Commerce Church of Christ

Commerce Church of Christ Sunday:
Bible Classes 9:30 am
Morning Worship: 10:30 am


Wednesday Evening Worship: 7pm Equip disciples to grow and serve. The life is in the seed.

Mission Statement: Make disciples in Commerce, on campus, and beyond. Vision Statement: To see disciples develop the mind of Christ, obey His word, and work together in love. Throughout the world are congregations of Christians who have obeyed the commands which our Blessed Lord said for sinners to obey to be saved. These Christians meet for worship and are organized into local congregations. They

are neither Catholic nor Protestant. They belong to no denomination. They have no central government nor earthly headquarters. Each congregation is independent taking the New Testament as its sole and only authority in religion. The members insist that if we believe the same things the early Christians did and do the same things they did, it will make us the same thing. Paul was a member of no denomination, yet he was a Christian and a member of the Lord’s Church. The church of Christ was established on Pentecost day, A.D. 33 as we read in Acts 2. Every saved person was added to the church (Acts 2:47). The church is composed of all Christians on earth. The members of the church were called “Christians” (Acts 11:26). The Lord gave his name (Isaiah 62:2). Human names are condemned (1 Corinthians 1:12-13; Acts 4:12).
“The Word of God is the seed of the Kingdom” (Luke 8:11). This seed produced Christians when first planted. If we plant the same seed today, we will reap the same product. If there were not a Christian on earth today, you might become one by believing, repenting, confessing your faith in Christ and being baptized. If there were not a church of Christ on earth we might start one by obeying the gospel the apostles preached. Paul went to Corinth and preached the gospel. “Many of the Corinthians hearing, believed, and were baptized” (Acts 18:8). Paul later addressed them as the “church of God” and “the body of Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 12:27). Nineteen centuries have passed since the beginning of the church but we still have the same truth. We have today the same church unchanged in name, doctrine, organization, faith and practice. We dare not use any creed except the New Testament (2 John 9). We must not add to our worship any doctrine or commandment of man (Matthew 15:9). Our plea is for unity–not during a so-called union meeting–but for all time on the platform given in God’s word (Ephesians 4:4-6). We plead no merit of our own–only the merit of Christ’s shed blood and of his holy word. The New Testament is the Word of God. It is inspired of God and is superior to any human confession of faith (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Will you not join with us in standing on the solid rock of God’s Word?

09/08/2026

Truly Enlightened!
by David Gibson

Since ancient times, down to our day, certain religions, philosophies, and secret societies have promised enlightenment to their initiates, granting them an inside knowledge unavailable to the uninitiated. Some of these groups have even threatened with death any initiate who would dare to reveal their secrets.

In Christ, however, there are no secrets. What had been kept under wraps during Old Testament times has now been revealed through the gospel (Ephesians 3:1-10).

In Christianity there are no esoteric symbols or covert rituals. The knowledge revealed in the New Testament is free for all to learn and live by--then share with those yet in darkness. All who humble themselves in faith, repentance, and obedience to the gospel are welcomed into the fellowship of the truly enlightened.

►Light offered to all

●“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

●Christ commissioned the apostle Paul to take the gospel to the Gentiles “to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me” (Acts 26:18).

●“. . . the god of this world [Satan] has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God . . . . For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ 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 4:4, 6).

●“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).

Enlightened indeed!



Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

09/07/2026

Two Books, One Author
by David Gibson

We would all do well to reread Psalm 19. It is brief but profound. The psalm is divided into two main sections.

►Learning about God from what He has made (vv. 1-6)

It begins, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork” (v.1). In vivid poetic language David speaks of the Creation as communicating God’s glory. Indeed, it does!

Anyone who contemplates the wonders of this universe—from the farthest outreaches of space to the tiniest flower--should come away with a heightened sense of reverence and awe for the One who has demonstrated such wisdom and power in creating all these marvelous things.

►Learning about God from what He has revealed in His word (vv. 7-14)

David highly respected God’s word. He had at least the first five books of what we call the Old Testament, and at most perhaps Joshua and Judges. But these were sufficient for him to acknowledge the great practical value of God’s word. It revives us, makes us wise, gives us cause to rejoice, enlightens us, and provides needed warnings.

And we have even more reason to value God's word since we possess the completed revelation of God from Genesis to Revelation.

David rightly believed that there is great reward in obeying God’s commandments (v. 11).

►These two ways to know God

In his comments on Psalm 19 Charles Spurgeon said, “He is wisest who reads both the world-book and the Word-book as two volumes of the same work and feels concerning them, ‘My Father wrote them both.’”

The world-book (the universe) points us to God. The Word-book (Scripture) reveals far more about the Our Creator and Provider who deeply desires to become also our Father and Redeemer.

Psalm 19 begins with God and ends with God. The God who made the heavens and the earth is the same God with whom we have to do.

Three thousand years after David penned these words the heavens still declare God’s glory; the sun still runs its daily course; and God’s word is still able to do for us all it is designed to do.

