Franklin Church Of Christ, TN

When ‘Rightness’ Destroys

Mitch Davis — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 06:08:37 +0000

Doing right is biblical, but there is a subtle and dangerous deception to believe that possessing correct information equates to possessing spiritual maturity. While we often guard against the abuse of behavioral liberty, a far more insidious threat to the unity of the local church is the weaponization of “knowledge.” When Paul writes that “knowledge puffs up” (1 Corinthians 8:1), he targets an intellectual elitism that values being right over being reconciled—a spiritual pathology with deep historical roots.

Long before the Corinthian crisis, this same inflation of intellect plagued the Pharisees. Their meticulous “theological precision” led them to construct complex oral traditions to safeguard the Torah. Over time, however, they committed the ultimate intellectual error: they equated these “traditions of men” with the very “Word of God” (Mark 7:8-13). They possessed an exhaustive, granular knowledge of the law, yet Jesus noted that their technical accuracy was entirely divorced from the weightier matters of justice, mercy, and faith (Matthew 23:23).

The Corinthian intellectuals fell into this identical Pharisaical trap. Their doctrinal deductions were structurally flawless: idols are nothing, there is only one God, and food is inherently neutral (v. 4-6). They were entirely correct on the facts. Yet, like the Pharisees, their accurate data became a source of destructive pride. They used their correct views not to build up, but to look down upon those with a “weak conscience” (v. 7), turning theological correctness into a barrier to fellowship.

Today, the church is frequently fractured by this same spirit. This is the believer who treats doctrinal precision, or doctrinal minutiae as a license for condescension. For them, a discussion is not an opportunity for mutual edification, but a courtroom where opponents must be intellectually dismantled. They can quote the text and defend their view, but their accuracy is devoid of agapē love for their weak brethren. They confuse their personal interpretations and intellectual mastery with divine faithfulness.

Scripture warns that “if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know” (v. 2). Divine wisdom is never merely informational; it is transformational. If our pursuit of being right leads us to wound our brethren, Paul reminds us that we are actively “sinning against Christ” (v. 12). True spiritual power is not demonstrated by winning an argument, but by the cross-shaped humility that subordinates intellectual superiority to the eternal well-being of a brother or sister for whom Christ died (v. 11).

Trusting In God's Wisdom

Zach Ford — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Trusting God's wisdom is often easier to talk about than to practice. We prefer immediate answers, clear direction, and quick resolutions. Yet God's wisdom frequently requires patience, faith, and a willingness to wait for Him to work.

Ruth understood this reality. After losing her husband, she faced an uncertain future. As a widow in a foreign land, she could not see how God would provide or what her future would hold. Yet she chose faithfulness. Rather than abandoning Naomi or pursuing her own path, Ruth committed herself to God and God's people, saying, "Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God" (Ruth 1:16).

As the story unfolds, Ruth does not force outcomes or manipulate circumstances. She works diligently, follows wise counsel, and patiently waits. God, in His providence, brings Boaz into her life. What began as a season of grief and uncertainty became a story of redemption and blessing.

The lesson is not simply that God will provide a spouse for every faithful person. Rather, the lesson is that God's wisdom often unfolds over time. Ruth could not see the end of the story while she was living through the beginning of it.
Paul teaches a similar principle in 1 Corinthians 7:36-40. Whether speaking to those considering marriage or widows contemplating the future, Paul emphasizes wise decisions rooted in devotion to the Lord. Marriage is honorable. Singleness can be honorable. Widowhood is not hopeless. In every circumstance, the goal is not merely personal happiness but faithful service to God.

Trusting God's wisdom means believing that God's timing is better than our impatience and that His plans are greater than our limited perspective. It means continuing to walk faithfully even when we cannot see where the road leads.
Like Ruth, we may not understand what God is doing in the moment. But faith reminds us that the God who guides our steps sees the whole journey. Our responsibility is not to know every detail of the future. Our responsibility is to trust Him and follow faithfully wherever He leads.

The 'Let Us' Admonitions in the Book of Hebrews

Rowland Grams — Sun, 31 May 2026 20:58:03 +0000

"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16-NKJV).

Introduction

The book of Hebrews addresses Christians who, after years of serving the Lord, began to drift from the truth and were in danger of hardening their hearts to unbelief and of reverting to their former ways. Facing persecution and considering abandoning their faith, they needed exhortation, teaching, and endurance. This is why Hebrews is one of my favorites, as it speaks directly to weary, discouraged believers tempted to give up. The author provides what they need by reminding them of Christ's greatness, the benefits of His death and Priesthood, and the better covenant He established with better promises. He demonstrates Christ's absolute superiority over Old Testament religion through the following:

The better messenger: superiority of the Son (1:1-14; 2:1-18)
The better apostle: superiority to Moses (3:1-19)
The better priest: superiority in the order of Melchizedek (4:14; 5:5-7)
The better covenant: superiority of the new covenant (8:1-13; 9:1-22)
The better sacrifice: superiority of Christ's sacrifice (9:23-28; 10:1-18)
The better way: faith (10:19-39; 11:1-40; 12:1-29)
The better practice of faith (13:1-25)

But what makes Hebrews particularly powerful for struggling Christians is not just its theological arguments, but the pastoral heart revealed in the repeated phrase "let us." This simple expression reveals how a leader with the heart of Christ should walk with people who are struggling in their walk with Christ (cf. Galatians 6:1).

The Significance of "Let Us" for the Struggling Believer

I need you to understand that when you are struggling in your faith, you are not alone. The "let us" admonitions provide exactly the needed assurance, and Rowland Gbamis May 22, 2026 pg. 2 gbamis@yahoo.co.uk Franklin – TN, United States this the author did by placing himself right alongside his struggling readers. Notice, even after the author scolded their immaturity in 5:12-14, he went on to say in 6:1, that they must “leave the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, and go on to perfection…” The author then concludes by saying, “And this will we do, if God permit” (6:3). This is the language of togetherness, not condemnation. The writer is saying something along these lines: "I am in this with you. We are running this race together. When you are tempted to quit, remember that I am fighting the same battles. When you feel weak, know that we all need God's grace. When you wonder if you can make it, look around, we are all pressing forward together."

Three Reasons "Let Us" Brings Hope to Struggling Christians

1. "Let Us" Means You are Not Fighting Alone

Every repeated “let us” in Hebrews serves as a reminder that Christian faith is a communal journey rather than a solitary endeavor. The author consistently calls believers to persevere together by demonstrating that endurance in the Christian life is strengthened through shared commitment. When you are struggling, remember the following:

You do not have to fear alone— “let us fear” together (4:1)
You do not have to labor alone— “let us labor” together (4:11)
You do not have to hold fast alone— “let us hold fast” together (4:14; 10:23)
You do not have to run alone— “let us run with patience” together (12:1)

It is worth noting that the “let us” imperative does not absolve individual Christians of their responsibility to work out their salvation with fear and trembling (cf. Philippians 2:12), but the writer includes himself in every exhortation because he knows the struggle is real for everyone. Even mature believers need encouragement. Even leaders need to be spurred. Even those who teach others must press on themselves. If the writer of Hebrews needed to say "let us," then you should not feel ashamed for needing help.

