The Pillar and Ground of the Truth                                 October 6, 2024

“These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (I Timothy 3:14-15).  In this passage, the church is described as “pillar” (a column supporting the weight of a building) and “ground” (a support, bulwark, stay) of “the truth” (God’s word).  The “church” is God’s faithful, whether acting individually or collectively (i.e., as a local church).  As the “house” (or family) of God, we have an obligation to support and uphold God’s word.  This work involves at least five things…

We must pursue the truth.  Obviously, we cannot support and uphold the truth if we do not know it!  This paces upon each of us the obligation to, “be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (II Timothy 2:15).  “Rightly dividing the word” requires honesty – both with ourselves and with truth.  The truth must “dwell” in us “richly” (Colossians 3:16).  We must “receive the love of the truth,” lest we be lost (cf. II Thessalonians 2:9-10).  And, we must “test” all who claim to teach the truth (I John 4:1-6; Acts 17:11).  It is this international pursuit of the truth which we enable us to do the things which follow.

We must practice the truth.  While pursuing and knowing truth is great, mere intellectual knowledge is insufficient; we must also put into practice what we learn (James 1:21-25).  Indeed, the difference between “hearing” and “doing” has eternal consequences (Matthew 7:24-27).  But when we put into practice what we’ve learned, we become a living demonstration of truth, making known “the manifold wisdom of God” in our lives (cf. Ephesians 3:8-11).  And being a living demonstration can influence others – even “without a word” (cf. I Peter 3:1-2).  In the words of the old adage, we must learn to “Practice what you preach!”

We must proclaim the truth.  We (the church) are commanded to proclaim the truth!  This obligation applies both individually (Matthew 28:18-20; II Timothy 2:2), and collectively, as a local church (Acts 11:22-24; 13:1-5).  To do this, we must use any available means: oral, written, pulpit, classroom, house to house, radio, television, CD’s, internet, etc.  We must be sure that we proclaim truth ONLY – not “perverse things” which “draw away the disciples” (Acts 20:26-32).  When we proclaim the truth, we increase the opportunities for others to hear, learn, and obey.  They, in turn, will become workers with us in upholding the truth!

We must provide for teachers of truth.  Like our previous point, we have obligations both individu­ally (Galatians 6:6; III John 1:5-8), and collectively, as a local church (II Corinthians 11:8; Philippians 4:15-16).  Our provision for teachers can come in various forms (I Corinthians 9:3-14) – i.e., food (Vs 4), family support (Vs 5), expenses (Vs 7), and “material things” (Vs 11).  In short, those who teach may be provided a “living” (Vs 14).  Providing for those who teach truth is a God-given means by which certain individuals can devote their full time and attention to teaching.  And when we support those who preach the truth, we support the truth itself!

We must protect the truth.  In reality, the truth endures forever, whether we protect it or not (I Peter 1:25).  However, God has commanded us to defend the truth against those who assault it (Jude 3).  This kind of defense may involve some public “dissention and dispute” (cf. Acts 15:1-2).  Those who teach error are to be rebuked; and this is a major component of the task of preaching (II Timothy 4:1-5; Titus 2:15).  When we defend the truth against the onslaught of error, we are supporting and upholding the truth.

This is how the church is “the pillar and ground of the truth.”  It is our “prime directive” to pursue, practice, proclaim, provide for, and protect the word of God!  This obligation rests upon the entire church – not just preachers!  When we recognize our personal obligation in this matter, the church will grow; and truth will have its fullest impact in the world.  Remember, “it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe” (I Corinthians 1:21)  So, let’s get busy!                  By Lanny Smith

Ultimate Deliverance                                                    September 29, 2024

What if…we actually were put to death because we are Christians?  What is our attitude about this?  Consider Paul’s attitude:

“For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death”  (Philippians 1:19-20)

Paul’s view of “deliverance” is interesting, isn’t it?  He says here he is confident that he will be delivered, and he includes within the scope of that deliverance both life and death.  Deliverance even by death?  Yes.  He was looking not at the things that are seen, but at the things that are not seen (II Corinthians 4:18).  Whether another day to tell others about Jesus or dying and going home to be with Jesus, the Christian is confident of being delivered through and from evil.

