Sunday schedule of services are tentatively changing effective November 1st

OceanSide church of Christ

Read devotionals for September 2026

October 1, 2026

Romans 12:8 – Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

Thought: The body of Christ has many different members, each holding different offices. Paul notes seven functions in this three-verse section. He also reveals that these offices have purposes and that these offices should be carried out with positive attitudes. Some positions are self-explanatory. A prophet is to prophesy. A teacher is to teach. Giving is to be done generously. Rulers are to lead with diligence. Caretakers should display cheerfulness.

1 Corinthians 9:6-7

October 2, 2026

Romans 12:9 – Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

Thought: Paul now addresses numerous behaviors that Christians are to display. He begins with love which is one the crowning attribute of the child of God. It is to be “without dissimulation,” that is without hypocrisy. We are to genuinely and sincerely love others. Evil is to be abhorred. The word “abhor” means “to strongly detest” and “to have a horror for.” On the other hand, God’s people are to cleave, that is, to be glued to that which is good.

1 Peter 3:10-11

October 3, 2026

Romans 12:10 – Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.

Thought: Relationships in the body of Christ are extremely important. To maintain healthy relationships, Christians must practice positive behaviors toward one another. Paul notes four behaviors in this one verse: “kindly affectioned,” “brotherly love,” “honor,” and “preferring one another.” The behaviors need more exhortation than explanation. We often feel that if we do these things, we come up short, but these are mutual, reciprocal actions.

1 Peter 3:8

October 4, 2026

Romans 12:11 – Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.

Thought: When the Scriptures address topics, they often picture both sides of the coin. Paul does that here. One side of the coin exhorts us not to be slothful in business. The Christian should not be lazy and sluggish in any business, but especially when involved in the Father’s business. On the other side of the coin, Paul counsels us to be “fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” God’s children should be boiling over in worship, good works, and Christian service.

1 Thessalonians 1:2-3

October 5, 2026

Romans 12:12 – Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.

Thought: Paul lists three more brief commands that are vital to Christian living. All of God’s children should rejoice in hope. Hope is something one does not presently have but involves things that are deeply desired and eagerly anticipated. Eternal life is part of that hope. The faithful of God will also be patient in tribulation. They will bear up under the struggles of life. They will endure to the end. Lastly, Christians will pray constantly and earnestly.

James 5:10-11

October 6, 2026

Romans 12:13 – Distributing to the necessity of the saints; given to hospitality.

Thought: There are occasions when brethren fall on difficult times. These individuals may stand in need of some type of financial support to get them through. Their brothers and sisters in Christ should be ready to help them if they have the means. Brethren are also supposed to be “given to hospitality.” The word “hospitality” literally means “the love of strangers.” Food, lodging, and kindness are part of hospitality. It is action, not mere words.

Hebrews 13:2

October 7, 2026

Romans 12:14 – Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

Thought: All who will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. Those who persecute us will often have deep hatred in their hearts for us. They do not care if we suffer severe pain and have no regard for our life. It is difficult for the Christian not to retaliate. This, however, he must not do. Paul exhorts us to “bless them which persecute you.” Knowing the difficulty of this command, he continues, saying: “Bless, and curse not.”

1 Corinthians 4:11-13