What The Bible Says

Vol. III - No. 19 / February 14, 2021

INTERMINGLING THE PHYSICAL WITH THE SPIRITUAL

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

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

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

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

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

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

'SUPER BOWL BASH'

    It is nothing unusual, in fact it is becoming to be expected, of ‘ hurches' to be more in touch with the feelings and lives of its ‘ embers'. Therefore you have read the above advertisements on church marques. I’ve even heard of a church in Lubbock, Tx. that moved a big screen TV into the auditorium to watch the Super Bowl and conducted worship services during the commercials. Would you want to be in that building watching the Super Bowl when the Lord returned? While some churches substitute a ‘bash’ for worship, others completely call off services to accommodate their member’s desires. Are such folks really serious about their faith?

    How do we fit these verses into a Super Bowl service or calling off worship services all together: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33) or “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.” (Colossians 3:1,2). When we substitute a Super Bowl party or cancel services to watch a football game, WHO are we seeking first? Where, can we honestly say, have we set our affections?

    The Lord’s church is not to cater to the things of this world nor to those who love the world. It stands to be the “pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15). The church must present and uphold the truth of God’s word (John 17:17) and that is not done when it resorts to “meat and drink” (Romans 14:17) or ‘bashing’ as many churches have become caught up in. One thing is for sure, we won’t be watching football games in Heaven. What we will be doing is worshiping God. (Revelation 4). That’s what we need to be doing here and now in preparation for a home in Heaven.
—E.R. Hall, Jr.

A LITTLE FELLOW’S DAD 

I may never be as clever as my neighbor down the street,
I may never be as wealthy as some other men I meet;
I may never have the glory that some other men have had,
But I’ve got to be successful as a little fellow’s dad.

There are certain dreams I cherish that I’d like to see come true,
There are things I would accomplish ere my working time is through;
But the task my heart is set on is to guide a little lad
And to make myself successful as the little fellow’s dad.

It is that one job I dream of; it’s the task I think of most;
If I’d fail that growing youngster I’d have nothing else to boast;
For though wealth and fame I’d gather, all my future would be sad,
If I failed to be successful as that little fellow’s dad.

I may never get earth’s glory; I may never gather gold,
Men may count me as a failure when my business life is told;
But if he who follows after is a faithful Christian, I’ll be glad--
For I’ll know I’ve been successful as a little fellow’s dad. 

—Copied

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"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. 18 / January 31, 2021

WHICH CHURCH IS RIGHT?

    With the situation in the religious world being what it is, this may sound like a ridiculous question to some. We so often hear, "Join the church of your choice," or "One church is as good as another"and "It doesn't matter what you believe as long as you're sincere." This is what man says but is this what God says about it? Does it matter what church you join and support?

    In Matthew 16:18 we have the first mention made of the church: Jesus said, "And I say unto you that thou art Peter and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it". Note that He said "church" - not churches. Jesus intended only to build one church and we must know that one is all He built.

    Ephesians 4:4-6 teaches there "is one body and one Spirit, even as you are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." The "one body" is one church, for the body of Christ is the church, and Christ as the head of it (Eph. 1:22, 23; Col. 1:18,24). If there is only one body and the body is the church, it follows that there is only one church.

    When we look about us and see there are many "churches", there should be no doubt that something is not right! Instead of praising denominationalism, as we hear so many do, we should hang our heads in shame at the gross error and division that is its fruit. What we have now is not what Jesus intended at all.

    So, which church is right? We must look to the Scriptures to know the answer and not to human opinions. We must first see what the scriptures teach concerning what constitutes the church. Who are members of the body of Christ, the church? In Acts 2:47 we learn those who were added to the church were those who were being saved. The next identifying mark of the true church is that they teach and practice only what the head of the church has authorized. Since Christ has been given all authority (Matt. 28:18), the true church follows the words of Christ. They have no creed but the Bible and no head but Christ. If a church has its own creed or recognizes anyone but Christ as its authority, it cannot be rightly called the true church. If you investigate denominations, you will find that very few do not have a creed, and most, though they claim allegiance to Christ, will reject some portion of Scripture because it does not agree with what they teach and/or practice.

