Doubt is common. We all experience it to one degree or another at one time or another. Nothing is accomplished by pretending we don’t have questions. We must be honest with ourselves . . . each other . . . with God. We must trust God to see us through the difficult moments. Like a loving father, God patiently listens and gives us space to question and grow (cf. Psalm 6:2-3; 13:1-2). God loves us, so He listens to us and offers us a safe place to which we can return (cf. Luke 15:20). Yet, we cannot remain in doubt and let it develop to the point that we walk away from the Lord (James 1:5-8). Doubt is powerful and if left unchecked can lead us to places we do not want to go. We need to answer the question that Jesus asked Peter in Matthew 14:31: “Why did you doubt?” One cause of doubt is guilt. A major roadblock to thriving, powerful faith is the inability to see past our sin. We struggle to believe we could be forgiven for the times that we strayed from the Lord. We compare God’s power and beauty with our own weakness and ugliness and we doubt we could be loved in such a way as described in Scripture. We carry guilt that threatens to crush us. However, if we have been washed in the blood of the Lamb, our sins have been removed! If God says our sins have been forgiven, then our sins have been forgiven! We must trust Him. “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.” (Ephesians 1:7) Another cause of doubt is suffering. Few things cause us to question God’s love and God’s plan for us like suffering does. We should be familiar with the story of the father and his sick son from Mark 9. This father had suffered for years as he watched his son be tormented by an evil spirit. Evidently (and understandably), he had reached a breaking point of sorts. He was desperate. He is the one who cried out, “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24) Additionally, there are times when we have questions. Our intellectual and emotional questions can lead to doubts thus requiring well-reasoned responses and credible evidence. Often, we just don’t have the proper expectations of God . . . we doubt because we have the wrong idea about who He is and what His plan really is. We must keep seeking (Matt. 7:7-8; Heb. 11:6). Don’t give up! He is there! Hold on and press on. We must trust the evidence (Matt. 11:4-6). The proof is clear. There is no excuse for denying God’s existence (Rom. 1:20). The Bible is the Word of God. Whatever the Bible teaches, we know it is true! Finally, we must always look for the good. Something righteous, helpful, positive, restorative, informative, strengthening, or revitalizing is there to be experienced. Our struggle may well lead to strength.

Leadership in the church is a calling that requires dedication, humility, and spiritual strength. When a husband or wife steps into a role of service—whether as an elder, deacon, Bible class teacher, preacher, or active servant—there is great responsibility placed on their shoulders. Behind every strong leader in the church is often a supportive spouse who helps carry that burden with love, patience, and prayer. God designed marriage to be a partnership. In Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, we’re told, “Two are better than one… For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow.” This truth applies beautifully within the context of church leadership. A spouse’s encouragement, faithfulness, and quiet strength can provide the spiritual and emotional support needed to keep a leader focused and grounded. Whether it's helping with hospitality, being a listening ear, or simply praying for wisdom, your role is vital. Proverbs 31 speaks of a virtuous woman whose husband is “known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land” (verse 23). Her character and dedication at home and in service reflect honor upon her family and support her husband’s leadership. Likewise, 1 Timothy 3, which gives the qualifications for deacons and elders, also mentions the character of their wives, stating they must be “grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things” (1 Timothy 3:11). A spouse’s conduct and faithfulness are part of the picture of strong, God-approved leadership. Supporting your spouse in their service to the church doesn’t mean being in the spotlight. It means being a source of peace at home, offering spiritual encouragement, and standing by them when leadership becomes difficult or discouraging. Galatians 6:9 reminds us, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” You are helping to carry out the work of the church, even in ways that may never be seen by others—but are always seen by God. Let us never underestimate the power of a faithful spouse behind a faithful servant. Whether your role is big or small, loud or quiet, your support makes an eternal impact. Together, as couples and as a church family, we build up the body of Christ—stronger, united, and full of love.

