Scripture Reading: Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing….Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
—Psalm 100:1-2, 4

Definition: Giving praise is the act of expressing approval, admiration, or commendation. It is worship though word or song that glorifies and honors.

Summary: God is worthy of praise and adoration. It is not only the duty but also the privilege of His people to exalt Him at all times with praise in word and in song. True praise is not of the flesh but flows from the spirit and from a life of holiness. There is power in praise and it opens the gates to the presence and blessings of God.Read more

Scripture Reading: Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power.  —Revelation 20:6a

Summary: Adam’s sin in the Garden of Eden brought the curse of death upon mankind. This death, the first death, was both physical and spiritual. Jesus Christ came to this world that through His death and resurrection mankind would have an antidote to the twofold consequence of sin. The first resurrection is the spiritual resurrection that occurs through salvation and the second resurrection is the literal, physical resurrection that will occur at the end of time. While there is a remedy for the first death, for those that do not accept Christ and partake of the spiritual resurrection, there will be no remedy for the curse of the final and second death which is eternal damnation in hell.Read more

Scripture Reading: Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
—Hebrews 10:38-39

Definition: Eternal security [referred to as the “perseverance of the saints” in Calvinist theology, or commonly known as “once saved always saved”] is variously interpreted. In essence, it is a teaching which asserts that once a person is truly regenerated or born again there is nothing that can cause a reversal of the converted condition. This doctrine purports that once a person has accepted Christ and been saved, God will preserve the individual and his salvation is eternally secure without possibility of losing that salvation.

Summary: An individual’s salvation is exclusively by the grace of God and is not based on works. God will be faithful to preserve that individual by His grace which enables a life of holiness. Salvation is a covenant relationship of faith; so if an individual chooses to swerve from that faith and commitment to God, the relationship is broken and salvation is forfeited. Hence, while eternal security or “once saved always saved” is a theological fallacy, a believer can rest in God’s grace and be eternally secure as he follows Christ in faith.Read more

Scripture Reading: Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. —1 Corinthians 4:2 

Summary: Doctrines and principles of financial stewardship are an integral part of the Old and New Testament. A child of God is to manage temporal things with integrity and honesty. Scripturally-based financial planning is important to enable the Christian to work, pay, give, and prepare for the future to live in accordance with God’s provision and care.

Definition: Stewardship—The careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care (Merriam-Webster).Read more

Scripture Reading: Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and  a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.
—Matthew 5:38-41

Summary: The teachings and example of Jesus Christ demonstrate a life of love and nonresistance. Disciples of Christ are called to follow His example and meet evil and injustice with prayer, love, and forgiveness rather than with force and violence. God’s church historically and presently renounces military service .

Definitions: Nonresistance—The policy or practice of not resisting violence or established authority by force, even when tyrannical (dictionary.com).
Pacifism—Refusal to bear arms on moral or religious grounds (Merriam-Webster).

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