What The Bible Says

Vol. IV - No. 23 / April 10, 2022

ARE YOU A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST?

    To be a true follower of Christ means He must be our everything. The Old Testament that was written for our learning describes a people whose lives revolved around their service to God. Raising animals for sacrifices, preparing for the commanded feast days, keeping the Sabbath all took time. While today we do not have those same responsibilities, we do have the same general command in following Christ. Passages like Matthew 7:13-14 speaks about the" ... broad gate that leads to destruction and many that go in... " while the narrow gate leads "unto life" and the few that find it. We must spend time looking for that narrow path, just like the people in the Old Testament our lives must revolve around Christ and this narrow path. In Matthew 24:14 it mentions that " ... many are called but few are chosen ... ". Today many people claim to be Christians while attending these large "come as you are" congregations  that teach the blessing of Christ but never mention the narrow path. 

    In Luke 9:23 it talks about denying self and taking up the cross daily, not only on Sunday but daily. Many religious people are mentioned in the New Testament that resisted denying self. Mark 10:17-21 describes a man who had kept all the commandments from his youth, but when Christ told him the one thing he lacked, was unwilling to deny himself of his riches therefore he went away sad and lost. Following Christ means striving to be more like Him, John 8:29 mentions doing things that "please Him". 1 Cor 10:31 says "... whatever you do, do all to the glory of God… ". Today we need to ask ourselves are we really following Christ? Are we putting our family or our jobs before Him? Is the path leading to destruction or is it narrow leading unto life?  —Dee Ledbetter

"THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE YOU FREE"

"Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’” (John 8:31-32)

    Concerning this statement Jesus made in John 8:31 and 32, lets consider some important questions.

WHAT IS TRUTH? Pilate asked this question in John 18:38 but did not wait for Jesus to answer. However, Jesus says being free depends on the proper answer to this question. If we were to ask a dozen people, ”What is truth?”, we would probably get a dozen answers in return. The Bible gives the ONLY correct answer: “Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth.” (John 17:17). God’s word, the inspired Bible , is truth!

FROM WHAT WILL THE TRUTH MAKES US FREE?  In a conversation Jesus had in John 8, it is obvious the Jews did not know the answer to this question (verses 33 and 34). Yet, they, like us, need to be free from SIN. We are all guilty of sin (Romans 3:23) and sin is serious because it separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2). Not only are we all guilty of sin, we can all be made free from sin. In Matthew 11:28 Jesus said, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” When someone insists they are waiting on the Lord to operate on their heart and do the moving, they deny they can do the coming. They are saying, “No, Lord, you come” while the Lord is saying “Come unto Me”. Jesus never promised to made men free from sins in any other way but His way. He did promised all who come to Him will be made free from the bondage of sin.                                                                    

HOW DOES THE TRUTH MAKES US FREE? Again, only the Bible can give us the correct answer. Truth must first be known. Jesus said, “You shall KNOW the truth…”. Ignorance of truth cannot make one free. “So then faith cometh by. Hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17). The we must BELIEVE the truth. “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” (Hebrews 11:6). Without faith in Christ, we will die in our sins (John 8:23-24). Finally, one must OBEY the truth. “Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21). Romans 6:17-18 teaches we are free from sin when we obey “that form of doctrine”. From verses 1-5 we see the “FORM” was that of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. Since we are dead in sins, we must be buried with Him in baptism in order to raise (resurrect) to walk in “newness of life”.  —E.R. Hall, Jr.

YOU CAN UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE FOR YOURSELF

    Are you ever late? Late completing assignments at school or work? Late getting to work, appointments, school or church? Are you ever too late? I've known people who got the time for church services wrong and drove up in the parking lot just as church members were coming out the door. I've also known people to show up for a dinner appointment just as everyone else was finishing dessert! Now that is too late!One of the greatest misconceptions about the Bible is that it is a locked book. The average person is believed to be shut out from comprehending its message. It is thought to be too mysterious, too difficult for the common man or woman to understand.

