“…whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4.11, ESV).

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There are many ways in which our speech can glorify God. Some of the ways are when we speak to God in prayer, in song (Col. 3.16), confess our Savior (Rom. 10.9), and speak to edify one another (Eph. 4.29).

In our text, simply speaking the oracles [words] of God brings glory to Him. When we as Christians speak His word in love we are glorifying Him. What a shame it is when we speak error or speak things contrary to His word! Everything we do, whether in our speech or in our service to Him and others, is to bring glory to God our Savior!

Let us help you come to know and obey Jesus! Contact us today! E-mail Bryan Garlock | 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.

“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” (1 Peter 2.24, ESV)¹

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¹We often talk about why Jesus came to earth, that is, to seek and save the lost (see Luke 19.10).

In seeking and saving the lost, Christ died on the cross for our sins. He was our sacrifice for sin since “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3.23, ESV).

But, what is our responsibility now that Christ has offered Himself? First, to hear the gospel (Rom. 10.17), and second, to obey Jesus in all that He says. The only way we can say “By his wounds [sacrifice] you have been healed [spiritually]” is when we have chosen to put to death the sin in our lives and live righteously with the time we have left on this earth.

Paul said it this way: “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” (Titus 2.11-14, ESV)

Christ is our sacrifice. How are you living in accordance to that fact? E-mail Bryan Garlock or text 903.308.4905 if you have any questions about how to live a godly life!

"Wherefore let them also that suffer according to the will of God commit their souls in well-doing unto a faithful Creator." (1 Peter 4:19)¹   

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¹Some people suffer in this life more than others. For those who do, it may be more difficult to commit themselves to Christ. The problems and troubles of this world can certainly distract us and interfere with our being Christians. Sometimes things may become so difficult and we are so involved in our struggles that we don't want to think about Jesus. We don't want the help that is offered by our brothers and sisters. But we choose to suffer alone. God wants to hear your problems through prayer. Jesus wants to help you through His Word. And your family in Christ loves you and wants to help. If you will let them. 

If you're interested in learning more about God's word please e-mail Bryan Garlock or text 903.308.4905.

Today's blog is from one of our members, Bill Brittenham.

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4.7, ESV)¹

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¹Want to hear the secret to defeating Satan? The Lord's brother, James, wrote that if we resist him, he will flee from us. Peter wrote concerning Satan, "Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5.8b, ESV). We all know when lions attack; when their prey is weak or is not paying attention. Hence, Peter calls us to remain sober-minded and vigilant against the lion's attacks (1 Peter 5.8a). This involves us being spiritually alert at all times because spiritual carelessness breeds all kinds of opportunities for the devil. Furthermore, when we understand that God has always provided us with a way of escape from temptation (1 Cor. 10.13), resisting the devil is not only possible, it is expected. Therefore, when we stand firm in our faith (1 Peter 5.9), the seeking-someone-to-devour lion loses his prowling and devouring abilities. In other words, when we fully surrender to God by humbly submitting to Him, we take away any opportunity for the devil to catch us off-guard (cf. Eph. 4.27).

This leads us to an interesting thought: If we do not give him an opportunity, what power does he have over us? In fact, James says that if we resist him that he will flee from us. If a lion is fleeing from us it is because we are stronger than he is! Therefore, Satan only has the power we choose to give him (See Romans 6 for additional study)! And if no power, no control! If you’re interested in learning more about God’s word and how you can have power over Satan instead of the other way around, e-mail Bryan Garlock or text 903.308.4905.