What The Bible Says

Vol. I - No. 31 / June, 2019

This Is Your Invitation To Attend
A SERIES OF
BIBLE LESSONS
To Be Presented At The
EAST ALBERTVILLE CHURCH OF CHRIST
June 9-14
7:00 Week Nights
Speaker:
Derek Long

"THE FAITH OF ABRAHAM"

       Abraham is spoken of as the father of the faithful (Romans 4:16; Galatians 3:7, 29). The Bible spends more time talking about Abraham than Abel, Enoch, or Noah (the previous three individuals mentioned in Hebrews 11). Abraham’s faith led him to be referred to as the friend of God (James 2:23; 2 Chronicles 20:7; Isaiah 41:8). Hebrews 11:8-19 gives us a description of the faith of Abraham. It says, “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God ... Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude - innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, ‘In Isaac your seed shall be called,’ concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense.” Two major events in the life of Abraham are referenced by the writer of Hebrews which demonstrate the faith of Abraham. What lessons can we learn from these two events in the life of Abraham? 

    Bible faith is one which obeys God. Many people want to speak about being people of faith but fail to see the importance of obeying God. Obedience is an essential part of a saving faith. James 2 makes the point a faith without works of obedience is dead and will not save anyone. James uses the example of Abraham as an example of someone who demonstrated his faith by obeying God. “Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.’ And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only” (James 2:21-24). Works of obedience are necessary if we are going to be justified in the sight of God. Just as Abraham’s faith led him to obey the command of God to leave his homeland and to offer Isaac upon the altar, our faith must obey God today. 

    Faith does not need all the answers to every question. Abraham did not know specifically where he was going when God called him to leave his homeland but he went. Abraham trusted God to fulfill His promises through Isaac even if Isaac was slain on the altar because of his faith in God. Are we willing to obey God even if we have questions about the command we might not have an answer to? Are we willing to trust God’s promises even if we do not see exactly how the promise is going to be fulfilled? 

  Faith looks to eternal things and not to earthly things. Abraham was truly looking for a heavenly city or country to dwell in not an earthly land of promise. Does our faith cause us to lay up treasures in heaven instead of treasures on earth (Matthew 6:19-21)? Does our faith cause us to think more about things above than things on the earth (Colossians 3:1-2)? Does our faith cause us to long for a heavenly home more than a home upon this earth? 

    Abraham did not live a sinless life. His righteousness was not due to the fact he flawlessly kept God’s commandments. Genesis 12 and 20 record for us times in Abraham’s life where he engaged in deception regarding Sarah being his wife. Abraham was not sinlessly perfect and thus he did not earn his justification on the basis of his works as Romans 4:1-4 points out, “What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.’ Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt.” Abraham’s obedient faith led him to be justified in God’s sight. If we are going to be justified, we must have an obedient faith as well (Romans 1:16-17).
—Derek Long
via Oak Grove Church Of Christ Bulletin
May 19, 2019

"NO PROBLEM!"

        When a person is eager to learn the way of salvation and is willing to accept the word of God as the final authority, there is no problem in teaching him what to do to be saved. 

    When differences arise among brethren and all have a humble attitude, and there is a sincere desire for peace and unity, and all parties want to follow God's word, the settlement is no problem.
 
    When a person genuinely believes that Jesus is the Son of God and wants to yield in submission to Christ, once he is shown the Lord commands baptism for the remission of sins, because he is honest and longs to go to heaven, there is no problem getting him to be baptized. 

    When a worshiper comes into the assembly with the right attitude of heart, there is no problem if the song leader misses the pitch on one of the hymns or if the building is too warm, or if the janitor has missed some cobwebs over the pulpit. 

    Many of the problems that arise are the bitter fruit of improper thinking! 
—Irvin Himmel

Thoughts lead on to purposes;
                    purposes go forth in action;
                        actions form habits;
                            habits decide character;
                                and character fixes our destiny.

"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. I - No. 30 / May 19, 2019

"WHY WAS JOHN CALLED 'THE BAPTIST'?" 

