Rhea church of Christ

09/13/2026

09/11/2026

09/11/2026

How Do You Use the Church?
By Author Unknown

Some people use the church as a fire escape – no special joy in it, just afraid of going to hell.

Some use the church as a spare tire – they do not want to use it, but are afraid to be without it.

Some use the church like Sunday clothing – they wear it only once a week or on special occasions; it’s only for show.

But a few use the church as a vineyard – working diligently in it to make ready for the coming of the Master, and the rest from our labors, which He will provide.

09/11/2026

Watch
By Author Unknown

Watch your thoughts; they become words.

Watch your words; they become actions.

Watch your actions; they become habits

Watch your habits; they become character.

Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

09/11/2026

The Greatness Of Christ
By Jordan Lawson

In the book of Colossians, the apostle Paul spends a lot of time speaking about the greatness of Christ. For example, Colossians 2:9-10a says, “For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete…” Paul was making a strong point for us not to follow the philosophies of men. His point is: Christ is greater. Why follow manmade philosophies instead of teaching about the One who has the fullness of Deity dwelling in Him? It makes no sense! Have you stopped and considered the greatness of Christ lately?

We need to reflect constantly on our Lord’s greatness. It will enhance our service and worship to Him (Psa. 63:1-4). Colossians 1:16 says, “For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him.” Christ is the Creator of the entire universe. He is truly great. Some religiously-minded folks, however, want to strip Christ of His power. Specifically, those who believe and teach the doctrine of premillennialism strip Jesus of power. Let us take a moment and see how that doctrine does this.

One way is by saying that Christ does not reign now. The doctrine of premillennialism says we must wait for some future reign of Christ. They say that the future reign will last for 1,000 years on David’s literal throne in Jerusalem. The passage used to defend this erroneous belief is Revelation 20:1-7. We will not spend a lot of time addressing this passage, as space does not permit. A couple of observations to make is that this passage nowhere mentions Christ reigning on earth in literal Jerusalem. Also, this passage does not say we must wait in the future for Christ to reign.

The question is: does Christ reign now? What does the Scripture say? Ephesians 1:19-21 says, “which He brought about in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.” Christ is seated at God’s right hand in authority. Christ is far above all rule and authority. He is not inches above all rule and authority. He is far above it. Christ indeed does rule now. Jesus Himself says, “all authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth” (Matt. 28:18).

Christ truly is great. He has been exalted to the right hand of God (Acts 2:33). His love is so great that it surpasses knowledge (Eph. 3:19). Knowing and understanding His great love will help us “be filled up to all the fullness of God” (vs. 19).

Christ displayed His great love on the cross (Jn. 19). Another way premillennialism strips our Lord of His greatness is by inferring that the cross “snuck up” on Him. Premillennialism says Christ came to earth to set up His kingdom, but He failed because His people rejected him. So, plan B was the cross; it was a last-ditch effort. What does Scripture say?

During His earthly ministry, Jesus Himself says, “the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again” (Mk. 8:31). Isaiah 53 speaks about the sufferings of Christ on the cross 700-750 years before He set foot on earth. Isaiah 53:5 says, “But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening of our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed.” The term “scourging” is used in John 19:1, “Pilate then took Jesus and scourged Him.” The cross did not sneak up on Jesus. Christ knew well in advance what He would have to suffer.

Christ is truly a great King. The King is tenderly calling for you to obey Him so He can give you eternal life (Jn. 5:24; Mk. 16:16; Lk. 13:3). Will you obey the King today through faith, repentance, and baptism (Acts 2:38)?

09/11/2026

Faithfulness
By Author Unknown

A preacher was asked to define "faithful attendance at worship." He replied that the best way to understand it was to apply the same standards of faithfulness that we do in other areas of our life. Consider the examples he gave:

· If your car started one out of three times, would you consider it faithful?

· If the paperboy missed Monday and Thursday, would those papers be missed?

· If you didn't show up at work two or three times a month, would your boss call you faithful?

· If you attend worship only often enough to show some interest but not often enough to get involved are you faithful?

It bears some serious thought.

09/11/2026

Great Respect For The Word of God
By Brad Phillips

As we examine the book of Nehemiah we can learn about many valuable lessons. One of those valuable lessons which is found in Nehemiah 8, is of the great respect that the people showed for the word of God. So, let’s observe this great respect for the word of God as seen in Nehemiah 8. Starting with...

The People Requested The Word of God.

In Nehemiah 8:1, we read about the people’s request for the word of God, and there it is recorded, “Now all the people gathered together as one man in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate; and they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded Israel.” Now, wouldn’t be great if more people today had enough respect for the word of God that they too would ask for it?

The People Attentively Listened To The Word of God.

