The "C" List: to help with finding a topic look at the words in BOLD print.

Reply to a response on "Questions on Witchcraft" A respondent to "Questions on Witchcraft" has present the idea that there was race upon earth who did not have Adam and Eve for their genealogy. She says CAIN married one of these "other people" who are first mentioned in Gen. 4:16. She claims to be of this so called "other people." The reply shows how her claim doesn't fit with the scriptures in the Bible.

Bible Endings For Torn Relationships Five important Bible relationships are presented while giving emphasis to the importance of entreaty and reconciliation. The relationships discussed in this article include CAIN & ABEL, Esau & Jacob, Saul & David, Paul & Barnabas and Euodia & Syntyche. Here are some goal for entreating: 1. To be of the same mind, Phil. 2:2; 2. To be at peace, I Th. 5:13; 3. To understand the outcome of dissension. It strengthens the enemy of the gospel; the weak when pulled in to dissensions are caused to stumble; 4. To repent and return to the work, Rev. 3:19-20; 5. To use with older men, I Tim. 5:1; 6. To implement with God's wisdom which is easy to be entreated, Ja. 3:17-18. Thus one is to be both approachable and easily persuaded to do that which is right.

Things Often Missing During Afflictions The applications in this brief study will deal with those who are in affliction. Dear reader, you will notice that with some of these God has no pleasure. For others, they see God’s faithfulness during their afflictions. The pattern for the sick is that they CALL for brethren to pray for them, James 5:14-15. Why not read this either for your self or with a view to being able to help another?

Why Aren’t Your Kids In Camp? Summer time of the year obviously appears to be what some have referred to as the time for "youth summer CAMP," "youth rallies," and "FLORIDA COLLEGE CAMP" time. I offer the following by way of warning. If you think I'm too concerned about nothing of any importance then you may be the one who needs the warning. NOTE: You will also find a series of articles answers arguments made for the existence of FLORIDA COLLEGE on our Home Page. Simply access “Florida College” or click here.

What You Can And Will Do In Christ This brief study should offer assurance to Christians that their efforts to serve God faithfully are attainable, as well as being greatly aided by others' prayers on their behalf. What one CAN and will do by remaining faithful in Christ is declared through the words of Paul's prayer for the church at Colossae in Col. 1:9-12. Here are the key thoughts: A. Be filled with knowledge, all wisdom and spiritual understanding. B. Walk worthy, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. C. Strengthened for attaining all steadfastness and patience, with Joy. D. Joyously giving thanks to the Father. Following is a "Check Your Spiritual Growth With Self-Test Questions" giving further emphasis to our growth and development into mature children of God. The stated "goal" of our efforts is seen in Philippians 1:10-11.

The Majority Know Another Jesus The church at Corinth gladly tolerated fools who taught another Jesus and different gospel, Paul said (cf. 2 Cor. 11:4, 19). It is possible for one to read the trifling literature of fools and possess a completely false view of Jesus. Read the Gospels for your self and see what He really did do and teach. Here’s a start with applications from the Gospels themselves that show the stark differences between what most think Jesus taught and what He really did teach! Verses are presented that deal with: (13) those guilty of allowing the CARES of life, its pleasures and riches to choke the word out of their life…

What You Can And Will Do In Christ This brief study should offer assurance to Christians that their efforts to serve God faithfully are attainable, as well as being greatly aided by others' prayers on their behalf. What one can and will do by remaining faithful in Christ is declared through the words of Paul's prayer for the church at Colossae in Col. 1:9-12. Here are the key thoughts: A. Be filled with knowledge, all wisdom and spiritual understanding. B. Walk worthy, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. C. Strengthened for attaining all stedfastness and patience, with Joy. D. Joyously giving thanks to the Father. Following is a "Check Your Spiritual Growth With Self-Test Questions" giving further emphasis to our growth in knowledge and ability to discern both good and evil. To do this the Christian must get past CARNALITY AND THE WORKS OF THE FLESH that make us dull of hearing, and spiteful of one another (I Cor. 3:1-3). The stated "goal" of our efforts is seen in Philippians 1:10-11.

