Lake Wales church of Christ

05/20/2026

Join us every Tuesday evening at 7:00 PM for uplifting lessons, fellowship, and encouragement from God’s word throughout the summer. This will go from June 2nd to August 11th.

We would love for you and your family to

04/23/2026

Why do so many people hesitate when the conversation turns to baptism?

For many, it’s not indifference, it’s concern. Some genuinely believe that emphasizing baptism somehow takes away from the power and sufficiency of Jesus’ sacrifice. They hear phrases like “baptism for the forgiveness of sins” and feel as though something human is being added to something divine. That concern deserves to be taken seriously. But when we slow down and listen carefully to Scripture, a different picture begins to emerge, one that doesn’t diminish the cross at all, but instead magnifies it.

The heart of the gospel is this: Jesus died so that sins could be forgiven. As Matthew records, “this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28). Forgiveness is inseparably tied to His sacrifice. Without the shedding of His blood, there is no hope, no cleansing, no reconciliation. Everything begins at the cross.

But the question isn’t whether Jesus’ sacrifice is sufficient, it absolutely is. The question is: how does Scripture say we receive what He accomplished?

On the day the gospel was first preached in its fullness, Peter didn’t tell the crowd to simply reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice. When they were “pierced to the heart” and asked what to do, he answered plainly: “Repent and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38). That statement doesn’t compete with the cross, it points directly to it. Baptism is not presented as a human achievement, but as the moment a person submits to the work of Christ and receives what His blood purchased.

Paul echoes this connection in a powerful way: “Or are you unaware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we were buried with him by baptism into death… so that we too may walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:3–4). Baptism is not replacing the cross—it is where we are united with it. It is where we participate in His death, burial, and resurrection.

So why is it often resisted?

One of the most common objections is the thief on the cross. People point out that he was not baptized, yet Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). But consider what this actually shows. While Jesus was on earth, He had the authority to forgive sins directly. And He exercised that authority more than once. In Mark 2:5, Jesus told a paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” No baptism there. In Luke 7:48, He told a sinful woman, “Your sins are forgiven.” Again, no baptism.

What does that mean? It means the thief was not a special exception to a rule that didn’t exist—he was one of several examples of Jesus personally forgiving sins during His earthly ministry. But everything changed after the cross. After His death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus gave a commission. The message going forward was no longer, “I forgive you here and now,” but rather, “Go and make disciples… baptizing them” (Matthew 28:19). The terms of the new covenant came into effect after His death, just as a will goes into effect when the one who made it dies (Hebrews 9:16–17).

From that point forward, every example of conversion in Acts follows the same pattern: faith, repentance, and baptism. Not as competing ideas, but as a unified response to the gospel.

So the issue isn’t whether Jesus can forgive apart from baptism—the gospels show that He could and did while on earth. The issue is what He now asks of us under the covenant established by His blood.

When someone says baptism isn’t necessary, they often mean well. They want to protect the sufficiency of grace. But Scripture never presents baptism as a work that earns salvation. Instead, it presents it as a moment of surrender, an act of faith where a person trusts God enough to do exactly what He has said. Colossians 2:12 describes it as being “buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God.” Notice that: not faith in our own effort, but faith in God’s working.

If baptism truly takes away from Jesus’ sacrifice, then why does Scripture consistently connect it to His death, His blood, and the forgiveness He provides?

And here is a question worth honestly considering:

If baptism is not connected to the forgiveness of sins, why does every direct answer in the New Testament to the question “What must I do?” include it—especially in Acts 2:38, where forgiveness is explicitly tied to it?

That’s not a question meant to trap, but to invite reflection. Because at its core, this isn’t about winning an argument. It’s about trusting Jesus enough to follow Him completely—not partially, not selectively, but fully.

Baptism doesn’t compete with the cross. It leads us to it. It is the moment we stop holding onto our own understanding and simply say, “Lord, I believe you enough to do what you have asked.”

And when we do that, we’re not diminishing His sacrifice, we’re honoring it.

04/09/2026

"An Hour That Reveals the Heart”

There is a quiet moment every Sunday morning that says more about a Christian than almost anything else. It happens before the worship assembly begins, before the singing rises, before the prayers are offered. It happens during Bible class. Rows that will soon be filled sit partially empty. Chairs that will hold worshipers wait in silence. Bibles that will soon be opened in the assembly remain closed at home. And heaven sees it all.

We often ask, “Is it really that important to attend Bible class?” But perhaps the better question is this: What does it say about our love for God when we choose not to? From the beginning, God has not only called His people to worship, He has called them to learn. Paul told Timothy, “Give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:13), and again, “Study to show yourself approved unto God…” (2 Timothy 2:15). Bible class is not a human invention designed to fill time. It is a deliberate opportunity set aside by brethren who care about souls to do exactly what God commanded, to grow in His Word. And yet, how often is it treated as optional?

