What The Bible Says
“What The Bible Says - Vol. 4 / No. 4”
.jpg)
What The Bible Says
Vol. IV - No. 4 / July 18, 2021
HOW TO ANSWER WHEN YOU DON'T KNOW THE ANSWER
No one likes to be 'put on the spot.' We dread the possibility of being asked questions that we can't answer. This is especially true when the questions are about religion.
Without a doubt, one of the biggest hindrances to spreading the gospel is this fear of being asked questions. Many Christians feel uneasy about their level of Bible knowledge. Thus, to avoid potentially embarrassing situations, they do their best to sidestep any discussion that might turn to religious themes. This is sad, because it keeps us from many 'open doors' for personal evangelism.
Since no one has ALL of the answers, it is important for us to know what to do when questions arise that 'stump' us. Here are some suggestions:
1) Realize -- and be ready to explain -- that there are simply some pieces of information that we do not have because God has not supplied them. "The secret things belong unto the Lord our God" (Deut. 29:29). But, we have "all truth" (John 16:12, 13), and "all things that pertain unto life and godliness" (2 Pet. 1:3). So, every piece of essential information has been supplied.
2) When you do not know the answer, it is best to simply admit it. This is much better than trying to 'bluff' you way through. Humbly say, "I don't know." But do not fail to add: "I'll find out and get back to you on that." Following this procedure will actually provide additional opportunities to teach. It keeps the door open to further discussions.
3) Study, study, study! You will feel less intimidated and more willing to engage in biblical discussions if you build your confidence level by increasing your Bible knowledge. Pay special attention to areas where you presently feel 'weak' in knowledge and understanding. Be well prepared to deal with popular denominational errors. Be ready to explain 'issues' that divide brethren.
4) Never shy away from a chance to talk about God and His Word. The more you do this, the easier it will become. Every such conversation serves as an opportunity for you to 'sharpen your sword'.
—Greg Gwin
RESPECTABLE WORLDLINESS
Whenever we hear the word "worldliness" we often think of lying, drunkenness, adultery, and other such things. There is no doubt that God's word condemns such things from verses like Revelation 21:8: "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone:"
Yet there is another kind of worldliness that we possibly don’t recognize because it is so widely accepted. Let's call it "respectable worldliness" because it has to do with good things like our families, our jobs, our recreation, etc. Many of our material blessings come to us through these things and none of us would deny the rightful place which they have in our lives. However, ANYTHING we put more emphasis on than serving God and doing His will becomes a sin. We are to "love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength" (Mark 12:30). This verse is telling us that everything is to be secondary to God.
Many Christians are guilty of "respectable worldliness". No, they don’t commit fornication or adultery; they are not drunkards or drug addicts. What they are guilty of is letting the good and decent things of this life totally engulf them. As a result, things of the Lord are pushed to the side more and more little by little. How often have we used the words, "I don't have the time!” when it comes to justifying ourselves for not visiting the sick, studying our Bibles at home, attending all the services, or teaching someone the gospel? What we are saying is that we are too busy working on our jobs or doing for our families to have enough time to do the Lord's bidding. We mean no harm because we realize the importance of our jobs and our famiIies and we understand that God has required us to work and care for our families. Could it be that even though we say we love the Lord, we might just love our jobs and families more. The way we live can definitely demonstrate a misplaced affection.
The blessings we have in this country are a curse to the spirituality of the Christian. Take a look at ourselves. We have no time for in-depth study of the Bible, some prefer sermonettes during worship services, we drive several miles to attend a ball game or other events but cannot go to the next town to attend a gospel meeting, and we hardly blink an eye at the debt we assume in order to buy a new color TV or spend on our hobbies, but we would suggest a psychiatrist for the man who would incur the same sort of debt to support gospel preaching in a needy location. This kind of worldliness has given us a "ho-hum" attitude especially in view of the fact that everyone in society places job and family at the head of their list of priorities.
We all know the drunkard, drug addict, fornicator, etc. are going to hell. We help to amen the preacher who steps on their toes. Let's consider this: Can a person be lost because he worked too many hours making an "honest living" or will one be condemned for attending ball games, or relaxing with friends, or for buying a new TV or their hobbies? The answer to these questions can be found in Jesus' parable in Luke 14:16-24: "A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: and sent his servants at supper time to say to them that were bidden, ‘Come; for all things are now ready’. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, ‘I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused’. And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused’. And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come’. So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the halt, and the blind’. And the servant said, ‘Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room’. And the lord said unto the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.’"
Notice that the men that would not taste of the supper were not drunkards, adulterers, homosexuals, or even liars. They were lost over "a piece of ground", "five yoke of oxen", and "a wife". The lesson is simple: PUT GOD FIRST! "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33).
—E.R. Hall, Jr.
"What The Bible Says” is e-mailed twice a month. If you know of others who might benefit from the articles contained in this bulletin, we would be glad to have you submit their e-mail addresses and we will include them in the next mailing. If you are receiving this bulletin and do not wish to continue to do so, please e-mail us with your desire to be removed from the mailing list and you will be removed promptly. Continue to the bottom of this page for further instructions as to how you may contact us.
--- E.R. Hall, Jr.
SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
For The East Albertville Church Of Christ
meeting at
4777 U.S. Highway 431
Albertville, AL 35950
Sunday
Bible Classes …………..….…………… 9:30 AM
Morning Worship ……..…….….……… 10:30 AM
Evening Worship …………………........ 5:00 PM
Wednesday
Bible Classes …………..………........... 7:00 PM
Radio Program
Sunday
WBSA 93.5 FM/1300 AM ………………………….. 8:30 AM
Monday - Saturday
WBSA 93.5 FM/1300 AM ………………………….. 11:15 AM
Website: www. EastAlbertville.org
