Centered on Christ Podcast

In our last article, we discussed the contrasts pointed out in 1 Tim. 6:6-10, 16-19, which were “greed vs contentment,” “trusting in uncertain riches vs trusting in the living God,” and “living for the here and now vs living for the there and then.” This week, we want to examine two individuals who fit these contrasts perfectly. Jesus taught about these two men and pulled back the curtain for us to see what happens beyond the grave. Truly, it is one of the most astounding reversals in all of Scripture! Consider the Text. I invite you to Luke 16:19-31. This is a very familiar text to any Bible student. I have preached several sermons from this text and have written several articles, even for this column, over the years. One amazing trait of the Bible is that you discover more the more you study, even if you have studied that same passage multiple times! The Bible is, after all, a living document (Heb. 4:12)! Jesus tells of a rich man and his prosperity contrasted with a man named Lazarus and his poverty. First, we will examine the qualities of the rich man. The qualities of the rich man. The Bible says he “fared sumptuously” (vs. 19). Other translations say he “lived in luxury (NIV), “feasted sumptuously” (ESV), “he was joyously living in splendor” (NASB), “he was feasting lavishly” (CSB). As we pointed out last week, there is nothing inherently wrong with having nice things and living this kind of lifestyle, but it can cost one their soul if it distracts them from living for God and using their wealth to His glory (Luke 12:13-21; 1 Tim. 6:6-10, 17-19). Jesus also says that the rich man was “arrayed in purple and fine linen (vs. 19). The New American Standard Version says, “He habitually dressed in purple and fine linen.” Purple was very expensive in that day and age (Side note: Lydia was a seller of purple (Acts 16:14). A third thing said about the rich man is that he “received good things” (vs. 25). We might say he lived the good life and never had to worry about anything. The contrast between the rich man and Lazarus. Now we want to examine the glaring contrast between the rich man and Lazarus. He is described as a “beggar.” Biblically speaking, a beggar was a person with few or no possessions (1 Sam. 2:8; Luke 16:20, 22). He was also “Full of sores” (ESV: Covered with sores). Lazarus “laid at the gate.” This makes me wonder if he was homeless or if he didn’t have a family. As a beggar laid at the gate, he “desired crumbs from the rich man’s table.” If that wasn’t bad enough, the dogs came and “licked his sores.” This may have actually been a relief for him, but still consider the contrast with the rich man, for while the rich man received good things, Lazarus received evil things (vs. 25). The great reversal. I mentioned that an astounding reversal takes place, and now we want to examine that together. Death is the great equalizer. Death is no respecter of persons, and we all have an appointment with death if the Lord delays His return before our time on this earth runs out (Heb. 9:27; Psa. 90:10, 12; Jas. 4:14; Eccl. 12:7). Both the rich man and Lazarus succumbed to death. While they were on level ground when it came to death, their situations became very different. The rich man died and was in torments while Lazarus was “carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom.” While the Rich Man was being tormented, Lazarus was being comforted. Friends, those two individuals are there as we speak! The Hadean Realm (unseen realm of the dead) holds the souls of those who have departed from this life. The unrighteous go into torments to await the Judgment, while the righteous go into Paradise to await the Judgment. The rich man was physically rich, but spiritually poor. Lazarus was physically poor, but spiritually rich. Which is better? True wealth is found in Jesus Christ, and Heaven will surely be worth whatever we have to struggle with in this life. If you have found yourself desiring to be rich and more concerned about the physical and material than the spiritual, I pray you will consider the content of this article and choose to live for God!Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

Recently, brother Glenn Colley preached in our gospel meeting. This sermon was the one he preached during our Sunday morning assembly. Lord willing, I look forward to sharing more of what he preached during our meeting with you in the upcoming weeks! Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

Although Paul was not with Jesus during His earthly ministry, he was chosen by the Lord to be an apostle. Jesus described Paul’s future work when He instructed Ananias to meet Paul in Damascus and teach the gospel to him. He told the reluctant Ananias: “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15). Making a similar point to Paul, our Lord declared: “I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive the forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me” (Acts 26:17-18). That Paul understood his role is obvious, for he did not consider himself “at all inferior to the most eminent apostles” (2 Corinthians 11:5). Importantly, Paul recognized his primary apostolic work to be among the Gentiles (see Galatians 2:9). In fact, he considered himself to be “a prisoner of Jesus Christ for [the] Gentiles” (Ephesians 3:1). Because of this recognition, he went from place to place proclaiming “that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel” (Ephesians 3:6). His message regarding the gospel’s universal scope was greatly appreciated by some (Galatians 3:26-28). Others strongly resisted Paul’s message. Not surprisingly, much of the opposition he encountered came from the Jews. Paul’s experiences during his first missionary journey are typical of what he faced throughout his ministry. * In Antioch of Pisidia, the Jews “were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul” (Acts 13:45). * In Iconium, “the multitude of the city was divided: part sided with the Jews, and part with the apostles” (Acts 14:4). * And at Lystra, “Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead” (Acts 14:19). Despite the opposition Paul faced in the above-mentioned cities, congregations of believers were established in each location. Rather than avoiding the places where he was persecuted, Paul made an effort to encourage each church and revisited those locations before ending his first missionary effort (Acts 14:21-23). That he cared deeply for these newly founded congregations can be seen from his later desire to “visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing” (Acts 15:36). Paul’s desire was realized during both of his subsequent missionary journeys (cf. Acts 16:1; 18:23).Chad Ramsey preaches for the Gloster Street Church of Christ in Tupelo, Mississippi. You can access their Bible classes and Chad’s sermons on Gloster Street’s YouTube page.Chad was - and still is - “my preacher” from when I spent my high school and early college years at Gloster Street. I’m thankful to be able to share some of his writings with you. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

The Bible has a lot to say about wealth. Jesus addressed the topic directly, through parables, and often gave warnings to the rich. While it is not sinful to be wealthy, if the heart is not right, wealth can lead to destruction. In this week’s article, we want to discuss the contrasts between being physically rich and being spiritually rich. I invite you to the sixth chapter of Paul’s first letter to Timothy. Paul gives a warning about wealth but also provides the solution: “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows…Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life” (1 Tim. 6:6-10, 17-19). Contentment vs. GreedFirst, notice that Paul contrasts contentment with greed. The word “content” means to be satisfied with things as they are (Note: Phil. 4:11; Heb. 13:5). The word “greed” means an excessive desire to have more. Paul says that those who desire to be rich (are greedy) fall into temptation and a snare. It leads to destruction and even departing from the faith! He states that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, which points to the seriousness of his warning. Christians are to be content with what they have, trusting that God will provide our needs (Gen. 22:8; Matt. 6:33). Uncertain Riches vs. the Living GodSecond, notice that Paul contrasts trusting in uncertain riches with trusting in the living God. He points to two potential dangers: (1) Pride and (2) False security. He says, “not to be haughty,” which reminds us of the words of Proverbs 16:18: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” False security refers to trusting in uncertain riches, which reminds us of another pertinent passage in Proverbs: “Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; They fly away like an eagle toward heaven.” (Prov. 23:5). The solution Paul gives to these two potential problems is to trust in the living God, which points to His certainty. Once again, a passage in Proverbs complements the statement: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths” (Prov. 3:5-6). The Temporary vs. the Eternal. Third and finally, notice that Paul contrasts living for the “here and now” with investing in the “there and then.” He gives four commands: * Do good (cf. Acts 10:38).* Be rich in good works (cf. Eph. 2:10; Tit. 2:14).* Ready to give (cf. Prov. 3:27-28).* Willing to share (cf. Heb. 13:16). These four commands are all present active verbs, meaning we must keep on practicing them. The New Testament repeatedly speaks of the importance of setting our minds and hearts on things above (Col. 3:1; Matt. 6:19-21), for our citizenship is in Heaven (Phil. 3:20). Sometimes, if we are not careful, we can become too attached to this world. Paul instructs Timothy, and by extension encourages us, to “store up a good foundation for the time to come” and to “lay hold on eternal life” (cf. 1 Tim. 6:12). We may never be physically wealthy or rich according to this world’s standards, but for the child of God, true wealth is found in Christ where all spiritual blessings are found (Eph. 1:3). As we have noticed in our study, there are great differences between contentment and greed, trusting in uncertain riches and trusting in God, and living for the here and now instead of living for the there and then. May we be content with the blessings God has bestowed upon us and live in such a way that Heaven will be our home!Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

I preached this sermon several weeks ago when the West Hobbs Street Church of Christ gathered to worship together. This sermon examines seven responsibilities Christians have to one another, as taught in Scripture. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

