Edd Sterchi

What God Promises to Do Concerning Our Trials

“Oh, no, here I go again. Another trial in my life. Lord, just how much do you think I can really handle?” Have you ever said or thought those words, or something like them? That recently? Me, too. When times like that hit, we need to avoid the temptation of thinking that maybe we have…

Stoke the Folk!

Have you ever just sat around a fire? It is incredibly therapeutic. A fire seems to bring out wonderful moments of reflection and conversation. Fires are beneficial in many ways with the heat, light, and mood it produces. God’s word is compared to a fire in Jeremiah 23:39. Like a fire it enlightens and penetrates.…

Are You On the Lookout?

Back in my high school days, I had some friends who convinced me to be a monitoring judge for a road rally. There was a course set throughout the county for contestants to decipher clues and then drive down certain roads ending up back at a designated place. The judges were strategically placed in secret…

Beware of Satan’s Nose and Foot!

The ancient Arabs had a saying: “Beware the camel’s nose” which means that if we let one small undesirable situation occur, then there would soon be a worsening to a disastrous predicament. The context is that if you let a camel get his nose into the tent, the whole body would soon follow. In America,…

Three Cheers for Jesus!

We often give a hearty “Hip, Hip, Hooray” to one we wish to celebrate or honor. I think we don’t celebrate Jesus enough in our memories, words, and lives. Jesus came to make our lives blessed, joyous, and fruitful (cf. John 10:10). There are several instances in the Scriptures where Jesus said “Be of good…

Rejoicing Angels

[372 words] Ever wonder what causes the angels in heaven to shout for joy? There are several instances of angels proclaiming joy, and they all seem to have a common thread. The first instance of the heavenly host expressing joy is during the creation of the heavens and the earth. Recounting the incident, God tells…

The Gospel is for All!

[344 words] One thing that impresses me every time I read the book of Acts is the fact that the gospel is for all. Before leaving for heaven, Jesus told His apostles “and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Fulfilling…

Think-fulness Leads to Thankfulness

[195 words] Did you know that our English words “think” and “thank” come from the same root? I believe that brings forth an important concept. Our thankfulness is based upon our “think”fullness. In other words, we can always give thanks if we just give it some thought. That’s what David seems to be doing in…

The Colors of Love

[142 words] Purple was the robe, the beaten Jesus wore (Matt. 27:28) Brown, the thorny crown which in much pain He bore (Matt. 27:19) White, the sinlessness from which He didn’t shrink (Heb. 4:15) Yellow, the bitter gall that He’d refuse to drink (Matt. 27:34) Green, the lovely plants nearby Calvary’s hill (John 19:41) Red,…

Peace from Pain

[55 words] When days are rough, and times seem tough, And we’re ‘neath much stress and strain; Just trust the Lord, and heed His Word And He will bring peace from the pain. Peace from pain we will gain, He has promised, and He will bring; He will employ eternal joy And peace from pain…

Right Thinking

[35 words] Think not of past years, When you fell on your chin, Think not of yesterday, And what could have been. Think of today, And what lies within, Think of tomorrow, And the victories to win. Edd Sterchi Campbellsville, KY…

Long Walk Part of Gift

[316 words] A missionary’s wife was once teaching some children in Africa about the value of giving. She quoted Acts 20:35 where our Savior is quoted as saying, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” One little African boy soaked in every word and then decided to live out her teaching, but he…

How Can We Improve Our Self-Esteem?

[413 words] Self-esteem is a vital component in Christians growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 3:18). Here are some things to remember that can help us improve our self-esteem. Remember that we are created in God’s image (Gen. 1:26). God has given us humans something that nothing else of His…

Forgive and Forget

[396 words] The phrase “forgive and forget” has been in the English language for a long time. An older member of the church once commented to me concerning forgiving and forgetting, “I don’t know which is harder to do!” As difficult as they are for us humans to do–do them we must if we are…

Faithful Fathers

  [412 words] It has been said that Father’s Day is just like Mother’s Day except you spend less on the gift! All humor aside, society has sadly downplayed the importance of a father in the home. Too many children are being raised without their fathers in their lives. And too many fathers who are…

The Key to True Happiness

[209 words] Psychologist Bernard Rimland once developed an interesting test you can use to determine what causes true happiness. Make a list of 10 people whom you know the best. After each name write either H (for happy) or N (for not happy). Then go down the list again, this time writing S (for selfish)…

The Ironies of Calvary

Man of sorrows, Prince of Peace, Son of Joy, Man of griefs, Wounded healer, Rejected King, Earth’s disdain, Salvation’s wing. Friend of sinners, Friendless One, Men charge sin to the Holy Son, Innocent, yet judged with guilt, Had no home, but mansions built. The irony Christ was and gave, Buried, yet o’ercame the grave, The…

A Caring Church

[290 words] The title phrase is one commonly heard when describing particular congregations. But what does it mean to be a caring church? Is this church a caring church? Let’s find out. A Caring Church is a Sharing Church. A caring church is thankful Christ has shared with them and thus is willing to share…

The Facial Anatomy of a Soul Winner

I was thinking the other day about all the sayings I used to hear concerning parts of our heads that were meant to keep us alert and going in life. We have all heard them from time to time in our lives: from parents, teachers, and coaches. But I was also thinking of how they…

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…

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 to Face Fiery Trials

[373 words] The Roman Emperor Nero began persecuting Christians on a very horrible and violent level. Tacitus, the Roman historian, records that “Nero falsely accused and executed with the most exquisite punishments those people called Christians…And perishing they were additionally made into sports: they were killed by dogs by having the hides of beasts attached…

Reclining, Whining, or Shining?

It seems to me that there are three kinds of church members. Let’s briefly examine each and, as we do so, please honestly examine your part in the church and see which you are: There are those who recline. They just sit back and watch everything going on around them. They are never more involved…

JESUS CHRIST

Just (Revelation 15:3) Elect (1 Peter 2:6) Sinless (1 Peter 2:22) Understanding (Hebrews 4:15) Shepherd (John 10:14) Compassionate (Matthew 9:36) Helping (Hebrews 13:6) Righteous (1 John 3:7) Immortal (Hebrews 13:8) Savior (2 Pet. 1:11) Teacher (Matthew 11:29) Edd Sterchi Broadway church of Christ Campbellsville, …

Worship God

Twice in the revelation given to him, John is reminded to “worship God” (Rev. 19:10; 22:9). Too many Christians focus more on self than on God in worship. We should never depart from the true purpose of our worship: honoring God. Take a look at the prescribed elements of worship and note how they all…

Obsession or Option?

  [305 words] To view some Christians, they live their lives like they are obsessed with pleasing God. They come to worship and every gathering of the church that they possibly can. They even come when they don’t feel all that well. It is as if they are compelled to come. They also volunteer and…

Hymns for the ‘Sorta’ Committed

[217 words] Some Christians, by the way they are living their lives, would obviously like for some of the songs we sing to be changed to the following: • I Surrender Some• It is Fairly Well with My Soul• Fill My Spoon, Lord• Oh, How I Like Jesus• He’s a Little Bit to Me• I Love…
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