2. "Let Us" Means Your Weakness Does Not Disqualify You

The message is clear in that Christ has already done everything necessary for our salvation. Now, together, we respond to what Christ has accomplished through his perfect priesthood and complete sacrifice. Therefore:

"Let us draw near" (10:22)—not because we are worthy, but because Christ has opened the way
"Let us come boldly to the throne of grace" (4:16)—not because we're strong, but because we need mercy and grace
"Let us offer the sacrifice of praise" (13:15)—not because we have earned it, but because of what Christ has done

Your struggle does not mean you have failed. It means you are human and in need of what every struggling Christian needs: God's grace and strength. This grace and strength are what the “let us” imperatives extend to the weak, the weary, and the wavering, including all of us.

3. "Let Us" Means There is a Path Forward

Each "let us" offers more than camaraderie—it offers direction. The writer does not merely say, "I understand your struggle." He says, "Let us move forward together." Therefore, when you do not know what to do next, consider these Spiritgiven admonitions:

Struggling with fear? "Let us fear" the right thing—missing God's rest (4:1)
Growing lazy in your faith? "Let us labor to enter that rest" (4:11)
Tempted to compromise? "Let us hold fast our profession" (4:14)
In need of help? "Let us come boldly to the throne of grace" (4:16)
Stuck in spiritual immaturity? "Let us go on unto perfection" (6:1)
Feeling distant from God? "Let us draw near with a true heart" (10:22)
Isolated and alone? "Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works" (10:24)
Weighed down by sin? "Let us lay aside every weight" (12:1)
Facing opposition? "Let us go forth unto Him without the camp, bearing His reproach" (13:13)

Whatever your situation might be at the moment, you do not need to feel you have to figure it all out by yourself. We are a community of God’s people; let us journey together, strengthening one another as we move forward.

Some Final Thoughts

If you are reading this and struggling, perhaps you are tired, discouraged, or wondering whether you can keep going—the "let us" admonitions in Hebrews are written specifically for you. They remind us that:

You are not alone in your struggle (Hebrews 10:24)
You are not disqualified by your weakness (Hebrews 6:9-12)
You have a clear path forward, and others are walking it with you
Christ has already secured your salvation; now, we together respond in faithful obedience to his word because we do not want to take God’s grace for granted (cf. Romans 6:1-2; Hebrews 10:35-39).

As we examine these "let us" passages, may you find not just instruction, but encouragement. May you hear not just commands, but encouragement and togetherness. May you discover not just what you should do, but the grace to do it together with your brothers and sisters in Christ.

Humility Among God's Children

Rowland Gbamis — Sun, 31 May 2026 20:28:27 +0000

1 Peter 5:5 - "Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble" (KJV).

Introduction

In a world that celebrates self-promotion, personal branding, and the relentless pursuit of recognition, humility stands as a countercultural virtue that seems almost antiquated. Yet, throughout Scripture, humility is not merely a desirable trait—it is an essential characteristic that God expects from all His children. The apostle Peter's instruction to "be clothed with humility" uses the imagery of putting on a garment, suggesting that humility is something we must wear intentionally and deliberately. This is not optional attire for the Christian; it is the uniform of discipleship.

Humility is a crucial godly virtue that God expects from all His children, regardless of age, role, or relationship. It is the foundation upon which all other Christian virtues are built and the key to receiving God's grace. When we understand that "God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble," we recognize that our spiritual vitality depends upon our willingness to humble ourselves before God and one another. This article explores how humility must permeate every aspect of our lives—from generational relationships to ministry, leadership, marriage, and our collective life as the body of Christ.

Understanding Humility and Its Importance

Before we can practice humility, we must understand what it truly means. Humility is not self-deprecation or false modesty. It is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less. From a biblical perspective, humility means having an accurate assessment of oneself before God—recognizing both our inherent worth as image-bearers of God and our complete dependence on His grace, while valuing others above ourselves. As Paul writes in Romans 12:3, we should "not think of ourselves more highly than we ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith."

The importance of humility cannot be overstated. Throughout Scripture, we see that God consistently opposes the proud while extending grace to the humble. Proverbs 15:33 reminds us that "before honour is humility," and Jesus Himself declared, "Whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted" (Matthew 23:12). Our supreme example is Christ, who, though He was God, "made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant" (Philippians 2:7). He washed His disciples' feet, served the outcasts, and ultimately humbled Himself to death on a cross. If the Son of God embraced humility, how much more should we? The consequences of pride—humility's opposite—are devastating. Pride goes before destruction (Proverbs 16:18), as evidenced in the falls of Lucifer, Nebuchadnezzar, and countless others throughout biblical history. Pride blinds us to our need for God and others, isolates us from genuine fellowship, and ultimately invites God's resistance rather than His grace. Conversely, humility opens the door to wisdom, unity in the body of Christ, effective prayer, and spiritual growth.

Humility Across Different Age Groups

Having established what humility is and why it matters, we now turn to specific areas where this virtue must be lived out. One of the most critical areas for practicing humility is intergenerational relationships. Proverbs 20:29 acknowledges that "the glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the grey head." Both youth and the aged have unique strengths, and both must approach one another with humility.

Older generations must resist the temptation to dismiss or look down upon the youth. Experience can breed condescension, and the familiar refrain "we have always done it this way" can stifle the fresh energy and perspective that young people bring. Scripture is filled with examples of young people whom God used mightily: Joseph remained faithful in his youth despite persecution and rose to leadership in Egypt; David was anointed as a youth and defeated Goliath with remarkable faith; Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were teenagers when they refused to compromise their convictions in Babylon; and Timothy was known for his faith from childhood and became Paul's trusted companion in ministry. Ecclesiastes 12:1 calls young people to "remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth," affirming that God expects and values the service of young believers. Older Christians must mentor and encourage young people rather than criticize them, creating opportunities for youth to serve and lead while celebrating their energy and passion.

Conversely, young people must not treat older generations with contempt or assume they are out of touch with reality. The temptation of youthful pride is to dismiss the value of wisdom and experience, grow impatient with traditional methods, and overestimate one's own knowledge. But wisdom cannot be bought in the marketplace or downloaded from the internet—it comes through years of walking with God, weathering storms, and learning lessons that books cannot teach. Ephesians 6:1-3 commands children to obey and honor their parents, and 1 Peter 5:5 instructs the younger to submit to the elder—a principle that extends beyond the home to the entire church family. Young believers must actively seek counsel from mature Christians, show respect in speech and demeanor, and recognize that they don't know everything. When both young and old humble themselves before one another, the church becomes a beautiful intergenerational family where the strength of youth combines with the wisdom of the aged to create a peaceful, loving community.

Humility in Ministry and Leadership

The Preacher's Temptation

Humility is absolutely essential for those who serve in ministry and leadership roles. Preachers face unique temptations because their public platform can breed pride, and the praise and recognition they receive can inflate their egos. Knowledge, particularly biblical knowledge, can lead to arrogance if not tempered with humility. Paul warned in 1 Corinthians 8:2-3, "And if any man thinks that he knoweth anything, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. But if any man love God, the same is known of him." True knowledge leads to humility, not pride, because the more we learn, the more we realize how much we don't know.

