Acts of Worship, Pt. 4 Introduction The next act of worship we will look at is The Collection. Whenever the discussion of money is mentioned or giving as part of the service, people tend to sour at the idea. You might hear people say, “All they want is our money.” It is the one thing that people have a problem with aside from the concept of baptism for salvation. Let’s look at some ideas. Raising Funds One of the main reasons that people rankle at the idea of putting money in the plate during Sunday Service is that they feel that their money won’t be put to good use. They feel that members of the church will use the money to line their own pockets rather than pay for things that are needed. It’s one thing to give money to a local charity; something that they know the money is going to a good cause such as, the American Heart Association or Muscular Dystrophy. Even when people buy Girl Scout Cookies, they don’t see it as helping the Girl Scouts but rather buying the...

This Week's lesson comes from Dave Stewart of Las Cruces, New Mexico.

(from 2004) Introduction Several years ago, I had an exchange with a man who believed in the “Faith Only” doctrine and touted the Sinner’s Prayer as the means to be saved. An exchange is similar to a debate except it is usually in written form between the two individuals. I tried to tell him that baptism was just as essential as belief and he couldn’t fathom it. Below is his final post and I then wrote some remarks to it as he was finished with me. Here’s his final post: Keith wrote: If baptism is required for salvation, then Jesus lied, and the thief on the cross is in Hell. What if one receives Christ as Savior, but dies on the way to their baptism? What of all the people who have received Christ as Savior on their deathbeds? I certainly hope there was a Pastor there with a bowl of Holy water, or by your standards, they're in Hell too. The concept of salvation you hold is not only blasphemous, it's foolish and dangerous. If you believe y...

This week's lesson comes from David Baker. It is a lesson on the Great Commission .

Introduction When you read this phrase, “Ministers of Satan” what comes to mind? Men in long, black robes walking around a pentagram on the floor chanting some ungodly statement. Or perhaps one who is wearing a large goat mask who brandishes a long-bladed sacrificial knife. What if I were to tell you that a minister of Satan is actually the local preacher who has a bible in his hand, every Sunday, and professes the name of God? That sounds like an oxymoron but there is more truth to it than you think. The standard definition of Satan Everyone is familiar the individual known as Satan. He challenged God in regards to Job (1:6-12; 2:1-7) and He tempted Jesus in the wilderness (Mt. 4:1-11); just to name a couple examples. This is a general term for Satan as well. Here’s the definition from Easton’s Bible Dictionary… Satan adversary; accuser. When used as a proper name, the Hebrew word so rendered has the article "the adversary", Job...

Acts of Worship: Pt. 2 Introduction The second act of worship we will look at is Prayer. It’s just as important in the service as singing because we are speaking directly to God. I’ve already covered the subject of prayer , in general, in previous articles. In this article we’re going to look at the public prayer and those who lead it. Private Vs. Public Prayer In Mt. 6 Jesus talks about the way the Pharisees do things and compare it to the way Christians should do those same things. In verses 5-6 he talks about the subject of prayer, “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. "But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” Here we see the Phar...

This week's lesson comes from Jay Borg.

Introduction Salt is the most common and basic seasonings available. It enhances the flavor of bland food and it is also used as a preservative. In this article, we’ll look at the uses of the word, ‘salt’, and its connection to Christians. Salt of the Earth Webster’s dictionary defines the phrase, ‘Salt of the earth’ this way; An individual or group considered to embody the noblest human qualities. I’m sure you’ve heard this phrase before to mean the ‘backbone of an organization’; the ones who keeps things going but prefer not to take any of the credit. Another saying is, ‘They are the cogs in a well-oiled machine’. Christians are considered as the salt of the earth by Jesus in his sermon on the mount. He says in Mt. 5:13, “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. Looking at the first part, he refers to those who follow him ...

Acts of Worship: Pt. 1 Series Introduction In this series we are going to look at the worship service of assembled Christians and see what the scriptures say in regards to each of the acts of worship. The service of our Lord requires us to: Sing, Pray, partake of the Lord’s Supper, give of our means (Collection), and preach the gospel. We’ll also look at The Lord’s Invitation; a responsibility given to us by God. Part 1: Introduction People often wonder why singing is part of the worship service. Others wonder why some use mechanical instruments, while others do not. Is one right and the other wrong or does God really care? We’ll look at these ideas and others in this article. Why Sing? Why do we sing in the first place? The notion of singing has been around for centuries. Men would sing songs as they entered into battle to uplift their spirits and be united in the same cause. High Schools and Colleges have what are known as “Fight Songs” w...

This week's lesson is about the church and who created it. You can see the lesson here . It is preached by me, Chris Mentzer