Monday, December 31, 2012

Grace for your spirit December 31, 2012

Grace for your spirit
May 2013 be a healthy, happy, and holy new year for us all.  May we make new commitments to serve the Lord and others around us, and have our spirits renewed daily by His grace.  If we will find a "life verse" for our day and ask Him to help us fulfill it, He will lead us in the paths we should follow.  Allow me to give you one of my favorite "life verses" for the new year from Psalm 139:23-24.  Happy New Year.

Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me and know my anxious thoughts;
And see if there be any hurtful way in me,
And lead me in the everlasting way.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Grace for your spirit December 28, 2012

Grace for your spirit
But when he came to his senses, he said to himself, "How many of my father's hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger!"  Luke 15:17

This lost son had been on the pig pin trail for some time.  His life had been spinning our of control ever since he left home, but he didn't realize how bad it was until he hit bottom.  Often when we are spinning out of control in life, in the air, in the water, or in the mud, we can't get our bearings until we hit.  Fortunately the Lord gave him a soft landing, so he could come to his senses.  His father had given him those senses because he certainly didn't get them from his worldly friends or the pigs.  When we are spinning and falling, let's pray to the Lord that He will give us a soft landing in His grace, and the senses to make better choices.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Grace for your spirit December 27, 2012

Grace for your spirit
What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me?  I shall lift up the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord.  I shall pay my vows to the Lord.  Oh may it be in the presence of all His people.  Psalm 116:12-14

We all need to remember all the benefits we have from the Lord.  He pardons us, redeems us, heals us, satisfied us, and renews us on so many ways.  We need to be thankful children by worshiping and honoring Him with our lives.  We certainly can 't fully repay Him for all His goodness, but we can surely show our gratitude in the way we help others.  One of the best ways is to thank Him is in the presence of people.  May our churches and communities realize that our success comes from the Lord.  Praise the Lord, and let's not keep it a secret.

Monday, December 24, 2012

Grace for your spirit December 24, 2012

Grace for your spirit
But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy, which will be for all the people, for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  Luke 2:10-11

For generations God had sent the prophets proclaiming that the Messiah would come with joyful shouting.  He would bring gladness and joy to all with sorrow and sighing flying away.  Time after time God told them to listen, look, pay attention, lift up their eyes, and wake up.  How would God get their attention on the day of His birth?  A heavenly host filled the night sky with light and rejoicing in the face of lowly shepherds. The joy had finally arrived and the shepherd couldn't keep it to themselves.  They spread the glad tidings wherever they went.  God would love it if the message of His Son would grip us as well.  May the glory of the heavenly host fill our hearts this Christmas season, and remain there every day all year long.  "Joy to the World".

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Grace for your spirit December 21, 2012

Grace for your spirit
She shall bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.  Matthew 1:21

As the song goes, "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, there's just something about that name". The apostle's proclaimed that there is salvation in no other name.  There are many names and titles applied to the Son of God made flesh.  All of them describe a different aspect of His nature, destiny, and duty. When the angel spoke to Joseph, he told him the name to call Him.  It is Jesus. It is by the authority of His name that we come to God, and find cleansing for our sins.  Joy to the World. The Lord has come.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Grace for your spirit December 20, 2012

Grace for your spirit
One person regards one day above another, another regards every day alike.  Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind.  Each person must be convinced in his own mind.  He who observes the day,observes it to the Lord...Romans 14:5-6

The debate about days and events is never ending.  One day we are debating about when He was born, another day we are predicting when He will come again.  The reality is that we don't and won't know either.  Was Jesus born on December 25th?  It is doubtful, but if we want to pick that day, it is OK.  If we reject that day and choose to celebrate everyday, even better.  Jesus is the reason for the season, and it fact, the reason for every season.  If we choose to observe a day for the Lord's birth and observe it to the Lord, that is our choice.  If we choose another or every day, and observe it to the Lord, that's fine too.  Let's determine to bring Joy to the World, instead of judgment.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Grace for your spirit December 19, 2012


Grace for your spirit
For the Son of God, Christ Jesus, who was preached among you by us-by me and Silvanus, and Timothy-was not yes and no, but yes in Him. For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes;  II Corinthians 1:19-20

Sometimes we all make promises we cannot keep. We say we will be somewhere and we can't, or we will do something and we don't.  This happened to Paul, but he wanted to make sure we understood the difference between God's promises and ours.  When we preach the Word of God, the promises we preach or not yes one day and no another.  They are always yes in Him.  This is the confidence we have with God.  He is faithful, and when we bring His promises to others, they can count on them too.  The answer is always Yes

Monday, December 17, 2012

What to expect at the 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:

DECEMBER ACTIVITIES

Warm for the Kids
Right after Christmas break, we will take gloves, hats, scarves, and socks to shelters and elementary schools.  You may start bring those items at any time.  The more the merrier. 