Young preachers must be especially careful. While 1 Timothy 4:12 encourages Timothy to "let no man despise thy youth" and to be an example in word, conduct, love, spirit, faith, and purity, this passage does not license young preachers to arrogantly reject instruction and correction from others. Confidence in one's calling is not the same as being unteachable. A humble preacher preaches Christ, not himself (2 Corinthians 4:5); welcomes correction and feedback; continues to study and grow (1 Timothy 4:12-16); serves the congregation rather than merely preaching to them; and gives glory to God for any success.

The Elder's Responsibility

Elders, too, must shepherd God's flock with profound humility. Acts 20:28 reminds elders that the Holy Spirit has made them overseers "to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." The church belongs to God, not to the elders. 1 Peter 5:2-3 instructs elders to serve "not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre [not for dishonest gain-NKJV], but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock." Humble elders listen more than they speak, seek consensus rather than imposing their will, admit mistakes and ask for forgiveness, and serve alongside the congregation rather than above them. The negative example of Diotrephes in 3 John 9-10, who "loved to have the preeminence," demonstrates how one proud leader can damage an entire congregation. Elders must remember that they are shepherds of God's flock, not lords over it, and their primary role is to feed and nurture, not to control and dominate.

Humility in Marriage

Perhaps nowhere is humility more essential—and more challenging—than in marriage. Ephesians 5:22-33 presents marriage as a living illustration of Christ's relationship with the church, and both roles require profound humility. Wives are called to submit to their husbands "as unto the Lord," which is a voluntary act of humility and trust, reflecting their reverence for Christ Himself. This submission is not weakness but strength under control—a deliberate choice to honor God's design for the family. The older women in Titus 2:3-5 are instructed to teach younger women "to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed." This passage reveals the sacred calling of women as homemakers—not as a limitation, but as a sphere of profound influence and ministry.

A wife's love for her husband and children is not merely emotional affection, but an active, sacrificial commitment demonstrated daily through service, encouragement, and faithful presence. Her role as keeper of the home involves creating an atmosphere of peace, order, and godliness where her family can flourish spiritually and emotionally. When a wife embraces this calling with humility and joy, she becomes a living testimony to the beauty of God's Word. Conversely, when she neglects or despises this role, she risks bringing reproach upon Scripture itself—causing unbelievers to blaspheme God's Word as irrelevant. The Christian wife's humble devotion to her home and family serves as a living example for the gospel, demonstrating that God's ways produce flourishing rather than bondage.

Nevertheless, husbands receive an even more demanding command in Ephesians 5:25: "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it." This is the key verse on marital humility. Christ's love was demonstrated through humble service and ultimate sacrifice, and husbands are called to die to self daily, leading through servant leadership rather than domination. Jesus modeled this perfectly in John 13:12-17 when He washed His disciples' feet. The Lord and Master became the servant, declaring, "If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet." Husbands must serve their wives in practical, humble ways, recognizing that no task is beneath a godly husband. In 1 Peter 3:7, husbands are instructed to dwell with their wives "according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life." This means studying your wife—knowing her needs, fears, and dreams—honoring her as precious and valuable, and recognizing her as a co-heir with spiritual equality. Remarkably, Peter adds that a husband's prayer life will be hindered if he fails to treat his wife properly.

Both husbands and wives must embody the love described in 1 Corinthians 13, which "seeketh not her own"—the very essence of humility. This means putting your spouse's needs above your own, being patient with each other's weaknesses, forgiving quickly and completely, and assuming the best rather than the worst. When humility characterizes a marriage, the result is unity, peace, effective prayer, a powerful witness to the world, and joy in the relationship.

Collective Humility Among God's Children

Finally, humility is not just for certain roles or relationships—it is a universal need for every Christian in every situation. The church thrives when humility is practiced collectively. The negative example of Diotrephes in 3 John 9-11 shows how one person who "loveth to have the preeminence" can damage an entire congregation through pride, rejection of godly authority, malicious words, and divisive actions.

In contrast, Romans 12:3 calls us to sober self-assessment: "not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly." Philippians 2:3-4 provides the blueprint for collective humility: "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." This mindset—avoiding selfish ambition, valuing others above yourself, and considering others' interests— creates the unity that allows the church to flourish.

Conclusion

Humility is the uniform of discipleship, the garment every Christian must intentionally wear. From generational relationships to ministry, leadership, marriage, and our collective life together, humility must permeate every aspect of our walk with Christ. Our supreme example is Jesus Himself, who humbled Himself to death on a cross and was therefore highly exalted by God. The pattern is clear: humility precedes exaltation.

We stand at a crossroads with two paths before us. The path of pride leads to destruction, isolation, and God's resistance. The path of humility leads to grace, unity, and God's favor. God's promise is sure: "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up" (James 4:10). May we choose humility, clothe ourselves with it daily, and experience the abundant grace that God gives to the humble.

Contentment In A Restless World

Zach Ford — Fri, 29 May 2026 17:38:00 +0000

The world constantly teaches us that peace is found in change. Change your image. Change your relationship. Change your status. Change your environment. Reinvent yourself, and then you will finally be fulfilled.
The church in Corinth lived in a culture much like ours. It was a city obsessed with status, identity, advancement, and self-expression. Even Christians there began to believe that spirituality could be achieved through changing outward circumstances. Some questioned marriage, singleness, social position, and religious identity as though external changes could create holiness.

But in 1 Corinthians 7:17–24, Paul gives a deeper truth: our greatest need is not a new earthly identity, but faithfulness to Christ where He has called us.

This is ultimately a heart issue.

Biblical discontentment often reveals something deeper happening within us. Sometimes it exposes fear, envy, pride, covetousness, or distrust in God’s provision. Israel complained in the wilderness not because God had abandoned them, but because they struggled to trust Him. Hebrews 13:5 says, “Be content with what you have, for He has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” Contentment is tied to trusting God’s presence.

Yet Scripture also shows that not all dissatisfaction is sinful. There is a holy longing that yearns for righteousness, growth, and the fullness of God’s kingdom. Paul himself said in Philippians 4:11–13 that he had “learned” contentment in every circumstance. His peace was not rooted in comfort, but in Christ.

Our culture tells us to build identity through reinvention. The Gospel teaches us that our identity is already secured through Jesus Christ. We do not become whole by endlessly reshaping ourselves; we become whole by belonging to Him.

This does not mean Christians never change jobs, locations, or circumstances. Paul even encouraged slaves to gain freedom if possible. But he refused to let believers think that external transformation could substitute for inward faithfulness.

Christ heals restless hearts. He teaches us to trust God before circumstances change. True contentment is not pretending life is easy; it is learning that God is sufficient while we faithfully walk with Him through every season.

Ágamos: A word worth knowing — and a debate worth keeping in perspective

Mitch Davis — Thu, 21 May 2026 06:36:47 +0000

If you’ve ever studied 1 Corinthians 7 closely, you’ve probably bumped into the Greek word ἄγαμος (ágamos). It simply means “unmarried” — but how Paul uses it has generated some genuinely interesting disagreement among believers who love Jesus and the Bible deeply.

