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

What The Bible Says

Vol. IV - No. 1 / June 6, 2021

UNDENOMINATIONAL CHRISTIANITY

    Are you one of the many who have expressed confusion over the various denominations? Have you asked the question: “Can I be a Christian without belonging to a denominational church? If so, please read on.

    In the early days of Christianity there were no denominations (divisions) as they now exist. The early followers of Christ were simply called Christians (Acts 11:26). Collectively, they were called “churches of Christ” (Romans 16:16). Both of these terms show ownership in that they belong to Christ. Religiously, the apostles Paul, Peter, and John were neither Protestants, Catholic, nor Jews. They were Christians only.

    The apostles, as well as all the saved, were undenominational Christians. This term is not to be confused with the ideas of inter-denominational or all-denominational Christianity. Those early Christians did not approve, even in their day, of those who tried to create divisions within the church. Instead they strongly condemned such action by saying, “Let there be no divisions among you…” (1 Corinthians 1:10-13). Their allegiance was to Christ and to Him only. They were just Christians — simply those who were followers of Christ — members of the church of Christ.

    Today, if we follow Christ as they did, we too can be just Christians: Christians and nothing else! Since this is baseball season, let’s use it as an example. Suppose the game of baseball is completely abandoned and another game is never played for five hundred years. Yet, five hundred years from now someone finds a rule book on the game of baseball, decides to follow it, and see what the game would be like if it were to be played. By following the rule book, could they not re-establish the game just as it was played five hundred years earlier? We all would agree they could. The same is true of genuine Christianity. Though it has been two thousand years since people first became Christians and were added to the church (Acts 2:47), we today can follow the rule book, the New Testament, and become Christians the same way they did and be added to the Lord’s church the same way they were. Thus we can be undenominational Christians! We, as they were, will be free from the error and confusion of denominationalism. We can worship and serve God as simply and acceptably as they did. This has been the constant practice of the church of Christ from her beginning.

    Yes, you can be an undenominational Christian just as in the early days of the church by following only the teaching of the New Testament. 

—E.R. Hall, Jr.

THE DANGER OF PRECONCEIVED IDEAS

    Below are three phrases, more or less familiar. Before you go any further, I would like for you to read them out loud. Please read them out loud or you will miss much of the effectiveness of what I’ve got to say:   

                        PARIS                   ONCE                     A BIRD
                       IN THE                   IN A                       IN THE
                 THE SPRING           A LIFETIME            THE HAND

    Did you read them out loud? Good! Now — unless your are a very suspicious person, you read them all wrong! Did you notice two of them have two “the’s” and the other had two “a’s”? But what is the point you might ask? I’ve given you this little test to illustrate the danger of preconceived ideas. You read the phrases as you did because you thought you knew what they said before you read them. Now this answers one of the nagging questions people ask: How can two people read the same passages of Scripture and come up with two different meanings? No doubt there might be many factors but the most common factor is one or both have their minds made up before they read the passage as to what it is going to say! Consider the following:

    Many religious organizations have “conceived in advance of the truth” terms of membership into their organizations. Let us consider only one point. Many believe baptism today is not necessary at all. Some believe it is only an action to be carried out AFTER God has already saved them. Others believe baptism is necessary but contend baptism is only sprinkling and is to be performed on infants. Forget all these preconceived ideas and listen to the Bible. “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:16). This verse alone tells us baptism is necessary to be saved. Also it reveals the individual who is the proper subject to be baptized  - “he who believes”. In Romans 6:3-4 we read that baptism is to be “buried”. Notice the example of the Ethiopian Eunuch in Acts 8. After being taught God’s word and believing it, he requested baptism. Verse 36 says, “they went down into the water”. Verse 39 sayı, “when they were come up out of the water”. Now, does either of these passages indicate sprinkling or a complete omitting of baptism? The answer is, NO! Baptism is necessary and can be clearly understood in the Scriptures but we must lay aside all preconceived ideas about it.

    No one of us is immune to the malady of reading with preconceived ideas. Let us always ask ourselves: Is this really what God is saying here or is this simply what I want the passage to say?
—Taken from THE TRUTH,
bulletin of the church of Christ in McRoberts, KY.

