Merkel Church Of Christ

Are you feeling uncertain, weak, hopeless, frustrated, even lost? Our world is full of uncertainty, but Jesus says the truth will set you free, free from all this uncertainty. The truth Jesus refers to is the truth given in His word. It is the truth that sanctifies us from the uncertainty of this world and gives us the victory over this world, even our faith (1 Jn 5:4-5; Rom 10:17; Jn 17:17, 20).

History has tamed Jesus but the New Testament writings tell a different story. Jesus was filled with emotions: joy, gladness, anger, grief.  One exchange with the Pharisees and Scribes displays the anger Jesus felt toward the way they had contaminated the religion of God’s chosen people.   At the end of seven (maybe eight) statements of judgment (Woes) Jesus seems to work himself into fever pitch and calls them a common expression of the day: You serpents, you brood of ...

True worship is not without power to accomplish God’s purpose in our lives. When we honor Christ in worship for all He is and has done for us, we find the encouragement we need to strengthen ourselves and one another. Then we are built up together in Christ so that each one can do its part (Ephesians 4:11, 16; Colossians 2:18, 19).

True worship is worship that is true to God’s purpose for worship. It turns the hearts and lives of the worshippers toward God, and represents a heart that is willing to live life as a reflection of the truths confessed in that worship. Hypocritical Worship is worship that is done as a substitute for just and righteous living. It is worship done outwardly but has with no honest desire to renew the mind and direct the daily life of the ...

Less is More The key for a bull rider is not strength, no one is stronger than a 2000 lb. bull! The key to his victory it is balance. In fact any thing that throws off his balance brings defeat instead of victory. The key for a tightrope-walker is to be rid of everything that hinders his goal (he does not carry unnecessary burdens). His challenge is to focus on HIS goal, not the past. Forgetting what is behind (Php ...

Faithfulness and Redemption The church in Smyrna (Rev 2:8-11) face persecution on every side, Jesus tells them that He knows it, well. He also reminds them that they have nothing to fear from what they are about to suffer – even to the point of death (the first death, that of this body). He tells them to take the opportunity (having ears) to hear (listen) to what He tells them so that they can overcome and receive the crown of ...

Jesus clearly states and lives the example of what His disciples must do – love one another, as He loved them (John 13:34-35; 15:10-12). Jesus would show His disciples the full extent of His love (John 13:1 NIV). He washed their feet. They did not understand, at the time, what He was really doing in washing their feet (13:7), but He promises later they will understand. Jesus explains to them that He has set them an example (13:12-16) of loving ...

Tressie Lucas, 97, passed away peacefully Wednesday, September 21, 2016 in a local hospital. Tressie was born December 29, 1918 in Comanche, Texas to Thomas and Rilla (Whitaker) Marshall. She graduated as valedictorian from Noodle High School in 1937 then married Newell Lucas October 1, 1938 in Merkel. He preceded her in death June 4, 1967. Tressie worked at Merkel Drug, Caldwell Music, and Abilene State School. She taught many children to play the piano. Tressie was Volunteer of the ...

2 Peter 1: 1-15

If you have ever felt lost, then you know well the anxiety that comes from that realization.  Jesus Christ, the Son of Man, came to seek and save that which was lost (Luke 19:10). We all like sheep had gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way (Isaiah 53:6). We were dead in our transgressions, separated from our God and the life that is in Him (Ephesians 2:1-5). Lost? Yes, we were by the very definition – ...

In our country we have a day set aside to give honor and recognition to the achievements and contributions of the working men and women that has made our nation great. This is a tribute in some regard to the truth that we find in Proverbs 14:23 – all hard work brings a profit, but mere talk only leads to poverty! As Christians we enjoy labor that is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). We enjoy that brings praise, honor, ...

Wednesday night devotional “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

Jay Don Poindexter

2Peter 1:3-11

The nations have always waited and looked for God’s covenant related priesthood (Mal 2:4-5; 1 Pet 2:9) to revere / honor His name and benefit from His covenant of life and peace in a way that fulfills His purpose and brings glory to His name! Mal 2:1-7 And now this admonition is for you, O priests. 2 If you do not listen, and if you do not set your heart to honor my name,” says the Lord Almighty, “I will ...

In calling the church in Corinth to spiritual disciplines that will keep them living lives empowered by the gospel, Paul uses the examples of athletes training for the Isthmian Games so popular in Corinth. 1 Cor 9:24-27 24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it ...

Rejoicing in the Lord: The Word of God Our recent study of the book of Philippians has helped remind us of the importance of our rejoicing in the Lord. Paul reminds the saints in Philippi of their partnership in the gospel (1:5), the grace they share (1:7) and the joy they all share together (2:17,18) in the Lord. This reminder of their joy is a safeguard (3:1) for them against false teaching (3:2-4, 17-21), just as prayer and the peace ...

We have discussed in some detail how this letter (Philippians) updates Paul’s dearest supporters (1:3-5, 7, 4:1, 17-18) of his current circumstances (1:12-13, 19-20) and offers them encouragement for the circumstances they face (1:29-30). The encouragement Paul offers them is bound up in their joy in the Lord. He reminds them sixteen times of this kind of joy! Paul joyously poured out his heart, message, and life for the benefit of these saints (Acts 16), and he confesses that all ...

Philippians is a missionary report and thank you letter that encourages the saints in Philippi to hold on to their joy. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Php 4:4). The word joy, in its various forms will appear something like 16 times in this letter, depending upon the translation. God’s promise of joy for His people has helped them to face the most difficult of situations in this world and yet hang on to their ...