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What The Bible Says - Vol. 1 / No. 13

Sunday, November 18, 2018

What The Bible Says

Vol. I - No. 13 / November 18, 2018

THE CONVERSION OF CORNELIUS

The conversion of the first Gentile to the gospel of Christ is recorded in Acts 10:1-49 and is retold by the apostle Peter in Acts 11:1-18. There are many good lessons for us to learn from his conversion and, in this article, we would like to examine some questions that often arise from this particular case of conversion.

Did Morality Save Cornelius?

"There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway." (Acts 10:1,2). There is no mistaking the fact that Cornelius was as good a man as you would want to meet. The word "devout" means that he was religious. Many people are "religious" but this does not mean they fear God and have raised their family to do the same but Cornelius had. Cornelius also practiced his religion by helping people in need and he prayed to God at all times.

There would be many people, preachers included, who would have no doubts that if Cornelius had died at this point in his life he would have gone to Heaven. They believe that if a person is good, honest, pays his debts, is a good husband/wife and father/mother, there is nothing else for a person to do to be saved and God surely would not bar such a person from entering Heaven. The problem with this thinking is that it is merely an emotional argument and not based upon what the Scriptures teach.

What do the Scriptures teach? In verses 5 and 6 Cornelius is told: "And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do." The Scriptures tell us that Cornelius had something else he needed to do. When Peter rehearsed this conversion in chapter eleven, he said, "Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved." This clearly shows that though Cornelius was a good moral person, he was not saved. This is one lesson we must learn: Morality alone does not save!

Was Cornelius Saved By Having A Miraculous Experience?

Acts 10:3 says, "He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius." In many religious circles, people are ask to tell their "experience" which is the evidence of the Lord saving them. While an angel did appear to Cornelius, he did not tell Cornelius that he was saved. Instead, he told Cornelius to "...send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do." Why did the angel not tell Cornelius and save Peter all the trouble of coming from Joppa to Caesarea? The answer is found in 2 Corinthians 4:7- "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." God intends for the gospel to be taught by human beings to human beings; not angelic beings to human beings. This is why the angel did not tell Cornelius nor does an angel tell anyone else what to do to be saved. Even the Lord Himself did not tell Saul what to do to be saved but, instead, told him to go into Damascus and it would be told him what to do. (Acts 9:1-6).

The appearance of the angel to Cornelius was not to give him an experience for him to go to Peter and have Peter to declare him to be saved because of the experience. The lesson for us to learn is that neither an appearance of the Lord nor angels is to serve as evidence that we are saved.

Did Holy Spirit Baptism Save Cornelius?

Many contend that because Cornelius and his house received Holy Spirit baptism, this was in order to save them. Indeed, the Holy Ghost came upon them as it also had come upon the apostles in Acts 2. "While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days." (Acts 10:44-48). In rehearsing the story, Peter said, "And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?" (Acts 11:15-17). The Jews, which accompanied Peter, were astonished for they were seeing the Gentiles receive the Holy Ghost but this is only the second time this had occurred. Peter points out to the Jews in Jerusalem that the Holy Ghost fell on them (Cornelius and his house), as on us (apostles) at the beginning(day of Pentecost, Acts 2).

No, the baptism of the Holy Ghost was not an everyday occurrence in that day nor in this day. In fact, these are the only two recorded cases of Holy Spirit baptism in the New Testament. The apostles received it because it was a promise from Jesus to enable them to remember the truth Jesus had taught them (John 14:26). It also enabled them to confirm God’s word - “And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following.” (Mark 16:20) The reason Cornelius and his house received Holy Spirit baptism was for the same conclusion the Jews in Jerusalem reached: “When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.” (Acts 11:18)

For the Holy Spirit to be given to Cornelius and his house was evidence that God included the Gentiles in His scheme of redemption. That is why Peter proceeded to command them to be baptized. Holy Spirit baptism did not remit the sins of Cornelius and his house for that was never the purpose of it. Holy Spirit baptism was a promise and never a command. What is a command is the same thing Peter commanded - water baptism. The things Peter taught Cornelius resulted in their being baptized. This is exactly the same thing that resulted in Acts 2 when Peter preached to those in Jerusalem. When they asked, "Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 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 2:37,38).

