What The Bible Says

Vol. IV - No. 7 / August 29, 2021

THE PSALMIST SOUL-WINNING FORMULA

    "Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted to You." -- Psalms 51:12,13 (NKJV).

    The Psalmist may be saying that if the Lord restores the joy of his salvation then he promises to teach transgressors. Or he may be saying that when the joy of salvation is restored teaching transgressors will naturally follow. In either case, sinners will be converted.

    Answers to why we are not converting more to Christ are offered by the dozens. "How to" instructions abound. Several preachers specialize in "soul-winning techniques". "Specials" are held from time to time to consider the matter. Book stores stock books and kits that are supposed to tell us how to make virtually every Christian an effective soul-winner. Yet, all the above combined produce meager results. Even what appear to be spectacular results often turn out to be nothing more than a mirage -- a flash in the pan.

    All this somewhat reminds me of a story that I heard several years ago about a company trying to increase its sales. They hired an expensive sales expert to lecture their salesmen on sales organization and technique. Their experienced salesmen and new recruits were required to attend so they, too, could become experts. The expert unveiled his plan. He demonstrated his sure-fire technique. He organized the territories complete with a wall map with pins placed at strategic points to illustrate the salesmen, customers and potential customers. He had refined his program to a fine art. During his lecture he spotted an old salesmen sitting over in the corner who was reputed to have been the top salesman for the company over several years. After, proudly and with fan fare, presenting his technique he asked the old salesman if he had any words of encouragement or advice that he might add to what had been said. The old salesmen replied, "Yes, take all those pins out of that map and stick them into the salesmen!"

    Could it be that our problem in teaching transgressors the Lord's way and thus converting them to Lord is not so much poor methods, materials, and facilities as it is poor motivation with no proper foundation? It may be that the joy of our own salvation is the missing element. Pep rallies and motivational hype on the subject of soul-winning may stir brethren into spurts of action, even producing some results. A sustained effort and lasting results will likely come from one who really knows both the plan and joy of salvation. Such a one understands what it means to be lost. He knows what it means to be saved. His knowledge is not based on fleeting feelings but on a knowledge of what God's word teaches on damnation and salvation. His joy is not the superficial cart wheel turning, hand clapping, "praise the Lord" shouting variety, but a far deeper joy of thankfulness, knowing that he has been delivered from the power of darkness into the kingdom of God's dear Son. One with such joy understands what it means to no longer be a sinner alienated from God. He understands God's plan of salvation. He understands what the Bible teaches about being a Christian. His joy is produced by that understanding and his knowing that his life is now in harmony with that understanding. Thus, he wants others to know what he knows and do what he has done to be saved -- and is doing to stay saved. His genuine faith in the promises and blessings in Christ produces the joy of salvation that leads him to teach transgressors the Lord's ways so that they can enjoy what he enjoys.

    Brethren filled with the knowledge and joy of salvation will find ways (or techniques) to teach others consistent with their own temperaments and abilities and of those they are trying to reach. Their methods may vary widely but their message and results will be the same - the gospel will be taught and sinners will be converted.

    It may well be that the best personal work program that a church can develop is to set about to restore that genuine joy of salvation to its membership by building them up in the faith through teaching.

 —Edward O. Bragwell, Sr. 

"YE DO ERR NOT KNOWING THE SCRIPTURES

    The Sadducees of Jesus’ day did not believe in the resurrection. Because of this, Jesus said, "Ye do err not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God”. It made no difference how sincere they may have been in their understanding of the resurrection, they were still in error because the Scriptures taught differently. The same is true today; it mades no difference what we think or believe about a thing but, rather, what does the Scriptures teach.

    The Hindu woman, who pitches her baby to the crocodile, thinks she is doing the right thing but she errs not knowing the Scriptures. The Scriptures nowhere authorizes such a deed be done in worship to God.

    The person or church that practices sprinkling for baptism or teaches a person is saved before baptism errs not knowing the Scriptures. The Scriptures teach in Romans 6:4 and Colossians 2:12 baptism is a BURIAL while Acts 2:38 and 1 Peter 3:21 teaches sins are not forgiven and a person is not saved until they are baptized.

    Those who say, “One church is just as good as another” err not knowing the Scriptures. Ephesians 1:22,23 and 4:4 teaches there is but ONE church.

