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http://Barbertonchurchofchrist.org/

Barberton Church of Christ, 984 Robinson Avenue, Barberton, OH (2026)

09/07/2026

"Keep Christ In Christianity"

You may have heard of the phrase, “Keep Christ in Christmas.” This phrase originated as early as the 1950s, became increasingly popular throughout the following decades, and may have become most popular in the early 2000s as a campaign against major retailers who began using the phrase “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas.” The premise of this phrase is obvious. It is a plea for people to focus more on Christ during the Christmas season rather than on other things. A similar phrase we have all heard that conveys the same message is, “He is the reason for the season.”

Now, we understand that there is no commandment given to us by God to celebrate Christ’s birth on December 25th. But, on the other hand, it is never a bad thing for as many people as possible to meditate upon our Lord. The more people thinking about Christ, no matter the occasion, the better. We can appreciate the goal of the movement about keeping Christ at the forefront of our minds because isn’t that what we should be doing as Christians all the time?

I write all of that to build up to this thought: Let’s keep Christ in Christianity. Like the goal of those who proclaim, “Keep Christ in Christmas,” we should seek to “Keep Christ in Christianity.” You may be thinking that this statement seems obvious, and yes, it should be obvious. But do we fail in keeping Christ in Christianity sometimes? Consider some ways in which we may remove Christ from Christianity in our conduct.

We remove Christ when we treat fellow brethren unkindly. For Christ to be found in Christians, we must be professing love for one another. When we begin to bicker, fuss, yell, say harsh words, slander, badmouth, etc., to one another, then we have left Christ out of our lives. (John 13:34-35; 1 John 4:20-21; Ephesians 4:29-32)

We also remove Christ from our lives when we decide to sin knowingly. Unfortunately, all of us can recall times in our lives in which we knowingly committed a sin because we simply wanted to do whatever that sinful action was, while knowing good and well that this action would violate one of God’s good commandments. We have removed Christ from our lives when we do such things. (Hebrews 10:26-27; John 14:15; Titus 2:11-12)

Another way we remove Christ from our lives is when we attempt to worship Him, but our worship is not done in spirit and in truth. God loves when we worship Him, but when we violate either of those two requirements of pure worship, we have left Christ out of our vain attempts to be Christians. We live in a religious world where many attempt to worship God in a way that is only pleasing to them, but they do not consider whether that way of worshiping Him is approved of in Scripture. That violates worshiping in truth as well as in spirit. We may also leave Christ out of our lives when we worship in truth, but our minds and our hearts are everywhere but where they need to be. We cannot worship the Lord while distracted by the cares and pleasures of this world. God desires our full attention in our worship. He wants our best in the way He has prescribed. (John 4:23-24; Matthew 15:8-9)

How can we keep Christ in Christianity? It is quite simple, although sometimes hard to practice. We must imitate Him. We must treat and love others as Christ loved us. We must seek to be pure and holy like Christ. We must live for no other reason than to serve God. Finally, we must worship the Lord as Christ did, in ways that were pleasing to Him. Let us make it our goal to always keep Christ in Christianity so that we do not walk this world in vain. (Ephesians 5:1-2)

-Luke Welte

09/01/2026

We are looking forward to our fall meeting with Dan Peters! We hope that you will join us.

08/11/2026

Here is the recent article from our bulletin (8/9/26)

"Every Christian a Student and Teacher"

Throughout many blue-collar trades, the primary method of training has long been the apprenticeship model, in which knowledge and skills are passed from an experienced worker to one who is still learning. The experienced worker has spent years developing his abilities to the point at which he can impart his knowledge and experience to others so they can learn the trade. The apprentice is expected to listen to and learn from the experienced craftsman. Eventually, the goal of the apprentice is to develop to the point at which he can become a master craftsman and begin teaching apprentices of his own. This method of development has worked for decades and provides a good model.

Christians have a similar method of development, but it is a little more complex than that of the blue-collar trades. Christians are always students, but they must also become teachers.

No matter what stage of spiritual maturity a Christian may be in, he must always be learning and growing. This process never ends. Any good master craftsman would likely agree that he never stops learning about his trade. The reality is that, for Christians, there is only one Master Teacher: Jesus Christ. In Mark 10:17, Jesus is called the "Good Teacher." In John 13:15, Jesus says that He gave His disciples an example to follow. Everything we do as Christians must be modeled after Christ Himself. We can never stop learning to become more like Him. In this way, we will always be students.

