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Andy Sochor February 14, 2022

Dangers on the Safe Side (Part 4): Avoiding Persecution

In writing to Timothy, Paul made it clear that the life of a Christian would involve persecution: “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). During the first century and at various times and places throughout history, Christians have faced severe persecution for their faith. In this country, generally speaking, any persecution we may have encountered for our faith has been minimal. However, as our society and civil leaders become increasingly ungodly, the likelihood that we will see more severe persecution in the future becomes more of a possibility. When threatened with physical harm, imprisonment, or some other type of abuse, it is tempting to do nearly anything to stay “on the safe side” and avoid it. Yet no matter how dangerous it may become to be a faithful Christian, there are greater dangers in compromising in order to avoid persecution.

The Hebrew writer reminded the brethren of persecution they had already endured and encouraged them to remain faithful.Continue Reading

Filed Under: SERIES: Dangers on the Safe Side Tagged With: example, persecution, worldliness

Andy Sochor October 6, 2021

Jesus Christ – Our Perfect Example

“For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed” (1 Peter 2:21-24).

In this passage, Peter explained that Jesus left an example for us to follow. There are many people we may look up to as examples in life – parents, peers, older Christians, successful individuals, and more. Yet Jesus was not just an example; He was the perfect example. This passage shows us how He left a perfect example for us.Continue Reading

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: example, Jesus, sacrifice, sin, suffering

Andy Sochor August 18, 2021

Studying the History of Fallible Religious Leaders

Besides studying the Bible, the topic I enjoy learning about the most is religious history – particularly the history of the Restoration Movement (sometimes called the Stone-Campbell Movement). This was a period in the 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States in which many were troubled by the divisions they saw in the religious world and endeavored to correct this by striving to simply go back to the Bible and follow it alone as their only rule of faith and practice.

Some of the more influential figures in this movement were Thomas and Alexander Campbell, Barton W. Stone, and Walter Scott. Usually when people think of this history today, these are the men who come to mind. As we begin to study this history, we learn of others who played a significant role in the direction of this movement – men like Moses Lard, Benjamin Franklin, Daniel Sommer, and David Lipscomb. Going deeper into the study of this history, we can learn about the contributions of others like David Purviance, Pardee Butler, Samuel Robert Cassius, and more – men who may have been largely forgotten, but can provide us with some valuable lessons.*Continue Reading

Filed Under: Restoration History Tagged With: example, history, Restoration

Andy Sochor May 5, 2021

The Ancient Paths in a Digital Age

“Thus says the Lord, ‘Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, “We will not walk in it”’” (Jeremiah 6:16).

In the context of the passage above, God’s people had departed from His ways; therefore, judgment was coming against them. However, God offered them an opportunity to repent and avoid calamity – to return to the “ancient paths.” Sadly though, they were not willing to do this.

Today, while so many have turned from God, there are still faithful individuals like Jeremiah who echo this call – to return to God and His word and to follow the Lord’s ways. Even with all of the changes and advancements that have taken place in our society, this message is still just as needed.

Regarding the changes and advancements we have seen in our time, perhaps the most significant is the rise of the internet and social media. It has been noted that we are living through “the biggest communication shift in the last 500 years.”* We are now able to communicate with people all around the world and do so instantly. We have access to more information than at any time in human history. The advent of the internet and social media has been as significant in our time as the invention of the printing press was in its time. Of course, not everyone was able to read then, just as not everyone uses the internet and social media today; but its impact is undeniable.

There are many potential uses for digital communication and social media – news, information, entertainment, sports, connecting with family and friends, and so on. However, what we want to focus on here is how we can potentially use these mediums for good and to help lead others to Christ.Continue Reading

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: communication, example, influence, preaching, social media, technology

Andy Sochor July 22, 2020

Taking Personal Responsibility

In a time of lockdowns, shelter-in-place orders, and social distancing, we are more cut off from others than we had been previously. Obviously, there are challenges to this type of social arrangement – including spiritual challenges. One such challenge is that it is increasingly important for each of us to take personal responsibility for our faith and our standing before God. Paul mentioned this idea in his letter to the brethren in Philippi:

“So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12).

Paul wanted these brethren to maintain their faithfulness even when he was absent from them and could not encourage them in person. The reason for the lack of in-person interaction is different today. And, of course, Paul was only speaking of himself as being absent from them; the brethren in Philippi were still together. However, the challenge described by Paul is the same. We must maintain our faithfulness, even without the in-person encouragement we are used to receiving from other Christians.

In this article, we are going to notice why personal responsibility is important, some ways in which we are to take personal responsibility, and also why taking personal responsibility should never cause us to think that isolation from fellow Christians is to be preferred.Continue Reading

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: accountability, assembly, church, encouragement, example, love, obedience, prayer, responsibility, study, temptation

Andy Sochor July 29, 2019

Regular Christians (Part 6): Tychicus

Tychicus was one who encouraged his brethren by informing them of Paul’s condition. He was mentioned by the apostle in his letter to the church at Colossae.

“As to all my affairs, Tychicus, our beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow bond-servant in the Lord, will bring you information. For I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts” (Colossians 4:7-8).

Filed Under: SERIES: Regular Christians Tagged With: encouragement, example