Barbs …. With A Point

Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin Articles

The following barbs of wisdom come from The Sword and Staff publication, 2011, Volume 49, Number 3; pg. 13 (appropriate Scriptures and related articles have been added):

Although the way to heaven is straight and narrow, it is not crowded (Matthew 7:14).

Water seeks its own level, and that level is always downward, never upward, and that is the way of fallen man unless he purposely exercises his will and seeks “those things which are above” (Colossians 3:1).

Some people don’t like for you to “tell it like it is” because that is the way they are.

As a Christian, from the heights of “heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3; Ephesians 2:6), things are made to look small and not all that important on earth.

If there is nothing distinctive about our Christianity, it is no longer Christianity.

Once there is a hole of compromise in God’s dike of truth, even a small one, it will only be a matter of time until the hole becomes larger and the whole dike will eventually be washed away.

When Christianity is “dumbed down,” the cause of Christ is not built up.

People who must see which way the wind is blowing before they will take stand, will be blown about by every wind of doctrine (Ephesians 4:14).

People who are always preoccupied with being “cool” are in danger of ending up where it is hot.

When our “chickens come home to roost,” in reference to being fiscally irresponsible, they may not find a place to roost.

Selfishness is the undoing of many marriages (see article 1; article 2).

It is hard for some people to believe and accept what is right because they don’t want to say that anything or anyone is wrong (including themselves).

Speed without direction, only gets you to an uncertain destination a little faster.

You cannot make a difference if you are indifferent.

We live in a day and time when it seems that people spend more time in getting ready for a wedding, than they do in getting ready for marriage.

Before you can lead, you must be ahead of those you are attempting to lead.

Instead of “chewing” someone out (Gal. 5:15, wild animals do this), it would be better to chew up your words first, making them more palatable (and civil when communicated).

Do what is right and you won’t have to face the consequences of doing wrong.

When we find ourselves moving away from the local autonomous church, organizationally speaking, we know that we are headed back to Rome and the great apostasy.

You will not leave any footprints upon the sands of time by standing still (1 Corinthians 15:58).

If we would bring our children up in the way that they should go (Proverbs 22:6), we must first go that way ourselves.

“Christian rock” is oxymoronic.

If the Christian armor fit’s a little too tightly (Ephesians 6:10-17), maybe we are overweight and bloated with the world (Romans 12:2).

Nothing can be put in the category of “rights” when it is basically wrong.

When we don’t have the most, we should make most of that which we have (not go in debt beyond our means).

Negative thoughts persisted in, produce negative results (or none at all).

If you are wishy-washy in your stand (James 1:8; James 4:8), you may end up wishing as you are washed away in tide of uncertainty and confusion (Matthew 7:26-27).