Critical Thinking in the Real World
Critical Thinking in the Real World
Critical Thinking in The Real World
Researched and Authored by: Michael J. Spindler
Critical thinking is an individual’s ability to adapt and resolve situations by using knowledge and previous experience as tools to develop a solution for problems that have not been previously encountered. In the intellectually stimulating days of industrialization, tasks were outlined to perform a specific step in the manufacturing process, without deviation, to create a product. In the modern age, critical thinking is a requirement in most work places.
The ability to analyze a situation, summarize the problem, develop a plan of action towards resolution, implement the plan of action, observe the results, and verify the solution is a requirement. To experienced employees in the workplace, the processes of critical thinking become second nature, the employee automatically engages in the process of logic thought without even being fully aware of the complexity of the process.
From Doctor Sharon Ferret’s book, “Peak Performance”, she outlines 14 characteristics of a critical thinker, as outlined in a related article on critical thinking, “Developing Critical Thinking through Cooperative Learning”(Klimovien?, Urbonien?, & Barzdžiukien? (2006):
1. Asks pertinent questions.
2. Assesses statements and arguments.
3. Is able to admit a lack of understanding or information.
4. Has a sense of curiosity.
5. Is interested in finding new solutions.
6. Is able to clearly define a set of criteria for analyzing ideas.
7. Is willing to examine beliefs, assumptions, and opinions, and weigh them against facts.
8. Listens carefully to others and is able to give feedback.
9. Sees that critical thinking is a lifelong process of self assessment.
10. Looks for evidence to support assumptions and beliefs.
11. Is able to adjust opinions when new facts are found.
12. Looks for proof.
13. Examines problems closely.
14. Is able to reject information that is incorrect or irrelevant.
(Klimovien?, Urbonien?, & Barzdžiukien?, 2006)
For individuals who already have a similar train of thought as the outline would suggest, the above list of characteristics and the ability to incorporate those processes would come easily. To individuals who may not be inclined towards logical thought; the process of incorporating and applying these traits may come slowly in time. The mere fact that it would take a great deal of patience, time, and understanding, on behalf of an employer would most likely involuntarily commit the individual to lower paying jobs in which the individual is not paid for a level of mental capacity or ability.
The fact of the matter is, in the modern age, employees are paid to solve problems, with minimal supervision or hand holding. The employees’ ability to “dive in” and succeed are qualities that companies will pay for and encourage continued growth. However, this is never a guarantee in the world’s marketplace, through recession, downsizing, and out sourcing. In the following paragraphs, the author will discuss how even experience and documented accomplishments as a result of critical thinking are never enough to remain insulated from the realties of corporate America.
However, as the employee work pattern has changed in America, now a loss of a job is not the end of the world. The ability to find new employment and climb the ranks becomes an easier part of life because of critical thinking. As a computer technician, playing the pin ball game of the Information Technology (IT) field, the author has progressively grown with experience and higher expectations in compensation for services provided with each transition. Had the author’s goal been to stay with one company from the point of entry into the IT field, his knowledge would have been limited to an expertise of the environment garnered through trial and error. His compensation would have been limited to a three percent hike for each year of service, if he were lucky. “Changing employers is traditionally the fastest path to securing a significant hike in pay. Most firms tend to have restrictive rules on the rate of pay increase available to existing employees, even those changing jobs or gaining promotions. (Kolakowski, 2008) But the ability to go into an environment, become very proficient with trouble shooting technologies that he was not previously exposed too, and to incorporate those experiences into his knowledge base makes him a more valuable commodity.
As a person’s knowledge base increases, and the more practiced and diligent the person becomes at using and applying critical thinking skills, the person begins to feel confident and the next problem encountered becomes less daunting. The author has been in the IT field for eight years, a period divided up between companies numbering in the teens. With each job that passed, each new job became easier, no matter how foreign the environment. The ability to become an effective member of each new team was greatly increased as any hand holding gradually became less to none at all in an efficient and timely manner. Of course, an internal support structure within a team will always be present. But a team player’s ability to become a reliable and self reliant team mate is valuable to employers.
In summary, the only real insulation an employee has in the modern world is to become highly effective at resolving problems through the processes of critical thinking. Even from the start; writing a resume, analyzing the results of the resume, and refining the resume to get the desired results. Critical thinking has to be a part of persons psyche before landing the job.
