What The Bible Says

Vol. VII - No. 5 / July 14, 2024

NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH ORGANIZATION

    There is a simplicity about the church in the New Testament, as simple as the greeting in the letter to the Philippian church: “To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi with the bishops and deacons” (1:1). Bishops (also called elders, overseers and shepherds) lead the congregation. Deacons served the congregation. And they and all the rest of the congregation were saints, a term referring to their holy way of life. Elders and deacons with the saints: that is it.

    There were to be “elders in every church” (Acts 14:23), indicating both a plurality of them and a need for them in each congregation. They were to “Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers” (Acts 20:28), showing their work was limited to their own congregation. I Peter 5:2 also says, “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers.” Elders and deacons were chosen by the congregation using qualifications listed in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, which is how the Holy Spirit, as He revealed God’s truth, still makes men elders and deacons today.

    This simple organization gave way to men’s ideas over several centuries following the days in which the New Testament was written. Individual, self-governing congregations became part of larger groups and organizations. Historians tell us it happened along these lines...
 
    By 175-200AD one man was now distinguished from the elders and ruled over them: a Bishop. 
    By 275-300AD there came to be a bishop over all of the bishops of a province: a Metropolitan.
    By 325AD three men ruled from the larger centers at Rome, Antioch and Alexandria, each as a Patriarch.
    By 606AD there was one Patriarch or Father at Rome who was now ruling over all, who was called the Pope.
 
    It took 500 years, but finally a point was reached where individual, autonomous congregations weren’t even a distant memory. All now were a part of the universal (the meaning of the word Catholic) church, as directed by one man, the Pope. It is not a plurality of men leading each congregation. It is one man ruling all, the man-appointed head of man’s organization, comprised of all the congregations.

    Surely the devil is pleased any time the New Testament is set aside and left behind. And he is patient, willing to wait 500 years or longer. But when did this error take place? It happened the first time a single congregation appointed a head elder to break tie votes and make things more efficient. Leave the Bible behind and the New Testament church will eventually evolve into the Catholic Church. But if we hold to the Bible as Divine Wisdom, we will be joyfully content in its beauty, no matter how inefficient it may seem to the worldly. —Robert Hines

IS THE BIBLE ALL SUFFICIENT?

    Some people believe church creeds, church manuals, and traditions are on the same par with the Bible but have we ever stopped to consider the fact that the Bible was here long before they were?

    There are many arguments offered against the all-sufficiency of the Bible. Some contend the church as the right to make and change laws to keep in step with the times. How can this be true when we are not able to read anything in the Scriptures about the church ever having any such power? What we do read is that “all power” belongs to Christ (Matthew 28:18). Others argue traditions are just as binding as any command in the Bible. Once I wrote an article in a local newspaper on the subject of ‘Reverend’ in which I showed the only time the word was used in the Bible was in Psalms 11:9. The purpose of the article was to show men/women should not wear the title ‘Reverend’ since it was God’s name. A lady, upon reading the article, said, “Well, I’ve heard men being referred to as Reverend ever since I was a little girl”. Obviously she was justifying the practice based on a long standing tradition but does that make it right? 

    There are others who place denominational creeds and manuals on equal plane with the Holy Scriptures. They say the creeds or manuals are stating nothing more than what is in the Bible. If that’s the case then why not just do away with the creeds/manuals and use only the Bible? The truth in the matter is that creeds and manuals ADD TO and TAKE FROM what the Scriptures teach. God has never, at any time, permitted such to take place. Deuteronomy 12:32 “Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it.” Revelation 22:18-19 “For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.”

    Friends, the Bible along is all-sufficient! It is sufficient to cause one to believe. John 20:30-31 says, “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” The Bible also completely furnishes/equips us: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” The Bible, God’s word, also “…has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness,…” (2 Peter 1:3).

    Jesus said that “…the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” (John 12:48). Yes, we will be judged by the word of God; not by some decree handed down by the church, a human tradition, or what might be stated in some denominational creed or manual. This being the case, we should be content with the Scriptures and reject all others things that are humanly devised.  —E.R. Hall, Jr.

NOTHING TO LIVE FOR

    Somebody once said, "Many people have everything to live with and nothing to live for." How true that is. Many wealthy people live hollow, meaningless lives. They have more than enough possessions to make life comfortable, but they have little purpose in life to make it meaningful. It takes decades before some people eventually realize that life lived for mere self-indulgence is ultimately an empty life. Jesus stated, “…’Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.’” (Luke 12:15) A time can come, however, when even the shiniest new car, or the biggest house, or the flashiest jewelry can't mask the hollowness of a life without high purpose.