Abilities are different from person to person. Some have many abilities; others have few. The abilities which we do have, whether few or many, have been given to us by God. These lessons are manifest in our Lord’s parable of Matthew 25:14-30, which has been called “The Parable of the Talents.” Another lesson which one cannot help but see is that the Lord does not condemn a person because he has few talents, nor does He reward a man just because he has many talents. The five-talent man did not receive a blessing because of his many talents, but because he used the five talents he had. “So he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold I have gained beside them five talents more. His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:20-21). On the other hand, the one-talent man was not condemned because of his one talent, but because he did not put the talent to use. “Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art a hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: and I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth; lo, there thou hast what is thine. His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant” (Matthew 25:24-26). We, too, will give account. We, too, will stand blessed or condemned, not because of the number of abilities which we possess, but because we have either used the talents, or have not used them. Many people in the Lord’s body possess talents. Many of them are as the one-talent man and are not using them. They will be cast “into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 25:30). For one reason or another, they refuse to use the talent. To those who have buried their talent in the earth, we want to ask this question, “Where does your ability stop?” With some individuals their abilities stop where their “I don’t want to’s” begin. It is not that one does not possess the ability to teach a Bible class, but he just does not want to. One may be able to lead singing, lead prayer, or wait on the Lord’s Table; but his “I don’t want to” keeps him from it. Members fail to make visits to shut-ins, nursing homes, and hospitals just because they simply do not want to. With others, ability stops where indifference sets in. Multitudes of preachers could reprove false teaching, but they are indifferent to it since it does not directly affect them. Hundreds of Bible studies could be taking place, but the saved are indifferent to lost souls. Another place where ability stops is when using the ability will cause time to be lost from more preferred activities. There are those who would rather watch television than prepare a dessert for a family facing a funeral. For a host of others, the beach takes precedence over Bible study. Clubs and associations are more important than the work of the church for scores of others. Where does you ability stop’? Is it where your “I do not want to” comes in? Could it be where indifference has stilled your soul? Maybe it is where time lost in other areas can be felt. It may be that your ability has stopped where your anger has begun. Remember the parable of the Master, whatever your excuse for not using your talents, you will stand condemned for not putting to use the talents which God has given you.

1. You may be surprised that everyone in the assembly is invited to participate in the singing portion of the worship services. We have no choirs, special groups or solos. We use no pianos, drums, organs or guitars, etc. All music is a capella (vocal) as the New Testament indicates it was in the apostolic days (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). Contrary to what you may have heard, the singing is good singing, soul stirring and encouraging! 2. You may be surprised that visitors are NOT requested to make a contribution. Local members contribute on the first day of the week, each and every week. This is done without demand in the form of "dues" or "assessments." Free-will giving on the basis of other New Testament principles is impressed as the plan of scriptural giving. No pie-suppers, crab feeds, raffles, or money raising schemes are used! We do not bum or beg from those outside the Lord’s own family. All contributions, if the Lord’s will is respected, are freely given. 3. If you visit with us on any Lord's Day (the "first day of the week"), you may be surprised to find that we commemorate the death of Christ by partaking of the Lord's supper, which was instituted by Christ and commanded and taught by Paul, the Apostle (Matt. 26:26-29;1 Cor. 11:23-26). In the first century, "upon the first day of the week the disciples came together to break bread" (Acts 20:7). Therefore, since every week has a first day, it follows that the Lord's death must be commemorated every week! Not once every six months, or only on "Easter Sunday"! 4. You may be surprised that no hyper-emotional appeals are made. You will not be urged to act or move in response to the invitation of the Lord until you have sufficient knowledge of the Truth, to serve as a basis for your faith (John 20:30-31; Acts 16:32). 5. It may surprise you that most Christians attend every assembly of the church because they want to, enjoy it, know it is commanded and because they realize that assembling to worship is vital to their spiritual growth and service to God (Acts 2:42; Heb. 10:25). 6. You may be surprised to know that we have no man-made prayer book, no church-authorized discipline, manual, or creed, and no ritualistic worship (2 Tim. 3:16-17 & 4:1-4). 7. You may be surprised at the manner of our services. You will not hear shouting, screaming, or any other manifestation of unbridled emotions. No one will fall out in a faint, roll around on the floor, or speak in "unknown" tongues. You will see that the admonition of the apostle Paul that all things "be done decently and in order," is sincerely observed (1 Cor. 14:40). 8. You may be surprised that the service is NOT conducted by a man claiming to be a part of a special priesthood. Since the Lord Jesus Christ is our High Priest and all Christians now make up a general priesthood and can themselves approach God and offer their prayers and sacrifices, it should be evident that no special earthly priesthood is necessary today (1 Peter 2:5, 9; Heb. 4:14-16). 9. With virtually all denominations having earthly headquarters, it may surprise you that the church of Christ has neither earthly headquarters nor an earthly head. Christ alone is head of His body and the church’s headquarters is in heaven, where Christ now sits and rules with ALL authority (Col. 1:18; Eph. 1:22-23; Phil. 3:20-21). 10. Contrary to what you may have heard, you may be surprised to know that the church of Christ is not intent on condemning everyone to Hell, but invites all to come to our Lord in obedient faith, in faithful service and worship and in Godly living, that one may enjoy the benefits of His grace and strive for the hope of eternal life (Titus 2:11-12; 1 John 2:25). 11. Finally, you may be surprised to learn that the Lord’s church is neither Catholic, Protestant, sectarian, nor denominational. The Lord’s church in the first century was obviously none of these. If we are correct in our claim that we follow His Word alone (admitting that not all "churches of Christ" can honestly make this claim) and in every way seek to be simple New Testament Christians, then we are the same as it was in the first century. Being of the same head, doctrine, and practice results in being the same body the Lord purchased or built and therefore antedates both Catholicism and all Protestant denominations (Acts 20:28; Matt. 16:18). We greatly desire the unity for which Jesus prayed, but, we believe that scriptural unity is found only in Christ (John 17:20-21). Both Catholicism and denominational sectarianism stands opposed to this unity. We stand upon the Word of our Lord alone, respecting His authority in everything and speaking only as He directs us if we "all be one" in Christ as He so fervently prayed (Matt. 28:18; 1 Peter 4:11).

