What The Bible Says

Vol. V - No. 7 / August 28, 2022

FOR SUCH IS THE KINGDOM OF GOD

       Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God” (Mk. 10:19). This was in response to His disciples rebuking them.

    This shows us that God and man have two different ways of looking at things. The disciples, mere men, thought the children were a nuisance; Jesus, God, thought they were precious. God’s ways are neither our ways, nor His thoughts our thoughts (Isa. 55:8,9). We also learn the nature of those who make up the Kingdom. They are child-like in character and quality.

Children are humble. They rarely think themselves to be something they are not. They do not put on airs for others. Just look at those who have mud or chocolate smeared on their clothes and have no shame whatsoever. Many proudly wear a milk mustache. To be a part of the Kingdom, we must have such a humble attitude (Prov. 16:18, 19).

Children are also tenderhearted. When their friend is hurt, it bothers them. If a baby is crying, they often ask why and want it fixed for the baby’s sake—not their nerves. When mommy or daddy is down, a child will give them a hug or snuggle up to them. They care about others. How many children have wanted to take home that “sad looking” kitty cat, puppy, or turtle? The Lord commands us to be tenderhearted toward one another (Eph. 4:32). Without this disposition, we cannot be part of the Kingdom.

Purity is another quality children possess. Their minds may have some mischief every once in a while (I can hear a mother protesting now, “every once in a while”?!?). However, their little hearts are not thinking about doing evil to others. They do not devise plans to rob banks, cheat the store owner, or destroy the life of their neighbor. Rather, they think of what they can play next; cars, dolls, tag, etc. I am convinced one of the reasons God gives us babies who grow into children is for us to see there is purity in this world and how sweet it is—as opposed to giving us teens that are “difficult.” Purity is needed to be a child of God (Phil. 4:8).

Another quality of the young is trust. They inherently trust their parents. Think of the baby or toddler whose parent throws her into the air. Would you let someone else do that to you? It is hard for me at times to ride in a car with others. Yet, children rarely think twice about their own safety because of the trust they have. It is amazing and a great example for us; not necessarily to trust in others, but to put our faith in God. A Christian is to trust God implicitly (2 Cor. 1:8-10). He does and will take care of us.

    Is your character more like a child or a cranky, grumpy, cynical old man? It will impact your joy in this life, not to mention your eternal destiny.  —Author Unknown

ENTERING THE CHURCH?

    The Scriptures reveal that the church displays the wisdom of God (Ephesians 3:10) and was a part of His eternal purpose (Ephesians 2:11). The church’s origin, organization, worship, and work are clearly set forth in the Scriptures. So, also, are the requirements for a person to enter into the church. How does one become a member of the church that belongs to  Christ? What does the Holy Scriptures, namely the New Testament, teach?

WE MUST BE “BORN AGAIN”. “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3,5). In Acts 2 we see this rebirth take place. Peter said, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:38).

WE MUST BE “CONVERTED”. “Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3). Since “the kingdom” is “the church” (Matthew  16:18-19), conversion puts one into the church. “Converted” means changed. When we are “converted” we have a change of heart that leads to a change in our behavior and actions. We believe with our heart (mind) (Romans 10:10) and this comes about by hearing God’s word (Romans 10:17). Our life is to change. This happens when we repent (Luke 13:3,5) which is a turning from sin to God. Likewise, our relationship changes from being a sinner to a Christian. This happens when we are baptized for baptism puts us “into Christ” (Galatians 3:26-27).

WE MUST DO THE WILL OF THE FATHER. Jesus said, “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” (Mt. 7:21). The will of the Father, as we have shown, is to hear His word, believe, repent, confess, and be baptized. Upon the completion of these commands, the Lord will then add us to His church: “…And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” (Acts 2:47). Doing the will of the Father must become a way of life for the new born Christian. From Matthew 28:19-20 we learn after becoming a Christian, we must “continue to observe all things” that have been commanded.

