What The Bible Says

Vol. VII - No. 19   January 19, 2025

CONTENTMENT

    In 1 Timothy 6:6 Paul states that "godliness with contentment is great gain". I think that this statement may be more important to our perception of contentment than we sometimes realize. Contentment, that is, being satisfied with your life, is prized in the Bible. Hebrews 13:5 tells us to be content with what we have, and not to love money. In 2 Corinthians 12:10 Paul speaks about being content with suffering and persecution if it is for Christ's sake and in Philippians 4:11-13 Paul speaks about learning to be content no matter the situation, that he (and we) can do "all things through him who strengthens me”.

    The important thing I want to pull out from 1 Timothy 6:6 is the fact that contentment alone is not sufficient. Godliness must be present with our contentment for it to be "great gain". If you live in contentment but that contentment leaves out God or God's instructions, that is laziness, unrighteousness, or a similar sin. 1 Thessalonians 3:10-12 warns against the danger of being a busybody instead of working. Hebrews 13:16 tells us not to neglect in doing good. Romans 12:11 says "Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord". In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Paul talks about the Christian's life as an athlete training and performing in their sport. A lazy athlete may be content, but they will not be successful; they will receive no reward. Likewise, those who wish to receive God’s reward must train, must "run", must "climb", must do whatever work God requires of us. The contentment of a Christian should not be that of laziness but that of an athlete, content with the results of their pain, perseverance, and persistent efforts. —Jake Pack

THE GIFT OF OUR SALVATION

    When I consider my early years, say when I was between the ages of 4 and 8, I still get a chuckle. Why might you ask? Well, like most kids my age, I was fooled by the magic of television. There was no cable or any of the modern gadgetry back then. We had a black and white TV with three channels on a good day. We would crack the window to talk to the one who volunteered to go outside and turn the antenna. On Saturday mornings we would certainly try and catch some cartoons. After this, the TV would normally be turned off. If the weather outside was suitable for children to play, we were off and running.

    I always looked forward to Saturday or Sunday matinee times when Shirley Temple or The Little Rascals would be on. I could see myself in their adventures whether they were at school or on the playground. It might be they’re in class or after school activities. I could imagine myself doing the things they were doing. They were just like me. In my mind they were just one town over from me. I had no knowledge of syndications or re-runs. I thought it was real. I did know that Laurel and Hardy and The Three Stooges were acts, but they seemed to me like older versions of myself.

    Contemporary means living or occurring at the same time. As a noun, it means a person or thing living or existing at the same time as another. So now you understand the chuckle. These visions I had been seeing on television were not real. Most were prior recordings that were being replayed for my entertainment. I had been fooled by this modern trickery. 

    As we look ahead, there's a day coming when all of mankind will for the first time be contemporary. I do mean all of mankind. In 2 Cor. 5:10 the writer describes this as an appearance, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad”. Everyone will be there. Every man, woman and child ever conceived will be present on that day. We will at last be contemporaries and will remain contemporaries for eternity. Abraham, Moses, and Elijah will be there. Pharaoh and Goliath, David and Bathsheba, Uriah the Hittite, yes, he will be there. Samson and all he slew; they will be in attendance. Your grandparents will be there, your mom, your dad, your siblings and your children also. All the loved ones past and present on this day will be required to stand. Jephthah and his daughter will be there. Caleb has always been of interest to me, his attendance will be required, just like yours and mine. The list you might think goes on and on but that's not true. The list ends when all are accounted for. Lists will no longer be needed because there is a book, “The Lamb’s book of life” Rev. 21:27.

