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

What The Bible Says

Vol. V - No. 2 / June 19, 2022

ABC's OF A GOSPEL MEETING

ADVERTISE the meeting. 
ALL members attend all the services. 
ABSORB all the lessons possible. 
ALWAYS pray daily for the meeting. 
ABOUND in the good work. 
ACCEPT your responsibility. 
BRING as many as you can every service. 
BE on time. 
BE reverent. 
BELIEVE and apply each lesson. 
BE courteous to all visitors. 
BE enthusiastic and cheerful. 
CALL all your friends and invite them. 
CENTER your thoughts on spiritual things. 
COOPERATE in all the work. 
CREATE a friendly atmosphere. 
CORRECT all things amiss in your life. 
CANCEL all other engagements! 

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SIMPLY BE A CHRISTIAN?

       If the title of this article appeals to you, how does this sound to you? Just simply follow the teachings of Christ found in the New Testament. “And for this cause He (Christ) is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth." (Hebrews 9: 15-17)

    When we search the New Testament, we find no denominational organizations existed whatsoever. We simply read of people hearing the gospel, believing it, repenting of their sins, confessing Christ to be the Son of God, and being baptized for the forgiveness of their sins. Whereupon, the Lord added the saved to His church (Acts 2:36-47). As the gospel spread from Jerusalem, these Christians assembled together in congregations in various places. The only headquarters these early disciples knew was Heaven, where the Head, Jesus Christ, is (Col. 1:18). These local churches were under their own elders (Acts 14:23) who were given the responsibility of feeding and overseeing the congregation (Acts 20:17,28;1 Pet. 5:1-3).

    The worship, we read about in the New Testament, was something that was participated in, not a spectator event. For example, on the first day of the week they eat the Lord's supper and heard preaching, Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:23-29. Also on the first day of the week, every one of them gave financially as they were prospered (1 Cor. 16:1,2). The worship was carried on by every Christian singing (Eph. 5:19) and all would pray as others would lead (1 Cor. 14:15,16). No solos, duets, quartets, or choirs. All things were done decently and in order (1 Cor. 14:40) as every Christian was involved in worship. No one could perform their service or worship for them.

    Without complicated expensive organization, the gospel was preached to every creature under heaven (Col. 1:23). The disciples were known as Christians (Acts 11 :26) and they wore no sectarian names. One thing is strikingly noticeable about the worship we read about in the New Testament: They sought to impress God and only God. One thing we see throughout the Scriptures is that God is always pleased with obedience to His will (Mt. 7:21). Nowhere in the New Testament do we find the first Christians appealing to social or recreational activities as a work of the church. Their only appeal came through the presenting of the gospel for they recognized it as "the power of God unto salvation" (Rom. 1:16).

    What about you? Do you ever study your Bible and read about things the church, of which you are a member, doesn't even do or they are doing things the New Testament does not even mention? The time is far spent that we all should despair of involving ourselves in things the New Testament does not teach and to realize denominations are not necessary and only has and continues to cause division. We should all desire the simplicity of being only a Christian and letting the Lord add us to His church.

    Have you ever wondered if it could be the same today as it is revealed in the New Testament? The answer is a simple but resounding, "YES"! In fact, there is probably such a group of people meeting within minutes of where you live. They worship and serve God in the same way the early disciples did. Christ is their ONLY Head and the New Testament is their ONLY creed. They are not members of any human denomination, they are simply a congregation, or church, of Christ. They would like to share Christ with you and with all the world.

    YOU TOO CAN SIMPLY BE A CHRISTIAN and serve God without belonging to any denomination, bound by no denominational laws or obligations. If such appeals to you, please contact us or visit the services the church engages in on a weekly basis. If you live too far away for this to be practical, contact us and we'll do our best to put you in touch with others who are simply Christians and doing things according to the will of Christ.  —E.R. Hall, Jr.

THINGS THAT FAITH WILL NEVER DO

    No one disputes the necessity of faith. We certainly understand that "without faith it is impossible to please God'' (Hebrews 11 :6). But some folks, it seems, wants to place too much on faith, and leave off some other important spiritual considerations. 

FAITH CANNOT SUBSTITUTE FOR THE TRUTH. Believing in something, no matter how strongly, does not make it so. The patriarch Jacob believed that a wild beast had killed his beloved son Joseph. He grieved as though it really had happened -- but it was not true (Gen. 37:3ff). Later, when told that Joseph was alive, he did not believe it -- but it was the fact (Gen. 45:26). Sadly, there are many today that trust their salvation upon things that -- though they sincerely believe them -- simply are not true. We must all search diligently for God's truth (Acts 17: 11 ), for it is only the truth that can set us free (John 8:32). 

