What The Bible Says

Vol. VII - No. 11      Octobert 13, 2024

FACEBOOK: FAITH OR FOLLY?

    Facebook (FB) is a social networking website that connects 500 million people worldwide. Many Christians have FB pages (including this writer). As with most other things, FB can be a benefit to or blight upon one’s spiritual life. Please carefully consider your use of FB (or any other social networking site) to see if you have chosen to be God’s friend (Jn. 15:14).

    Faith on Facebook. Some brethren are using FB as an effective tool to advance the gospel of Christ. I know brethren who post daily Scripture readings, spiritual songs with comments, and regular Bible study articles. Some post links to Bible study material and their congregation’s website. There are Bible study groups on FB, too. All of these shows FB can be a great tool to help you spread the gospel of Christ and have a godly influence for truth and righteousness. We commend these efforts to you.

    Folly on Facebook. Sadly, there is also a great deal of sin and danger on FB. Christians are not immune to its temptations. Pride and arrogance, anger and hate, gossip and backbiting, immodesty and profanity – all these and more are among the sins that can be observed and participated in on FB.

    Why is FB so popular?  What makes people post things on FB they would not otherwise say or do?  What are some of the follies of FB?

    1) FB presents a false sense of freedom from accountability. Typing away on a keyboard can lull you into thinking that whatever you write and post is just “keeping it real” and that you are “just being yourself” – and “that’s always a good thing”. Well, not if the “words of (your) mouth and the meditation of (your) heart” are not acceptable to God (Psa. 19:14). Some things should neither be thought nor spoken (Matt. 12:35). We must remember Jesus said, “every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matt. 12:36-37). That goes for FB postings, too.

    2) FB offers an apparent removal of moral restraints. I’m not sure whether FB gives one the feeling that moral restraints do not apply when posting, or if the postings on FB indicate that one’s moral restraints have already been removed. Probably both. Either way, the result is sin and disgrace. Photos of Christians immodestly dressed provocatively display attitudes of worldliness. We are not to love the world (1 Jn. 2:15-17). Christians must deny ungodliness and worldly lusts to live “soberly, righteously and godly in this present world” (Titus 2:12). FB reveals that some Christians are failing to use moral restraint in word and deed. FB is seen as a tempting “escape” from the bonds of morality imposed by the gospel. Brother or sister in Christ, if you are on FB, be sure your speech is pure and your photos are decent! And, that those posted on your page are, too. You should have zero tolerance here. Delete the offensive postings and remove “friends” who are not decent. Guard your influence (1 Cor. 15:33).

    3) FB holds up privacy to public display and discussion. Some of the things on FB are, frankly, mundane. Who in the world is interested that I “ate my Wheaties” or am “headed to bed”? God’s word says, “He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit. Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive” (Prov. 17:27-28). It may be time for some Christians to sign off of FB and at least be considered perceptive.

    4) FB provides the perfect venue for those without tongue control.  FB makes it easy to exercise “loose lips” (or in this case, loose fingers). All kinds of disruptions, distortions, evil surmising, gossip and rumor mongering has found its way onto FB. And that means these sins have already found their way into the hearts, the thinking, the attitudes, the language and the conduct of those who post such destructive words. Instead of carefully choosing words, FB makes it easy to post before you think. And that gets you into trouble. Remember, great forest fires begin with a small spark (Jas. 3:5). So, don’t light the match; Post the truth in love (Eph. 4:15).

    5) FB lends itself to mindless chatter – and worse. As someone who writes for public consumption and criticism, I am aware of the effect and the reach of written words. Once written and published, words can do much good or great harm. I try to be thoughtful and careful with what and how I write, knowing my words will outlive me. FB (along with all the other social networking sites – plus email, for that matter), makes it very easy to thoughtlessly write without considering the consequences. Mothers used to tell their daughters not to write anything in your diary you don’t want others to read. Now, everyone’s diary is open to everyone else on FB!

    If you ridicule someone you have become arrogant and unloving. If you post profanity and join in coarse joking you have lowered yourself to join the world in the sewer of vulgarity (Eph. 4:29; 5:3-4). If you post unfounded rumors, malicious gossip and tale bearing you have left the land of brotherly love and crossed over into the land of bitterness and malice (Eph. 4:31-32).

    6) FB can consume your time. We must be good stewards of our time (Eph. 5:16). FB can be addicting; stealing away hours of productivity in school, on the job and in the kingdom of Christ.  The next time you feel the urge to post a message to a friend, why not call them up instead? I’m sure they would love to hear your voice. Now that’s a novel idea! (Prov. 27:17).

    A word to parents. Do you know what your child is posting on FB? If not, find out. You wouldn’t let your child bring a stranger into your home with your knowledge and permission. Do not let them indiscriminately bring strangers into their lives on FB. Adolescent brains are not fully developed yet to be able to completely assess actions and consequences. Don’t be naive, don’t make assumptions, but get the facts. Such knowledge is vital in order to train your children in the way they should go (Prov. 22:6).   —Joe R. Price

A MORBID SUBJECT

    Death is not a subject that is frequently talked about like the weather. Yet death is something we should talk about and consider for it is certain. Life is full of choices but there are two things in life that we do not choose. We did not choose to live for that was decided by our parents. We must live! Neither will we choose to die but we must die. "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" (Hebrews 9:27).