    The right church is the one that has wholly submitted itself to the will of Christ, and endeavors to continue in His will. The true, "right" church seeks to please Christ and not self. Even then, the "right" church will have its faults because it is made up of imperfect people; Christians still sin and they still make mistakes. If, in the true church, error is discovered, they will humble themselves and make corrections. You may not find a "perfect" church, but you can find the right one.
—E.R. Hall, Jr.

EVERY DIRTY WORD KNOWN TO MAN!

    I was recently filling my gas tank when I heard a loud blaring noise coming from the car ahead of me at the station. I usually pay no attention to the "stuff," as I have no interest in it; but this time I noticed the presence of all kinds of foul language. As I listened more intently, not to enjoy but to learn, I probably heard nearly every dirty word that I had ever heard coming from the song. I have lived a sheltered life from this standpoint and my list of such words might be quite short compared to some lists. I know precious little about the modern music scene, but I think the song was a rap song, from what I have heard about that kind.

    The scary part of the situation was that the two young girls in the car were obviously unashamed of the sound their radio/stereo was sending forth, as one of them paraded in her skin-tight clothes and talked to a carload of males who drove up. I suppose this is the modern scene, more than some of us are willing to admit it. I am concerned for our country (Prov. 14:34). I wonder about the parents of the girls (Eph. 6:4; 5:3-4). I am afraid for those young girls. I seriously considered speaking to them about the profanity they were advertising, but they left before I finished. What should I say to people in such a situation? As I think about this matter and discuss it with you, possibly I will cause some others to speak up in similar situations.

1. I believe we should start with the spiritual nature of the human being (Gen. 1:26; Zech.12:1). As God has created us in His image and endowed us with a nature like His own, we are primarily accountable to Him (Rom. 14:12). To assert our right to do as we like and to answer to none for our choices is to deny the hand of God in our creation and the voice of God in the Scriptures.  To disregard our likeness to the Lord is to undermine our dignity, worth, and potential for good; to deny the voice of God speaking to our good is to leave ourselves alone on the sea of life, without chart or compass or guiding star when we reject His. It is no wonder that so many become aimless, resorting to drugs, promiscuous sex, fame, or some other source to fill the void that only God can fill (Eccl. 3:11).

2. I think also we should stress the formation of habits, both good and bad, results from the repeated thoughts and acts that we allow a place in our minds. Habits then form character. I remember the following short poem:

Sow a thought, and you reap an act;
Sow an act, and you reap a habit;
Sow a habit, and you reap a character;
Sow a character, and you reap a destiny.”
 (Quoted by Samuel Smiles in Life and Labor, 1887)

    In many cases we have failed to instill in our young people, the relationship of what they think about and practice to the entirety of life. No one can expect to live a life dominated by good when he has chosen the bad of this world for his thoughts, speech, and behavior.

3. Personal responsibility and accountability to others is another lesson that I believe we must somehow get across to young people. The recognition of this depends on the understanding of our spiritual nature, as stressed earlier, and our need for each other. Influence and example must become concerns of all responsible people; what we do affects others. Teaching is the sole foundation for such a concern. We have it on the best authority that evil companionships have a corrupting influence on all, even on the best of us (1 Cor. 15:33). It is also true that the influence of a child of God can serve as salt and light (Mt. 5:13-16). Are you using your speech to edify others (Col. 4:6)?

4. I am satisfied also that we must embed in the thinking of our youth that a misspent life is not easily recalled or amended. I do not suggest that repentance is impossible or that sin is inevitable in its rule over us, for neither idea is correct (Acts 17:30; Rom. 6:12). Some turned to God from idols, and what a turn that was, given the associated vices of idolatry (1 Thess. 1:9). It is more the difficulty of breaking bad habits and rooting out the evil that has become second-nature to us that I hear emphasize. Patterns of speech and conduct can be changed, but to change them requires major and prolonged effort, beginning with a change of one's environment (friends). It is far better for a young person to determine to avoid the life of indecency that is becoming altogether too common among those too young to understand the bitter fruit of sin. It is undeniably true, however, that when we grow our roots in the field of sin, the fruit that we harvest cannot be expected in some other field (Gal. 6:7-8).