Let Us Get You A New Kind Of Preacher! Those full of CARNALITY (works of the flesh) accuse the faithful unjustly with wicked intent, spread strife with their mouths, and set an example of evil for others to imitate (cf. 3 John 10-11). They have a goal, an objective, and will sacrifice the truth and brethren to achieve it! These are looking forward to and working towards division in order that they might have their own way, and that with the “kind of preaching” that lacks application and pleases the ungodly (cf. 2 Tim. 4:1-5). Understand that the longer the church postpones dealing with them scripturally the closer they get to their unscriptural goals (cf. Rev. 2:20). There is nothing more CARNAL, and full of the works of the flesh, that I can think of at this age in my life than brethren who work to stop applicable preaching and teaching. They will stop at nothing to get the “new kind” of preacher. Old warnings need to be issued! As in the past there will always be bigger churches somewhere ready to aid the pattern of apostasy and provide the “new kind” of teachers and preachers. That is how apostasy is able to continue. Brethren beware! It is quite possible that you know of such things happening among us.

The Appreciation Of Godly Sisters In Christ The tremendous value of our sisters in Christ is set forth in this article. Beginning with the honor that is due to faithful women in Christ, the study sets forth the various duties enjoined upon them in regards to their family and service rendered to the church that Christ built. They are to be ready unto every good work (Eph. 2:10, I Tim. 5:10, Titus 3:1, 2:14). We are all to stay ready unto every good work (Titus 3:1). The first thing said about the unappreciated sister(s) is she gives herself to wanton pleasure and is dead while she lives (I Tim. 5:6). Sensual desires lead to her CASTING OFF THE FAITH (I Tim. 5:10-13). Paul says others would follow what some had already done in turning aside after Satan (I Tim. 5:15). Why not study the nine points of application directed towards their being scripturally appreciated?

The Catholic rule of faith is not the New Testament This article discusses the "additions" of CATHOLICISM along with its frank admission that the New Testament scriptures are not its sole authority. These additions, the Catholic hierarchy claims have equal authority to the sacred Scriptures. It is through these "additions" that the hierarchy of the Catholic church maintains and exercises its control over its people. At the end of the article Christ's scriptural qualifications for a bishop or elder in His church is contrasted with a so-called Bishop in Catholicism. You will be able to see the difference between the two!

Baptism As Taught From The Bible In this article an example of baptism in the first century is set in contrast with teaching from the CATHOLIC ENCYLOPEDIA, "Baptism, Sacrament of." The explanation that the Catholic Encyclopedia gives simply does not equate with what the New Testament teaches about baptism being an immersion. The mode of baptism taught in the New Testament is immersion and not "pouring." Neither does the New Testament teach a blessing of the water before baptism! Above all the New Testament does not teach Infant Baptism.

Selected Newspaper Articles From The Valley Church of Christ This short article contains several important points on the apostles of Christ. Moreover it shows that the CATHOLIC Pope is sadly lacking among the apostles. Paul was the last apostle and taught along with the other apostles that their authority was not legislative authority; they simply presented to the world what Christ through the Holy Spirit gave to them (Cf. John 16:13; Mk. 16:15-16). They were guided into “all” the truth, the revelation of His will was completed in the first century, and those who would add to it or take from it were to be accursed (Cf. John 16:13; Gal. 1:8-12; Jude 3). Why not read this short article titled, “Among The Apostles There Was No Pope!”

Selected Newspaper Articles These are selected articles that appeared in our local newspaper, The Sun. The intent of these articles is that each shows a love for and desire to present the Truth without incorporating the emotional flavor so popular with other religious bodies today. These contain “An Old Fear And Shame ~ EASTER.” Like most today leaders in the second century were desirous of making the church more attractive. They were fearful that the simple worship God gave His church would be held in contempt by those used to pompous ceremonies as part of their old systems. This fear was coupled with their being ashamed of the truths of the Gospel (Cf. Rom. 1:16-17; 2 Tim. 4:1-6). This departing from the faith was a refusal to accept the admonition given by Paul in Col. 2:14-16 and Gal. 4:10. Leaders today stand guilty of the same refusal, fear, and being ashamed in their binding the observance of days, festivals and CELEBRATIONS upon their churches (Cf. Gal. 1:6-9; Rev. 22:18-19).

