You might ask yourself this question now that we are in the middle of tax season again. Perhaps it is a no-brainer why one should live an honest life. But in view of the lack of integrity in many people today, we would do well to think about why we should live an impeccable life. Consider the following reasons.

Trust. To be successful in business or hold a responsible job, a person must have a reputation for honesty. Resources are not entrusted to those proven untrustworthy.

Good health. Those who practice integrity are bound to have better health. They have less concern, less stress and feel better about themselves. They don’t feel the need to look over their shoulder.

Pride. You have probably never met a liar who has any real pride in himself. If one’s reputation is grounded in deception, one’s opinion of one’s self will be poor indeed. Being honest just plain feels good.

Peace of Mind. If we cheat on our income taxes, we may get away with it, but we’ll probably always worry about being audited and face fines and even jail. It is impossible to worry and be happy at the same time.

Confidence. Many people have good “BULL detectors.” They know – at least at some level – when we are being a fake. They often see through one’s façade. It is said, “There is no way to have real confidence in oneself when we are walking on bull.”

Good Relationships. They are the jewels of our lives. Breaches in trust are the death knell of good relationships. When trust in gone, there is no foundation upon which to build.

Somebody said, “The right thing to do is seldom the easy thing to do. But it is worth it.”

– David and Tim Johnson

It is said that Jesus got up early in the morning, went out to a quiet spot and prayed to God (Mk.1:35). Peter also carved out time every day to study and pray (Acts 10:9). Both were in the people business, teaching and counselling. It was exhausting. They needed time to refocus, recharge, and they did it in the presence of God. Elijah fled hundreds of miles in an emergency attempt to spend time with God (1 Kings 19). He was not disappointed.

Occasionally someone will pound on the front door of the church building and ask to have a few moments in our auditorium, alone, to pray. Some of them are students far from home, others are troubled people seeking some solace. We welcome them.

Smart Christians know they need time to pray and time with other believers. Our formal church assemblies facilitate this. We gather on Sundays to worship and help each other, and on Wednesdays when we are in the middle of busy weeks and have less time. It takes work to grab such times of refuge. I once knew a wealthy businessman, often away on trips, who owned his own jet so he could make sure he was home on Wednesday nights and be present with his brethren. He was an elder, and often came right form the airport.

Time spent before God with others of like mind is a precious thing. The apostle Paul described the intent of assemblies as “edification, exhortation and consolation” (1 Corinthians 14:3). These terms mean spiritual improvement, teaching that provides encouragement, and comfort for those having a difficult time. We feel the bond of fellowship, receive the care and interest of others, and pause to pray, study and worship together. Names go up to heaven for help and personal issues are sorted out. Love and good humour flows.

A typical week for most of us is full of work, family responsibilities, and all kinds of commitments. But it goes much better if you grab opportunities for refuge. Jesus did; Peter did; Elijah did. Will you add your name to the list?

– Tim Johnson

When we think of holiness, we think of our heavenly Father. God is so holy that the Bible says the word three times in a row. “Holy, Holy, Holy is god almighty, who was and is and is to come” (Rev.4:8). Holiness is the uniqueness of God.

By association with God, many things are called holy. In the New Testament we read of holy angels (Mt.25:31), holy prophets (Lk.1:70), holy scriptures (Rom.1:2), holy apostles (Eph.3:5), and holy brethren (Heb.3:1). Men are to pray with holy hands (1 Tim.2:8). Herod regarded John the Baptist as “a righteous and holy man” (Mk.6:20). We, too, are charged with the task of living holy lives. It’s a demanding duty in a world that seems determined to be unholy.

“Holiness” is the deepest of all words and defies adequate definition. God is truly the holy one. When people ask, “What is one of the greatest things I can do for the church?” One of the best answers is – “Be holy.”

There are few books about holiness. There are no best sellers. Yet, it can be learned. Peter pointed out, “But like the Holy one who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behaviour; because it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy’” (1 Pet.1:15-16). God sets the standard for holiness. He is a God of righteousness, mercy and justice and cares personally for each of his followers.

Some people are rich, and some are poor. Some are learned, some are masters, and some are servants but, there is no rank or condition in which a man or woman ought not to be holy.

Holiness is the everyday business of every Christian. If we are not holy Christians, then we are not Bible Christians. It is solemn to hear the word of God saying, “Without holiness no man shall see God” (Heb.12:14).

– David and Tim Johnson

Today is our annual Friends Day here at the Barrie Church of Christ and we’re pleased you are here. We have brought in a special speaker to encourage us (Jason Rollins) and we’ve put together a potluck lunch to enjoy at noon. We hope to get to know you.

Our church building has sat on this corner for 55 years. Just a couple of years after the building’s construction, we began building Grove Park Seniors Home right next door. While the home has become completely independent, we share the same property and accommodate each other as much as we can. The church has always been concerned about making friends with all kinds of people in the community.

Christianity is a religion that thrives not only on faith in Jesus Christ, but on friendship and brotherhood. Members here treat each other with love and respect because we share the same Truth and have been saved by it. As you can see from this bulletin, we meet three times a week for worship and Bible study for all who can come. We enjoy being together and share each other’s lives. The scriptures tell us we are “members one of another” (Romans 12:5). We try to practice this in practical ways as best we can.

Life would be dire without a few good friends. Jesus said, “Greater love has no one that this, that one lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Of course, Jesus was speaking about his upcoming death on the cross, but we can also learn that friends care about you, watch your back, and extend loyalty and sacrifice. Life is a lot easier with friends watching out for you. The apostle John sent a message to a threatened church and said, “Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name” (3 John 15). Christians are friends who bring emotional health to others.

We hope you enjoy your time with us today. If you are willing, we would be happy to share the Truths that have bound us together as brothers and sisters in Christ – spiritual friends. We’re open to it. It’s part of our mission. Will you accept our friendship?

– Tim Johnson

Recently a major telephone company said they intend to track every phone call made, message written, TV program watched, and web site its customers visit. They intend to build a file on people so that they can know them thoroughly and understand their lives. Of course, their main intention is to sell people its products and services. We’re getting used to this kind of thing from large companies, but it makes us uncomfortable.

God also tells us that He wants to know us. He said, “If anyone supposes that he knows anything, he has not yet known as he ought to know; but if anyone loves God, he is known by Him” (1 Cor.8:2-3). Here, loveless knowledge is blamed for many problems. When we love God, the Lord loves us in return – and knows us. In Galatians 4:9 the writer scolded Christians for “turning back again to the weak and worthless elemental things” that tend to enslave people. They should do better, for, “you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God.”

The difference between a company desiring to know us and God knowing us is their view of our value. A company wants to sell; God wants to save. Those who track us want to make money; God knows us because He loves us. We want to be known by people who care about us, and that’s also God’s motivation. God’s knowledge of us is healthy. There’s an intimacy between Him and people who trust Him. He sees our intentions, flaws, cares and worries. He extends grace, forgiveness, kindness and love.

God’s knowledge of us is not to be feared. He is not irresponsible with what He knows, nor will He manipulate us for profit. He is our Father, and fathers want the best for their children.

“If anyone loves God, he is known by Him.”

Tim Johnson