What The Bible Says
“What The Bible Says - Vol. 2 / No. 12”
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What The Bible Says
Vol. II - No. 12 / November 17, 2019
THE CONVINCING POWER OF PROPHECY
Prophecy, as it is considered in this study, is the foretelling of future events by revelation from God. It never was based on the will of man or the wisdom of mankind (2 Pet. 1:20,21). It was always true and accurate and did not fail. In fact, these characteristics were made the test of true prophecy and true prophets of God (Deut. 18:21, 22). If one spoke as a prophet and used a predicted event for the purpose of leading people away from God, he was to be recognized as a false prophet and was to be rejected (Deut. 13:1-3). Prophecy was given by God to be a sign from Him (1 Sam. 2:31,34; Isa. 7:14; 1 Kgs. 13:3-5).
No human being can by human wisdom unerringly predict future events; even when he has trends or circumstances on which to base his prediction. The convincing power of prophecy is in its inerrancy even when there are no visible clues to serve as guides. Note for example, Joshua's prophetic curse upon anyone who undertook to rebuild Jericho, and its fulfillment specifically about five hundred years later in the life of Hiel the Bethelite (Jos. 6:26; 1 Kgs. 16:34).
The prophetic word from God through Moses was that by obedience to God Israel could assure their stay in the promised land of Canaan; but if they turned away from God, they would lose the possession (Deut. 11:16-21). Much of the Old Testament tells of the fulfillment of that prophecy, culminating in the Assyrian and Babylonian Captivity.
Peter said that we do well to heed the prophetic word made sure, as to a light shining in a dark place (2 Pet. 1:19). These prophecies are some of the most powerful faith-building evidence given. Prophets of old spoke of the coming of a new covenant, distinguishing it from the covenant given through Moses (Deut. 18:15,18,19; Jer. 31:31-34). The coming of an eternal kingdom built by God in the days of the Roman kings was prophesied by Daniel in (Dan. 2:31-45). The nature of that kingdom is further described by Isaiah and Micah (Isa. 2:2-4; Mic. 4:1-7). Remember that Isaiah and Micah prophesied these things over seven hundred years before Christ came. Joel spoke of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit that was to accompany the coming kingdom (Joel 2:28-32; Lk. 24:49; Acts 1:5-8; 2:1-21).
Assurance that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ, the Messiah, is fully confirmed by prophecy. He was born of a virgin (Isa. 7:14) in Bethlehem (Mic. 5:2) of the tribe of Judah (Gen. 49:10), of the seed of David (Isa. 9:6,7). People were prepared for His coming by the preaching of John, "the voice of one crying in the wilderness" (Isa. 40:3). Jesus preached in Galilee (Isa. 9:1,2), and confirmed His claims by miracles and signs (Isa. 29:18,19; 19; 35:5-10; 61:1,2; Lk. 7:19-23). He was rejected by the Jews (Isa. 53:3), crucified (Isa. 53:7-12; Matt. 20:19), and pierced (Zech. 12:10) He died with the wicked and was buried in a rich man's tomb (Isa. 53:9), and rose the third day (Psa. 16:8-11; Matt. 17:22,23). A multitude of witnesses attested to His resurrection. Truly, He was a Man approved by God, Who fulfilled the prophecies that had been made concerning Him. We have the prophetic proof always at our hand to strengthen our faith, the foundation of our lives.
—Gilbert Alexander
"ACCEPT THE GIFT"
This was spotted on the marque of a denominational church whose preachers teach that if ANYTHING is done to have forgiveness of sin, salvation is no longer a gift. The idea is that if you have to do anything to receive a gift, it is no longer a gift but is earned.
In view of their teaching, I find this statement on their marque to be contradictory. Is not to "accept the gift" doing SOMETHING and if we do something it is no longer a gift but something we've earned? If not, why not?
Indeed, salvation is a gift. "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23) but is it free in that it demands or costs nothing of us? The gift of our salvation cost the Father His Son. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son..."(John 3:16). The gift of our salvation cost Jesus His life. "...while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8). The gift of our salvation came at a high cost to both the Father and the Son.
There is also a high cost for us to "accept the gift". We must "deny self". "And he said to them all, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." (Luke 9:23). We must deny self and follow Him (do as He says). And He says, "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love." (John 15:10). Was Jesus EARNING anything from His Father? No, no more than we are EARNING anything when we do what He tells us to do. That is what it means to deny self and follow Him! Therefore when we do what He tells us to believe in Him (John 8:24), repent of sin (Luke 13:3), confess Him (Matthew 10:32), and be baptized into His death (Mark 16:16; Romans 6:4) we are not EARNING anything. We are simply denying self and following Him.
What cost God and Christ such a supreme price, does not come cheap to us. Jesus must be Lord (Ruler) over ourselves, our lives, and all that we have.
—E.R. Hall, Jr.
***SENTENCE SERMONS***
"Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing." - Abraham Lincoln
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Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all.
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Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow.
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If money talks, it usually sends the wrong message.
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If you preach what is new, it won't be true. If you preach what is true, it won't be new.
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A poor listener seldom hears a good sermon.
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--- 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
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Sunday
WBSA 93.5 FM/1300 AM ………………………….. 8:30 AM
Monday - Saturday
WBSA 93.5 FM/1300 AM ………………………….. 11:15 AM
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