In recent headlines, Brendan Sorsby, the highly touted transfer quarterback at Texas Tech, entered a gambling addiction program after it was discovered he placed thousands of online bets on all kinds of sports. His future in sports does not look good.This young man’s gambling problem is just a widely publicized example of the vast issue that addiction in various forms has become in this country.A large part of the problem, according to David French, is “we are making virtue more difficult and vice easier to access” (We Are Gambling Away Our Future). He went on to state, “If you want to watch porn or place a prop bet, the wind is at your back. If you want to go to college or start a business, the wind is in your face.”Those who promote these addictive vices are knowingly taking advantage of young men and boys at the worst possible time in their lives. But this problem is not limited to young men. A recent study discovered that 52% of men between the ages of 18 and 49 have an account with an online sports betting site. 61% of the general population reports viewing pornography, including 54% of practicing Christians.I won’t go into more detail here, but I just wanted to highlight that gambling and pornography addiction do not exist merely on the “fringes of society.” It is a struggle that the majority of the upcoming generations currently have.If the church is going to continue to obey the Great Commission, taking the gospel into the world, and continuing to teach disciples to observe all that Jesus has commanded (Matthew 28:18-20), then the widespread vices of our time must be confronted.But, how do we do this? Here are a few ideas.#1 - Start with your own people.There are over 8.2 billion people in the world. Where in the world do we start?Scripture shows us to first start with ourselves. We must “examine ourselves” (2 Corinthians 13:5). I won’t be able to do much good in helping someone else with their problem until I address my own issues (Matthew 7:1-5).Then, we have a responsibility to see to our own family (1 Timothy 5:8). Parents are responsible for the spiritual development of their children (Ephesians 6:1-4). The father must “rule his own house well,” as a shepherd cares for his sheep (1 Timothy 3:4-5).We also have a responsibility to help our “family in Christ.” We must help one another when we fall into temptation and sin (Galatians 6:1-2). We encourage and strengthen one another to “love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24-25).As we have the opportunity, we must also do all we can to help anyone who comes into our lives (Galatians 6:10). The Good Samaritan didn’t have the opportunity to help every person who needed something that day, but he helped the one he had an opportunity to help (Luke 10:33-35).#2 - Be proactive, not merely reactive.Parents must be proactive in looking ahead to the problems their children may have in the future and helping them prepare for those things before they face them (Proverbs 22:6). Sometimes parents will have to be reactive in their parenting, because they can’t anticipate everything that might happen. But parents who aren’t proactive in rearing their children are failing as parents.The same is true in the church.Paul warned the elders of the church of Christ in Ephesus to be proactive in watching over the flock before problems arose (Acts 20:28-31). While there will always be situations where elders must react to what happens - they cannot anticipate everything that could happen - the shepherds of the church must be proactive in preventing the sheep from being attacked.Gambling and pornography addiction could rightly be called a widespread epidemic in this country, especially among younger people, young men in particular. If we sit back and wait until we have to react to one of these problems arising in the church, the situation will have already spiraled out of control.We must be proactive in helping people navigate these issues, rather than waiting until their lives fall apart to offer help.#3 - Show the seriousness of sin, and the greatness of God’s love.Before anyone will turn away from sin, they must first be shown how serious their sin is. Paul reminded the Christians in Corinth of this.Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)That’s a pretty sobering statement. Those who practice these sorts of things will not inherit God’s kingdom. Sin is a serious problem.But may we never fail to remind those caught in sin that they have a way out because of God’s great love for them. Paul went on to say:And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:11)Some of the Christians in Corinth had once lived in the sorts of sins Paul had just listed in the previous verses. But this now describes them in the past. It’s who they once were - but no longer. Now, they had been cleansed, set apart for God, and made right by Jesus and the Holy Spirit.Because of God’s great love for sinners, Jesus died for us (Romans 5:6-8; John 3:16).People who feel trapped and are overwhelmed by sin often feel shame and guilt for what they are doing. We need to show them why they feel that way, but also, they need to hear that God loves them already, and that we love them, too. God didn’t love us after we got our lives cleaned up. He loved us when we were sitting in the filth of our own sins.#4 - Walk and sit with them.Having a group of people support them is a critical component for someone turning away from whatever it is they are addicted to.The church is uniquely structured to be the best “support group.” Paul referred to Christians as being individual members of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Romans 12:4-5). When one member of the body hurts, the rest of the body hurts with it.One way the church could take a proactive approach to these issues is by making sure each Christian in the congregation has a “support system” in place.While many of us don’t like asking for help, we are rarely able to handle our struggles, problems, and sins on our own. James reminded Christians to “confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed” (James 5:16).Let’s be there for one another, bearing each other’s burdens, “and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

The West Hobbs Street Church of Christ is having our Spring Gospel Meeting this week, April 26-29. I hope you will come be with us if you live nearby! Otherwise, I hope you will livestream or go back and listen to the sermons as you have the opportunity. Meeting Times: * Sunday (9:00 & 10:00 AM; 1:00 PM).* Monday - Wednesday (7:00 PM).Watch on Facebook. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

When we buy a new car, we are excited about it. We vow that we will take care of that car. We will have it serviced. We will wash it regularly. We will not eat in it. We will drive carefully. We will keep it new for the next 200,000 miles. In time, the newness wears off. We do not treasure the car the way we did when we purchased it. It gets some dings. We have to eat in it from time to time. We keep it serviced, but we often stretch out the times between service appointments. If the car is dirty, we do not rush to get it washed the way we used to. The car still provides us with the same benefits. The difference is that we do not appreciate the vehicle as a treasure like we once did.The same can happen in one’s Christian life. We have many treasures given to us to enjoy. But, over time, we don’t appreciate them the way we used to. Some examples include: * A relationship with the Godhead* A holy Book that contains God’s words.* An avenue called prayer that allows us into God’s throne room.* The cleansing blood of Jesus Christ.* A church family that can love and support us.* Periods of worship and Bible study.* Opportunities to serve in various capacities.* The hope of eternal life.This is just a short list of the treasures Christians possess. They are worth more than we can possibly imagine. However, we have a tendency to be less grateful for them than we should. They become “common” when they ought to be extremely unique. Have you ever seen a person have an older car that was in pristine condition? You may have seen the person at the car wash. He may have had the car for 15, 20, or 30 years. That car ran well. It looked almost brand new. When you spoke with the individual, he told you he was the sole owner of the car. How did he do it? How did he maintain the vehicle? He did so in the same way we must come to appreciate our spiritual treasures. We must have an intentional mindset. We realize we have been blessed. WE never forget what we have. We focus on it each day. In fact, we express our gratitude for our treasure(s) on a regular basis. “Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people” (1 Chron. 16:8). “O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever” (1 Chron. 16:34).Victor M. Eskew preaches for the Oceanside church of Christ in Atlantic Beach, Florida.The church offers a variety of free Bible study courses for anyone interested in studying God’s word. They also have a large archive of videos on their YouTube channel. I appreciate Victor’s teaching in this article! Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

This article will conclude our study of “Avoiding Apostasy.” I hope and pray that this study has been pleasing to God, Scripturally accurate, and helpful for all who have been engaged in it. We have discussed several passages, including Hebrews 3:12, John 10:28, and Revelation 2-3 (the seven churches of Asia). While there are a multitude of passages that emphasize the importance of staying faithful, we want to close by examining one passage in particular, as well as some practical applications that will hopefully help us: “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble” (2 Pet. 1:10). The Exhortation. First, observe the exhortation. Peter is writing to “brethren.” These are Christians who “obtained like precious faith” (2 Pet. 1:1). They had received “exceedingly great and precious promises” as those who had “escaped the corruption that is in the world” (2 Pet. 1:4). Peter emphatically encourages the brethren to grow and mature in the faith. The Application. Second, observe the application. Because they were faithful Christians, Peter exhorts them to stay the course by listing the “Christian Graces” (2 Pet. 1:5-9). There are eight of these graces and they are encouraged to “add to their (1) faith (2) virtue, and to virtue (3) knowledge, to knowledge (4) self-control, to self-control (5) perseverance, to perseverance (6) godliness, to godliness (7) brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness (8) love." The phrase “giving all diligence” is rendered “make every effort” (ESV), and “supply” (ASV) pointing to the fact that Christians, those we have obtained salvation in Christ, must stay faithful and continue to grow so we do not “fall” and so we are not “led away with the error of the wicked (2 Pet. 3:17-18). The Implication. Third, observe the implication. “For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble” (2 Pet. 1:9-10). What is implied is that Christians, those who have been “cleansed from his old sins” were told to make their call and election “sure.” The ESV says to “confirm” their call and election, and if they do, they will never fall. What happens if we don’t do these things? Would it not be possible to fall? What Must We Do?So how do we make “our call and election sure?” How do we ensure that Heaven will be our home? Acknowledge that God is the Judge. First, you must recognize and appreciate the righteousness of God. His judgment is according to truth (Rom. 2:2). He does not make mistakes, and He will not make any mistakes on the Day of Judgment. We will stand before the judgment seat of Christ to give an account (2 Cor. 5:10), and the words of Jesus will judge us (John 12:48). Obey God. Second, you must obey God. Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, “Lord, Lord,” shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matt. 7:21). Jesus Himself is the Author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him (Heb. 5:8-9). According to Jesus, those who believe and are baptized will be saved (Mark 16:16) while those who do not obey the Gospel will be lost (2 Thess. 1:7-9). Be Faithful to God. Third and finally, after obeying the Gospel of Christ, you must be faithful because it is possible to fall away and lose your salvation (2 Pet. 2:20-22). God will give the “crown of life” to those who are faithful unto death (Rev. 2:10). Those who exercise their free will to leave the faith will be in danger of losing their salvation and being separated from God for eternity. Obey God before it is too late!Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

In 1 Thessalonians 1, Paul was thankful for the example of the Christians in Thessalonica. But it didn’t only encourage Paul. Their example was seen by the world as well. And that was a powerful thing. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

Thus far in our series, we have discussed two main passages: Hebrews 3:12 and John 10:28. These passages, in context, show both the possibility of falling away and the importance of staying faithful. Now that we have established that the Bible teaches it is possible to fall away, we want to engage in a case study on seven congregations of God’s people who were told by Jesus the importance of staying faithful and avoiding apostasy. I invite you to the Book of Revelation. Jesus speaks to seven congregations in Asia: * Ephesus (Rev. 2:1-7). * Smyrna (Rev. 2:8-11). * Pergamos (Rev. 2:12-17).* Thyatira (Rev. 2:18-29).* Sardis (Rev. 3:1-6).* Philadelphia (Rev. 3:7-13).* Laodicea (Rev. 3:14-22). In each section, Jesus encourages them to stay the course which implies it is possible to fall away and get off track. Jesus’ Warnings to the Seven Churches The church in Ephesus. To the church in Ephesus, He says, “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent…To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God” (Rev. 2:5, 7b). The church in Smyrna. To the church in Smyrna, He says, “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life…He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death” (Rev. 2:10b, 11b). The church in Pergamos.To the church in Pergamos, He says, “Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth…To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat” (Rev. 2:16-17a). The church in Thyatira.To the church in Thyatira, He says, “But hold fast what you have till I come. And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations” (Rev. 2:25-26a). The church in Sardis.To the church in Sardis, He says, "Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you….He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels” (Rev. 3:3, 5). The church in Philadelphia.To the church in Philadelphia, He says, “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name” (Rev. 3:10-12). The church in Laodicea.Finally, note what Jesus says to the church in Laodicea: “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne” (Rev. 3:19-21). What This MeansIt is essential to notice that Jesus told the saved to repent, stay faithful, as well as giving the conditions for those who overcome. * Ephesus was told to remember “from where you have fallen” and to “repent.” If it is impossible to fall, why did Jesus emphasize the fact that they had? * The church at Smyrna was told to “be faithful unto death” in order to receive the “crown of life.” What happens if we don’t remain faithful unto death? Will we receive the crown of life? * The congregations in Pergamos and Thyatira were both told to overcome and stay faithful to the end. * The saved at Sardis were told that if they would overcome that they would be clothed in white garments and the Lord would not blot out their names from the Book of Life. We conclude then that their names were in the book (can’t blot them out if they were never there) but also the possibility of the Lord blotting their names out! * Finally, Philadelphia and Laodicea were also instructed to overcome to receive the reward. If it were not possible to fall away, why all the warnings? Why the emphasis on repenting? Why the conditions stated with overcoming and staying faithful to the end? Dear friends, salvation is a gift given by God, but we must obey the conditions He has set forth in His Word to obtain salvation and stay faithful that we might be found saved in the end!Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

