Several weeks ago we started a series of lessons on the Holy Spirit. Our goal was to shine light on this topic. We have already noted that due to some false teaching within Christendom, and even in our fellowship of the churches of Christ, people have misunderstood the nature and work of the Holy Spirit. One who knew this subject much more than we could imagine is the apostle Paul. He wrote about the Holy Spirit often in his letters. Paul is the one who tells us that the Holy Spirit distributes spiritual gifts and manifestations (the outshining) of His presence to and through the body of Christ (I Corinthians 12:4-10). As we have read in the gospels, the Holy Spirit gave the disciples the ability to cast out demons (Matthew 12:28) and as we saw in Acts, the Holy Spirit was meant to be a seal for the believer in Christ (Acts 2:38-39). What does Paul teach in the letters to the Corinthians? The Holy Spirit knows the things of God, because He is God (I Corinthians 2:11). One of the purposes of the Holy Spirit is to teach us (I Corinthians 2:13, John 14:26). Because of this, the Holy Spirit can reveal the deep things of God to us, especially as we read His word (I Corinthians 2:10, II Timothy 3:16-17). The Holy Spirit reveals what has been given to us from God (I Corinthians 2:12, II Peter 1:19-20). By the time Paul reaches chapter twelve he is in full stride! The church in Corinth needed to understand the core teachings of Christianity. Paul reveals more and more of the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. The Holy Spirit intends to work through God’s people (I Corinthians 12:3). Paul also harkens back to his teaching in Romans 6-8 by recognizing the work of the Holy Spirit in Christian baptism which places us into the body of Christ (I Corinthians 12:13). In the second letter to the Corinthians he says that the Holy Spirit brings liberty (II Corinthians 3:17), that He transforms us into the image of Christ (II Corinthians 3:18), and is our guarantee and deposit of the future resurrection (II Corinthians 1:22, 5:5). Much of this is also referred to in the letter to the Romans. In the book of Galatians, Paul says that the Holy Spirit cries in our hearts, “Abba, Father” aiding us in prayer (Galatians 4:6, Romans 8:26-27), He enables us to wait (Galatians 5:5), He grants everlasting life (Galatians 6:8), and that He produces in us the fruit or evidence of His work and presence (Galatians 5:22-23). Without these blessings a Christian would be bankrupt in their walk with God. A walk with God is a “spiritual” walk! Next week we will consider the book of Romans. Paul has much to say about the work of the Holy Spirit in that particular book. In fact, it may take us several weeks to examine His teachings in that great book. Specifically, notice what he has to say in the 8th chapter. Have a great week! You are loved. Dr. Ray Reynolds #ReynoldsRap #WixBlog #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #God #Jesus #Facebook #Twitter #Instagram #YouTube #Reddit #TikTok #WWJD #GTKYB #Christianity #faithful #ReclaimingHope #RayReynolds #MistyReynolds

As we have moved through these thoughts, the past few weeks, you may have noticed a pattern. Each of these characteristics, commanded of us in Scripture, appear together in a familiar passage of Scripture. After Paul encouraged the churches of Galatia to abandon the works of the flesh he said, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). Remember the words of Jesus in John 15:1-8. When we are in Christ, we are a part of the True Vine. He is the source of all spiritual life for His people. As we grow in Christ we begin to bear fruit, the fruit of the Spirit. This fruit is not just for our own benefit but also for the world around us. Jesus encouraged His disciples to be the salt of the earth, the light of the world, and a city on a hill (Matthew 5:13-15). God chooses to use us, and our example, to bring glory to Himself (Matthew 5:16, Philippians 2:15). If we choose to put Jesus first, and choose to fill ourselves with the Spirit of the Lord, we will find unity with Him and with the world. Of course, the world will hate us. They reject these wholesome and pure ideals because they reject God. Instead they seek after “adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders,drunkenness, revelries, and the like” which lead them further away from God (Galatians 5:19-21). The people inside the kingdom of God refuse to follow the path of wickedness. We seek the straight and narrow road that leads to eternal life (Matthew 7:13-14). If we will put away the works of the flesh, and bear the fruit of the Spirit, we will find unity. We will have the Spirit of God. When the Lord’s Spirit lives inside of His people, and guides them into all truth, we will stand united. We will stand up for the truth and we will preach the truth in love. Now that we know what it means to have one spirit, we need to address one final thought. Is it possible to have “one spirit” as we work together for the cause of Christ? Absolutely, positively, undoubtedly, the answer is YES! God would not ask us to do what is not humanly possible. We can have the unity spoken of in God’s word. There are three ways to unite two objects together. They can be frozen together, melted together, or stirred together. Some of us might be united through persecution, trial, and hardships (frozen). Others of us might be united through a burning passion for the lost and for godly living (melted). The only other way to be united is for us to stir one another up (Hebrew 10:24-25). There is no doubt that you can make a difference in this world on your own. However, imagine what would happen if all Christians had “one spirit.” Snowflakes are one of nature's most fragile things, on their own, but just look at what they can do when they stick together. Imagine what we could do if we stuck together. Let’s seek after one spirit… the Spirit of God! Have a great week!!! You are loved. Dr. Ray Reynolds #ReynoldsRap #WixBlog #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #God #Jesus #Facebook #Twitter #Instagram #YouTube #Reddit #TikTok #WWJD #GTKYB #Christianity #faithful #ReclaimingHope #RayReynolds #MistyReynolds This is part of an ongoing series on the Holy Spirit.

