What The Bible Says

Vol. VI - No. 1 / May 21, 2023

WHY YOU SHOULD READ THIS BULLETIN?

    If your normal custom has been to cast this bulletin aside without giving it a reading, maybe the above title has aroused your curiosity to see what this particular article has to say. Please read on.   

      This bulletin is produced and E-mailed to you every two weeks in hopes of sparking your interest in knowing the Bible. Much of what we hear in the name of religion is not true. The only rule by which we can distinguish a truth from a lie is by God's word, the Bible. Only by knowing the Bible and being familiar with what it teaches can we be selective in what we hear and believe. We must be selective "because many false prophets are gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1 ).

     This bulletin professes to teach only things that are in HARMONY with God's word. Because this is what we profess, we invite you to examine and investigate everything that is written in this bulletin. If you disagree, let us know. We would not be humiliated, embarrassed, nor offended if you were to call anything into question that we write about. If the things we teach do not harmonize with God's word, we will print a retraction and make an apology in this bulletin. We are not above making mistakes nor are we too proud to apologize for them. It is very important to us to be able to give book, chapter, and verse for everything we believe and practice. We expect the same of other individuals and religious groups. We require no more of them than we do ourselves. There can be no double standards. If God's word is that which will judge us (John 12:48), then we must also live by it (Galatians 3:11; Romans 10:17). 

    We hope that you will take the time to read this bulletin. It won't take much of your time and it may be of eternal importance. 
—E.R. Hall, Jr.

INITIALISM

    Initialism is defined as a series of letters usually in caps stated separately. This is a common practice in language and has proven extremely useful at times. It has a close kinship to acronym and abbreviation. An acronym is pronounced as a single word, while an Initialism is stated as separate letters.

     One such success story began in 1839 when the printed page was our main way to communicate and stay in touch at a distance. It started as a joke between persons at competing newspapers. Abbreviations were widely used, even when space was not in question. It was a fad to purposefully misspell these abbreviations. So born out of this fad came O.K., which is a misspelled abbreviation for “all correct”.

     OK continued to be used for all correct, and finally achieved status as a word in 1888, reportedly spelled okeh. It now is said to be the most widely used word in the English language, being a cross over word. It is used all over the world, and stated verbally and spelled the same everywhere it is used, even in different languages. It is truly universal and started as a misspelled abbreviation among newspaper rivals. 

     Whether used in war, commerce, medicine, language, teaching, travel, entertainment, it always has the same meaning. Everything is O.K. is always stated and understood the same way.

     So, the usefulness being known and understood, there are dangers in this practice. The practice of taking that which is Holy and making it common or everyday is dangerous and not acceptable to God. Psa. 111:9 declares that…”Holy and awesome is His name.” Isa. 57:15, Luke 1:49 and other verses would teach that his name is Holy, and he is to be revered. 1 Chron. 16:25 states that “for the Lord is great and greatly to be praised; he is also to be feared above all gods.” Heb. 12:28-29 describes the God of heaven as a consuming fire, stating that is the reason he should be served with reverence and godly fear.

     There are dangers everywhere for God’s children, and language and speech are no different. OMG is widely used among professed Christians. I’ve seen JC used as an abbreviation for Jesus Christ. There are bumper stickers, wrist bands, t-shirts, hats, necklaces – a whole industry built around God and His name. Commercialization of both the spoken and written expression regarding God and what is Holy, are areas where Satan is actively working. He is relentless, walking about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour, as 1 Pet. 5:8 states. Resisting Satan will require sobriety and vigilance on our part.

     In Lev. 10:8-11, the Lord spoke directly to Aaron a warning regarding intoxication. He declared that intoxicating drink would cause him not to be able to discern properly between the Holy and unholy, and between the clean and the unclean. He was instructed also to teach this to his children.

     Something intoxicating can be exciting and fun, and it would seem almost always have the potential to be disorienting. I would encourage all not to become disoriented regarding what is Holy, don’t become intoxicated with this OMG trend. Revere God's name and every other Holy thing, resist this fad and other malpractices. 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. V - No. 28 / May 7, 2023

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH AND DENOMINATIONS

    My friend and brother Keith Sharp wrote in an article recently “what’s the basic difference between the church we read about in the New Testament and evangelical denominations? … the people of God submit to the authority of Christ as expressed in the New Testament, and denominations do as they please.”  I think Keith’s statement is right on the mark.

    Consider how the Episcopal Church justified their first gay bishop (a violation of Rom 1:26-27 and many other passages) - “Just simply saying it departs from … Scripture does not necessarily make it wrong.”  Consider how the Presbyterian Church USA justified compromising to allow gay marriage - “The church should ‘re-evaluate its definition of sin to reflect the changing mores of society.’”  Not only have these churches compromised the truth on homosexuality, they are admitting they don’t follow the scriptures anymore; am I right?

    Perhaps the most prevalent example of unsound churches doing as they please is on the subject of Divorce And Remarriage.  Notice this quote from Anthony Dunnavant in the Orange County (California) Register “Some conservative groups believe that divorced people who marry another spouse are living in sin (and therefore have to terminate such, ptd).  However, the number of divorces in the United States has led most denominations away from that teaching.”  Isn’t it obvious this sea change is not due to a restudy of the scriptures?  What denominational preacher Ken Wilson writes – “I say to the remarried couples, whose second marriage was clearly condemned by the plain meaning of scripture, ‘You are welcome and wanted’” makes it clear many congregations are not set on following the Bible anymore.  This change reflects a total disregard for Bible authority, doesn’t it?  And my guess is over 95% of churches across America have compromised on divorce and remarriage in this same way.  Stats say 20% of their memberships are in a second or third marriage that Jesus calls adulterous in Matt 19:9.  They are doing “as they please,” aren’t they?