    The same thing that makes us a Christian also adds us to the Lord’s church. Many denominations teach you must do one thing to be a Christian and something else to be a church member. However the Scriptures do not bear out such a distinction. Membership in the Lord’s church is not an option to being a Christian. You are either both or you are neither. You cannot be one or the other. According to the Scriptures, being a Christian and a member of the Lord’s church is inseparable. If the church you are a member of has one set of requirements for salvation and another for church membership, maybe you are in a denomination instead of the Lord’s church!  —E.R. Hall, Jr.

KEEPING OUR WORD AND PAYING OUR DEBTS

    The Bible is very strong on (1) keeping our promises and (2) paying our debts (Ecclesiastes 5:2, 4-5; Numbers 30:2; Romans 13:8; Ephesians 4:25; Colossians 3:9). We are not to go back on our word or fail to repay that which we have borrowed.

    We should strive to keep our word. A track record of broken promises or unkept commitments is a very bad track record.

    There is nothing sinful or shameful in borrowing money. It may be embarrassing to have to do so, but we can recover from that. If our folly or carelessness put us into a situation in which we had to borrow, we should work on that and endeavor not to repeat the mistake. But the mere step of borrowing money is not in itself either sinful or shameful. What is both sinful and shameful is a deliberate or careless failure to pay back what we have borrowed, and the world is full of people who have done and continue to do that. Many of them profess to be Christians. To use the words of James: “My brethren, these things ought not so to be” (James 3:10).  —Bill Crews

SENTENCE SERMONS

It's never too late to improve yourself.
 ***
The best tranquilizer is a clear conscience.
*** 
 It doesn't cost anything to be nice.
 ***
Being a success at the office is not worth it if it means being a failure at home.
*** 
If you stay focused on yourself, you are guaranteed to be miserable

"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

What The Bible Says

Vol. V - No. 6 / August 14, 2022

FATHERS, ARE YOU HOMESCHOOLING?

       On March 12, 1983, in a radio address to the nation, then President Ronald Reagan said "education begins at home". The scriptures clearly teach and support this statement. And contrary to what many parents In reality practice, the scriptures also command and teach that parents (especially fathers) are given the responsibility to "train up a child in the way that he should go" (Eph. 6:4, Col. 3:21, Prov. 22:6, Col. 3:21, Titus 2:4) 

    Contrary to all the scapegoating and the popular idea that teachers, coaches, religious leaders and baby sitters have a responsibility to help raise our children, God has actually given fathers the primary responsibility to raise their children and teach them the all-important things God would have them know. The scriptures both command and teach this 

1. Eph. 6:4 "And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

1. Prov. 3:12 “For whom the Lord loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.”

1. Col. 3:21 "Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.”

1. Heb. 12:9 "Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live?”

1. Prov. 17:6 “Children's children are the crown of old men, And the glory of children Is their father.”

    I hasten to add that the above bible verses do not suggest that educators or others outside the nuclear family should not play a very limited role in our children's lives, they do. However, fathers (and mothers) must not shun or neglect their God given duty to raise their children properly and this beginsat home (Eph. 6:4, 1 Tim. 5: 14, Prov. 22:6). There are grave consequences of neglecting our children by allowing the children to basically raise themselves or by relying on society's institutions to, in effect, raise our children for us. There are many God inspired proverbs that speaks to this parental neglect:

1. Prov. 29:15 "The rod and rebuke give wisdom, But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.”

2. Prov. 29:17 "Correct your son, and he will give you rest; Yes, he will give delight to your soul.”

3. Prov. 13:24 "He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him promptly.”

4. Prov. 1:8-9 "My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother; For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, And chains about your neck.”

    So, fathers (this applies to me also), are you meeting your God given responsibility to truly "homeschool" your children? Yours kids and society are counting on you! (Eph. 6:4, Col. 3:21, Heb. 12:7,9, Prov. 22:6) —Rodney Hampton

HOW DO WE PERCEIVE THE CHURCH?

    Many people think of the building when they hear the word "church''. Nowhere in the Bible is the word church used to describe a physical building. The building is the place where the church meets. Likewise, the nature and purpose of the church is misunderstood by many. Only the Scriptures can truthfully reveal the purpose which God has assigned the church to fulfill. As always, let us tum to God's divinely inspired word, respect and obey what it teaches, and honor the silence of the Scriptures. 