Today, we can be saved from sin by doing what Cornelius did. Not by just being a good moral person. Not by some miraculous experience. Not by expecting to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Instead, we must hear God’s word and do what it says by being baptized in the name of the Lord.
—E.R. Hall, Jr.

SENTENCE SERMONS

You can't do much about your ancestors, but you can influence your descendants enormously.

"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. 1 / No. 12

Sunday, November 04, 2018

What The Bible Says

Vol. I - No. 12 / November 4, 2018

WHAT ARE YOUR PRIORITIES?

It was a 99° September day in San Antonio, when a 10-month-old baby girl was accidentally locked inside a parked car by her aunt. Frantically the mother and the aunt ran around the auto in near hysteria, while a neighbor attempted to unlock the car with a clothes hanger. Soon the infant was turning purple and had foam on her mouth.

It had become a life-or-death situation when Fred Arriola, a wrecker driver, arrived on the scene. He grabbed a hammer and smashed the back window of the car to set her free. Was he heralded a hero? The lady was mad at me because I broke the window, Arriola reported. “I just thought, what’s more important - the baby or the window?”

This story illustrates one who failed miserably to distinguish between what was truly important and something that was relatively immaterial. As Christians, we must make sure that our priorities are in the right order as well. Do we put the Lord first at all times? Many place Him first some of the time, but not all of the time. If we fail to have our spiritual priorities right, the results will be disastrous; we will lose our souls.

Notice a few of the passages in the Bible that teach us about our priorities.

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (Matthew 6:33).

"He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me" (Matthew 10:37).

"Then He said to another, ‘Follow Me.’ But he said, ‘Lord, let me first go and bury my father.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God.’ And another also said, ‘Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go and bid them farewell who are at my house.’ But Jesus said to him, ‘No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God’" (Luke 9:59-62).

"So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?’ He said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.’ He said to him, ‘Feed My lambs’” (John 21:15).

Do we really put the Lord first in our lives? Is He our number one priority? If He is, there will be certain things obvious about the way we live.

Attendance. We will be present at all of the assembles (Heb. 10:25). Sunday night worship and Wednesday night Bible study are very important to those who really love the Lord. When it is time to assemble, those who value their relationship with God are always going to be there.

Studying. If our priorities are right, we will spend several hours each week meditating upon the word of God (Ps. 1:2). It is not hard to see what we value. Do you spend more in studying the Bible or watching TV? Do you read the paper from cover to cover each day, yet fail to spend an adequate amount of time reading the Scriptures? Answer these questions truthfully and you will see what is really important to you.

Giving. I have heard brethren say that we need to give until it hurts. The Bible teaches no such thing. It does tell us to give as we have prospered, not grudgingly nor of necessity but cheerfully (2 Cor. 9:6-7). If under the Old Law the Jews gave 10%, should we not at least give back to the Lord as much as they gave? If our priorities are right, giving as we have prospered will be no problem.

Visiting. All of us are busy each day. We get up each morning and head out to our jobs, returning in the evening tired from working all day. It is so easy to just relax and never call nor visit someone who is sick in the hospital or the weak Christian who has been missing services. Those who are devoted to the cause of Christ will exert the energy and find the time to make that call or visit (Mat. 25:31-46).

Where have you placed your priorities? If you have put the Lord first, notice the promise that He has made. “So Jesus answered and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel's, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time-houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions-and in the age to come, eternal life" (Mark 10:29-30).

—Jim Mickells

CHANGE

We are moving into the season called "Fall" or "Autumn". It is a season of change. I remember the first time I had ever went away from home to college in Florida. It was in the summer of 1970 and I did not return till December of that year. I had considered what would it be that I would miss the most and concluded that, since Florida did not have mountains, it would be the mountains that I would miss. To my surprise, I did not miss the mountains nearly as much as I missed the change from Summer to Fall to Winter.

Some changes are necessary while others are not and some changes are welcome while other aren't. If all is normal, we change from a child into an adult, from young to old but some changes have to be deliberately made. They just don't happen by themselves. We are born into this world in a state of innocence; not knowing right from wrong. (Romans 7:7-12). But, through the process of teaching and learning what God expects of us, we make the same kind of choice that Joshua spoke to the children of Israel about in Joshua 24:15 when he said, "...choose you this day whom ye will serve."