References – Do Not Strip Article References
Klimovien?, Urbonien?, & Barzdžiukien? (2006). Developing Critical Thinking through Cooperative Learning. Retrieved February 27, 2008, from http://www.ceeol.com/aspx/getdocument.aspx?logid=5&id=C753B42C-4EAE-4166-83FE-45F01E8C7BE8
Kolakowski, M. (2008). Changing Jobs. Retrieved February 27, 2008, from http://financecareers.about.com/od/changingjobs/a/changejob.htm
Researched and Authored by: Michael J. Spindler
Free to distribute – However- Do not strip Research Article References, remove the HTML if needed, but keep the URL text.
Do Not Remove the Authors name: Michael J. Spindler and keep all hyperlinks pointing to: http://www.localmusichits.com – I use software that compares my “library” and scours the web for postings. When I find my article on your site and you have not followed the above binding agreements, Lawyers will be sending letters. A considerable investment of time is involved with this content.
About the Author: Michael J. Spindler Michael has a multitude of interests, from Local Music Bands, Arts, Psychology, Sociology, Business Techniques and many more… As time goes by, most of my articles will focus on the world of Local Music. But at this time, I would like to share with you my other varied interest. Of http://www.localmusichits.com
Article from articlesbase.com
A look at some of the principles of critical thinking.
Video Rating: 0 / 5
Find More Critical Thinking Articles
The Happy Life
1 Minute animated shortfilm about… the happy life. Fifth at “One minute Film & Sound Awards” Leffinge 2006. Nominated at “One Minute Belgian Open” 2006.
Video Rating: 4 / 5
Find this and other great comedy DVDs at www.cleancomedy.cc
The Human Brain: How We Decide
Science & Reason on Facebook: tinyurl.com The Human Brain: How We Decide. — Please subscribe to Science & Reason: • www.YouTube.com • www.YouTube.com • www.YouTube.com • www.YouTube.com — When Jonah Lehrer was in town to talk about his latest book, “How We Decide”, Calacademy snagged the opportunity to interview him for “Science in Action”. He took the Visualization Studio through a tour of the brain as we make decisions whether in the cereal aisle or piloting a plane. Then the artists went to work, creating the brain visuals. • www.calacademy.org — Jonah Lehrer is a Contributing Editor at Wired and the author of “How We Decide” and “Proust Was a Neuroscientist”. Lehrer graduated from Columbia University and studied at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar. He has written for The New Yorker, Nature, Seed, The Washington Post and The Boston Globe. Lehrer is also a Contributing Editor at Scientific American Mind and National Public Radio’s Radio Lab. • www.jonahlehrer.com • scienceblogs.com — Since 1853, the California Academy of Sciences has been dedicated to exploring, explaining, and protecting the natural world. It is the only place in the world to combine an aquarium, natural history museum, and planetarium all under one living roof. • www.calacademy.org .
Video Rating: 4 / 5
New Testament Christianity
New Testament Christianity
The expression “New Testament Christianity” simply means doing things as the New Testament describes. God has a “pattern of sound words” for the Christian faith and we are to “hold” to this pattern (2 Tim. 1:13). God’s pattern is part of the “narrow gate” that leads to life (Mt. 7:13-14) and this pattern, if people will use it, eliminates religious confusion and religious division (compare 1 Cor. 14:33). When people are ignorant of God’s pattern or they reject some part of it, there will be hundreds or thousands of different religious groups that all profess to be “Christian.” The true followers of Christ know that God has a specific way of doing things and it is essential to “hold to the pattern” (compare 1 Cor. 4:17).
One of the most elementary parts of God’s pattern is found in conversion (the way someone becomes a Christian). As demonstrated by the following chart, God’s pattern for conversion requires faith (belief), repentance (a turning from sin), confession, and baptism (immersion in water) for the forgiveness of sins.
Bible verse
God’s command
God’s command
The blessing
Mark 16:16:
Believe
and be baptized
Saved
Acts 2:38:
Repent
and be baptized
Remission of sins
Acts 22:16:
Arise
and be baptized
Wash away sins
The information in Mk. 16:16 has been compared to a train; just as boxcars are joined together with a coupling pin, so the word “and” joins together the commands of “belief” and “baptism” (Jesus said a person must believe and be baptized before he can be “saved”). Since those in Acts 2 had heard and believed the facts of the gospel (Acts 2:37), they were told to “repent and be baptized” so they could receive the “forgiveness of sins” (Acts 2:38). The information in Acts 2 also offers an excellent illustration of repentance, a word that meant “to change for the better.” People who had formerly hated Jesus (Acts 2:36) repented (they began to love and follow Jesus). After people believe and repent, they are to be baptized, an act that “washes away sins” (Acts 22:16).