Selected Newspaper Articles From The Valley Church of Christ With a view in mind that there are still parents and young adults who care about morality and integrity we issued three important scriptural warnings to parents for graduation night: (1) Do not be the parent whose CHILD KNOWS you are a hypocrite; (2) Do not give in to your CHILD’S WRONGFUL WISH; (3) Do not allow your CHILDREN to make provision for sinful lusts. These three warnings are developed in this article titled “Scriptural Warnings Appropriate For Grad Night.”

The Majority Know Another Jesus The church at Corinth gladly tolerated fools who taught another Jesus and different gospel, Paul said (cf. 2 Cor. 11:4, 19). It is possible for one to read the trifling literature of fools and possess a completely false view of Jesus. Read the Gospels for your self and see what He really did do and teach. Here’s a start with applications from the Gospels themselves that show the stark differences between what most think Jesus taught and what He really did teach! Verses are presented that deal with: (13) those guilty of allowing the activities of life, its pleasures and riches to CHOKE THE WORD OUT of their life…

A Jewish Claim Refuted It is sometimes argued that the Bible's holding Jews responsible for the crucifixion of CHRIST might foster feelings of hatred towards the Jewish people in general. When one considers all of the circumstances connected with the death of Jesus who is called Christ (Messiah is translated Christ in the scriptures), still there is just no place for such a hatred. The reason being that Christians accept Peter's recorded statement that "God exhalted Jesus to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins." How can any true Christian hate anyone since they believe man's only hope of salvation is connected with the sacrifice of the Messiah, whose blood was shed for the remission of sins? The two (hating any race and desiring any man's salvation) just don't go together. Why not read this study and learn more about man's part in the crucifixion of CHRIST?

A Study of the Antichrists (Here is a study that corrects false views that many today have of what the Bible teaches about the antichrists. The article presents John's teaching that states that antichrists are liars who deny that Jesus is the CHRIST, i.e. the Messiah.)

9-11-2001 ~ Things I Can Count On Today (America was attacked by terrorists on this date. This is a “time” when people thrive upon inappropriate statements, and misleading applications of God’s Word. Illustrations of such would be, “Nostradamas said…,” “Armageddon has come,“ “the Mark of the Beast.“ And important part of this study shows when men have questions as to "Why?" or "What is the future?" that Christians have a limited number of precious things that they can depend upon. These few but precious things are where a christian's life really is any day, and any place that they might be. The first of these things is that CHRIST Jesus (God) reigns over all things in heaven and on earth (Matt. 28:18-20).

One Nation Under God This article begins with an example of patronage to our flag and pledge of allegiance, but respectfully submits that the mention of God brings with it an even greater lesson concerning "Allegiance." For Christians the words "under God" are illustrative of Christ's rule over all the nations of mankind (Ps. 2:7-12; Matt. 28:18-20; I Tim. 6:15; Rev. 2:27). Moreover the earth, the world, and all who dwell therein ~ all souls are His (Ps. 24:1; Ezk. 18:4; Haggai 2:8). Through simple deduction and reduction one soon comes to understand on a Personal Individual basis that they do indeed belong to God, for He created man (Gen. 1:27). Applying the principle of God's ownership on an individual personal level means that we respond to the fact that His ownership demands our personal loyalty and obedience to His commands. Sadly, herein is where Americans are failing today!

Messianic Jewish churches ~ A critique of one of the newer movements (denominations) today, Messianic Judaism. These are Jews who profess belief in Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah. Their worship appears to be a combination of Old and New Testament items. They look for a return of Christ, whom they do believe is the Messiah, back to the earth in order to reign from Jerusalem. One point made concerns CHRIST'S return, and explains that the belief Jesus is coming back to reign over all nations from Jerusalem has been an error since the first century (John 17:4, 11; John 18:36-37). Jesus is King today!

Replacing the Truth with Christmas Tradition ~ The vast majority of people think that mere human tradition is the truth today. This article exposes the religious errors (and there are many) that the majority of people practice during the CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY. You do not have to remain among them!

Things in Christ not found in Islam One simple but effective way of explaining the difference between a major “world” religion and the gospel of Christ (the New Testament, Matt. 26:28) is to show the things found “in Christ” that are not found elsewhere. Jesus purchased the CHURCH with His own blood (Acts 20:28). Emphasis is given to the scriptural teaching that Jesus is the head of the church, and the savior of the body (Col. 1:18). The "body" that makes up the saved is the church (Eph. 1:22-23). The church is the saved here on this earth!