Have you ever had an unwelcome visitor? No, I’m not talking about someone knocking on your door who you didn’t want to see that day. I’m talking about something different. I experienced an unwelcome visitor just a few days ago while traveling down the road. It was such a beautiful spring day, I decided to roll the windows down and enjoy the crisp, spring air. Suddenly, a bee flew in my window and hit me in the shoulder. At first, I didn’t think anything about it, because, at the time, I didn’t know what had just hit me. As I continued down the road, I realized what had just hit me on the shoulder. It was a huge bee! It was crawling across my truck seat. I immediately took a newspaper and removed the bee from my truck. Why did I remove the bee? Why didn’t I just allow it to remain in my truck? The bee posed a threat to me. If I had left him alone, there was the possibility that he could have stung me and caused me to have a wreck. That bee was simply an “unwelcome visitor” in my vehicle. As I think about this experience, it reminds me of another “unwelcome visitor,” who often finds a way to slip into our lives. You and I know him as Satan. If there has ever been an unwelcome visitor in our lives, it’s the devil! He’s always watching and waiting for an opportunity to fly into your life. When the time is right and you least expect it, he usually jumps right in. This is why we are warned not to give place to the devil (Eph. 4:27). “To give place to” means to give in to or to yield to. The idea is that we should not make ways or open doors wherein the devil may enter our lives. Regardless of our efforts, sometimes he still finds a way in. As soon as we recognize that he has slipped in, our main goal should be to remove him. Why? His ultimate goal is to cause us harm spiritually and eventually destroy us. Such is why we are warned, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Pet. 5:8) How do we keep this unwelcome visitor from entering our lives? We must submit to God. James states, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (Jam. 4:7) The word “submit” means to yield to one's admonition or advice. Why must we submit to God? Satan is a very powerful and deceptive being. Paul described him as having the ability to transform into an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:14). The apostle John states that “the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.” (1 Jn. 5:19) Satan is an adversary who we battle daily. We are only fooling ourselves if we think that we can defeat him on our own. We need greater power. When we submit to God, we are admitting that we cannot make it on our one and we certainly can’t defeat Satan. Submission to God equips us with the power to resist Satan and as a result, he will flee. “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 Jn. 4:4; See also Phil. 4:13) We will never successfully remove the devil from our lives if we do not submit to God. We must appeal to Scripture. Consider the temptation of Jesus. When Satan tried to slip into the life of Jesus, our Savior appealed to scripture (Matt. 4:1-10). When Jesus kept using scripture, the devil eventually fled. The implication is if we appeal to Scripture, the devil will flee from us. Therefore, let us read the Bible, study it, meditate upon it, memorize it, and make it a daily part of our lives (Psa. 1:1-2; 2 Tim. 2:15). We must Pray. Jesus said to Peter, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat.” (Lk. 22:31) Jesus continued by saying to Peter, “…I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail.” (vs. 32) What’s the implication of this passage? Prayer aids us in escaping the clutches of Satan. Such is one of the many reasons why Jesus encouraged his disciples to pray. “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation.” (Matt. 26:41) Satan is truly an unwelcome visitor, but his goal is not to just visit. He wants to dwell, rule, and dominate our lives. Let’s always be on the lookout for him and never let him in! -David E. Paden

Have you ever wondered what happens immediately following death? Most of us have thought about this at some time or other. There is an account in the New Testament which supplies us with much information about what happens to our souls immediately following death. This account was given by Jesus. It is recorded in Luke 16:19-31. Jesus told about two men. One man was very rich. He had everything he desired. The other man, Lazarus, was very poor. He was also sick. He lay at the gate of the rich man’s house and begged for the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. After a time Lazarus died. The rich man also died. Just as there was a great difference in life between the two men, so there is also a great difference in death. However, the situation is now reversed. Lazarus was “carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom.” But the rich man “lifted up his eyes in torment.” There are many very valuable lessons which we can learn from this account. One lesson is that wealth, power, and social position do not extend beyond life on earth. The