LET THE BIBLE SPEAK.

WHY “LIBERAL” AND “CONSERVATIVE” CHURCHES OF CHRIST? "The churches of Christ greet you" (Rom. 16:16).  Across the USA, one can visit a church building with a sign in front saying, "CHURCH OF CHRIST" but going inside one hears a wide range of doctrinally different lessons. Some are much more liberal than others, allowing women to take leading roles in worship and even using instrumental music in worship. Others have set up human institutions as another organization to supplant doing the work of the local church and then at the other extreme there are those who bind using "one container" in the Lord's Supper, which is for another discussion.  Some sincere brethren who have been caught up in one stream or the other never fully understood, and many who were too young before have now grown to adulthood wondering why such wide differences in beliefs and practices. It is therefore a good question worthy of repeated investigation.  Labels of “liber...

WHY BEHAVING IN THIS WAY? (Part Two). The Genesis account of creation provides the foundational biblical image of humanity. Genesis 1:24–28 records that God made humans on the sixth day to complete His creational work.  According to the creation account, humans were: a. Created by God, (Gen 1:26–27). b. Beings distinct from the rest of creation (Gen 1:26) c. Created as man and woman to be fruitful (Gen 1:27–28) d. Made from the dust of the ground and infused with the breath of life (Gen 2:7) capable of entering into relationships with: (i). other humans and, (ii). with God (Gen 2:18). The creation account establishes the truth that humans are separate from God, but must dependent on Him. (Psalms 104; 147; 148). It also establishes that God is wholly other than His creation. It is the capacity for entering into a personal relationship with God that sets humans apart from the rest of creation. Howe...

WHY BEHAVING IN THIS WAY? (Part One) “…He who is devoid of wisdom despises his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his peace…” (Proverbs 11:12) “…Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established…” (Proverbs 24:3) The relevant answer to this question is not a simple one. The study of the diversity of human behavior involves behavioral science. It is a multidisciplinary field that uses psychology, sociology, anthropology, and other disciplines to understand the wide range of different personalities, human actions and interactions. It examines how differences in biology, culture, environment, and experience lead to variation in human personal traits within and between populations. Key goals of this study are to appreciate ourselves, describe our motivations, comprehend behavioral patterns, and predict these variations to improve individual and group outcomes. We shall understand management strategies to avoid infractions, conflicts, breakdown of...

CHURCH LEADERSHIP, AND CONFLICT MEDIATION PRINCIPLES. Church Leaders must be conversant with all the skills of conflict resolution techniques. Conflict mediation principles are essential for resolving disputes and promoting peaceful resolution, among the members. Here are some key principles: Principles of Conflict Mediation. 1. Neutrality:   Mediators must remain impartial and unbiased, focusing on facilitating a resolution rather than taking sides. 2. Confidentiality:  Mediators must maintain confidentiality to create a safe and trustworthy environment for parties to share their concerns. 3. Voluntariness:  Mediation is a voluntary process, and parties must be willing to participate and engage in good faith. 4. Self-determination:  Parties must have the right to make their own decisions and determine their own outcomes. 5. Respect:  Mediators must promote respect and dignity for all parties involved, encouraging open communication and empathy. 6. ...

Plan To Run The Race With Endurance. Text:  Hebrews 12:1-3 Introduction: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith."  (Hebrews 12:1-2) Points Of Admonition. 1. Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus:  To remain dedicated, we must keep our focus on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. 2. Running with Perseverance:  We must run the race scripturally marked out for us, with purpose, perseverance, endurance, and determination. 3. Throwing Off Hindrances:  We must identify and throw off anything that hinders us from running the race with ease and dedication. Application Of These Admonition To Our Private Lives 1. Daily Commitment:  Make a daily commitment to prioritize your relationship with God and His Word. 2. Overcoming Obstac...

Here's a list of the kings of Israel and Judah, as recorded in the Hebrew Bible: Kings of Israel: 1. *Saul* (1 Samuel 10:24) 2. *Ish-bosheth* (2 Samuel 2:8-10) 3. *Jeroboam I* (1 Kings 12:20) 4. *Nadab* (1 Kings 15:25) 5. *Baasha* (1 Kings 15:33) 6. *Elah* (1 Kings 16:6-14) 7. *Zimri* (1 Kings 16:15-20) 8. *Omri* (1 Kings 16:21-28) 9. *Ahab* (1 Kings 16:29-22:40) 10. *Ahaziah* (1 Kings 22:51-2 Kings 1:18) 11. *Joram* (2 Kings 3:1-9:26) 12. *Jehu* (2 Kings 9:1-10:36) 13. *Jehoahaz* (2 Kings 13:1-9) 14. *Joash* (2 Kings 13:10-25) 15. *Jeroboam II* (2 Kings 14:23-29) 16. *Zachariah* (2 Kings 15:8-12) 17. *Shallum* (2 Kings 15:13-15) 18. *Menahem* (2 Kings 15:16-22) 19. *Pekahiah* (2 Kings 15:23-26) 20. *Pekah* (2 Kings 15:27-32) 21. *Hoshea* (2 Kings 15:32-17:6) Kings of Judah: 1. *Saul's descendants*: After Saul's death, his son Ish-bosheth ruled over Israel, while David ruled over Judah. 2. *David* (1 Samuel 16:13, ruled over Judah and later all Israel) 3. *Solom...