    Why was John called "the Baptist"?, Mt. 3:1-3. He preached that "the Kingdom of heaven is at hand." Mt. 3:2. "At hand" means "come nigh." Isa.13:6; Deut. 32:35; Joel 1:15; 2 Tim. 4:6. It was still future when Jesus began to preach. Mt. 4:17; Mk. 1:15. It was still future and only "at hand" when the apostles were sent out under the limited commission. Mt. 10:7. Also, it had only "come nigh" when Jesus sent out the seventy. Lk.10:9-11. After John's death, Jesus said, "I will build my church." Mt.16:18. The kingdom was to come with power. Mk. 9:1. The power was to come with the Holy Spirit. Lk. 24:49; Acts 1:8. The power and the Spirit came on Pentecost. Acts 2:1-4. This is called "the beginning." Acts 11:15. After Pentecost, Christians were said to have received the kingdom. Heb.12:28. They were in the kingdom. Col. 1:13; Rev. 1:9. John the Baptist died in Mt. 14 before Christ promised to build His church in Mt. 16:18. John died during the personal ministry of Christ before the kingdom came on Pentecost and before the church of Christ was built. Therefore, John was not called "Baptist" because of being a member of the New Testament church. The least in the kingdom was greater than he. Mt. 11:11. Therefore, he was not in the kingdom, or church of Christ.

    The church belongs to Christ and not to John the Baptist. Mt. 16:18. Christ purchased the church with His blood, and it belongs to him. Acts 20:28. Paul speaks of "churches of Christ". Rom. 16:16. They had no denominations in the days of the apostles. The disciples then were simply "Christians". Acts 11:26; 1 Pet. 4:16.

    The name "Baptist" was never applied to but one man in the Bible, and he died before Christ established His church. Mt. 14:1-12; 16:18. His name was simply "John" at his birth. Lk. 1:13, 60-63. When he began to baptize he became a baptizer or "Baptist". Necessarily, this name was to decrease when other men by the name of "John" would begin to baptize, else confusion would prevail. The surname "Baptist" ceased with John the Baptist and was never afterward applied to anyone else in the New Testament. John was never called "a" Baptist, as though he were one Baptist among many, but he was rather called "the" Baptist. Though he baptized many people, none of them were ever call Baptists, even though some of them also baptized.

    In giving the primary meaning of the word "Baptist", Webster says it means, "One who administers baptism; specifically applied to John, the fore-runner of Christ." Having given the primary and scriptural meaning of the word, he then gives the modern meaning and applies it to a "denomination". The modern meaning of words is not always the Bible meaning. The modern meaning of baptism is sprinkling and pouring. But the New Testament meaning involves the idea of a burial and resurrection. Rom. 6:3,4; Col. 2:12; Acts 8:38,39. The word "Baptist" is from the Greek word Baptestes and means "A baptizer; one who administers the rite of baptism; the surname of John, the fore-runner of Christ." Thayer's Greek English Lexicon. Liddell and Scott's Greek English Lexicon says this Greek word means "One that dips; a baptizer the baptist". Bagster's Greek English Lexicon defines the word as "One who baptizes, a baptist, Mt. 3:1;11:11,12." The name is the "surname"of John, the fore-runner of Christ. Thayer. Instead of being a denominational name, the word Baptist was only a "surname". In a letter to C.W. Landers, W.H. Davis, associate professor of New Testament interpretation, in the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Louisville, Kentucky, says: "My dear sir: The term can be correctly translated John the Immerser." So the word Baptist only means an "Immerser". In Bible times, it did not refer to disciples generally. In the latter part of the nineteenth century, the Baptist denomination made a new translation of the New Testament which does not contain the word "Baptist". This translation says: "In those days came John the Immerser" etc. Mt. 3:1. Bible Union Translation. Anderson's translation also translates it, "John the Immerser". Mt. 3:1. So do Macknight's and Wilson's translations.

    It is a matter of common fairness when using the words of another to use them in the same sense in which the speaker used them. To use the name Baptist as a denominational name is to misapply the word of God. The word had no such meaning in the New Testament, and the Bible means exactly now what it did when it was first written by inspired men. Its meaning was then as unchangeably fixed as the text itself. Denominationalism is wrong.

    Religious division is contrary to the Lord's prayer for unity. All should simply obey the gospel, live and worship as Christians only, with no denominational membership. Each Christian should determine in his heart to be a member of a congregation which is scriptural in origin, name, faith, doctrine and practice.
—Selected

"BEWARE OF SATAN'S COUNTERFEITS!"

        The Devil uses every means available to bewitch and deceive people. He has imitated everything pertaining to God and has been quite effective at passing around the counterfeit as being the real thing. The degree of his effectiveness can be seen in that there are many people who believe anything and everything is OK in religion. If this is the case, why did Jesus warn that we could worship Him in vain (Matthew 15:9)? We need to watch out for the counterfeits of Satan. What are some of his counterfeits?