SERIES: FUNDAMENTAL LESSONS ON THE CHURCH, Lessons One through Eight:

a. The Establishment of the Church of Christ Series: Fundamental Lessons on the Church. Lesson One, "The Establishment of the CHURCH OF CHRIST." In this lesson you will learn about the church: 1. As planned by God in eternity before the world began. 2. As foretold through Old Testament prophesies. 3. From Christ's own teaching during His ministry before His ascension into heaven. 4. As established on the day of Pentecost recorded in Acts 2. Note: Each lesson in the series has been designed with a Q&A for an On-Line Correspondence Study on the Church should you desire.

b. The Head And Authority of the Church Series: Fundamental Lessons on the Church. Lesson Two, "The Head And Authority of the CHURCH." In this lesson you will learn about the church: 1. With Jesus Christ as its one and only head. 2. With the responsibility to hold to, uphold, and proclaim the New Testament as the word of Christ, the authority that Christ gave to the church. The church is not the authority. The revealed word is the authority Christ gave for the church to uphold and proclaim. Note: Each lesson in the series has been designed with a Q&A for an On-Line Correspondence Study on the Church should you desire.

c. Membership Requirements According to the First Century Revelation Series: Fundamental Lessons on the Church. Lesson Three, "Membership Requirements According to the First Century Revelation." In this lesson you will learn about what one must do to be saved and become a member of Christ's CHURCH. The question, "What must I do to be saved?" is fully answered as you study through each case of conversion recorded in the book of Acts. Note: Each lesson in the series has been designed with a Q&A for an On-Line Correspondence Study on the Church should you desire.

d. God's Divine Organization ~ The Local Church, Part One of Two Series: Fundamental Lessons on the Church. Lesson Four (Part One of Two), "God's Divine Organization ~ The Local CHURCH." In this lesson you will be studying the local church as the organization that God gave for the collective work of Christians in evangelism, edification, worship and benevolence to needy saints. You will take an in depth look at the organization of the local church according to God's pattern in the New Testament. You should note quite a difference between the church in the New Testament and what people generally do in churches today. Note: Each lesson in the series has been designed with a Q&A for an On-Line Correspondence Study on the Church should you desire.

e. God's Divine Organization ~ The Local Church, Part Two of Two Series: Fundamental Lessons on the Church. Lesson Four (Part Two of Two), "God's Divine Organization, The Local CHURCH." In this lesson you will be studying the local church as the organization that God gave for the collective work of Christians in evangelism, edification, worship and benevolence to needy saints. You will take an in depth look at the organization of the local church according to God's pattern in the New Testament. Note: Each lesson in the series has been designed with a Q&A for an On-Line Correspondence Study on the Church should you desire.

f. The Worship of the Church. Series: "Fundamental Lessons on the Church." Lesson Five, "The Worship of the CHURCH." In this lesson you will be studying the items of worship for the church:

1. The Lord's Supper upon the first day of the week.

2. Instruction in God's word.

3. Singing.

4. Prayer.

5. Giving.

By studying these items of worship you can learn what "edification" means and how it was practiced in the assemblies of the first century church. Note: Each lesson in the series has been designed with a Q&A for an On-Line Correspondence Study on the Church should you desire.

g. Local Church Autonomy Series: Fundamental Lessons on the Church. Lesson Six, "Local CHURCH Autonomy." Scriptures emphasizing local church autonomy or independence are presented along with the needed applications for the present day. Note: Each lesson in the series has been designed with a Q&A for an On-Line Correspondence Study on the Church should you desire.

h. The Local Church And Benevolence Series: Fundamental Lessons on the Church. Lesson Seven, "The Local CHURCH And Benevolence." This lesson presents the patterns for the local church in the work of Benevolence. It shows how the autonomy of the local church is maintained along with needed applications for the present day. Note: Each lesson in the series has been designed with a Q&A for an On-Line Correspondence Study on the Church should you desire.

i. The Local Church And Evangelism Series: Fundamental Lessons on the Church. Lesson Eight (FINAL LESSON), "The Local CHURCH And Evangelism." This is the final lesson in this series. This lesson presents the patterns for the local church in the work of supporting evangelists. It shows how the autonomy of the local church is maintained along with needed applications for the present day. Note: Each lesson in the series has been designed with a Q&A for an On-Line Correspondence Study on the Church should you desire.

