What The Bible Says

“What The Bible Says - Vol. 1 / No. 18”

Sunday, January 27, 2019

What The Bible Says

Vol. I - No. 17 / January 27, 2019

DO YOU PRAY DURING THE WORSHIP SERVICES?

The worshipper who would pray in the assembly must do more than bow his head and close his eyes. He must pray. "Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uniformed say 'Amen' at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say?" (I Corinthians 14:16). This verse suggests four requirements if one is to enter into a prayer.

He must listen to the prayer. One cannot legitimately say "Amen" at the conclusion of a prayer if he has not listened to the prayer. "Mind-wandering" is an ever-present problem. We sing, but we don't observe the words of the song. We bow our heads, but we don't listen to the prayer. We sit through the sermon, but our minds wander to things of an earthly nature. Consequently, we attend worship periods, but we don't worship as we ought. If one is to pray, with the congregation, he must listen to the prayer.
He must understand the prayer. When a man in the first century led a prayer in an unknown tongue, the worshiper could not say "Amen," for he could not understand the language in which the prayer was spoken. Neither could the worshiper say "Amen" today if the leader has not spoken loudly enough to be heard or if he has used words or phrases which the worshiper does not understand. Those who lead prayers in the assembly should be conscious of the needs of the whole congregation, speaking up where all can hear and using words which all can understand.
He must agree with the prayer. A number of years ago, while sitting beside an older preacher, I observed his saying "Yes" or "Yes, Lord" at the conclusion of each separate phrase of the prayer as it was being led. He spoke the words softly enough that I was probably the only one in the assembly who could hear them, but I was impressed. Obviously, this brother was listening to every phrase, determining whether or not he agreed with the phrase, and was then softly speaking his agreement. He was not just sitting through a prayer; he was praying. Occasionally, we hear sentiments expressed in prayer with which we do not agree. To these sentiments we cannot say "Amen."
He must say "Amen." The word "Amen" means "so let it be." We long to hear the strong, resounding "Amen" at the close of prayers which we used to hear. We fear that the move away from this practice is just another step toward cold, lifeless formality in our worship periods. We are not contending, however, that one must say the word "Amen" audibly; but we are suggesting that at least in his mind he should say "Amen," thus making the prayer his own prayer. He has listened to the prayer; he has understood the prayer; he has agreed with the prayer; now he speaks to God his "Amen" or approval of the prayer as his prayer. In this manner, he unites with other worshipers in common prayer unto God.

—Bill Hall

IF ONLY...

If only my boss wouldn't be so rude and domineering, I would be more cooperative at work. "Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable" (1 Pet. 2:18).

If only my husband weren't so lazy and self-centered, if only he would learn to control his temper better, I would live with him. "...wives, be submissive to your husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior" (1 Pet. 3:1-2).

If only the brethren were friendlier and that preacher not so dry, I would go to church more often. "...let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another..." (Heb. 10:24-25).

If only I had more income and less bills, I would give a lot more. "...in the churches of Macedonia...in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality" (2 Cor. 8:1-2).

If only my family would be more supportive, I would become a Christian. "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me..." (Mt. 10:37).

Do you notice that what God expects of us, He expects regardless of our particular circumstances? Instead of excusing our-selves due to adverse conditions, let us commit ourselves to our Creator and Benefactor. If only we would be like Jesus, who said, "...I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me" (Jn. 5:30). He not only said it, He lived it - even to the point of death.

—Frank Himmel

ALEXANDER CAMPBELL AND THE CHURCH

I have been asked if I knew that Alexander Campbell started the church of Christ. I always reply, "No! I didn't know that and apparently the apostle Paul didn't know it either because in Romans 16:16 he said, ‘...The churches of Christ salute you.'"

How could Paul have written the book of Romans in approximately 60 AD and refer to the Lord's church as "the churches of Christ" and Alexander Campbell wasn't born until 1788 AD?

Something else of interest is a picture I have in my possession. It is the tomb rock of a "William Rogers born in Campbell Co. Va. July 7, 1784, removed with his father to Cane Ridge Bourbon Co. April 1798. United with the church of Christ at Cane Ridge in 1807. Died Feb. 15, 1862. In the 78th year of his age." Alexander Campbell would have only been 19 years of age when Mr. Rogers became a member of the church of Christ at Cane Ridge, Ky. The truth: Alexander Campbell did not start the church that is of Christ.
—E.R. Hall, Jr.

SENTENCE SERMONS

In trying times -- don't quit trying!
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Every crisis in life makes us bitter or better -- it's our choice.
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He who angers you controls you.
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Example is a language that anyone can read.

"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