Grace for your spirit May 31, 2013

Grace for your spirit

Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord.  I Corinthians 11:27

Remembering the sacrifice of our Savior is a serious issue.  We may call it the Lord's Supper or Communion,  but whatever we label it, we need it to remember and proclaim Him until He comes again.  Our thoughts and attitudes are very important, and the key word is "unworthy".  Does it refer to the person taking the supper, or does it refer to the attitude of the person taking it?  None of us would ever be worthy without the blood of Jesus taking away our sins.  However, the issue here is the manner of, and the attitude of the partaker.  Thank you God for making us worthy, and we now ask for you to stay close to our attitude and our manner, that we may honor you and Jesus.

Grace for your spirit May 30, 2013

Grace for your spirit

You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk to them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.  Deuteronomy 6:7

Most children learn more from their parents when they're not trying to teach them something.  Learning from observation and attitudes.  In the movie, "The Christmas Story," little Ralphie observed and described his father often.  He said "some men are Presbyterians, some are Catholics, but my dad was an Oldsmobile man."  He said, "my dad could weave a tapestry of obscenities that hung over Lake Michigan like a cloud."  We all need to resolve to teach the next generation on purpose and by accident as well.  If this world is going to hell, let's make sure they didn't learn the way from us.

What To Expect At Northwest Church of Christ

The church building is located on U.S 41 North at Florida Avenue. Just 1/2 mile north of the 41/63 interchange in Terre Haute, Indiana

Sunday Bible Classes: 9:30 AM
Sunday Worship 10:30 AM:
Sunday Evening 6:00 PM:
Wednesday Study 7:00 PM:

Radio Programs
93.7 FM 7:40 AM & 4:40PM Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday &
anytime at www.wordpower.us  clicking on weekday morning show

BELIEF STATEMENT
We are a fellowship of believers in Christ who believe in one all powerful, all knowing, ever present God. We believe the Bible is God's inspired word, and provides our only standard of right and wrong.

We believe that Jesus Christ, God's Son, died for our sins all the cross, was buried, and rose from the dead for our justification. We believe that mankind is lost without the saving blood of Jesus and that He is the only way to the Father

We believe that saving faith includes repentance, and baptism for the forgiveness of our sins. We believe the baptized believer is a member of the Lord's church and the kingdom of God.

We believe that the Christians should worship properly and share the good news of Jesus until He returns with out heavenly reward

At worship you may expect joyous acappella singing,prayers,communion services, and a lesson from the Bible every Sunday Expect our worship to be warm, uplifting, and orderly, praising the Lord.

Everyone is always welcome. We hope you will be spiritually enriched by your worship visit

Grace for your spirit May 29, 2013

Grace for your spirit

Why are the nations in an  uproar, and the peoples devising a vain thing?  Psalm 2:1

This question is as relevant today as it was in the day it was first written.  The world is in an uproar because people are taking a stand against God.  Any plans we make against God will be in vain.  Fortunately, God always provides the answer to our dilemmas.  Verses 10-12 give us a checklist for victory.  Show discernment, take warning, worship the Lord, and show respect for His Son. These steps will give us a place of refuge against God's wrath that will soon be kindled.  In His shelter, we will be rejoicing even when trouble comes

Grace for your spirit May 28, 2013

Grace for your spirit

Which of these three men do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robber's hands ?  And he said, "the one who showed mercy toward him."  Then Jesus said to him, "Go and do the same."  Luke 10:36-37

One of the verses to the song,"Pass It On" says, "What a wonderous time is spring, when all the trees are budding.  The birds begin to sing, the flowers start their blooming.  That's how it is with God's love.  Once you've experienced it.  You want to sing, it's fresh like spring.  You want to pass it on." Springtime is a great time of year.  As the earth comes back to life from a cold winter, people are out and about working in their yards and doing things outside.  It is a great time to reacquaint ourselves with our neighbors and friends.  Let's take time to get to know our neighbors, their needs, and how we might be of assistance to them.  Let's be the neighbor God wants us to be

Grace for your spirit May 24, 2013

Grace for your spirit

"When you children ask their fathers in time to come, saying what are these stones? Then you shall inform your children saying,  Israel crossed this Jordan on dry ground."  