    The Bible doesn't condemn all wealth, and new cars and nice houses are not wrong. But lasting satisfaction doesn't come from mere things or self-indulgence. On the other hand, people with little to live with may have much to live for. For example, Jesus' apostles were not wealthy (Acts 3:6), but their lives had real purpose.

    The Scriptures assure us that God can bring purpose into our lives, too. He can give us something to live for that is missing from the lives of people whose lives are hollow and without purpose. It has been said that “a man who has not lost himself in a cause bigger than himself, has missed one of life's mountaintop experience that can last the rest of your life -- it can ultimately take you to be with God. —David Watts

SENTENCE SERMONS  

"In all labor there is profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty." (Proverbs 14:23)
 ***
 Man's noblest aim is not to 'make a living' but to 'make a life’.
***
 When you help someone up a hill you find yourself closer to the top.

"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. 4 / June 30, 2024

IF CHRIST HAD NOT COME

    God sent His Son into the world (John 3:16) and we should be thankful for this great love. Things would surely be different if Christ had not come. If Christ had not come:

    WE WOULD NOT KNOW GOD! God speaks to us today through His Son. “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;” (Hebrews 1:1-2).

    WE WOULD HAVE NO CLOAK FOR SIN! In John 15:22 Jesus said, "If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin." Jesus came to save us from the condemnation of sin (Romans 8:1 “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” ).

    THERE WOULD BE NO ATONEMENT FOR SIN! From Hebrews 10:1-4 we can understand, that under the law of Moses, the blood of animals could not take away sin. Christ, therefore, took the old law out of the way and nailed it to His cross in order to establish a new law, the new testament (Colossians 2:14). Today, we are saved by the blood of Christ. "For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." (Matthew 26:28).

    THERE WOULD BE NO GOSPEL! The gospel contains the good news of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). The gospel is the doctrine of Christ which we must abide in (2 John 9-10). It is the "power of God unto salvation”. (Romans 1:16).

    THERE WOULD BE NO CHURCH OF CHRIST! Christ promised to build His church (Matthew 16:18). Because the church belongs to Him, it is to wear His name (Romans 16:16). Not only did Christ build the church, He also purchased it with His own blood. (Acts 20:28).

    THERE WOULD BE NO RESURRECTION! Christ was resurrected (Luke 24:1-6). We, therefore, have that same hope. "Jesus said to her, “' am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.’" (John 11:25).

    We learn from Ephesians 1:3 that "all spiritual blessing are in Christ". To be “in Christ", we must believe, repent, confess, and be baptized into Christ (Galatians 3:27). Have you done what the Scriptures teach to be "in Christ". There's no other way to get in Christ other than doing His will. It is not a matter of what you believe, how you feel, or what someone else, including some preacher, might have told you. We must hear, believe, and obey the word of God.

    If we can help you in your study of the Bible or assist you in obeying the gospel contact us and we would be willing to help you in whatever way possible.  —E.R. Hall, Jr.

THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST

    Picture the following situation: Two men are told to measure a board. The first man uses a yardstick which is three inches too short while the second man uses a yardstick which is two inches too long. The men would measure the board and get two different lengths for the same board. The obvious reason for the men getting the different measurements would be that both had used a different standard of measurement. Each man might think that he is right and confusion would probably result. 

    Today, in the religious world, there is much confusion. There are various reasons for this, but perhaps one important reason is that there are too many sources of authority being used. Most of the religious people in today's society believe, at least to some extent, that the Bible is to be our source of authority. However, these people may not accept the Bible as the ONLY source of authority. Further, even when they say they do, they will sometimes turn to other sources of authority when unable to justify something that they are practicing religiously. Let us consider some inappropriate standards of authority that are commonly used today to justify religious practices. 
The Majority
 
    Some people use the concept of the majority as a standard of right and wrong in religious matters. They feel that if a majority of the people are practicing a particular thing, then it cannot be wrong. They might say, "Why, there are millions in the religious group that I am a part of," or “there are many who believe as I believe." Does the fact that a majority believes a certain thing make it right? Is it correct to use the majority as our source of authority or to believe a certain way simply because so many others do? 

    It should be obvious that the majority is not to be our standard of authority, because, if it is, truth would change as we change locations. The beliefs of the majority about a certain matter may be different in the South than they are in the North. Also, the views of the majority may vary from country to country. Some countries, for example, consist of populations of people who do not believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. If a person uses the majority as his standard, it would seem that he would need to change his belief every time that he changed locations when the majority of the people in the new location believed differently than the majority in his old location.

