Romans 15.30, "I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf..."¹

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¹If there is one thing we can learn about the apostle Paul it is that he was a man of prayer (Rom. 1.8-10; 10.1; 1 Cor. 1.4-9; Eph. 1.15-23; 3.14-21; Col. 1.9; 2 Tim. 1.3, etc.). While he certianly prayed for himself (2 Cor. 12.7-9, etc.), much of his prayers were spent praying for the growth of the saints, for the Kingdom of Christ, and for the spread of the gospel. However, there is one thing in particlur that stands out about Paul: he solicited prayers on his own behalf (Eph. 6.19; Phil. 1.19; 1 Thess. 5.25; 2 Thess. 3.2; Philemon 1.22, etc.). As one reads the many letters that he wrote both Christians and local churches, he pressed upon them to remember him in their prayers, both night and day. Here is an inspired man who is an appointed apostle of Jesus Christ and to whom Jesus commands us to listen who is requesting the prayers of the saints. This shows us that Paul was not above anyone nor was he above asking for help. Further, it demonstrates his trust in prayer, his confidence in the prayers of the saints, and his dependence upon God.

What about us? Are we praying for others? Are we soliciting the prayers of others? If the apostle Paul needed prayer, surely we can all acknowledge that we need it too! If you're interested in learning more about God's word please contact Bryan Garlock or text 903.308.4905.

2 Timothy 3.4 ESV "...treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God..."¹

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¹Our focus will be on the words "lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God". In a nutshell, Paul explains what exactly is wrong with this world; we have become lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. Those who are lovers of pleasure purposely seek it, embrace it, and worship it. In fact, pleasure has become their god! This is the consequence of a world that has forgotten and ultimately rejected God (Rom. 1.18-32). However, those who love God more than “the cares and riches and pleasures of life” will remain faithful until the end where they will find eternal blessings (see Luke 8.14-15; Heb. 11.6; 1 Peter 1.8-9). These blessings outweigh any amount of pleasure we can possibly imagine in our lifetime. Moses is a great example of one who chose to love the eternal God rather than the temporary pleasures of this world (Heb. 11.25-26; 1 John 2.15-17).

What about you? Will you forfeit eternity because of passing pleasures of this life? Please understand that worldly pleasures will not “fill the void in your life,” or give you true happiness that so many pleasure seekers strive to find; only Christ can do that. Let us help you become a lover of God rather than a lover of pleasure. Email Bryan Garlock or text 903.308.4905.

John 13.34 ESV “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”¹

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¹It has always been the case that man was to love his neighbor as himself (see Lev. 19.18). Therefore, when Jesus commanded His followers to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22.39), this was not some new idea. However, there was a new command that had not been practiced before. This new command was to love one another as Christ loved them. Jesus demonstrated true love when He laid down His life for all of mankind (1 John 4.8-11, 19). Therefore, it can be said that He gave love a new meaning (see also John 15.12-13; 1 John 3.16).

Do you want to learn more about the love of Christ? E-mail Bryan Garlock or text 903.308.4905.

Matthew 5.8, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God”.¹

1 John 2.22 "Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son."¹