The GIFT of a Great Relationship

Posted on June 13, 2020 by Bulletin Digest

[388 words] We just love getting gifts, don’t we? How wonderful it is having someone think of us and spend time and resources to get us something special. It lets us know that we are loved. And, of course, we should be most thankful for the love and gift God has given us in Christ Jesus (John 3:16; Eph. 4:7). I remember attending a wedding where the minister conducting the service told the couple getting married that they were a gift to one another. That is true. There is nothing more wonderful than being in a healthy and happy relationship...

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Eternal Spring

Posted on May 7, 2020 by Bulletin Digest

[405 words] Of all the seasons, I think I enjoy watching springtime come more than any of the others. After the long slumber of gloomy winter, it’s so wonderful seeing the earth awaken with the grass greening, trees budding, flowers blooming, busy birds flitting about, etc. Truly, spring is a time of rebirth, renewal, and refreshing. I think it is interesting that when we look at the way the Holy Spirit through His word describes the Christian existence, it seems to be in springtime-like terms. “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times...

Giving to Thee

Posted on May 7, 2020 by Bulletin Digest

[115 words] As I progress through my life,more clearly do I see,it is not what I gather, Lord,but what I give to Thee. I give to Thee by pouring out,my body, heart, and soul,in glory and devotion,trusting Thee to make me whole. I give to Thee by kindly helping,all others, great and small,humbly loving, serving, forgiving,not with part, but with all. I give to Thee by giving free,not expecting in return,knowing my reward will comeat the end of my sojourn. As I progress through my life,more clearly do I see,the more I give to You, Dear Lord,the more You give...

What it Takes to Be God

Posted on April 8, 2020 by Bulletin Digest

[310 words] In part of John’s glimpse of heaven, he saw four living creatures who did not rest from praising God saying, “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come” (Rev. 4:8). In this saying of honor, three great attributes of God are given. Holiness. God is the Holy One (Ezek 39:7). He is one hundred percent love and purity (Psa. 12:6; 1 John 4:8). He is total righteousness and is always right (Deut. 32:4). Truly He is “Holy, holy, holy.” Omnipotence. God is the All-Mighty One (Psa. 65:6). He spoke everything into existence,...

The Gospel and Us

Posted on April 8, 2020 by Bulletin Digest

[169 words] In Rom. 1:14-16, Paul not only gives the importance of the gospel, but what our relationship should be with it. It is seen in the three “I am” statements. Concerning the Gospel… We Need to Realize Our Obligation (“I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise”, v.14). Like Paul, we should see it as a duty to get the gospel message out. We Need to Watch for the Opportunity (“So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel…”, v.15). Paul was ready at a moment’s notice...

Bless You!

Posted on March 5, 2020 by Bulletin Digest

[271 words] Blessed are you when you come to worship, even when you are not feeling the best in the world – your dedication is helping to inspire many in this congregation. Blessed are you when you leave your contribution, even when you cannot physically be here – you have helped this church to meet its financial obligations and branch out in new endeavors in the name of the Lord. Blessed are you when you smile and greet others and sing from the heart, even when you’ve had a bad week – you help to spark the enthusiasm and zeal...

Traveling the Rocky Road

Posted on March 4, 2020 by Bulletin Digest

[115 words] The road is long, the rocks are large,But we needn’t go ‘round them all,For if we muscle, and keep on moving,We’ll gain more strength for the haul. The road is tough, the rocks are many,But they needn’t cause us to slip,For if we’re careful where we tread,We’ll more quickly learn how to grip. The road’s winding, the rocks, unsafe,But they needn’t bring useless bane,For when we learn the best steps used,Though more taken, the more we gain. The road’s uncertain, the rocks, e’er present,But we needn’t tread without trust,The Lord will shine and He will guide,And the rocks...

The Cure for All Ills

Posted on February 2, 2020 by Bulletin Digest

[97 words] You may have the best of doctorsWho can treat the best of menBut there’s an ill he cannot cureIt’s the ravages of sin For sickness and diseasesCan take a mighty tollBut their dark and gloomy fingersCannot reach or touch the soul But sin, with its ugly natureHarms body, mind, and spiritAnd no man can cut its cordThus we should always fear it Now, there is a Great PhysicianWhose prescription fits the billThe only thing that rids all sinIs a dose of the Lord’s Gos-pill! Edd SterchiBroadway church of ChristCampbellsville, KY...

