Read the Proverbs through in a month,
one chapter per day.
Read the Psalms through in a month,
five Psalms per day.
See today's reading schedule & excerpts from the Psalms & Proverbs at the bottom of this page
Our congregation is dedicated to worshipping God in spirit and in truth as closely as we can ascertain from the New Testament. We search the scriptures for guidance and authority on how we ought to live our lives in order to be pleasing to God.
To learn more about us, or to get in touch with us — stop by in person or send us an email at:
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Or Call (216) 671-1759.
Genesis 1-11 is a historical record of God’s creation and humanity’s early story, not mere myth. For those who take it literally, these chapters document real events: the universe’s origin, the first humans, sin’s entry, and God’s judgment and mercy. Let’s explore this as factual history.
Genesis 1-2: Creation in Six Days
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). Over six literal days, marked by “evening and morning,” God forms light, sky, land, plants, sun, moon, animals, and mankind. Adam is shaped from dust, Eve from his rib—specific acts, not evolution. Eden, with rivers like the Tigris, is a real place. This sets the world’s start at 6,000–10,000 years ago, per later genealogies.
Genesis 3: The Fall Happened
In Genesis 3, a real serpent tempts Eve to eat forbidden fruit, and Adam follows. Their disobedience brings death, pain, and exile—historical consequences, not symbols. This Fall explains suffering, as Paul notes: “Sin entered through one man” (Romans 5:12). God’s promise of a Savior (Genesis 3:15) roots redemption in history.
Genesis 4-5: Early Lives Recorded
Cain kills Abel, a real crime, and is banished to Nod. His descendants, like Lamech, are named with details of their innovations. Genesis 5 lists Adam’s line to Noah, with precise lifespans—Methuselah’s 969 years fit a pre-Flood world. This reads like a family chronicle.
Genesis 6-9: A Global Flood
God floods the earth due to human evil, sparing Noah in a precisely built ark. Waters cover “all the high hills” (Genesis 7:19), a global event. Noah’s family repopulates post-Flood, a fact Jesus affirms (Matthew 24:38).
Genesis 10-11: Nations and Babel
Genesis 10 traces Noah’s sons to nations like Cush. In Genesis 11, unified humanity builds Babel’s tower; God scatters them with new languages. This explains linguistic diversity historically.
Why It Matters
A literal Genesis upholds Scripture’s truth. If these events aren’t real, why trust the Bible? They reveal God as Creator and Judge, humanity as fallen yet redeemable, and Christ’s work as historical necessity. Genesis 1-11 is our origin story—true, foundational, and pointing to God’s plan.
West Side CoC, Cleveland, Ohio — 2025
After a few days of hard work, all the preparations had been made and it was time for the party. The tables were ready, filled with stacks of paper plates, plastic flatware, and cups. Cold drinks were iced and ready while the grill belched out smoke with the smell of cooking steaks. There was sliced fresh watermelon, homemade ice cream and apple pie. Hanging decorations moved gently in the breeze while tunes played from the Bluetooth speaker. It was time for the party!
As the time for the gathering came and went none of the invited guest arrived. Perhaps the traffic was bad or other distractions were holding up the party goers. But as an hour passed, it soon became evident that no one was coming. The time, effort, and expense that had gone into getting ready for the party was all for nothing. The host felt disappointed and embarrassed. “No one came to our party.”
Jesus told two similar stories, one about a wedding, the other about a great supper. (Matt. 22:2-14; Luke 14:16-24) Both had been prepared but some guests made excuses as to why they could not come while others “made light of it and went their ways…” (Matt. 22:5).
Each week, the preparation for worship to God has been made for all of us. We may believe that our lack of attendance doesn’t affect anyone but ourselves. However, by my absence I may be discouraging those who have worked diligently in preparation for me to experience the blessing of worship. Just as in our previous example, the bible class teacher may sit in an empty classroom and say, “No one has come.” Let us all give appreciative consideration to those that work so hard to make it possible for us to worship the Lord in spirit and in truth.
