What The Bible Says

Vol. VII - No. 8 September 1, 2024

MUSIC IN WORSHIP UNTO GOD

    God seeks man's worship (Jn. 4: 23). However, He does not seek just worship, but worship that is "in spirit and truth" (Jn. 4:24). For worship to be “in truth” it has to be directed by His word for His “word is truth” (Jn. 17:17).

    The fact that God desires man to worship him in music is made evident in such verses as: "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord." (Eph. 5:19) and “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord”. (Col. 3:16).

    To show that we must worship God in the way He has prescribed is found in the verse following Colossians 3:16. Verse 17 says, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and Father by Him”. God demands that we have authority or book, chapter, and verse for our religious beliefs and practices.

    When it comes to the kind of music authorized or specified, it is generally understood there are two kinds of music: vocal and mechanical. The Old Testament scriptures abound with references to mechanical music in praise to God. Mechanical instruments such as the trumpet, harp, and timbrel were commonly used (Psa. 150). However, just because a matter is mentioned in the Old Testament scriptures and was practiced by those who lived under that law, does not mean such a practice can be engaged in by Christians today. David in the book of Psalms also mentioned animal sacrifices (Psa. 51:19). To use the same line of reasoning to justify Christians using mechanical instruments in worship to God, we would be just as authorized to offer animal sacrifices on the basis that they are found in the Old Testament.

    Yet, this point must be dealt with: It is interesting how we find many references in the Old Testament to mechanical instruments in worship; but, when we come to the New Testament, only vocal music with the human heart is the instrument that is taught.

    What is so sad is that many people have become so accustomed to mechanical musical performances in worship that they never question or think about the origin of such devices in worship. What is even sadder is that most present day religious people do not study or challenge the matter of mechanical instruments in worship. Consider the comments of John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church, regarding music and types and antitypes: 
"Musical instruments in celebrating the praises of God would be no more suitable than the burning of incense, the lighting up of lamps, and the restoration of the other shadows of the law. The papists, therefore, have foolishly borrowed this, as well as many other things, from the Jews. Men who are fond of outward pomp may delight in that noise; but the simplicity which God recommends to us by the apostle is far more pleasing to Him" (Commentary on Psalms 33 and on I Samuel 18: 1-9).
Also consider the words of the famous and respected Bible scholar Charles Spurgeon: 
"Praise the Lord with harp. Israel was at school, and used childish things to help her to learn; but in these days when Jesus gives us spiritual food, one can make melody without strings and pipes. We do not need them. That would hinder rather than help our praise. Sing unto Him. This is the sweetest and best music. No instrument like the human voice" (Commentary on Psalms 42).

    It is vocal music which we find in the worship of God in the New Testament. “And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.” (Matt. 26:30); “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.” (Acts 16:25); “And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.” (Rom. 15:9); “15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. 26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.” (1 Cor. 14:15,26); “Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.” (Heb. 2:12); "Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray. Is any merry? Let him sing psalms." (Jas. 5:13). (As well as the passage in Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16.) From all these verses which mention music in worship to God in the New Testament, we must conclude there is no authorization for mechanical music in worship under the New Testament.

    Before we conclude this article, let it also be said and understood that the songs we sing are to be rendered "unto God" (Acts 16:25). Therefore, such singing is not to be viewed as entertainment. In singing, we are “teaching and admonishing one another”; not performing in front of and entertaining one another as singing has seeming become in most denominational services. Man needs to understand that he is worshiping God (Jn. 4:24). God, then, not man, has the right to specify the type of desired worship. God's word says singing praise to God is an expression of the heart (James 5:13) and the making melody in our heart (Eph. 5:19). Singing in worship is "praise and thanks" that is being rendered to God (Heb. 13:15).

    Instead of using a piano or organ or plucking the strings of a guitar or harp, the Christian is to pluck the spiritual strings of his heart! To have mechanical music in worship to God, we are going to have to add to the word of God. That we must never do: “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” (Rev. 22:18-19). —E.R. Hall, Jr.

CAN THOSE THAT 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, “I 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  

If you haven’t received everything you deserve – be thankful!

"It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.” - Vince Lombardi

“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.”  - Albert Einstein

“Life is like baseball; it’s 95% mental and the other half is physical.”   - Yogi Berra

Man is the only known creature who can reshape and remold himself by altering his attitude. 

