Broadway St. church of Christ

07/29/2024

INSTANT WEALTH;;

The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage,
But everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty."
(Proverbs 21:5)

Lotteries and Casinos. Both exist because of the same reason: people are looking for ways to get rich...and now! Occasionally we'll hear of someone hitting the jackpot and becoming an instant millionaire. But honestly. How many out of the millions that play truly win? Ever noticed the size and beauty of thee Casinos? They were able to build these elaborate buildings off the money they make from the foolish gamblers. Plus, how many stories do we hear about wrecked lives from people that squandered their wealth? Those stories are buried on purpose! They don't want us to know that ugly side.

God set the example of work in His creative process. He worked for six days and rested on the seventh (the key word is work Genesis 2:2). It is His intention that mankind do the same. As a result, those desiring to strike it rich are operating outside of the divine plan. They are violating several spiritual principles.

First, God intends for man to work. Those desiring to get rich quickly are hoping to skip this divine step (Exodus 20:9-10; 31:15;34:21).

Second, God intends for man to give his best effort in his work (Colossians 3:23-24; Ephesians 4;6:7; 1 Thessalonians 4:11; 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12). Those seeking instant wealth typically gives half-hearted efforts. There focus is not on doing quality work, but their mind is drifting, thinking if instant wealth.

Third, those seeking to get rich quickly are guilty of covetousness and greed (Proverbs 28:20; Colossians 3:3; 1 Timothy 6:9:-10).

Fourth, such a person is in partnership with the lazy. The lazy want others to enrich them (Proverbs 10:4; 12:24,27; 13:4). Scripture teaches that both the hasty and the lazy end up in the same place: poverty (cf. Proverbs 6:10-11; 24:33-34).

The first part of this Proverbs presents the better approach. Our plan (to acquire wealth) is to be "diligent." That word means to be steadfast and persistent in our work. We are going to go slow, give our best work, and anticipate blessings from that approach. Solomon says that such will "lead surely to advantage." Why will it work? Because it is God's design! TIME TO GET TO WORK!

Gambling is wrong no matter who you are, where that be Christians or people in the world. In God's eyes it is sin!

COME AND VISIT US HERE AT THE CHURCH OF CHRIST WHERE THE BIBLE IS LOVED AND THE GOSPEL IS PREACHED!!

12/14/2023

How To Change Yourself:
A Bible Pattern For Self-- Help And Self--Improvement;

Becoming a Christian requires change. We must remove old habits and develop new ones. Our study this lesson is to considers Bible principles to help us improve ourselves; faith, love, repentance, Bible study, prayer, avoiding temptation, and patience. God's word is the best source of guidance for self--help and motivation for self-- improvement.

Let us study 12 specific, practical steps the Bible gives to show us how to change and improve our selves to become what God wants.

Step 1: Change Your Purpose in Life Romans 12:1,2; Ephesian 4:23; 2 Corinthians 8:5.( See also Ecclesiastes 12:13; Matthew 6:33; 16:24.)

# Learn to appreciate God's blessings and mercy: 1 John 2:15-17; Matthew 10:34-37; 22:37-40; John 14:15; 2 Corinthians 5:14-17.
# Imitation of Christ: Matthew 10:24,25; Acts 11:26; 1 Peter 2:21,22 (See also Galatians 2:20; Matthew 16:24; Colossians 3:10).
# Desire for Eternal Life, Not Eternal Punishment. 1 Corinthians 9:25; James 1:12; Colossians 3:1-6; 2 Peter 1:10,11; Revelation 2:10. (See also 2 Thessalonians 1:8,9).

Step 2: Believe you Can Change with God's Help: Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 15:18,19; 12:34-37; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Philippians 4:13; Psalm 37:5. (See also Ephesian 6:10-18; 3:20,21; 2 Corinthians 9:8; Joshua 1:5-9).

Step 3: Study the Bible about Your Habit: Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2; 119:11; Deuteronomy 6:6-9; Matthew 4:1-11. (See also Proverbs 3:5,6; 2 Timothy 3:16,17; Ephesian 6:17; Romans 1:16; Hebrews 4:12).


Step 4: Repent of Sins: Acts 8:22; Matthew 21:28,29; Acts 17:30; Proverbs 28:13; 2 Corinthians 7:10.

Step 5: Develop a Plan of Action: Proverbs 14:22; Luke 14:26-33; Daniel 1:8; Psalm 17:3; Acts 11:23; 2 Corinthians 9:7.

Step 6: Pray Regularly: Acts 8:22; 1 John 1:8-10; Proverbs 28:13; Matthew 6:12,13; Matthew 26:41; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Colossian 4:2; Matthew 26:36-46; 1 Peter 5:7; Philippians 4:6,7. (See also Ephesians 6:11, 13, 18).

Step 7: Seek Help from Other Christians: James 5:16; Galatians 6:2; Matthew 5:23; Hebrews 10:24,25; 3:12,13; Ephesian 4:15,16.

Step 8: Diligently Practice What is Right: 1 Corinthians 15:58; James 1:22-25. (See also Romans 6:1-23; Matthew 7:21; Luke 6:46.

