Posts by Graeber Road Church of Christ (Page 7)
Redeeming the Time
Near the end of each year, or the beginning of a new year, it is not uncommon for newspapers, magazines, or television news programs to focus on highlights, events, and people who made news during the previous twelve months. Such reports may also include predictions about what will happen in the future. As you would expect, some of the predictions are way off track. Here is an example from one, some years ago. It was predicted that, by this time,…
The Lord’s Supper: Save it from COVID-19
One of the most disruptive things to me about COVID -19 has been the Lord ’s Supper. For more than forty years, I’ve had a structured meditation for the Lord ’s Supper. There are reflections while I’m eating the bread and another series of thoughts for the fruit of the vine. During the year, we’ve visited other churches that use the individual packages with the bread and fruit of the vine. In many of those, the one presiding provided very…
Philippines Mission Letter: November 2021
Click to download the letter. Dear Brethren, It is our hope and prayer that things are going well with you all. Our loved ones, relatives, prospects, and every one of us here at Calasiao Town Proper church of Christ are so grateful and thankful for the continued love, kindness, and generosity of our brethren who sent funds to help support us from the flooding in our town in the latter part of October this year. With the funds given, we…
Foundations for Deuteronomy (Part 2)
To put your finger on the pulse of the Old Testament, look to Deuteronomy! Last month we noticed two foundations in understanding this great book. The Theological Foundation emphasizes God and His writer, Moses. The Geographic Foundation sets the stage for a nation on the border of the promised land. Consider two more foundations in brief. Historic Foundation – “It is eleven days’ journey from Horeb …In the fortieth year…” (Deut. 1:2 -3). Notice the time difference between verse 2…
Foundations of Deuteronomy Part 1
The book of Deuteronomy is often referred to as the “heartbeat” of the Old Testament. If you can wrap your mind around Deuteronomy, the message of the historical books and the prophets will come alive! The opening verses of Deuteronomy help orient the book in the direction it ought to be read. This month we will consider two foundations for Deuteronomy. 1. Theological Foundation – “These are the words that Moses spoke” (Deut. 1:1a). This was no mere retelling of…
Philippines Mission Letter: October 2021
Click to download the letter. Dear Brethren, May the Lord continue to watch over you and keep you all safe. I am so glad to let you know that things are getting better here. The number of COVID-19 cases in our country are declining as many people are now getting vaccinated. Our national government is loosening restrictions in many areas in our country. The No Sunday Movement policy in our town was already lifted the third week of October. We…
Philippines Mission Letter: Typhoon Update
Dear Brethren, The typhoon “Maring” that passed through our country had brought a lot of rain. Due to heavy and continuous rains for two days in our town, many barangays have been covered with water. Our own area is submerged in knee-deep floodwaters. In other locations, where most of our brethren are, the floodwaters rise up from 5 feet to 7 feet high. We are hoping and praying that this flooding will subside tomorrow and that we will already have…
Rudders, Reigns, & Raging Fires
James 3 is the “classic” passage when anyone wants to discuss how Christians ought to speak. In rapid -fire succession, James gives picture after picture to help us understand the danger of an out -of-control tongue! A horse obeys because of a bit in its mouth, and a rudder guides a ship. Forests burn because of a small fire. He says the tongue is full of deadly poison and contradiction. Imagine a spring that contains fresh water and salt water,…
Philippines Mission Letter: August 2021
Click/tap for full PDF health. There has been an alarming surge in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in our municipality within the past few weeks. Currently, our town has now the highest number of cases in the entire province. Due to this, our local government has implemented more intense COVID-19 protocols and guidelines to limit movement and transportation, regulate the operation of all establishments, and enhance the presence of uniformed personnel to prevent higher numbers of positive COVID-19 cases.…
“Tell them I Said Hi”
Have you ever been on a phone call when you are interrupted by a curious family member? “Who are you talking to?” “Nana.” “Oh! Tell her I said hi!” Or perhaps you know someone who is on a trip visiting a congregation so you ask them to, “Say hi for me” to someone you know. These kind greetings take only a moment but always come from a place of love and affection. They let a person know that they are…
Forgetfulness
Ever forget something? Sure you have. If it is any consolation, you are not alone. All of us can forget and often do. Some years ago, a researcher from Johns Hopkins University compiled a list of what we forget most often. At the top of the list was names (83%), followed by where something is (60%), words (53%) and faces (42%. Any of those a problem for you? It is obvious that the researcher forgot to check on spiritual forgetfulness.…
Philippines Mission Letter: July 2021
Click/tap for full PDF May the loving and caring Father in heaven continue to provide your needs and keep you safe. The COVID-19 cases are surging again in the different parts of our country, especially in the thickly populated areas. Strict border control has been reimposed in different provinces including ours to prevent the spread of the virus, particularly the highly transmissible Delta variant, even as the province remains under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ), which is the lowest restriction…