"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. VII - No. 7 August 11, 2024

BARN RAISING

    The idea of a barn raising is a term that most of us would be familiar with, although hardly any would have actively participated in one. Most likely we have seen it portrayed in film or on the written page. In early America, barn raisings were practiced mostly in tight knit family oriented religious communities.

    In the 1700 to 1800s farming and rural life is how most people outside of larger cities lived. Barn building was a serious endeavor and a costly one, therefore, to be successful it had to be well thought out and much planning would precede the event. Much of the preparation would take place after harvest during the winter months. Actual raising of a barn would normally take place after seed time and before harvest. This seedtime and harvest schedule of barn raising resembles the Christian walk in that one becomes a child of God after the seed, the word of God is planted Luke 8:11. Then the Christian lives and works in God’s service during his life before the harvest comes. Man’s life is pictured as a reaping of harvest, the fruit for eternal life that Reapers and Sowers have both worked toward.  John 4:36-38.

    There is a barn raising discussed in the context of Luke 12:16-21 much like the one we've discussed, with a few differences. In verse 16 Jesus begins to speak a parable to them, “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying what shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?” The rich man was blessed with a bumper crop you might say. He already possessed a plurality of barns, so, it would seem that he was not ill prepared. His dilemma was that he had been richly blessed by God, with an overwhelming harvest, and he did not know what to do with all his crops. We can tell from verse 17 that he did not seek counsel from God or man. Verse 18 gives us the results of his self only council, “So he said, I will do this; I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; Take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.” 

    I think it not strange that this rich man, a man of means, when he counsels only self, would come up with only selfish conclusions. This certain rich man, when he revealed his decision, he allowed the reader to see into his heart. Proverbs 23:7, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” The rich man was considering what Miriam Webster describes as the ups and downs of razing versus raising. The rich man had decided to raze (completely destroy) his old barns and raise (build) new ones. We can see from verse 20 that God had reached a much different conclusion than the rich man, “But God said to him, Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?”

    God's conclusion on the matter was the conclusion that really mattered.  Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter; fear God and keep his commandments, for this is man's all.”  In verse 15 just before speaking this parable, Jesus had told the crowd that was gathered, “Take heed and beware of covetousness.” It would seem the rich man had not been faithful to the 10th commandment, “You shall not covet...” Exodus 20:17. Jesus concluded his comments on the context of Luke 12:16-21, “So is he who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” When we consider self-first and exclude God and others in our decision making, we are setting our selves up for a great disappointment and a fall.

    Do you have destructive plans? Are you planning to raze or raise something? Are your plans in step with God's plan? Beware of covetousness. Obey God while you have opportunity. Stop resisting…  —Blind Bartimaeus 23

CAN A MAN SAVE HIMSELF?

    There is a great deal of emphasis being put on a man-made doctrine which teaches it is impossible for a person to do anything towards salvation from sin. This doctrine sets forth the idea that any action, on the part of a person, nullifies the grace of God.

    The Bible teaches that salvation is dependent upon both DIVINE and HUMAN action. It shows very clearly what God does to save the sinner and what the sinner must do to save himself. God's part in our salvation is comprehended in the word "GRACE". Our part in our salvation is comprehended in the word "FAITH". Our faith is shown by our obedience to the will of God. "For by grace are ye saved through faith…" (Ephesians 2:8).

THE DIVINE SIDE. God conceived the plan of salvation, Christ made it possible by His death, and the Holy Spirit revealed it through inspired men. Thus God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit play a most vital part in our salvation. We are saved by grace (Eph. 2:8) as we are cleansed by the blood of Christ (1 John 1:7). We have no righteousness or merit with which to boast ourselves to God and He is under no obligation to save us. We must depend upon God's mercy and upon Christ's atoning blood.