From Jay Launius, 2024, Maud coC, Maud, Texas
(Matt. 26:50-55; Mark 14:46-49; Luke 22:49-53; John 18:3-11) It was a peaceful place. The Garden of Gethsemane had been chosen by Jesus as the place where he would go to pray to the Father concerning His impending suffering. In the midst of the garden’s solitude came the sound of the multitude bearing swords and clubs. Jesus had been betrayed. The scene must have been chaotic, and with His disciples near, the mob laid hands on Jesus and placed Him under arrest. In an act of presumptuous bravery, Simon Peter draws his sword and swings it toward the captors, cutting off the ear of the high priest’s servant, Malchus. At a moment when the fight was sure to ensue, Jesus stopped it dead by saying “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.” Not only did He stop the violence but reached out and restored the injured man’s right ear.
In our defense of the Gospel, we sometimes act like Peter. We quickly draw our swords of rebuttal with sharp and angry responses. In our brave and noble attempts to protect the truth, we may very well disobey it. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” (Matt. 5:9) While Paul told Timothy, “A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all and in humility correcting those who are in opposition.” (2 Tim. 2:24). Yes, we are to be ready to give an answer and defense to those who oppose God’s word, but we must do so with meekness and respect. (1 Pet. 3:15) Jesus said if it had been God’s will, twelve legions of angels would have come to rescue Him. God’s word doesn’t need saving, it needs sharing and even though there may be naysayers and scripture twisters, we have the wonderful promise that “the word of the Lord endures forever.” (1 Pet. 1:25)
From Jay Launius, 2024, Maud coC, Maud, Texas
You may have wondered and asked, “Why do we send support to missionaries? Shouldn’t we be concentrating on sharing the gospel here at home instead of paying someone to travel the world?” Some may think these questions to be immature while on the other hand there may be those who think this is a legitimate inquiry.
The truth of the matter and short answer is, “Because it’s biblical.” The words “mission” and “missionary” do not appear in our English bibles, however, the work of missionaries is clearly exemplified in the New Testament scriptures. In the Great Commission, Jesus said, “Go and make disciples in ALL nations”, and “Go into ALL the world.” (Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:15). So in order to comply to the commands of the Lord, someone must leave the normalcy of life and travel the world.
So what about financial support of missionaries? What does the bible say about that? The Apostle Paul, along with his companions took three missionary journeys as recorded in the book of Acts. During those trips, there were times that he worked to support himself and others when he was fully supported by the church. (1 Cor. 4:12; 9:14; Phil. 4:16) It is true that some choose pleasant vacation destinations and call them mission fields but one day those who use the gospel for personal gain and selfish pleasure will answer the Lord.
For those who risk life and limb, sacrifice creature comforts, and face the difficulties of living and preaching in a foreign land, we owe our gratitude and support.
From Jay Launius, 2024, Maud coC, Maud, Texas
We all want to be wise. We want to be that person that others will come to and ask for advice. The video feeds we watch are full of people offering words of wisdom on almost any subject. Wisdom defined is the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment. We all want to be wise.
In the first chapter of the letter of James, we find a wonderful promise from God, the gift of wisdom. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5) However, there are conditions to be met while petitioning the Lord concerning wisdom. We must ask in faith, without doubting (v. 6). If we are “wishy-washy” in our asking, then we ought not to expect to be any wiser. (v. 7) The value of wisdom is known even in secular circles. Many of the great thinkers throughout history have commented on the merit of being wise. Of course, the best source for guidance concerning wisdom is found in the bible.
Proverbs 4:5–7The gift of spiritual wisdom comes from knowledge of God’s word. Practical wisdom comes from life’s experiences, including hardships, mistakes, and difficulties. When we combine the two, along with the prayer for wisdom, God will surely bless us to be wise people.
From Jay Launius, 2024, Maud coC, Maud, Texas
Of the nine attributes known as the fruit of the Spirit found in Galatian 5:22-23, the fruit of gentleness seems to have been lost among well-meaning Christians, especially those who do our teaching or preaching. With raised voices and condescending tones, they shake the bible at us with ultimatums of “turn or burn”! But as experience has shown us, the fire and brimstone approach of the past will only convict a limited few. Could the old saying, “You catch more flies with honey” be applicable to sharing the gospel and its principles?
