What The Bible Says
“What The Bible Says - Vol. 8 / No. 1”
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What The Bible Says
Vol. VIII - No. 1 June 7, 2025
THE WAY OF THE CROSS
This well-known hymn penned by Jessie Brown Pound in 1906 has inspired many followers of Christ through the years. Some have suggested that Jesus’ teachings on Matt. 16:24-25 were the inspiration behind the song. In this reading, our Lord teaches about self-denial and that one should be willing to follow him, even in duress. He further expounds on the idea of saving our lives by first losing it. An adherent following of this teaching will result in one finding eternal life after first losing a self-willed earthly life for Jesus’ sake.
Jesus had other teachings about “the way” one of which is recorded in Jn. 14:6 “I am the way the truth and the life”. The writer in Proverbs 14:12 states, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death”. No doubt we are all familiar with these teachings on “the way”, and realize they are always portrayed in the singular tense. This, I suggest, is not coincidental or an accident. This is a purposeful way of Jesus teaching that total reliance must be upon him, and every false way rejected as a perversion of his teaching. The Psalmist in 119:104 records, “Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way”.
In modern Christianity today, you don’t have to look too far to find wealthy and mega wealthy Christian pastors. The wealth of the top 8 wealthiest pastors range from 20 million to 300 million dollars; Christian Rock Stars on private jets, rock concerts, laser light shows, etc. etc. There are ministries in abundance that bear the names of men not named Jesus. You can easily find traveling bands, youth groups, daycare, food and language services, all in the name of Jesus. There seems to be no end to the innovation and subterfuge of Satan.
If one were considering a self-diagnosis to see if they were in “the way” that Jesus describes, I would suggest starting at Matt. 7:13-14. Here a narrow gate and a broad gate are contrasted against each other. The broad way that leads to destruction is well traveled and many go in by it. The narrow way that leads to life everlasting and few who even find it. Is your way populated with the masses? Do you follow the popular way that most people choose? Seek to be with the few in the narrow and difficult less traveled way. You will be outnumbered, but the reward will be great. —Tim Davis
DOES THE BIBLE TEACH "ONCE SAVED ALWAYS SAVED"?
Though the question at the heading of this article is asking if the Bible teaches "once saved always saved", it is apparent that religious denominations do teach the doctrine. "Those whom God hath accepted in the Beloved, effectually called and sanctified by His Spirit, and given the precious faith of his elect unto, can neither totally nor finally fall from the state of grace..." (Philadelphia Confession Of Faith, adopted by the Baptist Association, Sept. 25, 1742). Most definitely, men and religious denominations teach this doctrine but we wish to answer the question by God's word.
"Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; YE ARE FALLEN FROM GRACE” (Galatians 5:4). Those in Paul's day, who sought to go back under the law of Moses, had "fallen from grace". What if we seek to bind things from the law of Moses today, like observing the Sabbath, forbidding to eat certain meats, or observe certain holy days? We, like the Galatians, "are fallen from grace”.
"Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, FALL FROM YOUR OWN STEADFASTNESS." (2 Peter 3:17). If we are once saved always saved, why does Peter warn us about being “led away” from the truth and the "fall" that results?
"If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not MOVED AWAY FROM THE HOPE OF THE GOSPEL, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister" (Colossians 1:23). Paul states whether or not we are "moved away" is conditional. The condition is “IF” we continue to be grounded and settled in God's word. "IF" not, we lose the hope of the gospel.
Upon rightly dividing God's word, we must conclude the doctrine of "once saved always saved" is of man and not of God.
—E.R. Hall, Jr.
WINNING LAST PLACE
We live in a society that is sports crazy. We love football and fishing, racing and wrestling, soccer and softball -- not to mention baseball, basketball and golf. Nearly all of us have had the experience of cheering for our team or favorite player to win, whether the contest was professional, college, high school or just the youth league team that our child or grandchild played on. And many of us have participated in sports ourselves. We've personally experienced "the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.”
From a spiritual perspective, sports are not necessarily a bad thing. According to the Bible, sports teach us important lessons about disciplining ourselves when striving for a goal (1 Corinthians 9:24-27), playing by the rules (2 Timothy 2:5), and running with endurance (Hebrews 12:1).
Obviously, we can allow sports to become a bad thing if we place too much importance on them or allow them to crowd out spiritual concerns. But sports can also impact us negatively in other ways. They can train us to be too competitive, self-seeking, and ambitious – too concerned with winning at all costs. In most sports competitions, everyone wants first place. But there are times in the life of every Christian when he should seek last place. In Mark 9:35, Jesus told the twelve apostles, "If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all." Jesus condemned the scribes and Pharisees because "They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues" (Matthew 23:6). He told His disciples, "But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place…” (Luke 14:10). The Bible reveals that we should be striving to win last place in our relationships with others! "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself." (Philippians 2:3). “…Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’" (1 Peter 5:5). “…Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion." (Romans 12:16).
Here are some practical suggestions for winning last place. The next time that you disagree with a brother in an area of judgment or opinion, insist that your brother get his way. The next time that your wife or husband neglects to do a chore that merely benefits you, do it yourself. The next time they are looking for a volunteer at work to do some menial task, volunteer! Win last place! —Steve Klein
SENTENCE SERMONS
What will you be wishing you had done when the Lord returns?
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Men rarely stop to consider the long-range consequences of harming another person’s good name through gossip.
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Don’t assume that because God hasn’t dealt with evil yet, that He won’t deal with it at all.
"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
