What The Bible Says
What The Bible Says - Vol. 2 / No. 26
Sunday, May 24, 2020.jpg)
What The Bible Says
Vol. II - No. 26 / May 24, 2020
"MODEST APPAREL"
We are living in a permissive society where people practice very few restraints. This is certainly evident in the types of clothes that are worn. It is amazing that some young people (and some that are not so young) think nothing of taking off half and sometimes more than half of their clothes thus exposing their bodies to the lustful stares of the public.
Immodest apparel is a year round problem but it seems to increase as the weather gets warmer. Some seem to think that the standard for modesty is regulated by weather conditions. Many who would not think of undressing in the public eye at other times will go practically naked during the summer months in an effort to "beat the heat".
GOD’S WORD IS THE STANDARD
God has been very clear in stating that the woman who is a Christian is to dress in "modest apparel". "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness, and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works" (2 Timothy 2:9-10).
The word "MODEST" means orderly, well arranged, DECENT. This means that clothing is to be of such a nature that it will not cause lustful stares. Shorts, tight fitting pants, short skirts, majorette suits, cheer leader outfits, and see-through clothing certainly do not fit into the category of decent apparel.
The word “SHAMEFACEDNESS" is defined as a sense of shame. Someone once described it as the ability to blush. Some have obviously lost that ability or either have a very low threshold for blushing due to the fact that they continually wear indecent apparel.
“SOBRIETY" means soundness of mind, that habitual inner self-government, with its constant rein on all the passions and desires which would hinder temptation from arising. The one who is seeking to serve God will always choose that which is unquestionably modest so as not to cause any doubt.
CAUSING OTHERS TO LUST IS SIN!
Some have argued that people will have evil thoughts regardless of what you are wearing. That is true and Jesus condemns them in Matthew 5:28: "But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." However, the lady or man who dresses in such a manner as to cause lust is ALSO GUILTY!
David's sin with Bathsheba was partly the consequences of her own carelessness. "And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king’s house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon" (2 Samuel 11: 2). Had Bathsheba been more careful to see to that her nakedness could not have been seen, the lust of David might have been prevented. Also, part of the blame belongs to David for he should not have continued gaze.
CHRISTIANS ARE NOT TO BE CONFORMED TO THE WORLD
Paul said, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:12). Satan wants every young person to believe that they must conform to the world in their dress in order to be popular. THIS IS NOT TRUE! Some of the most popular young people I've known refused to go along with immodest dress, even so far as participating in sports. One young man I know refused to wear shorts to play in the varsity basketball games. He was the only one on the floor with full length pants but it did not prevent him from being the team's highest scorer nor from receiving the praise and adoration of his peers. Certainly there were "smart" remarks from some team mates and from the crowd but this didn't stop him from doing what he knew was right. Oh! By the way ...
WHAT ABOUT MEN?
I fear not enough is said concerning modest apparel for men. Yet the problem of indecency in dress is in no wise confined to the female. Men can and do dress in immodest apparel.
Some don't like to admit it but the female can and does lust just as men do. Joseph was cast into prison because of the lust of Potiphar's wife. (Genesis 39:7-23).
Some men wear trousers that are too tight and have been designed to call attention to certain parts of the body. Some don't even have hip pockets so that they can be even tighter. Some men have a common practice of going without a shirt in the summer as if the exposure of their nakedness did not matter.
WHAT CAN BE DONE?
The problem can best be taken care of in the home. Fathers, as the head of the households, need to set down strict Bible based codes of dress for both the boys and the girls. Parents need to instill in their children, at a very early age, the necessity of modest apparel. They need to remember that little children grow up to be adults and we need to be developing their attitudes early concerning modesty, shamefacedness, and sobriety. If we let our children run around half dressed at an early age, we are setting a pattern for an older age.
Elders, preachers, and teachers need to speak out more against the immodest apparel that is being worn or, at least, is being tolerated by Christians. Silence will never convict the one's guilty of immodest apparel.