Further, Paul wrote, “The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever.  Amen” (II Timothy 4:18).  Paul considered that being rescued from every evil deed was ultimately fulfilled by being brought safely to the Lord’s heavenly kingdom.  In other words, the Lord taking us from this world and bringing us to Him is being rescued.  It is deliverance.  There is no greater deliverance.

The idea here, that through physical persecution and death one may be brought safely into eternity, is powerful.  It is a message of faith and hope.  While we tend to think we aren’t safe here unless we have some physical way to arm and protect ourselves, the real safety is found in such a relationship with God that when we are taken from this life, even if violently, we will be brought safely to His heavenly kingdom.

Perhaps, then, Christians ought not to think, “we are not safe.”  If we are in fellowship with God, then we are safe, no matter how much violence and evil the world will throw at us.  Why?  Because we see a much bigger picture of deliverance than merely being spared our physical lives.  True deliverance, ultimate deliverance, and safety, is found in our eternal home.

“If anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name…Therefore, those who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right” (I Peter 4:16, 19).

Further passages to consider:

-“But you will be betrayed even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death, and you will be hated by all because of My name.  Yet not a hair of your head will perish.  By your endurance you will gain your lives” (Luke 21:16-19).

-“Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego replied to the king, ‘O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter.  If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king.  But even if  He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up'” (Daniel 3:16-18).                                                           

                                                                                                By Doy Moyer

But He Hesitated                                                         September 22, 2024

The story of Lot is a fascinating story of a good man who made poor choices, got caught up in a bad situation, and whose legacy was forever tarnished by those choices.  It is a story of the allure of sin and the difficulty of extricating oneself once you get deeply entrenched in sinful surroundings.

Lot was the nephew of Abraham whose story is told in the book of Genesis.  He travelled with is grandfather, Terah and his uncle, Abraham from their location of Ur and settled for a while in Haran (Genesis 11).  Then, after Terah died Lot went with Abraham to the land of Canaan (Genesis 12).  After their material possessions became too great to live together, Abraham gave Lot the first choice of where to settle.  Lot made his first bad choice by choosing to live in the plain of Jordan, near Sodom (Genesis 13:8-13).  Several years pass (at least 13) and Lot is now living in Sodom.  The people of Sodom are described as “exceedingly wicked and sinful” (Genesis 13:13).  Several years later, Abraham is told by God’s messengers that “the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great and their sin is very grave” (Genesis 18:20).

So God’s messengers go to Sodom and guess who they find sitting in the gate of the city?  Why, it’s Lot! (Genesis 19:1).   You are familiar  with the rest of the story as set forth in Genesis 19.  Lot has to protect the angels from the men of Sodom and Gomorrah, and even offers his virgin daughters to satisfy the Sodomites sexual desires, but only a miracle from God protects Lot and the angels from the men of Sodom.

The angels warned Lot of the imminent destruction of Sodom by God and warn him and his family to leave.  In the morning,  the angels urged Lot to hurry and then comes the amazing statement “but he hesitated.”  Some versions say “while he lingered” (Genesis 19:16).  What is stunning about this statement is trying to understand the rationale of Lot.  Why would he hesitate?  Why would he linger?  He had first-hand knowledge of the destruction to come.  He saw the wickedness of the people and had even offered his virgin daughters to the mob.  The apostle Peter even describes him as “righteous” Lot, “who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked” (II Peter 2:7) and further describes Lot as being “tormented” daily by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds (II Peter 2:8).

Yet he hesitated.  One can only conclude that Lot had become so entrenched with the people of Sodom, that it was difficult for him to leave it all behind.  All of his material possessions, all of the memories, all of the life he had built for many years.  That is what happens when we linger in sinful situations, among sinful people.  It is hard to get out!  “Do not love the world or the things of the world” (I John 2:15).