Ultimately, on our own, we choose the way of Satan and the way of sin. "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23). We choose to sin and sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:1,2). Thus, we choose death (spiritual death) for "the wages of sin is death." (Romans 6:23). There is another choice which is available to us: the choice of being reconciled back to God. That choice involves meeting the conditions God as set for the removal of sin. Faith (Hebrews 11:6; Romans 10:17), repentance (Luke 13:3,5; Acts 2:38), confessing Christ to be the Son of God (Romans 10:10; Acts 8:37), and being baptized (buried) will result in the forgiveness of sin (Colossians 2:12; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). This I can and will choose to do or not do. The choice is mine. If God's conditions are met, a change will occur: I will be changed from one who is lost in sin to one who is saved by the blood of Christ. What a change!
---E.R. Hall, Jr.

SENTENCE SERMONS

Many who expect to be saved at the 11th hour die at 10:30.
***
Nothing is more frequently opened by mistake than the mouth.

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. 1 / No. 11

Sunday, October 21, 2018

What The Bible Says

Vol. I - No. 11 / October 21, 2018

ON A DAILY BASIS

A man, asked recently to describe memories of his college days twenty-five years ago, replied, "A few big moments; many goofs, but, overall, pleasant memories.”

Would these words not describe our memories of life generally? As we recall our years, there are always the "big" moments, the emotional "highs," that we love to relish. Then there are the "goofs," the embarrassing occasions that just keep coming back to haunt us. But, through it all, the pleasant memories sufficiently prevail to enable us to feel generally good about life.

But, in reality, success or failure in life is not determined by the "big moments" or "the goofs." We will not be eternally saved on the basis of a few great spiritual achievements or eternally lost on the basis of a few gross mistakes (assuming they have been repented of). Life consists of everyday actions and decisions, and it is these that bring ultimate success or failure, eternal happiness or eternal damnation. "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me" (Luke 9:23).

It is one thing to express concern for our children as we talk of their future spirituality and faithfulness. It is quite another to provide on a daily basis a spiritual atmosphere in the home, a good example of godliness and faithfulness, consistent and loving discipline and a love for God and respect for fellowman that are so essential to the training of our children. It's the little impressions that are made day by day that prove to be so decisive.

It is one thing to dream of some day being appointed an elder in the church. It is quite another thing to put forth the effort on a daily basis to learn the scriptures, to develop leadership ability, to grow spiritually, and to live as to gain the confidence of a discerning congregation. One does not qualify for the eldership in one big leap. It comes through daily development.

It is one thing to talk a "good line" on priorities. It is quite another thing to put God first on a daily basis. The devil knows so many ways to test our resolve in these realms. Our intentions are good, but, through his subtlety, he has us selling our souls for a mess of pottage or thirty pieces of silver.

It is one thing to think that we would die for the Lord if our faith were so tested. It is quite another thing truly to live for Him on a daily basis. Egos may be fed on the "big moments," but true spirituality develops through daily prayer, study and meditation.

Our lesson is this. Set your goals for the future, and set them high. But recognize that it's the little, day-by-day moments, the often forgotten moments, accumulated through the years, that truly shape our destiny. Tomorrow's success depends upon the choices and decisions that are made today. Make them with care.

- Bill Hall

ON A DAILY BASIS

"When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, ‘Whom do men say that I the Son of man am'? And they said, ‘Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elijah; and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.'" (Matthew 16:13-14).

Since Jesus knew the hearts of all men (John 2:24), it is obvious that He was not asking this question to seek information but rather to enable His disciples to learn. Were those individuals who thought Jesus was John, Elijah, or Jeremiah sincere in their belief? No doubt! In fact, I would not doubt their sincerity for one minute. Jesus shared many similarities with all three. Yet, regardless of the common ground He might have shared with these prophets and regardless of how sincere people were who honestly believed these things about Him, their sincerity did not turn Jesus into John or Elijah or Jeremiah.

What about people today who sincerely believe the church they belong to is the Lord's church? Does that make whatever denomination they belong to the Lord's church? There are most certainly similarities between denominational churches and the Lord's church but do the similarities make them identical? A cow and a horse are similar. They both have a head and a tail but everyone will admit they are not the same! The problem today is that people are satisfied with similarity in religion but not in other things. An avid football fan realizes that all football teams have the same number of players and play on similar fields. However, what is not identical is where the team is from, the team colors, and the players names and that makes the difference that distinguishes his team from all the others.