—E.R. Hall, Jr.
"I'M A GAMBLER!"
I'm a gambler! Oh, not the kind that frequents places behind closed doors in some night club. I gamble with my soul as the stake. I am betting that I can live a live of indifference, a life of neglect when it comes to the things of God, and still be saved.
I'm gambling with the souls of my children as stakes, also. I am betting their souls that I can let them miss Bible classes, worship services, midweek Bible classes, and gospel meetings and that I can get sufficient knowledge without attending classes myself. I’m betting that I can remain indifferent to the teachings of Christ and I can still drift into heaven .
Yes, I'm a gambler of the most reckless type. I am gambling against impossible odds with my soul and the souls of my family as the stakes, for you see, "I am a lukewarm Christian". Read Revelation 3:15-16.
—Selected
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"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. 2 / No. 25
Sunday, May 10, 2020
What The Bible Says
Vol. II - No. 25 / May 10, 2020
"FOR WHERE TWO OR THREE ARE GATHERED TOGETHER... I AM IN THE MIDST OF THEM"
The title comes from Matthew 18:20 where Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” This verse has been used for some time by Christians to justify their being elsewhere on Sunday besides the local church. If there are two or three family members who are Christians they feel they can partake of the Lord’s supper either on the side of the road, in their motel room, or in their boat on the lake and it will be acceptable unto God because of this verse.
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, many churches have altered their services. Some have completely cancelled all services. Some, like the church at East Albertville, have conducted a parking lot service where the church can meet to fulfill the commandments to observe the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:17-31) and to lay by in store as we’ve been prospered (1 Corinthians 16:1,2) on the first day of the week. Some of the churches which have cancelled the assembly on the first day of the week have members who are ‘worshipping at home’. Again, Matthew 18:20 is often being used to justify Christians remaining at home and partaking of the Lord’s Supper. Does this verse justify such action?
Let us look at the context of verse 20. Back in verse 18 and going through verse 20 here is what’s stated: “18 Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Jesus gave ‘binding’ and ‘loosing’ authority only to the apostles. We know this from Jesus’ statement to Peter in Matthew 16:19: “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Jesus is making that same statement to all the apostles here in Matthew 18:18. Jesus’ statement in verse 20 is assuring them of the promise He made in verse 19: “Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.” Again, the “YOU” is referring to the apostles. Who else has been given the authority to bind and loose anything in religious and spiritual matters?
In verses 15-17 Jesus is giving instructions pertaining to matters within the church/kingdom that are applicable for us today, but verses 18-20 apply specifically to the apostles. It’s similar to Mark 16:14-18. Again, in that text, Jesus is speaking to the apostles, but the commission of going into all the world and preaching the gospel, along with the instructions of verse 16, is applicable to us today. However, verses 17-18 apply only to the apostles. We cannot cast out demons and drink deadly poison and it not hurt us. Likewise, we do not have the authority to ‘bind’ nor ‘loose’. Matthew 18:20, while specifically applicable to the apostles’ authority to bind and loose, also teaches a general truth. That truth is: when we gather in Christ's name, or by His authority, He will be with us. However, we must be careful not to use this verse to justify doing things for which we have no Bible authority!
The partaking of the Lord’s supper is a matter involving the church and not a select group of individual Christians. In regards to the Lord’s supper notice these verses in 1 Corinthians 11:
11:17 Now in giving these instructions I do not praise you, since you come together not for the better but for the worse.
11:18 For first of all, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it.
11:20 Therefore when you come together in one place, it is not to eat the Lord's Supper.
11:22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I do not praise you.
11:33 Therefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another.
11:34 But if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, lest you come together for judgment. And the rest I will set in order when I come.
Similarly, notice these verses in 1 Corinthians 14:
14:19 yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.
14:23 Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind?
14:26 How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.
14:28 But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God.
14:33 For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints,
14:34 Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says.
14:35 And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church.