    Consider a few Bible principles. Exodus 23:2 warns, "Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil...." Also, Matthew 7:13-14 shows the great mistake of this standard as it says, "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." In some situations, there is safety in numbers. However, this concept is not correct in spiritual matters. We must not use the majority as a source of authority.

Conscience

Others use their conscience as their standard of authority. This, however,  cannot be a correct standard as it is possible for a person to have a good conscience and yet be in sin. Consider the case of Paul. Paul, previous to his conversion, was a persecutor of Christians. We are told that during this time he had a good conscience. Acts 23:1 says, "...I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day." Also, in Acts 26:9, he said, "I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth." A conscience may be programmed incorrectly, and, thus, a person could have a good conscience and still be in sin. Surely, the conscience, by itself, is not a correct standard of authority. A conscience must be properly programmed according to God's Word. 

Parents

    There are others whose parents are their source of authority in religious matters. These will not accept the truth on certain subjects because their parents did not believe that way. Surely this is a wrong source of authority. We must always honor our parents. However, it is possible that they may have been wrong in their beliefs and practices. We must not reject truth simply because it is contrary to what our parents believed. Matthew 10:37 says, "He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me…."

Feelings 

    There are still others who follow their feelings as their authority. Surely we recognize this as an unsafe guide. How many times have we felt that something would happen, and yet it did not happen? It is obvious that we cannot always trust our feelings. Nevertheless, some people will say, "I know that I am saved because I feel that I am saved." They will say this and ignore what the Bible teaches about salvation. These individuals might further say something such as, “I would not give up this feeling that I have in my heart for a whole stack of Bibles." Sadly, these individuals have their feelings as their authority. This is a most regrettable attitude.  Proverbs 16:25 states a very important truth. It says, "There is a way that seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death." As we have previously noted, Paul felt that he was right when he persecuted Christians. 

What Is To Be Our Authority?

    Our authority is to be God's Word. The Bible is to be our guide; it is to be our source of authority. Consider a few passages. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." 2 John 9 says that we must abide “in the doctrine of Christ.”

    We must accept the Bible, and the Bible only, as our source of authority. These human standards will lead us astray.
—Mike Johnson

DO YOU ACT OR REACT?

        I walked with my friend, a Quaker, to the newsstand the other night, and he bought a paper, thanking the newsie politely. The newsie didn't even acknowledge it. "A sullen fellow, isn't he?" I commented. "Oh, he's that way every night," shrugged my friend. "Then why do you continue to be so polite to him?" I asked. "Why not?" inquired my friend. "Why should I let him decide how I'm going to act?”

    As I thought about this incident later, it occurred to me that the important word was "act." My friend acts toward people; most of us react toward them. He has a sense of inner balance which is lacking in most of us; he knows who he is, what he stands for, how he should behave. He refuses to return incivility for incivility, because then he would no longer be in command of his own conduct.  

    When we are enjoined in the Bible to return good for evil, we look upon this as a moral injunction - which it is. But it is also a psychological prescription for our emotional health. Nobody is unhappier than the perpetual reactor. His center of emotional gravity is not rooted within himself, where it belongs, but in the world outside him. His spiritual temperature is always being raised or lowered by the social climate around him, and he is a mere creature at the mercy of these elements. Praise gives him a feeling of euphoria, which is false, because it does not last and it does not come from self-approval. Criticism depresses him more than it should, because it confirms his own secret shaky opinion of himself. Snubs hurt him, and the merest suspicion of unpopularity in any quarter rouses him to bitterness.

    A serenity of spirit cannot be achieved until we become the masters of our own actions and attitudes. To let another determine whether we shall be rude or gracious, elated or depressed, is to relinquish control over our own personalities, which is ultimately all we possess....The only true possession is self-possession.  —Sidney Harris

SENTENCE SERMONS  

Nothing is easier than saying words. Nothing is harder than living them day after day.
***
Here’s a good test:  Are you willing to act on the advice you give to others? 

"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. 3 / June 16, 2024

THE TIMING OF JESUS

How Was Jesus’ Life An Example Of God’s Perfect Timing?

    The Hebrew people had been longing for the Messiah for centuries, yet God sent Jesus to earth at just the right time. We may not fully understand why it was the right time but it was God's plan and timing. 

Ephesians 1:10 - “That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:”

1 Timothy 2:6 - “Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. This is the message God gave the world at the proper time.”