Running a race is hard. It can be easy to quit running. But Scripture urges God’s people not to quit running. Let us endure by looking to Jesus, and laying aside the things that slow us down and hold us back. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

Last week, we began a new series of articles discussing the possibility of apostasy as revealed in Scripture. Some argue that once one is saved, he or she is then never in danger of losing their salvation. We discussed Hebrews 3:12 last week, which strongly stated: “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God” (Heb. 3:12). This week, we want to examine what has been used as a “proof text” by many to suggest that it is impossible to be lost once you are saved, and that text is John 10:28. Examine the Text. First, let’s examine the text itself. “And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” It is important to note that Jesus is in the midst of a context in which He is making His claim of being the “Good Shepherd.” Did you catch the first word in the verse? It is the word “and.” That, of course, suggests that this is a continuation of a previous thought (which we will look at in the next point). Jesus says, “I give them eternal life.” Who? Jesus. Them? His sheep (John 10:27). What? Eternal life. This is a very encouraging passage that absolutely teaches the authority and love of Jesus Christ to extend eternal life to His sheep, but He also speaks of the conditions His sheep must meet. The last phrase says, “they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” It is a great encouragement to the faithful child of God to know that salvation is secure in Christ so long as we stay faithful and don’t take ourselves out of His hand! Examine the Context. Second, let’s examine the immediate context. We pointed out the word “and” to show a continuation of a previous statement. What is Jesus talking about in this context? It was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem during the winter (John 10:22). Jesus walked in the temple and the Jews surrounded Him (John 10:23-24a). They asked Him, “How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly” (John 10:24b). Jesus answered, “I told you, and you do not believe…because you are not of My sheep” (John 10:25-26). Jesus says He has sheep and then goes on to describe what makes them His sheep: “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27). Please pay close attention to three specific words: “hear,” “know,” and “follow.” All three words are present-tense verbs, which indicate continuous action. Jesus says that His sheep keep on hearing His voice, and He keeps on knowing them, and they keep on following Him! Now, as we return to the verse under consideration, we should have a better grasp of who and what Jesus is talking about: “And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” So long as His sheep faithfully obey Him, they have eternal life, but the opposite is also true: If His sheep do not continue to hear His voice and choose to stop following Him, they will not have eternal life! Examine the Teaching of the Shepherd. Third and finally, now that we have examined the passage in its context, we want to notice the overall teaching of Jesus. Jesus is the “Good Shepherd.” He laid down His life for His sheep (John 10:11, 15). His love, guidance, and care are flawless, but His sheep can still leave Him and go back. People decide to exercise their free will and leave the faith. Sadly, some do not come back. So can sheep leave the Shepherd? The answer is, “Yes,” they have and they do. God has gone to extreme measures to provide salvation for all people (John 3:16). His Son tasted death for every man to give mankind the opportunity to be saved (John 1:29; Heb. 2:9). The Holy Spirit has revealed the Gospel plan of salvation through the pages of the New Testament (1 Cor. 15:1-4; Acts 2:22-47). The Godhead has provided everything that we need, but we still have free will to choose whether or not we will obey and stay faithful. If we do, glory awaits. If we choose to go back into a life of sin and leave the Shepherd, we will have to answer for that decision on the Day of Judgment (2 Cor. 5:10; Acts 17:30-31). Why not stay faithful to the Good Shepherd so Heaven can be your home?Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

I enjoyed my time at the 2026 Memphis School of Preaching lectures. This podcast is a brief review of some thoughts I had from my visit back to some of my old stomping grounds. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

“Direct my steps by Your word, And let no iniquity have dominion over me” (Psalm 119:133).Kelsea Ballerini released a haunting song called, I Sit in Parks in 2025. In the song, she tells how she goes and sits in parks, watching a husband and a wife playing with their children. She sees how they love each other, and she wonders if she made the right choice to give up her own marriage and a future family to chase her dreams in music. One line of the song considers the man’s wife and says, “I wonder if she wants my freedom like I wanna be a mother.”While Ballerini gave it all up for “freedom,” her song reveals that she does not feel very free at all. She supposedly got everything she wanted, but now her life feels very empty, and she wonders if she “missed the mark.”We took that trip down Music Row to make this point: we all serve something or someone. Even if we chase what we think is “freedom,” we will still be a servant in some way. Many people run from God and His word because they think His way is too restrictive. They want to be free to live the life that they want to live.But the psalmist points out in Psalm 119:133 that we will either live under the “rule” of God or iniquity. There is no middle ground or third option. If we refuse to let our lives be guided by God’s word, then we will be governed by “vanity” and “wickedness.” The apostle Paul makes this same point, writing to the Christians in Rome.“Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness” (Romans 6:16-18).Just as there are two eternal outcomes (Matthew 25:46), there are two roads we can choose to walk (Matthew 7:13-14). We either listen to God and obey Him, which leads to eternal life, or we listen to our own desires (1 John 2:15-17) and the temptations of the devil and follow sin, leading to death (James 1:14-15).Let us store God’s word in our hearts (Psalm 119:11) and trust His word to guide our lives (Psalm 119:105). Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

Recently, I had a conversation with someone who asked me what I believed regarding eternal security. After explaining to him that while the Bible teaches eternal security in Christ (John 10:28; Tit. 1:2; 1 John 5:13), it also teaches that it is possible to forfeit one’s salvation if one chooses to go back into a life of sin. This triggered a discussion in which the gentleman disagreed, but it has opened the door to some healthy, Biblical discussions. Have you ever wondered what the Bible teaches about eternal security? Is it possible to fall away, or is the doctrine of “once saved, always saved” true? This article begins a new series in which we will explore what the Bible says regarding this topic. I hope and pray this will be both informative and helpful for you. If you noticed how I framed the question above, that was intentional. Someone says it is impossible to fall away, and yet the Bible warns over and over again that it is very possible and has happened! We want to examine one passage in this study and will explore more passages in future articles. If you have your Bible, I invite you to the Book of Hebrews. The Holy Spirit addresses Christians who were in danger of leaving the faith. There are warnings all throughout the book, but the following is the one we will focus on today: “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God.” (Heb. 3:12). “Beware.”First, notice the word “beware.” What does that imply? Does it not imply that this is a warning of real danger? The word “beware” in the original language is “blepo,” which means to “watch carefully, to be vigilant, to be careful.” It is found ten times in the New Testament (Matt. 8:15; Mark 12:38; Acts 13:40; 1 Cor. 8:9; Gal. 5:15; Phil. 3:2 (3x), Col. 2:8; Heb. 3:12). Each time, it has the same meaning, which is significant. If there was no danger or fear, why use the word “beware?” “Brethren.”Second, notice the word “brethren.” This of course is a special term referring to those in the family of God. Some argue that if one “falls away,” he or she was never saved in the first place. Here, clearly, the Hebrews’ writer is addressing the saved as he says, “brethren.” So he is telling the saved to beware, but what do they need to beware of? “Lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief.”Third, we see that the brethren need to beware “lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief.” Note the word “you” as it refers to the saved. It is therefore possible for one who is saved to develop an evil heart of unbelief. One who believes and obeys can exercise his or her free will and stop believing and start disobeying! “In departing from the living God.”Fourth and finally, notice the phrase, “in departing from the living God.” Some say you cannot depart from God and fall away, and yet the Bible says the exact opposite. If it were not possible, why the warning? The word “departing” literally means to “abandon; put distance between.” In the very next verse, the Hebrews’ writer, in view of the warning just stated, says, "but exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today,’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Heb. 3:13). Again, notice the “you” is speaking to the saved! Friends, the Bible is full of warnings like this one to Christians that we must stay the course if we want to be saved in the end and spend eternity with God. We must make our “call and election sure” (2 Pet. 1:10) and be “faithful unto death” if we want to receive a crown of life (Rev. 2:10). Next week, we will examine a very popular text, which has been used to try and prove “once saved, always saved,” which is John 10:28: “And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” I encourage you to read John 10 in its entirety in preparation for next week’s article. Thank you for reading, and to God be the glory!Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

Lord willing, I’m planning to be at the Memphis School of Preaching lectures for several days this week. I talk about that briefly in this short update, and look forward to getting back to our “regularly scheduled programming” next Sunday. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

In Acts 17, the apostle Paul “came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews” (verse 1, NKJV). Speaking to the crowd at that location, Paul reasoned from Scripture in order to prove Jesus was the Christ. Although “some of them were persuaded; and a great multitude of the devout Greeks, and not a few of the leading women, joined Paul and Silas” (verse 4), others became envious and sought to harm Paul and Silas. These opposite reactions to the message of Jesus are common. Some who hear God’s message obey (Acts 2:36); others rebel (Acts 7:54). Not surprisingly, those who rebel against God often “speak evil of whatever they do not know” (Jude 1:10). Some of the Thessalonians did this on the occasion described in Acts 17. In an attempt to discredit Paul and his message, his enemies declared: “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too” (Acts 17:6). Rather than tainting Paul and his work, however, the insult actually turned out to be a compliment in disguise. Paul was doing what all Christians should seek to do. He proclaimed the message of Christ—a message that can change the world. We should do no less. But how do we do it? Seek the Lost. We must look for individuals who need to hear and obey the gospel. This is where Paul started. According to Acts 17:2: “Paul… went in to them….” He did not wait for lost souls to come to him. Instead, he found and engaged individuals in a study about Jesus. Jesus commanded this type of effort in Mark 16:15, 16. He said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” We must seek the lost if we wish to turn the world upside down. Teach the Truth. Additionally, we must commit to teach only the truth revealed in the Bible. Paul did this when he “reasoned with [the Thessalonians] from the Scriptures, explaining and demonstrating that Christ had to rise again from the dead” (Acts 17:2, 3). This is also the approach Peter advocated when he stated: “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God (1 Peter 4:11). We must teach God’s doctrine and not our own if we hope to turn the world upside down. Nevertheless, this must be done in a way that is both relevant and faithful. * Cultural barriers must be properly considered. * Knowledge must be presented in an appropriate way (cf. Proverbs 15:2). * Love for the souls of men and women must serve as our motivation (1 Timothy 1:5). Never Give Up. Finally, we must never give up. Paul taught at Thessalonica despite opposition and possible persecution. He realized not everyone would receive and obey the gospel. At the same time, he knew some would. We should never shy away from doing what is right because men oppose us. Jesus was opposed, Paul was opposed, and we will be opposed as well (cf. Matthew 5:10-12; 1 Peter 4:16). Christians are to be different and make a difference. The only way to do this is to preach “Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2).Chad Ramsey preaches for the Gloster Street Church of Christ in Tupelo, Mississippi. You can access their Bible classes and Chad’s sermons on Gloster Street’s YouTube page.Chad was - and still is - “my preacher” from when I spent my high school and early college years at Gloster Street. I’m thankful to be able to share some of his writings with you. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