In addition to the passages in the preceding chart, the Bible also explains the purpose of baptism in Gal. 3:27 (Paul said baptism puts people “into Christ”). If a person is old enough to be accountable for his actions, he is either “in Christ” or “out of Christ.” If a person is old enough to be responsible for his actions and he is “out of Christ,” he has no spiritual blessings, one of which is salvation (2 Tim. 2:10). Those who are “in Christ” have all spiritual blessings (Eph. 1:3), one of which is salvation. According to Gal. 3:27, a person does not enter “into Christ” until he has been properly baptized.
In addition to Jesus and Paul saying that baptism is part of the salvation process, there is the information in 1 Pet. 3:20-21. Peter described how water served as a dividing line for Noah and his family (God used a flood to separate the saved from the lost, Gen. 6-7). Water lifted the ark and those in it to safety and water caused the unsaved to drown. In fact, Peter said Noah and his family were “saved through water” (1 Pet. 3:20). Peter also said there is a “true likeness” for people today and this “true likeness” is “baptism” (1 Pet. 3:21). In other words, just as water separated the saved from the lost in the ancient world, so water (baptism) now divides the saved from the lost under the Christian era (see again the preceding chart). Peter further noted how baptism is not for the “filth of the flesh” (it is not a process to remove physical dirt), 1 Pet. 3:21. Baptism is for spiritual filth—sin—as explained in Acts 2:38 and Acts 22:16.
There was no special power in the flood waters that separated Noah from the unsaved and there is no special power in the water that is now used to baptize people. Our justification from sin comes through Jesus’ blood (Paul made this point in Rom. 5:9 and he explained how this process works in Rom. 6:1-4).
As demonstrated by the following graphic, which is provided through the courtesy of We Care Ministries, sinners access the benefits of Jesus’ blood by reenacting the Lord’s death, burial, and resurrection. After a person believes, he is not saved. The believer must experience a “death.” This death is another description for repentance (people must turn from sin. Compare Col. 3:7; Acts 2:38; Lk. 13:3; Acts 17:30). People must “die to sin” (repent) so they do not “die in sin” (perish eternally in hell).
After a person has believed and repented (died to sin), he is ready to acknowledge that Jesus is the Son of God (Acts 8:37; 1 Tim. 6:12) and then be “buried with Christ through baptism” (Rom. 6:4). After a person has been properly baptized, he has “newness of life” (Rom. 6:4).
Many believe that “new life” (salvation, forgiveness of sins and all spiritual blessings) comes before baptism, but the Bible repeatedly says this is incorrect. Jesus said a person is “saved” after being baptized (Mk. 16:16). Peter said a person has the “forgiveness of his sins” after being baptized (Acts 2:38). Ananias said sins are “washed away” by being baptized (Acts 22:16). Paul said “baptism” puts people into Christ (Gal. 3:27). A person receives “new life” after baptism (Rom. 6:4). Jesus said a person must be “born anew” (Jn. 3:3) and this new birth requires water (Jn. 3:5). God has a specific pattern for salvation and this pattern requires people to have faith, repent of their sins, confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and be “buried with Christ” for the “forgiveness of their sins.”
The description of baptism as a “burial” (Rom. 6:4 and Col. 2:12) tells us that Bible baptism requires immersion (we do not bury something by sprinkling or pouring dirt on it). A burial means someone or something is covered and this is what New Testament baptism requires (a person is submerged in and thus covered by water). When John was baptizing people, his baptism required “much water” (Jn. 3:23). In fact, this verse says John baptized in this place “because” there was much water there.
Baptism for the forgiveness of sins is an essential part of God’s pattern for conversion, but this is just one characteristic of New Testament Christianity. God has also created a special place called the “church” (this word describes the saved). Jesus promised to “build His church” (Mt. 16:18) and this promise required Him to die a horrible death (Acts 20:28). Jesus did build His church and He built only one church (notice that in Mt. 16:18 the word “church” is singular).
In Eph. 1:22-23 Paul described the “church” as Jesus’ “body” (“to the church, which is his body”). Stated another way, Paul affirmed that the words church and body are interchangeable (“church” and “body” describe the same thing). The significance of this fact is seen in Eph. 4:4, a place where Paul said God has only “one body.” Since there is only “one body” (Eph. 4:4), and this “one body is the church” (Eph. 1:22-23), there is one church that has God’s approval. Many other churches can be found in the world, but these churches are not part of the church built by Christ. These other churches are counterfeit groups that have been built by men (Mt. 15:8-9) and Jesus said these groups will one day be destroyed because God did not build them (Mt. 15:13).