Yet, God in His mercy, had the angels take hold of Lot’s hands as well as the hands of his wife and daughters and “brought them out of the city” (Genesis 19:16).  So Lot and his family were temporarily saved by the grace of God.  However, it was only temporary.  His wife looked back and lost her life, turning into a pillar of salt.

His daughters, influenced by the depraved behavior of the Sodomites that had grown up around them, had children by their father.  Can you see the “influence” these immoral people had on them?  “Do not be deceived, evil companionship corrupts good moral” (I Corinthians 15:33).  Abraham’s legacy was to be the father of the Israelite people.  Lot’s legacy was to be the father of the Ammonites and the Moabites.

Did one bad decision doom Lot and His family?  No.  But Lot’s failure to correct the decision, his failure to recognize the evil influence affecting his family ultimately lead to his tragic ending.  We all make mistakes.  Our failure is in not recognizing and correcting those mistakes as quickly as possible.  The deceitfulness of sin causes us to hesitate. to rationalize, to downplay the seriousness of sin, all to our potential destruction.  Thanks be to God for His mercy and His furnishing us the way of escape from the consequences of sin through Christ Jesus.

                                                                                                              By Randy Shouse

If Tomorrow Never Comes                                                     September 15, 2024

“How do you know what will happen tomorrow?  For your life is like the morning fog – it’s here a little while, then it is gone” (James 4:14 NLT).

            A couple’s oldest son kills his brother in a fit of jealousy; a mother sends her son away for his own protection but dies never seeing him again; a woman gives her husband a beautiful son, but she dies in childbirth; a father receives word that his son fell in battle; a mother watches her innocent son executed for crimes he did not commit.  A man stands up for what he believes and is murdered by a mob.  A storm demolishes a house and kills a decent couple’s grown children who had gathered to celebrate a birthday – seven sons and three daughters.

            Sounds like the evening news?  Maybe, but these tragedies come from the pages of the Bible.  The Bible does not sidestep the stark reality of living and dying.  It does not sugar coat the raw edge of human existence as we know it.

            Why do you suppose God wanted a book that sounds like the evening news in its record of humanity?  First, God wants us to know He knows full well our plight and understands that life is unpredictable from our perspective.  Second, God wants us to be aware of our fragile nature.  The common concept of youth is that “nothing bad can happen to me.”  Sorry, that’s a foolish concept.  Third, God wants us to use our days wisely.  “What should it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?” (Matthew 16:26).  Nothing matters as much as the value of a soul.  If we realize we may have no more tomorrows, wouldn’t we plan for eternity?  Fourth, God wants us to realize we are “sojourners” here, not permanent dwellers.  “This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through” are words not only to be sung but lived – each day!

                                                                                    By Rob Redden (Arroyo Grande, CA)

Is God In Control?                                                                         September 8, 2024

The rapidity with which major events happen in today’s world and the quickness with which information is conveyed to us is truly amazing.  Though the details are sometimes inaccurate or misleading, our need to place our trust in the Lord becomes crystal clear.  God is our only trust and He is in control to work all things for good to those who truly love Him (Romans 8:28).

Is God really in control of world events?  Yes.  Is He responsible for the actions of sinful men?  No.  But, we can be assured that He does work providentially to bring about His ultimate purpose.  How can we know this is true?  Because the Bible tells us so.

In the days of the prophet, Daniel, the “wise men” of Babylon were threatened with death unless they could both reveal the contents and interpret the meaning of the king’s dream.  By revelation from God, Daniel was able to reveal the secrets of the king’s heart and save the lives of the king’s advisors.  In thanking God for the revelation he had received, Daniel prayed, “Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him.  And it is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings…” (Daniel 2:20-21).  It is God who changes the times and the epochs – who removes and establishes kings.  In other words, God is in control of human history.

Those in positions of authority today have a sacred trust from the Lord.  There “is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God” (Romans 13:1).  Paul goes on to say that those who resist authority are opposing the ordinance of God.  The only time we are obligated to violate the laws of the land is when those laws are contrary to the will of God.  In such cases, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).  Governing authorities are God’s servants for good, a responsibility which must be taken seriously.  Otherwise, if they prove unfaithful to their trust, God will in His time, remove them from power.  The rulers of the kingdoms of the world are accountable to the great King of the universe.