At the same time, Christians must also become teachers. In Hebrews, the inspired writer expressed frustration over the lack of spiritual growth and teaching ability among those to whom he was writing. He wrote, "For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who, because of practice, have their senses trained to discern good and evil" (Hebrews 5:12-14).

Clearly, we can establish that it is the Lord's desire for Christians to become teachers. We must also understand that we will never become the "Master Teacher," because that title belongs to Christ alone. As teachers of God's Word, we are limited to teaching only what has been revealed to us in Scripture. We are not authorized to teach anything new or anything contrary to God's revealed will.

Being a teacher comes with great responsibility. That is why James wrote, "Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment" (James 3:1). This is not a command forbidding Christians from teaching. Rather, it serves as a warning to everyone who teaches. The point is that we must not teach what we do not know or understand, lest we mislead others and bring condemnation upon ourselves.

In conclusion, Christians are always students, and they should also become teachers. Unlike earthly teachers, our Master Teacher will never fail us or teach us anything wrong. He is perfect in every way. Let us make it our goal to become more like the Teacher so that we may faithfully teach others and point them to the One who alone can save them.

-Luke Welte

08/03/2026

Here is the article from our recent bulletin (8/2/26)

"Stepping Up Like Eleazar and Ithamar"

In Leviticus chapter 10, we have the record of a very unfortunate event in the early stages of Israel’s history. Of course, this event is the death of Nadab and Abihu, the recently consecrated priests who were also Aaron’s two oldest sons (Leviticus 10:1-7). We know the story well. For some unknown reason, they decided to offer strange fire to the Lord, which He had not commanded. Because of this, they were consumed by fire and died. This tragic example teaches us the valuable, and often much-neglected, principle that the Lord expects to be worshiped exactly as He has commanded. He does not accept anything less than what He demands.

While we could certainly spend much more time considering the lessons we learn from Nadab and Abihu, I would like us to focus on their lesser-known younger brothers, Eleazar and Ithamar. We first read about them when Moses commanded them, "Do not uncover your heads nor tear your clothes, so that you will not die and that He will not become wrathful against all the congregation. But your kinsmen, the whole house of Israel, shall bewail the burning which the LORD has brought about. You shall not even go out from the doorway of the tent of meeting, or you will die; for the LORD'S anointing oil is upon you." So they did according to the word of Moses (Leviticus 10:6-7).

Moses' commandments to them did not end with verses 6 and 7. Verses 12-20 record further instructions given to them. Because of these commands, we can conclude that they immediately carried on the priestly service that their brothers had previously been instructed to perform. Numbers 3:4 records, "But Nadab and Abihu died before the LORD when they offered strange fire before the LORD in the wilderness of Sinai; and they had no sons. So Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests in the lifetime of Aaron their father." Eventually, Eleazar became the high priest (Numbers 20:25-28).

Why should we notice these facts about Eleazar and Ithamar? They teach us about stepping up. Certainly, they were not expecting to assume their older brothers' responsibilities so soon. Furthermore, after witnessing God's judgment fall upon their brothers, we can only imagine how intimidating it must have been to continue serving in their place. Yet, they stepped up, and they succeeded.

Sometimes we must step up as well. Stepping up is not always easy; in fact, more often than not, it is difficult. It pushes us out of our comfort zones, challenges us, and often requires us to do things for which we feel unqualified. Yet, stepping up is necessary. We may need to step up to encourage a brother who is wandering away, step up to admonish a divisive person, or step up to take on additional work and responsibilities that we may not feel comfortable accepting. Whatever the case may be, there will come a time when we must step up.

So ask yourself, are you prepared to step up when called upon? God does not need "pew warmers." He needs disciples who are willing to step up and carry out His work even when they do not feel ready. Let us step up like Eleazar and Ithamar.

-Lule Welte

07/27/2026

Here is the recent article from our bulletin (7/26/26)

"Those Who Sow Discord Among Brethren"

Proverbs 6:16-19 – “There are six things which the LORD hates, Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that run rapidly to evil, A false witness who utters lies, And one who spreads strife among brothers.”

It should frighten us that there are certain things that the Lord hates. Once we see what these things are, it should frighten us even more because of how easy these sinful acts are to commit. While each of these is worthy of our consideration, today I would like for us to look at the last one, “and one who spreads strife among brothers.”