We often hear statements like: "We worship similar in that we both sing!" but similar is not identical. While we both may sing, one uses a mechanical instrument of music and the other simply sings as directed in Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16. Another statement heard is: "We worship similar in that we both observe the Lord's Supper!" Yet, one takes it on Saturday night, once a month, or once a year while the Lord's church is to observe it every first day of the week (Acts 20:7). Some said, “Our church preaches the Bible just like yours!" Yet, one let’s women preach from the pulpit and be in other leadership roles while the Bible teaches women are not to preach or be in a position of authority over the man (1 Corinthians 14:34; 1 Timothy 2:12).

We should not be interested in ‘similarity' in spiritual matters, but in being ‘identical' with the Lord's church we read about in the New Testament. "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God...." (2 John 9) “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the traditions of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." (Colossians 2:8).

When Jesus asked His disciples, “But whom say ye that I am?", Peter replied, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God”, to which Jesus replied, "Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 16:15-17). Peter's answer was what he had heard from God in heaven. We need to do exactly like Peter; "If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles (words) of God;..." (1 Peter 4:11). SIMILAR is not IDENTICAL!

- E.R. Hall Jr.

SENTENCE SERMONS

Sin without repentance always brings punishment: sometimes visibly, sometimes secretly, frequently in this lifetime, but always in eternity.
***
If false teaching goes unchallenged, it breeds confusion and draws more shallow and insincere people into its fold.

***
Simply put, integrity is doing what you said you would do.

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. 1 / No. 10

Sunday, October 07, 2018

What The Bible Says

Vol. I - No. 10 / October 7, 2018

MARRYING THE WRONG GUY

Today I have several single female friends who would very much like to find the right guy. Some tell me the pickings are slim at their church, so they have ventured into the world of online dating. Others have thrown up their hands in despair, wondering if there are any decent Christian guys left anywhere. They’ve begun to wonder if they should lower their standards in order to find a husband.

My advice stands: Don't settle for less than God's best. Too many Christian women today have ended up with an Ishmael because impatience pushed them into an unhappy marriage. Please take my fatherly advice: You are much better off single than with the wrong guy!

Speaking of “wrong guys,” here are the top 10 men you should avoid when looking for a husband:

The unbeliever. Please write 2 Corinthians 6:14 on a Post-it note and tack it on your computer at work. It says, “Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?” This directive is filled with such common sense that it would also apply to any marriage.

Don’t allow a man’s charm, looks or financial success (or his willingness to go to church with you) push you to compromise what you know is right. “Missionary dating” is never a wise strategy. If the guy is not a faithful Christian, scratch him off your list. He’s not right for you. I’ve yet to meet a faithful Christian woman married to an unbeliever who would recommend it.

The liar. If you discover that the man you are dating has lied to you about his past or that he’s always covering his tracks to hide his secrets from you, run for the nearest exit. Marriage must be built on a foundation of trust. If he can’t be truthful, break up now before he bamboozles you with an even bigger deception. Paul writes: “Therefore, putting away lying, let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” (Ephesians 4:25). Every marriage must be built upon truthfulness. If he lies to you about anything, drop him like a hot rock!

The playboy. I wish I could say that if you meet a nice guy at church, you can assume he’s living in sexual purity. But that’s not always the case today. I’ve heard horror stories about single guys who take part in the worship services; waiting on the table, leading singing and even preaching on Sunday but act like Casanovas during the week. If you marry a guy who was sleeping around before your wedding, you can be relatively sure he will be sleeping around after your wedding. Also, if he’s using pornography marriage will not cure his use. Does he flirt with or text messages to the opposite sex—run, run as fast as you can, he is the wrong guy. “Put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24).

The bum. “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever,” (1 Timothy 5:8). If you find out that the man you are interested in has trouble keeping a job, or says he just hasn’t found the right job for him, be advised he is not good for you. You can detect whether he is lazy and if he will not be a good provider for his family. If he won’t work you will probably be FORCED to work to pay the bills so he can sit in front of the TV playing his video games.

The addict. Churchgoing men who have addictions to alcohol or drugs have learned to hide their problems—but you don’t want to wait until your honeymoon to find out that he’s a boozer. Never marry a man who refuses to get help for his addiction. Insist that he get professional help and walk away. And don’t get into a codependent relationship in which he claims he needs you to stay sober. You can’t fix him!