    Many perceive the church as another welfare agency primarily concerned with the care and relief of human suffering. To them the worth of the church is measured in the amount of money and relief given to others. Is this the primary purpose of the church? Upon examining the Scriptures, it is only the church's responsibility to see to the care of destitute saints (Christians) (Acts 4 :3 2-3 5; 6: 1-7; 11: 29; 2 Corinthians 9: 1, 12, 13). Individual Christians are to "do good unto all men" as they have the ability and opportunity. (Galatians 6: 10). 

    Many perceive the church as a purely social organization. Just mentioning the word "fellowship" causes most people to envision coffee and doughnuts or a potluck dinner. Thus many denominational churches have, as a part of their facility, kitchens and dining rooms in which to conduct this type of "fellowship". More and more the concept of the church is changing from a spiritual, worship atmosphere to a carnal, festival atmosphere. Does the church have a responsibility in providing these type things? 1 Corinthians 11 : 22, 34 teaches: "What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise ye not. And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation.” 

    Many perceive the church being devoted to the training and entertaining of young people. They justify this by saying it helps keep the young people out of trouble. The New Testament says nothing of this being the church's responsibility but it does teach that this duty belongs to parents. "Children, obey your parents in the Lord for this is right. Honor thy father and mother; ... And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" (Ephesians 6: 1-4). 

    How do you perceive the church whenever the word is mentioned? Let the Scriptures guide you that you may perceive the truth on this subject and all other Bible subjects.  —E.R. Hall, Jr.

WRONG IS ALWAYS WRONG

Wrong is wrong, even if you don't get caught. The eyes of the Lord are in every place.

Wrong is wrong, even if you do it for a good cause. The end never justifies the means. The honorable purpose does not justify a dishonorable deed or action.

Wrong is wrong, even if it doesn't bother the conscience. The conscience can be trained or educated to accept wrong‑doing; even an honest sin or an evil done in sincerity is sinful in the sight of God. Whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap."

Wrong is wrong, even if it is commonly considered Acceptable. The bible says "Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil."

Wrong is always wrong despite our efforts to excuse our actions.

Remember, there is never a right way to do wrong!

"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

What The Bible Says

Vol. V - No. 5 / July 31, 2022

INFLUENCING GENDER CONFUSION

       The New York Times reports: "About 1.6 million people in the United States are transgender, and 43 percent of them are young adults or teenagers, according to a report providing the most recent national estimates of this population.

    The analysis, relying on government health surveys conducted from 2017 to 2020, estimated that 1.4 percent of 13- to 17-year-olds and 1.3 percent of 18- to 24-years old were transgender, compared with about 0.5 percent of all adults.

    Those figures revealed a significant rise among younger people: The estimate of transgender people 13 to 25 nearly doubled since the researcher's previous report, published in 2017, though the reports used different methods.”

    Why is there a supposed increase in transgender people? Do you think the 24 hour a day news media celebrating gender confusion has anything to do with it? How about elementary schools and universities celebrating this movement across the country? The fact is, over the past 10 years, efforts have been beefed up to condition young children and teenagers to not only view gender confusion as normal, but as something to be desired! The current trend is to make sexual confusion a "cool" thing or an "in thing.”

    Now, some states have set aside June as "gay pride month." Most Americans do not approve of this lifestyle; yet our leaders insist on forcing this ideology on our children in classrooms, television, animated movies, and children's theme parks such as Disney.

    What is all of this celebrating anyway? It has been well said that the celebration of gay pride month is "perversity dressed up as diversity." Let that statement sink in a moment. Not all diversity is good and wholesome.