One reading: widowers In verse 8, Paul writes to “the unmarried and the widows,” encouraging them to remain single as he is. Notice the pairing — “unmarried” (masculine plural), then “widows” (feminine plural). Many scholars believe Paul is specifically addressing widowers (“un-married”) here, men who had lost their wives. Koine Greek had no standard word for “widower,” so ágamos filled that gap naturally. This reading flows cleanly into Paul’s later statement that a widow “is free to marry whom she wishes, only in the Lord” (v. 39), and aligns with Romans 7:2-3.

Another reading: the divorced or separated By verses 10-11, the nuanced discussion shifts. Paul addresses a wife who has separated from her husband and says she should “remain unmarried” (ágamos) or be reconciled. Here the word unmistakably describes someone separated from a living spouse. Notably, Paul had a perfectly good word for ‘widow’ (χήρα) and didn’t use it here — suggesting ágamos is intentionally broader, potentially including divorced or separated women alongside widows.

Both views are held by faithful, thoughtful Christians on both sides of this sincere debate. Neither camp is being careless with Scripture — they’re wrestling with it honestly, which is exactly what we should do.

What holds us together is bigger than this debate. Jesus set an unmistakable high standard for marriage in Matthew 19. We grieve how far our broken world falls short of it (including followers of Jesus). And we cling together to the gospel that covers all of it — “you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 6:11).

Our standing before God doesn’t hinge on resolving every exegetical question perfectly for our salvation would be based on our perfect understanding of every single issue! Instead, it hinges on the cross of Christ. Let’s hold that tightly — and hold each other gently.

A Shared Bond in the Gospel: The Ministry of Keith Stonehart

Mitch Davis — Sat, 16 May 2026 08:26:11 +0000

Keith's Conversion to Christ

Sometimes God writes His most beautiful stories on the most broken pages. For nearly twelve years, Keith Stonehart lived a life that seemed worlds away from the pulpit. As a touring rock musician in the late 1990s, Keith chased the spotlight, but the road led him into a dark spiral of atheism and severe substance abuse. It was a lifestyle that threatened to completely shatter his family.

But God is an expert at pursuing those who are running away. Facing a critical turning point, Keith walked away from the band to fight for his marriage and his future. It was at this rock-bottom moment that the gospel intercepted his life (Romans 5:20). Through patient, judgment-free Bible studies with a loving brother-in-law and a mentor in Moody, Alabama, Keith deconstructed his doubts. When he finally stepped through the doors of the church, he expected rejection because of his tattoos and rock past. Instead, he was over whelmed by unconditional love and radical grace (Ephesians 2:4-5).

That transformative encounter changed the trajectory of his life, anchoring his marriage to Kelly and reshaping the future for their children. For the past thirteen years, Keith has served as the full-time evangelist for the Fultondale church of Christ in Alabama. This congregation holds a special place in my own heart, as I had the privilege of preaching there on a few occasions as a guest speaker around 25 to 30 years ago, long before Keith’s path led him there.

As a side note, my daughters (Kerilyn and Makena) have attended the Alabama FC camp, where Keith served as a beloved counselor, impacting their lives and the lives of so many young people with his raw, authentic faith (1 Timothy 4:12).

Today, we praise God for the opportunity to fellowship in Keith's ministry (Philippians 1:3-5). By God's grace, our Franklin church family is blessed to partner in this ministry, helping to provide the financial support needed so Keith can fully devote his time and energy to preaching the gospel. (2 Corinthians 9:12). Keith’s journey is a living testimony that no one is beyond the reach of God’s redeeming love, and we are blessed to partner with his family in spreading that message of hope.

Gentle Among You...

Mitch Davis — Fri, 08 May 2026 11:51:22 +0000

Years ago, during our time with the brethren in Fayetteville, GA, one of the men in our church family spent time with our children and helped each of them build their own birdhouses. For nearly 20 years now we have watched mother birds nesting and tenderly sheltering their young chicks beneath their wings. That beautiful scene is exactly the picture the Apostle Paul had in mind when he wrote to the church at Thessalonica: “But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother who cherishes her own children” (1 Thessalonians 2:7).

Paul was describing his warm, protective, self-giving care for new believers. He didn’t just preach to them — he cherished them.

This same tender image first appears in the Old Testament. In Deuteronomy 22:6-7, God commanded Israel not to take a mother bird along with her chicks or eggs, but to let her go free. Why? “That it may go well with you, and that you may live long.” The Greek word used for the mother bird’s action is thalpō — to warm, to cherish, and to tenderly hover over with protective love.

Jesus Himself nourishes and cherishes His church (Ephesians 5:29). Paul nurtured the Thessalonians like a mother. And today, every believer is called to nurture one another in the same way.

We see this throughout the New Testament in the many “one another” commands: build one another up, bear one another’s burdens, encourage one another daily, and be kind and tenderhearted toward one another.

In the family of God, no one should face life’s difficulties alone. Every one of us is called to be both a receiver and a giver of this cherishing care. When we offer a listening ear, a timely word, prayer, practical help, or simply faithful presence, we reflect the heart of Christ.
On this Mother’s Day, we not only celebrate the wonderful mom’s in our church family, but are reminded of our calling to spread our wings a little and tenderly cherish one another as Paul.

May our family in Christ be known as a place where people are genuinely sheltered and strengthened in the love of Christ.

Hungering For What Truly Satisfies

Zach Ford — Fri, 01 May 2026 17:00:00 +0000

Jesus makes a bold and hopeful declaration in Gospel of Matthew 5:6:
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”

Hunger is not casual—it is urgent. It moves us, shapes our priorities, and reveals what we truly depend on. When Jesus speaks of hungering for righteousness, He is pointing to a deep, consuming desire—not just to do what is right, but to live by God’s wisdom and rely on His power.

This kind of hunger is seen clearly in David. Throughout Psalm 119, David does not treat God’s word as mere instruction, but as life itself. He longs for it, delights in it, and continually returns to it. He speaks of his soul being consumed with longing and describes himself as panting for God’s commands. David understood that God’s word reveals God’s wisdom—and that wisdom leads to righteousness.

David’s life was not without failure. He faced sin, hardship, and deep affliction. Yet in every season, he leaned into God rather than his own understanding. He was not simply trying to follow rules; he was seeking to be shaped by the wisdom of God and sustained by His power. What David desired was not control, but alignment—trusting that God’s way was better than his own.

This speaks directly to us. It is possible to want God’s help without truly wanting His ways. We can desire answers without dependence, or outcomes without transformation. But Jesus teaches that those who truly hunger for righteousness—those who desire God’s wisdom above their own—are the ones who will be filled.

To hunger for righteousness is to recognize our need. It is to seek God not occasionally, but continually. It is to trust that His wisdom is higher, His ways are right, and His power is sufficient for every season of life.

So we are left with a simple but searching question:
What are you truly hungry for?

Because what we hunger for will shape who we become. Only a hunger for God—His wisdom, His righteousness, and His power—will truly satisfy and lead us into the life He has promised.