Joshua 4:21-22

This was Israel's first memorial day in their promised land.  After forty years in the wilderness, they came to the Jordan River.  God parted the river so they could enter, much like He had done at the Red Sea.  Joshua told the tribes to get twelve stones and build a monument to mark the miracle.  It took more than a stack of rocks.  It would take careful observation from one generation to another, so they would not lose the awesome wonder of God's power.  We have national memorials and kingdom memorials we need to honor as part of our heritage and future.  May we all honor and respect our memorials for the strength they bring us.  May we pause, refresh, and have a happy Memorial Day.

Grace for your spirit May 23, 2013

Grace for your spirit

Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."  And Jesus said to him,  "Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.  Matthew 16:16-17

It was faith like Peter's that Jesus chose as an example to build His church.  Faith like Peter's got him the keys to the kingdom and a place in the inner circle with Jesus.  He got this faith feeding on the words God and not from anyone in the world.  Who is feeding us right now?  If we choose our path from those in this world, our walk will be unsure.  

When our faith is developed by the Word from God, even though we might be insignificant, our faith can be a rock.  Is our rock of faith a spiritual building spot for anyone?  Let's return our attention to our Father, and enjoy the benefits.

Grace for your spirit May 22, 2013

Grace for your spirit

They were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.  Just then there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit; and he cried out     Mark 1:22-23

When Jesus picked His apostles, He called them to come, take, and learn.  As disciples, they would be followers.  As apostles, they would be sent.  They could have never been molded into apostles reading the transcript of His journeys while they stayed home.  They were molded by their first hand experiences.  They were amazed in a way the moved them to action.  My grandfather had only a mild interest in Major League baseball, listening to in on the radio.  Then we took him to a game in Chicago and he was hooked for life.  We need to experience Christianity on the street.  We will never catch the fever in our recliner in front of our TV. 

Grace fror your spirit May 21, 2013

Grace for your spirit

Like one who takes a dog by the ears, is he who passes by and meddles with strife not belonging to him.   Proverbs 26:17

If you want to start a disturbance and probably get bit in the process, grab a dog by their ears, or stick your nose in somewhere it doesn't belong.  Law enforcement fear domestic struggles as the most dangerous, and are aware that both sides may turn on you at any time.   There will always be strife around us, and people who really need help. How can we help?  When we live a life for God, and make ourselves available to others who ask for help, we can accomplish much good.  Let's ask God to open the doors for us to do good.  That may be the wisest path for us to follow.

Grace for your spirit May 20, 2013

Grace for your spirit

Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scripture daily to see whether these things were so.  Acts 17:11

The Apostle Paul's missionary journeys certainly had their ups and downs.  He barely made it out of Thessalonica, and then things were much better in Berea. They were more noble-minded.  They sought higher thoughts and higher ways.  Because of their desire to excel, they had a different spirit.  They received the word with great eagerness, examining the scriptures every day to made sure these things were right.  This kind of spirit in a church will make it explode and affect a lost and dying world.  May we pray for such a spirit among us.  Let's see if we can make the preacher say, "Amen."

Grace for your spirit May 17, 2013

Grace for your spirit

Do not weary yourself to gain wealth.  Cease from your consideration of it.  When you set your eyes on it, it is gone.  For wealth certainly makes itself wings like an eagle that flies toward the heavens.  Proverbs 23:4-5

How much this is like the words of Paul in I Timothy 6:10.  The love of money really is the root of all sorts of evil. It is the kind of pursuit that doesn't allow us to focus on anything else, and when we lose it, we realize we have lost everything important along the way.  It is fine for us to own things, but when things own us, our troubles will never end.  Get rich schemes often seem too good to be true.  In fact, they aren't true.  Trust in the Lord

Grace for your spirit May 16, 2013

Grace for your spirit

When he knocked at the door of the gate, a servant girl name Rhoda came to answer.  When she recognized Peter's voice, because of her joy, she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter was stand in front of the gate.  They said to her, "You are out of your mind"  Acts 12:13-15