    One drag queen personality has admitted that the gay movement is no longer about equality; it is about recruiting younger people! It is not enough for these people to have gained their right to live together in a perverted fashion, but now they feel they must parade their lifestyle in front of children doing dances and reading story books dressed as drag queens! It is happening across the country. Get this, since 2018 the city of New York reportedly has spent $207,000 funding drag queens, men dressed up as harlot women, to read stories to kids in public schools! Did you know that one day in June is ‘take your child to a gay celebration’ day? I watched a video in which one man took his 7-year-old son to watch drag queens march back and forth parading in front of everyone. The boy was taken by the hand by one of the drag queens and walked back and forth in front of everyone. The child was then handed a $5 bill and instructed to insert it in the scantily dressed man's upper panty hose!

    God has never approved of these alternate lifestyles. "In the beginning God made them male and female" (Matthew 19:4). Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed for going after "strange flesh" (Jude 7). Men dressing in women's clothes and women dressing in men's clothes is a practice that made men and women an abomination to God (Deuteronomy 22:5). In the Christian age, long hair belongs on a woman (1 Corinthians 11:14-15)! In Romans chapter 1 it tells us that men with men and women with women in sexual relationships is "against nature." Homosexuals and effeminate men “shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). Is this too difficult to understand?

    Did you know there may be some who read this article who will say that I'm being unloving talking about these things? The unloving objection is thrown out like the race card which is thrown whenever someone disagrees with what is being taught. The god of this world, Satan, is blinding the eyes of many, including some who profess to be Christians; yet refuse to see the evil around them (2 Corinthians 4:4).

    If it were 30 or 40 years ago, pulpits across the country would light up echoing the message in the article. Today, preachers fall under fire if they start really condemning sin and pointing out the offenders. It is a sad day when entertaining lessons with pretty pictures all presented in a conversational preaching tone is almost all you hear from most pulpits. We need to address problems! We need to point out the offenders! Jesus, Himself, called the scribes and Pharisees “vipers”! I guess someone would accuse Jesus of being unloving, right? (Matthew 23:14). Everyone needs to ask themselves just whose side they are on today. The fact is if our views line up more with our society than with God's, then we are on the wrong side.

    Lastly, if parents don't use this window of opportunity, that is quickly drawing closed, to train up their young children in the way they should go, you can be sure the social media, movies, some schools, and political pressure will point your children in the way they should not go! (Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4). Our society is influencing our children and grandchildren to be gender confused. If we just ignore it, perversion will steal the hearts of our children. —Michael R. Baggett

JOHN 3:16

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

    This verse is sometimes called the “Golden Text” like Matthew 7:12 is sometimes called the “Golden Rule”. John 3:16 is often used to prove salvation is by ‘faith only’. Does this verse tell all that is necessary to be saved? Does it teach ‘faith only’?

    The words ‘faith only’ are obviously not stated in the passage. In fact, the doctrine of ‘faith only’ began with a man named Martin Luther who lived in the 16 century. He inserted the word ‘solo’ (alone) after the word “faith” and went on to say the book of James was uninspired. HIs reason for this declaration was because James taught “by works a man is justified, and not by faith only” (James 2:24).

    The word “believeth” in John 3:16 is a ‘comprehensive’ word. By this we mean it is a word that takes everything into account that pertains to salvation. The word “gave” is another word like “believeth” in John 3:16. “Gave” does not specifically tell about the birth, life, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Christ and yet this is how God “gave His only begotten Son”.

    Thus, “believeth” includes faith, repentance, confession, and baptism. In Acts 16:30-34 we read of the conversion of the jailer who was told to “believe”. Yet, he still needed to HEAR the word of the Lord. By washing their stripes, he indicated his REPENTANCE and verse 33 tells us he was BAPTIZED. Upon completion of these things, verse 34 tells us he “rejoiced, believing in God with all his house”.

     Have you done what the jailer and all others in the book of Acts did to become “believers”? If not, your “faith only” will not save you.  —E.R. Hall, Jr.

SENTENCE SERMONS

He who is too busy to pray is far busier than God ever intended him to be.
 ***
Money is not required to buy even one necessity of the soul.
***
Worthwhile things require time, patience, and hard work.

