Kyle Rye (Page 6)
The Opportunity to Love
Just before the COVID-19 pandemic caused us to cease in-person assemblies temporarily, I preached a sermon on the opportunity that we would have as a result of that particular situation. Although the pandemic is not over, a new pressing opportunity has arisen. Over the past two weeks, our nation’s attention has shifted from a contagious medical condition and focused on a continuing cultural crisis. The death of George Floyd while being restrained by police officers reignited an ongoing cry for…
Why Honor Your Father and Mother?
Throughout the Bible, children are viewed as a blessing to their parents. Such is the case in Psalm 127:3-5, where children are referred to as “a heritage from the Lord,” “a reward,” and, ultimately, a blessing. However, in order for children to truly be a blessing to their parents, they must understand the proper relationship they are to have with their parents. That is where the biblical command to “honor your father and your mother” comes into play (Exodus 20:12;…
Giving Thanks During This Crisis
In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, we are instructed to “give thanks in all circumstances,” and, in Philippians 2:13, we are instructed to “Do all things without complaining.” When life is calm, these instructions are easy to follow, but when life is tumultuous, these instructions are difficult to follow. Right now, we are facing a crisis unlike anything any of us have ever experienced before, and it is extraordinarily easy for us to complain about the situation rather than express gratitude. How…
Conflict Resolution: What Not To Do
Warning labels have become a necessity for most products that appear in the marketplace. Their necessity is prompted by the potential of lawsuits when such labels are not present. The fascinating thing about some warning labels is that they seem unnecessary when common sense is applied. For example, many chainsaws provide a label warning users not to hold the blade end of the tool when operating, some hair dryers include a label instructing buyers not to use it while sleeping,…
DON’T BE LAZY
An article dated April 16, 2014, appeared on the website of the New York Daily News entitled, “Laziness could be hereditary, study suggests.” The article tells of research conducted at the University of Missouri’s College of Veterinary Medicine where experiments conducted on rats lead to the identification of “36 genes that may play a role in predisposition to physical activity motivation.” As a result, “researchers came to the conclusion that there is such a thing as a genetic predisposition to laziness.”¹ I’m…
DON’T BE NEGLIGENT
The term negligent refers to behavior that is “marked by or given to neglect especially habitually or culpably.”[1] In other words, you are considered negligent when your conduct and/or attitude is careless, lazy, or inattentive, and, as a result, threatens the well-being of others. Legally speaking, negligence is the basis for many personal injury lawsuits and can be defined as “the failure to exercise a certain degree of care in order to minimize the risk of injury to another person.”[2] Therefore, one would be…
Don’t Forget to Exercise
The Aqueduct of Segovia is one of the most well preserved elevated Roman aqueducts in the world. It was likely constructed toward the end of the first century or beginning of the second century CE, and yet it still stands today. It was designed to transported water from the Rio Frio River to the city of Segovia, Spain, spanning a distance of nearly eleven miles. The elevated portion of the aqueduct measures 2388 feet in length and is 93.5 feet…
Month Of Prayer
Have you ever struggled with knowing what to pray? Have you ever felt as though your prayer life is not as deep or diverse as you think it should be? Do you simply want to improve your prayer life? Then consider participating in a Month of Prayer. The Buford Church of Christ has put together a prayer initiative to assist people in growing their prayer life. We call it the “Month of Prayer,” and our congregation will be conducting it…
A SIGN FROM GOD
Have you ever noticed the abundance of traffic signs around you? Everywhere you look, there are traffic signs. Some signs regulate the flow of traffic, like speed limit signs and stop signs. Other signs tell you what to expect ahead, such as construction signs, speed bump signs, and curvy road signs. Then there are signs that indicate your location or provide directions such as street names, mile markers, and exit signs. The most important thing about traffic signs is that…
TRAIN A TIMOTHY
Timothy was unique as a minister because of his age, frequent illnesses, and what appears to be a timid spirit. Such obstacles could hinder many individuals from becoming successful ministers, but Timothy had a secret weapon named Paul. Paul referred to Timothy as his “beloved and faithful child in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 4:17; cf. 1 Timothy 1:2, 18; 2 Timothy 1:2), and as a ”fellow worker” (Romans 16:21; cf. 1 Thessalonians 3:2). Timothy became one of Paul’s most reliable…
PURSUE A PAUL
Research has revealed that one of the most critical elements to preventing new converts from leaving the church is relationships. According to one study, “Each new person should be able to identify at least seven friends in the church within the first six months.”1 In other words, developing faith-based friendships is critical to faith development. Maybe that is why relationships played such a vital part in Paul’s ministry. Paul was a man who thrived on relationships. Rarely do you find…
Priceless
A few years ago I was in Tallahassee for a speaking engagement, and, while there, I was invited on a canoeing trip down the Wacissa River with a local youth group. The Wacissa is formed by several underground springs and is known for its crystal clear water. In fact, it is a popular location for scuba diving enthusiasts because of one’s ability to explore underwater caves without the impediment of murky water. On this particular occasion, my group traveled down…