It Has Been Granted to You

It Has Been Granted to You

Eric Hamilton
Endurance, Persecution, Service, Trust

I often think of the hymn that has the line: “This world is not my home, I’m just a’passing through. My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue.” It and other similar sentiments can be helpful to us. It is especially helpful to me when I find I become too attached to this world. I have this bad habit of following politics. Politics has this tendency to make you angry, and if it doesn’t make you angry, it makes you depressed. It is helpful to be reminded in those times that the troubles of this world are temporary (and politics is often the most temporary of problems). The reminder that there is a permanent home of joy awaiting us can be of extreme comfort.

Bible Curiosity

Bible Curiosity

Greg Chandler
Study

“I hate studying history.” This is a statement I have heard on more than one occasion when someone learns that I spent much of my life teaching history. Over the years I have learned it is not really that a person hates “history”; instead, it is a hatred of the way history was taught. Likely, the one making such an assertion had a “just the facts” teacher who relished in dates, names, and filling-in-the-blank but had a gaping deficit in the ability to tell the story. Interestingly, the same thing that can lead one to “hate” history can also lead to “hating” Bible study.

Faith in God's Word

Faith in God's Word

Michael Molloy
Faith

Faith is the foundation upon which our salvation is built. According to Hebrews 11, one cannot please God if he does not have faith: “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him” (11:6). Why is it impossible to please God without faith?

Genuine

Genuine

Greg Chandler
Fellowship, Hypocrisy, Stewardship

Visiting Chinatown in New York City is an interesting experience. While some tourists are attracted to this neighborhood for the authentic cuisine, most visit to purchase brand-name merchandise. Oakley sunglasses, Rolex watches, and Coach purses are available at only a fraction of the cost; in fact, one could likely purchase one of each for under $100. There is only one problem; they are fake! Buyers are well aware that their purchases are cheap knockoffs of the original, which is part of the fun many have in their purchase. Still, owners of these brand names do not have the same level of enjoyment; the name and reputation they have worked hard to build are exploited and placed on something of inferior quality.

Redeemed By And Through Affliction

Redeemed By And Through Affliction

Eric Hamilton
Bitterness, Endurance, Faith

The holiday season is meant to be a time of joy and happiness in the year. Unfortunately, depression often can strike hardest this time of year, as well. And tragedies don’t automatically put on hold just because it’s supposed to be a “joyous time of year.” Dealing with the sadness and tragedies of life is difficult any time of the year, but perhaps even more pronounced during a festive season.

Did We Do Good to All?

Did We Do Good to All?

Greg Chandler
Service

Every year is unique and 2021 was no different. Within the past 12 months, the United States inaugurated a new president, faced variants of the COVID-19 virus, ended a war in Afghanistan, and sought to restart an economy that had been quarantined. One year ago, the Gooch Lane church met in the parking lot for worship, conducted classes online, and listened to sermons via podcast. Throughout this time, we had many join us in our work for the Lord, had couples who expanded their families through birth and adoption and lost some of our fellow soldiers of the cross. To say the least, it has been a memorable year.

The Character of God

The Character of God

Noble Harber
Patience, Nature of God

Have you ever gone on a long road trip? As you drove, did you notice historical markers along the way indicating past people and events? Admittedly, I generally drive past most of those historical markers. Once in a while, however, I will stop to read and consider the information that is provided.

Living Without Complaining

Living Without Complaining

Greg Chandler
Bitterness, Thankfulness, Trust

Two weeks ago, the following challenge was given:

Beginning today and each day until Thanksgiving, write down five blessings you enjoy in your life and give thanks for these in your prayers. Secondly, commit yourself to make no complaint or grumbling at least until Thanksgiving dinner. This means no grumbling about traffic, bills, government actions, or the like. It won’t be easy; are you up to it?

Did you take the challenge? If so, how did you do? The first part was likely easy; we are a people rich with blessings from God both spiritually and physically. However, the second may have proved more difficult; many things occur throughout each day that can elicit complaints with little forethought. If a few days of complaint free living proves difficult, is it possible to develop a lifestyle that remains free of it? The answer to this question is yes; although, a great deal of self-control is essential.

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