Thursday, August 29, 2013

Grace for your spirit August 30, 2013

Grace for your spirit
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  I Thessalonians 5:23

God promises us that the peace that passes all understanding will guard our hearts and minds.  We may have many ups and downs as a disciple, many good days and some bad ones, but He promises us ultimate holiness, preservation, and victory in Him. His holiness will allow us to stand before Him blameless at the coming of Jesus.  May that be our ultimate peace now and forever.

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

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:

Radio Programs
93.7 FM at 7:40 AM & 4:40 PM Tuesday, Thursday & and Sunday's sermon replayed on Wednesday at 7:00 AM

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 August 29, 2013

Grace for your spirit
The men of Ninevah will stand up with this generation at the judgment, and will condemn it because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.  Matthew 12:41

Jonah easily qualifies as one of the worst missionaries in history.  His mission was to preach to some of the most evil people ever seen.  His eight word sermon was simple.  "Yet forty days and Ninevah will be destroyed" They heard, they repented, and God did not destroy them. In contrast, Jesus preached to the people who thought they were God's people, and they refused to listen or repent.  Who will rise up in judgment against our generation?  We have many more resources and opportunities to learn and repent. Greater opportunities bring greater responsibilities

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Grace for your spirit August 28, 2013

Grace for your spirit
And Jesus was saying to her,"Let the children by satisfied first, for it is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs." But she answered and said to Him, "Yes Lord, but even the dogs under the table feed on the children's crumbs."       Mark 7:26-27

This Gentile woman was begging Jesus to heal her daughter. Jesus reminded her that His primary mission was to the children of Israel. She responded with sort of a smart answer that was born of faith. She knew she was a dog, and she would settle for the crumbs under the table. It was an appeal born of faith.  Jesus seldom saw that much faith from those sitting at His table, and her request was granted. We may never sit at the main table, but the crumbs of Christ's kingdom can accomplish what He knows we need.  May He see that faith in all of us.

Monday, August 26, 2013

Grace for your spirit August 27, 2013

Grace for your spirit
And He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter,"Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? Keep watching and praying that you may not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."  Mark 14:37-38

Jesus about to be arrested in the garden where He went to pray.  His apostles were supposed to watch and pray.  They couldn't give Him an hour.  They were totally unaware of the circumstances unfolding around them, and the challenges they would soon have to face.  Does that amaze you?  I am equally amazed every Lord's day when I become aware of how many people don't have an hour to stay awake for the Lord.  I see that too many are also unaware of the circumstances and challenges coming.  If we were, our worship services would be full and alive.  God has given us all 168 hours this week.  Can we find one for Him?  Will one be enough?

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Grace for your spirit August 26, 2013

Grace for your spirit
He who conceals his transgression will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion.  Proverbs 2:13

The very best place to get back into God's will, is the place we got out of it. Too often we cover up our sins, and go about doing good things, thinking all is forgotten.  Until we repent and confess, those sins will drag us down.  After David's sins with Bathsheba, he went on thinking all was forgotten. When he finally was confronted and repented, his life began to change.  God created in him a clean heart and he can do the same for us.  How blessed is the one whose lawless deeds have been forgiven.

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Grace for your spirit August 23, 2013

Grace for your spirit
"No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; And every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn.  This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their vindication is from Me." declares the Lord.  Isaiah 54:17

As servants of the Lord, we own a heritage of ultimate victory.  A sports team may lose some games, but when they win the championship, all is forgotten.  An army may lose some battles, but winning the war vindicates them.  As servants of the Lord, we may have times when the devil seems to overcome us, and times when we stand accused by the words of the worldly.  Remember. no weapon or word will win in the end.  The servants of the Lord will have the ultimate victory. Let's fight on with that vision.

Grace for your spirit August 22, 2013

Grace for your spirit
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves, do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.  Philippians 2:3-4

I once had a gym membership.  I never felt welcome there.  If felt half the people didn't care if I was there, but the other half wished I wasn't. I don't know if that was entirely true, but that's what I perceived from their actions.  As a result, I found someplace else to go where I was uplifted.  Could anyone feel this way about their attendance at our church services?  Believe me, if we will consider others as more important than ourselves and look our for their interests, it will show. Remember, no one cares what we know, until they know we care.