Marriage's Symmetry of Love

Mitch Davis — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 08:55:43 +0000

Slide Presentation

In a culture that prized individual autonomy above almost all else, the seventh chapter of 1 Corinthians stood as one of the most provocative texts of the New Testament era. While Paul’s instructions regarding marriage and intimacy might have appeared at first glance to be a list of ancient regulations, a revolutionary concept lay beneath the surface: the total, mutual surrender of self.

Paul’s central argument in verses 1–7 hinged on a startling symmetry. He wrote, “The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does” (1 Cor 7:4).

By using identical language for both husband and wife, Paul leveled the playing field in a way that was unheard of in the first century. He replaced the “me-centered” focus of personal rights with a “thee-centered” focus of covenantal belonging. This meant that the primary question for the believer shifted from ‘What are my rights?' to 'How can I best serve you?’—effectively transforming marriage from a contract of mutual demands into a covenant of mutual sacrifice. To Paul, being in a Christian marriage meant recognizing that one’s physical and emotional well-being was inextricably tied to the stewardship of one’s spouse.

Paul also addressed the physical relationship not as a secular distraction, but as a spiritual safeguard. He warned against deprivation, suggesting that the only valid reason to abstain was for a mutually agreed-upon “season of prayer” (v. 5). This established a holy cadence for the couple:

The Physical: Acted as a defense against temptation and a celebration of the union.
The Spiritual: Realigned the heart toward God through intentional prayer.

Perhaps the most liberating part of the passage was Paul’s conclusion in verse 7: “But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that.” Whether he spoke of the focused devotion of singleness or the sacrificial partnership of marriage, he framed both as “gifts”—charismata—of God’s grace.

Ultimately, this passage invited readers to view their relationships not as a struggle for control, but as a light for the gospel. When believers prioritized the needs of the other over their own “authority,” they reflected the very heart of Christ, who gave of Himself entirely for His people.

Who Truly Owns You?

Mitch Davis — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 11:52:04 +0000

1 Corinthians 6:12-20 - Slide Presentation

In our American culture, we’ve grown custom to our “rights”. We’re reminded of them every day via screens, billboards, etc., sending the message that we are the masters of our own destiny, the owners of our own bodies, and the sole judges of our own desires. This isn’t far from the atmosphere of ancient Corinth, where the popular catchphrase was, “All things are lawful for me.”

But Paul’s response in 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 offers a jarring reality check: “You are not your own.”

We often use our “Christian liberty” to justify habits that, while not explicitly “sinful” in a legal sense, slowly tighten into shackles. It might be the “lawful” right to spend every evening in a digital daze, or the “right” to consume whatever we crave. The apostle Paul offers two filters for these liberties. First, is it helpful? Second, does it have “power” over you? If you cannot put it down, you aren’t actually free; you are a slave to a “lawful” habit. Do we dare look at how much “screen time” we’ve actually spent on entertainment (or “Valuetainment” to ease our conscience)?

Paul moves the conversation from the courtroom of “rights” (think back to 1 Corinthians 5) to the sanctuary of the Body. To Paul, your body is a member of Christ—a “limb” of His own resurrected presence. When we indulge in immorality or give ourselves over to addictive masters (some Christians would have difficulty admitting this), we aren’t just making a personal mistake; we are dragging Christ (through our “members”/”limbs”) into that union.
The ultimate reason for our restraint isn’t a list of rules, but a Price Tag. You were “bought at a price”—the blood of Christ. Your skin, bones, and breath are now a temple of His Spirit. True freedom isn’t the power to do whatever you want; it is the joy of being owned by the One who loves you perfectly. Ask yourself: Is this habit helpful? Or has it become my master?

A Recipe for Fractured Fellowship

Mitch Davis — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 11:02:23 +0000

1 Corinthians 6:1-11 - Slide Presentation

In today’s world, “One call, that’s all” isn’t just a catchy slogan—it’s a reflection of a culture where victimhood and litigation are seen as the principal ingredients for achievement. Yet, this recipe for fractured fellowship is not a recent import into the church; it’s been simmering in the Lord’s church since the first century. That’s precisely why the apostle Paul had to address it head-on in 1 Corinthians 6:1-11. Even now, some Christians still struggle to set aside this ancient, worldly cookbook and learn the finer art of Christlike grace and reconciliation. As we examine the steps of this time-tested recipe, let’s consider how its familiar flavors may still shape our approach to conflict and unity.

First, you need one big scoop of fault-finding. This is the main ingredient that the world loves. Whereas “love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8), fault-finding ensures that even mishaps and unintentional wrongdoing does not go unpunished.
Next, stir in a heavy dose of entitlement to provide that addictive, worldly sweetness. This ingredient convinces us that our personal rights are the most important items on the menu, demanding that someone "pay up" regardless of the cost to the unity of Christ’s body.
Finally, sprinkle in some legal action, if you really want to take your recipe to the next level!

If you follow the recipe perfectly you’ll get exactly what you want: victory and justice. You’ll also get a whole lot more than you bargained for: damaged reputations and friendships, broken trust and potentially a big wide church split. This is why many in the world, who are in need of reconciliation (the forgiveness of their sins), see zero need to be added to the Lord’s church…because the church seems no different than the fractious world they live in!

Of course, if you love Jesus and His church, this recipe will be disastrous. His gospel of reconciliation teaches us to love and forgive our enemies and debtors (Matthew 5:44; 6:12). It doesn’t pay well in this life, but you’ll enjoy the everlasting taste of salvation.

Judgement Begins With Us

Zach Ford — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 08:22:57 +0000

It is easy to have opinions about the world. We see brokenness everywhere—immorality, greed, pride, confusion—and something in us wants to respond. We analyze it, critique it, sometimes even condemn it. But in 1 Corinthians 5:12–13, Paul redirects that instinct with piercing clarity: “For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judges those outside.”

That question should stop us, because many of us have become far more comfortable addressing the sins of the world than confronting the sin within the people of God—or even within ourselves.

Paul is not saying sin in the world doesn’t matter. He is saying it is not our primary responsibility. God will handle that. The church, however, has been given a different calling: to be a people set apart, accountable to one another, shaped by truth and holiness. This is where things get uncomfortable, because judging “inside” does not mean harshness or hypocrisy. It means care. It means refusing to ignore what is spiritually destructive. It means loving one another enough to say, “This does not reflect Christ, and we cannot pretend that it does.”

In a culture that often equates love with acceptance, this kind of accountability feels foreign—even wrong. But Scripture presents it as necessary. A church that refuses to address sin within its own body is not being gracious; it is being careless. Holiness is not automatic; it must be pursued, protected, and practiced together.

Paul ends with a command that echoes through Scripture: “Remove the evil person from among you.” This is not a call to pride, but to purity—not a rejection of people, but a rejection of unrepentant sin that threatens the health of the entire body.

Before we speak about the world, we must examine ourselves. Before we point outward, we must look inward, because the credibility of our witness does not begin with what we say about others—it begins with who we are becoming together in Christ.

Imitate Me: The Heart of Spiritual Fatherhood

Mitch Davis — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 13:01:15 +0000

Slide Presentation

In our modern world, the word “imitation” often carries a negative connotation, because in the minds of many modern believers no one should imitate any other than Jesus. But in the ancient world of the apostle Paul, imitation was the highest form of education and the core of discipleship. In 1 Corinthians 4:14-21, Paul made a startling, bold request of his spiritual children: “Therefore I urge you, imitate me” (v. 16).