    Whether we realize it or not, death is an appointment. Appointments with our hairdresser or doctor are ones that we set. The appointment of death is one that has been set for us. The appointments we make are set for a certain time on a certain day. The only uncertainty about death is the time and day when it will occur.

    Death should help us to see that we are better than the animals which God created. In death, it is the body that dies but man has a spirit that continues to live. "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” (James 2:26). "Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it." (Ecclesiastes 12:7). God created us with a soul (spirit) that is in His image (Genesis 1:27). Death is only the end of our fleshly body and earthly existence. Our eternal spirit will be resurrected with a spiritual body to stand and be judged (1 Corinthians 15:35-58; Hebrews 9:27).

    In the Judgement, we will be judged according to truth (Romans 2:2) and God's word is truth (John 17:17). This will serve as the standard of comparison. Our works will be compared to what God's word teaches (Romans 2:6; Revelation 20:13). In the judgment we will not have to concern ourselves with a Judge which might be bribed or prejudiced "for there is no respect of persons with God” (Romans 2:11). Nor do we need to fear that evidence will be kept secret because that will be "the day when God shall judge the secrets of men" (Romans 2:16). "Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do." (Hebrews 4:13).

    Yes, death is certain and I know of no one who will argue otherwise. However, judgment is just as sure and death is certain. In that day, Jesus will come "in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Thessalonians 1:8). Have you obeyed the gospel? —E.R. Hall, Jr.

"What The Bible Says” is e-mailed twice a month. If you know of others who might benefit from the articles contained in this bulletin, we would be glad to have you submit their e-mail addresses and we will include them in the next mailing. If you are receiving this bulletin and do not wish to continue to do so, please e-mail us with your desire to be removed from the mailing list and you will be removed promptly. Continue to the bottom of this page for further instructions as to how you may contact us.
--- E.R. Hall, Jr. 

SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
For The East Albertville Church Of Christ
meeting at
4777 U.S. Highway 431
Albertville, AL 35950
Sunday
Bible Classes …………..….……………     9:30 AM
Morning Worship ……..…….….………  10:30 AM
Evening Worship   …………………........ 5:00 PM
Wednesday
Bible Classes …………..………........... 7:00 PM
 

Radio Program
Sunday
WBSA 93.5 FM/1300 AM …………………………..  8:30 AM
Monday - Saturday
WBSA 93.5 FM/1300 AM ………………………….. 11:15 AM
 

Website: www. EastAlbertville.org

What The Bible Says

Vol. VII - No. 10      September 29, 2024

SODOM WAS NOT DESTROYED FOR HOMOSEXUALITY?

    In Gen. 19:1-24, we can read of God’s wrath orchestrated against two ancient cities - Sodom and Gomorrah. In v. 4-5, we can see why God destroyed these cities. The ISV translates this passage thusly: “Before they could lie down, all the men of Sodom and its outskirts, both young and old, surrounded the house. They called out to Lot and asked, ‘Where are the men who came to visit you tonight? Bring them out to us so we can have sex with them!’” (also consider the NASB, CSB, GNT, NIV, CEB, GW, and CEV translations). Clearly, these cities were guilty of homosexuality, which brought about the Lord’s swift and utter destruction. Throughout the Bible, God uses Sodom and Gomorrah as evidence to not transgress His laws (see Deut. 29:23; Isa. 3:9, 13:19; Jer. 23:14; Lam. 4:6; Amos 4:11; Matt. 10:15, 11:23- 24; Luke 10:12, 17:28-30). Peter illustrated the danger of living like those citizens by describing God’s destruction against these cities, saying, “By turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes he condemned them to extinction, making them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly” (2 Pet. 2:6). Yet, those who claim homosexuality is not a sin often point to Ezek. 16:49-50 to argue that Sodom was not destroyed for their homosexuality. Since this argument is a common talking point for those claiming homosexuality is not a sin, let’s consider if this argument is rooted in truth or error.

    Ezek.16:49-50 reads, “Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy. They were haughty and did an abomination before me. So I removed them, when I saw it.” It is clear, based on these verses, that Sodom was destroyed for a wide range of sins, such as pride and a blatant disregard for the poor and needy. However, we can also clearly and easily understand from God’s Word that another sin contributed to Sodom’s destruction - the sin of sexual immorality.

    Recounting the reason for Sodom and Gomorrah’s destruction, Jude explains, “Just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire” (Jude 7). As if the original account in Gen. 19:1-24 was not already abundantly clear that these people committed sexual immorality through acts of homosexuality, Jude 7 verifies this eternal truth. Thus, Sodom was, in fact, guilty of homosexuality, which - along with their pride and disregard for the needy - contributed to their utter destruction by God.