In the Lord’s church, we are each other’s brothers and sisters spiritually in Christ. We have the responsibility to encourage and edify one another (Ephesians 4:29). That is what we should be pursuing. Yet, many times strife is spread far wider and more rampant than encouragement and edification. Why is this? There is a temptation to want to talk badly about others for our own enjoyment, so that we appear better than we are, so that we cause harm to others, and we are left feeling satisfied knowing that others hate the person in the same way that we hate the person we are talking badly about.

Strife is spread in many ways, such as gossiping, having a poor attitude, lying, saying ugly words, and many other ways. The problem with our words is that, just like a bullet, once they are gone it can never be taken back. Our words destroy many things. James 3:5-6, “So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell.”

The Lord’s church has suffered for centuries because of Christians who spread strife. This is the sad reality that we live in. The devil licks his chops when he sees Christians spreading strife. Many people have walked away from the Lord because of strife, many have deceived themselves into believing they were safe, but they really were not because of the strife that they had spread without repenting of it. A Church in which strife is spread will not grow, and it is only a matter of time before it is destroyed.

What is the solution to this horrible, yet common problem? First, we must not spread strife ourselves. Ultimately, we can only control what we do. If strife is spread, do not spread it any further. Put an end to it. You do not have to get involved. You do not have to choose sides. The only side that matters is the truth. Choose that side. (Romans 12:18) Second, if some are causing strife and causing division, then the church should enact the proper forms of church discipline. If the person who is causing strife has been approached and they have refused multiple attempts made by those trying to help them repent, then these divisive members must be marked and withdrawn from so that their destruction ends with them. (Romans 16:17-18, Titus 3:10-11 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15)

Hopefully, it does not have to come to these extreme measures. But because the Lord hates those who spread strife, it is of the utmost importance that we do not spread strife, and we do our part in helping put an end to it when it rears its ugly head.

-Luke Welte

07/20/2026

Here is the article from our recent bulletin (7/19/26)
"At Least I Am Better Than They."

This is the sort of phrase you may hear from someone after they have been confronted about committing a sin and are trying to rationalize or justify themselves in their own minds. Why would someone say or think something like this? The answer is actually quite simple. We have a horrible tendency to compare ourselves to others, so that we have a standard by which we judge whether we are doing well or poorly. We choose someone whom we deem to be "lesser" than ourselves and consider all the ways we believe we are morally superior to. This leaves us feeling pretty good about ourselves. After all, at least we are not like them!

You can probably already guess where this article is heading. We must understand two foundational truths about what it means to be a Christian. First, because of the law of love, we must not compare ourselves to others or judge them to make ourselves feel superior. Second, there is a standard by which we should measure ourselves. That standard is the Word of God. It is fair, just, and universal.

Paul wrote, "For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise" (2 Corinthians 10:12). Paul simply says that measuring ourselves by other people is "not wise." Why? Because there will always be someone who appears worse than we are, allowing us to create a false sense of righteousness. Remember the Pharisee in Luke 18:9-14, who looked with contempt upon the tax collector and prayed, "God, I thank You that I am not like other men..." The Pharisee was not thankful because of God's mercy; he was thankful because he believed he was morally superior to someone else. Ironically, Jesus says that the tax collector, not the Pharisee, went home justified. We almost always compare ourselves to others to inflate our own ego. Romans 12:3 says, "...not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think...." Comparing ourselves to others almost always produces either pride or discouragement. Neither is healthy.

In James 1:22-25, the Word of God is compared to a mirror. When we look in a mirror, who do we see? Ourselves. We do not see anyone else looking back at us. Scripture exposes both our strengths and our weaknesses. Jesus said, "The word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day" (John 12:48). We will not be judged by how we compare to our neighbors. Rather, we will be judged by the Word of the Lord.

Therefore, "let each one examine his own work" (Galatians 6:4-5). The Christian life was never meant to be a competition to determine who is more righteous. God never asked us to be more righteous than our neighbor. He calls us to become more like His Son. If we spend our time looking sideways, we will never make much progress upward.

The next time we are tempted to say, "At least I am better than they," we should stop and instead ask, "Am I becoming more like Christ?" Rather than comparing ourselves with those around us, let us open God's Word, honestly examine our lives, repent where necessary, and strive each day to be conformed to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). That is the standard that truly matters.

-Luke Welte

07/13/2026

Here is the recent article from our bulletin (7/12/26)

"Duct Tape Does Not Fix Mental Health"

A few days ago, while I was in a local coffee shop, I came across an advertisement directed at men that said, “You cannot fix mental health with duct tape.” On the advertisement was a QR code that linked to additional information about several resources designed to help men through various mental health issues. After seeing this advertisement, I began thinking about it more, particularly about how true that statement is.