THE HUMAN SIDE. When the gospel is preached, we must hear it with an open mind and receptive heart (Romans 10:17; Ephesians 1:13). We must repent of all sins, for this God has commanded us to do (Acts 17:30). We must confess Jesus as the Son of God (Acts 8:37; Romans 10:9-10). Then we must be baptized (Mark 16:16; Acts 8:37-39). Baptism is always "for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38), to "wash away sins" (Acts 22:16), to put us "into Christ“ (Galatians 3:27), and to "save us“ (1 Peter 3:21). These are actions which we must take! God cannot believe for us, nor repent for us, nor be baptized for us. We are commanded to do these things in obedience to His requirements. When we do that which God has commanded we have not earned nor do we merit salvation. This is how we benefit from the grace of God or else everybody will be saved and no one will be lost.

    If it is true that we cannot do anything to save ourselves, then it follows that our salvation is wholly dependent upon God and it will be the fault of God if anybody is lost! If not, why not? However, God is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). If a person is lost, it will be because HE CHOOSES to be lost. The same is true if we are to be saved; WE MUST CHOOSE to do what God commands.

    The Bible says, "...save yourselves from this untoward generation" (Acts 2:40). Again, "...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12). Christ is the "author of eternal salvation unto all that OBEY HIM” (Hebrews 5:9).   —E.R. Hall, Jr.

THE SIMPLE TRUTH

Most truth is pretty simple. What confuses us are the efforts of men to either over-simplify or over-complicate the truth. As Einstein famously said, we should strive to "Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler!”

    Jesus' statement regarding salvation in Mark 16:16 is about as simple as it gets. He said, "He who believes and is baptized will  be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned."  That is about as complicated as 2 + 2 = 4.  Yet, when it comes to the matter of who is saved and who is lost, men continue to come up with a different answer than the one Jesus gave.
 
    Paul's concern for the Corinthians was that "somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be  corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ" (2 Corinthians 11:3). The problem was that the Corinthians were accepting preachers who preached "another Jesus...a different spirit...or a different gospel" (2 Corinthians 11:4). Anytime we believe what men say    instead of the simple and plain statements of God's word, we're going to wind up with the wrong answer.

    If you think that you were saved by belief alone, and then baptized later, may I ask as Paul asked the Galatians, "Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth?"  (Galatians 3:1) —Steve Klein

SENTENCE SERMONS  

A shared joy is a double joy. A shared sorrow is half a sorrow.
***
Whoever gossips to you will gossip about you.
***
After the game, the king and the pawn go into the same box.
***
If you want no one to know, don’t do it.
***
If you always give, you will always have. 

"What The Bible Says” is e-mailed twice a month. If you know of others who might benefit from the articles contained in this bulletin, we would be glad to have you submit their e-mail addresses and we will include them in the next mailing. If you are receiving this bulletin and do not wish to continue to do so, please e-mail us with your desire to be removed from the mailing list and you will be removed promptly. Continue to the bottom of this page for further instructions as to how you may contact us.
--- E.R. Hall, Jr. 

SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
For The East Albertville Church Of Christ
meeting at
4777 U.S. Highway 431
Albertville, AL 35950
Sunday
Bible Classes …………..….……………     9:30 AM
Morning Worship ……..…….….………  10:30 AM
Evening Worship   …………………........ 5:00 PM
Wednesday
Bible Classes …………..………........... 7:00 PM
 

Radio Program
Sunday
WBSA 93.5 FM/1300 AM …………………………..  8:30 AM
Monday - Saturday
WBSA 93.5 FM/1300 AM ………………………….. 11:15 AM
 

Website: www. EastAlbertville.org

What The Bible Says

Vol. VII - No. 6 / July 28, 2024

"FOR WHAT IS YOUR LIFE"

    “It is even a vapor, that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away.” James 4: 14 and so is our time here on earth. After our time is over on this earth, 2 Corinthians 5:10 tells us that, “we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”

    Christ came to this earth and gave Himself a ransom for all, that we may have a home with Him in eternity. “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus;” 1 Timothy 2:5. We read that the Only way to know the thoughts of God is to study His word. 2 Timothy 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

    We are on this earth just a short time and while we are in this world we need to prepare for that day, the judgement day. 

    Christ said in John 12:48 “He who rejects me, and does not receive my words, has that which judges him - the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.” Revelation 20:12 “And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God; and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.“

    “But the LORD shall endure forever: He has prepared His throne for judgment. He shall judge the world in righteousness, and He shall administer judgment for the people in uprightness.” Psalm 9:7-8 

    I ask, what is your life? Peter tells us in 1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” Are you prepared for the judgement day? Luke 11:9 “And I say unto you, Ask and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened to you.” —Phillip Henson

IF I JOINED A DENOMINATION...

