What The Bible Says
“What The Bible Says - Vol. 4 / No. 9”
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What The Bible Says
Vol. IV - No. 9 / September 26, 2021
"I'M AT PEACE WITH GOD!"
It is not uncommon -- while trying to rebuke or admonish someone concerning their spiritual condition -- to have them reply with this statement: "I'm at peace with my God." For instance, we got this reply from a fella who left the Lord's church and joined a denomination. In another case a Christian, after admitting his homosexual lifestyle, used the same defense. Apparently these folks think that this feeling of "peace" is the absolute standard by which their conduct should be judged. They could not be more wrong!
In ancient Judah, the prophet Jeremiah bemoaned the unfaithfulness of God's people. One of the great problems was that they were oblivious to their lost condition. This was largely due to the fact that "from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely. They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.” (Jer. 6:13,14) Do you see it? They believed they were at peace with God. Their religious leaders even told them that there was peace with God. But in reality, there was no peace.
People today, like those in Jeremiah's day, are deceived into thinking that they are at peace with God even as they continue in their rebellion against Him. False teachers contribute to the problem with "good words and fair speeches that deceive the hearts of the simple." (Rom. 16:18)
The only true basis for peace with God is in humble obedience to His will. The apostle Paul urged: "Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you." (Philippians 4:9) Faith and obedience produce true peace. Anything other than that is simply the deception of subjective feelings. Think!
—Greg Gwin
THE APPLE OF EDEN
I've heard many folks refer to the fruit eaten by Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden as being an ‘apple'. Many songs, poems, and jokes are make about the ‘apple in Eden’. In fact, if the average person on the street were to be asked, they would probably answer it was an apple Eve ate. Yet the Bible simply says “the fruit”. Though it may be argued that this is a small matter, there are many things of more importance that are only THOUGHT to be in the Bible.
Some think they can find a division in the Old Testament between what they call the ‘moral law’ and the ‘ceremonial law’. They continue on to teach only the ‘ceremonial law’ was done away but the ‘moral law’ remains in effect for us to obey today. This is how they are able to justify the observance of the Sabbath. This division of the Old Testament is like the ‘apple of Eden’. It is not in the Bible! The WHOLE law of the Old Testament was nailed to the cross according to Galatians 5:3-4 and Colossians 2:14. Therefore, we are no longer under the Old Testament for it has become dead but we are now under the law of Christ as found in the New Testament (Romans 7:1-4).
Some think the Bible teaches Peter was the first Pope. If he was he had a wife (Matthew 8:14). The stopped Cornelius from worshipping him (Acts 10:26). Peter referred to himself as just another elder (1 Peter 5:1). Peter being the first Pope is just like the ‘apple in Eden’.
Some think the Bible talks about Christians being able to use mechanical instruments of music in worship to God but according to Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16 we see the Bible only talks about “singing” and not playing. Playing upon a mechanical instrument to worship God is like the ‘apple in Eden’.
Some think the Bible teaches salvation without obedience. “Faith plus nothing, minus nothing!” “We are saved the moment we believe!” But according to Romans 10:10, Hebrews 5:8-9; and James 1:22 the doctrine of salvation without obedience is just another ‘apple in Eden’.
Some think the Bible teaches baptism can be administered in the form of sprinkling or pouring. Yet Romans 6:4 and Colossians 2:12 teaches baptism is a “burial”. Sprinkling and pouring for baptism is another ‘apple in Eden’.
Some think baptism is not a part of our forgiveness of sins and people can just “pray their sins away”. However, Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16, and 1 Peter 3:21 show the exact opposite. Again, some folk’s idea of what the Bible says are like the ‘apple of Eden’.
It may be possible to still go to heaven believing Adam and Eve ate an apple in the garden of Eden but these other things, if accepted, will interfere with the salvation of our eternal souls. Let’s “study to show ourselves approved unto God” (1 Timothy 2:15) and not make the mistake like those in Jesus’ day when He said to them, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal like:…” (John 5:39)
—E.R. Hall, Jr.
SENTENCE SERMONS
When the character of a man is not clear to you, look at his friends.
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There's nothing wrong with using some four-letter words in explaining the facts of life to children - words like love, help, care, and give.
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Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody's going to know whether you did it or not.
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“Hide not your talents. They for use were made. What's a sundial in the shade?" -- Benjamin Franklin
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If money talks, it usually sends the wrong message.
"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