As we look at the closing of Paul’s first major section to the Corinthians, we see that this wasn’t a call to follow a man’s ego, but a call to follow a man’s pattern.

A Father’s Love, Not a Critic’s Sting — Paul began by distinguishing himself from the “ten thousand instructors” in Christ. An instructor—a paidagogos—was a guardian who managed behavior and enforced rules. They were necessary, but they lacked the biological and emotional bond of a parent. Paul reminds the Corinthians that he “begot” them through the Gospel. His correction wasn’t designed to shame them, but to warn them as “beloved children.” A father doesn’t just want his children to follow the rules; he wants them to reflect the family character.

The Chain of Imitation—When Paul says, “imitate me,” he is inviting them to reflect him as he reflected the character of Christ. He wasn’t the origin of the light; he served as a mirror. To help them, he sent Timothy—not with a new book of rules, but to remind them of Paul’s “ways in Christ.” Timothy was a living, breathing “social media clip” of Paul’s lifestyle.
Power over Talk—The “puffed up” critics in Corinth were full of impressive words, but Paul challenged them with a piercing truth: “For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power” (v. 20). True imitation is seen in the power of a transformed life, not the eloquence of a debated opinion.

Ask yourself: Who am I imitating? And if someone were to imitate my walk with Christ today, where would they end up? Paul’s paternal plea is a reminder that we are all being shaped by someone. Let us choose to follow those who faithfully follow the King.

The SCUM of The World

Zach Ford — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 17:00:00 +0000

In First Epistle to the Corinthians 4:13, Paul makes a statement that should stop every comfortable Christian in their tracks: “We have become the scum of the world, the refuse of all things.”

This is not poetic exaggeration. It is spiritual reality.

Paul is exposing a dangerous gap between how the Corinthians saw themselves and what it truly meant to follow Christ. They believed they were elevated—secure, respected, even “reigning.” But Paul pulls back the curtain and shows the life of a true servant of Jesus: not applauded, but discarded.

And here is where the tension hits us.

Many Christians, especially in a place like the United States, have the freedom to practice their faith without immediate threat. There is comfort, cultural acceptance in some spaces, and even influence. But that environment can quietly reshape how we view discipleship. It can trick us into believing that following Christ should come with recognition, stability, and a preserved reputation.

Paul says otherwise.

To belong fully to Christ is to belong to a kingdom that the world does not understand—and often rejects. When our identity is rooted more in Christ than in country, culture, or comfort, our pride begins to die. We stop needing to be seen as important. We stop measuring faithfulness by status. We begin to understand that serving Jesus may lead us into misunderstanding, dismissal, and even shame.

“The scum of the world” is not a failure of faith—it is, in many ways, evidence of it.
This does not mean Christians should seek suffering for its own sake. But it does mean we should not be surprised when faithfulness costs us something. If our version of Christianity never puts us at odds with the values around us, we should ask whether we are truly following Christ—or simply blending Him into what is already acceptable.

Paul’s words force a question: Are we living as those honored by the world, or as those willing to be overlooked for the sake of Christ?

Because you cannot cling to pride and carry a cross at the same time.

Servant = Under Rower

Mitch Davis — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 22:49:52 +0000

Slide Presentation

In the grand, bustling theater of the First-Century church in Corinth, a dangerous trend had emerged that mirrors our own modern obsession with status and “celebrity” influence. The believers there were measuring their leaders by the world’s yardstick—eloquence, social standing, and intellectual pedigree. To shatter this glasshouse of human pride, the Apostle Paul reached into the dark, salt-stained hull of a Roman warship to find a job title that would level the playing field. He didn’t call himself a CEO, a visionary, or a spiritual titan; he called himself an hyperetas.

Literally translated as an “under-rower,” the hyperetas was the man on the lowest tier of a multidecked vessel. These men labored in the heat and the dark, invisible to the passengers on deck and forgotten by the crowds on the shore. They did not choose the ship’s destination, nor did they set the pace of the journey. Their entire existence was defined by a singular, rhythmic devotion to the voice of the keleustes, the subordinate commander who himself sat at the stern in the hull and provided the cadence. Paul’s
choice of this word was a surgical strike against the ego. For the modern Christian who enjoys the comforts of wealth or the perks of professional status, the imagery is a sobering corrective. It reminds us that regardless of our bank accounts or the titles on our office doors, in the economy of the Kingdom, we are all simply laborers in the hull.

The grace of God is the only “wind” that moves the ship, and the “mysteries of God” are the only rhythm we are called to follow. When we begin to judge ourselves or our leaders by outward success, we are like passengers arguing over who has the best view while ignoring the fact that the ship only moves because of a Master we did not appoint. Paul warns us to “judge nothing before the time,” for only when the Voyage ends, and the Lord’s light penetrates the dark hull, will the true “counsels of the heart” be revealed. Until then, our task is not to be prominent, but to be found faithful. Every talent we possess, and every dollar we steward, is a gift received, not a status earned. We are all under-rowers, pulling together toward a horizon only the Captain can see.

The Tragedy of the Stunted Soul

Mitch Davis — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 11:25:15 +0000

In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul confronts a jarring paradox: believers who were secure in their eternal standing but stubbornly carnal in their daily state (see 1 Corinthians 3:15). Despite being gifted the “mind of Christ,” they remained tethered to the “milk” of the Word, blinded by the very human impulses they should have outgrown.

Now, in the passage under consideration (1 Corinthians 3:1-9): Paul identified the “envy, strife, and divisions” that poisoned the fellowship as proof of stagnant development. The Corinthians were behaving like “mere men,” treating spiritual leaders like their favorite trophies or champions. When one claimed, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” they revealed a heartbreaking truth: they were still walking according to the flesh, treating the church like a secular “influencer” culture. Paul reduced these supposed “giants” to their basic function: they were simply ministers—mere instruments through whom faith was revealed.

To correct this, Paul shifted the focus from human personalities to divine purpose. Using the imagery of a field, he clarified the their roles as laborers. Paul participated as the planter of the Gospel seed, and likewise Apollos in watering it, neither could do anything to change the outcome of the seed. Similarly, the growth of the soul is not a product of human charisma or oratory skill.

The weight of the ministry rests entirely on the fact that God gives the increase.
All laborers in the kingdom are one in purpose and will receive rewards for their toil, but they remain “unprofitable servants”, simply doing their duty (Luke 17:10). Paul concluded with a reality check that shatters human pride: we are not the proprietors of the work; we are “God’s field” and “God’s building.” In this divine architecture, the field doesn’t belong to the sower, nor the building to the mason. Every ounce of growth and every stone laid is by His design and sovereignty, leaving no room for the exaltation of men.

The Natural Mind vs The Mind of Christ

Zach Ford — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 17:00:00 +0000

There is a way to sit in church, read Scripture, and even admire Jesus — yet still think entirely like the world. In the first letter to the Corinthians 2:14, Paul writes, “The natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.” That phrase, the natural man, should stop us. Paul is not describing an especially immoral person, nor is he attacking intelligence. He is describing someone operating at a merely human level — guided by instinct, cultural wisdom, personal reasoning, and visible strength. It is the default mode of fallen humanity.

