Victory in Jesus

By Boyd Hurst

As we prepare our hearts to take the Lord’s Supper each Lord’s day, we should reflect on a powerful truth that brings us both peace and purpose: we have Victory in Jesus.

At first glance, the cross might not look like a victory.  It looked like defeat.  Jesus was mocked, beaten, and crucified like a common criminal.  The crowd jeered.  His disciples fled.  Darkness fell.

The mood of defeat among the disciples was perhaps best illustrated by Luke’s account of two men traveling from Jerusalem to Emmaus, Lk 24:13-32, on the third day following Jesus’ crucifixion.  Jesus joins them without revealing Himself and inquires why they are so sad.  They recount the arrest and crucifixion of Jesus, and in v. 21 state “We were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel.”  They were devastated and defeated.

But what looked like a loss was actually the greatest triumph the world has ever seen.  In Colossians 2:13–15, Paul writes: “When you were dead in your sins… God made you alive with Christ.  He forgave us all our sins… He took it (the old Law) away, nailing it to the cross.  And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”

Victory came through the very act of sacrifice.  At the cross, Jesus defeated sin.  At the empty tomb, He conquered death.  And in doing so, He opened the way for us to have eternal life.

So when we eat the bread and drink the cup, we’re not only remembering His suffering—we are celebrating His victory.  A victory that we now share in.  1 Corinthians 15:57 says: “But thanks be to God!  He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

This memorial reminds us that our hope is secure.  Sin doesn’t get the last word.  Death doesn’t win.  Jesus does.

And because He won, we can face life with courage.  We can battle temptation with strength.  We can approach God’s throne with confidence, knowing that the blood of Jesus covers us.

The emblems we partake of are more than bread and juice.  They are a symbol of triumph—won not by power or might, but by love and sacrifice.

So when we take the bread, let’s remember the body that was broken yet raised in victory.  When we drink the cup, let’s remember the blood that sealed our freedom.  And as we partake, let’s silently thank God that because of Jesus, we don’t fight for victory—we fight from victory.

We Need Sunday

By Mark McCrary

Is Sunday important?

In a world where Sunday mornings are often for sleeping in, youth sports, or catching up on emails, Sunday doesn’t seem important to many.  A 2021 Gallup poll found that only 31% of Americans attend a weekly worship service. 

Even for Christians, Sunday worship can drift into the realm of habit.  It’s just something we do—until it’s not.

But the earliest Christians didn’t treat Sunday that way (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2)— they met on “the first day of the week.”  In fact, even into the second century, Sunday gatherings were a recognized part of Christianity.  Martyr wrote, “Sunday is the day on which we all hold our common assembly… because it is the first day on which God created the world and Jesus Christ our Savior rose from the dead.”  Likewise, the Didache (a late first/second century document) instructed believers to gather every Lord’s Day to break bread and give thanks.

So why does Sunday matter so much?  Why do we need it?

Sunday Refocuses Our Heart on God

Think about a plane flying to a destination.  Winds and turbulence are constantly pushing the plane off track.  Good pilots are always making small adjustments.  Without them, everyone ends up in the wrong place.

The same is true in our spiritual lives.  We’re constantly bombarded by stress—family problems, job pressures, health worries, political noise, social media distractions.  These things pull us off course—even strong believers.

Sunday is a spiritual recalibration.  Everything we do in worship points us back to God.  We remember Jesus in the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor. 11:23-25), we sing to God (1 Cor. 14:15), pray to Him (1 Cor. 14:13-15), and hear His Word preached (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 14:26–33).

As C.S. Lewis put it, “I need to attend church… because I need more than myself to remind me of God.”

We need Sunday—because our heart drifts.

Sunday Feeds and Grows Our Soul

Jesus said it clearly, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4).  Just like your body needs nourishment, your soul needs spiritual food.

Sunday is one of the times when we feed on God’s Word—through teaching, preaching, singing, reading, praying.  We certainly can and should be doing all these on our own, but we also need wise, thoughtful, spiritual instructions from teachers (Acts 8:31; Eph. 4:11).  Sunday is one of those times when this happens.

