Posted on by Paul N. Merideth

This Christmas: Just Believe

I am not a Grinch. I love Christmastime—it’s my favorite season of the year. In fact, I enjoy The Polar Express and its heartwarming message. All those TV holiday specials are great family fun. But I do have a complaint, and it’s about one word we see plastered everywhere this time of year: “Believe.”

You’ve seen it on ornaments, holiday cards, and even glowing in front-yard light displays. BELIEVE! It’s everywhere. Don’t get me wrong; I love the word. But I think we should handle it with a little more care.

Paul Merideth

As a Christian minister, I’m concerned that “believe” has been diluted into a vague sentiment. It’s become a shallow slogan afflicted with the Hallmarkification effect, stripped of its profound meaning and tethered to little more than seasonal cheer. We’ve orphaned the word from its theological context and expect it to carry, all naked and alone, the entire weight of our holiday hopes.

The truth is the word believe carries immense significance in the Christian faith. It is central to who we are as God’s people. And while I don’t begrudge Santa his sleigh, I must insist that “believe” belongs to something infinitely greater. So, I propose we reclaim it and carefully put it back in its nest with the rest of sacred vernacular.

Here’s why this is important. We don’t merely “believe” in an undefined ethereal spirit of winter tidings or a vague sense of holiday magic. No, we believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. We believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord—who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered for our sins at his crucifixion, died, and was buried. On the third day, He rose again. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the Father’s right hand. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. This is what we believe.

“Believe” isn’t just a word to dangle in twinkling lights or print on a mug. It’s not to be etched alone without its divine object clarified. Indeed, the object of our belief is God. It’s a cherished faith conviction that connects us to the God of the universe. Jesus Himself said, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me” (John 14:1). And Paul reminds us, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9).

This Christmas, let’s reclaim the depth of what it means to believe. As we enjoy the holiday lights and festivities, let’s reflect on the One who gives us hope, joy, and peace—not just for a season, but for eternity. May your Christmas be filled with love, generosity, and the light of Christ. Whether through acts of kindness, a shared smile, or a helping hand, let’s each embody the good news of Jesus this season. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and pray for the Lord’s continued favor upon us all. After all, I believe in our good and gracious God.

This article was published in the Temple Daily Telegram‘s “Life & Faith” section on Saturday, December 21, 2024. Check it out on their website HERE.

Posted on by Paul N. Merideth

A Heart of Gratitude

Thanksgiving is more than turkey and pie—it’s a divine nudge to look beyond the mashed potatoes and into the heart of God’s goodness. As Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” That’s not just a seasonal sentiment—it’s a life-altering perspective.

Take a moment to reflect on Luke 17, where ten lepers were miraculously healed by Jesus. Ten received the gift, but only one paused, turned around, and fell at Jesus’ feet with thanks. What made him different? Gratitude. Not the casual, “Thanks, Jesus, gotta run!” kind, but a deep, soul-level recognition of the Giver behind the gift.

True gratitude transforms how we see everything. It’s not just about counting blessings but recognizing the One who blesses. It shifts our focus from fleeting circumstances to God’s unchanging goodness. It strengthens our faith, especially in life’s tougher seasons, and allows us to see His grace in ways we might otherwise miss.

So this Thanksgiving, as you savor the stuffing and argue over who gets the last slice of pie, let your heart overflow with thanks—not just for what you have but for who He is. May your gratitude echo the words of that healed leper, glorifying God with every ounce of joy and praise.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family—may it be a season full of grace, gratitude, and maybe a second helping of your favorite dessert.

Posted on by Paul N. Merideth

Christian Self-Care

In today’s world, “self-care” often evokes images of spa days, digital detoxes, and naps. While Jesus’ ministry was filled with intense demands and self-sacrifice, we see clear examples of how He cared for His own soul in ways that are strikingly relatable. His “self-care” practices included prayer, setting boundaries, and spending time with friends over meals.

First, prayer was central to Jesus’ life. Luke 5:16 notes, “But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.” Despite the constant needs around Him, Jesus often took time alone with the Father, seeking rest, strength, and guidance. This wasn’t an occasional retreat; it was a regular rhythm in His life.