"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

What The Bible Says

Vol. V - No. 4 / July 17, 2022

GIVE THANKS

       These days, we hear much about our country's economic woes. And we do not have to look far to find that society is beset with plenty of other problems. Of course, each individual has his own personal difficulties as well. To make sure that we feel sufficiently miserable, we are often given to counting our many troubles. If this is our attitude, there is a lesson which we are in need of from God's word. 

    From Ephesians 5:20, we learn that we are to give "thanks always for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father." However, I fear that, too often, we take our blessings for granted. We may even feel that we have earned them, that they are ours solely because of our own doing. But let us realize whatever gift we have “…is from above and cometh down from the Father of lights…” (James 1:17). Although we may labor to get something, it is still from God in that He makes it possible to obtain It. As Paul and Barnabas told the people of Lystra, “…He did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons filling our hearts with food and gladness" (Acts 14: 17). Paul said of the church in Corinth, "I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase" (I Corinthians 3:6).

    Not only does God provide us with material blessings, but our very existence is dependent upon Him. Paul declared to the Athenians, "... in Him we live, and move, and have our being... " (Acts 17: 28). Rather than feeling that God has cheated us if we do not receive something that we want, we should be thankful for what we have. "Come now, ye that say, today or tomorrow we will go into this city, and spend a year there, and trade, and get gain: whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. What is your life? For ye are a vapor that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall both live, and do this or that.” (James 4:13-15). 

    Also, we ought to be thankful for the spiritual blessings which God offers. From Ephesians 1:3, we learn God blesses with all spiritual blessings in Christ. We do not earn these blessings either. Paul explains, “...for by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, that no man should glory.” (Ephesians 2:8,9). 

    However, there is a significant difference between the way in which God bestows material blessings and the way in which He bestows spiritual blessings. We may receive material blessings whether we want them or not  without meeting any conditions for them. As Christ said, “…He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sendeth rain on the just and unjust.” (Matthew 5:45), But spiritual blessings are not poured out on us whether we want them or not. They must be accepted. After preaching to the Jews of Antioch In Pisidia, Paul and Barnabas told them that they were putting the word of God from them and judging themselves unworthy of everlasting life (Acts 13:46). This shows that we can reject the spiritual blessings that are in the Christ. On the other hand, Jesus said, "If a man loves Me, he will keep My word: and My Father will love him, and We will come unto him, and make Our abode with him.” (John 14:23). We should be thankful that He has given us the terms which must be followed to receive His spiritual blessings: we must believe on Him (John 8:24), repent of our sins (Luke 13:3,5), confess our faith (Matthew 10:32), and be baptized (Mark 16:16). 

    As Paul wrote, we ought to be "rooted and builded up" in Christ, "established" in the faith, "abounding in thanksgiving" (Colossians 2:7). But how can we be thankful for the spiritual blessings if we have not accepted them? The spiritual things are much more important than the material things In which we prize so highly. That which is material shall pass away with time, but that which is spiritual will never fail (Matthew 6:19,20; II Corinthians 4:19,18; Matthew 16:26). We ought to be thankful for our material blessings because they truly are blessings. We ought to be thankful for our lives. And we ought to obey our God that we might receive the spiritual blessings, and be thankful!
—Todd Wiggs

THE FIVES SENSES

    There is more to man than that which is visible. We are all familiar with the five physical senses of sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell but let's consider some inward senses which are necessary. 

    We need to have a sense of LOYALTY or devoted allegiance. Jesus is deserving of our loyalty because of His interest in our salvation by His death on the cross. “Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” (Titus 2:14). We prove our loyalty to Christ by always obeying His will (John 14:15).

    We need a sense of RESPONSIBILITY. Re­sponsibility is our response to opportunity accord­ing to our ability. Jesus' parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 is a good example of responsibility­. Our children are not given responsibilities by parents that will help them in their future life. We aII must learn that we and we alone are responsible for our actions. We cannot blame others for what we have done.

    We need a sense of BELONGING, a spiri­tual belonging, in the Lord's church. The Lord adds those who are saved to the church (Acts 2:47). Thus if we have the proper sense of loyally to Christ and understand our responsibility to Him, we will likewise sense the need for filling our place and doing our part as a member of His church. (Ephesians 1:22,23; 4:16). 

