Posts by Graeber Road Church of Christ
Confessing Our Sin
When we’ve sinned, whether against God or man, asking forgiveness is one of the most difficult things we must do. Godly sorrow, which works repentance (2 Cor 7:10), is difficult to come by when our reputation and our pride are at stake. Admitting we’re wrong is just plain hard! Pride is a gigantic boulder on the road to reconciliation. When relationships need to be mended, whether with God or men, we need to take heed how we try to mend.…
Our Righteous God
Our righteous God is terrible; His strength none can endure. He makes the haughty low with time; And elevates the pure. Were not the Lord upon our side, The flood would overwhelm. Were not the righteous God with us, A pilot at the helm. Our righteous God is terrible; His strength none can endure. He chastens those he loves with care, To make their faith secure. Were not the Lord upon our side, The flood would overwhelm. Were not the…
Faith When We’re Hurting
Stress. Pain. Anguish. Grief. The Christian experiences all of these emotions from time to time. How should our faith respond? Psalm 119:73-80 deals with our attitude toward affliction in light of the richness of God’s word. Notice the following: God gives life meaning (v.73) “Your hands have made me and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn Your commandments.” Not only has God created us, but His word enlightens us to our true purpose. Truly, that which honors…
Greetings
Some 21 times in Romans 16, Paul uses the word “greet” in sending kind regards to many brethren that he knows in Rome. Consider some of the people he greets: Those who risked their lives for Paul – Prisca & Aquila (Rom. 16:3). Various workers in the Lord – Mary (Rom. 16:6), Urbanus (Rom. 16:9), Tryphanaena and Tryphosa, and Persis (Rom. 16:12). Those who suffered with Paul – Andronicus, Junia (Rom. 16:7). Those who are well loved, but mostly unknown…
Jesus’s Most Challenging Questions
One of Jesus’ favorite teaching tools was to ask pointed questions of His listeners. Some of His greatest lessons are still “brought home” simply because He asks us to think deeply about truth. The Lord’s questions can cut quickly to the heart of a matter, and they are surely worthy of our study. Think upon these things: “Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise, take up your bed and walk?’”…
God’s People and Respect of Persons
James 2 is a chapter well-known and respected by Christians because of its discussion of faith and works (cf. 2:14-26). In that section of Scripture, faith that doesn’t express itself in outward action is “no good” and “can’t save” (vs. 14), “dead” (vs. 17), “useless” (vs. 20) and “as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so is faith without works” (vs. 26). There can be no living of a life well pleasing in the sight of God…
Philippines Mission Letter: January 2024
Click to download the letter. Dear Brethren, May this newsletter find you in good health and high spirits as we share the latest developments and blessings in our service to the Lord and our community. Our young members recently participated in a two-day workshop and seminar titled ‘Speaking and Writing for the Master,’ where they had the opportunity to hone their communication skills and effectively convey the message of God’s love through spoken and written word. Furthermore, our ongoing involvement…
A Spiritual Investment Invitation
Consider the great investments you can be a part of in January 28-31! Soul-Investment How is your soul doing so far this year? A great way to feed your hunger for righteousness (Mt. 5:6) and be filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5:18) is to spend time in God’s word together, glorifying Him in study and song. As we learn God’s word together, we are filled to speak God’s word to each other! Does your soul thirst to be before God…
Philippines Mission Letter: December 2023
Click to download the letter. Dear Brethren, As we step into this New Year, I hope it greets you with abundant blessings and joy. The men in our congregation experienced a truly uplifting and enriching time during a men’s retreat. This gathering provided us a unique opportunity to strengthen our relationships and deepen our bonds within the Lord’s family. Engaging in team-building exercises, singing, devotional sessions, and learning basic rescue skills made the fellowship both spiritually fulfilling and enjoyable. Similarly,…
Philippines Mission Letter: November 2023
Click to download the letter. Dear Brethren, May the Lord continue to bless and guide us as we labor together in His service. With the assistance of dedicated preachers and some members of their congregations, we successfully conducted an evangelism campaign through tract distribution in our community last month. Through these efforts, some individuals were receptive to the Word of God, engaging in brief, godly conversations, while others granted us permission to visit them for potential Bible studies in the…
Two Quick Reminders to Encourage Faith
The Bible is a real, ancient document. Scrutinized by the world, it has withstood the tests of its most ardent critics. We ought to take very seriously the claim of those writers who wrote God’s words and commands (2 Pet. 1:16-21; 3:14-18; 1 Cor. 14:37). Fact 1 – We have no “autographed” books of the Bible. Instead, we have thousands of copies. The New Testament Greek manuscripts alone number more than 5,800! Imagine having a single man say, “I did…
Our Hope (Part 2)
Our Hope can be defended – “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…” – 1st Peter 3:15 Our Hope is found in the gospel – “if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has…