Fixing something with duct tape is a metaphor for trying to hold yourself together with quick, inadequate, or temporary solutions instead of addressing the underlying problems. Both men and women may tend to cope with poor mental health by ignoring problems, distracting themselves with hobbies, work, entertainment, using humor to get through difficult emotions, or simply doing the bare minimum to keep functioning. Trying to fix anything with duct tape is not a permanent solution. In keeping with this metaphor, your mental health is important enough to seek a real, lasting solution. Let’s discuss that solution.

Mental health crises are different for everybody. Everyone, at one point or another, experiences seasons of life in which it seems they are simply being beaten down. Because of the complexity of mental health issues, there may be times when counseling from faithful Christian counselors who use the Word of God is needed. What does Scripture have to say about the solution to poor mental health?

First, God never intended for us to carry life’s burdens alone. Peter wrote, “Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). God does not promise that life will be free from anxiety or sorrow, but He does promise that He cares for His children. Prayer should never be our last resort. It is God’s appointed means for bringing our worries before Him.

Paul gives similar instruction in Philippians 4:6-7: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” While this passage is not a promise that every emotional struggle will disappear immediately, it does assure us that God gives a peace that protects the hearts and minds of those who continually seek Him.

Second, what we choose to think about matters. We must realize that many of life’s struggles are intensified by dwelling on fear, bitterness, anger, guilt, or hopelessness. After encouraging Christians to pray, Paul continues by telling them what they should meditate on: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8). A mind that is not intentionally filled with these things will often become filled with anxious thoughts that contribute to poor mental health.

Third, God designed Christians to help one another. We are to “bear one another’s burdens and thereby fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). James instructs Christians to “confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed” (James 5:16). Sometimes, we can be one of the greatest sources of encouragement to someone who is suffering through a difficult season of life.

Fourth, we must remember that our hope is found in God. Elijah became so overwhelmed that he asked God to take his life (1 Kings 19:4). David often poured out his pain in the Psalms. Even the apostle Paul described being burdened beyond his own strength (2 Corinthians 1:8-9). Yet each learned to place his confidence in the Lord rather than in himself. Their struggles did not define them; God’s faithfulness did.

Finally, if there is unrepentant sin in our lives, we should not ignore it. Sin can destroy us because of guilt. David wrote, “When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long” (Psalm 32:3). The solution was confession and forgiveness (Psalm 32:5). While not every emotional struggle is caused by personal sin, unresolved sin will always hinder spiritual peace.

Duct tape cannot repair a broken heart or troubled mind. Only in the Lord and His Word can true spiritual healing be found. Through prayer, His Word, faithful Christians, repentance where needed, and confidence in His promises, we find the strength to endure whatever life brings. Jesus invites all who are burdened, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

-Luke Welte

07/06/2026

Here is the article from our recent bulletin (7/6/26)

"Obedience and Mercy"

2 Chronicles 30:17-20 records a very unusual moment in the history of Judah. This account demonstrates both the importance of obeying God and His commands and His willingness to show mercy to those who are sincerely seeking Him.

"For there were many in the assembly who had not sanctified themselves; therefore the Levites had charge of the slaughter of the Passover lambs for everyone who was not clean, to sanctify them to the Lord. 18 For a multitude of the people, many from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet they ate the Passover contrary to what was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, “May the good Lord provide atonement for everyone 19 who prepares his heart to seek God, the Lord God of his fathers, though he is not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary.” 20 And the Lord listened to Hezekiah and healed the people." - 2 Chronicles 30:17-20

Before making some observations about this text, let us consider the context and what led up to these events. Hezekiah had just begun a great reformation in the kingdom of Judah after the wicked reign of his father, Ahaz. Second Chronicles 29 records the cleansing of the temple, and the first part of chapter 30 describes how Hezekiah invited both Judah and the remaining Israelites from the northern kingdom to come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover (30:1-12). Because the priests had not consecrated themselves in the proper manner, the Passover was delayed until the second month. Numbers 9:10-11 provides for this very situation. Many people from the northern kingdom responded and traveled to Jerusalem, but another problem arose: many in the assembly had not consecrated (sanctified) themselves.

Why was this a problem? According to the Law, those who participated in the Passover were required to be ceremonially clean. Because many were not, the Levites performed the slaughter of the Passover lambs, a responsibility that normally belonged to the head of each household. They did this so the service could proceed in the most lawful manner possible. In verse 18, we see that many from the northern kingdom still ate the Passover despite being ceremonially unclean. Notice that the text does not excuse their failure; rather, it addresses it. Remember, the people of the northern kingdom had lived for generations under wicked kings. They likely had not observed the Passover for many years and almost certainly did not fully understand the proper requirements.

