What The Bible Says

Vol. VI - No. 13 / October 23, 2023

TO OUR BAPTIST FRIENDS

    Why do Baptists desire to wear John's name, do business in John's name, and glorify John's name? In fact, "Baptist" was never a part of John's name! "His name is John." (Luke 1:13,60,63).  

    What are the legal names of Al the plumber, Jack the electrician, or John the baptist? Are they not Al, Jack, and John? The terms "plumber", "electrician", and "baptist" (baptizer or immerser) are merely describing the work they do. Thus to style oneself a "baptist" does not personally honor John anymore than calling oneself a "plumber" or an "electrician" would be a personal honor to Al or Jack.   

    Why wear the name "Baptist" anyway? There are those who would say they are not trying to bring any honor to John whatsoever but is that really true? Do people not know us by the name we wear? Certainly they do! By what name do people most often refer to you religiously: a Baptist or a Christian? The name "Christian" does bear the name of Christ. Are we to be followers of John or Christ? Who shed His blood for us: John the immerser or Jesus Christ? Who brought life and immortality to light through the gospel (2 Timothy 1:10)?

    Is it not wrong to rob Christ of the glory that is rightfully His and give it to another (1 Corinthians 1:10-13). In John 3:29 we read that Jesus is the bridegroom and John was the bridegroom's friend. While Baptists claim to be married to Christ, they wear the name of the bridegroom's best friend. For Christians to be called Baptists is like a woman who married a Smith but wears the name of Jones, the bridegroom's friend. 

     “…And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." (Acts 11:26). Let us be content to be called Christians and only Christians. This is the only thing we find the followers of Christ called in the New Testament. No disciples of Christ were ever called Baptist or any one of the hundreds of other religious names that we are so accustomed to hearing today. Simply be a Christian! Wear and honor the name of Christ!  —E.R. Hall, Jr.

THE SENTINEL

    A sentinel is a soldier whose assignment is to stand watch. Its meaning and usage come from French and Italian words associated with vigilance and one’s ability to perceive. Most often we would simply use the word guard. The opposite of sentinel would be the one who poses the hazard or menace.

    When I think of a sentinel, I am reminded of a childhood friend who served a tour of duty at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during his Marine Corps tenure. I have been at the memorial during the changing of the guard ceremony. It is to me quite a stirring and somber event. There has been a sentinel on duty every minute of every day since 1937. The Sentinel’s Creed in its final statement says, “this soldier will in honored glory rest under my eternal vigilance”.

    There are multiple scriptural references to guarding and watching that have much more significance than the sentinel posted at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, though important to our nation’s military and our citizenry. One such guard is recorded in Gen. 3:24 and was placed by the Lord God: “and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the Tree of Life.”

    The cherubim depicted here seem to be the four faced, four winged angelic beings that Ezekiel saw as recorded in Ch 1:6 and Ch 10:14. These are the attendants of God with supernatural abilities.  In Ezekiel 28:14, they are said to be able to walk amid stones of fire.  They are further described in Isa 37:16 and Psalms 80:1 when pictured as being the ones whom God dwells between. Also of note is that these cherubim that God placed is plural, cherubim being the plural for cherub. Have you considered whether the sword that God placed with the cherubim could perform its duty independently, or was it wielded by a cherub? Without knowing this answer, I do know that every directive of God, if followed correctly, will accomplish what He desires. We, in our day and in our culture, would say that God placed an armed guard to guard the way to the Tree of Life. I have never found any reference to a security breach pertaining to the Tree of Life, nor do I know of any valid claim to a man being able to live forever, apart from Jesus in Jn. 14:6, “…I am the way, the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me”.