Jesus also demonstrated the importance of saying “no.” When the disciples urged Him to continue performing miracles in Capernaum, He replied, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose” (Luke 4:43). By setting boundaries, He showed that being faithful to His mission sometimes required stepping away from immediate expectations.

Finally, Jesus valued friendship and community, often gathering with His disciples over meals. Whether He was at a wedding in Cana, reclining at the table with Mary and Martha, or sharing the Last Supper, Jesus used these moments to strengthen His relationships and teach His followers. Matthew 11:19 says, “The Son of Man came eating and drinking,” showing His delight in the fellowship of friends.

While Jesus’ life was undoubtedly unique, His practices offer wisdom for us today: seek God in prayer, know your purpose, and cherish meaningful relationships.

Paul Merideth

Posted on by Paul N. Merideth

Christianity and Politics

Navigating the Intersection of Christianity and Politics: A Kingdom Perspective

As Christians, politics can often stir strong emotions and challenge our faith. How do we engage in political life while staying true to our commitment to Christ? The key lies in remembering where our ultimate citizenship is found: not in any earthly nation, but in God’s Kingdom. As Philippians 3:20 reminds us, “Our citizenship is in heaven.” This truth shapes how we should approach politics—recognizing that while earthly governments play a role in society, our first allegiance is always to Jesus and His Kingdom.

Paul Merideth

Christ’s Kingdom transcends all political systems and ideologies. While we live in the world and are affected by its politics, we must remember that no human system can fully bring about the justice, peace, and transformation that only God’s Kingdom can achieve. Jesus Himself acknowledged this when He said, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). As followers of Christ, we are called to engage with the world, but our engagement must reflect the values of God’s Kingdom—love, justice, truth, mercy, and humility.

Living as citizens of heaven doesn’t mean withdrawing from political or civic life. Jesus calls us to be the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-16), influencing society by living out God’s truth. In a democracy, voting is a way we exercise our stewardship, reflecting our values in the choices we make. We should vote thoughtfully and prayerfully, aligning our decisions with biblical principles, while avoiding the temptation to place our hope in political leaders or systems. Psalm 146:3 warns us not to “put your trust in princes,” reminding us that ultimate hope lies in Christ alone.

In a divided world, Christians are called to be peacemakers. Political differences can create deep divisions, but our identity in Christ should guide how we treat others, especially those with whom we disagree. We must approach political conversations with humility and grace, promoting understanding and love over hostility and division. Ultimately, our political engagement should reflect our allegiance to Christ, and our actions should point others to the hope found in Him.

To hear my sermon on “Christianity and Politics” from October 6th, 2024, presented at the Northside Church of Christ in Temple, Texas, click HERE.

Posted on by Paul N. Merideth

Truth Decay

Paul Merideth

In today’s world, the idea of truth can feel a bit slippery. But according to Jesus, truth is something solid, something real. In John 8:32, He tells us, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Truth isn’t just about personal opinions or perspectives—it’s about what lines up with reality. Think of it like this: Saying a cake is delicious is subjective; saying it has 250 calories per slice is objective. It’s a fact, no matter how we feel about it. While subjective truth is shaped by personal feelings and perspectives, objective truth remains constant, unaffected by individual beliefs.

For Christians, the Bible is the ultimate source of objective truth. It’s not just advice or suggestions—it’s God’s will, laid out for us to follow. In John 17:17, Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” He was asking God to help us live by the truth. Just as we rely on oxygen for life, we need truth to navigate a world filled with lies and misinformation. We don’t have to stumble through life second-guessing everything. We can trust God’s Word to guide us.

There’s a lot of noise out there, though. Society has moved away from seeing truth as fixed and often treats it like something we can invent or decide on collectively. Take Harvard University as an example. Believe it or not, it is a school that started out with a mission to train Christian ministers. Their motto was “Christ and the Church,” alongside “truth.” However, as society moved away from religious foundations, the motto was reduced to simply “Veritas” (truth). This change illustrates a broader societal trend where truth is treated as subjective or as something decided collectively rather than grounded in the reality of God’s word. But the fact is, you can’t have real truth without starting with God. Unfortunately, Harvard today has strayed far from its original commitment to the Christian worldview.

