Historical Posts
Be of Good Cheer!
Christians have good reason to be of good cheer.
Bible class teachers, preachers, song leaders, elders, deacons, and all Christians may need encouragement at times. For some, this ability to encourage and offer good cheer is a special gift that they can use to glorify God and edify one another. There was one person in the New Testament who encouraged others: Jesus Christ. “Be of good cheer” was spoken by Jesus on at least four occasions:
- A paralytic was brought to Him, and Jesus said: “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you (Matthew 9:2).”
- The disciples saw Jesus walking on the water, and Jesus said: “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid (Matthew 14:27).”
- Jesus also told His disciples, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world (John 16:33).”
- Paul was arrested for preaching Him, and was told: “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome (Acts 23:11).”
Whenever we are lagging and need encouragement, just remember:
- Jesus will forgive us of our sins!
- We have nothing to fear, for God is with us!
- Jesus has overcome the world, and through Him we can too!
- God has seen us through a lot, and will continue to be with us every step of the way.
If you are a Christian, you should be of Good Cheer! If you are not, you are encouraged to become one today!
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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The Son of Encouragement
Everyone can all use more encouragement. You can all be an encourager, or a “son of encouragement”, and provide the need.
Joses, who was called Barnabas by the apostles, means “Son of Encouragement” (Acts 4:36). His actions match his name. He sold a piece of land and gave the money to the apostles, allowing them to meet the needs of the saints (Acts 4:32-37). He did what he could to help as many people as possible. Later, he helped aid those who needed relief from the famine in Judea (Acts 11:27-30).
There was another individual to whom Barnabas provided encouragement: Saul of Tarsus. Saul had been blinded after persecuting Christians, and had just received his sight. He began to preach Christ in Damascus, and then attempted to do the same in Jerusalem. However, many were afraid of him. They did not consider him a disciple. He really needed encouragement. Barnabas declared to them of how the Lord had spoken to Saul. He told Saul, in turn, began to preach Christ. As a result the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria were edified and encouraged (Acts 9:26-31). Not long afterward, Barnabas and Paul teamed up to travel and spread the gospel (Acts 12:25-14:28).
Imagine how many people were encouraged by this one individual. Barnabas had a gift for encouragement and used it to the best of his ability. What about you? Is encouragement your gift? Is it something else? Whatever it is, use it to the best of your ability in the servers of the Lord. You will be surprised how many people can be encouraged. The best encouragement you can provide is having hope in Christ. Can you share the encouragement of knowing you have accepted salvation in Christ on His terms?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Words to the Righteous – audio
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One often feels discouraged when he tries to do what is right, and no one else does. Elijah felt discouraged at the words of Jezebel, and fled for his life. When the LORD asked him what he was doing there, he replied, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life (1 Kings 19:10).”
Because of his discouragement, Elijah would not be a prophet much longer; rather, Elisha would soon take his place. The LORD did tell him, however, that He had reserved seven thousand in Israel who had not bowed to Baal (1 Kings 19:18).
Later, the word of the LORD came to Isaiah: “Listen to Me, you who know righteousness, you people in whose heart is My law: do not fear the reproach of men, nor be afraid of their insults. For the moth will eat them up like a garment, and the worm will eat them like wool; but My righteousness will be forever, and My salvation from generation to generation (Isaiah 51:7-8).”
Christians are to practice righteousness as God is righteous (1 John 3:7). In so doing, we quickly learn that not everyone will act like we do. However, we should not be afraid of what men may do to us, for they can only destroy the body; rather, we must fear God who has power over both body and soul (Matthew 10:28; Hebrews 13:6; Psalm 27:1; 118:6). He has the power to destroy and to save! He will destroy those that do not obey Him, and those that hinder others from coming to Him. He will also extend His righteousness forever, and be willing to save anyone and everyone who is willing to come to Him.
Content by Richard Dillon
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1 Peter 01:03-09 – Peter’s Comfort and Encouragement
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Text: 1 Peter 1:3-9
Introduction
A. Over the past week or so, several members of our congregation have experienced the death of a loved one.
B. A passage is often read at the funeral to give us words of comfort and encouragement. Today, we will let the apostle Peter speak inspired words of God to us.
