Category: Newspaper Articles

(This article originally appeared as a paid ad in (April 2012) in the newspapers published by Suburban Newspapers, Inc. The papers cover five small communities in the Forth Worth area).

In Ecclesiastes 12:13, a very wise man wrote “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all.” Such a simple truth, but one that is unfortunately seldom heeded.

Why do you go to church? It seems like for a lot of people, worship is entertainment; and a church’s purpose is to facilitate self-actualization. And that seems to be a bit backwards.

Worship should be (and if it is true worship, it is) an offering to God. The purpose of worship is to please God, not to please ourselves. In order for it to please Him, our worship must be in accord with His will. “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24).

The purpose of the church is to do the Lord’s work in the world. It is a religious institution, dedicated to spiritual work. Members share the gospel with the lost, build one another up through worship and fellowship, and engage in benevolent activities. While entertainment and socializing seem to be the central priority of the church experience in our day and time, that is not what God intended for His people. Paul said that the church of the living God is “the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15).

Our view is not a typical way of looking at worship and service to God. Are you serious about your service to Him? Come visit the West Side church of Christ!
.

(This article originally appeared as a paid ad in March 2012 in the newspapers published by Suburban Newspapers, Inc. The papers cover five small communities in the Forth Worth area).

Many religious people say that God doesn’t care what your doctrine is, as long as you believe in Christ. But, the apostle John wrote, “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son” (2 John 9).

Many religious people say they are glad that there are so many different churches where men may go and worship as they please. But, Jesus prayed to His Father in heaven, “That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me” (John 17:21).

Many religious people protest that objective truth is unknowable. However, Jesus said, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). Further, the apostle Paul promised concerning the revelation he had received from the Holy Spirit, “when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ” (Ephesians 3:4).

Many religious people are simply unwilling to work at knowing God’s will, and limiting themselves to His directions for them in their lives. The brethren at West Side know how important it is to study God’s word, and to use it as the blueprint they follow in their daily lives. Would you like to know and understand God’s will for you? Come visit the West Side church of Christ.
.

(This article originally appeared as a paid ad in February 2012 in the newspapers published by Suburban Newspapers, Inc. The papers cover five small communities in the Forth Worth area).

Over the past 100 years or so, many churches in America have changed their emphasis from saving souls to effecting change in secular society. The soup kitchen replaced the pulpit as the primary focus of the church, and the preaching of the gospel, God’s “power to save” (cf. Rom. 1:16), is no longer the central activity of professed Christians.

This “Social Gospel” has recently devolved from the effecting of social change to simply socializing! Churches today emphasize the “fun” to be had through entertainment and recreational activities offered as an appeal to the community. Catchwords such as “casual”, “contemporary”, and “dynamic” have replaced words such as “reverence”, “devotion” and “sacrifice.”

Dear friend, the “peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (cf. Phil. 4:7), is not to be found in recreation and entertainment. The Lord’s church is to be involved in the evangelization of the world (Mark 16:15-16), and the edification of its members (Eph. 4:11-16).

Most people are mainly interested in the social things, and choose their church accordingly. However, if you are interested in a sacrificial life of devotion to the Master, and wish to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” we can help. Come visit the West Side church and see for yourself.
.