    Each of us can use whatever influence he has for good in helping to salvage one or more such young person. Though that one might not have become a Christian, in such a case it is still possible to save a soul from death and to cover multitude of sins (James 5:19-20). I am afraid for our young people, as I said before; but with all of us working on this problem, the situation will not be as scary.
—Bobby L. Graham

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"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. 17 / January 17, 2021

ANIMALS ARE GIVEN FOR FOOD

    Our society has been successful in creating a humanistic world of animal lovers to the point that animals are now considered "human." Commercials herald animal food to help sustain an emotional balance for your pet. Counseling is available to understand the "deep feelings" that your dog or cat may have towards you. Animals are treated better under the law than unborn humans. You can be jailed for killing a stray dog but abortion is legal! Under the humanistic mandate of man, eating meat is murder and animals are protected with the full strength of laws that fail to protect the innocent children murdered by man every year. 

    I am thankful that science and technology has advanced to help with the myriad of diseases and health issues that animals suffer. It is clear in the teaching of God that cruelty of animals is wrong (Psalm 8). While I enjoy different kinds of pets and seek to give them a quality of life they deserve, one point remains constant in the understanding of man and animal - animals are not eternal creatures and do not share in the same emotional, physical and biological framework that man has with God.

    God created the animals as recorded in Genesis 1:20-25. Humanists do not believe in God or the record of creation and propagate the doctrine that animals are like man. The Bible teaches that man was created in the image of God - "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness” (Genesis 1:26). Man was given dominion over all the animals (Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8; James 3:7). This has not changed since creation and will never change.

    Following the Flood, God told Noah "Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for God made man in his own image" (Genesis 9:3,6). God told Noah that he could eat meat (requiring the shedding of blood by the animal). Shedding the blood of man was considered murder by God because man was made in the image of God (James 3:9). The Bible never suggests that man should abandon the eating of meat. Animals are a wonderful creation of God and a covenant exists between God and the animals (Genesis 9:9,10). A difference exists between man and animal as found in the flesh. "For not all flesh is alike, but there is one kind for men, another for animals, another for birds, and another for fish" (1 Corinthians 15:39). Deeper than the flesh is the inward man possessed by man and not by animals (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). Can an animal "delight in the law of God, after the inward man" (Romans 7:22)?

    Jesus came to save men from sin (Luke 19:10). Sin is a transgression of the law of God (1 John 3:4). Can an animal sin? An animal does not possess the capability of the mind of "righteousness" to seek those things pleasing to God. A parrot can be taught to pray but that does not suggest he is praying. A monkey can ride a bicycle but where is the monkey that built the bicycle? Animals do not possess the eternal spirit as man does (Ecclesiastes 12:7). Jesus died for man; not animals. Animals are nothing more than animals and when they die, they return to dust. The eating of meat is that which "God has created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer” (1 Timothy 4:3-5).
—Kent Heaton

WILL THERE BE A JUDGEMENT DAY?

    Let's answer this question by asking another question: Do you believe in death? I'm sure you do for it is all around us. Every day the newspapers devote a column and local radio stations give an obituary report. You don't drive many times past the funeral homes but what people are not gathered to show respect to someone who has died. The Bible teaches just as certain as there is death, there is the judgement. Hebrews 9:27 says, "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgement." Yes, just as sure as there is death, there will be a judgement day!

    When will the judgement day occur? "And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;"(2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). Matthew also describes the Lord's return as a time when "before Him shall be gathered all nations: and He shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats." (25:31-46).

    The Scriptures have revealed to us some things about the judgement day. In Romans 2:2 we read, "But we are sure that the judgement of God is according to truth against them which commit such things." Thus we see the STANDARD or "measuring stick" by which we will be judged is not what I think or what you think but rather "truth". God determines truth for His Word is truth (John 17:17). Therefore, we will be judged by the Word. "He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day." (John 12:48). The BASIS on what we will be judged are our "deeds". "Who will render every man according to his deeds:" (Romans 2:6) "For the Son of man shall come in the glory of His Father with His angels; and then He shall reward every man according to his works." (Matthew 16:27).
—E.R. Hall, Jr.

THE PREACHER AND THE ATHEISTIC BARBER

A preacher and an atheistic barber were once walking through the city slums. Said the barber to the preacher; "This is why I cannot believe in a God of love. If God was as kind as you say, He would not permit all this poverty, disease, and squalor. He would not allow these poor bums to be addicted to dope and other character-destroying habits. No, I cannot believe in a God who permits these things.”

    The preacher was silent until they met a man who was especially unkempt and filthy. His hair was hanging down his neck and he had a half-inch of stubble on his face. Said the preacher to the barber; "You can't be a very good barber or you wouldn't permit a man like that to continue living in this neighborhood without a haircut and a shave.”

