Friday, January 31, 2014

Grace for your spirit February 3, 2014

Grace for your spirit 
How long will yo lie down, O sluggard? ,,,A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest--Your poverty will come in like a vagabond and your need like an armed man.  Proverbs 6:9-11

Hard work pays off in the future.  Laziness pays off now.  Proverbs has a lot to say about laziness.  They crave but get nothing.  They don't have enough strength to bring food to their mouths. They don't plow, they beg. They die because they refused to work.  They find any excuse to stay in. Like a door on a hinge.  They move but never go anywhere. They are wise in their own eyes.  Christians should be motivated to work and do good works.  Industriousness is a tribute to Jesus living in us.  Laziness is a reproach to God.  Let's get with it. 

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Grace for your spirit January 31, 2014

Grace for your spirit
The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.     I John 4:8

When we know God, we know love.  When we know love, we know God.  Oftentimes in scripture, we can exchange the word love with God, and it doesn't change the meaning at all.  Note the famous love chapter of I Corinthians 13, exchanging love with God.
If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have God, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.  If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries, and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have God, I am nothing. And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have God, it profits me nothing.  We will never reach the pinnacle of love without God.

Grace for your spirit January 30, 2014

Grace for your spirit
But Jesus said to him, "No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."

To plow a straight row, it is necessary to fix our eyes on a point and head straight for it.  If we try to plow while looking back, we will be all over the place.  Jesus uses this analogy in kingdom service.  To be effective, we must focus on Jesus before us. If our hearts, interests, and passions are in a different direction,  we will falter and fail.  Many say they want to follow Jesus but their interests are in the world.  Let's lay aside the encumbrances and the sin which so easily entangle us, and let us run with endurance the race set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus   Hebrews12:1

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

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 Sunday's sermon replayed on Wednesday at 7:00 AM & 4:00 P.M. Indiana time

February 9th pitch in dinner has been postponed
Benevolence efforts
Our food boxes for Christmas and our warm clothes for school age children were both big successes.
The schools, and community center for kids, thank you all.

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 January 29, 2014

Grace for your spirit
Not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.  I Peter 3:9

Like many things from God, we receive so we can give, and give so we can continue to receive.  This is why God called us.  When was the last time someone insulted us, cursed us, or said something evil about us, and we responded to that with a blessing for them?   We might think that is hard.  However, more people have thought things were hard and never tried it, than those who tried it and found it to be hard.  
Besides that, Jesus in the Beatitudes, directed us to bless those who persecute us.  Let's get that blessing on the tip of our tongues and be ready.

Monday, January 27, 2014

Grace for your spirit January 28, 2014

Grace for your spirit
But just as you abound in everything, in faith and utterance and knowledge and in all earnestness and in the love we inspired in you, see that you abound in this gracious work also.
 II Corinthians 8:7

The key word in this passage is the word, INSPIRED.  Some teachers teach the materials, but the really good ones, inspire others to learn and apply the lessons.  That inspiration comes from living the lessons, not just teaching what they have read.  Paul needed the church to be generous, and he hoped they had been inspired by his generosity of life.  The reason so many of our lessons are lacking impact today is the failure of teachers to inspire by the life of example.  May we all learn something, put it to work, and inspire someone today.

Grace for your spirit January 27, 2014

Grace for your spirit
By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.  Hebrews 11:7

Noah was a man of faith, but there came a time when he had to step up and build.  That faith working made him an heir of righteousness
Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord and landed high and dry because he trusted in the word of God.  Without regard to his circumstances, he stepped up.  We can be people of faith and enjoy God's grace, but there comes a time when our faith must go to work. Let's look for God's leading and we will make a difference in our world as well.  

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Grace for your spirit January 24, 2014

Grace for your spirit
"Oh that there were one among you who would shut the gates, that you might not uselessly kindle fire on My alter!  I am not pleased with you," says the Lord of hosts, "nor will I accept an offering from you.  Malachi  1:10

About 100 years after Judah had returned from Babylonian captivity, they were worse off that they were before.  God said He would rather see the gates closed than to see such abominations on His altar.  How do we suppose God feels about our worship and service to Him? Would He rather we would board up the doors and quit, than see us continue in our living like we are?  When our teachers speak, may it be from His Word, and may we listen and take those words to heart. We need to keep the doors open, pleasing God.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Grace for your spirit January 23, 2014

Grace for your spirit
O God, shatter their teeth in their mouth;  Break out the fangs of the young lions, O Lord.  Let them flow away like water that runs off; when he aims his arrows, let them be as headless shafts.  Psalm 58:6-7

There are a few psalms known as "imprecatory" or a" curse".  The righteous ask God for his vengeance against evil ones that hinder the walk of the righteous.  This is a call for God to take away their power. If the unrighteous will not change, then may they be prevented from punishing those who follow God.  It is never for us to put a curse on anyone, but God knows the hearts of all, and promises that He will take his vengeance.  Remember, it  is always for Him to decide, never us.