FALSE GODS. Idolatry is one of the oldest counterfeits that mankind has fell for. It constantly plagued the children of Israel throughout their history. Today, the devil has a very well disguised god: covetousness (Colossians 3:5). It is sometimes referred to as "the almighty dollar" and the unsatisfiable appetite for the things money can buy. We live in a society where a person is measured by the things he has. The qualities of "godliness with contentment" mentioned in 1 Timothy 6:6 are given nothing more than lip-service. Many people are worshiping the god of covetousness for Satan has counterfeited it to appear as a way of life.

FALSE TEACHERS. Where are the false teachers? They aren't any! People no longer respect God's Word enough to use it to prove the message preachers preach anymore. Everybody's got the right to their own belief and practice. With this attitude prevailing, false teachers are a thing of the past. Isaiah's day was much like today: "...Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophecy deceits:" (Isaiah 30:10). The truth in the matter is there are many false prophets! "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." (1 John 4:1). Satan has many ministers who preach almost all of the truth.

FALSE DOCTRINES. It only follows that if Satan has counterfeit preachers he would also have counterfeited the things they teach. Doctrine which is genuine is the doctrine of Christ. That is, it originated with Christ. This is the doctrine that we must "abide in" (3 John 9,10). There is not another gospel but there are gospels that are perverted (Galatians 1:6,7). These "gospels" sound a lot like the real thing; just like a counterfeit twenty dollar bill looks like the real thing. Yet, regardless of our honesty or sincerity, we are holding a worthless piece of paper in our hand. So it is in religious matters. Regardless of our sincerity, if we believe and practice a doctrine that originated with man, our religion and worship is vain. (Matthew 15:9). No matter how long we have practiced a certain belief or been recognized as a member of some religious organization, that does not make it right any more than the possibility that a counterfeit twenty dollar bill will become worth $20 if we continue to carry it around in our billfold or pocketbook.

WATCH OUT for Satan's counterfeits! They look and sound mighty convincing.
—E.R. Hall, Jr.

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

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

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

Website: www. eastalbertville.org

What The Bible Says

Vol. I - No. 29 / May 5, 2019

"...LET GOD BE TRUE AND EVERY MAN A LIAR" 

    In Romans 1, Paul shows how the Gentiles sinned and were rejected of God. In chapter 2, he shows that the Jews were also guilty of sin and would also be rejected of God. Unbelief on the part of man has never changed the truth which God has revealed.

    When man and God disagree, why is God always right? "Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Corinthians 1:25). Verse 20 also states that God has made foolish the wisdom of this world.

    God is always right because man is always changing; God is not. "For I am the Lord, I change not;" (Malachi 3:6). The textbooks my children used in school 20 plus years ago are not the textbooks I used when I was in school. The textbooks my children used are not the textbooks being used today! Why? Because man is always learning things that are new to him. This is not so with God. God is omniscience (all knowing). "For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things." (1 John 3:20). God's book, the Bible, never changes. The New Testament is in no need of being revised today than when it was written two thousand years ago. Why is that? It is because truth never changes and God's word is truth (John 17:17).

    Our attitude toward God's word should be as the text states: "Let God be true...". "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5). Our attitude toward man should be as the text states: "every man a liar". This involves an absolute rejection of man's wisdom and doctrines. They must be rejected regardless of how attractive they may seem or regardless of how wise they may sound.

    For example: God says, “…baptism doth also now save us" (1 Peter 3:21) but man says, "Baptism does not save and is not essential". God says we are “buried” in baptism (Romans 6:4) but man says, "sprinkling, pouring, etc.". God says we can fall from "grace" (Galatians 5:4) but man says, "You can't fall". God says, "one body/church” (Ephesians 1:22; 4:4) but man says "Many churches". God says, “…not by faith only.” (James 2:24) but man says, “faith only".

    As we can see, Paul's admonition is still very much needed today. May each of us resolve to "let God be true but every man a liar” because our salvation depends upon it!
—E.R. Hall, Jr.

"...HAVE YE NOT HOUSES...?"

    The "Church Social" or "Covered Dish Dinner" has long been a tradition in the South. Among those of faith, there is often great satisfaction in getting together and enjoying one another''s company while enjoying the physical blessings that the Lord has provided in the form of good food. 

    In its place, this can be a wonderful thing. Unfortunately, in many instances, this kind of celebration is not kept in its place. Often these "church dinners" are just that - held at the meeting house of the church. This is seldom questioned; as I've said, it's tradition. But does the Bible, God''s inspired Word, say anything about this at all? The answer is yes, it does.