The problem with counterfeit churches is so bad that Jesus said: “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy by thy name, and by thy name cast out demons, and by thy name do many mighty works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Mt. 7:21-23).
If we wish to truly love and serve God, we must identify and work with Jesus’ one true church instead of a counterfeit group. The Bible helps us identify which church is right through the Scriptures; we can identify the right church by using the “pattern” (2 Tim. 1:13) found in God’s word. The pattern for Christ’s church includes things like how people become Christians, how Jesus’ church worships, how the Lord’s church is organized, and what its members do.
As already explained in the preceding information, one of the identifying marks of Jesus’ church is found in how people are saved: People must believe (Heb. 11:6); repent of their sins (Lk. 13:3; Acts 17:30); acknowledge that Jesus is the Son of God (Rom. 10:9), and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16). The Bible never speaks of things like “accepting Jesus into the heart,” “saying the sinner’s prayer,” or “praying to receive Christ.”
After a person follows God’s pattern for conversion as discussed in the previous paragraph, the Bible says Jesus “adds” a person to His church (Acts 2:47, KJV). In the churches built by men (counterfeit groups), people often “join” the church or they are “voted” into it. Acts 2:47 says the membership in Jesus’ church is controlled by the Lord Himself. Stated another way, people cannot “join” the New Testament church. Neither can they be voted into it. People automatically become members of it after they follow God’s pattern for conversion.
The New Testament church can also be recognized by what it does. After people became Christians on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:36-38), Luke says they “continued stedfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:42). This passage shows that part of God’s example involves meeting on a regular basis and doing the things listed in this verse. Most religious groups are committed to “prayer” and “fellowship,” but most are not “stedfast” with the other two characteristics in Acts 2:42 (the “apostles’ teaching” and “the breaking of bread”).
Jesus’ church can be partly identified by its strict adherence to the apostles’ doctrine (the information we now have in the Bible). Instead of following the rules and dictates of men (Mt. 15:9), the members of Christ’s church use the Bible as their only guide. New Testament Christians know that God has given the “perfect law of liberty” (Jas. 1:25) and this information gives them “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Pet. 1:3). Stated another way, the completed New Testament “furnishes us unto every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Thus, New Testament Christians (those who are part of Christ’s church) solely rely on this “form of teaching” (Rom. 6:17) for the “pattern” (2 Tim. 1:13) they need to serve and worship God “in truth” (Jn. 4:24). Counterfeit churches rely upon creeds, information from their “church headquarters,” church manuals, etc.
Acts 2:42 also refers to “the breaking of bread” (i.e. the Lord’s Supper. The Greek text literally says “the breaking of the bread”). This statement tells us the first century Christians partook of the Lord’s Supper on a “stedfast” basis. Other passages reinforce the fact that the members of Jesus’ church took the Lord’s Supper on a regular basis. For instance, Paul spoke of the Corinthian assemblies in 1 Cor. 16:2. The Corinthians were meeting on every Sunday (this point is expressed very well in the NASB) and the Corinthians were bringing the items for the Lord’s Supper to their weekly assemblies (1 Cor. 11:20). Although the items for the Lord’s Supper were being misused, the Corinthians knew they were to bring the elements for the Lord’s Supper every Sunday. This was the practice for Corinth as well as all the other congregations that practiced New Testament Christianity (1 Cor. 4:17).
In Acts 20 we read of a time when Paul was with some fellow Christians and this group actually waited for the “first day of the week” (Acts 20:6), Sunday, so the Lord’s Supper could be observed (Acts 20:7). Even though Paul was in a hurry (Acts 20:16), he waited seven days so he could meet with fellow Christians on the “first day of the week” (Acts 20:6) and partake of the Lord’s Supper (the Communion). This information corresponds perfectly with Acts 2:42, a text that says the first Christians “continued steadfastly in the breaking of bread.” The members of Jesus’ church partake of the Lord’s Supper every Sunday. In the churches built by men, people may partake of the Lord’s Supper once a year, twice a year, once a quarter, or once a month.
If worshippers have the Lord’s Supper less frequently than once a week, they “take away” part of what God intended for worship and thus alter God’s divine pattern (compare Rev. 22:19). If people offer the Lord’s Supper more than once a week, they “add to” God’s divine pattern and are also guilty of sin (compare Rev. 22:18). If people do not have Sunday, the “first day of the week,” as their special day to honor God in worship (1 Cor. 16:2), they also fail to follow part of the New Testament pattern and are thus not part of the New Testament church.
