church of Christ-Lexington,OK

08/29/2026

08/29/2026

Christ As Our Only Hope
-Northside Bulletin

Human schemes, material security and worldly philosophies offer no ultimate refuge. True hope rests entirely in faith and obedience in Jesus Christ.

· 1 Timothy 1:1: "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;"

· Colossians 1:5: "For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;"

· Hebrews 6:19: "Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;"

Biblical hope is robust, active, and eternally focused. It looks past the uncertainties of a changing world, rests securely on the finished work of Christ, and motivates the child of God to live a life of holy obedience while awaiting the final reward.

08/29/2026

Recoverable Error Versus Hardened Rebellion
-Northside Bulletin

In the closing verses of his first epistle, the Apostle John addresses a sobering reality within the Christian life—the reality of a brother or sister falling into sin, and the distinct spiritual conditions that separate a recoverable error from a hardening rebellion: "If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death." (1 John 5:16–17). Let us take a look at what this passage means for the Christian today.

In the context of this verse John is writing about someone identified as a "brother"—a fellow Christian who has slipped or strayed into sin. This is not describing an unbeliever out in the world, but a member of the spiritual family of God whose soul is in spiritual peril.

"A Sin Not Unto Death": When a Christian falls into sin, but their heart remains tender, humble, and open to repentance, they have committed a "sin not unto death." John instructs Christians to "ask" (pray) on behalf of this erring brother and God will grant him spiritual life and restoration. As long as a person retains a conscience that can be pricked, experiences godly sorrow, and is willing to turn away from their transgression, they can be restored. When we pray for a repentant brother, or gently help restore him (cf. Galatians 6:1), God extends His mercy and cleanses him through the blood of Christ. His sin has damaged his fellowship with God, but it has not finalized his spiritual doom because he is willing to repent.

"A Sin Unto Death": Conversely, John speaks of a terrifying spiritual condition: "There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it." John is not pointing to a specific, isolated item on a checklist of sins (as if some sins are automatically unforgivable by nature). Instead, "a sin unto death" describes an attitude toward sin—a condition of persistent, stubborn, and hardened rebellion. When an individual deliberately turns away from God and completely hardens their heart to the point where they no longer feel shame or guilt (comparable to the warnings in Hebrews 6:4–6 or 1 Timothy 4:2), they cross a tragic line. John says, "I do not say that he shall pray for it." This is not because God's mercy has an arbitrary limit, but because prayer cannot override human free will. If a person stubbornly refuses to repent and wants nothing to do with God, intercessory prayer for their direct restoration cannot force a change of heart. As long as they remain in that state of willful, unrepentant rebellion, they are spiritually dead.

What This Means for the Christian Today: Sin is Serious, but Restoration is Available to all. Every sin is a violation of God's law ("All unrighteousness is sin"), but God has provided a way back for the Christian who stumbles. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us (1 John 1:9). We Must Guard Against Hardness of Heart. The ultimate take away from this passage is a warning against letting sin deceitfully harden our consciences. We must never become comfortable with sin or indifferent to God's rebukes. When we see a fellow brother or sister caught in a fault while they still possess a tender, reachable spirit, it is our duty to pray for them and help restore them to spiritual vitality (Galatians 6:1-2).

08/27/2026

The Only Path To Righteousness

In a world filled with competing philosophies, human traditions, and endless attempts at self-improvement, humanity remains in pursuit of one fundamental need: standing right before God. From the beginning of time, man has attempted to construct his own avenues to righteousness through good works, morality, or religious ritual. Yet, Holy Scripture makes it abundantly clear that there is only one divine blueprint for salvation.

Writing to the saints in Rome, the Apostle Paul declared the single, unshakeable foundation of true righteousness in two of the most powerful verses in the New Testament:

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith." (Romans 1:16–17, KJV)

Unashamed of the Gospel: Paul began his declaration with an uncompromised stance: "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ." In the first century, preaching a crucified Savior from a despised region of Judea was viewed by the Roman world as foolishness and weak. Yet Paul understood that the gospel was not a human opinion or a weak moral advice column. It is the power of God unto salvation.

The Greek word used for power is dunamis—the raw, almighty, sovereign authority of God capable of shattering the chains of sin, transforming a hardened heart, and delivering a lost soul from eternal condemnation. Man-made religions offer human effort, but only the gospel of Jesus Christ carries the divine power to actually save.

Furthermore, this power is universal in its scope. It is offered "to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." Salvation does not depend on worldly status, race, or human heritage, but upon an obedient, active faith in the risen Savior.

The Revelation of God’s Righteousness: In verse 17, Paul explains why the gospel holds such saving power: "For therein is the righteousness of God revealed..."

