The West Side church of Christ

Genesis 4:1-10 records the story of two brothers. One was a child of faith and the first to face persecution and death for his service to God. The other was a child of disobedience and was the first to shed the blood of God’s children. They were worlds apart religiously, yet they were brothers. Today, [...]

“The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, But the mouth of the wicked conceals violence” (Proverbs 10:11 NASU). A fountain is beautiful, uplifting to the spirit, and provides refreshing water. It is out in the open for all to see. Likewise, the speech of the righteous is encouraging and useful in life. [...]

“He who winks the eye causes trouble, And a babbling fool will be ruined” (Proverbs 10:10 NASU). “Winking the eye” was an expression for overlooking evil. The idea is they pretend not to see what it going on. Sometimes we overlook evil in ourselves or others. We make excuses rather than seeing the problem and [...]

When we think of a movie, we often think of the big names—Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore, etc. They play the main characters which get all the attention. There are lesser characters, however, that are pivotal to the story. Without their vital roles nothing would happen. Sometimes it is the supporting roles [...]

“He who walks in integrity walks securely, But he who perverts his ways will be found out” (Proverbs 10:9 NASU). When you are walking in integrity you don’t have to be constantly looking around wondering if someone is speaking behind your back, or whether someone has lost faith in you, or perhaps you are going [...]

“The wise of heart will receive commands, But a babbling fool will be ruined” (Proverbs 10:8 NASU). A wise person is teachable and willing to listen and receive commands. Many, however, cannot quit speaking long enough to learn. They are too anxious to give their opinions and say what they think is right to listen [...]

The words: “You may even be found fighting God” ended Gamaliel’s speech in Acts 5:33-39. They cooled the tempers of the Jewish council and convinced them not to kill the apostles who were filling them with jealousy and rage. No one wants to be found fighting God. Most of us want to love and serve [...]

“The memory of the righteous is blessed, But the name of the wicked will rot” (Proverbs 10:7 NASU). You probably do not know many people named Judas, Jezebel, or Nero. Chances are good, however, you know of several named Paul, John, David, Matthew, or Peter. We remember noble characters in many ways (e.g., naming children [...]

“Blessings are on the head of the righteous, But the mouth of the wicked conceals violence” (Proverbs 10:6 NASU). The righteous man receives praises and blessings. Why, because he does not conceal wickedness with his mouth. You can trust him; he is not leading you astray or trying to manipulate him. We receive so much [...]

Jesus set a high bar for us when He said to love your enemies (Matthew 5:43-48). When faced with this command many throw up their hands and say; “It can’t be done.” How can you love someone who spread rumors about you? How can you seek the good of one making your life miserable with [...]