Posts from 2023 (Page 2)

LAST WEEK IN THE YUCATAN PENINSULA September 30, 2023, will be forever in the history books of the churches of Christ in Mexico. It was the first time that about five hundred and fifty young teenagers came together as one for this youth rally. Teens from six different states that surround the Yucatan came to this gathering. It was quite a sight that had never been seen before. Steve Smith, Sam Welsh and I had the privilege of preaching to…

As autumn approaches, we welcome the cooler temperatures and the changing of the seasons. We remember the promise of God to Noah, “While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, Cold and heat, Winter and summer, And day and night Shall not cease.” (Genesis 8:22) Along with the change in the weather comes the beautiful splendor of fall colors. We enjoy the reds, oranges, yellows, and all hues in between as the Lord’s nature gets ready for the coming winter. However,…

The apostle Paul wrote to two young preachers. Both were encouraged to set good examples. Timothy was admonished: “Let no man despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). Titus was challenged: “In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may…

Heard From God Lately? According to a survey, 25% of Americans believe that they have received personal messages from God. This statistic raises several questions: What is God saying to all of these people anyway? The Bible says that it contains “all things that pertain unto life and godliness” (2 Pet. 1: 3). What more do they need to know? Why is additional revelation necessary? Why does God show such special favoritism to this select group? Does He love this…

“An overwhelming majority of Americans continue to believe there is life after death and that heaven and hell exist, according to a new study. What’s more, most think they are heavenbound.” So begins a recent article in the Nashville Tennessean. What is heaven? Where is it that so many people believe they are bound? “46% described it as a ‘state of eternal existence in God’s presence,’ and… 30% said heaven is ‘an actual place of rest and reward where souls…

In school you learned about the three main verb tenses in English: past, present and future. These tenses describe three very different timeframes. One could say that a boy “threw” the ball (past tense), or a boy “is throwing” the ball (present tense) or a boy “will throw” the ball (future tense). Those same tenses can be used to describe a Christian’s life. The New Testament talks definitively about a Christian’s PAST life, with a great emphasis on leaving it…

THE POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA Karina wrote the following words in her social media post a few weeks ago: “In the same place we lost my sweet brother Rafael Ramirez only days ago my dad made the amazing choice to be baptized and join our Beltline Church of Christ Family ❤ we are beyond blessed to have such a big family here supporting and loving us through it all.” Karina wrote this after her father was baptized for the remission…

And Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the secretary, “I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the LORD.” And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it. And Shaphan the secretary came to [Josiah], and reported to the king, “Your servants have emptied out the money that was found in the house and have delivered it into the hand of the workmen who have the oversight of the house of the LORD.”…

Last Saturday, August 5, 2023, we had our annual north Alabama Hispanic lectureships. Several Hispanic congregations came from the State of Alabama and other states. Those who attended were from: Colombia, México, Costa Rica, Panama, El Salvador, Guatemala, Bolivia, Honduras, Haití, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and the United States. There were about twenty nations from Latin America singing praises to God and learning together the word of God. All these people…

It seems like it was yesterday when you could hear the last school bell ring letting you know that summer had officially begun. You trade in your backpacks full of books for suitcases full of swimsuits and sunglasses. The sun’s been out and the weather has been hot, even if it was for a short while. VBS and summer vacations have come and gone. But we’ve reached the time of year where it starts getting darker earlier, the leaves will…

One of my favorite holidays in this amazing country is Thanksgiving. I love how families travel from all over to be with their loved ones and of course I love the delicious food! It is wonderful to see parents, grandparents, uncles and grandchildren all together enjoying that special day. OUR THANKSGIVING IN AUGUST On Saturday, August 5, 2023 we will have our annual “North Alabama Lectureships”. This event is every year and we do it at Beltline. We have been…

At a recent funeral, I sat and listened to the memories that were being shared and sang the words to the familiar hymns of hope and praise, my faith was strengthened. I gave thanks to God for the hope that we have in Christ. As is usually the case in services of this nature, it was a very encouraging experience. I later thought about those who do not attend memorial services or funerals. I thought about how much they miss…