time forward David learned to say, “Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long” (Ps. 25:5).  How wonderful it would be if God’s leaders (elders, preachers, bible class teachers) said with Samuel, “Speak Lord Your Servant Hears” (1 Sam. 3:9).  The church needs more leaders who live their life by a “Thus Saith the Lord.”

True leaders are not perfect, they are pure in penitence.  Too often public leaders, when caught in sin, are forced to admit their wrongs but are never seen as truly penitent.  For example, what do the names Elliot Spitzer & Jim McGreevy have in common?  Both were high profile political figures who were caught in heinous sexual sins.  So was King David!  How do these men differ from David and his sin?  Many times, when leaders are caught in sin they are quick to admit an “oversight in judgment” but never make any real repentance.  Many leaders have the attitude popularized by Bill Cinton, “I may have smoked but I never inhaled.”  Such was not the attitude of King David.  When confronted with his sin he said, “I have sinned” (1 Sam. 12:13).  It is evident from Psalm 51 that David’s penitence was genuine.  In that Psalm David exclaimed, “For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.  Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment” (Psalm 51:3-4).  David was a great leader, because when he sinned (as we all do) he repented openly and took steps to make it right with God and others.

Truly, David was a leader in purity because of his pure principles, pure pattern and pure penitence.  Oh, how we need more leaders like King David in the Lord’s church today.   We need more leaders who will say “Teach me Your way, O Lord, And lead me in a smooth path…” (Ps. 27:11).  God, give us leaders in purity!

"Sharing the Greatest Gift" - Amy Lawrence

Evangelism

Sharing the Greatest Gift

Whether we grew up in the church or came into the fold later in life, every Christian has a story of the where, when, why, and how they were taught the gospel. I live in an area where there is a sound congregation of the Lord’s church around every corner. We are in what is known as the Bible Belt of the United States. If Tennessee is a belt, then Warren County is the buckle, with over 40 congregations of the church of Christ. Americans have the advantage of an amazing amount of resources when we need to know more about God…but this isn’t the case everywhere. In Communist China, Bible distribution is regulated by the China Christian Council/Three-Self Patriotic Movement (CCC/TSPM). Only one company is authorized to print Bibles, the Amity Printer company, and only 3-3.5 million copies are distributed annually. (The Scripture Distribution Statistics report for Bibles distributed in the United States in 2022 was around 35.5 million copies.) A Bible in China can only be purchased in places approved by the CCC/TSPM, and in-house churches are reluctant to go to CCC/TSMP churches to purchase Bibles for fear of surveillance. Only one translation is available for purchase: the Chinese Union Version. We often take for granted the availability of scripture here in the US; over 3,100 versions of scripture in over 750 languages are accessible through the World Wide Web. (For the sake of accuracy, I would recommend using ASV, KJV, or NKJV.) For the most part, we as American citizens are blessed with religious freedom. This is a blessing that allows us to share the gospel in any of the 50 states, and elsewhere if possible. No one is beyond reach if we are brave enough to share what we’ve found with others. Let’s talk about how to do that.

The first step to doing anything worthwhile is having the desire to do so. God wants us to love Him - and each other - as much as He loves us, 1 Jn. 4:9; 5:3, and only a heart that has a love toward God and a desire to do His will can be pleasing to Him, Heb. 13:6, 1 Jn. 2:3-6. We as females are given responsibilities in the church. Although we cannot take on the leadership roles that are allotted to men, we can still do our part in evangelism. Being a God-fearing mother is one of the most influential of those responsibilities. Teaching the gospel should begin at home, Deut. 6:1-9. The influence is found in living what we teach. Children that see God in their parents are most likely to become Christians that continue sharing this gift. We also have the benefit of everyday living among others that may not know Christ. In the workplace, at home, at the sports court/field, even from grocery store conversations to bumper stickers and t-shirts, we can glow Christ. We have so many opportunities that we unfortunately often overlook. We can be billboards for Christ! Let’s look at all the opportunities we as women have by looking at the endeavors of the Proverbs 31 woman: She…

1.)  …is trusted by her husband and blessed by her children, making her first and foremost an evangelist at home by shining Christ, Mt. 5:16.

2.)  …“seeks wool and flax” and “brings food from afar”, most likely at a local market.

Both vendors and customers are potential audiences for the gospel, Acts 16:13-14.

3.)  …“provides food for her household and a portion for her maidservants”, and in this is the opportunity to give both physical and spiritual sustenance to her family and employees.

4.)  …uses her good work to be a beacon toward God, leading others to appreciate her work ethic and ask what makes her so dedicated, Acts 9:36,39.

5.)  …“extends her hand to the poor”, another opportunity to give both physical and spiritual sustenance to anyone in need, Lk. 4:18.

6.)  …”opens her mouth with wisdom and upon her tongue is the law of kindness”. We can teach children and other women in the church, we can aid in the work that goes into preparing for evangelical work, and we can be supportive to any missionary endeavor.

There are so many opportunities we as women have to aid in spreading the gospel. Don’t fall prey to the idea that any job toward evangelism is menial. Even if it’s something as simple as mailing Bible Correspondence Courses to someone interested in learning God’s Word, dedicate yourself to it. Mt. 6:4 - God sees! Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation about Jesus if the opportunity arises, never let an open door close because you think you are too busy, and be a billboard for Christ every chance that you get to do so! We are His ambassadors, and that in itself is phenomenal. We are given the responsibility of showing the world the message of salvation, the blessing of sharing with others the grace and mercy we ourselves have received, and the honor of serving the One who gave all for us. Let us do so with joy, Acts 20:24!

