What The Bible Says

Vol. VIII - No. 1   June 7, 2025

THE WAY OF THE CROSS

    This well-known hymn penned by Jessie Brown Pound in 1906 has inspired many followers of Christ through the years. Some have suggested that Jesus’ teachings on Matt. 16:24-25 were the inspiration behind the song. In this reading, our Lord teaches about self-denial and that one should be willing to follow him, even in duress. He further expounds on the idea of saving our lives by first losing it. An adherent following of this teaching will result in one finding eternal life after first losing a self-willed earthly life for Jesus’ sake.

    Jesus had other teachings about “the way” one of which is recorded in Jn. 14:6 “I am the way the truth and the life”. The writer in Proverbs 14:12 states, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death”. No doubt we are all familiar with these teachings on “the way”, and realize they are always portrayed in the singular tense. This, I suggest, is not coincidental or an accident. This is a purposeful way of Jesus teaching that total reliance must be upon him, and every false way rejected as a perversion of his teaching. The Psalmist in 119:104 records, “Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way”.

    In modern Christianity today, you don’t have to look too far to find wealthy and mega wealthy Christian pastors. The wealth of the top 8 wealthiest pastors range from 20 million to 300 million dollars; Christian Rock Stars on private jets, rock concerts, laser light shows, etc. etc. There are ministries in abundance that bear the names of men not named Jesus. You can easily find traveling bands, youth groups, daycare, food and language services, all in the name of Jesus. There seems to be no end to the innovation and subterfuge of Satan.

    If one were considering a self-diagnosis to see if they were in “the way” that Jesus describes, I would suggest starting at Matt. 7:13-14. Here a narrow gate and a broad gate are contrasted against each other. The broad way that leads to destruction is well traveled and many go in by it. The narrow way that leads to life everlasting and few who even find it. Is your way populated with the masses? Do you follow the popular way that most people choose? Seek to be with the few in the narrow and difficult less traveled way. You will be outnumbered, but the reward will be great.  —Tim Davis

DOES THE BIBLE TEACH "ONCE SAVED ALWAYS SAVED"?

    Though the question at the heading of this article is asking if the Bible teaches "once saved always saved", it is apparent that religious denominations do teach the doctrine. "Those whom God hath accepted in the Beloved, effectually called and sanctified by His Spirit, and given the precious faith of his elect unto, can neither totally nor finally fall from the state of grace..." (Philadelphia Confession Of Faith, adopted by the Baptist Association, Sept. 25, 1742). Most definitely, men and religious denominations teach this doctrine but we wish to answer the question by God's word.

    "Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; YE ARE FALLEN FROM GRACE” (Galatians 5:4). Those in Paul's day, who sought to go back under the law of Moses, had "fallen from grace". What if we seek to bind things from the law of Moses today, like observing the Sabbath, forbidding to eat certain meats, or observe certain holy days? We, like the Galatians, "are fallen from grace”. 

     "Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, FALL FROM YOUR OWN STEADFASTNESS." (2 Peter 3:17). If we are once saved always saved, why does Peter warn us about being “led away” from the truth and the "fall" that results?

    "If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not MOVED AWAY FROM THE HOPE OF THE GOSPEL, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister" (Colossians 1:23). Paul states whether or not we are "moved away" is conditional. The condition is “IF” we continue to be grounded and settled in God's word. "IF" not, we lose the hope of the gospel. 

     Upon rightly dividing God's word, we must conclude the doctrine of "once saved always saved" is of man and not of God.
—E.R. Hall, Jr.

WINNING LAST PLACE

    We live in a society that is sports crazy. We love football and fishing, racing and wrestling, soccer and softball -- not to mention baseball, basketball and golf. Nearly all of us have had the experience of cheering for our team or favorite player to win, whether the contest was professional, college, high school or just the youth league team that our child or grandchild played on. And many of us have participated in sports ourselves. We've personally experienced "the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.”

    From a spiritual perspective, sports are not necessarily a bad thing. According to the Bible, sports teach us important lessons about disciplining ourselves when striving for a goal (1 Corinthians 9:24-27), playing by the rules (2 Timothy 2:5), and running with endurance (Hebrews 12:1).

