In my last article, I focused on the subject of suicide and how God views that act and those who decide to kill themselves. No matter what the reason may be that a person decides to commit the act of suicide, this act is certainly not the answer to that person’s problems. After discussing the spiritual consequences of suicide in the last article, I would like to spend this article discussing other consequences of suicide, namely, the effect of a person’s suicide on his or her loved ones.
       In a study released by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States as of 2016. Eighty-four percent of those who commit suicide in the U. S. are white, and 77% of that number is male. The suicide rate has been on the rise between the years of 1999 and 2016, with rates varying from state to state. The increase of people committing suicide means an increase in loved ones being left behind, distraught, confused, with lives forever changed.
          So, how can you or I help a person who has suffered the loss of a loved one due to suicide? Losing a loved one to suicide can be somewhat different than losing a loved one to a physical sickness or accident in that the act of suicide is totally preventable. Although losing a loved one to a major sickness or accident is devastating, the person who has passed away had no control over the circumstances in which he or she lost his or her life. When someone commits suicide, unless he or she is suffering a major mental health issue, that person made the conscious choice to end his or her own life of his or her own free will. This fact causes the loved ones left behind to wonder why the suicide happened and what could they have done to prevent the suicide.
       First of all, there is nothing anyone can really do to prevent a person from committing suicide, and loved ones of a person who has committed suicide should never blame themselves for this act taking place. No one can totally control another person’s actions, and the act of suicide is something that the person who commits it has to answer for, not his or her loved ones.
       One thing that we can do to attempt to help those who may be considering suicide is to look at risk factors for suicide in those around us. Some of these risk factors include:

• Mental disorders, particularly mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and certain personality disorders
• Alcohol and other substance use disorders
• Hopelessness
• Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies
• History of trauma or abuse
• Major physical illnesses
• Previous suicide attempt(s)
• Family history of suicide
• Job or financial loss

• Loss of relationship(s)
• Easy access to lethal means
• Local clusters of suicide
• Lack of social support and sense of isolation
• Stigma associated with asking for help
• Lack of healthcare, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment
• Cultural and religious beliefs, such as the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma
• Exposure to others who have died by suicide (in real life or via the media and Internet)

       As Christians, it is important that we talk to those who have any of these risk factors about becoming Christians themselves, as well as remaining faithful Christians throughout their lives. “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost;” (Acts 2:38).  We should emphasize to those who may be going through many challenges in their lives and who are exhibiting suicidal tendencies the importance of relying on God to help them with their problems, and to trust Him to take care of everything. “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (I Peter 5:7).
It is also important as Christians to be there physically and emotionally for those who have lost loved ones due to suicide. Here are some ways that we can support those who have lost a loved one to suicide.

• Listen to them while they talk about their feelings. It is important to listen to those who have lost a loved one talk about the various feelings that they have regarding the event. Do not say anything to discount their feelings, and try to listen as much as you can. “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32).
• Be sensitive to the person’s feelings during special days such as holidays, anniversaries, and birthdays. Every day will be a challenge for a person who has lost a loved one, and holidays, anniversaries, birthdays, and other special days are no exception. We should be very sensitive and loving to those who have lost loved ones every day, and especially so on days that will be more challenging on those who have lost loved ones. We should treat those in grief as we would want to be treated ourselves if we were in the same situation. “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets” (Matthew 7:12).
• Offer to help those who have lost a loved one to do things around the house, run errands, take care of pets, etc. Helping others perform their duties around the house and elsewhere while they are dealing with the loss of a loved one to suicide is another way of helping to bear their challenges. This will give the loved ones time to process their feelings about their event, and to take time to rest. “Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).

     I hope that this article has given you some ideas on ways to help those who are facing challenges in their lives and who are possibly considering suicide, and also to help those who have lost a loved one to suicide. As I said in my last article, if you and/or anyone you know is having thoughts of suicide or have attempted suicide in the past, please seek help immediately. Suicide is not the answer for any problem. God is the answer! “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).

      I want to invite all ladies  to attend a Ladies' Day at Swallow's Chapel church of Christ on Saturday, August 11th at 10 A.M.! I am blessed by God to be one of the speakers at this event alongside a wonderful sister in Christ, LeAnn Duke! It is my hope that this Ladies' Day will help to encourage all who attend and to bring everyone closer to God! "Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do." (I Thessalonians 5:11). 
      It is important to attend Ladies' Day services because it gives women a chance to come together and teach one another about being a more faithful Christian wife, mother, daughter, sister, granddaughter, grandmother, friend, etc. Women often will seek advice from other women when facing a challenge in life, and who better to seek advice from than a fellow Christian? I hope you can attend this wonderful event! 

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As a child, I was frequently taught what was termed the "Golden Rule" when referring to how to treat others. I was not aware until I was older that the idea of "treat others as you would want to be treated" is from the Bible. Matthew 7:12 states "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them; for this for this is the law and the prophets." This week's Weekly Bible Study topic is on the subject of being a servant! 

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            James 2:8 states: ​"If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:." The Royal Law, and as we sometimes refer to it, the Golden Rule, should be looked to as an example to follow in all aspects of our lives. One way that we should treat others as we would want to be treated is in how we choose to forgive. This week's Bible study schedule is focused on verses about forgiving others, forgiving ourselves, and God's forgiveness of our sins. 

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If anyone is interested on beginning a Bible Correspondence Course on Studies In the Bible purchased from the Gospel Advocate, please email me at bcgann3@gmail.com,  and I will be happy to send one lesson to you per month, for a total of 30 lessons. Any questions that are included in each lesson may be answered and sent back to me via mail,  for grading.  If you are interested in receiving this Bible Correspondence course, I will begin sending one lesson per month starting in May. Please private message or email me with your name and mailing address. I will also give you the address to send completed work for grading. Learning about the  Bible is so important, and this  Bible Correspondence course is designed for anyone interested in learning more about the Bible. I hope that you, or someone you know, will choose to participate! “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (II Timothy 2:15)

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          The act of singing has always been used as an effective way to convey a message. Songs have a way of getting “stuck” in our heads and our emotions can be affected by the way a song sounds or a phrase that is used in a particular song. Everyone, for the most part, enjoys listening to music, and many of us make music a part of our daily lives. Singing spiritual songs is also an important part of worshipping God. In the worship service, a cappella singing is a wonderful and enjoyable way to show God our appreciation and love. There are obviously certain criteria that a song must meet in order to be considered a spiritual song, and spiritual songs are to be sung in certain ways in order to be pleasing unto God. There are also several purposes that a spiritual song fulfills inside and outside of the worship service.
            What type of song is considered “spiritual”? A spiritual song is any song that gives praise unto God. In the worship service, there are many songs that are sung to glorify God. These songs praise God for creating us, for allowing us to have salvation, and also for Jesus dying for us on the cross.  Many spiritual songs that are commonly sung in the worship services of the church of Christ were written by mortal people who wished to show their appreciation unto God.  True spiritual songs are based on Biblical principles.  There are some songs in the Bible and all of the Bible is inspired of God, therefore we can find inspired songs there (II Timothy 3:16-17).  Those who sing spiritual songs are showing their appreciation.
      What are the purposes of a spiritual song? As previously mentioned, the main purpose of a spiritual song is to praise God. “Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth; O sing praises unto the Lord; Selah:” (Psalm 68:32). “Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant” (Psalm 135:3). Any song that gives praise unto God in any way is a spiritual song just as the songs that we sing during the worship services of the church of Christ are spiritual songs.  
       The next purpose of the spiritual song is to teach others. By singing praises unto God, we are not only teaching others to do the same, but we are also teaching others about God and His Glory. We are commanded to teach others about God. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:” (Matthew 28:19). We are can use various means to teach others, and spiritual songs are one of the ways in which to teach. Paul taught the Gentiles to glorify God through singing. “And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name” (Romans 15:9).  Colossians 3:16 expressly states, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”  Clearly, a purpose of a spiritual song is to teach and admonish.
       Finally, another purpose of singing a spiritual song is to edify others. According to Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, to “edify” means to “construct, build up, or establish.”  By singing praises unto God and of all of the wonderful things God has done for us, we are helping others praise and worship God as well. We are also helping others keep a positive outlook on life and to learn to trust God no matter what happens in this life. “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29).  
         Now that the definition and purposes of spiritual songs have been discussed, how, then, should a spiritual song be conducted in order to be pleasing unto God? God is pleased with singing that is done by the human voice, only! After all, what other kind of singing is there? This means that no mechanical musical instrument should accompany a spiritual song when it is being sung. It is true, that in the Old Testament, many Jews sang spiritual songs using mechanical musical instruments, however, the Old Law under which they lived during the Mosaical Dispensation is no longer in effect, and has been nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14).
        In the New Testament, singing spiritual songs is mentioned, however, there is no authority by God to sing spiritual songs with mechanical instrumental accompaniment. “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;  Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; (Ephesians 5:19-20). In order for our worship to be pleasing unto God, we must have His authority in everything that we do! “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Colossians 3:17). Even if the Bible does not specifically say that we cannot sing spiritual songs with mechanical musical instruments, it also does not tell us to sing spiritual songs with musical instruments, so therefore, we have no authority to do so.  Remember that God gives us authority for what we are to do by Jesus Christ.
        We are to neither add to nor take away from the Bible.  If the Bible tells us to do something, then we are to do it. If the Bible tells us to not do something, then we should not do that thing. If the Bible does not tell us to do something then we are not to do it. If the Bible does not tell us to not do something, we still do not do it, because we have to do all things “in the name of Jesus Christ,” which means “by the authority of Jesus Christ” in accordance with Colossians 3:17.  
       By binding where the Bible does not bind and loosing where the Bible is binding is sin. “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book” (Revelation 22:18-19).  The Holy Scriptures equip us for every good work.  II Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”  We cannot improve upon the Bible.  We must not add to it, nor take from it.  Christ says in John 12:48, “[48] He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.”  We live under the Law of Christ today (Galatians 6:2).  Anything not authorized for us to do in the New Testament, we must not do.  We must do only that which is authorized for us to do in the New Testament. 
       Also, those who participate in worship to God must take an active part in singing spiritual songs, rather than to sit back and have others “perform” spiritual songs for them. This involves the congregation as a whole singing praises unto God, rather than having one person, a choir, or a “praise team” stand before the congregation and “perform” the spiritual songs for them. Notice, they were commanded to speak to themselves in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs in Ephesians 5:19.  This commandment was given to the church (Ephesians 1:1-2).  If a spiritual song is being performed, then it is merely a form of entertainment for the enjoyment of those in the audience rather than a form of praise unto God.  Remember in our worship, God is the Audience, not us. 
        Is a spiritual song still a spiritual song outside of the worship service? If the actions that take place in a worship service (i.e. praying, singing praises unto God, partaking of the Lord’s Supper, giving, preaching the Gospel), are considered acts of worship inside the church building, then they are also considered acts of worship outside of the church building.  Remember that of these acts, partaking of the Lord’s Supper can only be done on the first day of the week in accordance with Acts 20:7.  Worship services are commanded to take place on the first day of each week (Acts 20:7).  The church building itself is not the church that Christ began.  The people who congregate to worship God together are the church. “Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:47).
         Worship can also be offered by congregations in devotionals prior or after Bible Studies.  There are many who offer worship to God by singing songs, praying, and listening to preaching in home devotionals.  Singing is a part of worship in public and private devotionals, as you see.  Sometimes, one might even sing a spiritual song with no one else around, but God, Who Is Everywhere.  This would be offering praise and worship to God.  James 5:13 says, “Is any merry? let him sing psalms.”  Although we may offer worship unto God at various times, we are still commanded to worship with the church on the first day of each week (Acts 20:7).  Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”  The Elders may also deem other important times for worship and Bible study to take place, also.  We must submit to their leadership (Hebrews 13:17).
      Since the church building is just a building, and the actual church is made up of Christians, then the singing of spiritual songs in any setting is considered an act of worship to God. In other words, for God to be pleased, a song that praises God outside of the church building has to follow the same rules of having no mechanical instruments accompanying it as is given to spiritual songs sang in a church building. Also, a spiritual song must not be enjoyed as entertainment, but sung without mechanical instruments of music in praise to God. 
       For example, if the song “Amazing Grace” is supposed to be sung without mechanical musical instruments in the worship service held inside of a church buidling, then it stands to reason that the same requirements would apply outside of the church building.  Remember, “Amazing Grace” is a spiritual song.  Also, spiritual songs are designed to praise God and to teach each other.  Praising is worshipping.  Spiritual songs are designed for worship.  As I have already established, they must be sung in the way that God has authorized.  So, listening to the song “’Amazing Grace” at say, a bluegrass concert,  accompanied by mechanical instruments of music as it is performed to an audience for entertainment, is not authorized in ScriptureI can find no place in Scripture where we are authorized to sing a spiritual song with mechanical instruments of music whether inside the worship service on Sunday or outside of the worship service on Sunday. 
      This applies to listening to spiritual songs that are traditional hymns as well as those that are considered “Christian” Rock, Country, Pop, Rap, etc. A song of praise unto God is an act of worship whether inside or outside of the worship service just as praying unto God are still considered acts of worship whether inside or outside of the worship services. “What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also” (I Corinthians 14:15).
      God does not make a distinction based on where an act of worship is conducted. An act of worship must be conducted in the exact same manner no matter the setting in order to be pleasing unto God. At any time that we sing spiritual songs, we must not do so by adding to God’s Word by adding mechanical instruments of music to those songs.  To do so is no different than doing the same thing in the worship service.  Since singing spiritual songs with mechanical instruments of music is not authorized by God, then should we seek to be entertained by listening to these songs accompanied with mechanical instruments of music when those are not pleasing to God?  Of course, not!  
      I have wanted to write an article on this topic for awhile now, and thanks be to God, I have finally been able to do so! I hope that this article has helped to shed some light into the topic of spiritual songs and the appropriate way to sing and listen to these songs. I know that this is a topic that is not covered very often, and I hope that this article has allowed you to think more about this subject. As always, I write these articles in hope of teaching and edifying others. May we all strive to work to grow to be more like Christ and less like the world every day!

    
     In order to be a faithful Christian, it is our duty to not only be hearers of the Word but doers also (James 1:22). This means that we not only have to make sure that we ourselves are faithful servants of God but we also have to take the time to teach others to be the same. Teaching others the errors of their ways has its risks, however, and one of these risks is facing persecution from those who are spiritually weak.
          When Jesus gave the Great Commission in Matthew 28, he gave Christians the command to teach anyone and everyone they come into contact with about God. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (v.19-20). Likewise, 2 Timothy 4:2 states, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” All of these verses teach us to not give up on those who we are trying to bring to Christ. So, what do we do when we face opposition from others?
          I am reminded of a situation I was in recently where I had been trying to teach someone who was not a member of Christ’s church about the importance of becoming baptized and a faithful servant of God. I had been writing and sending cards to this person in which I talked about the steps to the Plan of Salvation, the importance of baptism and church attendance, and the consequences of not obeying the Word of God. I wrote these cards out with great care, and approached the subject with love and kindness in my heart toward this person. Hoping that my efforts would be appreciated and most importantly, helpful to this person, I was extremely saddened and disappointed to be told by a family member of this person that my efforts were not only unhelpful, but my cards were causing this man to become angry, and has thus “made things worse.”   I was also told to stop sending cards to this man and to not mention anything about the cards I had previously sent to him if I came into contact with this person. Even though I had taken great care to make sure that I expressed myself in the kindest way I knew how, I was hit with these very discouraging words regarding my efforts to save a lost soul.
          So, how do you handle a situation such as this? It is obvious that the devil was at work in this case because who besides the devil would tell you to stop teaching someone the Word of  God? We can see in the Scriptures that I quoted earlier in this article that Jesus wants us to keep reaching out to lost souls and to never give up! The devil wants to silence the voices of faithful Christians and uses excuses such as “that person gets angry” or “your efforts are making matters worse” to discourage us to the point of backing down and giving up!
          Ezekiel tells us what to do in a situation where a person we are teaching does not listen to us.  “Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul” (Ezekiel 3:17-19).
          If a person is willing to listen to some teaching, then do not give up on that person. I am never giving up on the person that I have been trying to teach, and I hope that he will decide to make the right choice and become a faithful Christian. I know that teaching the Word of God can never make things worse. All Scripture is designed to be used for teaching and admonishing others to do live rightly. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). As Ezekiel said, I have no control over anything that those I teach choose to do in their lives, I only have control over what I do, and God will only judge me based on how much I have tried to bring others to Christ, rather than how successful I have been in doing so. I believe that if a person works every day to bring others to Christ either by their words or their example, then everyone can help convert at least one person during the course of their lifetime.
          For this to happen, Christians must view the lost state that their fellow man or woman is in as an emergency situation. I find that many Christians are focused on their own salvation and what they must do to keep themselves and their families faithful, that they lose sight of those who are headed in the wrong direction and who are destined to suffer and burn for all eternity. Other Christians may see that many sins are considered “the norm” according to the sinful world in which we live, and they, too, choose to turn a blind eye to those who are committing various sinful acts. Still, others may avoid reaching out to those who are spiritually lost out of fear of the reaction they may get in return.
         We, as Christians, sometimes have to get out of our “comfort zone” and reach out to others. Those who are lost will rarely reach out to us, so we must be sure to take the initiative to help them. Christians should not fear persecution. If one is standing up for the Truth at all times, then he or she is going to face persecution. “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12).  Whatever opposition or persecution we may face in the process will help us to gain wisdom, patience, and a Home in Heaven! Our focus should be on what we have to gain in the next life rather than what we may lose in this one. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).