Ten Reasons Why the Church of Christ is Worth Investigating

 1. You can read about it in the Bible. Romans 16:16

2. It has no Creed but Christ, hinds on no name on its members but Christ. Acts 11:26 1 Peter 4:16

3. It speaks where the Bible speaks, is silent where the Bible is silent. 1 Peter 4:11

4. It exalts Christ as the only head of the church. Col. 1:18

5. Its acts of worship are patterned after the New Testament. John 4:24

6. It teaches that spiritual unity can be attained on all disputed doctrinal questions. - 1 Corinthians 1:10

7. The church of Christ pleads for unity of all believers of Christ. John 17:20

8. It is not a denomination nor a group of denominations but the body of Christ. - Col.1:18. Its founder is Christ himself. Matt.16:18

9. Its aim - to save souls by preaching the gospel, teach godly living, and help all those in need. 1 Cor. 15:14

10. Its future - eternal glory with Christ. 1 Thess. 4:17

Don't Write a Book.

 I have tons of friends that think writing a book is a BE All That thing. Problem is - it isn't.

I have tons to say but the medium which I say it is through online resources.

I've been quoted in a few books. Been honored to preview and give feedback on some published books. Even know some publishers, authors, and friends who have had their works published. (Trust me - they aren't rolling in the dough)

So what's my advice to those struggling authors out there?

1. Start small.

2. Write what you are passionate about.

3. Write your book or article as if it would never be published but you would want the whole world to know about it.

4. Invest yourself in another occupation.

5. Don't write to just write. Write as if you are telling your story.

6. Be creative.

7. Don't intend on publishing a book but seek advice from other authors and publishers.

8. Have Fun. Always improve but know that works are never just done overnite.

Selkirk, Ontario native Gets Citizenship

 Richmond, Virginia. July 4th. 

Gerrard Fess, a native of Selkirk, Ontario, took the oath to become an American citizen, along with approximately thirty others. Gerrard, a 1991 graduate of Cayuga Secondary School, graduated from Mid Atlantic Christian University in Elizabeth City, NC in 1995. He was ordained as a minister from his home church, Selkirk Christian Chapel in 1995. He went on to serve several youth ministries in Ohio, Indiana, VA, and NC. He, also, took seminary classes at Anderson University School of Theology in Anderson, Indiana.  He has pastored two churches, one in Maryland and currently serves at Bonnie Brae Church of Christ in Henrico, VA. He is an author, blogger, and husband to Valerie, and father to three children: Kendra, Nicole and Brian.

Gerrard has served on several boards ..Most recently Oak Hill Christian Camp and is the Lakeside Clergy Representative to Lamb's Basket. He's been a Chaplain Associate, and enjoys reading and drinking coffee.

He currently also helps out at Atlee Christian Academy with their After-School program ... mentoring young people.

Asked why American Citizenship and why it took so long? "It was my children, suggesting that I tell others to vote their Christian values, why didn't I?" So this Fall, 3 of the Fess Family will be voting for the first time.

Gerrard is very proud of his heritage. His new dual citizenship (or as he called it Tri-citizenship: Canadian, American, and Heavenly citizenship)

Congratulations.

Photo courtesy of Virginia Historic Society.  Mr. Fess is in the Light Blue Shirt.

ABC 8 News

CBS 6 Link

NBC 12 Link

Youtube Video of Ceremony

Sunrise July 1st

 

Sharing in Suffering

 Sharing in Suffering

1. Don't assume you know all the answers.

2. Avoid trite expressions. Don't say anything. Be there.

3. Don't remain impersonal & clinical. "Touch."

4. Don't assume punishment is suffering from God.

Do

1. Identify with sufferer. Haven't been there yet,

2. Pray for self and sufferer first.

3. Be careful. Sympathetic listener,

4. Know when to remain silent.

How to be a Godly Sufferer

1. Don't demand a reason from God for suffering.

2. Don't withdraw indefinitely from others and God.

3. Don't expect others necessarily to understand your plight.

4. Don't doubt the Goodness and Faithfulness of God.

Do

1. Accept God always is in control.

2. Enjoy God's Presence in the midst of suffering.

3. Realize that God knows the limits of your endurance.

4. Do Remember there may be heavenly purposes of which you know nothing.

Summer Reading List

What are you reading?

 

BRM Mentoring Retreat,

 

In May of 2021 I went to Louisville, KY.  quick Trip. Left Monday returned Thursday. In that time, toured Louisville Slugger Factory, ate at Ruth Chris, Toured Southeast, bowled, dinner at Bob Russell's home and lots of sessions and learning opportunities. 

It was a great reflection and a chance to learn from other ministers in the trenches. The best take away from this retreat was "Be encouraged, you're not alone." Lots of ideas, and things I'm still going over.