rich man had all of these, but he went to a place of torment. Lazarus had none of these things in this life, but he was in a place of happiness after death. Another lesson is that consciousness continues beyond the grave. Some think that when one dies, he is simply unconscious until the resurrection. This is not true! The body sleeps in the grave. The soul does not. Memory also continues beyond the grave. The rich man was fully conscious. He recognized Lazarus. He remembered he had five brothers back on the earth. He was concerned about them, and begged Abraham to send Lazarus back to preach to them, so that they would not come to the place of torment where he was. Many fathers and mothers after death will remember their children and how they failed to teach them about God when they had the opportunity. They will long for someone to teach them so that they will not come to be with them in torment. Many will remember with deep regret the opportunities they had to prepare for death while on earth, but did not take advantage of them. Still another lesson that Jesus taught in this account is that after death, there is no second chance. The rich man begged for Abraham to “send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue,” but Abraham refused. He pointed out that “there is a great gulf fixed” and that none could cross over it. God has given us the time that we have on this earth so that we can prepare for death: “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). Once death comes, it is too late! There are only two possible places to go when we die. There is the place of the blessed where Lazarus went. This is the place where God’s faithful children go to await the resurrection and the Judgment. There is also the place of torment where the rich man went. This is the place where people go at death who have taken no thought for God and for doing His will during their lifetime on earth. What about you? Are you prepared for death? Life on earth is uncertain! We have no assurance that we will live to see tomorrow. Death is certain! The Bible warns: “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit’ whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:13,14). The Bible also says, “Behold now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Begin today while there is time. Believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God (John 8:24). He alone is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Only through Christ can we be saved eternally (Acts 4:11,12). Repent of all your past sins (Acts 17:30,31). Confess your faith in Christ as the Son of God (Acts 8:37). Be buried with Him in baptism to have your sins washed away (Romans 6:4; Acts 22:16). Then serve Christ faithfully in His church for the rest of your life, and you will be blessed throughout all eternity. “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. . . . Be faithful until death, and I will give you a crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). A place of peace and rest awaits faithful children of God at death.

As the holiday season approaches, many of us find joy in giving and receiving gifts. Whether it’s a thoughtful present, spending quality time with loved ones, or serving others through acts of kindness, this time of year brings out the spirit of generosity. While these gifts brighten our days and strengthen our relationships, there is one gift that surpasses all others—the gift of Jesus Christ. The Bible tells us in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Jesus is the ultimate gift, given freely by God out of His immense love for each of us. This gift brings forgiveness, hope, and the promise of eternal life. Unlike any earthly gift, the love and salvation of Jesus have eternal value and can transform our hearts and lives. However, while this is a free gift from God, it must be received through our obedience to the gospel. The Bible outlines the steps we must take to accept this gift: hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17), believing that Jesus is the Son of God (Mark 16:16), confessing our faith in Him (Romans 10:9-10), repenting of our sins (Acts 2:38), being baptized by immersion for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 22:16), and living faithfully unto death (Revelation 2:10). These steps are not acts of earning salvation but a demonstration of our faith and obedience to God’s plan for receiving this extraordinary gift. A gift can only be enjoyed if it is received. The same is true for the gift of Jesus Christ. While God’s love and grace are freely offered to all, we must take the steps necessary to accept and embrace this gift. This Christmas season, as we exchange gifts and celebrate with loved ones, let us also reflect on the greatest gift of all—Jesus Christ. Let us honor His sacrifice by living lives of obedience, faith, and love, sharing His message with others, and allowing His light to shine through us. Truly, there is no greater gift than the salvation offered through Jesus Christ, and there is no better time than now to accept and rejoice in it.