Apart from the gospel, human beings possess no righteousness of their own. As the prophet Isaiah lamented, "all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6, KJV). On our best days, human merit falls far short of God’s holy standard.

The gospel reveals the "righteousness of God"—not a righteousness that man earns through legalistic perfection, but the righteousness that God freely imparts and imputes to those who come to Him through Christ. On the cross, Jesus paid the penalty for our transgressions, allowing God to remain entirely just while extending mercy to the believer (Romans 3:26).

From Faith to Faith: Paul outlines the continuous, living nature of this journey when he writes that God's righteousness is revealed "from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith."

Quoting the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk (Habakkuk 2:4), Paul connects the Old and New Testaments under one eternal principle:

The Beginning of the Journey: Salvation begins with faith—hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17), believing the testimony of Jesus Christ, repenting of sin, confessing Jesus as Lord and being baptized for remission of sins.
The Continuation of the Journey: The Christian walk does not end at baptism or initial conversion. It moves "from faith to faith"—a daily, maturing walk of trust, obedience, and reliance upon God's promises.
To "live by faith" means that faith is not merely a single decision we make; it is the very atmosphere we breathe, the guide for our choices, and the anchor of our hope.

Walking the Only Path: If we desire to stand approved before Almighty God, we must abandon the delusion of self-righteousness and humbly submit to the gospel of Jesus Christ. There are no alternative routes, shortcuts or human substitutes.

The gospel is God’s power, Christ is the sacrifice, and living by faith is the calling of every redeemed soul. May we, like Paul, stand unashamed of the gospel of Christ, proclaiming to a lost world that faith in the Son of God remains the only path to righteousness.

08/27/2026

Reasons Why Christ Returned To Heaven
Acts 1:1-11
-Kent Bailey

The wonderful aspect regarding the scheme of Redemption, both developed and given by God for the salvation of humanity, is found between two marvelous events--the descent of Christ from Heaven as well as his glorious return.

In Acts 1:1-11 we read about words of encouragement that Christ spoke to his followers just as he was about to return to his Father in Heaven. He reminded them, as his apostles, that they would receive special credentials no one else would posses regarding the establishment of his kingdom, the New Testament church. When Christ had spoken those words and as they be held him, Christ was gloriously lifted up before them and returned to his Father in Heaven. The scriptures not only have informed us of this even, but also give reasons for such taking place.

Christ Returned To Heaven To Appear Before The Father As The Atonement For Sin. It was under the Mosaic covenant that the High Priest entered the most holy place to offer sacrifices for the sins of the people. Upon his return to Heaven, Christ appeared before his Father God, with his own blood, to make a gracious offering for the sins of humanity (Hebrews 4:14; 9:24).

It was necessary for Christ to appear before his Father as the ultimate sacrifice for humanity. Had he not returned to the glories of Heaven his sacrifice would not have been complete.

Christ Returned To Heaven As King of His Kingdom and Builder of His Church. In the religious world of today, there are false views regarding Christ being Builder of His church and King of his kingdom. There are those who believe that Christ was both King and Builder while on earth. Such is not true. Christ stated to those who would become apostles that he would..."appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me...(Luke 22:29). The New Testament church is that kingdom (Matthew 16:18-19), which came into existence on the first Pentecost following the resurrection of Christ (Mark 9:1; Acts 2:1-4,47). Without a kingdom Christ could not be King.

Some believe that the kingdom will not be established until after the final coming of Christ. However the fact is that Christ is already King over his kingdom (1 Corinthians 15:24; Revelation 1:9). Also, we note that Christians have been delivered into the kingdom where we find redemption through the blood of Christ, the forgiveness of sins, the reason being that such is the New Testament church the totality of all those saved (Colossians 1:13-14, 18).

Christ returned to Heaven and presently reigns as King.

Christ Returned To Heaven To Send The Holy Spirit. Christ told those, who would become the apostles, that he was going to depart for his return to Heaven. At this point he gave them further instruction that h would send them the comforter, the Holy Spirit (John 16:7). He had previously instructed them on this very subject (John 14:16-17). It was the plan of God that the Holy Spirit would be the avenue through which the gospel of Christ would go forth. The day of Pentecost was the appointed time of the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles to guide them into all truth (Acts 2:32-33). Had Christ not returned to Heaven such would not have occurred.