In the book of Ephesians, the apostle Paul expresses the need for Christian unity. Notice the emphasis on the word “one” throughout this book. Unity and “one-ness” seem to be a consistent theme in many of his other writings. However, in the book of Ephesians the topic of unity takes center stage. One of the ways Paul directs us to be unified is to have “one spirit” (Ephesians 4:4). What does that mean to have one spirit? Is it possible to have “one spirit” as we work together for the cause of Christ? These are good questions for us to consider and we will seek the answers in this study. First of all, notice that Paul challenges us to unite, not on creeds of men or any idea created by man, but to seek unity in “one” spirit. We might wonder: “What kind of spirit?” As God’s children, we should be aware that God wants us to become more and more like Him (Matthew 5:48, I Peter 1:15-16). It would be wise for us to consider the nature of His own Spirit because Deuteronomy 6:4 says, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one!” (NKJV) God wants us to have the spirit of love, because He is love (I John 4:8, 16). It was His love for us that compelled Him to send Jesus to the cross (John 3:16). The Lord would love for us to have “one” spirit of love. This is why we often read commandments like love God, love one another, love your enemies, and love yourself. God is a God of love. Therefore, He wants His family to have the spirit of love. God wants us to have the spirit of joy, because He is full of joy (Isaiah 62:5). In fact, Jesus came to help His disciples fill their joy cups to overflowing (John 15:11). We need to be happy and joyful if we hope to win our friends to Christ. They need to see that godly living is the way to true contentment. Unfortunately, there are many “sour” Christians in this world that walk around looking like they have been weaned on a pickle. God wants us to have the spirit of peace, because He is a God of peace (Romans 15:33). When Jesus spoke the Sermon on the Mount He encouraged the people to be “peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9). Our enemy, Satan, loves to cause division, but God is not the author of confusion (I Corinthians 14:33). He wants us to all have the same mind and the same judgment (I Corinthians 1:10). For this reason, Christians should hate conflict. We should seek to reconcile ourselves and others to God. God wants us to have the spirit of long-suffering, because He is long-suffering (Romans 2:4). Many times people will talk of the patience of Job or Paul, but no one is more patient than God. As we strive for maturity in Christ we need to let patience work in us (James 1:2-4). It is hard to suffer long, but looking to Jesus’ great example can help us. Think about His temptation, His trials, and His death. When hardship comes our way, we need to be more like Jesus. Stand fast in the Lord. In the next blog, I want you to notice some more about the unity of the Spirit. It is my prayer that we will all come to the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Have a great week! You are loved. Dr. Ray Reynolds #ReynoldsRap #WixBlog #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #God #Jesus #Facebook #Twitter #Instagram #YouTube #Reddit #TikTok #WWJD #GTKYB #Christianity #faithful #ReclaimingHope #RayReynolds #MistyReynolds This is part of an ongoing series on the Holy Spirit.