I hope and pray that this series of articles has been a blessing to your life as it has been to mine. It is an honor to spend time in the Word of God and share thoughts from my study with you. We have noticed in our study that in order to cope with the trials of life appropriately, we need to be still (Psalm 46), be prayerful (Psalm 69), and be encouraged (Isa. 43:1-5). As we close out our series today, we want to examine how we can be hopeful in the face of trials. I draw your attention to my favorite chapter in the New Testament: Romans 8. The apostle Paul, who suffered and struggled immensely (2 Cor. 11), writes an incredibly encouraging section on how we can have hope even in the face of adversity. The Child of God’s Salvation.Paul begins this chapter discussing the reality of the child of God’s salvation as well as the importance of staying the course: “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death” (Rom. 8:1-2). First, he points to the importance of being in the right location, i.e “in Christ Jesus.” The New Testament teaches that the way to get into Christ is to be baptized into Christ (Gal. 3:27; Rom. 6:3-6). Being in the right location is essential because in Christ, all spiritual blessings are found (Eph. 1:3). Paul also points to the importance of living the right kind of lifestyle, i.e., “Who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” The Christian’s life is to be characterized by righteous behavior as he or she walks (lives) in harmony with the Word and will of God (Psa. 1:1-3; 119:11, 105; 1 John 1:7-9). It is extremely encouraging to know that if you are in the right location and living the right kind of lifestyle, there is no condemnation! The Child of God’s Direction. Paul then points to the reality of the child of God’s direction. Christians are led by the Spirit as they study, listen to, meditate upon, and apply the Word of God to their lives (vs. 12-17). The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are in fact children of God (vs. 16). We have obeyed the Spirit’s teaching (John 16:13; 1 Cor. 2:9-13) and therefore we are heirs of God, joint heirs with Christ (vs. 17). Of course, we can choose to reject this and go back into a life of sin, but that would lead to a tragic loss of what God has in store for those who obey Him: Eternal salvation (Heb. 3:12; 5:8-9). We must keep on listening to and obeying God so the hope of eternal life becomes a reality when this life is over (John 10:27-28; Tit. 1:2). The Child of God’s Expectation. Continuing in the text, notice that Paul points to the child of God’s expectation. Biblical hope is not a “wish,” but a confident expectation. We have a desire to be with God and an expectation to be with God based on His faithfulness and based on the promises in His Word. Paul says we are “saved in this hope” (vs. 24). He goes on to say that “all things work together for good to those who love God, the called according to His purpose” (vs. 28). God can work things out for our ultimate good and His ultimate glory. This should inject hope into the heart of every believer to stay faithful! The Child of God’s Preservation. Finally, Paul points to the child of God’s preservation. Please understand I am NOT promoting the false doctrine known as “perseverance of the saints,” which falsely teaches one cannot lose his or her salvation. The Bible clearly teaches that it is possible to “depart from the living God” (Heb. 3:12), “fall from grace” (Gal. 5:4), and go back into a life of sin (2 Pet. 2:20-22). With that said, God will preserve and save those who faithfully obey Him to the end (Rev. 2:10). Paul makes a powerful argument in the form of several questions: “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” (vs. 31-35). He then closes out this beautiful chapter with a statement full of conviction and hope: “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (vs. 37-39). How do we cope with the trials of life? We have noticed in our study that we need to “be still” (Psalm 46), “be prayerful” (Psalm 69), “be encouraged” (Isa. 43:1-5), and “be hopeful” (Rom. 8). I hope and pray this series has been an encouragement to you!Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

To find the answer to this question, we look to the Bible at two examples when this question was asked. The answer given in this podcast is the same answer given in Acts 2 and Acts 16. May we always strive to say the same thing as the Scriptures! Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

The preacher is constantly tasked with determining the message his audience most needs to hear proclaimed. This is not always easy. Do people need a reminder of first principles (2 Peter 1:12-15)? Are there times when encouragement is most appropriate (Hebrews 3:12-13)? Should we reflect on the lives of those who have gone before us (Romans 15:4)? Are there spiritual dangers Christians need to be warned about (1 Timothy 4:6)? Surely all of these things deserve consideration. Regardless, the word of God must be proclaimed (2 Timothy 4:2), for through its direction, “the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:17). What specific subject should the sermon address? Often the circumstances or events taking place will dictate the answer. Jude certainly felt this way when he penned his short epistle. He had one subject in mind but found it more needful to address another. Expressing this, he wrote: “Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). But what about when the answer is not obvious? In such cases, the preacher must seek balance and address issues affecting his audience. This can be done through either topical or expository studies. In the Sermon on the Mount, we have perhaps the greatest example of a sermon addressing the needs of the audience. Because Jesus knows what is in man (John 2:25), this is not surprising. He understood what his audience needed to hear. Throughout the sermon Jesus addressed a variety of subjects and challenged His listeners to conduct themselves in a manner different from the religious elite of that day (see Matthew 5:20). But Jesus did not merely address outward conduct. He also discussed both the motivations and emotions of his listeners. In one particularly well-known section—Matthew 6:25-34—Jesus considered the problem of worry. Having charged his listeners to rely upon God in prayer (Matthew 6:11-13), He identified worry as a hindrance to such. He understood those who worry do not trust God completely, and He showed worry should not characterize His followers. Jesus’ discussion about worry was pertinent to His audience, and it remains relevant today. In short, Jesus’s message “hit the spot.” We must seek to proclaim God’s message in a similar, relevant manner.Chad Ramsey preaches for the Gloster Street Church of Christ in Tupelo, Mississippi. You can access their Bible classes and Chad’s sermons on Gloster Street’s YouTube page.Chad was - and still is - “my preacher” from when I spent my high school and early college years at Gloster Street. I’m thankful to be able to share some of his writings with you. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

Do you ever struggle with the sins in your past and wonder if God will forgive you? Or do you think God could never use you because of your sin? You aren’t alone in feeling this way, and God’s word provides great encouragement to us. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

This time of year is “storm season” for where I live in North Alabama. We expect the severe weather now, and we won’t experience it as much later in the summer months. But the “storms of life” aren’t like that, are they? Those storms are much more unpredictable. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

Jesus was very clear when He described the demands of discipleship. He declared: “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). Rather than being a religion of minimal commitment, Christianity requires complete devotion. Christians do not practice religion one day per week or only when convenient. We must live every day for Christ. Therefore, we seek to have “conduct worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Philippians 1:27), and we strive to be “blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:14). Our Behavior. Scripture describes everyday religion in various ways. For example, the apostle Paul frequently compares the Christian life to a walk. Writing to the Ephesians, he urged: “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called” (Ephesians 4:1). Later in the same letter, he exhorted his readers to “walk in love” (Ephesians 5:2); to “walk as children of light” (verse 8); and to “walk circumspectly” (verse 15). In each instance, Paul had personal conduct in mind. Behavior matters. Our Influence.Another description of everyday religion is found in Jesus’s admonition in Matthew 5:16: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Although the term “light” calls to mind one’s influence, it is not possible to separate influence from personal conduct. Consequently, Christians must live each day in hopes of encouraging others to glorify God (cf. 1 Peter 2:11-12). Our Effort. Perhaps James summed up everyday religion best when he wrote: “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world” (James 1:27). This demands daily effort. Paul addressed the subject of daily Christian living in 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12. Having warned the brethren about the need to maintain sexual purity (1 Thessalonians 4:1-8), he continued the discussion by exhorting the Christians to practice “brotherly love.” Importantly, Paul gives concrete examples of what brotherly love looks like in one’s life. Brotherly love is demonstrated when one behaves appropriately. But how do we do this? Paul’s answer is worth noting. He said, “But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing” (verses 10-12).Chad Ramsey preaches for the Gloster Street Church of Christ in Tupelo, Mississippi. You can access their Bible classes and Chad’s sermons on Gloster Street’s YouTube page.Chad was - and still is - “my preacher” from when I spent my high school and early college years at Gloster Street. I’m thankful to be able to share some of his writings with you. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

We all struggle, suffer, and face storms in life. Some struggle more than others, but we all face difficulties. Some deal with childhood trauma while others battle with self-inflicted wounds after years of sinful living. Most of us have dealt with the pain of losing a loved one. In some cases, the losses are traumatic, tragic, sudden deaths, while others are prolonged due to cancer or some other illness. The question is not IF we will struggle in life, but WHEN and HOW we will respond when it does happen? This article begins a new series wherein we will ask and answer the question, “How does the child of God cope with the trials of life?” The Reality of SufferingJob, one who was well acquainted with suffering, accurately spoke from experience when he uttered the words, “Man who is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble” (Job 14:1). Moses, who also experienced times of suffering, said, “The days of our lives are seventy years; And if by reason of strength they are eighty years, Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; For it is soon cut off, and we fly away” (Psa. 90:10). Recognizing the reality of the presence of pain and suffering in our lives forces us to respond. One preacher once said, “The trials of life can break our faith, shake our faith, or make our faith stronger.” Truly, it is not what happens to us that defines us, but how we respond that shows our character. Looking to Scripture, how should we respond when life brings us to our knees? The Comfort of Psalm 46I invite you to a powerful Psalm that has carried me through many times of distress in my life: Psalm 46. The Psalmist, by inspiration, says this: “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn. The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted. The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah Come, behold the works of the Lord, Who has made desolations in the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire. Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah” (Psalm 46:1-11) Be still.The first thing we need to do is “be still.” When is the last time that you literally stopped what you were doing to just be still? Sometimes, just being still and taking a breath can bring about healing and clarity. God encourages us through His Word to “be still.” When God was bringing the children of Israel out of Egypt and they were literally running for their lives to escape Pharaoh and his army, “Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever” (Exo. 14:13). When King Jehoshaphat knew the enemy was pressing in hard, he said, “You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you” (2 Chr. 20:17). The same God who was with Moses and Jehoshaphat is with His people today! We are never alone (Rom. 8:31-37; Heb. 13:5-6). The first step we need to take in order to cope with the trials of life is to simply “be still.” Dependence on God shows true strength so may we lean on Him and trust Him with all of our hearts (Prov. 3:5-6). Next week, we will discuss how we need to be prayerful from Psalm 69.Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

