Importance of Active Involvement in a Local Church

Introduction:

Many principles teach the importance of the church in general. People often fail to appreciate the importance of the church. But consider:

The church was purposed by God from eternity - Ephesians 3:10,11.

The church was built by Jesus - Matthew 16:18.

The church was purchased by Jesus' blood - Acts 20:28; Ephesians 5:23,25.

The church is the household/family over which God is the Father - Ephesians 2:16,19; 1 Timothy 3:15.

The church is the body over which Christ is head - Ephesians 1:22,23. [Colossians 1:18,24]

The church is the kingdom over which Christ rules - Matthew 16:18,19; Colossians 1:13.

All saved people are added by Jesus to the church - Acts 2:47; Colossians 1:13,14. It follows that church membership is essential to salvation.

The Children's Liberation Movement

Introduction:

In recent decades our society has seen the rise of various "liberation" movements, including Women's Liberation, Animal Liberation, etc.

The purpose of this study is to examine the Children's Liberation movement.

This movement is generally promoted by "child advocates" working through various child welfare and social service agencies. These especially include official government agencies, such as child and family services agencies. In particular, a leading force in promoting the movement has been the United Nations, which sponsored the "International Year of the Child" (IYC). (This occurred some time ago, but we will see that the UN is still implementing its goals.)

The Doctrine of Baptisms

Introduction:

Hebrews 6:1,2 - The elementary principles of God's word include "the doctrine of baptisms."

The Bible mentions several different baptisms. Some that are mentioned several times are: John's baptism, water baptism of the gospel, Holy Spirit baptism. Others are mentioned, but only very rarely.

The purpose of this lesson is to study the three major baptisms of the Bible and determine which of them we should practice today.

How to Determine Whether the Bible Is True

Introduction:

What is the proper method to determine the validity of the Bible?

Over the years I have observed various ways people have tried to use to prove that the Bible - or some other religious standard - is or is not true. Some of these methods are valid and can lead to a proper conviction of truth; others are invalid and lead people to improper conclusions.

The purpose of this study is to compare methods sometimes used to determine whether or not a revelation is from God, and then determine what is the proper approach.