The Gift of God’s Word
For the last 2 years, Graeber Road has had an active presence on the campus of George Jr. High School. Consider the following efforts the Graeber Road congregation has been involved in: pare lunch for all the teachers and staff at the building. 2. In October we attend their “Trunk or Treat” and pass out candy along with Bible bookmarks, information sheets, and evangelism material. 3. In December we give a little something to the teachers before the year ends.…
How Great a Forest a Little Fire Kindles
Fire is an amazing thing. As our kids sing, “it only takes a spark to get a fire going,” it doesn’t take much to turn that spark into a raging blaze. James 3 has much to say about the tongue in a very practical, down-to-earth way. In doing so, James 3:5-6 focuses on the destructive power of words in seeing the tongue in an out-of-control manner. Notice a few thoughts of the “tongues of fire”: Tinder for a fire is…
“ASLSP”
Let me start off by saying that 20th century classical music is, by and large, “weird.” John Cage, a late 20th century composer, wrote an 8-page organ piece called Organ2/ASLSP. The “ASLSP” means “play it as slow as possible.” Usually this organ piece takes more than an hour to complete (Are you asleep yet?). Yet, in 2009, an organist played the piece for 14 hours and 56 minutes. In 2022, the piece was played for over 16 hours. Not to…
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,…
“Small Gifts, Big Impacts”
One lady waited until the last minute to send Christmas cards. She knew she had forty-nine folks on her list. So she rushed into a store and bought a package of fifty cards without really looking at them. Still in a big hurry, she addressed the forty-nine and signed them without reading the message inside. On Christmas Day when things had quieted down somewhat, she happened to come across the one leftover card and finally read the message she had…
The King and His Bible
As God anticipated, the people of Israel would one day ask for a king. God spoke this prophecy by Moses in Deuteronomy 17:18-20. One of the most notable commands, and the one that Moses centers on in this passage, was the responsibility of each king of God’s people to make his own copy of the scriptures. Here is what he was responsible for: He was to write for himself a copy. In the simple act of copying word for word…
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…