Ben Church of Christ

Some elements of the Old Covenant are found in the new. What about the Sabbath and what was required to keep it holy? And are we bound to the formula(s) related to giving and offerings?

We consider the why behind the reasons for some of the decisions made when it comes to our worship and service to our God.

The subject of covenants continues in this week's visit as we go back to the beginning, see how a covenant was established, then broken, the cost and the redemption options that came in time.

"To the fourth generation" is a reference used in the Old Testament looking forward to a generation that likely will have minimal influence from the current. We consider the influence and possible impact we might have.

Our relationship with our creator is based on grace but aslo covenants. We consider some of the more known examples of these agreements to include Noah, Abraham and Moses as a shadow of our role today.

We continue a look into the 23rd Psalm, this time considering the perspective of the Shepherd.

We continue taking an overview of final writings of Paul as well as the remaining Books of the Bible. Our goal is to gain a general sense of what was given to man as a guide for his life after becoming a Christian.

Some of the most powerful life lessons come from the simplest of teachings. We consider the relationship sheep have with a shepherd - the 23rd Psalm.

We start a look at what happens after one is converted. Where the first four books of our Bible cover the coming and life of Christ, then the Acts of the Apsotles, we then see the application. This comes mostly from the pen of the Apostle Paul. We start with an overview of the first several letters gaining an brief glimpse at some of the key topics in answering "Now What?"

Without faith it is impossible. We revisit this element of our walk as we look at examples of old....

There is a term used over 100 times in the New Testament. What it is, the subject that can make use of it, and the reasoning are all detailed without question. Yet we have seen every revealed reasoning changed. We read to understand about the act of Baptism.

This is the second part of a lesson on conversion, putting off the old and putting on the new.

This is the message from Christ, repeated several times through the first century. It can easily get lost in the shadows of conversion though it can be the foundation for our faith.

The concept of a journey is used when considering the blessing of life here and now. What defines our path, our destination and our daily steps are considered.

The concept of born again brings the idea of a previous life and a new life. We consider that transformation in dealing with the old.

Something that is not a requirement would be considered an option or an accessory. When we read of the act of baptism, was this something that was accepted as an add-on, not required, not necessary? We consider the conversion of the jailer of acts 16 to answer the question of thje purpose of baptism.

The events that come at the end of this era are often in discussions. We consider what is said, and not said, about those end time events preceeding the second coming of Christ.

We continue reading of the journeys and experiences of Paul. He finds himself beaten and locked in Prison. Did he play the victim - no! He and Silas prayed and sang in the middle of the night. While Paul had experiences greater than we can imagine, our faith is built on the same as his. We consider Paul's choices to remain full of faith.

Love is a term with varying definitions. It is the verb Christ used in summarizing all of the old law - loving God and loving our Neighbor. We consider this attribute that should be first in our all.

We continue our venture through the Acts of the Apostles, the events immediately following the ascention of Jesus back to his Father's side. As we continue to read through, it appears that the Apostles forgot about an important event in their delivering of the answer to, "What must I do to be saved?" There was an example that we know well, that they seemed to overlook.

As a child of the Most High, we have blessings and priveledges. One of those is the avenue of communicating with our Creator - prayer.

Understanding what the first converts to Christianity encountered can give a new meaning to the foundation that was established on which the church was built and where we stand.

The parable of the workers in the vineyard is a bold illustration that applies to the expecations of followers of Christ. Among the many titles we can carry is that of a husbandman - a worker in the vineyard.

The recounts of conversion start to give way to travels that bring conflict to the messengers of Christ. Yet while the noise against them grew louder, the faith of belivers grew stronger. The Gospel is now on the move - to all nations.

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ. Thoughts preceed action or works. Having pre-sets serve as the foundation on which all else sits.