    SHAME is a much needed sense. Few today are ashamed as they ought lo be. Men who wear long hair and women who wear !heir hair short need to be ashamed. (1 Corinthians 11:14-15). Shame could prevent men and women from wearing immodest clothes except they do not have the sense of shame cultivated in them (1 Timothy 2:9,10). Adam and Eve still considered themselves naked even though they were partially clothed. Their sense of shame caused them to hide themselves. (Genesis 3:7-8). Shame is needed to recognize people of God from people of the world. 

    We also need a sense of URGENCY. Many postpone to the future instead of doing today. King Agrippa put off being a Christian (Acts 26:28) and so did Fellix (Acts 24:25). Yet, none of us have the promise of tomorrow for our life is as a vapor (James 4:14). Now is the time for us to sense the urgency to prepare for eternity. 
 —E.R. Hall, Jr.

LET'S TALK...

       Many of you have been receiving this bulletin for some time now. Do you have questions about what is taught on these pages? Are there things that have been written that you don’t understand? Are there things you do not agree with? If so, then let’s talk. We have nothing to lose and so much to gain. There is no more important subjects than our relationship with God and our eternal destiny. You may write, email, visit the services, go on-line, or we can arrange a time and place for meeting and talking that is convenient for you.

   WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS is the bulletin of the church of Christ which meets at 4777 U.S. Highway 431. The mailing address, website address, and times of assemblies are on the front page. If you have a comment or question, favorable or unfavorable, we would love to hear from you. Only good can come from our discussions as long as we treat one another as friends and rely on the Bible as our only authority and standard.

SENTENCE SERMONS

What you worship determines what you become.
***
When you meet temptation, turn to the right.
***
Postponed obedience is disobedience.
***
Better to be alone than to be in bad company.
***
He that will not command his thoughts will soon lose the command of his actions. 

"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

What The Bible Says

Vol. V - No. 3 / July 3, 2022

'SIDE DOOR EVANGELISM'

       What do barbecues, softball leagues, and plays have to do with the work of the church? If you believe in “side door evangelism” then it has everything to do with it.

    What is “side door evangelism”? It is the practice among many religious groups to offer to the public some form of entertainment or recreational activity with the intent to lure them in to teach them about the gospel. They offer some exciting activity to get an opportunity to tell people about Christ. It sounds like a real screwed idea doesn’t it?

    Yet, is this method right according to the teachings of the Bible? Is it what the Lord wants for His church? The following is a list of some serious problems with “side door evangelism”:

1) It Is Not Based Upon Bible Teaching Or Example. No where in the record of the New Testament are such methods commanded. Neither do you see Christ or His disciples offering some frivolous activity to draw the crowds to hear the gospel. Their methods were limited to public (Matthew 5; Acts 2) and private (John 3:1-21; Acts 8:26-40) teaching situations. It is true that the miracles of the New Testament attracted a lot of attention. Yet, the purpose of these acts were not to merely draw crowds and create public stir. They were signs that proved the deity of Jesus and confirmed some of the early disciples as teachers of God’s word (John 20:30-31; Hebrews 2:1-4).

2) It Draws The Wrong Crowd And Not The True Seekers. The purpose of the miracles are clearly seen in the feeding of the five thousand plus by Jesus with only five loaves and two fishes. The day after the miracle, a large crowd followed after Jesus. In John 6:26-27 Christ told them, “…Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.” Jesus was discouraging these people in chasing after bread and encouraging them to pursue eternal life.

    When a church peddles pizza parties and basketball games to the public and tries to slip in a little teaching of the gospel on the side, then they are reversing the priorities that Jesus set here. Such a church is fostering man’s hunger to satisfy and stimulate the flesh before the spirit.

    Consider this question, too - who is drawn with recreation and entertainment? People who are looking to be amused or to be excited. Yet, all the church needs to present to the world is the message of the crucified Christ (John 3:14-15; 12:32-33). That is all that is necessary to find the true seekers of salvation who will become genuine disciples.

