Category: Weekly Encouragement

Every week, the ministers here at the South Green church of Christ write brief articles for the congregation's weekly bulletin. The following is a copy of those articles, which have been adapted to this digital environment. Brief and to the point, these articles are designed to inspire, encourage, and challenge all. We hope and trust you will find them useful.

Dealing with Shame

Rayden Overbay is a 12-year-old with special needs from Yukon, Oklahoma. He became somewhat famous not long ago because of the terrible way he was treated. A video of him being bullied went viral. He was bullied to such a degree—he felt such shame—that he had written, “I want to kill myself” on his arm. …

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What Does Humility Look Like ?

If you were to encounter a truly humble person (at work, school, on the street, etc.), what would they look like? C.S. Lewis wrote, “Probably all you will think about him is that he seemed a cheerful, intelligent chap who took a real interest in what you said to him.” (Mere Christianity, p.128) So, according …

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Faith

We consider ourselves “faithful.” We have obeyed the Gospel, we participate in the work of the local church, & we seek to evangelize. Let’s examine the necessity of faith, the nature of faith, and the action of faith. The necessity of faith: Hebrews 11:6 says But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for …

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A Thanksgiving Conversation

My father-in-law and I take a few minutes to discuss spiritual matters for a few minutes most anytime we are together. I learn so much from these conversations. Thursday was no different. He shared with me a piece of paper that was faded, yellow, covered in tape to repair snags but the message was still …

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Father, Forgive Them

The Jewish authorities: “They spit in His face and struck Him. And some slapped Him, saying, ‘Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?’” (Matt. 26:67-68) The Roman soldiers: “They spit on Him and took the reed and struck Him on the head.” (Matt. 27:30) Peter: “I do not know Him.” (Luke …

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For you have the poor with you always…

Dialogue and attention continue to be given to those who struggle to have their basic needs met. The church has a great opportunity to assist someone seeking to grow spiritually while helping them through benevolence. Bringing others to Christ is the Christian’s mission (Matthew 28:16-20). We must also understand many in our community are challenged …

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Is Bible Class Important?

“You are preparing those in the cradle for the storms of life.” ~Michael Whitworth As we wind down another education rotation, I am reminded of the importance of Bible Class as we prepare for the next rotation. It is humbling to see those who teach in our Education program give of their time, self, and …

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Healing A Broken Heart

“We spend the first half of our life making friends, we spend the second half of our life burying them.” ~Unknown How many of us have said, “Goodbye” to a friend or family member at the funeral home? I find myself attempting to provide comfort to others and watch people I care about suffer due …

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When Satan Makes Demands

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:31-32) A number of important truths are revealed in this statement from Jesus to Simon Peter. What we …

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Primary Beliefs Must Be First

In the commentary entitled The Seed Principle, Sowing the Life of Your Dreams, Aubrey Johnson reminds us the importance of planting the right type of seeds from the messages we receive. Aubrey gives us these three ideas when it comes to primary beliefs: “All sorts of ideas are spread through the media, Internet, pulpit, classroom …

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