Are You in it for the Long Haul?

Posted on February 2, 2020 by Bulletin Digest

[458 words] A very interesting word occurs in a familiar Bible passage that helps us to understand something of our Christian lives upon the earth. The passage is Heb. 12:1-2 and the word translated “race.” “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the...

How a Christian Should Walk

Posted on February 1, 2020 by Bulletin Digest

[221 words] • “Walk while you have the light” (John 12:35) • “Walk in the steps of faith” (Rom. 4:12) • “walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:4) • “walk…according to the Spirit” (Rom. 8:1) • “walk properly” (Rom. 13:13) • “as the Lord has called each one, so let him walk” (1 Cor. 7:17) • “walk by faith” (2 Cor. 5:7) • “Walk in the Spirit” (Gal. 5:16) • “good works…that we should walk in them” (Eph. 2:10) • “walk worthy of the calling with which you were called” (Eph. 4:1) • “walk in love” (Eph. 5:2) • “Walk...

Fill the Year with the Fruits of Righteousness

Posted on January 5, 2020 by Bulletin Digest

[207 words] In Philippians 1:11 Paul records that Christians are to be filled with the “fruits of righteousness.” Of course the fruit of the Spirit come to mind with a statement like that. The fruit of the Spirit are mentioned in two passages in the New Testament: Galatians 5:22-23, “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” Ephesians 5:9-10, “(for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.” We can find 12 fruit of the Spirit from these two passages and,...

Help Wanted

Posted on January 5, 2020 by Bulletin Digest

[302 words] The kingdom of Christ has the following positions available for immediate employment: Ambassadors (2 Cor. 5:20) – Must be willing to represent Christ honestly, honorably, and faithfully. Bakers (Matt. 13:33) – Must be able to add leavening properly. Farmers (Matt. 13:3) – Must be willing to rise early and sow the seed in all kinds of weather. Fishermen (Matt. 4:19) – Must be very patient and skilled. Guards (1 Tim. 6:20) – Must be able to stay alert at all times. Harvest Workers (Matt. 9:38) – Must be able to work hard when the harvest is ready without...

Through Him

Posted on December 11, 2019 by Bulletin Digest

[363 words] Christianity is all about our relationship with Jesus. He died for us and we are to live for Him. Upon obeying the gospel, we gain a lot of “prepositional aspects” having to do with ourselves and Jesus: we are in Him, with Him, and for Him. But there is another preposition that describes one more important aspect of our relationship with Jesus Christ – it is the word “through.” Take a look at these passages and see the powerful relationship we are to have “through Him”: • Our salvation is made available “through Him” (John 3:17). • True...

Do You Really Show Compassion?

Posted on November 8, 2019 by Bulletin Digest

[402 words] Many times, I will hear a person say, “I really feel sorry for them” when hearing about someone else’s difficult situation. We may label such feelings as compassionate, because many dictionaries define compassion something along the line of “Sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings and misfortunes of others” (Oxford English Dictionary). But is that all compassion really is? Jesus was the king of compassion and as such, knew all about how compassion truly is to work in one’s life (cf. Matt. 14:14; 20:34; Mark 1:41; 6:34; Luke 7:13-14). In teaching about this in Luke 10, Jesus tells...

By Bringing My Kids to Bible Study, I Am Saying to Them…

Posted on November 8, 2019 by Bulletin Digest

[173 words] …that there is nothing on earth more important than the Bible. …that a proper understanding of the Bible is essential. …that getting to know other Christians’ children is vital. …that some habits are good, and this is a good habit to get into. …that some things are worth sacrificing other things for. …that God’s people are the best people on earth! …that a part of faithfulness is desiring to be here every time the doors are open. …that there is a benefit to separating oneself from the world. …that God indeed does have the answers to life’s dilemmas....

