Church Blog

What would happen if God changed the “plan of salvation” in this dramatic way? What if the voice of God parted the skies and spoke a new revelation to us, saying, “If you are crucified on a cross for your sins, you will be eternally saved!” Would you do it? Assuming that every human living heard and understood His mighty voice, don’t you suppose countless millions would line up to fulfill this requirement? The Bible says with Divine credibility that…

The New Testament uses the word “walk” to describe one’s lifestyle. Our life here is a journey, and most of us travel along a path of our own choosing. As Christians, we must learn and apply the teachings of the Bible to assure that we are heading in the right direction. In the 13th chapter of the letter of Hebrews, we find a road map that will guide us into spiritual maturity. Although not exhaustive, this passage gives a short,…

The God we serve is one who is active and involved. He has been active from their very beginning of time and will be active throughout history. God’s activity began in creating the world. God created the entire world very good in six days and rested on the seventh day (Gen.1:1-2:3). When God created human beings He did something special. God made man and woman in His image and in His likeness (Gen. 1:26-27, 2:7). Though God was good and…

What is the greatest trial? What do men so despise? The hardest climb and dreariest mile Is seeing through another’s eyes.   It may appear uncomplicated, Completely cut and dry, But our “skills” may be overrated, As we try to see through the other’s eye.   We don’t know what they’re thinking, Can’t know their circumstance Or how abruptly their heart is sinking, From our outward, presumptuous glance   Their motivation is quite hidden, About their intentions we have no…

How many times have you heard a child say something like, “I’m bored; there’s nothing to do?” I guess it’s pretty normal for kids [who are accustomed to having their days structured and planned for them in school] to get bored during the summer or breaks during the school year. It’s usually not too difficult to find something for them to do and they’re satisfied. However, many adults, just like children, fall into the habit of saying, “The church doesn’t…

The Bible begins by telling us that God created the heavens and the earth (Gen. 1:1). Later passages of Scripture praise God for simply creating through the power of His words (Psa. 33:6,33:9). God not only created the world, but He currently holds it together by His power (Col.1:16-17; Heb. 1:2-3). While the Devil does have power and exercises some influence in the world (Jn. 14:30; 2 Cor. 4:4), the world still ultimately belongs to the God who created it…

My father, from an early age you taught me to be true, But when I wavered on what that was, I could always look at you. You taught me how the Lord comes first at work, at school, at play But how much easier that became when you practiced that each day. Dear child, I may not perfectly that narrow path traverse But when you see me fail, dear child, I pray I will reverse For fathers come, they teach…

This is what the inspired apostle Paul counseled Timothy to do. There are at least three implications in that powerful admonition. Consider them. “Be Patient When Wronged.” How do you handle mistreatment? Do you fly off the handle? Do you get revenge? Do you turn bitter? Do you gossip? Do you rail or have outbursts of anger? Paul says to be patient. That involves being slow to react, watching your words and attitude, and choosing your course of action deliberately!…

We are blessed to have quite a few young children in our congregation. Little boys and little girls, with unexpected observations, expressive faces, and humorous behaviors, make sure there is not a dull moment when they are around. Inspired writers use terms like “inheritance” (Prov. 13:22) and “gift” (Psa. 127:3) to impress us with their value. Jesus demands imitation of them (Mat. 18:3). Parents get so proud of their children, displaying their cuteness in pictures on social media. While so…

Much has been said about improper worship and those who worshiped God incorrectly in Scripture. Individuals like Nadab and Abihu, along with Aaron and the golden calf serve as demonstrations of what not to do as we approach Almighty God in worship (Exod. 32; Lev. 10:1-2). However, the Bible also supplies us with examples of individuals who got worship right. These are people who approached God in the right way, gave Him the right things, and are held up as…

Amazing Light Show! Recently, people right here in Kentucky were treated to a special light show usually only displayed in certain parts of the world. The headline from NBC read, “Stunning display of Northern light seen around the world.” While too tired to stay awake to see personally, I enjoyed seeing pictures from those who did. Similarly, last month some in Guatemala gathered to watch the Volcan del Fuego erupt at night. While watching, it first appeared that lightning struck…

Leroy Brownlow once wrote, “Of all the human names held sacred in memory, that of mother falls upon our hearts with the most sublime influence. How sweet in after years are the recollections of a mother’s patient training. How many have nobly ascribed all recognized success and all avoidance of evil to the tenderness and devotion of mother. Through helpless infancy her throbbing heart was our strong support and safe protection. Through the ills of the day and the maladies…