Several weeks ago I was working on a bulletin article about personal revival and we noticed a passage in Ezekiel 37. In that passage we find a story about Ezekiel and how he is shown a valley of dry bones. He preached to the valley of bones and they stood up like a great army. By the Word of God they were given the spirit they needed to live. We need God’s word to make us live again and revive!!! Is your own spiritual life a valley of dry bones? I want you to know that life is never hopeless with God. With God there is always hope! Isaiah 1:18-20 says, “’Come now, and let us reason together,’ says the Lord, ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; But if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword’; For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.’” Now is your chance to allow God to show you who He is and what He is about. We need to consider Matthew 11:28-30, Acts 2:38, and I John 1:9 when we wonder about the condition of our spiritual life. God can breathe life into you and give you spiritual life. No matter how dead you think your spiritual life is, God can resurrect it. If God could breathe new life into a valley of dead bones He can surely breathe new life into you spiritually. There is a great example in the scriptures that illustrates this fact. The apostle Peter denied Christ to his face (Luke 22:54-62). In the courtyard, where Jesus was brought to trial, Peter denied Jesus and cursed before the people. After this event the Bible says that “the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, ‘Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.’ So Peter went out and wept bitterly.” In John 21:1-19 Jesus helped him to conform to His will. If God could change Peter, He can change you! There is a song by Jeremy Camp, where he says, “I’ve found in you a heart that pleads forgiveness. . . . Replacing all these thoughts of painful memories. . . . I'm in the only place that erases all these faults that have overtaken me . . . . I know that your response will always be I'll take you back always . . . . and even when your fight is over . . . . even when the pain is coming through. . . . I'll take you back.” What a beautiful thought! No matter where you are. No matter what you’ve done. No matter what you’ve been through. The Lord says, “I'll take you back” (Luke 15). Isn’t it time to revive your spiritual life? Aren’t you ready to revive in 2005! Have a great week!!! You are loved. Dr. Ray Reynolds #ReynoldsRap #WixBlog #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #God #Jesus #Facebook #Twitter #Instagram #YouTube #Reddit #TikTok #WWJD #GTKYB #Christianity #faithful #ReclaimingHope #RayReynolds #MistyReynolds This is part of an ongoing series on the Holy Spirit.

Thanksgiving Day is a time to reflect and be thankful for all that God has given us. Most of us consider Thanksgiving Day to be something that is celebrated only in the United States of America. Did you know other countries celebrate similar holidays and feasts? It’s true! Consider this.... India celebrates harvest in various regions. Canada celebrates thanksgiving in October. The cornucopia is traced back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. It comes from Greek mythology and was said to be a “horn of plenty” that was given by the Greek god Zeus. The horn was believed to magically produce an endless supply of anything desired by the one who owns the horn. The Chinese Festival of “Chung Ch’ui” — on this day many in China eat moon cakes (small yellow cakes) to celebrate the harvest moon. The Jewish feast of Sukkot is observed during the harvest season. The ancient Egyptians had a feast in honor of Min, the god of harvest and fertility. Lamas Day, was celebrated in the British Isles. On this day people would take a loaf of bread to church. The loaf was baked from the first harvest. Harvest Festival is celebrated in the UK and as time goes on many of the American traditions and foods are added to celebration dinners. Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day is celebrated in Croatia on August 5th. But rather than a thanksgiving holiday it is really a memorial to the day that the city of Knin was seized by the Croatian Army during the War of Independence. Other countries such as Germany, Brazil, Ghana, Nigeria and Korea also have thanksgiving and/or harvest festivals. Most are celebrated in the Fall, but all revolve around prayers of blessing, safety, and gratitude. What sets our Thanksgiving apart from these other days on the calendar? Not the day we celebrate, but the way we celebrate. For the Christian it should be more than just a “national” holiday or a time of reflection. We are part of an awesome spiritual nation with eternal rewards. “Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:28-29), No one should have to remind the unshakable kingdom of God to be thankful. However, it is a sad truth that without these reminders we might forget to stop and say thank you. Notice how many times in the Bible that people forgot to practice the law of God, worship