In a time of rapid change, cultural shifts, and religious confusion, the need for Christians to get back to the basics has never been more urgent. The Church of Christ has always placed great emphasis on the foundational principles of New Testament Christianity, where Christ is the head of the church (Ephesians 1:22-23), the Bible is the sole authority (2 Timothy 3:16-17), and the simplicity of the gospel is preserved (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Getting back to the basics means re-centering our faith and practice around God’s Word, restoring the original pattern for the church that was established by Christ and His apostles. Too often, congregations and individuals can become distracted by trends, traditions, or personal preferences that pull us away from the core mission of the church: preaching the gospel, making disciples, and living holy lives.

The call to return to the basics is not a plea for nostalgia or mere tradition, but a genuine effort to align our lives and churches with the will of God as revealed in Scripture. Worship should be focused, reverent, and scriptural; singing from the heart (Ephesians 5:19), praying fervently (1 Thessalonians 5:17), partaking in the Lord’s Supper each and every first day of the week (Acts 20:7), giving cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7), and preaching the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). Evangelism must once again become central, not optional. Discipleship should be intentional, not accidental.

Ultimately, getting back to the basics is about renewing our love for Christ and His church. It’s about stripping away what man has added and returning to what God has commanded. When we do this, the church becomes what it was always meant to be, a light in the darkness, a city on a hill, and the pillar and ground of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15). Let us not be content with surface-level religion or the status quo. Instead, may we have the courage and humility to go back to the Bible, follow it faithfully, and walk in the footsteps of Christ. That is the true path forward, and the only way the church can thrive and grow in this generation and the next.

To God be the glory in all that we do! Renee and I love you dearly,

God Bless

The Christian life is not meant to be lived in isolation. Jesus said in John 15:16, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain.” This shows that bearing fruit producing results in God’s kingdom is not optional. It is the very purpose for which we have been called. Bearing fruit involves both personal spiritual growth and sharing that growth with others so that they too may come to know Christ. A tree that bears no fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire (Matthew 7:19), reminding us that fruitlessness is not acceptable for those who belong to the Lord.

Teaching others is bearing fruit. Jesus’ Great Commission makes this plain: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them… teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19–20). Notice the emphasis on teaching. Evangelism is not only about introducing others to Christ but also about helping them grow in faith. Every Christian has a part in this mission. Some may feel inadequate or think teaching is the responsibility of preachers and elders, but Scripture shows otherwise. Paul reminded Timothy, “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2). The gospel is passed from believer to believer, generation to generation, through teaching and example.

In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14–30), the servant who buried his master’s money was condemned, not because he wasted it on sin, but because he failed to use it. Likewise, when we keep the gospel to ourselves, we are guilty of neglect. Paul expressed his sense of obligation when he said, “I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise. So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel” (Romans 1:14–15). Like Paul, we too are indebted, not to men, but to God for the salvation we have received, and we must seek to repay that debt by sharing the message with others.

Finally, we must remember that while we teach and strive to bear fruit, it is God who gives the increase. Paul explained this in 1 Corinthians 3:6–7: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.” Our role is to plant and water faithfully, trusting God to bless the results. We may not see immediate fruit from our efforts, but the Lord’s Word never returns void (Isaiah 55:11). Every seed planted in love and truth has the potential to grow.

Our responsibility to teach others and bear fruit is central to the Christian life. We glorify God when we grow in Christlike character and when we lead others to Him. The church grows stronger when every member takes part in teaching, encouraging, and bearing fruit. Let us not grow weary here at Flatwoods in this work, for Paul assures us, “in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9). May we be found faithful servants, fruitful branches, and diligent teachers, so that on the last day we may hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your lord” (Matthew 25:23). There is work to do and always room for one more!

God Bless