- BIG May not be Better
Have you ever noticed how many people have “The Tower of Babel Complex?” Remember the tower of Babel? These people said, “Let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name” (Gen. 11:4). Evidently they thought, “the bigger the better” or, the way to be really somebody is to do big things in big ways. Many people are of that same disposition.
- Various Thoughts on the Church
A Growing Church...
A growing church does not just happen. It is like a garden that must be planted, cultivated, watered and cared for. A growing church is the result of planning and working the plan. It is the result of good people’s reaching to others to bring them in. It is the result of careful concern for the word of God.
- There Must Needs be Heresies
The Bible clearly teaches that division serves a useful and necessary function in the church. The acceptance of unity at any price will eventually "leaven" the whole body - such unity levels all to the lowest common denominator. (1 Cor. 5:6-7) Division is necessary so that "they which are approved may be made manifest among you." (1 Cor. 11:19)
- “The Time Given us”
In his epic novel depicting a great struggle between good and evil, J.R. R. Tolkien narrates the following conversation about the evil threat of Sauron.
‘I wish it need not have happened in my time,’ said Frodo.
‘So do I, said Gandalf, ‘and so do all who live to see such times. But that
- Elders and Majority Rule
The evidence that elders were intended to be a permanent feature in churches of Christ seems so clear as to admit of no doubt. It is not my purpose to argue this point at length. However, I call attention to two considerations, which, to my mind, settle the matter without further argument
- Dangerous Preaching
A man who accepts the task of preaching the gospel accepts a dreadful responsibility. “My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment” (James 3:1). Application of these words may not be limited to what we commonly term local preachers,...
- What is Happiness
What is Happiness? By R. J. Evans The Reflector – July 2011 How many times have you reasoned, “I’d be happy, if only...”? And then the dream usually continues with “if only I had more money,” or “if...
- Differences in Bible Miracles and Modern Miracles
Differences in Bible Miracles and Modern Miracles By Hiram Hutto The Reflector – June 2011 While Jesus was on earth he made some very startling claims. He claimed to be divine, and the Jews so...
- Book Chapter and Verse Preaching
Book, Chapter and Verse Preaching: Is it Outdated? By Allan Turner The Reflector – May 2011 The Word of God tells us that whatever we do in word or deed must be done in the name of our Lord and...
- How to Reform Society
How to Reform Society By Ed Harrell The Reflector – May 2011 Late in the 19th century churches were under pressure to join national campaigns to pass legislation on such moral issues as prohibition...
- The Importance of a Biblical World View
All of us see ourselves and our world through a particular set of beliefs, attitudes, and values. These operate as a filter or grid through which we process all information. For the Christian, this filter or grid is shaped by the truths taught in the Bible.
- What Part of 'NO' don't You Understand
What Part of ‘NO’ don't You Understand? David Hicks The Reflector – December 2010 “Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not...
- What! No Special Programs?
By Bobby Witherington
The Reflector - April 2011
Visitors to our assemblies are sometimes amazed (and maybe disappointed) to learn that this congregation does not have a special youth program. Nor a kitchen. Not even a bus ministry.
Do we have something against young people? Or kitchens? Or busses? Not at all. We have several young people, each of whom we
- Thoughts About the Difference Between Character and Reputation
Thoughts About the Difference Between Character and Reputation By Tim Nichols The Reflector – December 2010 Reputation isn’t everything. Character is much more important. A reputation that is gained...
- True Of False
True or False By Irven Lee The Reflector – March 2011 This article is not a commentary on the merits and demerits of a certain type of test for pupils in a classroom, but it is intended to...
- The Mirror Versus The Window
The Mirror Versus the Window R.J. Evans The Reflector – November 2010 The common philosophy of our culture today fosters the “me, my, and mine” attitude. From early childhood onward, so much emphasis...
- Part Time Christians
Part-Time Christians By Stephen Russell The Reflector – March 2011 When seeking to find employment, most people look for a job that fits their needs. “I can only work twenty hours a week,” or “I need...
- Giving Thanks During The Lord's Supper
Giving Thanks During the Lord’s Supper by R.J. Evans The Reflector – October 2010 When instituting the memorial of the Lord’s Supper, Jesus gave thanks before passing the bread and before...
