By: Mike Riley

The plea of churches of Christ today is to restore New Testament Christianity into the lives of as many as will receive the gospel. Preaching the gospel without expecting those who believe it to change their lives is not sufficient. To this end, the churches of Christ preach, and the Bible teaches, that the gospel contains all the information that we need to do this (2 Peter 1:3; 2 Timothy 3:17).

  This revealed information constitutes a pattern to restore New Testament Christianity. Each person must be concerned with restoring and following the New Testament pattern in his life. Some say that the New Testament contains no such pattern. If that’s true, then restoration is impossible. One cannot restore anything without knowing something about the original pattern. On the other hand, if the New Testament contains such a pattern, restoration of New Testament Christianity is necessary to be a Christian.

  Does the New Testament contain such a pattern? Jesus tells us that there is such a pattern. He said, “The seed is the word of God” (Luke 8:11). God’s word is like a seed. Every seed contains a complete pattern to restore the plant from which it came. We do not expect a seed from an apple tree to grow an orange tree, and vice versa. We expect a seed that contains the pattern of an apple tree to produce an apple tree.

So is the word of God. When individuals observe and obey God’s word, as revealed by Jesus Christ in the New Testament, they follow a pattern that produces Christians. They have restored what God desired. With such, God will be pleased, for one will have grown out of the word of God what God put into it.

By: Mike Riley

First Peter addresses those who have been scattered abroad by persecution, particularly those who have been born again through the redemption of the blood of Christ struggling to be faithful. Peter encourages them to stand steadfast and remain faithful even in adverse situations.

In chapter two, Peter calls attention to the fact that these Christians, through their new birth, have left behind the things of the world, malice, guile, hypocrisy, envy, and evil speaking. He encourages these Christians to drink the honest milk of the word to grow in their faith.

 If they continue to grow, they will be part of the spiritual house of God as living stones. Their edification is based upon the foundation of Christ, and their acknowledgment of His preciousness.

When we think of the word “precious” we think of something that has inherent value, and worth, is highly prized, and rarely obtained. In the movie and book series, “Lord of the Rings,” those who are taken with the “one ring” often refer to it as “precious.” 

The devotion that these characters display to the ring reflects their servitude and misguided zeal toward it.

When speaking the word “precious” (in regard to the ring) they reveal love, devotion, zeal, and jealousy. While the ring represents something evil, do we have the same love, devotion, and zeal toward that which we know is good?

The Bible says that Jesus is precious to us who are born again to righteousness, edification, and sanctification. In 1 Peter 2:7 we have this statement, “Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious.” Is Jesus precious to you? Do you value Him like you would value your most prized possession?

By: Mike Riley

Almost everything this writer possesses is old (including myself): an old car (11 years), old clothes (5-10 years), old appliances (10-20 years), old furniture (10-20 years), old television (18 years), old computer (7 years), and old dog (15 years).

However, when we are “in Christ” (Gal. 3:26-27), “everything is made new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NCV).

 When we are “in Christ,” old values are rejected, old standards are repudiated, and old lusts are crucified (Romans 6:6; cf. Gal. 2:20). “In Christ” is where “all spiritual blessings” reside (Ephesians 1:3 KJV).

“Out of Christ,“ there is nothing but death (Romans 6:23), remorse (Luke 23:39-41), hopelessness (2 Corinthians 7:10 AMP; 1 Thessalonians 4:13), and condemnation (Luke 23:40).

 Dear reader, do you want something in life that is permanently “new?“ Do you want a “new” life? You can have that “new” life if you are “in Christ.”

How do we get “into Christ?“ There’s only one way to get “into Christ,” and that is to be baptized “into Christ” (Gal. 3:27). We are baptized “into Christ” when we are baptized “into His death” (Romans 6:3).

When we are raised from the watery grave of baptism, we begin our Christian Walk “in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). We become a “new creation” where “everything is made new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NCV).

Please consider the above statements, considering the inspired Scriptures (Acts 17:11), and then take action to acquire this “new” life.

Acts: 17:11 “Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so”.

English Standard Version. ESV®

Mike Riley

During the holiday season, many people are depressed and despondent over many things that have either happened in their past or over things that are presently happening to them. Unfortunately, many Christians find themselves in the same boat.

In Psychology Today, Ray B. Williams, Co-Founder of Success IQ University and President of Ray Williams Associates, Inc., offers some practical suggestions on how to deal with depression during this time of year.

Additionally, what can we do as Christians to help alleviate any mental stress or depression that we might have during this time of year?

We can:

 “Cast down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God” (2 Corinthians 10:5).

“Bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Repeat to ourselves, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

Remember that the Lord will never leave or forsake us (Genesis 28:15; Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5).

 Remember that the Lord will provide our every “need” (Matthew 6:25-34; Philippians 4:19; cf. Psalm 23:1).

Remember that God “cares” for each one of us (1 Peter 5:7).

Prioritize each day, taking one day at a time, for we’re not assured of tomorrow (Matthew 6:33-34; James 4:13-15; cf. Proverbs 27:1).

 Set our mind on “things above” (things spiritual) – not on things on the earth (Colossians 3:2).

Keep our eyes focused on Jesus, the Author, and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

Get involved in helping others in need (Acts 2:44-45; Acts 4:32-35; cf. 1 John 3:17-18).

By making application of the above suggestions, we can rise above any thoughts of depression or anxiety that we might have and look forward to a rewarding and productive New Year.