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Love One Another

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Sunday was another great day! The love and fellowship that I saw was so encouraging. May we always want to be here and be with our family in the church and to worship God in Spirit and in Truth. I look forward to each and every Lord’s Day and I pray that you do as well.

In a world filled with division, selfishness, and conflict, the call for Christians to “love one another” remains as urgent and vital as ever. Jesus declared, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). This love is not a mere emotion or passing sentiment, it is an active, selfless commitment to the good of others, modeled perfectly in the life and sacrifice of Jesus. The apostle John writes, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God” (1 John 4:7). Such love flows from our relationship with the Father and reflects His nature to a world in desperate need of His light.

Loving one another means more than simply getting along; it requires patience, forgiveness, and humility. Paul reminds us, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself” (Philippians 2:3). In the Church, this love is expressed through bearing each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2), encouraging the faint-hearted, supporting the weak, and seeking reconciliation when differences arise. True Christian love is sacrificial, it gives without expecting in return, it serves without seeking recognition, and it endures even when it is not reciprocated.

When we love one another as Christ commanded, the Church becomes a living testimony to the power of the gospel. Our worship gains sincerity, our fellowship grows deeper, and our outreach becomes more effective. The unity of the body is strengthened, and God is glorified. As Peter urged, “Above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). Let us, therefore, commit ourselves daily to love in word and in deed, so that our lives may reflect the heart of our Savior and draw others closer to Him.

God Bless

Todd Parsley
Minister
Flatwoods church of Christ

Come and See

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Sunday was a great day! It was so good to see each of you here to worship our wonderful God. It was even better to see many visitors in our midst. The fellowship, the encouragement, the singing, the studying of God’s word, the partaking of the Lord’s communion, were all such an encouragement. Invite someone this week to come to worship with you, it might surprise you who will say yes.
 
One of the greatest privileges we have as members of the Lord’s church is the opportunity to invite others to hear the good news of Jesus Christ. In a world filled with uncertainty, sin, and distraction, the church stands as a beacon of truth, love, and hope. But how will others know where to find it unless someone shows them the way? In John 1:45-46, when Philip found Nathanael and told him about Jesus, Nathanael was skeptical. Philip didn’t argue, he simply said, “Come and see.” Sometimes, the best invitation isn’t a deep theological explanation, it’s a warm, sincere invitation to come experience worship, meet God’s people, and hear the truth of the gospel preached. A simple invitation might be what God uses to change someone’s life now and for eternity.
 
 
We are commanded to “go into all the world and preach the gospel” (Mark 16:15), and while not everyone is a preacher or teacher, all of us can invite. The early church grew not only through public preaching but also through personal relationships. Acts 2:47 tells us, “The Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” Many of those additions happened because believers were actively bringing others in to hear the gospel and learn about Christ and His church.
 
If we truly believe that the church is the body of Christ and that salvation is found in Him alone, then we should be eager to help others find their way to Him. Think of the people you interact with every week, family members, friends, coworkers, neighbors, strangers. Many of them maybe struggling, searching, or simply curious about faith. They may be waiting for someone like you to care enough to invite them. Don’t underestimate your influence. God can use your voice and your example to open a heart.
 
As a congregation, let’s encourage others, let’s celebrate visitors who come. Let us always pray as a church for growth. Paul wrote in Romans 10:14, “How shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” But long before the preaching begins, someone has to do the inviting. This week, make it your goal to invite just one person. Extend the love, the welcome, and the truth of the Lord’s church. You never know what eternal impact a simple invitation might have.
 
Let us go out with the spirit of Philip and say to the world around us: “Come and see.”
 
God Bless
 
Todd Parsley
Minister at the Flatwoods church of Christ
 
 

Welcome Home

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What a joy it was this past Sunday to gather with you for worship to our great God. Renee and I are excited to be here and are ready to work alongside you to help in any way to grow the Kingdom in this community. As I said on Sunday it is great to be home. Life has brought us full circle to be able to be here. For those that do not already know, this is where I was raised. My memories of growing up in this church are endless. Both of the spiritual knowledge I was taught and the countless friends I have because of this wonderful congregation. It was this church that set me on the path of being a minister. I was both encouraged and given the opportunity to teach. It was here I had my first job in ministry as the Youth and Family minister.

Photo by Vitolda Klein on Unsplash

This is a new beginning, new for Renee and I and new for the Flatwoods Church of Christ! We all need to look forward and not backward. We cannot change the past or predict the future, but we can control today and with God’s help and our faithfulness to Him, He will direct our steps. A new beginning brings with it both excitement and reflection. As we step forward together, my heart is filled with hope’ and trust in the faithfulness of our God who promises to work in us and through us (Philippians 1:6). My prayer is that together we will grow in grace, deepen our love for one another, and be a light to this community. I am not here to change the message, it is eternal and unchanging, but to proclaim it with conviction, to equip the saints, and to walk beside you in truth and love.