    If you are one of those who believe in salvation by faith without works, you do err not knowing the Scriptures. James 2:24 teach, “faith without works is dead”. If you believe “once saved always saved”, ye do err not knowing the Scriptures. Galatians 5:4 along with other passages show a Christian can fall from grace.

    Either what we believe and practice is authorized in the Scriptures or we do err!
 —E.R. Hall, Jr.

"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. 6 / August 15, 2021

WARNING!

    The average consumer should feel insulted over the silly warning labels that accompany many products.

On a blanket from Taiwan: “Not to be used as protection from a tornado.”  This is good to know.
On a fireplace log: “Caution — Risk of Fire.” Who would have thought it?
On a string of Chinese made Christmas lights: “For indoor or outdoor use only.” This narrows our options.
Warning on a cartridge for a laser printer: “Do not eat toner.”

    Perhaps these warnings should come with a warning: Do not take this warning seriously.

    Unfortunately, frivolous warnings disarm us. They tend to make us suspicious of all warnings. This is tragic.  We must take God’s warnings seriously.

    In the Old Testament, the Lord warned Israel, “You shall not add to the word which 1 command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you” (Deuteronomy 4:2).

    Embedded within this warning is the revelation that adding to or taking from His words results in keeping something other than the word of God.

    Agur adds a similar warning in Proverbs 30:6: “Do not add to His words, lest He reprove you, and you be found a liar.” We could be guilty of adding to His word by writing additional chapters or books. But we can violate this passage without going to that much trouble. Any time we substitute human wisdom for divine truth, we add to His word.

    If someone objects that these are Old Testament passages, the New Testament offers the same warning. “As I urged you when I went into Macedonia —remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine” (1 Timothy 1:3).

    Those who fail to abide in the teaching of Christ do not have God (2 John 9). This means if something is unauthorized by the Scriptures, we must leave it alone. Otherwise, we are no different from rebels who practice lawlessness – and that’s not a frivolous warning!
 —Rick Duggin 

IS THERE A GOD?

    Have you ever asked this question and seriously reasoned it through or have you merely brushed it aside without ever searching for the answer? It would do every human being good to sincerely ask and answer this extremely important question: Is there a God and, if so, how do we know? Can we prove God exists? No, not in the sense of our being able to see Him but evidence can be offered to show that He does exist and this evidence is superior to any that can be offered against His existence!

    The car you drive, the watch you tell time by, and the house you live in had to be built by someone. Right? We may not have seen the persons who build our car or house nor the maker of the watch we wear but we do not have to see them to know they existed to build those things. With that understood, let’s consider this: the earth we live on and the universe we live in are here; they exist! Do they not compel us to see there has to be a Maker for all this to exists? The existence of God is the only reasonable explanation when compared to a “big bang theory” which some advocate.

    Everywhere we look in the natural realm we see order and precision. The rotation of the earth about the sun, the moon around the earth, and the earth itself being perfectly suited for sustaining life all serve as further evidence. Life itself argues for a Creator who is living. The law of biogenesis that “life comes from life” proves this to be true. It is unreasonable to think all of this came about by chance or mere accident. It would be just as believable to think a beautiful automobile accidentally results from an explosion as it would be to think the universe and natural laws came into existence because of some big explosion billions of years ago. Chance cannot explain these things but a living God can!

    Has this God spoken? If not, we are left on our own to do as we please. Obviously, some people live this way; doing their own things in their own way. If God has spoken, how does He reveal Himself to mankind? The Bible is the only reliable medium claiming to be from God. The Bible describes a God capable of creating heaven and earth and all that is in them (Genesis 1-3). The Bible answers three questions mankind of all ages ask: Where did I come from (Genesis 2:7), Why am I here (Ecclesiastes 12:13), and Where am I going (Hebrews 9:27; John 5:29). The Bible tells us what sin is (1 John 3:4), what sin does (Isaiah 59:1-2), that all mankind is guilty of sin (Romans 3:23), and what sin results in (Romans 6:23; James 1:15). But, also, the Bible reveals God’s plan of redemption for mankind and tells us how to wash our sins away through his Son, Jesus Christ (Acts 22:16).

    The Bible reveals both the goodness and severity of God (Romans 2:2-9). Yes, the Bible is the inspired Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17) for it is the mind of God revealed unto mankind (1 Corinthians 2:9-12). Thus, we can know God by studying His divinely revealed Word (Ephesians 3:3-5).

    “Because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,” (Romans 1:19-20). It is unreasonable to not believe there is a God and let us not be fooled by the theories of man for we are without excuse. Evidence abounds! 
 —E.R. Hall, Jr.