No wonder David concludes with this petition, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”



Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

09/06/2026

Who Moved the Stones?
by David Gibson

Only Matthew tells us that “an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it” (28:2 NASB).

But when Jesus came to Lazarus’ tomb, He said, “Remove the stone” (John 11:39). It would have been easy for Jesus to move the stone miraculously as the angel would soon do at Jesus’ own grave, but He didn’t.

When Jesus said, “Remove the stone,” Lazarus’ sister Martha objected, “Lord, by this time there will be a stench, for he has been dead four days.” Jesus replied, “Did I not say to you that if you believe you will see the glory of God?” “So they removed the stone” (vv. 39-41).

Evidently, Jesus was testing Martha’s faith, as well as the faith of others present on that occasion.

Jesus was in no hurry to arrive after receiving Mary and Martha’s urgent message that their brother was sick. Raising a man dead four days would have a far more powerful impact than healing him.

Jesus’ goal in raising Lazarus was to bring many to faith (John 11:4, 15, 41-42), and it worked! (11:45; 12:9-11, 17-18). The impact of this one miracle was so strong that Jesus’ enemies despaired because of the positive influence it was having on so many (John 11:45-48; 12:9-11, 17-19).

Yes, letting Lazarus die caused great grief to his sisters as well as others. But as Guy N. Woods so wisely observed, “Not infrequently, when our petitions are not granted, it is because the Lord is withholding the less in order to bestow the greater blessing.”

To Martha’s credit, she yielded to Jesus’ order, “Remove the stone.”

Obedience to Christ, even when we are in great distress and cannot understand the ways of God, will bring us the greatest blessings—as Martha soon discovered. And so will we.

09/06/2026

Commerce Church of Christ, Commerce Texas

09/05/2026

Why Sing?
by David Gibson

►Songs of joy and thanksgiving!

“But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, because he has dealt bountifully with me” (Psalm 13:5-6).

“Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!” (Psalm 100:2).

“Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting” (Psalm 147:1).

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16).

“Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise” (James 4:13).

►What singing can do

●Harvey Porter: “I have often wondered why God commanded singing in the church. I believe that here is an area where the emotions can be easily stirred. The sound of beautiful singing plus the thought of wonderful words of adoration to God can move our hearts to greater love and a real desire to do something for our Lord when we leave the place of worship. Music can arouse and thrill. We can be moved to tears and to strength and power.”

●Batsell Barrett Baxter: “In a sense we often ‘sing above our present achievements’ so far as our Christian lives are concerned. We say things in song that are more spiritual and more Christian than we may yet feel in our hearts, but by saying them in song we stand a bit taller spiritually and come a step nearer to making these sentiments a reality in our lives. Singing is one of God’s ways of lifting us to a higher plane of devotion” (cited in Our Garden in Song by Gene C. Finley, p. 61).

►Reasons to sing!

So why sing? To praise our great God. To encourage one another. To strengthen ourselves.

“I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being” (Psalm 104:33).



Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

09/05/2026

Prayers and Sympathy

Bill B will be having 3 surgeries for skin cancer, plus 3 biopsies for another health concern.

David G has requested prayers for his daughter Susan who is dealing with serious health concerns and other major issues.

Sartin Family
Michael G
Vicky N
Nick V's nephew Ezra
Matt S requests prayers for Ricky Don P
Bill H's family
Alderman Family
Eric B's Family
Zeke and Brenda J
Danielle C's friend named Kyle C
Andrea D
Winnona H.
Jeremiah and Trinity C's aunt
Jodi R's daughter Jo'Anna C
Stewart Family
Falicia H's friend, Roy C
Jodi R
Penny W
Danielle C
Willie E's friend Brian B
Stephanie P
Mitzi M's mother, Penny M
Sherry P's mother
Gail E
Jan C
Joe C's nephew Gary C's wife
Shirley D

Condolences to Hilary's aunt in the loss of Bill Pinson of Midlothian. He had battled cancer and passed September 3.

RemindersYou are invited to a baby shower for the Venteichers on Sunday, September 27 2-4pm in the fellowship hall. See ...
09/05/2026

Reminders

You are invited to a baby shower for the Venteichers on Sunday, September 27 2-4pm in the fellowship hall. See Mandy for details.
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After every morning service, an elder will be standing by the elders' room near the back for about 15 minutes for your convenience. Anyone who would like to talk about an issue, ask questions, voice concerns, etc are invited to stop by during this time.
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You can find the boxes to hold contributions at the rear of the auditorium. Also, there are response cards on the sides of the boxes for anyone who would like to bring a prayer request or issue to the attention of the elders. Just fill out and place in the in the contribution box.
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Adult Bible Class meets in the auditorium Sunday mornings at 9:30am. Children's classes are also available.
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We are still accepting contributions and offer a variety of options to give:
To give online, you can visit
Mogiv.com/commercecofc/general
You may also mail your contribution:
Commerce Church of Christ
PO Box 611
Commerce, TX 75429
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If you would like to donate towards or provide a meal for up to 15 or 20 LFC (Lions For Christ college students) during the fall semester, please sign-up or let Bro. Roy Childs know by texting or calling 903-348-2919.
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Jodi R needs a wheelchair where she can prop up her legs. Both of her knees are hurting badly. If you have one she can use, please see David G.