In both chapter 11 and 14 we see a clear distinction of what can be done “in the church” as opposed to what can be done “at home”. Paul required the church at Corinth to assemble or come together to eat the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor. 11:33). For that to happen the church had to set a specific time (on the first day of the week, Acts 20:7) and choose a specific place to come together. For ‘two or three’ Christians, who are but part of a local church, to gather somewhere to eat the Lord’s Supper does not meet the scriptural requirement of “the whole church…together in one place” (1 Cor. 14:23). When you take into consideration all the passages in 1 Cor. 11:17-34 along with those in chapter 14, you cannot honestly reject or deny the fact that the Lord’s supper is a matter involving the church being assembled together. We might as well take the Lord’s supper on some other day than the first day of the week than to take the Lord’s supper when the church is not assembled together. A group of individuals or an individual family, i.e. a subset of the church, does not constitute the church as described/defined in these passages of 1 Corinthians.
—E.R. Hall, Jr.
***SENTENCE SERMONS***
One of the best ways to stay out of evil is to fill your life with doing good.
***
The price of sin is too high to afford.
***
When you help someone up a hill you find yourself closer to the top.
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"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. 2 / No. 24
Sunday, April 26, 2020
What The Bible Says
Vol. II - No. 24 / April 26, 2020
FIVE VIEWS OF MARK 16:16
Mankind is certainly ingenious when it comes to inventing different views to tip toe around what God's word says. Mark 16:16 is one such passage.
THE METHODISTS read Mark 16:16 like this: "He that believeth not and is baptized shall be saved". One of their cardinal doctrines teaches the practice of infant baptism when the infant is way too young to know what's going on much less to believe anything the Bible teaches concerning sin, repentance, and salvation.
THE ATHEISTS read Mark 16:16 like this: "He that believeth and is baptized shall not be saved". They do not even believe in God to Whom man is accountable for his actions. Since there is no accountability to a God, there can be no such thing as sin and definitely no need for salvation.
THE UNIVERSALISTS read Mark 16:16 like this: "He that believeth not and is baptized not shall be saved". They believe EVERY-BODY will be SAVED and NOBODY will be LOST.
THE BAPTISTS read Mark 16:16 like this: "He that believeth and is not baptized shall be saved". They believe salvation comes at the point of faith and baptism has nothing to do with saving.
JESUS said in Mark 16:16 “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved".
Now, which view are we going to take on this verse?
WHAT MEN HAVE DONE TO HELL
1. Atheists, skeptics and modernists have eradicated it by their “wonderful” powers of “reason”.
2. “Christian Scientists” have attributed it to improper thinking, the figment of bad imagination, or “malicious animal magnetism”.
3. Universalists have removed the need of fearing it since they teach that all will be saved anyway.
4. Unitarians and others have decided that the only real heaven or hell are encountered by men in this life by pleasant or unpleasant experiences.
5. “Jehovah’s Witnesses” have reduced it to annihilation, eternal non-existence rather than eternal punishment.
6. Many Protestant denominations have taken away any concern about being lost from millions by their doctrine of “once saved, always saved”.
7. Catholicism has assured millions that they will not go there because of her sacraments and rituals, and has caused many to be more concerned about an imaginary “purgatory”.
8. Many have sought to remove the eternal duration and the awful torment of hell by their own concept of God’s love.
But what the Bible says about hell remains true. You may read about it in:
Matthew 18:8-9 “If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire.”
Matthew 25:41 “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels:”
Matthew 25:46 “And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 “in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,”
Revelation 14:10-11 “he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.11 And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.”
Revelation 20:10 “The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”
Revelation 20:15 “And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.”
Revelation 21:8 “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”
—Bill Crews
IS THIS TRUTH?
Ask a denominational preacher if what he preaches is the truth and he will surely say, “YES". Ask him if one must believe the truth in order to be saved and he will no doubt say, “YES". But, ask him if one must believe the particular doctrine which he preaches in order to be saved and he will probably answer, “NO". (Now, make sense out of that!)
