Newkirk Church of Christ

Scott’s Thoughts

September 28, 2025

 

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16–17 (ESV)

The Bible is a profound and complex book. Over the years, mankind has muddied the clarity of this divine revelation. One of the first truths we must grasp is that God gave us His Word so that we might know Him more fully. If the verses above are true—and I firmly believe they are—then Christianity today should be far less confusing.

Let’s pause and ask: “What is true Christianity?”

In our country alone, hundreds of churches claim to be Christian and the true Church. But how can this be? Scripture clearly defines Christianity. Can every church that claims to follow Christ truly be Christian while teaching doctrines that are vastly different? If we all draw from the same source—the Bible—shouldn’t our teachings align? I’m not referring to the architecture of buildings, but to the doctrine that flows from classrooms and pulpits. “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” — Matthew 16:18 (ESV) The rock here is not Peter himself, but the confession he made: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:16 (ESV)

It’s time that we honestly filter every doctrine through Scripture—book, chapter, and verse. So that it’s filtered without man-made traditions, without “I feel,” but with “I know” because God has revealed it in His Word. Sadly, many don’t recognize the difference because they know only a handful of verses. Bible study has been reduced to feel-good lessons that stir emotion but do little to deepen our understanding of God’s will. I want more than that feel-good feeling. I want to be able to point to Scripture for everything that defines me as a Christian. I want to be part of the Church that Jesus built. I’ve always said I’m where I am religiously because I believe it’s the closest on earth to what Jesus established in the first century. And I’ll go further: if I find a group that can show me they are closer to Scripture than I am, I’ll change.

I don’t know where you are on your walk. I’m not criticizing you—I’m challenging you to examine where you stand and compare it with Scripture.

“I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.” — Revelation 22:18–19 (ESV)

Thanks for listening and keep on shining

—Scott

2020 Mission Trip to Kramatorsk, Ukraine

Day 1 & 2 | 10/12/20 | 10/13/20 | 10/14/20 10/16/20 | 10/17/20 | 10/18/20 | 10/18/20 10/19/20 | 10/20/20| 10/21/20 | 10/23/20  | 10/25/20 | Summary Report

 

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Putting Worship in Perspective

How would you sing and what would your attitude be if today we were in the presence of the greatest king of all time and asked to sing before him? Well, we are. Sing accordingly.

How would you pray and what would your attitude be if today we were making requests to the greatest benefactor time has ever known? Well, we are. Pray accordingly.

How would your concentration be and what would your attitude be if today we were honoring the greatest lifesaver of all time - the one who saved you? Well, we are. Concentrate accordingly.

How would you give and what would your attitude be if today we were giving to the greatest cause on earth? Well, we are. Give accordingly.

How would you listen and what would your attitude be if today if we were to hear words from the greatest book ever written? Well, we are. Listen accordingly.

—Edd Sterchi
Broadway church of Christ
Campbellville, KY