In addition to identifying the New Testament church through its pattern for conversion, the way that people become members of this church, the strict adherence to the Scriptures, and having the Lord’s Supper every week, the New Testament church can be identified by its teachings on giving. Many religious groups appeal to non-Christians for funds or they engage in things like bake sales and car washes. The first century Christians, who were members of the New Testament church, “took nothing from the Gentiles” (the unsaved, 3 Jn. 7). Today members of the New Testament church still meet all their financial obligations through free will contributions from members; New Testament Christians do not want nor expect non-members to contribute anything to the Lord’s work.
Christ’s church may also be identified by the amount of money that people give. Many religious groups tell their members to “tithe” (give 10% of their income). If a religious group teaches tithing, this is a sure sign that it is a counterfeit church. Tithing is part of the Old Testament law that was given to the Hebrew nation. The Old Testament law contained various rules about giving, keeping the Sabbath day, animal sacrifices, special priests, etc., and this law was in force for about 1,500 years. After Jesus came into the world He said His death would bring about a new covenant (Lk. 22:20) and this happened. Jesus took away the entire Old Testament system by dying on the cross (Rom. 10:4 and compare Heb. 8:5-13). If people try to bind any part of the Old Testament law on people, and telling people to “tithe” is one example of this, the Bible says people are “fallen from grace” and are “severed from Christ” (Gal. 5:4, ASV).
Instead of tithing, members of the New Testament church make a personal decision on how much to give. In fact, the church that belongs to Christ is governed by two basic rules when it comes to giving: (1) Give “cheerfully” and (2) give as we have been “prospered” (1 Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 9:7). Since the New Testament says give as we have been prospered, any church that tells people to “tithe” (give 10%) is a counterfeit church. Those who ask or tell people to tithe are teaching a “different gospel” (Gal. 1:6-9). This error is so serious that Paul said those who try to bind some part of the Old Testament law on people are like a woman who is married to two men at the same time (Rom. 7:1-4).
New Testament Christians know and teach that Jesus “nailed the old law to the cross” (Col. 2:14) and the removal of the Old Testament law includes the elimination of the Ten Commandments. Things like murder, theft and adultery are still wrong (Rom. 13:9), but these acts are wrong because they are forbidden by the New Testament. People can “learn” from the Old Testament (Rom. 15:4), but the New Testament is the law all are under now. Counterfeit groups often fail to distinguish between the Old Testament and the New (they teach that the Ten Commandments are still binding, people need to tithe, there is still a need to keep the Sabbath day, etc.), but these things are not taught by New Testament Christians. Members of the New Testament church know the difference between the Old Testament and the New Testament.
Because the members of the New Testament church correctly distinguish the Old Testament from the New Testament, they comply with God’s will in the area of music. Under the Old Testament system of worship, people used instrumental music (Ps. 150; 2 Chron. 29:25). Under the New Testament system of worship, people are specifically told to “sing” (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16) and this is what New Testament Christians do. If the New Testament said “make music,” we would be authorized to make music any way we choose. Since God has specifically said those who live under the New Testament are to make music by singing (compare Heb. 13:15), this is what His people do and this is another identifying mark of Christ’s church. If we sing AND PLAY in worship, we add to God’s instructions. Adding instrumental music to worship is an example of “will-worship” (Col. 2:23) and going “beyond what is written” (1 Cor. 4:6).
Church choirs are another example of “going beyond what it is written.” The Bible says Christians are to “sing to one another” (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16), but some use church choirs “because they like them.” Worship is not about what we like; it is about following God’s pattern (compare Jn. 4:24 where Jesus said we “must worship in truth”). If we do not do things in the way God has described, we go beyond what is written (1 Cor. 4:6), we “no longer abide in the doctrine of Christ,” and we “have not God” (2 Jn. 9).
The subjects of salvation and worship are very helpful in separating the New Testament church from counterfeit groups, but these are not the only ways to recognize Jesus’ true church. We may also determine which church truly follows God’s pattern by studying what the Bible says about church organization. Every organization has some type of structure, including a headquarters or main office, and this is also true for the New Testament church. Jesus is the head of His church and He resides in heaven (Acts 1:11). Jesus’ heavenly enthronement (Acts 2:30) tells us the “headquarters” for the New Testament church is in heaven. Stated another way, Jesus’ church has no earthly headquarters; counterfeit churches, however, often do have an earthly headquarters. Jesus’ church is also autonomous (self-governing).
