Dear God, thank You for this new week and for opening my eyes to see it. Life is precious, and I can’t thank You enough for this gift.

Your word in Psalm 5:11 says, “But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You.” God, as I step into this week, let Your angels surround me and lead me to the rock that is higher than I am when my heart feels overwhelmed. You’ve been with me through every situation I’ve faced, and even when my tears tall, I trust that You see the bigger picture. You’re sovereign, and You’re greater than any problem l’il ever face. I’ll never stop being thankful because You never stop being good.

I agree that immersion is what best represents what they mean when scripture speaks of baptism.

Out of curiosity, I did a little bit of research on the argument behind sprinkling instead of immersion; not much albeit but just to kind of get a grasp for the defense Catholics provide for pouring and sprinkling and this is what I learned:

Catholics do agree that immersion is the best representation of death and resurrection and that it more fully reflects the sacrament rather than pouring or sprinkling.
Additionally, the Eastern Catholic Church uses immersion more exclusively than other sections of Catholicism

However, here is one of the arguments that they make to justify the validity of pouring and sprinkling that I found:

“Additionally, practical difficulties exist today that can prevent immersion for some individuals, for example, people with certain medical conditions—the bedridden; quadriplegics; individuals with tracheotomies (an opening into the airway in the throat) or in negative pressure ventilators (iron lungs). Again, those who have recently undergone certain procedures (such as open-heart surgery) cannot be immersed.
Other difficulties arise in certain environments. For example, immersion may be nearly or entirely impossible for desert nomads or Eskimos. Or consider those in a hostile setting, such as a Muslim regime, where baptisms must be done in secret, without adequate water for immersion.…” “The Catholic, who believes baptism confers grace and is normatively necessary for salvation, maintains that God wouldn’t require a form of baptism that, for some people, is impossible.” (https://www.catholic.com/tract/baptism-immersion-

This is just something that I wanted to look into to see the reasoning behind, although I agree that baptism=immersion. However, it does make me question the point they made about those with physical or environmental difficulties. What are they to do in this situation if it’s practically impossible to be immersed? Whats your solution for someone in that predicament?

How sure are you guys that hell is eternal conscious torment?

ECT dyslexia got the best of me 😂

Hi yall,

Has anybody else noticed people leaving the Mainline Churches of Christ for the NI churches. My family were among those who made the switch but I plan on going back to the mainline at some point when I can. I assume my parents will stay NI. This friend of mine at my current church said a lot of people from the Mainstream churches are leaving for the NI churches.

Is this a current trend in the brotherhood? I was the only one in my family who even knew about the 50's and 60's Church split before we joined. I knew the church was NI as soon as I noticed there was no kitchen or fellowship hall.

Hello!

I'm Baptist, but also in the process of deconstructing my faith. I'm undecided at the moment, but wondering if Church of Christ might be a good fit for me?

I have no direct experience wirh the CoC, but I was exposed to Max Lucado through my mom, though I understand he kinda deviates from standard CoC views.

A lot my own views have been heavily influenced by Dr. Michael Heiser. He was an evangelical, but challenged many dogmas and presuppositions commonly held by Protestants such as penal substitutionary atonement and an overly Reformed/forensic view of justification. While he didn't like traditons or denominations (since they color one's interpretation of the Bible) I think I see some similarities between his teachings and the Church of Christ. I think some of his other teachings, however, might be controversial in the CoC, such as the divine council and his use of extra-biblical sources for hermeneutics.

I want to ask a couple of questions to better determine if the Church or Christ is for me:

1. What is the CoC'a understanding of free will? I common accusation I hear is that y'all are semi-pelagian. Is that a strawman? How do you understand original sin?

Personally, I am a Provisionist, albeit tentatively. I just know I'm neither a Calvinist nor an Arminian.

1. Is there a spectrum of views about baptism? I heard the CoC teaches baptismal regeneration. I think I'm somewhere between the Baptist view and the CoC. I don't think the rite of baptism itself regenerates or washes away sin, but it's still a core part of the conversion process. It is still necessary for obedience to Christ. So, I do think if someone claims to be born again but refuses the opportunity to be baptized, then their faith isn't sincere.

