Posts Tagged ‘teaching’
Is it wrong to teach in a denomination?
Question: Is teaching specific subjects, such as apologetics, wrong in a denominational church? Thanks. Answer: Throughout Acts, we find the apostle Paul teaching in Jewish synagogues (Acts 9:20; 13:5,14; 14:1; 17:10; etc.). Paul did that because he had an audience interested in God, though they did not follow God correctly. Paul often focused on proving…
Read MoreThe Seriousness of Teaching
by Jarrod M. Jacobs Twice in Ezekiel, God warns him about how serious it is to teach God’s truth and warn people when they are in sin. Ezekiel 3:17-21 and 33:2-9 make it clear that Ezekiel served as a “watchman” for the Lord. As such, he had the duty to warn people about sin and the…
Read MoreThe Birth of Jesus
by Doy Moyer Talking about the birth of Jesus Christ is needed at any time of year, but it seems especially fitting to do so when people are thinking in that direction. If we are not careful, we may too easily dismiss an opportunity to speak about one of the most important events in this…
Read MoreMy Mom’s Legacy
by Jeremy Dehut I’ve been reflecting on Mom’s legacy. God has used her and Dad in incredible ways. Both of my parents came from broken homes where sin, abuse, alcohol, and other addiction was common. When mom was five her father died in a car accident he caused from drinking. My grandmother met her next…
Read MoreIs the Seed Still in the Barn?
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Is-the-Seed-Still-in-the-Barn.mp3 Text: Haggai 2:10-19 I. After the people returned from captivity, work began in rebuilding Israel. A. The people quickly laid the foundation of the temple, but the work stagnated. B. The people were distracted with rebuilding their own homes and efforts to produce a living. C. Over time they became apathetic. For 16 years nothing happened. D. The…
Read MoreSowing in Tears, Reaping in Joy
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Sowing-in-Tears-Reaping-in-Joy.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Psalm 126 I. Psalm 126 is one of a series of psalms devoted to the return of the Israelites from captivity. A. The sadness of the captivity made the joy of return to freedom so much greater. B. It is the end of this psalm which captures a truth for each…
Read MoreKeeping House for the Lord Until the Doors Close
by Perry Hall “Keeping house for the Lord” or, “The church is closing its doors”. These are two phrases that you might have heard. A congregation, once in the 500s, is now “closing their doors.” I just heard of another, once in the 500s, stopped meeting after COVID. Both were in the “Bible belt.” Besides…
Read MoreShould a new Christian go to a Bible school?
Question: The church recently received a new convert. I do follow-up studies with him after services. I introduced him to the idea of attending a Bible school, which he indicated interest in attending. But I read through your article on preachers, especially his qualification. You pointed out how dicey Bible schools can be. Of a…
Read MoreRules for Religious Discussions
by Andy Sochor “But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence” (I Peter 3:15). It is incumbent upon all Christians to be ready to teach others.…
Read MoreWhat about using bulletins published outside the congregation?
Question: Hi Jeff, I pray for you and for your ministry in answering all of these questions. You have helped so many people in understanding the Scriptures. Thank you! What does the Bible teach about congregations utilizing evangelistic tools such as “House to House Heart to Heart”? If I’m understanding it correctly, an elder from…
Read MoreWhat One Teenager Can Do
by Dick Blackford The article below was written about 17-year-old Tim Wadlington. Tim died of cancer on Sept. 8, 1989, and I attended his funeral on the 12th at Eddysville, Kentucky. The church at Suwanne, where Tim worshipped, has a bulletin that is published solely by the teenagers, called The River of Life. I knew…
Read MoreTeaching with Care
by Doy Moyer “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness” (James 3:1). For men and women who choose to teach in whatever capacity provided by the Lord, this passage can generate conflicting feelings. On the one hand, we know the…
Read MoreHow do I teach others about the Bible?