As illustrated by Acts 14:23 and Phil. 1:1, each congregation of the Lord’s church is to have local leaders known as “elders” (these men are also referred to as bishops, presbyters, pastors, overseers, shepherds. Each of these words describes a different aspect of an elder’s work). Paul described the qualifications for these men in 1 Tim. 3:1-5 and he said elders “take care of” (they are the rulers for and in) a local congregation (1 Tim. 3:5). Titus referred to “elders” in Tit. 1:5 and then described them as “bishops” in Tit. 1:7.
We read of elders in Judaea (Acts 11:29-30), southern Galatia (Acts 14:23), Jerusalem (Acts 15:6), Ephesus (Acts 20:17), and Asia Minor (1 Pet. 5:1). There are implied references to them in 1 Thess. 5:12 and Heb. 13:17. In Tit. 1:5 we learn that elders were needed throughout the island of Crete (“every city”).
Although God’s pattern for church leadership does not extend beyond the local congregation, a high percentage of religious groups have a leadership structure that goes outside the local church (religious groups have a “church headquarters” in a well known city or another country, or there is some type of regional, national or world-wide board). Although these arrangements are common, they are contrary to God’s pattern. Church organization is just one more way to separate Christ’s church from the imitations built by men.
Jesus is the head of the church, elders are the local leaders, and Jesus’ church has special servants known as “deacons” (Phil. 1:1). The church of Christ also has men who serve as preachers. Paul and Timothy were two first century ministers and these men are referred to as “servants” in Phil. 1:1. Unlike the churches built by men where preachers are the leaders and often the most important people in the congregation, the Bible says the preachers in Christ’s church are servants. The remaining members in Jesus’ church of the New Testament are simply called “saints.”
The New Testament pattern for church organization described in the preceding paragraphs stands in stark contrast to the “clergy-laity” system found in many denominations. In fact, in many man-made churches there must be an “official person” to baptize people or help with worship. God’s pattern for Christianity says all the saved are “priests” (1 Pet. 2:5, 9). Instead of dividing people into “clergy and laity,” Jesus said “all are brethren” (Mt. 23:8). Paul illustrated this point by noting how several of the Corinthians helped in and with worship (1 Cor. 14:26). The Corinthians knew their worship did not need to be carried out by a special priest or some type of “holy person” because all Christians are “priests” (Rev. 1:6; 5:10) and all Christians are considered to be “holy” (1 Pet. 1:15).
The only restriction when it comes to having a leading role in worship is a person’s gender. Stated another way, women are not allowed to take a leading role in the assembly if men are present (1 Cor. 14:34-35 and compare 1 Tim. 2:8-13). In the church of Christ, any Christian male can help with worship, teach or preach. Churches that have women preachers are most definitely counterfeit churches because they violate what Paul said in 1 Cor. 14:34-35 and 1 Tim. 2:8-13. God has given a “pattern” for the New Testament church (2 Tim. 1:13) and all need to use this pattern to identify and work with the “church of Christ” in their community.
Have we found and are we a part of the one church built by Christ? If the “church of Christ” (Rom. 16:16) does not exist in our community, we can start one and practice New Testament Christianity (i.e. do things just as the New Testament describes). We can begin a congregation in our home (1 Cor. 16:19; Col. 4:15; Phile. 2) or use a rented space to start “worshipping in spirit and truth” (Jn. 4:24). We certainly do not want to be part of the counterfeit groups that “leave the commandment of God, and hold fast the tradition of men” (Mk. 7:8). Remember, “All the churches of Christ salute you” (Rom. 16:16).
My name is Brad Price; I am the owner of http://www.abiblecommentary.com, a “Bible commentary” web site that offers a wide variety of FREE Bible commentaries, free sermon outlines, free audio sermons and free Bible study articles.
Article from articlesbase.com
Related Testament Articles
Talent Management ? Breath Life Into Your Business Management Plan!
Talent Management ? Breath Life Into Your Business Management Plan!
Talent management is increasingly becoming a critical part of the corporate business management strategy for most organizations. Talent Management is a never-ending process, that manages the start point of a new employee to the end point when termination (of either party) occurs, namely attracting, developing, and retaining talent. An expanded definition of talent management is a more comprehensive approach of trying to build those competencies.
