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Recharged, Renewed & Refreshed: Highlights from Polishing the Pulpit - Sevierville 2026
Attending “Polishing the Pulpit” (PTP) this week was an incredibly uplifting and encouraging experience. We really appreciate the elders support for encouraging us to attend! Having attended PTP since the early 2000s, it is remarkable to reflect on how much this event has grown. In those early years, back when celebrating the 10-year anniversary was a major milestone, the stage was graced by dynamic gospel preachers like Wendell Winkler, Johnnie Ramsey, Tom Holland, and J.J.
Ray Reynolds
1 day ago3 min read


Made for Each Other: Understanding God’s Design in Our Differences
Have you ever looked at your spouse and thought, “Why do they operate so differently than I do?” It’s easy to let our differences become points of friction in our homes and relationships. But when we look at Scripture, we realize that God created men and women intentionally different—not to divide us, but to complete us. In a culture that often attempts to minimize gender differences or turn them into a battlefield, the Bible offers a far more beautiful perspective. God did n
Ray Reynolds
Aug 106 min read


The Seven B’s of Baptism
Our eternal destiny hangs in the balance, yet endless confusion surrounds the topic of baptism. Satan has deceived millions into believing that baptism is merely an optional outward sign, an unnecessary work, or that sprinkling and pouring are valid substitutes for God's clear command. There is no time to waste today on human opinions. Eternity is too long and our souls are too precious to rely on anything less than the pure truth. We must turn immediately to the New Testamen
Ray Reynolds
Aug 35 min read


The Royal Playbook: What King Solomon Taught About Riches
To study the Book of Proverbs is to step into the royal court of ancient Israel’s most prosperous era. Written and compiled largely by King Solomon, a leader famous for his staggering wealth and sharp mind, this ancient text gives us a front-row seat to the intersection of royalty, riches, and stewardship. Solomon knew firsthand the heavy weight of influence and the dangerous lure of material gain. His observations aren't just ancient religious advice; they form a masterclass
Ray Reynolds
Jul 273 min read


The Quiet Grace of Giving: How Benevolence is a Gift of the Spirit
When we think about spiritual gifts, our minds often jump to dramatic, miraculous manifestations—prophecy, healings, or speaking in tongues. These sensational gifts easily grab our attention. Yet, when the Apostle Paul outlines the practical life of the Church in Romans 12, he places quietly powerful, non-miraculous gifts right alongside them. Among these everyday graces is a spiritual gift that directly reflects the generous nature of God Himself: benevolence, or the gift of
Ray Reynolds
Jul 195 min read


The Divine Fingerprint: Understanding Miracles, Signs, Wonders & Works
In January I was challenged to produce some material on the Holy Spirit and the miracles of the Bible. I quickly compiled some research on how to identify "biblical miracles" and why modern day "faith healers" prey on unsuspecting believers. You can read my blog on this subject (click here). This past Sunday night we chose to dive a little deeper in our Men's Study to answer some important questions: What happened in the ministry of Jesus? Why did God allow the supernatural g
Ray Reynolds
Jul 88 min read


The Power, The Purpose & That Which Is Perfect
We live in a world deeply fascinated by the supernatural. Turn on any streaming service, browse a bookstore, or look at pop culture trends, and you will find an endless obsession with the spirit world, demonic possession, and dramatic exorcisms. But as Bible students, we have to look past Hollywood’s smoke and mirrors and ask a fundamental question: “What do the Scripture actually teach?” When we open the New Testament, we notice a striking phenomenon. There was a sudden, int
Ray Reynolds
Jul 65 min read


Born to Teach: Why Your Life is a Lesson for Others
Some people absolutely love teaching. They naturally thrive in front of a whiteboard or a classroom. Others? Not so much. Many people pass up opportunities to teach because of fear, a lack of confidence, poor people skills, or just an overflowing schedule. If that is you, let me offer some encouragement: Whether you accept it or not, you were born to teach. And I don't just mean inside a classroom—I mean in every single room you walk into. The Universal Call to Teach God expl
Ray Reynolds
May 253 min read


Better Together: Why We Need Our Brothers and Sisters
I have heard this statement spoken a hundred times or more during my years in full-time ministry: “I don’t know what I would’ve done if it were not for the church family.” Aren’t you glad to be a part of the family of God? What would we do without our brothers and sisters in Christ? I can honestly say that I would not be where I am today if it were not for the dedicated people who surrounded me and my family. Life is not always easy, and ministry can be extremely difficult. A
Ray Reynolds
May 183 min read


