Shadyside Church of Christ

When Israel's long-awaited King finally arrived, He was not what many expected. His humble beginnings gave a sure preview of both the King Himself and His kingdom. From His birth in tiny Bethlehem and His being laid in a feeding trough to the wonder of lowly shepherds, everything pointed to something different.

 When the host ran out of wine at the wedding in Cana, Jesus performed a miracle to save the celebration and also a lot of embarrassment. But He didn't do for the host family what they could do for themselves. The Lord works the same way today with and through His people. We don't work alone, and we don't just stand around waiting for God to do something. We work our best, and He do...

The apostle John tells us that the Word became flesh. Jesus was the God-Man, the Human God - a true mystery. It is something which we have difficulty understanding, and probably never fully will. But the life which Jesus lived on the earth does show us two important things. His life reveals God to us. And His life reveals to us what we humans should be - absent our sin. Amazingly, they are the sam...

 Our look at God's qualifications and qualities required for elders/bishops continues. In this lesson we consider how this brother relates to others, his family situation, his reputation and his heart to serve. We are to remember that we are judging these brothers in comparison with the word of God and should do so with objectivity and with kindness. 

 The Holy Spirit provides two descriptions of the Christian man who qualifies as an elder/overseer/pastor in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:1-9. We will look at those concerning his faith and his character & conduct in this lesson. With a couple of exceptions, we could say that these would identify any person who was a mature Christian. 

 Being an elder in a congregation is not a position to be held but a work to be accomplished. There is the work of shepherding the flock, equipping the members for the work of service, teaching the word, encouraging the congregation and more. Their leadership is vital to the spiritual well-being of the church and to the accomplishing of its mission. 

 We have leaders in every organization, from the national government and the military down to the local mayor and the head of the Band Patrons. Leadership was God's idea, and throughout the Bible we see leaders functioning in every group. The leader of God's people today holds a unique position at the center of the leadership triangle. 

 Scripture teaches us that in various situations God's people need revival. This was true of Israel, but the New Testament has words of revival for the church of God as well. In coming out of the situation with COVID-19, we have opportunity to refocus on doing the will of God. Let us make honest evaluation and be guided by His word in what we should be doing. May the Lord revive us in His way...

 Jesus faced off with the devil in the wilderness. Satan tempted Him through His human weaknesses and even tried to separate the Son from His Father. But Jesus would have none of it. He beat the devil. We can learn from Jesus about how to beat the devil when we are in a spiritual wilderness. 

It has been said that it is difficult for some men to say "I love you." Now he might say that to his dog or his truck, but he has trouble saying it to his wife! Some words are difficult for us to say because they reveal our hearts and bind on us some action we must take. However, if we want our relationships to improve and if we want to be pleasing to God, we need to speak certain words...

 The cross is the centerpiece of the gospel. We see its symbol everywhere. Other than Jesus Himself, the cross is the focus of the Christian faith. But what does it mean? What is the message of the cross? It might surprise you. 

 Many people want a Jesus of their own making to fit their already held beliefs and preconceived ideas. Jesus doesn't allow for that. If you truly believe in Jesus, you have to believe all that He taught and said - even creation, Noah and the flood, Jonah and the big fish, and more. 

 The woman had an incurable bleeding which the world's doctors had only made worse. Upon hearing about Jesus, she saw Him as her only hope. Even a large crowd was not enough to keep her from reaching out and touching His garment. We all have an incurable "bleeding" which the world cannot cure - sin. Only Jesus can remove the guilt and provide the power to overcome sin in our lives....

In talking with the woman at the well in Samaria, Jesus put a new perspective on worship. The current "worship war" was about whether to worship at Mt Gerizim or in Jerusalem. Jesus said that worship was not to be about a place but about an inner attitude and approach to God - "in spirit and truth." Not only does worship not involve a particular place, but the priesthood and sa...

Throughout history, kingdoms which seemed invincible have fallen. Just now, Afghanistan has fallen. Let us rejoice and be thankful that the Lord God has given us a kingdom which not only will never fall, but is unshakeable - the kingdom of God.

Jesus of Nazareth was the Word of God who became flesh. As such, He was a perfect human being living without sin. John tells us that both grace and truth came by Him. Too many people, even in the church, want the grace He brought but not the truth. The fact of the matter is that you can't have the one without the other. Jesus brought them both.

 Filling in for Jeff is Church Elder Mike Bassaro. Please join us for his lesson "Let's Get Going!" 

Many Christians are upset that the gay community has adopted the rainbow as their symbol. Have they stolen the rainbow from God? Is that possible? What should be the Christian response? No surprise that we find our answers in scripture, and also discover that God is so far ahead of any of us as to make our heads spin!

 In the New Testament, the Greek word for "worthy" also supports the word for "weighty." What makes a person a worthy person or of substantial standing in people's eyes? Why are some people rightly seen as "light weights?" Is there potential for all of us to be worthy individuals? The answer to this last question may surprise you. 

 Christians are engaged in the greatest war and the longest war ever fought. It is also the war with the most at stake - ETERNITY! It should be our pledge to one another, as it is with our armed forces, that no one should be left behind. Do we have this kind of love and concern for one another? Are we fighting to win?! 

 John teaches that if we want to say that we know Jesus, then we need to keep His commandments and walk as He walked. This is more than just lifestyle choice and doing good deeds. This is also about purpose for living and the blessedness which comes from being a part of something bigger than yourself - namely doing the will of God on earth. 

 Peter is a great study for many different reasons. In this, he helps us discover and understand the four persons that we are at various times in our lives. God knows who we are, but how well do we know ourselves? 

 Most people acknowledge that freedom isn't license to to whatever we want. In spiritual matters, Jesus provides freedom from the guilt of sin and the power of the devil. But that freedom is not to be in self-serving pursuits but in lives of loving service to the Lord and to others. Free to become the people He intended us to be. 

 Most Christians can easily provide a definition of grace as unmerited favor, but do they grasp its full meaning? Do they try to comprehend the richness of God's mercy and the depth of His love which moved Him to make His offer of salvation through His Son? Do they adopt this same graciousness into their own interaction with others? Some serious questions. 

Jesus told His disciples to ask for things in His name, and they would receive them. Paul wrote that whatever Christians say or do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus. What's the point of using the name of Jesus?