What The Bible Says

Vol. VI - No. 24 / April 7, 2024

GOD'S WAY VERSUS MAN'S WAY

    When it comes to what a person must do to be saved, man's way always conflicts with God's way. Jesus said in Mark 16:16, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." God's way is for man to believe and be baptized in order to be saved. Man's way is that a person is saved when he believes and can be baptized later thus eliminating the part baptism has in salvation. 

    Acts 2:38 states: "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." God's way is repent and be baptized for the remission of sins. Man's way is to repent and be saved then be baptized.

    Romans 6:2-4 teaches we are dead in sin, buried in baptism, and raised to walk in a new life. This is God's way but man's way teaches we are dead in sin, arise to a new life, and then are baptized. 

    Galatians 3:27 states: "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." God's way is that we are baptized into Christ. Man's way is that we put on Christ by simply believing and then we are baptized.

    Jesus said in John 3:5, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." God's way is to be born again by water and Spirit. Man's way is to be born again by the Spirit and the water can come later.

    Colossians 2:12 says, "Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead.” God's way is for the operation of God to take place in baptism. Man's way is for the operation to take place before baptism.

    Not once in these verses or any other verses does God put baptism after the blessing of salvation. God always puts baptism before and thus make baptism a condition of salvation.

    Man presumes to change every verse in God's word that deals with baptism just because it contradicts his own theory.

    Now which way do we believe is the right way: God's or man's? They both cannot be right. Only one of the ways in the scriptures above is right. If you say baptism is not essential to salvation, you will have to say God's way is wrong every time. If you say God’s way is right, you will have to admit that every one not baptized for the remission of sins is still not saved and out of Christ. —E.R. Hall, Jr.

GOOD PEOPLE NEED TO BE SAVED TOO!

    What will be the eternal destiny of good people? By "good" I mean kind, decent, caring, morally upright folks. They may or may not be religious. Nevertheless, you won't find finer folks: your helpful neighbor, your kind friend, your sweet grandmother. It is easy to assume they will be in heaven; indeed, is hard to think anything else. But will that be the case? All we know about anyone's eternal destiny is what God says in Scripture. A case recorded in Acts 10 sheds considerable light on the question.

Good People Need to Be Saved

    The focus of this text is a man named Cornelius. He is pictured in the finest way (vv. 1, 2, 22). He was a devout man, one who feared God. (Fearing God was a technical expression used to denote Gentiles who accepted the Jewish religion in part.) He feared God with all his household, including one of his soldiers (v. 7), indicating that he was spiritually-minded enough to influence others to follow his example. He gave many alms to the Jewish people, not just the token gestures that are the common marks of "generosity." He prayed to God continually. In the story, we find him praying at 3:00 in the afternoon. He was a righteous or just man, dealing fairly with his fellow-man. He was well spoken of by the entire Jewish nation. That would be a remarkable reputation for any man, but is especially so in this case because Cornelius was a Roman centurion!

    Could there be a finer man? How many of us measure up to this description? How many would view Cornelius as lost in sin and headed for hell? That is precisely what he was. As he was praying, an angel appeared to him and gave him a single instruction: "Send to Joppa, and have Simon, who is also called Peter, brought here; and he shall speak words to you by which you will be saved, you and all your household" (11:14-15).

Why Good People Need to Be Saved

    It is almost startling for the Bible to present this man as one in need of salvation. Yet he was. The problem was not his goodness; it was his sin. What sins had he committed? We do not know. But he was guilty of some. All are. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). And the consequence of sin for Cornelius was death. "For the wages of sin is death..." (Romans 6:23). So it is for all. People's "goodness" has nothing to do with their being lost. Sin is the problem.

    What is the solution to sin? Too many think good works will somehow make up for their wrongs. That was not the message Peter brought to Cornelius. Oh, he mentioned the essentiality of doing what is right (v. 35), but that is not enough. Peter preached that peace with God is through Jesus Christ (v. 36), that forgiveness of sins is in His name (v. 43). His sermon spoke of the proofs that Jesus offered to sustain the claim that He alone is the way to God: His miracles (v. 38), especially His resurrection from the dead (vv. 40-42), and countless Old Testament prophecies that He fulfilled (v. 43).