Question: Good morning minister, It’s a beautiful morning here. I want to first express my appreciation for the good work you are doing and pray that God blesses and supports you as you help many growing Christians know God’s will. I am a nursing student, and in my school, we have only three Christians (members…
Read MoreDaily Religion
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Daily-Religion.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Luke 9:23-26 I. What kind of religion do you have? How is your faith expressed? A. Acts 5:42 – The early Christians had a daily religion B. It seems today that many have a once a week, once a month, or even a once a year religion C. Even in the Old…
Read MoreCan a sister write a lesson for one of the men to present?
Question: Good morning, I appreciate your website and all the helpful information it provides. I have gone to your site throughout the years. Again, thank you. My wife and I are attending the Lord’s church and we are fairly new to this congregation. It is a very loving church and strives diligently to stay according…
Read MoreFinding a Home
by Joanne Beckley Thinking back on Sunday, worshiping at Tshiredzheni (South Africa), I couldn’t help but reflect on the trend I see in our increasingly desired larger congregations in America, with their well-dressed worshippers in their beautiful buildings — and making comparisons . . . Here I was sitting in a building, being built little…
Read MoreTalking with Your Neighbor
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton (Short Talk) Text: Zechariah 8:16-17 I. Undoubtedly there are evil people around us A. There are people who plot the harm of others, even though it disrupts the safety of those around them – Proverbs 3:29 B. This was one of the many problems that led to Israel’s downfall – Micah 2:1-3 C. Typically…
Read MoreWhat should children learn at different ages?
Question: Dear brother Jeffrey, I appreciate so very much your love for the Lord through the years and your faithfulness to Him! How you have labored with His people providing resources to encourage in God’s Word, as well as striving to explain the gospel to those who are seeking. I’m so very thankful for how…
Read MoreThe Rules Apply to All of You, Except for Us
by Orlando Gonzalez “They hate him who reproves in the gate, And they abhor him who speaks with integrity” (Amos 5:10). It is no secret that the arrival, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ flipped the world upside down nearly two thousand years ago. The ancient world, at that time, was in a state of…
Read MoreShould I stop my fellowship with family members who are not members of the church?
Question: I am a member of the church of Christ. I have had many discussions with my family who are not members of the church. Most of them are Baptists and a few are Nazarenes. Most debates are over baptism. The last one ended with raised angry voices. Should I no longer have fellowship with…
Read MoreDid you see that Pope Francis told Catholics not to convert nonbelievers?
Question: Did you see that Pope Francis told Catholics not to convert nonbelievers? Answer: I’m not a fan of Roman Catholic beliefs, but I also believe that people’s positions should be accurately presented. The claim that appeared in numerous places, such as the World Net Daily, said, “Pope warns followers of Jesus not to convert…
Read MoreCulture Wars
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Culture-Wars.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Ecclesiastes 1:3-11 I. Some questions are hard to answer A. Not because the Bible is unclear on the subject B. But because there is a strong cultural bias against the correct answer C. Example of idolatry 1. We have no difficulties denouncing idol worship today 2. Even non-Christians understand that an idol is worthless…
Read MoreAt Home
by John Gipson “And every day in the temple and at home they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ” (Acts 5:42). Harold E. Luccock once observed, “We have not ceased to preach at the temple. But we have, rather largely, ceased to do it at home. And therein likes one of…
Read MoreAn Unlikely Candidate
by George Slover “Then Ananias answered, ˜Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name” (Acts 9:13-14). The initial reaction of Ananias to God’s instructions to preach…
Read MoreTaking Advantage of Personal Contacts
by Jefferson David Tant The day was hot, and they walked a long distance. They were passing through unfamiliar territory among people of a different culture, and some were possibly nervous. By now it was noon, and the sun was beating down. At last, a resting place ahead – a well. The group left their…
Read MoreRight Message, Wrong Audience
by Matthew W. Bassford At first glance, the narrative of Exodus 2:11-14 appears to be one of impulsiveness and immaturity. Moses, a 40-year-old resident of Pharaoh’s household, decided to visit his Hebrew kinfolk. He sees an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, strikes the tormentor dead, and hides the body. The next day, he tries to break…
Read MoreAm I a poor teacher?