1 Timothy 6:15 - "Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;” If Jesus' first coming was on time, we can be confident that His second coming will be right on schedule. 

Galatians 4:4 - “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,” 

John 7:30 - “Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come.”

Romans 5:6 - “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.”

Christ came at the right time and died for us sinners. 

Isaiah 55:8-9 - “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD." For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

God's timing is God's timing and His alone. Let us wait patiently on it.  —David Maddox

THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST

    There can be no doubts concerning the second coming of Christ. "...this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." (Acts 1:11). There is much speculation concerning when Christ will come again but let us rest assured that no man knows (Matthew 24:36 “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.”). What our concern needs to be focused on is whether or not we are prepared to meet Him when He comes. "Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh." (Matthew 24:44).

    Ideas abound concerning what will take place at Christ's second coming. The only source for the truth of what will take place can be found in the Scriptures. When Christ returns, HE \VILL NOT SET UP A KINGDOM! Though this is a most popular idea, it is nowhere supported in the Scriptures. In fact, 1 Corinthians 15:23-26 says at the end He will return the kingdom BACK to the Father thus making the kingdom ALREADY IN EXISTENCE NOW. “But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. 24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.” You cannot deliver something back to someone that you do not already have. Contrary to prevailing belief, Jesus did establish His kingdom when He was on earth the first time. That being true we can understand how the Scriptures point out that in the end Jesus "shall have delivered up (not set up) the kingdom to God”.

    When Christ returns, HE WILL NOT GIVE A SECOND CHANCE. Hebrews 3:15 says, "Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.” "Today" is all we have assurance of with no promise of tomorrow. In 2 Corinthians 6:2 we are told, "... behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” "Today" and "now" is the time we have been given to prepare. If we are waiting for a second chance at Christ's return, we are going to be in for a rude awakening! When Christ returns, HE WILL NOT DEAL WITH SIN. He came the first time to atone for it. "So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation." (Hebrews 9:28). All the provisions we need to have our sins forgiven are for us now to avail ourselves of . We have the remedy for sin now and now is when sin needs to be dealt with.

    When Christ returns, HE WILL JUDGE THE WORLD. "When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: and before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:" (Matthew 25:31-32).

    When Christ returns, HE WILL REVEAL THE SECRETS OF MEN. "In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.” (Romans 2:16).  —E.R. Hall, Jr.

DO YOU ACT OR REACT?

        I walked with my friend, a Quaker, to the newsstand the other night, and he bought a paper, thanking the newsie politely. The newsie didn't even acknowledge it. "A sullen fellow, isn't he?" I commented. "Oh, he's that way every night," shrugged my friend. "Then why do you continue to be so polite to him?" I asked. "Why not?" inquired my friend. "Why should I let him decide how I'm going to act?”

    As I thought about this incident later, it occurred to me that the important word was "act." My friend acts toward people; most of us react toward them. He has a sense of inner balance which is lacking in most of us; he knows who he is, what he stands for, how he should behave. He refuses to return incivility for incivility, because then he would no longer be in command of his own conduct.  

    When we are enjoined in the Bible to return good for evil, we look upon this as a moral injunction - which it is. But it is also a psychological prescription for our emotional health. Nobody is unhappier than the perpetual reactor. His center of emotional gravity is not rooted within himself, where it belongs, but in the world outside him. His spiritual temperature is always being raised or lowered by the social climate around him, and he is a mere creature at the mercy of these elements. Praise gives him a feeling of euphoria, which is false, because it does not last and it does not come from self-approval. Criticism depresses him more than it should, because it confirms his own secret shaky opinion of himself. Snubs hurt him, and the merest suspicion of unpopularity in any quarter rouses him to bitterness.

    A serenity of spirit cannot be achieved until we become the masters of our own actions and attitudes. To let another determine whether we shall be rude or gracious, elated or depressed, is to relinquish control over our own personalities, which is ultimately all we possess....The only true possession is self-possession.  —Sidney Harris

SENTENCE SERMONS  

Immodest clothing reveals more than one might think. It reveals disrespect for the Word of God and a rebellious heart as well as a spirit of disobedience.
***
When science discovers the center of the universe, a lot of people will be disappointed to find out they are not it.
***
Every man has an equal chance to become greater than he is.
***
A fault once denied is twice committed.
***
Most of man’s inventions have been time savers – but then came television.

"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. 2 / June 2, 2024

CEASE AND DESIST

    Cease and desist is a term that most of us are familiar with. When I read about this term, or hear it spoken of, it is always in some form of legal language. In its two forms, letter and order, it is employed to notify the recipient of the legal rights of the sender. Cease and desist are also Bible terms. To better understand them let us first look at some definitions.

