Do You Edify?

Posted on August 2, 2019 by Bulletin Digest

[217 words] “…teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you…” (Matthew 28:20). Known as the Great Commission, this passage at the end of Matthew is often used, and rightly so, to speak about our core value of evangelism. We understand that the implication to seek and to save the lost is for us and not just for those those gathered on that day that the resurrected Christ ascended into heaven. But, slipped into it also is the call for us to teach. Making disciples is essential and certainly some teaching is involved for them to obey the gospel,...

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God Encourages

Posted on June 7, 2019 by Bulletin Digest

[259 words] 2 CORINTHIANS 7:6 “But God, who comforts the depressed, comforted us by the coming of Titus.” God usually works through people. The encouragement and love you receive through others, actually has its source in God. So as we show love and offer encouragement, we can be God’s mouth and hands extended to those around us. 2 TIMOTHY 4:2 “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.” As you can see from this Scripture, one of the main purposes of the Word is to encourage us. We encourage...

Stay Supplied

Posted on June 1, 2019 by Bulletin Digest

[386 words] There is more than one way to defeat an army. Head-on clashes with the enemy work – if you’re stronger. A sneakier approach is to cut off the enemy’s supply lines. This tactic has been used for centuries. Soldiers need food, medical supplies, and ammunition. If you can find a way to disrupt the flow of these things you have greatly weakened your opponent without even firing a shot. Hungry soldiers don’t fight very well and eating the questionable leftovers can be a problem. (Napoleon lost more soldiers from spoiled food than from bullets). You can be sure...

Me, or We?

Posted on March 5, 2019 by Bulletin Digest

[458 words] The story is told of an encounter between a high school principal and a young ninth grader. The principal noticed the young man in the hallway with a very defeated and frustrated look on his face. He asked the young man, “Is everything okay?” The boy replied sternly, “No. I don’t understand all the stuff the math teacher is trying to teach us. I can’t understand all the letters, formulas, and logarithms. It’s impossible.” The principal, with an encouraging tone, said, “I’m sure we can work hard and do it, can’t we?” The boy quickly said, with a...

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...

Pig With a Wooden Leg

Posted on February 6, 2019 by Bulletin Digest

[269 words] A lady from the city was visiting members of her family who owned a farm. As she talked to the farmer, she noticed a pig in the backyard with a wooden leg. “What happened to that pig!” the woman asked. “Oh, that’s Betsy,” the farmer said. “She’s a fine pig! One night while we were all asleep, the house caught on fire, and Betsy started snorting and grunting, and woke us all up. We were able to call the fire department and save the house!” “Wow, that’s amazing!” the woman exclaimed. “Not only that, but one day my...

Un-Slumping Yourself

Posted on February 5, 2019 by Bulletin Digest

[451 words] Most every night, I sit down with my son and read him a bedtime story. He likes to hear some of the stories over and over, and I get so tired of some of them, to be honest. However, there is one that I don’t mind reading over and over. It’s the Dr. Seuss book, Oh, the Places You’ll Go! It is a story about traveling through the adventures, struggles, and victories of life. In one of my favorite sections, the story talks about experiencing the bumps and bruises that come in the journey of life. You’ll be...

Spirit, Help My Weakness

Posted on February 2, 2019 by Bulletin Digest

[354 words] Help my weakness of virtue. A primary weakness that we notice about ourselves is our moral weakness, our weakness in the face of temptation. Jesus noted that, like when we want to stay awake but drift into sleep anyway, we are susceptible to the weakness of our fleshly cravings. “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Mt. 26:41). May the Spirit help us when we are tempted to sin. Help my weakness in hope. In the context of Romans 8, in which the teaching “the Spirit helps us in our weakness” appears, the immediate subject matter...

Affirmation

Posted on February 1, 2019 by Bulletin Digest

[379 words] Humans need it. We want others to give it freely, not grudgingly. We want it to come without prompting and we would love for it to happen on a regular basis. However, most of us are of such disposition we do not need it every day or, for that matter, every week, But we do need it. What is “it?” The answer is affirmation – the acknowledgment by someone outside ourselves, that we are needed, wanted and valued for our unique contribution to their life. The apostle Paul was a master of affirmation. Just a quick glance at...