Question: Hello brother. How are you doing? I hope you are doing well. Brother, I feel confused and at the same time, I feel a little disappointed in myself. Sometimes I wonder if I’m doing a good job when I’m teaching others. There was a man I was teaching. No matter how many Bible verses…
Read MoreWhy Does It Matter to You?
by Doy Moyer “Why does it matter to you what people do in their own privacy? Why not just leave them alone? They aren’t hurting you. It’s their life; it’s none of your business.” In one sense, it doesn’t matter to me what others do privately.* I have no interest in spying on people or…
Read MoreA City Full of Idols
by Matthew W. Bassford As all of us are doubtless aware, we are currently in the middle of Pride Month, a celebration of a number of different lifestyles the Bible condemns as sinful. In case we have forgotten, anytime we shop at a chain store, displays and decorations all remind us. I would not be…
Read MoreHow do I convert my Hindu girlfriend?
Question: Hello sir, I have this question — it is more like a problem. I started dating this girl, but she’s of a different religion (Hindu). I am a Christian. I like this girl. What should I do? How do I convert her to Christianity? Please respond to me. Answer: Teaching anyone to become a…
Read MoreSex, Preachers, and the Church
“The Bible does not hide from or obscure the power of the temptation to illicit sex. In language that is refreshingly clear and direct without itself indulging in titillation, the text warns the reader of the debacle that awaits him should he succumb in this area and at the same time promises profound sexual joy…
Read MoreBy This Time You Ought To Be Teachers
by Jim Mickells “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food” (Hebrews 5:12). The author of this book is rebuking those to whom he is writing for…
Read MoreWho Will Teach Our Children?
by Jefferson David Tant It is patently obvious that babies are born uneducated. They are not born with the ability to do math, read, or do science projects. And along with this is a lack of knowledge about God and His will for us. They do know when they are hungry or in pain, but…
Read MoreMy Take on Bible Classes
by Matthew W. Bassford There’s no doubt that I’m a better teacher than a preacher. My first love is the lectern rather than the pulpit, and I “get” teaching Bible classes in a way that I’ve never gotten preaching sermons. Also, I’ve always been satisfied with the way my Bible classes have gone. Generally, they’re…
Read MoreTeaching the Next Generation
by Andy Sochor It has been said before that the church is just one generation away from apostasy. This is certainly true. While there are exceptions to any rule, generally what the wise man said is accurate: “Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not…
Read MorePulpit or Personal
by Jefferson David Tant So, what do I mean by the title “Pulpit or Personal?” It has to do with the preacher’s challenge to preach the gospel. Obviously, there are different ways by which we can shine the light of the gospel into a world full of darkness. We can publicly preach from the pulpit,…
Read MoreDid I sin by not talking to my stepfather?
Question: Hi, My stepfather passed away unexpectedly and I feel extremely guilty for not reaching out beforehand and trying to save his soul. He “raised” me, but love from my stepfather was never shown. I don’t remember him ever telling me he loved me and only twice telling me he was proud of me. I…
Read MoreFruitful Christians
https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Fruitful-Christians.mp3 by Jeffery W. Hamilton Text John 15:1-8 I. We know that Jesus’ words in John 15 concerning the vine and branches are dealing with individual Christians and not denominations. A. Jesus is the vine, each one of us are branches off that vine, and God is the vinedresser. B. But don’t get so caught up in…
Read MoreI want my friend to be saved but she isn’t listening
Question: Sir, Keep up the good work. I want my friend to be saved. She is falling away from Jesus Christ constantly and she is only fifteen! She knows the truth, but she just does not want to listen. She is falling away like Sodom and Gomorrah! My question is who are the two witnesses?…
Read MoreWhat is your experience with marketing your church?
Question: Hi, I am forming a team to explore how to market our church. We are only 5 years old and have about 60 members. We have a thin website and a members-only Facebook page. Please share your lessons learned on marketing your church. Thank you. Answer: We don’t have a church. We belong to…
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