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Grace for your spirit August 21, 2013

Grace for your spirit
So David was afraid of the Lord that day; and he said, "How can the ark of the Lord come to me?" And David was unwilling to move the ark of the Lord into the city of David wth him; but David took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite.  II Samuel 6:9-10

A man had just been struck dead for touching the ark of the covenant, which made David both angry and afraid.  The ark had a history of bringing punishment to those who possessed it.  David didn't want to be the next victim, so instead of bringing it into Jerusalem he took it to the house of Obed-edom.  Obviously not his best friend.  Obed-edom was greatly blessed while the ark was there, so David felt safe in bringing it to its resting place in Jerusalem.  David's joy was out of control knowing the Lord was pleased with him and his kingdom. Being in God's will and doing His will can be very satisfying and rewarding. When we trust in the Lord, we can enjoy His benefits. May we let Him in our house.

Monday, August 19, 2013

Grace for your spirit August 20, 2013

Grace for your spirit
Yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform.  Romans 4:20-21

This was Abraham's response to the news that he would soon be a father at age 100. This father of Isaac became a cornerstone of how faith really can work in our lives.  In stark contrast is the response of Zacharias to the same news.  Gabriel told him he would have a son in his old age.  That son would be John the Baptist.  His doubt cost him his voice until the time his son was born.  As a priest, no voice would be a handicap, but maybe God did him a favor.  If his words would be filled with doubt, it would be better that he didn't speak at all.  Could our voice be in jeopardy?  Let's trust in God's word and let others know.

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Grace for your spirit August 18, 2013

Grace for your spirit
But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord save me!"  Immediately, Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him and said to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?"  Matthew 14:30-31

Peter had found his way walking on the water with his eyes on Jesus. Taking his eyes of Jesus and on to the wind and waves, he quickly lost his way.  When Jesus asked him about his doubt, He was literally asking him how he lost his way.  When Peter lost his faith, he immediately lost his way and sank.  In our Christians walk, we need to keep our eyes on Jesus and off our circumstances.  Our surroundings will bring us doubt, will affect our faith, we will lose our way, and we will sink too.  Let's stay afloat with our eyes fixed on Jesus.  He is the way, truth, and life

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Grace for your spirit August 16, 2013

Grace for your spirit
O Israel, hope in the Lord; for with the Lord there is lovingkindness, And with Him is abundant redemption.  Psalm 130:7

The  children of Israel sang this Psalm as they traveled to Jerusalem. 
The Psalm starts with an individual cry for the hope of God's forgiveness. At the end there is a collective plea for all Israel to hope for the same thing.  How can we apply this in our journey for God?  We certainly need to seek God's forgiveness personally, but let's not forget to pray for the church to collectively find His lovingkindness and redemption.  His church is suffering and needs continual prayers to bind us together, and bind us together with God.  Let's pray for the redemption of the church.

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Grace for your spirit August 15, 2013

Grace for your spirit
When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he had already been a long time in that condition, He said to him, "Do you wish to get well?"  John 5:6

This man had been ill for 38 years in a place where he might have been healed, but he wasn't.  The question Jesus asked him was valid. There is a story about Jesus walking across the water and getting in a boat with three men with different ailments.  The first man confessed his faith, was touched by Jesus and healed.  The second confessed his faith, was touched and healed. Before Jesus could speak to the third, he said, "Don't touch me. I'm on disability."  Jesus has the power to help us all physically and spiritually, but we must want to get well.  It is a good question to ask ourselves and those we want to reach.  Do we want to get well?   We can be well.

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Grace for your spirit August 14, 2013

Grace for your spirit
Brethren, my heart's desire and my prayer to God for them is their salvation.  For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge.  Romans 10:1-2

We all know people who are very sincere in their religion, and have a great zeal to please God, but their decisions are not based on knowledge.  Many think they can save themselves by their extra efforts, and don't know the righteousness of God only comes in Christ. If everyone seated on an airplane decided they would get a plane off the ground by lurching forward in unison and yelling "umph", how useless would that be?  That's zeal without knowledge.  Let's surrender to Christ.  He'll get us off the ground.

Monday, August 12, 2013

Grace for your spirit August 13, 2013

Grace for your spirit
Moreover David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, for all the people were embittered, each one because of his sons and his daughter, but David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.  I Samuel 30:6

David found himself "at the bottom of the barrel". He returned to find their encampment burned, and all their families kidnapped. The weeping and embittered people blamed David and spoke of stoning him.  He made a decision that saved the day.  He strengthened himself in God. God calmed his spirit, answered his questions, and gave him guidance to find solutions.  Before it was all over, they recovered the families and all their property. His enemies were punished and he returned home a victor.  What changed his day?  He turned to God for strength.  It will still work today.  Let's give it a try.