The natural mind evaluates everything by what appears impressive, logical, strong, or effective. By those standards, a crucified Messiah looks weak. Dependence on prayer looks passive. Humility looks like loss. Forgiveness seems naïve. The cross, measured by worldly categories, feels foolish. And Paul says something sobering: the natural person is not able to understand the things of the Spirit. This is not about education; it is about orientation. Spiritual truth cannot be properly evaluated without the Spirit who reveals it. Just as someone without an ear for music cannot fully appreciate a symphony, the mind untouched by the Spirit cannot grasp the beauty and wisdom of Christ crucified.

But Paul does not leave believers in that condition. He builds toward a stunning declaration: “We have the mind of Christ.” This is the great awakening. The Spirit does not simply give us religious information; He reshapes our perception. He teaches us to value what Christ values and to see strength where the world sees weakness. He retrains our instincts so that sacrifice is no longer foolish, holiness is no longer extreme, and faith is no longer irrational.

The power of the church is not found in charisma, personality, or polished rhetoric. It is found in believers whose thinking has been formed by the Spirit. When we possess the mind of Christ, the cross becomes our wisdom, weakness becomes our confidence, and obedience becomes our joy. The question is not whether we claim Christ, but whether we are still thinking naturally or have been transformed to think spiritually. Only one of those minds can recognize the glory of God — and only one carries real power.

The Scandal of the Stumbling Block

Mitch Davis — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 08:00:00 +0000

In our modern “age of the influencer,” we are conditioned to savor connections with the great, the skilled, and the intellectually elite. We gravitate toward polished human pedigrees and sophisticated arguments, much like the “fleshly disciples” in Corinth who boasted in the names of their favorite teachers rather than Christ Himself. We wrongly assume that the path to God must be paved with human wisdom, yet the Apostle Paul presents a mindset that is “upside down” to the way of this dying world.

At the heart of the gospel lies a Great Divide: “the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God”. This is not merely a difference of opinion; it is a collision of worldviews. To the “wise, the scribe, and the philosopher of this age,” the cross is an intellectual offense. The Jews demanded miraculous signs, and the Greeks sought philosophical sophistry, yet Paul offered them a “stumbling block”: Christ crucified!

Why does God choose what the world calls “foolish”? It is because human nature, since the Garden of Eden, has been prone to being “wise in our own eyes”. We believe we can achieve righteousness through our own intelligence or influence. To shatter this pride, God “made foolish the wisdom of the world”. He chose the weak, the lowly, and the despised things—the “things that are not”—to nullify the things that are, ensuring that “no one may boast before him”.

True power is not found in the “flavor of idolatry” we find in human personalities—including the teachers you hear today, such as Zach or me—but in the “brutally beaten” Savior on a wooden cross. Every earthly accomplishment and “golden statue” of self-glory must be nailed there. When we stop boasting in men, we finally see the preeminence of Jesus Christ, who alone is our wisdom, righteousness, holiness, and redemption.

When the Cross Is Shared but the Church Is Divided

Zach Ford — Sat, 07 Feb 2026 10:25:06 +0000

The divisions Paul addresses in 1 Corinthians did not come from unbelief. They came from believers who shared the same Savior but organized their identity around different loyalties. The Corinthians believed in Christ—yet they were fractured by pride, preference, and misplaced allegiance.

Though Paul doesn’t explicitly frame the problem as Jew versus Gentile in this passage, that reality sat beneath the surface of the early church. Jews carried covenant history, law, and tradition. Gentiles carried philosophy, rhetoric, and cultural influence. Both groups were brought into one body through Christ—but both needed correction. Salvation did not erase difference, but it demanded a new center.

Paul exposes the issue with painful clarity: “I follow Paul… I follow Apollos… I follow Cephas… I follow Christ.” These were not theological confessions—they were identity statements. The Corinthians were boasting in association rather than submission. Even the phrase “I follow Christ” could be spoken with pride rather than humility.

Paul’s response cuts straight to the heart: Was Paul crucified for you?
The cross, not culture or personality, defines Christian unity.

The message of the cross levels everything the world values. For Jews it was a stumbling block. For Gentiles it was foolishness. Yet this “foolish” cross is the only place where superiority dies. At the cross, heritage cannot boast, intellect cannot earn, and status cannot save. Everyone comes the same way—dependent on grace.

When the church forgets this, division becomes inevitable. Not because Christ is insufficient, but because believers quietly add something alongside Him.

The modern church may not divide along Jew and Gentile lines, but the pattern remains. Today we divide over denominations, worship styles, favorite preachers, politics, cultural identity, and personal convictions. None of these are harmless when they become the primary way we define ourselves.
Paul’s question still confronts us: Was that crucified for you?

This is why Paul addresses division first. A fractured church undermines the gospel it proclaims. The message of reconciliation cannot be credibly preached by a people unwilling to live reconciled lives. Unity does not require uniformity. It requires humility shaped by the cross.

The call of 1 Corinthians 1 is simple but demanding: stop boasting in people, preferences, and platforms—and return to Christ crucified as our shared foundation.
Because when the cross stands at the center, division loses its power—and the gospel regains its clarity.

Am I My Sister's Keeper?

Mark Townsley — Sun, 25 Jan 2026 21:59:00 +0000

Several years ago, I stopped at our neighborhood grocery store to grab a few things we needed. I noticed as I was walking into the store there was a woman sitting at a picnic table right outside the store. She was crying. I walked right past her and went about my shopping. When I came out of the store, she was still sitting there crying. I loaded my groceries in the car, got in the car and drove away. Later that night at bedtime, I laid there thinking about that woman and beating myself up.

Why did I not stop and check on the woman? At the time of my life, I had some serious problems I was dealing with and did not need someone else’s problems. Does that justify my inaction or make it ok? Of course not. Her problems may have made mine pale in comparison. Plus, she was made in God’s image just like me. I asked God to forgive me. Me forgiving myself, that is another story. I still think about that woman and pray that she is well.

I could have taken the time to ask the woman if she was ok. Only God knows how that conversation would have played out. Would she have told me to mind my own business? Would she have spilled her heart out and told me what was making her cry? Would that conversation lead us to talk about Jesus or say a prayer together?

Since that episode, a bible verse that often pops in my brain is Hebrews 13:2 "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.” Some may believe that passage refers only to Old Testament times, or to specific events, like Abraham hosting three men in Genesis 18, who turn out to be divine visitors. One being God himself and the other two being angels.

Even if that divine visitor phenomena does not happen today (we should not be so quick to dismiss that possibility), we have the teachings and examples of Jesus who calls us to care about other people, including strangers, or even our enemies.

Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan that is recorded in Luke 10. The priest and Levite walked on by and did nothing to help the wounded man. It was the Samaritan, that the Jews despised, that rendered aid to the victim. Jesus told that story to help us understand that our neighbor is anyone in need, regardless who that person is, and we should help them and show them mercy.

We are called to be a peculiar people. We are to let our light shine and glorify Jesus every day, and every place, even on a trip to the grocery store.