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 December 18, 2012

Grace for your spirit
Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough?  Clean out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened.  I Corinthians 5:6-7

With something is leavened, it is mixed with an altering or transforming substance.  With bread, the substance is yeast.  Unleavened bread is unmixed.  When the Passover feast began in Egypt, the direction to unleavened bread was a reminder that they would no longer be mixed with sin and bondage.  In our communion service the bread is the same reminder for us.  Our command is to unmix the leaven of sin, and be leavened with the righteousness of Christ.  It makes us a new lump, and a godly lump. May we let the influence of Christ completely overtake us.  When we are completely leavened by Christ, there is no room for the evil influence.  Let's keep it that way.

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Grace for your spirit December 17, 2012

Grace for your spirit
So also it is written, "The first man Adam became a living soul.  The last Adam, became a life-giving Spirit.  I Corinthians 15:45

Have you ever noticed the interesting contrast between Adam and Jesus Christ?  Adam was the first man, and he had it all.  God provided everything he needed for life and godliness, yet he wanted more.  He listened to his wife and the devil to get more.  He had it all, he wanted more, and he lost it all.  Jesus Christ had it all, and was willing to take less.  He humbled himself to be born in this world and suffered death on a cross all for us.  As a result, He was exalted by God and given a name above every name.  Adam wanted more and brought judgment to all men.  Christ wanted less, and brought righteousness to all men.  Who will be our role model?  Every Christian has a little of both Adam's in us.  Let's choose to be more like Christ.  

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Grace for your spirit December 14, 2012

Grace for your spirit
Revive me according to Your lovingkindness, so that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth.  Psalm 119:88

Sometimes we are on a roller coaster of faithfulness to God.  He loves us and continues to send us directions to walk in His light, but we ignore Him.  We should be thankful that God loves us and continues to reprove, rebuke, and exhort with great patience.  We need to pray for revival.  As the song goes,  "Hallelujah, Thine the glory.  Revive us again."  In our human shortcomings, if we don't seek and pray for revival, we are probably in trouble.  Indeed, revive us again and again,so we may keep Your testimony.  

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Grace for your spirit December 13, 2012

Grace for your spirit
But thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in everyplace.  II Corinthians 2:14

Pizza Hut has just developed a new spray perfume that smells like Pizza.  I mentioned it to a friend of mine who manages a Pizza Hut, and she laughed.  She said she is up to our neck in Pizza, and smells that way all the time.  As I thought about the aroma of Pizza, which is nice, I remembered the aroma of Christ which is even nicer.  When we immerse ourselves completely in Christ, we will carry around an aroma of Him in every place.  I wonder if we could bottle of the aroma of Christ, if it would be popular.  After all, we could have His aroma without commitment and dedication.  We need the aroma to do His will, and right now we still have to get it from Him.  Let's immerse ourselves in the knowledge and triumph of Him.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Grace for your spirit December 12, 2012

Grace for your spirit
Now it is God that makes both you and us stand firm in Christ.  He anointed us, set His seal of ownership on  us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit guaranteeing what is to come.  II Corinthians 1:21-22

God has promised to redeem us and take us home with Him for eternity.  In Christ Jesus we belong to Him, even though we still live in this world.  So God left part of His Spirit in us, as a down payment assuring us that He will return for us.  Some translations call this "the earnest of the spirit". It was an old term used in the purchase of something large like real estate.  When we make the deal we leave a deposit or earnest money, to guarantee we will return to complete the transaction.  His Spirit in us is His pledge to complete our deal, and God always keeps His promises.  Let's wear His seal proudly.