***SENTENCE SERMONS*** 

"Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing."    
- Abraham Lincoln
 ***
Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all.
***
Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow.
***
If money talks, it usually sends the wrong message.
***
Do a little more each day than you think you possibly can.
***
Be more concerned what God thinks about you

"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. III - No. 26 / May 23, 2021

HAVE YOU BEEN RISEN WITH CHRIST?

Colossians 3:1-4 “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” 

    If we have been raised with Christ we are to seek or pursue heavenly or spiritual things because we now have a changed mind. We are no longer worldly minded but have a renewed spiritual mind. We have died to self and sin and our life is hid with Christ in God. These changes and sacrifices are not in vain but will result in glory with Christ when He comes again.

    But what does it mean to be raised with Christ? Let us allow the scriptures to answer this question.

    Colossians 2:12 “Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.” This verse clearly teaches that we are risen with Christ in baptism but we can learn more when we consider Romans 6:3-4 “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.” The significance of being baptized into the death of Christ is that Christ shed His blood at his death and it is Christ blood that washes away our sins. We know this occurs when we are buried with Christ in baptism because we are raised to walk in newness of life. Acts 22:16 confirms this truth when Ananias instructed Saul “And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”

    Have you been raised with Christ?

—Gerald White

CAN I KNOW WHEN GOD SAVES ME?

    Many times the question is asked, “Can I know when God saves me?” Indeed, we can and the Bible is clear to tell us the answer to this very important question.

    In Romans 6, let’s examine verses seventeen and eighteen: “But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” We see the inspired apostle Paul thanked God that though these Romans had been sinners, yet now they were the servants of God. In addition to this, we can see HOW and WHEN this conversion was brought about.

    Notice Paul said, “Ye have obeyed…”. This tells us obedience is essential to salvation. Jesus said in Matthew 7:21, “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.” We even see the example of Jesus Himself in Hebrews 5:8-9: “Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered; And being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him;”. On the other hand, the Scriptures point out whose who obey not the gospel shall be lost! (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10).

    Not only had they obeyed but they had “obeyed from the heart”. This involves our intellect as Matthew 13:15 teaches: “For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.” It also involves our emotions: “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” (Matthew 22:37). Too, it involves conscientious obedience as stated in Hebrews 10:22: “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.”

    According to our text in Romans 6, what has been “obeyed from the heart” was “that form of doctrine”. Basically speaking: the doctrine of Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). The word “form” means likeness or similarity. Thus a form of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection is our being dead in sin, our burial in water (baptism), and our resurrection to a new life in Christ Jesus (a Christian). Notice Romans 6:3-6: “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. Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin:”

    In verse eighteen of Romans 6 the statement is found: “Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” The word “then” is an adverb of time, telling us exactly the time we are made free from sin. Thus the time when we were made free from sin is when we “have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine.”

    To conclude our study of this question “Can I Know When I Am Saved?”, we must answer the question according to what the Scriptures teach. God saves us at the time in which we intelligently (faith), emotionally (repent), conscientiously (confess), are baptized, and raised again. A more important question is: Have you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine? If not, why not do so while you still have time and opportunity?
—E.R. Hall, Jr.

***SENTENCE SERMONS*** 

Be more concerned what God thinks about you than what people think about you.
 ***
Your life may be all that some know of the Bible.
***
Either you master your habits or they will master you.

"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. III - No. 25 / May 9, 2021

'FOR THE YOUNG PEOPLE'

    More and more we hear folks deciding to attend a certain ‘church’ because “there are lots of good activities for the young people”. Often it is the sole basis for making this important determination. ‘Pro­grams’, ‘activities’, and ‘groups’ for the young people – that’s the drawing card.

    And, what activities are these folks searching for? Are we talking here about carefully arranged Bible classes that seek to instill an understanding of God’s word in the hearts of our young people? Is it sound teaching from the pulpit and scrip­tural practice in the way the church does its business so that the young folks can learn respect for Bible authority? Is it love between brethren that manifests it­self by each individual demonstrating “hospitality one to another” (1 Pet. 4:9).

