Category: East Main Bulletin Articles

Articles I write for the weekly bulletin of the East Main Church of Christ, the congregation where I preach.

Hebrews: The Founder and Perfecter of our Faith

Jesus, the “founder” (source, leader) and “perfecter” (finisher, one who completes) of our faith, is the greatest example of faith that results in endurance through suffering. His faith is the origin of “the joy that was set before him,” the confident trust that sitting “at the right hand of the throne of God” as our King and Savior was waiting for him. That is what gave him the motivation he needed to “endure the cross” and “despise the shame” that came with it. By doing so, he shows us the way.… Read More Hebrews: The Founder and Perfecter of our Faith

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Hebrews: They Overcame By Faith

Put yourself in Joshua’s shoes and imagine meeting with your military strategists to lay out the plan God gave to you for taking the city of Jericho: Okay guys, we’re going to basically march around the city blowing trumpets for six days, and on the seventh day march around it seven times doing the same thing, and then give a great big yell. Then Jericho’s walls will fall down. I guarantee it” (Joshua 6:1-5). I don’t think General Eisenhower would have approved of this military strategy for D-Day. No, only deep trust in God’s promises would motivate any soldier to go along with this plan.… Read More Hebrews: They Overcame By Faith

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Hebrews: The Faith of the Patriarchs

All of them died without receiving these promises in their lifetimes…but their faith showed them the promises “from afar” (v. 13). They knew they “were strangers and exiles on the earth” because they were “seeking a homeland” (vs. 13-14). They weren’t focused on “that land from which they had gone out, (for) they would have had opportunity to return” (v. 15). Instead, they “desire(d) a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city” (v. 16). In other words, God was very pleased with them because of their faith and the obedience it prompted. That is why all faithful Christians will join them in Heaven for eternity.… Read More Hebrews: The Faith of the Patriarchs

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