CONCLUSION

    Sodom fell to various temptations, and the Bible is clear they were guilty of homosexuality. Homosexuality was a transgression of the Law of Moses (Lev. 18:22; 20:13) and continues to stand in contrast to Christ’s law under the New Testament today (1 Cor. 6:9-10; 1 Tim. 1:9-10; Rom. 1:26-27; Rev. 21:8). Let us learn from the example of Sodom, who were described as “great sinners against the Lord” (Gen. 13:13), committing “very grave” sins (Gen. 18:20). Let us all resist the temptations to grow prideful and ignore the needs of the poor, as well as resist the sin of homosexuality.

 —Dylan Stewart
Taken from The Whole Counsel Of God,
May 2024 Vol. I, Number 5

MASONRY IS A RELIGION

    In consideration of false religions, we must of necessity consider Freemasonry. This may seem odd, even to those who are involved in this organization because most people do not know that Masonry is a religion. In Morals and Dogma, by Albert Pike, 1932 edition, page 196 we read: "The religious faith thus taught by Masonry is indispensable to the attainments of the great ends of life". On page 213: "Every Masonic Lodge is a temple of religion; and its teachings are instruction in religion". In fact, Masonry claims for itself to be the "true religion": "This is the true religion revealed to the ancient patriarchs; which Masonry has taught for many centuries, and which it will continue to teach as long as time endures." (Ibid., page 214). "That Rite raises a corner of the veil, even in the Degree of Apprentice; for it there declares that Masonry is a worship." (Ibid., page 219). "Masonry is a worship;... " (Ibid., page 526).

    Masonry, while trying to maintain respect for the Bible, makes statements that cast doubtful reflections on it's divine inspiration. On pages 99,100, and 252, Albert Pike states that the apostles John and Paul wrote in the language of Philo. Yet, Paul says the things he wrote were the "commandments of the Lord" (1 Corinthians 14:37). In fact, Masonry sees inspiration in many things other than the Bible: "The Gospel is preached from many a book and painting, from many a poem and fiction, and review and newspaper; and it is a painful error and miserable narrowness, not to recognize these widespread agencies of Heaven's providing; not to see and welcome these many-handed coadjutors to the great and good cause. The oracles of God do not speak from the pulpit alone." (Ibid., pages 212-213). Concerning truth, Masonry says, "All truths are Truths of Period, and not truths for eternity." (Ibid., page 37).

    Masonry is a universal religion. Dr. Albert Mackey in the Encyclopedia of Freemasonry (1929 Edition, Revised and Enlarged by Robert Clegg), page 847, says, “No disbeliever in the existence of a God can be made a Freemason.". Though this may sound noble we must notice he said, "a God". Being a universal religion, it must and does recognize other gods. "If Freemasonry were simply a Christian institution, the Jew and the Moslem, the Braham and the Buddhist could not conscientiously partake of its illumination; but its universality is its boast" (Ibid., page 579).

    Like all religions, Masonry offers salvation. "It is the Theocratic Philosophy of Freemasonry that commands our unqualified esteem, and seals in our heart that love for the Institution which will produce an active religious faith and practice, and leads
in the end to 'a building not made with hands, eternal in the heavens’... (Ibid., page 1035).

    Yes, Masonry is a religion; a false religion.  —E.R. Hall, Jr.

PERIHELION

    Perihelion in Astronomy is a moment in time that is measured and determined by a mathematical calculation. It is the point in the orbit of a planet, or an asteroid, or a comet at which it is the nearest to the sun. Perihelion is derived in its meaning by two parts in Latin. Peri meaning around and Helios meaning the sun. Peri in Greek would imply closeness. Perihelion for our planet occurred on January 4th of 2023 at 11:17 AM Eastern Standard Time. Perihelion occurs about two weeks after the winter solstice, which is the shortest day of the year. People are often puzzled by this fact and question is validity because this January date is in the winter, the coldest part of the year. How can it be that we are at our nearest point to the sun, but it is our coldest season. To add even more confusion to this matter, consider that Aphelion, which is the point at which we are the greatest distance from the sun, occurs in July. This would normally be about two weeks after the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. How can all of this be true? Well… It's all about the angle.

    The earth is tilted on its rotational axis at an angle of about 23.5 degrees. One rotation on this axis gives us one day. The earth makes an orbit around the sun every 365 days or so; one orbit gives us one year. It is this angle in the earth's rotational axis that causes our seasons. All these variables that we've discussed are part of the original design that was implemented by God and are sustained by Him, Hebrews 1:3 “…and upholding all things by the word of His power”. This tilting of the earth on its rotational axis is what determines how efficiently the Sun's radiation will be absorbed by the earth, causing a warming effect. During the winter months, the northern hemisphere where we live experiences more deflection and less absorption of radiation from the sun than in the summer months. Hence the difference in temperature despite the change in distance from the sun. The change in distance from the sun from the winter to the summer, though significant, about 3,100,000 miles, cannot overcome the change of temperature caused by this angle.