Helping coach my daughter’s 6U softball team got me thinking about how we all start at the “basic” level when it comes to our walk with Christ. This requires patience from teachers, but also an expectation of growth from all of us. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

In Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus was tempted three times by the devil. Each time the devil tempted Him, He responded with Scripture, answering, “It is written.”The Psalmist wrote, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11). Knowing what God has said and storing it in our hearts helps us to resist temptation and avoid sin.How does the word of God help us resist temptation?God’s Word Clearly Defines and Exposes Sin.The law of God tells us what sin is (Romans 7:7). Without God’s law, we wouldn’t know what is sinful and what is not. If we tried to go off of our own intuition, what we would decide would end in our destruction (Proverbs 14:12).Our culture tries to redefine sin by renaming it. Adultery gets renamed to an “affair.” Covetousness is rephrased as “ambition.” Pride is relabeled as “self-confidence.”By clearly defining and exposing sin for what it truly is (“sin is lawlessness” - 1 John 3:4), God’s word protects us from redefining what sin is, minimizing the seriousness of sin, or justifying engaging in sin (Romans 6:1-2).God’s Word Guides Our Desires.When the devil tempted Jesus, he used the same “playbook” that he uses to tempt all people: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:15-17). He appealed to Jesus’ desires, but our Lord rejected each temptation by relying upon Scripture.The devil appeals to our own desires to “entice” us and draw us away from what is right (James 1:13-15). God’s word teaches us the proper outlet for our desires (Hebrews 13:4). We must not trust our own “feelings” or desires; we must trust in the Lord to direct us in the right way (Proverbs 3:5-7). Our feelings must be trained and guided by truth.God’s Word Strengthens Us.Although Jesus was physically weakened by His 40-day fast (Matthew 4:1-2), He was spiritually prepared for the devil’s assault. He depended on the Father’s strength, and we should do the same. The apostle Paul urged Christians to put on the whole armor of God, trusting in His power and might in our fight against evil (Ephesians 6:10-13).When we depend upon God, even when we are weak, we are strong in Him (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). God’s word is living and powerful (Hebrews 4:12).God’s Word Reminds Us Whose We Are.Right before Jesus was led into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil, He was baptized by John in the Jordan River (Matthew 3:13-17). The Father proclaimed from heaven, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”The first thing the devil says to Jesus is an attack on what the Father said. The devil began, “If You are the Son of God…” (Matthew 4:3). In the Garden of Eden, the first thing the devil did was undermine what God had said (Genesis 3:1).Often, the devil takes a similar approach to us. “If you were really forgiven…” or “If you were really saved…” or “If you were really loved…”We must store up God’s word in our hearts so that Satan doesn’t undermine our trust in the One we belong to (1 Peter 2:9; 1 John 3:1; 1 Corinthians 6:20). Peter warns Christians about forgetting what God has done for us (2 Peter 1:8-11).When the devil tempts us, who will we rely on? Will we rely on ourselves? Will we try to redefine sin? Or will we rely on God and His word?Temptation will come; we should prepare ourselves with God’s word for when it does. Then, armed with the word of God, we must resist the devil (1 Peter 5:8-9). Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

This article concludes our series on questions about love. We have noticed what the Bible says about love, how God has demonstrated His love, and how love shapes the way we ought to treat others. As we close out our thoughts, we want to ask, “Can love overcome sin, hurt, and division? The world is deeply divided. Broken relationships, resentment, and sin leave many wondering whether healing is truly possible. The Bible answers with a hopeful and resounding “Yes,” but only through genuine love. What can genuine love accomplish? Love ReconcilesFirst, genuine love “covers a multitude of sins”: “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Pet. 4:8). This does not mean love ignores wrongdoing, but that it seeks forgiveness and restoration rather than revenge. God’s love has the power to reconcile. Through Christ, God reconciled humanity to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:18). This same love enables reconciliation between people. Forgiveness becomes possible when love leads the way. Love HealsSecond, genuine love heals wounds. When we choose patience over anger and grace over bitterness, love begins to mend what sin has broken. This process is not instant, but it is real and very powerful. The apostle Peter, who loved Jesus and was loved by Him, gave in to temptation and sinned on multiple occasions. Perhaps the one that we think about the most is when he denied Jesus three times. When this happened, Peter was broken and went out and “wept bitterly” (Luke 22:62). Jesus extended grace to Peter, asking Him three times, “Peter, do you love Me?” (John 21:15-17). Three times, instead of denying Jesus, Peter proclaimed and reiterated His love for Jesus. This would be transformative for Peter as He would lovingly preach the Gospel on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2), teach Cornelius and his household, thus opening the door of faith to the Gentiles (Acts 10-11), and serve as an elder in the Lord’s church (1 Pet. 5:1-4). Peter penned two powerful epistles, stressing hope and spiritual growth, both of which he was able to experience because of the love of Jesus. Love is TruthfulThird, genuine love speaks the truth and hates error: “Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way” (Psa. 119:104, 128). The loving thing to do is present the truth and expose error. Only in this way can we “speak the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15). Not only should we love the truth, but love others enough to speak the truth to them. Using the example of Peter again, Paul withstood him to the face “because he was to be blamed” (Gal. 2:11). Paul loved the truth, Peter, and those souls who were present, which is what motivated his actions. It was not that Paul wanted to gloat or “win an argument,” rather, he, out of love, corrected Peter. Later, in Peter’s second epistle, he referred to Paul as “our beloved brother” (2 Pet. 3:15). God is LoveUltimately, genuine love triumphs because it is rooted in God. Paul writes, “Love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:8). Human strength fails, emotions fade, but godly love endures. Since God is love (1 John 4:7), we know that He is everlasting, powerful, and indestructible; therefore, the same can be said about love. Evil may seem to have the upper hand, but God will appropriately take care of that in His time (Rom. 12:19). In a world desperate for hope, the Bible offers a powerful message: Genuine love can overcome sin, heal wounds, speak truth that promotes unity, and will triumph in the end. I hope and pray that this article and this series will help us all to develop a deeper love for God, His Word, and for others.Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

Two of my greatest interests are the Bible and history. These two intertwine and cannot be separated. In this podcast, I share my thoughts on the importance of history and the Bible to us. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

Jesus and His disciples were traveling to Jerusalem when He predicted His betrayal, death, and resurrection (Matthew 20:17-19). On this occasion, their journey took them through the city of Jericho. According to Matthew’s account, “a great multitude followed Him” during this time (verse 29). Because of Jesus’s miraculous ability, news of His presence spread far and wide and created a scene. He was no ordinary tourist. Hearing the commotion but not able to see, one of the blind men “asked what it meant” (Luke 18:36). When he was told that “Jesus of Nazareth was passing by” (verse 37), both men “cried out, saying, ‘Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!’” (Matthew 20:30). Although they could not see Jesus with their physical eyes, their petition reflected great insight. By referring to Jesus as both “Lord” and “Son of David,” the men acknowledged Him as the Messiah, something others were reluctant to do. When individuals in the crowd attempted to silence the blind men, “they cried out all the more, saying, ‘Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!’” (verse 31). Jesus was their only hope. They could not remain quiet. When Jesus heard their request, He “stood still and called them, and said, ‘What do you want Me to do for you?’” (Matthew 20:32). Jesus’s attentiveness to the needs of the men should not be missed. Despite His determination to go to Jerusalem and finish the work God had given to Him (see Matthew 20:17-19; John 12:27; 17:4; Hebrews 10:5-10), He did not overlook or ignore the blind men. He “stood still” (NKJV) or “stopped” (ESV) to consider their problem. Rather than hastily responding to their request, He asked what they wanted and listened to what they had to say. The Great Physician took time with His patients in Jericho. When the men asked to have their sight restored (Matthew 20:33), “Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him” (verse 34). His compassion was unmatched; His power was beyond dispute. Those who witnessed the miracle “gave praise to God” (Luke 18:43). One note of clarification is in order regarding this miracle. Some have questioned what seem to be contradictory details about the event in the different Gospel accounts. For example, Luke states Jesus encountered “a certain blind man” as He was approaching Jericho (Luke 18:35). In Matthew’s account, however, He healed two men after “He went out of Jericho” (Matthew 20:29). It is possible Jesus met one blind man as He entered the city and healed two as He left. It is also possible the texts refer to the old and new locations of Jericho. Instead of finding fault with the text, let us appreciate the power of Jesus. To God be the glory!Chad Ramsey preaches for the Gloster Street Church of Christ in Tupelo, Mississippi. You can access their Bible classes and Chad’s sermons on Gloster Street’s YouTube page.Chad was - and still is - “my preacher” from when I spent my high school and early college years at Gloster Street. I’m thankful to be able to share some of his writings with you. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

Our up-to-the-minute, breaking-news social media culture demands that everyone constantly say everything they are thinking the moment they think it. But Scripture teaches this is not wise. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

Certain truths are obvious. For example, students of the Bible recognize God has a plan for man’s behavior. He expects His followers to live in a manner reflecting His holiness. So Peter wrote: “but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct” (1 Peter 1:15). Given this admonition, and many others like it, it is not a mistake to say God wants man to avoid sinful thoughts and actions. Consequently, rather than living according to our desires, our behavior should be moderated by His plan. Paul thus encouraged the Philippians: “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Philippians 1:27). But if it is obvious God has a certain way He expects man to live, it is just as obvious that we often fall woefully short of meeting His expectations. Whether because of weakness, ignorance or rebellion, we often sin. Importantly, the problem of sin is not limited to a struggling few, for Scripture declares: “…all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Because sin separates man from God (Isaiah 59:1-2), our status as sinners is indeed dire. Thankfully, God, in His infinite wisdom, recognized this problem and planned from all eternity to make provisions so that man might be reconciled to Him (Ephesians 3:11). His plan involved sending His Son to die in our place. This should not be taken to mean God overlooks or encourages man’s sinful behavior. It simply means He has a plan to save man. We should seek to avoid sin. If we fall short, however, we must understand God’s plan is capable of saving us. John summarized this idea and wrote: “My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world” (1 John 2:1-2). Because God’s plan to save man is revealed in Scripture, we must make every effort to learn about it. As we study the scheme of redemption, we will almost certainly grow in appreciation for the wonderful love God possesses for humanity. Although we do not deserve His mercy, He willingly sent His Son to pay the price for our sins. In fact, “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). How thankful we should be for the grace of God (cf. Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 2:11)! Never forget God “desires all men to be saved” (1 Timothy 2:4). This includes you!Chad Ramsey preaches for the Gloster Street Church of Christ in Tupelo, Mississippi. You can access their Bible classes and Chad’s sermons on Gloster Street’s YouTube page.Chad was - and still is - “my preacher” from when I spent my high school and early college years at Gloster Street. I’m thankful to be able to share some of his writings with you. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

