Steens Church of Christ

05/24/2026

What does Love really look like when put to the test - Sunday morning worship - 4/24/26 - Tim Gentle

05/17/2026

05/10/2026

What does Love really look like? Sunday morning worship - 5/10/26 - Tim Gentle

12/15/2025

NEVER INTENDED TO QUIT
Gus Nichols, Deceased
A man who had not attended one service of the church in four years told me he never thought of “quitting” the church. I reminded him that he had already (1) withdrawn his presence from its services, (2) refused to give his moral support to the activities of the congregation, and (3) had withdrawn his financial support, for he had not given one dime to help carry on the Lord’s work.
Then I asked what else would you have to do in order to “quit” the church? In case you ever decide that you no longer desire to be a member, what other steps will be necessary for you to take? Just what else will be necessary to “quit” the church?
As his true status dawned upon him, his expression reflected his sober thoughts, he replied, “Why Brother Nichols, I’ve already quit, haven’t I? Well, I surely didn’t mean to! And I don’t know when I did it, but I’ve quit the Lord and His church! I’ll tell you right now: I’m coming back!” He did, too. At the next service he was restored and three years later, he was still faithful.
Dear reader, how about you? Have you quit the Lord and His church without resolving to do so? Perhaps no one deliberately decides to quit, while many carelessly drift into backsliding. If you have (1) quit attending services, (2) quit boosting the program of activities planned by the elders, and (3) quit giving as God has prospered you to enable the congregation to meet it’s budget, you need to be restored. ---Via The McLoud Messenger, 10-I 5-00, McLoud, OK

12/13/2025

DON'T STAY AWAY FROM CHURCH:

Written By: Author Unknown

Because you are poor. There is no admission charge.
Because you are rich. Sin is found in every financial position.
Because it rains. You go to work in the rain.
Because it is hot. It's hot at your house, too.
Because it is cold. It is warm arid friendly inside.
Because the church needs money. So does your grocer.
Because no one invited you. People go to the movies all the time without being invited.
Because you have little children. We love them, too.
Because you don't like the preacher. He is human like you.
Because you are tired from your job. You would lose your job for staying home for the same reason.
Because the pews are hard and the service is too long. Many who make this complaint can sit for hours in a football stadium cheering in inclement weather and feel wonderful when they go home. It depends on what you have come to give to the experience, doesn't it?
Because there are hypocrites. You associate with them daily.
Because you have company. They will admire you to bring them along.
Because you want a "little vacation." Would you want the Lord to come during that "vacation"?
Because you don't have the clothes. We are not a fashion show.
Because you feel like you can't live up to the "standard." "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast" (Eph. 2:8-9).
Because you don't have the time. We all have eternity.

11/01/2025

HAVE YOU MADE PLANS FOR TOMORROW?

Today is Saturday. Many people are enjoying the first day of their weekend. There will be rest, recreation, shopping, fun, and a host of other things done today.

Question: Are you also planning for tomorrow?

Tomorrow is Sunday.
It is the Lord's Day.
It is the day the saints assemble for worship.

"And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight" (Acts 20:7). This verse plainly reveals that the first-century church came together on the first day of the week for worship. When the inspired penman wrote to the Hebrew Christians, he exhorted them not to forsake this assembly (Heb. 10:25). Instead of forsaking, they should be present in order to "consider one another to provoke unto love and good works" (Heb. 10:24).

Yes, tomorrow will soon be here. Are you making plans to be in the assembly of the saints? If not, why not?

Is there someone in your life more important than God?
Is there something you must do other than worship your Creator?
Is your heart somewhere other than focused on the Lord?
Does the world appeal to you more than spiritual things?
Are you convinced that worshiping God has few, if any, benefits?
Has someone done more to bless your life than God has?

Tomorrow will come and go. God seeks individuals who will worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24). He will know exactly who was there and who was not. He will know precisely why a person was there and why he was not.

Dear reader, I hope you are of the number who wilrl say in the morning: "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord" (Ps. 122:1).

09/16/2025

Come Back Home
By Brad Harrub, Ph.D.

There are moments in life that jar us awake—moments that shake us to the core and remind us how fragile life truly is. The recent shooting of Charlie Kirk has been one of those moments for many. Maybe you’ve been away from church for years. Maybe you drifted slowly, or maybe you stormed out and never looked back. Perhaps decades ago someone in the church wounded you, or maybe you were simply running from the faith of your parents.

But now, in the shadow of tragedy, something inside you is stirring. You’re asking eternal questions again. You’re remembering how short life is and how quickly it can be taken. Friend, don’t ignore that tug on your heart. That’s not coincidence. That is God calling you home.

The Bible declares: “It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). None of us knows the day or the hour. Charlie didn’t. You don’t. I don’t. What matters is not how long you live, but whether you are right with the Lord when your time comes.