I've been cloned! - Joey Ferrell

Have you ever seen someone say on social media - specifically Facebook - that they had been “hacked” or cloned? What is usually being referred to is when someone (or a computer generated bot) launches a new account, duplicating your own, copying your pictures to use as their own, and if they have access - sending friend requests to YOUR friends.

It is NOT okay. And many times, you may report it but nothing is ever done to stop it. But, that isn’t quite what the subject is here today.

Well…kind of.

A month or so ago, guess what happened to me? Yes! I was finally a victim after over 15 years on Facebook of being cloned. It was quite funny actually because I have a long history of being a computer nerd and I even used to invite people to send me viruses just so I could break them. So, when I got that friend request - from myself - I was like…that’s cool. And then, like most others do - I went into panic mode. I knew they were up to no good. I clicked report. Immediately Facebook denied my claim. I reported again. Denied. Reported a third time - and now have messages coming in from real friends…denied once again. Kristie, my wife, said “I just got a friend request from you.” I said, I did too! Report it! She did. Finally after a day and a half and probably dozens of reports, I finally got an email from Facebook that said my claim had been accepted and the profile was removed.

Relief….sort of.

This episode made me think about how vulnerable I was, but not only me, those who this “hacker” was after. I just knew my friends would start getting requests for money or gift cards or crypto transfers (you can still send those to me if you would like of course). And, it pained me.

I thought about how prepared I felt I was…but they still got me. I thought about how much advice I had given over the years to not be a victim…then I was the victim. I thought about who could have done it - picturing these young foreign men that have been caught doing this to my friends when they were exposed and so on. But this was me! How could they do this! How could I let them!

Now…you may have had a laugh or a tear from that story, but let’s move on.

Did you know that the Bible wants us to have clones? Ha! Yes, indeed. The Bible wants us to have a clone or two or hundreds. Look at what Paul says here:

“Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.” (Philippians 3:17)

Some translations will word that to say “imitate me” or “walk like” much like when he as well as John reiterate in verses such as 1 Corinthians 11:1; Ephesians 5:1-2, 1 John 2:6, and the list goes on and on throughout the New Testament. So, you see, all “cloning” is not bad, especially considering the biblical advice we are given.

But, how do we do that, and do it in a way that is pleasing to God?

First, we have to be living the way God wants us to.

Colossians 3:2 says:

“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”

It is a mindset, a choice, a way of life that we need to be focused on every single day - looking to Christ as the author and finisher of our faith. It is a pattern that we live - putting God above all else - seeking Him first! It is a desire from the heart needed to serve and please God daily.

Second, we have to do something else.

We have to be obedient. You see, those guys and gals that clone people on social media aren’t trying to clone “bad” people…they are looking for the cream of the crop, those who are trusted, those who are living lives that others respect and look up to. The Christian is the same way. Once one has been obedient to Christ in faith, repentance and baptism, she has put on Christ , becoming a new creature, shedding away - burying the old person with Christ in baptism. (Galatians 3:27; Romans 6:1-4)

Thirdly, we have to listen to Jesus.

We often think of it as the Great Commission. You can see it in parallel accounts in the gospels. Matthew 28:18-20 is one of the most specifics and carries with it several ideas of “cloning”. The scripture says we are to “go”, (can be read “as you are going”) “teach,” “make disciples - baptizing them,” and teach them to observe all things which He commanded us. It’s sort of a simple thought, but much more complex in practice. However, this is the command of our Lord and we must have a desire to do just that! Evangelize to make more disciples, live as an example to have ones who want to “clone” our spiritual lives, and teach His word to help them be all that they need to be so that someone else will want to clone them just alike.

Friends, it’s time to clone someone. It is my prayer that I live a life that if one was to clone me - they would be called a faithful Christian. Not an apostate, not a half-doer, not a Sunday only, not some brand of Christian, but a true to the gospel, obedient, faithful Christian. How about you? You ready to clone some folks?

My Most Contrary Convert - Ben Bailey

My Most Contrary Convert

                  Who is the one person you must work on most with the Gospel? Who would you, more than anybody else, like to see conform to the image of Christ? If your answer is anyone other than self, you are not looking in the right direction. Jerry Bridges expressed it correctly when he said, “Preach the gospel to yourself every day.”  We all believe in preaching the Gospel. Reaching our friends and neighbors with the good news is a high priority. But like Mr. Bridges said, I need to preach the Gospel to myself first every day. I am my most contrary convert! Yet, it is encouraging to know I am not the only one who felt this way.

                  The Apostle Paul said, “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified” (1 Cor. 9:27).  Paul knew it was a challenge every day to crucify self and live for the Master (Gal. 2:20; 1 Cor. 15:31). Like us, his struggle was real. Paul said, “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin” (Rom. 7:24-25).  Like the Apostle Paul we must never stop preaching the Gospel to ourselves and striving to live faithful to Jesus every day. Do you remember what Paul said about the struggle? He said, “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:12-14).

                  While it is indeed a wrestling match with the flesh every day, do not give up. Keep fighting the good fight of faith (1 Tim. 6:12). Keep dying to self and crucifying self every day (Gal. 2:20; 1 Cor. 15:31)! If our mindset is that we are not going to give up and we are going to keep working on self and walking in the light, then we have the right mindset to win the battle (Luke 9:23; 1 John 1:7). Keep working on your most contrary convert—Yourself! He is worth it! —Ben Bailey

Why do I read the Bible every year? - Joey Ferrell

I began preaching one Sunday a month in 2009 at a small congregation in Cannon County, Tennessee where we lived at that time. The congregation was made up of mostly older saints, but there were a few younger families attending too. This was a bit difficult for a “green” yet older man’s journey to be a preacher.