We need to be nourished—both with milk and meat (Heb. 5:12–14).  We need encouragement—and sometimes correction (Prov. 27:17).  We need reminders of our sin—not to wallow in guilt, but to be healed by grace.  The world says, “You’re fine as you are.”  The gospel says, “You’re a sinner in need of grace” (Rom. 3:23). 

We need Sunday—because it’s hard to feed yourself alone.

Sunday Grounds Us in Community

On Sunday, we worship together.  Notice, “together.”  Sunday isn’t the only time we worship, but Sunday is the day we worship together.

Togetherness matters.  From Israel’s tribes to the early church, God's people have always been formed in community.  It’s not just me and God—it’s us, God, and one another (Heb. 10:24–25).

We were never meant to follow Jesus alone.  Satan isolates; Jesus gathers.  The enemy wants us disconnected.  But Sunday pulls us back into the flock.

Hebrews 10:24–25 urges us to meet together and “encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”  Dietrich Bonhoeffer once wrote, “The physical presence of other Christians is a source of incomparable joy and strength to the believer.”

Even Elijah needed to hear he wasn’t the only one (1 Kings 19:18).  So do we. 

We need Sunday—because we need our people.

Take Homes

First, make Sunday Non-Negotiable.  Don’t treat it like an optional extra.  Prioritize it like we would our job or sleep.  We need it for our soul.  Hebrews 10:25 isn’t just a suggestion—it’s survival.

Then, prepare for It.  Do your best to get a good night’s sleep.  Wake up early.  Come with a ready heart.

After that, come to be fed—and to feed others.  We’re not just a spectator.  We’re part of the body.  Someone needs our voice, our encouragement, our presence (1 Cor. 12:21–27).  Be there for them.

Finally, remember what Sunday points to.  Sunday is more than a once-a-week habit; it’s a glimpse of heaven.  It celebrates the resurrection and previews the eternal gathering (Rev. 7:9–10).  Every Sunday whispers: This story ends in victory.

Why Do We Need Sunday?

Not because it’s a tradition.  Not because it’s expected.  But because our heart drifts.  Our soul dries up.  Our strength runs low.  Because Jesus rose from the dead—and that changes everything.

We need Sunday.  For our heart.  For our soul.  For our eternity.

Surviving a Godless World: Lessons from the Book of Jude

By David Norfleet

In many emergency services like the military, police, and fire departments, training and drills are a constant part of the routine.  Emergency personnel are often training for situations they hope will never occur.  Yet, the true value of this preparation is revealed when the inevitable emergency strikes.  These professionals are ready to spring into action, relying on the rigorous training they have undergone.  In a similar way, the Book of Jude functions as a survival guide for Christians, preparing them to face the threats of ungodliness and false teaching that were encroaching upon their communities in the 1st century.  Jude’s letter, although addressed to a particular group of believers, is timeless and relevant for Christians today as they contend with similar challenges.

The Shift in Jude’s Message

Jude initially intended to write about the “common salvation” shared among believers (Jude 1:3).  He wanted to focus on the hope and joy of salvation, a theme that undoubtedly would have encouraged and uplifted the saints.  However, as he surveyed the spiritual landscape of his time, Jude recognized that a more urgent message was needed.  False teachers had infiltrated the church, spreading dangerous and ungodly ideas (Jude 1:4).  Jude had to shift his focus to guide the believers through a turbulent period, reminding them of their identity in Christ and equipping them to stand firm in the faith.

Surviving in a Godless World

1. Remember Who You Are

Jude’s first piece of advice to the saints is to remember their identity.  He uses a powerful triad of descriptors: called, beloved, and kept (Jude 1:1).  These three words are not just theological labels, but reminders of who the believers are and why they can stand firm in the faith.  They are called by God to salvation, beloved by God with an eternal love, and kept by His power through all trials.  These descriptors should not just be understood as designations but as life-altering truths.  The knowledge that God loves you, that He has called you, and that He is keeping you provides the strength and security needed to endure any challenge.  Jude repeats this idea throughout the letter to emphasize how vital it is for believers to remember their divine identity in the midst of perilous times.