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Grace for your spirit january 22, 2014

Grace for your spirit
You are the light of the world.  A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Matthew 5:14

Throughout the New Testament, Christians are depicted as lights in a dark world.  If we will be that light and not hide it, we can make a big difference in a dark world.  Let's not hide it.  I noticed a verse in a hymn that says it.  "Sometimes my path seems drear, without a ray of cheer, and then a cloud of doubt may hide the light of day.  The mist of sin may rise and hide the starry skies, but just a little talk with Jesus clears the way."  Let's connect with Jesus to clear the way.  Let's not let our circumstances, doubts, and sin hide our lights

Monday, January 20, 2014

Grace for your spirit January 21, 2014

Grace for your spirit
Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering. Matthew 5:23-24

In most 12 step recovery programs, one of the requirements is reconnecting with those we might have wronged.  Going to them and making a reconciliation.  Jesus brings this up here when discussing personal relationships.  It is a great first step in loving our neighbor as ourselves.  Many people think we get what we give.  When we give forgiveness and blessings to our adversaries, the blessings will come home to us.  Let's stop keeping records of wrongs suffered, and enjoy the blessings that come from true love

Grace for your spirit January 20, 2014

Grace for your spirit
Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander  you as  evildoers , they may because of your good deeds, as the observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation  I Peter 2:12

Did anyone ever say to us, "Hey, I saw you this week, but I can't remember where?"  As our mind scans through the places we were in the past couple of days, are there places we hope they didn't see us? Did they catch me in some bad behavior?  Wouldn't it be great if the world would regularly catch us in good behavior?  Let's keep it excellent all the time, and we will be able to give glory to God all the time.

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Grace for your spirit Januaryt 17, 2014

Grace for your spirit
Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.  Matthew 7:13

An old couple, after their first trip on an interstate highway, believed that this verse about the broad way must apply to interstate driving. Although this passage is about living unrighteously, there are some similarities between the two. Both are broad ways, both are packed with travelers in a hurry, both are plagued with folks who don't obey the laws, and both have people who have little regard for others.  Maybe it is time for us to enjoy the narrow way.  The way with much less traffic and much more peace, and we arrive at our destination happy.  Let's get off the broad way, and enjoy the narrow right way

Grace for your spirit January 16, 2014

Grace for your spirit
Be of sober spirit, be on the alert.  Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in the faith....  I Peter 5:8-9

If we spent the same amount of effort loving God, loving our neighbor, brother, and enemies, that we expend running from the devil, his power would be diminished in our lives.  Our best defense against the devil is a great offense.  As Romans 12:21 puts it, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."  Let's resolve to be firm in the faith.

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Grace for your spirit January 15, 2014

Grace for your spirit
Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king. I Peter 2:17

These words were originally written to a first century church that was under extreme persecution by the Roman government, false teachers, and a church suffering apostasy,  With such difficulties, one might be want to isolate themselves, and blame all their opponents.  Things haven't changed much.  In our world Christians often want to blame the world, the church, the government, and even God for all our ills. Perhaps our relief is not in blaming and criticizing, but in loving, and honoring.  Let's try it God's way and pray for our adversaries.

Monday, January 13, 2014

Grace for your spirit January 14, 2014

Grace for your spirit
....of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews, as to the Law, a Pharisee, as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless.  
Philippians 3:5-6

Saul was sincere.  When he compared himself to the Law he was taught, and to others around him, he could brag that he was blameless.  In fact, he was lost in sin.  Later, after he became a Christian, he referred to himself as "the chief of sinners."  I Timothy 1:15. In Paul's latter stance he was comparing himself to a holy God, and Jesus who had become his Savior. Now he could admit his sin? Because he had found relief and forgiveness from them. We can be the chief of sinners too, but blameless, washed clean by the blood of the Lamb.