    Another guard I would like to consider is man. The text of Proverbs 4:23 directs the reader to, “keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” The word heart is mentioned more than 800 times in the Bible, more than holy, blessed or sacrifice. The NIV reads “above all else, guard your heart.”  There can be no doubt that man’s heart, the thinking part of man’s being, has the utmost impact on his eternal destiny. God has stressed this repeatedly. The heart pictured here is like a rudder to steer man on his journey.  Mat. 6:21 declares that “for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Verse 20 of the same chapter encourages man to “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven”. Men to varying degrees are treasure seekers, always looking for more, better, newer treasure. The right-thinking man understands that his soul is the most valuable treasure he possesses. Mark 8:37 asks the question “or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” This man also understands there is a day coming when all will appear before the judgement seat of Christ, 2 Cor. 5:10. At this judgement, if found faithful, then certain rights and privileges will be awarded. If found unfaithful, then certain destruction. God has given direction, but also all the necessary equipment for man to win his spiritual battle. If we are daily fighting the good fight of faith that we might lay hold of eternal life as 1 Tim. 6:12 directs, then we can have what the writer of Philippians penned in chapter 4 and verse 7 “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

    One of the beneficial rights promised to the faithful, can be found in Rev. 2:7 “…to him who overcomes, I will give to eat from the Tree of Life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” This same right is confirmed later in Rev. 22:14, “Blessed are those who do his commandments, that they may have the right to the Tree of Life and may enter through the gates into the city.”

    Consider the two guards discussed here and how they both relate to the Tree of Life. In one scenario, man was driven from the garden to prohibit him from eating the fruit of the Tree of Life because of disobedience. In the other, if he overcomes through obedience, will be afforded the right to eat from the fruit of the Tree of Life.  

    Have you done all that is necessary to guard your heart? If not, why not? Your heart is your key to valuable treasure, eternal life.  Obey God while you have opportunity.  Stop resisting…  —Blind Bartimaeus 23

"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. 12 / October 8, 2023

SENSATIONAL RELIGION

    "Sensational journalism" is the norm of the day. In the effort to spruce up newspapers, magazines, and television news, the appeal is to the physical senses to get and hold our attention. Sad, though true, many religious groups have resorted to what I call "sensational religion" in order to get and hold a crowd. This has been accomplished in many ways. Some religious groups have resorted to more than modest church buildings where expensive stain glass and lavish furnishings makeup the place so that it will appeal to people. Some church buildings are certainly "sensational" structures. I even saw on television a church building built completely out of crystal and appropriately name "The Crystal Cathedral”.

    Worship, if you want to call it that, in many churches has become a "sensational" event. Elegantly clothed choirs perform before an audience of ''worshippers". Numerous and expensive electronic musical instruments are used to further the sensation. With all the talent that is on display, it is a wonder that some churches don't start charging admission to get in instead of waiting until after you are there to take up a "collection”.

    Preachers are certainly not immune to giving in to sensational tactics. If the flashy expensive clothing and jewelry some preachers wear into the pulpit don't grab your attention, their preaching style is sure to do the job. They almost always manage to get the audience worked up into an emotional frenzy by telling a series of death bed stories or human tragedy experiences. As the pitch becomes feverish, some preachers resort to unscriptural tactics such as claiming to speak in unknown tongues like disciples did in the first century. With only tidbits of the Bible being used up to this point, the Bible is sure to be thrown out the window when the call is made to come down to the front. Some call it the "altar call" but with whatever words are used to describe it, the preacher is challenging the sinners in the audience to come forward to either pray their sins away or to relate their experience of salvation. Nothing could be farther from what the Bible teaches but it makes for a sensational time for people to shout and holler, leap and jump like a bunch of unruly children.

    After everything finally gets calmed down and services are dismissed, everyone goes home with an emotional "high". The interesting thing is this seems to be addictive because they expect to get this "high" every time they go. Yes, religion in many quarters has become very sensational and it is the church that offers and sustains the highest sensations that generally have the larger crowds. Could it be that while our physical senses are feasting our souls could still be thirsting for something more? Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.” Psalms 119:172 “My tongue shall speak of Your word, For all Your commandments are righteousness.”  —E.R. Hall, Jr.

WHAT CHURCH SHOULD I JOIN?

 All up and down this troubled land 
            Confusion reigns today, 
          As honest folks on every hand 
               In doubts are heard to say: 
          "I cannot tell which church to join, 
             There are so very many." 
          To whom we offer this advice -
             You should never join any! 

          You cannot join the church that belongs to Christ, 
             No man can vote you in; 
          The Lord, Himself. will add you 
            When he saves you from your sins.
          Then take no chances, neighbor: 
             This race but once you'll run. 
          If a church you join be of man, 
             It is not the proper one. 

          Beware the church you cannot find 
             Within the sacred pages; 
          Be safe, dear sinner, rest your soul 
             Upon the Rock of Ages. 
          Be added to His blood-bought church, 
             And drink salvation's cup; 
          For every plant God planted not, 
             It shall be rooted up. 

          No mourner's bench on Pentecost 
             The inspired Peter fitted, 
          But said, "Repent and be baptized 
             That your sins may be remitted." 
          The Lord, who saved and added those 
             Who did, that day, His will, 
          Will do the same for you dear friend, 
             For He is adding still. 

          Let not false teachers lead you wrong, 
             Nor close your eyes in slumber; 
          When Jesus said He'd build His church, 
            'Twas not in plural number. 
          No choice of churches, neighbor mine, 
            Is found beneath the sun; 
          Though men may have ten thousand,
            Our Savior has but one.
—Author Unknown

***SENTENCE SERMONS***

"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. 11 / September 24, 2023

TROUBLESOME TIMES

    Economically, our nation is struggling with high inflation resulting with such higher prices for many goods and services making it difficult for many families to make ends meet. Internationally, the war in Ukraine is taking the lives of many including the innocent, unable to fully comprehend. Hopefully these will improve with time and we pray soon.
 

    However, I believe that the greatest problem that faces this nation is it’s moral decay. For those that may not know the entire month of June has been nationally recognized as the “LGBT Pride Month”. This is a national effort to promote these perverse and ungodly acts to try to persuade people to not only accept, defend and even practice such. There is and has been an effort to influence very young children in our school systems that such behavior is normal and to acclimate their impressionable minds to accept such perverseness.


    Those that practice and/or support the LGBT movement say that they are inclusive and include people of color or of other nationalities to promote acceptability. However, there is no sin to be found in the color of a person or the nation of which they were born. In Acts 17:26 Paul states that God has created all men from every nation of one blood.


    Now let us consider some specific teachings found in the Bible concerning these sinful practices. In Genesis 2:18-24 After God created man God said that it is not good that man should be alone and created woman as a help comparable to him and they became one flesh. Please note that God did not create a man for man.


    In Matthew 19:4-5 Christ said that in the beginning God made them male and female and that a man would be joined to his wife and they would become one flesh. Reaffirming what God did in the beginning. (“joined” indicating marriage) (becoming one flesh referencing the sexual act.) Man and Woman!


    Concerning homosexuality we can read in Romans 1:26-27 that God gave them up to vile passions. For woman exchanged the natural use for that which is against nature and men leaving the natural use of the woman burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful. Verse 32 states that those who practice such things are deserving of death. Note: (vile passions) (against nature) (shameful) (deserving of death).


    In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 We can read that homosexuals will not inherit the kingdom of God.


    There are many other passages that clearly teach the homosexuality and related sins are condemned in the Bible but there is not one that would justify such. How could anyone find pride in such. I know that there are many other sins that are condemned in the Bible including other sins of the flesh but one does not justify another.

    In conclusion, I encourage all who commit such sins, as well as those who support such, to repent considering the consequences of which you will be held accountable. How can anyone take pride in “LGBT”? —Gerald White

EMOTIONALISM

    Emotions are a part of our makeup as a human being. Emotions truly have their place in our everyday lives. It is only natural that our emotions are involved when it comes to religious matters. Emotions also serve as a motivating force. Jesus said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." (John 14:15). The faith we have should be a ‘'faith which worketh by love." (Galatians 5:6). From these two verses we see FAITH operates by LOVE and love should motivate us to be OBEDIENT to God's will. From Romans 8:24-25 and 15:4 we learn that through the Scriptures we have HOPE and hope causes us to WAIT. In 2 Corinthians 7: 8-10, we see that through the letter (inspired epistle) Paul wrote, the Corinthian Christians were made to have GODLY SORROW and their sorrow lead to REPENTANCE. In these examples, we see how emotions play a part in our lives as Christians.   

