What The Bible Says

Vol. VI - No. 16 / December 3, 2023

WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?

    In the decade of the ’90’s the catch phrase “What Would Jesus Do?” was popular among religious youth groups and adults alike. The phrase was used as a decision guide or reminder, moral compass of sorts. It was hard to escape the "WWJD" teen bracelets, bumper stickers and other paraphernalia. Fast forward nearly two decades later and the once poplar “WWJD” fad has all but disappeared.

    Fads aside, what about the all-important questions ‘What would Jesus do?’ ‘What did Jesus do' or 'What would Jesus have me do in this situation?'. These are questions that many Christians ask when faced with various moral decisions and circumstances.

    In Colossians 3:16, the apostle Paul states "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him". In this passage, the Christians at Colossae are told to ensure that whatever they said or did, was done “in the name of” or by the authority of Jesus. Paul also encouraged the Christians at Corinth to “imitate me, as as I imitate Christ”. (1 Cor. 11:1)

    Furthermore, the apostles Peter stated in 1 Peter 2;21 “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:”. We can see from these scriptures that the Christ should not only make sure that Jesus approves of what we do but to also actually follow the many examples that He Himself left us.

    Let's look at six things that Jesus did not do nor would do: (1). He did not lie. 1 Pet. 2:22; Eph. 4:25 (2). He would not cheat on: His taxes, school exam, any competition Eph. 4:25,28; 2 Cor. 8:21 (3). He would not shack up with a girlfriend. I Cor. 7:2; Heb.13:4 (4). He would not practice pre-marital sex. l Cor. 6:18; 1 Cor. 7:2 (5). He would not divorce on the grounds of “irreconcilable differences”. Mt. 5:32; Mt. 19:9; Lk. 16:18 (6). He would not condone abortions. Gal. 5:21; Lk. 1:41; Psa. 139:13-16; Job 10:11-12. 

    Are you concerned with the question: “WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?” —Rodney Hampton

WHERE DID CHRISTMAS ORGINATE AND WHO AUTHORIZED IT?

    To answer these questions it is necessary to go outside the New Testament. The Encyclopedia Americana says, "The Christmas celebration was not observed in the first centuries of the church." The Catholic Encyclopedia says, "Christmas was not among the early festivals of the church."

    Now notice this:  If we cannot find the Christmas observance in the New Testament, and a secular encyclopedia says that it was not observed in the first centuries of the church, and a religious encyclopedia says that it was nonexistent in the early church, then we must conclude that it did not originate with the apostles.

    By whose authority did this December observance originate?  Colliers Encyclopedia tells us that Lyberius, the Bishop of Rome, whom the Catholics regard as one of the early Popes, ordered in 354 A.D. that "December 25th be observed as the birthday of Christ." December 25th had formerly been used by the Romans as a feast day for their Sun-God, Mithra. The Roman Saturnalia (riotous festival of Saturn) also came at this time. "The indications are that the church in this way grasped an opportunity to turn the people away from a purely pagan observance of the winter solstice to a day of adoration of Christ the Lord. Both Saint Cyprian and Saint John Chrysostom allude to this thought in their writings.” (Colliers Encyclopedia)  "December 25th was already a festive day for the sun god, Mithra, and appealed to the Christians as an appropriate day to commemorate the birth of Jesus, the light of the world." (Lincoln Library of Essential Information)

    From these statements by reliable sources it is easy to see that the date of Christmas had its origin in a pre-Christian age among the pagans. It was adopted into a so- called "Christian" holiday by the Roman Catholic Church. Furthermore, the word "Christmas" is of Catholic origin. The word is derived from the medieval "Christes Masse," the mass of Christ, which is a corruption of the Lord's Supper.  On December 25th, even until this day, the Catholics hold a special Mass for Christ. In time, "Christes Masse" came to be shortened to "Christmas."

    Christmas, then, had its origin and authority in the Roman Catholic church. —David Padfield

WHAT ABOUT CHRISTMAS? 

    It is not the giving of gifts that is challenged. It is not the happy associations we may have with our families and friends. Such things can be right at any time of the year. We are not questioning these things. Our point is simply this: The Bible does not inform us as to the birthday of Christ, nor does the Bible authorize us to make a religious observance of the birthday of Christ. Hence, to attempt such is to go beyond the limits of divine authority.  —Paul C. Keller

SENTENCE SERMONS

You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.
***
Christianity is difficult when it is viewed as a job rather than a way of life.
 ***
Nothing sets a person so much out of the devil's reach as does humility.
*** 
People who fly into a rage always make a bad landing.