    Nothing could be further from the truth. The apostle Paul was one of the individuals who was chosen to write down the message of Christ for the New Testament. The word of Christ was revealed to Paul by the Holy Spirit. The gospel had been hidden for years like a mystery, but it was now being unveiled for all to see and know. Speaking of the gospel, Paul wrote, "how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I wrote before in a few words, by which when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)," (Ephesians 3:3-4).

    The Bible was not written to stump man or frustrate him in any way. Certainly there are sections of it that are challenging and even parts that leave most of us at a loss as to what it is about. Yet, the vast majority of what is found in the Bible is understandable for anyone.

    God's supreme intelligence makes the Bible understandable. He knows how we reason and communicate and He has constructed it in such a way that we can comprehend it. It is filled with narrative, illustrations, and colorful language that makes it easier for us to relate to what is being said. Though He is so far above us, God has always been able to connect with man if man was willing to listen.

    You don't have to have some special teacher to unlock the secrets of the Bible for you. You may benefit from another's assistance, but you can read the Bible for yourself. You do, however, have to make an effort and invest some time into studying the Bible in order to understand it. Like learning anything new, you will struggle at first. Yet, if you are committed and stick to it, you will soon begin to see it come together. You will discover that the Bible is fascinating and enlightening. You will find that it is understandable and that it is the word of eternal life (John 6:63). —Phillip Mullins

SENTENCE SERMONS

Zeal without knowledge is like driving full speed at night with your lights off.
 ***
If you don't know where you stand, you might as well sit down.
 ***
If you don't love the truth, you are likely to believe a lie.
*** 
Our goal is not to be 'politically correct' in what we say, but to be truthfully correct.
 ***
Look around at what you have before you complain about what you don't 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. 22 / March 27, 2022

ARE WE SAVED THE MOMENT WE BELIEVE?

       The reason for asking this question is because there are so many people and churches which teach we are saved the moment we believe. If this is true then all is well and good; more people and more churches need to be teaching likewise. If it is not true, it does not need to be taught at all. Only the inspired Word of God can give the answer to this question. Let us look to it with open minds to learn the answer.

    First of all, the phrase “saved the moment you believe” is not found in the Bible. This should immediately cause concern because due to the popularity of this teaching you would automatically think the phrase would surely have been recorded numerous times upon the pages of God’s Word. Yet, it can nowhere be found!

    However, the Bible does teach the necessity of belief. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6) We can understand from this verse that we must do more than just “believe that He is”. We must also believe “that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him”. To just simply “believe that He is” will not save anyone. We have too many examples of those in the New Testament who believed in God and/or Christ but were still lost. In John 12:42 “…many believed on Him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:” James 2:19 says if “thou believest there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.”

    The Scriptures do not teach a person is saved the moment they believe because more is involved than just believing. John 3:16 says, “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.” The word “gave” does not tell specifically everything which was involved in God giving His only begotten Son. Though the word “gave” does not specifically state anything about Christ’s lowly birth, His earthly ministry, His betrayal, arrest, the mock trials, His crucifixion, burial, or resurrection, we know all this is included when God “gave” His Son.

    The same is true with the word “believeth” in this verse. It too is a comprehensive word which includes more than just the act of believing in God or believing on Jesus. It includes hearing God’s Word because “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). It includes repenting because Jesus said, “…except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3,5). The word “believeth” also includes confessing. Remember those we read about in John 12:42 who “believed on Him: but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him”? They needed to confess along with their believing on Jesus. The word “believeth” in John 3:16 also includes baptism. Yet, Jesus said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” in Mark 16:16. If we “believe” we must also be “baptized” for Jesus stated both were involved in order to be “saved”!

    Have you “believed” in the way the Bible teaches or in the way that man defines the word?   —E.R. Hall, Jr.

