Posts Tagged ‘rebukes’
Shouldn’t you balance your rebukes regarding fornication with love?
Question: I was just reading one of your answers to a question relating to a couple who were attempting intercourse. While the Bible is very clear about what is moral and right concerning intercourse, I found the response lacking some balance in support and love. The word of God is a two-edged sword so is…
Read MoreShould I talk with a brother who is wearing a Masonic ring?
Question: I noticed that a brother in Christ wore a Masonic ring. I mentioned it to one of the elders. We talked a short time and he agreed it’s a religion. He did not ask, neither did I tell, who he was. Am I to talk with the brother or leave it alone? Answer: It…
Read MoreElihu’s Discipline and Correction of Job
by Pat Gates via Our Hope Online Job 34 Elihu’s Charge Against Job Speaks without knowledge Words without wisdom Answers like a wicked man Is rebellious and multiplies his words against God “Job speaks without knowledge, His words are without wisdom. Oh, that Job were tried to the utmost, Because his answers are like those of…
Read MoreCan We Have Too Much “Positive” Preaching?
by Greg Gwin We readily acknowledge the importance of positive preaching. Brethren need the “comfort of the Scriptures” (Romans 15:4). Paul sent Tychicus to the Ephesians so that he could “comfort your hearts.” Timothy was dispatched to Philippi (Philippians 2:9) and Thessalonica (I Thessalonians 3:2) in order to comfort the brethren. Clearly, this kind of…
Read MoreFrankness
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2004/09/Frankness.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Proverbs 28:23 I. Most of us desire the esteem of those around us. We don’t want people to think bad of us; instead, we want the respect of people. A. It is that basic desire that Satan exploits – James 1:13-16 B. Behind “pride of life” is the simple desire of…
Read MoreWhat do you do when people say it is wrong to speak out against homosexuality?
Question: Here lately the whole country seems to be quite preoccupied with the lifestyle of being a homosexual. It is all over the Internet, TV, everywhere it seems. And amazingly churches everywhere are ‘jumping on the bandwagon,’ so to say. So-called priests and other ‘leaders’ are actually embracing this lifestyle themselves while fighting their own…
Read MoreShould I not make waves because of the sin in the church I’m attending because I’m only here for a short while?
Question: I have yet to talk to my problems with the head guy. I have figured I should talk to the pastor and the elder first because the Bible dictates this. I had a conversation with someone whom I really respect here, even though his beliefs are more charismatic than anything — so a lot…
Read MoreYou should stop bullying people about sexual sins
Question: Preaching fire and brimstone to young, confused and naive children when they turn to you for advice and help in what is surely a very scary time is despicable. I suggest in the future you direct their questions to reliable medical sites that might actually help them with their problems rather than scare them…
Read MoreDoes a Christian have the right to privately criticize an elder?
Question: Does a church member have the right to privately confront or send a message to an elder, for the purpose of disagreement or criticism? If this not acceptable, what consequences should follow a disagreement? Answer: “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who…
Read MoreHow do I tell someone they are sinning?
Question: I have a slight problem that I don’t think I know how to fix, and this is concerning one of my family members. He has been having sex with his girlfriend for a while now, and one day I stumble on to it (don’t ask me how and they don’t know I know). Well,…
Read MoreReproof
by Ethan R. Longhenry “Whoso loveth correction loveth knowledge; but he that hateth reproof is brutish” (Proverbs 12:1). “A wise son heareth his father’s instruction; but a scoffer heareth not rebuke” (Proverbs 13:1). “A fool despiseth his father’s correction; but he that regardeth reproof getteth prudence” (Proverbs 15:5). One of the things that unite all mankind…
Read MoreIs Love to Blame?
by Steve Klein Have you ever known parents who claimed that they loved their children too much to spank them? Ever known someone who tried to justify having sex outside of marriage because they loved the person? Ever known a Christian who would not rebuke and correct religious errors because they loved others too much…
Read MoreHe Says He Didn’t Do It
by Greg Gwin A few years ago there was a national controversy concerning allegations of immorality made against the man who was then President. He had been accused of serious and repeated sexual misconduct. The President and his aides vehemently denied any wrongdoing. What could be done? How could we know if he was guilty,…
Read MoreHow do the warnings about correcting scoffers in Proverbs 9:7-9 affect our understanding of Matthew 18:15-20?
Question: How do the warnings about correcting scoffers in Proverbs 9:7-9 affect our understanding of Matthew 18:15-20? Answer: “He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, and he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself. Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.…
Read MoreWhat Shall We Do Then?
by Kent Heaton John the Baptist was a fire and brimstone preacher. His appearance alone would strike fear into most hearts. “Now John himself had a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey” (Matthew 3:4). His sermons were direct and not very commending…
Read MoreHow do you handle criticism?
Question: What are the biblical teachings concerning criticism, forgiveness, and how to deal with criticism? Criticism has many faces, but I’m inquiring about the kind that can mar a person’s self-esteem and his good reputation. Answer: How you handle criticism depends on why you are being criticized. “For this is commendable, if because of conscience…
Read MoreWhat is my responsibility when I know that a person is sinning within the church?
Question: What is my responsibility when I know that a person is sinning within the church? The church that I attend has been hit with past and present members being charged by the law for pedophilia: one member has received a seven-year jail sentence; there is a woman who once worked in the church’s children…
Read MoreHave You Gone to Him About It?
by Brian A. Yeager How brethren deal with sin among the saints should often be brought into question. In fact, one could easily write many articles pointing out how infrequently brethren will apply what the scriptures teach when it comes to congregational discipline. Then, when brethren finally decided to practice scriptural discipline it is sad…
Read MoreEli and Being Soft on Sin
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton I. There are many things to admire about the man Eli A. He judged Israel for 40 years; during which time he was God’s spokesman. B. We find no record of any outward evil or sin in his life. C. When Eli learns that Samuel will take his place, Eli does not rebel, grow bitter,…
Read MoreNotes on Disciplining Children
Purpose Change in behavior Proverbs 6:23 “For the commandment is a lamp, and the law a light; reproofs of instruction are the way of life” Proverbs 10:1 “A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is the grief of his mother.” Proverbs 17:21 “He who begets a scoffer does so to his…
Read MoreShouldn’t you teach about principles instead of pointing out people’s sins?
Question: I feel the golden rule is being ignored by the church these days: the laws that say “love thy neighbor and your enemies and love God with all your heart.” Maybe if you teach these principles instead of pointing fingers, people will follow you. Sure, you teach that homosexuality, pre-marital sex, and the rest…
Read MoreYou can’t judge others!
Question: I think you are guilty of this. With all humility, I come to you out of love so that you may stop preaching and standing with an iron fist as one who judges every individual. You cannot condemn people to hell or preach from the pulpit that so-and-so is going to hell. It’s not…
Read MoreShould you only teach a subject once to a Christian who disagrees with you?
Question: Would I be wrong for preaching the whole Bible, even the parts that offend other people? I do not think so, but then again it would be nice to hear someone else on that. I mean I was thinking that the Bible said to preach to all of the Word, but they say that…
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