Last week, we discussed how the Bible defines love. This week, we want to ask and answer the question, “How has God demonstrated His love toward us?” Many people wonder whether God truly loves them. Some struggle to see God’s love in a world filled with suffering, loss, and injustice. Yet the Bible repeatedly affirms not only that God loves us, but that He has demonstrated that love in unmistakable ways. God’s Love is SacrificialPerhaps the most well-known verse in Scripture addresses this very question: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son” (John 3:16). God (the greatest Being), so loved (the greatest emotion), the world (the greatest number), that He gave (the greatest act), His only begotten Son (the greatest Gift), that whoever believes in Him (the greatest requirement) should not perish (the greatest tragedy), but have everlasting life (the greatest reward)! God’s love is not theoretical, rather it is demonstrated through giving. He gave what was most precious to Him so that we could have eternal life. While this is the “golden text” of the Bible, there are other passages which speak to God’s amazing demonstration and display of love for mankind. God’s Love is MercifulRomans 5:8 emphasizes this point even further: “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” God did not wait for humanity to become worthy of His love. He acted when we were undeserving. We were without strength (Rom. 5:6), dead in trespasses and sins (Eph. 2:1), and completely lost because of our sin (Luke 19:10). Jesus came and died for His enemies, and the harsh truth is that you and I were enemies because of sin! The cross of Christ demonstrates love to the unlovable and proves the incredible lengths God is willing to go to show His love for mankind. God’s Love is Patient2 Peter 3:9 points to the fact that God, because of His great love for man, doesn’t wish that “any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” His love and patience (or long-suffering) go hand in hand. In fact, it is beyond human comprehension. God’s love is expressed through His desire for people to turn from sin and find life. His patience is not indifference; it is mercy. God’s Love is FaithfulLamentations 3:22–23 reminds us, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end.” Notice that God’s love is described as steadfast and faithful. Even when people fail, God remains faithful. God is love (1 John 4:8) and “love never fails” (1 Cor. 13:8). His love does not fluctuate with our emotions or performance. His love is steady, sure, and secure! God’s Love is PersonalPsalm 139 and Matthew 10:30 harmonize to teach us that God’s love is also personal. God knows us intimately, even numbering the hairs on our heads (Matthew 10:30; cf. Psalm 139). This kind of attention reveals a God who cares deeply about individuals, not just humanity in general. God knows and loves you deeper than words can express! God’s Love is InstructiveAt the same time, God’s love is not permissive. Hebrews 12:6 explains, “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves.” God’s love includes correction because His goal is our growth and holiness. Just as a loving parent guides a child, God lovingly shapes our lives. Ultimately, as we have noticed in several of the above passages, there is no greater demonstration of love than the cross. It shows us both the seriousness of sin and the depth of God’s mercy. Through Jesus, God bridges the gap between Himself and humanity, offering forgiveness, reconciliation, and hope (John 14:6). When we question whether God loves us, Scripture invites us to look to the cross, to God’s patience, to His faithfulness, and to His promises. God has not merely spoken about love; He has acted decisively and deliberately. His love is real, sacrificial, and available to all who are willing to receive it.Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

This episode comes from an article I wrote back in December 2023 from a book I read titled Autopsy of a Deceased Church by Thom S. Rainer. You can read that article here: Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

The disciples of Jesus were not immune to a problem that plagues so many in our world today—pride. According to Mark’s account, Jesus’s disciples “disputed among themselves who would be the greatest” (9:34). Why this conversation ever occurred is not specified in the text. Regardless, the disciples did not readily offer details about this discussion when the Lord asked about it. Instead, they asked: “Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” (Matthew 18:1). Be a ServantUpon hearing this question, Jesus took the occasion to teach a valuable lesson. Thus, “He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, ‘If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and a servant of all’” (Mark 9:35). Rather than singling out one individual as being greater than the others, He stressed the importance of servitude—something the disciples saw the Lord model firsthand (see John 13:2-17). Like a Little ChildTo illustrate His point, Jesus then “called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven’” (Matthew 18:2-3). His point was that the greatest would not be the one His disciples supposed. Given the status of children in the first century, Jesus could hardly have chosen a more appropriate way to convey this truth. We can only imagine how the disciples reacted to this object lesson! Besides their unlikely status, children possessed humility (Matthew 18:4)—a trait sorely needed among those who dispute about greatness. Thus, Jesus taught that those who would be great must learn humility. This reminds us of James 4:10: “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” What About Us?Given Jesus’s admonition, we should seek to imitate the good qualities of children if we desire to please God. Indeed, we should also support and encourage those who do likewise. As Jesus noted: “Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me” (Matthew 18:5). The reference here is to individuals possessing the qualities of children, not necessarily to those who are young. Conversely, to refuse those who are childlike and harm them is to commit great sin (verses 6-7). Christians must seek to avoid being the source of strife. As Romans 14:13 states: “Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.”Chad Ramsey preaches for the Gloster Street Church of Christ in Tupelo, Mississippi. You can access their Bible classes and Chad’s sermons on Gloster Street’s YouTube page.Chad was - and still is - “my preacher” from when I spent my high school and early college years at Gloster Street. I’m thankful to be able to share some of his writings with you. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

As we move into February, our minds shift toward “the month of love.” Over the next few weeks, we will be discussing the topic of love from a Biblical perspective. Few words are used as often, and misunderstood as deeply, as the word love. In our culture, love is commonly defined by feelings, attraction, or personal satisfaction. We say we “love” pizza, sports teams, hobbies, and people, often meaning nothing more than enjoyment or preference. When the Bible speaks of love, it speaks of something far deeper, stronger, and more demanding. Biblically Defining Love. The clearest biblical definition of love is found in 1 Corinthians 13. It has been called “The Love Chapter.” Contextually, Paul discusses the importance of the brethren in the first century to allow love to motivate their use of spiritual gifts. With that in mind, we do have a beautiful definition of love laid out in the chapter. Rather than describing love as a feeling, Scripture defines love by action and character. The apostle Paul writes, “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude” (1 Corinthians 13:4–5). From the very beginning, we learn that biblical love is not about emotion alone; it is about how we behave toward others (Rom. 12:9ff; 1 John 3:18). What love is.Biblical love is patient. That means it endures frustration without retaliation. As a parent, preacher, teacher, and coach, this is a real struggle sometimes, but if I want to practice Biblical love, I must be patient with others. Love waits, bears burdens, and gives people room to grow. In a world that values quick reactions and instant gratification, patience stands out as a powerful expression of genuine love. Biblical love is also kind. Kindness is not weakness; it is intentional goodness. Jesus demonstrated this repeatedly by touching lepers, speaking gently to the broken, and offering mercy to sinners. Love acts for the good of others, even and especially when it is inconvenient. What love is not.Paul goes on to tell us what love is not. Love does not envy or boast. It is not self-centered or competitive. True love does not seek to elevate itself above others. This runs directly against the grain of modern culture, which often speaks to self-promotion and personal branding above humility. One of the most challenging descriptions of love is found in verse 5: “It does not insist on its own way.” Biblical love is not demanding or selfish. It does not manipulate, dominate, or control. Instead, it considers the needs and well-being of others. This kind of love requires humility and sacrifice—qualities that do not come naturally to us. Scripture also tells us that love is inseparable from truth. Verse 6 says, “It does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.” Love does not excuse sin or celebrate what God calls wrong. Instead, love desires what is right, good, and holy. This reminds us that love and truth are not enemies; they are partners (John 14:15; 15:13-14; 1 John 5:3).God is Love. The Bible ultimately points us to God as the Source and definition of love. 1 John 4:8 plainly states, “God is love.” This does not mean that God merely shows love; it means love flows from His very nature. Love is His essence. Every expression of true love finds its origin in Him. Jesus Christ provides the clearest picture of what love looks like in action. He taught love, lived love, and demonstrated love through self-sacrifice. His willingness to lay down His life shows us that biblical love is costly. As Jesus Himself said, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). When we ask, “What is love?” the Bible answers clearly: Love is patient, kind, humble, truthful, enduring, and sacrificial. It is not driven by emotion alone, but by a commitment to do what is right before God. Understanding love biblically challenges us to move beyond shallow definitions and embrace the kind of love that reflects the heart of God.Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

These 7 warnings come from the letters the Apostle Paul wrote to various churches. The problems and struggles they faced are very similar to what we face. So, we should learn from these inspired letters and heed the warnings of Scripture. You can read more here… Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

In Jesus’s parable of the Wicked Vinedressers (Mark 12:1-11), He described how the requests of an owner of a vineyard were ignored and rejected by tenants who leased his farm. Sending servant after servant, only to find them either beaten or killed, the owner determined to send his son and stated, “They will respect my son” (Mark 12:6). But instead of showing respect to the son, Mark wrote: “But those vinedressers said among themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ So they took him and killed him and cast him out of the vineyard” (Mark 12:7-8). The point of this parable was to describe the way the Jewish leaders had treated the messengers of God in the past, and how they would treat Jesus—the Son of God—in the near future. It is worth noting that Stephen emphasized this point when he addressed the Jews. He asked: “Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers” (Acts 7:52). We should not conclude God did not expect His Son to be rejected, for the passage reveals He did. As Mark 12:10 states: “Have you not even read this Scripture: ‘The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.’” But it is still worth noting that as the father in the parable expected the tenants to respect his son, so God expected men to respect Jesus. This, of course, is an expectation God has for us as well. We must respect Jesus Christ, which means we must be willing to obey His commands. Do you respect the Son? Have you obeyed Him?Chad Ramsey preaches for the Gloster Street Church of Christ in Tupelo, Mississippi. You can access their Bible classes and Chad’s sermons on Gloster Street’s YouTube page.Chad was - and still is - “my preacher” from when I spent my high school and early college years at Gloster Street. I’m thankful to be able to share some of his writings with you. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