    Cease means, bring to an end, discontinue an activity or action. Some synonyms for cease would include quit, terminate or finish. Desist means to suspend or cause to suspend activity, stop action or progress. Some synonyms for desist would include quit, halt or knock off.

    In Strongs Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible H7673 is a word used often with the meaning relating to cease, desist or rest. The meaning would be to repose, desist from exertion. The pose part of repose comes from a Latin origin meaning to pause. Not long-ago Antonin Scalia and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, both former Supreme Court associate justices, were lying in repose at the US Supreme Court after their deaths.

    I think from an understanding of these definitions we can see that cease and desist are very similar in meaning and in many instances could be used interchangeably. Hence the legal language cease and desist leaves no doubt what the sender is communicating to the recipient.

    Consider Proverbs 23:4-5 as the KJV renders it, “Labor not to be rich; cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.” The same passage reads this way in the ESV, “Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist. When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven.”  Psalms 127:2 declares, “It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so he gives his beloved sleep.” If you back up one verse, you will see that, “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.” Work is required of the Christian. 2 Thessalonians 3:10, it is satisfying, it is necessary, it is the right thing to do. But anxious toil, as some render Psalms 127:2, is denounced every time. Luke penned Jesus words on this matter in chapter 12:15, “Take heed and be aware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”

    My affection for Job’s attitude and his grounded nature increases every time I read his story in Job 1:21. After losing everything except for his wife in one day, he responded, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.” You know Job is really right. The NAS records Job 6:29 as, “Desist now, let there be no injustice; even desist, my righteousness is yet in it.” Other versions say, “my righteousness still stands.” 
—Blind Bartimaeus 23

"DO YOU LOVE THE TRUTH?"

    To ask this question is to insult some folks because to them this is a question they should never be asked to have to give an answer to. Whether you are one of the insulted persons or not, let us all realize that to love the truth involves more than just professing to do so. To know if we love the truth, let us put ourselves to some simple tests.

    In 2 Thessalonians 2:10 we read: ''And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved." We see from this verse the reason for people "perishing" was because they did not love the truth. What are we meaning by the word "truth"? In Jesus' prayer to the Father in John 17:17, he asked the Father in behalf of His disciples to "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." There is not a more dreadful thought presented in the Scriptures than to know we will "perish" if we do not love the "truth". We, therefore, see the eternal significance of this subject.

    Why is truth so important? It is because error cannot save! The only thing that sanctifies is truth as we have seen from John 17:17. Peter also said in 1 Peter 1:22, "Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth ...". Truth makes all the difference in the world! However some will exchange the truth for a lie as those in Romans 1:24-25 who changed from worshipping God to idols. The result of their actions was that God “gave them up” / abandoned them. Today, some people are convinced of what the truth is but refuse to accept it because they are unwilling to leave the religion of their parents or they fear to go against the majority of their family or friends.

    How can we know if we love the truth? We will search for the truth! If the truth is valuable to us and we appreciate its value, we will search for it like the woman who searched for the lost coin in Matthew 13:44-46. When we find the truth, we will receive it even though it means that we may have to make some difficult changes in our lives. Our lives will be an example of truth. Truth and error are in constant conflict but without truth we are lost and if truth is not displayed in our lives, other people will be lost along with us. We must not be ashamed of truth (Romans l:16) for this is proof that we do not love the truth.

    There will be more people who do not love the truth than there will be those who do love the truth. Jesus stated in Matthew 7:13-14, "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." More folks will be lead to destruction by error than there will be those who are lead unto life by the truth. 

     Do you love the truth? 
—E.R. Hall, Jr.

SENTENCE SERMONS  

Fire is the test of gold; adversity, of strong men.

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Adversity causes some men to break, others to break records.

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We deem those happy who from the experience of life have learned to bear its ills without being overcome by them.

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All things need watching, working at, caring for . . . and marriage is no exception.

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 Remember well the advice of him who loves you, though you like it not at present. 

"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. 1 / May 19, 2024

CHRISTIANS AND THE GOVERNMENT

    In the divisive political environment present today (not just in the United States, but in the world at large), it is important that Christians understand how to act towards the authorities over us. It is important that Christians have a complete understanding of this subject as only understanding part of how God wants us to treat the government can easily lead to acting against the will of God. 