    All have sinned, sin separates us from God, and salvation is only in Christ. These are the facts, no matter what we might like to believe. We must come to grips with them. Our failure to do so explains why we struggle so with the concept of good people being lost.

How Good People Are Saved

    The text identifies four components of Cornelius salvation (and ours):

ONE, he had to hear the gospel. The words by which he and his household would be saved were Peter's message that Jesus died for our sins.

TWO, he had to believe that message, put his trust in Jesus as the means of being right with God. "Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes receives forgiveness of sins" (v. 43). This is so foundational that it is often stated as the summary of man's response, just as "grace" is for God's provisions (Ephesians 2:8).

THREE, he had to repent (11:18). Repentance leads to life. It is a change of heart that says I will live as God directs from now on. Of course, to be genuine it must be demonstrated in a change of life. One has not repented who persists in the same sinful way of living.

FOUR, he had to be baptized in water. "...Then Peter answered, 'Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he? And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ" (vv. 46-48). In his first sermon, Peter explained that baptism is for forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).

     Knowing what you now know, do you want to stand before the Lord in judgment based solely on your own "goodness," or would you rather be there having accepted His offer of salvation in Christ? —Frank Himmel

SENTENCE SERMONS

You’re always responsible for how you act, no matter how you feel – remember that!
***
Your eternal destiny will not be the result of chance but of choice.
***
Do not misinterpret God's patience for God's permission. 

"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. VI - No. 23 / March 24, 2024

THE ENTIRETY OF GOD'S WORD

    Is it alright for religious people to choose which scriptures we prefer between passages that give differing information on a given subject or do we have to harmonize the truth of all passages on a particular subject?

    Let's notice a few scriptures to shed some light. Ps 119:160 says "The entirety of your word is truth ..." Mt 4:4 states " ... It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." We can see from these two passages that no scriptures can be interpreted to put the meaning of one scripture in conflict with another. In Isaiah 28:9-10, our principle is further refined: "Whom will he teach knowledge? And whom will he make to understand the message? ... For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, Line upon line, line upon line, Here a little, they’re a little."

    Truth is found in searching all of God's word on any subject, finding some here and some there, and building the case by stacking all those lines and precepts upon each other. Proverbs 30:5-6 reads: “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.” Rev 22:18 has similar wording and also adds that we are not to "take away from the words of the book", so if we make a point at the expense of excluding other inspired writing; we do it at our own peril. "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." - II Tim 2:15.

    In Jn 12:48, Jesus says, "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." Let us always remember II Tim 3:16: "AII scripture is given by the inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for instruction in righteousness that the man of God may be complete."  —Sid Rowe

CAN WE TRUST THE BIBLE?

    The Bible is the most circulated and read book but it is also the most criticized. Atheists and evolutionist are always calling into question its integrity. Do we have reason to believe (trust) the Bible or is it a case of blind faith, as some are willing to charge?

    This question is of extreme importance for if the Bible is not the Word of God, then faith in the Bible is a hoax. If the Bible is not true then it is a lie and not worth following. This question is also important because if the Bible is not trustworthy, there is no standard of right and wrong. Either the Bible is "INSPIRED" and “INFALLIBLE" or it is not!

    The Bible makes certain claims for itself. It claims to be inspired. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God,… ". "Inspiration" means “God breathed". This means the very words themselves are inspired. In 1 Corinthians 2:13 we read: "Which things also we speak, not in words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Spirit teacheth; combining spiritual things with spiritual words.”(ASV). We see in Jeremiah 1:9 further claims of the words themselves being put into the mouths of His servants the prophets: "Then the Lord put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the Lord said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.” Also the Scriptures claim for themselves to last forever. In Matthew 24:35, Jesus said, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." Also read 1 Peter 1:23-25.

    Just claiming to be inspired doesn't make it so. If that be the case, our modern day "faith-healers" would be correct in what they claim. Whenever a claim is made, it must measure up and the same is true for the claims that the Bible makes for itself. The Bible must measure up to its claims with EVIDENCE! If sufficient evidence cannot be given, the Bible is a fraud. If the evidence supports the claims, the Bible is then true and we are accountable for what it teaches.  

