Category Archives: Minister’s Page

That Which is Greatest

Paul in writing to his son in the faith, Timothy, informed him “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the lift that now is, and of that which is to come” 1 Timothy 4:8.  In this passage Paul makes a clear contrast between the physical and the spiritual.  The physical relates to and limited to this life, but the spiritual relates to this life and eternity, note the latter part of the verse “…having promise of the lift that now is, and of that which is to come.”

As the new year approaches, there is new year’s resolutions that will be made, many of which will be made but never adhered to.  They may relate to losing weight, getting more exercise, eating better or any number of other things.  I wonder how resolutions that are made will relate to the spiritual rather than the physical.  How much time will be given to eternity rather than the temporary.  The Christians focus are to be on the spiritual and eternal 2 Corinthians 4:18; Colossians 3:1, 2; Matthew 6:19, 20.  

How many will make a resolution to server the Lord rather than the devil and themselves?  When the bible declares that the world lies in wickedness 1 John 5:19 that tell one exactly who most of the world is serving.  To serve the Lord one must begin by a sincere obedience to the gospel Hebrews 5:8, 9.  This involves believing in Jesus that he is in reality the savior of the world 1 John 4:14, because of his death and resurrection Romans 4:25.  One must be willing to allow his faith to lead him to repentance (the changing of one’s mind and life) Luke 13:3, 5.  He must be willing to confess that Jesus Christ is the Sone of God Romans 10: 9, 10.  One must submit himself to baptism (immersion) for the remission of sin Acts 2:38.  Having completed his obedience he then and only then becomes a child of God Galatians 3: 26, 27 and a servant of righteousness Romans 6:18.  

How many Christians will make a new year’s resolution to be more faithful in their worship?  Some Christians act as thought cooperate worship is not necessary or important.  The attitude has developed among far too many that virtual worship or home worship by watching it on the television is just as acceptable.  But such is simply lacking in regard to biblical authority.  The bible says, “forsake not the assembling of yourselves TOGETHER, as the manner of some is,” does this sounds like one is just as acceptable as another?  The church came TOGETHER to break bread Acts 20:7.  Will the Christian make the commitment to be more faithful in their worship, not allowing unimportant things to prevent them from being faithful in their worship.  

How many Christians will make a resolution to be more devoted to bible study and prayer.  By one giving diligence and handling aright the word of truth can one present himself acceptable to God 2 Timothy 2:15.  Till the lord comes we should give ourselves to reading, exhortation and to doctrine 1 Timothy 4:13.  What about our prayer life?  Will we give ourselves continually to prayer 1 Thessalonians 5:17, being confident that God is attentive to our prayers 1 Peter 3:12.  

How many Christians will give themselves to the service of others?  We should give ourselves to the service of others out of a genuine love Galatians 5:13.  If we serve God, the serving others will be a natural outgrowth.  Serving others may involve, teaching people the gospel, it may be comforting the bereaved, encouraging the weak, restoring the erring, and any other way we can encourage other.  

Will our resolutions this new year be more toward the physical or the spiritual?  It is not wrong to make resolutions regarding the physical, but there should more importance should be placed on the spiritual rather than the physical.  

Bill Cantrell

Discovering Truth

It is estimated that there are 4,200 different religions in the world.  It is presently uncertain exactly the number of religions in the United States.  It is estimated to be somewhere around between 1500-1600 in the U.S. and Canada.  Regardless of the number we know it is far more than the Lord ever intended.  The… Continue Reading

What Is Your Attire?

Most if not all of us realize the value of proper attire. I can remember that schools, the work force required neat, decent and well kept clothing to be worn by its employees especially in dealing with the public. If someone was going for an interview for a job, they were expected to be well… Continue Reading

From Rags to Riches

The word poor is defined as follows:     1.  Reduced to beggary, begging, asking for alms.    2.  Destitute of wealth, influence, position, honor.  (A) Lowly, afflicted, destitute of the Christian virtues and eternal riches.  (B) Helpless, powerless to accomplish an end.  (C) Poor needy.     3.  “Lacking in anything…”  The same word is found… Continue Reading

The Christian and Civil Authorities #2

In last week’s bulletin, we discussed some facts regarding civil authorities. We considered the fact that civil authorities originate with God and are accountable to God. A second consideration was that God instituted civil authorities to suppress and punish evil. Their responsibility is not to incite, encourage and become a part of the evil that… Continue Reading

The Christian and Civil Authorities

“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to… Continue Reading

Will Jesus Find Faith on the Earth?

This is a very good question?  Perhaps a question to ask personally would be, when Jesus comes will he find faith in me?  This is a very sobering thought.  The question is found in Luke 18:8.  This is in the midst of a parable given by Jesus regarding the persistence of prayer and God’s faithfulness… Continue Reading

Be Not Weary

Paul in writing to the Galatian Christians admonished them “And let us not be weary in well doing for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not”, (Galatians chapter six and verse nine).  The cause of this admonition is clear from the book.  They were growing weary because of external pressure being put… Continue Reading

Have You Had a Checkup Lately?

Most is not all of us have heard the phrase “I need a check-up’.  We understand by the statement that we are going to a doctor to make sure everything is physically well with us.  We do so, so that if anything is found we hopefully can correct or treat the problem before it becomes… Continue Reading

What is Genuine Repentance?

“And the times of this ignorance God winked at: But nowcommandeth all men everywhere to repent: because He hath appointed aday, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that manwhom He hath ordained; whereof He hath given assurance unto all men, inthat He that raised Him from the dead.” Acts 17:30,… Continue Reading

801 Humes Avenue, Huntsville, AL 35801 · 256-534-4001