Dover Church of Christ

06/10/2026

06/10/2026

Please plan on attending our Vacation Bible School. All are invited. Classes for all ages.

06/09/2026

**The Way Still Cannot Be Stopped**

This evening’s lesson focused on the early church and the challenges faced by those who followed “the Way.” The speaker reminded us that many of the problems Christians face today are not new. The first-century church dealt with confusion, debate, false labels, and persecution — yet the gospel still spread.

The big emphasis of the lesson was mindset. If the early church did not stop when the world opposed them, why should we?

**Key Points**

* The early church faced confusion about salvation. In Acts 15, some taught that Gentiles had to be circumcised and keep the Law of Moses in order to be saved. The speaker connected this to the confusion people still face today when different religious groups teach different “ways” to Christ.

* The church also faced debate and opposition. Acts 17:6 speaks of Christians as those who had “turned the world upside down,” and Acts 19:23 says there was “no small commotion concerning the Way.”

* The church was viewed by some as merely a sect. In Acts 24, Paul acknowledged that people called the Way a sect, but he continued to worship the God of the fathers and believe what was written in the Law and the Prophets.

* The name “Christian” itself was discussed from Acts 11:26. What may have been used by others as a term of reproach became something faithful followers of Christ could wear with honor.

* The early church did not allow confusion, debate, criticism, or persecution to stop the work. In fact, opposition often helped spread the gospel further.

* Acts 5:39 was used as a reminder: if the work is truly of God, it cannot be overthrown. To fight against it is to fight against God.

* Acts 16 was used to show the result: the churches were strengthened in the faith and increased in number daily.

* The lesson closed with a call to change our mindset. The gospel is still God’s power to save, and God’s purpose for His church has not changed.

**Notable Scriptures**

* Acts 15:1–5
* Acts 17:6
* Acts 19:23
* Acts 24:14
* Acts 11:26
* Acts 5:39
* Acts 16:5
* Romans 1:16
* Galatians and Hebrews were also mentioned in connection with the Law of Moses and salvation through Christ.

**Practical Takeaways**

* We should not assume that the early church had it easier than we do.
* Opposition to the truth is not new, and it should not surprise us.
* The church must not let discouragement, criticism, or labels stop the work of the Lord.
* A changed mindset can lead to renewed courage, renewed faith, and renewed evangelism.
* If we need to put on Christ in baptism, reaffirm our faith, or come back home, God still gives us opportunity while we have breath.

**Memorable Lines**

“Mindset is 90% of the problem.”

“It didn’t stop them. So why should it stop us?”

**Watch / Listen:**

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06/09/2026

**Heavenly Wisdom in Everyday Life**

This past Sunday morning’s lesson continued the study through James, focusing on **James 3:13–18** and the difference between wisdom from above and wisdom shaped by the world. The message reminded us that true wisdom is not just knowing the right answers — it is seen in humble conduct, gracious speech, peaceable attitudes, and a heart willing to be corrected by God’s word.

James shows us that wisdom has a visible character. It can be seen in how we handle conflict, how we use our knowledge, how we speak to others, and whether we are building unity or feeding pride.

**Key Points**

* **True wisdom is demonstrated by humble conduct.** James says the wise person should “show by good conduct” works done in meekness. Wisdom is not merely what we know, but how we live.

* **Knowledge and wisdom are not the same thing.** A person may know Bible facts, defend the truth, and still fail to show Christlike character if the truth is handled with pride instead of humility.

* **How we say what we say matters.** The sermon connected this lesson with James’ earlier warning about the tongue. We may be right in doctrine, but still do harm if our words are harsh, arrogant, or self-serving.

* **False wisdom produces division and destruction.** James describes earthly wisdom as marked by envy, self-seeking, confusion, and evil. When pride and personal agendas take root, unity suffers.

* **Sound doctrine must be joined with a sound heart.** The lesson pointed to Paul’s charge to Timothy about doctrine, love, a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith. Truth must not become a weapon for selfishness or status.

