Shall the Sword Devour Forever?

by Victor M. Eskew David was now the official king of Israel. However, Abner, the captain of Saul’s forces, was not in submission to David. He assisted in the establishment of Saul’s son Ishbosheth as king over all but the house of Judah. “But Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul’s host, took Ishbosheth…

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When do you strive for unity and when do you leave?

Question: First, thank you so much for all that you’ve offered me with your advice and your use of God’s word. As a result, I have a long list of questions in response to your advice. Since I Corinthians 1:10 asks us to have no divisions among the church, and usually there are divisions and…

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What should be done when everyone doesn’t follow the song leader?

Question: I’ve been reading several of your comments with interest and ran across one that I myself have seen. I am a member of the church of Christ and have been baptized for 22 years. I have been leading songs for around that same time. I have a background in reading music and participating in…

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Conducting Worship in Song

I.         As people come in, have them sit up front in as few pews as possible             A.        Have them divide by parts: Alto, Tenor, Melody, Bass             B.        Start with a prayer II.        An important aspect of worship is our coming together to offer a united worship             A.        Colossians 3:14-17 – We were called in one body, we should worship as…

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Religious Bargain Hunting

Text: II Peter 2:1-3   I.         There are few of us who don’t like a good bargain when we can get one.             A.        There are some here who will look high-and-low for the best deal, whether it be groceries or a used car.             B.        Of course, some people don’t seem to have a clue as to what truly…

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The Brotherhood

by Edward O. Bragwell, Sr. via The Reflector, December 07. “Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king” (I Peter 2:17). The word “brotherhood” here is translated from adelphotes. It appears only twice in the New Testament, both times in I Peter (2:17; 5:9). The King James renders it “brethren” in I Peter 5:9,…

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Is There Unity in Diversity?

by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Romans 12:3-16   I.         You find the motto of the United States in many places, “e pluribus unum,” “from many, one”             A.        It describes the sentiment that people from all over the world can come, settle here, make a life for themselves, and be united with all other citizens.             B.        Or described as…

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Achieving Unity When Making Personal Choices

Text: I Corinthians 10:18-33   I.         Difficulties arise in groups of people when people have strong opinions on various matters             A.        Each individual tends to focus on what he wants and is only satisfied if things go his way.             B.        People lose track that their purpose and the purpose of the church is to get people to heaven.…

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What do you think about the divisions among the churches?

Question: I wanted to ask you a question about Romans 16:17 and I Corinthians 1:10 about there being divisions in the church.  I have been a member of the church since 1960, at the age of 13, and led singing most of the years since.  My dad preached over twenty years in a central Texas…

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Divisions Must Come

David Lipscomb via The Gospel Advocate, September 4, 1941 Division in the churches is painful. It wrings the heart with anguish. But God asked: “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3). This is a strange declaration that they cannot. It is true as applied to both God and man. Can you walk with…

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Notes on Unity

Psalm 133:1-3 “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments. It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of…

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A Study of Romans 14

by Jeffrey W. Hamilton I.         I remember the shock I had a number of years ago to learn that Wayne Gretsky, the hockey player, was younger than I was. Somehow, I always thought that sports heros were older than me.             A.        Oh, we know we are growing older, but sometimes all the ramifications of maturity doesn’t hit…

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