Whose name meant “comfort”? Noah’s! Lamech says as much. When Noah was born, Lamech proclaimed, “This one shall give us rest from our work and from the toil of our hands arising from the ground which the Lord has cursed” (Gen. 5:29). The NIV and KJV, among others, put the word “comfort” for “rest.” Lamech was optimistic that Noah would help alleviate the labor pains of farming in cursed ground. Have you stopped to think about the meaning of Noah’s…

After the flood God promised that the seasons would always continue as long as the earth remains (Gen. 8:22). That means for those of us living in the northern hemisphere we can expect springtime to come somewhere between March 19 and March 21 every year. While many people may take the seasons for granted, Christians realize they are a blessing from God. It is right for us to observe nature and to see the lessons it teaches us about the…

Our theme this year at Lehman Avenue is Living by faith. This theme is based on the words found in Romans 1:17 where Paul quotes from Habakkuk 2:4. When Paul writes, “the righteous shall live by faith,” he is saying those made right with God through the gospel should live their lives faithfully based upon that foundation. How can someone tell if we are living by faith? How can we tell? Are there any tangible signs? Here are some of…

What would it be like to live always rejoicing? Well, it is possible even in a complex world where suffering is a consequence of our actions or the acts of those around us. God in His goodness and love has left His church so that in any circumstance we can find a way to rejoice (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and wait while we understand how those situations will work together for Good (Romans 8:28). I’m sure that the church on Lehman…

Attend because you want to honor God in the special way that occurs when the church assembles to study His Word (1 Tim. 4:13) Attend because you want to encourage others and be with them every opportunity you can (1 Thess. 5:11; Rom. 15:4) Attend because you find the study of God’s Word so meaningful (Psa. 119:105) Attend because there’s so much of the Bible you have yet to master, and you want to hear what the teacher and the…

Jesus promised to build his church and he guaranteed the gates of hades would not stop him from keeping his promise (Matt. 16:18-19). When we read the book of Acts we learn of how the church started in Jerusalem and eventually spread throughout the entire Roman Empire (Acts1:8; Col. 1:23). While the first century church was not perfect they were successful in doing the things Jesus wanted them to do. We should read and study Acts for many reasons, but…

In an understatement, I am not a world traveler. I had much rather spend time at home than traveling, especially to places far from home. I’m a homebody, so traveling to unfamiliar places is not easy. Yet, I have occasionally wondered what folks in other parts of the world are like. I recently learned when I journeyed far from home. I most likely do not blend in very well. I certainly would be identified as an outsider rather quickly if…

Love is one of the most misunderstood and abused words in the English language. Some of the more unloving things are done in its name. It is confused with lust, neglect, abuse, ignorance, and encouragement of evil. Even in religion, love is the banner of everything from hatred and terrorism to gross immorality and perversion. It is helpful to remind ourselves what constitutes love. LOVE DOES NOT ENABLE WEAKNESS. Pretending that a loved one does not have a sin problem…

Wouldn’t it be great to have it said of us at the end of our lives that we pleased God and even impressed him with how we lived? When we read the gospels one of the things that stands out is how often Jesus praised people for having faith in him. Whenever someone believed he could heal, forgive, or restore he made sure to applaud their faith and point it out for his disciples. Jesus never praised any one for…

I am filled with a tremendous sense of optimism that is not generated by politics, current events, the media, the economy, or any other worldly thing. Yet, I cannot shake this swelling tide of hope that fills me on a daily basis. It is a hope for what the church and its members can be in the face of the growing challenges we face in this culture and around the world. Why are these such exciting times? The darkness is…

Nannie Van Hooser, wife of Perry F. Van Hooser, was born November 26, 1873; and departed this life at her mother’s home in Jackson County, July 16, 1896. The deceased was married December 7, 1893. She obeyed the Gospel in September 1895, and lived ever afterwards a faithful, earnest Christian. Sister Nannie was a very bright and noble specimen of womanhood, and clung to life with great energy and hope, being a victim of that fell destroyer, Consumption. She was…

A little child with eyes so bright, Looks to a big day coming. Dreams big dreams with star-filled sight, Can you hear the joyous humming? Too often, the big event falls flat Of all the child dared to hope Or it quickly flies by with an eyelash’s bat, And with let downs the li’l one must cope. The grown-up marks the calendar And scrimps and saves and researches Counts down the days in wistful surrender, As the dream vacation lurches.…

Have you ever wondered about the origin of New Year’s resolutions? I have. If they are to be trusted, the folks at the History Channel denote the Babylonians, nearly 4,000 years ago, as the founder of such culture-wide determinations. It was as part of a 12-day religious festival known as Akitu. Later, at the prompting of none other than Julius Caesar, the Romans, again as a nod to a god—Janus, the two-faced god who looked backward and forward—observed the advent…