Posts by Carlos Valenzuela
SOUND WORDS, SEPTEMBER 24, 2O23
THE HERO AMONG US During marine basic training a drill instructor wanted to perform a bravery test among the recruits. He took a pine cone, threw it in the midst of them and yelled, “Grenade!” Every single one of the trainees immediately turned away from the grenade and hit the ground. In response to the actions of the marines, the drill instructor said “Just as I suspected, not a hero among you. Didn’t anyone want to jump on that grenade…
SOUND WORDS, SEP 17, 2O23
THE DANGER OF MURKY WATER When people who have never visited Arizona ask what it’s like, my answer is usually the same. We went from cactus, dirt, and no water to trees, grass, and lots of water. Now, obviously there is water in Tucson (some of the best tasting water I might add), but it is not found in abundance as it is out here. Both rivers in Tucson (the Santa Cruz and the Rillito) are dried up, and Lake…
SOUND WORDS, SEPTEMBER 10, 2O23
LOOKING ON OR LOOKING OUT? If we were in a position to save a human life, would we do it? I am sure most people would SAY they would at least do something. A young lady named Rosina Hernandez attended a rock concert while in college. During the concert, a young man was brutally beaten by another while everyone in the area stood by and watched, including Rosina. Not wanting to get involved, not one of those witnesses lifted a…
SOUND WORDS, SEPTEMBER 3, 2O23
A SENSE OF SHAME “And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David: if this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah” (1 Kings 12:26-27). Whether or not Jeroboam’s fears were well founded is uncertain.…
SOUND WORDS, AUGUST 27, 2023
“I AM AGAINST ALL THE WORLD” A man by the name of Arius was a third and fourth century priest associated w/ the doctrine of Arianism. Arianism is a false doctrine developed by Arius himself that states that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, which is true, but goes on to state that Christ did not always exist and was made before “time” by the Father, making Him not coeternal with God the Father. It is not difficult to see…
SOUND WORDS, AUGUST 20, 2023
HOW ARE WE TO SERVE AS A LOCAL CHURCH? In Acts 2:42-47 we learn the role of the church after Pentecost. The church engaged in worship to God, in studying of God’s word, in fellowship with brethren, and in evangelizing the lost. Service was the attitude and mission of our brethren from yesteryear. This needs to be our concern today and beyond, for service in these areas meet the needs of all. Service sent upward is worship. Service sent inward is study. Service sent outward is fellowship.…
SOUND WORDS, AUGUST 13, 2023
BUILDING UP OR TEARING DOWN When I think of New Your City, I think of huge skyscrapers all standing in close proximity to each other. Should an outside force act upon one, it is likely going to affect the rest of the buildings around it. If everyone’s life was represented by buildings, what would our affect be on not only our own building, but also on the buildings we come in contact with? Would owners of other building welcome and even…
SOUND WORDS, AUGUST 6, 2023
WE NEED GOD ALWAYS Because of how busy life is, and because of the weaknesses of the flesh, it is easy to find ourselves thinking only of our earthly needs and desires. If we “get along just fine” through our daily routines, we may feel pretty self-sufficient. What else can we want? We think of our own successes and failures, perhaps thinking little of God’s purposes or our need to live for Him. Why do we really need Him? Even…