Mark Townsley

Why We Pray, Send, and Support the Work of the Gospel

Zach Ford — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 17:00:00 +0000

This week is significant for our congregation. Two of our own are traveling abroad to encourage and check on the men we support in the mission field, and we are blessed to host a missionary who will share about the work God is doing through his ministry. These events remind us that gospel work is never isolated. It is the shared mission of Christ’s church.

Scripture teaches that the work of evangelism involves both those who go and those who send. The apostle Paul commended the church in Philippi for their “partnership in the gospel” (Philippians 1:5). Though they remained at home, their prayers, generosity, and concern made them true co-laborers. In the same way, when we support missionaries, we are not observers but participants in the work God is doing.

Personal presence and encouragement also matter deeply. Paul often expressed his desire to visit believers so that they might be strengthened together in faith (Romans 1:11–12). John praised churches who supported gospel workers and sent them “in a manner worthy of God,” calling such supporters “fellow workers for the truth” (3 John 6–8). By visiting the men we support, we affirm that they are not alone and that the church stands with them in love, accountability, and prayer.

Prayer is especially essential to missionary work. Paul repeatedly asked churches to pray that God would open doors for the word, grant boldness, and allow the message to spread and be honored (Colossians 4:3; Ephesians 6:19–20; 2 Thessalonians 3:1). Prayer is not symbolic support. It is spiritual labor. Through prayer, God strengthens His servants, overcomes opposition, and prepares hearts to receive the gospel.

Jesus Himself taught that those who receive and support His messengers receive Him (Matthew 10:40–42). Paul described the church’s support as a “fragrant offering, acceptable and pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:18), and reminded believers that such giving bears eternal fruit to their account (Philippians 4:17).

As our brothers travel and as we welcome our missionary guest, we encourage every member to participate intentionally through prayer. Pray for protection, clarity, boldness, endurance, and open hearts. Together, whether we go, send, or intercede, we labor as one body for the glory of Christ and the advance of His gospel.

Identity Before Correction: Then and Now

Zach Ford — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 17:00:00 +0000

When Paul wrote his letter to the church in Corinth, he was writing to a church with problems—real ones. They were divided, prideful, confused about spiritual gifts, and struggling to live differently from the culture around them. Yet Paul begins his letter in a way that might surprise us. He doesn’t open with criticism. He opens with identity.
Instead of saying, “You need to do better,” Paul says, “You are called to be saints.”

That word saints did not mean the Corinthians were perfect. It meant they belonged to God. Before Paul addresses what needs to change, he reminds them who they are and whose they are. Their faith was not built on their performance, but on God’s calling and grace through Jesus Christ.

This matters just as much today.

Modern Christians live in a world that is fast, loud, and divided. We are quick to point out flaws—our own and others’. Churches feel pressure to fix behavior, chase influence, or defend themselves in the public eye. But Paul shows us a better starting place. God’s work in His people begins with identity, not shame.

Paul thanks God for the grace given to the Corinthians and reminds them that they lack nothing they need while they wait for Christ’s return. Even with all their struggles, God was still at work among them. And more importantly, God was not going to abandon them halfway. “He will sustain you to the end,” Paul writes—not because they were strong, but because God is faithful.

That truth bridges the ancient church and the modern one. We are still imperfect people living in broken places, called to live as saints while we wait for Jesus. Our hope does not rest in how well we hold everything together, but in the faithfulness of the God who called us.

Before God corrects His church, He reminds her: You belong to Me.

1 Corinthians - Trusting God's Wisdom and Power

Mitch Davis — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 11:57:25 +0000

This year, our church family is focused on an exciting verse-by-verse journey through Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. Written to a young church struggling with division, immorality, confusion about marriage and freedom, disorderly worship, and even doubts about the resurrection, this letter speaks powerfully to us today.

At its heart, the apostle repeatedly pointed the Corinthians to one central truth: Christ crucified is the wisdom of God and the power of God (1 Corinthians 1:24). Human wisdom boasts in eloquent leaders, personal rights, impressive spiritual experiences, or philosophical arguments. But God’s wisdom looks like a crucified Savior—foolishness to the world, yet the only way of salvation and transformation. What was true of the first century church is also vitally needed today.

As we move through the book each Sunday, we’ll see this theme unfold across every issue Paul addresses:In church divisions (chapters 1–4), God humbles human pride and calls us to boast only in Christ.

In sexual sin and lawsuits (chapters 5–6), His wise boundaries and sanctifying power set us apart.
In questions of marriage and singleness (chapter 7), we learn to trust His good design.
In matters of Christian freedom and idolatry (chapters 8–10), love-guided wisdom trumps knowledge.
In chaotic worship and spiritual gifts (chapters 11–14), the Spirit’s power operates through love and order, not selfish display.
In the glorious resurrection chapter (chapter 15), we find the ultimate victory of God’s power over death.
Even in final practical matters (chapter 16), everyday life is to be lived in strength and love.Week by week, God will confront areas where we lean on our own understanding or strength. He will invite us instead to trust His wisdom revealed at the cross and to rely on His resurrection power working in us (Philippians 2:12-13) by the Spirit (Romans 8:5-11).

Let’s approach this year with expectation. As we open every verse together, may God bless us to increasingly see Jesus as His perfect wisdom for our decisions and His mighty power for our transformation. By year’s end, may we echo Paul: “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:31).

When Obedience Stops Feeling Safe

Zach Ford — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 17:00:00 +0000

Many Christians assume that if they are faithful enough, life will eventually feel easier. But Scripture tells a different story. From the moment God called His people out of Egypt, faithfulness has often meant living without guarantees—except the promise that God would be with them. When obedience begins to feel risky, it may not be a sign that something has gone wrong. It may be a sign that we are standing exactly where God has always formed His people.

From the beginning, God has shaped His people in places of uncertainty. Israel was called a holy nation before they had land, stability, or power. The wilderness taught them daily dependence, not self-sufficiency. Exile forced them to remember who they were when familiar structures were gone. Again and again, God’s people were distinct—and often uncomfortable.

This pattern reaches its fullness in Christ. Jesus did not live a protected or predictable life. He was faithful without applause, obedient without security, and rejected without retaliation. His life reminds us that faithfulness does not always feel safe, but it is never unnoticed by God.

The apostle Peter writes to scattered believers and calls them “elect exiles” (1 Peter 1:1). With that phrase, he names both their dignity and their tension. God’s people belong to Him, yet they live as strangers in the places they inhabit. Peter does not urge Christians to blend in or to panic. He calls them to live holy lives, trusting that God is at work even when circumstances feel unstable.

For many believers today, obedience carries quiet costs. Integrity may limit opportunities. Convictions may invite misunderstanding. Faithfulness may feel lonely or unrewarded. Scripture does not deny these realities—but it refuses to label them as failure. God has always done some of His deepest work in His people when obedience required trust rather than control.

As we reflect on this past year and look ahead, the call is not to make faith more comfortable, but to remain faithful where God has placed us. The church has never been sustained by ease, but by the presence and promises of God.

God has never abandoned His people in precarious places. He has met them there, sustained them there, and shaped them there. As we move forward, our calling is not to make faith feel safer, but to trust the God who has always been faithful—even when obedience came at a cost.