***SENTENCE SERMONS*** 

Man's way leads to a hopeless end! Gods way leads to an endless hope!
 ***
When things go wrong, never go with them.
 ***
No matter how bad your situation, you can lose your temper and make it worse.

"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. 5 / August 1, 2021

COME AS YOU ARE, WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

    Often times the phrase “come as you are” is used in religious discussions pertaining to one’s approach toward the worship of God and has even been used as a motto and/or fundamental principal by some churches. What does this phrase suggest? Is it a biblically inspired teaching?  Let’s see what God’s Word has to say about it.

    When the phrase “come as you are” is used in relation to the worship of God, it suggests that all individuals are welcome and that there is no need of action to meet any special criteria for God to accept you (i.e. repentance from sin, dress, etc.). Although the bible teaches that all are welcome since Christ died “…once for all” – (Romans 6:10) and that “…the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men” – (Titus 2:11), it also shows in the parable of the wedding feast in Matthew 22 that one must make preparation in order to be accepted of God.  Jesus began His ministry teaching the need for repentance as seen in passages like Matthew 4:17 and Mark 1:15 and states “I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish” in verses 3 and 5 of Luke 13. Repentance is often defined as: a change of mind that results in a change of action. This concept is taught in Ephesians 4:22-24 where the Bible states that we must “…put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt….and put on the new man which was created according to God…” This completely disavows the idea that God loves us “just the way we are” and that there is no need of action on our part to meet His standards. His standard is clearly identified in 1 Peter 1:16 where God says, “...be holy, for I am holy.”  

    We are NOT good enough the way we are, and God does NOT love the way we are. However, God DID love us so much that He sent His son Jesus who “…gave himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.” – (Titus 2:14). When people use this phrase “come as you are”, they are teaching the exact opposite of what God intended.  God did not love us and sacrifice His son for us so that we could remain in sin and stay “just the way we are”. He sacrificed His son for us so that we would REPENT and TURN from who we are and become a changed, purified people that are zealous for obeying His word. With these teachings in mind, we MUST acknowledge that to be accepted by God, one MUST transform themselves – (Romans 12:2). The phrase “come as you are” is not only wrong, but is totally contrary to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His teaching on the necessity of repentance – (Acts 2:38). May we all imitate Paul and “…press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” – (Phillipians 3:14) and humble ourselves to meet all of God’s standards so that we can one day receive that crown of life spoken of in James 1:12.
 —Jared Davis

CAN WE BE SURE OF THE ACCURACY OF THE BIBLE?

    Has it ever concerned you that there might have been things added to or taken from the Bible? It is extremely important for us to know whether or not the book, known as the Bible, contains all of God’s word. What if one of the translators decided to change something? Is there some way we can be sure of the accuracy of the Bible we read today?

    When the Bible was originally written, the writers did not write in English. They wrote in the language of their day which was Greek. Neither do we have the original manuscripts they wrote. That being true, it might cause us to ever doubt the accuracy of our Bible today. However, we do have hundreds upon hundreds of handwritten copies. The oldest New Testament manuscript dates back to within 50 years of when John wrote it. By comparison of all these copies, we can achieve a high degree of certainty concerning what was originally written. This would be like asking 200 men to copy by hand a particular book. While all copies may contain numerous errors, one could find what the original said by comparing all 200 copies.

    Great care was exercised by the scribes and copyists down through the ages to be sure the original texts were duplicated. They realized the importance of maintaining minute precision in the transmission of God’s word from one generation to another. Some even counted every letter of the finished product to be certain no mistakes were made. Oftentimes the detection of a single error was enough to warrant destroying the entire copy.

    Another fact for us to consider is if all the old manuscripts were destroyed, all but 20 verses of the New Testament could be reconstructed by taking quotations of Bible passages found in other ancient sources.

    As the result of all this, we can be certain we  have an identical facsimile of how the original text read. Yet, this brings us to another question: Since few of us can read Greek, how can we be sure what we read is an accurate translation? The best translations are those done by large groups of scholars of varied religious convictions working together on a translation. Thus the King James Version and the American Standard Version of the Bible are hard to beat for their accuracy. “Paraphrases”, like The Living Bible need to be avoided because these are the works of one man retelling the Bible in his own words.

