What The Bible Says
“What The Bible Says - Vol. 5 / No. 8”
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What The Bible Says
Vol. V - No. 8 / September, 2022
OUR GOSPEL MEETING
O Have you spent any time thinking about the benefits to be derived from our gospel meeting? Here are some things that we believe can result:
- You can worship and glorify God.
- You can help to support the teaching of truth.
- You can deepen your understanding of the Scriptures.
- You can strengthen your faith.
- You can be encouraged by your association with fellow Christians and you can accomplish your duty to edify your brethren.
- You can help to teach a lost person by inviting them to attend with you.
Of course, there are some other things you could do this week instead of attending each service of the gospel meeting:
- You could stay home and watch TV.
- You could neglect your duty to God and show a greater love for the things of this world (1 John 2:15-17).
- You could forget about learning more of God’s truth.
- You could turn your back on your brethren and choose instead to associate with worldly friends.
- You could simply forsake your spiritual obligations and serve your carnal desires.
Now, look at those two lists. At the end of this week, which course will you have followed? Think! —Greg Gwin
WAS JESUS NARROW-MINDED?
Christians are often referred to as "narrow-minded". When we refuse to agree with the viewpoint or doctrine of another, this term may be used to describe us. While we should always be willing to listen to what others have to say, we are in no way obligated to accept or condone it. We are however called upon to seek the truth.
Truth by its very nature is narrow. Two plus two equals four. Would a math teacher be considered narrow-minded for not accepting three, five or seven as the correct answer? If using the standard of some today, they most certainly would. Christ says in Mat. 7:13-14: "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." Our minds must be narrow enough to enter the gate which leads to life which means being narrow enough to accept only the truth. When two things contradict, one or both of them must be false. In an attempt to be broad-minded and accepting, some have made it impossible for themselves to enter the narrow gate. Those who wish to accept all viewpoints as truth are doomed to travel the road to destruction with many others.
Our refusal to seek or recognize the truth does not affect its existence. While we may struggle with truth, our responsibility to seek it is not lessened. Often times we may feel the truth about many things here on earth evades us. This however does not mean truth does not or cannot exist. We can take heart in knowing the truth about what is most important is readily available. Christ said: "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (Mat. 8:31-32). True freedom is only experienced when we know and understand the real truth as revealed in The Scriptures. It originates with God. The Psalmist said: "You are near, 0 Lord, And all Your commandments are truth" (Ps. 119:151). Christ prays in John 17:17: "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth". Truth was at the core of Christ's mission on earth. In John 18:37 He says: "For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice". While on earth, Christ was only as broad as the truth would allow. This resulted in much condemnation from those who were considered wise.
Truth and understanding are important. Prov. 23:23 says: "Buy the truth, and do not sell it, Also wisdom and instruction and understanding". As previously stated, God's Word is Truth. It is only by abiding in His Gospel that we can be saved. When writing to the Romans Paul said: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek" (Rom. 1: 16) . Are we brave enough to stand for the truth at the cost of be considered narrow-minded by the world? —Shane Pack
GOD IS NO RESPECTOR OF PERSONS
The Scriptures teach “there is no respect of persons with God” (Romans 2:11). This can be seen in that God hath concluded ALL under sin. Though some do not accept this, the Bible tells us clearly “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). If we die in our sins we cannot enter Heaven for nothing can enter Heaven “that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” (Revelation 21:27).
The fact God is no respecter of persons can also be seen in that Christ died for ALL. “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.” (Hebrews 2:9). When Jesus gave the ‘great commission’ in Mark 16:15 he said, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” The invitation is extended to all. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28).
There is also ONE plan of salvation for ALL. Since God is no respecter of persons, He requires the same thing of everybody. All through the book of Acts we see EVERYONE doing the SAME thing. The gospel was preached, those who heard the Word had to believe it, repent of their sins, confess Christ to be the Son of God, and be baptized for the remission of sins.
Upon their obedience to the gospel, the Lord continues to show He is no respecter of persons for He adds ALL the saved to ONE church (Acts 2:47; Ephesians 4:4; 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18). We are not at liberty to “join the church of our choice” for God has not given us a choice. The only reason there are so many churches is the result of creeds and doctrines of men and we must not have any part with them that render “vain worship” (Matthew 15:9).
In the Judgment Day, God will be no respecter of persons. ALL of us will be there (Romans 14:10) and He will “render to every man according to his deeds” (Romans 2:6; 2 Corinthians 5:10). “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” (Revelations 20:12). —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