properly, or observe the special feast days. Let’s use this Thanksgiving to turn over a new leaf (yes, that is a Fall pun). Let’s be thankful EVERYDAY but let’s make this year’s Thanksgiving Day an entire day of praise and gratitude. Make it the best one ever! How can we make this the best Thanksgiving ever? Spend time journaling about how you have been blessed by God. Commit to saying 7 prayers of thanksgiving throughout the day. Go around the table during the meal time and tell reasons why you are thankful. Call 10 people and tell them how thankful you are to have them in your life. Read Bible verses on thanksgiving (I Chronicles 16:34, Psalm 30, Psalm 138, Philippians 4:6, Colossians 3:15-17). Whatever you do, give glory to God! You are loved. Dr. Ray Reynolds #ReynoldsRap #WixBlog #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #fyp #foryoupage #love #Jesus #thanksgiving

Have you ever wondered why there are two "testaments" in the Bible? We call them the "old" and the "new" testaments, but why? Most people have difficulty with how to treat the Old Testament (esp. the Law of Moses). This has plagued the church since its foundation (read Galatians) as to how Christians should interpret it and apply it. Even though the Law of Christ is far superior to the Law of Moses (read Hebrews), still people have favorite sections they do not want to leave behind. Others want to get rid of the Old Testament completely. In fact, there are many Bibles that can be purchased with only the New Testament. Others with the addition of the Psalms or Proverbs. If the old law is no longer in effect, why bother looking at it at all? Why do we need it? There must be a reason why God wants us to have both testaments. Right? Here are 10 reasons why we should study the Old Testament:: 1) The Old Testament Helps Us Understood the Law. The Law of Moses stood for a few thousand years. Even non-Jewish people could appreciate the dedication of the Israelites to the Torah. If we hope to understand the reason for a "new" testament, then we must investigate the "old" testament. We can gain a real appreciation for the teaching, prophecies and rebellion of the Israelites. 2) The Old Testament Defines Sin. God’s Laws are upright and righteous (Psalm 119:137-138, 164) but man is not righteous (Romans 3:10-12, 23). The Law made the world accountable for their actions. It defined sin and showed that man could not be justified by the law (Romans 3:19-20). Sin is not imputed to a man if there is no law (Romans 5:13), but with a law, man has an awareness of sin and the Law shows how severe that sin is (Romans 7:7-13). 3) The Old Testament Law Convicted the World of Sin. Man was unable to keep the Law perfectly, so the Law convicted the world of sin through the Law. Specifically, we can read Galatians 3:21-22 and see that the Law bound men with their own sins until redemption could be made (John 3:16-17). This binding was essential to God’s plan. Until men could see their helplessness, they could not appreciate the mercy of God (Romans 11:32). Binding of men to their sins eventually leads men to Christ (Galatians 3:23-25). 4) The Old Testament Law Prepared the World For Better Things. Read the book of Hebrews and you will see that the Old Law prepared men for the New Law (better things through shadows). Paul tells us in Colossians 2:16-17 that the Old Law was a shadow of the New. Basically the Old Law would be spiritualized as it was fulfilled (Matthew 5-7). Hebrews 10:1 tells us it was a shadow of better things – the reality. Until then we were seeing through a dim mirror, or a veil (I Corinthians 13:12). The things done under the Old Law by its followers were important, even if they did not comprehend the significance of what they were doing (Hebrews 8:4-5). 5) The Old Testament Law Was Temporary (for the Israelite nation only). When you read the Old Testament it is clearly evident that God was building a nation that needed laws (Deuteronomy 5:2-3). By following the Law, God bound the Israelites to Him (Exodus 19:5-6). In fact, if you will read the conversations between Moses and Pharaoh you will see that God just wanted His people to worship Him and learn His ways. The Law made the Israelites distinct among the nations and prepared the Gentile nations for the New Law (Deuteronomy 4:5-8). There are many prophets quoted in the New Testament, but Jeremiah seems to be one of Jesus’ favorites to quote. Have you read Jeremiah? In his book he told the people that the Old Law was temporary (Jeremiah 31:31-34). Jesus stated it would last until all was fulfilled on the cross (Matthew 5:17-18). Jesus’ purpose was to fulfill the Law (Luke 24:44), not to abolish or destroy it. In fact, Christ’s resurrected life is a sign that the Old Law ended (Romans 10:4). 6) The Old Testament Law Provides Evidence That Jesus is the Christ. There are characters and stories, in addition to well over 300 prophesies, that predict the specifics and explain the purpose concerning the Messiah. Jesus alludes His presence in the Old Testament in His ministry (John 5:39). When Jesus had occasion He explained how the Old Law speaks of Him (Luke 24:27). Belief in the Old Testament gives us faith in Christ (John 5:46-47). 