Everything I Needed to Know About Life I Learned from a Jigsaw Puzzle

[207 words] 1. When things aren’t going so well, take a break. Everything will look different when you return (compare Mark 6:31). 2. Be sure to look at the big picture (John 4:35). Getting hung up on the little pieces only leads to frustration. 3. Don’t force a fit (Philippians 2:4). 4. Perseverance pays off.…

Who is This?

[143 words] When Herod the tetrarch heard about Jesus, and the apostles preaching throughout the villages of Israel, plus the healing they were carrying out, he was perplexed (Luke 9:1-7). Some said John had risen from the dead (though Herod had killed him). Others thought that Elijah had appeared, or one of the prophets had…

Pickles

[231 words] I don’t like pickles. Any pickles, all pickles. I don’t like sour pickles, sweet pickles, dill pickles, hot pickles…I don’t like pickles. Every time I order a hamburger, I say, “no pickles,” because I don’t like pickles! However, I am given pickles often. Sometimes I send them back and say “I ordered NO…

Doubting Thomas

[111 words] Doubting Thomas has received a bad reputation. You remember why. He was not present on that first day of the week when Jesus appeared to the rest of the apostles. As a result he expressed his doubt saying, “No, I have to see before I will believe” (John 20:19-25). Thomas’ absence resulted in…

Remember

[254 words] A few days ago John Wills and I were visiting Glennis Parker and he told us about a visit to the doctor. “The doctor gave me some new pills,” he said, “and I asked him what they were for.“ The doctor replied, “They will help you remember.” Glennis told the doctor, “I don’t…

Do You Hear God?

[279 words] After more than 100 years brother Charles Hodge remains one of the most famous preachers in our brotherhood. He is reported to have baptized more than any other man in the late 19‘“ and 20″‘ centuries. His quips, answers and comments are still quoted in many sermons today. Near the end of his…

Why The Ship Is Sinking

[257 words] In 1628 the Swedish warship Vasa was set to take its maiden voyage. The ship was built upon completion was one of the most powerfully armed vessels in the world. However the maiden voyage didn’t go that well. Less than a mile offshore the ship encountered what was described as a slight breeze…

15 Reasons to Read the Bible Daily

[138 words] 1. To be rid of anxiety and have peace (Psalm 119:165). 2. To set things right when life is out of control (Psalm 19:7-8). 3. To have direction and know God’s will (Psalm 119:105). 4. To experience healing and deliverance (Psalm 107:20). 5. To grow in the Lord (1 Peter 2:2). 6. To…

What Can I Do?

[418 words] There is a disinterest in spiritual matters within our country. People do not attach an importance to morality like they did in the past. Our nation cannot be described as a “Christian” nation as people were in a habit of doing in days gone by. In view of these matters let me make…

How to Observe the Lord’s Supper

[67 words] The Lord’s Supper is observed: • “In spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). • “Decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40). • In remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice (Luke 22: 19). • In anticipation of Christ’s return (1 Corinthians 11:26). • On the first day of each week (Acts 20:7). • Upon self-examination (1…

No More Excuses!

  [391 words] We all know the common excuses people make at times when it pertains to the work of the church. If we were to list them in order of their most frequent use they would fall as follows: 1. l don’t have the time. 2. I don’t have the talent. 3. l don’t…

What ls Conscience?

[75 words] “Ah,” said an Indian. “I know what my conscience is. It is a little triangular thing in here,” and he laid his hand over his heart, “which stands perfectly still when I do what is right, but when I do what is wrong, it turns slowly and causes much pain. And, if I…

God’s Color Line

[182 words] The Bible teaches that God “hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth… ” (Acts 17:26). Through the years, man has drawn racial distinctions of black, white, yellow, red, etc. Racial prejudice was sinful in the life of Simon Peter, whom Paul,…

The Study of Love

[203 words] In 1997 Western Christian Foundation published a book by Nelson M. Smith, entitled Agape Study Manual. Brother Smith identified all the places the word love and its related terms appeared in the KJV Bible. Then he wrote comments on every single verse where love was mentioned. The book has 475 pages. Brother Smith…
Funny Jokes for Church Bulletin

On the Lighter Side (March 2017)

Can’t Fool Me So two Irishmen are traveling to Australia. Before they leave home, one of their dads gives them both a bit of advice: “You watch them Aussie cab drivers. They’ll rob you blind. Don’t you go paying them what they ask. You haggle.” At the Sydney airport, the Irishmen catch a cab to…

According to You

[106 words] The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John Are read by more than a few. But the one most read and commented on Is the Gospel according to you. You are writing a gospel, a chapter a day, By the things that you do and the words that you say. Men read what…

Two Are Better Than One

[139 words] Everyone knows that holding hands with your spouse is romantic. But did you know it could be therapeutic? Neuroscientists at the University of Virginia found that married women under extreme stress who reach out and hold their husbands’ hands feel immediate relief. And not just any hand will do—their husband’s touch provided significantly…

The Challenge of the Four Chaplains

[299 words] In a recent article, Phillip Morrison retold the story of four chaplains in the U.S. military who died in heroic fashion on the same day. George Fox, Alexander Goode, Clark Poling, and John Washington had just graduated from Army Chaplains School at Harvard and were headed to Europe for their first WWll assignments.…

Our Purpose

[365 words] An interesting phenomenon is occurring across North America this winter. Individuals and groups are making some things to help those who are cold and in need. The things are scarves and they are turning up in unusual places—wrapped around trees, fire hydrants, light poles, hanging on fences, etc. On a fire hydrant, a…

Reading Bibles Only on the Edges

[195 words] Bible reading, though discouraged by some, is a wonderful privilege as well as an essential for Christian living (Acts 17:11). Being greater than any product of purely human genius, the Bible cannot but be a benefit to man. In studying the Scriptures man receives lasting blessings: 1. Strength. Who doesn’t need greater strength…

Wise Thoughts

[67 words] 1. When we talk we repeat what we already know; when we listen we learn and grow wiser. 2. The brighter you are, the more you know what you don’t know! 3. You alone can use your time and abilities, choose wisely. 4. Learning is the best wealth — no one can ever…

Do You Restore God’s Word?