You see, as a 38 year old man who had been around the church all of my life from the time I was born, I had a false sense of confidence in my knowledge of the Bible. Sure, I had memorized many single verses, and even a few multiple verse passages in bible school, or was assigned to read as I grew and became a young Christian being baptized for the remission of my sin…but I did not (and can honestly say still do not) claim to know every “jot and tittle” of the Bible.

I grew up in a Christian home. The Bible was important. There were several on the bookshelves - many different translations or paraphrases as my mother had grown up in a denominational setting - so we had some of their preferred paraphrased works. I grew up reading mostly the KJV as the NKJV would not be published until I was a teenager. I also was introduced to a few other translations in my younger adult years and have probably 7-8 at my fingertips in my bookshelf next to where I sit daily. But…with that said…I had NEVER read all the way through the Bible in a purposed event until I was in my 40s. I had pieced it together, reading one book, or another, or studying one lesson, or another parable. But, from Genesis to Revelation, or in my preferred method of reading - chronological, I had never…not once…opened up my Bible, hardcopy or digital and read it from cover to cover until then. And what a shame. I had missed so much opportunity.

Now, am I saying that if you do this you will have all knowledge of God’s word absorbed? Absolutely not. What I am saying though is that if you do not, you may miss what God wants you to know!

One thing that prompted me was one of the older ladies in the congregation that I first preached. I had been preaching there a couple of years and she and I had a peculiar relationship. She had an interesting personality. But, she encouraged me being in older years and many times not feeling well, she was always so attentive.

I was hired to preach at another congregation after a few years. There was a man at that congregation that was a friend of hers and he pulled me aside one Sunday to talk to me. He told me as a constructive criticism that this sister had discussed with him that although she felt like I was doing a good job, that I did not know my Bible as well as I should. This upset me. I was mad at first, then hurt. But, after a while, I realized…she was right. And, it became a challenge. I visited with this sister shortly before she passed away. She had asked her family if I would come by, and I did. She never mentioned what was shared with me, and neither did I, but I did thank her for helping shape my spiritual life a little better through our acquaintance.

While I am still short on the knowledge that God has given in His word, I am still working on it! Since that very time, I have committed to reading through the entire Bible once every single year. Sometimes I have time left over even. It can be done! This year marked my 10th year of reading through at least one time each year and my life has been blessed through this reading. And…I just started my new plan a little early this morning!

So, why do I read the Bible every year? Well, because it is what God wants me to do. He wants me to know His word. He has prepared His word to be handed down through generations, now in many languages, many translations, and many formats. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells me that this word will help me to grow as well as teach others how to become a Christian and to grow.

Want to join me reading? The Gospel of Christ has a reading plan that you can follow along with. This year it is in the NKJV in a chronological order. Here is a link if you would like to join.

https://faithlife.com/tgocmedia/activity

Happy reading and many blessings for 2025!

Everything Makes Sense with God - Ben Bailey

Everything Makes Sense with God

In his book Desiring God, John Piper said, “The proper understanding of everything in life begins with God.” How do we make sense of this short, temporary existence on this terrestrial ball? What does it all matter anyway? We are only going to be here a while, and in a few years it will all be over, right? It only makes sense if everything in life begins with God!  Notice two ways this impacts my everyday life.

God is My Life. In a dark and dreary book, the wise sage tried everything to find the proper understanding. He focused on building projects.  He fulfilled every pleasure he desired.  He planted gardens and flower beds.  He acquired treasure and had many servants at his beckon command.  He put his attention on music and the arts, as well as the lust of the flesh.  How do you think all that worked out for him?  Listen to his own words: “And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun” (Eccl. 2:10-11).  That is a little bit shocking and so counter to what the world would have us believe today.  Imagine all the money, time and effort Solomon put into these ventures!  And his final analysis of it all was it was a worthless waste of time.  Why? Because Solomon had not yet learned that life only makes sense with God.  He would later realize this and say, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all” (Eccl. 12:13).

God is My Glory.  If life only makes sense when we put God in the proper place, what does that change about my life.  It causes us to recalibrate around a different and selfless purpose in life.  Through the prophet Isaiah, God said “Everyone who is called by My name, Whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him” (Isa. 43:7).  Everything I do now, I do it to God’s glory and not my own selfish interest. My Job—an opportunity to Glorify God.  My recreation—I am looking for opportunities to magnify the name of God.  My home life—It is one of my greatest ways to glorify and magnify the name of God.  What we really need to learn is everything in life, even the trivial things, are about glorifying God.  That is why I am here!  Paul said this to the Corinthians in these words, “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31). 

Does your life have the meaning and purpose you so desperately long for it to have? The real question we need to ask is, “Is God my purpose and my glory?”  May each of us be encouraged to think about why were here and make sure we realize that everything begins with and only makes sense when God is the center of our life

"Church Lady" - Amy Lawrence

Church Lady

A Study on Our Influence as Women

I’m going to give you a scenario. This is entirely hypothetical, but the more you read the more you’ll see that it is also entirely possible. 