7) The Old Testament Law Delivers God’s Purpose and Plan. I Peter 1:10-12 shows us that God revealed His purpose through the prophets. They often did not understand the prophecies they spoke, but God fulfilled each and every one of them. Romans 3:2 reminds us that righteousness from God is proven by the Old Law. This is another reason why all Scripture must be expounded (II Timothy 3:16-17). 8) The Old Testament Law Reveals God’s Scheme of Redemption. The Old Law prepares people for salvation and guides them to the New Testament where they can find God’s entire plan (II Timothy 3:15-17). The Scriptures helped Timothy learn the whole counsel of God. The law equips the saints for kingdom work. Notice that faith does not nullify the Old Law (Romans 3:31), it confirms it and fulfills it. It still serves a purpose today in teaching the old ways, methods, and rules (quoted multiple times in the New Testament). It helps us to fear the Lord. 9) The Old Testament Law Cites Great Examples of Faith. Every Christian should understand the purpose of Hebrews 11-12. We desperately need those examples of faith. Where would we be, if we did not understand the story of Job, Elijah, Daniel, and the kings? We find out that these people are exactly like us. On the flip side, we can also see examples of wickedness that we want to avoid (I Corinthians 10:1-11). For instance, knowledge of the wilderness serves as a warning to us (Hebrews 2:1-3, Hebrews 10:28-29). 10) The Old Testament Law Gives Us Hope. As we read the Old Testament we will see that God wants us to be encouraged and have hope for the future (Romans 15:4). We are reminded time and again that God will keep His promises. God must be feared, but that He also has amazing love for His children. He will always find a way! We need both testaments. Let’s study the whole council of God! Let’s see ALL scripture as inspired of God! Read the Bible which is God’s Holy Word! And, let Him show you the truth! Have a great week and remember "You Are Loved!" You are loved. Ray Reynolds #Summerdale #Alabama #churchofChrist #ReynoldsRap #WixBlog #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #God #Jesus #HolySpirit #Facebook #Twitter #Instagram #YouTube #Reddit #TikTok #WWJD #ReclaimingHope #oldtestament #oldlaw

It has been my observation that many of our visitors are not only welcomed but also encouraged to offer feedback to the church leaders. Many are so grateful for the positive and passionate worship. A few years ago I realized that visitors often want to replicate the things they see at the "vacation" church in there own congregation. I had a brave soul come to talk to me one Sunday morning. He was a song leader at his home church. We sang the song, “Glorify Thy Name” during our morning worship. This is something that is forbidden by his elders. He did not share their passions for dismissing this and other songs. However, he wanted my opinion. I shared it with him, as I will share it with you. First, we need to remember that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are all part of the Godhead. Read Genesis 1 and John 1 to see that each were a part of the creation. The Gospels and the book of Acts reveal that all three were a part of the scheme of redemption and the establishment of the church. All three are one! Deuteronomy 6:4 says, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.” Just listen to Jesus’ prayer in John 17 to see how intimate this unity is between the Trinity. Second, I believe it is blasphemous to teach that the Holy Spirit is a lesser part of the Trinity. How can someone sleep at night after arguing that we shouldn’t “glorify” or “praise” Him in song. This is dangerous ground. To ignore the attributes of the Holy Spirit is one thing. But to consider Him "less" than the Father or the Son is preposterous! If He is God, HE IS GOD! Jesus teaches that blaspheming the Holy Spirit is something that is unforgiveable by those who clearly know what they are doing (Matthew 12:22-32). Do these people know the danger of blasphemy? We must not to quench the Spirit (I Thessalonians 5:19). Finally, the end does not justify the means. Some church leaders are fearful of “spiritual” and “charismatic” issues. They are fearful that if too much emphasis is placed upon the Holy Spirit that people might start dancing in the aisles or bring snakes to church. There are some concerns about spiritual overload and trying to hear the voice of God when He is not speaking directly too someone. The pendulum will swing. Some people will seek to justify everything they do by supernatural guidance while others will reject anything spiritual. We need to find balance. We can be cautious of being overzealous while we being wise to the Spirit’s power and work in this world. Revelation clearly shows that the Spirit and the bride (the church) are inseparable in the work of the Lord today. How can we read the New Testament and not see the work of the Holy Spirit? How can we see the work of God in the church today and not know that His presence is still with us? Why are we told to take up the sword of the Spirit? What about all of those promises to never leave us alone, to be with us always, and to seal us with His Spirit? Are those promises empty? No. Let’s praise the Father AND the Son AND the Holy Spirit! You are loved. Ray Reynolds #Summerdale#Alabama#churchofChrist#ReynoldsRap#WixBlog#authentic#Christian#positive#practical#community#God#Jesus#HolySpirit#Facebook#Twitter#Instagram#YouTube#Reddit#TikTok#WWJD#ReclaimingHope