    Obviously, we can allow sports to become a bad thing if we place too much importance on them or allow them to crowd out spiritual concerns. But sports can also impact us negatively in other ways. They can train us to be too competitive, self-seeking, and ambitious – too concerned with winning at all costs. In most sports competitions, everyone wants first place. But there are times in the life of every Christian when he should seek last place. In Mark 9:35, Jesus told the twelve apostles, "If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all." Jesus condemned the scribes and Pharisees because "They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues" (Matthew 23:6). He told His disciples, "But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place…” (Luke 14:10). The Bible reveals that we should be striving to win last place in our relationships with others! "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself." (Philippians 2:3). “…Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’" (1 Peter 5:5). “…Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion." (Romans 12:16).

    Here are some practical suggestions for winning last place. The next time that you disagree with a brother in an area of judgment or opinion, insist that your brother get his way. The next time that your wife or husband neglects to do a chore that merely benefits you, do it yourself. The next time they are looking for a volunteer at work to do some menial task, volunteer! Win last place! —Steve Klein

SENTENCE SERMONS

What will you be wishing you had done when the Lord returns?
***
Men rarely stop to consider the long-range consequences of harming another person’s good name through gossip.
***
Don’t assume that because God hasn’t dealt with evil yet, that He won’t deal with it at all. 

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

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

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

Website: www. EastAlbertville.org

What The Bible Says

Vol. VII - No. 26   May 25, 2025

RELIGIOUS ERRORS REFUTED BY ACTS 2

    Numerous religious doctrines are proven to be erroneous by examining Acts 2. Consider a few examples.

    Contrary to what most Bible believers think, the “last days” are not some future event marking a sign of the imminent end of the world. Instead, the “last days” began roughly 2,000 years ago (Acts 2:16-21; Heb. 1:1-2).

    Pentecostals claim that people today can receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Yet, unlike the baptism of the Great Commission which is for all of humanity (Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 2:38), baptism of the Holy Spirit is not for everyone. In fact, baptism of the Holy Spirit wasn’t even promised to the 120 disciples present with the apostles in Acts 1; it was promised strictly to the apostles (Acts 1:4,26; Acts 2:1-4,14,32,37,43).

    Most religious people believe the Lord’s Supper should not be administered frequently, but Acts 2:47 proves the Lord’s Supper was administered frequently by first century Christians. It was offered every first day of the week (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:26).

    Pentecostals claim that people today can speak in tongues through some incomprehensible unworldly utterance. Yet, in Acts 2, those who spoke in tongues spoke a human language that people present could understand (Acts 2:4,6,8,11; 1 Cor. 14:22-33).

    Contrary to the doctrine of Premillennialism (Christ someday returning to earth to set up an earthly kingdom on David’s throne in Jerusalem to reign 1,000 years), Acts 2:29-36 shows that Christ already fulfilled this David prophecy by establishing the church; Jesus is currently reigning over His kingdom.

    Numerous denominations claim that a non-Christian “calls upon the name of the Lord” via prayer. However, the act of prayer is NEVER mentioned in Acts 2 as how one “calls on the name of the Lord”. Instead, to call upon the name of the Lord one must believe on Jesus (Acts 2:36), as well as repent and be baptized (Acts 2:38), then God will save that person (Acts 2:47).

    When handled accurately, the word of God defeats all religious error (2 Tim. 2:15; 3:16-17). Please, be like the Bereans in Acts 17:11 and examine each scripture presented here so you can verify what we have said is either truth or error. If upon examining the scriptures you find that you must change what you one believed (1 Thess 5:21), love God and the truth enough that you will make all necessary changes so you can satisfy Him and be set free from sin (John 8:31-32).  —Dylan Stewart

BIBLE CASES OF CONVERSION

    Bible cases of conversion resulted in people becoming Christians. The only way that we can become Christians today is to study those cases revealed in the New Testament and follow those examples. Let it be understood that while Jesus lived on this earth, He could forgive sins anyway He chose. For example, the thief on the cross (Luke 23:39-43). However, since Christ's death we must do according to the conditions of His will (Hebrews 9:15-17) to obtain forgiveness of sins. This is what the Biblical cases of conversion deal with.