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Grace for your spirit August 12, 2013

Grace for your spirit
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?  I Corinthians 6:19

The Christian walk is about surrender to Jesus in all things.  We sing songs like, Take my life and let it be. Consecrated Lord to Thee.  Take my hands, feet, voice, lips, silver, gold, and love. These songs help shape our lives.  The other day I was assaulted with some very loud music coming from a mini van full of kids.  The lyrics were, "It's my mouth, I'll say what I want.  It's my body I'll do what I want.  It's my mind, I'll think what I want. I'm me, I'll be just what I want."  These words with music blasting in our ears, will also shape lives.  Garbage in, garbage out.  Oh be careful little ears what you hear, and what you let others hear. Whatever we sing along with, we will probably become.

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Grace for your spirit August 9, 2013

Grace for your spirit
For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, that through perseverance and encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.  Romans 15:4

The inspired documentation of the prophets and Jesus offers us a great value.  We all need constant encouragement and strength to carry on in God's will.  When we learn about their victories over trials, it can build a bridge for us.  As we are strengthened by our faith, we can also learn to help those who are weak.  As we pass along this information, it will help the church have one faith, one hope and one voice.  Let's get back into the scriptures with a new look.  Let's look for how their faith and victories can help us build a bridge today.

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Grace for your spirit August 8, 2013

Grace for your spirit
Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near when you will say, "I have no delight in them".  Ecclesiastes 12:1

When we decide early in life to put all our hopes and dreams in this life, at some point we will probably be very disappointed.  For those of us a who a little over the hill, when we hear young people complaining, we are tempted to say, "Hold on, it doesn't get much better when you get old.  On the other hand, when we put our hopes and dreams in God, it will get sweeter as the days go by.  Paul wrote, "though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day". Let's enjoy the constant renewal and pass it on.

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Grace for your spirit August 7, 2013

Grace for your spirit
Now if Christ is preached, that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?  I Corinthians 15:12

At the time of Jesus and the apostles, there were religious groups that refused to believe in the resurrection.  There were also intellectual groups that sneered at the thought of it all.  These two diverse groups had at least one things in common.  They put their futures in their own devices.  To trust in Jesus and His power took them out of the driver's seat.  Groups like that still exist today. The religious group at the time of Jesus that rejected the resurrection, were the Sadducees.  That is why they were "sad you see"?  Let's trust in our risen Lord.  It will make our futures bright and happy.

Monday, August 5, 2013

Grace for your spirit August 6, 2013

Grace for your spirit
But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.            I Peter 3:15 

As I sit and talk with church people and preachers, I hear lots of talk about what we are against, but get little talk about the hope we have in Christ.  I wonder if the people in the world feel the same way?  Oh how we love to complain about the sin in the world, the moral decay of our country, and how the government is robbing us of our rights.  Our "Thou shalt not" list, is quite lengthy.  How much better we could serve the world if our conversation would be about how the Lord has changed our heart, the hope that we have in Christ, and how He can change the world.  When our hope is in the cross, let's share that message of hope.

Sunday, August 4, 2013

Grace for your spirit August 5, 2013

Grace fpr your spirit
And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.  James 4:4

These verses tell us we should have joy during trials.  Does that sound right to you?  Most of the time when we are enduring troubles and trials, the one question we ask is, "When will I get out of this?"  As people of faith, we should be asking, "What can I get out of this?" When we gain all the Lord wants us to know from our trial, then it is time for it to pass.  With this pattern, we won't get everything we want when we want it, however we will get what God wants us to have.  Which is the most important to us?  Our answer will reveal our commitment to the Lord.

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Grace for your spirit August 2, 2013

Grace for your spirit
My beloved put in his hand by the hole in the door, and my bowels were moved for him.  Song of Solomon 5:4 KJV

Many times in Bible study we have to look deeper at the words that are used.  The word 'bowels" is used many times in the King James Bible, and applied to many different things.  On the surface, the appearance of our beloved causing our bowels to move, seems hysterical instead of romantic. Bowels are used to describe our physical bodies, childbirth, disease, yearning, heart, spirit, and emotions.  I hope all our bowels will be refreshed by the deep study of His word and obedience.  Philemon 7.  A little learning with a little humor.