    Paul wrote to the Corinthians, "Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse. 18 For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. ... When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper...What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not." (1 Corinthians 11:17-22).

    The apostle's statements here leaves little to question. First, these Corinthians were not coming together for the better. Second, the purpose for coming together was not to partake of the Lord''s supper (the very statement implies that they should have been coming together to do so). Third, he asks the question, "What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in?" This is a rhetorical question, or one that has its answer implied. The implication is that they did have houses to eat and drink in and the coming together of the church was not the right place for this. If this is not enough, read what he says in 1 Corinthians 11:34, "And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come."

    Does the apostle tell these brethren to eat at home or does he not? If we wish to follow the Word of God, we must recognize this. Where does this leave the tradition of the church social?

    Read what Jesus said in Matthew 15:8-9, “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; 9 in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.”

    Does the church where you attend engage in "church dinners" at the meeting house? If so, do you think that the apostle Paul would attend if he were still living and invited?

    Let me encourage you to search the scriptures daily, whether these things are so (Acts 17:11). 
—Mance J. Davis, Jr.

THE KIND OF CHURCH THE WORLD LOVES

    The church and the world have always been, well, worlds apart! They have always been "at odds". The church is not exactly what the world is looking for to satisfy its pleasures. And to attract the world, so many churches have given into the demands placed there by the world it is at odds with! But to clear up any confusion let me give you a number of suggestions at the type of church the world loves.

1. A church with an honorable reputation, but inside is dead. A church that rolls over and plays dead to the worlds demands is dead in the sight of God! Rev. 3:1-6.

2. A church untroubled by heresy or outward opposition. One where compromise in all things reigns. One who is afraid of offending sinners. Mark 16:15-16. Gal. 3:26-27; 2:4-5.

3. A church that is well spoken of by outsiders. Luke 6:26.

4. A church that winks at moral evils in the community. One that accepts gambling, drinking, drugs, homosexuality as normal and good. See Rev. 3:1-6 again.

5. A church that has the preacher hold back on preaching on sin preferring feeling warm and fuzzy when they leave the worship services. And of course the preacher pulls his punches back on preaching the gospel! 2 Tim. 4:1-4.

6. A church whose members live with one foot in the world and the other in the church. 2 Cor. 6:17-18.

7. A church who does not practice discipline and refuses to withdraw from those who walk disorderly. 1 Cor. 5:1-13.

    Of course this is the church the world loves but it is not the church that Christ built (Matt. 16:18).
—James R. Dungeon

"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. I - No. 28 / April 21, 2019

MODESTY & PURITY 

    Modesty and purity of life are very close companions. The society in which we live gives little heed to the need for modesty in dress and behavior. Semi-nudity is so commonplace that a person who is dressed modestly is quite noticeable. People have forgotten or never have learned that God has spoken on this important aspect of human behavior. We do not set the standard for dress and conduct.

    Adam and Eve made themselves aprons of fig leaves to cover their nakedness, but evidently still felt naked (Genesis 3:7-10). God was not satisfied, either, and made them tunics of skin and so clothed them (Genesis 3:21). To uncover the thigh and thus expose the upper leg brought shame (Isaiah 47:2,3). This principle is applied to men as well as women (Exodus 20:26). The principle of physical modesty is so clear that it is used to illustrate the godliness needed to avert spiritual nakedness (Revelation 3:18). The attire of a harlot showed what she was (Proverbs 7:10; Genesis 38:15; Judges 16:1).

    Nowadays, excuses to undress almost completely are multiplied. Hot weather, swimming, sports, and even simply styles of fashion are all used to try to justify immodesty. God’s message is ignored, and conformity to ungodly undress is embraced. Those who wish to please God need to “awake to righteousness” (1 Cor. 15:34). “Be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds...” (Romans 12:2).

    Immodesty of dress interferes with purity of mind and with purity of behavior. It is a trial of faith and a challenge to one’s spiritual perspective even to walk the streets and shop in stores. Added to the daily menu are television programming, the Internet, many of the new cell phones and how they are being used and abused, and the language of so many of the contemporary “songs” on radio. How can a Christian maintain purity of mind while filling his ears with the vileness and corruption of this world of darkness? When teen idols debase themselves in lewdness and lasciviousness, what are their worshippers going to do? “Keep yourself pure” is God’s injunction (1 Timothy 5:22). Indecent exposure provokes lust and demonstrates base immodesty (1 Peter 2:11,12).
—Gilbert Alexander

DON'T PREACH TO ME

       In regard to religious and moral matters, a major portion of today's society doesn't want to be preached to. For preachers or anyone to insist upon an agenda where the commands and principles of God's word are to be applied in folk's lives, many have the attitude, "Don't preach to me!". Yet, these same individuals allow other "preachers" to preach to them and they delight in what they hear and are eager to conform their thinking and their lives to the message of these preachers. To what other "preachers" am I referring?