Not only did the people request the word of God, but they also listened attentively to God’s word as we see in Nehemiah 8:3, which reads, “...the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law.” Friends, let’s imitate this great example, and let us also be a people who attentively listen to the word of God.

The People Made Provisions For The Word of God.

In Nehemiah 8:4, we are told that the people made a platform of wood (i.e. a pulpit) specifically for the purpose of the reading of God’s word. You see, the people made these provisions for the reading of God’s word so that the word of God could be better heard and delivered, and by doing so it illustrates their respect for the word of God.

The People Stood Up For The Word of God.

In Nehemiah 8:5, we are informed about the people standing up when Ezra opened the Book of the Law of Moses. Now think about this for a moment. You see, we stand today when the National Anthem is sung out of reverence for our nation. However, it was the reverence for the word of God that brought the people to their feet in Nehemiah 8:5.

The People Were In Agreement With The Word of God

Great respect for God and His word is also expressed in Nehemiah 8:6. There we learn that after Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, the people answered with Amen, Amen! They then lifted up their hands, and bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. Now, it is interesting to note the Hebrew lexicon defines “Amen” as meaning “verily, truly, or so be it.” Therefore, the people were in agree ment with the word’s spoken by Ezra, and again their reverence for God and His word is expressed by the lifting up of their hands, and the bowing of their heads.

The People Wept Over The Word of God.

In Nehemiah 8:9, it is revealed to us that the people wept when they heard the words of the Law. Friend, to be simply put, the hearing of God’s word brought these people to tears, which again denotes their sincerity of heart, and sincere reverence for the word of God. So, I now ask, has God’s word ever brought you to tears?

The People Obeyed The Word of God.

Last, but certainly not least, great respect for the word of God is shown by the people in the fact that they obeyed the word of God (Ref. Nehemiah 8:13-18). So, once more, let’s imitate God’s people of old by being a people today who have a great respect for God’s word, and may we always strive to be one who likewise obeys God’s commandments (Ref. 1 Corinthians 7:19; 1 John 5:3).

Again, my friend, Nehemiah 8, is one of the finest places in the Scriptures where respect for God’s word is seen. Therefore, let us all learn from these examples, and let’s make proper application of them in our lives today.

09/11/2026

Mercy And Grace
By JD Espinoza

Someone stated that mercy is God holding back what we deserve. God’s mercy is why we are not eternally lost. Similarly, grace is God’s unmerited favor. Thankfully, God is not giving us what we deserve.

However, mercy and grace are always not going to be available. They have a limit. In Titus 2:11, we read about how the grace that brings salvation has appeared not to just a few men but all men. In this verse, it is also written that we need to deny ungodliness and worldly lust. This means we need to be different from the world (Rom. 12:2), and for that to happen, we need to repent from sin and live soberly, righteously, and godly while we have access to God’s mercy and grace (Titus 2:1).

We also continue to look for the blessed hope and the glorious appearance of our precious Lord. He gave Himself that He might redeem us from all iniquity and purify unto Himself a peculiar people zealous of good works (Titus 2:14).

In Titus 3:4-5, we read about more types of unrighteousness we sometimes practice. These include foolishness, disobedience, deceitfulness, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, and hatefulness. Though man has been guilty of so much, we know that the kindness of God appeared. It was not because of our righteousness, but according to His mercy, He saved us from sin.

Finally, in John 1:17, we read that grace and truth came through Jesus Christ and not through the law of Moses. The conclusion is we now understand that God’s anger is held back because it is mixed with mercy and grace. Therefore we need to seek salvation now because there is no hope of salvation once we die (II Cor. 6:2; Heb. 3:7-8, 15).

09/11/2026

Quote To Think On… (8-23-26)
"One of the weaknesses of our age is our apparent inability to distinguish need from greed."

09/11/2026

Appreciate The Bible
By David McPherson

To take something for granted is to use, accept, or treat it in a careless or indifferent manner. I fear too many take the Bible for granted.

A young Christian packing his bag for a journey said to a friend, "I have nearly finished packing. All I have to put in are a guidebook, a lamp, a mirror, a microscope, a telescope, a volume of fine poetry, a few biographies, a package of old letters, a book of songs, a sword, a hammer, and a set of tools." “But you cannot put all that into your bag," objected the friend. "Oh, yes," said the Christian. "Here it is." And he placed his Bible in the corner of the suitcase and closed the lid.

The Bible is all those things and more! Why do some not appreciate it? Why do we not treasure this good book for what it is?

Of those who truly appreciate God’s word, it is written, “The law of his God is in his heart; None of his steps shall slide” (Psa. 37:31); “I delight to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is within my heart” (Psa.40:8); “Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You!” (Psa.119:11)

Stability, joy, and security are found in the Bible. Put it in your heart. Learn to appreciate it.