The Gospel

Posted on October 4, 2019 by Bulletin Digest

[142 words] The word “gospel” means “good news.” It has well been said that the gospel is the good news about Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection (1 Cor. 15:1-4). And while that is true, the gospel is so much more. Because of the resurrection of Jesus, His triumph over death, the gospel is… Glorious (1 Tim. 1:11) Optimistic (Col. 1:23) Saving (Eph. 1:13) Powerful (Rom. 1:16) Everlasting (Rev. 14:6) Light (2 Tim. 1:10) Without a doubt, the gospel of Christ is life changing. But for it to change our lives, we must obey it (2 Thess. 1:8). Having obeyed it,...

Go Forward

Posted on August 2, 2019 by Bulletin Digest

[519 words] In the account of the crossing of the Red Sea in the Exodus of the Israelites, we can learn some important things about God and His people. As the Egyptians were in hot pursuit and the Israelites’ fears are growing, God said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward” (Exod. 14:15). Moses was then to lift up his rod, stretch out his hand over the sea, and it would be divided (Exod. 14:16). When Moses did this, Exodus 14:21 records that “the Lord caused the sea to go back...

Making Worship Meaningful

Posted on July 16, 2019 by Bulletin Digest

[172 words] In the first 5 verses of Psalm 63, David gives some great advice on how to make worship meaningful: “O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water” (v.1) – Worship begins with a deep longing to be with God. “So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and Your glory.” (v.2) – Anticipation for worship heightens as one is searching for the right attitude in which to worship. “Because...

What Jesus Gave Up for Us

Posted on July 16, 2019 by Bulletin Digest

[105 words] He Gave Up Heaven’s Glory.He Gave Up Earthly Riches.He Gave Up His Human Will.He Gave Up His Life. “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” (Phil. 2:5-8) What have you given up...

Satan and Weeds

Posted on July 16, 2019 by Bulletin Digest

[543 words] There are weeds dying at my house (in fact, many are already dead). I know because I had a big part in killing them. As I was in the process of spraying them with a certain herbicide, an interesting analogy came to mind–I was actually playing Satan. Notice these salient points: Someone once noted that a weed is a simply plant that is out of place. That leads me into my first point–I only picked the plants that were out of place. The ones that were where they were supposed to be, I left alone. Satan is the...

Get Excited!

Posted on July 15, 2019 by Bulletin Digest

[137 words] Godly zeal utilizes talents and builds up the church (1 Corinthians 14:12, “…since you are zealous for…gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.”) Godly zeal gets others excited for the Lord (2 Corinthians 9:2, “…your zeal has stirred up the majority.”) Godly zeal promotes goodness (Galatians 4:18, “But it is good to be zealous in a good thing always…”) Godly zeal is concerned for others (Colossians 4:13, “For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you…”) Godly zeal culminates in kind deeds (Titus 2:14, “…His own...

My Daily ATTITUDE Action Plan is…

Posted on June 1, 2019 by Bulletin Digest

[63 words] Always making today my best day – Psa. 118:24 Taking pride in a job well done – Phil. 1:27 Treating others with respect – Eph. 4:32 Implementing positive thoughts – Phil. 4:8 Turning tasks into opportunities – Eph. 5:15-16 Utilizing my talents always – Matt. 25:29 Doing something that benefits others – Gal. 6:10 Expecting good things to happen – Mark 11:24 Selected (adapted by Edd Sterchi)...

The Heart is Where Home Is

Posted on June 1, 2019 by Bulletin Digest

[192 words] It was Paul’s wish for all Christians “that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith” (Eph. 3:17). The word “dwell” in this verse brings forth a powerful concept concerning our relationship with Christ. According to Robertson’s New Testament Word Pictures the root of the word in the Greek means “to make one’s home, to be at home.” Isn’t that interesting! Jesus is not only to make His home in our hearts, He is to be at home there, as well. The question to ask ourselves in light of this is: “Is Jesus ‘at home’ in my heart?”...

Plant the Right Seeds

Posted on May 1, 2019 by Bulletin Digest

[179 words] Seed planting time is upon us. The gardener/farmer knows the importance of planting the right seeds at the right time. For the Christian, planting the right seeds makes all the difference, as well. I found a list of what we reap if we plant certain things in our lives. I have adapted and expanded it here: • If you plant honesty, you will reap trust. • If you plant goodness, you will reap friends. • If you plant love, you will reap happiness. • If you plant perseverance, you will reap maturity. • If you plant kindness, you...