Jesus said, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. ” (Matt. 5:5) Did Jesus mean that those who share the good news with a spirit of gentleness would be more successful? In His invitation for all to come to Him in Matthew 11:28-29, Jesus said, “I am gentle. ” We can see the gentleness of Jesus when He told the adulterous woman of Mark 8 to “go and sin no more. ” Even though the church at Corinth had serious sin issues, Paul asked, “What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?” (1 Cor. 4:21) In his 2nd letter to the church, Paul pleaded with them by the “meekness and gentleness of Christ.” (2 Cor. 10:1) The trait of gentleness is to be included in the elder’s and the minister’s character (1 Tim. 3:3; 6:11) including their approach to teaching. “And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient… ” (2 Tim. 2:24)
Christians are reminded to “to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. ” (Titus 3:2) As we share the Good News of Jesus, let us seek the “wisdom that is from above which is first pure, then peaceable and gentle.” (James 3:17)
From Jay Launius, 2024, Maud coC, Maud, Texas
In Luke 13:6-9, Jesus tells the “Parable of the Fig Tree.” A certain man had a fig tree in his vineyard and one day went to get some of the sweet fruit but found none. He then told the gardener to cut down the tree because it had been barren for three years and was just using up good space in his vineyard. The gardener must have been fond of the tree, and he asked if it could stay one more year while he gave it special care. If the tree bore figs, then good, if not, then he would cut it down. The story abruptly ends, and we don’t know the fate of the fig tree, but the message of the story is very clear. God wants those in His vineyard to bear fruit!
Bearing fruit is mentioned at least 50 times in the New Testament. So, we might ask, “What exactly does bearing fruit mean?” Bearing fruit means going out and making disciples and baptizing them. (Matt. 28:19-20). Bearing fruit means continually and regularly offering worship to God in spirit and truth. (John 4:24; Heb. 13:15). Bearing fruit means feeding the hungry, visiting the sick, taking in the stranger, and caring for the widows and orphans (Matt. 25:34-40; James 1:27). Bearing fruit means loving, encouraging, and edifying your church family (John 13:34-35; Col. 2:2; 1 Thess. 5:11). Bearing fruit means I will do my part so that the church will grow as God gives the increase. (Eph. 4:16; 1 Cor. 3:7).
However, the barren, fruitless branches of John 15:2,6 are taken away, cast out, and thrown in the fire. Like the fig tree of the parable, there is no room in the Lord’s kingdom for the fruitless Christian. God wants His people to bear much fruit, so let us all be busy in fruit production!
From Jay Launius, 2024, Maud coC, Maud, Texas
James 1:27 states, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” (James 1:27 NKJV) Although most bible versions use the word “orphans” in this verse, the word “fatherless” carries much more significance when compared to the teaching of the Old Testament. As part of Jewish benevolence, the fatherless, along with widows and strangers were to be cared for by the adherents of the law. (Deut. 10:18; 14:29; 16:11; 24:19-21; 26:12) The law commanded, “You shall not afflict any widow or fatherless child.” Those that would do so, kindled the wrath of God, and were to be killed by the sword. (Exodus 22:22-24) Because God does not change, nor is there any variation with Him (Malachi 3:6; James 1:17). There is no doubt that His concern for the fatherless remains the same as it did during the ancient days of the Law of Moses.
Data from the US Census Bureau shows nearly 18.5 million children are fatherless, leading to the US being the world leader in fatherlessness. It has been said that fatherless kids are more likely to have behavioral problems, go to prison, commit a crime, are 279% more likely to carry guns and deal drugs, two times more likely to drop out of school, and the list goes on.
God’s design for the family, with the father as the leader, is clearly described in the Scriptures. Our culture’s disregard for God’s design has given us unprecedented numbers of fatherless children. Even though our society is at fault, we must do our best to practice “pure religion”, reaching out to the fatherless with our hearts and our hands.
