Ben Church of Christ

At the onset of the ministryn of Christ is the statement, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." What did this mean to those listening? And how do we apply this to the time of Christ onward?

Christ was a master teacher. We can learn from not just his words, but his mannerisms in dealing with people, how he responded, and his silence. This skill is one that is hard to master, but is among the commandments given to man. We consider listening loudly in this episode. Thx for listening!

Between hearing something that upsets us and actually getting upset and/or reacting, there is a gapt. And what takes place during this gap has a tremendous impact on our emotions and actions. What happens during that gap - we make up stories. This foundation is mercy but the focal point is how far we can go when we know so little. Ten of the twelve tribes of Israel give us our example.

Life is short, James refers to it as steam that is here and gone. Time can be a good teacher, and with time and learning we can come to a greater sense of what is important. So, what is our reason for being?

Hundreds of do this and not do that? Does the popular vote turn wrong to right or right to wrong? How does our place among family, friends, and society play into our decisions? God's could have made man knowing from the womb - rather his method to guide man includes giving man the ability to disregard, aka free will.

What it takes to get the title of Evil has evolved over the years. Evil is mostly seen in relationships either among one another or groups of people/organizations. How we treat others is often the focal point. And at the center of the decisions is me, myself, and I.

How bad does one have to be to reach that "evil" stage? We remind ourselves of how lines are drawn, and how they should be drawn. And how these lines should bring together rather and cause divisions.

Creation complete and the report was, "This is good!" And it was for a time - until man opted to try that which was forbidden. Does he see Good and Evil / draw the lines in the same place as man? And exactly what was/is the plan for man as we continue to be tempted by the forbidden?

Relationships are vital to our existence. On occasion, our lives can be shaken, like 9/11/2001 when priorities are shifted. So, when we look at God and see him looking back at us - what do we see?

When considering all that man has asked to do, that list can get lengthy. Yet there are some terms that help get our minds in a place that memorizing a list is less crucial. We consider the term Holy and how it applies to man in light of our Holy God.

The Golden calf is possibly the most known idol. But an Idol does not have to be a physical representation. What gets your most attention, devotion, time, concern, care - those are the things that give reason for living. While the calf might not be in our household, other forms of idols certainly are present and present modern-day challenges.

A crime is more serious when one has spent time and thought planning it out. So, is sin just sin, or can one find himself in a deeper hole after forethought and consideration?

This is the time of year that "Pomp and Circumstance" makes the playlist as seniors grasp for that hard-fought diploma. If you attend a graduation ceremony - why? We consider the reasoning while looking at where honor fits among God's creation.....

Titus records that we should live soberly, righteously and Godly. In this light, what does Godly bring that the other two do not already illustrate? This is an interesting term that can be difficult to grasp, but its true meaning is foundational in our life as a child of our Heavenly Father.

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; We consider the second word in the series of three in telling us how we should live - righteously.

While the majority believe in Heaven, is our concept of Heaven correct?

How many words would it take to give a good summary of what God expects of his children? There are three - just three that are used that give a good overview and summary - the first is sober. We consider....

The 23rd Psalm is known possibly more than most - yet the strength we can gain from understanding the depth of the concept of the Lord as our Shepherd.

We can have attributes that include the key attributes that represent the Divine. We recently talked of Grace. Two others that we consider this week is love and foregiveness.

While some things of God are hidden, there are traits of his nature, character that are revealed. This "Divine Nature" is something that has been promised to us. What significance is this and what are some of these traits that our God has that we too could - and should - have?

Cain's sin changed the plan of God to use Seth. While Cain's family had success in some ways, they continued on the path of going against God.

The book of Acts not only tells us what we must do to be saved but also what we must continue to do as members of the Body of Christ.

We continue our thought in Marks of Distinction. Building on the recent study of God, the creator and master of all, the Holy Bible, the coming of the Messiah and then those that gave the ultimate sacrifice to what they had committed. What of the word? We consider the purpose of the word, the plan of the word and where the challenges can lie.

Living our lives differently than we did prior to our conversion, in control, with focus, knowledge and patience.....