HOW DOES GOD OPEN OUR HEARTS?

    In Acts 16 we read: “And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. And a certain woman named Lyda, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us. whose heart the Lord open that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us." (vs. 13-15). How did the Lord open her heart? Does He do the same thing to people today? Does this imply the necessity of a direct action of the Holy Spirit? Is it possible to know and obey the will of God without miraculous divine intervention in our lives?

    Look carefully at this immediate context. Notice that they "spake unto the women" (vs. 13), and Lydia "heard us" (vs. 14), and she "attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul" (vs. 14). It seems clear that the means by which Lydia's heart was opened was by the Word of God. There is nothing mysterious here. Rather, it is a demonstration of the power of the gospel (Romans 1:16), and an example of God's plan for "preaching to save them that believe" (1 Corinthians 1:21).

    Whatever the Lord did, and however the heart of Lydia was opened, it was the same thing that occurred in every other case of conversion in the book of Acts. Remember, God is "no respecter of persons" (Acts 10:34,35). On Pentecost they "heard" and were "pricked in their heart" (2:37). On that day many "gladly received his word and were baptized" (2:41). Other examples abound in the book of Acts that directly link the teaching of the word with a heartfelt, obedient response (4:4;8:12;13:12;13:48;15:7; 16:32-33;17:32-34; 18:8;19:5).

    The Lord "opens" hearts today in exactly the same way He always has -- through the preaching of the Word. —Greg Gwin

TOO LATE!

    Are you ever late? Late completing assignments at school or work? Late getting to work, appointments, school or church? Are you ever too late? I've known people who got the time for church services wrong and drove up in the parking lot just as church members were coming out the door. I've also known people to show up for a dinner appointment just as everyone else was finishing dessert! Now that is too late!

    What makes us late? Procrastination. Laziness. Failing to recognize and value opportunities. Poor scheduling. Not allowing for emergencies or unexpected circumstances. These are a few of the reasons that people are late for things every day. These same factors will cause some people to be too late when it comes to obeying the gospel.

    In Matthew 25:1-13, Jesus tells a parable about ten virgins who were to participate in a wedding feast. They all waited for the appearance of the bridegroom, but the five "foolish virgins" had taken no oil for their lamps. Why not? Procrastination! Laziness! Poor planning! They failed to prepare properly. Then, when the bridegroom was delayed (an unexpected circumstance), the foolish virgins had to go out to buy oil. He came while they were out (another unexpected occurrence), and when they returned, they were too late. They were not allowed entrance to the wedding. Imagine their frustration, sorrow and humiliation.

    Another Bible example of folks who were too late is found in Luke 19:41-44. As Jesus approached Jerusalem, "He saw the city and wept over it." He foresaw the day when all that were within would be destroyed and the city would be leveled to the ground, without one stone left on top of another. Why would this happen to Jerusalem and its people? Jesus tells them that it is "because you did not know the time of your visitation." They missed their chance.

    On the judgment day, it will be too late to obey the gospel. Those who squandered opportunities to heed and obey in this life will feel a lot like the five virgins who were shut out of the wedding feast - very foolish indeed. They will realize that, like the people of Jerusalem, they missed their chance. And like the children of Israel of old who disobeyed God, they will cry out in despair "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved!" (Jeremiah 8:20)

    Don't allow that sickening feeling of despair and loss to be yours for all eternity. Life is too short, eternity is too long, and the risk is too great to wait too late to make your life right with God. —Steve Klein

SENTENCE SERMONS

I asked, 'Why doesn't somebody do something?’ Then I realized that I was somebody!
 ***
Be content with what you have, but never with what you 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. IV - No. 21 / March 13, 2022

WHAT DID JESUS LOOK LIKE?

The Bible's Answer

    No one knows exactly what Jesus looked like, since his physical appearance is not totally described in the Bible. This indicates that Jesus’ physical features are not important. However, the Bible does give us some idea of Jesus’ general appearance.

