Does I Timothy 2:8 justify clapping in worship?

Question: While studying the Bible with an elderly lady earlier, she mentioned that she remembers praising God as a child by clapping her hands, stomping her feet, and raising her hands.  She claims that it is a scriptural way of worshiping God according to I Timothy 2:8. Your thoughts? Answer: “Therefore I want the men in…

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Do we forgive even though the elders refuse to change?

Question: “Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him” (Luke 17:3-4). After reading this passage, it causes me…

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Clapping in Worship

by Gardner Hall Is it wrong? If so, why? The last few years have seen the introduction of handclapping in congregations of the Lord, including a few that have opposed institutionalism. Though motives are often praiseworthy, serious questions are raised by the practice. Is it presumptuous? Is it practiced because God wants it? Or rather,…

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Is it wrong to clap when giving?

Question: I have been reviewing the wealth of information that you have on your website regarding a wide array of subjects. We have several members who desire to express themselves by clapping when giving to the Lord. Is this practice okay in the Lord’s Church if it does not interfere with anything else? So far,…

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Is it wrong to clap after someone is baptized?

Question: Is it wrong to clap after someone is baptized? Answer: Clapping is a way of showing approval or appreciation. We generally use clapping to show approval to something that entertained us, but it can be used for other things we approve. As such it isn’t particularly wrong, but I do have a concern when…

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Emotionalism

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2003/07/Emotionalism.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Acts 20:18-38 I.         When we look at the various denominations around us, it is hard to miss their enthusiasm and the emotional quality to the things that they do.             A.        They really get involved in their worship.             B.        The bigger churches services are large productions.             C.        A friend once told me about a…

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