Furthermore, FAITH WILL NEVER TAKE THE PLACE OF OBEDIENT WORKS. Calvinists will loudly protest, but the Bible plainly states that ''faith without works is dead" (James 2:26). No right thinking person believes he can earn his way to heaven by means of meritorious acts. But we all must understand that the Scriptures plainly teach the only way to demonstrate our faith is through the things that we do (James 2:15-18). We must conclude that "by works a man is justified, and not by faith only" (James 2:24).

Finally, FAITH WILL NOT PREVENT ADVERSITY. Some are of the opinion that hardships come upon us due to a lack of faith. The solution to every problem, they claim, is to believe more deeply. While we would certainly encourage greater faith in every Christian, we must also realize that the history of God's most faithful servants includes a lot of pain and trouble. In fact, we are told to expect it: "all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (2 Timothy 3:12). 

    We must realize that there are some things faith will never do. The apostles begged, "Lord increase our faith" (Luke 17:5), and we humbly make the same request. As we make this request, let us realize that ''faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God'' (Romans 10: 17).
Adapted from an article by  —Greg Gwin

"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. IV - No. 26 / May 22, 2022

GOD AND SIN

   Sometimes to describe two things opposite one another, we might say, “They are as different as day and night”. When it comes to opposites there is no sharper contrast which exist than the one between God and sin.

   God created all that is good (Genesis 1:10,12,18,21,25). “The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.” (Psalms 33:5). The first man, Adam, was created with no sin and was given access to the tree of life so that he could live forever (Genesis 2:9,16; 3:22,24). It was never God’s wish or will for man to sin. God created man in His own image (Genesis 1:27) and He provided man with every good thing as we have shown already.

   God’s attitude is such that He hates all iniquity. Psalms 5:5: “Thou hates all workers of iniquity” and Psalms 45:7: “Thou loves righteousness and hates wickedness”. “Iniquity” and “wickedness” is committed when we transgress God’s will and sin. 1 John 3:4 teaches: “For sin is the transgression of the law”. Everyone of us has sinned (Romans 3:23). It is sin that separates us from God and causes Him to. Hide His face from us so that He will not hear us (Isiah 59:2). However, Psalms 119:172 teaches all of God’s commandments are righteous.

   God so hates sin that He cannot dwell in the presence of it. The reason for this is because He is holy (1 Peter 1:15,16; 1 Timothy 6:16). We see God’s hatred toward sin as He dealt with mankind under the Old Testament. The priests who offered sacrifices under the Old Testament had to consecrate and purify themselves before going into the tabernacle or temple (Leviticus 8). They had to wash with water (verse 6), be properly clothed (verses 7-9), have oil poured on their heads (verse 12), a sin offering had to be offered (verse 14), and blood had to be put on the tip of Aaron’s right ear, the thumb of his right finger, and big toe of his right foot (verse 23) before he could come near to the presence of God and offer sacrifices for the sins of the people.

   God’s hatred of sin is so great the greatest price was required for its forgiveness, His own Son. We today, like those in old time, must purify ourselves before we can come into the presence of God. Hebrews 10:22 teaches “our bodies” are to be “washed with pure water”. This signifies the necessity of our being baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). Real atonement is through the blood of Christ which we contact in baptism. “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:” (Romans 6:3-5). —E.R. Hall, Jr.

The pleasures of sin are seasonal, but the wages of sin are eternal!
(Hebrews 11:25; Romans 6:23) 

INTERMINGLING THE PHYSICAL WITH THE SPIRITUAL

   If we are not careful we will gradually intermingle the physical with the spiritual. This was a problem even in the early church. Corinth turned a spiritual feast (the Lord's supper) into a physical festival (1 Cor. 11). What was supposed to be the Lord's supper became their own supper (1 Cor. 11:21). Paul reminded them that they had "houses to eat and drink in" and to so desecrate the spiritual feast of the Lord's supper with the physical was to "despise the church of God" (1 Cor. 11:22). So, he said, "If any man hunger let him eat at home: that ye come not together unto condemnation" (1 Cor. 11:34).