"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. VI - No. 15 / November 19, 2023

IS THE NEW TESTAMENT TRUSTWORTHY?

    No one questions the authenticity of Plato, Aristotle, or Homer, but the manuscript evidence for each of these is far less than that of the Bible. We can be assured that the Bible text we have today is the text of the first century.
 
The Iliad and The Odyssey
Written: around 900 B.C.
Earliest available manuscript: 400 B.C. (500 years later)
Total manuscripts: 643
 
Works of Plato
Written: 427-347 B.C.
Earliest available manuscript: A.D. 900 (1200 years later) 
(There is one fragment from 3" century B.C.)
Total manuscripts: 7
 
Works of Aristotle
Written: 384-322 B.C.
Earliest available manuscript: A.D. 1100 (1400 years later)
Total manuscripts: 49
 
Works of Julius Caesar
Written: 100-44 B.C.
Earliest available manuscript: A.D. 900 (1000 years later)
Total manuscripts: 10
 
Works of Pliny
Written: A.D. 61-113
Earliest available manuscript: A.D. 850 (750 years later)
Total manuscripts: 7
 
The New Testament
Written: 1st Century
Earliest available manuscript: 1st Century (within 30-40 years)
Total manuscripts: 5,800
 
    The Bible has over 5,800 early Greek manuscripts available to confirm the accuracy of today's New Testament. In addition, there are thousands more in Latin, Syriac, Slavic, Gothic, Ethiopic, Coptic and Armenian.
- via House-to-House Copied from: The Beacon - Electronic Edition -11/14/23 Collegeview Church Of Christ, Columbia, TN

WERE THE TEN COMMANDMENTS NAILED TO THE CROSS?

    Many people today believe the ten commandments are still binding. There are also those who believe they can be saved by keeping the ten commandments. 

    Colossians 2:14 states: "Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross." Some fail to understand this passage is inclusive of the ten commandments because they fail to see how the ten commandments were "contrary to us". Yet, notice what other passages say. For example, 2 Corinthians 3:7-8: "But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?" In Matthew 5:27-28 and numerous other passages, Jesus repeatedly showed the limitation and inadequacy of the ten commandments: "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." 

    The law of Moses, with its ten commandments, was only temporary. Galatians 3:19 states, "Wherefore then serve th the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator." Verse 16 of this chapter states that the "seed" was "Christ". Therefore, the law of Moses, including the ten commandments, lasted until Christ came! 

    People who still wish to live under the ten commandments do not want the penalty for violating them, however. 2 Corinthians 3:7 states "He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:"! What if the death penalty were enforced today for violation of the ten commandments? How many people would be wanting to bind them? No more than we can bind the death penalty for the violation of the ten commandments can we neither bind the ten commandments. 

    We must not forget that the law of Moses and the ten commandments was a temporary law to last only till Christ came. Now that Christ is come we are no longer under the law of Moses but rather the law of Christ as found in the New Testament (Galatians 3 :24-27; Hebrews 9:15-17).  —E.R. Hall, Jr.

SENTENCE SERMONS

 In trying times -- don't quit trying.
***
Every crisis in life makes us bitter or better — it's our choice.
 *** 
He who angers you controls you.
 ***
Example is a language that anyone can read.
***
You need long-range goals to keep you from becoming discouraged by short-range failures.

"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. VI - No. 14 / November 5, 2023

"JUDGE NOT, THAT YE BE NOT JUDGED"

    "Judge not, that ye be not judged." (Matthew 7:1) This may be one of the most misunderstood and therefore misapplied verses in the Bible. So much so, that even those who don't believe in the Bible quote, Matt. 7:1, in an effort to silence others who point out their wrongs. They might say, "now you know you're not supposed to judge." The truth is, we all make judgments every day concerning what we believe to be right and wrong. After all, the person who says, "it's wrong for you to judge me" has himself judged the person judging him.

    The problem is that most people never read the entire context! When we consider the context of Matthew 7: 1, we see that a person subjects himself to the same standard or rule of judgment that he uses towards another. "For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye use, it shall be measured to you again" (Matt. 7:2).

    Jesus goes on to ask why we would judge hypocritically, i.e., judge another while we are guilty of sin. Notice Matthew 7: 3-4, "And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brothers eye, but considers not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull the mote out of thine eye; and behold, a beam is in thine own eye?”