3) It Is Manipulative. Suppose that a friend invites you for dinner and then after getting there you find out they had you over to try to sell something to you. How would that make you fee? A little used? A little manipulated is how most of us would feel.

    Then consider this scenario. A church advertises and offers a concert, or a softball league, or an exercise class to the public. After getting the crowd there, the church has some teacher or minister present a message about the gospel. See the parallel? It is luring people with one thing and trying to give them another. Christ’s church has no business being involved with such manipulative methods. The church needs to be up front with people. If a person is turned off to the Bible being taught, then so be it. It is not fitting for the Lord’s people to hide their real agenda underneath fun and frolic.

    Why is “side door evangelism” so widespread and popular? Because there is some surface success to it. When you give away free food or entertainment, people will come. Yet, when this occurs the only thing the church has been successful at is giving away food and entertainment. Another reason why it is popular is that it appeals to human reasoning. It makes sense to man’s way of thinking to shroud the message of the gospel in recreation and entertainment to make it more appealing to man’s appetite. However, if proclaiming the gospel in the atmosphere of fun and frolic was spiritually successful, then why didn’t the church in the New Testament do it? Why didn’t God command it? The reason the Bible is silent about it is because it is not what God wants. If He wanted it, He would have said it.

    The subject of “side door evangelism” raises the great question that churches must answer: Should God’s work be done His way, as revealed in the Bible, or should it be done man’s way? For those who sincerely want to please the Lord and who completely trust His wisdom, there is only one way to go about the work of the church…that is the Lord’s way.
—Phillip Mullins

STANDING IN THE PLACE OF GOD

    Though people sometimes get out of their place, we must never put our thoughts or practices in the place of God. In the Old Testament, Joseph, though he was second in command to Pharaoh, knew he was not to stand in God’s place. “Fear not: for am I in the place of God?” (Genesis 50:19). Some ways we can put ourselves in God’s place are:

1)  By Wearing Religious Titles. There are many who wish to be called “Reverend”. Yet, Psalms 111:9, in taking about God, says, “Holy and reverend is His name.” Why should anyone want to be called God’s name? Could it be they do not know what the Scriptures say or go on doing it regardless? Neither are we to call anyone “Father” or “Rabbi” in a religious context as taught in Matthew 23:8-9.

2)  By Making Religious Creeds. The word “creed” means ‘I believe’. Many religious organizations have formulated creeds, manuals, and disciplines by which to govern their particular church. In giving a defense of their creed some have stated they contain nothing more than what the Scriptures teach. If that’s true, why not just do away with the creed? The truth in the matter is creeds either add more than what the Scriptures say or they take away from what the Scriptures says. Denominational creeds, manuals, and disciplines are NOT the same as the Scriptures! The New Testament is to be our ONLY creed! “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:8-10). When churches formulate creeds, who are they seeking to please? When man’s commandments are taught and practiced instead of the commandments of God, Jesus says our worship is rendered vain (Matthew 15:9). Can you find book, chapter, and verse for everything believed and practiced in the church you are a member of?

3)  Those Who Originate Churches. Who started the church you are a member of? Where was it started? When was it started? Jesus taught, “Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.” (Matthew 15:13). Jesus is to be the “Head” of the church (Ephesians 1:22-23). The head is to have absolute control because Jesus is described in various places as “King”. In His kingdom/church there is no democracy for He is the absolute sovereign Ruler. In Matthew 16:18 He said He would build His church. In Acts 2 we have the record of those who were being saved being added to the church (Acts 2:47), thus it was in existence in 33 A.D. in the city of Jerusalem. Can you read in the Bible the name of the church you are a member of? (Romans 16:16b).

    We must at all times be careful not to overstep our bounds and begin dabbling into things of which we have no business. If we aren’t careful, we might be standing in the place of God!   —E.R. Hall, Jr.

SENTENCE SERMONS

Eternity will be a long time to think about what you should have done.
*** 
Trust God’s authority, not man’s majority.
*** 
 If you don’t plan for the future, you probably won’t like what you get.
***
Too much time is wasted by people telling how busy they are.

"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