    We will all be standing before the first born from the dead, Jesus Col. 1:18. He will separate all as sheep and goats Matt. 25:32. He will execute righteous judgment Acts 17:31. His decision will be final. This separation will determine which of our contemporaries we will live with through eternity. The ones separated for condemnation; the goats, will be cast into eternal punishment. The ones separated for rest; the sheep, will be granted entrance into “The kingdom prepared from the foundations of the world” Matt. 25:34. With these considerations in the forefront of our minds, let us not go about our lives as little children, being fooled by the trickery of the devil and men. Syndications will be no more. There will be no re-runs of life Eccl. 9:10. Eternity begins with your contemporaries having been selected and eternal dwelling places having been assigned. Who will your contemporaries be? Obey God while you have opportunity. Stop resisting... —Blind Bartimaeus 23

SENTENCE SERMONS

Speaking the truth often requires more courage than some possess.
***
“Criticism is easy; achievement is more difficult.” - Winston Churchill
***
Hell will be a truth that many will realize too late.
***
Proper use of today is the best preparation for tomorrow.
***
There is a tendency for people to credit themselves with their successes, but to blame God for their 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. VII - No. 17   January 19, 2025

ADDITION AND SUBTRACTION

    No, this is not an article on mathematics although the subject is that of addition and subtraction. The subject is about the word of God, the Bible. It must be rightly divided or handled aright as the American Standard Version states (2 Timothy 2:15). We live in a time that the word of God is not handled as it ought to be. Even Paul spoke of those in his time that "corrupt the word of God" (2 Corinthians 2:17) and were "handling the word of God deceitfully" (2 Corinthians 4:2). The conclusion that has to be reached is not everybody is making the right use of the Scriptures. That is the point of this article.

    Numerous additions and subtractions have taken place with God's word. No one is at liberty to do this. "Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish aught from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.” (Deuteronomy 4:2). "What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add there to, nor diminish from it.”  (Deuteronomy 12:32). "Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar." (Proverbs 30:6). “And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another." (1 Corinthians 4:6). “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son." (2 John 9). "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." (Revelation 22: 18-19). Thus, we see a principle that has always been true of God's word. When God has spoken, we must not add anything to what He has said, neither are we to take or leave anything out.

    When it comes to such important subjects like salvation, the church, worship, and the work and organization of the church, much has been added and a lot has been subtracted from what God has said about these subjects. This is why book, chapter, and verse is so essential to authorize all we believe and practice (Colossians 3:17). Any changes made to God’s word will pervert it (Galatians 1 :6-10). One quart of dirty oil plus three quarts of clean oil equals four quarts of dirty oil. Sweet milk plus sour milk equals sour milk. Who can deny the logic? Everything we do must be done "according to the pattern" of God's word (Hebrews 8:5). Is there a pattern found in the Scriptures for what you believe and practice religiously? Or must we do some addition or subtraction to God's word to justify it?  —E.R. Hall, Jr.

MY CONTEMPORARIES

    When I consider my early years, say when I was between the ages of 4 and 8, I still get a chuckle. Why might you ask? Well, like most kids my age, I was fooled by the magic of television. There was no cable or any of the modern gadgetry back then. We had a black and white TV with three channels on a good day. We would crack the window to talk to the one who volunteered to go outside and turn the antenna. On Saturday mornings we would certainly try and catch some cartoons. After this, the TV would normally be turned off. If the weather outside was suitable for children to play, we were off and running.

    I always looked forward to Saturday or Sunday matinee times when Shirley Temple or The Little Rascals would be on. I could see myself in their adventures whether they were at school or on the playground. It might be they’re in class or after school activities. I could imagine myself doing the things they were doing. They were just like me. In my mind they were just one town over from me. I had no knowledge of syndications or re-runs. I thought it was real. I did know that Laurel and Hardy and The Three Stooges were acts, but they seemed to me like older versions of myself.

    Contemporary means living or occurring at the same time. As a noun, it means a person or thing living or existing at the same time as another. So now you understand the chuckle. These visions I had been seeing on television were not real. Most were prior recordings that were being replayed for my entertainment. I had been fooled by this modern trickery. 

    As we look ahead, there's a day coming when all of mankind will for the first time be contemporary. I do mean all of mankind. In 2 Cor. 5:10 the writer describes this as an appearance, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad”. Everyone will be there. Every man, woman and child ever conceived will be present on that day. We will at last be contemporaries and will remain contemporaries for eternity. Abraham, Moses, and Elijah will be there. Pharaoh and Goliath, David and Bathsheba, Uriah the Hittite, yes, he will be there. Samson and all he slew; they will be in attendance. Your grandparents will be there, your mom, your dad, your siblings and your children also. All the loved ones past and present on this day will be required to stand. Jephthah and his daughter will be there. Caleb has always been of interest to me, his attendance will be required, just like yours and mine. The list you might think goes on and on but that's not true. The list ends when all are accounted for. Lists will no longer be needed because there is a book, “The Lamb’s book of life” Rev. 21:27.

