As the Southwesterner is being published preceding the graduation of SWSBS class of 2024, the congregation is busy getting ready for the banquet and for graduation Sunday. Of course, we are reflecting on the relationships that have been made and rejoice in the spiritual growth of the student body. Having been immersed in the scriptures and introduced to the work of evangelists, there have been valuable lessons learned in time management. Who knew that even sleep would be a matter of scheduling? When it comes to the work of the church, the Lord sees an urgency and His bride has a tendency to pr ..read more

Peter said, “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul” (1 Pet. 2:11). The “fleshly lusts” which Peter spoke of are sinful passions and desires that direct our attention away from obeying the Lord’s will. Peter said that these lusts are continually waging war against us and, therefore, we must fight back. But how? 1. Be spiritually minded. Romans 8:6 says, “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” What does it mean to be spiritually minded? The spiritually minded person “minds the t ..read more

We have just completed our annual Servants Academy. The week was well attended and encouraging. Giving young people a glimpse into the life of a SWSBS student while also emphasizing the need to serve is a good work, and we are thankful to the Lord for the privilege of doing it. Consider for a moment the term servant. What is a servant? What does it mean to serve? Notice 5 qualities set forth in God’s Word. 1. A servant surrenders to his Master’s will. Reflect on passages like Romans 6:16-18, 2 Timothy 1:3, and Colossians 3:24. Our wishes, our desires, and our will become secondary to the Maste ..read more

For decades the Southwest congregation has hosted a session of summer camp at Camp Hensel. SWSBS has a unique opportunity to be involved in this camp which gives our students valuable experience, exposure, and opportunities. Students are often placed in the role of camp counselor allowing them to guide, encourage, and interact with campers of various ages. These types of scenarios help our students know how to communicate with youth from various backgrounds, knowledge levels, and maturity. They give cabin devotionals, organize cleaning, participate in activities, and mentor campers. Other stud ..read more

We live in a very materialistic society. In this context we would define materialism as “a preoccupation with, or stress upon, material things rather than upon intellectual or spiritual values.” In America we like our stuff.  Whether it be homes, second homes, vehicles of various types, clothes, jewelry, guns, sport vehicles, IT gadgets…we like our stuff! The Scriptures present to us a different set of priorities focused on spiritual blessings rather than stuff.  In Matthew 6:19-21 we read, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth…But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven ..read more

Moses stood in the minds of ancient Israelites as “THE” prophet, greatest among all those who followed him because of his role as deliverer and lawgiver for his people. After assembling Israel on Mt. Ebal and Gerizim to recite the blessings and curses prescribed by God, Joshua read to all the people every word Moses had commanded them (Josh. 8:35).  First-century Jews referred to the five books of the Pentateuch as simply “the book of Moses” (Mark 12:26), and in Acts 15:21, Peter distinguished Judaism from Christianity by noting that, “…Moses of old time hath in every city them that preac ..read more

Deuteronomy 16:18-18:22 is a well-defined section of Scripture focused on leadership in Israel. The question under consideration is, “How will Israel get along without Moses?” After all, Moses had been clearly attested by God to be His spokesman both to Pharaoh (Ex. 7:9-12) and to Israel (Num. 16:28-33). But Moses knew that the time of his death was drawing near (Deu. 31:14), and God had not yet finished saying everything He intended to say to Israel. More revelation would be forthcoming. For centuries prior to the coming of Jesus, God spoke repeatedly through His servants, the prophets (Heb ..read more

We often talk about David and Goliath, and we should. It is an amazing story. It has been used in sports, in business, in politics, and in many other arenas to speak of a contest where one of the participants is at a decided disadvantage.  For sure, that was the case with David and Goliath. David was a shepherd. Goliath was a soldier.  Not only did Goliath think that David had no chance, so did David’s kin and David’s king (1 Sam. 17). Yet, we know how it turned out. We could as readily and as rightly talk about Moses and Pharaoh. Moses and Pharaoh were every bit as much of a mismatc ..read more

One of the most thought-provoking questions in the Bible is the one asked by Cain. When the Lord questioned Cain concerning the brother whom he murdered, Abel, his response was: “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Gen. 4:9). This is a question we need to ask ourselves today. Do we have a responsibility to watch out for and care for one another? When we turn to the New Testament, it becomes clear that the answer is absolutely Consider our responsibilities to one another. John the apostle wrote “that we should love one another, not as Cain who was of the wicked one murdered his brother” (1 John 3:10-12 ..read more

The personal words I share today may not be remembered or quoted a century from now. However, the words of the prophets, spoken thousands of years ago, still resonate and are frequently cited today. Unlike the prophets, I have never been guided by the Holy Spirit to write  (2 Pet. 1:21). When the creator of all existence communicates a word to this earth, and it is recorded for us to read, it demands our attention. The prophets were God’s chosen instrument to document His will and His plan for humanity. A significant part of God’s plan is referred to in scripture as the church or kingdom ..read more