    1. I WOULD BE A PARTY TO DIVISION AMONG PROFESSED BELIEVERS IN CHRIST! The word "denomination" means a division of a whole. The very practice of "denominating" groups of professed believers by their distinguishing names suggests division and, yet, this is contrary to the prayer of Jesus in John 17:20-21 “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” It is also contrary to the teaching of the New Testament in 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” There is no scriptural basis on which to establish such names as "Baptist Christians", "Catholic Christians", “Methodist Christians", etc. that we so commonly hear today.

    2. I WOULD BE ENDORSING A HUMAN PLAN OF SALVATION FROM PAST SINS! Most denominations teach that pardon from sin comes at some point BEFORE or WITHOUT baptism. However, the Bible clearly says that "Baptism doth also now save us... " (1 Peter 3:21). When I also read Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, and Acts 22:16 I realize that to join a denomination would make me a part of a religious group which teaches lost souls they can be saved without repentance or baptism. I would not want to face God in judgment for being a part of such. Although there are some denominations that do practice baptism, it is not enough to baptize but baptism must be for the right PURPOSE as taught in the Scriptures; namely, the forgiveness of sin.

    3. I WOULD BE WORSHIPPING GOD IN VAIN BY TEACHING FOR DOCTRINES THE COMMANDMENTS OF MEN! (Matthew 15:9). Nearly every denomination I know worships with mechanical instruments of music. No New Testament passage teaches us to do this. Singing is the ONLY kind of music Christians are taught to use in worship to God. (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). Hardly a denomination meets for the Lord's Supper EVERY first day of the week. (Acts 20:7). Very few take up the collection ONLY on the first day of the week. (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). These are the commandments of God and are found in the New Testament. Who can deny this? Why, then, risk worshipping God in vain by engaging in and/or encouraging practices not found in the Bible? Some people believe church creeds, church manuals, and traditions are on the same par with the Bible but have we ever stopped to consider the fact that the Bible was here long before they were?  —E.R. Hall, Jr.

DID JESUS USE CARNAL METHODS TO AATRACT CROWDS?

    Many religious groups use a variety of carnal appeals to draw people to their assemblies. For instance, there are suppers and ice cream socials, ball games and entertainment events, etc. When asked to justify these activities they will commonly refer to the episodes where Jesus fed the multitudes. Some have said, "If you first feed a man's body, then you'll have a chance to feed his soul." Let's see if their reference to Jesus' activities will really support their practices. 

    There were two separate instances in which Jesus miraculously fed huge crowds of people with small quantities of food. One time there were 5000 men, plus women and children (Mt. 14:15-21; Mk. 6:30-44; Lk. 9:10-17; Jn. 6:1-14). On another occasion there were 4000 men, plus women and children (Mt. 15:32-38; Mk. 8:1-9).

    In both instances, the people had followed Jesus to hear His marvelous teaching and to see His amazing miracles. There had never been a promise of food to draw them. In fact, both episodes show the people following long distances and for a long time before they were offered food. For example, in Matthew 15:32 we read: "Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way." Do you see it? The people were not lured to follow by an offer of food. The food came AFTERWARDS, as an act of compassion. The people had NOT come in anticipation of being fed.

    We have one reference where Jesus suspected that the people did, indeed, come with a desire of receiving food (Jn. 6:22ff). On that occasion He DID NOT feed them!

    Those who would use the example of Jesus feeding the multitudes to justify their carnal practices today are simply wrong! —Greg Gwin

SENTENCE SERMONS  

Failure to prepare is preparing to fail.
***
You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage to say 'no' to other things.
***
One of the hardest jobs facing kids today is learning good manners without seeing any.
***
He does not really believe who does not live according to his belief.

"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. VII - No. 5 / July 14, 2024

NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH ORGANIZATION

    There is a simplicity about the church in the New Testament, as simple as the greeting in the letter to the Philippian church: “To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi with the bishops and deacons” (1:1). Bishops (also called elders, overseers and shepherds) lead the congregation. Deacons served the congregation. And they and all the rest of the congregation were saints, a term referring to their holy way of life. Elders and deacons with the saints: that is it.