Precious Wounds

Posted on February 1, 2019 by Bulletin Digest

[428 words] Paul exhorted, ‘Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11, ESV). We want to “encourage one another” as Christians, but what does that involve? Our minds immediately go to positive remarks and actions that impart courage, confidence and support. Consider another, less appreciated but valuable way of encouraging. There is an old Sicilian Proverb that says, “Only your real friends will tell you when your face is dirty.” Those who love us encourage us. They encourage us when we do right, but they also love us enough to call...

Is Your Mood Harming the Church?

Posted on January 31, 2019 by Bulletin Digest

[357 words] Do you know what will kill the vibrancy of a local congregation quicker than anything else? It may not be what you think. Failing to have adequate church programs may be a contributor, but that’s not the main thing. A lack of passion in the pulpit may be a contributor, but that’s not the main thing. Having only a small youth program, or the lack of one entirely may be a contributor, but that’s not the main thing. I believe one of the biggest reasons why some churches go through a decline in mood and eventually numbers, is...

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...

Before You Honk

Posted on January 28, 2019 by Bulletin Digest

[228 words] A woman was having difficulty getting her car started after it stalled in traffic. The gentleman(?) in the car behind her insisted on expressing his impatience by blowing his horn every few seconds. Finally, worn out by his thoughtlessness, she walked back to his car and said, ”I’m having some difficulty getting my car started. If you’ll go and see if you can start it, I’ll honk your horn for you!” Some do more honking than helping in the church! There are more talkers than workers, and more criticizers than laborers. Those who do the most honking generally...

When You’re Having a Bad Day

Posted on January 25, 2019 by Bulletin Digest

[187 words] There are many wonderful things that happen to people when they become Christians. Unfortunately, there are also bad things that happen, like being persecuted for your faith. Later in his life, Paul would write: “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted ” (2 Timothy 3:12). So what can we do when we’ re having a bad day? Here are a few things that help me survive bad times: Remember the good things. Spend a little time and think of at least two things that bring a smile to your...

Jump Start!

Posted on January 17, 2019 by Bulletin Digest

[361 words] Recently I was shopping at our local dollar store and there was a young woman and her two very young daughters in the store. They were traveling and their car had broken down in the parking lot. It was very cold and I went out to have a look. It seemed her battery was low, but not dead. Her lights worked and so did the horn, but the car wouldn’t quite turn over. Long story short, we jump started the car very easily and she was on her way. This incident got me to thinking… There are times...

Encourage Someone Today!

Posted on January 16, 2019 by Bulletin Digest

[179 words] You know that feeling when you get something in the mail? It’s so exciting! I can remember getting things in the mail when I was growing up and not even being able to wait until I got inside to open it because I was so excited! My mom is probably the best mail sender that I know. I could count on receiving at least one card or note in the mail every week while I was in college, and she still sends cards from time to time. It’s a small thing, really. But it can have a big...

The Road to Success

Posted on January 12, 2019 by Bulletin Digest

[62 words] The road to success is not straight. There is a curve called Failure, A loop called Confusion, Speed bumps called Friends, Red lights called Enemies. You will have flats called jobs. But, if you have a spare called Determination, an engine called Perseverance, insurance called Faith, and a driver called Jesus, you will make it to a place called Success. Author Unknown ...

You Preach First

Posted on January 9, 2019 by Bulletin Digest

[183 words] The first sermon preached each Sunday is not by the minister, but by you. You preach a message about the importance of the Scriptures when you bring your Bible. You preach a message of good cheer when you say “Good morning!” to those you meet when you park your car and when you are in the hallway and classroom. You preach a message of hope and joy when you sing enthusiastically during the song service. You preach a message about the power of prayer when you fervently enter into our time of prayer together. You preach a...