    We will all be standing before the first born from the dead, Jesus Col. 1:18. He will separate all as sheep and goats Matt. 25:32. He will execute righteous judgment Acts 17:31. His decision will be final. This separation will determine which of our contemporaries we will live with through eternity. The ones separated for condemnation; the goats, will be cast into eternal punishment. The ones separated for rest; the sheep, will be granted entrance into “The kingdom prepared from the foundations of the world” Matt. 25:34. With these considerations in the forefront of our minds, let us not go about our lives as little children, being fooled by the trickery of the devil and men. Syndications will be no more. There will be no re-runs of life Eccl. 9:10. Eternity begins with your contemporaries having been selected and eternal dwelling places having been assigned. Who will your contemporaries be? Obey God while you have opportunity. Stop resisting... —Blind Bartimaeus 23

SENTENCE SERMONS

The storm also beats on the house that is built on the rock.
***
It's not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are.
***
When it comes to giving, some people stop at nothing.
***
The unselfish effort to bring cheer to others will be the beginning of a happier life for ourselves.
***
You are not the first to have happen to you whatever it is that is happening to you.

"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. 17   January 19, 2025

THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN CONVERSION

    Nearly everyone, regardless of their Bible knowledge, believes the Holy Spirit operates in the converting of a person from a sinner to a Christian. The controversy begins when the question arises: How does the Holy Spirit do His work of conversion? Generally, there are two ideas: direct and immediate as opposed to indirect and through a medium or agent. Let’s examine both ideas and compare them to the Scriptures. 

DIRECT OPERATION: Many believe and teach the Holy Spirit works separate and independently from the Scriptures, the revealed word of God. Should this be true, consider an answer for these questions: If the Holy Spirit works directly on the mind of a sinner to bring about salvation, why are there no Christians where missionaries have not gone? If the Holy Spirit works directly , what is the need of preaching and teaching God’s word? If the Holy Spirit works independently of the gospel, the revealed word of God, how can the gospel be the power of God unto salvation (Rom. 1:16)? For the Holy Spirit to work directly upon a sinner and independent of the Scriptures, His work would make the Bible a “dead letter”. Thus, this idea about the Holy Spirit’s work does not harmonize with what the Scriptures teach. It must be a man made idea! 

INDIRECT OPERATION: Before the completed revelation of the New Testament, the Holy Spirit spake through holy men. “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (2 Peter 1:21). The Holy Spirit was to testify of Christ. As Jesus was speaking in John 15:26, He said, “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:” The Holy Spirit also revealed “all truth”. “Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come.” (John 16:13). The context of John 16 shows Jesus is speaking to the twelve apostles and also gave them the promise of the Holy Sprit coming upon them (Acts 1:2-5). In Acts 2 we read of the fulfillment of that promise when the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles and they spake “as the Spirit gave them utterance” (verse 4).

    The apostles spoke and wrote all truth which the Holy Spirit revealed unto them and we have it written in the New Testament. Therefore, everything the Holy Spirit does, including the work of changing a sinner to a Christian, He does through the medium or agency of the Word. “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” (Ephesians 6:17). Here are the things the Holy Spirit does and, at the same time, we can see the revealed Word, the Scriptures, also does the same thing. 