C. Let us reflect on the promises that we have in Christ Jesus (1 Peter 1:3-9).
Body
I. Christians have a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
A. Christ is risen from the dead, and is thus the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep (1 Corinthians 15:20-23).
B. If Christ had not risen, our faith would be futile and we would only have a limited hope (1 Corinthians 15:17-19).
C. We can comfort one another with the words of hope in Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
II. Christians have an inheritance.
A. By becoming children of God, we become His heirs and are joint heirs with Christ (Galatians 3:29-4:7).
B. Our inheritance is:
1) incorruptible (immortal, imperishable, and lasting).
2) undefiled (pure and unstained).
3) not fading away (permanent).
4) reserved in heaven (Colossians 1:3-6; John 14:1-4).
III. Christians are kept by the power of God.
A. Jesus tells us that we are very secure in the grasp of God’s hand (John 10:27-29).
B. Christ lives by the power of God, and so can we (2 Corinthians 13:4).
C. God’s power is effective through faith for salvation (Hebrews 11:1,6; Romans 10:17; James 2:17,20; Ephesians 2:8; Romans 4:16).
D. God’s power is ready to be revealed in the last time (Revelation 12:10-12; 19:1; Matthew 24:29-31; Luke 21:25-28).
IV. Christians rejoice, eagerly awaiting the reward in heaven.
A. Paul told Christians to rejoice always (Philippians 4:4).
B. Jesus said to “rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven (Matthew 5:12).”
C. Paul told the Corinthians that the eternal benefits outweigh the temporary affliction (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).
D. James says to rejoice in various trials, knowing that the testing of faith produces patience (James 1:2-4).
E. Jesus said that if we are faithful until death, we will receive the crown of life (Revelation 2:10).
V. Christians will receive the end of their faith, the salvation of their souls.
A. Paul said that now abide faith, hope, and love; the greatest of these is love (1 Corinthians 13:13).
B. The end of all things is at hand (1 Peter 4:7).
C. We must redeem the time, for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed (Romans 13:11).
Conclusion
A. It is great to be a Christian!
B. It is also great to know and love fellow Christians.
C. Let us remain faithful to God so that we may receive the many blessings He has promised us.
D. Brethren, comfort one another with these words.
Content by Richard Dillon
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Do You Need a Reminder?
Have you ever tied a ribbon around your finger, only to forget what that was supposed to remind you of? Note pads, voice recordings, sticky notes, highlighters, and other products are for our use to remember something very important. It is often said, “If I don’t write it down I’ll forget it!”
Peter gives Christians a reminder. He writes, “Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease (2 Peter 1:15).” We truly need to remember the Lord’s inspired words even today. Peter has long since been deceased, but his inspired words remain in the Word of God.
We need constant reminders from God’s Word. We are faced with challenges every single day. Constant study of God’s Word will help us remember (2 Timothy 2:15; Acts 17:11). After all, Peter earlier said, “For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you (2 Peter 1:12-13)…”
Use your highlighter in your Bible, make notes, and put sticky notes on the mirror to look at each day if needed. Put a ribbon on your finger so you will remember to turn the pages of God’s Word!
Content by Richard Dillon
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Who Pushed Me?
The story is told of an old man traveling on an ocean liner. A storm blew up and a young lady who had been leaning against the rail lost her balance and fell overboard. Almost immediately the old man appeared next to her in the water, keeping her afloat until both were safely pulled back into the ship. That evening, at a special party honoring the elderly gentleman for his bravery, he was called on to give a speech. The old man rose slowly, and looking intently into the faces of his fellow passengers, he said “There’s just one thing I want to know! Who pushed me?”
I think all of us need a little push from time to time. We know what we ought to do, we just need a little nudge to do it. That is one of the reasons why the early church met every Lord’s Day to worship together. The Lord knew our need for encouragement, and designed the collective assembly for that purpose. In the letter to the Hebrews the inspired writer wrote: “Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as we see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25).
We need the association and fellowship that the Christian assembly provides. Through it we are motivated to service and godly conduct. Worship is an uplifting experience if it is in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). If you are forsaking it, then you are missing out on much needed encouragement and direction. I want to encourage you to be faithful in your worship. Make a concerted effort to be present when the saints assemble. Don’t intentionally neglect the assembly, but plan to be present, and ask a friend to come with you.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Jude 1:20-21 Encouragement from Jude – audio
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Text: Jude 1:20-21
Introduction
As Christians, we all need encouragement.
