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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