As believers, we need to be on guard. The Bible tells us to “test the spirits” (1 John 4:1) because not everything we hear is true, even if it sounds convincing. We live in a world full of echo chambers where ideas get repeated so often we start to believe them just because they’re familiar. But we need to ask ourselves: Does this line up with what God says?

At the end of the day, Scripture is our compass. It’s the standard to measure everything else. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 reminds us that “all Scripture is breathed out by God… for training in righteousness.” Our source for truth is not fleeting or fashionable, but grounded in the eternal Word of God. In a world of confusion, God’s truth stands firm. And in a world full of opinions, God’s Word is the steady source of truth we can rely on.

If you’re in the area, we invite you to come and worship with us at the Northside CHURCH of CHRIST in Temple, Texas. northsidetemple.org

Posted on by Paul N. Merideth · 1 Comment

Church Growth

Church growth is not merely about numbers or filling pews; it’s about nurturing a vibrant, spiritually enriched community that reflects the love and teachings of Christ. There is a dangerous misconception in the church. Many think church growth is all about getting the attendance numbers up. But while that is an aspect of growth, there is an essential correlating component that must be present—personal faithfulness. Numerical growth will only happen as a corollary consequence of the congregation’s spiritual development. I believe it’s true that faithfulness must increase in tandem with higher attendance numbers. In fact, proper church growth begins with each of us first becoming stronger in our faith. As we grow spiritually, our lives become a testament to God’s grace, drawing others to the faith. Our spiritual maturity fuels the church’s overall growth. Immature Christians in the congregation is the biggest impediment to growth.

The early church, as depicted in Acts, provides us with a powerful model of growth. Acts 2:47 tells us, “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” This growth was not a result of marketing or strategy but the natural outflow of a community deeply committed to the teachings of Christ, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer.

A church that embodies genuine love and care for each member creates a magnetic force that attracts others. We must strive to build a community where everyone feels valued, heard, and loved. This love is the foundation upon which church growth is built.

This is where leadership is critically important. Church leaders must lead with love. They must point the way forward in cultivating an atmosphere of decision-making transparency, authentic compassion, and enduring commitment to the Lord.

Church growth often requires adapting to the changing needs of our community while holding firmly to the timeless truths of the gospel. Mission strategy, outreach technique, models of growth… these things will adjust and adapt with time and change. Of course, we know the gospel does not change. The story remains the same. We hold to Biblical truth unwaveringly. But our methods do change. How we deliver the gospel will adapt to the times. We must be willing to embrace new methods of ministry, technology, and outreach without compromising our core beliefs. Isaiah 43:19 reminds us, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”

I’ll never forget a church growth seminar I attended years ago in Lexington, Kentucky. The presenter said the strategy for strategic church growth is… Pampers, Parking, & Preaching. In other words, to grow, he said, a church needs to prioritize children’s ministry, make it convenient to park and gain access to the building, and have a dynamic pulpit minister. After the conference, a fellow minister came out and couldn’t stop saying… “We really need to update our nursery.” Another said, “Our church has got to restripe the lot.” And so, feeling the vibe of the moment, I said to the two of them, “We really need to get a new preacher.” They both looked at me and said with a laugh, “But you’re the preacher!”

Perhaps we do indeed need to seriously consider logistical ways to improve the church attendance experience. How can we make getting into the building and parking more convenient. Maybe we could update how we speak in front of the church to make it more appealing to the modern ear. Perhaps there are new ideas that we need to listen to and give credence to, new voices we need to let speak, and new leadership with a clearer vision. We must adapt to the times in legitimate ways. And most importantly, for the church to grow, we need Christians who are already part of the church to deepen their faith and thus “spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume” (2 Corinthians 2:14-16).

In the final analysis, only God can bring growth. However, he uses Christians engaged in spiritual growth and evangelism to do it. Let’s never forget our commission: “Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).

Paul Merideth

Posted on by Paul N. Merideth

Jesus Took Naps

While traveling last week, I had one of those classic double takes in a Tennessee gas station. I like to notice the hats people wear, trendy ballcaps seem to be having a moment, and a guy brushed past me with a hat that said, “Jesus Took Naps.”