Features: Jesus was a Jew. (Hebrews 7:​14) It is unlikely that his features were especially distinctive. On one occasion he was able to travel in secret from Galilee to Jerusalem without being recognized. (John 7:​10,11) And he apparently did not stand out even among his closest disciples. Judas Iscariot had to identify Jesus to the armed crowd that arrested him.​—Matthew 26:47-​49.

Hair length: It is unlikely that Jesus’ hair was long, because the Bible says that “long hair is a dishonor to a man.”​—1 Corinthians 11:14. Jesus would not have bought dishonor to himself and especially to His Father in Heaven.

Beard: Jesus followed Jewish law so he would have had a beard. The Jewish law prohibited adult males from ‘disfiguring the edges of their beard.’ (Leviticus 19:27; Galatians 4:4). 

Body: Many indications in the Scriptures bare out that Jesus was physically healthy. During His ministry, He traveled many miles. (Matthew 9:​35) He cleansed the Jewish temple twice, overturning the tables of money changers, and once drove out livestock with a whip. (Luke 19:45- 46; John 2:​14, 15). Mark 6:3 – Tells us Jesus was a carpenter: Is not this the carpenter the son of Mary. Jesus was not a weak or frail man by physical means at all based on what we can read about him in these verses.

Humanity: Jesus was warm and compassionate, (Matthew 11: 28: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest 29, Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” People sought Him out for comfort and help. (Luke 5:​12-13). Even children felt at ease in His presence.​—Matthew 19:13-​15; Mark 9:​35-​37.

    Let us consider what the Scriptures say about Jesus and His teachings. One day we will have to face Him in The Judgement!           —David Maddox

"I DON'T WANT TO CHANGE MY RELIGION"

    When this statement is made, the implied meaning is that “I don’t want to  change what I believe” or “I don’t want to change what I’m practicing”. The saddest thing is when people make this statement after being shown the Bible contradicts what they believe or practice. To make this reply, under those circumstances, is merely a convenient way to dodge the truth and feel justified in continuing what they are doing in religious matters.

    If Saul had made this reply to Ananias, he would have continued to believe he was right in doing “many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth” (Acts 26:9). There is no question of his being religious and sincere in his persecution of Christians, but that did not make him right. To be right he had to change from the religion of the Pharisees and count all things as loss (Phil. 3:4-9).

    The disciples of John are examples of those who had to ‘change their religion’. Even though they had been baptized by John, they were made to realize John’s baptism was no longer valid and “were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 19:1-7). What if they would have replied to Paul, “We don’t want to change our religion”? Would they have been baptized in the name of Christ? More than likely they would not have done so. That statement is more than a statement. It’s an attitude that “I am not going to change regardless of what the Scriptures teach”.

    The Jews of Acts 18:4-8 are another case to consider. Some Jews blasphemed (spoke against) what Paul was teaching. Can you not image that some of them were telling Paul, “We don’t want to change our religion” and they were satisfied with what they were? Other Jews, even a chief ruler of the synagogue, “believed and were baptized”. They were willing to change when shown to be wrong in what they had formerly believed.

    We need to be willing to do the same. Regardless of the religion of our forefathers or how long we have been doing something or regardless of whatever loss we may have to suffer, we need to be willing to change. When shown from the Scriptures that what we are doing is contrary to what the word of God teaches, we don’t need to excuse ourselves by saying,”I don’t want to change my religion”. Don’t misunderstand, don’t change for the sake of change but change to conform to what God’s word reveals.
—E.R. Hall, Jr.

WHY I GO TO EVERY SERVICE OF THE CHURCH!

A. I Go To Every Service Of The Church Because I Am Made Stronger. Power is given in worship to live a nobler life (Acts 20:32). There is the sweetest fellowship on earth. Why should I want to miss ANY service?
 