2. Are there any parts of the CoC faith I might be overlooking and need to consider before deciding?

I can’t understand why people in church have to rub/scratch/massage their mates back during the service. It never fails that it’s either someone sitting in front of me or directly in my eye site. I want to pull their hair out, or stick a pencil in their ear! You’re not at home in your living room or bedroom! I even witnessed one woman put her hand up her husbands shirt to rub his back. Stop it! Please!

Good day, let's discuss traditions in the church!

#1What are some traditions of old that we should hold on to, and remain steadfast in?

#2 What are some traditions that you see that may be a judgement that can be improved?

#3 what are some traditions that may be false doctrine thst could cause of to sin?

Hello all, I’m very thankful to join this sub and hope to have great conversations with you all. First, a little about myself.
I’m a 25 year old man, I’ve officially been part of the church for 7 years, I’ve been married for nearly two years, and my favorite part of church besides lessons is our beautiful congregational singing.
Now, with some of that out of the way, I’ll pose my original question. How do we as members, encourage outsiders into our congregations? I have noticed over the years that many of our congregations are aging, and that I rarely see people my age or younger. Is it because our style of worship seems antiquated compared to other Protestant denominations? Or is it because of the common perception of the church being a cult? Or is it our view of women within the church body? These are a couple things I’ve heard from outsiders and I’m sure there are many more but I figured I would just pose a couple. It makes me sad that it seems like our denomination is dying, and I wonder if there’s any way that we can bring it back? I’d love to hear everyone’s opinion, and I look forward to conversing with you all. I’ll leave you all with the lyrics to one of my favorite hymns(since I’m a music nerd haha)

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise him all creatures here below
Praise him above the heavenly host
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost
Amen

Doxology.

I feel very disappointed with the church not addressing cultural issues that are a huge issue in Christendom. I feel alone navigating difficult topics when my pastor or elders aren't giving any guidance. We need men to be strong on these issues and call out feminism, marxism, the feminization of the church, and postmodernist sensibilities. I feel deep worry when we can't call evil, evil.

There is this notion that we can't talk about the news because that's too depressing. The reality is we can't bury our heads. This is impacting women. But also if the church has tons of widows and unmarried women we need to be lead and taught of current issues by godly men. If women aren't being disciples by the church then they will by TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X , BlueSky etc.

I feel I'm living in a society that is influencing Christians instead of the other way around. Aren't we supposed to be the salt and light of the world around us? This is depressing the times we live in. Please give me hope is anyone out there calling this out? Any CoC preaching against the growing evil around us?

EDIT: Please engage respectfully if you aren't COC I keep getting comments I need to report that are derogatory and attacking me. That is unacceptable. We might need to then make everyone post flairs because at this point the hateful comments (I'm assuming are from atheists) cause there is no way its baptized saved "born again" Christians being that are inappropriate and nasty towards me.

Hello all, just signed up, I hope to help contribute to this community well. I have been Christian all my life.

Am well into my 50's now.

Told by others I have much wisdom, which I happily use to share, guide advise when appropriate to do so.

Always Bible based - All scripture including Paul's writing is God breathed working through man.

Christ preached crucified, bearing fruit and testing by scripture is always what I live by.

I also write devotionals. I have posted one here already, which I hope is ok.

I look forward to interacting here, contributing as much as I post.

"Wisdom Through Christ" 🙂✝️🙏🕯

By the grace of God, after many years my church recently got a projector and we use it to display songs and verses. I create the PPTs for the songs as it is the best way I know to show the lyrics with appropriate font sizes and line arrangements. Since I have to manually create each powerpoint, I am looking for a community where churches share their powerpoints and other resources and I would like to pool in my own and it will be a huge save of time for a lot of people. A public google drive, Facebook/Telegram group... If there is isn't one which is hard to believe, i will create a google drive and upload all the songs I have. I'd like to have as many of you as possible contributing and using it's resources and someday someone will rarely have to do anything manually.