When things appear to be spinning out of control, remember God’s overruling providence.  As the psalmist said, “we will not fear, though the earth should change, and … the mountains slip into the heart of the sea” (Psalms 46:1-2).  Place yourself into the hands of the living God.  He is in control of the universe.  Why not give Him control of your life?

-Glen Elliott-

Would Roses Cost A Lot, Mister?” September 1, 2024

By Mike Riley

The following bulletin article was written by Brother Morris Thurman, former preacher for the Memorial Road congregation, on June 26, 1977. It’s a great human interest story about sacrifice that bears repeating today:

Henry Penn, the Boston florist who originated the slogan, “Say It With Flowers,” told how one morning two boys and a girl came into his florist shop and said: “We’re the flower committee and we would like some nice yellow flowers, sir. Do you have any yellow flowers? He would like them better if they were yellow. He had a yellow sweater.”

“Are they for a funeral?” asked Penn.

The children nodded “yes” and kept back the tears. “She’s his sister,” one of the boys explained. “He was good kid, a truck yesterday — we were playing in the street — we saw it happen.”
Then the other boy added, “Us kids took up a collection. We got eighteen cents — would roses cost a lot, mister? Yellow roses?”

Touched by the story of the tragedy and the loyalty of the kids, Henry Penn replied, “I have some nice yellow roses here that I am selling for eighteen cents a dozen just this morning.” The sympathetic florist accepted the eighteen cents and the committee carried away the flowers they had chosen. Said Penn, “I felt uplifted for days. I had been given the inexpressible privilege of sharing something.”
As Christians, we too have that inexpressible privilege of sharing. “We have this treasure in earthen vessels” (2 Corinthians 4:7). “We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us.” To share the glorious Good News of salvation in Christ, “we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20).

We want all to know “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). In love and compassion, we share the knowledge of Christ.

The Oracles of God                          August 25, 2024

First Peter 4:11 says, “If any man speak, [let him speak] as the oracles of God; if any man minister, [let him do it] as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”

The word “oracles” in this verse appears three other times in the New Testament. In Acts 7:38, “the lively (living) oracles” refers to the Mosaic law. “The oracles of God” in Romans 3:2 speaks of all the written utterances of God through Old Testament writers. “The first principles of the oracles of God” is used to indicate the entire substance of Bible doctrine in Hebrews 5:12. The thought in 1 Peter 4:11 is that if any man (neuter: anyone, whomsoever) speaks, let him speak as the oracles (utterances, word) of God.

The most powerful influence in all the world is the Word of God. It is God’s power unto salvation (Rom. 1:16). Therefore, when we speak, we are commanded to speak the Word of God. We read in Titus 2:1, “But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine.” The Old Testament prophet Micaiah said, “As the Lord liveth, what the Lord saith unto me, that will I speak” (1 Kings 22:14). Paul instructed Timothy to “preach the word; be instant in season out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort…” (2 Tim. 4:2). We have no authority but the word of God and when we speak, it must be from the Scriptures which are inspired of God (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Even in the common daily conversation of any and all Christians (men and women), we are to be governed by what God has said and as He has commanded.

To “speak as the oracles of God” also means that we respect what God did not say, i.e. the silence of the Scriptures. What God has not said is very importance. Nadab and Abihu were destroyed by fire for their disrespect of the silence of God’s Word (Lev. 10:1-2). God instructed them as to which fire to use, thus eliminating any other fire (Lev. 6:1-2). When God says something, it is final. And, when God does not say something, that is final! Everything else is eliminated! We cannot speak where God has not spoken.

We respect silence every day of our lives. For example: When we go out to eat we tell the waiter what we want, not what we do not want. By specifying what we want, we eliminate everything we do not want. The Bible is no different, God has given us exactly what He wants, no more and no less. That is why God’s people say: “We will do only what the Bible authorizes” (commands), while denominations say: “We will do everything the Bible does not specifically condemn.” There’s a world of difference between the two!