* **Heavenly wisdom produces peaceful righteousness.** Wisdom from above is pure, peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and hypocrisy.

* **Grace and mercy do not compromise the message.** Showing patience, humility, and mercy can actually lead people closer to the cross.

* **The church becomes stronger when Christians pursue godly wisdom instead of personal agendas.** Unity in doctrine, mission, and love helps the church become a greater force for good in the community.

**Notable Scriptures**

* James 3:13–18
* James 1, where James earlier speaks of asking God for wisdom
* Ephesians 5:17–21
* 1 Timothy 1:3–11
* Romans 5, God demonstrating His love for us through Christ
* Likely Matthew 5:5, “Blessed are the meek,” referenced from the Beatitudes

**Practical Takeaways**

* Ask: Does my conduct prove that I am wise?
* When conflict comes this week, examine whether your words reveal pride or heavenly wisdom.
* Use Bible knowledge with humility, patience, and love.
* Be willing to look into the mirror of God’s word and make needed changes.
* Pursue unity in the church by setting aside selfish ambition and personal agendas.

**Memorable Lines**

“Showing grace and mercy and patience and humility is not compromising the message.”

“How you handle yourselves could be what makes or breaks someone coming to faith.”

**Watch / Listen:**

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06/09/2026

**Singing as a Spiritual Discipline**

This morning’s Bible class focused on **singing** — not merely as something we do during worship, but as a spiritual discipline that should involve the whole person: heart, soul, mind, and strength.

The class began with Psalm 104:33: “I will sing to the Lord as long as I live.” From there, the discussion emphasized that singing is not a performance. It is praise offered to God, teaching shared with one another, and encouragement that strengthens the heart of the Christian.

**Key points from the class:**

* **Singing is upward.** First and foremost, we sing to the Lord. The Psalms repeatedly call God’s people to “sing praises” to Him.

* **Singing is outward.** According to Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16, singing also teaches and admonishes one another. The songs we sing carry truth, doctrine, encouragement, and reminders of the gospel.

* **Singing is inward.** Singing blesses the worshiper too. It can strengthen, recharge, and encourage us as we praise God together.

* **Singing requires understanding.** 1 Corinthians 14:15 reminds us that worship should involve both the spirit and the understanding. We should pay attention to what we are singing.

* **The heart must be engaged.** The class connected singing with the warning of Jesus in Matthew 15 about worship that becomes outward action without inward devotion.

* **The instrument God emphasizes is the heart.** In discussing Ephesians 5:19, the class noted that making melody “in your heart” keeps the focus on engaged, sincere worship.

* **Singing should not be limited to the church building.** Family devotionals, community singings, and singing outside the assembly can help make this discipline part of daily Christian life.

**Notable scriptures:**

* Psalm 104:33
* Psalm 30:4
* Psalm 47:6–7
* Psalm 95:1
* Psalm 96:1–2
* Psalm 28:6–7
* James 5:13
* Acts 16:25
* Ephesians 5:18–19
* Colossians 3:16
* Psalm 71:23
* Psalm 147:1
* 1 Corinthians 14:15
* Matthew 15
* Hebrews 13:15 likely/approx. — “sacrifice of praise”

**Practical takeaways:**

* Don’t hold back from singing because you think your voice is not good enough. Singing is not a performance.
* Think about the words you sing, and let them teach and shape your heart.
* Sit near others who encourage you to sing more fully.
* Use opportunities outside worship to sing, learn songs, and grow in this discipline.
* Consider including singing in family devotional time.

**Memorable lines:**

“God thinks you have a beautiful voice. He gave it to you.”

“It’s not a performance.”

**Watch / Listen:**

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

06/08/2026

9. "You Are Not as Smart as You Think You Are" | Practical Proverbs

https://video.wvbs.orgEveryone should strive to be wiser than they...

06/07/2026

06/07/2026