Preface

Our loving Savior admonished His apostles to make and baptize disciples, then to teach them "to observe all that I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20). Elders were also in the Lord's plan for ''building up the body of Christ'' (Ephesians 4:11-12). They are to keep watch over the souls under their leadership and oversight, feeding, tending, and caring for the flock (Hebrews 13:17).

In the light of these passages, those of us who serve either as evangelists or elders would do well to remember that Paul exhorted Titus not only to personally "teach what befits sound doctrine,'' but also to "Bid the older women ... train the young women ...." Titus 2:1, 3-4).

Desiring to help both the younger and older women in our charge, the elders of the Southside Church of Christ in Des Moines, Iowa, challenged our mature women to prepare a special series of lessons based on Paul's words to Titus, which they could teach to young women in Christ. It was believed this would permit these Christian ladies to obey the word and bless the younger saints. Accordingly, seven lessons were prepared by these dedicated women and carefully edited by the elders. Knowing the blessing these women have been to others, we commend to all our sisters in Christ these lessons based on

"... train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be sensible, chaste, domestic, kind, and submissive to their husbands, that the word of God may not be discredited" (Titus 2:4-5).

If you recognize yourself as a mature woman, these lessons may assist you in training young women and so fulfill a charge the Holy Spirit gave you. If you are yet young, may you benefit from these lessons now and grow to be a blessing to others in the years to come.

Lloyd Deal for the elders