The auditorium of a local building where the church meets is filled with those of us that are there every Sunday morning for worship service. As we all settle down into our understood “assigned” seats,  we notice that someone we don’t know is sitting in Jane and John Doe’s seat. It’s not so much that we notice that someone different is sitting on that pew, but what is nearly impossible to ignore are the number of tattoos and piercings on the woman now occupying the space and the dark and ominous theme of her clothing. She has never been here before. There are a few minutes left before the service begins, but no one introduces themselves - and the looks on our faces tell her we aren’t going to do so. We instead stare. In our minds, we wonder how someone has the audacity to look like that, especially here. In this study, we are going to learn how we as the women of the family of God (and any Christian, really) should conduct ourselves in the house of God.

            Human brains have a terrible habit of assuming. It is one of many mechanisms that can be explained scientifically as having a purpose, but all in all, it is my opinion that it causes more trouble than it prevents. We think we know this woman. We judge according to appearance. Our minds quickly forget that Jesus warned us about this (Jn. 7:24). Instead of giving her the benefit of the doubt and try and find out more about her, we put her at arm’s length. What we don’t know is that this woman is at rock bottom and is sitting, waiting for someone to throw her a life-line. Not one single Christian in the building understands that the church is not a gathering of perfect people; we are not the sinless trying to correct the sinful. We are just one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread. She’s here, she’s hungry, and to treat her as if she doesn’t belong is to overlook that at one point, we were just as spiritually starving as she in our journey. No one noticed how long she sat in her dilapidated Honda and argued with herself whether to go inside or go home. Her terror is justified when she notices that there is a ten-foot halo of empty space surrounding where she is sitting. Service starts. She has no idea what to do because she has never set foot in an environment like this before. All she knows is that her parole officer advised her to seek God and start here. Everyone reaches for a song book. She mimics. They all seem to know exactly what page to turn to, but she thumbs through absently, not knowing…until a little girl, sitting on the same pew, sees. She scoots toward the stranger and helps her find the page. The woman leans and whispers, “Thank you, precious.” The beaming smile the little girl gives her calms her a bit. At this point, we should all be ashamed because a child just educated us. Let’s consider some personality traits we as Christians should have that allow us to see souls the way God sees them. A Christian should be:

#1.) Compassionate.

Let’s approach this from a standpoint to which everyone can relate. Let’s think of the fiercest, scariest wild animal we can. Imagine this animal is caught in a trap and we can see that it is injured, bleeding, struggling, and terrified. No matter the personality of the animal or the danger, we would have compassion and try to free the animal. Why can’t we see each other with the same loving attitude? Sin is a prison! If we can free another soul from that prison, why wouldn’t we at least try?! We are also commanded to imitate Christ, 1 Cor. 11:1. The compassion of Christ is unsurpassed. It is planted in love, Jn. 3:16. We can plant our compassion for one another in love as well, 1 Thess. 4:9, 1 John 4:7.

#2.) Courageous.

We all have the innate desire to remain in our cozy comfort zones. It takes bravery to step out, especially to do so for someone else. Can a person that looks and acts outside of what we consider normal make us uncomfortable? Absolutely. Does this allow us to treat them as if they do not matter? No. God is not partial. Neither should we be, James 2:1-9. Cowardice comes with consequences, Rev. 21:8. We as Christians are not given a spirit of fear, 2 Tim. 1:7.

#3.) Communicative.

Women are stereotyped as excessive talkers. However true this may be, the talking is more often than not the negative type. Gossip is predominantly a female activity. We (and yes, I have been guilty of the crime) tend to take the “easy” route and talk about someone instead of TO someone concerning things many see as sensitive subjects. We also seek accomplices. Mutual dislike for the person or situation encourages us to continue in the bad behavior. Compassion and courage should make us seek the edifying route instead. Talk to them. Don’t tear them down. Build them up. If there is an uncomfortable subject that has to be discussed, do so with grace and salt, Col. 4:6.

Make your words as palatable as possible…because you never know when you may have to swallow them. It is possible to say a hard thing in a kind way. 

#4.) Child-like.

In the above scenario, how did a child see what we did not? 

Jesus spoke the words, ““Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” (Lk. 18:16-17) Infants are naturally guileless. They have an innocence that comes from inexperience. The environment in which they eventually gain experience is paramount to the adult they will one day become. Our own adult maturity often blinds us to that valuable innocence. Paul wrote, “Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature.” (1 Cor. 14:20) Experience should cultivate wisdom, but part of that wisdom is holding on to that child-like innocence in situations of conflict or discomfort.

We are entrusted by God with the task of caring for another soul when we are given the opportunity to share the wonderful blessings that are found only in Christ. We are ambassadors for Christ, and when we represent Him in a way that is unChristlike, we throw a stumbling block in the path of a potential Christian. Adding to this scenario, this woman later becomes a Christian and a teacher. Several young people, youth that are involved in the same lifestyle she used to be, hear her story and turn to God. Every moment counts. Every gesture, every word, every attitude matters. We have the ability to make becoming a Christian an easy decision by how we treat anyone that wants to know what we’re all about. We are all. About. Christ. Jn. 13:35.

Now let’s get a picture in mind of what a “Church Lady” should look like. 

She will:

-See God’s people as He sees them: sons and daughters

-Be a doer of the word and not a hearer only

-Refuse to judge according to appearance and do her best to love people

-Be a fountain of mercy and grace

-Be an epistle of love, humility, kindness, gentleness, and compassion

-Point others to HIM

-Reach to the back row and encourage the hearts of those that can’t get past the grief and sorrow of their mistakes

-Look for opportunities to be a blessing

She is fully aware of her own shortcomings and seeks forgiveness and guidance daily. She recognizes struggle in others and speaks hope. She does not gossip, brag, or boast. She utters blessing. Gratitude is her adornment. She is a woman of her word. She is a worshipper, in spirit and in truth. She prays. She is trustworthy. She is known for what she stands for, and what she won’t stand for. She understands that in order to be the woman of Proverbs 31, she has to know and practice chapters 1-30. She is a lifter. An encourager. A listener. She forgives, completely. She shares the same grace she is given every day. She invests in the greatest investment in the world; God’s people. 