THINGS BY WHICH MAN IS SAVED:The Bible teaches man is saved by God (Titus 3:4-5), Love (John 3:16), Mercy (Titus 3:4-5), Grace (Eph 2:9), Christ (Matt 1:21), Blood (1 Pet 1:18-19), the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:11), Gospel (Rom 1:16-17), Faith (Rom 5:1), Repentance (Acts 17:30), Confession (Rom. 10:10), Works of Faith (James 2:24), Baptism (1 Pet 3:21).
The Bible nowhere teaches men are saved by any one thing only!
—Richie Thetford
SENTENCE SERMONS
Eternity will be a long time to think about what you should have done.
***
Trust God’s authority, not man’s majority.
***
If you don’t plan for the future, you probably won’t like what you get.
***
Life is short – pray hard and read the Book!
***
Too much time is wasted by people telling how busy they are.
***
Every man has an equal chance to become better than he presently is.
***
Be careful of your thoughts. They may break into words at any time.
HAVE A BIBLE QUESTION YOU’D LIKE ANSWERED?
HERE’S YOUR CHANCE…
BIBLE CROSSFIRE
A CALL-IN RADIO PROGRAM
WBSA
93.5 FM & 1300 AM
also
SIRIUS XM CHANNEL 113
SUNDAY NIGHTS @ 8 PM CT
PREVIOUS SHOWS AVAILABLE AT:
BibleCrossfire.com
IMPROVE YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE BIBLE...
FREE ONLINE BIBLE CORRESPONDENCE COURSE
http://EastAlbertville.org/course
"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. 2 / No. 23
Sunday, April 12, 2020
What The Bible Says
Vol. II - No. 23 / April 12, 2020
REASONS TO DISCIPLINE OUR CHILDREN
A scanning of Solomon's Proverbs provides several reasons. . .
1. To show you don't hate them. "He who spares the rod hates his son but he who loves him is careful to discipline him." (13:24)
2. To give them hope. “Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death." (19:18)
3. To help them for a lifetime. "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." (22:6)
4. To chase away foolishness. "Folly is bound up in the heart of a child but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him." (22:15)
5. To save their soul. "Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with the rod he will not die. Punish him with the rod and save his soul from death." (23:13-14)
6. For your own comfort. "Discipline your son and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul." (29:17)
Parents need to read and understand these passages. So, too, should our children. We want them to see why for their own good, and for the good of their children as well.
DO YOU "...HUNGER AND THIRST AFTER RIGHTEOUSNESS"?
Jesus taught: “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled” (Matt. 5:6). This verse describes an intense craving to be in a right relationship with God. The words that Jesus used here for “hunger” and “thirst” denote a level of intensity in desire that would be similar to the person who is about to starve to death, as versus a simple hunger pang; or a person about to die from dehydration, as versus someone who had a mild desire for something to drink.
Christians often wrestle with a number of problems that could be easily resolved in our minds and removed from our lives if we simply asked the question: “Am I hungering and thirsting for righteousness?” For instance, the supposedly hard questions about social drinking, smoking, dancing, movie and TV watching, immodest clothes, bad language, etc., all just vanish in the face of this test. If I desire to be right with God at the same level as a starving man desires food, it will be simple to answer these challenges and do the right thing.
Watch how neatly this divine principal works on the problem area of church attendance. Ask yourself, would a starving man pass up an opportunity to eat a good home cooked meal?” Answer: obviously not! Why? Because he is starving!! Now, would a Christian who “hungers and thirsts for righteousness” pass up an opportunity to meet and study with other saints—to worship God and study His Word? Answer: certainly not! Why? Because he craves to maintain a right relationship with God, and such assemblies aid tremendously in that direction. You can see the idea here—and the challenge is to make the application in every area of your life. Think!
—Greg Gwin
"I DON'T GO ALONG WITH ALL MY CHURCH DOES!"
