Blog ‹ Ellettsville Church of Christ

Blog

Subscribe (RSS)

Shine!

Friday, October 11, 2013

Just a casual look at the headlines will reveal that the world we live in can be a very dark place. If that is our focus, despair will certainly overtake us. Jesus surely understood this and tells us that, as His disciples, we are better and brighter.

"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16)

Never forget that in this world Christians are the good part. The ones who show to a dark world the light of Christ. We must be doing the good. You are a reflection of Jesus as you live for Him! YOU SHINE!

"Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain." (Philippians 2:14-16)

The headlines may tell the bad news of the day. The gospel is the good news about salvation in Jesus Christ! We carry forth THAT message!

"For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." (2 Corinthians 4:6)

Now, let's go out and SHINE!

~Paul Adams

Why Are You Standing Here?

Friday, October 04, 2013

It was after Jesus had lived here, was crucified, was buried, was resurrected, and had appeared to many as evidence of His resurrection that the apostles stood looking upward as Jesus had ascended. They had become close to Him, they loved Him, they believed in Him, and NOW He was taken up from them.

As they stood there, two men appeared to them in white clothing and said: "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven." (Acts 1:11) It seems obvious to me that they still stood there in amazement! These messengers sent from God immediately after Jesus' ascension, point toward His return. Their question is -- WHY ARE YOU STANDING HERE?? The work they were to do as witnesses of Jesus, taking the gospel message of hope to a lost world was fast approaching.

We need to do the same ... We need to to amazed by all Jesus has done: His life, death, resurrection, and ascension to the right hand of the Father. We also need to be reminded that He is returning. Then ... we need to get busy with the work God has given us to do in His word. Let's do it!!

~Paul Adams

The Lord Continues To Reign

Tuesday, October 01, 2013

I saw on the news this morning that the government of the United States is shut down. I do not have a political comment on this, but it did cause me to think that even though many offices of the USA are closed for the time being, the King of Glory still reigns!

"Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, The Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates! Lift up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory." Psalm 24:7-10
It is an encouraging thought to realize we serve the Lord who has always reigned as supreme, and will always reign, even into eternal glory.

"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty" Revelation 1:8

"Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!" Revelation 19:6
Take a moment today to offer a prayer of praise. In an uncertain world, we can trust in the Almighty.

~Paul Adams

Addiction

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Do you have an addiction?

Paul said of the household of Stephanus:
" ... they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints." (1 Corinthians 16:15 - KJV)

If we break this statement down:

"They have addicted themselves" = were fully devoted

"To the ministry" = to serving

"Of the saints" = their fellow Christians

These first converts in Achaia were entirely devoted to serving their brothers and sisters in Christ! When it came to meeting the needs of others, demonstrating their love to them, THEY JUST COULDN'T STOP!

That is an "addiction" we can all have.

~Paul Adams

Prayer Requests

Thursday, September 19, 2013

We have had quite a number of prayer requests lately, Sometimes we can feel helpless when all we can do is pray.

When we can find ways of service, we need to pray AND serve.
"But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant." Matthew 23:11

When all we can truly do is pray, realize you ARE doing something. Prayer accomplishes great things. "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." James 5:16

If you don't see results right away, keep praying anyway.
"... pray without ceasing ..." 1 Thessalonians 5:17

If you do not get the answer you hoped for, be assured that God heard and answered. Never doubt that he truly does care. "... casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7

~Paul Adams