Are you a church lady?

Evangelism or Benevolence? Both! - Joey Ferrell

Sometimes the church may get encumbered by the “works” of the church and maybe at time lose balance and even sometimes the focus of the work of the church.

One “three-legged stool” thought of the work of the church is at times described as 1. Benevolence, 2. Evangelism, and 3. Edification. Certainly, all three of these can be supported in scripture with passages such as Ephesians 4:11-12, Colossians 3:17, James 1:27, Galatians 6:10, Matthew 28:18-20 and many other passages that show compassion, edification, and benevolence.

But, why do we sometimes try to separate these things…when truly, they should all be in conjunction with one another? Yes, evangelism is hard work. Yes, benevolence can be costly with money and time. Of course, edification is necessary for the saints to grow! Balancing these things can be much more than just an obligation. It can sometimes be quite rewarding to not only those receiving the benefits of the three, but also the church and each individual Christian as these works “collide.”

Please allow me to share one illustration of this “three-legged stool” being strengthened and the glory of our Lord being shown quite evident through such a collision.

At the end of September, many will remember that our Southeastern area of the United States became victim to not just one, but two back to back hurricanes. The first, and most powerful of these was Helene. Not only did Helene pack a huge punch, but it also was preceded in some areas by not only inches, but feet of rain - in turn causing flooding, mud slides, lingering wind and tornadic damage and just pure utter chaos to some areas that had never seen these kinds of events happening all at one time in areas that were previously unthought of to be in the paths of such storms and devastation. It was (and still is) a widespread MESS!

Many Christians began trying to figure out what to do as many prepared for the “known” storm that was heading toward the Florida gulf coast - including me as we have a strong personal attachment to the area that was in the eye of the storm. I had been on the phone with Mark Weaver with Crisis Evangelism (https://crisisevangelism.org/) whom I have become very acquainted with and count Mark and Dawn as great Christian servants and friends. We were trying to “get ahead” of the needs that were about to show themselves evident. We had put together some “game plans” on where to go based on the areas that were in the “target.” Overnight, the storms shifted, but Mark went ahead to the area close by where we had talked about might be hit.

The storm hit…and then it hit again…and then it kept pounding…all the way up the eastern coast. But, what was not expected was that a frontal system was already dropping rain in the mountainous areas of North Carolina and Northeast Tennessee. The aftermath would soon be seen. While the good folks in the Big Bend of Florida and Southern Georgia were feeling the direct effect of the hurricane, these other areas were starting to wake up to water…more water…and even more water. Reports were coming in that lives were lost, homes were gone, and roads were caving in. The devastation was unfathomable.

I wanted to help. After some contact with different people in North Carolina, Virginia, and NE Tennessee, there was a place I could go. The destination was Mountain City, TN. This area is on the fringe of the major damages, but, with the mountain ranges around them, they were also victims of no power, major flooding in areas, wind damages, no internet (for contact and using payment methods outside of cash), roads impassable, and more. After talking with one of the members - my good friend Dean Jones, and getting all set up with the elders, I started my journey with a borrowed trailer in tow, meeting with one of the deacons at Lenoir City church of Christ after coordinating with Kelly Warren who wanted to try to help get involved as the church there. And we were off to Mountain City.

By the time that Rick and I arrived with as much supplies and food as we could bring, after staying the night at Kelly’s house because there were no suitable hotels closer, the church was already in action. I had shared with them experiences from former storms I had seen and relief efforts I had been a part of as well as advice from Mark Weaver. They had set up a feeding line and started organizing supplies to be given out. Souls were starting to show up for essential needs. Food…water…cleaning supplies…baby supplies…and of course, some sort of comfort from those who could offer an ear and a heart.

These Christians that had assembled there at the church building, who had brought their own food to cook, had brought extra supplies from their own homes, who wanted to “be the church” in every way, showed up and they showed up shining the glory of God through His church with His people!

These great elders that are there - Tom Reece, Tim Winters and Don Kerley along with their preacher Chuck Stewart and Dean had already been working on how to take this opportunity of service in benevolence into evangelism, but what they may not have realized is the amount of edification that this also afforded for not only their own congregation, other Christians who were able to come, bring thousands of dollars in supplies and assist for days on end like Dennis and Rachel Smith (Dennis is a preaching student at the TCSOP about an hour or so away), members of the Mountain City congregation, and even Christians from as far as Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Tennessee, Arkansas, Georgia, Alabama and probably more than can be listed. Certainly, I would not want to leave anyone out but there are way too many to name. You see, this work of benevolence that would turn into an evangelistic opportunity, also strengthened the ones who were able to take part… not only in the physical realm…also through prayer and through financial support.

You see, I want to give thanks where thanks is due. Working with The Gospel of Christ, I had opportunity to do what I was able to do in going to help for a few days, but the story did not end,and certainly did not begin or evolve around my extremely small part of being there with a few supplies and some moral support. Calls began coming from all over the country from those that support The Gospel of Christ as congregations and individuals found out about the needs. They wanted to help too! And they did, and continue! Each call I would get, I would hand off or refer to Tom as the treasurer and elder. Many of those calls came within days, but some are still coming. And every single call…even if nothing more than an encouragement to the church there, was so uplifting and comforting and recorded on Tom’s little book.

