“Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly, that God hath made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom ye crucified.” (Act 2:36)

This statement by Peter to the multitude of Jews assembled on that Pentecost had a huge impact on them. Its significance is frequently lost on readers today.

God had made Jesus "both Lord and Christ". Just look at the number of times "Lord" is used in the Old Testament. These people understood that Jesus being made "Lord" meant He was indeed God. He was the Ruler, the leader, the Master. He was the fulfillment of all the prophecies on which their hopes were based.

And "Christ". This was the greek word for the Old Testament "Messiah", the Promised One of God, the Leader of God's people, the King of the Jews.

And they had killed Him! The Hope of Israel. The Promise of God. And their reply could only be, "What shall we do!"

Even though they had killed God's chosen and sent Son, hope remained. "Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself." Acts 2:38-39

-Bill Brittenham

Can we help you obey the gospel? Contact Bryan Garlock today! Evangelist@txkchurch.com | Message us on Facebook | Call/text: 903.308.4905

“There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4.4-6, ESV)

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It is obvious that we live in a religiously divided society. A quick drive down the road shows the multiplicity of churches and religions. Whatever you like, you can be sure there’s a church that is willing to accommodate. However, was this ever God's will or did He desire something else?

Paul shows us that we are to be united. By laying out the platform for unity, we are not left to wonder how we are to maintain unity. It is by our respect for the seven “one’s” that we can truly enjoy the unity God has provided in Christ.

1. One Body – There is only one church which Christ will save, that is, His church, the church (body) of Christ.: Eph. 1.21-22; 5.23; Acts 20.28; Rom. 16.16
2. One Spirit – There is one spirit that has revealed one revelation (or standard) and one plan of salvation for all of mankind to follow (Eph. 3.3-4; 2 Peter 1.3-4). Since the Holy Spirit guided the apostles into all truth (John 16.13) and since they wrote down the truth for our learning, then there are no more revelations or truth to reveal (Jude 3). Anyone who claims extra-biblical revelations stands in direct opposition to the one Spirit.
3. One Hope –  Those who are God’s children can hope (not wishful thinking, but an expectation) in heaven and eternal life (1 Peter 1.3-4).
4. One Lord – There are no other masters to be served. Jesus is the one and only with all authority and power. It is only through Him that we can be saved, no one else (John 14.6; Acts 4.12).
5. One Faith – Not many faiths (as the religious world tells us there are), but only one (Jude 3). Just as there is one gospel, there is one faith! Will you be obedient to the one faith (see Acts 6.7)?
6. One Baptism – Paul says there is only one baptism. Therefore, if there is water baptism and Holy Spirit baptism today, then we have one too many baptisms. Thus, the one baptism is water baptism in Jesus for the forgiveness of sins. It is the only baptism commanded in Scripture (Matt. 28.18-20; Mark 16.15-16; Acts 2.38; 8.16; 10.47-48; 22.16; Rom. 6.1ff; Gal. 3.26-27, etc.). Note: Holy Spirit baptism is not for us today, but was only for the apostles (John 14-16). Additionally, baptism “in the name of Jesus Christ” is, and has always been, water baptism (see Acts 2.38, etc.).
7. One God and Father – There is only one true and living God; all other gods are false, man-made “spiritual beings” or crafted from wood or stone, and created in the mind of man. God was not created, but is eternal, all-knowing, all-powerful, over all, and everywhere present, and He wants to be your Father! He wants to love you and shower you with blessings!

Can we help you to be united with God first and foremost, and then to God’s children? Contact us today: E-mail | Message us on Facebook | Call/text: 903.308.4905

“but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3.15)

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The Bible tells us there is one Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ (Eph. 4.5). He is to be the master and ruler of our lives. In fact, we are to empty our hearts of all things evil and sanctify Christ in our hearts, counting Him as Holy, filling our hearts with His word and love.

Those who accept Jesus as Lord have some obligations. If we believe that Jesus is the master of our lives, then we will believe that we are judged by His teachings. This will affect how we view the Scriptures and our obedience thereof.

For example, one who does not view Jesus as their Savior may still be in agreement with His teachings about murder or theft, etc.: “I would never do that!” However, for those of us who claim to be followers of Christ how do we respond to Jesus when He goes against everything we have ever believed? Our traditions? Our preconceived ideas? Or our desires?

The acid test of whether Jesus is Lord of our lives is when we obey God’s word even when it goes against what we want in this life. When Jesus says, “no,” do we still honor Him with our respect and obedience? Or do we elevate ourselves above God by creating a false God that will allow us to get away with the things we want to do?

We would love to study with you! E-mail Bryan Garlock, message us on Facebook, or text 903.308.4905.

*These thoughts are adapted from an article by Mark Dunugan.

“The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.” (Proverbs 8.13, ESV)¹

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¹Since fearing God includes knowing His will (Prov. 1.7), then to know God is to understand that He hates evil. Therefore, to fear and respect God requires me to hate evil. In our text, this includes pride, arrogance, the way of evil and perverted speech.

Do we hate the things God hates? Specifically, do we hate profanity, gossip, slander, false accusations, and lies? These are all things done with the tongue and cause our speech to be perverted!

We can help you overcome perverse speech and to talk in the same way our Lord and Savior showed us! Reach out to us today by messaging us on Facebook, e-mailing us, or texting us at 903.308.4905.

-Bryan Garlock

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19.10, ESV)¹

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¹Why did Jesus come to this earth? There are many reasons. Here are just a few.

• To reveal His Father (John 1.18).
• To be an example for His followers (1 John 2.6).
• To train His disciples for their task (Matt. 28.19-20).
• To preach the gospel of the kingdom (Matt. 4.17).

In our text, we learn that Christ came to seek and to save the lost – us (Rom. 3.23).

Why? Because He loves us! Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15.13, ESV).

If you want to learn more about why Jesus came to this earth, e-mail Bryan Garlock or text 903.308.4905.