I love movies. Old or new. Western or Comedy. Sci-fi or Drama. If you ever make it to a game show and need a lifeline for 1980's movies trivia, just call me. You name it and I've probably seen it. A close friend of mine and I often joke about just how many movies I have seen over the years. In the 1980s the television was my babysitter and I camped in front of the television. Snacks and drink in hand. Some movies start at warp speed. In Star Wars they call this "hyperspace." You know those movies that from the opening scene to the end it barely lets you breathe. If you slip out for popcorn you miss something important. I have to say that this disturbs me. Yes, I am a movie snob. I think the way to maximize the movie-going experience is to be in your seat at least 20 minutes early. Never done that? Then next time you go to a movie look around and spot the person that is in the prime seat—dead middle, eye level with the center of the screen. That’s what 20 minutes early gets you. Popcorn, snacks and drink in hand, nothing will move this person from their secured spot for the duration of the movie. That's usually me! Since the pandemic I have loved watching theater movies at home. Misty and I have often decided to do "pay per view" movies instead of going to the theater. This has really spoiled me! I am never more than a few steps to the fridge, pantry or bathroom. Guess what? I still have the prime seat—dead middle cushion, eye level with the center of the television. Popcorn, snacks and drink in hand, nothing will move me from my secured spot. When you read God's Word that's where you need to be for God’s story. Its opening scene also starts with a relentless pace that doesn’t let up. The first line reads, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). Right off the bat we find the main character in this story is not you or me. It’s God. Just ten words in and there is enough action to leave you breathless. As the "movie" plays out we can see that God creates all things until he reaches the greatest creation. Birds? Nope. Animals? Not quite. Sun, moon or stars? Bright guess. No, in Genesis 3:8 we find that God is walking in the Garden with Adam and Eve in the “cool of the day.” With the warm season we've had this year that sounds nice, doesn’t it? And yet the “cool of the day” is not the focus. God is, and He is near. He is right with Adam and Eve. And He is right here with us. His simple vision for His creation was to spend time with them every day, to take a walk with them. God’s will is to be with us. Some of us have lived our lives with the idea that God is some angry cosmic kill-joy who sits on a cloud and watches us, waiting for us to make a mistake so he can zap us in the rear end. Maybe you've thought that God is distant or that He doesn’t care or HE has simply forgotten you. But from the beginning He has shown us this is not the case. He wants to be with you. He has not forgotten you. In fact, this might be the perfect time for you to go for a walk with Him. In the meantime, you've got the best seat in the house. You are loved. Ray Reynolds #Summerdale #Alabama #churchofChrist #ReynoldsRap #WixBlog #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #God #Jesus #HolySpirit #Facebook #Twitter #Instagram #YouTube #Reddit #TikTok #WWJD #ReclaimingHope

The website "Statista" recently reported that according to their research from 2018 to 2021 around 30% of Christians do not read their Bible. Are you intimidated by the Bible? You’re not alone. Many people feel that way. Probably because they cannot get past the long genealogies, lists of rules, and characters. It contains names like Jehoshaphat, Nebuchadnezzar, Epaphroditus, Onesimus and others that sound like terrible diseases! Maybe people are apprehensive about reading the Bible because it contains stories about places they've never visited. Lay all of that apprehension aside! The Bible is not a random book of seemingly unrelated stories. It's actually one big, amazing, exciting story! From Genesis to Revelation there is a common thread. Imagine that thread running from Genesis to the Gospels and then stopping for a brief moment (at the cross) and then that thread continues on to Revelation. The first words in the Bible say: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). When you turn to the back of your Bible you will see Revelation 21:1 which says, “Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.” In the beginning God is