    When you consider the word angle and words that are synonymous to it, you come up with words like perspective, or point of view.  Approach and slant might also be listed. When you look for words for which angle would be a synonym, one word that you frequently might see would be attitude. For something that travels in flight, attitude is of the utmost importance because it helps govern the direction of flight, but also it impacts our position relative to our horizon line / our point of focus.

    As God's children we know that we are sojourners and travelers in this life under the sun. We also know that our attitude has everything to do with our relationship to the Son of God. Peter pleads with the beloved in 1 Peter 2: 11 “…as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul”. These fleshly wars that we experience have eternal implications that will affect us long after this life is over, whether their effects be good or bad.

    But we, unlike planets, comets, and asteroids, whose trajectory and plane are governed by another; can decide to change our attitude and be closer to the Son. James 4:8 says it this way, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you”. The warming and nourishing effects of us drawing nearer to our God can and will have a positive, eternal, effect on our souls.

    Let me suggest to you that Christians, as travelers in God's creation, have seasons to their lives, and our attitude and relationship to the Son will have a determining effect on the fruitfulness of these seasons .The spring season for the child of God could be when we are newborn babes as 1 Pet. 2:2 describes “as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby”.  In John 15:5 Jesus with the use of these words describes a close relationship to Him that could be viewed as our summertime or growing season, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing”. Paul when writing to the church at Galatia wrote these words by inspiration “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not loose heart”, Gal 6:9. Clearly the harvest season for the Christian is what is being pictured here. Paul again writing to Timothy describes what might be summed up as the winter season of his life in 2 Tim. 4:6-7, “For I am already being poured out as an drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”.

    We are created in the image and likeness of our God and Father and are by our very nature eternal beings Gen. 1:26. This time of our sojourning under the sun as Solomon describes it is only the very beginning of our journey. When our life here ends, eternity begins. That thought I know is a daunting one. We can be in control of the trajectory and outcome of our final, eternal journey. To quote an old Star Trek line “We are at the helm”. We are in control of our lives and the path we choose on this journey is one of great consequence.  Choose the strait and narrow path that is difficult, that few find but is the one that leads to eternal life. Obey God while you have opportunity. Stop resisting…  —Blind Bartimaeus 23

"What The Bible Says” is e-mailed twice a month. If you know of others who might benefit from the articles contained in this bulletin, we would be glad to have you submit their e-mail addresses and we will include them in the next mailing. If you are receiving this bulletin and do not wish to continue to do so, please e-mail us with your desire to be removed from the mailing list and you will be removed promptly. Continue to the bottom of this page for further instructions as to how you may contact us.
--- E.R. Hall, Jr. 

SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
For The East Albertville Church Of Christ
meeting at
4777 U.S. Highway 431
Albertville, AL 35950
Sunday
Bible Classes …………..….……………     9:30 AM
Morning Worship ……..…….….………  10:30 AM
Evening Worship   …………………........ 5:00 PM
Wednesday
Bible Classes …………..………........... 7:00 PM
 

Radio Program
Sunday
WBSA 93.5 FM/1300 AM …………………………..  8:30 AM
Monday - Saturday
WBSA 93.5 FM/1300 AM ………………………….. 11:15 AM
 

Website: www. EastAlbertville.org

What The Bible Says

Vol. VII - No. 9 September 15, 2024

Living for Jesus, a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me.

O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee,
For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me;
I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne;
My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.
—Thomas Chisholm

THE BLIND SPIES

    Twelve men walked the length of Canaan for forty days spying the cities, the land, and the people. They witnessed a place of great beauty and produce. One cluster of grapes had to be carried on a pole between two men. The land impressed them as a land that “flows with milk and honey” (Numbers 13:27). What troubled the hearts of most of the spies were the people that lived in this place of bounty. Of the twelve men sent to spy the land, ten feared the strength of the cities and the people. The cities seemed impregnable. The descendants of Anak (giants) filled the land. The ten spies reported they felt like grasshoppers in the sight of the people. By their words they discouraged the people of Israel (Numbers 13:28-29, 31-33). Joshua and Caleb were the only spies who believed the land could be conquered. They begged the people to reject the counsel of the ten spies and go at once to take possession of the land (Numbers 13:30). With God's power they did not need to fear the people because the Lord would fight for them. The seeds of doubt had settled in the hearts of the people, and they refused to listen (Numbers 14:1-4). For their rebellion Jehovah God caused the people of Israel to wander in the wilderness for forty years (Numbers 14:34).

    Why did ten men see fear and two men see victory? The ten spies did not see what Joshua and Caleb saw. Their hearts were blinded by what they saw with their eyes rather than what they could see with God’s power. Moses had instructed the twelve to see how strong the people were and how difficult the cities would be to conquer (Numbers 13:17-20). The twelve spies were leaders among the people yet ten were blinded to the things they had witnessed in the past few months. Had they forgotten the power of God in Egypt when the Lord brought the plagues upon Pharaoh? How could anyone fail to remember the crossing at the Red Sea? If the Lord was victorious over the nation of Egypt how difficult would it be to conquer this new land? Joshua and Caleb saw the same giants and fortified cites the ten spies saw but they viewed them as weak because they knew what God could do. “If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, 'a land which flows with milk and honey.’ Only do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Do not fear them” (Numbers 14:8-9).