- Poor Mans Country Club
Poor Man’s Country Club by Greg Gwin The Reflector – October 2010 What are you looking for in a church? That’s a fair question, and more than a few studies have been done to try to determine...
- Alcohol Sales Outlets and Violence
Alcohol Sales Outlets and Violence The Reflector - September 2010 ( The following is part of an article that appeared in Science Daily , 2/22/10 - EOB. ) More alcohol sales sites in a neighborhood...
- Would you believe and practice New Testament Christianity if we changed our name?
Would you believe and practice New Testament Christianity if we changed our name? Or, does the term "church of Christ" offend you? Phillip Owens The Reflector - September 2010 Part of a growing...
- A Warning to Preachers
A Warning to Preachers: Comments on Crisis-Preaching and Culture-Preaching by Warren E. Berkley The Reflector - August 2010 CRISIS : While our preaching must respond to any crisis (involving any sin...
- Careful to Answer
Careful to Answer by Robert Turner The Reflector - August 2010 When Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were called before the king and faced charges of refusing to worship the golden image he had...
- Dressing For Spiritual Success
Dressing For Spiritual Success By Tim Norman The Reflector – July 2010 God wants “women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or...
- Have You Counted The Cost
Have You Counted The Cost? By David A. Cox The Reflector – July 2010 Often people view Christianity and the life that is to be lived as too restrictive and confining. They want to enjoy all the...
- The Progression From Sound Doctrine to False Teaching
The Progression From Sound Doctrine to False Teaching by Andy Sochor The Reflector – June 2010 Paul gave the young evangelist Timothy this charge: “preach the word; be ready in season and out...
- The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire R. J. Evans The Reflector – June 2010 Edward Gibbon authored a six-volume series of books between 1776 and 1788. In this series he covers the deteriorating...
- A Cross Moving on Wheels
A Cross Moving on Wheels Bobby Graham The Reflector - May 2010 A few days ago as my wife and I were traveling to a nearby town, we noticed a man rather easily and briskly moving a wooden cross, which...
- Instruction And Edification
Instruction And Edification – Fifteen Or Twenty Minutes At A Time By Dennis L. Reed The Reflector – April 2010 When I was a “boy preacher” it seemed that getting enough material...
- Does Everything Happen For A Reason
Does “Everything Happen For A Reason”? By R. J. Evans The Reflector – February 2010 Based upon how often we hear the above expression “everything happens for a reason,” you would think the answer would...
- A Few Make History
A Few Make History By Robert Turner The Reflector – February 2010 Some brethren assume the continuity of a faithful, visible, functioning church, from the first Pentecost after Christ’s resurrection...
- Sense of Shame
Sense of Shame By L. A. Stauffer The Reflector – February 2010 In a recent interview an actress who recently did her first nude scene in a movie explained her discomfort the first time she disrobed...
- Quit Doing Nothing
Quit Doing Nothing By Robert F. Turner The Reflector – February 2010 The flamboyant evangelist, Dr. Sam Jones, was well known in some circles for his “Quittin’ Meetings.” During his revivals he gave...
- Hand Clapping in Worship (1)
Hand Clapping in Worship . Is it wrong? If so, why? By Gardner Hall The Reflector – December 2009; The last few years have seen the introduction of handclapping in congregations...
- Hand Clapping In Worship (2)
Hand Clapping in Worship.Is it wrong? If so, why? By Gardner Hall The Reflector – January 2010 God does request that we give our bodies as living sacrifices unto Him (Romans 12:1) and that we love Him with all our heart,..
- Causing the Church to Grow
Causing the Church to Grow By Thomas Thornhill The Reflector - November 2009 If you are interested in learning some methods that will guarantee an increase in church membership then continue to read...
- Something Wicked This Way Comes
Something Wicked This Way Comes by Greg Litmer The Reflector – October 2009 There is an ill wind blowing across the landscape of the Lord’s church. It is being fueled by disgruntled Christians who...
- Churches GodCentered or ManCentered
Churches – God-Centered or Man-Centered? By Sewell Hall The Reflector – September 2009 Religion by its very definition would seem to involve God. The word godly means God-centered. However, there are...