    First, Look at Romans 13 where the Apostle Paul informs the reader that every person is to be subject to the government as the governments in place have been put there by God as an avenger against the wrongdoer. Paul states that those who resist the authorities resist God who has put those authorities there. Paul also states (as does Jesus in Matthew 22:17-21) that paying taxes to the government is important as it allows the government to properly perform their actions. 

    Does this mean that the government is without fault? Is every government a force for good because they were put in place by God? Certainly not! We can easily understand from the Apostles' actions in Acts 5:27-32 where they answered "We ought to obey God rather than men". From their actions Christians can understand that the instructions of God (given to us in the Bible) supersede the instructions of the Government. If the government orders you to do things contrary to the Gospel, that is the exception to your obedience to them. 

    But - and this may be the hardest part of this subject to follow - even when the government mistreats us, we still are to respect them. The Apostle Peter in 1 Peter 2:13-17 reminds Christians to not only be subject to the authorities but also to give them honor. In addition to these instructions from Peter we can also look at the many examples in the Bible of Christians being brought before authorities: The Apostles in Acts 5, Paul in Acts 24, and even Jesus himself when he was brought before the High Priest and Pilate in John 18. These examples show us that even when the authorities mistreat us we are to remain calm and remain respectful of their position and their worldly authority.

    One last thing to consider: even when someone is under an oppressive or evil authority, there is a reason and purpose for it. In the Old Testament God regularly punished the disobedience of the Israelites by sending an oppressive government to control them. Even further in the past, the Pharaoh of Egypt was an evil ruler used by God to free the Israelites and instill faith in the power of God. In the New Testament the actions of Pilate (the Roman governor of Judea) were used by God to fulfill prophecy by sacrificing Jesus on the cross. Whether it is to punish wrongdoers, to temper the righteous, or for some purpose we may not readily perceive, God has put in place the authorities for good reason. 

    To summarize, obey the authorities unless they order you to walk contrary to God's law. Respect the authorities, even when they mistreat you. And finally, understand that even evil, corrupt, and oppressive governments have a purpose.  —Jake Pack

"...PREACHED UNTO HIM JESUS."

    In Acts 8:26-40 we have the record of the inspired man Philip who encounters a eunuch from Ethiopia. The eunuch was a very religious man but wrong. However, he was unlike so many religious people today. Although he was wrong, he was honest and wanted to be right. Philip had occasion to preach unto him Jesus. Nothing in this statement of verse 35 says that Philip preached baptism and yet Philip's preaching of Jesus led the eunuch to request baptism. 

    Again let's notice that Philip didn't preach baptism! He preached Jesus! Yet the man found out that he was to be baptized. From this we can learn that when JESUS is preached, those that hear will be BAPTIZED. When denominationalism is preached, those that hear will be led to believe they don't have to be baptized. 

    At this point you must be wondering what Philip told the eunuch about Jesus that made him want to be baptized. Do you suppose he told him baptism was not necessary like so many preachers are preaching today? Do you suppose he told him baptism had not one thing to do with his being saved like there are so many today who so teach? 

    Philip could have told the eunuch that Jesus said, "He that BELIEVETH and IS BAPTIZED shall be saved." (Mark 16:16). He could have told him that Jesus said, "Except a man be born of WATER and of the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." (John 3:5). He could also have told him that Jesus said, "Go teach all nations, BAPTIZING them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." (Matthew 28:19). Jesus DID make these three statements! For Philip to make these statements, he would have indeed “preached unto him Jesus”!

    The same holds true today. For anyone to preach Jesus they must teach the words that Jesus spoke. Jesus Himself put the emphasis on the necessity of everyone hearing and obeying His words in John 12:48 when He said, “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” To preach Jesus is to preach the words that He spoke just like Philip did to the eunuch and the results will be the same.
 
    The eunuch heard what Philip preached about Jesus, believed, confessed that Jesus Christ was the Son of God, and was baptized. He "went on his way rejoicing" after he learned about Jesus and was baptized. He had leaned the truth about Christ. He had believed with all his heart that He was God's Son. He was baptized in obedience to the command. After all this, he most certainly had every reason to go on his way rejoicing. 

    If you will believe with all your heart and be baptized, you can and will be saved. Then you, too, can go on your way rejoicing. To fail to do so is to disobey. You will then stand before Christ on the Judgment Day and be rejected by Him because you received not His words.  —E.R. Hall, Jr.

SENTENCE SERMONS 

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

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Look around at what you have before you complain about what you don’t have.

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The trouble with most of us is that we would rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism.

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Money is not required to buy even one necessity of the soul. 

"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