    All examples of conversion in the New Testament reveal important things that we must imitate. Though there are many more cases, we have only the room to look at five in this article.

Three Thousand On The Day Of Pentecost

    This case of conversion is found in Acts 2. Upon close reading and examination of this chapter, we find these events taking place in the city of Jerusalem where Jesus had told His apostles to wait until they received power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-5). The early part of the chapter deals with this very event which enabled the apostles to speak in other tongues (languages) and manifest miraculous powers to confirm the words they spoke (v.6; Hebrews 2:3-4). This was all necessary because the New Testament had not been revealed in its entirety as you and I have it in complete form today. As Peter spoke on this occasion, the people heard (v. 37). They were "pricked in their heart" and inquired what they must do to be saved. They were told to "repent, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins,..." (v. 38).

    Their conversion was reached through belief, repentance, and baptism. These Jews had heard the message of God's Son which produced faith (Romans 10:17) and it convinced them that He was the Son of God. They inquired, "What shall we do?". This Bible case of conversion reveals the necessity of repentance AND baptism for "they that gladly received his word were baptized" (v. 41).

The Samaritans

    Philip is the evangelist in this case of conversion which we find in Acts 8:5-25. He went down to the city of Samaria and "preached Christ unto them" (v. 5). He was preaching Christ to a city deceived by sorcery and witchcraft (vs. 9-11). But the people "believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ" and "they were baptized, both men and women" (v.12). These were responsible men and women - no babies - and this case is no different than those we read about in Acts 2.

The Eunuch Of Ethiopia

    Again, Philip is the evangelist who does the preaching in this case that we find in Acts 8:26-39. Upon encountering the eunuch of Ethiopia, he finds the eunuch riding along and reading from the prophet Isaiah (v. 30). Upon inquiring whether he understood what he was reading, Philip "began at the same scripture, and preached unto Jesus" (v. 35). It was the eunuch that responded, "See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?" (v. 36). When baptized by Philip, the eunuch "went on his way rejoicing” (v. 39).

The Jailor At Philippi

    This case is found in Acts 16:25-34. After the jailor had imprisoned Paul and Silas, he was about to take his own life after an earthquake loosened all the bands of the prisoners. When Paul urged him not to harm himself, he fell down before them and said, "Sir, what must I do to be saved?" (v. 30). Since faith cannot be had until a person hears the word, "they spake unto him the word of the Lord" (v. 32). Obviously being convinced of what he heard, the jailor repented, washed their strips (repented), and was baptized (v. 33).

The Corinthians In Acts 18

    Paul comes to the city of Corinth and "testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ" (v. 5). The Jews rejected his message and Paul turned to the Gentiles. "And Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized" (v. 8).

    Conversion today, in order to be genuine Bible conversion, must be like the examples we have looked at in this article. There is no conversion where the word of God was not preached or taught. The word of God does not change and, therefore, requires the same things in order to produce the same results. Is your conversion JUST LIKE these five Bible EXAMPLES?  —E.R. Hall, Jr.

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

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

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

Website: www. EastAlbertville.org

What The Bible Says

Vol. VII - No. 25   May 11, 2025

THE LOUDEST SOUND

    Sound is one of the five main senses. Listed they include sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. Some refer to these as the big five. There are other senses like pain, temperature, or pressure and many more like this. Some have concluded there might be as many as 21 senses. Have you considered that pressure can be measured and experienced physically, as well as psychologically? There can be no doubt that mankind's sensory abilities are a gift from God and worthy of admiration.

    As we consider sound in this writing let us understand this is not intended to be a technical article but rather an awakening. Sound is an auditory perception. It is our ability to detect vibrations as periodic changes in the pressure of a surrounding medium. Sound travels as a wave, and can be propelled via a gas, liquid or a solid. Sound is a form of energy traveling through substances in longitudinal waves. Sound waves are measurable and predictable. Sound waves are very diverse and technical. Amplitude is a measurement of the amount of energy transferred by a sound wave.

    Amplitude is loudness or volume. High amplitude is loud, low amplitude is quiet. We measure loudness in decibels. The louder the sound, the more energy required to create that high amplitude, high decibel sound.