The Holy Spirit and FAITH, Galatians 5:22; the Word and FAITH, Romans 10:17.
The Holy Spirit and BEING BORN AGAIN, John 3:5-6; the Word and BEING BORN AGAIN, 1 Peter 1:23.
The Holy Spirit QUICKENS, 1 Peter 3:18; the Word QUICKENS, Psalms 119:50.
The Holy Spirit SAVES, Titus 3:5; the Word SAVES, James 1:21.
The Holy Spirit PURIFIES, 1 Peter 1:22; the Word PURIFIES, 1 Peter 1:22-23.
The Holy Spirit SANCTIFIES,  Romans 15:16; the Word SANCTIFIES, John 17:17.
The Holy Spirit LEADS, Romans 8:14; the Word LEADS, Psalms 43:3.
The Holy Spirit COMFORTS, Acts 9:31; the Word COMFORTS, 1 Thessalonians 4:18.
The Holy Spirit STRENGTHENS, Ephesians 3:16; the Word STRENGTHENS, Psalms 119:28. 
The Holy Spirit INSTRUCTS, Nehemiah 9:20; the Word INSTRUCTS, 2 Timothy 3:16-17. 
The Holy Spirit CLEANSES, 1 Corinthians 6:11; the Word CLEANSES, John 15:3.
The Holy Spirit CONVICTS, John 16:8; the Word CONVICTS, Titus 1:9. 
The Holy Spirit TEACHES, 1 Corinthians 2:13; the Word TEACHES, 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
The Holy Spirit REPROVES, John 16:8; the Word REPROVES, 2 Timothy 4:12.
The Holy Spirit JUSTIFIES, 1 Corinthians 6:11; the Word JUSTIFIES, Romans 3:28.

    Yes, everything the Holy Spirit accomplishes in conversions today, He accomplishes through the Scriptures that He revealed to the apostles and prophets. Every person who becomes a Christian does so as a result of the work the Holy Spirit does through the Scriptures, the Word of God. He reproves, teaches, produces faith, quickens, purifies, saves, and justifies. After becoming a Christian, the Holy Spirit leads, comforts, strengthens, and instructs but, again, this is accomplished through the agency of the Word, which is "the sword of the Spirit" (Ephesians 6:17). —E.R. Hall, Jr.

ARE YOU LIKE A SHARK?

    The shark is generally known to be a large fish that swims in open water and is equally large in appetite. In fact, so large is his appetite that he will swallow almost anything that he can get into his mouth. It happens that in the same water a small fish called an urchin, when he encounters a shark will roll himself into a small ball. The shark will, of course, swallow the urchin. But in this case the shark is the loser. The urchin is a parasite and once inside the shark’s stomach, unfolds and begins to prey on the shark from the inside, thus finally destroying his victim completely. What a ridiculous thing it is for the shark to swallow something without first knowing what it is, but after all, aren’t people like that? Let’s examine carefully what we “swallow” in the name of religion because like the shark it may be too late afterwards.

    “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1)

    “But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.” (2 Peter 2:1) In view of these verses, we need to be careful what we “swallow”!  —E.R. Hall, Jr.

SENTENCE SERMONS

Gold is tested by fire; man is tested by gold.”
***
He is happy whose circumstances suit his temper,
but he is more excellent who can suit his temper to any circumstances.
***
Those who know God will be humble, and those who know themselves cannot be proud.
***
The measure of a man is seen in the things which he allows to annoy him.
***
He that will not command his thoughts will soon lose the command of his actions.

"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. 14   Decembetr 22, 2024

NOT ACCORDING TO DIVINE AUTHORITY

    Many things have become commonplace in the religious world for which no divine authority can be found. This, however, has not kept them from becoming accepted in the minds of most people. Whether or not divine authority can be produced appears to be of little consequence with most religious people and most churches. How sad it is that the point has been reached where practically "anything goes" in religion and people do not care enough to question religious practices.

MANY RELIGIOUS BODIES! Indeed, here is something that is commonplace. On nearly every street comer in every town and city is a different religious institution wearing a different name. Likewise, they are believing and practicing things that set them apart from each other. Yet quite often this situation is praised because you can "attend the church of your choice". Does the Bible authorize the giving of a choice when it comes to the church? Jesus prayed to the Father in John 17:21 that all believers would be "one". All churches profess to be "believers" but can it truthfully be said they am "one" as Jesus prayed? What does it mean to be "one"? Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 1:10, "...that ye all speak the same thing, and that there he no divisions among you; hut that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgement." The Scriptures do not authorize a choice when it comes to the church. There is “one body" (Ephesians 4:4) and the body is the church (Ephesians 1:21,22; Colossians 1:18,24). We may think we have a choice but God has only authorized "one" church!