creating the heavens and the earth. At the end He is creating a new heaven and a new earth. So the big question is this: “What on earth happened between the beginning and the end?” If you can answer that question you will have uncovered the one seamless story of God. A story of redemption. A story of scandalous sin and a Suffering Savior. Do you know what else comes between the beginning and the end? YOU! You and I are somewhere in the middle of the beginning and the end. God is still working. He is still saving lost souls. He is still preparing a place for you and me. I love the way Paul puts it in Philippians 1:6: "He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." This is a reminder that God is not done with you yet. Your story is still being written. In the moment you read this line... there is still hope! If you are a child of God you should know that every single day God is seeking to lead you and guide you. He is helping to form sentences that flow into paragraphs. Over time those paragraphs form chapters. When all the chapters have been written your work will be completed. Don't try to take the pen and write your own story. Let God write your story. He has this amazing way of "working things together for good" (Romans 8:28). He is not finished with you yet. You are loved. Ray Reynolds #Summerdale #Alabama #churchofChrist #ReynoldsRap #WixBlog #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #God #Jesus #Facebook #Twitter #Instagram #YouTube #Reddit #TikTok #WWJD

Genesis ends with an abrupt halt. The Israelites were in Egypt. The promise for Abraham's seed had been re-emphasized for four generations. Now they are stuck. As Exodus begins there is a new hope. Moses emerges to lead them out of Egypt into the promised land. The Law is given to the people (Leviticus) and they are headed into the Promised Land! But... then we see in Numbers that this hope was cut short. The spies gave a bad report. Aaron dies. Moses is refused entrance into Canaan. Moses gives his last few speeches (Deuteronomy) before he dies. Hope seems lost again. What amazes me is that up to the book of Joshua... God is faithful. God had certainly been at work the entire time from Ur to Canaan. Joshua leads the people in conquest after glorious conquest. The Israelite army toppled cities, defeated their enemies, slew giants, and finally saw the providence of God in its fullness. Over the previous few centuries, the Lord identified His seed and cultivated a nation for Himself. This was a nation of people that would be sanctified (singled out/set apart) not just to receive special blessings as God’s chosen nation, but would be charged to be a blessing in return. This is where we find the book of Judges. It is shocking that through a series of dysfunctional families, incest, murder, genocide, inter-generational conflicts, years of famine, and foreign captivity, that God felt them to be ready for relative peace in Canaan. God proved His faithfulness to preserve His people. He keeps His promises. He delivers His holy nation again and again. After their deliverance from bondage, the people of Israel were ready to receive the precepts of a sovereign God. Would they have peace? Or would even peace come at a price? When I read Judges I have to remind myself that they people needed to bless other nations. Having peace does not mean they would be a passive nation. In fact, in order to keep spiritual peace, there is often a physical toll. Standing up for God, His word, and resting on His promises comes with a price. They had to fight battles, both physical and spiritual to keep the Promised Land. Judges shows how they failed. They trusted in themselves. They each did what was right in their own eyes. They failed miserably. One goals of reading the Bible is to ensure these events do not happen again. May our nation rise up and take note of our blessings and the burden of freedom. It is not free and it is not everlasting. Let's honor our God and our nation by standing for freedom. You are loved. Dr. Ray Reynolds #ReynoldsRap #WixBlog #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #God #Jesus #Facebook #Twitter #Instagram #YouTube #Reddit #TikTok #WWJD #GTKYB #Christianity #faithful #ReclaimingHope #RayReynolds #MistyReynolds

The word “Hope” will be used frequently on this page and in these blogs. Why? We want to encourage people who have experienced despair. We want you to know the truth about your circumstances. You can rise above. You can reclaim hope. One way to reclaim hope is to be saved or reflect on your salvation. Just the thought of salvation offers hope to the believer. It also causes the non-believer to search for confidence and assurance in their eternal destiny. Do you really have the hope of salvation? Do you struggle with doubt? In the eighth chapter of the book of Romans the apostle Paul pens, in my opinion, one of the greatest chapters in all of the Bible. Paul has addressed the freedom we have from sin, and that we each have the personal indwelling of God’s Holy Spirit, which identifies our spiritual adoption