    Sadly, the answer is no. Instead, the activities that are desired “for the young people” are fun and games – ‘youth groups’ that sponsor parties, retreats, outings, camps, softball and basketball leagues, etc. ‘’The bigger the better’ and ‘the more the merrier’ seem to be the rule.

    Lest anyone misunderstand, let it be known that we love basketball, baseball, camping, parties . . . and fun and food in general!  We strongly favor such things being provided as an avenue of ‘good, clean fun’ for our young folks. But we insist that there is no authority in the Bible for the church to provide such. Let parents who really care see to it that the kids have these needed diversions, and let the church keep to its important au­thorized work. There’s nothing better for our young people than this. 

—Greg Gwin

FIVE QUESTIONS ON FUTURE PUNISHMENT

1.    IS THERE ANY PUNISHMENT FOR THE WICKED AFTER DEATH? The answer is found in Luke 12:4-5: “And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5 But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!”

2.    WHEN DOES THIS PUNISHMENT BEGIN? The answer is found in Luke 16:23: “And being in torments in Hades, he lifted uphis eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.” Again, Jesus is the authority for this truth. Punishment began with the rich man as soon as he died. Note, however, this Hades, the place of departed souls, is a temporary place and not the ETERNAL place of punishment of Hell. The punishment of Luke 16 ends when the soul is brought back out of Hades and into its body. That will also end Hates, too. (Revelation 20:14). The departed souls is united with a glorious body at Christ’s return and the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:35-58).

3.    WILL THERE BE A FUTURE, FINAL, UNIVERSAL JUDGMENT? The answer is found in Hebrews 9:27: “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,”. Luke 11:31-32 quotes Jesus stating that “the queen of the south shall rise up in judgment…” with the people of His generation. In verse 32, Jesus says that “men of Nineveh shall rise up in judgment…” with His generation. Back in Luke 10:12.15 Jesus says the inhabitants of Sodom, Chorazin, Bethsaida, Tyre, and Capernaum will all be there in judgment. The conclusion of necessity must follow: People of all times will be present at the judgment. Most certainly, the Bible teaches YES to this question.

4.    WILL THERE BE ANY PUNISHMENT AFTER THE JUDGMENT? The answer is found in Matthew 25:31-46 where, again, we have Jesus providing the answer. “ALL NATIONS” will be gathered before Him and He will judge. Those on His left will “go away into everlasting punishment”. (Verses 41,46)

5.    HOW LONG WILL PUNISHMENT GIVEN AT THE JUDGMENT LAST? Again, with Jesus giving the answer, “EVERLASTING” (Matthew 25:46). Jesus said as long as the eternal life of the righteous lasts, so will the punishment of the wicked. The same word described both. It is forever, eternal, everlasting. 
—E.R. Hall, Jr.

MAKE THE BREAK

    Many churches are doing many things today that would have been unthinkable several years ago. Though the gospel is God’s power to save (Romans 1:16), all kinds of gimmicks are invented to draw people. Kitchens are built and fellowship meals are conducted by the church. Basketball teams, skating parties, and youth rallies are designed to appeal to young people. Numerous other practices could be mentioned to show that many churches have abandoned the practice of doing all things according to the pattern of the New Testament.

    Some people are bothered by all these things being done by churches. Often they say they do not believe such things are the work of the church and wish the church would cease such practices. Yet, they do not have the courage to break with the liberal trends and instead go right along giving their money and time advancing the very things they oppose. Romans 14:23 teaches if we do things, not being fully persuaded in our own mind that the practice is right, we sin! We urge you to examine what we teach and practice in these areas of differences and find out just what the issues are. We stand ready to accept any passage or Bible argument that will prove the afore mentioned things are scriptural. 
—E.R. Hall, Jr. 

***SENTENCE SERMONS*** 

No man has a good enough memory to make a successful liar.
*** 
Truth is not always popular, but it is always right.
 ***
Human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives.
 ***
Other people see your deeds. God sees your motives.
***
A man's integrity is measured by his conduct, not by his claims.
*** 
Character is built by many small deeds, but it can be lost in a single act.