A very common and popular statement among religious people today is, “There are Christians in all churches.” Too often people believe this to be a true statement without ever examining the Scriptures to see if it is true. Most do not follow the command of the Bible to “Prove all things and hold fast to that which is good.” (1 Thess. 5:21). Most religious people are not like the Bereans, who searched the Scriptures daily to see if the things that are taught are true (Acts 17:11). For a conclusion to be drawn, we must honestly ask the question, “Are there Christians in all churches?” and let the Bible determine our answer. To begin with, most people would be surprised to learn the statement, “There are Christians in all churches,” cannot be found in the Bible. Since the Bible commands, “Prove all things…” (1 Thess. 5:21), and the Bible does not state there are Christians in all churches, one should immediately be concerned. On judgment day, we will be judged by the Bible (Jn. 12:48; Rev. 20:12). Why should one believe and promote a statement that cannot be found in the Bible? Second, to state that there are Christians in all churches is to imply that all churches are pleasing to God. Such is not the teaching of the Bible. The Bible teaches that Jesus built only “one Church.” Christ promised to build "His" Church. (Mat. 16:18) Christ did "not" promise, I will build "a" church, or I will build my "churches," or I will build "one" of my churches. Christ promised “I will build my Church,” in the singular. The apostle Paul taught there is only one true Church. In numerous passages, he taught there is only one body. “There is one body and one Spirit…” (Eph. 4:4; See also Rom. 12:4-5; I Cor. 12:12; I Cor. 12:20; Col. 3:15). The body is identified as the Church. “And he is the head of the body, the Church...” (Col. 1:18; See also Eph. 1:22-23). Since the body is the Church, and there is only one body, the logical explanation is, that there is only one Church. That one Church is identified in the Bible as the Church of Christ. “Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.” (Rom. 16:16) Why did Paul identify the church as “the churches of Christ?” It wasn’t because that just happened to be the denominational church that he was addressing. He addressed the Church as “the churches of Christ” because that was the only Church that existed in his day. If one would do a careful historical study, he/she would be surprised to learn that all of the different denominational churches that exist today didn’t exist in Paul’s day. They are all churches that were established by man and therefore, they are not the one Church that one can read about in the Bible. Finally, to state that there are Christians in all the churches is to imply that there are many ways in which one can become a Christian. If you were to randomly call each religious group in the phone book and ask the question, “What must I do to be saved?” You would get several different answers when the Bible gives only one answer. Salvation is dependent on God’s grace (Eph. 2:8) and our obedience to His will. Jesus has promised salvation only to those who are willing to obey Him. “Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him.” (Heb. 5:8-9; See also Matt. 7:21-23). Obedience requires faith in God (Heb. 11:6), repentance of sins (Acts 17:30), confession of faith in Christ (Matt. 10:32-33), and baptism for the remission of sins (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38). Only by taking these steps can one become a Christian. If one or more is left out, one is not a Christian. While God desires that all mankind be saved (1 Tim. 2:4) and become Christians (Acts 26:28-29), the Bible does not teach that there are Christians in all the churches. This teaching is a doctrine that is foreign to the Bible.

A name carries great significance, especially when it represents our identity as Christians. The title "Christian" is more than just a label—it signifies that we belong to Christ and strive to reflect His teachings and example. In Acts 11:26, we read, “And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” This name was given to those who followed Jesus, marking them as people who lived and spoke in a way that pointed to Him. As Christians, we carry the name of Christ, and with that comes the responsibility to honor Him in our actions and words. Our daily lives should be a testament to the One we represent. Colossians 3:17 instructs us, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” This means that everything we do should reflect the values and love of Christ. When we act with kindness, speak truthfully, and extend grace, we uphold the reputation of the name we bear. Keeping our conduct pure and true to His teachings helps ensure that the name "Christian" is associated with integrity, compassion, and godliness. However, when we falter or behave in ways that do not align with Christ’s example, we risk tarnishing the name. We must remember the solemn words of Romans 2:24: “For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you.” When our actions contradict our faith, it not only damages our witness but also affects how others perceive the Lord we represent. Maintaining a lifestyle that honors Christ means being mindful of our choices and seeking to show love, patience, and humility. Let us strive to keep the name "Christian" worthy of its meaning. When others see us, may they be reminded of Jesus and be drawn to His light. As we go about our lives, let us hold fast to the wisdom of 1 Peter 4:16: “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.” By living with purpose and reflecting Christ in all we do, we can bring glory to God and show the world the true beauty of following Jesus. Our name, "Christian," is a gift and a calling. May we wear it with pride, humility, and a heart full of love, always reflecting the Savior who gave His life for us.