PREACHERS OF THE MUSIC INDUSTRY. The rock, rap, heavy metal, and country music singers are preachers. When you consider the definition of "preacher" and what it involves, Webster defines it as "to declare in public", "to proclaim", "to deliver a sermon". "Sermon" is defined as "a serious talk on behavior or responsibility." Are not all these ingredients in the songs that singers sing? Are they not advocating and proclaiming their agenda for a certain type of behavior upon their listeners? What about the message of violence, hate, fornication, lying, and lose morals that far too many of these preachers advocate? Let's get our heads out of the sand and realize that preachers aren't just in pulpits but they are on CD's, VH-1, MTV, and CMT preaching their message with the lyrics of the songs they sing. There is more to this than just pure entertainment. A message is being sent.

PREACHERS OF THE TALK SHOWS. Television and radio are filled throughout any twenty-four hour period with talk shows. They all have their agenda which is generally to bring about a point of view intended to affect the way we think on a variety of social, political, and moral matters. Talk show hosts fit every aspect of the definition for preachers but, in far too many instances, their message is anti-Christian and anti-moral. Public opinion is easily swayed by these smooth talking sympathizers of a new morality. A message is being sent and we are the receivers of it.

PREACHERS OF TV AND THE MOVIES. We refer to them as "actors" but in reality they are preachers. With the TV sitcoms and movies in which they act, they "proclaim to the public" a message that can and will affect our attitude toward the family, homosexuality, sexual behavior in general, honesty, vulgarity, and will give new definitions for decency in far too many cases. They are making us to laugh at things that ought to be to our shame (Philippians 3:19). They are preaching an agenda and we are buying into it under the disguise of comedy and entertainment.

    So, let us not be so naive as to think that preachers are only the ones dressed in suits and mount a pulpit with a Bible under their arms. No doubt they proclaim a message and have an agenda but they are not the only ones. In reality, we are being preached to every time we turn on our radios and listen to a singer declaring his message to us. What message is he trying to convey? In what way is he wanting to change our attitude and mold our thinking? Let us realize that whatever our attitudes and thoughts are will determine what we do. ”For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man.” (Mark 7:21-23). We are being preached to every time we turn on a television or sit down to watch a movie. What message is the actor acting out before us?

    We need to be careful of the preachers that are preaching to us and always examine their message for it will influence and affect us far more than we are willing to admit.
—E.R. Hall, Jr.

JUST A LITTLE CONTAMINATION

    One day a mother was preparing vegetables for a salad as her daughter came in to ask permission to go to an "R" rated movie.

    “But all the kids are going,"  She said,  "And their folks don't think it will hurt them."

    As she talked, she saw her mother pick up a handful of peelings and put them in the salad.  Rather startled, she shouted, "Mother, you are putting the garbage in the salad!"

    "I know," her mother replied, "but I thought if you didn't mind garbage in your heart and in your mind that you wouldn't care about a little in your stomach."

    Thoughtfully, the girl picked the peelings from the salad and then smiled at her mother.  "I guess I'll just tell them I'm staying at home tonight." she said as she went through the kitchen door.
—Author Unknown

           It is wise to direct your anger towards problems – not people;
 to focus your energies on answers – not excuses.

"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. I - No. 23 / April 7, 2019

DON'T STOP THE PLOW TO KILL A MOUSE!  

    This is an adage. I saw a cartoon, showing two heavy turning plows, two big mules hitched to each plow. Both teams were standing idle while one plowman held up a mouse he had killed and the other was looking on with much admiration. 

      This is a good illustration on the subject of first things first. Let the less important things wait for the more important things to be done first. I have seen the time when killing a few score rats seemed of just about top priority.  It was necessary to save what the plows had made. 

      The gospel plow has been slowed by the tendency on the part of churches to spend "gospel money" on entertainment and fancy buildings.  Spending thousands for fellowship halls, camp grounds, etc., wastes money sorely needed for sowing the seed of the kingdom. 

