What The Bible Says
“What The Bible Says - Vol. 7 / No. 15”
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What The Bible Says
Vol. VII - No. 14 Decembetr 22, 2024
NOT ACCORDING TO DIVINE AUTHORITY
Many things have become commonplace in the religious world for which no divine authority can be found. This, however, has not kept them from becoming accepted in the minds of most people. Whether or not divine authority can be produced appears to be of little consequence with most religious people and most churches. How sad it is that the point has been reached where practically "anything goes" in religion and people do not care enough to question religious practices.
MANY RELIGIOUS BODIES! Indeed, here is something that is commonplace. On nearly every street comer in every town and city is a different religious institution wearing a different name. Likewise, they are believing and practicing things that set them apart from each other. Yet quite often this situation is praised because you can "attend the church of your choice". Does the Bible authorize the giving of a choice when it comes to the church? Jesus prayed to the Father in John 17:21 that all believers would be "one". All churches profess to be "believers" but can it truthfully be said they am "one" as Jesus prayed? What does it mean to be "one"? Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 1:10, "...that ye all speak the same thing, and that there he no divisions among you; hut that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgement." The Scriptures do not authorize a choice when it comes to the church. There is “one body" (Ephesians 4:4) and the body is the church (Ephesians 1:21,22; Colossians 1:18,24). We may think we have a choice but God has only authorized "one" church!
MECHANICAL INSTRUMENTS OF MUSIC! This has become so accepted and commonplace in most churches that it is used without question. In fact, the questions only arise when it is not used. But we need to question its use! Is mechanical instruments of music authorized in worship to God? With mechanical music so commonplace it may be interesting to learn that only singing is mentioned in the New Testament. In Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16, the only music authorized by God is singing. It is to be the ''fruit of our lips" (Hebrews 13:15). Where is the Scripture authorizing the use of mechanical music in worship to God?
CHURCH KITCHENS! Where is the Scripture authorizing churches to build and maintain kitchens and other facilities in which to eat common meals? Where is the Scripture authorizing the social and recreational endeavors that have become the work of most churches? The practice of eating common meals to satisfy hunger and thirst is to be done at home (1 Corinthians 11:22,34). It is not to be associated with the church providing the facilities whether in the basement or an adjoining building still located on the church's property.
Friend, let's heed the Scriptures and become concerned with the necessity of doing things with authorization from God. When we act without authorization we are committing a serious offense. "Whosoever trangresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son." (2 John 9). Jesus warned of sure punishment to those who acted without authorization: "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. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." (Matthew 7:21-23). When we faithfully build the church according to the pattern, it will be the Lord's church. Anything else cannot be the New Testament church! —E.R. Hall, Jr.
SOME FACTS ABOUT CHRISTMAS
The word "Christmas" is formed by the combining of the words "Christ" and "mass", thus, "the Mass of Christ.” The holiday, as we know it, originated with Roman Catholic ritual, although the ultimate origin of many of the customs of the season is not Catholicism, but paganism/idolatry.
No one knows the birth date of Jesus. We do not know it because God did not choose to reveal it. Early writers not only acknowledged ignorance of the date of Christ's birth, but also repudiated the idea of a special observance of his birth. "As late as 245 A.D. Origen ... repudiated the idea of keeping the birthday of Christ . . . Clement of Alexandria (ca.200 A.D.) mentions several speculations on the date of Christ's birth, and condemns them as superstitious. Some chronologists, he says, alleged the birth to have occurred in the 28th year of Augustus, on 25 Pachon (an Egyptian month); ie., May 20. Others assign it. to 24 or 25 Pharrnuth (April 19 or 20)." (Encyclopedia Brittanica).
A consideration of the facts brings us to these important conclusions concerning the religious observance of Christmas, or any special ceremonies or observances surrounding the birthday of Christ:
1. We do not know the date of Christ's birth. God did not choose to reveal it.
2. The celebration of Jesus' birth did not begin until several hundred years after the beginning of the church.
3. The special religious observance of Christ's birth is the combination of Roman Catholic and pagan traditions and rituals.
4. The Bible says nothing about such an observance, and it IS therefore unscriptural.
All that we do, in word or deed, is to be done "in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ" (CoI.3:17). "Whatsoever is not of faith is sin" (Rom.14:23). "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God" (Rom.l0:17). Regardless of piety or sincerity involved, activities such as religious observance of Christmas or Easter are not authorized by God's word, and therefore are not pleasing to the Lord. —Tom Moody
SENTENCE SERMONS
The person who rows the boat usually does not have enough time to rock it.
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When ‘fishing for men' there is no closed season.
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The chains of habit often cannot be felt until they are too strong to break.
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Either you master your habits or they will master you.
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Steel that loses its temper is worthless - so are men.
"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