There are 4 anchor pillars which governs Talent Management, namely recruiting, performance management, learning management, and compensation management. Hence, talent management is the end-to-end process of planning, recruiting, developing, managing, and compensating employees throughout the organization. Still, this is however, an overtly simplistic and inward looking definition.
Talent Management strategies must begin with the end in perspective. It must blend into the broad perspective of your Strategic Business Plan, supported by the long term growth of your organization, human resource management as well as Business Succession Planning. In essence, it provides the right people to drive the organization and is the bloodline of its growth.
Talent Management speaks of and breathes life into your organization. Talent Management is managing the long term expectations of employees by immersing them into the corporate culture, designing and delivering programs and initiatives to support the personal and professional development of employees which blends into the overall growth paths of your business plan. It is not difficult to see soft-indoctrination of the corporate vision, mission and passion induced into this process, supported by top management.
Stay tuned for this series of articles on Talent Management, exploring the talent management gaps and how to’s in management talent for long term top organizational performance.
Yoshiko Choy has 17 years of business & marketing experience in Locals & MNCs, holds an Executive MBA, is a Platinum Ezine Author and an avid internet marketer. Read more at Talent Management categroy. And Learn the latest business & marketing management trends
at BusinessFast4ward.com
Article from articlesbase.com
More Talent Management Articles
Thought for the Day
Thought for the Day
Why not start each morning with a simple thought for the day? Hold it in mind to see what perspective it gives to the day’s events. Here is one for each day of the week.
Monday’s Thought For The Day
When you argue with a person, are you focused on the words? What’s out there beyond the words? What about the reality that the words are pointing to? Look beyond what a person is saying, to what he or she is seeing that gives rise to the words. Do that, and you’ll not only fight less, but you may learn something as well.
Tuesday’s Thought For The Day
Be aware of the thoughts doing battle in your mind, for some of them will win and become your actions. Be aware of your actions, for those which are repeated will become your habits. Be aware of your habits, for they will make your character. Pay attention, because your character creates your life.
Wednesday’s Thought For The Day
Democracy? It’s mob rule. Our rights are not subject to a vote. Law? It is politics and prejudice. Much that is right is forbidden, and much that is wrong is allowed. Religion? A mind killer that answers our fears but not our needs. Bow to no authority. The right path is there when you choose to use the love and intelligence you possess.
Thursday’s Thought For The Day
We defend our ideas to the death – of other people. The wars of words which lead to death and destruction will only end when we stop serving our ideas and see that they are meant to serve us. When they do not, it is time for new ones.
Friday’s Thought For The Day
People say they want to change, but do they? A bird must leave behind the egg it came from in order to fly, but humans so often remain in their protective shell of thoughts and feelings about themselves and the world, and even try to thicken the walls around them. If you are not willing to leave the old self behind, how can you grow into the new?
Saturday’s Thought For The Day
A man argued that the world is a good place as he walked by the hungry child without seeing him. His friend said the world is evil, and did not notice the beauty of the apple tree they passed. Then another came along and, without words, he took an apple from the tree and gave it to the child.
Sunday’s Thought For The Day
“Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it.” – Buddha
That last one is not my own, but I couldn’t have said it any better.
Copyright Steve Gillman. To learn how to have New Thoughts And Creative Ideas, go now and subscribe to the free Radical Thinking Course at: http://www.RadicalNewThoughts.com
Article from articlesbase.com
Find More Thought For The Day Articles
Life Quotes & Quotations
www.selfimprovementsguide.com LIFE Top 100 famous quotations and life quotes Searching for the best life quotes and quotations? Here you will find the top 100 famous quotations and quotes, life quotes,love quotes, sayings, proverbs, inspirational quotes, motivational quotes, affirmations,…
Video Rating: 4 / 5
Keys To Unlocking Your Mind Power
Keys To Unlocking Your Mind Power
Keys to Unlocking Mind Power Secrets
Do mind power secrets really exist? Or are they a figment of our imagination? Like any things, the answer may depend on who you ask. In this, you must be careful about who it is that you ask.
Ask someone who is destitute and desperate and you will likely get a negative answer and be told that it’s a bunch of bull. But ask anyone who is successful in whatever it is that they have endeavored to achieve and you will most definitely get a answer that it is indeed true and that their success has come from a firm belief in the power of the mind.
So whom should you believe? Who should you listen to? The person who doubts and is not successful? Or the person who believes that mind power does indeed exist and has been a key to their success?
Yes. There is most definitely such a thing as mind power secrets and it’s direct influence on all things in our lives. If you haven’t yet discovered them, you are absolutely missing out on the keys to a happy and successful life!