    In his letter to the Romans, Paul said something similar when he wrote, "Therefore thou art inexcusable, 0 man, whosoever thou art that judges: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judges does the same things” (Romans 2:1). When we judge another person while guilty of the same sin(s), we are actually condemning ourselves. Maybe if we took the time and considered ourselves first, there would be less antagonism in the Church of Christ and the world as a whole.

    Continuing in Matthew 7:5, we read what Jesus said we must do first before we try to help our brother. "Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brothers eye.”

    It is clear from the above verse, that the commonly heard idea - that we are never to judge another - just isn't so! We are in a condition to judge only after we have gotten rid of our own sin, then at that point, we can see clearly to help our brother with his sin. If you are telling people that Jesus said we are not to judge, you are misrepresenting the point that Jesus was making.

    In fact, we are to judge righteous judgement. In John 7:24, Jesus answering the people when they accused him of having a devil said, "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgement." Clearly there is a type of judgement that is not to be used, and a type of judgment that is acceptable. If you've been misrepresenting Jesus concerning this subject or any other, you don't have to continue doing so.  —Jerime Booker

A COSTLY MISTAKE

    Failing to realize that we, today, do not live under the law of Moses is resulting in a costly mistake. Any casual observer of the Bible will notice that it is divided into the Old and New Testaments. The Old Testament in the book of Genesis covers the Patriarchal Period when God made His will known to the heads of the family (Patriarchs). Beginning in Exodus and continuing through Malachi is the record of God's dealing with the children of lsrael through the law He gave to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19-20). This law God gave to Israel and not to the Patriarchs (Deuteronomy 5:2-3) and it was to serve as a "schoolmaster" to bring them to Christ (Galatians 3:24). All the while even the Israelites was made aware that the law of Moses would one day be replaced with a New Testament or the law of Christ (Jeremiah 31:31-32). The law of Moses was only a "shadow" of things to come (Hebrews 10:1). The animal sacrifices that were done yearly could not take away sin (Hebrews 10:1-4).

    As the New Testament begins, we see the birth of the prophesied Savior, the Son of God. The books of Matthew through John record the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. But we must remember that the life Jesus lived on this earth was lived during the time of the law of Moses. Jesus' law or the New Testament was not in force until after His death (Hebrews 9:15-17). Therefore as Jesus lived He could save ANY ONE from their sins ANYWAY He chose. Thus the sinner of Luke 18:10-14 was "justified" and the thief on the cross in Luke 23:43 was promised "paradise" because these incidence happened before Jesus' death. When Jesus died, salvation can only be given according to the conditions of His will.

    This is where the costly mistake is made. Countless numbers of people are patterning their salvation like the sinner of Luke 18 and the thief on the cross. However, this does not meet the conditions of the will found after Jesus's death. In order to be saved today, we must hear (Jn. 6:44-45), believe (Romans 10:17), repent (Luke 13:3,5), confess (Matthew 10:32; Romans 10:10), and be baptized (Mark 16:16). To fail to do these is making a costly mistake because our souls are at risk!  —E.R. Hall, Jr.

LIFE'S COUNTDOWN

      If we live 65 years, we have about 600,000 hours at our disposal. Assuming we are 18 when we complete high school, we have 47 years, or nearly 412,000 hours to live after graduation.

    If we spend 8 hours a day sleeping and 8 hours a day working, that only leaves 8 hours a day for everything else. That amounts to 137,000 hours in each category. When we think of the time we have to work and play in terms of hours, it doesn’t seem like much. And when seen in the light of eternity, it's but a fleeting moment. How important, therefore, that we spend our waking hours wisely!        

    The Psalmist wrote: "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom" (Psa. 90:12). I'm not suggesting that we need to start literally counting our days or hours that we have left. However we need to be aware of the swift passage of time and the need to live with eternity's values in view. Paul wrote: "Be very careful, then, how you live -- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil" (Eph. 5:15-16).

    The hours, days, and years are here and gone. So whether we count them or not, let's be sure to make them count -- for the Lord.  We can't afford to just spend our time; we must invest it. —Shane Williams

"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. VI - No. 13 / October 23, 2023

TO OUR BAPTIST FRIENDS

    Why do Baptists desire to wear John's name, do business in John's name, and glorify John's name? In fact, "Baptist" was never a part of John's name! "His name is John." (Luke 1:13,60,63).  