I don’t have much context for the slogan, besides being in the Biblebelt, but I’m happy to offer my interpretation. I decode the headwear’s advertised phrase, “Jesus Took Naps,” as an invitation to rest.

Mark 6:30-32 describes the apostles of Jesus returning to him after being out on their own for a stint doing kingdom work. They gave their report, and interestingly, Jesus said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” They needed some recovery time from a grueling schedule as “many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.”

Jesus still invites us to “come away and rest a while.” When I was in the classroom, I’d often tell weary college students that sometimes the most spiritual thing they could do was take a nap. Needing rest, desiring a break, isn’t a sign of weakness or failure. Instead, it’s a reminder about our dependency upon God and the value of appropriate self-care. 

Do you need some rest? Perhaps see your sabbath time as an opportunity to sit and settle your body and spirit. See it as a time to contemplate how to draw nearer to God. Go ahead and drop into a deeper, quieter place to rest, hearing God beyond all the demands of life. Let others’ expectations and your inner compulsions grow silent as you pull back and distance yourself from the hurry.

God isn’t above messaging through trendy apparel. Perhaps atop a stranger’s head, God was giving me a subtle suggestion to come away and rest for a while. Maybe he’s sending you that message too.

Posted on by Paul N. Merideth

Sabbath Rest

God designed us to need rhythms of rest. He even modeled it for us at the end of creation week; “Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation” (Genesis 2:1-3).

If we go too long without allowing time for refreshment and rejuvenation, we’re headed for burnout. Sometimes, the most spiritual thing you can do is rest. For some, this isn’t easy. It means suspending the constant urges to gain others’ approval, pausing the pursuit of personal perfectionism, and stopping the plates from spinning for a season. I think rest sometimes feels unnatural because we’ve lost what God has tried to teach us from the beginning; the value of sabbath rest.

In Matthew 8:23-26, Jesus rests in a boat during a torrential downpour, despite waves rising and crashing against the boat’s hull, threatening to capsize the passengers. We can take comfort in this: If the Son of God needed to take a break occasionally, so do we.

I am thankful that I have been granted the gift of a six-week sabbatical. It will be a learning adventure to discover how to take a break from ministry before ministry breaks me. The well needs a little refilling. I’ll pause from churchwork responsibilities, including preaching and teaching, to experience a period of reflection and rejuvenation. I have plans to attend a couple of ministerial retreat workshops, pursue long-delayed study projects, and practice spiritual disciplines. I ask for your prayers that I will learn afresh the value of sabbath rest.

God is good. He graciously refreshes and restores the weary. Jesus invites, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” Matthew 11:28. Perhaps you’ve neglected your need to take a break. I hope you understand that God designed us to require rhythms of respite. Go ahead, get some rest.

Paul N. Merideth

Posted on by Paul N. Merideth

Audience of One

Paul Merideth

When discussing the preaching mandate to “preach the word” (2 Timothy 4:2), I had a ministry professor who passionately warned of a great temptation. We’re tempted by an impulse to water down the truth of God’s word to make it more palatable to people’s delicate emotional sensitivities. This temptation, he said, was especially dangerous for preachers because of the urge we have to want to please everyone. No one answers the call to Christian ministry unless they have a heart for helping others, and we desperately want people to accept that help and thrive. That optimistic urge, however, runs into conflict when people stubbornly wrapped up in sin must be told to repent.

This “ministry of meaningful engagement” often requires us to change our tone from one of positive encouragement to straightforward confrontation. Sadly, it is a shift, more often than not, that leads to folks becoming unhappy with the preacher.

In the face of such a disorienting dilemma, his advice was to reorient our people-pleasing inclinations away from appeasement approaches and focus on one thing instead. He said, “Preach to an audience of one.” If our preaching honors the Lord, then we will be found to be faithful. After all, it is the Lord’s assessment of our ministry that matters most. “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10). Yes, we must “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15), but let’s not miss the point that we must speak the truth.