From Jay Launius, 2024, Maud coC, Maud, Texas
The Christmas holiday has come and gone. Time to take down those decorations, Christmas trees, blow-up yard ornaments, and lights, including those religious scenes and figurines. Along with the tinsel and multicolored lights, the little statues of the baby Jesus will be placed in boxes and storage bins and stored away till next December. Folks will stop posting memes that say “Jesus is the Reason for the Season” and “Put Christ Back in Christmas” on social media. The time of year in which so much attention is given to Jesus Christ has past. Sadly, many people will not attend church, pray, or even mention Jesus until the traditional Easter holiday. They will return to their busy lifestyles full of work and play. It would seem that they have put Jesus in a box, only to let Him out on a couple of religious holidays during the year.
It has been said that we should be thankful that so many think about Christ, even if it’s for a short time. However, such traditions practiced only occasionally do not find favor with the Lord. Jesus said if any person desires to follow Him, they must deny themselves, pick up their cross and follow Him every day. (Luke 9:23) What a worthy goal it is to have Christ in the forefront of our daily activities, including bible reading, prayer, evangelism, benevolence and regular worship.
From Jay Launius, 2023, Maud coC, Maud, Texas
What if history isn’t just a dusty collection of dates and events, but a living story—one with a purpose, a plot, and a divine Author? That’s the question Dr. Del Tackett poses in Tour 6 of The Truth Project, titled “History: Whose Story?” As we watched this session, we couldn’t help but feel a shift in how we see the past—not as a random scramble of human triumphs and failures, but as “His story,” God’s unfolding narrative where every chapter shapes who we are today.
Tackett starts with a word that stuck with us: remember. It’s a command woven through Scripture—like in Joshua 4, where God tells the Israelites to stack twelve stones after crossing the Jordan, a tangible reminder of His deliverance. Or Deuteronomy 8, where forgetting God’s provision is a one-way ticket to spiritual ruin. “Remember” isn’t just nostalgia; it’s a call to anchor ourselves in truth. But here’s the kicker: what happens when that anchor gets yanked away?
History as God’s Stage—and Our Compass
Tackett frames history as the fourth pillar in his “Temple of Truth,” connecting philosophy, ethics, science, and now history under a biblical worldview. He leans on verses like Isaiah 46:9-11, where God declares “the end from the beginning,” and Galatians 4:4-5, where Christ arrives “in the fullness of time.” History isn’t chaos—it’s choreography, directed by God. But Tackett takes it further with a principle that hit us like a ton of bricks: “What you believe in the present is determined by the past.” In other words, the story we accept about yesterday shapes how we see everything today—our values, our identity, our reality.
The Pilgrims signing the Mayflower Compact in 1620 didn’t just stumble into America; they came “for the Glory of God and Advancement of the Christian Faith.” That’s their own words. Knowing that changes how we view their legacy—not as mere settlers, but as people on a mission rooted in faith. History, Tackett says, is our compass. Lose it, and we’re adrift.
The Revisionist Trap
This is where Tackett drops another bombshell: “If I can change your historical context, I can change the way you view the present.” It's called revisionism, and it’s a game-changer. He traces it back to Genesis 3, where the serpent’s “Did God actually say?” sows doubt, and Matthew 28, where priests bribe soldiers to lie about Jesus’ resurrection. These aren’t just old stories—they’re warnings. Control the past, and you control the mind.
Take the Mayflower Compact again. Modern retellings often cast it as a proto-democracy moment, sidelining its God-centered purpose. Or consider the resurrection—witnessed by hundreds, yet dismissed as myth by skeptics spinning their own tale. When we rewrite history, Tackett argues, we don’t just lose facts; we lose meaning. If I convince you the Pilgrims were just chasing freedom, not God, I’ve shifted your lens on faith in America today. If I erase the resurrection, I’ve undercut the hope you carry now. It’s subtle, but it’s power.