The Apostle Peter was in jail and the disciples gathered to pray for his safe release. Their prayers were answered quickly and Peter came knocking on their door.  "Peter at the front door?  No way, he's is jail." When they finally let him in, they were amazed.  Is this our prayer of faith?  When we approach the Almighty God with our requests, may we have an expectant attitude of His provision.  Are we praying for rain?  Bring umbrellas.  Are we requesting reconciliation of a loved one? Let's watch and pray.  Let's be known for the results of our prayers, and the faith in which we offer them.  

Grace for your spirit May 15, 2013

Grace for your spirit

A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth works ruin.  Proverbs 22:28

There is an old nursery rhyme from the mid-1800's that says, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me."  Nearly every generation of children since then have used this poem as an answer to bullying.  Like many nursery rhymes, it is completely untrue.  Words can be like hot coals on dry wood making a flame.  Words can hit like a fist and knock us down.  Words can depress us and set us on a path of destruction.  Words can hurt people, Words do hurt people..  Let's be more careful where we thrown them and where they land.  Let's keep our words soft and sweet.  We never know when we might have to eat them

Grace for your spirit May 13, 2013

Grace for your spirit

We kept declaring both to those of Damascus first, and also at Jerusalem and then throughout all the region of Judea, and even to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds appropriate to repentance.  Acts 26:20

At what point does the discipling process end?  We are sent to make disciples, baptize disciples, and teach disciples, but how can we know that the process is complete?  The apostle Paul had a measuring tool for those who had repented and turned to God.  He saw them performing deed appropriate to repentance.  As they were born again, their new life blossomed.  As they turned from sin to righteousness, their minds changed, their hearts changed, and finally what they did changed.  It was a constant inquiry of "what would Jesus do", and a resolve to do it ourselves.  When those appropriate deeds are missing, we need to see if we missed a step, then retrace and rebuild the disciples.

Grace for your spirit May 14, 2013

Grace for your spirit

Do not reprove a scoffer, lest he hate you.  Reprove a wise man and he will love you.  Proverbs 9:8

When reproved or gently criticized, how do we respond?   Do we realize that they way we accept such criticism reveals our spirit?  Are we scoffers or wise?  A scoffer takes criticism badly and will often hate the person talking to them.  The wise man will learn to love the criticism for the improvement it can make in their lives.  With the positive improvement, they then will love the one who reproved them.  The next time we are rebuked, before we respond in a hateful way, let's think; can this information help me?  When it does, be sure to say thank you very much.  That would be wise.

Grace for your spirit May 10, 2013

Grace for your spirit

Please run now to meet her and say to her, "Is it well with you?  Is it well with your husband?  Is is well with the child?"  And she answered, "It is well."  II Kings 4:26

Here is my nominee for woman of the year.  Her life was an embodiment of faith, hope, and love.  This no name woman from Shunem on the wrong side of the country was a hospitable soul, who provided food and lodging for God's prophet and wished for nothing in return. She was content.  The prophet noticed that she had no son to provide for her future, and she was provided with a blessed son.  One day her son died, and she rode to the prophet for an explanation and help.  Her child was dead, her husband befuddled, but how was she?  She answered "All is well."  Instead of worry, she had faith.  Instead of fear, she had hope.  Instead of anger, she had love.  Her positive outlook was rewarded, her son restored, and her life blessed.  We can be her children when we walk with her faith today.