    There were to be “elders in every church” (Acts 14:23), indicating both a plurality of them and a need for them in each congregation. They were to “Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers” (Acts 20:28), showing their work was limited to their own congregation. I Peter 5:2 also says, “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers.” Elders and deacons were chosen by the congregation using qualifications listed in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, which is how the Holy Spirit, as He revealed God’s truth, still makes men elders and deacons today.

    This simple organization gave way to men’s ideas over several centuries following the days in which the New Testament was written. Individual, self-governing congregations became part of larger groups and organizations. Historians tell us it happened along these lines...
 
    By 175-200AD one man was now distinguished from the elders and ruled over them: a Bishop. 
    By 275-300AD there came to be a bishop over all of the bishops of a province: a Metropolitan.
    By 325AD three men ruled from the larger centers at Rome, Antioch and Alexandria, each as a Patriarch.
    By 606AD there was one Patriarch or Father at Rome who was now ruling over all, who was called the Pope.
 
    It took 500 years, but finally a point was reached where individual, autonomous congregations weren’t even a distant memory. All now were a part of the universal (the meaning of the word Catholic) church, as directed by one man, the Pope. It is not a plurality of men leading each congregation. It is one man ruling all, the man-appointed head of man’s organization, comprised of all the congregations.

    Surely the devil is pleased any time the New Testament is set aside and left behind. And he is patient, willing to wait 500 years or longer. But when did this error take place? It happened the first time a single congregation appointed a head elder to break tie votes and make things more efficient. Leave the Bible behind and the New Testament church will eventually evolve into the Catholic Church. But if we hold to the Bible as Divine Wisdom, we will be joyfully content in its beauty, no matter how inefficient it may seem to the worldly. —Robert Hines

IS THE BIBLE ALL SUFFICIENT?

    Some people believe church creeds, church manuals, and traditions are on the same par with the Bible but have we ever stopped to consider the fact that the Bible was here long before they were?

    There are many arguments offered against the all-sufficiency of the Bible. Some contend the church as the right to make and change laws to keep in step with the times. How can this be true when we are not able to read anything in the Scriptures about the church ever having any such power? What we do read is that “all power” belongs to Christ (Matthew 28:18). Others argue traditions are just as binding as any command in the Bible. Once I wrote an article in a local newspaper on the subject of ‘Reverend’ in which I showed the only time the word was used in the Bible was in Psalms 11:9. The purpose of the article was to show men/women should not wear the title ‘Reverend’ since it was God’s name. A lady, upon reading the article, said, “Well, I’ve heard men being referred to as Reverend ever since I was a little girl”. Obviously she was justifying the practice based on a long standing tradition but does that make it right? 

    There are others who place denominational creeds and manuals on equal plane with the Holy Scriptures. They say the creeds or manuals are stating nothing more than what is in the Bible. If that’s the case then why not just do away with the creeds/manuals and use only the Bible? The truth in the matter is that creeds and manuals ADD TO and TAKE FROM what the Scriptures teach. God has never, at any time, permitted such to take place. Deuteronomy 12:32 “Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it.” Revelation 22:18-19 “For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.”

    Friends, the Bible along is all-sufficient! It is sufficient to cause one to believe. John 20:30-31 says, “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” The Bible also completely furnishes/equips us: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” The Bible, God’s word, also “…has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness,…” (2 Peter 1:3).

    Jesus said that “…the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” (John 12:48). Yes, we will be judged by the word of God; not by some decree handed down by the church, a human tradition, or what might be stated in some denominational creed or manual. This being the case, we should be content with the Scriptures and reject all others things that are humanly devised.  —E.R. Hall, Jr.

NOTHING TO LIVE FOR

    Somebody once said, "Many people have everything to live with and nothing to live for." How true that is. Many wealthy people live hollow, meaningless lives. They have more than enough possessions to make life comfortable, but they have little purpose in life to make it meaningful. It takes decades before some people eventually realize that life lived for mere self-indulgence is ultimately an empty life. Jesus stated, “…’Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.’” (Luke 12:15) A time can come, however, when even the shiniest new car, or the biggest house, or the flashiest jewelry can't mask the hollowness of a life without high purpose.