   Long ago the denominations failed to see the distinction between the carnal and the spiritual, so they built their kitchens and recreation rooms, and people soon looked upon church-furnished recreation and social activities as an integral part of the church’s mission. I can remember when Christians thought this was ridiculous. When I was a boy, the Presbyterians in my home town built a kitchen on to their building. Our brethren ridiculed it, and exclaimed, "The very idea of a kitchen in a church building!" Now, the church of Christ there whose building is just across the street, has a special building for a kitchen and a recreation room where they have social activities like baby and bridal showers, pot lucks, etc.

   Today, the liberal churches ape the denominations. There are liberal churches that have recreation programs, youth ministers, million dollar gymnasiums and well-furnished kitchens, etc. The spiritual-minded person finds this to be unscriptural and abhorrent. Worship is designed to draw our minds away from such things and focus them upon that which transcends all of this. The carnally minded think the church is not fulfilling its mission if it is not filling stomachs or entertaining someone. They intermingle praying with playing, and the social with the spiritual.

   We all need to be careful how we walk. Our Lord did not die for a YMCA or a Red Cross society. He shed His blood to purchase a divine spiritual institution with a divine spiritual mission. We must keep the line distinct and wide between the secular, the carnal, the physical, and the divine spiritual. The church has a threefold mission: Evangelism, edification and benevolence among its needy members. That does not include recreation and social activities. These are fine, but we must refrain from anything that remotely indicates that we are intermingling the social with the spiritual.

   A brother was asked how services were last Sunday. He replied, "The preaching was weak, the coffee was cold, and the donuts were old." N. B. Hardeman used to say, "The less spiritual a person is the more fried chicken it takes to keep him interested." Someone has said, "If we must use tea parties, fried chicken dinners, and ice cream socials to keep a church interested, the church is as cold as the ice cream, as weak as the tea, and as dead as the chicken."

   Churches generally need more reverence in their worship and more spirituality in their members. Let it not be said of us as of ancient Israel, "They sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play" (1 Cor. 10:7). —James P. Needham

HOW MUCH, HOW MANY, HOW OFTEN?

   There is nothing more completely opposed to the true spirit of Christianity than the attitude back of the questions “How Much, How Many, and How Often must I serve the Lord?” It is appalling that some would argue such.

   Years back a man handed me a paper which listed his income, rent, food bill, utilities, etc., and said “Now you have the facts. Tell me how much I must give to the Lord?” I asked if he thought he should visit the sick, help the needy; and when he said he did, I asked “How often?”.

   He seemed a bit puzzled, so I suggested 50 times per week, and he thought he would be well to get in that number of calls. But I persisted: “On Saturday afternoon when you have just made your fiftieth call and are on your way home, you meet a brother who is destitute, obviously worthy, and you have the means to assist him. Do you say, “I’m sorry I cannot help you now. I have made my 50 calls for this week--but hang in there, drink water and I’ll see you Monday.”

   How does one measure service that is patterned after God’s love for us? If a fellow just must have figures or percentages, he should be given them from Scriptures: like 100%. “for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.” (Mark 12:44) or “So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.” (Luke 14:33). Are you amazed? (Matthew 19:25)

   A Christian does not dole out an hour or two, a few dollars, or a pound of mercy for God. He gives first himself (2 Cor. 8:5; Mt. 16:24) and from then on his service is limited only by ability and opportunity. That’s the meaning of “as prospered” (1 Cor. 16:2). i.e., in keeping with what God has given you. God gave life to Stephen, and when the service of God called for it, Stephen gave it back to God (Acts 7:59).

   When Jesus said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” (Mat. 22:37), He left no place for “and ten percent of thy money and one hour per week of thy time”. I believe Jesus will go fishing with you (Lk. 5:4f); but don’t forget, you are doing it on His time. —Robert Turner

SENTENCE SERMON

He who is not content with what he has would not be contented with what he would like to have. 

"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. IV - No. 25 / May 8, 2022

THE VALUE OF THE SOUL

    There are many things in our life that we place value on. Some place great value in money, cars, homes, investments, education, and career. Jesus tells us that our most prized possession is our soul. In Matthew 16:26, he tells us, "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" God has given everyone an eternal spirit. Ecclesiastes 12:7 states, "Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it." In Luke 12: 16-21, Jesus tells us a parable of a man who was very prosperous, expanded his business, and felt very secure in his wealthy position. In verse 20-21, Jesus says, "But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those be which you have provided?' So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." In Matthew 6, Jesus tells us where we need to place importance in our lives in view of our eternal nature. In verses 19-21 he says, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” 

