Posts by Liberty Church of Christ
What’s the Whole Point of Christian Teaching?
I have personally written, as well as selected and published those written by others, a number of articles lately on the importance of assembling together for worship and attending the different opportunities for learning and growth we offer. But maybe we do not always see the point of that. Here is an interesting article from Wes McAdams’ “Radically Christian” that helps put it in perspective. -BP We attend Bible classes, Bible studies, devotionals, and worship services. We read our Bibles…
Is “Church” Really the Best Word to Use? Maybe Not
I came across this old article from Wes McAdams this week and thought it was another worth publishing here. This is an argument I have made multiple times since I have been here, but it is worth noting again. His second point of application is particularly pertinent; if it seems that a lot of articles lately have been related to assembling, engagement, involvement—well, it’s because they have been. Perhaps one of them will sink in. As always, I encourage you…
What We Need to Change to Make Worship More Enjoyable
This is another article by Wes McAdams, whose writings I have often reprinted and commended in this space. Check out “Radically Christian,” his substack, for more great content. I believe this one certainly presents something for us to think about. -BP For many Christians, the worship assembly feels like a “duty,” in the worst sense of the word. Coming to the worship assembly is something they feel they must do, but not something they enjoy doing. This has left many…
Baptism and the Risen Jesus
We have been discussing the connection between baptism and Jesus in this space in recent weeks. We find Jesus referenced in passages about baptism more than anything else; baptism is in or into the name of Jesus, meaning that we united with him, commit to follow his teachings, and enjoy the blessings he bestows. Last week, we looked at one of those blessings prominently discussed: forgiveness of sins. Baptism unites us with the death of Jesus, where he shed his…
Forgiveness of Sins
In our last article, we discussed how, above anything else, baptism is associated with the name of Jesus: we commit ourselves to become his followers, we unite ourselves with His teachings, and we receive His blessings. What are those blessings? First and foremost is the forgiveness of sins. The Day of Pentecost Imagine the scene that Luke records in Acts 2. Jerusalem was bursting at the seams with pilgrims who had come for Pentecost. Suddenly, a sound like a violent…
Opportunity Still Knocks
From time to time, I think it is good to revisit articles that have been written by others in the past—even if I have printed them in this space before. The following article is by Cleon Lyles and originally appeared in “Just a Moment” in March 1962. Looking at my records, it appears that I published it here back in July of 2018. But there’s a lot of us who either weren’t here at that time or perhaps missed it—and…
Growth vs. Bloat
After this Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick. Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus…
We Ought to Be a Most Thankful People
It has become my own Thanksgiving tradition to print historical Thanksgiving Proclamations in this space. The American Presidency Project at the University of California-Santa Barbara has collected all of them for anyone to read; if this sort of thing interests you, I encourage you to check them out. I find historical Thanksgiving Proclamations to be interesting with the insights they provide into the times in which they were issued. While perusing that database, I cam across this lesser-known example from…
A Note from the South Pacific
We were privileged to have our brother Rod Kyle, the missionary we support in New Zealand, report to us on Wednesday evening. Many of you were unable to be here for that, so I thought it might be good to include an excerpt from the latest email he sent us from earlier in the summer right before he left on his tour of the US to report. Barbara emails these to everyone when they come in, but it could be…
Fear-Based Discipleship in the Churches of Christ
I have written and preached on this topic more than once since I have been here. But this article by Jack Wilkie, published this week, was so on point I wanted you to read it too. It’s length barely allows it to fit here, but it is worth your attention. As always, I encourage you to check out his substack, “Church Reset.” -BP “ I just hope I’ve done enough to get in to heaven.” Every time I hear an…
Once More Upon a Pew
I published this in the bulletin here before, a little over 3 years ago. But in thinking about our call for Bible class teachers (and Bible class attendance!), it came to my mind again. Of course, it goes beyond just Bible class—with restarting our Wednesday evening services this summer, our new Sunday night routine, and numerous other opportunities for service as we try to reengage after an unusual last 18 months, there are constant announcements made and items in the…
9 Excuses People Make for Not Going to Church
I didn’t really know what I wanted to say this week here. I almost left it blank just to see who noticed. But then I stumbled upon this article by Wes McAdams that touches on some things I’ve been thinking about more directly (read: less passive-aggressively). Think about it. -BP I don’t like the phrase, “Going to church.” It makes people think “church” is simply an event to attend, rather than who we are every day of the week. That…