“What The Bible Says - Vol. 6 / No. 12”

Sunday, October 08, 2023

What The Bible Says

Vol. VI - No. 12 / October 8, 2023

SENSATIONAL RELIGION

    "Sensational journalism" is the norm of the day. In the effort to spruce up newspapers, magazines, and television news, the appeal is to the physical senses to get and hold our attention. Sad, though true, many religious groups have resorted to what I call "sensational religion" in order to get and hold a crowd. This has been accomplished in many ways. Some religious groups have resorted to more than modest church buildings where expensive stain glass and lavish furnishings makeup the place so that it will appeal to people. Some church buildings are certainly "sensational" structures. I even saw on television a church building built completely out of crystal and appropriately name "The Crystal Cathedral”.

    Worship, if you want to call it that, in many churches has become a "sensational" event. Elegantly clothed choirs perform before an audience of ''worshippers". Numerous and expensive electronic musical instruments are used to further the sensation. With all the talent that is on display, it is a wonder that some churches don't start charging admission to get in instead of waiting until after you are there to take up a "collection”.

    Preachers are certainly not immune to giving in to sensational tactics. If the flashy expensive clothing and jewelry some preachers wear into the pulpit don't grab your attention, their preaching style is sure to do the job. They almost always manage to get the audience worked up into an emotional frenzy by telling a series of death bed stories or human tragedy experiences. As the pitch becomes feverish, some preachers resort to unscriptural tactics such as claiming to speak in unknown tongues like disciples did in the first century. With only tidbits of the Bible being used up to this point, the Bible is sure to be thrown out the window when the call is made to come down to the front. Some call it the "altar call" but with whatever words are used to describe it, the preacher is challenging the sinners in the audience to come forward to either pray their sins away or to relate their experience of salvation. Nothing could be farther from what the Bible teaches but it makes for a sensational time for people to shout and holler, leap and jump like a bunch of unruly children.

    After everything finally gets calmed down and services are dismissed, everyone goes home with an emotional "high". The interesting thing is this seems to be addictive because they expect to get this "high" every time they go. Yes, religion in many quarters has become very sensational and it is the church that offers and sustains the highest sensations that generally have the larger crowds. Could it be that while our physical senses are feasting our souls could still be thirsting for something more? Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.” Psalms 119:172 “My tongue shall speak of Your word, For all Your commandments are righteousness.”  —E.R. Hall, Jr.

WHAT CHURCH SHOULD I JOIN?

 All up and down this troubled land 
            Confusion reigns today, 
          As honest folks on every hand 
               In doubts are heard to say: 
          "I cannot tell which church to join, 
             There are so very many." 
          To whom we offer this advice -
             You should never join any! 

          You cannot join the church that belongs to Christ, 
             No man can vote you in; 
          The Lord, Himself. will add you 
            When he saves you from your sins.
          Then take no chances, neighbor: 
             This race but once you'll run. 
          If a church you join be of man, 
             It is not the proper one. 

          Beware the church you cannot find 
             Within the sacred pages; 
          Be safe, dear sinner, rest your soul 
             Upon the Rock of Ages. 
          Be added to His blood-bought church, 
             And drink salvation's cup; 
          For every plant God planted not, 
             It shall be rooted up. 

          No mourner's bench on Pentecost 
             The inspired Peter fitted, 
          But said, "Repent and be baptized 
             That your sins may be remitted." 
          The Lord, who saved and added those 
             Who did, that day, His will, 
          Will do the same for you dear friend, 
             For He is adding still. 

          Let not false teachers lead you wrong, 
             Nor close your eyes in slumber; 
          When Jesus said He'd build His church, 
            'Twas not in plural number. 
          No choice of churches, neighbor mine, 
            Is found beneath the sun; 
          Though men may have ten thousand,
            Our Savior has but one.
—Author Unknown

***SENTENCE SERMONS***

"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

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