    The historical references made by the Bible often come under attack. It must be admitted that Bible history is incomplete but this doesn't take away the infallibility of the Scriptures. The Bible deals with nations and events that have a bearing on God’s plan of redemption therefore every detail of history is not included.

    Quite often the charge is make that the Bible is not scientifically correct. It is true that things in the Bible often run opposite of modern day opinion such as the ongoing controversy involving creation and the THEORY of evolution. A frequent problem with science is that conclusions are quickly reached before all the evidence has been examined. The Bible is not a history textbook nor a science textbook but when references are made they are accurate and reliable. True science has never disproved the Bible. Most certainly neither will theories and opinions disprove it.

    The Bible is truly unique in its continuity. A book containing sixty-six books, it was written over a 1500-1600 year period (40 generations). The Bible was written by forty different inspired men from different social and political backgrounds living on three continents (Asia, Africa, Europe).Yet despite all this, it is truly remarkable in its continuity. The only account to give reason for this is found in 2 Peter 1:20-21: "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”

    The Bible is also unique in its survival. No ancient document is as well substantiated than the Bible. It has more manuscript evidence than any ten pieces of classical literature combined. In fact, to question the authenticity of the Bible is to call into question every ancient writing in existence. For its survival and endurance we have God's promise: "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my word shall not pass away." (Matthew 24:35).

    When all evidence is considered, it is reasonable to conclude that the Bible is what it claims to be: The inspired word of God. There is no reason to doubt its authenticity and it is with confidence that we can defend the integrity of the scriptures. We stand in defense of something that is infinitely precious. —E.R. Hall, Jr.

SENTENCE SERMONS

“Criticism is easy; achievement is more difficult."  --Winston Churchill
***
Some are 'setting on the premises' instead of 'standing on the promises’.
***
Patience: the ability to count down before blasting off.
***
Eternity is a long time to think about what you should have done.
***
Christianity is most often judged by what others see of it in you. 

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

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

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

Website: www. EastAlbertville.org

What The Bible Says

Vol. VI - No. 22 / February 25, 2024

TEACHERS ARE QUITTING

    I saw a report that 42 teachers and 8 bus drivers have quit in Orlando County schools in Florida since August of 2023. A report by CNN claims teachers are quitting across the United States in record numbers (May 31, 2023, CNN, see also usatoday.com March 6, 2023). While some teachers quit because of low salaries, the report from Orlando retired teachers is they quit because they are worn down spending excessive amounts of time dealing with students misbehaving.

    When they say students misbehaving, they are not talking about mere talking or lack of attention in the class, the increase in violence among students and toward teachers and bus drivers is increasing. One former teacher expressed how, in his school, a student could curse the teacher or even the principal without consequences. He went on to say that it got to the point where he could not wait for weekends and holidays to get away from the stress and pressure of teaching under these circumstances.

    It is interesting to listen to the "experts" try to explain what is wrong. One school psychologist claimed that some students lash out because of "a lack of school supplies." She did say, "Some of it might be a problem at home, but they would have to investigate that further." Yes, right... 
I am no psychologist, but I can tell you misbehavior is not caused by a lack of school supplies! I put the blame squarely on the shoulders of fathers first, then mothers.

    Ephesians 6:4 says, "And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord." As the head of the wife and leader of the family (1 Corinthians 11: 3), the father answers for the behavior of his children. Remember the days when the school would report to the father of the family? Fathers must get their wives (and grandparents) on board with a plan to consistently train the children in the way of the Lord, and to correct and discipline the children when they get out of line.

    Discipline includes correcting by sitting down and discussing a matter and it can include physical punishment. The Bible does not mince words on the matter of physical correction of children when it is necessary.  Proverbs 22:15 in the ESV says, "Folly is bound up in the heart of the child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him." The purpose of discipline is to create an orderly and behaved attitude in the child. Discipline will make life easier for parents, the child, and everyone else! "The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother" (Proverbs 29:15, ESV). The promise is rest for the parents who are consistent with disciplining their children. "Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart" (Proverbs 29:17, ESV). The fact is that parents who allow children to go uncontrolled and unrestrained hate their children! "He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly" (Proverbs 13:24, NKJV).They hate them because they fail to turn them away from attitudes and behaviors which will result in disappointment and trouble in this life and, eventually, land them in a devil's hell! Parents only have a small window of time to set their children on the proper path for life. Correction must be done promptly and when the offense happens (Ecclesiastes 8:11).

    Parents who follow certain modern methods fail to make "believers" out of their misbehaving children, refusing to follow the "old paths of discipline." I do not know everything about new child rearing methods, but from what I am seeing, it does not resemble the Bible method of discipling children!

    Only in this "new age," about the last 15 to 20 years, have we heard about school shootings, students being confused about their gender, increasing unpatriotic behavior and extreme disrespect for parents and teachers. What has changed? God is not welcomed in the schools and not in the many homes today. The structure of the home has certainly gone Hollywood! Because of moral decay such as having children out of wedlock and easy divorce, the home is often governed by a single parent or adults living together. We are seeing increasingly among the married a home that functions as a democracy. God did not set the home up to be a democracy (Genesis 3:16; Ephesians 5:22).

    What is needed is responsible fathers who will wear the pants again. Those claiming to be Christians must work at structuring the home after God's order. Husbands and wives cannot function in the same roles and the family succeed at being "God's home." Children need order in their home where the father is a leader and authority in the home who teaches and corrects as needed. Mothers need to be on board with their husbands and work together working for the same positive outcome for the children (Ephesians 5:22-6:4; Titus 2:5). What is that outcome? The outcome should be responsible, polite, and orderly children who will be an asset to the school and society in general (Proverbs 22:6). Most of all, parents should work hard to bring up children who will have a firm belief in God and follow Jesus Christ (Ephesians 6:4).

    Lack of proper training in morals, peers, social media, television, and selfishness have contributed to unruly and sometimes violent children. The bottom line is fault lies in the dysfunctional home and the laissez-faire style of bringing up children. It is time to restore the home to God's original order. When children have homes with fathers and mothers who love them, teach them to respect others, and who discipline them, children will function better in schools, follow government laws, and be responsible adults. Parents are you disciplining your children? —Michael R. Baggett

IS THE SABBATH STILL BINDING TODAY?

    The Bible teaches the Sabbath was a day of rest for the Jews (Deuteronomy 5:13-14; Exodus 34: 27-28). God never gave this command to the Gentiles. However there are those who believe and teach the Sabbath is to be observed by Christians today.

    During the first 2500 years of man's existence there was no Sabbath day observance. The first mention of the word is found after the children of lsrael (Jews) had been led out of bondage in Egypt by Moses. In fact, the command to observe the Sabbath was not given until Moses received the ten commandments on Mount Sinai (Exodus 20). The fourth of those commandments stated the law concerning the Sabbath. Nehemiah 9: 13-14 also confirms that it was on Mount Sinai that God made known unto them the Sabbath.

    When we understand the purpose of the Sabbath, it should also help us to realize it is not for us to observe today. In Deuteronomy 5:15 we read that God gave the Sabbath to the Israelites (Jews) for them to remember their bondage in Egypt. Also in verses 1-3 of this chapter, we see language that could be no simpler in explaining the Sabbath had not been observed in previous times.

    The Sabbath is not binding today. When Christ died on the cross, the law given on Mount Sinai was removed (Colossians 2:14-16). The law we have today, the New Testament, is a better covenant based upon better promises (Hebrews 8:6). For anyone to want to go back under the Old Testament and bind laws and commandments today, the Bible teaches they have “fallen from grace” (Galatians 5:4). —E.R. Hall, Jr.

SENTENCE SERMONS

If we understood the power of our thoughts, we would guard them more closely.
***
Treat each day as your last; one day you will be right.
***
Whatever is begun in anger ends in shame.
***
No matter how big your house is, how recent your car is, or how big your bank account is — your grave will always be the same size. Stay humble.

"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. VI - No. 21 / February 11, 2024

"HIS BLOOD I WILL REQUIRE AT YOUR HANDS."

    Whenever my grandad would lead a public prayer, he would frequently ask God something to the effect of, “Please help us to take advantage of opportunities to teach others so their blood won’t be upon our hands.” Growing up, I had no idea why he prayed that; I actually thought it was really strange. It wasn’t until I was much older that I understood why this request was a recurring line in my grandad's prayers.

    In his farewell speech to the elders of the church at Ephesus, Paul said, “Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:26-27). Paul’s statement goes back to what is said in Ezekiel 3:18-19: “When I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. Yet, if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul.” When it comes to dealing with people caught up in sin, it can be easy to try ignoring what these folks are doing. However, we can't just stick our heads in the sand and ignore when people are acting contrary to what God requires; we are obligated to warn them (in a loving way, of course [see Ephesians 4:15]). This type of action is seen in the very context of Acts 20:26-27. 

    Prior to stating he was innocent of the blood of all in Ephesus, Paul explained, "You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house" (Acts 20:18-20); then, Paul reiterated, "Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears" (Acts 20:31). One definition of "warn" is to "give (someone) forceful or cautionary advice about their actions or conduct" (Oxford Languages Dictionary). I imagine Paul's plight in Ephesus would have been much easier on him both mentally and physically if he had not spent so much time warning people about how their actions and conduct were condemning their souls. Instead of warning people of their sins, he could have done what most preachers do today and just spoke "smooth things" (Isaiah 30:10) to everyone and, thus, avoided all those tears and trials. Yet, Paul understood that if he neglected opportunities granted to him in warning people of their wickedness, he would be held accountable.

    Each individual person is solely accountable for their own sins. No other person carries the guilt or the punishment of sins that we commit. For example, Ezekiel 18:20 says, "The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself." Likewise, 2 Corinthians 5:10 tells us, "For 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." No person will be judged by God based on the actions of others. However, if we aren’t doing our part in warning people of their wickedness, their blood will be upon our hands, which means God will hold us accountable for not trying to help people who we know are lost in sin. —Dylan Stewart

YOUR VIEW OF THE BIBLE

    Many people think the Bible can be interpreted many ways. This is not so! It is not a matter of what the Bible says but does the Bible mean what it says? Do you have a strict or a lose interpretation? Do you have a conservative or a liberal interpretation? Does your view of the Scriptures cause you to do only what is authorized or does your view allow you to do anything that is not expressly forbidden?

    For example, does your view of the Bible cause you to wear only the name Christian (Acts 11:26) or does your view permit other names to be worn religiously? Does your view of the Scriptures call for baptism to be a burial in water (Colossians 2:12) or will it allow for sprinkling or pouring? Does your view of the Bible cause you to sing in worship unto God (Ephesians 5:19) or does your view permit you to play on mechanical instruments of music when worshiping God?

God has always demanded a strict interpretation! In Genesis 4:1-7 animals were what God had authorized for sacrifices and this was what Able used. But Cain, like so many people today, thought God would accept anything in worship to Him and offered up vegetables for his sacrifice. God accepted Able's but rejected Cain’s worship. In Numbers 20: 2-12, God told Moses to speak to the rock and water would be provided for the Israelites but, instead, Moses spoke to the people and smote the rock. Although water came from the rock, God informed Moses of his sin and forbidded him to enter the promised land. Yes, when God gives commands He is strict in what He says!

    What should be our view? In 2 Timothy 3:16-17 we read: ''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 pe,fect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." Then in 2 John 9, we read, "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.”

    We must make up our minds and realize anything revealed in the Bible is the result of God's wisdom and inspiration. When we act upon those things which are revealed, we are acting by faith and doing only what God has authorized. Anything believed and practice which is not revealed in the Scriptures is a product of man's wisdom and is an opinion of man. When we act upon it, we are acting upon man's opinion and doing things by the authority of man. What is your view of the Bible? —E.R. Hall, Jr.

SENTENCE SERMONS

There's only one place where success comes before work: the dictionary!
 ***
Too much time is wasted by some people telling how busy they are.
***
There are no traffic jams on the strait and narrow way.
 ***
No matter how bad your situation, you can lose your temper and make it worse.
 ***
A Bible in the hand is worth two in the bookcase.
***
There is no right way to do a wrong thing. 

"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. VI - No. 20 / January 28, 2024

WHY ARE THERE SO MANY CHURCHES?

    The religious landscape is filled with many different churches all professing to believe and follow the Bible and be followers of Jesus. Examining the religious division resulting in the establishment of these many different churches could discourage some individuals making them think finding the right church is next to impossible. Others who have a love for the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12; Proverbs 23:23) may begin a quest to find out about the church Jesus established and which you can read about in the New Testament and seek to be a member of that church. A question many people have is, “Why are there so many churches?”. Let’s examine some things the Bible would have to say in response to such a question. 

     The existence of many churches is clearly not God’s plan. Jesus plainly stated, “I will build My church” (Matthew 16:18, NKJV), not, “I will build My churches.” Ephesians 4:4-6 lists seven things there are just one of. It says, “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (NKJV). If there is one God and Father of all, then obviously a person would be wrong to argue it is okay for people to worship the god of their choice. There is only one God and Father and no more! In a similar manner, when the text says, “there is one body,” and that body is identified as the church (Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18, 24), one would be wrong to argue it is okay for people to worship at the church of their choice. There is only one body or church and no more! God’s plan was not for His people to be divided as we see within the denominational world but rather for His people to be united. Jesus prayed, “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved me” (John 17:20-23, NKJV). God’s plan for His people is expressed in the following words, “Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10, NKJV). God should not be blamed for the religious division around us (1 Corinthians 14:33). The religious division around us is not God’s fault but man’s fault.

    How did things change from one church to multiple different churches? The Bible predicts a time would come when men would depart from the Bible’s teaching. 1 Timothy 4:1-3 says, “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth” (NKJV). When people began to depart from the faith by teaching and practicing things not in harmony with God’s word, then religious division was the result as some remained loyal to God’s word and others did not. Paul warns Timothy later, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables” (2 Timothy 4:3-4, NKJV). The elders at Ephesus were warned, “For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves” (Acts 20:29-30, NKJV). As one reads about the history of the church in the days following the first century, one will notice how departures from the faith in the organizational structure of the church and its beliefs and practices began to develop. Sadly, many still hold onto these manmade traditions rather than discarding them and returning back to the commandments of the Lord (Matthew 15:1-9). It should be our desire to discard all departures from the faith, go back to what the Bible says, and allow it to dictate what we are going to believe, teach, and practice (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Peter 4:11; Jude 3). When men are committed to allowing the word of God to be their sole standard of authority, there will be the sort of unity among such individuals that God intended to be among His people. —Derek Long

WHAT BAPTISM CANNOT DO

    It’s important when studying any Bible subject to follow closely what the Scriptures reveal. So is it true of the subject of BAPTISM. Let's not ascribe more nor less than what the Bible teaches about baptism. Thus, let's look at what baptism CANNOT do. 

     Baptism cannot CHANGE OUR HEART. By "heart" we mean a person's mind or intellect. Only the knowledge of God's word can change our hearts. Jesus stated in John 6: 45, "It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me." We also learn from Romans 10:17 that “...faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God”.

    Baptism cannot CHANGE OUR LIFE. Only repentance can do that. In Jesus' parable of the two sons found in Matthew 21:28-31, we see how one son stated he would not work in his father's vineyard but he "repented'. When he repented, he went and did as his father commanded. 

     Neither does baptism REMOVE TEMPTATION. We must realize that "everyman is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed“ (James 1:14). Baptism does not remove the lust nor the temptation.

    Since baptism does not remove temptation, it would necessarily follow that baptism does not PREVENT US FROM COMMITTING SIN. We have Peter for an example. In Galatians 2:11-14 we see an incident of Peter playing the role of a hypocrite thus proving that we can sin after being baptized.

    Neither does baptism GUARANTEE US ETERNAL LIFE. Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 9:27 that he had to always be on guard lest he be "a castaway". We must continue being faithful (Revelation 2:10). —E.R. Hall, Jr.

SENTENCE SERMONS

Ability is what you're capable of doing.
Motivation determines what you do.
Attitude determines how well you do it." - Lou Holtz
***
Measure wealth, not by the things you have, but by the things you have for which you would not take any amount of money.
***
Live so that if someone says something unkind about you, no one will believe it.
***
If you pursue happiness, it will elude you.
But if you focus on your family, the needs of others, and doing the best you can, happiness will find you. 

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

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

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

Website: www. EastAlbertville.org