"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. III - No. 24 / April 25, 2021

BORN AGAIN

    Much is said in religion about being born again but is all of what we are hearing really what the Bible teaches on this very important subject? Let’s see if we can honestly and objectively understand what it means to be born again.

    In John 3 we read of a conversation Jesus had with a man named Nicodemus. When Jesus made the statement, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (v. 3), Nicodemus thought He was talking about a physical birth (v. 4). It was then Jesus replied, “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.“ (v. 5). Jesus made it clear He was not talking of a physical rebirth but instead a spiritual birth. Just as physical life begins with the physical birth, spiritual life begins with a new or spiritual birth.

    The text of John 3:1-7 proves there is a way by which lost people may be saved. They “must be born again” and this is accomplished when we are “born of water and of the Spirit”. The same thing is stated, only in a different way, in Titus 3:3-5: “For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,”. The “washing of regeneration” is the same as “born of water” and “the renewing of the Holy Spirit” is the same as “born…of the Spirit” in John 3. Thus, to fully understand the Bible’s teaching concerning being born again, we must closely examine the two things it takes to constitute spiritual birth: They are “water” and “Spirit”.

    In considering the place water has in being born again, let’s read the passage in Galatians 3:26-27: “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” We “put on Christ” when we are “baptized into Christ”. Romans 6:3 says, “Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?”. Also 1 Peter 3:21 states “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:” Water is connected with being born again and we can see that baptism and the birth of water are for the same thing; namely, salvation. Therefore, baptism and “being born of water” must be the same thing.

    To be born “of the Spirit” is to be born again by the word of God. In 1 Peter 1:23 we read “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” The Spirit was sent from Heaven to reveal God’s word (1 Peter 1:12) and to guide the apostles into all truth (John 16:13).

    The Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, constitutes the seed of the kingdom which, when planted in the heart, springs up and bears obedience to the gospel. This is what it means to be “born… of the Spirit”. Our obedience to the gospel is completed in baptism and thus we are born of water. Ephesians 5:26 sums it up by saying, “that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word,”.

    Jesus, in John 3:5, says in a figure what he said literally in Mark 16:15-16: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”

    Yes a lot is said about being born again but oftentimes the Spirit is emphasized and the water is all but left out. It takes both! Just as it takes two things - a father and a mother - to bring about a physical birth, it likewise takes two things  - water and the Spirit - to bring about a spiritual birth. All of us who are living were born physically but, more importantly, have we been “born of water and of the Spirit”? Jesus said in John 3:7, “Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.”
—E.R. Hall, Jr. 

DO WE PREFER MEN ABOVE WHAT IS WRITTEN?

    “And these things, brethren, I  have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.”  I Corinthians 4:6 (KJV)

    The inspired apostle Paul teaches each of us a lesson in the latter part of this verse about how we should esteem God’s written word above men – our family,  our preacher, etc. – and what they may say.  II Timothy 2:15 says, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Paul writes here that “Study” and “rightly dividing the word of truth” are essential for shewing ourselves approved to God.  Certainly we are not underestimating the importance of a faithful preacher in our becoming a believer as we see in scripture like Roman 10:14. This teaching is still in keeping with our need to search out the things we are being taught in the scriptures (Acts 17:11b, John 5:39).  

    Political correctness is also a huge obstacle to those who would follow God’s word but they are swayed by “politically correct” thinking – which is sometimes in accordance with God’s plan but is often in direct opposition to it.  We can learn from the example of Peter and the other apostles in Acts 5:27-29 when they were commanded by the political establishment of their day not to teach in Jesus’ name.  These men stood before the council and said, “We ought to obey God rather than men.”  We should understand that we all should have the proper respect for our government officials (Roman 13) and that does not include violating clear passages of scripture that we have noticed where God must be first in our line of command. 
—Sid Rowe

***SENTENCE SERMONS*** 

One of the weaknesses of our age is our apparent inability to distinguish need from greed..
***
To stay out of hot water, keep a cool head. 
*** 

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meeting at
4777 U.S. Highway 431
Albertville, AL 35950
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Bible Classes …………..….……………     9:30 AM
Morning Worship ……..…….….………  10:30 AM
Evening Worship   …………………........ 5:00 PM
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