Ben Church of Christ

There are some things about how a child can think and act that we miss at times. Maturity can be painful for some - some more than others. We are warned about some of these childish ways in our dealings with one another and how we approach our Maker. We consider the challenge of being an adult while retaining child-like qualities.

Christ called attention to a child when referencing what the kingdom is like? This lesson was to adults. Let's consider a few characteristics of a child to apply what Christ was referencing. Some true characteristics might not be so obvious, but some great lessons can be learned by just considering the ways of a child.

Christ's mission to earth came "in the fullness of time" as part of God's plan to bring freedom to all nations. Up until the time of Christ's coming, the seed of Abraham was God's people, yet the Message of Christ was for to bring to pass that promise that all nations be blessed. While we are not born into the family of God as His only begotten Son is, we are brought into...

A more convenient time. Almost your persuaded me. These are two replies to Paul from two different people in related situations. Finding the right place and time have risen in importance. Some want to hang on to God with one hand and life in the other in an effort to appease both. How is that working out?

There is a constant pursuit to be pleasing to some entity. Knowing the subject of that focus is crucial. Self continues to rise in the popularity ratings. We consider the danger in letting selfies take control.

We revisit Genesis 6 and the chaos that was in the world that led to the destruction of all but 8 souls. Though the story is likely known well by many, the details often can lose focus - we revisit for a reminder.

The issue with those in the lesson of the Tower of Babbel often focuses on the issue of the tower. But the bigger issue was the purpose. One purpose was to build it to heaven, but the second purpose was the bigger issue.

While a small fraction of mankind made themselves to be a god over time, even more play the role. How so? By injecting what they think should be done in place of what God has stated. The definition of an idol is actually very fitting in showing reverence to something other than God.

Cain and Abel are among the first lessons learned. When one's offerings pleased God and he found favor, the brother was very unhappy. So distraught that his decline took him to the point of taking his brother's life. They both heard, but their application went different ways.

The foundation on which we build is not seen, yet the results of the strength of this crucial element is always at play. We consider a basic, yet important teaching of Christ as he neared the end of the Sermon on the Mount - the wise man and foolish man with foundations of rock and sand.

That phrase is certainly aligned with an insurance commercial with a famous lizard. But the reality is just a few moments could have a big impact. There is a determining factor - not just hearing something but listening. Let's consider the parable of the Sower...

The Bible can be considered mostly rules and regulations, but actually, it is more about relationships than rules. One example we read of is one of the writes of Psalms. This author gave an incredible account of the challenges he faced. And these challenges never really made it to the surface yet had a profound impact. And the turning point is most interesting in how he managed to come back from a...

Good parents? Good education? Strong grandparents? Leaders in church that actually lead? These among others often make the list of strong influences in our life. And rightfully so, yet there is an example of one that had none of those yet still had an incredible journey with his relationship with God. Let's talk about king Josiah.....

James encourage us to count it all joy when we are tested? Why is that? The hardest, darkest point in our life - is good? Let's consider.

Living in the land of the free, we hear the term "rights" thrown around frequently these days. When it comes to religion, does anything goes? As long as a bible is seen, and "Jesus" is named - check the box as accepted? Let's consider what some of the first "preachers" had to say...

We can learn a lot from history. God's chosen generation was challenged with following God. Yet they also seemed to refuse to completely turn their back on him. Let's take some reading from Jeremiah and see just how close it applies to our world today.

We want to believe in the all-sufficiency of the Bible. Yet we can struggle with some of the teachings... So what about believing God while holding to some of the world?

God's foolishness is greater than man's wisdom. We continue the look into "The fool has said in his heart there is no God." We contrast God's perspective with that of man.

Out with the old and in with the new. Where did it all come from? Is there religious significance? Is there religious IN-significance. The history is interesting - let's take a look....

The fool had said in his heart there is no God. The fool is not just one that does not believe in God, but does not believe God. The fool is one that refuses to listen, makes up their own path and sets their own boundaries. A fool can believe God, just not serve him while maintaining they are serving him. Let's consider how we can believe in God and still be foolish.

Saul was a zealous believer in God - even when he didn't believe in His Son? The process of his conversion is interesting - yet not totally unique in the end. Let's look at this man that went about doing what he thought was good - only to become the strongest supporter of the one he vehemently opposed. 

The world we live in wants us to believe that we would be better off without believers. Let's consider the cost of being a Christian and the return of that investment.

God gave Israel ten commandments on stone. The answer the question, "What must I do to be saved" ends up with a list of that differs depending on whom one might ask. A simple illustration can help us better understand.

Many religious organizations have baptism as some part of it’s plans or processes. As we have discussed in the past, not everyone holds the same reasoning behind it. Some say it has nothing to do with our service to God, that is an option. So baptize babies - non believers. Some immerse, others sprinkle. Some believe it is part of being-born again – others no significance what-so-ever. Yet – inter...

When considering the Kingdom of Christ, some believe that is has yet to come. Adding that Christ will establish his Kingdom when he returns to the city of Jerusalem at his second coming. Let's open our Bibles and consider the Kingdom of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords......