Return to Him

In Isaiah 31:6 we read: "Return to Him from whom you have deeply defected, O sons of Israel."

As we consider the work of the prophets, this was their main message. We on this side of the cross of Christ might consider that their importance was in declaring the coming of the King of Israel, and in describing Jesus and His cause.
Yet, the prophets spoke to two different groups. Obviously, in their day, they had to speak to God's people, because the people had defected away from God. We know what it means when a spy defected, or a soldier defected. It means they have turned their back on their commitment, and have sought comfort, aid, solitude, repose in the midst of the enemy.
The prophets tried to get the people to stop their sins and start serving the God of Israel once again. It would be for their good. They would enjoy many blessings if they did. However their sins were more important to them, than serving God, and thus they suffered terribly because of their sins.
We also learn from the prophets, as they were the same as our modern day preachers. At least those preachers that speak the truth of God's word. We teach the same lessons in so many ways. That is why Paul wrote in Romans 15:4 that the things written aforetime were for our instruction.
The prophets also told of the coming of the Messiah. They told what the signs would be, and really, if people had studied the scriptures well enough, they should have recognized Jesus as the Messiah that was promised.
Many people today need to heed the call of the prophet. They have been separated from God by their iniquities (sins), and are in need of salvation.
So like the pleading of the prophet of 2700 years ago, consider returning to God, by obedience to His gospel message.
Believe in the Christ as the Son of God who died upon the cross for YOUR sins. Repent by changing your life to focus upon God and not yourself. Confess the name of Jesus now and everyday for the rest of your life, and be baptized for the removal of your sins. It is only then that you can become a Christian, and then you must continue to learn how to be a better Christian all the days of your life.
By Carey Scott

Fall Gospel Meeting

The Eastside Church of Christ is pleased to announce our Fall Gospel Meeting.
The speaker will be James DeVoll from Satler Texas.
September 18-21
Sunday 9:45am
Sunday 10:45am
Sunday 5:00pm
Monday 7:30pm
Tuesday 7:30pm
Wednesday 7:00pm
Everyone welcome.

Return to God

So many people have never come to God and many have left God. God is patient towards all, but one day His patience will wear thin, and God will execute judgment upon all. We read in Joel, chapter two in verse 12-13: "Yet even now, declares the LORD, Return to Me with all your heart, and with fasting, weeping, and mourning; and rend your heart and not your garments. Now return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness, and relenting of evil."
God wants what He has always wanted. Our whole heart. We are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, and with all our soul, and our might, as Moses commanded them in Deuteronomy 6:5.
When we learn we have caused harm to the cause of Christ, or have done things that are against God's will, we should repent, and show the signs of repentance.
Our God is compassionate and full of grace. His patience is our salvation if we truly repent before we die.
God will not tolerate evil, and has given us all ample time to correct our behavior. If you have not done so, please consider the consequences of failing to return to the Lord your God.

The Word Of God Stands Forever

We read in Isaiah 40:8 "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever."
The word of God is the Bible. It is timeless in its application and relevance. Not only can we turn to the pages of scripture for comfort in times of trouble, we can learn about the righteousness of God, and what it takes for us to be considered righteous.
The Bible tells us about a relationship we have with God and with fellow believers in God's faith. The word of God is just as relevant today as it was when it was written. Many people teach otherwise, and some even go so far as to say that the Bible is obsolete. That will never happen.
The Bible explains our purpose in life and also what God expects from us. There is encouragement from the scriptures that if we will do what God asks us to do, He will protect our souls.
Let us learn to be faithful to God by learning His commands found written in His word.