Shadyside Church of Christ

John wrote his first letter for four reasons. The second reason was that his readers would not sin. With his having asserted that forgiveness in Christ was freely available to them, this might seem a bit strange, but John lays out his case for not sinning. Sin puts a person in the devil's camp and works against the purposes of Christ. Sin harms our brothers and sisters when we fail to attend...

In his first letter, John noted three reasons why he had written "these things." In our day, we could say John "tweeted out!" One reason he wrote was to stir up joy in his Christian readers who were facing all sorts of adversity. He gave them at least five reasons why they should have this deep joy and blessedness which can only come from God. Christians today also need to know...

Whether we realize it or not, we are all in a pitched battle against evil - even God. But God knows how to win, and He has shown His people what is needed to win this fight against evil. In comparing King David and Christ Jesus, we can see the same elements which were present with each of them as they fought against their enemies. These same things are available to us in our fight today.

Many prayers go unanswered. Many of your prayers are still unanswered. Why is that? What makes for effective prayer? Is there a formula for prayer which moves God to answer? Do we need to do something out of the ordinary (like fasting) to get God's attention? The prophet Elijah provides a good example for us about what makes for effective prayer. There's nothing strange about it, but it...

God's generosity toward man prompted by His love has always been incredible. From life itself to such things as family, beauty in creation, variety of foods, friendship, etc., God has truly blessed mankind. But Paul writes of unfathomable riches which are found in heavenly places. Do we see the richness of salvation, forgiveness of sins, the gift of the Holy Spirit, being adopted as God'...

The Bible has much to say about the use of wealth and the dangers of trusting in it. Money and the ability to make money are gifts from God, and we are to use our money for good and not just to lavish on ourselves. It is easy to begin to trust in money since it has so much "power" to get things. But the word of God also speaks of "true riches." What might these be, and how do I...

The apostle Paul was very mindful of his past sins, wrote of them openly and considered himself the foremost of sinners. But he didn't dwell on those sins because he also remembered His Savior Jesus who showed him grace and mercy, and even gave him a special work to do in the kingdom. Christians need to remember their sins so as not to grow self-righteous and to be reminded of the great Savio...

The Holy Spirit teaches us that those who become Jesus' disciples are to be conformed to His image. This brings some questions to mind. What exactly does that mean? How would a person know if they were becoming like Jesus? If we look at what Jesus was doing while on the earth, we can get a good idea of what the image looks like. When we have compassion for those in need and have concern for t...

God has provided food for humanity from the beginning. It was fruit and vegetables until after the great flood when meat was added to man's diet. Food played a major role in Israel's beginning and in its religious life. Jesus' ministry often focused around food. His parable about the great dinner in the kingdom of heaven should give us all "food" for thought. What He promi...

The more things change, the more they remain the same. We've all heard this, but it's also quite true. Of course, God doesn't change nor His gospel. But despite what some people like to think, we humans are still the same as in years gone by. We have the same fears, doubts, sorrows; joys, pleasures and satisfactions. Sure, they might come in a different package today, but the mind a...

The world these days is troublesome and filled with trouble. From international tensions, to domestic problems, to personal difficulties - there is much to be anxious about. And people seek all sorts of ways to find peace: thru drugs, meditation techniques and various forms of escapism. Jesus promised peace to His followers but not in a way in which the world seeks peace. What is Jesus' way t...

To a great extent, Jesus' life was laid out for Him as He was bound to fulfill the prophecies which were written about Him. He was destined to receive glory, but the road which led to His glory wound through three places - Gethsemane, Gabbatha and Golgotha. At each of these stops on the road, Jesus was tested as He came closer and closer to the glory which awaited Him.

What's in a name? A great deal! Names evoke images and feelings because they bring to mind past experience. When someone mentions our favorite restaurant or beverage, certain thoughts, images, smells, tastes come to mind. In the Bible, we are taught that many things must be done "in the name of Jesus." This is because He has been given all authority, and using His name invokes that...

Sometimes we wonder (It's only human to do so) whether our sweat, sacrifice and tears for the way of Christ will be worth it. The Holy Spirit throughout scripture repeatedly gives the people of God assurance that the blessings of life eternal will far out weigh any troubles in this life. In Revelation 21:7 we find a three-fold promise made to the people of God who overcome the rigors of an ev...

Jesus taught two ways of life and only two - one leading to destruction and one leading to life. The way to destruction is a broad way with a wide gate for entry, and many travel on it. The way to life is a narrow, difficult way with a narrow gate for entry, and few people find it. Jesus' words imply that the broad road always leads to destruction - that it cannot lead to life. So what is thi...

Christians hear a lot of sermons about putting on the whole armor of God, but not so many about how to actually fight the devil. James talks about resisting the devil, but how do we do that? Every time we choose good over evil, right over wrong, to help and not to turn away - we punch the devil in the face and stick a knife in his belly. Words of encouragement, prayer, sharing the gospel and acts...

God has confounded the wise men of the world at every turn in the road. And He has certainly done this in the way He has chosen to save the human race - through a man dying on a cross! The Jew stumbles all over this idea - "Cursed!" he says. The Greek says it makes no sense - "Foolish!" But the Christ of God dying on a cross is the wisdom and power of God - so that no one may b...

Many people have a "bucket list" of things they want to accomplish before they die (or "kick the bucket"). These could range from traveling to some foreign country or famous city to seeing some natural wonder like the Grand Canyon or some man-made structure like the pyramids. Maybe something like sky diving or skiing in the Alps. In the Bible, God gives us a different kind of &...

Kings, presidents, princes, etc. have always boasted of their accomplishments. Whether it's been wars waged, jobs created or people helped in disasters, credit is taken by those in power. All such leaders would do well to remember that the Lord God still rules the nations and uses them to accomplish His will. It was true for the King of Assyria in the days of Hezekiah, and it's still tru...

In His last hours, Jesus prayed for unity of believers and said such unity would be a powerful witness to the world that God had sent Him. Often we speak of such unity in terms of having the same beliefs and practices as set forth in scripture. Although these are a must, Paul wrote of unity which was based on spiritual truths but expressed in another way - through humility with self-effacing conce...

It is custom in various situations to stand up to honor an individual. In the military, when a senior officer enters a venue, the troops come to attention. We stand up at a wedding when the bride enters. Although God loves all people, some of His own have given Him special delight, and He honored them in various ways, often speaking about them personally or through a prophet. In one instance, it i...

Despite the railings of people of the world to the contrary, God is good and has given us all things to enjoy. From life itself, daily comforts and family relationships to the opportunity for eternal life, every good thing is from God. "Taste and see that the Lord is good."

The psalmist ponders: "What is man that you take thought of him?" It is a question which we all need to consider. What is our purpose here and God's reasons for creating man and giving him life? To simply assume our own existence is to risk missing the reason for our being here. A better question might be: Who is this God who would create a being in His image and offer glory to him?...

In the days of Elisha the prophet, only one person was cleansed of their leprosy, and that was a Syrian by the name of Naaman. God performed many miracles through Elisha, so how did it come about that this man was the only leper cleansed? And he was not an Israelite! It's an intriguing story with many players involved. It also holds a great lesson for us today.

The rule of Satan in the world has brought about the oppression of mankind in hundreds of ways: bondage to sin, disease, hunger, hopelessness, wasted lives, abuse, distortion of reality, coercive religion - you name it, he's done it! Jesus came to free us not just from our mire of sin but from all oppression of the devil. We see Him healing, teaching the truth about life and challenging the o...