09/05/2026

He Did It Anyway!
by David Gibson

Fear notwithstanding, he acted boldly.

“. . . a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus” (Matthew 27:57).

“. . . a respected member of the council [Sanhedrin], who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus” (Mark 15:43).

“. . . a member of the council, a good and righteous man, who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God” (Luke 23:50-51).

“ . . . a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews . . .” (John 19:38).

►Joseph acted boldly.

“. . . the Jews had already agreed that if anyone should confess Jesus to be Christ, he was to be put out of the synagogue” (John 9:22; see 12:42-43; 16:2).

Would Joseph be expelled not only from the synagogue but also the Sanhedrin?

The New American Standard Bible says that Joseph “GATHERED UP COURAGE and went in before Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus” (Mark 15:43).

Did Joseph suffer loss for his bold stand? Would he no longer remain a secret disciple but a public one? We do not know.

But one thing we do know, he is mentioned with honor in all four Gospel accounts as one who was willing to take risks for Jesus’ sake.

►We too must act boldly.

We have reached a time in our culture where taking a bold stand for Jesus may cost us. And this is likely to intensify.

“So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 10:32-33).

Like Joseph, let us gather up courage. We’re definitely going to need it.



Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

09/02/2026

The Second Time
by David Gibson

►The First Passover

Before slaying all the firstborn in Egypt, God instructed the Israelites to apply the blood of an unblemished lamb to the doors of their homes.

“. . . And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt” (Exodus 12:13).

The lamb was to be roasted, then eaten, along with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. God told them to observe this annually.

►The Second Passover

One year later it was time to observe the Passover (Numbers 9). What a year! God had brought them through the Red Sea, destroying the pursuing Egyptian army. He led them through the wilderness, fed them with manna, and made a covenant with them at Sinai.

Observing the Passover the second time, they now could have a perspective they could not have had at the first observance.

Moses had told them, “And when your children say to you, ‘What do you mean by this service?’ you shall say, ‘It is the sacrifice of the Lord's Passover, for he passed over the houses of the people of Israel in Egypt, when he struck the Egyptians but spared our houses.’ And the people bowed their heads and worshiped” (Exodus 12:26-27).

►The First Lord’s Supper

The night before the cross, Jesus gave the apostles unleavened bread as a symbol of His body sacrificed on their behalf, and then had them drink of the cup as an emblem of His blood. “Do this,” He said, “in remembrance of me” (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).

At the time, how well, do you suppose, did they understand?

►The Second Lord’s Supper

So much had occurred by the time the apostles partook again—Jesus’ death, burial, resurrection, and ascension—PLUS the coming of the Spirit in power on the Day of Pentecost, just as Jesus promised.

The first time they partook was before the great redemptive events. Now with hindsight, what emotions must have flooded their souls as they ate the bread and drank the cup, communing with 3,000 new brothers and sisters in Christ, the first fruits of Jesus’ sacrifice.

“‘Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!’ And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, ‘To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!’

“And the four living creatures said, ‘Amen!’ and the elders fell down and worshiped” (Revelation 5:12-14).

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

09/01/2026

The Pattern
by David Gibson

My wife Sara kept a collection of clothing patterns in her sewing chest. Occasionally, she would lay out fabric on the dining table, pin a pattern to it, and start cutting.

In the early 1960s Barton Good, one of our elders at the time, paid $5.00 for the blueprint of a church building in Arkansas, and then used it to build our meeting place where we’ve been worshiping for nearly 64 years.

►Patterns in the past

●When God told Noah how to build the ark, did He intend for Noah to follow His directions?

He specified a certain wood (gopher), specific dimensions (450’x75’x45’), three decks, a window, a door, and waterproofing inside and out (Genesis 6:14-16).

“Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him’ (Genesis 6:22; see 7:5).

●When God revealed to Moses how the tabernacle was to be constructed, did He expect him to go explicitly by the “blueprint”?

“For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, ‘See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain’” (Hebrews 8:5; see Acts 7:44; Exodus 25:9, 40; 26:30).

“This Moses did; according to all that the Lord commanded him, so he did” (Exodus 40:16; see 40:19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 32).

Both Noah and Moses followed God’s pattern exactly.

►Patterns for the present

Today, we are not commanded to build an ark or a tabernacle, but has God left us without guidelines for His church? If He has revealed His will for His church, and He has, do you suppose God expects us to go by His plan?

Paul urged Timothy, “Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 1:13).

Follow the pattern!

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Address

1900 Culver Street
Commerce, TX
75428

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
7pm - 8pm
Friday 8am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 12pm

Telephone

+19038866136

Website

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