The Correspon

Schedule of ServicesSunday

Bible Study 9:30 AMWorship 10:30 AMWorship 6:00 PM

WednesdayBible Study 1:30 PM

7:00 PMwww.collinsvillecoc.org

For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth... in every place. (1 Thessalonians 1:8)

Vol. 44, No. 45 Collinsville Church of Christ November 9, 2016

t seems as though today we hear about brethren and congregations who are “going off the deep end.” These were one time faithful people and faithful congregations who have left the word of truth to be turned to the deceitful lies of our adversary the devil.

In times where so many are departing from the faith, what is a faithful child of God to do? Of course, we must always turn to the word of God for the solution to any of our problems.

IPaul encouraged Timothy by writing, “That thou keep

the commandment without spot, unrebukeable until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Tim. 6:14). Brothers and sisters, we must keep the faith! We must hold on to the faith of God’s word until our Lord appears. How do we keep the faith consistently until He comes?

First, must read and study the faith. This system of faith when coupled with our personal faith will cause us to be faithful people. The word of God, when implanted in the heart, can make the weakest person strong, it can make a shy person bold, it can transform a worldly person into a spiritual person. The word must be part of our lives and implemented in every aspect of our lives. The faith is not like a light switch that we can turn off and on when we need it. Consistent study and time alone with the word is necessary in order to keep the faith.

Second, the faith has to be transferred. Paul, when he wrote to Timothy said, “When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice, and I am persuaded that is in thee also” (2 Tim. 1:5). Faith had been transferred through three generations. Faithful living and faithful instructions from the word will allow the faith to be transferred to future generations.

Third, we must endure in the faith. Our faith will be tested, but we must endure to the end and hold on to it until Jesus returns. Nothing else matters but our faith. People, practices, pleasures, and places will let you down,

but the faith of the gospel of Christ will endure and will be there for us.

Despite how unfaithful many have become, be sure to do all that you can to stand firm by keeping the faith of God’s word.

K.A. Pugh

*******I have listened to quite a few people who have

experienced knee replacement surgery. From what I hear, there is a difficult recovery. Why is it that, with such a difficult recovery, people are willing to endure it? The pain is great. There are weeks of therapy. Yet, they are willing to endure all that because of the end result.

Life is not easy. There are many challenges to our lives and our faith. There are ups and downs. Yet, there is the promise of eternal life with the Majesty on High if only we endure and remain faithful.

And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Heb 6:11-12 ESV

We have the full assurance of a greater hope than being able to walk without pain. We have the assurance of eternal life in the presence of the God of all the universe. With patience (endurance), hold fast to your faith today and every day. It will be worth anything you must suffer now to enjoy that reward for eternity.

TLM

Collinsville Church of Christ1400 Troy RoadCollinsville, IL 62234Phone: (618) 667-6708Email: collinsvillecoc@att.net

Keep the Faith