Category: Weekly Encouragement

Every week, the ministers here at the South Green church of Christ write brief articles for the congregation's weekly bulletin. The following is a copy of those articles, which have been adapted to this digital environment. Brief and to the point, these articles are designed to inspire, encourage, and challenge all. We hope and trust you will find them useful.

Father, Forgive Them

The Jewish authorities: “They spit in His face and struck Him. And some slapped Him, saying, ‘Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?’” (Matt. 26:67-68) The Roman soldiers: “They spit on Him and took the reed and struck Him on the head.” (Matt. 27:30) Peter: “I do not know Him.” (Luke …

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For you have the poor with you always…

Dialogue and attention continue to be given to those who struggle to have their basic needs met. The church has a great opportunity to assist someone seeking to grow spiritually while helping them through benevolence. Bringing others to Christ is the Christian’s mission (Matthew 28:16-20). We must also understand many in our community are challenged …

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Is Bible Class Important?

“You are preparing those in the cradle for the storms of life.” ~Michael Whitworth As we wind down another education rotation, I am reminded of the importance of Bible Class as we prepare for the next rotation. It is humbling to see those who teach in our Education program give of their time, self, and …

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Healing A Broken Heart

“We spend the first half of our life making friends, we spend the second half of our life burying them.” ~Unknown How many of us have said, “Goodbye” to a friend or family member at the funeral home? I find myself attempting to provide comfort to others and watch people I care about suffer due …

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When Satan Makes Demands

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:31-32) A number of important truths are revealed in this statement from Jesus to Simon Peter. What we …

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Primary Beliefs Must Be First

In the commentary entitled The Seed Principle, Sowing the Life of Your Dreams, Aubrey Johnson reminds us the importance of planting the right type of seeds from the messages we receive. Aubrey gives us these three ideas when it comes to primary beliefs: “All sorts of ideas are spread through the media, Internet, pulpit, classroom …

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Making Peace

Scripture is clear: The Lord expects us to be peacemakers. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matt. 5:9) “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (Rom. 12:18) So how might this be accomplished? Practically speaking, what would this look like? Four biblical acts …

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Family Reunions

Since the latter part of the summer and up through this weekend, I have attended several family “get togethers.” I am blessed to have relatives through cousins (and one aunt who is still living) and to be able to call others “family” due to my marriage. Additionally, I love being able to gather with my …

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Condescend To Men Of Low Estate

In his book entitled, Balance: A Tried and Tested Formula for Church Growth, Ira North, in chapter seven, points us to the importance of helping the poor, the downtrodden, and the “lowly.” Brother North quotes Romans 12:16 (KJV) which says Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to …

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A Second Chance

In Luke 7:11-17, there is reported a very special interaction between Jesus and a widow who was now grieving the loss of her only son. Apparently the whole town of Nain felt sorry for her as they were mourning with her. Jesus had compassion on her—He raised her son from the dead and gave him …

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