Ben Church of Christ

What is the motivation to live a good life? Will there be levels of reward where one party just makes it through those pearly gates yet another might be seated at the right hand of God?

It is appointed to man to die, and then comes a time of judment from our creator. We begin a study on the possible outcomes of judgment and the role that man has in the time we have in preparing for that Great Day.

Cain's decisions of life that led to his murdering his brother has patterns that shed light on the process of sin.

This week, we look at an example from the Southern Kingdom of Judah some 680 years before the coming of Christ. A king was the best at what he did - all be it that it was all AGAINST God. After one warning and another and another, God finally pulled the trigger and the King was taken captive. But the lesson only starts at that point.

Even when documentation was an enourmous task, writing and reading of words was important. And coming into the first century, this continued. And today, it is words that we go to to know the way to our Father.

We continue to see the powers of un-belief try to overtake the faith of Christians. A simple look at what exists should be enough to convince even the greatest skeptic. We remind ourselves of some of God's creation, some of what was revealed long before science understood, profiding evidence to build a solid faith in our Creator.

Are signs of the Bible being met as we speak? Are we given hints and when the Earth ends and judgment comes? We consider signs that were shared with a closer look at what is taught - and what is not taught in those passages.

The different between the old law and new law is literally the difference between life and death. We remind ourselves of the stark contrast and the blessings/freedoms we have through the coming of Christ and the establishment of the New Covenant.

This study looks at the book of Revelation. In understanding some basic facts, we can better understand the meaning behind some of the symbols and language.

Some elements of the Old Covenant are found in the new. What about the Sabbath and what was required to keep it holy? And are we bound to the formula(s) related to giving and offerings?

We consider the why behind the reasons for some of the decisions made when it comes to our worship and service to our God.

The subject of covenants continues in this week's visit as we go back to the beginning, see how a covenant was established, then broken, the cost and the redemption options that came in time.

"To the fourth generation" is a reference used in the Old Testament looking forward to a generation that likely will have minimal influence from the current. We consider the influence and possible impact we might have.

Our relationship with our creator is based on grace but aslo covenants. We consider some of the more known examples of these agreements to include Noah, Abraham and Moses as a shadow of our role today.

We continue a look into the 23rd Psalm, this time considering the perspective of the Shepherd.

We continue taking an overview of final writings of Paul as well as the remaining Books of the Bible. Our goal is to gain a general sense of what was given to man as a guide for his life after becoming a Christian.

Some of the most powerful life lessons come from the simplest of teachings. We consider the relationship sheep have with a shepherd - the 23rd Psalm.

We start a look at what happens after one is converted. Where the first four books of our Bible cover the coming and life of Christ, then the Acts of the Apsotles, we then see the application. This comes mostly from the pen of the Apostle Paul. We start with an overview of the first several letters gaining an brief glimpse at some of the key topics in answering "Now What?"

Without faith it is impossible. We revisit this element of our walk as we look at examples of old....

There is a term used over 100 times in the New Testament. What it is, the subject that can make use of it, and the reasoning are all detailed without question. Yet we have seen every revealed reasoning changed. We read to understand about the act of Baptism.

This is the second part of a lesson on conversion, putting off the old and putting on the new.

This is the message from Christ, repeated several times through the first century. It can easily get lost in the shadows of conversion though it can be the foundation for our faith.

The concept of a journey is used when considering the blessing of life here and now. What defines our path, our destination and our daily steps are considered.

The concept of born again brings the idea of a previous life and a new life. We consider that transformation in dealing with the old.

Something that is not a requirement would be considered an option or an accessory. When we read of the act of baptism, was this something that was accepted as an add-on, not required, not necessary? We consider the conversion of the jailer of acts 16 to answer the question of thje purpose of baptism.

The events that come at the end of this era are often in discussions. We consider what is said, and not said, about those end time events preceeding the second coming of Christ.

