“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.

“Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling.” (1 John 2.10, ESV)¹

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¹In the immediate context, John wrote, “Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes” (1 John 2.9-11, ESV)

How is there no cause for stumbling? If we love our brethren we will not stumble over bitterness, malice, haughtiness, hate, revenge, jealousy, envy, strife, anger, grudges, etc. Instead, we will love, seek peace, seek the best for others, strive not to provoke one another, show patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness to each other, etc.

Are you tired of living in a world full of hated and anger? Let the Franklin Drive church demonstrate to you exactly what love and peace is. Visit with us and contact Bryan Garlock or text 903.308.4905 if you’re interested in learning more about God’s will for your life.

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 2.5, ESV)¹

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¹What is the mind Paul wants us to have?

“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Phil. 2.1-8, ESV)

First, he explains that joy comes about by “being of the same mind” and “having the same love”, and second, when we “do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” He continues, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others”.

One way to be of the same mind is to be united in the doctrine of Christ (Eph. 4.1-6). However, we cannot live in harmony with one another or be of one mind unless we first forsake a haughty attitude by putting others before us. This creates true joy in our life and causes us to have the mind of Christ!

At the Franklin Drive church of Christ you can find a loving group of Christians that are striving to practice Paul’s instructions. We would love to have you visit with us and let us show you what you’re missing! E-mail Bryan Garlock or text 903.308.4905 for more questions about God’s will for your life or about the church.

“Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?” (Galatians 4.16, ESV)¹

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¹Paul recorded some blunt things in the book of Galatians. For example, please take the time to read Gal. 1.6-10; 2.4-5, 11-14; 3.1, 10; 4.9-11, 20-21; 5.2-4, 7-9, 12, 19-21, etc.

It was necessary for him to be forceful with these brethren because some were seeking to return to the law of Moses thereby forfeiting their salvation. Therefore, they had to be warned!

It is in this letter that Paul questions the Galatians who were turning to a different (false) gospel: “Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?”

Without fail, any who proclaim the truth today will make enemies. It is one of those things that “come with the job”. One reason why those who speak the truth make enemies is because the truth (light) exposes the error (darkness). People in sin and who want life on their terms do not like for someone to condemn them of their actions. It takes a humble person who hates sin and is willing to acknowledge the error of his ways before he will admit any wrongdoing.

Though Paul had something to say to these brethren, whatever he said was motivated by his love for them (Eph. 4.15). The same is true for us. We publish daily articles all designed to bring people to Christ or to help Christians remain faithful to Him. Each article written and each sermon preached at the Franklin Drive church of Christ is prepared with love and seeks for the goal of everyone’s salvation.

If you’re interested in learning more about God’s will please contact us! We may have some hard things to say, but if you’re willing to listen with a desire to obey as you learn, then you will be on your way to fellowship with God and the joy and peace that comes with knowing Christ! E-mail Bryan Garlock or text 903.308.4905.

“For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life” (Romans 5.10, ESV).¹

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¹Jesus calls us to “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5.45, ESV).

Paul calls us to “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them…Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ To the contrary, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12.14, 16-21, ESV).

Peter calls all to “…entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good” (1 Peter 4.19). This is done the same way Christ entrusted His soul: “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2.21-23, ESV).

Why does the Bible call us to love our enemies? Because "…Christ died for the ungodly" (Rom. 5.6) and "…God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom. 5.8). Anyone who loves this world is an enemy of God (see James 4.4). Since all have sinned (Rom. 3.23), all have loved this world. God died for you and me – His enemies.

If God can love and die for His enemies, we can love - and if necessary, even die for - our enemies. Are you holding a grudge? Bitterness in your heart? Do you need help overcoming the enemies in your life? E-mail Bryan Garlock or text 903.308.4905.