The church of Christ on McDermott Road

The phrase, “Everything happens for a reason” is not actually found in the Bible. It is somewhat similar to what Paul’s words, “For those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Even though Paul’s point in Romans 8 is quite different than “everything happens for a reason,” his actual meaning is even more encouraging than this oft-repeated phrase.

When Christians cannot reach an agreement on a particular issue, someone will often say, “We each have to work out our own salvation,” as if to say we all have to figure issues out for ourselves. Not only is this a misunderstanding of Philippians 2:12, it actually contradicts Paul’s overall message. None of us are supposed to blaze our own spiritual path, but rather live together as a church family in a way that is in keeping with our salvation. (Scripture: Philippians 2:12-13)

There is no doubt Christians should assemble with one another to learn, edify, and worship. However, we are probably too quick to accuse our brothers and sisters of “forsaking the assembly” for missing a Bible study or worship service. There is much we can learn from Hebrews about what actually constitutes forsaking the assembly and how to encourage and motivate Christians to assemble with their church family.

One of the biggest mistakes we make when we read Scripture is reading it through an individualistic lens. We want to believe God has our individual lives all planned out, complete with health and prosperity. However, Jeremiah 29:11 was about God’s plans for future generations of Jews (the immediate generation to whom Jeremiah was writing would die in exile). But there is still an incredibly encouraging message for us in the plans God has for his people. (Scripture: Jeremiah 29:10-14)

The unbelieving world defines the person reclining at table as greater than the one serving him. However, Jesus turns everything upside down and reverses everyone’s status. Jesus associates himself not with the person who is sitting in a seat of honor, but the one serving the needs of others. Do we ever find ourselves, like the disciples, arguing over who is “to be regarded as the greatest”? How does spending time at Jesus’ table help us see the world as Jesus sees it? (Scripture (Luke 22:24-30)