    The Bible doesn't condemn all wealth, and new cars and nice houses are not wrong. But lasting satisfaction doesn't come from mere things or self-indulgence. On the other hand, people with little to live with may have much to live for. For example, Jesus' apostles were not wealthy (Acts 3:6), but their lives had real purpose.

    The Scriptures assure us that God can bring purpose into our lives, too. He can give us something to live for that is missing from the lives of people whose lives are hollow and without purpose. It has been said that “a man who has not lost himself in a cause bigger than himself, has missed one of life's mountaintop experience that can last the rest of your life -- it can ultimately take you to be with God. —David Watts

SENTENCE SERMONS  

"In all labor there is profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty." (Proverbs 14:23)
 ***
 Man's noblest aim is not to 'make a living' but to 'make a life’.
***
 When you help someone up a hill you find yourself closer to the top.

"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. VII - No. 4 / June 30, 2024

IF CHRIST HAD NOT COME

    God sent His Son into the world (John 3:16) and we should be thankful for this great love. Things would surely be different if Christ had not come. If Christ had not come:

    WE WOULD NOT KNOW GOD! God speaks to us today through His Son. “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;” (Hebrews 1:1-2).

    WE WOULD HAVE NO CLOAK FOR SIN! In John 15:22 Jesus said, "If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin." Jesus came to save us from the condemnation of sin (Romans 8:1 “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” ).

    THERE WOULD BE NO ATONEMENT FOR SIN! From Hebrews 10:1-4 we can understand, that under the law of Moses, the blood of animals could not take away sin. Christ, therefore, took the old law out of the way and nailed it to His cross in order to establish a new law, the new testament (Colossians 2:14). Today, we are saved by the blood of Christ. "For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." (Matthew 26:28).

    THERE WOULD BE NO GOSPEL! The gospel contains the good news of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). The gospel is the doctrine of Christ which we must abide in (2 John 9-10). It is the "power of God unto salvation”. (Romans 1:16).

    THERE WOULD BE NO CHURCH OF CHRIST! Christ promised to build His church (Matthew 16:18). Because the church belongs to Him, it is to wear His name (Romans 16:16). Not only did Christ build the church, He also purchased it with His own blood. (Acts 20:28).

    THERE WOULD BE NO RESURRECTION! Christ was resurrected (Luke 24:1-6). We, therefore, have that same hope. "Jesus said to her, “' am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.’" (John 11:25).

    We learn from Ephesians 1:3 that "all spiritual blessing are in Christ". To be “in Christ", we must believe, repent, confess, and be baptized into Christ (Galatians 3:27). Have you done what the Scriptures teach to be "in Christ". There's no other way to get in Christ other than doing His will. It is not a matter of what you believe, how you feel, or what someone else, including some preacher, might have told you. We must hear, believe, and obey the word of God.

    If we can help you in your study of the Bible or assist you in obeying the gospel contact us and we would be willing to help you in whatever way possible.  —E.R. Hall, Jr.

THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST

    Picture the following situation: Two men are told to measure a board. The first man uses a yardstick which is three inches too short while the second man uses a yardstick which is two inches too long. The men would measure the board and get two different lengths for the same board. The obvious reason for the men getting the different measurements would be that both had used a different standard of measurement. Each man might think that he is right and confusion would probably result. 

    Today, in the religious world, there is much confusion. There are various reasons for this, but perhaps one important reason is that there are too many sources of authority being used. Most of the religious people in today's society believe, at least to some extent, that the Bible is to be our source of authority. However, these people may not accept the Bible as the ONLY source of authority. Further, even when they say they do, they will sometimes turn to other sources of authority when unable to justify something that they are practicing religiously. Let us consider some inappropriate standards of authority that are commonly used today to justify religious practices. 
The Majority
 
    Some people use the concept of the majority as a standard of right and wrong in religious matters. They feel that if a majority of the people are practicing a particular thing, then it cannot be wrong. They might say, "Why, there are millions in the religious group that I am a part of," or “there are many who believe as I believe." Does the fact that a majority believes a certain thing make it right? Is it correct to use the majority as our source of authority or to believe a certain way simply because so many others do? 

