Blog
Welcome to the footnote¹ blog. Our goal each day is to examine a verse and give a short summary in commentary form or simply an encouraging note to help you remain faithful to God throughout the week. Either way we hope that the footnote¹ blog will comfort you through God's word and give you a better understanding of His will.
Do I Have the Right to Be Married?
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
“And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.” (Matt. 19.9, NKJV)
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Understanding who has the right to be married is not necessarily difficult. Oftentimes, our emotions and desires come into play. In other words, we desire to be married when God says we do not necessarily have that right. It is important that before we decide to marry that we look to God’s will on the matter. Likewise, when there are issues within the marriage we must look to God’s word instead of seeking a divorce lawyer.
Below are those who are eligible for a scriptural marriage. These four categories are taught in Matt. 19; Rom. 7; 1 Cor. 7, etc.
1. Those who have never been married.
2. Those whose spouses [or previous spouses] have died.
3. Those who put their previous spouses away for sexual immorality.
4. Those who are reconciling after a divorce.
If you are remarried but have not fallen into one of these four categories, your marriage is unscriptural and you are committing adultery. The Bible says there is hope for those who are willing to turn away from sin, including adultery (1 Cor. 6.9-11). Can we help you learn more about God’s will concerning marriage, divorce, and remarriage? Contact Bryan Garlock | Message us on Facebook | Call/text: 903.308.4905
The Blessings of Being in the Kingdom of Christ
Tuesday, September 05, 2017
“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.” (Col. 1.13, ESV)
When we were sinners, we were walking in darkness (Eph. 2.1-3; John 8.12, etc.). However, Paul taught that when we obeyed the gospel we were transferred from the realm of darkness and sin to the Kingdom of Christ. This is consistent with Jesus’ teachings about building His church (Matt. 16.18). The church is simply the “called out”. The gospel calls us (2 Thess. 2.14) out of this dark world and out of sin and puts us in a wonderful place where righteousness and peace dwells. As citizens of this Kingdom we enjoy many benefits: fellowship with our Father who loves us and sustains us, providing for all our necessities, the privilege to boldly approach our loving and merciful King in prayer, an advocate, Jesus the righteous, who pleads for us when we transgress the King’s law (upon repentance and confession), an eternal home that has been prepared specifically for its citizens and a life full of comfort, peace, contentment, and joy, and free of sin, anxiety, strife, and misery. Why do people turn these wonderful provisions and promises down?
If you want to be a part of this Kingdom, obey the gospel today by “believing in God” and “believing God”! You believe in God by believing that He exists and you believe God by listening and obeying Him! God says to repent of your sins, confess faith in His Son, and be baptized in His Son’s name for the forgiveness of sins. Only then can you be transferred into His Son’s Kingdom! Let us help you today. E-mail Bryan Garlock | Message us on Facebook | Call/text: 903.308.4905
Blessed Are Those Who Die in the Lord
Thursday, August 31, 2017
“And I heard a voice from heaven saying, ‘Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ‘Blessed indeed,’ says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!’” (Rev. 14.13, ESV)
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Let us focus on dying in the Lord. First, to “die in the Lord” one has to first be in the Lord. Paul tells us that we are baptized into the Lord: “for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Gal. 3.26-27). Secondly, to die in the Lord one has to remain faithful unto death. Jesus said, “…the one who endures to the end will be saved” (Mark 13.13). Thirdly, to die in the Lord one has to be a diligent worker. Paul taught, “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Cor. 15.58). Next, to die in the Lord means one will be an example to all. The writer of Hebrews wrote, “And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises” (Heb. 6.11-12). What kind of influence will you be after you die? Hopefully, people will see the deeds we did for the Lord and continue in them!
Finally, to die in the Lord means one will rest from their labors. What a wonderful joy to look forward to!
Do you want to “die in the Lord”? Let us help you come to Jesus! E-mail Bryan Garlock | Message us on Facebook | Call/text: 903.308.4905
Helping Each Other
Tuesday, August 29, 2017"So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Gal. 6.10, ESV)
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A look through Scripture shows that the Christian family (brothers and sisters in Christ) are to care for one another (Acts 2.44-45; 4.32-37; 11.27-30, etc.). This is not to undermine others who are not Christians, but there are provisions put in place by God to help the needy saints first and foremost (1 Cor. 16.1-2). This is one way that God takes care of His faithful children as He has promised.
Now, as far as helping others, God sees to it that they are blessed too. His reasoning for that is so that they see Christians helping them and then desire to turn to God through the worthy deeds of saints (Gal. 6.10; Eph. 4.28; Heb. 13.16; Matt. 5.16, etc.).
So, we are to do good to all and especially to the household of faith because the household of faith has a family relationship that the world simply does not understand and never will. Family helps family first.
Would you like to become a child of God today? E-mail Bryan Garlock | Message us on Facebook | Call/text 903.308.4905
Does Your Speech Glorify God?
Thursday, August 24, 2017
“…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