    There has been much written and speculated about the loudest sound and it is largely believed to be a sound heard on August 27th, 1883. On this date, there was a volcanic eruption on the Indonesian island of Krakatoa. This explosion was heard over 3000 miles away. That would be like standing in New York City and hearing an explosion in Ireland. This sound was measured on barometers as a pressure wave that traveled around the entire globe multiple times in the subsequent 5 days. The amplitude or loudness of this eruption was measured between 178 and 190 decibels 100 miles away in Jakarta. Scientists estimate that the decibel level at the site of this explosion would be somewhere in the 310 DB range. It is believed to be the loudest sound ever heard on the face of our planet.

    By way of comparison a 12-gauge shotgun is about 165 decibels. Our hearing tissue becomes damaged at 180 decibels and above. The loudest audible sound possible is measured at 194 decibels, after that sound no longer travels on air, but rather pushes it in the form of a shockwave.

    The immense power unleashed at Krakatoa in 1883 is certainly something to marvel at. Consider also that there was a tidal wave emanating from the site that some estimates put at around 30 meters or 100 ft. The energy released also hurled rocks to a height of 34 miles into our atmosphere.

    I have contemplated this subject for a while now and use historical documents in my consideration just as the experts do. I think it would be to the chagrin of most who study this topic, but I believe the loudest sound has yet to be heard. Consider from God's word what is recorded in first Thessalonians 4:16 “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then those who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord”. This event has been further described in a reading in first Corinthians 15:51-52 “Behold, I tell you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed--in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed”.

    Would you consider for a moment that this shout and this trumpet sound, and the voice of an archangel is what happens at the announcement of the coming of Jesus Christ in the Glory of His Father? In Matthew 17:27 “For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels and then He will reward each according to his works”. There's another reading that comes from Revelation 1:7 which reads “Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen”.

    In Gods revealed word there are many scenes of awe and wonderment pictured. There are many depictions of His might and grandeur. One such is in Psa. 29:3-9 “The voice of the Lord is over the waters; The God of glory thunders: The Lord is over many waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful; The voice of the Lord is full of majesty. The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars, Yes, the Lord splinters the cedars of Lebanon. He makes them also skip like a calf, Lebanon and Sirion like a young wild ox. The voice of the Lord divides the flames of fire. The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness; The Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh. The voice of the Lord makes the deer give birth and strips the forest bare; And in His temple everyone says “Glory!”. In Genesis 1:3 the passage begins with “Then God said”. The God of heaven is the only true and living God and He is the power behind the trumpet and the shout. It will be at His command that the archangel will speak. Matt.24:36 records “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only”. I hope you will consider the loudest sound and tune your ear to the correct frequency because it is in all our futures. Obey God while you have opportunity. Stop resisting…  --Blind Bartimaeus 23

ARE YOU WILLING TO ACCEPT ALL THE TRUTH?

    Many folks think that everything they need to know on any Bible subject can be found in one verse. When they think they have found that verse, they are unwilling to accept any other verse that might explain the full meaning or give additional instructions concerning the matter. While nearly all would agree with the title of this article, is that really the case? Are we willing to search for all the truth and accept it when it is found?

    Not all truth on a Bible subject or Bible question can be found in one verse. Take, for example, the incident in Jesus' life recorded in Mark 10:17. There "came one running" to Jesus. Who was this person? Were they male or female? It is not until we look in the parallel account of Matthew 19:20 that we learn it was a "young man". What do we know about this young man who came running to Jesus? When we look in Luke 18:18 we find he was a "ruler" and verse 23 tells us he was "very rich". After looking in three books and four verses we conclude the "one" who came running to Jesus was a man who was a rich young ruler. I admit, this is not a matter of eternal consequences but the point is this: not everything we could learn about this man was found in one verse.

    There are Bible subjects and Bible questions that have serious eternal consequences. For example: What must I do to be saved? Many people think John 3:16 gives the all sufficient answer: “believe" or have faith. Is this all the truth in the Scriptures that gives answer to this vital question? How do we "believe" or have faith? Romans 10:17 says, "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Also, Jesus said, "It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me."(John 6:45). In order to have faith we must hear and learn the word of God. Is hearing and knowing all there is? Jesus said in Matthew 7:2, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." But Jesus also said, "Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish" (Luke 13:3) and "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 10:32). We learn what confessing is from Romans 10:10: "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Thus we learn that we confess with our mouth what we have been taught and believe from the word of God. But concerning being saved Jesus had something else to say: "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." (Mark 16:16).