We continue reading of the journeys and experiences of Paul. He finds himself beaten and locked in Prison. Did he play the victim - no! He and Silas prayed and sang in the middle of the night. While Paul had experiences greater than we can imagine, our faith is built on the same as his. We consider Paul's choices to remain full of faith.

Love is a term with varying definitions. It is the verb Christ used in summarizing all of the old law - loving God and loving our Neighbor. We consider this attribute that should be first in our all.

We continue our venture through the Acts of the Apostles, the events immediately following the ascention of Jesus back to his Father's side. As we continue to read through, it appears that the Apostles forgot about an important event in their delivering of the answer to, "What must I do to be saved?" There was an example that we know well, that they seemed to overlook.

As a child of the Most High, we have blessings and priveledges. One of those is the avenue of communicating with our Creator - prayer.

Understanding what the first converts to Christianity encountered can give a new meaning to the foundation that was established on which the church was built and where we stand.

The parable of the workers in the vineyard is a bold illustration that applies to the expecations of followers of Christ. Among the many titles we can carry is that of a husbandman - a worker in the vineyard.

The recounts of conversion start to give way to travels that bring conflict to the messengers of Christ. Yet while the noise against them grew louder, the faith of belivers grew stronger. The Gospel is now on the move - to all nations.

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ. Thoughts preceed action or works. Having pre-sets serve as the foundation on which all else sits.

Acts 10 brings conversion to the rest of the world. Until this time, recorded examples include Jews, but Cornelius was not of that bloodline. Events occurred that broke that wall, which was part of the plan. Yet what was required to be a convert is no different than we have studied. Let's look at the Case of Cornelius.

Work is hard.The couch can have a stronger appeal than the shovel. Principles for life include serving, earning and providing.

Our story begins with the creation followed by life in the Garden of Eden, the fall of man, the ups and downs of obedience through history, the coming of Christ, the departure of Christ and the establishment of the church - to hit a few lmile-markers. But before any of that was a plan for man...

Fear is powerful and can rule our lives. Faith might seem less powerful, yet in the end it is Faith that rules over Fear.

One of the most vivid changes in life comes from Saul. His zeal was visible before as well as after his conversion. And the changes brought on by that conversion are evident seeing the stark contrast in his changed life. We consider the similarity of what took place with Saul in review of others studied in Acts.

There is how we wish to be seen, and then who we really ara. They might not be far apart, though God sees the heart.

Two more (plus) examples of conversion. A former magician takes a liking to the miracles and would like to sign on to have the same. And quickly learns some life lessons. And Phillip helps a traveler better understand Isaiah which leads them both into water where the traveler was baptized.

The Bible references harsher judgment/punishment for those that intentially ignore and rebel. Is there the same for reward?

As the work continues in the early mission work of spreading the Good News, strong opponents end up in a rage that ends in the stoning to death. Yet, this was not even a ripple in the growth of the Church. We continue looking at Conversions in the book of Acts

We are creatures of habit and routine. Do things often enough and long enough and it is a challenge to consider anything else. Right is not established by routine and time, but the letter of the law.

The Apostles had been given all power. Yet the focus was not on the power of healing, but the power of words. We look into the 3rd chapter of Acts as the conversion to Christ is well underway.

What does it mean to commit? Trials, tests, circumstances are a part of our existence. Yet, so are blessings. How does one get to a place to perceive death as gain - commitment.

Those hearing the words of Peter in Acts two were given words that brought the cleanliness concept of the old law up to date. And a similar process was issued that not only cleansed them, it also is the process that connected them with the sacrificial blood of the one that they just accepted as Saviour. We continue looking acts of conversion - this week at the end of Acts 2.

Is the Kingdom Past, Present or Future? Christ came to establish as King His Kingdom. Was this accomplished?

The book of Acts is where the conversions to the Gospel came into full being. We see the lives of people impacted by hearing and coming to a knowledge of what Christ had brought. It starts shortly after the death of Christ as he preps his Apostles for what comes next....

Revelation 21. Followers of Christ look for greater treasure this earth cannot offer. And no corruption will exist. We want the one, but what does it mean that sin will not be present?