This article concludes our series on whether or not we will choose to follow the Good Shepherd in 2026. Thus far, we have examined Who the Good Shepherd is, who belongs to Him, and what it means to truly follow Him. As we close, let’s ask and answer the question, “What does the Good Shepherd provide?” We have spent our time thus far in John 10, but I want us to close out this study by examining Psalm 23. Written by David, a former shepherd himself, this psalm beautifully describes what life looks like under the care of the Good Shepherd. When read alongside John 10, Psalm 23 answers our question under consideration. The answer is simple, yet profound — He provides everything His sheep truly need! The Good Shepherd Provides RestDavid begins with a personal statement of confidence: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1). This is not a claim of wealth or ease, but of sufficiency. Sheep are entirely dependent creatures. They cannot provide for themselves without a shepherd. When David says he “shall not want,” he is declaring that under the Lord’s care, nothing essential will be lacking. The Good Shepherd provides contentment—not by giving everything we desire, but by supplying everything we need (See Matthew 6:33). The Shepherd’s provision includes rest and nourishment. “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters” (Psalm 23:2). Sheep will not rest unless they feel safe. They will not drink from rushing streams that frighten them. The Good Shepherd provides peace, safety, and spiritual nourishment. He leads His people to places where their souls can be refreshed. In a restless and anxious world, the Shepherd offers calm and renewal (Phil. 4:4-6). The Good Shepherd Provides RestorationDavid continues, “He restores my soul” (Psalm 23:3). Sheep easily become weary, injured, or lost. The Good Shepherd provides restoration. He lifts the fallen, heals the wounded, and brings back the straying. This restoration is not only emotional, but spiritual. Through forgiveness, grace, and mercy, the Shepherd renews His people from the inside out. No matter how broken or exhausted we may feel, the Good Shepherd specializes in restoring souls. The Good Shepherd Provides GuidanceThe Shepherd also provides guidance. “He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3). Sheep need direction; left alone, they wander into danger. The Good Shepherd leads His people in the right paths — not merely the easiest ones. His guidance reflects His character and brings honor to His name. Even when the path is difficult, it is the right one. Following the Shepherd means trusting His direction over our own instincts. The Good Shepherd Provides ProtectionPerhaps the most powerful provision described in Psalm 23 is His presence in the darkest moments. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me” (Psalm 23:4). The Good Shepherd does not promise that His sheep will avoid valleys, but He does promise that they will never walk through them alone (Heb. 13:5-6). His presence drives away fear. The valley is real, but it is a “shadow”— temporary and powerless compared to the Shepherd’s care. David then mentions the Shepherd’s tools: “Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4). The rod was used to protect the sheep from predators; the staff was used to guide and rescue them. Together, they represent protection and correction. The Good Shepherd defends His people and gently directs them when they stray. What brings comfort is knowing that the Shepherd is attentive, involved, and actively watching over His flock. The Good Shepherd Provides Abundant CareThe psalm then shifts imagery, but the message remains the same: Provision. “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies” (Psalm 23:5). The Good Shepherd provides abundant care, even in hostile circumstances. His blessings are not dependent on the absence of trouble. Even when enemies surround us, the Shepherd provides sustenance, honor, and dignity. “My cup overflows,” David says—not with worry, but with blessing. David adds, “You anoint my head with oil” (Psalm 23:5). Shepherds used oil to soothe wounds and protect sheep from insects and infection. This speaks of healing and care. The Good Shepherd attends to the small irritations and deep wounds alike. Nothing affecting His sheep is too insignificant for His attention. The Good Shepherd Provides Eternal HopeThe psalm closes with a confident future hope: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:6). The Good Shepherd provides lasting security! Psalm 23 shows us that the Good Shepherd provides rest, restoration, guidance, protection, provision, and eternal hope. He does not abandon His sheep or leave them to fend for themselves. He walks with them every step of the way. As this series concludes, the message is clear: The Good Shepherd is worth following because He provides everything His sheep need both now and forever. We will face mountains and valleys in 2026. The question is whether we will face them under the care of the Shepherd who never fails. May God bless you as you follow the Good Shepherd!Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

I got the idea for this podcast episode from reading one of Jim McCraigh’s recent posts in American Faith & Freedom. You can read that article by clicking here. In 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22, the apostle Paul wraps up his letter to the church in Thessalonica and gives them instructions about their relationships with others and with God. I think we find six important principles of a faithful church in this Scripture. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

As Jesus addressed the multitude from the mountain, he began His notable “Sermon on the Mount” by saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). From the perspective of the world, this promise might seem empty. After all, how can the poor in spirit be happy? But when we consider what the Scriptures have to say, we realize the truth of Jesus’s words. Happiness does not come from the things we possess. True happiness depends more upon one’s inward qualities than one’s outward possessions. That is why Jesus said, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” (Luke 12:15). It is not what we have that makes us happy; it is who we are. Happiness comes to the humble. The “poor in spirit” are those who do not think more of themselves than they ought (Romans 12:3). Rather than exalting themselves, they humble themselves. And in doing this, they certainly follow the example set by Jesus Christ. As He said, “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). James understood this principle and directed Christians: “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up” (James 4:10). Happiness results from the reward. Jesus promised the poor in spirit that “theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” If any promise should thrill one’s soul, this promise should do just that. To know that we have a home prepared for us in heaven should cause us to rejoice, regardless of what we have to face in this life. We can be happy because we know this life is not all that there is. It should be noted that those who humble themselves recognize this reward is only available because of Jesus. The poor in spirit are willing to obey the Savior!Chad Ramsey preaches for the Gloster Street Church of Christ in Tupelo, Mississippi. You can access their Bible classes and Chad’s sermons on Gloster Street’s YouTube page.Chad was - and still is - “my preacher” from when I spent my high school and early college years at Gloster Street. I’m thankful to be able to share some of his writings with you. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

Thus far in our series, we have asked and answered a personal question: Will YOU follow the Good Shepherd in 2026? In Part One, we asked and answered, “Who is the Good Shepherd?” (John 10), and last week, in Part Two of our study, we asked, “Who Belongs to the Good Shepherd?” This week, as we engage in Part Three, our question is this: How can I follow the Good Shepherd?By Listening to His Voice In John 10, He describes what following Him looks like—not as a complicated religious system, but as a lived relationship marked by listening, trust, and obedience. Jesus begins with a simple truth: “The sheep hear his voice” (John 10:3). Following the Good Shepherd starts with listening. Sheep survive by recognizing the voice of their shepherd amid many other sounds. In the same way, following Jesus requires learning to distinguish His voice from the countless voices competing for our attention today. Jesus speaks through His words, recorded in Scripture. He has the “words of life” (John 6:63). If we want to follow Him, we must spend time hearing what He has already said. A follower who does not listen cannot truly follow. By Trusting His LeadershipListening, however, is only the beginning. Jesus adds, “He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out” (John 10:3). The Good Shepherd does not shout directions from a distance; He goes before His sheep. Following Him means trusting His leadership, even when the path is unfamiliar. Sheep often cannot see far ahead, but they trust the shepherd to lead them to safety and pasture (Psalm 23). Likewise, following Jesus involves trusting His direction when circumstances are uncertain or difficult. Jesus makes this point clearer when He contrasts Himself with thieves and robbers. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). Not only does following Jesus require listening to and trusting in Him, but it also requires discernment. His sheep must be able to recognize which voices lead to life and which do not. Not every appealing message promotes our spiritual good. Followers of Christ learn to evaluate choices, influences, and teachings by whether they align with the life-giving purpose of the Shepherd. In fact, it is every Christian’s responsibility to study the Word of God and “test” all things (1 Thess. 5:21; 2 Tim. 2:15; 1 John 4:1). By Obeying His TeachingAnother essential aspect of following the Good Shepherd is obedience. Jesus says plainly, “The sheep follow him” (John 10:4). Following is active, not passive. It involves movement and response. When Jesus calls, His sheep respond by adjusting their steps. Obedience does not mean perfection, but it does mean direction (1 John 1:7-9). Followers may stumble, but they do not intentionally walk away from the Shepherd’s guidance. By Understanding What He Has DoneOne of the most powerful motivations for following the Good Shepherd is understanding what He has done for His sheep. “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). Jesus leads by example, not coercion. He does not ask His followers to go where He Himself has not gone. Following the Good Shepherd means responding to His sacrificial love with gratitude and loyalty. When we remember the cost of our salvation, following Him becomes a response of love rather than obligation. By Remaining with His FlockFinally, Jesus teaches that following Him involves belonging to a flock, not walking alone. He speaks of “one flock, one shepherd” (John 10:16). The New Testament clearly teaches that Jesus has one church and she belongs to Him (Matt. 16:18-19; Acts 20:28; Eph. 1:22-23; 4:4-6; 5:22-32; Col. 1:18). You can’t have Christ without the church! Sheep are not meant to wander independently; they thrive together under the shepherd’s care. Following the Good Shepherd includes being active as a member of His church — encouraging one another, worshiping together, and walking side by side in faith just as they did in the first century (Acts 2:42). So how can you and I follow the Good Shepherd? By listening to His voice in Scripture, trusting His leadership, obeying His teaching, walking in relationship with Him, and remaining connected to His flock (the church). Following Jesus is something His sheep must do one step, one day, and one decision at a time. Next week, we will close out our study by asking and answering the question, “What does the Good Shepherd provide for His sheep?Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

The two concluding chapters of Acts describe Paul’s harrowing voyage to Rome. God protects Paul and everyone with him. No doubt, everyone who made this trip with Paul - including the sailors and Roman soldiers - left with a newfound appreciation for the God Paul served. This is our final podcast episode of the book of Acts! Together, we’ve studied all of Luke’s writings - both the gospel of Luke and the book of Acts. What would you prefer to study next? Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

As Jesus addressed the multitudes in His famous Sermon on the Mount, He instructed His audience that they must be more righteous than the religious leaders of their day. He said, “For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:20). If we knew nothing more than what Jesus said about the scribes and Pharisees in this passage, we would know their righteousness did not meet the expectations set by God. But thankfully, we know a great deal more. The Pharisees were a sect of the Jews who advocated a strict interpretation of the Law of Moses. Interestingly, Jesus did not find fault with their teaching. Instead, He stated: “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do” (Matthew 23:2, 3). Thus, His problem with them revolved primarily around their actions. Like the Pharisee in the parable Jesus told in Luke 18:10-14, the group was consumed with how they appeared outwardly. One could easily imagine them calling attention to themselves before they gave (Matthew 6:1, 2), praying to be heard by men (Matthew 6:5), and painting their faces so as to look like they had been fasting (Matthew 6:16). Indeed, Jesus compared them to “whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and uncleanness” (Matthew 23:27). It is little wonder that Jesus insisted that the righteousness of those who would enter the kingdom of heaven must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees. In essence, our actions must be righteous, but so must our intentions. We must be righteous from the inside out.Chad Ramsey preaches for the Gloster Street Church of Christ in Tupelo, Mississippi. You can access their Bible classes and Chad’s sermons on Gloster Street’s YouTube page.Chad was - and still is - “my preacher” from when I spent my high school and early college years at Gloster Street. I’m thankful to be able to share some of his writings with you. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

