Grace for your spirit July 31, 2008

And I know how such a man--whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows-- was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak. II Corinthians 12:3-4

Three years after Paul was baptized in Damascus, he came out of Arabia and met the apostles as an inspired man. He had been set apart to be an apostle, inspired by his experiences with Jesus. His body may have been in Arabia, but his mind and spirit had been to Paradise. With the technology we have today, we can physically be in one place, but through computers and cameras, we can be in a conference in another city. That is the call to all Christians. Our body may be in this world, but God wants our minds and our spirits to be in His world. When we study the word and pray, we are experiencing heavenly conferencing that will prepare us to speak His words.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23

Grace for your spirit July 30, 2008

Not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. Hebrews 10:25

Christians, like every living thing, must be fed to live. When we love our families, our pets, or our plants, giving them proper nourishment is a priority. If we fail to do it, they will die. We may have a good reason or a great excuse, but that doesn’t help. The same is true with a Christian. In order for the Christian spirit to grow and survive, spiritual nourishment is a must. Most of it is supplied by our worship and fellowship together. As the debate rages on about how much we need to go to worship and Bible study, many Christians continue to wither and die. If our lips continue to give reasons for our missing the nourishment, with each word we die a little bit. Let's use our lips to praise Him, not make excuses.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23

Grace for your spirit July 29, 2008

These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. "You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. Deut 6:6-7

From the beginning, God had two specific plans for all of us. First, we are all called to obey God’s will. Secondly, we are directed to pass that faithfulness on to the next generation. We must teach His word, instruct in the faithful traditions and instill a heritage of faithfulness to our families. The Jews failed on both counts. For that, they lost their blessings, their freedom, their land, and missed their Messiah. We’ve all heard the phrase "use it or lose it". As it applies to the following God, if we don’t pass it on, it will be lost too. We have been blessed with someone paving the way for us. It’s time to take that mission seriously. Our race is really a relay race. Don’t miss the pass to the next runner.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23

Grace for your spirit July 28, 2008

But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree; and he requested for himself that he might die, and said, "It is enough; now, O LORD, take my life, for I am not better than my fathers." I Kings 19:4

Elijah climbed out of obscurity and was shaped by God to do His will. He shined on Mt. Carmel, as he faced and defeated the 450 prophets of Baal, and 400 prophets of Asherah. He shined as he called down fire and then rain. But suddenly he went into retirement. Running from his challenges, he reclined under a juniper tree, and started whining. Just when 7,00 faithful men needed his leadership, he quit. This happens to often in church leadership today. Leaders climb, shine, then recline, and whine. God offers no retirement, no recliners, and no crying towels for leadership. May we all keep climbing and shining for Him.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23

Grace for your spirit July 25, 2008

Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. Luke 14:27

One day a man was carrying the cross the Lord had given him to bear. It was pretty heavy and he wanted a lighter load. He saw a man with a saw and asked him to cut off a little bit of the cross. Now the load was lighter, and he felt much better. Soon the road he was on led him to a bridge that was out. He could cross the chasm if he had a plank to walk on. The cross he carried would have worked, except now it was too short. May we not complain about the cross we bear. Jesus has given us that cross to help us over troubles we haven’t seen yet. Let’s trust His vision as we prepare for the road ahead.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23

Grace for your spirit July 24, 2008

Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready." Revelation 19:7

Israel was meant to be the bride of God, but they were unfaithful constantly. In the New Covenant, the church is betrothed to be the bride of Christ. Everything about Christianity is to focus everyone on the marriage supper of the Lamb. We are all called to put on our garments, cleansed by the blood of Jesus, and be joined with Him for eternity. As I watch the time and effort dedicated to worldly weddings and receptions, I can only hope that we will put forth such preparation for our eternal bridegroom. God tolerated the unfaithfulness of His people, but will not be merciful for those who reject His Son. I hope to see you all at the celebration in heaven one day.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23

Grace for your spirit July 23, 2008

Be of sober spirit, be on the alert Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. I Peter 5:8

I heard yesterday that there are 172 new "reality shows" ready for network and cable television as soon as they are purchased. People seem to be crazy about these programs, as they watch others suffer for money. As Christians, we should be aware that there is a real reality living around us each day. The devil has devoured our world. People suffer each day for money. Families, the church, and our world is crumbling. The world is lost without Jesus, and will be eternally lost in hell if they don’t turn to him. That is the reality show we face each day. The first big "reality show" was Survivor. The reality is that if we don’t get away from our TV’s and into His Word, there won’t be any survivors.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23

Grace for your spirit July 22, 2008

Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will also come with you." They went out and got into the boat; and that night they caught nothing. John 21:3

These apostles had left their nets to follow Jesus just three years before. They pictured a great victory and a great life for themselves. When Jesus went to the cross, they went back to their former lives. When Jesus met them by the sea, they weren’t doing well at all. They didn’t catch a thing until Jesus came. Jesus brought them back to be fishers of men. Too often in our Christian walk, when disappointments come, we desert our calling and go back to the world. I’m glad Jesus got to them before they got used to getting along without Him. I pray that same for all of us. Let’s be true to our calling. Whatever we do, may we never forsake our commitment to be fishers of men.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23

Grace for your spirit July 21, 2008

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, I Corinthians 6:9

Someone has filed a lawsuit against Zondervan Bible Printing Company for putting this passage in their Bibles, because it discriminates against homosexuals. Zondervan responded to the suit by saying they didn’t write the Bible, they only print it. Under the rules of filing lawsuits, it would be proper to file against everyone involved in the verse. That would include the Greek translators, the Apostle Paul, The Holy Spirit, and God. Since all scripture is given by inspiration of God, He is the one to sue and certainly has the "deepest pockets" .I suspect they forgot about God, because they don’t know Him. If they really knew God, they wouldn’t be filing such a suit. Know God, know peace. No God, no peace.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23

Grace for your spirit July 18, 2008

You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. Acts 10:38

When Jesus performed miracles, four things happened. He met needs, magnified the word of God, taught the truth to those around Him, and opened the way for others to find Him. We don’t have the measure of the Spirit that Jesus had, but we can still perform miracles and achieve the same results. When we put others ahead of ourselves, when we lead others to Christ, when we encourage those who are depressed, and comfort those in distress, miracles happen Miracles that meet needs, magnify His Word, teach the truth, and open the way for others to find Jesus. Anytime we take on the heart of a servant, great miracles will come. Perform a miracle for Him today.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23

Grace for your spirit July 17, 2008

I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do. Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was. Jn 17:4-5

The night before Jesus went to the cross, His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane was very revealing. All the pain and suffering he had endured, and was about to endure, was a predetermined plan to glorify His Father in heaven. The next few hours would look like a failure to the world, but to God it would be planned glory. Jesus also revealed that this plan had come from the days of eternity before the world was created. Jesus didn’t start in Bethlehem, and did not end up on the cross. He started in heaven, and after his resurrection, He would return to His glory. They had a plan for us before man was ever created. Give glory to God for His infinite wisdom.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23

Grace for your spirit July 16, 2008

Then the head of the household became angry and said to his slave, 'Go out at once into the streets and lanes of the city and bring in here the poor and crippled and blind and lame.' Luke 14:21

God compared His Kingdom to a great dinner that He prepared for everyone. First of all God called for those who had already been invited and they made excuses. Then God sent His slaves to invite the outcasts of the world. The poor, crippled, lame, and blind were welcomed. The religious people of that day were repulsed by the people from the streets invited to their dinner. It really didn’t matter because with that attitude, those religious ones wouldn’t be there anyway. Which group are we? Do we object about the membership allowed in church, or are we thankful all are invited? With the wrong kind of attitude and partiality we may be on the outside looking in too.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23

Grace for your spirit July 15, 2008

For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf. II Cor 5:14-15

A little boy was asked in Bible class how to get into heaven. He said, "Well first, you have to die." Out of the mouths of babes comes a great truth. The path to heaven is paved with death. First of all, Christ’s death for our sins. Then, we must die to sin and to worldliness with Him. Finally, when we die physically, God has an eternal home for us in heaven. Along the way, we won’t be able to live for Jesus, unless we have already died with Him. The next time the devil comes knocking on our door with temptation, let’s send Jesus to the door to tell the devil we don’t live there anymore. We’re dead.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23

Grace for your spirit July 14, 2008

Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, Ephesians 5:15

During our recent floods in the Midwest, people were warned again and again not to drive or walk through flood waters. The road just might be washed away under the water, and then you will be washed away too. When this happens you will drown, or be arrested. Plain enough? Many unwise ignored the warnings and suffered. Others wisely stayed back. The Word of God warns us to be careful how we walk, and not be foolish. The naïve of this world will continue to plunge through the water of sin, and be washed away to death. We may think we can make it through without Jesus, but we are wrong. God has a plan for our salvation. Heed h is warnings and live.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirt
Philippians 4:23

Grace for your spirit July 11, 2008

Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am." Jn 8:58

As Jesus debated the religious leaders of the day, the tried to pull rank on Him with their connection to Moses, Abraham, and God. Jesus announced to them that he was before Abraham, and in fact the I AM in the flesh. The I AM is the name for Jehovah God in the Old Testament, but here Jesus announces that He is the I AM of the New Covenant. Jesus told the people He was the eternal one to provide when He said, I AM the bread of life, I AM the light of the world, I AM the door of the sheepfold, I AM the good shepherd, I AM the way, truth, the life, and I AM the vine for the branches. When we come to Jesus, welcome to the eternal God in the flesh.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23

Grace for your spirit July 10, 2008

And His disciples asked Him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he would be born blind?" John 9:2

Many religious leaders in every generation have thought that all illnesses are a direct result of someone sinning. Job’s friends accused him, the Pharisees believed it, Jesus’ disciples wondered about it, and the health and wealth religious leaders of our day preach it. Jesus told His disciples neither had caused it by sin, but the glory of God would be seen because of it. Was He right? Well, this blind man could now see physically, and while they were all arguing the point, he was became able to see spiritually too. In verse 11, he called Jesus the man. In verse 17, he called Jesus a prophet, and by verse 38, He called Him Lord, and believed. Let’s cut through the arguing, and see spiritually that Jesus is Lord.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23

Grace for your spirit July 9, 2008

Now it came about on the next day that an evil spirit from God came mightily upon Saul, and he raved in the midst of the house, while David was playing the harp with his hand, as usual; and a spear was in Saul's hand. Saul hurled the spear for he thought, "I will pin David to the wall." But David escaped from his presence twice. I Samuel 18:10-11

A church member was complaining about new contemporary Christian music. It was pointed out that the song was a Psalm of David and over 3000 years old. Well the member replied, "now I know why Saul threw spears at him." Saul didn’t throw spears because he didn’t like the music. He was filled with evil, suspicion, and hatred toward David. When we start criticizing the worship of others, we need to check our motives. Is it their song, or our evil spirit?

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23

Grace for your spirit July 8, 2008

For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, II Timothy 1:7-8

Do we have a testimony of power for shame? Is our ministry a proclamation of love or suffering? Are we controlled by discipline or bondage? God doesn’t want us to be timid about the great gift living in us. He wants us to display our freedom, power, love, and discipline in all we say and do. We are either witnesses of how God has changed our lives or not. Will our testimony be a testimony of power or shame? We never saw Jesus, but we can still be changed by the majesty of His presence in our lives, and tell others. That is our true ministry.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23

Grace for your spirit July 7, 2008

Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. Ascribe to the LORD the glory of His name; Bring an offering and come into His courts. Worship the LORD in holy attire; Tremble before Him, all the earth. Psalms 96:7-9

When we give the Lord glory, splendor, majesty, strength, and beauty as the great Jehovah, we are doing what is right. We are opening up the flow of blessings that will come from His hand, as we do His will. If we don’t ascribe glory, splendor, majesty, strength, and beauty to the Lord, we will ascribe it to something or someone else. That other thing or person will become the object of our worship, and will be our idols. Idolatry in any form will cut us off from God, and ultimately destroy us. Give God the glory always

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23

Grace for your spirit July 4,2008

Happy Holiday I hope you all have a great 4th of July. It's a great time to remind others about the real freedom we all have in Christ.

Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. I Peter 3:15-16

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23

Grace for your spirit July 3, 2008

On the next day we left and came to Caesarea, and entering the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, we stayed with him. Now this man had four virgin daughters who were prophetesses. Acts 21:8-9

This travel footnote in the life of the apostle Paul and his companions is significant. Philip, the evangelist, was a servant to the church in Jerusalem. Then he was an Bible teacher leading the Ethiopian to Jesus on the Gaza Road. Out of sight since Acts 8, we would assume that one so inspired would be a great servant and teacher for Jesus. This passage also lets us know he was also one who had the influence of Jesus living in his house. Often, great servants of the Lord forget to make their house a home for Jesus, and raise their families in Christ. Philip was blessed with the best of both. I pray all of us can follow his excellent example

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23

Grace for your spirit July 2, 2008

So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11

The prophet Isaiah had two overwhelming tasks. He needed to warn Judah about their coming judgment, and proclaim the coming Messiah. His difficulty was compounded by the fact that the people didn’t think they needed a Messiah. They wanted a king. They also didn’t see any coming judgment that could overcome them. God promised Isaiah to keep on preaching His word with confidence. His preaching was accomplishing what God desired, even though Isaiah might not see it. We face the similar challenge today. Proclaim Jesus the Messiah, and warn of the judgment day. Does it seem no one is listening for caring? Keep preaching. God will make His word work, and will succeed.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23