Monday, December 10, 2012

Grace for your spirit December 10, 2012

Grace for your spirit
These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords, and King of kings,and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful.  Revelation 17:14

Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world, and King and Lord of His kingdom.  In His position, He attracts many enemies.  The book of Revelation is literally a book about Jesus and His enemies.  Satan wants His kingdom sending, sin, false prophets, and false governments, to name a few.  Which side will we choose?  Jesus is King over all kings, and Lord over all lords,  May we be with Him, called, chosen and faithful,  When the war is over, only those on His side will taste victory

Grace for your spirit December 11, 2012

Grace for your spirit
Jesus answered, "Don't you know Me, Philip, even after I have been among you for such a long time?  Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father.  How can you say show us the Father?  
John 14:9

The night before Jesus went to the cross, some of His disciples revealed that they didn't really know Him.  Jesus wondered how He could be around them so long and yet they had missed the point that Jesus was God in the flesh. When we come to truly know Him, we will love Him, serve Him, share Him.  Our opportunity to effectively love, serve, and share, fail when we don't ever truly know Him.  How long do we have to be around Him before we come to truly know Him?  That will directly depend on how much we are really paying attention.  Let's get into the Word, find Him, and know Him.  Then the serving and sharing will follow.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Grace for your spirit December 7, 2012

Grace for your spirit
My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge.  Hosea 4:6

These people were in trouble, but they didn't know it.  The knowledge and wisdom from God was available to them, but they didn't know it.  Hunger, thirst, poverty, and captivity was in their future, but they didn't know it.  When they got hunger, thirsty, poor, and captured, they cried out for the Lord.  Too bad they weren't concerned earlier and most of their troubles could have been avoided.  In Matthew's beatitudes, he pronounced a blessing on those who "hunger and thirst for righteousness".  When are restaurants are full, but our Bible classes are empty, we need to take heed.  We need the vision of God to prepare for tomorrow.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Grace; for your spirit December 6, 2012

Grace for your spirit
Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly.  Romans 12:6

Perhaps you've heard the expression, "use it or lose it".  It is certainly true.  If we don't use the skills we have been blessed with, we will certainly lose the ability to use them.  Here, God informs us that all Christians have been given gifts of grace, and we are encouraged to exercise them.  The one talent man, who didn't use his talent, lost it when the master came to see how he was doing.  Every Christian begins with a bag full of gifts to aid their ministry.  There are gifts of grace, gifts of the spirit, and the practical God given talents we possess.  If we keep that bag closed, someday we will open it and find it completely empty.  We will have to stand before God someday and explain how we used His gifts.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Grace for your spirit December 5, 2012


Grace for your spirit
Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near.  Revelation 1:3


We may be familiar with the Beatitudes in Matthew.  Those pronouncement of blessings can guide us through difficult times as we enter His kingdom.  Did you know there are seven such beatitudes in Revelation that will give us victory in Jesus?  1:3 Blessed-read, hear, and heed.  14:13 Blessed-Die in the Lord.  16:15 Blessed-Stays awake and keeps his garments.  19:9 Blessed-Invited to the wedding supper of Lamb.  20:6 Blessed-Part of the 1st resurrection.  22:7 Blessed-Keep the words of the book.  22:14 Blessed-Wash robes, and have right to the tree of life.  The tree of life is found in heaven.  This is the clear path to get us there.  These are pronouncements of blessing to all who follow that path.  May we all be Blessed and meet at the Tree of Life.

Monday, December 3, 2012

Grace for your spirit December 4, 2012

Grace for your spirit
And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, and to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  Acts 2:42

This is a description of the church in its very first days.  The gospel of Jesus had been preached and 3,000 were baptized that very first day.  They were believers, and their faith moved them to obey the teachings of the apostles.  Believing was their first step, but belonging would be just as important for them to remain faithful.  The continual fellowship, breaking of bread and prayer gave them a community to grow in.  We strive to preach the gospel today that will produce the same response, leading lost souls to Christ.  Let's never forget that giving everyone a sense of belonging will be just as important today as the first day.  We may not be a great teacher, but everyone can participate in the belonging process.

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Grace for your spirit December 3, 2012

Grace for your spirit
Jonathan said to the young man who was carrying his armor. "Come and let us cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised;  perhaps the Lord will work for us, for the Lord is not restrained to save by many or by few."  I Samuel 14:6

As usual, King Saul of Israel found himself out manned and out gunned by his arch rivals, the Philistines.  Saul was frozen in fear and indecisiveness, so his son Jonathan decided to give the leading to the Lord.  Jonathan and the young man gave the battle to the Lord.  Two against thousands.  The Lord turned the battle for Israel, and gave them a great victory that day.  God is always happy to rise up and give those who trust in Him a victory.  God truly enjoys fighting many with a few, because then He will get the glory for the victory.  Let's not be dismayed when we are outnumbered.  God does His best work when we are down and almost out.