    It can be concluded that if we are selective in choosing what we accept as the Bible, we can rest assured in knowing the book we read is in fact the true and complete word of God. Let us also have faith in the statement of Jesus when He said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away: but My words shall not pass away.” (Mark 13:31)
—E.R. Hall, Jr.

***SENTENCE SERMONS*** 

Anger makes your mouth work faster than your mind.
*** 
It may be that a dog is man's best friend because he wags his tail and not his tongue.
***
The man who has not learned to say "no" will be a weak and wretched man as long as he lives.
***
Church members are like cars; they start missing before they quit.
***
You quickly lose interest in the church if you have nothing invested.

"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. 4 / July 18, 2021

HOW TO ANSWER WHEN YOU DON'T KNOW THE ANSWER

    No one likes to be 'put on the spot.' We dread the possibility of being asked questions that we can't answer. This is especially true when the questions are about religion.

     Without a doubt, one of the biggest hindrances to spreading the gospel is this fear of being asked questions. Many Christians feel uneasy about their level of Bible knowledge. Thus, to avoid potentially embarrassing situations, they do their best to sidestep any discussion that might turn to religious themes. This is sad, because it keeps us from many 'open doors' for personal evangelism.

     Since no one has ALL of the answers, it is important for us to know what to do when questions arise that 'stump' us. Here are some suggestions:

1) Realize -- and be ready to explain -- that there are simply some pieces of information that we do not have because God has not supplied them. "The secret things belong unto the Lord our God" (Deut. 29:29). But, we have "all truth" (John 16:12, 13), and "all things that pertain unto life and godliness" (2 Pet. 1:3). So, every piece of essential information has been supplied.

2) When you do not know the answer, it is best to simply admit it. This is much better than trying to 'bluff' you way through. Humbly say, "I don't know." But do not fail to add: "I'll find out and get back to you on that." Following this procedure will actually provide additional opportunities to teach. It keeps the door open to further discussions.

3) Study, study, study! You will feel less intimidated and more willing to engage in biblical discussions if you build your confidence level by increasing your Bible knowledge. Pay special attention to areas where you presently feel 'weak' in knowledge and understanding. Be well prepared to deal with popular denominational errors. Be ready to explain 'issues' that divide brethren.

4) Never shy away from a chance to talk about God and His Word. The more you do this, the easier it will become. Every such conversation serves as an opportunity for you to 'sharpen your sword'.

—Greg Gwin

RESPECTABLE WORLDLINESS

    Whenever we hear the word "worldliness" we often think of lying, drunkenness, adultery, and other such things. There is no doubt that God's word condemns such things from verses like Revelation 21:8: "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone:" 

    Yet there is another kind of worldliness that we possibly don’t recognize because it is so widely accepted. Let's call it "respectable worldliness" because it has to do with good things like our families, our jobs, our recreation, etc. Many of our material blessings come to us through these things and none of us would deny the rightful place which they have in our lives. However, ANYTHING we put more emphasis on than serving God and doing His will becomes a sin. We are to "love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength" (Mark 12:30). This verse is telling us that everything is to be secondary to God. 

    Many Christians are guilty of "respectable worldliness". No, they don’t commit fornication or adultery; they are not drunkards or drug addicts. What they are guilty of is letting the good and decent things of this life totally engulf them. As a result, things of the Lord are pushed to the side more and more little by little. How often have we used the words, "I don't have the time!” when it comes to justifying ourselves for not visiting the sick, studying our Bibles at home, attending all the services, or teaching someone the gospel? What we are saying is that we are too busy working on our jobs or doing for our families to have enough time to do the Lord's bidding. We mean no harm because we realize the importance of our jobs and our famiIies and we understand that God has required us to work and care for our families. Could it be that even though we say we love the Lord, we might just love our jobs and families more. The way we live can definitely demonstrate a misplaced affection. 

    The blessings we have in this country are a curse to the spirituality of the Christian. Take a look at ourselves. We have no time for in-depth study of the Bible, some prefer sermonettes during worship services, we drive several miles to attend a ball game or other events but cannot go to the next town to attend a gospel meeting, and we hardly blink an eye at the debt we assume in order to buy a new color TV or spend on our hobbies, but we would suggest a psychiatrist for the man who would incur the same sort of debt to support gospel preaching in a needy location. This kind of worldliness has given us a "ho-hum" attitude especially in view of the fact that everyone in society places job and family at the head of their list of priorities. 

