encouragement Archives - Page 6 of 6

Andy Sochor December 9, 2009

What Is Truth?

“What is truth?” This was the question Pilate asked Jesus after hearing the Lord’s claim that He came to testify to the truth (John 18:36-37). When we think about truth, we must understand two things: (1) it is unchanging and (2) it is the same message for all. The word of God is truth (John 17:17). His word does not change (1 Peter 1:25) and is to be preached to all people everywhere (Mark 16:15).

Many have the idea that there can be many truths – you may have your own truth, and I may have mine. This is not what the Bible teaches. The same message of truth is for all. The differences come from our perception of the truth. These perceptions can be very different, despite a common message.

In the minds of man, truth can have various characteristics. Let us consider the conflicting characteristics of truth depending on the perspective of the hearer.
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Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: encouragement, gospel, preaching, salvation, truth, unity, unity in diversity, word of God

Andy Sochor August 24, 2009

How to Keep Doing Good

James wrote, “Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin” (James 4:17). It is obviously important that we know what God expects of us. But sometimes we know what is right yet, for whatever reason, we do not do it. James plainly said that this is sin. Whether it is due to weakness, forgetfulness, or willful rebellion, we are too often guilty of doing things we ought not to do.

What are we to do about this? Should we give up and surrender to the devil? No! We are to “resist the devil” (James 4:7). Should we be content in sin? Absolutely not! “How shall we who died to sin still live in it?” (Romans 6:2). We are to work to “lay aside every…sin which so easily entangles us” (Hebrews 12:1), no matter how large or small, common or rare.

With the devil and his servants trying to discourage us and make us fall, how do we keep the faith and continue to do what is right?
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Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: encouragement, endurance, obedience, sin

Andy Sochor July 11, 2009

Why Do We Assemble?

The New Testament gives three reasons why it is important for Christians to assemble:

We assemble to worship God (John 4:24).
We assemble to encourage our brethren (Hebrews 10:25).
We assemble to gain encouragement from our brethren (Hebrews 10:25).

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: assembly, encouragement, worship

Andy Sochor November 24, 2008

Giving Thanks to God

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday in this country, we tend to be more mindful of the blessings we have. We have many things to be thankful for and we ought to recognize God as the source of these blessings (James 1:17).

With this in mind, I want to briefly look at Colossians 3:15-17. These three verses contain three reminders to us to be thankful. These verses also give reasons why we should be thankful to God.

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: blessings, church, encouragement, salvation, thanksgiving, word of God

Andy Sochor November 1, 2008

The Importance of Assembling

Last month I posted an article titled, The Importance of the Assembly. The article was an exhortation for brethren to not forsake the assembly of the local church and showed why the assembly is important.

As we should understand the importance of the assembly, there is something else we must also understand. The assembly should not be the extent of our interaction with our brethren. The Hebrew writer gave this instruction:
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Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: brethren, discipline, encouragement

Andy Sochor October 1, 2008

The Importance of the Assembly

The New Testament instructs us of the importance of assembling with the local church. The Hebrew writer warned that we must “not [forsake] our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:25).

The assembly is important. Let us notice why it is important.
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Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: assembly, church, encouragement, evangelism, worship

Andy Sochor December 19, 2007

Rest for the Weary

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

This is the great invitation that has been offered by Jesus. He offers the invitation and makes the promise to those who will come: “You will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29).
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Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: encouragement, endurance, rest, work