    So, from four books and eight verses we learn all the truth concerning what to do to be saved from sin. The conclusion is that we must hear, believe, repent, confess, and be baptized. Are we willing to accept all the truth on this vital subject? —E.R. Hall, Jr.

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

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

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

Website: www. EastAlbertville.org

What The Bible Says

Vol. VII - No. 23   April 13, 2025

DOES GOD SHOW PARTIALITY?

We can read in Acts 10:34-35 that God is not a respecter of persons but everyone who fears God and works righteousness is accepted by him. From verse 34 we learn that God does not show respect toward anyone due to their nationality, social status, financial standing or any other related criteria. However, verse 35 states that God conditionally accepts everyone that fears Him and works righteousness. Let's consider some bible principals.
    First, we need to understand the concept of working righteousness. Romans 1:16-17 teaches us that righteousness is found in the word of God. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 teaches us that all scripture is inspired of God and is able to make us complete, equipped for every good work. Therefore, when we work righteousness, we are doing what is taught in the word of God.
Question: When someone says that God speaks to them directly apart and in addition to the word of God is this working righteousness? No, because this goes beyond and adds to the word of God.
Mark 16:16 Jesus said He that believes and is baptized shall be saved. Acts 2:37 Peter answers those who are convicted of their sins as to what they must do to receive forgiveness. In Acts 2:38 Peter tells them to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.
Question: When someone teaches that we are saved by faith alone are they working righteousness when they fail to teach all the source of righteousness reveals concerning salvation? —Gerald White

"REMEMBERING HIS RESURRECTION ANNUALLY"

    The calendar reads "Easter Sunday." As a result, many people throughout the world will be attending the "church of their choice" to remember the resurrection of Jesus. It won't be the "normal" service, but rather a "special" service of remembering the resurrection of our Lord that no doubt will include different plays, skits, and dramas. The world calls this day "Easter Sunday” the day of our Lord's resurrection from the grave. But is it really?

    I don't recall reading anywhere in the Bible of the day nor the special celebration of the resurrection mentioned. Yet many "good intentioned people", honestly believing that they are commemorating the resurrection of Christ, celebrate this "holy day" having no biblical authority whatsoever for the practice. Because of tradition, most people today believe that Easter has always been observed from apostolic times and is authorized in the scriptures. But how could they get such an idea?

    There is an unfortunate translation in the King James Version of the New Testament which has, perhaps, led some astray. The Greek, PASCHA, is translated by the word, "Easter" in Acts 12:4.

    This same word is properly translated in other versions and in every other passage where it is used in the King James Version, as “Passover". Undoubtedly it was mistranslated here in Acts. And even if the word was properly translated, there is still no authority here for the observance of anything.

    That is why "Easter" as we know it, is celebrated without proper Bible authority. The text of Acts 12:4 was in regard to the apostle Peter when he was put into prison during the days of "Unleavened Bread" or "Passover" as the NKJV, ASV, NASV, & NIV indicates. It is obvious that this passage of scripture is referring to the seven-day Passover festival. There is no place indicated in the New Testament that a "yearly" celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ was ever practiced. Yet today, thousands of people remember Him only this one day per year and they make it a grand festival.

Where Did Easter Come From Anyway?

    The word "Easter" is derived from the Anglo-Saxon word "Eostre," the name of the goddess of Spring. Sacrifices were offered in her honor at the first full moon that came at the time of the vernal equinox. By the 8th century, the term came to be applied to the anniversary of Christ’s resurrection (ISBE, Vol 2, page 6). There has been much controversy about the time of this celebration. The Jewish Christians and Gentiles could not agree on a set date. But as time passed an increasing number of people celebrated the anniversary of the resurrection on the first day of the week annually. By the 7th century the practice of religious groups had become universally uniform. The agreed upon time is now the first Sunday following the full moon that comes on or after the vernal equinox and that date was set as March 21st. This is why there is a variation in Easter dates from March 22nd through April 25th. There has even been talk among the different religions as setting the date permanently on one Sunday between March 21st and April 25th.