God said to Jeremiah, “Whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak” (Jer. 1:7). He commands the same of us in 1 Peter 4:11

Written by Garland M. Robinson

The church of Christ                                                                 August 18, 2024

Christians have become a bit hesitant these days to refer to the New Testament church as “The church of Christ.”  While I was growing up, a minor debate on the “official name” of the church was going on.  It was determined, and correctly so, that there was no one name that could be considered “official.”  When it began on the Day of Pentecost, the body of Christ was simply called “the church” (Acts 2:47).  This simple designation is found repeatedly in the book of Acts (5:11; 8:1, 3; 11:22, 26; 12:1, 5; 13:1; 14:23, 27; 15:3-4, 22; 18:22; 20:17).

Notably, one time it is referred to as “the church of God” (Acts 20:28), but even there “God” in that context is Jesus Christ Himself!  He purchased the church with His own blood.  The local church at Corinth was called “the church of God which is at Corinth” (I Corinthians 1:2).  So again, this is another way of saying “the church of Christ.”  See also I Corinthians 10:32; 11:22; 15:9; II Corinthians 1:1; Galatians 1:13; I Timothy 3:5, 15.

The first appearance of “church” in the New Testament is when Jesus declared in Matthew 16:18, “…I will build My Church…”  If we were to say that another way, it would be “the church of Christ” or “the church of Jesus Christ.”  This would be most correct because the church found in the New Testament belongs to Jesus.  He built it, He is its Founder, and it is Divine!  Thirty-five times in the New Testament the plural is used, such as at Romans 16:16, “Greet one another with a holy kiss.  The churches of Christ greet you.”  Often the phrase “churches of God” is used (I Corinthians 11:16; I Thessalonians 2:14; II Thessalonians 1:4).  So why do we not find faithful churches today using the phrase “church of God?”  It would be appropriate and certainly Biblical, but not everyone would understand that “God” means “Christ” in this designation.  So it would not be the most expedient phrase to use.  But a church might still use it.

When we read about the seven churches in Asia (Revelation 2-3), it is abundantly evident that Jesus Christ is the Head of them!  Jesus delivers positive encouragement and also rebuke when needed.  In each of the seven letters, the churches are encouraged to “hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”  But we know that the Spirit is delivering the message authorized by Jesus Christ (see John 16:13-14).  Jesus Christ is the One who “searches the minds and hearts” and gives to each one “according to your works” (Revelation 23:23).  Jesus Christ is the One who threatens to remove their “candlestick” or “lampstand” of Divine Identity if they do not repent! (Revelation 1:20;  2:1, 5).  So whether we refer to the redeemed saints as “the church,” “the church of Christ” or “the church of God (Christ),” the prevailing thought is that Jesus Christ is the Head of His church (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 1:22, “He is the Savior of the body” (Ephesians 5:23), and in all things He must have “the pre-eminence” (Colossians 1:18).

With such overwhelming evidence, why are brethren today almost afraid to call the Lord’s body, “the church of Christ”?  I fear that in trying to be so scriptural, we have watered down the point that there is one, true church, and that many denominations today which call themselves “church of ______” are not really “churches” that belong to Christ at all!  In the many words of some pioneer preachers of the past, “in trying to go back to Jerusalem, some have passed it by and landed in Jericho!”  I believe it is time to go to the Scriptures, the Creed Book of Jesus Christ, and call the church what it truly is – the church that belongs to Christ!  If we fear driving away visitors, perhaps it is because we are trying to “sneak” them in without proper conviction.

By Wayne Goff

Do We Have to Sin?                                                                 August 4, 2024

There is no way anyone in this world is ever going to take sin seriously if they accept the false notion that man must sin.  A lot of this stems from the doctrine of depravity.  This teaching promotes the idea that we sin because of Adam & Eve and that we inherit their original sin, meaning we are born in sin.  This couldnot be any farther from the truth.  Let’s take a closer BIBLICAL look.

