“Where Did We Start?” by Andrew Ellis
Think back to the first time experiencing something you might be considered an expert in. This could be the first time you rode a bike. This could be the first time you learned how to throw a baseball. Or this could be the first time you ever heard the gospel. No matter how skilled or knowledgeable we might be in particular areas we were all beginners at one point in time.
How do we become wise in certain areas? Part of it is due to the efforts of others. My Christian faith is in large part due to several people in my life who helped me along the way. There were people who encouraged, pushed, and taught me to not only become a Christian but to implement practices that will help me become more informed about my faith.
As Christians, each of us has had at least one person who has made a positive impact on our faith today. Hebrews 13:7 says, “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.”
We became Christians because we made a decision to put Christ on in baptism. How did we get to the point where we made that decision? We got to that point because we have people in our lives who cared enough to share the gospel with us. Where would we be at without people like that in our lives? We should be thankful for those people. Let us imitate the good works from those who helped us along the way. Let’s strive to become more Christ-like every day!
A couple of days ago a semi was stolen and used in a 100-mile chase between Ohio and Kentucky that ended in the Summit Church of Christ parking lot. Steve Proctor, one of our members, cleverly observed: “sin stops here”.
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. — Ephesians 4:1-3
While on vacation last month we visited a Church of Christ where the minister preached a lesson on the story of Nicodemus visiting Jesus and their conversation recorded in John 3.
“It has been a long VBS week – and it is only Wednesday.” With this thought, many left the Summit building – ready for a good night of revitalizing sleep. However, at 12:55 a.m. someone accidentally called my cell. Apparently, I answered the phone. I even announced who the caller was – but I have no recollection. I continued to sleep like a baby, even waking up wonderfully refreshed. Unfortunately, Douwene woke up with that hairstyle that speaks volumes.
Zookeepers and snake handlers will tell you that an individual should never grab a snake by its tail because it can coil around in a split second and deliver a vicious bite. The correct method is to control it by its head so that it can’t bite.
Unity is essential for the survival of any relationship, family, organization or country. Yet it is hard to gain and easy to lose. This is seen in a City family who sold up and moved west to raise cattle. However, they could not agree on their cattle brand. So, they ended up branding their cattle the “CrazyR-Lazy5-BarM-RailX”. The problem was that none of the cattle survived the branding.
VBS starts this week! There has been a lot of preparation put into this upcoming week. Lessons have been prepared, decorations have been set up, and there is a large collection of snacks ready to be distributed. Why is there so much effort put into this week? Why are there work days and meetings scheduled to arrange details? This week presents itself with an opportunity. This is an opportunity to reach out to our surrounding community. There could be others out there who will hear the gospel for the first time. It is a chance to show God’s love to our community. Ephesians 5:1-2 says, “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” When opportunities like this present themselves, we should put our best foot forward. Not only should we put our best foot forward, but we need to be ready whenever these opportunities arrive. 2 Timothy 4:2 says, “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with
Today starts our Vacation Bible School. It is always a very busy week for everyone, but so worthwhile. VBS is a well loved tradition that always creates lasting memories of past years for anyone who has ever attended. I can still remember Bible verses I learned as a child at VBS, and have happy memories of crafts, songs, and skits that were part of VBS. I remember riding the bus as my dad drove to pick up the children in the neighborhood. VBS is a chance for friendships to be bonded and Christian values and beliefs to be strengthened.
Having been born in a dry and thirsty land my soul yearns for abundant water. Now, looking out on the Atlantic Ocean it is impossible to miss its relentless power and abundant supply of joy and food.