Step 9: Substitute Good Habit for Bad Ones: Ephesian 4:22-32.

Step 10: Avoid Temptation: Matthew 6:13; Romans 13:14; 1 Corinthians 15:33; 1 Peter 4:3,4; Proverbs 13:20; Psalm 26:5; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18; Ephesian 5:11.

Step 11: Face One Day at a Time: Matthew 6:33,34

Step 12: Be Patient: Romans 2:7; 1 Corinthians 15:58; Galatians 6:9; 1 John 1:8-2:2; 2 Peter 3:18.


Conclusion
By using the means God provides, you can change to be what He wants. He gives motivation, guidance, and encouragement. All that is left is for you to determine to follow His will and then diligently act on that decision.

COME AND VISIT US HERE AT THE CHURCH OF CHRIST WHERE THE BIBLE IS LOVED AND THE GOSPEL IS PREACHED!!!

12/12/2023

Abstain From Every Form Of Evil:
1Thessalonians 5:22-23

09/12/2023

09/01/2023

Consider the "APOCALYPTIC" nature of this book.
By John L. Kachelman

Perhaps our fear of studying Revelation is found in the nature of its writing. John's writing form in Revelation is mysterious because it is "apocalyptic literature." This form of writing was quite common in ancient literature and there are several examples found in the Bible (cf. Ezekiel 2:8ff; 38-39; Isaiah 27, 33-35; Joel 3:9-17). Matthew 24; plus several chapters in Daniel, Zechariah, etc.). All of these texts use various symbols and vision to teach a primary lesson to God's people. The message contains hope, promise of reward to saints and doom to sinners. The fact of the Messiah's appearance and triumph are echoed throughout these writings. In the book of Revelation we find the largest segment of apocalyptic literature in the Bible.
Revelation is thus written in a "code" of visions and strange symbols to communicate the victory of the Messiah and the banishment of Satan. As John's readers received this revelation they would understand the symbols and be comforted in their struggles. The strange symbols would be confusing to political rulers and go uncensored to the struggling churches.
It is this format of writing that is the basis for Revelation's sad neglect. When the Bible reader comes to symbols such as rivers of blood, a huge Dragon able to sweep away one-third of heaven's stars or cast a flood from his mouth, it is hard to understand in a literal fashion. Or when he reads of a dragon, beast, and false prophet that each vomits up an evil spirit that is a frog and these frogs lead an immense army into battle, it is no wonder that many close the book shaking their heads in bewilderment. And yet this book was written to be understood! (1:3; 22:6,7).
As John's readers received this mysterious book they understood the message contained in its symbols and visions. In order for modern man to understand, the book's symbols must be viewed through the eyes of the first century saint.

Another consequence of the apocalyptic nature of Revelation has been the incessant fixing of specific events to the general symbols. This has led to much of the current confusion over the message of Revelation. For example, in every time- period someone has vainly tried to fix the "personal Anti-Christ" in Hi**er, Mussolini, Wilhelm, the Pope or some other prominent figure of history. It is also common to see events in the Middle East countries woven into the book of Revelation as the prophecy preachers see the "Russian Bear" aas the great army that invades Israel. It is a heyday in prophecy circles whenever major news items report conflicts between Israel and the Arabs. Innocent minds are caught in this confusion and the conflicting interpretations have sensationalized the book of Revelation so much that many feel a helpless ignorance. Upon observing these facts we ought to pay close attention to the apocalyptic symbols and carefully study so our interpretation will not add to the prevailing confusion.
A good rule of Bible study involving symbols is to interpret them on the conservative side. It is far better to err in being too conservative than to liberally interpret and twist them to fit a preconceived notion that is inconsistent with God's will. It is good to look at these symbols as one does a parable's elements. You should find the central message and allow detail to fit naturally. Following this rule you will find that not every detail of every symbol has a meaning. Thus it is foolish to attach a specific name (or country) to each horn of the beast, or to fix a personal name to be the "Anti-Christ," etc. Todo so is reckless study habits. We admit that it is foolish to do this with parables. For example, in the parable of the Good Samaritan the central message is that of "friendship." As the parable is interpreted we must focus on that point. If we try to attach specific interpretation to the elements of the parables that are not intended to teach a lesson (donkey, each piece of money, the dirt road, etc.) we enter into foolhardy Bible study. It will be admitted that many of the details in the parables are given as "fill in" material so the picture would be complete. Just as it is ridiculous to find a meaning for every detail of each parable it is ridiculous to think that every detail of every symbol and vision in Revelation has a specific meaning. In Revelation a theme is stated and then developed and then illustrated with abundant symbols. Some of the details are given for "fill-in" material to complete the picture, having no significance at all. If you will keep this fundamental point in mind as you study you will find the Revelation of John much easier to understand than previously thought.

COME AND VISIT WITH US HERE AT THE CHURCH OF CHRIST WHERE THE BIBLE IS LOVED AND THE GOSPEL IS PREACHED!!

05/07/2023

Lovely and colorful irises grace our building!
- Credit to Tommy Walker, Marked Tree’s resident green thumb!

04/19/2023

The only way you can be saved: