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

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. Children and family members must practice piety towards their “own” and requite their parents, Paul said (I Tim. 5:4). Moreover, they are to be ready unto every good work (Eph. 2:10, I Tim. 5:10, Titus 3:1, 2:14). Christians who are ready and yield their bodies unto God as instruments of righteousness in sacrificial service are fulfilling the perfect will of God (cf. Rom. 12:1-2, 6:13). They exemplify those whom God takes pleasure in and favors because they fear Him (cf. Ps. 149:4, 147:10-11). These are the ones who CAN BE TAUGHT, AND HAVE BEEN (Ps. 34:11-15). Their glory is in understanding and knowing God who delights in loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth! (Cf. Jer. 9:23-24). Obedience unto righteousness is what God takes pleasure in, thus these are the scriptural reasons why all of our godly sisters are appreciated. Why not study the nine points of application directed towards their being scripturally appreciated?

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. It is God’s word alone that can make you wise, even wiser than your TEACHERS, enemies, and the AGED! These are but a few of the good lesson presented through studying this Psalm. Why not read the article and while doing so read it along with your Bible?

Selected Newspaper Articles Here are four newspaper articles presented to the community with a love for the truth. The intent is to present God’s truths without incorporating the emotional flavor so popular with other religious bodies. “When You’re Promised You’ll Like It!” exposes “pitches” for attracting visitors contrasted with what God’s word should produce in those who hear. As one in town put it, “I hate to admit it but going where I go I think at times I’m looking at Ken and Barbie.” Ken and Barbie productions are made to please men not God! (cf. Gal. 1:10). Be aware that God’s word teaches that the fault lies with “both” the listeners and the TEACHERS. Listeners who desire to have their ears tickled accumulate TEACHERS who will allow them all manner of immoralities. Read about them!

The Worship of the Church. This is Lesson Five in our 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 (TEACHING) 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.

The Beginning Point Leading To Salvation This article should help anyone today who has come to realize that the variety of explanations offered today due to diverse human philosophies and beliefs have left many frustrated concerning the important matter of salvation. Becoming a Christian is a TEACHING PROCESS. Three such beliefs, the Pentecostal experience, adults baptizing infants, and professing belief without required obedience are examined in the light of God's word and found wanting! If you will take your Bible and read each scripture in this brief study it will enable you to be honest with yourself (see Acts 17:11) about your own salvation. Moreover, it will help prevent the all too common occurrence of many misleading others by that with which they were lead astray themselves.

A Consideration of I Cor. 14:34-35 Women’s conduct in both learning and TEACHING. The role of women in the church is of such a nature that they are to learn in quietness with all submission. They MUST NOT TEACH, NOR USURP AUTHORITY OVER the man, but be in quietness ( I Tim. 2:11-12).The necessity of this role prompted the following statement to the church at Corinth: "Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. [35] And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church." I Cor. 14:34-35

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.

A Safe Deposit For My Treasures Do you really want to go to heaven? This article contrasts the physical setbacks besetting those who suffered during the fires of 2003 with the eternal setbacks of not heeding Jesus instruction in Matt. 6:19-20. Why not refresh your mind by reading about heaven as a safe deposit for your treasures? Morever you can read and understand that Heaven is a place where there will be NO MORE death, sorrow, TEARS and crying, pain, curse or night - just eternal day (Rev. 21:1-4, 21:25-22:5).

Why We Rejoice With One Another God delights over His people to do them good (De. 28:63). The Psalmist said, “Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart” (Ps. 97:11). We are commanded to rejoice with those who rejoice, and to weep with those who weep, being of the same mind one toward another (Rom. 12:15-16). Our being sorrowful when one is arrogant and suffers is different from sharing joy and sorrow as Paul spoke of. If one of us suffers because we remain obstinate and arrogant then our sorrow will be the TEARS of Jeremiah if we love them: “But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the Lord's flock is carried away captive” (Jer. 13:17). We know that arrogance and pride God will destroy! The righteous will weep because of this for the reasons Jeremiah did in Lamentations— they were given many opportunities to repent and give glory to God, but that takes fear and trembling, and they refused every time the offer was given and would not (cf. Jer. 13:15-19, 15:7, 5:3). This is the bitter sorrow that realizes God can make enemies rejoice over His own when He casts them off (Ps. 89:42).

Newspaper Articles (This publication contains selected newspaper articles. The one on "Fornication Kit" is an appropriate warning for TEENAGERS today.)

A Description of the Wicked This is a good article to present to the TEENAGER at home or elsewhere. The article is written as a way of warning the young and others as well who are simple minded and do not see danger. The vicious conduct of the wicked is well illustrated in Judges 19 with regard to the Levite and his concubine who turned in to Gibeah to lodge for the night. Applications to “today” include the fact that in some cases the “victim” must understand that a tragedy could have been avoided had they themselves not contributed by being out late at night in a place that makes them vulnerable.

Selected Newspaper Articles Here are four newspaper articles presented to the community with a love for the truth. The intent is to present God’s truths without incorporating the emotional flavor so popular with other religious bodies: (4) “Justifying Self By Saying Church Responsibility Is Not Necessary” answers four popular self justifications offered for not studying and seeking to worship in a scriptural church. The oft repeated self justification based upon a use of the word “TEMPLE” is: 4. “The Bible says ye are the TEMPLE of the living God.” Answer: Since this statement was made by Paul “when” he wrote to the local church at Corinth, and regulated their assemblies, it could never mean you can choose to not consider carefully your collective responsibility! (cf. I Cor. 1:1, 3:6, 11:17-34, 14:1-40; 2 Cor. 6:16) Why not read all four pitiful self justifications along with the scriptural answers? To understand this collective obligation you may go to — http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com/articles/churchfour1.htm .

The Israeli ~ Palestinian conflict. This article is a reply to an article that appeared in the W.S.J. asking why Christians were not speaking out for Israel. Cynthia Ozick’s compulsion that Christians speak out for the Jews (“Why Aren’t Christians Speaking Out?” Oct. 30th, 2000) on behalf of the history and central claims of Christianity displayed her ignorance of what Christianity truly is. I will agree that it would be absurd for any Palestinian or other wise to claim there never was a TEMPLE. However, should some try to make the historicity of the TEMPLE a “chimera” as she states then I believe that Christianity will still stand. As a Christian I do not see, as she does, “the heart of Christianity” suffering erasure here; the Bible with its New Testament is here to stay. Please indulge me on this for but a brief moment as I speak out. God did not give Christians the work of upholding the practice of Judaism (I’ll use the term “Judaism” to refer to the Law of Moses as God’s temporary religion given to the Jews at Mount Sinai). Christians are not taught to uphold the Jewish “faith” anymore than they are taught to uphold “the faith” of Palestinians who believe otherwise than they do. Christians are to uphold the Gospel of Christ as the power of God unto salvation unto all men, both to Jews and Gentiles (Romans 1:16). When it comes to “religion” that’s where we stand!

Five Short Articles On Jesus’ Kingdom And Reign Here are five articles that were written for our local newspaper. Look below to see if some or all may be of benefit to you or to another you might know.

1. Jesus Is King Of The Jews And Of All Men!

2. The Israel of God Today (With Additional Comments on Zionism).

3. Christianity Does Not Teach Another TEMPLE In Jerusalem!

4. The One Thousand Year Reign Is Not On Earth!

5. The Battle of “Armageddon.”

After Baptism, Then What? A main point in the article gives emphasis to how OLD TEMPTATIONS have a way of coming back quickly after one is baptized. The material offers appropriate encouragement and warnings for those recently baptized for the remission of their sins.

The Ten Commandments In Public Schools Here is an article about the inconsistencies in members of the church when they jump on political bandwagons and thus promote the TEN COMMANDMENTS. Perhaps you need to study and realize the simple truth about where the TEN COMMANDMENTS belong in Biblical History. Christians do not “live by” the Ten Commandments!

What You Can And Will Do In Christ This brief study should offer assuramce 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 discernment. We find out what pleases God by proving (TESTING, putting into practice) His commands. The stated "goal" of our efforts is seen in Philippians 1:10-11.

How Will God Feel About You When You Ask Him For Help? Do you know someone who is in trouble and needs God’s help? In this brief study the scriptures are related to three important questions dealing with those times when we need, desire, and ask for God’s help: (1) When you want God’s help how fast do you want Him there? (2) When we need Him to deliver us how far do we want Him from us? (3) How do you want God to feel about you when you ask Him to help you? Our calls to God must always be with THANKSGIVINGS for the blessings we have each day!

Who Can Forgive Sins But God Alone? The various accounts of Jesus’ power to forgive sins during His personal ministry testified to Him being God. He forgave sins for both men and women. In Matt. 9:1-8 when Jesus healed the paralytic He wanted them to know that the Son of Man had authority to forgive sins. The simple point is He had the authority do so because He was God. We must accept that and keep it in the “time” period in which it occurred. This article explains the purpose of John’s baptism, as well as the forgiveness and salvation of the THIEF WHO WAS CRUCIFIED WITH JESUS (Lk. 23:43). The Lord said that He came to seek and to save the lost (Lk. 19:10). Thus He forgave sins as one of the blessings of His presence among men.

A Safe Deposit For My Treasures Do you really want to go to heaven? This article contrasts the physical setbacks besetting those who suffered during the fires of 2003 with the eternal setbacks of not heeding Jesus instruction in Matt. 6:19-20. Far too many are overly anxious about THIEVES stealing their earthly treasures. Why not refresh your mind by reading about heaven as a safe deposit for your treasures? Morever you can read and understand that Heaven is a place where there will be no more death, sorrow, crying, pain, curse or night - just eternal day (Rev. 21:1-4, 21:25-22:5).

Hating Homosexuality This article from 1999 relates to the meeting between Jerry Falwell and the so called gay Christians. The press presented them as "gay Christians" meaning that they were practicing homosexuals and lesbians. The purpose of that meeting was to reduce violence and hatred toward homosexuals. The purpose of that meeting was to reduce violence and hatred toward homosexuals. When the press presents practicing homosexual and lesbians as Christians who present themselves in good standing with God, then the contradictions from a religious point of view must be exposed! And that's what the article does. It shows clearly how "practicing" homosexuals and lesbians are not to be accepted or fellowshipped in the church. Many young people are taking ACCEPTANCE, TOLERANCE and DIVERSITY INSTRUCTION to mean that there is nothing wrong "morally" with being gay. You will hear them say, "What’s wrong with being gay?" Such I believe is the aim of the homosexual activists. Tell your children that being taught "tolerance" does not make sinful acts right. It changes nothing! Such instruction in school should never leave the impression that one should not, cannot or does not have the right to hold the conviction that homosexuality is perversion.

The Conduct God Expects From Our Members Read this article and it should help you to better understand the "unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:1-3; Col. 3:12-14). These 7 Virtues are discussed as being necessary for each member of the local church: Lowliness (Humility), Meekness (Gentleness), Longsuffering (Patience), Forebearing (Showing TOLERANCE), Tender Mercies (Heart of Compassion), Kindness and Forgiving one another. Understanding these in this context answers such important questions as: Whom can I talk to?, When do I go to another?, Can I speak publicly in rebuking to thus maintain this unity?, What would a refusal to listen indicate? And, What happens to one who does not forgive if one repents?

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!

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 (Ps. 53); (3) Accusers are filled with their own ways (Ps. 109). This section tells you exactly what will happen to the wicked; (4) You will learn about the purpose of their traps they set for the righteous; (5) God overthrows the best of secret counsel. Their own TONGUE is a stumbling for them! (Ps. 64).

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!

The Lies Of Apostasies The full title of this article is “The Pattern Of Lies Producing And Sustaining Apostasies.”. Read this article to study what Jeroboam did wrong when he said in his heart that God’s established order would not work. Besides Jeroboam’s apostasy, the article presents in detail the pattern of lies producing apostasies from the book of Jeremiah. Some important questions answered are: Why do lies prevail? How has the truth been affected? What Lies? What will God do in the end? Here is an excerpt: Why do lies sustaining apostasies prevail? Because people love the flattery of liars and trust in their reckless boasting! (Jer. 23:32). This comes from their “own hearts” (23:26); from their own imagination (23:16). Moreover they have influence with those who despise God (23:17). This is WHERE HUMAN TRADITION IS BORN AND COMES FROM AND HOW IT CONTINUES! (Jer. 14:14). Lying pens are nothing new, Jer. 8:8. When you read their justifications you see their own authority speaking so they can rule by their own authority (Jer. 5:30-31). When apostasies go on and continue it is proof that they have caused people to trust in their reckless boasting! It is human TRADITION born and continued by their own authority! It has an “end” – Matt. 15:13; Ezk. 7 “An end!”

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: (15) the HUMAN TRADITION THAT YOU OBEY that causes you to despise God’s justice and the true love of God that rebukes and convicts the sinner…

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: (16) LOCKING THE DOOR TO SALVATION BY HUMAN TRADITION, thus allowing others the wickedness you yourself partake of, and working hard to keep others from truly repenting and obeying the Gospel…

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 (Ps. 53); (3) Accusers are filled with their own ways (Ps. 109). This section tells you exactly what will happen to the wicked; (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).

A Safe Deposit For My Treasures Do you really want to go to heaven? This article contrasts the physical setbacks besetting those who suffered during the fires of 2003 with the eternal setbacks of not heeding Jesus instruction in Matt. 6:19-20. Why not refresh your mind by reading about heaven as a safe deposit for your TREASURES? Morever you can read and understand that Heaven is a place where there will be no more death, sorrow, crying, pain, curse or night - just eternal day (Rev. 21:1-4, 21:25-22:5).

Why We Rejoice With One Another God delights over His people to do them good (De. 28:63). The Psalmist said, “Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart” (Ps. 97:11). We are commanded to rejoice with those who rejoice, and to weep with those who weep, being of the same mind one toward another (Rom. 12:15-16). Our being sorrowful when one is arrogant and suffers is different from sharing joy and sorrow as Paul spoke of. If one of us suffers because we remain obstinate and arrogant then our sorrow will be the tears of Jeremiah if we love them: “But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the Lord's flock is carried away captive” (Jer. 13:17). We know that arrogance and pride God will destroy! The righteous will weep because of this for the reasons Jeremiah did in Lamentations— they were given many opportunities to repent and give glory to God, but that takes FEAR AND TREMBLING, and they refused every time the offer was given and would not (cf. Jer. 13:15-19, 15:7, 5:3). This is the bitter sorrow that realizes God can make enemies rejoice over His own when He casts them off (Ps. 89:42).

Things Often Missing During Afflictions The applications in this brief study will deal with those who are in TRIALS and 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. Why not read this either for your self or with a view to being able to help another?

The Foolishness In Forgetting God’s Word TRIALS should not cause us to forget God’s law! We can receive strength in remembering past TRIALS we persevered in (Cf. Heb. 10:32-34). The one who perseveres does not shrink back! Why not read this article and acquaint yourself with what is happening when one forgets God’s law?

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; (4) You will learn about the purpose of their traps they set for the righteous. They devise traps for the purpose of TRIPPING UP the righteous!; (5) God overthrows the best of secret counsel (Ps. 64).

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; (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). God’s purpose is that all who see their wicked counsel overthrown fear Him, and declare it the work of God. The righteous will rejoice and TRUST in God! (Ps. 64; Ps. 107:43).

A Simple Biblical Pattern For Explaining “Why?” A respondent who questioned the matter of judging those who live together without marriage stated, “I think these days it can be a good thing to live together before getting married.... This obviously goes against your feelings, but they're just your feelings, not everyone's." Last of all she stated, "As far as your last sentence, it's not an idea that it's acceptable and normal, these days, IT IS acceptable and normal.... If you don't like it, then don't do it.... I wouldn't criticize you...why do you judge about people who choose to live together?"
This individual wants to know “Why” I would determine that people who choose to live together are wrong in doing so? I presumed this to be an honest question deserving of an answer. In part, one must understand that Christians believe that Jesus fulfilled His promise to guide the Apostles into ALL TRUTH in the first century (John 14:26, 15:26, 16:13-15, Jude3; 2 Tim. 3:16-17).

The Paths of Mercy The subject of God’s great mercy is connected with the things that He delights in. God delights in Loving-kindness, Justice and Righteousness, thus the necessity of our glorying in these things in order that we might receive His mercy! Moreover, God’s mercy is for those who fear Him (Ps. 103:17-18). We must remember that it is in the practice of mercy itself that we receive back from God (Ps. 18:25-27). Along with these there is a checklist of applications on God’s kindness that includes: “It is important that we see TRUTH connected with mercy.”

What Stubbornness Really Is The prophet Jeremiah had a lot to say about the stubbornness of God’s people. He pulled no punches but stated plainly the carnality involved. The purpose of this study is to ensure that we understand the importance of obedience being commanded us. The seriousness of this study is seen in that the stubborn contend with God, are punished, and while being punished go yet onwards towards that point where iniquity is great, sins are numerous, and God’s punishment painfully serious! By continual stubbornness the TRUTH persishes and lies prevail!

The Lies Of Apostasies The full title of this article is “The Pattern Of Lies Producing And Sustaining Apostasies.”. Read this article to study what Jeroboam did wrong when he said in his heart that God’s established order would not work. Besides Jeroboam’s apostasy, the article presents in detail the pattern of lies producing apostasies from the book of Jeremiah. Some important questions answered are: Why do lies prevail? How has the truth been affected? What Lies? What will God do in the end? Here is an excerpt: “What happened to the TRUTH? Through deceit they refused to know God! (Jer. 9:6). When apostasies go on and continue it is proof that through deceit God’s people refuse to know Him! The TRUTH perished. Hear Jeremiah, “But thou shalt say unto them, This is a nation that obeyeth not the voice of the Lord their God, nor receiveth correction: truth is perished, and is cut off from their mouth” (Jer. 7:28). They were as dumb as their “idol” they trusted in! (Jer. 10:14). “

Selected Newspaper Articles From The Valley Church of Christ What is the local church to present to one who should be seeking God for salvation? Simply stated the church has the responsibility to be the pillar and support of the TRUTH as revealed in the New Testament, Paul said (I Tim. 3:15). This involves presenting “the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27). Thus there will be n