    We all know the drunkard, drug addict, fornicator, etc. are going to hell. We help to amen the preacher who steps on their toes. Let's consider this: Can a person be lost because he worked too many hours making an "honest living" or will one be condemned for attending ball games, or relaxing with friends, or for buying a new TV or their hobbies? The answer to these questions can be found in Jesus' parable in Luke 14:16-24: "A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: and sent his servants at supper time to say to them that were bidden, ‘Come; for all things are now ready’. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, ‘I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused’. And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused’. And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come’. So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go  out  quickly  into  the  streets and  lanes of  the city,  and bring in hither the poor, and the halt, and the blind’. And the servant said, ‘Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room’. And the lord said unto the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.’" 

    Notice that the men that would not taste of the supper were not drunkards, adulterers, homosexuals, or even liars. They were lost over "a piece of ground", "five yoke of oxen", and "a wife". The lesson is simple: PUT GOD FIRST! "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33).

—E.R. Hall, Jr.

"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. 2 / June 20, 2021

CAN THOSE WHO ARE SINCERE BE WRONG?

    Honesty and sincerity do not guarantee that our positions and actions are right. We recognize that principle in other areas of life. Why not grabble with it in religion? We all know that it is possible for one to take the wrong medication, while believing it to be correct, and then suffer the consequences. If a person drank a glass of poison, thinking it to be water, would it not have an adverse affect upon him?

    All through the Bible there are examples of those who were sincere and still in sin. To illustrate, consider the case of Abimelech who took Sara from Abraham. He said, “In the integrity of my heart and innocence of my hands I have done this” (Gen. 20:5). Yet, it was still wrong for him to take her. God told Abimelech, “Indeed you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken, for she is a man’s wife” (v. 3). As a consequence, God “closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife” (v. 18).

    Do you remember the old prophet who lied to the younger one about God telling him to come back with him (1 Kings 13)? The younger prophet had been specifically warned by God who said, “You shall not eat bread, nor drink water, nor return by the same way you came” (v. 9). The older prophet “lied” to him and convinced the younger prophet that the Lord told him to bring the younger prophet home with him. So, he did what he was told. The text says the Lord allowed a lion to slay him because of his disobedience. Sincere? Yes. Honest? Absolutely. Wrong?  No doubt!

    More specifically, there are cases of people who were sincere and yet they were still wrong and in need of salvation. Saul of Tarsus is a case in point. Before his conversion he persecuted the church making havoc of it (Acts 8:1-3). He assisted in putting Christians in prison and voiced his opinion about some being put to death. In fact, he was so bad that he described himself as the “chief” of sinners (1 Tim. 1:15). Yet, during that time, he lived with a clear conscience (Acts 23:1). The whole time he was doing what he thought to be right. He was wrong, though sincere. He still needed to be baptized to wash away his sins (Acts 22:16).

    Another case is that of Cornelius, the first Gentile convert (Acts 10). He was a good man (vv. 2, 22). He feared God, gave alms, and prayed regularly. Yet, he still had to hear the gospel by which he could be saved (Acts 10:6; 11:14). Was this notable leader sincere? No one would question that. Was he still lost and in need of salvation? He certainly was.

    In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said that there would be some who would be surprised at the judgment day. He said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, “' never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness”’ (Matt. 7:21-23)!  Their reaction shows their honesty and sincerity. Yet, these would be cast off because they work lawlessness (doing that which is not lawful).

    While we do not determine what is right and wrong by whether we like the consequences, we can see something is wrong with a conclusion if its consequences contradict plain and simple passages. If we cannot conceive of sincere people being lost, then we must conclude that any who are honest and sincere cannot be lost. Who could affirm that? That would mean that sincerity is all that is essential. It wouldn’t matter what you believe, practice, or teach in religion as long as you are sincere. This would mean that any Jew or Muslim who denies that Jesus is the Son of God would not be lost (even though he doesn’t believe in Christ) since he is sincere. Thus, any passage demanding faith would have to be wrong! Furthermore, even an atheist would not be lost if he is honest and sincere in their conclusions. Who can accept these consequences?

—Donnie V. Rader

***SENTENCE SERMONS*** 

"In company, guard you tongue; in solitude, your heart.
*** 
Hell will be truth seen too late.
 ***
It is a sad religion that is never strong except when its owner is sick.
 ***
You can't do much about your ancestors, but you can influence your descendants enormously.
 ***
If you don't live it, you don't really believe it.
***
Rivers (and men) grow crooked by following the path of least resistance.

"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