    In light of these vital teachings of Jesus, how can we begin placing proper value on our soul? First, we can begin studying God's word and learning more about him. II Timothy 2: 15 tells us to "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." Jesus tell us in Matthew 5:6, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled." Second, we need to prioritize our life in accordance with the great value placed on our soul. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus tells us to, "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness". Colossians 3:2 instructs us to, "Set your mind on things above, not on things of the earth." Third, we need to prepare to meet God in judgement. II Corinthians 5:10 states, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad." If you are not a Christian, you need to become one! You need to believe the gospel, repent of your sins, confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and be baptized in order to have your sins washed away. Mark 16: 16 tells us, "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." Acts 2:38 tells us to, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." I urge you to consider the value and condition of your soul. —Patrick White

LESSONS FROM GENESIS 1 & 3

    From these chapters in Genesis some simple yet profound lessons can be learned. They are not hard lessons but they are important lessons that give unanswerable arguments.

    CREATION ARGUES A CREATOR (Genesis 1:1). The “Big Bang Theory” cannot explain mankind’s existence and be consistent. Does the existence of a watch argue a watchmaker or a big explosion in a factory? Which is more reasonable?

    SEED PRODUCES AFTER ITS KIND (Genesis 1:11-12). We take confidence in this fact. Why would God have such a simple fact of nature mentioned in the Bible? Jesus, in Luke 8:11, taught the parable of the sower and stated, “The seed is the word of God”. The comparison is easy to understand. No more than a seed of corn can be planted and a bean plant be the result, can God’s word is planted in the hearts of people and something result other than what can be found in the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 14:33). You do not plant an acorn and get a branch of hickory, another branch of apple, another of pine, and still another of chestnut. Neither does God’s word produce Baptists, Methodists, Lutherans, Pentecostals, Mormons, and etc. Obviously, something else had to be planted because seed produces “after its kind”. God’s word produces Christians and ONLY Christians (Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16).

    THE FIRST SIN WAS A MODEL FOR ALL SIN (Genesis 3:1-6). There cannot be sin without a law (Romans 7:7) and God gave His law for Adam and Eve in Genesis 2:16-17. By comparing Genesis 3:2-6 and 1 John 2:15 we see sin can make its appeal through the “lust of the flesh” (Eve saw it was good for food), the “lust of the eye” (Eve saw it was pleasant to the eyes), or the “pride of life” (Eve knew it could make her wife). Today, sin makes its appeal the same three ways to you and I.  —E.R. Hall, Jr.

CAN A CHRISTIAN PLAY THE LOTTERY?

(Editor’s Note: The lottery is already entrenched in many states. Alabama is attempting to pass laws to legalize the same. Previous attempts have failed but it will continually be advocated until it eventually it will become “legal”. In view of what appears to be the inevitable, I commend to you the following article. ERH)

    The word "covet" is found (in various forms) eighteen times in the Old Testament and twenty-two times in the New Testament. Webster defines covet: "to desire (passionately) [especially, something that another person has]." The Greek meaning of the word is "to fix the desire upon (syn., lust)."

    The Christian is bound by the Law of Christ with such passages as Colossians 3:5, "Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry." The nature of covetousness is the act of idolatry. In this realm, God is not put first but the fleshly desire for wealth. Observe the kind of company covetousness keeps: "Being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers" (Rom. 1:29).

    The apostle Paul warns Timothy of what men will become in turning from the Lord: "For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy" (2 Timothy 3:2). To be "lovers of money" is the very nature of covetousness. In Luke 12:16-21, Jesus teaches His disciples that life is not about the things we possess. "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses" (v. 15).

    The true danger of covetousness is that a person will lose their soul and be damned to hell for it. Paul speaks very plainly when he describes those who will not be saved: "Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God" (1 Cor. 6:9-10). Consider again Paul’s words, "For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God" (Eph. 5:5).

    The lottery is very popular in our culture and has caused a lot of people to spend millions of dollars trying to win an elusive prize. For the Christian, the money is not the problem, rather the heart that desires the riches of this world. Playing the lottery is the sin of covetousness and the Lord reminds us that covetousness will damn a soul to Hell. "‘No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.’ Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him" (Luke 16:13-14). Will you also deride the Lord Jesus Christ by playing the Lottery? "But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints" (Eph. 5:3). —Kent E. Heaton, Sr.

SENTENCE SERMONS

A handful of common sense is worth a bushel of learning. 
***
Your temper may get you into trouble, but it is your pride that keeps you there. 

"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