    What are the legal names of Al the plumber, Jack the electrician, or John the baptist? Are they not Al, Jack, and John? The terms "plumber", "electrician", and "baptist" (baptizer or immerser) are merely describing the work they do. Thus to style oneself a "baptist" does not personally honor John anymore than calling oneself a "plumber" or an "electrician" would be a personal honor to Al or Jack.   

    Why wear the name "Baptist" anyway? There are those who would say they are not trying to bring any honor to John whatsoever but is that really true? Do people not know us by the name we wear? Certainly they do! By what name do people most often refer to you religiously: a Baptist or a Christian? The name "Christian" does bear the name of Christ. Are we to be followers of John or Christ? Who shed His blood for us: John the immerser or Jesus Christ? Who brought life and immortality to light through the gospel (2 Timothy 1:10)?

    Is it not wrong to rob Christ of the glory that is rightfully His and give it to another (1 Corinthians 1:10-13). In John 3:29 we read that Jesus is the bridegroom and John was the bridegroom's friend. While Baptists claim to be married to Christ, they wear the name of the bridegroom's best friend. For Christians to be called Baptists is like a woman who married a Smith but wears the name of Jones, the bridegroom's friend. 

     “…And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." (Acts 11:26). Let us be content to be called Christians and only Christians. This is the only thing we find the followers of Christ called in the New Testament. No disciples of Christ were ever called Baptist or any one of the hundreds of other religious names that we are so accustomed to hearing today. Simply be a Christian! Wear and honor the name of Christ!  —E.R. Hall, Jr.

THE SENTINEL

    A sentinel is a soldier whose assignment is to stand watch. Its meaning and usage come from French and Italian words associated with vigilance and one’s ability to perceive. Most often we would simply use the word guard. The opposite of sentinel would be the one who poses the hazard or menace.

    When I think of a sentinel, I am reminded of a childhood friend who served a tour of duty at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during his Marine Corps tenure. I have been at the memorial during the changing of the guard ceremony. It is to me quite a stirring and somber event. There has been a sentinel on duty every minute of every day since 1937. The Sentinel’s Creed in its final statement says, “this soldier will in honored glory rest under my eternal vigilance”.

    There are multiple scriptural references to guarding and watching that have much more significance than the sentinel posted at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, though important to our nation’s military and our citizenry. One such guard is recorded in Gen. 3:24 and was placed by the Lord God: “and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the Tree of Life.”

    The cherubim depicted here seem to be the four faced, four winged angelic beings that Ezekiel saw as recorded in Ch 1:6 and Ch 10:14. These are the attendants of God with supernatural abilities.  In Ezekiel 28:14, they are said to be able to walk amid stones of fire.  They are further described in Isa 37:16 and Psalms 80:1 when pictured as being the ones whom God dwells between. Also of note is that these cherubim that God placed is plural, cherubim being the plural for cherub. Have you considered whether the sword that God placed with the cherubim could perform its duty independently, or was it wielded by a cherub? Without knowing this answer, I do know that every directive of God, if followed correctly, will accomplish what He desires. We, in our day and in our culture, would say that God placed an armed guard to guard the way to the Tree of Life. I have never found any reference to a security breach pertaining to the Tree of Life, nor do I know of any valid claim to a man being able to live forever, apart from Jesus in Jn. 14:6, “…I am the way, the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me”.

    Another guard I would like to consider is man. The text of Proverbs 4:23 directs the reader to, “keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” The word heart is mentioned more than 800 times in the Bible, more than holy, blessed or sacrifice. The NIV reads “above all else, guard your heart.”  There can be no doubt that man’s heart, the thinking part of man’s being, has the utmost impact on his eternal destiny. God has stressed this repeatedly. The heart pictured here is like a rudder to steer man on his journey.  Mat. 6:21 declares that “for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Verse 20 of the same chapter encourages man to “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven”. Men to varying degrees are treasure seekers, always looking for more, better, newer treasure. The right-thinking man understands that his soul is the most valuable treasure he possesses. Mark 8:37 asks the question “or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” This man also understands there is a day coming when all will appear before the judgement seat of Christ, 2 Cor. 5:10. At this judgement, if found faithful, then certain rights and privileges will be awarded. If found unfaithful, then certain destruction. God has given direction, but also all the necessary equipment for man to win his spiritual battle. If we are daily fighting the good fight of faith that we might lay hold of eternal life as 1 Tim. 6:12 directs, then we can have what the writer of Philippians penned in chapter 4 and verse 7 “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

    One of the beneficial rights promised to the faithful, can be found in Rev. 2:7 “…to him who overcomes, I will give to eat from the Tree of Life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” This same right is confirmed later in Rev. 22:14, “Blessed are those who do his commandments, that they may have the right to the Tree of Life and may enter through the gates into the city.”