    It should be obvious that the majority is not to be our standard of authority, because, if it is, truth would change as we change locations. The beliefs of the majority about a certain matter may be different in the South than they are in the North. Also, the views of the majority may vary from country to country. Some countries, for example, consist of populations of people who do not believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. If a person uses the majority as his standard, it would seem that he would need to change his belief every time that he changed locations when the majority of the people in the new location believed differently than the majority in his old location.

    Consider a few Bible principles. Exodus 23:2 warns, "Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil...." Also, Matthew 7:13-14 shows the great mistake of this standard as it says, "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." In some situations, there is safety in numbers. However, this concept is not correct in spiritual matters. We must not use the majority as a source of authority.

Conscience

Others use their conscience as their standard of authority. This, however,  cannot be a correct standard as it is possible for a person to have a good conscience and yet be in sin. Consider the case of Paul. Paul, previous to his conversion, was a persecutor of Christians. We are told that during this time he had a good conscience. Acts 23:1 says, "...I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day." Also, in Acts 26:9, he said, "I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth." A conscience may be programmed incorrectly, and, thus, a person could have a good conscience and still be in sin. Surely, the conscience, by itself, is not a correct standard of authority. A conscience must be properly programmed according to God's Word. 

Parents

    There are others whose parents are their source of authority in religious matters. These will not accept the truth on certain subjects because their parents did not believe that way. Surely this is a wrong source of authority. We must always honor our parents. However, it is possible that they may have been wrong in their beliefs and practices. We must not reject truth simply because it is contrary to what our parents believed. Matthew 10:37 says, "He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me…."

Feelings 

    There are still others who follow their feelings as their authority. Surely we recognize this as an unsafe guide. How many times have we felt that something would happen, and yet it did not happen? It is obvious that we cannot always trust our feelings. Nevertheless, some people will say, "I know that I am saved because I feel that I am saved." They will say this and ignore what the Bible teaches about salvation. These individuals might further say something such as, “I would not give up this feeling that I have in my heart for a whole stack of Bibles." Sadly, these individuals have their feelings as their authority. This is a most regrettable attitude.  Proverbs 16:25 states a very important truth. It says, "There is a way that seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death." As we have previously noted, Paul felt that he was right when he persecuted Christians. 

What Is To Be Our Authority?

    Our authority is to be God's Word. The Bible is to be our guide; it is to be our source of authority. Consider a few passages. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." 2 John 9 says that we must abide “in the doctrine of Christ.”

    We must accept the Bible, and the Bible only, as our source of authority. These human standards will lead us astray.
—Mike Johnson

DO YOU ACT OR REACT?

        I walked with my friend, a Quaker, to the newsstand the other night, and he bought a paper, thanking the newsie politely. The newsie didn't even acknowledge it. "A sullen fellow, isn't he?" I commented. "Oh, he's that way every night," shrugged my friend. "Then why do you continue to be so polite to him?" I asked. "Why not?" inquired my friend. "Why should I let him decide how I'm going to act?”

    As I thought about this incident later, it occurred to me that the important word was "act." My friend acts toward people; most of us react toward them. He has a sense of inner balance which is lacking in most of us; he knows who he is, what he stands for, how he should behave. He refuses to return incivility for incivility, because then he would no longer be in command of his own conduct.  

    When we are enjoined in the Bible to return good for evil, we look upon this as a moral injunction - which it is. But it is also a psychological prescription for our emotional health. Nobody is unhappier than the perpetual reactor. His center of emotional gravity is not rooted within himself, where it belongs, but in the world outside him. His spiritual temperature is always being raised or lowered by the social climate around him, and he is a mere creature at the mercy of these elements. Praise gives him a feeling of euphoria, which is false, because it does not last and it does not come from self-approval. Criticism depresses him more than it should, because it confirms his own secret shaky opinion of himself. Snubs hurt him, and the merest suspicion of unpopularity in any quarter rouses him to bitterness.

    A serenity of spirit cannot be achieved until we become the masters of our own actions and attitudes. To let another determine whether we shall be rude or gracious, elated or depressed, is to relinquish control over our own personalities, which is ultimately all we possess....The only true possession is self-possession.  —Sidney Harris

SENTENCE SERMONS  

Nothing is easier than saying words. Nothing is harder than living them day after day.
***
Here’s a good test:  Are you willing to act on the advice you give to others? 

"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