What The Bible Says
“What The Bible Says - Vol. 5 / No. 14”
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What The Bible Says
Vol. V - No. 14 / December 18, 2022
LEARN FROM THE LEPER
DO YOU BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF GOD?
Do you believe that God had power to create the heavens and the earth? Genesis 1:1
Do you believe that God has power to raise up children from stones? Luke 3:8
Do you believe that God had power to deliver Jesus from crucifixion? Matthew 26:53
Certainly, God has power. Colossians 1:16: however, we must believe (Hebrews 11:6) in the power of God, but we must also respect the will of God.
Matthew 8:2-3 proves this principle. "And behold, a leper came and worshiped him saying,
''Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.' Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, 'I am willing; be cleansed.' Immediately his leprosy was cleansed.” If Jesus had replied that He was not willing that would not have meant that he did not have power to make the leper clean.
We need to learn the principle set forth by the leper, God's power works together with His will.
Does God have power to save? Hebrews 7:25 states "Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him (Jesus) ... “
Since He does have power to save, we must understand that God's power works together with His will. In speaking of Jesus, Hebrews 5:9 states "And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him." If eternal salvation is desired, it is necessary to obey Jesus. This is the will of God.
It is the will of God. that we work the works of God (John 6:29). Not the works that have been determined by man, but the works of God that He has revealed in the Scriptures and instructs us to obey.
God's will requires that we,
Hear the word of God (Romans 10:17)
Believe in God (Hebrews 11:6)
Repent (Acts 17:30)
Confess the Lord Jesus with our mouth (Romans 10:9)
Be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38)
Conduct our selves according to the Gospel (James 1:25)
Learn from the leper, believe in the power of God AND respect the will of God.
—Donnie Mathis
"SEEK AND YE SHALL FIND"
"Many false prophets have gone out into the world." 1 Jn. 4:1,2. One should not be blinded to the existence of error, but should seek TRUTH. Jesus promised that "the truth will make you free." Jn. 8:32. Truth is the only antidote for error. This truth is accessible to all men alike. Yet there are certain basic considerations which are essential for the sincere truth seeker. Let us notice some of them.
1. THE INITIAL BATTLE IS WITH YOUR OWN WILL. If you really want the truth, you can find it. Jn. 7:17. The desire of the Holy Spirit is that you "be not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is." Eph. 5:17. But you must first make up your mind that your DESIRE is to know. Then you will be ready to begin the search. A "good and honest heart" is first.
2. YOU MUST HAVE A WHOLESOME, RESPECTFUL ATTITUDE TOWARD THE TRUTH. To search for it will be a waste of your time if you do not plan to accept the truth -- whatever it may be. One must LOVE and BELIEVE the truth to avoid God's condemnation. (Be sure to read 2 Thess. 2:10-12).
3. BE SURE THAT YOUR SOURCE OF INFORMATION IS RELIABLE. God's revealed Word is the only infallible source of religious truth. The Bible writers were inspired of God. They could not err, therefore, in what they spoke by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Scriptures are God-breathed, perfect, and all-sufficient as a guide for man in his search for forgiveness and the hope of eternal life. 2 Tim. 3:16,17.
4. RECOGNIZE THAT IT IS NOT YOUR PEROGATIVE TO CHANGE THAT WHICH THE WORD OF GOD TEACHES. Be content with what you find in the BIBLE. It is possible for parents to be wrong. Remember, too, that even men who are called "preachers" and "rabbis" have NO AUTHORITY at all to bind upon you any tradition or commandment of men. They are just men--and nothing more. BUT, the Author of the Bible is GOD. The Holy Spirit simply revealed to humanity what was in the mind of God. The Bible alone makes know the will of God for you. Steer clear, then, of any disposition to prevent this divine revelation. It is perfect; you are not.
5. DO NOT ALLOW ANYONE TO HINDER YOUR OBEDIENCE TO THE TRUTH. A soul (yours) is too valuable. The gospel of Christ is God's power to save. Rom. 1:16,17. Your concern must be, "What does CHRIST teach me to do to have remission of sins?" Read carefully these passages: Mk. 16:15,16; Acts 2:38; Rom. 10:10; Acts 22:;16; Rom. 6:3,4. The simple requirements of Jesus are FAITH, REPENTANCE, CONFESSION and IMMERSION for the remission of sins.
BELIEVE the truth, OBEY it to have your soul purified. 1 Pet. 1:22. Let no one dissuade you from obeying the Author of eternal salvation. Heb. 5:8,9. All who seek salvation in this way WILL find it. THE TRUTH WILL MAKE YOU FREE. —Barney Keith
ADDICTS
Addicts are normally thought of as people addicted to alcohol, tobacco, or drugs. Being addicted means these things CONTROL them. They become a daily NEED. They are CRAVED. The addiction is the ALL IMPORTANT thing in people’s lives. They don’t care about their jobs, the position of responsibility they’re in, their pride, other people, their health, their money, or their live.
What if the addiction is football, golf, hunting, fishing, the Internet, or our cell phones. I’ve heard of people spending all night outdoors in 18 degree temperatures or others willing to pay $200 for a $5 ticket to a ballgame. But all this is calling being a “fan” (a good thing). What if you put religion or God first? Then you’re called a “fanatic” (a bad thing). Yet, in the Scriptures we read: “I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)” (1 Corinthians 16:15). Thus we see that addiction can be in reference to good things.
We should be addicted to God. In Hebrews 11:24-27 we read of Moses who considered the position, money, and pride he could have had for Himself. Instead, he gave it all up because God was number one in his life. Yet, today, how often is it that we see people give up God for overtime on the job? Their concern is often for money and the material things it can buy than what the Lord requires of them.
Abraham loved Isaac (Genesis 22:1-2) but was willing to do as God commanded in regards to his son. God meant more to Abraham than his own son Isaac. Yet, many people let family come before God.
Paul had to give up much (Philippines 3:7-7) but he gave them up that he might win Christ. Paul was addicted. Christ meant more to him than life.
How is it with us? Are we addicted to this world and the things it has to offer? Where is the bulk of our time and effort expended? This ought to give us insight as to where our addiction lies! —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