    We can be like the ten spies when we fail to see how God can work in our lives. The giants of doubt and fear will stand before us, and we shrink back with worry and fear, not believing that we can overcome. Paul reminds us that nothing is impossible for us if we trust in God. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord”. (Phil. 4:13; Rom. 8:31-39) —Kent Heaton

THREE GOOD RULES FOR BIBLE STUDY

RULE ONE: PROPERLY DIVIDE THE BIBLE.

    "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15. The Bible is divided into two major divisions - the Old Testament and the New Testament. (The word “testament" means "covenant" or "will".) The Old Testament is a history of man's fall into sin and God carrying out His promise to send a Redeemer. The New Testament is the fulfillment of that promise and it is the law of Christ for you and I to live by. The Mosaic law, which began with the ten commandments, was given only to the children of Israel (Deuteronomy 5:1-3). The Mosaic law was fulfilled by Christ and was nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14). The Old Testament, as such, is no longer binding upon man. The New Testament is God's law for men today. See John 1:17; 6:68; 12:48; 14:6; Hebrews 1:1,2; 8:6,7.

RULE TWO: STUDY THE CONTEXT OF EACH PASSAGE OF SCRIPTURE AND INTERPRET EACH DIFFICULT PASSAGE IN THE LIGHT OF EASILY UNDERSTOOD PASSAGES.

    The Bible is truth and truth agrees with itself, so do not place an understanding upon one passage which contradicts another passage.

RULE THREE: STUDY ALL THE BIBLE TEACHES ON EVERY SUBJECT.

    Consider all that God says on a subject before drawing a conclusion. Failure to do this will lead to a misunderstanding of Bible truths.

AN APPLICATION:

    When we apply these rules to the question: "What must I do to be saved?", we find our salvation depends upon several things and not just upon one alone.

WE ARE SAVED BY:

• GRACE. Ephesians 2:8,9; Titus 2:11.
• FAITH. Romans 5:1,2; Galatians 3:26,27.
• OBEDIENCE. Matthew 7:21; Romans 6:16-18; Hebrews 5:8,9; James 2:17-26.

TO BE SAVED, WE MUST:

• BELIEVE ON JESUS. Mark 16:16; John 8:24; Hebrews 11:6.
• REPENT OF SINS. Luke 13:3,5; Acts 2:38; 17:30.
• CONFESS FAITH IN CHRIST. Matthew 10:32; Romans 10:10.
• BE BAPTIZED. Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38: 8:38,39; 22:16; Romans 6:3,4; Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12; 1 Peter 3:21.

—E.R. Hall, Jr.

"What The Bible Says” is e-mailed twice a month. If you know of others who might benefit from the articles contained in this bulletin, we would be glad to have you submit their e-mail addresses and we will include them in the next mailing. If you are receiving this bulletin and do not wish to continue to do so, please e-mail us with your desire to be removed from the mailing list and you will be removed promptly. Continue to the bottom of this page for further instructions as to how you may contact us.
--- E.R. Hall, Jr. 

SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
For The East Albertville Church Of Christ
meeting at
4777 U.S. Highway 431
Albertville, AL 35950
Sunday
Bible Classes …………..….……………     9:30 AM
Morning Worship ……..…….….………  10:30 AM
Evening Worship   …………………........ 5:00 PM
Wednesday
Bible Classes …………..………........... 7:00 PM
 

Radio Program
Sunday
WBSA 93.5 FM/1300 AM …………………………..  8:30 AM
Monday - Saturday
WBSA 93.5 FM/1300 AM ………………………….. 11:15 AM
 

Website: www. EastAlbertville.org

What The Bible Says

Vol. VII - No. 8 September 1, 2024

MUSIC IN WORSHIP UNTO GOD

    God seeks man's worship (Jn. 4: 23). However, He does not seek just worship, but worship that is "in spirit and truth" (Jn. 4:24). For worship to be “in truth” it has to be directed by His word for His “word is truth” (Jn. 17:17).

    The fact that God desires man to worship him in music is made evident in such verses as: "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord." (Eph. 5:19) and “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”. (Col. 3:16).

    To show that we must worship God in the way He has prescribed is found in the verse following Colossians 3:16. Verse 17 says, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and Father by Him”. God demands that we have authority or book, chapter, and verse for our religious beliefs and practices.