    But a favorite complaint against us who insist upon close adherence to the Scriptures is that we "major in minors." Or, we "make mountains out of molehills." Or, we "stop the plow to kill a mouse."  A man who preached and who sprinkled water for baptism admitted to me that the Bible teaches that baptism is a burial. But he thought we should just preach to save souls and not to take up valuable time arguing about nonessentials. He thought I was stopping the plow to kill a mouse. That’s what brethren said who introduced the missionary society and instrumental music. They thought brethren who opposed them were wasting time on very insignificant issues. 

    Now that institutions of human origin have been built to take the place of the local church, and churches are engaged in recreation and entertainment, many make it a light matter. They do not consider them that important. I hear that some brethren are really opposed to these practices but just do not preach on them. Well, I can see no reason for neglecting preaching on them except that they do not believe they are serious enough to merit their attention and time. 

    In fact, there is a trend now among many, many preachers to neglect "first principles" or opposition to false doctrines. They preach sermons, with very few exceptions, that any denominational preacher would endorse. They preach on moral issues they can become very excited when a vote on alcoholic beverages is coming up. They can preach fine, inspirational sermons.  But denominational people would never see the differences in their errors and the simple New Testament plan. The preacher who gets down to the detailed errors of denominationalism is, to their way of thinking, killing mice. 

    “O, that is such a small insignificant thing. Stop quarreling over non-essentials and join in the fight for the weightier matters of the gospel!"  This is the refuge of all religionists who can not produce Scripture for their practices, whether denominationalists or erring brethren. Even if departures from truth seem small, others will inevitably follow. We should be diligent to follow the New Testament in everything. And if we once assume an attitude that little errors are not worth bothering with, we are simply preparing ourselves to swallow big errors.
 —Gardner S. Hall
via Gospel Power, Vol. 16, No. 15, April 12, 2009

UNITY IN CHRIST

       The seriousness of not abiding in the doctrine of Christ is stated in 2 John 9: "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God." We are commanded to "speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you;" (1 Cor. 1:10). We should be able to do today what the apostle Paul did in his day for he preached the same thing in every church (1 Cor. 4:17). Try that today and see how many churches would permit such.

    While most churches profess to follow the Bible, they also have their creeds both written and unwritten. While the doctrine of Christ teaches there is one church (body) in Ephesians 1:22,23 and 4:4, people today teach all churches are right so just "join the church of your choice". There can be no unity in Christ when the Scriptures teach one thing and folk say another. The organization of the church, found in the New Testament, is made up of bishops (elders), deacons, and saints (Philippians 1:1) but "churches" today have elaborate organizational structures with law-making bodies such as conferences, conventions, associations, and synods. The work of the Lord's church is to minister to needy saints, preach the gospel, and spiritually build up the saints (Ephesians 4:12). "Churches" today have taken on the work of providing recreation and entertainment to cater to the physical part of man and actively involving themselves in political and social reform.

    Unity in Christ teaches the necessity of faith (Hebrews 11:6) but doctrines of men teach faith exclusively in their doctrines of "faith only" and a person is saved the moment they believe. James 2:17,24 teaches that "faith only" results in a "dead" faith. The doctrine of Christ teaches that baptism is "for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38) while doctrines of men teach baptism has nothing to do with being saved. Romans 6:4 and Colossians 2:12 teaches that baptism is being "buried" with Christ but men teach baptism is sprinkling or pouring. The Bible teaches baptism is for those who “believe" (Mark 16:16) and are able to "repent" (Acts 2:38) while churches today practice baptizing infants who are too young to believe the gospel and too young to have sins to repent of.

    The New Testament teaches we are to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs in worship to God (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16) while today's churches play upon mechanical instruments of music and sing rock gospel, country gospel, bluegrass gospel, and contemporary gospel. There never can be unity in Christ until we are willing to "abide in the doctrine of Christ"
—E.R. Hall, Jr.

HE MADE JUST ONE MISTAKE

1.     He brushed his teeth twice a day with a nationally advertised toothpaste.
2.     The doctor examined him twice a year.
3.     He slept with a window open for fresh air.
4.     He stuck to a diet of fresh vegetables.
5.     He golfed - but never more than 18 holes at a time.
6.     He got at least eight hours of sleep each night.
7.     He never smoked nor drank nor lost his temper.
8.     He was all set to live to be a hundred.
 
The funeral was held last Wednesday. He is survived by 18 specialists, 4 health institutes, 2 gymnasiums and numerous manufacturers of antiseptics and health foods.
 
    He just made one mistake! He forgot God. He lived as if this world was all that counted. Now he exists with those who say, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved” (Jeremiah 8:20).
 
    If you should die tonight, where would you spend eternity?
—John Shadowens

"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