Grace for your spirit January 13, 2014

Grace for your spirit
Go, assemble all the Jews who are found in Susa, and fast for me; do not eat or drink for three days, night or day.  I and my maidens also will fast in the same way.  And thus I will go in to the king, which is not according to the law; and if I perish, I perish.  Esther 4:16

This was the bind Esther found herself in.  She was a Jew living in the kingdom of Media and Persia and was the wife of the king. An edict had been issued to kill all the Jews in the world, and no one could stop it except her.  It was risky.  She could be killed if she went to the king without an invitation, and she could be killed if she didn't go.  Mordecai counselled her to be bold and do what was right.  Respecting the word of Mordecai and trusting in the Lord, Esther approached the king and successfully saved the Jews of the world.  We have an opportunity to help the lost of our world. Will we be bold and do what is right?  Let's ask the church to pray for us and encourage us to go

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Grace for your spirit January 10, 2014

Grace for your spirit 
Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people for he was standing above all the people, and when he opened it, all the people stood up.  Nehemiah 8:5

This audience for Ezra's teaching was hungry to hear the word of God. Recently released from bondage, they knew they needed wisdom and instruction from God to go forward.  They expressed their reverence and respect for God's Word, and stood up when the book was opened. What does hungering and thirsting for righteousness mean to us?  What do others see in us?  Let's honor and reverence God's Word and begin to let it feed our spirits  

Grace for your spirit January 9, 2014

Grace for your spirit
They will hunger no longer, nor thirst anymore; nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any heat; for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes.  Revelation 7:16-17

This is one of the many pictures we see in Revelation about the joys and blessings of heaven.  When we compile all the pictures, we can see that the curses of this earth are gone, and the blessings of being around the throne of God are shown.  In the search of the Bible looking for curses against snow, ice, and subzero weather, unfortunately I found none. The good news is, that if all discomfort is left behind, there won't be any snow, ice, and subzero temps in heaven. If we will miss all of it in heaven, God promises to wipe the tears from our eyes.

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Grace for your spirit January 8, 2014

Grace for your spirit
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christians."  Acts 26:28

Phillip Paul Bliss, a famous hymn writer, listened to a sermon from this verse one night, and later wrote his well known hymn, Almost Persuaded.  The song ends with this phrase, "Almost cannot avail. Almost is but to fail.  Sad, sad that bitter wail, Almost, but lost".  Paul encouraged Agrippa not to wait for a more convenient day to obey, but there is no record that he every had the day.  Let's not have an almost testimony, but a life of obedience starting today

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Grace for your spirit January 7, 2014

Grace for your spirit
Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.  Galatians 6:9

Do you every lose heart in doing good for people who don't seem to care?  Yes, me too.  God gives us many sources of strength so we can have the endurance to continue.  People and circumstances can certainly wear us out, so we need to keep filling up with God's strength.  God will not forget His promises, and we will receive His reward in due time.

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Grace for your spirit January 6, 2014

Grace for your spirit 
For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.  II Timothy 1:6

We all need to rekindle our fire and fan our flame once in a while to keep us hot.  New years resolutions can be good for that. I ran across a poem that will help us fire up each day.  Hope it helps you in your plans.
I will do more than belong, I will PARTICIPATE
I will do more than believe, I will PRACTICE
I will do more than care, I will HELP
I will do more than be fair, I will be KIND
I will do more than forgive, I will FORGET
I will do more than teach, I will INSPIRE
I will do more than be friendly, I will be a FRIEND

If that doesn't light our fire, maybe our wood is wet !  

Grace for your spirit January 3, 2013

Grace for your spirit
Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people for he was standing above all the people, and when he opened it, all the people stood up.  Nehemiah 8:5

This audience for Ezra's teaching was hungry to hear the word of God. Recently released from bondage, they knew they needed wisdom and instruction from God to go forward.  They expressed their reverence and respect for God's Word, and stood up when the book was opened. What does hungering and thirsting for righteousness mean to us?  What do others see in us?  Let's honor and reverence God's Word and begin to let it feed our spirits

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Grace for your spirit January 2, 2014

Grace for your spirit
Then the king gave orders, and Daniel was brought in and cast into the lions' den.  The king spoke and said to Daniel, "Your God whom you constantly serve will Himself deliver you."  Daniel 6:16

The Prophet Daniel was sent to be a prophet to the enemies of God's people.  He made us his mind never to compromise God's principles, and his enemies respected him all the more, through the Babylonian empire and reign of the Medes and Persians. Even when the king was trapped into throwing Daniel in the lion's den, King Darius was  trusting in Daniel's God to save him.  You see, Daniel wasn't in the lion's den, the lions were in Daniel's den.  We are called to be prophets among God's enemies.  How are we doing?