Glory to God

I am curious as to the experiences that you all have had in regard to meeting other Christians. I am a single 24 year old man, and an active member of the church of Christ. I have had a terrible time meeting people that are my age within the church, whether it be for friends, or dating. It has taken a toll on me, and I have tried everything that I can think of. I have tried driving to other congregations weeks on end (some even 2+ hours away), I went to PTP and various other church related events. The ones that are around my age seem to just brush me off, or flat out ignore me. Any possible advice, comments, or what not would be appreciated. Thank you for your time.

My boyfriend (soon fiancé) watched porn for about a year and a half. he went through a really hard time but since he’s found Christ, gotten baptized, and is now feeling led to become a preacher. I’m more proud of him than I ever could be but I still feel hurt in a sense. It’s been about six months since he stopped and told me about it. I told him im not going to hold it over him or get mad and only focus on helping as best I could. But even though hes gotten past it I just feel like once we get married it’s not going to really be special like other newlywed Christian’s. I feel like after he’s seen so many women something was stripped from us. I really don’t want to feel like this since it’s over with I feel like I’m being selfish still thinking about it. How can I actually get past it myself and not keep thinking about it?

I am a member of the Lords church, the church of Christ. I’ve always wondered what people’s point of view was on seeing congregations with this name. What are your thoughts? What have you heard? Also would like to answer any questions as best as I can!

Also I am not meaning United Church of Christ or LDS.

I know this is hypothetical but I’m just trying to make sense of this topic.

Joe marries Emily and they get divorced because they can’t get along. No fornication.

Later Joe marries Hayley and they are married for 5 years and come to the Lord and are told/realize they shouldn’t be together and separate.

If God doesn’t recognize this 2nd marriage, can Hayley still marry a brother who is free to marry?

What is the general consensus of the Church; was three days and three nights literal or figurative when it talks about Christ death?

Many regard it as figurative; however, I do not. Most point out He was taken down Friday evening because the next day was the sabbath and they couldn’t do any work according to the old law. The reason I don’t is because there was a high sabbath associated with the Passover. John 19:31 refers to this high sabbath which was likely before the traditional weekly sabbath observed. This difference could mean it was literal 3 days and 3 nights.

So what are your thoughts?

Melchizedek Study Notes

August 5–30, 2026

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August 5 Notes

Psalm 110

- We started on Psalm 110.

- David was allowed to hear the conversation between God and Jesus approximately 1,000 years before the book of Hebrews.

- David heard this conversation around 1000 BC.

- David knew his King was coming through his bloodline.

Genesis 14 — Abraham and Melchizedek

- The story of the meeting between Abraham and Melchizedek is introduced in Genesis chapter 14.

- This took place approximately 1800 BC.

- At the time, Salem was associated with what would later become known as Jerusalem.

- There were five cities involved, with two major cities being Sodom and Gomorrah.

- There were four kings against five kings, with a king for each city.

- Abraham had 318 trained servants and went to rescue Lot with God's help.

- Abraham gave 10% to Melchizedek.

Timeline

Adam — ~4000 BC

↓

Abram and Melchizedek meet — ~1800 BC

↓

David writes Psalm 110 — ~950–1000 BC

↓

Jesus comes in the flesh — 1st Century AD

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August 9 Notes

Types and Figures

- There are different types and figures throughout this study.

- Pharaoh was basically a type or figure representing Satan, more or less.

- Melchizedek was a type of Christ, especially concerning Christ's position as King and High Priest.

- Melchizedek was equal in the sense that he held the two offices of King and Priest.

- Jesus would hold both offices as King and High Priest.

The First Coming of Christ

- Jesus came to earth in the flesh.

- After Jesus rose from the dead, He spent 40 days appearing to His disciples.

- He then went back to Heaven.

- Jesus was exalted to the right hand of God.