The Effective Church

Posted on May 1, 2019 by Bulletin Digest

[112 words] …Exalts God (Eph. 3:21). The church is a place of heartfelt praise of its Architect. …Evangelizes the Lost (Matt 28:19-20). The church is a place where the truth of the gospel is presented to all. …Edifies its Members (Eph. 4:16). The church is a place of great love and encouragement. …Educates the Unlearned (2 Tim. 2:2). The church is a place of teaching the truths of the Word of God. …Equips the Saints (Eph. 4:11-12). The church is a place where people are trained for service. …Eases the Burdens of the Needy (Heb. 13:16). The church is a...

Look the Right Directions For the Right Reasons

Posted on March 27, 2019 by Bulletin Digest

[381 words] During a time of David’s kingship, Absalom, his son, plotted a revolt against the throne. In a short time, Absalom gathered quite a force, and David decided to flee Jerusalem. Absalom and his army hotly pursued him. No doubt this was a distressing time for David. There are surely times in which we can relate – when we feel the world is closing in on us. During those times, we need to remember to look the right directions and for the right reasons. We can see what David did from his words in Psalm 3 (which is titled:...

The Right Attitude Leads to Gratitude

Posted on March 13, 2019 by Bulletin Digest

[352 words] I went home for lunch the other day and had a sandwich and leftover potato soup, and let me tell you that soup tasted really good! Now, normally I do not mind leftovers, but it is rare for me to rave about them. I’m sure you’re wondering what it was that made it taste five-star restaurant good. Had Julie done something different in the way she prepared it? Nope, it was just like she always makes it (which is very good, by the way). Was it because potato soup is my all-time favorite dish? Hardly. Then what was...

Whatever It Takes

Posted on March 5, 2019 by Bulletin Digest

[232 words] Someone once noted that there are two kinds of people in this world: those who say “whatever” and those who say, “whatever it takes.” “Whatever” is the response of the shrug. It is a “who cares?” attitude, one of indifference and apathy. “Whatever it takes” is the response of the committed. It is a “can do” attitude, one that is optimistic and refuses to give up or give in. Think about those two responses when it comes to some of the commands Christians are given in the Scriptures. We are admonished to avoid sin and pursue holiness (2...

Getting the Word Out About Eating Right

Posted on March 1, 2019 by Bulletin Digest

[182 words] What would happen if you consumed meals that consisted only of candy? While it might be very tasty, it would not be nutritious at all. And while you might make it fine for a while, eventually your body would fail you because it did not receive the sustenance needed for a healthy life. Many people have turned the gospel of Christ into spiritual candy – picking and choosing Bible verses, misapplying Scripture, and/or watering down passages from the Word of God. But this is robbing them of the nutrients needed for salvation and spiritual growth. Paul warned Timothy...

Let God Send You

Posted on March 1, 2019 by Bulletin Digest

[442 words] When we think of the great apostle Paul, we think of a rugged warrior for Christ – a courageous, daring, fearless man who laughed in the face of danger. After all, he was the man who got up and walked back into the town where folks had stoned him, drug him out of the city, and left him for dead (Acts 14:19-20). Paul was the guy who was whipped, beaten, shipwrecked, mugged, thrown in prison, and endured many great perils with his faith intact (2 Cor. 6:4-10; 11:24-28). In 2 Cor. 7, we see Paul continuing this life...

Commands from Christ Are Not Optional

Posted on February 10, 2019 by Bulletin Digest

[422 words] I recently read a Bible Q&A article written by a denominational preacher. In it he was asked, “Can you go to heaven if you ‘trust’ Jesus as your Lord and Savior but you are not yet baptized?” He began his answer by saying: “Yes. Baptism has nothing to do with salvation.” Later in the answer he stated: “Baptism is an ordinance instituted by Christ until the ‘end of the age’…Clearly this command was not only for the apostles who heard it but for His followers throughout the entire age.” Finally, he concluded with: “One is saved without, apart...

Life is in the Blood

Posted on February 7, 2019 by Bulletin Digest

[423 words] If you have ever went to the doctor for a checkup and had a blood test done, likely you received a report that showed many results. Now, I remember from science class many moons ago that the blood delivers nutrients and oxygen to the body’s cells. But our blood carries so much more than that. It’s amazing what all our blood can reveal. For example, if you look at your blood test results, you may see such familiar categories as glucose, sodium, potassium, calcium, and protein. You may even see categories that you have no idea what they...