I know that I have come back into a congregation with a rich history of faith and faithfulness. I do not take lightly the work done before my arrival, the seeds sown, the prayers lifted, and the lives touched. I hope to build on that strong foundation with God’s help. Let us move forward hand in hand, seeking the unity that Christ prayed for, and committing ourselves fully to the mission of the church: to love God, love one another, and bring souls to Christ.

I also want you to know that my door is always open. Please don’t hesitate to reach out, ask questions, share your thoughts, or simply sit down and talk. As Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica, “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers” (1 Thessalonians 1:2). I already give thanks for you and look forward to what God will do through us in the days ahead.

God Bless -Todd

Heroes

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Heroes come in many forms, and they often emerge when the world needs them most. While society tends to elevate superheroes or historical figures as iconic examples of heroism, true heroes are often found in everyday lives, displaying remarkable acts of courage, selflessness, and perseverance in ordinary circumstances. A hero is someone who steps up in the face of adversity, choosing to act with integrity, love, and compassion, even when it comes at great personal cost. They may not always wear capes or make headlines, but their impact is felt deeply by those they touch.

From the Christian perspective, heroes are those who live out the teachings of Jesus, serving others with a spirit of humility and sacrifice. Jesus Himself is the ultimate hero, laying down His life for all humanity. His sacrificial love sets the ultimate standard for what it means to be a hero: to give of oneself for the well-being of others. The Bible also points to many heroes of faith who, despite their flaws and imperfections, exemplified extraordinary courage. Figures like Moses, Esther, David, and the Apostle Paul all faced significant challenges, yet their willingness to trust God and act faithfully made them heroes of the faith.

The essence of heroism often lies not in great battles or dramatic victories, but in the quiet, consistent acts of service and compassion that go unnoticed by the world. Heroes are those who choose to make a difference in their communities, whether by standing up for the oppressed, caring for the sick, providing for the needy, or simply offering a word of encouragement when it’s needed most. These acts of kindness often ripple outward, impacting lives in ways that can’t always be measured.

Moreover, heroes inspire others to rise to their own potential. When someone steps out in faith or courage, it encourages others to do the same. The power of a hero’s example lies in its ability to awaken something deep inside others, a desire to make the world better, to stand up for what is right, and to be a source of hope in times of darkness. It is this contagious spirit of heroism that, over time, has the potential to change entire communities.

Ultimately, heroes are those who make the world a little brighter through their actions and choices. They remind us that true greatness isn’t about power, fame, or wealth, but about humility, service, and love. Whether seen or unseen, they reflect the character of Christ and call us all to live lives that matter, to be faithful in small things, and to be brave enough to make a difference, no matter the cost. In a world that often seems filled with darkness, heroes shine brightly, pointing others toward hope, grace, and the transformative power of love.

“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” John 15:13

God Bless -Todd

True Equality

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The book of James reads a bit like a sermon. As you go through chapter one, you will find topics that will spring up throughout the book. What are some topics you can find that are repeated? One example is the rich or the poor. These groups are mentioned in chapters one, two, four, and five.

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The first references to them are in James 1:9-11. As you read these verses, try to understand what James is saying ultimately equalizes us, regardless of our economic success:

“Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits.”

Since the lowly brother is contrasted with the rich, we can see that James was writing about those who are literally impoverished. The poor brother can glory, or boast, in his exaltation. What was that? James would explain. He said that God has “chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him” (Jas 2:5). There is a difference in elevation. Regardless of the lowliness of one’s material well-being, any person who lives by faith in Jesus Christ is lifted up.

Further, no matter how wealthy someone is, death comes to us all. The faithful, rich brother is instructed to boast in this fact. It will bring him down to the right level, humbling him in the sight of the Lord. James promised another change in elevation. Anyone who humbles himself in God’s sight will be exalted (Jas 4:10). On the other hand, all who live pursuing wealth, misusing it, and mistreating others will have a just judgment waiting for them (Jas 5:1-6). While the poor also die, whoever endures the challenges of this life, loyally loving the Lord, will be blessed (Jas 1:12; 5:7-11).

Peter quoted Isaiah saying, “All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And the flower falls away, But the word of the Lord endures forever” (1 Pet 1:24-25).

We are all humans made in the likeness of God, and we should not be respecters of persons (Jas 3:9; 2:9). We all grow closer to death, and we can have no eternal life without Jesus as our Lord. Pursue it and help others in such a pursuit.

– Van Sprague (Church of Christ at Houston Park, Selma, Alabama)