and confirms our eternal destiny. Then, just before he addresses God’s everlasting love and protection, he says these words. . . “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.” (Romans 8:18-25) This is a message of hope that Paul wants every person to accept. Ministers, church leaders, Bible class teachers, faithful members of the church, new converts, life-time believers. . . anyone and everyone who will listen. . . you need to know that every Christian can experience periods of doubt, helplessness, and weakness. There are so many things that weigh us down and hinder us from knowing the full assurance of the hope of salvation. Satan has a way of convincing us that we are not good enough, we are too sinful, or that God has forgotten us. He fills our minds with so many questions that our heart looks away from God and we can easily lose our focus. We have to remember that there is a God. . . a Creator that since the beginning of time has been working a plan to save me from my sins. That amazing God has offered His one and only Son in my place as a substitute so that I might not have to die for my many sins. He has established His church for my protection, He has sent His Holy Spirit to guide me and lead me, and He has preserved His Holy word to be my light. I know I am going to heaven and I know that those who have been immersed into the precious blood of Jesus and are daily living as a sacrificial servant will join me there one day with the saints of old for a reunion of God’s family! Do you have that hope of salvation? It’s a hope only God can provide! We believe that these blogs can encourage you to become a more faithful servant of God. Or, if you are not a child of God, you will seek Him. Our goal is also to encourage you to talk to others about the importance of seeking hope in their own lives. The world needs hope. Let's seek and save the lost. There is always hope. Love, Misty & Ray Reynolds #ReclaimingHope #MistyReynolds #momentswithMisty #WixBlog #Christian #community #God #Jesus #Facebook #Twitter #Instagram #YouTube #Christianity #faith #RayReynolds #Summerdale #churchofChrist Listen to the Reclaiming Hope podcast with Misty & Ray!

Why do you serve the Lord? I believe that our desire should be to seek the presence of God and glorify His holy name in all things. Would you agree? But, why do we do it? What is our motivation? I am reminded of that popular passage that tells us when we seek God, He rewards us (Hebrews 11:6). Think on this: (1) He promises to give new strength, energy, and life to those who seek Him. Isaiah 40:31 says, “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” I don’t know about you but sometimes I desperately need renewal. God will renew us when we seek Him. (2) He promises great comfort and help those who seek Him. Isaiah 41:10 says, “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’” When you need comfort ask, “Where could I go, but to the Lord?” (3) He promises to answer those who seek Him. Jeremiah 33:3 says, “‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’” This is one of the greatest blessings we receive. God is listening to you. He wants to hear you and He will answer you. (4) He promises to deliver, from distress, those who seek Him. Psalm 107:6 says, “Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them out of their distresses.” When we need deliverance, why would we neglect going to God. He will deliver us from trouble and trials. (5) He promises to give what we ask if we will seek Him. Matthew 7:7-8 says, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” All you have to do is ask! (6) He promises to be merciful and graceful to those who seek Him. Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” When you honestly seek God He will grant you grace and mercy. However, we have to go boldly to the throne of grace to make our requests. Only then can He give us mercy. (7) He promises eternal life those who seek Him. I John 2:25 says, “And this is the promise that He has promised us - eternal life.” This is the greatest blessing of all. We can spend an eternity with God, if we seek Him. These are all amazing and wonderful rewards, right? But do we follow the Lord because of what He will give us, or because of what He has already done? Our Christian service should not be about what we get, but what we can do for the One who does ALL things for us! It is such a privilege to worship our Creator. Think of all the wonderful promises we have from God. Seek Him!!! You are loved. Ray Reynolds #Summerdale #Alabama #churchofChrist #ReynoldsRap #WixBlog #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #God #Jesus #Facebook #Twitter #Instagram #YouTube #Reddit #TikTok #WWJD #GTKYB #Christianity #faithful #ReclaimingHope #RayReynolds #MistyReynolds #promises #Exodus #Jews #Israelites #Peter #Paul #church #Genesis #Romans Listen to the Ray Reynolds Rap podcast: https://anchor.fm/reynoldsrap Download FREE Study Guides & Books: www.rayreynoldsrap.com Enroll in a FREE Bible Course: https://www.gettingtoknowyourbible.com/free-bible-course