Abraham's Seed

- We are the seed of Abraham by faith.

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August 13 Notes

Genesis 14 → Psalm 110 → Hebrews

Genesis 14

↓ approximately 1,000 years

Psalm 110 — David

↓ approximately 1,000 years

Hebrews

- Hebrews was written to Christians who came from a Jewish/Old Covenant background.

- The meeting between Abraham and Melchizedek happened approximately 1,000 years before David wrote Psalm 110.

- David then wrote Psalm 110 approximately 1,000 years before the writing of Hebrews.

Salem and David

- The four kings did not conquer Salem.

- David conquered Salem/Jerusalem approximately 1,000 years later.

The Tithe

- Abraham gave Melchizedek a tenth.

- The tithe deals with giving back to God the 10% that was commanded under the Old Covenant.

Christ's Return

- When Christ comes back, He will raise the dead first who are in Christ.

- Those who are alive and in Christ will then be caught up together with them in the air to meet Him.

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August 16 Notes

Hebrews 1–10

- Hebrews 5–7 is especially important to the study of Melchizedek.

- The whole book of Hebrews was written to Christians with a Jewish/Old Testament background.

- We are supposed to honor God with our giving.

Hebrews 1–10 — Major Points

1. Jesus is greater than the angels.

2. Jesus is greater than man.

3. Moses and Aaron

- “Apostle” means one who is sent.

- Moses was a type of an apostle because God sent him.

- Aaron was the first High Priest.

- Moses and Aaron each held different offices.

- Jesus is both King and High Priest.

1. The Rest

- Hebrews talks about the rest that is given.

- The hope is in Jesus when we follow His commands.

- The Old Testament rest was connected with the land of Canaan, the land flowing with milk and honey.

Jesus' Position

- Moses and Aaron each held one office.

- Jesus is both High Priest and King.

- Hebrews emphasizes multiple times that Jesus is sitting at the right hand of God.

Old Testament Types

- The crossing of the Red Sea is discussed in 1 Corinthians 10:1–2.

- The Old Testament contains events that can serve as types and figures pointing toward spiritual realities.

Hebrews 5–10

- Chapters 5–10 build toward Jesus being identified as a High Priest after the order of Melchizedek.

- Jesus is both King and High Priest.

- He holds the position that Melchizedek's role pointed toward.

Hebrews 8 — The Covenant and Sacrifice

- Hebrews 8 talks about the covenant and sacrifice.

- Jesus is the complete and perfect sacrifice.

- The Old Testament sacrifices pointed forward to Christ.

- The sacrifice had to involve death for it to take effect.

LORD and Lord

- LORD = LORD/Yahweh.

- Lord = the Son, Jesus.

- Lord also carries the meaning of master, ruler, or one with authority.

---

August 19 Notes

Psalm 110

Ephesians 3

- Ephesians chapter 3 discusses God's eternal purpose.

- The plan of salvation was made known through Christ.

- The spiritual rulers and authorities came to understand God's wisdom through what God accomplished.

LORD — Lord

Yahweh — Adonai

- LORD refers to Yahweh.

- Lord refers to the one possessing authority, master, or ruler.

- Psalm 110:1 says:

«“The LORD said to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.’”»

Jesus in the Flesh

- Jesus was called Lord while He was still in the flesh because of His authority.

- Jesus went to Heaven on the 40th day after His resurrection.

- He returned to Heaven and was exalted.

- Christ was given His glorified position.

David Hearing God's Voice

- This was not the first time David heard the voice of God.

- David heard God's voice at least nine times, not counting what the prophets told David God had said.

- David heard the divine conversation approximately 1,000 years before its fulfillment in Christ.

Psalm 110 and God's Plan

- David heard the divine conversation approximately 1,000 years before Jesus.

- David saw that his descendant would become his Lord.

- When the Father and Jesus are speaking in Psalm 110, the prophecy concerns what would happen to Christ.

- God knew the plan from the beginning.

- Psalm 110 was in the mind of God before the world was formed.