[232 words] “Go and inquire of the Lord for me and for the remnant … about what is written in this book that has been found. Great is the Lord’s anger that is poured out on us because our fathers have not kept the word of the Lord; they have not acted in accordance with…

Only By God’s Word?

[216 words] “In everything he walked in the ways of his father Asa and did not stray from them; he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. The high places, however, were not removed, and the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense there” (1 Kings 22:43). Jehoshaphat did what was…

How Do You Win Souls?

[214 words] “Finally the temple guards went back to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, ‘Why didn’t you bring him in?’ ‘No one ever spoke the way this man does,’ the guards declared” (John 7:45-46). Word was going around Jerusalem that Jesus might possibly be the Christ, and so those who believed themselves…

Is Your Tongue Tamed?

[222 words] “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). When angry men from another tribe confronted Gideon about why he hadn’t waited for them for judgment on enemy leaders, he replied, “What have I accomplished compared to you?” In minimizing his own role and exalting theirs, Gideon…

Paul’s Test for What’s On Your Mind

[333 words] In Philippians, Paul gave us a litmus test, so to speak, for what should be on or in our minds. “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue…

Small Congregations: Weak or Strong?

[227 words] When a lot of Christians picked up the August 2016 issue of Gospel Advocate, Eric Welch’s article “The Strength of Small Churches” surely caught their interest. The thought, “Hey, that’s about our congregation” may have crossed their minds. One of the misconceptions mentioned was that small congregations have something wrong with them or…

What Do You Seek in Religion?

[203 words] What Paul recorded in 1 Cor. 1:22-23 is not only a commentary on the religious world in his day, it is also very indicative of the religious world today. The text reads: “For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified…” Somewhat paraphrased and adapted to today’s…

They Did Not Understand

[165 words] Henry Winkler, (the Fonz), revealed some time ago that he did not know he had a learning problem until he was 31. It turns out he has dyslexia. Sadly, his dad at one time in childhood called him a “dumb dog.” I saw him on TV, and he still has difficulty. Every day…

70×7 – The Formula of Forgiveness

[177 words] The Lord Jesus Christ commands us to forgive people. And he punctuates it with this statement: “so that your Father in heaven may forgive you.” If you forgive, God forgives you. If you don’t forgive, God will not forgive you (Matthew 6:14-15). One of the more challenging things about forgiveness is that it’s…

From Death He Arose

[49 words] From darkest grave, from death he arose, As sacrifice for sin he gave His life, and blood to save flowed freely. I know I’ll rise and never die Again because my God and Lord Was first to be raised, before me. I love the way the Lord has opened. J. Randal Matheny UPLift,…

Selfish Forgiveness

[276 words] Scientific findings have recently confirmed what we Christians have known all along. An unforgiving, grudge-holding spirit is not in our best interest. According to a report heralded by Newsweek, more than 1,200 published studies have now been conducted on the subject and the results are both consistent and conclusive: “…increased blood pressure and…

Fashion Police

[453 words] A few weeks ago my wife and I were preparing to go out for the evening and as she came into the room I asked, “Are you wearing that?” Her quick witted sarcastic response to my question was, “Who are you, the Fashion Police?” Before we go any further I want to clarify…

The Importance of Integrity

[325 words] The term integrity has been defined in various ways. Some would say it is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principals. Others would say it is doing the right thing all the time simply because it is the right thing—doing the right thing knowing no one will know whether you…

Five Powerful Words from Psalm 23

[348 words] Everyone knows the first five words of the 23rd Psalm: “The Lord is my Shepherd…” These words not only introduce the psalm and the God of the Psalm, but are actually powerful words that reveal our relationship with Him. Notice, for example: The – This reveals that Jehovah God is the only God.…

How Can We Help Those Who are Suffering?

[263 words] “Why is there so much pain and suffering in the world? I’m afraid God is going to ask me the same question.” – Brandon Edwards We all have burdens and deal with suffering. Matthew 5:45 says, “that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on…

Evil Under the Sun

[73 words] Why must all these people fight while basking in thy glory’s light? For thine glory’s sake, would thy servants strive under thy wake. Beloved Son, O Prince of Peace, May thy kingdom sure increase. May all find healing in thy bask so all nations may be whole at last. Until thy sweet return,…

What Are You Singing?

[269 words] Over the years I’ve had song leaders that will ask me the topic of my sermon so that they can pick an invitation song that will fit. The invitation song that flows along with the message can be that tipping point that might make someone respond. However, I noticed that many already have…
Funny Jokes for Church Bulletin

On the Lighter Side (April 2017)

Quick Thinking There is a story about a new clerk in a supermarket. A customer asked him if she could buy half a grapefruit. Not knowing what to do, he excused himself to ask the manager. “Some nut out there wants to buy half a grapefruit…” he began, and, suddenly realizing that the customer had…

Jesus, the Answer

[446 words] The young lady could not have been too much over sixteen years old. She came to the office in an old pickup with two men who stayed outside in the cab. Before she was finished filling out a benevolence form, they left and she went outside to wait on the steps going up…
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