2. Contend for the Faith

Jude urges believers to contend for the faith (Jude 1:3).  The word “contend” here comes from the Greek epagonizesthai, which carries the sense of struggling or wrestling with intensity—almost like being in an agonizing contest.  This is not a casual defense of beliefs but an active, passionate fight for the truth.  The faith Jude speaks of is not a collection of human opinions but the one true gospel that was delivered once for all.  To contend for the faith means understanding its value and its vulnerability.  Jude warns that this faith will face threats, from false teachers to external persecution.  But the emphasis on “you” in verse 3 reminds believers that, while collective action is important, each individual plays a vital role in guarding and defending the faith.

3. Do Not Be Caught Unaware

Jude emphasizes the importance of vigilance, warning believers not to be caught unaware (Jude 1:17-18).  The dangers of ungodliness, false teaching, and persecution are real and must not be ignored.  Jude calls Christians to remember the warnings given in Scripture—such as in Matthew 7:15-23 and 1 Peter 4:12—and stay alert.  There is a danger of either being overly paranoid, seeing false teachers behind every corner, or becoming so complacent that one fails to recognize the threat when it appears.  False teachers are not a thing of the past.  They still exist today in various forms: heretics, charlatans, dividers, ticklers, and speculators.  They may come with appealing messages or promises but often seek to distort the truth for their own gain.  Jude’s exhortation to not be unaware is as relevant now as it was then.

4. Look to Self

While contending for the faith and standing guard against false teachers is important, it is also vital that believers look to their own spiritual growth.  Jude cautions that in times of struggle and defense, it’s easy to become so focused on external threats that one neglects their personal transformation.  He encourages Christians to “build yourselves up in your most holy faith” (Jude 1:20).  This means continuing to grow in the knowledge and likeness of Christ, even in the midst of trials.  Spiritual growth should never stop, regardless of circumstances.

5. Look to Others

Jude also emphasizes the importance of looking out for others, particularly fellow believers who may be vulnerable to deception.  In the face of false teaching and persecution, Christians should not only be concerned with their own spiritual survival but also with the well-being of their brothers and sisters in Christ.  Jude calls for a compassionate approach, urging believers to rescue those who are wavering (Jude 1:22-23).  Some may need sympathy, others need a more aggressive intervention, and still others need cautious help.  The key is to meet people where they are, always with a heart of love and care.

Conclusion

The Book of Jude provides a timely and necessary survival guide for navigating a world filled with ungodliness and deception.  His instructions for believers to remember their identity in Christ, contend for the faith, stay vigilant, and look after both their own spiritual growth and the well-being of others are as vital today as they were in the first century.  Christians are called to live faithfully in a world that increasingly opposes the truth of the gospel.  As Jude’s letter reminds us, we can endure in this godless world because we are called, beloved, and kept by the power of God.  The challenges may be great, but the victory has already been secured through Jesus Christ.

Assemble

By David Norfleet

We’ve all heard it before: “Do we have to go to church?” It’s a question that many parents face, often at the end of a long week or after a gospel meeting. From a child’s perspective, the idea of skipping church for a movie or video game seems reasonable. After all, the logic might be that attending once or twice a month should be sufficient. While this viewpoint is understandable in children, it’s less acceptable when adopted by adults.

The question of why we should gather for worship is essential and deserves a thoughtful answer. Psalm 122:1 gives us a profound insight into this issue. The psalmist expresses joy and anticipation about going to the house of the Lord. The term “glad” here is more than just a feeling of contentment; it signifies a deep, rejoicing happiness.

In the Old Testament, God's people were commanded to assemble for worship on several occasions. For example, Isaiah 2:3, Jeremiah 31:6, and Micah 4:2 highlight the significance of these gatherings. These assemblies were not just ritualistic; they were vital to the spiritual life of the community. Leviticus 23:27, 35, and 37 provide further evidence of God's command for regular worship. The Israelites were called together by the sound of silver trumpets, as described in Numbers 10:2-3.