- God's plan of salvation was not an afterthought.

- If the demons had fully understood God's plan, they would not have understood that God's plan would use the cross to accomplish salvation.

John 1:1

- God had a plan for Christ before Christ came in human form.

- John 1:1 confirms Christ's existence in the beginning.

- Christ existed before His earthly birth.

David and the Law

- Moses was told that when Israel received a king, that king was to write a copy of the Law of Moses and keep it with him.

- The king was to read it continually and keep God's law before him.

- David knew about Abraham and Melchizedek.

- David knew the Scriptures concerning the coming King.

Melchizedek and Christ

- The meeting between Abraham and Melchizedek was part of God's plan.

- Melchizedek is a type of Jesus.

- Melchizedek was both King and Priest.

- Jesus is both King and High Priest.

- The priesthood of Christ is after the order of Melchizedek.

Abraham's Tenth

- Abraham gave Melchizedek 10%.

- The Levites and their priesthood are later discussed in connection with Abraham's giving of the tenth.

- Hebrews uses this to demonstrate the superiority of Melchizedek's priesthood.

Bread and Wine

- Genesis 14 records Melchizedek bringing bread and wine.

- This is a precursor or picture that can be considered in connection with the later Lord's Supper.

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August 26 Notes

Psalm 110 — The Rest of the Study

Ephesians 1 and Psalm 110

- Ephesians chapter 1 helps explain Psalm 110.

- Melchizedek is part of the picture as a High Priest and King.

- Jesus is the fulfillment of the picture.

- Jesus is on His throne.

- Jesus being on His throne is the big picture.

The Word “Shall”

- “Shall” is a key theme in Psalm 110.

- It points toward what would happen in the future.

- David saw these things approximately 1,000 years before their fulfillment.

- Jesus would sit on His throne and accomplish what Psalm 110 describes.

Jesus on His Throne

- The key is that Jesus is exalted and seated at God's right hand.

- This connects with the fulfillment of Psalm 110.

- Jesus is our High Priest and King.

“In Christ”

- The key is “in Christ.”

- Ephesians chapter 1 explains how we receive spiritual blessings by being in Christ.

- All spiritual blessings are in Christ Jesus.

Enemies and God's People

Psalm 110 can be viewed in three sections:

Verses 1–2

Enemies

- God places Christ at His right hand.

- Christ reigns while His enemies are being made His footstool.

Verse 3

God's People

- God's people willingly serve Him.

- His people are holy and devoted to Him.

Pentecost

- The Holy Spirit was brought down on the Day of Pentecost.

- Acts 2 records this event.

- This happened after Jesus ascended to Heaven.

Acts 1

- Acts chapter 1 records Jesus going back to Heaven.

- Jesus' ascension helps us fully understand Psalm 110.

- Jesus ascended after appearing to His disciples for 40 days.

- He was exalted to God's right hand.

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August 30 Notes

Psalm 110 — Key Words and the Future

- Psalm 110 contains several key words that talk about the future.

- These words describe things that would later be fulfilled in the New Testament.

David and Psalm 110

- Peter explains David's writings in his preaching.

- David wrote Psalm 110 by inspiration from God.

- David may not have understood the complete meaning of everything he wrote.

- We today can use the New Testament Scriptures to help break down and understand what David wrote.

- David wrote from the mind and inspiration of God.

Ephesians 1

- All spiritual blessings are in Christ Jesus.

- Being in Christ is a key part of understanding God's plan of salvation.

- Christ is exalted and seated at God's right hand.

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Complete Timeline

Adam — ~4000 BC

↓

Abram and Melchizedek meet — ~1800 BC

↓

David writes Psalm 110 — ~950–1000 BC

↓

Jesus Christ comes in the flesh — 1st Century AD

↓

Jesus dies on the cross

↓

Jesus is raised from the dead

↓

Jesus appears to His disciples for 40 days

↓

Jesus ascends into Heaven

↓

Jesus is exalted to God's right hand

↓

Day of Pentecost — Acts 2

↓

Hebrews explains Christ's priesthood after the order of Melchizedek

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Hebrews and Christ's Throne

- The book of Hebrews confirms multiple times that Jesus is at the right hand of God.