Fast forward to today…the church there has plans of using the contacts (over 250) that were made in the initial days after in an opportunity to evangelize. So…benevolence was provided. And evangelism is ongoing. But what about that edification part? Well, it is said often that when you are struggling, serve someone…and so many did just that…and growth has been seen! Without naming names, I witnessed first-hand at least three babes in Christ (in a generation of people that is pointed at as being in the dwindling religious realm) getting their hands, heart, and feet involved in this work. What did that do? The ones I saw grew. But it did not stop with them. I grew. I believe many in the church there grew. But, that is not all. In the past few weeks, I have been to multiple congregations that were among those first phone calls that wanted to help…any way they could. And the help continues as many of these same people stepped up just a week ago when some in North Carolina needed propane tanks for heaters and through a concentrated - very quick effort in raising funds to use through some members and a congregation, our good brother Darren Clayton was able to purchase and deliver 30 tanks as well as 30 hoses were shipped directly to the site where people are living in tents! Back to those congregations…I have seen members at these congregations that are very involved in these efforts that may not have known what they could do before. I have spoken with Darren several times as he is also helping with clean up in some of the area…and he is growing!

After all, we all have room to grow, right? That is edification!

As we grow as The Gospel of Christ, a very special thank you is due to all of our supporting congregations and individuals as well as those who watch, pray, and encourage this work. It has been said several times, and it is worth repeating - The Gospel of Christ is not just a television program…and we have you to thank for that! If your congregation or as an individual you helped in any way with these efforts - THANK YOU! You do not know how much good has been done by your sacrifice. Your prayers have been encouraging, your financial support has been helpful. Your love for others and for Christ that is shown is incredibly edifying to us at The Gospel of Christ and to many…but it would seem especially to our God and His church!

Benevolence, Evangelism, Edification….it all matters and souls will be saved because of these efforts!

Here are a few pictures of the efforts.

I Hate Lukewarm Coffee - Ben Bailey

I hate Lukewarm Coffee…

                It happened to me recently and it reminded me of a powerful truth. I had just poured a piping hot cup of coffee and then several things happened. I lost track of time, and my coffee got cold. Without even thinking about it, I took a big swig of what I expected to be hot coffee, and it was terribly lukewarm. That lukewarm coffee did not appeal to me at all. In all honesty, it almost made me sick to my stomach and my initial reaction was to spit it out. At that moment I remembered how much God hates lukewarmness too. Scripture tells us that lukewarm Christianity makes God sick to His stomach. Our Lord said, “So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of My mouth” (Rev. 3:16). Why does lukewarm Christianity make Jesus sick and what is wrong with being lukewarm? Consider these problems with lukewarm Christianity.

                Being lukewarm is in contradiction to the greatest command. When asked what the greatest of all commands was, Jesus said to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength” was the greatest (Mark 12:30). Although very blunt, Francis Chan hit the nail on the head when he said this about the contradiction of lukewarm Christians: “As I see it, a lukewarm Christian is an oxymoron; there is no such thing. To put it plainly, churchgoers who are ‘lukewarm’ are not Christians. We will not see them in heaven.”

                Lukewarm Christianity does not openly and lovingly bear The Cross every day. The Lord asked his followers to do just that. He said, “If any man desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23).  It was Teresa of Avila who stated it so vividly when she said, “The lukewarm do not embrace the cross; they merely drag it along.” Can we really embrace the Cross of Christ and be lukewarm?

                Lukewarm Christianity possesses an improper view of sin. The Bible teaches we should hate sin, like Jesus did (Heb. 1:9). He hated it so much that He gave his life so that all people in the world could be saved from sin (Heb. 2:9; 1 Peter 2:24). Francis Chan put it bluntly when he said, “Lukewarm people don’t really want to be saved from their sin; they want only to be saved from the penalty of their sin.”  If my Christian Walk is only half-hearted, do I really have the proper view of sin?

                Roald Dahl, who is known as one of the greatest storytellers of the 2oth Century, really brought the idea of not being lukewarm home when he said, “I began to realize how important it was to be an enthusiast in life. If you are interested in something, no matter what it is, go at it full speed…Love it and above all become passionate about it.  Lukewarm is no good!”  If we are going to be followers of Christ do not be lukewarm, go at it full speed and embrace it with all our heart!                                                             --Ben Bailey

Parenthood - Amy Lawrence

Parenthood

A Study on Walking Through the Hood with God

I asked my teenage daughter about what I should write for this article. She said, “Write about raising teenagers in Christ.” So I did. 

My child is now 15 years old. She is a sophomore in the public school system, she owns an iPhone, and she has her driver’s permit. We are at a stage in her life when she is learning a great deal more about personal responsibility than usual. I cannot put sufficient words to how proud I am of the strong, intelligent, kind young Christian she has become. I’d like to think that my husband and I had our part in it, but in truth it was all brought about by God and His wisdom, James 1:17. God’s word tells us to “train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it,” Prov. 22:6. Let’s begin a study on how to do this.

