What The Bible Says
“What The Bible Says - Vol. 5 / No. 7”
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What The Bible Says
Vol. V - No. 7 / August 28, 2022
FOR SUCH IS THE KINGDOM OF GOD
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God” (Mk. 10:19). This was in response to His disciples rebuking them.
This shows us that God and man have two different ways of looking at things. The disciples, mere men, thought the children were a nuisance; Jesus, God, thought they were precious. God’s ways are neither our ways, nor His thoughts our thoughts (Isa. 55:8,9). We also learn the nature of those who make up the Kingdom. They are child-like in character and quality.
Children are humble. They rarely think themselves to be something they are not. They do not put on airs for others. Just look at those who have mud or chocolate smeared on their clothes and have no shame whatsoever. Many proudly wear a milk mustache. To be a part of the Kingdom, we must have such a humble attitude (Prov. 16:18, 19).
Children are also tenderhearted. When their friend is hurt, it bothers them. If a baby is crying, they often ask why and want it fixed for the baby’s sake—not their nerves. When mommy or daddy is down, a child will give them a hug or snuggle up to them. They care about others. How many children have wanted to take home that “sad looking” kitty cat, puppy, or turtle? The Lord commands us to be tenderhearted toward one another (Eph. 4:32). Without this disposition, we cannot be part of the Kingdom.
Purity is another quality children possess. Their minds may have some mischief every once in a while (I can hear a mother protesting now, “every once in a while”?!?). However, their little hearts are not thinking about doing evil to others. They do not devise plans to rob banks, cheat the store owner, or destroy the life of their neighbor. Rather, they think of what they can play next; cars, dolls, tag, etc. I am convinced one of the reasons God gives us babies who grow into children is for us to see there is purity in this world and how sweet it is—as opposed to giving us teens that are “difficult.” Purity is needed to be a child of God (Phil. 4:8).
Another quality of the young is trust. They inherently trust their parents. Think of the baby or toddler whose parent throws her into the air. Would you let someone else do that to you? It is hard for me at times to ride in a car with others. Yet, children rarely think twice about their own safety because of the trust they have. It is amazing and a great example for us; not necessarily to trust in others, but to put our faith in God. A Christian is to trust God implicitly (2 Cor. 1:8-10). He does and will take care of us.
Is your character more like a child or a cranky, grumpy, cynical old man? It will impact your joy in this life, not to mention your eternal destiny. —Author Unknown
ENTERING THE CHURCH?
The Scriptures reveal that the church displays the wisdom of God (Ephesians 3:10) and was a part of His eternal purpose (Ephesians 2:11). The church’s origin, organization, worship, and work are clearly set forth in the Scriptures. So, also, are the requirements for a person to enter into the church. How does one become a member of the church that belongs to Christ? What does the Holy Scriptures, namely the New Testament, teach?
WE MUST BE “BORN AGAIN”. “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3,5). In Acts 2 we see this rebirth take place. Peter said, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:38).
WE MUST BE “CONVERTED”. “Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3). Since “the kingdom” is “the church” (Matthew 16:18-19), conversion puts one into the church. “Converted” means changed. When we are “converted” we have a change of heart that leads to a change in our behavior and actions. We believe with our heart (mind) (Romans 10:10) and this comes about by hearing God’s word (Romans 10:17). Our life is to change. This happens when we repent (Luke 13:3,5) which is a turning from sin to God. Likewise, our relationship changes from being a sinner to a Christian. This happens when we are baptized for baptism puts us “into Christ” (Galatians 3:26-27).
WE MUST DO THE WILL OF THE FATHER. Jesus said, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Mt. 7:21). The will of the Father, as we have shown, is to hear His word, believe, repent, confess, and be baptized. Upon the completion of these commands, the Lord will then add us to His church: “…And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” (Acts 2:47). Doing the will of the Father must become a way of life for the new born Christian. From Matthew 28:19-20 we learn after becoming a Christian, we must “continue to observe all things” that have been commanded.
The same thing that makes us a Christian also adds us to the Lord’s church. Many denominations teach you must do one thing to be a Christian and something else to be a church member. However the Scriptures do not bear out such a distinction. Membership in the Lord’s church is not an option to being a Christian. You are either both or you are neither. You cannot be one or the other. According to the Scriptures, being a Christian and a member of the Lord’s church is inseparable. If the church you are a member of has one set of requirements for salvation and another for church membership, maybe you are in a denomination instead of the Lord’s church! —E.R. Hall, Jr.
KEEPING OUR WORD AND PAYING OUR DEBTS
The Bible is very strong on (1) keeping our promises and (2) paying our debts (Ecclesiastes 5:2, 4-5; Numbers 30:2; Romans 13:8; Ephesians 4:25; Colossians 3:9). We are not to go back on our word or fail to repay that which we have borrowed.
We should strive to keep our word. A track record of broken promises or unkept commitments is a very bad track record.
There is nothing sinful or shameful in borrowing money. It may be embarrassing to have to do so, but we can recover from that. If our folly or carelessness put us into a situation in which we had to borrow, we should work on that and endeavor not to repeat the mistake. But the mere step of borrowing money is not in itself either sinful or shameful. What is both sinful and shameful is a deliberate or careless failure to pay back what we have borrowed, and the world is full of people who have done and continue to do that. Many of them profess to be Christians. To use the words of James: “My brethren, these things ought not so to be” (James 3:10). —Bill Crews
SENTENCE SERMONS
It's never too late to improve yourself.
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The best tranquilizer is a clear conscience.
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It doesn't cost anything to be nice.
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Being a success at the office is not worth it if it means being a failure at home.
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If you stay focused on yourself, you are guaranteed to be miserable
"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