The deadbeat. What kind of debt does he have? Why does he have those debts? Is he living up to his obligations to pay those debts? Does his strategy include default, bankruptcy or letting mom and dad worry about those student loans? There have been many women who enter a marriage with a deadbeat and end up spending the next several years baling out the ne'er-do-well.

The narcissist. I sincerely hope you can find a guy who is handsome. But be careful: If your boyfriend spends six hours a day at the gym and regularly posts close-ups’ of his biceps on Facebook, you have a problem. Do not fall for a self-absorbed guy. He might be cute, but a man who is infatuated with his appearance and his own needs will never be able to love you sacrificially, like Christ loves the church (Ephesians 5:25). The man who is always looking at himself in the mirror will never notice you.

The abuser. Men with abusive tendencies can’t control their anger when it boils over. If the guy you are dating has a tendency to fly off the handle, either at you or others, don’t be tempted to rationalize his behavior. He has a problem, and if you marry him you will have to navigate his minefield every day to avoid triggering another outburst. Angry men hurt women—verbally and sometimes physically. Find a man who is gentle.

The man-child. Call me old-fashioned, but I’m suspicious of a guy who still lives with his parents at age 35. If his mother is still doing his cooking, cleaning and ironing at that age, you can be sure he’s stuck in an emotional time warp. You are asking for trouble if you think you can be a wife to a guy who hasn’t grown up. He is looking for another mother! Back away and, as a friend, encourage him to find a mentor who can help him mature.

The control freak. Some Christian guys today believe marriage is about male superiority. They may quote Scripture and sound super-spiritual, but behind the façade of husbandly authority is deep insecurity and pride that can morph into spiritual abuse. Stop and consider what the apostle Peter wrote. “Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered,” (1 Peter 3:7). Sure men, are to head their home (Ephesians 5:23), but Peter makes it clear that in Christ there is spiritual equality, and therefore men must respect this equality. If the man you are dating talks down to you, makes demeaning comments about you or women in general, back away now. He is on a power trip. Women who marry religious control freaks often end up living a nightmare of depression.

If you are a woman of God, don’t sell your spiritual birthright by marrying a guy who doesn’t deserve you. Your smartest decision in life is to wait for a man who is sold out to Jesus.

- J. Lee Grandy (adopted)

SENTENCE SERMONS

Our basic temperament is hard to change, but it can be improved upon as we strive to become more like Christ.
***
Even skeptics have faith. They have faith that skepticism is true.
***
False brethren can be more dangerous than open enemies.

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. 1 / No. 9

Sunday, September 23, 2018

What The Bible Says

Vol. I - No. 9 / September 23, 2018

HAS THE BIBLE BEEN CHANGED?

We are frequently asked about the reliability of our Bibles. Specifically, how can we be sure that the Bibles we are reading today are true to the original messages delivered so long ago. In particular, can we be sure that the New Testament has not been altered and changed in the almost 2000 years since it was written?

The answer to these questions is a resounding YES, we can be absolutely certain that we have good, reliable copies of the messages as they were originally written. To illustrate how we can have this confidence, consider this illustration:

At a potluck dinner, Sally has a delicious dish and several other ladies ask for her recipe.
Sally makes three handwritten copies of her recipe and gives them to Anna, Betty, and Clara.
A good while later, Anna pulls out that recipe and is preparing to fix the dish. She calls Sally to confirm the ingredients, but Sally has lost her original copy of the recipe.
Is there any way for Anna to confirm the accuracy of her copy?
YES, although the original has been lost, Anna can compare her copy to those of Betty and Clara.
If all three agree, she can have good confidence that her copy is exactly like the original.

Now, take this illustration and apply the same principle to the New Testament. Admittedly, the original ''autograph'' copies of these documents are all lost and unavailable. But, there are literally thousands of copies of those originals, many dating back to the immediate time frame in which the originals were written.

By comparing these thousands of copies, and by observing their nearly perfect similarities, we can conclude that our Bibles today are true to the originals. In fact, there is no book of antiquity that comes even close to the Bible in being able to provide this sort of documentary evidence for authenticity and accuracy.

YES, you can trust your Bible!!!