The instructions on how to raise Godly children are found only in God’s word… so the first question that comes to mind is: do we want to raise Godly children? I hope emphatically that your answer is “yes”. If so, then one must study and come to a knowledge of God’s word. Heartbreaking, though, is the number of parents that have failed their children in neglecting to learn and teach them the Truth. There is no greater gift I can give my child than knowledge of God and His will for mankind, and there is no greater destination I could wish for my child than Heaven. The instructions God has given us are not given as a list of tenets, though. We have been given examples (of good choices AND bad choices), commands, and promises in scripture, all of which - when studied properly - can lead the student to a wisdom only God’s word can bestow, Job 12:13, Ps. 111:10, 2 Tim. 3:15-17. I’ve organized my study into 3 categories:

              1.)The Parents

              2.)The Peerage

              3.)The Pedigree

The Parents

The first step to raising Godly children is to be unselfish Godly parents. (The chances for that child are better with both parents being Godly, but I know, in this world, that is not always the case. One, however, is better than none.) We have to be foremost unselfish. ALL good parenting has to be unselfish. Their education starts with us, and so we must put them before ourselves. Even if your Godliness didn’t begin in your childhood or even into adulthood, we as adult human beings are a fluid concept. We can change our behavior. We can become what we want to teach our children to become. If you’re not an unselfish Godly parent, become one for both yourself and your children. 

You cannot teach them what you do not know or practice. Everyone knows that you can’t get something from nothing. Children do not happen without parents.  Knowledge does not happen without teaching. Habits are not learned without consistency. Don’t be a parent that underestimates the power of influence and expects Godly knowledge to just magically develop within your child. Be reasonable. If there is something you see in your child that you do not wish to see, chances are it got there because of you or because of an influence you allowed. To teach our children acceptable behavior, we must be the acceptable behavior they see on a daily basis. This is the responsibility of being a parent; our influence will either make or break our kids. I cannot stress enough how incredible it is to be a mother, because God has entrusted me with a SOUL that is not my own. He has given me the task of teaching her everything I know about Him and about Eternity. If I fail, I have robbed my daughter of an eternal life of rest. This is why I study DAILY; to build my supply of knowledge to give to my daughter and to teach her to study for herself as well, 2 Tim.

1:5; 3:14-17.

I know we can’t be perfect. Even as mature adults, we make mistakes. It is inevitable. That doesn’t mean we have to pretend we’re perfect, either. One of the most important things I feel I’ve done as a parent is admit to my child when I’ve made a mistake - and ask for forgiveness. It both taught my child how to handle failure and how to ask for and give forgiveness. This is important! It is a vital behavior that will aid in the relationship that my child has with God, with me, and with others, James 5:16. The Holy Spirit tells us that we must submit to God, James 4:7, and to one another, Eph. 5:21, 1 Pet. 5:5. Giving each other the power of accountability keeps us honest. It also builds a respect that cannot be shaken. By teaching her respect of me and my husband and us reciprocating by respecting her, she learns also how to respect God. We respect her by keeping our promises, by not being hypocritical, and by structuring our home in the only way that will help her grow in God. 

Communication is also vital. If two people never learn to sit down and talk (I mean talk, not shout, and be open and honest), whether it’s you and your husband or you and your child, those two people cannot grow and better their relationship. Above all, pray. Teach your children to pray. Having direct contact with God is better than any wi-fi, and we don’t even need a password. 

The value God has placed on the organization of the home is paramount to growing a child. The Holy Spirit placed the husband of the household as the authority of the wife and children, Christ as the authority of the husband, 1 Cor. 11:3. He has the responsibilities allotted to the husband, Eph. 5:25-31; 6:4, Col. 3:19, 2 Thess. 3:10, Titus 2:6-8, I have the responsibilities allotted to the wife, Eph. 5:22-24, Col. 3:15, Titus 2:3-5, and our daughter has the responsibilities allotted to children, Eph. 6:1-2. I will tell you that I am abundantly blessed in that my husband and I are both Christians and have primarily been on the same page (scripture) when it comes to establishing our household and raising our daughter. We have had minor disagreements as opinions go, but all in all we have been a team thus far in raising our child in Christ. Above all, I submit to my husband - even when I don’t agree with him. It is my prayer that Alyssa will one day have a Christian husband. She is learning how to submit while she is a child so that when she is an adult, it will not be a “new” experience. We must give her good foundational lessons as a child that will help her navigate adulthood and solve the problems that will definitely come her way as an adult. This is the best way to grow a child. A Godly home is a force to be reckoned with because it produces Godly adults. I would, however, be naive in thinking that all marriages are identical to mine. Many have only one Godly parent, many more have none. It is a sad truth - one that I’ve seen within my own relations. I’ve also seen the consequences of such marriages, the subsequent behavior produced in the children of these marriages. Rarely do children from these kinds of homes seek God on their own as adults; because God has never been at the forefront of their parents’ lives, they mimic the attitude. 

It goes without saying that parenting is not an easy job. From keeping them fed and clothed to teaching them problem-solving skills and responsibility, it takes a tough person to be a parent…which makes it so unfortunate that generally any male/ female couple has the capability to give birth to another human. If only every parent were a faithful Christian, this world would be a wonderful place. Being a good parent means you have to be the parent. Not the friend, not the enemy, but the one person that holds the position in their development to instill knowledge, respect, responsibility, and, in the end, wisdom. We can’t do this if we are unwilling to punish and reward properly. There are extremes both ways. I will never advocate misuse of either. There is an abusive way to punish/reward and a right way to punish/reward. Do I always get it right? No. Like I said, I make mistakes. The goal is getting it right as much as possible. The more I get it right, the better I get at getting it right. They never tell that to parents; a good parent is one that can grow and learn, too. It all has to start and end with teaching our children the appropriate consequences to their actions. If they do well, reward. If they do wrong, punishment. It’s also Important to see that society’s opinion about raising children isn’t always on the same page as God’s opinion. Let God set the standard for reward/punishment. God’s opinion should take precedence in any Christian parent’s decision-making. He is the perfect Father, so He knows how to teach us to be the parents we should be.