Why Can't Grandma Be An Elder?
Understanding the Biblical Pattern: A Defense of Restorationist Leadership in the Church I was blessed with two amazing grandmothers. Both helped raising me and shaping me into the man I am today (Carol Rae Green & Aletta Mae Reynolds). Both grandmothers were faithful members of the Lord's church. Both were converted by their husbands (my grandfathers) early in life. Both read their Bibles, never missed a service, and were wise beyond comprehension. Talented, loving, servant-
Ray Reynolds
May 127 min read


The Mirror of Love: Loving Your Neighbor as Yourself
Most of us are familiar with the "Golden Rule" found in Matthew 7:12, and we recognize the two greatest commandments discussed in Mark 12:28-34. But there is a curious thought interjected at the end of the second command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Starting in the Family What does that mean? Clearly, the world needs to see the love of Christ. If you have a hard time showing love to people in the world, or even your enemies, a great place to start practicing is within
Ray Reynolds
May 112 min read


The Higher Court: Why Believers Should Avoid Civil Litigation
There is a growing trend in our modern culture to "sue first and ask questions later." While the legal system exists to maintain order, for the believer, there is a higher law and a more profound conviction at play. When we take a brother or sister in Christ before a secular judge, we aren't just settling a dispute; we are often signaling a failure of faith and a breakdown of the spiritual family. My conviction on this is firm: The courtroom should be the last place a Christi
Ray Reynolds
May 75 min read


Beyond the Circle: The Challenge to Love Our Enemies
We often find comfort in the familiar. We are commanded by Christ to love one another, especially our own brethren. John 15:12, 17 says, “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. . . These things I command you, that you love one another.” This sentiment is the bedrock of the church, repeated in Matthew 19:19 and Matthew 22:39. A Radical Command However, Jesus takes this a step further—into territory that challenges our very nature. He tells us to
Ray Reynolds
May 42 min read


A Word From the Family of God: Finding Your Forever Home
Just imagine what God can do with us when we fully surrender to Him and His will. It is a concept that sounds daunting at first—giving up control—but the Bible promises a beautiful transformation when we do. When we submit to God, He will lift us up (James 4:10). One of the most profound ways He lifts us up is by adopting us into His family. A New Environment for Growth When you are baptized and added to the Body of Christ, you aren’t just joining a religion; you are given a
Ray Reynolds
Apr 283 min read


The Discipline of Prayer
Our theme this year is “ Growing in Christ ,” and growth requires more than good intentions—it requires connection. If time in the Word is how God speaks to us, then prayer is how we speak to God . And just like any relationship, if communication is missing, the relationship grows cold.that’s why prayer isn’t optional for a disciple. It’s a discipline we develop to grow our relationship with the Father. In Luke 18:1, Jesus taught that we “ought always to pray and not lose hea
Eric Whittle
Mar 82 min read


The Discipline of the Word
Our theme this year is “Growing in Christ,” and growth is never accidental. Anything that grows—whether it’s a garden, a marriage, or a faith—grows because it is nurtured consistently over time. That’s why, for the month of March, I want to focus our bulletin articles on a simple but powerful theme: Spiritual Disciplines. These are the steady habits God uses to grow His people—things like being in the Word, prayer, worship, and service. They may not always feel “exciting,” bu
Eric Whittle
Mar 23 min read


Love Shows Up
It’s easy to say we love people. It’s easy to feel love when things are going well. But biblical love is more than words and more than intention— love shows up. It steps into the mess. It takes time. It sacrifices comfort. It moves toward people instead of away from them. 1 John 3:16–18 says, “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us… My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.” That’s about as clear as it gets. Jes
Eric Whittle
Feb 232 min read


Love Speaks Truth
One of the biggest misunderstandings in our world today is the idea that love and truth are enemies. Some people act like if you love someone, you’ll never challenge them. Others act like if you speak truth, you can’t be loving. But Scripture refuses to separate the two. Biblical love speaks truth—and biblical truth is spoken in love. Ephesians 4:15 tells us to be “speaking the truth in love.” That verse is simple, but it’s challenging. It means truth matters. It means love m
Eric Whittle
Feb 82 min read


Love Is A Decision
When most people think about love, they think about their feelings. The love Jesus calls us to is deeper than a feeling. Biblical love is a decision. It’s a choice we make because we belong to Christ. Jesus said in John 13:34–35 , “ A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you… By this all will know that you are Mydisciples, if you have love for one another .” Notice that Jesus didn’t describe love as an idea or a mood, He gave it as a comma
Eric Whittle
Jan 302 min read


The Power of Encouragement
Last Tuesday, I woke up to the news that a high school classmate of mine had passed away. This makes two that I have lost in the last five years or so. It made me think. Travis came from a loving family. Both his parents and brothers are faithful members of the Lord’s church. He grew up with me at Mobile Christian, and we were both in the youth group together. We played football together. On paper, he had everything one would think to live a full, faithful and productive life
Eric Whittle
Jan 282 min read
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