    When it comes to the kind of music authorized or specified, it is generally understood there are two kinds of music: vocal and mechanical. The Old Testament scriptures abound with references to mechanical music in praise to God. Mechanical instruments such as the trumpet, harp, and timbrel were commonly used (Psa. 150). However, just because a matter is mentioned in the Old Testament scriptures and was practiced by those who lived under that law, does not mean such a practice can be engaged in by Christians today. David in the book of Psalms also mentioned animal sacrifices (Psa. 51:19). To use the same line of reasoning to justify Christians using mechanical instruments in worship to God, we would be just as authorized to offer animal sacrifices on the basis that they are found in the Old Testament.

    Yet, this point must be dealt with: It is interesting how we find many references in the Old Testament to mechanical instruments in worship; but, when we come to the New Testament, only vocal music with the human heart is the instrument that is taught.

    What is so sad is that many people have become so accustomed to mechanical musical performances in worship that they never question or think about the origin of such devices in worship. What is even sadder is that most present day religious people do not study or challenge the matter of mechanical instruments in worship. Consider the comments of John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church, regarding music and types and antitypes: 
"Musical instruments in celebrating the praises of God would be no more suitable than the burning of incense, the lighting up of lamps, and the restoration of the other shadows of the law. The papists, therefore, have foolishly borrowed this, as well as many other things, from the Jews. Men who are fond of outward pomp may delight in that noise; but the simplicity which God recommends to us by the apostle is far more pleasing to Him" (Commentary on Psalms 33 and on I Samuel 18: 1-9).
Also consider the words of the famous and respected Bible scholar Charles Spurgeon: 
"Praise the Lord with harp. Israel was at school, and used childish things to help her to learn; but in these days when Jesus gives us spiritual food, one can make melody without strings and pipes. We do not need them. That would hinder rather than help our praise. Sing unto Him. This is the sweetest and best music. No instrument like the human voice" (Commentary on Psalms 42).

    It is vocal music which we find in the worship of God in the New Testament. “And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.” (Matt. 26:30); “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.” (Acts 16:25); “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.” (Rom. 15:9); “15 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. 26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.” (1 Cor. 14:15,26); “Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.” (Heb. 2:12); "Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray. Is any merry? Let him sing psalms." (Jas. 5:13). (As well as the passage in Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16.) From all these verses which mention music in worship to God in the New Testament, we must conclude there is no authorization for mechanical music in worship under the New Testament.

    Before we conclude this article, let it also be said and understood that the songs we sing are to be rendered "unto God" (Acts 16:25). Therefore, such singing is not to be viewed as entertainment. In singing, we are “teaching and admonishing one another”; not performing in front of and entertaining one another as singing has seeming become in most denominational services. Man needs to understand that he is worshiping God (Jn. 4:24). God, then, not man, has the right to specify the type of desired worship. God's word says singing praise to God is an expression of the heart (James 5:13) and the making melody in our heart (Eph. 5:19). Singing in worship is "praise and thanks" that is being rendered to God (Heb. 13:15).

    Instead of using a piano or organ or plucking the strings of a guitar or harp, the Christian is to pluck the spiritual strings of his heart! To have mechanical music in worship to God, we are going to have to add to the word of God. That we must never do: “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.” (Rev. 22:18-19). —E.R. Hall, Jr.

CAN THOSE THAT ARE SINCERE BE WRONG?

    Honesty and sincerity do not guarantee that our positions and actions are right. We recognize that principle in other areas of life. Why not grabble with it in religion? We all know that it is possible for one to take the wrong medication, while believing it to be correct, and then suffer the consequences. If a person drank a glass of poison, thinking it to be water, would it not have an adverse affect upon him?

    All through the Bible there are examples of those who were sincere and still in sin. To illustrate, consider the case of Abimelech who took Sara from Abraham. He said, “In the integrity of my heart and innocence of my hands I have done this” (Gen. 20:5). Yet, it was still wrong for him to take her. God told Abimelech, “Indeed you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken, for she is a man’s wife” (v. 3). As a consequence, God “closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife” (v. 18).

    Do you remember the old prophet who lied to the younger one about God telling him to come back with him (1 Kings 13)? The younger prophet had been specifically warned by God who said, “You shall not eat bread, nor drink water, nor return by the same way you came” (v. 9). The older prophet “lied” to him and convinced the younger prophet that the Lord told him to bring the younger prophet home with him. So, he did what he was told. The text says the Lord allowed a lion to slay him because of his disobedience. Sincere? Yes. Honest? Absolutely. Wrong?  No doubt!

    More specifically, there are cases of people who were sincere and yet they were still wrong and in need of salvation. Saul of Tarsus is a case in point. Before his conversion he persecuted the church making havoc of it (Acts 8:1-3). He assisted in putting Christians in prison and voiced his opinion about some being put to death. In fact, he was so bad that he described himself as the “chief” of sinners (1 Tim. 1:15). Yet, during that time, he lived with a clear conscience (Acts 23:1). The whole time he was doing what he thought to be right. He was wrong, though sincere. He still needed to be baptized to wash away his sins (Acts 22:16).

    Another case is that of Cornelius, the first Gentile convert (Acts 10). He was a good man (vv. 2, 22). He feared God, gave alms, and prayed regularly. Yet, he still had to hear the gospel by which he could be saved (Acts 10:6; 11:14). Was this notable leader sincere? No one would question that. Was he still lost and in need of salvation? He certainly was.

    In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said that there would be some who would be surprised at the judgment day. He said, “Not everyone who says to Me, “Lord, Lord,” shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?” And then I will declare to them, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness” (Matt. 7:21-23)!  Their reaction shows their honesty and sincerity. Yet, these would be cast off because they work lawlessness (doing that which is not lawful).

    While we do not determine what is right and wrong by whether we like the consequences, we can see something is wrong with a conclusion if its consequences contradict plain and simple passages. If we cannot conceive of sincere people being lost, then we must conclude that any who are honest and sincere cannot be lost. Who could affirm that? That would mean that sincerity is all that is essential. It wouldn’t matter what you believe, practice, or teach in religion as long as you are sincere. This would mean that any Jew or Muslim who denies that Jesus is the Son of God would not be lost (even though he doesn’t believe in Christ) since he is sincere. Thus, any passage demanding faith would have to be wrong! Furthermore, even an atheist would not be lost if he is honest and sincere in their conclusions. Who can accept these consequences?   —Donnie V. Rader

SENTENCE SERMONS  

If you haven’t received everything you deserve – be thankful!

"It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.” - Vince Lombardi

“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.”  - Albert Einstein

“Life is like baseball; it’s 95% mental and the other half is physical.”   - Yogi Berra

Man is the only known creature who can reshape and remold himself by altering his attitude. 

"What The Bible Says” is e-mailed twice a month. If you know of others who might benefit from the articles contained in this bulletin, we would be glad to have you submit their e-mail addresses and we will include them in the next mailing. If you are receiving this bulletin and do not wish to continue to do so, please e-mail us with your desire to be removed from the mailing list and you will be removed promptly. Continue to the bottom of this page for further instructions as to how you may contact us.
--- E.R. Hall, Jr. 

SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
For The East Albertville Church Of Christ
meeting at
4777 U.S. Highway 431
Albertville, AL 35950
Sunday
Bible Classes …………..….……………     9:30 AM
Morning Worship ……..…….….………  10:30 AM
Evening Worship   …………………........ 5:00 PM
Wednesday
Bible Classes …………..………........... 7:00 PM
 

Radio Program
Sunday
WBSA 93.5 FM/1300 AM …………………………..  8:30 AM
Monday - Saturday
WBSA 93.5 FM/1300 AM ………………………….. 11:15 AM
 

Website: www. EastAlbertville.org

What The Bible Says

Vol. VII - No. 7 August 11, 2024

BARN RAISING

    The idea of a barn raising is a term that most of us would be familiar with, although hardly any would have actively participated in one. Most likely we have seen it portrayed in film or on the written page. In early America, barn raisings were practiced mostly in tight knit family oriented religious communities.

    In the 1700 to 1800s farming and rural life is how most people outside of larger cities lived. Barn building was a serious endeavor and a costly one, therefore, to be successful it had to be well thought out and much planning would precede the event. Much of the preparation would take place after harvest during the winter months. Actual raising of a barn would normally take place after seed time and before harvest. This seedtime and harvest schedule of barn raising resembles the Christian walk in that one becomes a child of God after the seed, the word of God is planted Luke 8:11. Then the Christian lives and works in God’s service during his life before the harvest comes. Man’s life is pictured as a reaping of harvest, the fruit for eternal life that Reapers and Sowers have both worked toward.  John 4:36-38.

    There is a barn raising discussed in the context of Luke 12:16-21 much like the one we've discussed, with a few differences. In verse 16 Jesus begins to speak a parable to them, “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying what shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?” The rich man was blessed with a bumper crop you might say. He already possessed a plurality of barns, so, it would seem that he was not ill prepared. His dilemma was that he had been richly blessed by God, with an overwhelming harvest, and he did not know what to do with all his crops. We can tell from verse 17 that he did not seek counsel from God or man. Verse 18 gives us the results of his self only council, “So he said, I will do this; I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; Take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.” 

    I think it not strange that this rich man, a man of means, when he counsels only self, would come up with only selfish conclusions. This certain rich man, when he revealed his decision, he allowed the reader to see into his heart. Proverbs 23:7, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” The rich man was considering what Miriam Webster describes as the ups and downs of razing versus raising. The rich man had decided to raze (completely destroy) his old barns and raise (build) new ones. We can see from verse 20 that God had reached a much different conclusion than the rich man, “But God said to him, Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?”

    God's conclusion on the matter was the conclusion that really mattered.  Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter; fear God and keep his commandments, for this is man's all.”  In verse 15 just before speaking this parable, Jesus had told the crowd that was gathered, “Take heed and beware of covetousness.” It would seem the rich man had not been faithful to the 10th commandment, “You shall not covet...” Exodus 20:17. Jesus concluded his comments on the context of Luke 12:16-21, “So is he who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” When we consider self-first and exclude God and others in our decision making, we are setting our selves up for a great disappointment and a fall.