So what are mind power secrets and how do you unlock them?
The Power of the Mind
It is universally accepted that we only use a fraction of our minds. A tiny fraction. So that means that we have as yet to utilize a large part of our mind’s potentials. You have heard of the phrase mind over matter and how there are those people that exist who seem to have the ability to move objects by thought alone. How? How is this possible? This is just a small example of the power of the mind. Many will say that the mind is much more powerful than our physical beings and in fact, our physical selves are nothing more than vessels for our mind. It is in fact that our physical bodies is the thing that limits our minds the most!
You can be still and motionless and physically you will not accomplish anything. But no matter what your physical state of being, your mind can travel and reach out to possibilities your body cannot. The power of the mind can give you inner peace, glean the future, help you get what you desire and communicate with others of the like-mind.
If you are able to tap into the richness of your mind and accomplish these things, you will have taken the right steps towards using the power of the mind to get everything you want out of life. Enjoy successes, achieve better economic, social and personal goals and have a very enjoyable life!
Unlocking Your Power
There are 2 main ways to unlock your mind power secrets. You can find a master or an expert to help you learn your mind power secrets or you can try to learn this on your own. Learning on your own may seem like the less expensive option but is it really? There are many real experts on mind power secrets that can teach you without ever meeting you or charge you a lot. Or you can learn from mind power books and resources on your own. Although these resources may differ slightly on tips and facts, they all contain the necessary principles to help you unlock your mind power secrets.
• Mind powers can be used for nefarious purposes as well as good intentions. In fact, some of the most notorious villains that have ever walked the face of the earth either knowingly or unknowingly tapped into their mind power secrets and used them for evil accomplishments. Think Jim Jones who tapped into his mind power to completely influence his followers to follow him even into death. More recently, think Bernie Madoff. He used his mind power secrets to con and deceive hundreds of investors into giving him BILLIONS of dollars! But in the end, their negative use of such great power led to nothing but eventual pain and destruction. True happiness and fulfillment can only come from positive use of your mind power secrets.
• You may find some success at unlocking your mind power at one sitting. But just like anything else you try, in order to truly succeed by practicing. You can practice during formal sessions…time that you set aside specifically for the purpose of practicing….or during informal times of peace and quiet. You might for example take time each day to visualize what you want and believe that it will come true. In doing so, you will start to succeed in eliminating all your negative thoughts and become a more positive person.
• You don’t need any physical exertion when you use your mind powers. But your physical self must still be in some kind of harmony with your mind in order to fully tap into your mind’s potential. What does this mean? It means that in order for your mind to be able to free itself to do the things you ask of it, your body must be strong and healthy so as not to be a distraction. After all, it is absolutely true that no matter how much you succeed in whatever you desire, you cannot enjoy it if you do not have your health. And you cannot get there if you are not well. You will spend all your energy just trying to get healthy. If you are physically well, it in fact multiplies your mind power!
No matter what method you choose to use to unlock your mind powers, the true key to doing so is in yourself. You have to believe without a doubt that you can do whatever you are trying to achieve and you will succeed!
An amazing new program called Super Mind Powers to help you unlock the power of your mind has just been released! And it’s by none other than Ewen Chia, bestselling author and self-made multi-millionare! So you know it’s good! Visit my blog for more information: SuperMindTraining.com
Article from articlesbase.com
The brain is the most important organ in the body. Amazingly, it empowers you to think, walk, talk, learn, make friends, have emotions and know what it means to be alive. Although it weighs just two pounds and is approximately 75% water, the functioning of every system of the human body is entirely dependant upon the brain. Yet when it comes to health, people rarely think of the brain, even though it is the “master organ” of the human body. In this powerful special presentation, Gary Null, Ph.D. and the world’s top brain experts will take you on a journey of the most fascinating machine in the universe. You’ll learn: Why brain health is crucial to overall health How to keep the brain and the entire body healthy and strong How to optimize brain function How to improve memory and cognition Specific protocols to prevent or reverse brain diseases After viewing this special, you will gain an awareness of cutting-edge health information and learn proven methodologies that will dramatically improve the quality of your life and your mind power. Available at: www.gnhealthyliving.com
Video Rating: 0 / 5
Stress Management Part I
Explanation of stress and it’s components. Visit www.watchmojo.com for more videos.
Video Rating: 3 / 5
LAW OF ATTRACTION DAILY AFFIRMATIONS
www.secretmeditations.com Watch this movie every morning and start you day on a positive way…
WordPress ·