The Book of Acts

The Book of Acts Is the hub of the New Testament. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John were written to produce in Jesus Christ, as the Son of God. The Book of Acts is written to produce obedience to the faith that the Gospels had taught. Consider:

  1. " ... Repent and let each of you be baptized In the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins" (Acts 2:38).
  2. "And the word of God kept on spreading ... and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith" (Acts 6:7).
  3. "And Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him ... and the eunuch said, 'Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?'" (Acts 8:35,38).

The Book of Acts is filled with examples of men and women who had become obedient to the faith. We are presently engaged in a study in the book of Acts. Come and learn what a person must do to be saved. The Independence Church of Christ meets at 401 S. 11th St. Bible Classes begin at 9:30 A.M. with Worship at 10:30 A.M. See you Sunday!


Will All Men Be Saved?

It is God's desire that all men would come to Jesus Christ. However, not all men are willing to submit their life to the Master, and obey His will. Jesus made this clear while preaching the sermon on the mount, which is found in Matthew chapters 5-7. Listen to the words of Christ

"Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven" (Matt. 7:21).

The question is not can God save me, but am I submitting myself to the will of The Father who is in heaven?

The Independence church of Christ welcomes you to come and visit us. We meet at 401 S. 11th, with Bible classes at 9:30 AM and Worship at 10:30. See you Sunday.


Not "Reverend" Please

May I kindly request that you not call me "Reverend"? Where in the Bible can you read of "Reverend Paul"? or "The Right Reverend James"? Where in the Bible does one find, "The Holy Father Peter"? There is no Bible authority for such titles. In fact, Jesus plainly taught against their use. "And do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven" (Matthew 23:9). In this passage Jesus is talking about religious titles.

My work is that of preaching, but I am human just like everyone else. Paul said: "For we preach not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord..." I say the same. Christ is everything. I am nothing. I just want to help people find Christ through the Gospel.

Christ is preached every Sunday at the Independence Church of Christ, 401 S. 11th St. in Independence. Why not be with us this Sunday at 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM. You are always welcome.


Bible Baptism

When baptism was commanded by Jesus and His apostles the word did not mean sprinkling or pouring. Bible baptism is defined as "immersion" in water for the "forgiveness of your sins" (Acts 2:38). When the Gospel was preached at Jerusalem two thousand years ago many asked the question: "What must I do to be saved?" The answer was and still is "...Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins" (Acts 2:38). Paul in relating his conversion stated: "And why do you delay? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name" (Acts 22:16).

Finally, we can read of Bible baptism as "Immersion" in Acts 8:38, 39. The record reads: "...They went down into the water...And he baptized him. And then they came up out of the water" (Acts 8:38,39).

At the Independence Church of Christ, 401 S. 11th St. in Independence, it is our study and prayerful purpose to be true to the Bible, for we are told that men shall be judged by the Lord's words (John 12:48). Please come and investigate for yourself. Why not start this Sunday?


The Good Samaritan
Luke 10:30-37

The parable of the Good Samaritan is taught by Christ to teach us how to treat one another. The lesson has three classes of people: Robbers, Priests, and a Good Samaritan. Now, what can we learn from the three classes of people?

  1. The Robbers: What is yours is mine, and I will take.
  2. The Priests: What is mine is mine and I will keep it.
  3. The Good Samaritan: What is mine is yours and I will give it.

Who do you suppose proved to be a neighbor to the man who was robbed? Well, you're right, the Good Samaritan did. Furthermore, Jesus said, "Go and do likewise" (Luke 10:37).

Come join us at the Independence Church of Christ. We meet at 401 S. 11th St. We have Bible classes for all ages. We hope to see you Sunday!


The Treasures that Last
Matthew 6:19-21

We live in a world that thrives on money, possessions and power. Jesus teaches that all of these things will be destroyed. Just what kind of treasure will last? Jesus says the true treasure is the one that involves spiritual things. Listen to Christ:

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust destroys, and where thieves break in and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Matt. 6:19-21)

Where is your treasure? Where is your heart? Come visit us at the Independence Church of Christ. We meet at 401 S. 11th St. We hope to see you Sunday!


Paul's Preaching!

The New Testament has much to say about Paul the apostle. But, have you ever noticed what he preached? In Acts 17:2-3, the record tells what Paul preached.

  1. "And according to Paul's custom ... [he] reasoned with them from the Scriptures" (2).
  2. "explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead" (3).
  3. "And some of them were persuaded" (4).