Why It Matters in 2025
So, why should this hit home in 2025? Because we’re swimming in a culture that’s allergic to memory. Social media thrives on the now—yesterday’s irrelevant. But Tackett insists history isn’t a buffet we pick from; it’s a map showing where God’s been and where He’s taking us. What we believe about the past—whether it’s God’s hand or human chance—decides what we trust today. And when revisionists tweak that map, they’re not just messing with facts; they’re steering our whole worldview.
We walked away from Tour 6 asking: What past am I believing? Am I swallowing revised versions of my own story, my nation’s story, or God’s story? Tackett doesn’t just lecture; he hands you a lens to see history as a gift—one that reveals God’s character, roots your present, and calls you to trust Him with the future.
History is a battleground of truth, and what we remember—or let others rewrite—shapes everything.
On March 12, 2025, we watched Tour 5b (Part 2) of The Truth Project. Dr. Del Tackett isn’t afraid to tackle the big questions. In Tour 5b of Lesson 5, “Science: What is True?”, he dives headfirst into one of the hottest topics in the science-faith debate: the fossil record. Buckle up, because this isn’t your typical Bible school lesson—it’s a bold challenge to everything you’ve been told about evolution’s “rock-solid” evidence. Let’s unpack what Tackett has to say and why it matters.
The Fossil Record: Evolution’s Smoking Gun or a Big Misunderstanding?
If you’ve ever flipped through a science textbook, you’ve probably seen those neat little diagrams showing fish turning into amphibians, reptiles into birds, and apes into humans—all thanks to the fossil record. It’s the crown jewel of evolutionary theory, right? Not so fast, says Tackett. In Tour 5b, he pulls back the curtain and asks: Where’s the real evidence?
Tackett’s main beef is with the so-called transitional fossils—the “missing links” that are supposed to show one kind of creature morphing into another over millions of years. He zeroes in on Archaeopteryx, the poster child for evolution’s dino-to-bird story. With its feathers, wings, and reptilian features, it’s often hailed as proof of gradual change. But Tackett isn’t buying it. He argues that Archaeopteryx isn’t a halfway house—it’s a fully formed creature, perfectly designed as is. Could it just be a unique species, not a stepping stone? He thinks so, and he’s got a point: if evolution’s true, shouldn’t we have way more of these in-betweeners littering the fossil record?
Gaps That Speak Louder Than Bones
Speaking of missing pieces, Tackett doubles down on the gaps. Evolutionists say fossilization is rare, so we shouldn’t expect a perfect lineup of every step. But Tackett flips that excuse on its head. He sees those gaps as evidence of something else entirely: life showing up suddenly, fully formed, with no slow crawl from one form to the next. Ever heard of the Cambrian Explosion? It’s this wild moment in the fossil record where a ton of animal groups pop up out of nowhere, no gradual build-up in sight. For Tackett, that’s not a glitch in evolution’s story—it’s a neon sign pointing to creation.
He’s not just throwing rocks at science for fun, though. Tackett’s driving at a deeper truth: the fossil record, as he sees it, fits a biblical narrative where God spoke, and life appeared—bam!—just like Genesis says. No millions of years of trial and error needed.
Worldviews in the Rocks
Here’s where Tackett gets really fired up. He argues that the way we read the fossil record isn’t just about bones—it’s about worldview. Evolution, he says, isn’t some neutral fact; it’s a story pushed by folks who’ve already decided God’s out of the picture. If you start with a naturalistic lens, you’ll twist the evidence to fit, even if it’s shaky. But if you start with a Creator, the fossils tell a different tale—one of purpose and design, not random chance.
Tackett’s not shy about the stakes here. He hints at how buying into evolution doesn’t just mess with your science—it messes with your soul. If life’s just an accident, where’s the meaning? He doesn’t fully unpack the history (think Darwinism gone wrong in society), but you can feel the weight of it coming.
Why This Matters to You and Me
Tour 5b isn’t about winning a debate club trophy—it’s about truth. Tackett wants us to question the narrative we’ve been spoon-fed and look at the evidence with fresh eyes. The fossil record, he says, isn’t a slam dunk for evolution; it’s a challenge to dig deeper. Are we seeing what’s really there, or what we’ve been trained to see?