MECHANICAL INSTRUMENTS OF MUSIC! This has become so accepted and commonplace in most churches that it is used without question. In fact, the questions only arise when it is not used. But we need to question its use! Is mechanical instruments of music authorized in worship to God? With mechanical music so commonplace it may be interesting to learn that only singing is mentioned in the New Testament. In Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16, the only music authorized by God is singing. It is to be the ''fruit of our lips" (Hebrews 13:15). Where is the Scripture authorizing the use of mechanical music in worship to God?

CHURCH KITCHENS! Where is the Scripture authorizing churches to build and maintain kitchens and other facilities in which to eat common meals? Where is the Scripture authorizing the social and recreational endeavors that have become the work of most churches? The practice of eating common meals to satisfy hunger and thirst is to be done at home (1 Corinthians 11:22,34). It is not to be associated with the church providing the facilities whether in the basement or an adjoining building still located on the church's property.

    Friend, let's heed the Scriptures and become concerned with the necessity of doing things with authorization from God. When we act without authorization we are committing a serious offense. "Whosoever trangresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son." (2 John 9). Jesus warned of sure punishment to those who acted without authorization: "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. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." (Matthew 7:21-23). When we faithfully build the church according to the pattern, it will be the Lord's church. Anything else cannot be the New Testament church!  —E.R. Hall, Jr.

SOME FACTS ABOUT CHRISTMAS

    The word "Christmas" is formed by the combining of the words "Christ" and "mass", thus, "the Mass of Christ.” The holiday, as we know it, originated with Roman Catholic ritual, although the ultimate origin of many of the customs of the season is not Catholicism, but paganism/idolatry.

    No one knows the birth date of Jesus. We do not know it because God did not choose to reveal it. Early writers not only acknowledged ignorance of the date of Christ's birth, but also repudiated the idea of a special observance of his birth.  "As late as 245 A.D. Origen ... repudiated the idea of keeping the birthday of Christ . . . Clement of Alexandria (ca.200 A.D.) mentions several speculations on the date of Christ's birth, and condemns them as superstitious. Some chronologists, he says, alleged the birth to have occurred in the 28th year of Augustus, on 25 Pachon (an Egyptian month); ie., May 20. Others assign it. to 24 or 25 Pharrnuth (April 19 or 20)." (Encyclopedia Brittanica).

    A consideration of the facts brings us to these important conclusions concerning the religious observance of Christmas, or any special ceremonies or observances surrounding the birthday of Christ:

1. We do not know the date of Christ's birth. God did not choose to reveal it.

2. The celebration of Jesus' birth did not begin until several hundred years after the beginning of the church.

3. The special religious observance of Christ's birth is the combination of Roman Catholic and pagan traditions and rituals.

4. The Bible says nothing about such an observance, and it IS therefore unscriptural.

    All that we do, in word or deed, is to be done "in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ" (CoI.3:17). "Whatsoever is not of faith is sin" (Rom.14:23). "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God" (Rom.l0:17). Regardless of piety or sincerity involved, activities such as religious observance of Christmas or Easter are not authorized by God's word, and therefore are not pleasing to the Lord. —Tom Moody

SENTENCE SERMONS

The person who rows the boat usually does not have enough time to rock it.
***
When ‘fishing for men' there is no closed season.
***
The chains of habit often cannot be felt until they are too strong to break.
***
Either you master your habits or they will master you.
***
 Steel that loses its temper is worthless - so are men.

"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. 14   November 24, 2024

HOW TO ESTABLISH BIBLE AUTHORITY

    "Authority" is the right to command, enforce obedience, and administer punishment. The beginning point with authority is to understand that ALL authority resides in God. Knowing that all authority resides in God, we must then understand that God has delegated or entrusted His authority to Christ. Jesus stated in Matthew 28:18 "...All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." That's why He is "...head over all things to the church..." (Ephesians 1:22) and "...that in all things he might have the pre-eminence” (Colossians 1:18). Can we not see then the importance of abiding in His word? "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God...." (2 John 9).