The Three R’s of a Great Marriage

Posted on February 6, 2019 by Bulletin Digest

[513 words] June is definitely the month for weddings, and this past June I presided over two weddings and attended another one. Weddings are stressful, but exciting times. It’s very moving to witness the joining of the lives of a man and a woman in holy matrimony. It brings to mind thoughts of optimism and hope for the future. As far as my advice to newlyweds goes, I usually offer three “R’s” to a sound, successful, and spectacular marriage. Romance. Love is a key element to keeping a marriage vibrant. It is because of love that a marriage should take...

Wanted: A Pair of Shoes

Posted on January 29, 2019 by Bulletin Digest

[95 words] Please check your closet for a pair of shoes that a person I know needs. They are not that picky, so any old pair will do. This person has a heart for the Lord and wants to use these shoes to spread the good news about Jesus Christ. What a wonderful thing to want to do, and we should want to help if we can. So please take a look as soon as you can and find a pair of shoes that you know will fit the bill. Then put them on and get going! Edd SterchiBroadway church...

Encouragers in the New Testament

Posted on January 29, 2019 by Bulletin Digest

[59 words] Barnabas – “he was glad and encouraged them all” (Acts 11:23) Silas – “encouraged and strengthened the brothers” (Acts 15:32) Paul – “encouraged them with many words” (Acts 20:2) Tychicus – “that he may encourage your hearts” (Col. 4:8) Timothy – “to…encourage you concerning your faith” (1 Thess. 3:2) Us – “Therefore, encourage one another” (1 Thess. 5:11) Edd SterchiBroadway church of ChristCampbellsville, KY...

Heaven Will Surely Be Worth it All

Posted on January 29, 2019 by Bulletin Digest

[376 words] Thirty years ago, on a Sunday morning, I was in a 15-passenger van with a deacon of the local congregation picking up kids to bring them to Bible study. I remember it as if it were yesterday. The van was packed to the gills with children, and my job was crowd control. It must have been a full moon the night before and the kids must have had extra sugar in their cereal that morning, for they were rowdy and getting out of hand. As a fairly young and somewhat inexperienced Christian, I was doing the best I...

Guaranteed Success from the Lord

Posted on January 25, 2019 by Bulletin Digest

[311 words] When young Samuel was with Eli training to be the Lord’s servant, the famous inc ident of the Lord speaking to him occurred in 1 Samuel 3:1-18. Immediately after that, these words are in the holy text, “So Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground.” (1 Sam 3:19). The meaning of the metaphor in the latter part of the verse is that the Lord made sure that all of Samuel’s prophecies were true and beneficial. None of them would be wasted as in a precious liquid spilling...

Paul Was…Are You?

Posted on January 12, 2019 by Bulletin Digest

[377 words] Paul was the man Jesus chose to go to the Gentiles and preach the gospel (Acts 9:15; Rom. 11:13). Once fully converted and committed, Paul accomplished the Lord’s will admirably (2 Tim. 4:7). In three successive verses in the first chapter of Romans, Paul records the formula for preparing ourselves to follow his example, as he followed Christ in seeking and saving the lost (cf. 1 Cor. 11:1; Luke 19:10). Notice for example… “I am a debtor” (Rom. 1:14). Paul knew that he was under obligation to preach to the Gentiles. It was not an option for...

Peace from Pain

Posted on January 12, 2019 by Bulletin Digest

[36 words] When days are rough, and times seem tough, and we’re under pressure and strain; Trust the Lord, and obey His Word, and peace will come from the pain. Edd Sterchi Broadway church of Christ Campbellsville, KY...

Praise the Lord!

Posted on January 11, 2019 by Bulletin Digest

[212 words] In the early 1800s, Billy Bray was known as a no-good drunken miner in the village of Twelveheads in Cornwall, England. But then he was converted to Christ and he was never the same again. He stopped drinking, became a productive member of society, and told everyone he met about his Lord. “I can’t help praising God,” he once said. “As I go along the street, I lift up one foot, and it seems to say, ‘Glory,’ and I lift up the other, and it seems to say, ‘Amen.’ If they would put me into a barrel...