So where do you start? How do you rebuild a faith that’s been neglected—or maybe never built at all? Let me offer a clear, simple path back to God:

1. Start with the Word of God
Don’t run to self-help books. Don’t drown yourself in endless podcasts. Go straight to the source. I would recommend you begin in the Gospel of John. It was written “that you might believe.” Read about Jesus—His life, His miracles, His compassion, His sacrifice. Read slowly. Take notes. Write down your questions. Remember what Paul told Timothy: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).

2. Make Sure you Understand the Gospel
The Gospel is not complicated. It is the good news that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died for your sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day (Read 1 Corinthians 15:1–8). He is real. He really did die for you. He really did conquer death. And because of His sacrifice, forgiveness is possible. You don’t have to live chained to guilt, shame, or fear.

3. Be Honest in Prayer
Prayer isn’t about polished words—it’s about a relationship and pouring out your heart. Speak to God honestly. Thank God for sparing your life. Confess where you’ve strayed. Ask for strength to stay the course! If you’ve been away for years, don’t pretend with God. He already knows. Pray like David: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10).

4. Start Good Habits
Set aside 10–15 minutes each day to read the Bible. Start small, but be consistent. Again, John’s Gospel was written “that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:31). As you read, ask two questions:
• What does this teach me about God?
• What does this teach me about myself and what I must do?

5. Return to the Church
Christianity was never designed to be lived alone. Find a faithful congregation that teaches the Bible without compromise—not watered down, not entertainment-driven, but the truth of God’s Word. Not a made-made religion, but His church! Come together to worship and praise Him. You need a church family that will encourage you, challenge you, and walk with you. Hebrews 10:25 warns us not to neglect assembling together. If it means going forward and repenting of a life of sin have the humility to do that—and embrace the forgiveness that comes with that!

6. Obey the Gospel!
If you’ve never obeyed the Gospel, now is the time. Jesus taught that faith must lead to repentance, confession, and baptism for the forgiveness of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3–4). That’s how you move from death to life—how you are clothed with Christ.

And if you’ve already done that but wandered away, then repent and return. God promises: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

7. Surround Yourself with Truth-Tellers
Don’t settle for shallow friendships. Seek out faithful Christians who will encourage you, study with you, and hold you accountable. Walk with people who will love you enough to tell you the truth, even when it hurts. It may mean you have to leave some of your old friends behind, but hopefully your new life with impact them to change as well. Find individuals who will help you grow and who will love on you, even during the hard times! Start having coffee and sharing meals with these people!!

8. Live Transformed
Coming back isn’t about warming a pew—it’s about following Jesus daily. That means daily surrender, taking up your cross, and following Him (Luke 9:23). It means walking away from sin, even when the world celebrates it. Will you immediately get it right and live perfectly from now on? Not likely. But try every day to be more Christ-like. When you fail, admit it and then turn back to Him! Living transformed means shining your light so that others see Christ in you (Luke 9:23).

9. Go Make Disciples
The Gospel was never meant to stop with you. Once you’ve obeyed the truth, share it. Teach it. Live it out loud. Jesus gave the Great Commission so that others could find the same hope you’ve found.

Friend, don’t waste this moment. Don’t let the stirring in your heart fade back into the noise of everyday life. Tragedies like this remind us that eternity is only a breath away. But the Gospel reminds us that in Christ, eternity is secure.

Today can be the day you come home. Open your Bible. Fall to your knees. Reach out to faithful Christians who will walk beside you. And above all, obey the Lord while you still have time.
“Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2).

08/11/2025

WHAT I CAN'T DO ON SUNDAY, I CAN DO ON MONDAY

Sunday: I can' t get up early to go to worship.
Monday: I can get up early to get to work.

Sunday: I can't sit through a Bible class.
Monday: I can sit through a training class for a promotion.

Sunday: I can't sit through three hours of worship.
Monday: I can sit through three hours of a ballgame.

Sunday: I can't give liberally to the church.
Monday: I can go see my favorite performer at the theatre.

Sunday: I can't be around people.
Monday: I can go to the mall and Walmart.

Sunday: I can't take off my job and lose money for worship.
Monday: I can take off my job and lose money for a birthday party.

Sunday: I can't bring my noisy children to worship service.
Monday. I can bring my noisy children to the movie theater.

Sunday: I can't make a trip to assisted living facility.
Monday: I can get in an extra walk or exercise class.

There appears to be something magical that happens after individuals go to sleep on Sunday nights.

Their bodies are stronger.
Their wills are more determined.
Their attitudes are better.
Their hurts are healed.
Their excuses vanish.
Their batteries are recharged.
Their obstacles are conquered.
Their priorities are very clear.

Yes, a good Sunday night's rest does wonders. What could not be done on Sunday can be accomplished on Monday. It would be wonderful if we could put some of that magical power into our Saturday nights.
(From Victor Eskew--Doug)

07/27/2025

Join the livestream at 7:15 for our Sunday evening lesson with Tim Alsup.