    Do you have destructive plans? Are you planning to raze or raise something? Are your plans in step with God's plan? Beware of covetousness. Obey God while you have opportunity. Stop resisting…  —Blind Bartimaeus 23

CAN A MAN SAVE HIMSELF?

    There is a great deal of emphasis being put on a man-made doctrine which teaches it is impossible for a person to do anything towards salvation from sin. This doctrine sets forth the idea that any action, on the part of a person, nullifies the grace of God.

    The Bible teaches that salvation is dependent upon both DIVINE and HUMAN action. It shows very clearly what God does to save the sinner and what the sinner must do to save himself. God's part in our salvation is comprehended in the word "GRACE". Our part in our salvation is comprehended in the word "FAITH". Our faith is shown by our obedience to the will of God. "For by grace are ye saved through faith…" (Ephesians 2:8).

THE DIVINE SIDE. God conceived the plan of salvation, Christ made it possible by His death, and the Holy Spirit revealed it through inspired men. Thus God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit play a most vital part in our salvation. We are saved by grace (Eph. 2:8) as we are cleansed by the blood of Christ (1 John 1:7). We have no righteousness or merit with which to boast ourselves to God and He is under no obligation to save us. We must depend upon God's mercy and upon Christ's atoning blood.

THE HUMAN SIDE. When the gospel is preached, we must hear it with an open mind and receptive heart (Romans 10:17; Ephesians 1:13). We must repent of all sins, for this God has commanded us to do (Acts 17:30). We must confess Jesus as the Son of God (Acts 8:37; Romans 10:9-10). Then we must be baptized (Mark 16:16; Acts 8:37-39). Baptism is always "for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38), to "wash away sins" (Acts 22:16), to put us "into Christ“ (Galatians 3:27), and to "save us“ (1 Peter 3:21). These are actions which we must take! God cannot believe for us, nor repent for us, nor be baptized for us. We are commanded to do these things in obedience to His requirements. When we do that which God has commanded we have not earned nor do we merit salvation. This is how we benefit from the grace of God or else everybody will be saved and no one will be lost.

    If it is true that we cannot do anything to save ourselves, then it follows that our salvation is wholly dependent upon God and it will be the fault of God if anybody is lost! If not, why not? However, God is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). If a person is lost, it will be because HE CHOOSES to be lost. The same is true if we are to be saved; WE MUST CHOOSE to do what God commands.

    The Bible says, "...save yourselves from this untoward generation" (Acts 2:40). Again, "...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12). Christ is the "author of eternal salvation unto all that OBEY HIM” (Hebrews 5:9).   —E.R. Hall, Jr.

THE SIMPLE TRUTH

Most truth is pretty simple. What confuses us are the efforts of men to either over-simplify or over-complicate the truth. As Einstein famously said, we should strive to "Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler!”

    Jesus' statement regarding salvation in Mark 16:16 is about as simple as it gets. He said, "He who believes and is baptized will  be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned."  That is about as complicated as 2 + 2 = 4.  Yet, when it comes to the matter of who is saved and who is lost, men continue to come up with a different answer than the one Jesus gave.
 
    Paul's concern for the Corinthians was that "somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be  corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ" (2 Corinthians 11:3). The problem was that the Corinthians were accepting preachers who preached "another Jesus...a different spirit...or a different gospel" (2 Corinthians 11:4). Anytime we believe what men say    instead of the simple and plain statements of God's word, we're going to wind up with the wrong answer.

    If you think that you were saved by belief alone, and then baptized later, may I ask as Paul asked the Galatians, "Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth?"  (Galatians 3:1) —Steve Klein

SENTENCE SERMONS  

A shared joy is a double joy. A shared sorrow is half a sorrow.
***
Whoever gossips to you will gossip about you.
***
After the game, the king and the pawn go into the same box.
***
If you want no one to know, don’t do it.
***
If you always give, you will always have. 

"What The Bible Says” is e-mailed twice a month. If you know of others who might benefit from the articles contained in this bulletin, we would be glad to have you submit their e-mail addresses and we will include them in the next mailing. If you are receiving this bulletin and do not wish to continue to do so, please e-mail us with your desire to be removed from the mailing list and you will be removed promptly. Continue to the bottom of this page for further instructions as to how you may contact us.
--- E.R. Hall, Jr. 

SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
For The East Albertville Church Of Christ
meeting at
4777 U.S. Highway 431
Albertville, AL 35950
Sunday
Bible Classes …………..….……………     9:30 AM
Morning Worship ……..…….….………  10:30 AM
Evening Worship   …………………........ 5:00 PM
Wednesday
Bible Classes …………..………........... 7:00 PM
 

Radio Program
Sunday
WBSA 93.5 FM/1300 AM …………………………..  8:30 AM
Monday - Saturday
WBSA 93.5 FM/1300 AM ………………………….. 11:15 AM
 

Website: www. EastAlbertville.org