Truths That Ground, Blessings That Lift

Posted on January 8, 2019 by Bulletin Digest

[237 words] Occasionally, I have to sit down and take stock, remembering truths that ground me and blessings that lift me. 1. God is in control and guides all things toward the end that he desires. No one can block his will. 2. In Christ are all spiritual blessings, and I’m in Christ. I can tell you how to enter as well. 3. Through the Spirit, God is near, so very near, that he abides in me. 4. In Scripture, God speaks clearly and leaves no doubt about what he is doing or what I need to do. 5. The...

Refreshing the Hearts of the Saints

Posted on January 5, 2019 by Bulletin Digest

[151 words] One of my all-time favorite passages of scripture is found in Philemon 7. There, the apostle Paul commended Philemon “because the hearts of the Saints have been refreshed through thee, brother.” Wouldn’t it be wonderful if that could honestly be said of every member of the church? Every Christian could be like that with a little work on the matter of “attitude.” Unfortunately, some who profess to be Christians just never seem to “get it” concerning the importance of having a Christ-like spirit and spend most of their lives “out of sorts,” disgruntled and unhappy. Isn’t there...

It Doesn’t Take Much

Posted on January 5, 2019 by Bulletin Digest

[88 words] Years ago a little girl handed me a piece of paper with a brief note scribbled on it. I don’t remember the girl’s name, but I remember the message: “To you from _______. I love you.” It was simple. It was direct. And, it was appreciated. What does it take to brighten someone’s day? It may be just a brief phone call. It could be just a short note of encouragement. Is there someone you could help? Do you need to do it today? Remember, it doesn’t take much. Allen Hahn Graeber Road church of Christ Rosenberg,...

Please Do Not Be Discouraged

Posted on December 6, 2018 by Bulletin Digest

[250 words] Many times our “downs” outweigh our “ups.” We may feel we are going uphill all the while being pulled back. We may be hurting because our loved ones are hurting due to health challenges, financial setbacks, or spiritual deprivation. We may spend our mornings, days, or late nights in tears because of the things life is throwing our way. I beg you not to be discouraged. God’s people can hold on to what is in the Bible! The Scriptures teach security of the soul, true inner peace, and blessed assurance. “For God has not given us a...

What You Take With You

Posted on December 5, 2018 by Bulletin Digest

[294 words] When Abraham Lincoln was shot and killed in Ford’s Theater April 14th, 1865, he had no idea that night would be his last. Lincoln loved the theater and it was his common diversion for his stressful job. So he probably didn’t think much about what he carried in his pocket that night, but maybe we should. In the personal effects found on Abraham Lincoln that night: a small handkerchief, a pocketknife, a watch fob, glasses (one repaired with cotton string), a Confederate five-dollar bill, and wallet with only some worn-out newspaper clipping in it. Most of the...

Draw Near

Posted on July 27, 2018 by Bulletin Digest

[210 words] “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8). This verse from James is very closely related to what he said in 1:12, “Blessed is the man who endures temptation.” Temptations come against us fast and hard. And the devil has an army of assistants who pressure us to yield. We need help to resist. Where better to get help than from God himself? David expressed this better than I can: “Who will help me against evil doers? Who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity? Unless the Lord had...

Fill the Void

Posted on June 1, 2018 by Bulletin Digest

[135 words] We fall into sin because there is a void in our life. We look for anything to fill it, and since nothing ever fills that void for long, it doesn’t take long before we’re back at it again. What about a love from the One… …who died for us (John 3:16)? …who calls us His masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10)? …who bottles up our tears and records them (Psalm 56:8)? …who sings over us (Zephaniah 3:17)? …who counts the hairs on our head (Matthew 10:30)? …who put His Spirit INSIDE of us (Romans 5:5)? …whose love is inseparable (Romans...

Let’s Do It!

Posted on March 30, 2018 by Bulletin Digest

[200 words] One of the great things about the Lord’s church is that it is made up of such a diverse group of individuals. Each member brings unique personalities, gifts, and talents into the fold. Some have abilities to do one thing well, and others have different abilities to do other things well. Now, each of us could work on our own, and we could still get a lot of good things done in the name of the Lord, but it is God’s design that we pool our efforts and resources. It is when we work together that much...