Today, we can be persuaded, if we will take the time to reason with the Scriptures and let the Bible explain with evidence, that Jesus not only died, but is risen and sits on the Throne with His Father.

The Independence Church of Christ is following the New Testament example for our pattern. We meet at 401 S. 11th St. Our Bible classes begin at 9:30 AM with Worship at 10:30 AM.


Blessed is that nation

The Bible says, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord" (Psalm 33:12). Also, "Righteousness exalts a nation; but sin is a reproach to any people" (Proverbs 14:34).

When we vote for good men we serve our nation well.

In addition, we should do more for our country. We should pray for our nation. The Bible teaches that "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much" (James 5:16).

Since it is the prayer of a "righteous man" that can accomplish much, what our nation needs are more righteous people. Ten righteous people would have saved Sodom from fire and brimstone, had there been that many in that city. See Genesis 18:23-32.

All this translates into at least two things: (1) Those of us who profess to be Christians should walk more closely with God by following his word and, (2) Christian evangelism is needed desperately in this country to save it from crime and all unrighteousness.

You are urged to take a greater interest in your nation and her people; also in your own welfare.

We encourage you to come visit us at the Independence Church of Christ, 401 S. 11th Our classes begin at 9:30 A.M. and Worship at 10:30 A.M. Come Worship with us.


Love

Love is the greatest thing in the world.

"And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not love, it profits me nothing...And now abide in faith, hope, and love, these three; but the greatest of these is love" (I Corinthians 13:3,13).

It is our duty to love God and man, these are the two greatest commandments. "Love the Lord thy God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the great and first commandment. The second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:37-39).

Love is emphasized in our sermons and classes and we try to demonstrate love in our lives, although we are imperfect. It is love that motivates us to live for Jesus and let others know of His marvelous love for them.

Come learn about the God/Man, who we call Jesus at the Independence Church of Christ, 401 S. 11th. Our classes begin at 9:30 AM and Worship is at 10:30 AM. Come Worship with us.


Freedom in Christ

Freedom is a privilege, not a right! The price of freedom is always high. Consider the freedom we enjoy in America. However, have you ever stopped and considered the price that was paid for this privilege? Just go to Washington D.C. and see the memorials that remind us of the cost for this privilege.

In addition, there is freedom in Christ. Freedom in Christ is a privilege; not a right. The price for such freedom was made possible through Jesus Christ. Consider the words of Paul, the Apostle, in Galatians 5:1, "it was for freedom that Christ set us free."

We at the Independence Church of Christ are seeking the freedom that is in Christ Jesus. We are beginning a study of this wonderful thing called freedom. We would encourage everyone to join us. Our Bible Classes begin at 9:30 AM and Worship is at 10:30 AM. Come Worship with us.


The Fruit of Love

Jesus said: "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35). The attribute of Love is characteristic of New Testament Christians. The grand chapter of this marvelous grace is found In 1 Corinthians 13. The Apostle Paul is very detailed concerning love. However, the climax is found in 1 Cor. 13:13, there Paul says: "But now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love."

In short, Paul says, faith will give way to sight, hope will end in fruition, but love will continue to abide even in heaven!

The Independence Church of Christ is seeking to learn more about the Christian attributes. Will you join us? We meet at 401 S. 11th, Our Classes begin at 9:30 AM and Worship is at 10:30 AM. Come Worship with us.


The power in a spoken word

It has been said, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." On the contrary, this statement is wrong! There is power in a spoken word. What we say and how we say things can either encourage or tear down the self-esteem of a person. Consider the words of Solomon:

"A man has joy in an apt answer, and how delightful is a timely word" (Prov. 15:23). Furthermore:
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" (Prov. 15:1).

As one can read, there is power in what we say and how we say it! In addition, Jesus has said, "And I say to you, that every careless word that men shall speak, they shall render account for it in the day of judgement" (Matt. 12:36).

We at the Independence Church of Christ are learning how to live and act more like Jesus in conduct, speech, and attitude. Will you join us? Our Bible Classes begin at 9:30 AM with Worship at 10:30. Come Worship with us.


"The Power of Prayer"

There is power in prayer. All the mighty men and women of the Bible prayed, Have you? The problem with our prayers is that we want an answer today! God hears our prayers, however, He answers them in accordance to His will. Consider what Jesus said in Matthew 6:10, "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done. On earth as it is in heaven."

In addition, Jesus wanted us to pray in accordance to His Father's will. Consider James 5:17,18: "Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain; and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the sky poured rain, and the earth produced its fruit."