Grace for your spirit May 9, 2013

Grace for your spirit

Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to Jesus with her son, bowing down and making a request of Him.  And He said to her, "What do you wish?" She said to Him, "Command that in Your kingdom these two sons of mine may sit one on Your right and one on Your left."  Matthew 20:20-21

James and John, the sons of Zebedee had made it to the inner circle of Jesus' disciples.  As believers in the future of Christ's kingdom, all the apostles hoped they would be an important part of His kingdom.  Mama Zebedee, wanting the very best for her sons, decided to give them and Jesus a little encouragement in the decision.  She didn't know exactly what she was requesting, but she was right there for them.  Mothers praying for their children to be close to Jesus and His ministry is one of the greatest things to be done.  Pray that the children will bear His cross and wear the crown in His kingdom

Grace for your spirit May 8, 2013

Grace for your spirit

But when she could hide him no longer, she got him a wicker basket and covered it over with tar and pitch.  Then she put the child into it and set it among the reeds by the bank of the Nile.  Exodus 2:3

King Pharaoh of Egypt feared their Hebrew slaves would grow in number and strength and overcome Egypt.  He ordered all the males that were born to be thrown into the Nile River.  A women named Jochebed refused to kill her son.  She set him free to float down the Nile under the providence of God.  That baby was found by Pharoah's daughter, but nursed and raised by his own mother.  Because he was drawn out of the water, they named him Moses.  Eighty years later God called him to be the deliverer of Israel.  Believe it or not, many people do not know this story of faith, sacrifice, trust, and deliverance.  Let's share it with someone this Mother's Day.

Grace for your spirit May 7, 2013

Grace for your spirit

O Lord of hosts, if you will You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me and not forget Your maidservant, but give your maidservant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and a razor will never come on his head.  I Samuel 1:11

Hanna had a lot of bad days.  Her husband had another wife who was giving him children, but she could not. She felt the shame and was ridiculed daily.  She prayed to the Lord for a son with the vow that if her request was granted she would give the son back to the Lord.  Her son, Samuel was born with a Nazarite vow and a commitment to serve God from his youth.  God granted her request and she kept her vow.  After the child was weaned, she took him to the to Shiloh and dedicated Samuel to the Lord.  Her great blessing was in her sacrifice.  Samuel would be called of God as a judge over Israel,  He would rule with a reputation of honesty and integrity all his life. How proud this mother must have been and how she was blessed for her sacrifice.  How great in the sight of God was Hanna, the mother of Samuel.

Grace for your spirit May 6, 2013

Grace for your spirit

Honor you father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise) so that is may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth.  Ephesians 6:2-3

Mother's day is Sunday, May 12th, and this in honor your mother week.  Please notice that the command is not conditional, based on how good of a mother we have.  Next, there is no limitation on that honor.  Even if they have passed on, we can still honor them.  This is the fifth commandment of the ten commandments found in Exodus, and it is the first one connected to a promise.  The two promises with this commandment are that things may be well with us, and we will live long on the earth. Some people may choose rebellion not honoring their mother, but they are only hurting themselves.  Let's commit to God's will, and enjoy the benefits of keeping His commands.  Happy everyday.

Grace for your spirit May 3, 2013

Grace for your spirit

Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut off the kingdom of heaven from people;  for you do not enter in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.  Matthew 23:13

The scribes and Pharisees were the so-called religious leaders of the day.  They were supposed to hold the doors open for Jesus, instead they blocked the way.  When people say to us, "I won't go to church because there are too many hypocrites."  Do we answer, "Well, we're closer to God that you are."  Let's take that self-righteous answer and bury it. If our inconsistent lives keep ourselves and others out of the kingdom, we usually know it.  Just because we are a church member, it doesn't mean we are an open door to the kingdom. When someone calls up a hypocrite, woe to us if we don't carefully evaluate our stance in Christ.  If we don't, if we won't, we may be the hypocrites we deny being.  Let's not play a part.  Let's get real.

Grace for your spirit May 2, 2013

Grace for your spirit

Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth.  For I am God, and there is no other.  Isaiah  45:22

Throughout history God's people have turned to Him to be saved, but they haven't turned often enough.  Many times they forgot to seek Him and calamity would strike unexpectedly.  When we work on computer projects, we learn the value of saving our work regularly and often.  We never know when the program might crash or the power go off, and we lose everything we have worked on. It can be devastating.  When our walk with Jesus is off and on, we may find ourselves vulnerable to a spiritual crash or power outage.  Let's commit to walk in His light continually and when trouble comes, we will be sure of our status in Christ.