The Peerage

That time-old phrase, “You are known by the company you keep” stands true for any age. It matters who we let our kids hang out with, and it matters where our kids are and what they are doing. Our home cannot be the only place our daughter learns God. No, I cannot wrap my kid in bubble wrap everywhere she goes and follow her around with a stick, beating away anyone that doesn’t meet standards. I’m keeping my promise not to be a Helicopter Mom (No matter how much I’d like to sometimes.) I have to trust that we’ve taught her well and that she is capable of making good choices. It’s not fair to punish her before she’s done something punish-worthy. She can’t learn how to handle mistakes she’s never made. When she does make a mistake, it is vitally important that her parents have the wisdom to dole out the RIGHT punishment that teaches the RIGHT lesson. As I said before, we are not perfect. There have been times when I as a parent did not do the right thing. But as my track record goes as well as my husband’s, we seem to be doing a pretty decent job. Our daughter is marvelous. (Biased? ME? Slightly.) She’s smart, funny, beautiful, modest, kind, loving, and wise beyond her years. She has a personality that others might label “weird”, but in truth is simply unique. She is not afraid to be her own person. It takes a strong young person to embrace being different. That is the potatoes to the meat of being a Christian; stepping away from the world and telling it, “I don’t want to be like you, and I don’t need what you are selling”, 1 Jn. 2:15-17. How, then, is a kid supposed to survive this when that kid’s parents can’t? Some Christian parents put so much emphasis on being popular, on fitting in with the world, on building a reputation that is acceptable by society. They want it to look like God is driving, but in truth He’s in the back seat being ignored when subjects like the Prom come up. Some parents live vicariously through their children. I’ve heard, “I want them to have the things I never had” so much it makes me cringe and say, “You forget to give them the things you DID have: a Godly education.” I cannot stress this enough. Do not let the world raise your children. It will fail them. Every. Single. Time. God never fails, Lam. 3:22-25.

The Pedigree

We have long ago stepped away from the culture that puts emphasis on what was considered a “pure bloodline”. Part of the reason Samaritans were disdained by the Jews in Biblical times was because they were “mixed blood”; offspring of the Israelites that remained in the Northern Kingdom - after the Assyrian exile - that intermarried with the foreigners that were brought into the area. They were disdained because of the command in the Law of Moses that disallowed Israelites to intermarry with nonIsraelites, Deut. 7:1-4. God’s Israel today is made up of both Jew and Gentile (as the church, Gal. 3:28), therefore the law against intermarriage in the Old Law didn’t carry over into the New Law, 1 Cor. 7. (We are physically, in truth, of “mixed blood”.) I say this as an example of what it means to carry on a lineage. Even though we cannot carry on a physical lineage, we can a spiritual lineage. I lived to see my child become a Christian. I want to see my grandchildren and my great grandchildren, if the Lord allows me to live that long, become Christians. They have a much better chance of becoming such if I do my job as a parent, Deut. 6:4-9. Never underestimate how far a good influence can go, Heb. 11:4.

I pray every day for my child and for myself, that I may be the compass that always points her to Christ. I know what the world will do to a person. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy, let alone my dearest child. I have to be the parent she needs in order to give her a fighting chance against Satan. He is always recruiting, and my child is no exception. I can show her that only the Holy Spirit can give her the knowledge and the tools she needs to fight him. I can pray that she will carry that knowledge and will one day teach it to her own children. If you are a parent, God has blessed you with a blessing that is beyond compare, Ps. 127. Cherish the little ones that are under your care. It is temporary. We have but a short time to mold them and send them into the gaping maw of society. Don’t deny them the lessons they need in order to survive the battles that will certainly come their way. I hope this study as well as further study will aid you in being or becoming a good parent in the eyes of God.

What Does the Lord Teach About Our Speech? - Ben Bailey

What Does the Lord Teach About Our Speech?

            How should a Christian talk? What kind of things should or should not come out of a Christian’s mouth? Hopefully these are questions you have thought about and or maybe are thinking about.  The good news is God teaches us the way we should talk and the things we should avoid saying.  Notice what the Bible teaches about our speech. 

            Let your speech be gracious.  The Word of God says, “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how to answer each one” (Col. 4:2).  No one enjoys talking to or listening to someone whose speech is abrasive or harmful.  A Christians speech should be gracious and preserving.  The idea here is that our speech should be kind, considerate of others and we should say things in a way that should open doors rather than close them. 

            Speak the Truth in Love.  Someone once told me a truth about speech that I have never forgot…You are never someone’s enemy when you tell them the truth (Gal. 4:16).  It may be uncomfortable.  It may feel like you are becoming their enemy, but if truth sets people free you are not their enemy (John 8:32).  However, our approach with the truth also needs to be considered. When I tell someone the truth it must be done in love.  With a kind an loving heart and with the motivation of love is how I should always approach others.  

            Avoid evil speech.  The Word of God says, “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth” (Eph. 4:29).  Paul also reminded Christians to put off “filthy language out of your mouth” (Col. 3:8).  Maybe you used to use foul language or say coarse words before you became a Christian.  As a child of God, you must work on breaking that habit and removing those words from your vocabulary.  Remember, the Lord said for every idle word men speak they will give an account of in the judgment (Mt. 12:36-37).

            May every Christian have the mindset and the attitude of the Psalmist when he said, “Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips” (Ps. 141:3).   Let’s use our speech to encourage, build up and praise God not for evil purposes!       --Ben Bailey