- The Church Ain’t Doing Nothing
The Church Ain’t Doing Nothing Raymond Elliott The Reflector – June 2009 How often have we heard that statement from a brother in Christ? And it is to be admitted that we often fail in fulfilling the...
- A Cross Moving on Wheels
A Cross Moving on Wheels Bobby Graham The Reflector – June 2009 A few days ago as my wife and I were traveling to a nearby town, we noticed a man rather easily and briskly moving a wooden cross,...
- The Second Coming of Jesus
Here’s the mistake many make when studying this subject, in particular the events surrounding His second coming. They start with highly figurative passages, like those in the Book of Revelation, propose some theory heavily based on speculation, and then try to fit every other passage in the New Testament into their theory.
- Priority of Truth
Priority of Truth By W. E. Brightwell The Reflector - April 2008
If we are trying to go to heaven and take everybody with us we can, we will have to place truth above the desire for peace and progress.
- Growing Acceptance of Homosexuality, The
The Growing Acceptance of Homosexuality . Andy Sochor The Reflector - January 2009 It was not that long ago in our society that homosexuality was a shameful practice that was mostly kept secret so...
- Welcome, Mr. President
Welcome, Mr. President Kent Heaton The Reflector - November 2008 Election Day has passed and the nation has elected a new president. Every four years our country is subjected to the grueling process...
- Serving Caesar and God
Serving Caesar and God . The Reflector - November 2008 Christians are citizens of two different countries. One is earthly, and the other is heavenly Rom.13:1-7; Phil.3:20-21, and Christians need to...
- Becoming “Official” Christians
Becoming “Official” Christians . By Harold Carswell The Reflector - November 2008 Official: something or someone prescribed or recognized as authorized. .. Last year I had the opportunity to talk to...
- Render Unto Caesar
“Render Unto Caesar” . By Amy Russell The Reflector - September 2008 Then they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Him in order to trap Him in a statement. They came and said to Him,...
- See How Great a Forest a Little Fire Kindles
See How Great a Forest a Little Fire Kindles. (James 3:5) by Summer Mauldin The Reflection - August 2008 From Esther to Peter, we have great examples of how the tongue can be used for great or...
- In Church” vs. “At Home"
“In Church” vs. “At Home” . By Edward O. Bragwell, Jr. The Reflector - July 2008 That the word church is used in several different senses in the New Testament cannot be denied. The misunderstanding...
- Our Colleges
“Our Colleges . ” By Frank Driver The Reflector - May 2008 The good accomplished through colleges operated by Christians, and their potential for the future are settled facts, taken for granted. The...
- Change of Attitude, A
A Change of Attitude . By James P. Needham The Reflector - April 2008 A man’s attitude is the well out of which his actions are drawn. Attitude is basic and exceedingly important. Every thought, word...
- Grow Up
Grow Up . By Stephen Russell The Reflector - March 2008 “Grow up” is a curious phrase that is used frequently for a variety of reasons. It is generally used to indicate that the receiver of said phrase...
- Relative Righteousness
Relative Righteousness . By Dan Shipley The Reflector - March 2008 When asked by a stranger whether he considered his wife attractive, a certain rancher replied, “Compared to what?” Many are...
- Train Just Rolls Away, The
The Train Just Rolls Away . By Martin Bragwell The Reflector - January 2008 (Some Lessons on Opportunity) I pass a town with no name Seen through the window of a train A boy and girl stand side by...
- Why I Left The Christian Church
Why I Left The Christian Church . By Floyd Decker The Reflector - December 2007 (Editor’s Note: This article by the late brother Floyd Decker is just as relevant in 2007 as it was in 1944. Many of...
- Wringing Our Hands And Failing To Lift Up Our Eyes
Wringing Our Hands And Failing To Lift Up Our Eyes By Dennis Reed The Reflector - November 2007 The cause of the Lord is greatly suffering in our day because of brethren who are determined to follow...
- Correcting The Evil World
Correcting The Evil World . By Joe Fitch The Reflector - October 2007 It is easy to pick up preaching themes from the world news. There is much that is shocking – and shockingly wrong. We get caught...
- Is Your Faith Based on Evidence?
Is Your Faith Based on Evidence? By Stephen Russell The Reflector - October 2007 In the minds of so many today religion is something that is good for the mental well-being of an individual. It has...