Some have convinced themselves, “As long as I’m there for worship, that’s enough.” But is it? Imagine telling God, “I will come when it’s most visible, but not when it requires extra effort. I will sing to You, but I won’t sit and learn from You. I will give You an hour, but not my heart for more.” Bible class exposes something deeper than attendance, it reveals desire. Do we truly want to know God more? Do we hunger for His Word? Or are we satisfied with the bare minimum?

One of the most dangerous spiritual conditions is a person who is starving but no longer feels the hunger. When Bible class is neglected, knowledge weakens, faith becomes shallow, convictions fade, and sin becomes easier to tolerate. Scripture reminds us, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). If we are not hearing, how can our faith survive?

We make time for what matters. We wake up early for work. We rearrange schedules for sports, trips, and entertainment. We sacrifice sleep, comfort, and convenience when something is important enough. So what does it say when Bible class is the first thing we cut? This is not about legalism; it is about love. Love does not ask, “Do I have to?” Love asks, “How much more can I give?”

When you are absent from Bible class, it is not just your seat that is empty. A child notices who isn’t there. A new Christian wonders what is truly important. A teacher feels the weight of preparing for those who chose not to come. The church loses strength, one absence at a time. And most importantly, you lose something you can never get back, a moment to grow closer to God.

One day, we will stand before God, not in a church building, not surrounded by pews, not with the option to come or stay home. In that moment, no one will wish they had spent less time learning His Word. No one will say, “I wish I had skipped more opportunities to grow.” Instead, the regret will be sharp and unrelenting: “Why didn’t I take advantage of every chance I had?”

Bible class is more than a scheduled hour. It is an invitation to open your Bible, to strengthen your faith, to encourage your brethren, and to show God that He matters—deeply, truly, fully. So on Sunday morning, when the alarm goes off and the choice is before you, remember this: you are not deciding whether to attend a class. You are revealing the condition of your heart.

12/22/2025

The Day We Finally See Him - Revelation 22:1-5

There are days when this world feels unbearably heavy. Days when sorrow lingers, prayers feel whispered through tears, and faith is held more tightly than ever. Yet for the child of God, every one of those days is carried by a promise—a promise that one day, we will meet Jesus face to face. What a day that will be.

It will not be a day marked by fear or uncertainty. The One we have sung about, prayed to, trusted, and followed will no longer feel distant. Faith will give way to sight. Hope will be fulfilled. The voice that once spoke through Scripture will speak our names with perfect love. In that moment, every sacrifice made for Christ will suddenly make sense.

Imagine standing in His presence—no shame, no regret, no unfinished story. The burdens we carried for so long will fall away.

The grief that clung to our hearts will be gone forever. No more sickness. No more goodbyes. No more nights spent crying out for strength. Only peace, whole and complete, wrapped in the presence of our Savior.

For the faithful, that meeting will not be cold or formal. It will be deeply personal. The hands once pierced for our sins will welcome us home. The eyes that saw Peter after his denial, the heart that wept at Lazarus’ tomb, will look upon us with the same compassion. Jesus will not see our past failures—He will see His redeemed.

And what about the loved ones who have gone before us in Christ? What joy will fill our hearts as we are reunited, together praising the Lamb who made it all possible. Every tear shed in faith will be wiped away by God Himself. Every unanswered “why” will fade in the light of eternal glory.

Until that day comes, we walk by faith. We worship, we serve, we endure, and we encourage one another—because this life is not the end of the story. A better day is coming. A perfect day. A day when we will finally be home.

So when the road feels long, lift your eyes. When the world feels broken, hold fast. The day is coming when we will meet Jesus—and it will be more wonderful than words can ever describe.

07/20/2025

In a world with many religious interpretations, one of the most debated topics among Christians is whether baptism is essential for salvation. Within the church of Christ, we believe that baptism is not optional—it is a direct response to the gospel, commanded by Christ Himself, and absolutely necessary for salvation.

The Biblical Foundation
Scripture repeatedly affirms the necessity of baptism:

Mark 16:16 – “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”

Acts 2:38 – “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…”

1 Peter 3:21 – “Baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God…”

Romans 6:3-4 – Baptism is where we are “buried with Him through baptism into death,” and raised to walk in newness of life.

These passages do not suggest that baptism is symbolic or optional. They clearly connect baptism with salvation, forgiveness of sins, and new life in Christ.

But What If You’re Wrong?
To those who believe baptism is not necessary, we humbly ask: What if you’re wrong?

If baptism is necessary and you refuse it, what are the eternal consequences?