We begin by looking at Adam & Eve.  They both were given laws to obey (Genesis 2:16-17).  We read in the next chapter how they both broke God’s law and were punished.  Why did they sin?  The Bible does not mention being born into depravity.  Rather, the inspired word, brings us the concept of temptation.  James states that sin comes about when we give in to temptation (James 1:13-15).  This is no different than what happens to every other person.

Some might conclude that Adam & Eve sinned because temptation is irresistible.  Fortunately for us as God’s children, this idea is also not found in the Bible!  Nowhere in the scriptures are we told we have to yield to temptation.  Actually, we are told there is no temptation that cannot be resisted if one turns to God for help (I Corinthians 10:13; James 4:7).  I am not denying the fact that all have sinned (Romans 3:23).  Even Christians were told if they say they have no sin, they are a liar (I John 1:8).  However, knowing that we will sin is not the same as saying we have to sin.

That difference is what we need to focus on if we are going to gain a proper understanding.  The fact that we are commanded not to sin (I John 2:1) implies that we do not have to.  To even suggest that everyone must sin implies that we have an unjust God.  A just and loving God will not command us to do something impossible for us.  Let us also not forget the punishment for sin.  Every sin has consequences (Romans 6:23), meaning that men are held accountable for their actions.  Again, why punish someone who could not help it?

It is wrong for us to think that God’s grace and mercy means He overlooks sin because we are forced to transgress.  This idea is not found in the Bible.  God’s mercy and grace has been offered to mankind so he/she can obtain forgiveness of their SINS!  There is no forgiveness without repentance (Luke 13:3).  To repent means to turn about.  How could we truly repent if we knew that sin was irresistible and would thus happen again?  If we live our lives committing the same sins over and over, we are addicted to them.  This person is not walking in the light but rather in darkness (I John 1:3-7).

How many employers would accept the lame excuse over and over for not arriving at work on time?  How many spouses would accept the same lame excuse regarding adultery?  As God’s people, we know there are sins we committed in the past and then successfully never did again.  We succeeded because we made up our minds to turn away (repent) and not go down that pathway again.

My point is that we can choose to make the right choice, but we do not always do this.  We sometimes falter because we fail to walk in faith.  When we do not walk by faith, we succumb to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye or the pride of life (I John 2:16).  When we love the world, the love of the Father is not in us (verse 15).  When a person puts off the old man of sin (Romans 6:3-6), the Lord and other Christians expect that they have left their former life of sin behind.  If they do sin, the Lord and other Christians are right to be disappointed because they have no excuse for sinning.  God’s people get stronger by resisting sin (James 1:2-4).  Are they sinlessly perfect? No.  But they are certainly sinning less and less.              By Chuck Bartlett

The Here Before the After                                         August 4, 2024

There is an old saying that the older we get, the more we think about the “hereafter” – we walk into a room and ask ourselves, “What am I here after?”  While that describes most of us, sooner or later, it also raises an important question, “What am I to do while I’m here – before the after?”

I am certain that if you are still here on earth, God is not finished with you yet.  And if God is not finished with you yet, then He must have some things for you to do with your time here on earth.  As we consider the providence of God, we come to realize that He is gently, lovingly, and often specifically bringing about circumstances in our lives that cause “all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28, NASB).

Since God’s providence causes all things to work together for good for you and for me, we realize that He pulls some of the proverbial strings of life to make sure we are where He wants us to be, when He wants us to be there.  Time, space, and circumstance become the tools of His providence for His purposes, to His glory in our lives.

This concept is seen very clearly in God’s word to the Christians at Corinth.  As Paul described the “body” of Christ (Christians) in the church, he reminded them that each part has a function, but he also describes God’s providence in I Corinthians 12:18:

“But now God has placed the members,

each one of them, in the body, just as He desired.”

God’s providence arranged time and circumstance in just such a way that He places us where He needs us, when He needs us there.  Think about it.  God has placed you right where He wants you, just when He wants you there – to be a working part of His body, to His glory, for the blessings of those around you!

Relax and enjoy the precious processes He has working in your life, as you work in His family!                                                                           Ray Wallace