B. I Go To Every Service Of The Church Because God Wants The Church To Grow (cf. Acts 2:47; 4:4). The church always grows when members put God first by loyal attendance. Here is a way all can help in the finest work on earth.
 
C. I Go To Every Service Of The Church To Set A Good Example. Many look my way and follow in my steps (Matthew 5:14-16). Influence is either good or bad. Any hour the church meets, my influence is with or against Christ.
 
D. I Go To Every Service Of The Church To Prove My Love And Gratitude. One who truly loves God does not ask if he must attend all services. His love compels him to! If I show love to God by attendance, I show lack of love by absence (Matthew 22:37-39).
 
E. I Go To Every Service Of The Church To Obey God. The Bible says, "forsake not the assembling of yourselves together" (Hebrews 10:25). Any service where the Bible is taught, prayer is made, and God is worshipped, is good, and "to him that knoweth to do good and doeth it not to him it is sin" (James 4:17). If it is good to be present for all services, it is bad to be absent from any. 

F. I Go To Every Service Of The Church To Put First Things First. "Seek ye FIRST His kingdom" (Matthew 6:33). Jesus said the church must be first to the Christian, even before seeking food, clothing or drink.

G. I Go To Every Service Of The Church Because It Is Safe To Do So. All who forsake an assembly wonder if they sin, but I know I am safe in attending EVERY service (Romans 14:21-23).
 
H. I Go To Every Service Of The Church To Abound In The Lord's Work (1 Corinthians 15:58). A true Christian wants to do ALL he can and not as LITTLE as he can. Since the assemblies of the church are vital, I must abound in attendance.
—Selected

SENTENCE SERMONS

We cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are.
 ***
Don't use time or words carelessly. Neither can be retrieved.

"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. 20 / February 27, 2022

WHAT'S YOUR QUESTION?

(Editor’s Note: In this issue of WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS, we would like to deal with two often asked questions. These questions may have also been on your mind. If there should be other questions you would like to have answered, why not write or email us and ask them? We would try and do our best to give you a Bible answer, and only a Bible answer, to any Bible question you would ask. Let us hear from you.)

How and where do we learn the church of Christ is the only church?

     Not everything that calls itself a church of Christ is such. There are many who go by that designation which do not follow the New Testament pattern. The term “church of Christ” is a scriptural designation for the church as can be seen from Romans 16:16 - “The churches of Christ salute you”. However, having the right name is only one requirement of the church. It must also be scriptural in work, worship, and all other things Christ has authorized the church to do. Christ, through the New Testament, must authorize every aspect of the church if He is truly to be the Head of it (Ephesians 1:22-23; 5:23).

     Churches of Christ which follow the New Testament pattern are the only church because they constitute the only church which was bought by the blood of Christ and which was built by Christ (Matthew 16:18; Acts 20:28). No other church is mentioned in or sanctioned by the New Testament. As stated already, ‘churches of Christ’ is one scriptural designation for God’s people. There are others such as: “church of God” (1 Corinthians 1:2). Any church that goes by a name or designation other than one found in the New Testament, is not the church the Lord established. How can a church be the church of the New Testament when it wears an unscriptural name? Of course there are many who say, “There’s nothing in a name” but God’s word teaches, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

     Also, for churches to wear such names as Methodist, Baptist, Catholic, Mormon, etc. is to have names not found in the New Testament to designate the church of the Lord. In addition to unscriptural names, they also teach doctrines and engage in practices not found in the New Testament. Those who say their doctrines and practices are acceptable to God need to tell us for what purpose God gave us the Bible. If we are at liberty to go our own way and do as we please, the Bible is of no use to us whatsoever. If we have this kind of liberty in religious matters, we need to throw our Bibles away like the Modernist and Humanist have been trying to get us to do!

Why aren’t members of all churches along with those who never learn the Bible but live good lives not saved?