There are many people today who willingly and knowingly fellowship error. When their unscriptural practices are pointed out, they say, "I don't believe everything my church teaches" or the statement in the title of this article. Are you one of those people? Are you willing to even admit that you realize that the church of which you are a member is getting farther and farther from the truth of the Bible? Many people are very uncomfortable with such things as the social, recreational, and entertainment craze that many churches are involving themselves in. But let it be understood there are many other things in addition to these.
Let me raise this question: Does recognizing and then denying wrongdoing in the church of which you are a member, free you from all responsibility in the matter? Let's put it like this: Can a person close his eyes to error and willingly stay in a group that he knows is doing things contrary to what the Bible teaches? Are we willing to let the Bible give the answer? God says, "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." (Ephesians 5:11). "This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth." (Titus 1:13,14). From these verses we must conclude that one cannot continue to have fellowship with those who are believing and practicing error. Rather, he has the responsibility to reprove and warn them. Yet, if no one raises their voice to oppose, by their silence they give consent and thereby become a partaker of wrongdoing.
How can one repent of an error while at the same time be a member of a church which believes and practices error? For one to repent of error, he must completely give up that error. As long as a person is a member of a church that has error, he is associated with error and is identified with error.
Jesus said in Matthew 15:13 "..Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up." Those who are in a church that has error will be rooted up along with others at the last day. Those who recognize error in the churches in which they are members need to come out and be identified with the people of God.
We cannot help but believe there are those of you reading this bulletin who do not agree with the beliefs and practices of the church of which you are a member. We must all ask ourselves the question of who are we trying to please in religion. Is it man or God? There can be the wrong motive for the religion we have. "For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ." (Galatians 1:10). If we seek to please men, it will not matter whether we condone things that the Scriptures condemn and give our silent consent to things that God does not approve of. But if our religion is to please men, "I should NOT BE THE SERVANT OF CHRIST".
—E.R. Hall, Jr.
SENTENCE SERMONS
Eternity will be a long time to think about what you should have done.
***
Trust God’s authority, not man’s majority.
***
If you don’t plan for the future, you probably won’t like what you get.
***
Life is short – pray hard and read the Book!
***
Too much time is wasted by people telling how busy they are.
***
Every man has an equal chance to become better than he presently is.
***
Be careful of your thoughts. They may break into words at any time.
HAVE A BIBLE QUESTION YOU’D LIKE ANSWERED?
HERE’S YOUR CHANCE…
BIBLE CROSSFIRE
A CALL-IN RADIO PROGRAM
WBSA
93.5 FM & 1300 AM
also
SIRIUS XM CHANNEL 113
SUNDAY NIGHTS @ 8 PM CT
PREVIOUS SHOWS AVAILABLE AT:
BibleCrossfire.com
IMPROVE YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE BIBLE...
FREE ONLINE BIBLE CORRESPONDENCE COURSE
http://EastAlbertville.org/course
"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. 2 / No. 22
Sunday, March 29, 2020
What The Bible Says
Vol. II - No. 22 / March 29, 2020
WHAT'S THE REAL REASON?
"There is no God!” The person who is usually heard making that statement almost always follows it up with one or more reasons why they think that way. They may claim that true science denies the existence of God. They may cite some seemingly strong evidence in favor of the theory of evolution. They might even make an attack on the accuracy and reliability of the Bible.
Whatever the reasons may be, the one who disbelieves in God usually claims that his thinking is based on "science" or "logic". But what is the real reason for the unbelief of the unbeliever? Is it "scientific fact and logical reasoning" or something else?
Psalm 14:1 - "The fool has said in his heart, 'there is no God'. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none who does good.” As we see in this verse, there is a certain lifestyle that accompanies disbelief in God. That lifestyle is totally at odds with the will of the Creator. If you really believe in a God, it makes it hard to ignore His will. However, if you have convinced yourself that there is no God then it makes it easy to live as you please.
So, why do so many people disbelieve in God? Because they don't want to be accountable to any one but themselves, especially a Creator. They want to live their own way, they want to live in sin. Is your sinful lifestyle blinding you to the truth? Don't be foolish, open your eyes and your heart to God.