Paul taught the Thessalonians, “therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as also you are doing (1 Thessalonians 5:11).”
As the early Christians did, so today we gather upon the first day of the week to worship God and edify one another.
Let us look at Jude’s encouraging words to Christians (Text: Jude 20-21).
Body
I. Build yourselves up on your most holy faith.
We have a most holy faith. Earlier in his epistle, Jude explained it was necessary to “contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered for the saints (Jude 3).” We can build ourselves up by contending earnestly for it! After all, it has been delivered.
How? “Faith has come from hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17).”
Since there is only one God, He gives us only one faith (Ephesians 4:4-6). We must remain in that faith, rooted and built up in Christ (Colossians 2:7).
Christians have a solid foundation in Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11), and must build upon that foundation.
Peter tells us exactly how to build our faith (2 Peter 1:5-8).
II. Pray in the Holy Spirit.
One responsibility and privilege Christians have is prayer. We are to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17), continue steadfastly in prayer (Romans 12:12), as taught by Christ (Luke 18:1).
Just as holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20-21), so we need the Holy Spirit to speak to God. We all have our weaknesses, and sometimes do not know how to pray, or what to pray for. The Holy Spirit can intercede for us with groanings that cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26).
III. Keep yourselves in the love of God.
Paul made it very clear that there is nothing in this world that can separate us from God’s love for us (Romans 8:35-39). On the other hand, is there anything that may separate us from loving God?
Jesus said if we love Him we must keep His commandments (John 14:15). To keep loving Him is to keep doing what He commands us. He commands us to love each other as He has loved us (John 13:34; 15:12-17).
IV. We have the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life to look forward to.
Paul said to Titus that we look forward to “the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13).”
Even Mary proclaimed: “His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation (Luke 1:50).”
We do not need to say, “Lord have mercy on me” as many did to Jesus; rather, He is rich in mercy (Ephesians 2:4), and we can obtain it to help us any time we need it (Hebrews 4:16).
It is through that mercy that He saves us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5).
Conclusion
If we build ourselves and each other on our most holy faith, continually pray in the Holy Spirit, and remain in the love of God, we can look forward to eternal life through the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Let us therefore comfort one another with these words (1 Thessalonians 4:18).
Content by Richard Dillon
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Save A Soul – audio
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It’s an ugly picture.
In one of his letters Peter uses the graphic image of a dog’s returning to his vomit or a recently washed sow’s returning to her mud.
What he was writing about, of course, was a believer who wanders away from God. If we’re honest, we must admit that it isn’t a particularly difficult thing to do, because this world is often so alluring. Sometimes we’re mesmerized by its glitz and glamor, finally waking up only to realize we’re miles away from God.
Have you ever wandered?
In adolescence, perhaps? Or maybe in college or at another particularly difficult point in your life?
I hope you’re back. If you are, I’m glad you came home.
But not everyone has come home. Not yet.
So James closes his letter with a short encouragement for us to do whatever we can for these folks.
Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins. James 5:19–20
You’re probably not a preacher, and you may not serve God in any “official” sense, but I’d like for you to do three simple things today.
- One, make a list of ten believers you know who have wandered away from God. Perhaps it’s a family member, former co-worker, a neighbor, somebody who used to attend your church. You could probably come up with a hundred, but just do ten.
- Two, pray for every name on that list. Pray that God’s Spirit would work in their hearts and move them to repentance. Ask him to orchestrate the events of their lives so they see that the path they’re on will end in destruction. Ask him to open a door for you to be able to speak an encouraging word.
- Three, take one step—just one—to let God use you to work in their lives. It might be something as simple as a “How’s it going?” text or email. It could be a phone call or an encouraging note or a Facebook post. But do something.
We undersell ourselves, I think.
We assume all the serious spiritual work will be done by the guys who stand in our pulpits or serve as our shepherds.
If I understand James correctly, though, he’s saying that just an “average” every-day believer can have an enormous effect on someone’s soul. It’s incredible to think that you and I can “save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins,” isn’t it?
So today –
Make a list
Say a prayer
Initiate contact
– and see what God does.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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