Last week, we began a new series entitled, “Will You Follow the Good Shepherd in 2026?” In Part One, we asked and answered, “Who Is the Good Shepherd” (John 10)? We noted that Jesus, the Son of God, is the Good Shepherd Who provides for His sheep. This week, we want to ask and answer the question, “Who belongs to the Good Shepherd?” Those Who Are Known by the ShepherdThere are many in the religious world who claim to belong to Jesus, but who actually does? According to John 10, belonging to the Good Shepherd is not accidental, inherited, or assumed—it is defined by hearing, following, trusting, and obeying Him! Jesus describes His relationship with His sheep in intimate terms. “The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out” (John 10:3). Those who belong to the Good Shepherd are not anonymous members of a crowd; rather, they are known individually. The shepherd does not shout aimlessly into the pasture; he calls his own. Belonging begins with being known by Christ, not merely knowing about Him. Jesus returns to this idea later when He says, “I know My own and My own know Me” (John 10:14). Belonging to the Good Shepherd is relational, not symbolic. It is not enough to claim association with religious tradition or moral values. The sheep belong to the shepherd because a real relationship exists—one marked by recognition and trust. Those Who Hear the ShepherdAnother defining mark of those who belong to the Good Shepherd is that they hear His voice. Jesus repeatedly emphasizes this point: “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27). Hearing in this sense is more than physical listening. It means receiving His words as truth and authority. Many heard Jesus speak in John 10, but not all were His sheep. Some rejected His claims and questioned His authority. The difference was not exposure to His teaching, but response to it (See the contrast between Peter’s audience in Acts 2 and Stephen’s audience in Acts 7).Jesus makes a sobering statement to some of His listeners: “You do not believe because you are not among My sheep” (John 10:26). This reverses the way many people think. Those who belong to the Good Shepherd trust Him, even when His words challenge or unsettle them. Jesus is the Author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him (Heb. 5:8-9). On one occasion, He asked, “Why do you call me Lord, Lord but not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46). Those who belong to the Shepherd are those who hear and respond properly to His words. Those Who Follow the ShepherdBelonging also involves following. Sheep are not stationary; they move with their shepherd. Jesus says that the shepherd “goes before them, and the sheep follow him” (John 10:4). Those who belong to Christ do not simply admire Him from a distance. They follow His lead in daily life—shaping their decisions, priorities, and behavior by His teaching and example (Luke 9:23). While followers may stumble or wander at times, their direction is oriented toward the Shepherd, not away from Him. Jesus makes it clear that belonging is not based on ethnic, social, or historical identity. “I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also” (John 10:16). This statement would have challenged His original audience. God’s flock would extend beyond one nation or group. Belonging to the Good Shepherd is open to all who hear His voice and respond in faith (Gal. 3:26-29). It is important to note that John 10 leaves no room for complacency. The sheep must choose to stay faithful to the Shepherd, and if they do, they are able to “make their call and election sure” (2 Pet. 1:5-11). Sheep hear. Sheep follow. Sheep trust the Shepherd’s voice over competing voices. Jesus does not describe a category of sheep who ignore Him, refuse to follow, and yet still belong. The relationship is living and active. So who belongs to the Good Shepherd? According to Jesus, it is those who are known by Him, who hear His voice, who trust His words, and who follow where He leads. Belonging is not a label we assign ourselves; it is a relationship defined by response to Christ. Do we merely recognize the name of Jesus, or do we recognize His voice? Do we claim belonging, or do our lives reflect it? The Good Shepherd still calls His sheep by name. The question is whether we are listening—and whether we truly belong to Him. Next week, we will continue our study by asking and answering the question, “How can I follow the Good Shepherd?”Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

When a new Roman governor is hesitant to issue a ruling in Paul’s case, he decides to appeal his case to the highest judge in the Roman legal system - Caesar himself. Acts 25-26 describes this process, and how the new Roman governor tries to understand Paul’s case better so he knows what to report to Caesar. For the apostle Paul, this was another opportunity to proclaim the Lord Jesus Christ. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

The word “imitate” means to copy. Thus, when an individual is imitating the actions of another, he or she is copying or mimicking those actions. This, of course, is one of the ways that we learn. Parents are especially aware that children learn as much, if not more, by watching what they do rather than listening to what they say. No wonder Paul encouraged the Ephesians to “be imitators of God as dear children” (Ephesians 5:1). But when it comes to imitating the actions of others, Christians must certainly be careful. In fact, the apostle John made this point quite strongly in his third epistle. He wrote: “Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God” (3 John 11). Let’s notice a few of the lessons contained in this important verse. We Have the Ability to Choose What We ImitateFirst, John’s admonition implies that we have a choice. Importantly, we have the ability to choose what we will imitate. In other words, God has given all of us the freedom to decide how we will act. If you desire, you can imitate what is good; if you wish, you can imitate what is evil. The choice is yours. God will not force you to behave in a particular manner. We Can Know Good and EvilSecond, John’s admonition implies that we have the ability to know the difference between what is good and what is evil. Unlike many who claim that truth is relative, the word of God affirms that truth is absolute. That is why Jesus said: “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). Our Choices Are ImportantThird, John’s admonition implies that our choices are important. If you choose to imitate what is good, the world will know that you are “of God.” If you choose to imitate what is evil, it will be evident that you have not “seen God.” As Jesus said, you will be known by your fruits (Matthew 7:20). Are you imitating what is good?Chad Ramsey preaches for the Gloster Street Church of Christ in Tupelo, Mississippi. You can access their Bible classes and Chad’s sermons on Gloster Street’s YouTube page.Chad was - and still is - “my preacher” from when I spent my high school and early college years at Gloster Street. I’m thankful to be able to share some of his writings with you. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

Happy New Year! It is such a blessing to be able to write these articles, and I truly appreciate all of you who read them! I hope and pray that these articles glorify God, stay true to His Word, and help all who read to draw closer to God. As we turn our calendars to 2026, it is important to note that though we are moving forward to a new year, the same Lord is ruling in Heaven! The question we want to ask and answer is a personal one: Will YOU follow the Good Shepherd in 2026? Our goal is to discuss this over the next several weeks by breaking down different aspects of the question. We begin by asking, “Who is the Good Shepherd?” The True Leader Who Enters by the DoorI invite you to John 10. Jesus begins by contrasting the shepherd with thieves and strangers. The shepherd enters by the door, calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out. The sheep recognize his voice and follow him, but they will not follow a stranger because they do not know his voice (John 10:1–5). In this imagery, Jesus is teaching that the Good Shepherd is legitimate, known, and trustworthy. He does not sneak in or deceive. He leads openly, and His sheep follow willingly because they recognize who He is. This matters because not every voice that claims authority deserves our trust. Jesus later says plainly, “All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers” (John 10:8). The Good Shepherd is not just another option among many; He stands in contrast to false guides who exploit rather than care. The Good Shepherd leads for the good of the sheep, not for personal gain. The Protector Who Offers the Abundant LifeJesus then deepens the image by declaring, “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture” (John 10:9). Here, the Good Shepherd is also the only point of access to safety and life. Sheep do not survive by wandering aimlessly. They need protection, provision, and direction. Jesus claims to be the One through Whom true life is found. He explains the difference clearly: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). The Savior Who Lays Down His LifeThe Good Shepherd is not indifferent to the condition of His sheep. He is not distant or detached. In fact, Jesus emphasizes what truly sets Him apart: Sacrifice. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). Hired hands flee when danger comes because the sheep are not truly theirs, but the Good Shepherd stays. He stands between the sheep and the threat, even at the cost of His own life. This statement points directly to the cross. Jesus is not speaking in metaphor alone; He is revealing His mission. The Good Shepherd does not merely teach or guide: He dies for the sheep. He willingly lays down His life, and just as importantly, He takes it up again (John 10:17–18). His authority comes not from force, but from self-giving love. The Shepherd Who Knows His SheepAnother defining mark of the Good Shepherd is relationship. Jesus says, “I know My own and My own know Me, just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father” (John 10:14–15). This is not surface-level familiarity. The relationship between the shepherd and the sheep is personal and deep, modeled after the relationship between the Father and the Son. The Good Shepherd knows His sheep individually, and they know Him. Following Him is about hearing and obeying His voice (John 14:15; 15:13-14; 1 John 2:3-6). Jesus also reveals the scope of His shepherding work: “I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to My voice” (John 10:16). The Good Shepherd’s care extends even to the Gentiles. His flock includes all who will hear His voice and follow Him (Acts 10:34). This reminds us that the Good Shepherd’s mission is ongoing, inclusive, and purposeful. The Son Who is One With the FatherFinally, John 10 shows us that the Good Shepherd is divinely appointed. Jesus states plainly, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). This claim shocked His hearers and led some to accuse Him of blasphemy, but it clarifies the ultimate answer to our question. The Good Shepherd is not merely a moral teacher or inspiring leader. He is God in the flesh, sent by the Father to gather, protect, and save His people (John 1:1-5, 14; 10:10; Luke 19:10). So who is the Good Shepherd? According to John 10, He is the true Leader who enters by the door, the Protector who offers the abundant life, the Savior who lays down His life, the Shepherd who knows His sheep, and the Son who is one with the Father. As we look toward 2026 and beyond, the question is not whether voices will call for our attention because we know that they will. The real question is whether we recognize the voice of the Good Shepherd, and whether we will choose to follow Him. Next week, we will ask and answer the question, “Who belongs to the Good Shepherd?”Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

After Paul’s case is transferred out of the Jewish system and into the Roman legal system, Paul's accusers try to get his case transferred back under their authority.However, the Roman governor Felix is a corrupt, incompetent ruler who indefinitely delays a decision in Paul’s case. We discover the reason in this chapter, and we see how God continues to work. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

When the Roman commander brings Paul to the Jewish council to learn the charges against Paul, Paul quickly discovers he isn’t going to receive a fair hearing. The events of Acts 23 describe how Paul’s “case” ends up being moved from the Jewish legal system into the Roman legal system. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe