What The Bible Says
What The Bible Says - Vol. 1 / No. 11
Sunday, October 21, 2018.jpg)
What The Bible Says
Vol. I - No. 11 / October 21, 2018
ON A DAILY BASIS
A man, asked recently to describe memories of his college days twenty-five years ago, replied, "A few big moments; many goofs, but, overall, pleasant memories.”
Would these words not describe our memories of life generally? As we recall our years, there are always the "big" moments, the emotional "highs," that we love to relish. Then there are the "goofs," the embarrassing occasions that just keep coming back to haunt us. But, through it all, the pleasant memories sufficiently prevail to enable us to feel generally good about life.
But, in reality, success or failure in life is not determined by the "big moments" or "the goofs." We will not be eternally saved on the basis of a few great spiritual achievements or eternally lost on the basis of a few gross mistakes (assuming they have been repented of). Life consists of everyday actions and decisions, and it is these that bring ultimate success or failure, eternal happiness or eternal damnation. "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me" (Luke 9:23).
It is one thing to express concern for our children as we talk of their future spirituality and faithfulness. It is quite another to provide on a daily basis a spiritual atmosphere in the home, a good example of godliness and faithfulness, consistent and loving discipline and a love for God and respect for fellowman that are so essential to the training of our children. It's the little impressions that are made day by day that prove to be so decisive.
It is one thing to dream of some day being appointed an elder in the church. It is quite another thing to put forth the effort on a daily basis to learn the scriptures, to develop leadership ability, to grow spiritually, and to live as to gain the confidence of a discerning congregation. One does not qualify for the eldership in one big leap. It comes through daily development.
It is one thing to talk a "good line" on priorities. It is quite another thing to put God first on a daily basis. The devil knows so many ways to test our resolve in these realms. Our intentions are good, but, through his subtlety, he has us selling our souls for a mess of pottage or thirty pieces of silver.
It is one thing to think that we would die for the Lord if our faith were so tested. It is quite another thing truly to live for Him on a daily basis. Egos may be fed on the "big moments," but true spirituality develops through daily prayer, study and meditation.
Our lesson is this. Set your goals for the future, and set them high. But recognize that it's the little, day-by-day moments, the often forgotten moments, accumulated through the years, that truly shape our destiny. Tomorrow's success depends upon the choices and decisions that are made today. Make them with care.
- Bill Hall
ON A DAILY BASIS
"When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, ‘Whom do men say that I the Son of man am'? And they said, ‘Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elijah; and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.'" (Matthew 16:13-14).
Since Jesus knew the hearts of all men (John 2:24), it is obvious that He was not asking this question to seek information but rather to enable His disciples to learn. Were those individuals who thought Jesus was John, Elijah, or Jeremiah sincere in their belief? No doubt! In fact, I would not doubt their sincerity for one minute. Jesus shared many similarities with all three. Yet, regardless of the common ground He might have shared with these prophets and regardless of how sincere people were who honestly believed these things about Him, their sincerity did not turn Jesus into John or Elijah or Jeremiah.
What about people today who sincerely believe the church they belong to is the Lord's church? Does that make whatever denomination they belong to the Lord's church? There are most certainly similarities between denominational churches and the Lord's church but do the similarities make them identical? A cow and a horse are similar. They both have a head and a tail but everyone will admit they are not the same! The problem today is that people are satisfied with similarity in religion but not in other things. An avid football fan realizes that all football teams have the same number of players and play on similar fields. However, what is not identical is where the team is from, the team colors, and the players names and that makes the difference that distinguishes his team from all the others.
We often hear statements like: "We worship similar in that we both sing!" but similar is not identical. While we both may sing, one uses a mechanical instrument of music and the other simply sings as directed in Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16. Another statement heard is: "We worship similar in that we both observe the Lord's Supper!" Yet, one takes it on Saturday night, once a month, or once a year while the Lord's church is to observe it every first day of the week (Acts 20:7). Some said, “Our church preaches the Bible just like yours!" Yet, one let’s women preach from the pulpit and be in other leadership roles while the Bible teaches women are not to preach or be in a position of authority over the man (1 Corinthians 14:34; 1 Timothy 2:12).
We should not be interested in ‘similarity' in spiritual matters, but in being ‘identical' with the Lord's church we read about in the New Testament. "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God...." (2 John 9) “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the traditions of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." (Colossians 2:8).
When Jesus asked His disciples, “But whom say ye that I am?", Peter replied, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God”, to which Jesus replied, "Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 16:15-17). Peter's answer was what he had heard from God in heaven. We need to do exactly like Peter; "If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles (words) of God;..." (1 Peter 4:11). SIMILAR is not IDENTICAL!
- E.R. Hall Jr.
SENTENCE SERMONS
Sin without repentance always brings punishment: sometimes visibly, sometimes secretly, frequently in this lifetime, but always in eternity.
***
If false teaching goes unchallenged, it breeds confusion and draws more shallow and insincere people into its fold.
***
Simply put, integrity is doing what you said you would do.
"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. 1 / No. 10
Sunday, October 07, 2018
What The Bible Says
Vol. I - No. 10 / October 7, 2018
MARRYING THE WRONG GUY
Today I have several single female friends who would very much like to find the right guy. Some tell me the pickings are slim at their church, so they have ventured into the world of online dating. Others have thrown up their hands in despair, wondering if there are any decent Christian guys left anywhere. They’ve begun to wonder if they should lower their standards in order to find a husband.
My advice stands: Don't settle for less than God's best. Too many Christian women today have ended up with an Ishmael because impatience pushed them into an unhappy marriage. Please take my fatherly advice: You are much better off single than with the wrong guy!
Speaking of “wrong guys,” here are the top 10 men you should avoid when looking for a husband:
The unbeliever. Please write 2 Corinthians 6:14 on a Post-it note and tack it on your computer at work. It says, “Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?” This directive is filled with such common sense that it would also apply to any marriage.
Don’t allow a man’s charm, looks or financial success (or his willingness to go to church with you) push you to compromise what you know is right. “Missionary dating” is never a wise strategy. If the guy is not a faithful Christian, scratch him off your list. He’s not right for you. I’ve yet to meet a faithful Christian woman married to an unbeliever who would recommend it.
The liar. If you discover that the man you are dating has lied to you about his past or that he’s always covering his tracks to hide his secrets from you, run for the nearest exit. Marriage must be built on a foundation of trust. If he can’t be truthful, break up now before he bamboozles you with an even bigger deception. Paul writes: “Therefore, putting away lying, let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” (Ephesians 4:25). Every marriage must be built upon truthfulness. If he lies to you about anything, drop him like a hot rock!
The playboy. I wish I could say that if you meet a nice guy at church, you can assume he’s living in sexual purity. But that’s not always the case today. I’ve heard horror stories about single guys who take part in the worship services; waiting on the table, leading singing and even preaching on Sunday but act like Casanovas during the week. If you marry a guy who was sleeping around before your wedding, you can be relatively sure he will be sleeping around after your wedding. Also, if he’s using pornography marriage will not cure his use. Does he flirt with or text messages to the opposite sex—run, run as fast as you can, he is the wrong guy. “Put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24).
The bum. “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever,” (1 Timothy 5:8). If you find out that the man you are interested in has trouble keeping a job, or says he just hasn’t found the right job for him, be advised he is not good for you. You can detect whether he is lazy and if he will not be a good provider for his family. If he won’t work you will probably be FORCED to work to pay the bills so he can sit in front of the TV playing his video games.
The addict. Churchgoing men who have addictions to alcohol or drugs have learned to hide their problems—but you don’t want to wait until your honeymoon to find out that he’s a boozer. Never marry a man who refuses to get help for his addiction. Insist that he get professional help and walk away. And don’t get into a codependent relationship in which he claims he needs you to stay sober. You can’t fix him!
The deadbeat. What kind of debt does he have? Why does he have those debts? Is he living up to his obligations to pay those debts? Does his strategy include default, bankruptcy or letting mom and dad worry about those student loans? There have been many women who enter a marriage with a deadbeat and end up spending the next several years baling out the ne'er-do-well.
The narcissist. I sincerely hope you can find a guy who is handsome. But be careful: If your boyfriend spends six hours a day at the gym and regularly posts close-ups’ of his biceps on Facebook, you have a problem. Do not fall for a self-absorbed guy. He might be cute, but a man who is infatuated with his appearance and his own needs will never be able to love you sacrificially, like Christ loves the church (Ephesians 5:25). The man who is always looking at himself in the mirror will never notice you.
The abuser. Men with abusive tendencies can’t control their anger when it boils over. If the guy you are dating has a tendency to fly off the handle, either at you or others, don’t be tempted to rationalize his behavior. He has a problem, and if you marry him you will have to navigate his minefield every day to avoid triggering another outburst. Angry men hurt women—verbally and sometimes physically. Find a man who is gentle.
The man-child. Call me old-fashioned, but I’m suspicious of a guy who still lives with his parents at age 35. If his mother is still doing his cooking, cleaning and ironing at that age, you can be sure he’s stuck in an emotional time warp. You are asking for trouble if you think you can be a wife to a guy who hasn’t grown up. He is looking for another mother! Back away and, as a friend, encourage him to find a mentor who can help him mature.
The control freak. Some Christian guys today believe marriage is about male superiority. They may quote Scripture and sound super-spiritual, but behind the façade of husbandly authority is deep insecurity and pride that can morph into spiritual abuse. Stop and consider what the apostle Peter wrote. “Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered,” (1 Peter 3:7). Sure men, are to head their home (Ephesians 5:23), but Peter makes it clear that in Christ there is spiritual equality, and therefore men must respect this equality. If the man you are dating talks down to you, makes demeaning comments about you or women in general, back away now. He is on a power trip. Women who marry religious control freaks often end up living a nightmare of depression.
If you are a woman of God, don’t sell your spiritual birthright by marrying a guy who doesn’t deserve you. Your smartest decision in life is to wait for a man who is sold out to Jesus.
- J. Lee Grandy (adopted)
SENTENCE SERMONS
Our basic temperament is hard to change, but it can be improved upon as we strive to become more like Christ.
***
Even skeptics have faith. They have faith that skepticism is true.
***
False brethren can be more dangerous than open enemies.
"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. 1 / No. 9
Sunday, September 23, 2018
What The Bible Says
Vol. I - No. 9 / September 23, 2018
HAS THE BIBLE BEEN CHANGED?
We are frequently asked about the reliability of our Bibles. Specifically, how can we be sure that the Bibles we are reading today are true to the original messages delivered so long ago. In particular, can we be sure that the New Testament has not been altered and changed in the almost 2000 years since it was written?
The answer to these questions is a resounding YES, we can be absolutely certain that we have good, reliable copies of the messages as they were originally written. To illustrate how we can have this confidence, consider this illustration:
- At a potluck dinner, Sally has a delicious dish and several other ladies ask for her recipe.
- Sally makes three handwritten copies of her recipe and gives them to Anna, Betty, and Clara.
- A good while later, Anna pulls out that recipe and is preparing to fix the dish. She calls Sally to confirm the ingredients, but Sally has lost her original copy of the recipe.
- Is there any way for Anna to confirm the accuracy of her copy?
- YES, although the original has been lost, Anna can compare her copy to those of Betty and Clara.
- If all three agree, she can have good confidence that her copy is exactly like the original.
Now, take this illustration and apply the same principle to the New Testament. Admittedly, the original ''autograph'' copies of these documents are all lost and unavailable. But, there are literally thousands of copies of those originals, many dating back to the immediate time frame in which the originals were written.
By comparing these thousands of copies, and by observing their nearly perfect similarities, we can conclude that our Bibles today are true to the originals. In fact, there is no book of antiquity that comes even close to the Bible in being able to provide this sort of documentary evidence for authenticity and accuracy.
YES, you can trust your Bible!!!
- Greg Gwin
FATHERS: PRINCIPLE TRAINERS OF CHILDREN!
"Children are an heritage of the Lord" (Ps. 127:3) and as such should be considered gifts from God who have been placed in our hands to mold and fashion into worth-while citizens in his kingdom. Thus is laid on us the responsibility to "train up a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old he will not depart from it" (Prov. 22:6). Note the word "train." Far too many times this is thought to be accomplished simply by telling how to act, etc. However, even a dictionary recognizes that such is not the case. It says, "to bring to a desired standard of efficiency or condition or behavior, etc. by instruction and practice" (Oxford American Dictionary).
Telling is definitely important. "These words, which I command thee this day, shall be upon thy heart; thou shalt teach them diligently to thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thy house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up" (Deut. 6:6-7). But practice and application are also required. This can be seen even in secular matters. One may attend school where he is told the information he needs, but then he needs on-the-job training, and some are hired as trainees. He needs the experience. Churches have training classes in which instruction is given, but training is gained by practice and experience.
This is brought out in the New Testament in Ephesians 6:4. It says, "And ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." There are several important points made in this passage:
1. Of utmost importance is the expression "of the Lord." This has religious and spiritual application. It is "the way he should go" (Prov. 22:6). It is not just nurture and admonition, but is nurture and admonition of the Lord.
2. The synonyms nurture and admonition are not easily defined but most seem to agree that the word "nurture" deals with training by act and discipline and the expression "admonition" is training by word (Expositor's Greek Testament). In his discussion of paideai (nurture) Thayer says: "1. the whole training and education of children (which relates to the cultivation of mind and morals, and employs for this purpose now commands and admonitions, now re-proof and punishment)."
3. Usually we husbands leave this to mothers, but in doing so we have neglected the fact that the passage explicitly gives this to the father! Thus, it is his responsibility to do the "nurture and admonition." He can do this by reading the Bible and Bible stories to and with his children and enabling them to make application of its truth to various aspects of life. He doesn't merely tell them but helps them in preparing their Bible class lessons. He is involved in training them when he sees to it that they go with him to church services and participate as much as possible in its activities. It is his responsibility that they are taught the word of God, to train them in proper behavior, and when needed he is to administer discipline, correction, and punishment, as he "chastens them betimes" (Prov. 13:24). If a father is not actively involved in this, he is neglecting his role as father. Thus he is the principal trainer of his children.
To be sure, his wife has a part in this. She is told to "guide (or rule, ASV) the home" (1 Tim. 5:14). Nevertheless, "the husband is the head of the wife as Christ also is head of the church" (Eph. 5:23). So, in addition to being involved in the actual teaching and training, it is his responsibility and God has given him the authority to see that all such, though done by others, is done properly. The following quotation from the Pulpit Commentary brings this out very well. In discussing the synonyms "nurture" and "admonition, it says, "It is difficult (but apparently impossible) to get words in the English language to represent the two words that are in the Greek original. They are in a general way to be distinguished as discipline by power and discipline by reason . . . It is rather all that drilling which a parent gives his children in virtue of the executive (magisterial) power which is placed in him. He has certain rules by which he goes in training his children, and he has got the power to enforce them. He makes them say `grace before meat' that they may learn betimes from whom all table comforts come. He makes them attend to their lessons, that they may know that they have got to work and not be idlers. He makes them be selective as to their companionships, that they may not get out in evil associations. He appoints certain hours for the house, that they may learn order and punctuality. He does not ask them if they will go to church, but he makes them go to church with him. That is the kind of drilling that is meant here, and when it is necessary it must be backed up by chastening, or judicious punishment for good." It is interesting that in discussing admonition it says, "It is not necessary that a parent should always explain to a child the reasons of his procedure. But it is important that, as a rule, children should have explained to them the evil of the course they are asked to avoid, and the advantages of the course they are asked to follow." Again observe that the text places the responsibility to do this on the fathers.
The wording of this may seem somewhat harsh, but remember the same verse (Eph. 6:4) lets us know that it is to be administered in such a way as not to provoke the children to wrath.
Conclusion:
It seems fair to say that, in this regard, the Bible shows:
1. Children need the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
2. This involves much more than mere telling; it requires training.
3. God has specifically given this responsibility to fathers.
---Hiram Hutto
Guardian of Truth - June 19, 1997
"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. 1 / No. 8
Sunday, September 09, 2018
What The Bible Says
Vol. I - No. 8 / September 9, 2018
HOW WELL DO WE KNOW EACH OTHER?
Many people in local churches know little or nothing about one another. They don't know each other's physical state, spiritual condition, or convictions about spiritual things. Too many have walled themselves in and their brethren out, a situation common to our times. Sixty years ago, people would go to neighbor's house and visit for several hours. They talked about the weather, politics, how each was getting along, and religious matters. They knew whether their neighbors went to church services, where they went if they were "church-goers", and what they believed about all sorts of Bible matters. They didn't always visit all of their brethren; however, they had much more than a passing acquaintance with a number of them. They were not afraid to talk to each other about spiritual things.
We need a return to openness of question-ing and dialogue. These things are necessary to our becoming truly acquainted with one another. Surely this is Biblical behavior. Paul informed his readers about faithful saints and their work, and about unfaithful ones who had given up their sanctification (Rom. 16; 2 Tim. 2:17,18; 4:14). He wanted the brethren to know how he was faring, and he wanted to know how the brethren in various places were faring (Eph. 6:21,22; Phil. 1:27). He sent Tychicus to Colosse to inform them of all the news about him, and that Tychicus might learn of their circumstances and comfort them (Col. 4:6-8). Paul exhorted the saints to know their elders (1 Thess. 5:12). This meant more than just knowing their names; for they were told to esteem the elders highly in love for their work's sake (vs. 13). It was for the safety of the saints that Paul wanted to know how they were faring, and also that his own mind might be set at ease by the assurance of their faithfulness (1 Thess. 2:17 - 3:10).
Do we know who needs comfort, who needs companionship, who is drifting away from steadfastness, who is sick, even who is absent from worship at times of assembling? How can we fulfill our duty to our one another without knowing these things? How can elders do their work without knowing these things? How can we "warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, and be patient with all" if we are oblivious to each other's condition (1 Thess. 5:14,15)? How can we profit from the good examples of saints in other places if we are not told about their work? Remember what Paul told the Corinthians about the Macedonians and why he had done so (2 Cor. 8:1-7,24; 9:1-5). Do we know those who teach us as Timothy knew Paul and could, therefore, be assured in faith concerning the things he had been taught (2 Tim. 3:14,15)? Do we know each other as John knew the elect lady and Gaius and rejoiced in their devotion to God and in the fruits of their labors (2 Jn. 1-8; 3 Jn. 1-8)? How well do we know each other?
—Gilbert Alexander
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE?
Regardless of peoples' religious or philosophical views, one thing we all can agree on is that our life is going to end one day. Let this cause us to think soberly on ‘what is your life'? We must acknowledge God's Word as the "instruction manual" by which to pattern and put together our lives. It contains "...all things that pertain unto life..." (2 Peter 1:3) and it can make us "...throughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3:16,17).
From its pages we can learn that "...it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" (Hebrews 9:27) and that "we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; ..." (2 Corinthians 5:10).We must realize that what we do while we are living is the basis on which we will be judged. The rest of 2 Corinthians 5:10 says, "...that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad." Some have the idea that judgment is going to have God put all our good we do on one side and all the bad we do on the other side and whichever outweighs will determine the verdict. Not so! Ezekiel 18 :21-32 shows that when a wicked man repents and does the will of God, all his transgressions will not be mentioned unto him. However, if the righteous turns away and sins and does not repent, all the righteousness he has done will not be mentioned. God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked (verse 32) but "precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." (Psalms 116:15).
So, what is your life? Do you know God, have you obeyed the gospel, and living faithful to God's Word? If not, Jesus is coming "in flaming fire taking vengeance..." and you "shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power." (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). Only if our life is a life "...faithful unto death", then Jesus says, "...I will give thee a crown of life." (Revelation 2:10).
HOW TO BE USELESS AND MISERABLE
Be Self-Centered: -- Bestow all your affection and care upon yourself, seek your own happiness and well-being to the point of unconcern for the needs of others.
Be Demanding Of Others: -- Tell yourself that others are obligated to you, that it is their duty to be concerned about you and look after your best interest, and make no allowance for the least failure on their part to discharge this duty.
Feel Neglected And Become Absorbed In Self-Sympathy: -- Convince yourself completely that others do not fulfill their obligat- ions to you, and never allow the least doubt that you are a subject of misfortune and pity.
See Only Good In Yourself And Faults In Others: -- For every attitude and act of unrighteousness on your part, find an excuse to salve your conscience while demanding absolute perfection of others.
Observe These Rules And You Will Attain To Complete Uselessness And Perfect Misery Forever!
If, however, your aim is usefulness and happiness, then you must do the exact opposite: "It is more blessed to give than to receive," and remember that selfishness is among man's most soul-condemning blunders.
—L.R. Hester
"It is not enough for a man to know what is right; he must have the disposition to do it.”
"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. 1 / No. 7
Sunday, August 26, 2018What The Bible Says
Vol. I - No. 7 / August 26, 2018
HOW ARE DEACONS SELECTED
How are deacons selected and appointed in the local church? Are they self-appointed? Are they ordained with the laying on of hands in a special ceremony? Are they elected by majority vote? Do they grow into the office? This is the subject assigned to me in this special issue on the work of deacons.
Deacons are listed with the bishops, servants (ministers) and saints in Philippi 1:1: "Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishop and deacons."
While we do not have detailed directions for the step by step procedure in selecting and ordaining elders and deacons, we do have principles in the New Testament that govern the procedure of putting elders and deacons in the office (work) of the local church. Ignoring what the New Testament says about this matter will usually cause internal problems and will make it virtually impossible for elders and deacons to function after they begin their work. We must know what we are to do and then know how we must do it.
Neither elders nor deacons are self-appointed. It would be a disaster for any congregation to accept just any man who decides he should be a deacon and appoints himself to that work. The requirements in the word of God would be worthless if the church could not "look ye out among you" those who meet the pattern given by the Holy Spirit.
It is important to understand the meaning of select and appoint. The appointment of elders and deacons is the beginning of an agreement between them and the church. It is the point at which the elders and deacons begin their work. Such a beginning is necessary to know when one is an elder or deacon, and when the church has an obligation to them in that capacity.
The Selection. The New Testament gave the criterion for a man to be a deacon, and the church where they are to serve is to select out those who have the qualifications. The men must be what God requires of them before they can be selected, otherwise the disciples could ignore the requirements and select whomsoever they pleased.
The selection is simply the choosing out from the number those who have the requirements given by Christ. The qualifications determine whether a man may be appointed to be a deacon, and the church simply looks out from their number those who have the qualifications. They are not deacons at this point.
Voting usually means the majority rule, which is scripturally wrong. The kingdom is not a democracy, it is a monarchy, with Christ as the only King, Ruler and Lawmaker. Someone has said, "The first attempt at voting in scriptural matters marks the beginning of division: for and against." Voting for elders and deacons, with the majority vote winning the office, is not scriptural from any point of view.
When the multitude of disciples did what the apostles told them to do, they chose those seven who were qualified who were "set before the apostles" to be appointed "over this business" (Acts 6:5,3).
The Appointment. The term "appoint" signifies a subsequent action to the selection of those to be deacons. Of Paul and Barnabas the Holy Spirit said, "And when they had ordained them elders in every church. . . " (Acts 14:23). Ordain here means "to elect by stretching out the hand" (Young's Analytical Concordance).
Titus was instructed by Paul to "ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee" (Titus 1:5). Thayer says the word "ordain" here means "to appoint one to administer an office." The apostles appointed the deacons in Jerusalem who were selected in Acts 6:3. This was something the apostles did following the selecting by the multitude of disciples - the church. This is what the church is to do in appointing deacons.
The selection of those to be deacons is not done by majority vote election. This method automatically makes the winners deacons. Others put the responsibility upon the preacher to select and appoint the deacons. This is not what Acts 6:3 teaches.
Some believe that deacons "grow" into the office. They began doing the work and one day they are recognized as deacons. Various views of this method are put forward, but none are scriptural.
There is not a detailed procedure, point for point, given in the New Testament for selecting and appointing deacons. There are three steps necessary in getting men into the office of deacon:
Qualifications determined. The first thing to be done is to determine exactly what essentials the men must have because selection depends entirely upon whether or not the men have them. A lot of teaching and studying of the New Testament should be given to this subject by the congregation.
The Selection. The Holy Spirit said: "Look ye out among you" (Acts 6:3). This places the responsibility upon the disciples (church). Whatever method of selecting out the qualified men that is decently and orderly, and fully respecting the Scriptures, may be used. One method may be to have each member of the congregation make a list of the names of those believed to be qualified and give the lists to two or three respected brethren of the congregation to put together for all to consider. Any orderly method of doing this will be successful. To stop here would be "majority vote rule." After the names of those who have been suggested are given, each member should have the opportunity to voice any scriptural objection against any name. If any objection is scripturally valid, that person should not be appointed, no matter how many want him; he is not scripturally qualified. The selection depends upon the qualifications. If any man is contentious about being a deacon even though valid scriptural objections are established against him, he is confirming his unfitness for the office.
The Appointing. Titus was left in Crete to "ordain" elders in every city (Tit. 1:5). Paul and Barnabas "appointed" elders in every church where they had preached (Acts 14:23). Deacons are appointed in the same way. The evangelist may appoint those who are qualified and have been selected by the brethren. This appointing is simply the designating them to the work. The method of doing this may vary from place to place, but it must conform to God's word.
Some time should be allowed between the selection and the appointment to allow for consideration by the church. Someone may know of a scriptural reason why one should not be appointed. After a sufficient time has elapsed after the selection, the preacher may appoint them in a very solemn manner to impress the seriousness of the responsibility of both the deacons and the church. No secret balloting should be used because too many evil things can be covered up.
Every responsible and faithful member of the church should know when one is qualified to be a deacon. If one is taught to act without bias and prejudice, and to try to please God rather than self, there will be little or no difficulty in the matter of selecting and appointing deacons to the work.
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--- 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