Ezras Still Need Shecaniahs

by Jason Hardin In God’s Image “Ezra.” If you’re familiar with the Old Testament of the Bible, you remember the name. “Shecaniah”? Probably not. But here’s something we all need to understand: the “Ezras” of the world desperately need the “Shecaniahs.” In Ezra 10, after rebuilding the temple, restoring the Passover, and contending with a…

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When It’s Time To Leave

by Joe Works Leave Peaceably That may not happen but it needs to be your goal. No good will come from “letting people have it” as you’re walking out the door (Romans 12:18; Hebrews 12:14). Leave Hopeful If people have treated you poorly maybe they will change. Pray sincerely for them. God changed you from…

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Joshua’s Encouragement

by Doy Moyer As the children of Israel were preparing to go into the Promised Land, Moses delivered a series of speeches to help them understand how important their love and obedience to God would be (see Deuteronomy 6:1-9). Moses would not enter the Land himself, but Joshua had been chosen as the successor who…

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You Encourage Me

by Russ Bowman I am thinking this morning of all those who go unnoticed in their faithful service to God — at least unnoticed by other people. So, here’s a nod of appreciation… …to all of the husbands and wives who work hard at their marriage and honor their vows, even when it’s difficult. …to…

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Be a Barnabas

by Jefferson David Tant We are familiar with Paul’s companion in some of his travels. He is first mentioned in Acts 4:36: “Now Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement).” What a great description of Paul’s brother and companion. He is next…

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Mary’s House

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Marys-House.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Acts 12:12-17   I.         In Acts 12 we learn that the persecution of the church intensified in Judea.             A.        Herod had the apostle James killed – Acts 12:1-2             B.        It was a popular act, and so he planned to repeat it by having Peter killed – Acts 12:3-4             C.        But Peter did not…

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Encouragement

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Encouragement.mp3 by Raymond Warfel

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Being a Conversationalist

Text: Romans 12:10-18   I.         A young lady wrote and asked, “How can you be a good conversationalist? I’m so boring. I don’t know how to strike up an interesting conversation.”             A.        It is a good question because talking to people is something we just take for granted. II.        Start by listening – really listening             A.        The biggest mistake…

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Barnabas – The Encourager

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Barnabas-The-Encourager.mp3 by Ross Ward Text: Acts 4:31-37 Barnabas’ work in Acts Acts 4:31-37 – gave of himself Acts 9:26-30 – advocated for Saul in Jerusalem Acts 11:19-24 – qualities as a servant Acts 11:25-26 – advocates for Saul Acts 15:35-41 – advocates for John Mark Being a Barnabas Barnabas sacrificed himself Giving of his property…

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The Words We Speak

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/The-Words-We-Speak.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Ephesians 4:17-24   I.         There is a Proverb that stands out in my mind – Proverbs 26:18-19             A.        You cannot cover up lies with a claim that you were making a joke.             B.        We are judged by what we say, even the casual things said without much thought – Matthew 12:35-37                         1.         Why?…

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