- Greg Gwin

FATHERS: PRINCIPLE TRAINERS OF CHILDREN!

"Children are an heritage of the Lord" (Ps. 127:3) and as such should be considered gifts from God who have been placed in our hands to mold and fashion into worth-while citizens in his kingdom. Thus is laid on us the responsibility to "train up a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old he will not depart from it" (Prov. 22:6). Note the word "train." Far too many times this is thought to be accomplished simply by telling how to act, etc. However, even a dictionary recognizes that such is not the case. It says, "to bring to a desired standard of efficiency or condition or behavior, etc. by instruction and practice" (Oxford American Dictionary).

Telling is definitely important. "These words, which I command thee this day, shall be upon thy heart; thou shalt teach them diligently to thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thy house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up" (Deut. 6:6-7). But practice and application are also required. This can be seen even in secular matters. One may attend school where he is told the information he needs, but then he needs on-the-job training, and some are hired as trainees. He needs the experience. Churches have training classes in which instruction is given, but training is gained by practice and experience.

This is brought out in the New Testament in Ephesians 6:4. It says, "And ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." There are several important points made in this passage:

1. Of utmost importance is the expression "of the Lord." This has religious and spiritual application. It is "the way he should go" (Prov. 22:6). It is not just nurture and admonition, but is nurture and admonition of the Lord.

2. The synonyms nurture and admonition are not easily defined but most seem to agree that the word "nurture" deals with training by act and discipline and the expression "admonition" is training by word (Expositor's Greek Testament). In his discussion of paideai (nurture) Thayer says: "1. the whole training and education of children (which relates to the cultivation of mind and morals, and employs for this purpose now commands and admonitions, now re-proof and punishment)."

3. Usually we husbands leave this to mothers, but in doing so we have neglected the fact that the passage explicitly gives this to the father! Thus, it is his responsibility to do the "nurture and admonition." He can do this by reading the Bible and Bible stories to and with his children and enabling them to make application of its truth to various aspects of life. He doesn't merely tell them but helps them in preparing their Bible class lessons. He is involved in training them when he sees to it that they go with him to church services and participate as much as possible in its activities. It is his responsibility that they are taught the word of God, to train them in proper behavior, and when needed he is to administer discipline, correction, and punishment, as he "chastens them betimes" (Prov. 13:24). If a father is not actively involved in this, he is neglecting his role as father. Thus he is the principal trainer of his children.

To be sure, his wife has a part in this. She is told to "guide (or rule, ASV) the home" (1 Tim. 5:14). Nevertheless, "the husband is the head of the wife as Christ also is head of the church" (Eph. 5:23). So, in addition to being involved in the actual teaching and training, it is his responsibility and God has given him the authority to see that all such, though done by others, is done properly. The following quotation from the Pulpit Commentary brings this out very well. In discussing the synonyms "nurture" and "admonition, it says, "It is difficult (but apparently impossible) to get words in the English language to represent the two words that are in the Greek original. They are in a general way to be distinguished as discipline by power and discipline by reason . . . It is rather all that drilling which a parent gives his children in virtue of the executive (magisterial) power which is placed in him. He has certain rules by which he goes in training his children, and he has got the power to enforce them. He makes them say `grace before meat' that they may learn betimes from whom all table comforts come. He makes them attend to their lessons, that they may know that they have got to work and not be idlers. He makes them be selective as to their companionships, that they may not get out in evil associations. He appoints certain hours for the house, that they may learn order and punctuality. He does not ask them if they will go to church, but he makes them go to church with him. That is the kind of drilling that is meant here, and when it is necessary it must be backed up by chastening, or judicious punishment for good." It is interesting that in discussing admonition it says, "It is not necessary that a parent should always explain to a child the reasons of his procedure. But it is important that, as a rule, children should have explained to them the evil of the course they are asked to avoid, and the advantages of the course they are asked to follow." Again observe that the text places the responsibility to do this on the fathers.

The wording of this may seem somewhat harsh, but remember the same verse (Eph. 6:4) lets us know that it is to be administered in such a way as not to provoke the children to wrath.

Conclusion:

It seems fair to say that, in this regard, the Bible shows:

1. Children need the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

2. This involves much more than mere telling; it requires training.

3. God has specifically given this responsibility to fathers.

---Hiram Hutto

Guardian of Truth - June 19, 1997

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