We live in the tension between two worlds, according to the Apostle Paul. We long for our heavenly dwelling, yet work is still needed doing here. His answer? “So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him” (2 Corinthians 5:9). Notice it carefully, “we make it our aim to please him.”

So here’s my encouragement for you today… live your life for an audience of One. Don’t opt for the life choices that are engineered to most likely fit the approval of your co-workers, friends, or neighbors, thus bringing you their acceptance. Commit instead to seek, above all, the approval of the Lord. It is his assessment of you that truly matters. And when you do that, people who recognize your love and commitment to truth will treat you with respect.

  • 18th Week of 2024 Reading: 1 PETER 1:3-4. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.”
  • Prayer to God: “Heavenly Father, help me walk in Your ways and seek Your will all my days. May my life delight You as I honor You in all I do. Guide me in righteousness that I may reflect Your holiness. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”
  • Sermon Preview: I’ll be preaching on Sunday, May 5, a sermon I’m calling “Job’s Final Exam.” God shows up and speaks out of a whirlwind and teaches Job a thing or two about just how little he knows. Then, on that Sunday evening, we’ll be finishing up our study of Job by looking at the dramatic epilogue of the narrative. You’re invited to come and worship with us.
Posted on by Paul N. Merideth

Accepting God’s Gifts

Paul Merideth

God is excellent at giving good gifts. I can’t say that’s always been true of me. My track record for gift-giving is demonstrably defective by the sad array of useless appliances and discarded tchotchkes at our house. But God knows us so well; he knows what we need and how best to meet those needs. The gifts that God gives are wholesome, valuable, and lovely. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father” (James 1:17). His gifts are never a flop. Odd, then, that anyone would refuse God’s good gifts. Wouldn’t it be strange to be approached by a friend who offers us a beautifully wrapped present, a gift chosen with care, and then wave them away with a barely cordial “no thanks.” That actually would be quite rude. Why would anyone refuse a gift, especially one from our Creator? Maybe God’s gifts have gotten lost in the clutter? Perhaps they’re not what we think we asked for? Could it be the wrapping doesn’t suit our style, so we refuse? Maybe we’re confused and have mistaken a blessing for a curse.

I can’t detail all the varied gifts God may offer you; there are just so many. I suppose, however, I could try mentioning a few. He provides forgiveness through Jesus, strength through the Spirit, and encouragement through the church. He has gifted us with his Word, the Bible, so that we may know his will and learn the historical record of his ways. His redeeming grace fills us with hope and guards us against defeat. He brings light and love into our lives with joys, both small and great. He often works through others to bless us with compassion. God’s gift-giving abilities are impressive.

My advice is that you be open to receiving the gifts he offers you. Don’t shake your fist in the face of a gracious God who desires to bless you. Don’t be rude; receive with a glad and humble heart what the Lord offers you. C.S. Lewis said, “God gives his gifts where he finds the vessel empty enough to receive them.” Perhaps, if you’re having a hard time seeing the gifts, then adjust your focus and look again. The problem is likely your poor attitude, not God’s negligence.

Amid Jesus’ public teaching ministry, he once talked about having an open attitude to the gifts God gives. Jesus made the point that we, even fallen humans, find delight in giving good gifts. If we can demonstrate generosity, albeit in an inexpert way, imagine how much more capable God is to gift us with blessings. “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11). God is offering you his gifts, and it’s your choice to receive or reject them. I encourage you to accept.

  • 16th Week of 2024 Reading: LUKE 9:23-24. And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.”
  • Prayer to God: “Lord, guide us on the path of discipleship, that we may follow your teachings with humility, serve others with compassion, and spread your love to all. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”
  • Helpful Resource: Check out the articles at Christian Courier. I have vivid memories of hearing Wayne Jackson teach and preach whenever he visited F-HU. Although he passed away in 2020, his legacy of excellent bible teaching remains alive on the Web.
  • Sermon Preview: I’ve been thinking a lot about the notion of divine authority vested in the Bible. It is a really tough sell today to convince folks that God’s Word has the final say in all matters of faith and practice. I suspect a sermon along these lines will emerge soon, likely Sunday. You’re invited to come and worship with us.