The New Testament also reinforces the importance of assembling. Early Christians frequently gathered, as seen in Acts 2:46, 5:12, 12:12, and 14:27. The instruction to not forsake assembling is explicit in Hebrews 10:25. So, why is it so critical to come together? Couldn’t we simply worship at home?

The Benefits of Assembling

• Focus and Refocus on God: When we assemble, we have an uninterrupted opportunity to focus solely on God. This time of worship helps us realign our priorities and redirect our attention to what truly matters. During the Lord’s Supper, for instance, self-examination becomes a natural part of our reflection on God (1 Corinthians 11:28).
• Spiritual Growth: Gathering for worship is crucial for our spiritual development. As we listen to God's word and participate in communal worship, we experience spiritual growth and transformation. 1 Corinthians 14:3 illustrates that worship edifies us, encouraging personal and collective growth in faith.
• Encouragement and Inspiration: Assemblies provide essential encouragement and inspiration. When we come together, we support each other through life's trials and triumphs. Ephesians 2:13-22 speaks of our unity in Christ, and the Swedish proverb, “a shared joy is a double joy,” encapsulates the joy we experience in community. God’s intention for us to be together is evident in Genesis 2:18 and Ecclesiastes 4:9-10.
• Proclaim Victory: Frequent gatherings are more than a routine; they are a means of spiritual warfare. Ignatius of Antioch, an early church father, noted that regular assembly helps defeat Satan’s schemes and promotes unity of faith. This concept is supported by James 3:13-18, which describes how wisdom and unity can counteract spiritual opposition.
• Awakening: Worship has a profound impact on our perception of reality. Life’s challenges can cloud our vision and distract us from what truly matters. Psalm 73:1-28 illustrates how worship can clear spiritual confusion and help us understand God’s ultimate purpose. The psalmist, initially troubled by the prosperity of the wicked, finds clarity and renewed focus through worship in the sanctuary.

The question remains: When the call to assemble goes forth, will you be there? Understanding the value of worship and community is crucial. Our regular gatherings are not mere duties but vital aspects of our spiritual health and growth. They offer focus, growth, encouragement, victory, and awakening. As we come together, we not only fulfill a command but also experience the rich blessings of shared faith and unity.

Success in Temptation

By Paul Earnhart

One of the most significant conflicts in the history of mankind was the temptation of Jesus, recorded in Matthew 4:1-11.  Satan did his best to cause Jesus to sin.  His approaches were cleverly devised so that there would be nothing immoral in his proposals and there would appear to be some beneficial result in everything he asked Jesus to do.  But Jesus was wise enough and good enough to see the error in each temptation and to avoid it.  Had He sinned, He could not have been our Savior, and mankind would have been forever lost.

What accounts for the success of Jesus in resisting the temptations?

• First, there was a complete knowledge of scripture.  Every temptation was answered with a quotation from scripture.  This knowledge enabled Him to draw from everything the scriptures said revealing the mind of God.  It also enabled Him to know the full context of the scriptures Satan misused.
• Second, His whole life’s goal was to do the will of God.  Every proposal of Satan, whether direct or indirect, was considered in the light of God’s word.
• Third, He was determined to do ONLY the will of God.  This is clear from the first temptation.  Doubtless His hunger for food made Him want to turn those stones into bread.  That would have been His own will.  But since He had no instructions from God to use His powers in this way, He refused. 

If mankind’s most significant conflict was between Jesus and Satan, our own most significant conflict is between us and Satan.  Despite the victory of Jesus, we still can be lost if we allow Satan to have control of our life.  Satan still tempts through the same avenues he tempted Jesus…through the flesh, through pride, and through the desire for things (1 John 2:15-17).  If we are to be victorious as Jesus was, we must exercise the same defense…a thorough knowledge of God’s word, a strong determination to do God’s will and ONLY His will.