    Indignantly the barber answered; "Why blame me for that man's condition? I can't help it that he is like that. He has never come in my shop; I could fix him up and make him look like a gentleman!”

    Giving the barber a penetrating look, the preacher said; "Then don't blame God for allowing the people to continue in their evil ways when He is constantly inviting them to come and be saved. The reason these people are slaves to sin and evil habits is that they refuse the ONE who died to save and deliver them.”

    The Barber saw the point. Do you?
—Author Unknown

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HAVE A BIBLE QUESTION YOU’D LIKE ANSWERED?

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"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. 16 / January 3, 2021

ABSTAIN FROM FLESHLY LUSTS

    War is terrible. Casualties take so many forms, with some being innocent people who just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. The atrocities of war are nearly beyond belief. The old adage, “all is fair in war” has been played out time and again through the ages as people have suffered the ravages of warfare. Since the American Civil War, we have very little historical experience with war on our own turf, and no personal experience whatsoever with war in our own backyards. For Americans, war is always something we wage “over there.”

    Our shores have been safe from the all-out bombardments which other societies have frequently experienced and for whom there is almost automatic acceptance that warfare is a fact of life. The carnage of dead bodies strewn about the shattered streets of our hometown is a picture we have not seen. Try to imagine your home a bombed-out shell. Picture in your mind your livestock slaughtered, your workplace destroyed, and your way of life completely decimated. Visualize if you can the little children of your neighborhood with missing limbs, or raped, or perhaps dead. Most of us cannot even begin to imagine what it would be like to live in war-besieged places like Iraq, Croatia, or Palestine. There, human life is so poorly regarded that the leaders of these peoples do not mind spilling the blood of their own countrymen in what sometimes appears to be senseless, petty strife. Perhaps those of our nation who have seen active combat know something the rest of us do not. War is not pretty, and those who glory in it are misguided. It is serious business, and armed conflict always produces loss from which neither the victor nor the conquered ever fully recovers.

    If carnal warfare is merciless and horrific, how must more so the spiritual warfare in which Christians are engaged. Peter warns the readers of his epistle to realize the seriousness of the struggle they were making against immorality of all sorts. In fact, he uses several strong terms in 1 Peter 2:11 to impress the imagery upon the minds of first century Christians, and also upon us. He wrote “Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts, which wage war against the soul.” Since we are really living in a place which is not home to us, we must be careful lest we succumb to the alluring temptations of the flesh. Just as American travelers must not drink the water in some foreign lands no matter how sparkling pure, and refreshing is may appear –– even so Christians in the world must avoid the contaminants to our souls which come so attractively packaged. A Nigerian preacher friend of mine learned this lesson in a severe way upon visiting the United States. The rich, fat, sweet diet of Americans proved to be intolerable for his bland stomach. Those southern pecan pies were so alluring, but eating an entire pie at once will sicken the best of Southerners, much less a Nigerian! Peter said we must “abstain,” which literally means “to hold oneself constantly back from.” Fleshly lusts are seductive, promising, and so palatable – especially at the first. Solomon’s wise instruction concerning the fleshly lust of alcohol is an appropriate illustration of the fact that it may be alluring at first, but in the end “it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper” (Proverbs 23:32).

    These “fleshly lusts” of which Peter speaks “war against the soul.” If a good military strategist never underestimates his enemy, then Christians must surely realize that lust is a serious deterrent to spirituality. Lusts of the flesh are insidious and powerful. They mean to win, not just tease and toy with the Christians affections. Pornography entices and excites, then enslaves. Filthy speech is at first “cute” or “cool,” but becomes a mindset reflecting a soiled heart. Adultery titillates the libido, but ultimately destroys the soul and even the body. Immodesty is at first “trendy” and “fashionable”, but finally lewd and lascivious. “It’s war out there,” dear brothers. Arm yourselves with the Spirit’s sword and shield and do battle for your spiritual self-preservation.
—Mark White

WHAT IS FAITH?

    Some think faith is opposed to reason and fact. Faith goes beyond just believing something. True faith is when we know what we believe, why we believe it, and are committed to acting in accordance with it. Anything less than this is not true faith. This is the faith we must have in God and the Bible.

    Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." How can we have faith in things that we have not seen. Verse 6 says, "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." Though we may not can see, we do have solid evidence and we must believe the evidence that is given. Verse 6 shows us the two things we must believe: (1) “GOD IS”. What is the evidence? "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork."(Psalms 19:1). In Romans 1:18-22 we see nature given as further evidence so that those who do not believe in God are "without excuse". Evidence for God abounds if we are only willing to accept it. (2) GOD REWARDS THOSE “WHO DILIGENTLY SEEK HIM”. This is a promise and we can believe it because the Bible is a testimony to God's faithfulness. God always carries out His promises. Thus, as the Scriptures teach, "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17

    John 20:24-31 is the record of the apostle Thomas who would not believe Jesus had resurrected unless he saw and felt the nailprints in Jesus. When Jesus appeared, He told Thomas, "...Because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that HAVE NOT SEEN, and yet have believed." (verse 29). The basis for believing without seeing can be found in verses 30-31: "And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name." We believe in Jesus to be the Son of God because of the EVIDENCE He presented while on this earth. 

    Someone may say, "Since we have not seen them first hand, how can they be proven?". They are as much proven as any historical event. How do we know George Washington was the first president of the United States or that Columbus sailed to America? They are accepted as facts of history. So it is with the life of Christ and what He did.

    True faith is based on evidence. "For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty." (2 Peter 1:16). We are accepting the testimony of eyewitnesses.

    We believe because God has provided sufficient evidence of His existence and faithfulness. We must have a faith anchored in fact. "For we walk by faith, not by sight:" (2 Corinthians 5:7).
—E.R. Hall, Jr.

Live Video Streaming Of The Bible Study 

SUNDAY 9:30 AM and Wednesday 7:00 PM WWW.EASTALBERTVILLE.COM - click on “Live Feed”
or
Go To East Albertville church of Christ on YOUTUBE/FACEBOOK

Live Video Streaming Of The Bible Sermon

SUNDAY 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM WWW.EASTALBERTVILLE.COM - click on “Live Feed”
or
Go To East Albertville church of Christ on YOUTUBE/FaceBook

HAVE A BIBLE QUESTION YOU’D LIKE ANSWERED?

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BIBLE CROSSFIRE
A CALL-IN RADIO PROGRAM
WBSA
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also
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SUNDAY NIGHTS @ 8 PM CT

PREVIOUS SHOWS AVAILABLE AT:

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IMPROVE YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE BIBLE...

FREE ONLINE BIBLE CORRESPONDENCE COURSE

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"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. 15 / December 20, 2020

ANOHER ARTICLE ABOUT "VIRTUAL"

    “So then, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another.” 1 Corinthians 11:33

    Our verse today, found in instructions about the Lord’s Supper, reminds us of the value of worshipping together. That is not a new thought. In the Psalms we find that concept repeated often. For instance: Psa. 34:3 “O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.” Psa. 122:1 “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’”

    Together—you and me. That spells fellowship. That is the foundation of unity. That is team work. That is a church. Sounds simple. Basic concepts. Nothing too new here. However, there is coming a new wrinkle. The pandemic has changed so much. Books are being published about the post-covid church, and the arising virtual church. 

    Some national health experts are declaring that society ought never to shake hands again. Many prominent religious leaders are declaring that as much as 30% of the church will never again gather in a church building. So, the virtual church becomes a reality. Worshipping from home becomes the new way of doing things. And, there is a great appeal to that. One doesn’t have to get up early, get cleaned up and drive down to the building. You can roll out of bed in your jammies, with bed hair, have a cup of coffee and just worship away. How easy. How convenient. How wonderful this is. 

    Out of this pandemic, look for many church buildings to be sold. Why have all that real estate when the virtual church is the new wave. Just a camera, a few lights and a means to broadcast and worship comes to you. There will be a rise of production teams rather than preachers. More will know about livestreaming than the living word of God. Virtual will be the way the future goes. 

Now, What’s My Take On All Of This?

    First, we must not get too comfortable with virtual. For now, it may be what we have to do, but not forever. We need to be reminding folks that we need them back in the church building. Staying at home may be easy, comfortable and what they like, but it’s not the N.T. pattern. Our verse today states, “when you come together.” We need to be together. We need to see each other’s faces. We need to hear each other’s voices. And, Zoom isn’t the answer. The answer is to get up and get down to the church house when you can. 

