A NEWSLETTER FOR THE MEMBERS OF THE GREENWOOD CHURCH OF CHRIST

VOLUME 5 NO. 1                                            March 2, 2008

He Is Still Working For Us

By Steve Niemeier

Jesus was sent to be the Savior of all who would follow Him in obedience.  God did this because of His love for us (John 3:16).  Jesus left His place in heaven and came to this earth to fulfill His Father’s will.  He lived, died physically and was resurrected as God had promised so that we could overcome the snares of Satan.  Jesus did His work just as God planned.

Many might believe that Jesus has finished His work but that is not the case.  He continues to invite all to follow Him (Matthew 11:28-30).  He is very busy being our Mediator (Romans 8:34).  He has a kingdom to reign over (I Corinthians 15:25).  He is standing ready to hearken to the beckoning call of His Father to come again and raise the dead (John 5:28-29).  He will then judge all men (II Corinthians 5:10).  Finally, He will deliver His kingdom to His Father (I Corinthians 15:24-28).

Yes, Jesus is still working for us.  He has not given up on us no matter what we have done (Romans 8:31-39).  Unfortunately many believe that He will overlook the fact that they want to live according to their will.  Those who put themselves ahead of God and His Son will not receive the benefits of God’s love nor the work of Jesus (Matthew 16:24-27).

Yes, Jesus is still working for us and has not forgotten us.  Are you ready for Him when He returns?  If not why not start working with Him now so you can go back to heaven with Him?

Adding Brotherly Kindness To Our Godliness

By Steve Niemeier

Have you ever looked across the building at a brother or sister in Christ that you just didn’t care for their “personality”?  Maybe you can’t put a finger on it but something about that person just doesn’t “strike” you right.  It could be they seem to be so “holy” in speech but you know their actions speak differently.  Maybe it’s the way they “handle” themselves, you know they come across “high and mighty” or like they have it all figured out.

It is not hard to practice brotherly kindness to those we like and get along with well.  However, practicing brotherly kindness to a brother or sister that we just don’t “jive” with is a whole other story isn’t it?  Brotherly kindness is a requirement for the entrance into heaven  (I John 4:7-19).  God is not going to open the gates to His city for those who cannot humble themselves to get along with one another.

Jesus was sent to this earth to do the will of His Father.  His Father willed that He would be the supreme sacrifice for all men (John 3:16).  Jesus is our example that we should follow (I Peter 2:21).  He showed kindness to those who hated Him, He showed kindness to those who tried to harm Him, He showed kindness to those who even crucified Him.  Yes, He showed kindness to those who came across that they were smarter, mightier, more righteous, and were hypocritical about it.  His love and kindness penetrates the skin and goes to the soul of every man.  That is our example of brotherly kindness.

Romans 8:31-39 tells of God’s penetrating love for us through His Son.  We are recipients of the kindness of God---His Son---shouldn’t we then display this same kindness?