     God’s demands a strict following of His word. “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.” (Galatians 1:8-9). “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.” (2 John 9). Salvation is not one time promised to those who disobey His word. This is what we believe and practice at the East Albertville church of Christ because this is the only fair and proper attitude toward God’s word. As to those who never learn the Bible but live good moral lives, the Bible teaches Jesus died for our sins (Matthew 26:28). It also teaches all are sinners (Romans 3:23; 6:23). To have forgiveness of sins one must contact the blood of Christ. This is done by hearing God’s word and believing it (Romans 10:17), repenting of our sins (Luke 13:,5; Acts 2:38), confessing Christ to be God’s Son (Romans 10:10; Acts 8:37), and being buried with Christ in baptism (Romans 6:3-6; Acts 2:38). If the good moral person can be saved by his good works and not obey these commands, he can be saved without the blood of Christ. Baptism is the act which puts us in contact with Christ’s blood. Thus, Christ died in vain if just being a good moral person is all it takes to be saved.     —E.R. Hall, Jr.

"...WE WALK BY FAITH..."

"Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord - for we walk by faith, not by sight"; (2 Corinthians 5:6-7).

     The Bible often uses "walk" as a metaphor for one's manner of conduct. Life is a journey; we are merely "sojourners and pilgrims" here. An old hymn says, "this world is not my home; I'm just a passing through..." In the body we are "absent from the Lord," but like Paul, we "walk by faith..." and "make it our aim to always be well-pleasing" to God (2 Corinthians 5:2-9). Our choices are made with respect to things, which are unseen, rather than to those which are seen (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

     Although we cannot see God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, and Heaven with our eyes, we have complete confidence that they are real, and we act accordingly.

     Whether we see or do not see does not alter their nature or importance, nor does it make it improper to act with reference to them.

     Faith enables us to see when the eye cannot. It makes easy the most self-sacrificial service required of us (cf. Abraham, Gen. 22). It enables us to endure sore trials without murmuring. When dangers arise, it lights our path and gives us courage. It enables us to overcome doubt and temptations for we believe that "Faith is the victory that overcomes the world!"

     We do not "walk by sight." One walks by sight when he is motivated only by the approval of other people. He walks by sight when he makes mammon his god...when he lives for getting and hoarding, or spending and squandering ... when he estimates worth by wealth, or property. A man walks by sight when he cannot control his appetite or passion; when he cannot put aside things "good for food and pleasant to the eyes" for the sake of tomorrow's sickness, or a life of disgrace; when he finds himself again and again yielding to the same temptation from which he has suffered. Weakly lives and miserably dies the one who is a slave of what his better nature condemns and despises, but to which his fleshly appetite, long made a tyrant by yielding to it, ties and binds him.
—James E. Cooper

SENTENCE SERMONS

What a pity human beings cannot exchange problems. Everyone knows exactly how to solve the other fellow's.
 ***
If you want to set the world right, start with yourself.
 ***
Christianity is often judged by what others
see of it in you.
 ***
Bitterness corrodes the spirit. 

"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. 19 / February 13, 2022

"ALMOST THOU PERSUADEST ME TO BE A CHRISTIAN"

    “King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.” (Acts 26:27-29)

    The word “almost” is the saddest word in the English language. “Almost” can change a lot of things. Let’s examine this statement.

“ALMOST” defeats the doctrine of salvation by faith only. Faith alone did not save Agrippa. In John 12:42-43 we read of the chief rulers who believed would they were not saved. Faith without works is dead according to James 2:14-24. Yet a good number of religious people would try to have you believe that faith alone will save. They are quick to point out the thief on the cross and as if he was baptized. The answer is, “No, he was not!” but the thief was also living under the Old Testament and before Christ died on the cross. Christ’s blood and not been shed. You and I live after Christ’s death and under the New Testament. Can we not see that the the case of the thief is altogether different from us?