Christ Returned To Heaven To Prepare A Home For Those Saved. In view of his death, burial, and resurrection he gave deep consideration to those who would obey his saving gospel and by saved from sin. He also had in mind, those who would be his apostles. They would be the means by which the gospel would go forth. They would be The Ambassadors of The King. Through the delegated authority that they would receive from Heaven they would preach the divine message of reconciliation to God and redemption in Christ. It is through the completed doctrine of Christ that humanity would hear the message of hope wherein we can and will find our way to the eternal blessings of Heaven. It is through this message that one can be a productive servant of Christ within the realm of this life (John 14:1-6).

It is a great tragedy that there are those preaching that those, who are saved in Christ, will not have Heaven as their eternal home. These misguided individuals are falsely teaching that God's people will live eternally on a restructured and renovated earth. This false doctrine advocates a shade of Premillennialism and rank materialism. The final coming of Christ will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up (2 Peter 3:10).

Christ Returned To Heaven To Be The Intercessor of Prayer To The Father. God The Father is to be the recipient of prayer (Matthew 6:9). Christ is the avenue or means by which the prayers of Christians ascend to the Father (John 14:13; 15:16; 16:23; 1 John 2:1; Romans 8:34).

Christ Returned To Heaven As The Leader of The Way There For The People of God. While Christ returned to Heaven to prepare a home for those saved, he is also our forerunner, who will lead the way there (Hebrews 6:10). Such will take place at the end. "Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power (1 Corinthians 15:24).

Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people. Those who are not Christians need to begin to make plans today through faith in Christ, repentance of sin, confession of Christ, and baptism for the remission of sins into the blood bought church of Christ. Those fallen away as lost children need to repent and be restored. Those who are faithful need to remain so.

Even so, the Lord will one day return. May we make preparation and be ready.

08/18/2026

Will We Know Each Other In Heaven?
-Northside Bulletin

People are an integral part of our lives on this earth. The relationships we forge throughout our days mean so much to us, bringing deep joy, comfort, and companionship. But when this earthly pilgrimage ends, will those relationships be maintained beyond the grave?

The question of whether we will recognize and know each other in heaven is one of the most common inquiries regarding the life to come. Using the theological insights from James Burton Coffman Commentaries, let us examine what the Bible reveals about this profound question.

The Rich Man and Lazarus

When Jesus shared the account of the rich man and Lazarus, He pulled back the veil on the conscious existence of the soul after physical death (Luke 16:19–23). In this narrative, Lazarus is carried by angels to Abraham's bosom—a place of comfort—while the rich man opens his eyes in torments. "And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom" (Luke 16:23).

On Recognition: The rich man immediately recognized both Abraham and Lazarus, even though they were separated by a great gulf. Furthermore, Abraham speaks to the rich man regarding their earthly lives (v. 25), and the rich man explicitly remembers his five living brothers, desiring that someone be sent to warn them (vv. 27–28).
The Implication: If conscious beings in the intermediate spiritual realm retain their individual identity, memory, and the capacity to recognize others, it firmly establishes that personal identity and mutual recognition continue beyond physical death.
The Transfiguration of Jesus

In Matthew chapter 17, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up into a high mountain, where He is transfigured before them. Two monumental figures from Old Testament history suddenly appear and converse with Him: "And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elijah talking with him. Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias" (Matthew 17:3–4).

Divine Recognition: The three apostles had never seen Moses or Elijah in the flesh, yet they instantly knew who they were.
The Broader Insight: Human identity is not erased or lost in the spiritual realm. If Peter could instantly recognize Old Testament heroes he had never met on earth, it stands to reason that in the eternal state of heaven, we will not only recognize our loved ones from this life, but we will also know and fellowship with the redeemed of all ages.
The Nature of the Resurrection Body

When we are raised from the dead, our physical bodies will undergo a glorious transformation: "Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality" (1 Corinthians 15:51–53).

While we can speculate endlessly about the exact physical mechanics of this change, the Apostle John reminds us of the ultimate standard of our likeness: "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is" (1 John 3:2).

On Identity: Our transformation into an incorruptible, immortal state does not destroy our unique personality or individual identity. Just as Jesus retained His identity and recognizable form after His resurrection (appearing to Mary, the disciples on the road to Emmaus, and the apostles in the upper room), our glorified bodies will maintain our distinct selfhood. Transformation means the removal of sin, decay, and death—not the erasure of who we are.
Conclusion

The Scriptures provide strong, consistent evidence that we will indeed know one another in heaven. Memory is preserved, identity is retained and the relational bonds formed in Christ are not severed by the grave.

Although we do not possess every minute detail regarding the structure of eternity, we know its ultimate glory: heaven is where God dwells, where Christ is seated, and where our saved loved ones will be gathered together in unbroken fellowship (Revelation 21:3; 22:1–5). That blessed assurance is precisely why it is the ultimate destination for every faithful soul.