Bardwell church of Christ

06/11/2026

Be our guest Sunday as we worship and hear Chance Farmer preach at 11 am on the "Tragic End of Saul" from 1 Samuel 31.

06/11/2026

CLOTHED IN THE SPIRIT -- CLAD IN CAMEL'S HAIR
Scripture specifically refers to John the Baptist as “clothed with camel’s hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins” (Mark 1:6). Matthew also mentions his raiment in chapter 3, verse 4.
John’s attire has prophetic symbolism as it connects him to the Old Testament prophet Elijah described as a “hairy man, and girt with a girdle of leather” (2 Kings 1:8).
This allusion draws a parallel between the two prophets and their shared mission of calling Israel back to faithfulness.
For John came as “the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight” (Mark 1:3).
The camel’s hair garment worn by John is rich in symbolism. In the status of the Bible, clothing often represents one’s status or role.
The coarse, uncomfortable material underscores John’s rejection of luxury and his commitment to a life of humility and self-denial.
“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up” (James 4:10).
John’s appearance would have been striking to his contemporaries drawing attention to his message by setting himself apart from the religious leaders of the day who wore costly apparel.
“Take heed that ye do not your alms before men to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven” Jesus warned (Matt. 6:1).

06/09/2026

06/08/2026

CLOTHED IN THE SPIRIT -- COAT OF MANY COLORS
When Israel presented his youngest son Joseph with “a coat of many colors” (Gen. 37:3), it set in motion a series of events that changed Joseph’s life forever.
First, the act symbolized favoritism, a trait that Scripture strictly forbids. “If ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin” (James 2:9).
This act of favoritism on Israel’s part led to the betrayal of Joseph by his brothers when they “sold [him] to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph to Egypt” (Gen. 37:28).
The pain of betrayal by a close friend or relation can lead to emotional anguish. Jesus knew that feeling when his closest friends betrayed him in Luke 22:56-61 and Matthew 26:48-50.
Despite the betrayal, Joseph’s story ends with redemption and forgiveness. He eventually rises to a position of power in Egypt and reconciles with his brothers, demonstrating that even in the face of adversity, there can be a path to healing and restoration.
The coat of many colors in the narrative of Joseph highlights the complexities of family relationships and the profound impact of choices made within those dynamics.
Scripture emphasizes that all choices have consequences. “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting” (Gal. 6:7-8).

06/06/2026

Worship with us Sunday as Bill Sullivan preaches on “A Roaring Lion” from Judges 14:5-9.

06/06/2026

CLOTHED IN THE SPIRIT -- WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING
Scripture uses this well-known metaphor to warn Christians against false teachers.
“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves” (Matt. 7:15).
This warning emphasizes the deceptive nature of these individuals, who appear harmless but are actually dangerous.
False prophets present themselves as genuine and trustworthy, resembling sheep.
Inwardly, they are described as ravenous wolves, indicating their destructive intentions and potential harm to believers.
The Bible advises that false prophets can be identified by their actions and the outcomes of their teachings.
“Ye shall know them by their fruits,” Jesus said in Matthew 7:16. Good trees bear good fruit; bad trees bear bad fruit.
Believers are encouraged to test the spirits to discern whether they are from God.
“Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1).
False prophets are characterized by traits such as teaching messages that are contrary to God’s word, appealing for money, or living lifestyles inconsistent with their teaching.
Christians should stay vigilant and be inspired to be clothed in his Spirit.

06/02/2026

CLOTHED IN THE SPIRIT -- Adorned in Virtues
The Bible instructs believers to clothe themselves with specific virtues that reflect a Christ-like character. According to Colossians 3:12-14, these virtues include the following:
--Mercy: The compassionate care for others and are sensitive to their needs.
--Kindness: Act with a friendly and considerate attitude.
--Humility: The humble recognize his/her limitations and value others.
--Gentleness: The meek approach others with a soft and tender spirit
--Longsuffering: Patience requires tolerance and understanding in difficult situations.
In addition to these virtues, the passage emphasizes the significance of:
--Forgiveness: Believers are encouraged to forgive grievances against one another, mirroring the forgiveness they have received from the Lord.
--Charity: Love is described as the binding force that unites all these virtues in perfect harmony.
The teachings in Colossians highlight that embodying these virtues is essential for fostering unity and peace within the community of believers.
By putting on these qualities, individuals can reflect the character of Christ and contribute positively to their relationships and environments.
Paul wrote to the Corinthians that “the greatest of these is charity” (1 Cor. 13:13). Jesus concurred: “Love one another” (John 13:34).

05/27/2026

CLOTHED IN THE SPIRIT -- Whole Armor of God
If a Christian is to be clothed in the Spirit, he must “put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11).
The “whole armor,” according to the apostle Paul, requires six pieces: Belt of Truth, Breastplate of Righteousness, Shoes of the Gospel of Peace, Shield of Faith, Helmet of Salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit.
Each piece in this Biblical metaphor serves a specific purpose in protecting Christians from spiritual attacks and helps us stand firm in our faith.
We must first have our “loins girt [belted] around with truth” (v. 14) to anchor the other pieces of armor. The belt symbolizes the importance of truth in combating lies.
We must wear “the breastplate of righteousness” (v. 14) that protects the heart and represents the righteousness that comes from faith in Christ.
Our feet must be “shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace” (v. 15). These symbolic shoes prepare us to spread the message of peace and remain steadfast in our position.
Taking “the shield of faith” (v. 16) deflects doubts and attacks from the enemy, Satan.
We “take the helmet of salvation” (v. 17) to protect our mind and assure us of hope.
And we wear “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (v. 17) to serve in both defense and offence in spiritual warfare.

05/27/2026

Worship with us Sunday as Chance Farmer preaches on “Finally Heeding God’s Will Again” from 1 Samuel 30.