April 2021 – GROW magazine

06 Apr

From Defeat to Victory : Psalm 22

EXPOSITORY ARTICLE | Sean Cavender | Bald Knob, Arkansas

via Juan Pablob | Pixabay.com

A Cry of Defeat

“My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1)

These words are a cry of despair, disappointment, and defeat. There appears to be no end in sight. “Far from my deliverance are the words of my groaning” is how the first verse concludes. Psalm 22 is considered a psalm of David. He portrays the faithful servant of God enduring pain and humiliation because of his enemies. It is no wonder Jesus quoted the opening words while He was on the cross (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34). Read More →

06 Apr

The Work and Worship of the Local Church

CHURCH ARTICLE | T. Sean Sullivan | Paragould, Arkansas

Introduction:
An understanding of the Lord’s church is essential not only for its current members but for all souls who in any way seek eternal life in Heaven. The desire of any soul to be involved in the local church is met with a “pattern” provided in the form of “sound words” (2 Timothy 1:13). From this “pattern of sound words” we can find, or form, a local church to function in. Read More →

06 Apr

Worshipping with a Renewed Spirit

WORSHIP/DEVOTIONAL ARTICLE | William Stewart | Odessa, Ontario

via Fotorech | Pixabay.com

John 4:24 / Ephesians 4:23

A midday break in the city of Syrchar as Jesus and His apostles journeyed from Judea to Galilee resulted in a significant conversation. So weighty were the matters discussed that the Holy Spirit had John record it for all future would-be worshippers. Jesus made a powerful observation, stating: “The hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:23-24). Read More →

06 Apr

Following in the Steps of Jesus

APPLICATION ARTICLE | John Maddocks | Toronto, Ontario

“For to this you have been called because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” (1 Peter 2:21-24)

Life, even when things are going well, is a challenge. Read More →

06 Apr

The Power of Godly Living

EVANGELISM ARTICLE | Tim McPherson | Bountiful, Utah

I stand amazed at the power of Almighty God: His creative power, His ruling power, His authoritative power, His sustaining power, and His strengthening power. Power, power, power! The word “power” is mentioned over 200 times in the Bible and is mainly attributed to God but is also associated with His blessings to us. The word for power in Greek is “dunamis” (doo-na-mis) meaning FORCE or power. Can you see where we get our present word dynamite? Think of the force and might of an all-powerful God. This article is focused on the power of godly living, or should we say, “the dynamite of godly living”? We will see that a godly life is refreshing, renewing, regenerating, and explosive. Its transforming power is amazing, and not just to us. We could say that “God living in us” must be a powerful life, and dominant enough to influence others toward salvation. We acknowledge the forceful impact it has upon the world for redemption. Read More →

06 Apr

Remarrying After the Death of a Spouse, Part 1

via chrisda73 | Pixabay.com

BEYOND THE BASICS | Tom Rainwater | Chittenango, New York

Sonia, my dear wife of 24 years, bravely battled colon cancer for 8 years before it took her life. When we learned the disease was terminal, she urged me to remarry after she died. Sonia said, “After I’m gone, please let go of me and move on. It won’t be good for you to remain alone. I’m serious about this. Remarry because you’ll need someone to encourage you. This is what I want for you.” She informed the family of her wish so they’d support any future decision I might make. After Sonia passed away, I heavily mourned the loss. It was hard to accept that I was no longer married to her. After months of grieving, I felt the time had come to stop feeling sorry for myself and start moving forward. Marriage had been wonderful, and I wanted to nurture such a relationship again. So, as awkward as it was, I began thinking about dating. “But how, as a 54-year old widower, do I navigate such an emotional journey?” Read More →