If you believe in salvation by faith alone, but Scripture teaches that faith must be expressed in obedience, including baptism, then is your faith truly saving?

Can we claim to follow Christ while ignoring His direct commands?

This is not about winning an argument; it’s about eternity. Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” Baptism is not a man-made tradition—it is a divine command rooted in the gospel message preached by the apostles.

A Matter of Obedience and Submission
Baptism is not a work of human effort; it is an act of faithful obedience. When we submit to baptism, we are not earning salvation—we are receiving it on God’s terms.

It is in the waters of baptism that:

We put on Christ (Galatians 3:27),

Our sins are washed away (Acts 22:16),

And we are added to the body of Christ (Acts 2:41,47).

A Loving Warning
To delay or dismiss baptism as unnecessary is to take a serious risk with your soul. The question is not whether you feel saved, but whether you have obeyed the gospel as taught by Christ and His apostles.

So again we ask, with all love and sincerity:

What if you're wrong?

If those who insist on baptism are wrong, what has been lost? A few moments of humility and obedience.

But if those who deny its necessity are wrong, the loss is eternal.

Conclusion
Salvation is by grace through faith, but not by faith alone. That faith must be alive, obedient, and responsive to the commands of Christ—including baptism.

We urge you to search the Scriptures with an open heart. Study what God says, not just what tradition or emotion may suggest. Your soul is far too valuable to stake on a "maybe."

“And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” – Acts 22:16

03/24/2025

Gospel meeting: March 28 - 30th.

02/08/2025

Giants Must Fall: Conquering the Obstacles in Our Lives

In life, we all face giants—those overwhelming challenges, fears, or obstacles that seem insurmountable. Just as the young shepherd David faced the mighty giant Goliath, we too are called to confront our giants with faith, courage, and trust in God's power.

David’s victory over Goliath in 1 Samuel 17 is a powerful reminder that no matter how big the giant, God is bigger. While others saw a formidable foe, David saw an opportunity to demonstrate God’s strength. With nothing but a sling and five stones, David defeated Goliath, showing that faith in God’s strength is greater than any giant.

In our own lives, giants may take many forms—addiction, doubt, fear, temptation, or even difficult relationships. These giants can intimidate and paralyze us, but as followers of Christ, we are equipped to overcome them. We must remember that our victory is not achieved by our own strength but by relying on God’s power, guidance, and promises.

Jesus assured us in Matthew 17:20 that "with faith as small as a mustard seed, we can move mountains." Our role is not to conquer the giants ourselves but to trust God to provide the strength and wisdom needed to defeat them. By standing firm in His promises, praying earnestly, and putting on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18), we can face any challenge with confidence.

Each giant in our life must fall—not by our might, but by the power of the Almighty God. With faith, courage, and the assurance that God is with us, we can overcome anything that stands in our way. Let us face our giants boldly, knowing that through Christ, we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37).

09/05/2024

Please come and join us at the Lake Wales church of Christ Sept. 15th - 18th. Sunday (15th) will be our normal Bible study and worship hour in the morning, but we will be adding a 7pm service that evening. We will also meet at 7pm Monday through Wednesday (16th - 18th).

05/14/2024

05/13/2024

"Setting Good Examples: Living Out Our Faith"

In a world where actions speak louder than words, setting good examples becomes paramount for believers. Our conduct, both in public and private, serves as a reflection of our faith and influences those around us. Here are a few key points to consider:

Integrity in Actions: Our daily actions should align with the principles of love, honesty, and kindness taught by Christ. Whether at work, home, or in the community, let our integrity shine through, showing consistency between what we profess and how we live.

Positive Influence: Recognize the power of influence. By living according to our faith, we have the opportunity to positively impact others. Whether it's through acts of service, words of encouragement, or simply being a reliable friend, our actions can inspire others to seek a deeper relationship with God.

Stewardship of Resources: Demonstrating good stewardship over our resources—time, talents, and finances—illustrates our commitment to God's kingdom. Whether it's volunteering in the community, using our skills to help others, or responsibly managing our finances, let's use our resources wisely for the betterment of others and the glory of God.

Humility and Grace: In our pursuit of setting good examples, let humility and grace guide our interactions. None of us are perfect, but through humility, we can acknowledge our shortcomings and seek forgiveness when needed. Grace allows us to extend compassion and understanding to others, fostering an environment of growth and acceptance.

Consistency and Perseverance: Setting good examples is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey. Consistency in our character and perseverance in our faith are essential. Even in the face of challenges or setbacks, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to living out our beliefs.

In conclusion, setting good examples is not just a recommendation but a responsibility for believers. Our actions have the power to shape perceptions, inspire change, and ultimately glorify God. Let us, therefore, strive to live lives that reflect the love, grace, and truth of Christ in all that we do.