    However, we must not become devoted to emotions. Stephen, in Acts 6 was attempting to objectively reason with the people (verse 10) but because of some who told lies against Stephen, the people were "stirred up" (verse 12) and Stephen was later put to death. Their emotions overcame them to the point they were willing to believe lies rather than the truth. Paul, in Acts 19, came close to the same fate of Stephen when Demetrius spoke words against Paul which caused the people to be ''full of wrath" (verse 28). These are two examples of people given to emotionalism or devotion to emotions. It is when emotions are used as an end in itself that we are given to emotionalism.

    Today, many people 'go to church' just to get the feeling or experience the emotion. Churches and preachers cater to this devotion by setting the "mood". Many churches use elaborate musical scores. Some churches turn the lights down low. The preacher goes into his discourse of sad stories about mother and father. All of this is to create a mood which will invoke emotions of either joy or sorrow.

    Rather than being devoted to emotions we need to be devoted to the word of God. Through studying, hearing, and meditating on God's word our emotions of love, hate, joy, and sorrow need to be invoked to be obedient to do the things God would have us to do and to refrain from the things He would have us not to do.

    To what are we devoted: a certain feeling or to God's word? Why is religion important to us: because of the certain feeling we have grown accustomed to having or is it the comfort we get from studying and being obedient to God's words (1 Thessalonians 4:18)?  —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. VI - No. 10 / September 10, 2023

PROTESTANTISM

    Many people often ask me what I am religiously. When I reply that I am simply a Christian, they reply, "Oh, I know that but what church are you a member of?" To which I reply, "I am a member of the Lord's church." Acting a little put out at this point, they asked, “Are you Catholic or Protestant!?" I respond, "Neither one!”. 

    I am simply a Christian (Acts 11:26), a member of the church built by the Lord (Matthew 16:18), a church that bears His name (Romans 16:16), a church of which Jesus is the Head (Colossians 1:18), and follows only the Scriptures as its creed ( 2 Timothy 3:16-17).

    I am not a Protestant because Protestantism is of man and not of God. Protestantism began as a "protest" against the Roman Catholic Church. I, too, protest the Catholic Church with its Pope, doctrines of purgatory, and prayer to virgin Mary but that's another article in another bulletin. But, I also protest Protestantism with its man-made names. When folks ask me what I am religiously they expect me to tell them that I'm a Baptist, Methodist, Lutherian, Presbyterian, or one of the other numerous religious organization. After all, there are only about +1,200 to choose from.

    Jesus can not be responsible for Protestantism for He did not promise to build many churches; only His church (Matthew 16:18) which He did in Acts 2. Those who were willing to listen and believe the gospel Peter preached and be baptized were added to the Lord's church (Acts 2:41,47). Protestantism teaches other ways to be saved. Some teach grace alone, faith alone, or that baptism is not necessary. Thus, along with their man-made names they also have man-made doctrines that you cannot find in the New Testament.

    The only organization for the Lord's church is that of elders, deacons, and saints (Philippians 1:1) but in Protestantism you find all sorts of titles and offices foreign to the Scriptures. Most Protestant churches give the title "Reverend" to their preachers and yet the only time the word 'reverend' is found in the Bible is in Psalms 111:9 and it is referring to God Himself. That is why, even though I am a preacher, I do not allow myself to be given the title of "Reverend" for I am not God, neither is any man. Neither will I refer to any man as such!  —E.R. Hall, Jr.

WAS THE DEATH OF STEPHEN UNNECESSARY?

    The title that heads this article may sound strange, but the actions and philosophies of some merit our consideration of such a question. It is true that we live in a country where we enjoy religious freedom. It is not against the law to preach Christ, in our country; whereas, it was against the law of the Jews for Stephen to preach Christ. There is a vast difference between the attitude of the officials in government in Stephen’s day; and the attitude of the officials in government in our day. Sometimes I wonder if there isn’t just as much a difference in the attitude of Stephen and the attitude of most preachers today. I don’t mean denominational preachers but those who claim to be gospel preachers.