    Consider the two guards discussed here and how they both relate to the Tree of Life. In one scenario, man was driven from the garden to prohibit him from eating the fruit of the Tree of Life because of disobedience. In the other, if he overcomes through obedience, will be afforded the right to eat from the fruit of the Tree of Life.  

    Have you done all that is necessary to guard your heart? If not, why not? Your heart is your key to valuable treasure, 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. VI - No. 12 / October 8, 2023

SENSATIONAL RELIGION

    "Sensational journalism" is the norm of the day. In the effort to spruce up newspapers, magazines, and television news, the appeal is to the physical senses to get and hold our attention. Sad, though true, many religious groups have resorted to what I call "sensational religion" in order to get and hold a crowd. This has been accomplished in many ways. Some religious groups have resorted to more than modest church buildings where expensive stain glass and lavish furnishings makeup the place so that it will appeal to people. Some church buildings are certainly "sensational" structures. I even saw on television a church building built completely out of crystal and appropriately name "The Crystal Cathedral”.

    Worship, if you want to call it that, in many churches has become a "sensational" event. Elegantly clothed choirs perform before an audience of ''worshippers". Numerous and expensive electronic musical instruments are used to further the sensation. With all the talent that is on display, it is a wonder that some churches don't start charging admission to get in instead of waiting until after you are there to take up a "collection”.

    Preachers are certainly not immune to giving in to sensational tactics. If the flashy expensive clothing and jewelry some preachers wear into the pulpit don't grab your attention, their preaching style is sure to do the job. They almost always manage to get the audience worked up into an emotional frenzy by telling a series of death bed stories or human tragedy experiences. As the pitch becomes feverish, some preachers resort to unscriptural tactics such as claiming to speak in unknown tongues like disciples did in the first century. With only tidbits of the Bible being used up to this point, the Bible is sure to be thrown out the window when the call is made to come down to the front. Some call it the "altar call" but with whatever words are used to describe it, the preacher is challenging the sinners in the audience to come forward to either pray their sins away or to relate their experience of salvation. Nothing could be farther from what the Bible teaches but it makes for a sensational time for people to shout and holler, leap and jump like a bunch of unruly children.

    After everything finally gets calmed down and services are dismissed, everyone goes home with an emotional "high". The interesting thing is this seems to be addictive because they expect to get this "high" every time they go. Yes, religion in many quarters has become very sensational and it is the church that offers and sustains the highest sensations that generally have the larger crowds. Could it be that while our physical senses are feasting our souls could still be thirsting for something more? Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.” Psalms 119:172 “My tongue shall speak of Your word, For all Your commandments are righteousness.”  —E.R. Hall, Jr.

WHAT CHURCH SHOULD I JOIN?

 All up and down this troubled land 
            Confusion reigns today, 
          As honest folks on every hand 
               In doubts are heard to say: 
          "I cannot tell which church to join, 
             There are so very many." 
          To whom we offer this advice -
             You should never join any! 

          You cannot join the church that belongs to Christ, 
             No man can vote you in; 
          The Lord, Himself. will add you 
            When he saves you from your sins.
          Then take no chances, neighbor: 
             This race but once you'll run. 
          If a church you join be of man, 
             It is not the proper one. 

          Beware the church you cannot find 
             Within the sacred pages; 
          Be safe, dear sinner, rest your soul 
             Upon the Rock of Ages. 
          Be added to His blood-bought church, 
             And drink salvation's cup; 
          For every plant God planted not, 
             It shall be rooted up. 

          No mourner's bench on Pentecost 
             The inspired Peter fitted, 
          But said, "Repent and be baptized 
             That your sins may be remitted." 
          The Lord, who saved and added those 
             Who did, that day, His will, 
          Will do the same for you dear friend, 
             For He is adding still. 

          Let not false teachers lead you wrong, 
             Nor close your eyes in slumber; 
          When Jesus said He'd build His church, 
            'Twas not in plural number. 
          No choice of churches, neighbor mine, 
            Is found beneath the sun; 
          Though men may have ten thousand,
            Our Savior has but one.
—Author Unknown

***SENTENCE SERMONS***

"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