    Christ, while on earth, taught twelve apostles and gave them binding and loosing authority. "And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." (Matthew 16:19). The apostles would have the Holy Ghost to teach them all things and bring all things to their remembrance that Jesus had said unto them (John 14:26). Therefore, respect for the authority of Christ is shown by our respecting the authority of the apostles. "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth me receiveth him that sent me." (John 13:20). That is why the apostle John stated: "We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us...." (1 John 4:6). 

    Is there a need to have Bible authority for what we do today in religion? Some say, "No! We don't have or need authority." Some say, "We do many things for which we have no authority!". However, we are no more on our own to do things than Moses was and he was told: "See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shown to thee in the mount." (Hebrews 8:5). We are commanded to "...walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing." (Philippians 3:16). How can we do this if there is no rule or pattern?

    No better way can be found to establish Bible authority than to see an example of it being done in the Scriptures themselves. In Acts 15 we have the apostles and elders of the church in Jerusalem considering the teaching which was being done concerning whether the Gentiles were to be circumcised as a part of salvation. "And certain men which came down from Judea taught the brethren, and said, ‘Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.’" (verse 1). In order to establish whether such a practice was authorized by God or not, we find in verses 14 and 15 the words of Simeon and the prophets were appealed to that it might be shown that God had the same plan of salvation for the Gentiles as He did for the Jews. Thus, we are given DIRECT COMMANDS or statements to establish the fact in the matter. In verse 12 Paul and Barnabas showed that the miracles and wonders God done among the Gentiles evidenced that God approved of the Gentiles. Therefore, we have given APPROVED EXAMPLES by which divine authority was established to decide the matter. In verses 7-11, Peter tells of the conversion of Cornelius, a Gentile, and thus reaches the NECESSARY CONCLUSION that God had "put no difference between us and them" (verse 9) and therefore it would not be right "to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples…” (verse 10). "We shall be saved, even as they". (verse 11).

    The letters that were written to the church in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia stated: "Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:" (verse 24). Why was there no such commandment? Because there was no direct command, approved apostolic example, nor necessary conclusion authorizing such a practice that involved circumcision being a part of salvation!

    Today, the only way we know if we are authorized by God in what we do religiously is to find either a direct command or approved example or being able to draw a necessary conclusion from either the command or example. Are mechanical instruments of music authorized in worship unto God? If so, where is the passage of scripture giving the direct command authorizing it? Or the passage of scripture showing the apostles or early church engaged in their use? There are no such passages! What does this mean? Some think that if the Scriptures do not expressly forbid a certain practice, it is all right to go ahead and do it. Not so! We are commanded to "sing" (Ephesian 5:19; Colossians 3:16). Therefore, knowing what we are commanded to do eliminates all the other forms of music there might be. If Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16 had said ‘make music’, we would have authority for singing AND playing on a mechanical instrument: either vocal music or mechanical music. However, by God commanding "singing" that excludes all other forms of music and He did not have to give us the long list of things excluded for us to know they are unauthorized.

    God has authorized unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine to be used in the Lord’s Supper (Matthew 26:26-29). Because we cannot find a passage that expressly forbids cornbread and buttermilk does not therefore authorized their use on the Lord's table. When God has been specific, as in the case of singing in worship and the use of unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine in the Lord's Supper, that eliminates all other things for consideration.

    Is what you did to become a Christian authorized in God's word? Is the name of the church you are member, its worship, organization, and work authorized in the Scriptures? Or are there many things you do for which you have no authority? —E.R. Hall, Jr.

WHOSE ORDERS?

    Years ago I read notice of a horrible train wreck in which many people died painfully amid the twisted burning wreckage. The engineer was killed as well. But as he lay near death he showed those nearby a paper, saying, "Take this. It will show I was given the wrong orders." And, they were the wrong orders. He had been on the wrong track, yet he was still dying, along with many others.

    Friend, you have an eternal soul. Whose orders are you following: God's or man's idea of religion? Make sure, because sincerity is not enough!  —Bob Hines

SENTENCE SERMONS

We cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are.
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Don't use time or words carelessly. Neither can be retrieved.
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"Well done is better than well said." - Benjamin Franklin
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Always do more than is expected of you.
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Do the best you can. The people who count will know that about you.

"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