    Second, convenient has never been in God’s vocabulary. Do you think it was convenient for Noah to build the ark? How about Moses going to Pharaoh? How about wandering through the wilderness? And, the cross? Convenient? Paul’s travels? Sometimes convenient can be just one step away from being lazy. We already worship conveniently. We gather in church buildings that are cooled in the summer and heated in the winter. The pews are padded. There are bathrooms everywhere. There are lights, speakers, powerpoint, song books. I’d say that we already have this convenient thing down pretty good. 

    Third, there is a mighty temptation to skip around when worshipping virtually. Church is singing a song you don’t like. Go somewhere else for a few moments. Don’t like the prayer, then fast forward. Hit the high points of the sermon—not the whole thing. And, what we have done is really gutted worship. It’s so easy. Can’t fast forward through a song when we are in the church building. Maybe that’s a good thing. Maybe I just need that song. Can’t skip a prayer while in the church building. Good. I need to hear others pray. And, in the church building, I have to listen to the whole sermon. The whole thing—from beginning to end. And, maybe, just maybe, I need to hear the whole thing. 

    Fourth, the virtual church leaves the impression that once I have “done church,” I’m done. I watched. I sang. I prayed. I’m done. Now on to other things. But worship isn’t the end of my responsibilities as a Christian. There is much more that God expects than a Sunday worship. Sitting in the church building reminds me of that. I see others and I’m reminded that I need to pray for that family. I need to send a card to that person. I need to connect with that one. Family means obligations and responsibilities. In the virtual church, it’s just me and my tablet. Isolated. Unplugged. And, soon to be indifferent. 

    Across the country, school teachers are seeing that virtual education is ok, but it’s not as good as in the classroom. The need to see, hear and interact with others is important. The same is true of our Bible classes and our worship. Bible class is more than just imparting the information, there is the interaction, the connections, the help we receive from others. 

    We know that in other relationships in life, virtual doesn’t work. Can you image a virtual marriage. Here is a couple and they do not even live in the same state, yet, virtually they are married. No. How about a virtual family? No. A virtual job? No. A virtual vacation? Forget it. I have watched virtual concerts. Not the same. Not even close. A virtual church? A virtual preacher? A virtual membership? Forget it. Don’t go there. 

    Some will. Some will see nothing wrong with being a member of VC (virtual church). Instead of a street address, there will be a website address given. I wonder how a virtual church practices discipline? Most modern churches never do. But if they did, what would they do? Defriend someone? Take away a password? How will Paul’s words in 1 Cor 5, “Not even to eat with such a one,” work virtually? 

     The modern churches always chases after the newest fads. Virtual church is the newest. And, in the end, I suppose they hope to go to Heaven. I wonder if folks in a virtual church would be satisfied with a virtual Heaven? Not me. Give me the real thing!

    Come together—that’s what disciples did. That’s what we must do. 
—Roger Shouse
Jump Start #2731

***SENTENCE SERMONS***

  Man's way leads to a hopeless end; Gods way leads to an endless hope!
*** 
People who do things that count never stop to count them.
 ***
When things go wrong, don’t go with them!
***
A fault once denied is twice committed.
*** 
Guard your thoughts today, for they produce your actions tomorrow. 

Live Video Streaming Of The Bible Study 

SUNDAY 9:30 AM and Wednesday 7:00 PM WWW.EASTALBERTVILLE.COM - click on “Live Feed”
or
Go To East Albertville church of Christ on YOUTUBE/FACEBOOK

Live Video Streaming Of The Bible Sermon

SUNDAY 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM WWW.EASTALBERTVILLE.COM - click on “Live Feed”
or
Go To East Albertville church of Christ on YOUTUBE/FaceBook

HAVE A BIBLE QUESTION YOU’D LIKE ANSWERED?

HERE’S YOUR CHANCE…

BIBLE CROSSFIRE
A CALL-IN RADIO PROGRAM
WBSA
93.5 FM & 1300 AM
also
SIRIUS XM CHANNEL 113
SUNDAY NIGHTS @ 8 PM CT

PREVIOUS SHOWS AVAILABLE AT:

BibleCrossfire.com

IMPROVE YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE BIBLE...

FREE ONLINE BIBLE CORRESPONDENCE COURSE

http://EastAlbertville.org/course

"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