“THOU” refers to the apostle Paul for he was the one trying to persuade Agrippa.Since Agrippa refers to Paul having a part in persuading him, this defeats the doctrine of salvation by miraculous works of the Holy Spirit. There is no other power in force to save mankind from sin than the pure simple gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16). Some may be quick to point out Saul’s conversion in Acts 9 as proof of the need for miraculous events to happen in conversion. Indeed, a great light shined about him and he fell to the ground and heard the voice of Jesus. Yet, when he asked Jesus, “What wilt thou have me to do?”, Jesus replied, “Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.” (Acts 9:6) Saul went to the city of Damascus and when Ananias came to him he said, “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” (Acts 22:16) If Saul was saved because Jesus spoke to him, Saul didn’t know it, Christ didn’t know it, and Ananias didn’t know it! Too, if Saul was saved on the road to Damascus, as some claim, he still had his sins because Ananias told him to wash his sins away!

“PERSUADEST ME” destroys the concept of the mourner’s bench. Long ago, John Calvin said we must persuade God to save us and many denominations have accepted his doctrine. Thus, if you were to go to the services of  many churches you would hear a call made for anyone that is a sinner to come and kneel down at the altar to pray their sins away. In doing this they plead with God to forgive them of their sins. The problem with all this is that you cannot find anyone doing this in the Bible! No alien sinner ever prayed their sins away! If they did, where is the book, chapter, and verse that teaches such? Agrippa knew who had to be persuaded and it was him and not God! In 2 Peter 3:8-9 we see how God is willing that all men should come to repentance. Peter told people in Acts 2:40 to “save yourselves from this untoward generation”. God had done His part by providing His only begotten Son and man must do what God requires in order to be saved. Thus those in Acts 2 that “gladly received his word were baptized” (Acts 2:41).

“TO BE” is not the same as ‘to feel’ or ‘to get’. Religion is not something ‘you get’ but it is something “to be”. Neither is it an ‘experience’ because when you begin to hear people explain how they know they are saved, no two ‘experiences’ are the same. Yet, denominational creeds rely upon ‘experiences’ as evidence of salvation and, therefore, acceptance into the membership of their churches. However, in the book of Acts we have people being saved from their sins but there is a striking similarity in every case: the word of God was preached, they heard, believed, and were baptized. We don’t read in the Bible what we hear so much talk about today where people are told to “just accept Jesus as your personal Savior”, “Jesus come into my heart”, or “Lord save me”! 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.” (Matthew 7:21)

“A CHRISTIAN” The name is important and there is something in a name. The word “Christian” refers to “one who belongs to Christ”. Calling yourself a Christian doesn’t make you one. If I were to call myself a mechanic and sit in a garage all day, that would not make me one. It makes a difference what name we wear religiously. Acts 4:12 states: “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” If we can be saved by no other than Christ, does it make any sense to call ourselves by any other name other than a Christian? Then what justification can there be for people calling themselves Baptist? Was John crucified for them? This can be done to all the names that people were religiously. Why not BE A CHRISTIAN, nothing more and nothing less, instead of “almost”.    —E.R. Hall, Jr.

INTEGRITY

Required Under the Law
• Deuteronomy 16:19: Thou shalt not wrest judgement; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.
• Deuteronomy 16:20: That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherhit the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.

The Just Man Described
• Proverbs 20:7: The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are  blessed after him.

Job’s Resolve
• Job 27:4: My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter  deceit.
• Job 27:5: God forbid that I should justify you: till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me.

Is Open to Inspection
• John 3:21: But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his  deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

HOW IS YOURS?
—George Leath

SENTENCE SERMONS
If you will get on the right road and go straight, you will not get lost. 
***
Common sense is one of the most uncommon things around.
***
You may need false teeth but be sure that your tongue is always true.
***
It takes far more effort to make a good life thana good living.
 ***
Often the chains of bad habits are two small to be felt until they are too strong to be broken.
***
To be sound, an argument must be true.

"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