The Independence Church of Christ believes in "the power of prayer," and we are ever seeking to live in accordance to the Father's will. Will you join us? We are located at 401 S. 11th St. and our Bible classes meet at 9:30 AM with worship at 10:30 AM. Come worship with us.


The Power of Forgiveness

Most of our problems in life are a result of two things:

  1. The Failure to receive Forgiveness.
  2. The Failure to Forgive.

In fact, "Dr. David Belgum states that up to seventy-five percent of the people in hospitals today with physical illnesses have sicknesses rooted in emotional causes" (Psychology & Religion Meet, Prentice-Hall, p. 54).

There is power in forgiveness. Listen to Paul, The Apostle: "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses. according to the riches of His grace. Which He lavished upon us" (Eph. 1:7,8). These things belong to the person who is in Jesus Christ. It is when we come into contact with Christ; that are ability to forgive others becomes easier. Do you remember this saying:

"To sin is human, and to forgive is Divine."

When was the last time you received forgiveness from a loved one? When was the last time you forgave someone?

The Independence Church of Christ invites you to come join us in learning more about The Grace of God. and how we can obtain forgiveness. We meet at 401 S. 11th with Bible Classes at 9:30 AM with Worship at 10:30 AM. Come Worship with us.


The Thief On The Cross

You often hear someone say, "The thief on the cross was saved without baptism; therefore baptism is not necessary for salvation."

This statement is the reply one often gets when he points to the Scriptures which show that baptism, as an act of faith, is a condition to being saved. Please refer to such Scriptures as Mark 16:16; Acts 2:39 and Romans 6:3,4. But calling attention to the thief on the cross is not dealing with the above verses. Surely they mean something--But let us consider the thief's case.

Was the thief saved under the terms of the New Testament? If he was, his case is not an example for men today who want to be saved. And he was not--The promise that Jesus made him was made before Jesus died. The New Testament could not have been in force before Jesus, the testator died. "For a testament is of force after men are dead, otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator lives" (Hebrews 9:17).

We are living under the New Testament of Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. We must come to this side of the death of Christ to find examples of how to be saved today. Come join us at the Independence Church of Christ at 401 S. 11th.


Three Things that a Christian Is Promised

The New Testament Christian is promised a great many things. But, three things that we can know for sure. They are:

  1. We have a Father, that will never leave us.
  2. We have a Family, that will encourage us.
  3. We have a Future, that Is promised to those who live faithfully.

What hope does this life promise you? Come learn more about God, Jesus Christ and how He can change your life forever!

We are the Independence church of Christ. We meet at 401 S. 11th St. We hope to see you Sunday!


What Demon Possession Is and Is Not

In the Bible demon possession is associated with the physical and mental parts of man; never with his spiritual or moral parts. The possessed person is never referred to as being sinful. He is never reproved for being possessed. However, the casting out of demons is referred to as healing--"They brought unto him all that were sick. Holden with diverse diseases and torments, possessed with demons, epileptic, palsied; and He healed them" (Matthew 4:24). Again, "...And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit and healed the boy, and gave him back to his father" (Luke 9:42).

The fact of the matter, demon possession was a working of Satan through his demons for which the victims were not responsible, and over which they had no power to deliver themselves. Possessed people were sick rather than sinful.

Come learn about Christ and His church at the Independence Church of Christ. We meet at 401 S. 11th St. Bible classes begin at 9:30 AM with Worship at 10:30 AM. Come join us.


New Beginning

A new year is upon us, bringing new hopes, dreams, and aspirations towards the future. Paul the apostle knew what it meant to have a new beginning. His life changed when he became a Christian. Paul's words should serve as a example for us all. Notice Philippians 3:12-14:

"Not that I have already obtained it...but I press on. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

This year will you "forget what lies behind and press on toward the goal in Christ Jesus?"

Come visit us at the Independence Church of Christ. We meet at 401 S. 11th St. Bible classes begin at 9:30 AM with Worship at 10:30 AM. Come visit us.


"In Everything Give Thanks"

Paul, in writing to the church at Thessalonika, admonished them to give thanks for all the blessings that God had provided them. We live in an ungrateful society. We need to be reminded of Paul's words. Ask yourself:

If the answer is yes to all of the above questions, then "in everything give thanks," for you are RICH!

Come visit us at the Independence Church of Christ. We meet at 401 S. 11th St. Bible classes begin at 9:30 AM with Worship at 10:30 AM. We hope to see you Sunday Morning!

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