    How many “gospel preachers” do you know that would use the plain language that Stephen used in his preaching? Stephen said, “Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost; as your fathers did so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.” (Acts 7:51-53). Every person who claims to be a gospel preacher needs to examine those words very carefully. We need to ask ourself the question: Would we preach like Stephen did? Would we say what he said or would we water it down and soften it up? Would we reason that it would not be using good judgment to preach the way Stephen preached? If Stephen had used some of this good judgment that we are inclined to think about, he might not have been stoned to death.

    Couldn’t Stephen have used a little more of what we call diplomacy and possibly saved himself from being stoned to death? Sometimes I wonder if what we are doing, when we talk about good judgment and diplomacy, is excusing ourselves for compromising the truth. Don’t misunderstand me. I am not recommending that we do not use good judgment.

    Could you image Stephen or Paul or Jesus Christ keeping quiet when matters of truth are at stake? Would they excuse themselves from speaking out against unscriptural practices under the pretense of using good judgment or diplomacy? Preachers who never say anything against church support of human institutions, church sponsored recreation, church sponsored ball teams, and kindergartens should certainly ask themselves these questions. Also, preachers who are afraid to say anything about worldly practices, immodest apparel, and etc. 
--Windell Wiser
Taken from The Sunny Hill Bulletin, May 25, 1972

***SENTENCE SERMONS*** 

If what you're working for really matters, you'll give it all you've got.
 ***  
Blessed is the man who, having nothing to say, abstains from giving wordy evidence of the fact.
***  
This is true greatness: To serve unnoticed and to work unseen.

"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. 7 / August 13, 2023

ARE YOU LIBERAL IN YOUR LOVE FOR OTHERS?

    We are to be liberal in our love towards all men, which includes those of the world and our brothers and sisters in Christ. 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13 “Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.”

    Our love is to be an abounding love for one another. To abound in love means that we are overloaded with love. Hebrews 13:1-3 “Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.” James 2:8 “If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, You shall love your neighbor as yourself, you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.”

    Matthew 22:34-40 “But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law? And he said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”

    Our love towards others is a love that is unselfish. If we love only ourselves, then we are selfish with our love. We are to share that love both physically and spiritually. John 15:12-14 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.” John 13:34-35 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Romans 12:9-10 “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”

    In the KJV, the word used is dissimulation instead of genuine. The idea is that our love should be without hypocrisy, it is an unfeigned love, love that is sincere. 1 Peter 1:22 “Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart”. Fervently is used as an adverb here and means very enthusiastically or passionately. So we are to fervently love one another enthusiastically and passionately and let that love be genuine. 

    1 John 4:7-21 “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us. If someone says, I love God, and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.” —Stephen Holsonback

DON'T BE A MEMBER OF A DENOMINATION!

    If you are not a member of a denominational church, don't become one. If you are a member, there is no need to continue in a religious institution made by man. Despite popular thinking, it is possible to be a member of a church and it not be a denomination. Yet, this is possible only if it's the Lord's church. The church established by Christ is not a denomination and possesses no denominational characteristics. The difference between the Lord's church and denominationalism is: 

IT WAS BUILT BY CHRIST. All denominations can trace their origin to man because they're all built by man. Not so with the Lord's church. It is the result of God's wisdom and fulfills His "eternal purpose" (Ephesians 3:10,11). It was built by the Lord himself (Matthew 16:18) and man cannot lay claim to building the Lord's church. 

JESUS IS IT'S ONLY HEAD. Denominations have a man or a group of men as their head. These conferences or conventions make the laws by which denominations are governed. By popular vote these laws can be changed or annulled. Christ is the ONLY head of His church (Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18). His word will judge us (John 12:48) and it cannot be changed or be annulled (Revelation 22:18-19).

IT HAS NO MAN-MADE CREED. Every denomination has theirs either written or unwritten. These creeds set forth that denomination's articles of faith and rules of practice. The creed of one denomination is rejected by other denominations. These creeds are subject to the governing bodies and memberships of the denominations. Thus they can and are revised and amended to suit the commonly accepted beliefs and practices of the membership. The church of Christ has no creed but Christ and no rule of faith and practice but the Scriptures. God's word completely and thoroughly furnishes us to every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Nothing more nor less than the Scriptures are to be used as the basis for faith and practice.

    Why not be just a member of the Lord’s church?  —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