Would you please explain Romans 9:18? Romans 9:18 states, “Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.” The context of this particular passage is in the midst of Paul’s expressed desire for the salvation of the Jewish people. He says in Romans 9:3, “For I could wish […]
As a Christian, what Bible version should I be using? If a version is doctrinally unsound should we refrain from using this in a public way? Is there anything wrong with the NIV? In Deuteronomy 4:2 we read, “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from […]
Recently, in two completely unrelated incidents, I have heard the Bible doctrine of hell challenged. There are religions today that challenge what the Bible plainly says in regard to one of the two eternal destinations for the soul of man, hell. There are those who believe that all are going to be saved and these […]
For years the town had been controlled by the criminal element. Cattle rustlers commonly preyed on unsuspecting cowboys as they worked hard to make a living. The local sheriff was in the back pocket of several known thieves and bandits. The town’s unofficial boss was the saloon owner who relished the opportunity to get a […]
Romans 1:21 “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” One of the hallmark traits of those who would reject God in their knowledge is that they become unthankful. It was, therefore, with great interest that […]
Why did Jesus turn water into wine? I suspect the questioner has a little more in mind than this. The question is not one of why did Jesus turn water into wine, but rather, why is it that Jesus chose wine as the beverage into which to turn the water and is this the same […]
When weary we get, consider we ought, The way of the path Jesus trod. To Calvary’s crest, upon it to rest, A cross with a Man nailed upon. Though weary was He, yet faithful indeed, Enduring the pain, shame, and thirst. And when it was o’er, our sins he had bore, ‘Til soldier with spear […]
We run into people on a more or less frequent basis that are looking to perhaps “join my church.” Many times you will hear people who are undergoing this process say things like, “How do I know which church to join,” and “How do I choose the right church?” It is well understood that these […]
We most always read the scripture in Luke 22 before we partake of the Lord’s Supper. Shouldn’t we also read scriptures that we should do this on the first day of the week? I sometimes wonder if we have non-Christians in our audience that we should include these scriptures also. In 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Paul […]
Yes! In fact, we have a divine obligation to use instrumental music in worship! Perhaps you are wondering at this point if this writer is the same Kevin Cauley who preaches for the Berryville church of Christ in Berryville, Arkansas. You know, the church that doesn’t believe in “instrumental music.” Well, it is the same […]
When we come across a passage within the Bible that is difficult to interpret or seemingly means something that contradicts another plain teaching of scripture, we must look at it through our understanding of the plain teaching of scriptures. Many choose to interpret the difficult passage first and then take perfectly plain scriptures and twist […]
If the steps to salvation are understand, believe, confess, repent and be baptized… does that mean that if these steps were done but not in that order that one will not find true salvation? Is infant baptism invalid? Thanks for your question. In order to be saved, one must follow the order of salvation that […]
It has not been too long ago when I heard a report of someone accusing the church of Christ of being a cult. Now before I even address the question of the church of Christ being a cult, let me first state that the person who made the accusation does not understand the description, “church […]
Okay I know you are suppose to get baptized,but if you don’t and it is a sin but sins can be forgiven so even though it is a part of salvation it is necessary,but you can be forgiven for not being baptized right? Will God forgive you for anything no matter how great the sin? […]
If upon death the spirit is returned unto God then are the Christians in Heaven prior to judgement day? Please explain “Paradise” and purgatory. Thank you. Thank you for your question. I wouldn’t necessarily say that Ecclesiastes 12:7 means that we return to the presence of God, just to His care. I.E. He controls our […]
There are many people who ask this question today. It is difficult to answer such a question in so short a space as I have in the bulletin, but I am going to try to give a few practical bits of information that I hope you will find valuable as you purpose to study the […]
We all listen to the voice of someone. As humans this is inescapable. John Donne (1572-1631) wrote, “No man is an island.”? We come into this world listening to the voice of our mother and father. As children we hear the voices of relatives and friends. Growing older, we listen to teachers and preachers, newscasters […]
In the book of Ezra, chapters 8-10, we read concerning the return of some Israelites to their native land. When they had come out of captivity, they offered sacrifices to God (8:35). From this sacrifice they delivered some to the satraps and governors of the king as a commission. But when they did this, they […]
SUBJECT: Church Organization/Leadership
TITLE: Why Do We Have Elders?
PROPOSITION: We have elders to 1) Oversee 2) Counsel 3) Shepherd.
Objectives: That each would understand the role elders have in the local congregation.
INTRODUCTION:
1. Read: Acts 20:28
2. About the Text:
1) This context is the only passage of scripture in which we have all three words used to describe the office of the elder.
In Genesis 7:2, 3, how many of the clean animals get onto the ark? Is it seven, or seven pair? Ancient, modern, conservative, and liberal scholars alike are divided about 50/50 on this question. The text says, “Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens, the male and his female: and of […]