—Phillip Mullins
HAVE YOU HEARD IT SAID?
While speaking to the Jews of His day, Jesus referred to their teaching by saying, "Ye have heard that it hath been said ... but I say unto you... " (Matt. 5:38-39). In this manner He warned them against anger, an evil heart, unlawful divorce, swearing and other numerous sins. Thus Jesus made it clear that an idea was not true just because it was what people had always heard.
The teaching of that day was imposed upon the people by their religious leaders and had become long standing traditions in so much that traditions had been regarded as equal to the law of Moses. Jesus challenged the authority of their traditions and said they were vain in religion. (Mk. 7:9). It is sad, but even in religion there has always been a tendency to accept an idea if it is repeated often enough. If the majority of people have come to accept a position as true, then most people will not question or investigate whether or not it's traditions from men or God's word. We should not believe everything we hear no matter how often we hear it or from how many we hear it from. True faith can not be built on hearsay. The Bible warns, "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits, whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world". (1 John 4:1)
Have you heard it said that it doesn't matter what one believes, just so he is sincere? Is this true? If so, why does the Bible warn against being deceived and against believing false teachers? So, if what someone believes becomes the truth simply because he sincerely believes it to be the truth, then there is no reason for concern about false prophets and no danger in accepting their teaching. Thus the Joel Osteen’s and the Benny Hinn's are not false teachers because they sincerely believe that what they are teaching is the truth. After all, sincerity is all that matters in religion according to what everybody says. However, the Bible doesn't teach what you have always heard about sincerity being all that matters.
Have you heard it said that as long as someone has been baptized that's all that really matters? This is just as false as those who think sincerity is all that matters. Sincerity won't get us to heaven and neither will baptism. The Scriptures teach, “…be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." (Rev. 2:10). Also in Heb. 6:1-2 the Scriptures read, "Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment." Far more is necessary to insure heaven as our home than just having been baptized.
It is never safe to believe everything we hear. The important thing is: DOES THE SCRIPTURES SAY IT!
—E.R. Hall, Jr.
CAN WE TALK?
The ability to communicate is the difference between unified achievement and confusion. The unfinished city and tower of Babel attest to the role communication plays in success or failure (Gen. 11:4-9).
Christians who cannot or will not talk to one another contribute to the weakening of the body of Christ. Whether it is a kind word of encouragement needed by a fellow saint, a word of warning to beware of temptations and sin, a teaching of truth to the lost or a rebuke of sinful error, the inability to talk to each other hinders the strengthening and salvation of souls. God’s word must be communicated so it can be heard and produce faith unto salvation (Rom. 10:8, 13-17).
Can we talk without a spirit of superiority? Sadly, some Christians convey an air of condescension when they talk with others. Such ought not to be (Rom. 12:16; Phil. 2:3). Rest assured, communication will be hindered where humility toward others is lacking. How we say our words can have a much greater impact for good or evil that what we say. You may have the truth, but if you display smugness or self-importance when you speak it, you will not communicate effectively. Most likely, you will make it harder to be heard.
Can we talk with words that are gracious? The apostle said, "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one" (Col. 4:6). To successfully talk with others we must speak with kindness, not rancor or malice. "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" (Prov. 15:1). Oh, how our marriages would profit by a "soft answer" instead of harsh and vindictive speech! What strength would be garnered in a church where brethren live the timeless truth that "a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver" (Prov. 25:11). To do otherwise is a sinful use of the tongue (Jas. 3:9-10).
Can we talk to the lost about their souls? The gospel will save, but it must be communicated to the lost to do so (Rom. 1:16; Mk. 16:15). The word of God must be spoken to save souls from sin, not philosophies, not psychologies and not religious traditions (Col. 2:8). We can speak the truth in love; the question is, will we? (Eph. 4:15)
—Joe R. Price
SENTENCE SERMONS
A poor listener seldom hears a good sermon.
***
Attitudes are nothing more than habits of thought – and habits can be acquired.
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"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