Watching this part of The Truth Project was a wake-up call. It’s not just about rocks and bones—it’s about who we trust to tell us what’s true. Tackett’s critique might ruffle some feathers (pun intended), but it’s a bold invitation to rethink the story of life. What do you think—does the fossil record prove evolution, or is there more to the story?
On March 5, 2025, we watched Del Tackett’s Critique of Evolution in The Truth Project’s Tour 5b. Del Tackett doesn’t shy away from big questions. In Tour 5b (part 1) of this thought-provoking series, titled "Science: What is True?", he takes aim at one of the most famous claims in modern science:
Carl Sagan’s assertion that “evolution is a fact amply demonstrated by the fossil record and contemporary molecular biology.”
For Tackett, this isn’t just a scientific debate—it’s a clash of worldviews. And in this segment, he zeroes in on the molecular machinery of life to argue that evolution’s story doesn’t hold up. Let’s dive into how he makes his case, particularly through the lens of protein synthesis and the idea of irreducible complexity.
Sagan’s Claim Meets a ChallengeWhat do you think? Does the cell’s complexity scream design, or can evolution still explain it? Tour 5b leaves you with that question—and a pretty unforgettable glimpse into the wonders of life at the molecular level.
We began the fifth tour of Dell Tackett's The Truth Project, diving into the contentious intersection of science and faith exploring the challenges of modern science and Christianity.
Tackett argues that today’s scientific thought, fixated on the natural realm, fuels philosophies attacking Christian beliefs. Echoing the Apostle Peter, we are warned that scoffers deliberately forget God’s supernatural act of creation, a theme that resonated as we examined evolution’s rise as a naturalistic counter to divine origins. This materialistic lens—reducing us to mere molecules in motion—rejects the supernatural, a rejection Peter foresaw and Tackett sees mirrored in science’s current trajectory.
Psalm 19:1 and Romans 1:18-20 bolstered our discussion: the heavens declare God’s glory, making His attributes plain. Yet, humanity twists this evidence into a godless philosophy of independence, a deliberate choice to avoid accountability. From stars to cells, the cosmos screams of an intelligent design, a truth revealed through both general (nature) and special (scripture) revelation. Sin, however, blinds us, turning science into a tool attempting to answer existential questions without God.
Evolution, central to this worldview, confines creation to the natural "stuff-in-the-box," excluding God by design. The intelligent design debate crystallized this conflict, with atheists like C. Richard Bozarth claiming evolution negates Jesus’ purpose.
Post-video, we tackled two godless possibilities: an eternal cosmos or one birthed from nothing. Carl Sagan’s eternal universe falls apart—science shows decay, so an eternal cosmos should’ve worn out long ago, like a car with an empty tank after infinite miles. The Big Bang alternative, starting from a mysterious speck, leans on disproven spontaneous generation, demanding more faith than belief in a creator.
Who is man? Where did he come from? What is the meaning and purpose of his existence? There is a fundamental conflict between Christianity and the perspective of contemporary culture.
The Bible teaches that man consists of both body, soul and spirit and is created in the image of God; our culture assumes that he is purely material, the product of mindless, purposeless forces.
The Bible says that man has rebelled against God and fallen from his original state of innocence; contemporary thought maintains that he is “basically good.”
The Bible affirms man’s need for divine grace, redemption, and regeneration; popular thinking asserts that “self-actualization” is the key to happiness and fulfillment.
Christianity represents evil as the product of the Cosmic Battle that rages within man – the conflict between humanity as it was meant to be and what it has actually become as a result of sin. Godless philosophy and psychology, on the other hand, can suggest only one possible solution to the problem of evil in the world: man must throw off the restraints of superimposed social conventions and institutions (i.e., any kind of moral standard) and pursue “self-fulfillment” to the fullest possible extent. This is what Dr. Tackett calls “the pernicious lie.”
Matthew 10:39 (WEB)TRUTH, noun