Our Need of Encouragement

Posted on March 27, 2018 by Bulletin Digest

[422 words] We are at a time in world history where we are more “connected” than ever before (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.). Due to the advances of technology, we are able to do things that previous generations could not even imagine. Ironically, our ability to connect digitally has not solved our pressing problems such as isolation and loneliness. Sadly, such seems to have actually exacerbated the problem. The world seems more lonely than ever. Two examples of how desperate our world is for encouragement, fellowship, and belonging: First, in the United Kingdom, they recently created a new governmental position....

Make Today Great!

Posted on February 7, 2018 by Bulletin Digest

[337 words] The second stanza of Charles Kingsley’s poem, “The Noble Life,” goes like this: “Be good, sweet maid, and let who will be clever; Do noble things, not dream them all day long; As so make life, and death, and that For Ever One grand sweet song.” Such is a good reminder that today is the day to do something noble. Today is the day to do something that will have an impact on eternity. Today is the day to do something for God. Today may be the day that you finally put your fears aside and put your...

Stoke the Folk!

Posted on February 2, 2018 by Bulletin Digest

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. I believe that the gospel also a fire, and the church needs to be on fire to spread it properly. I also believe that the church that is on fire for the Lord shines brightly in many ways and glorifies Him (cf. Matthew 5:16; Ephesians...

Still Standing!

Posted on January 26, 2018 by Bulletin Digest

Despised and torn to pieces, By infidels decried, The thunderbolts of hatred, The haughty cynic’s pride All these have railed against it, In this and other lands; Yet dynasties have fallen, And still the Bible stands! Author Unknown via Broadway church of Christ Campbellsville, KY...

Failure Need Not Be Fatal

Posted on January 22, 2018 by Bulletin Digest

[455 words] History books are filled with biographies of failures who made good. From them we can learn the valuable lesson that failure need not be fatal. The first President of the United States—the father of our country—lost two-thirds of the battles he fought during the Revolutionary War. But George Washington won the war, founded a nation, and succeeded brilliantly in spite of those failures. Who failed more than Babe Ruth? In a baseball career that spanned 21 years, the immortal slugger hit 714 home runs, but he struck out 1,330 times. Until he retired in 1935, this famous failure...

Apples of Gold in Settings of Silver

Posted on April 21, 2017 by Bulletin Digest

[163 words] • Monthly cell phone bill: $90 • Card and envelope: $4 • US postage stamp: .47¢ • A word of encouragement at the right time? Priceless! Jesus told His disciples, just before His death, when they were afraid, “In this world you will have tribulation (trouble), but take courage; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). In this world each one of us has trouble, trials, and temptation. We will never be without these things, in this world, and we never know how difficult the next thing we face can be. We cannot remove all the tribulations of...

The Best We Can Be

Posted on April 19, 2017 by Bulletin Digest

[107 words] I think that I shall never see A church that’s all it ought to be; A church whose members never stray Beyond the straight and narrow way. A church that has no empty pews; Whose preacher never has the blues; Where elders “eld” and deacons “deek.” And none are proud, all are meek. Where gossips never peddle lies, Or make complaints, or criticize; Whose members all are sweet and kind, And to each other’s faults are blind. Such a congregation there may be, But none of them are known to me; So let us work and pray and...

Who is Your Barnabas, Paul, and Timothy?

Posted on January 24, 2017 by Bulletin Digest

Most young boys admire and look up to their father as they are growing up. I was no different. I wanted to be just like my father. Grow up to be strong, smart, funny, kind, loving, honest, hard working, a farmer, and many other things just like my father as I got older. As a little boy, a teenager, a young man, and even today, I look to my father as one to emulate. I know that I was extremely blessed to have the loving, kind parents that mentored me. We all need mentors in our lives. Whether it be...

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Encouraging Words!

Posted on April 5, 2016 by Bulletin Digest

A group of frogs were traveling through the woods, and two of them fell into a deep pit. All the other frogs gathered around the pit. When they saw how deep the pit was, they told the unfortunate frogs they would never get out. The two frogs ignored the comments and tried to jump up out of the pit. The other frogs kept telling them to stop, that they were as good as dead. Finally, one of the frogs took heed to what the other frogs were saying and simply gave up. He fell down and died. The other frog...