The Proper Remembrance Of Jesus

    I've filled you in on the history of this word "Easter" so that you will understand that it originated as a pagan holiday festival and later became a yearly festival to remember the resurrection of Christ among different religious groups across the world.

    The Lord's church does not celebrate "Easter." Members of the Lord's church celebrate the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ on the first day of every week as we are instructed in the New Testament. We can turn to the book of Acts and read: "Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread..." (Acts 20:7). We have an approved example from this text that lets every Christian know when one is to partake of the emblems which represent Christ's shed body for us. It says the "first day of the week". It does not say “The first day of the week, once a year!" In 1 Corinthians 11:23-29, we can further understand the significance of this memorial feast that we partake of weekly. We learn that it represents the body and blood of Jesus and it says: "For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes." Again, how often should a Christian eat the bread and drink the cup? The first day of the week! 

    There are many religious denominations out there today that do not partake of the Lord's Supper once per week. Some will do it bi-monthly, others monthly, still others just once or twice per year. Any individual that is striving to do "all the oracles of God" (1 Pet 4:11), must understand that God sets the standard (rules) that we must go by today - not man (Acts 5:29). The New Testament is our standard. I urge you to examine the Bible, and then look at what you may be practicing in your religion, and then determine whether it is from God or from man.   —Richard Thetford

BIBLE READING IS DESTRUCTIVE

    Conversion means turning or changing. We convert water to ice, a log to lumber, and wood to paper. From such examples we can understand what conversion means - it is a changing process wherein something is changed from one form into another. While the end result is the goal, the process is essential in order for the end result to be an achieved. As little as you may have thought about it, the above statement is true. There is destruction in reading the Bible because such reading will destroy certain things as far as that particular person is concerned.

    Denominational theories are destroyed by Bible reading. My father destroyed his own denominational teaching because he read the Bible. He had preached for eighteen years and had been told the Lord must “lay the message on your heart or else it has no power”. Yet, he realized the words were not coming to him “directly from the Lord” so he began studying the Bible and found the things he was preaching from his heart was not in the Bible. Things which he had preached like: “Come down to the old-fashion altar and pray your sins away” and “A person is saved before he is baptized”, he soon discovered were destroyed by the Bible because of such verses he read like John 9:31 and Mark 16:16.

    His Bible reading also destroyed the denominational organization he had been a member of for many years. In the first place, the Bible did not mention the name of the organization. Not only could he not find the Baptist church mentioned in the Bible neither could he find other common names such as the Methodist church, Catholic Church, or Christian church. As he read, the Bible also destroyed the worship and practices of such organizations. The use of solos, duets, and quartets for singing and mechanical instruments of music in worship were destroyed by the Bible from verses he read like Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16. The semi-annual or annual observance of the Lord’s supper was also destroyed by his reading the Bible and finding Acts 20:7.

    Let us read the Bible like he did: with an open mind. Let us believe and practice what God says and not what we might have believed or practiced in the past. He who reads for himself with an open mind will derive benefits untold from the Word of the Lord!  —E.R. Hall, Jr.

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

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

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

Website: www. EastAlbertville.org

What The Bible Says

Vol. VII - No. 23   April 13, 2025

DO MEN HAVE THE POWER FROM GOD TO PERFORM MIRACLES?

    There are many people who believe and teach that people today receive from God and exercise miraculous power as the apostles (and some upon whom the apostles laid their hands-Acts 8:18) did in the first century. QUESTION: Is there any Scriptural proof that anyone today receives miraculous power from God as some did in the first century?

    Holy Spirit baptism and other gifts of the Holy Spirit along with signs, wonders, and divers miracles were necessary in the first century for the revelation and confirmation of the Word of God unto man. (Read carefully John 14:25-26; 16:13; Hebrews 2:3-4; Mark 16:20). Once the Word of God was completely revealed to inspired men, confirmed and given to the world in written form, there would be no further need of miracle working power in the church! The apostle Paul declared: "...though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto." (Galatians 3:15). NOTE: By the close of the first century God's Word had been completely revealed, confirmed, and given in written form. (See 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3; 1 Corinthians 4:6; 2 John 9; Revelation 22:18-19, and Jude 3). In James 1:25 we read: "But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." It is obvious from this passage that we have a perfect law of liberty! No more revelation is needed!

