East Main Church of Christ- Stratford, OK

08/20/2026

Finding Peace in the Chaos

Life will bring storms we don’t expect or understand. Jesus never promised a life without trouble, but He promised peace in the middle of it.

Our peace isn’t found in the absence of storms. It’s found in Christ, who has overcome the world.

“In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Thank you Chase Byrne for coming to speak!

08/13/2026

SIN & DEATH vs. GRACE & LIFE

Romans 5 gives us a powerful contrast: through Adam came sin and death, but through Jesus came grace and life.

And the good news is that sin does not get the final word: “Where sin abounded, grace abounded much more.” (Romans 5:20, NKJV)

Jesus has overcome sin and death and offers us something far greater: grace, righteousness, reconciliation, and eternal life.

The question for each of us is simple: Who is your ruler, sin or Christ?

📖 Romans 5:9–21
Trevan Willingham
East Main Church of Christ

08/09/2026

We were thankful to have Dallas with us and grateful for the two lessons he shared from God’s Word.

Both lessons brought us back to the heart of the gospel:

In “Coming to the Rescue,” we were reminded to see the lost, seek the lost, and lead people to Jesus—the One who can truly rescue them. There is joy in heaven when even one sinner comes home.

Then in “What Is Fair?” Dallas reminded us that salvation is not something any of us earn. Whether we have followed Christ for decades or come to Him late in life, we all stand before God on the same basis: the grace of God and the precious blood of Jesus Christ.

We don’t boast in how long we’ve worked. We don’t compare ourselves to others. We point people to Jesus.

God does the rescuing. We lead people to Him. And fairness begins and ends with Jesus.

Dallas, thank you for your work and for sharing God’s Word with us. We look forward to when you can visit again!

👉 Swipe through for highlights from both lessons.

“There is joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.”
— Luke 15:7, NKJV

“You were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold… but with the precious blood of Christ.”
— 1 Peter 1:18–19, NKJV

East Main Church of Christ
Love God. Love People. Make Disciples.

08/06/2026

07/28/2026

Faith in Christ doesn’t just change our future, it transforms how we live today.

In Romans 5, we are reminded of the incredible blessings that belong to those who have been justified by faith. Because of Jesus, we have peace with God, access to His grace, joy that endures even through trials, and the assurance of God’s unfailing love.

These aren’t promises reserved for perfect people. They are gifts given to those who trust in Christ. Even when we struggle with guilt, suffering, or feelings of unworthiness, the cross reminds us that Jesus has already made peace, poured out grace, and demonstrated God’s love once for all.

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8, NKJV)

May we choose to walk in the peace He provides, stand confidently in His grace, rejoice with hope, and rest in the love that was proven at the cross.

07/25/2026

There is a difference between saying a prayer and trusting the God to whom we pray.

In this lesson, we were reminded that prayer isn’t about eloquent words, public recognition, or saying the “right” things. Prayer is about humbly approaching God with faith, believing that He hears, cares, and answers according to His will.

Jesus taught His disciples to pray with hearts focused on God’s glory, daily dependence, forgiveness, and deliverance from evil. He also reminded us that our prayers should be marked by humility, sincerity, and a willingness to forgive others.

One question challenged us all:

When you pray, do you truly believe God is listening?

“And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” (Matthew 21:22, NKJV)

Thank you to Zach Minson for encouraging us to examine not only whether we pray, but how we pray with faith, humility, and confidence in our Heavenly Father.

07/22/2026

One of the greatest strengths of the church isn’t that everyone is the same, it’s that God uses faithful people from every stage of life for the work of His Kingdom.

At East Main Church of Christ, twelve different men regularly teach and preach God’s Word. They range in age from their 20s to their 80s. Some began teaching when they were just teenagers. They come from different occupations, educational backgrounds, and life experiences.

Yet they all stand before the congregation with the same purpose: to open God’s Word and teach His truth. That’s discipleship.

When a congregation encourages men to grow, study, and teach, it doesn’t just strengthen the church today, it prepares the next generation to do the same.

Our goal isn’t simply to have good sermons. It’s to equip disciples who will teach their families, encourage one another, and share the gospel with others.

“And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” — 2 Timothy 2:2 (NKJV)

At East Main CofC, we’re thankful for every person who is willing to study, serve, and teach. Together, we’re striving to build a congregation where disciples make disciples.

07/19/2026

“What is your job description as a Christian?”

Every job comes with expectations. It requires preparation, commitment, and continual growth. The same is true for following Christ.

Paul reminded the Christians at Philippi, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). Christianity isn’t a Sunday activity, it’s a daily calling. We are called to obey, to grow, to shine as lights in a dark world, and to live in a way that points others to Jesus.

The world doesn’t just need people who say they believe. It needs Christians whose faith can be seen in the way they live.

“If you don’t like being a Christian, you won’t be happy. But when you understand what Christ has done for you, serving Him becomes a joy.”

May we never stop learning, never stop growing, and never forget that our greatest work is serving the One who first loved us.

“Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault… among whom you shine as lights in the world.” (Philippians 2:14–15, NKJV)

07/10/2026

“God’s Word doesn’t just inform us… it transforms us. But transformation happens when we stop rushing through Scripture and begin letting Scripture shape us.”

How often do we read God’s Word without slowing down long enough to let it change us?

Our Sunday morning speaker reminded us that biblical meditation isn’t emptying our minds, it’s filling our hearts with God’s truth. Like Joshua was instructed to meditate on God’s law day and night (Joshua 1:8), we’re called to dwell on His Word until it shapes our thoughts, our decisions, and our lives.

Reading the Bible is essential. Studying the Bible is essential. But there is also great value in quietly reflecting on what God has said, praying through it, and asking how it should change us.

A transformed life begins with a transformed mind.

“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” (Romans 12:2, NKJV)

Thank you, Joe Willingham, for encouraging us to slow down, seek God more deeply, and allow His Word to produce lasting fruit in our lives.

07/07/2026

Some of the hardest voices to silence are the ones reminding us of our past.

In Zechariah 3, Joshua the high priest stood before God clothed in filthy garments while Satan stood ready to accuse him. The accusations were real. Joshua was guilty.

But God did something unexpected. He rebuked the accuser, removed Joshua’s filthy garments, and clothed him in rich robes.

That same hope is found in Jesus Christ.

The gospel doesn’t pretend our sin isn’t real. It declares that through the blood of Christ our guilt can be forgiven, our shame removed, and our identity made new.

“Take away the filthy garments from him… See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes.”
(Zechariah 3:4, NKJV)

We hope this truth encourages you today: Your past doesn’t have the final word. God’s grace does.

We’d love to worship with you this Sunday at East Main Church of Christ.