Instead of ignoring their violation, Hezekiah prayed for them (vv. 18-19). He did not ask the Lord to abolish His Law, nor did he argue that obedience was unnecessary or that uncleanness did not matter. Rather, he appealed to God's mercy because these people genuinely desired to seek Him. He acknowledged that they had prepared their hearts to seek God. In verse 20, we read that God "healed" the people, likely meaning that He removed the guilt or judgment that otherwise would have come upon them because of their uncleanness. Hezekiah interceded on their behalf, and God heard his prayer and showed mercy.

So, what do we learn? First, God desires sincere hearts. External acts of worship that are devoid of sincere devotion are just as unacceptable as neglecting those acts altogether or performing them improperly. Second, God is both just and merciful. He did not ignore the people's violation, but He graciously forgave those who sincerely sought Him. Third, we see a beautiful shadow of Christ in Hezekiah. Just as Hezekiah interceded for the people, Christ intercedes for us today (Rom. 8:34).

Finally, God's mercy never justifies deliberate sin. His compassion in this exceptional circumstance shows His grace toward repentant people, not a relaxation of His standards. We should never use this event to justify sin or excuse willful disobedience. To do so would be to take this passage completely out of its context. Willful disobedience is when one knows to do or not to do something but chooses to ignore the command. These people did not know the Law as they should have because they had been misled by generations of wicked kings. They were sincerely trying to return to the Lord, and God showed them mercy because of their hearts and because of Hezekiah's intercession. Today, when we sincerely seek God and come to Christ, He likewise extends to us the mercy that none of us deserve.

-Luke Welte

06/29/2026

Here is the article from our recent bulletin (6/28/26)

"Is The Church Growing?"

This past Wednesday night, in the invitation we studied from 1 Corinthians 3:1-4. We noticed how Paul was apparently discouraged by the fact that the Corinthians had not matured spiritually since his first stay with them. He could not give them solid food, but milk. He had to speak to them as men of flesh and infants in Christ instead of spiritual men. He also wrote about three examples of evidence showing that they were not mature Christians. First, they were jealous of one another. Second, they were in strife with one another. Third, they were squabbling amongst themselves about who brought them to the gospel. This church was not growing.

On Wednesday, we asked ourselves as individuals, “Are we growing?” In this article, we will examine the question, “Is the church growing?” For our study, we are only concerned with the local church in which we are a part.

This is an intimidating question. If we are not growing, then the only alternative is that we are dying. That is a frightening position to be in! There are two senses in which a church may be growing. First, growing numerically and second, growing spiritually. Both types of growth are important. A healthy church will be actively growing in both ways.

Let’s consider numerical growth. Everybody loves to see the church growing in number, but let’s be careful. This growth must be done correctly. Many churches grow rapidly, but then shrink rapidly. Why is this? Because the growth is not from the Word of God, but rather it comes from an appeal to fleshy desires. Once those feelings wear off, then the new “attendees” leave and go to the next “fulfilling” church. So, we must grow with a focus on biblical teaching. This kind of growth may result in “slower than desired growth,” but it will result in genuine growth. Second, if the church is to grow numerically, there must be work done by all the members, not just the preacher or a couple of “naturally evangelistic members.” This is a work that all must be given to. Matthew 28:18-20 applies to every Christian, not just preachers, elders, or deacons. Everyone must diligently work if the church is to grow numerically.

Let’s consider spiritual growth. No matter how quickly or slowly numerical growth may occur, spiritual growth is constantly happening, or at least should be. How does this happen? Intentional effort to teach all the oracles of God. The evangelist’s responsibility is to preach the word (2 Tim. 4:2) and to edify (Eph. 4:11). If elders are present, they must feed the flock. Beyond these two examples, all members can play a role in helping the church grow spiritually. All can show hospitality, teach studies, encourage, pray, and, of course, so much more.

So, let’s examine our church. Are we growing? We should never be satisfied with our growth. We must eagerly desire growth in both numerical and spiritual aspects. If you are not satisfied with what you see, ask yourself, “What can I do to help this church grow?” Do not worry about others; worry about what you can control, which is only yourself, so that you can help the church grow.

- Luke Welte

06/29/2026

Our VBS starts tonight! We hope to see you here!

Barberton Church of Christ

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