Grace for your spirit July 1, 2008

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. II Corinthians 1:3-4

Often people ask why bad things happen to good people. Bad things happen to everyone because the devil and his works are still among us. Christians have an advantage when bad things happen to us. Christians receive comfort from God, and then that experience gives us the ability to comfort others in their afflictions. Let’s not be angry with God when troubles come our way. Instead, let’s bless Him for the deliverance we will experience, and then use that positive experience to help deliver others. The great gift He gives us, can we a great gift for others too. Every trial is an opportunity for good.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23

What to expect at the Northwest Church of Christ

What to expect at the Northwest Church of Christ
People you will meet
You will meet Christians who believe in one all knowing, all powerful God, who inspired the Bible to provide our standard of right and wrong. Followers of Christ who believe that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, rose from the dead, and ascended back to the Father. Christians who believe that saving faith includes repentance and baptism by immersion in water for the forgiveness of sins.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday Morning Worship Activities
Enjoy congregational singing without instruments. Prayers will be offered that allows our needs to be brought to Him. Communion service offered every Sunday to remember the Lord’s death until He returns. Lessons from the Bible that will teach us God’s word.You may expect the worship to be warm, friendly, and orderly. No one is ever required to speak or made to feel uncomfortable in any way. We pray you will feel welcome to come and stay
.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Questions We Would Like To Help You Answer
1) Is my heart right with God?
2) If today were my last day on earth, do I know for sure if I would go to heaven?
3) If God asked me why He should let me into heaven, what would my answer be?
4) If I could be shown a way from the Bible, that I could stand before God without guiltor fear, would I be interested?

Worship and Study Opportunities

Worship and Study Opportunities
Northwest Church of Christ. US 41 N @ Florida Ave Terre Haute, In
The Church is located on the West Side of U.S 41 North,One half mile North of the 41-63 interchange in Terre Haute
Sunday 9:30 AM Classes in I Peter
Sunday 10:30 AM Worship Services
Sunday6:00 PM Classes on the miracles of Jesus
Wednesday 7:00 P.M. Classes in fulfilling the Great Commission
--------------------------------- ------------------------------
Becky's Cafe 1462 Lafayette Ave Terre Haute, In
Tuesday 7:30 AM Devotional Breakfast
--------------------------------------------------------------
Summer Basket Dinner Pitch in
Sunday, July 27th, we welcome everyone to our summer lunch. It will begin just after morning worship services at noon. Bring someone with you

Area Wide Church of Christ Events

Area Church of Christ Events
Next Area Wide Men's Luncheon,Monday August 4th @Ryans/ Fire Mountain Buffet U.S. 41 South at Wal Mart.Bible study at 11:30 & Buffet lunch at 12:00. All Indiana TimeAll men are welcome. We need the communicaton and encouragement

Hats off to the Southside Church of Christ for bringing in the Church of Christ relief supplies from Nashville, and serving so many people during this flood crisis.

I was at camp again this week and once again extremely encouraged about the future of camping in the Wabash Valley, and the future of the church in this area. The 86 enthusiastic campers and a great staff are having a great time. Many improvements have been made and the camp is in great shape. Be sure to tell the camp directors how much you appreciate there work.

Prayer Thoughts For Today

Prayer Thoughts For Today
PRAYERS REQUESTED
Olivia Apa - 2year old from Tennessee getting ready for her third open heart surgery - Janet Bradford- MS treatments -Trudi Thompson - heart surgery & stroke- - Jacqi Grubb .. David Landes- Mary Rice-kidney dialysis- -B.J. Buzbee- Zelma Delph-aged with broken bones - Carl Pizzola Jr.

PRAYER TIP
Here's a good ministry tip. Carry a piece of paper with you and when you see people during your day, ask them if they have any prayer requests. You may be surprised to learn that almost every does and are glad you asked. A prayer ministry is a great ministry Sometimes we can pick up prayer needs by simply being observant of that around us. Let's get our mind off ourselves and God will open doors for us Also, the next time you visit the hospital, pray for everyone there. Everyone in the emergency room, intensive care, surgery, and in rooms, can use a prayer on their behalf.

KEEPING OUR PRAYER PRIORITIES RIGHT
Many times our prayers are just a "want list" for God. We forget other important elements of our relationship with God. Try using the acronym A C T S to stay on track Adoration - Praise God and who He is in our life Confession - Remember to bring our sins before Him for forgiveness Thanksgiving - Thank Him for his past provision and give Him glory Supplication - Finally, ask God to supply our needs, not our greeds