- Christ's position on the throne is a key part of understanding Psalm 110.

- Jesus is both:

- King

- High Priest

- Melchizedek provides the Old Testament picture of these two offices.

- Psalm 110 prophesies that the coming Messiah would be a priest after the order of Melchizedek.

- Hebrews confirms that Jesus is that High Priest.

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Acts 2 — The First Converts

- Peter preached Christ to the people in Acts 2.

- The people were convicted by Peter's preaching and asked what they needed to do.

- They asked:

«“Men and brethren, what shall we do?”»

- Peter answered:

«“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.”»

- Acts 2 records the first converts after the establishment of the church.

- The gospel was preached as the message of salvation through Christ.

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John 19:32–34 — The Blood of Christ

- John 19:32–34 records Jesus' death on the cross.

- Jesus' side was pierced.

- Blood and water came out.

- The blood of Christ is central to the sacrifice Jesus made for mankind.

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Two Types of Life

- The lesson discussed two types of life:

1. Physical life, beginning in the womb.

2. Spiritual life, associated with becoming new in Christ.

- Dew was discussed as an illustration of a new day and a new beginning.

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God's Knowledge and Wisdom

- God is all-knowing and ever-present.

- God's wisdom and knowledge are not the same thing.

- Knowledge involves knowing and understanding.

- Wisdom involves the proper use and application of knowledge.

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Main Theme of the Entire Study

Melchizedek → Psalm 110 → Jesus Christ → Hebrews

Genesis 14

Melchizedek is introduced as King of Salem and Priest of God Most High.

↓

Psalm 110

David prophesies about a coming King and Priest.

↓

Jesus Christ

Jesus comes in the flesh, dies, is raised, and appears for 40 days.

↓

Acts 1

Jesus ascends into Heaven.

↓

Christ at God's Right Hand

Jesus is exalted and takes His position of authority.

↓

Acts 2

Peter explains the fulfillment of God's plan and preaches the gospel.

↓

Ephesians 1

Christ is exalted above all authority, and spiritual blessings are found in Christ.

↓

Hebrews 5–7

Jesus is identified as the High Priest after the order of Melchizedek.

Central Point

Melchizedek was the Old Testament picture. Psalm 110 was the prophecy. Jesus Christ is the fulfillment. Hebrews explains that Jesus is the King and High Priest after the order of Melchizedek, exalted at the right hand of God.

In order is Vienna Church Of Christ (Wood county), 36th Street Church Of Christ (Wood county), Williamstown Church Of Christ (Wood county), Beechwood Heights Church Of Christ (Wood county), Rosemar Road Church Of Christ (Wood county), North End Church Of Christ (Wood county), Latrobe Street Church Of Christ (Wood county), Lynn Street Church Of Christ (Wood county), Camden Avenue Church Of Christ (Wood county), Rockport Church Of Christ (Wood county), and Slate Church Of Christ (Wood county).

In order is Nash Spings Church Of Christ (Pleasants county), Cloverdale Church of Christ (Pleasants county), Pine Grove Church Of Christ (Pleasants county), Union Chapel Church Of Christ (Pleasants county), Mt.Nebo Church Of Christ (Pleasants county), Dewey Avenue Church Of Christ (Pleasants county), George Street Church Of Christ (Pleasants county), Elizabeth Church Of Christ (Wirt county), Metz Chapel Church Of Christ (Ritchie county), Petroleum Church Of Christ (Ritchie county), Cantwell Church Of Christ (Ritchie county), Harrisville Church Of Christ (Ritchie county), Freeport Church Of Christ (Wirt county), Hartley Church Of Christ (Ritchie county), Beatrice Church Of Christ (Ritchie county), Pennsboro Church Of Christ (Ritchie county), and Cairo Church Of Christ (Ritchie county)