Not looking for "the Church" Are you looking for "THE CHURCH" you read about in the New Testament? Many who say they are religious are most often not looking for the church of Christ. How about reading this simple presentation that helps to put one's perspective of "the church" where it should be? Notice carefully the continuum as the scriptures present the death of Christ (Matt. 26:28), the establishment of “the church” as His purchased possession (Matt. 16:18), the forgiveness of sins enjoyed by members of the church, being Christians (Lk. 24:46-47; Acts 2:38, 41), and the inheritance the church is promised that awaits the faithful and is yet in the future (Eph. 1:14; I Pet. 1:3-4).

The Local Church The full title of this article is, "Why the difficulty in getting people to see God gave the LOCAL CHURCH?" It is certainly a difficult task to get people who are enthralled with "their" organization (human), to understand that human societies built by men to do the work that God gave the LOCAL CHURCH to do are a depreciation of the divine organization God gave. Such is the focus of this article.

God Turns The Way Of The Wicked Upside Down This lesson considers the path of the wicked that is a familiar topic throughout the Psalms. You will learn about the wicked by the following: (1) God thwarts the way of the wicked (Ps. 146:9); (2) God puts the wicked in great fear because He despises them! (Ps. 53; Lev. 26:14-33); (3) Accusers are filled with their own ways (Ps. 109). This section tells you exactly what will happen to the wicked. God CLOTHES the wicked with shame and dishonor! (4) You will learn about the purpose of their traps they set for the righteous; (5) God overthrows the best of secret counsel (Ps. 64).

"What went you out…to see?" This is a lesson on CLOTHING (dress). The study first looks at Jesus' teaching concerning "anxiety" and dress (Matt. 6, the Sermon on the Mount). Following this, application is drawn from the use of "clothing" as a metaphor in warning against false religious teachers (Matt. 7:15). A very important lesson is drawn from His teaching concerning the hypocritical Jewish leaders who were skilled in identifying their "own" holy signs of dress, yet so unskilled in listening to God's word and identifying "proper" conduct. What it means to present one's self as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God (Rom. 12:1-2), is viewed in the light of proper dress and conduct. The kind of conduct that shows respect for oneself, for others, and manifests one's self control (I Tim. 2:8-9).

Human Life And Cloning This article contains a simplified explanation of what human CLONING might consist of for the benefit of all. It explains in simple terms the W's altered (enucleated) seed in the absence of the physical act of intimacy. All 46 chromosomes come from the H and none from the wife. The fertilized egg's equivalent is planted in the W's womb and allowed to develop into a full fledge baby after nine months. Additionally there are Scriptures from the Bible concerning Human Life and the Spirit of man. And this along with some Questions for one's own meditation.

“What Do You Mean By Collective Responsibility?” This article contains a reply to the question that is the topic of study. One asked, “Oh yes, and what do you mean by COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES?” Consider carefully the scriptures from the New Testament that present individuals not acting “individually” and you cannot miss the importance of COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES such as belonging to, worshipping and working with a local church belonging to Christ.

Has Someone Pulled The Plug From Your Life? Jesus said, “COME unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” Matthew 11:28 (KJV). Read this article if you are concerned for those, possibly yourself, who never understand how to find happiness or satisfaction in life.

The Majority Know Another Jesus The church at Corinth gladly tolerated fools who taught another Jesus and different gospel, Paul said (cf. 2 Cor. 11:4, 19). It is possible for one to read the trifling literature of fools and possess a completely false view of Jesus. Read the Gospels for your self and see what He really did do and teach. Here’s a start with applications from the Gospels themselves that show the stark differences between what most think Jesus taught and what He really did teach! Verses are presented that deal with: (2) NOT COMING to Christ for fear that one’s evil will be identified …

The Way of Integrity Psalms 119 This Psalm is often avoided because of its length. This study begins with eight points on integrity with God. Follow these application is made from each of the remaining sections. Understand that it is on the grounds of your integrity that you may plead to God for protective care against the wicked (Ps. 119:121-128). Because he did not want to wander from God the scriptures would be his counselors (lit., the men of his counsel) to establish his ways. Moreover