These additional observations may help clarify the truth. 

1. When the need for the revelation and confirmation of God's Word ceased because it was fulfilled, the baptism of the Holy Spirit and other gifts of the Holy Spirit that were needed to accomplish the revelation and confirmation of the Word of God ceased! NOTE: Cornelius (and others) received Holy Spirit baptism to assure the Gentiles and convince the Jews that God had to the Gentiles granted "repentance unto life". (See Acts 10 and 11). This was a one time event that did not need to be repeated. 

2. After the pouring out of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost in Acts 2 there is no evidence that the apostles (or those on whom they laid their hands) ever tried to perform a miracle and failed! (Acts 5:16). NOTE: The apostles had been told that they would receive power after the Holy Ghost came upon them. (Acts 1:8). Obviously they did receive power! They could even raise the dead! (Peter in Acts 9:36-42 and Paul in Acts 20:7-12).

3. The fact that Jesus Christ performed miracles in the first century is no proof that He is doing the same thing today. Although Jesus is "the same yesterday, today, and forever" as Hebrews 13:8 says is no proof that He is now performing miracles as He did in the first century. Consider the following:
A. Although Jesus Christ is the same He is NOT creating the earth and all things therein as He once did! (See Colossians 1:16-17; John 1:1-14; Hebrews 1:1-2; Revelation 3:14).
B. Although Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever, He is not turning water into wine, or miraculously multiplying a few loaves and a few fishes, or raising the dead as He did in the first century (John 2:1-11; Matthew 14:15-21; John 11:30-46)
C. Neither is Jesus Christ NOW personally walking on the shores of Galilee nor dying on the cross NOW as He once did! No!

    Men today do not have power from God to perform miracles as some had in the first century!   —Carroll R. Sutton

CONVERSION

    Conversion means turning or changing. We convert water to ice, a log to lumber, and wood to paper. From such examples we can understand what conversion means - it is a changing process wherein something is changed from one form into another. While the end result is the goal, the process is essential in order for the end result to be an achieved.

    Conversion is also a Bible word and is used primarily of converting a sinner to a Christian; from a lost condition to a saved condition. While this is the end result, the process by which conversion is done is absolutely essential. The process is necessary in order for the full conversion to take place. The conversion of a sinner to a Christian demands a complete change that includes three areas: (1) A change of mind (heart) which is accomplished by the teaching of God's word. (2) A change of conduct. A change of heart must lead to a change in the way we live. In the Scriptures this is called "repentance". (3) A change in relationship. As in all conversions, there is a final act that makes the conversion complete. So it is in becoming a Christian. The final act that transfers one from the world and puts them into Christ is baptism. "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Galatians 3:27). "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Christ were baptized into His death?” (Romans 6:3).

    Conversion begins with the preaching and teaching of God's word and ends with baptism. It is from the waters of baptism that we rise to "walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:3-4). If we are to be converted like those we read about in the New Testament, specifically those recorded in the book of Acts, we must examine their conversion and do no more nor no less than they did. When we add up the totality of what the New Testament reveals about the conversions, we can have the complete picture of what we need to do to be converted from a sinner to a Christian; from one who is in sin and lost to one who's sins are forgiven and is a child of God.

    Study carefully each conversion. Read the scriptures again and again to notice what was done. This will reveal the process by which conversion took place. Certainly there will be things that are incidental from one case to another but, particularly, note the similarities in each example.

    Surely we can see that our conversion to God depends upon our hearing, believing, repenting, confessing, and being baptized. Our change must be of heart, life, and relationship. Men may, and often do, present other rules of conversion but such are not from God and will not reconcile man to God. "There is a way which seemeth right unto man; But the end thereof are the ways of death" (Prov. 14:12). God has given the process. Let us be content with accepting, obeying, and teaching only that which God has revealed.
 —E.R. Hall, Jr.

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

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

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

Website: www. EastAlbertville.org