    Now notice this quote from the Watchtower Witnesses - “We find that people cannot see the divine plan in studying the Bible by itself. We see also that if anyone lays aside the ‘Scripture Studies’ (Watchtower literature), even after he has read them for ten years - if he then lays them aside and ignores them and goes to the Bible alone, our experience shows that within two years he goes into darkness. On the other hand, if he had merely read the ‘Scripture Studies’ and had not read a page of the Bible, he would be in the light.”  So the Watchtower religion is admitting they don’t really use the Bible as their final authority either.  They evidently think a person would be better off reading their literature alone than studying the Bible.  They position their material above the Bible in what they are going to follow.  Compare that to II Tim 3:16-17 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”  And John 17:17 says “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”  So God’s book defines for us what His truth is, and John 8:32 says “And ye shall know the truth, the truth shall make you free” (from sin).  Guess what?  Most denominations are like the JWs – they are not (as Keith says) “submitting to the authority of Christ as expressed in the New Testament.”

    Billy Graham was famous for teaching in crusade after crusade that people have to accept Christ in order to be saved.  But in an interview with Robert Schuller (5-31-1997), Mr. Graham said “Whether they come from the Muslim world, or the Buddhist world, or the Christian world, or the non-believing world, they are members of the body of Christ because they've been called by God. They may not even know the name of Jesus, but they know in their hearts they need something that they don't have and they turn to the only light they have and I think they're saved and they're going to be with us in heaven.”  In McCall’s magazine (Jan 1978) Graham said “I used to believe that pagans in far-off countries were lost — were going to h-e-l-l — if they did not have the Gospel of Jesus Christ preached to them. I no longer believe that. … I believe that there are other ways of recognizing the existence of God—through nature, for instance—and plenty of other opportunities, therefore, of saying ‘yes’ to God.”  To the contrary the Bible says in texts like John 8:24 “I said … ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins” and John 14:6 “Jesus saith … I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”  Many Baptist preachers (not all) would agree with Billy Graham on this point.  The Standard Manual for Baptist Churches by Hiscox reads “… in the Apostolic age when there was but one Lord, one faith, and one baptism, and no differing denominations existed, the baptism of a convert … constituted him a member of the church ….  In that sense … 'baptism was the door into the church.'  Now, it is different.”  So aren’t the Baptists preaching what they please instead of what the scriptures say?

    In conclusion Deut. 12:8 says “Ye shall not do after all the things that we do here this day, every man whatsoever is right in his own eyes.” Unfortunately, isn’t that what the great majority of denominational congregations do? —Patrick Donahue

LIMPING BETWEEN THE TWO

    When Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal at Mt. Carmel he also presented a challenge to the children of Israel.  He said, "How long go ye limping between the two sides? if Jehovah be God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him" (1 Kings 18:21). God has always expected His people to declare themselves. This same challenge needs to be presented to those who would identify themselves as the people of God today. If we are going to serve Jehovah then let's do so. There is no room in the kingdom of God for half-hearted, lukewarm service (See Revelation 3:14-19). To those members of the body of Christ who are not faithful in their service to the Lord, we ask, "How long go ye limping between the two sides?" —James Hahn

"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. V - No. 23 / April 23, 2023

A SHORT BUT EFFECTIVE SERMON

    Many of us were introduced to the book of Jonah as small children: singing songs and coloring pictures of the great fish, and learning the important lesson that disobedience brings punishment. Unfortunately, some "scholars" dismiss this story as merely a myth or perhaps, at best, an allegory of Israel's captivity, repentance, and restoration. Nevertheless, Jesus recognized the story as a factual, historical account stating, "for just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the sea monster, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth" {Matthew 12:40). There are indeed many valuable lessons to learn from this unique book and I encourage all to examine and glean from it in its entirety; however, for the purposes of our discussion today, I'd like to focus on the message God gave Jonah to deliver to the occupants of Nineveh. 

    In Jonah 1:2, the Lord instructs Jonah to, "Arise, go to Nineveh the great city and cry against it, for their wickedness has come up before Me." After Jonah's initial rebellion and ensuing trials, the Scriptures state, "Then Jonah began to go through the city one day's walk; and he cried out and said, 'Yet forty days and Nineveh will be overthrown'" (Jonah 3:4). That's it! That is all we have recorded of Jonah's message to Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian empire. Yet, notice how effective this short message was. Verse 10 states, " ...they turned from their wicked way, then God relented concerning the calamity which he had declared He would bring upon them." How was this simple message so effective? The first thing to notice is the statement in verse 5, "Then the people of Nineveh believed in God... " What would lead a powerful, pagan city to suddenly believe in the Lord of Heaven? The simple answer is they knew of the Lord's miraculous dealings with Jonah. Jesus says that "Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites" (Luke 11:29-30). What was that sign he became? In Matthew 12:39-44, Jesus says the "sign of Jonah" was that he "was three days and three nights in the belly of the sea monster." Think about that! Here was this otherwise ordinary looking human who sailors threw overboard and instantly the raging sea becomes calm (Jonah 1:15), who a great fish swallowed (v.17), who three days later appears on dry ground, alive and well (2:10), who is now walking through Nineveh proclaiming its imminent destruction (3:1-5). Producing faith has always been the intent of God's miracles (Mark 16:20}. 

    Let's look closer at Jonah's short sermon; "Yet forty day and Nineveh will be overthrown". What was to take place? Defeat! Jonah prophesied during the reign of king Jeroboam II of Israel (II Kings 14:23-27). Secular history tells us the kingdom of Assyria was in a depressed state during this time period (~800-745 B.C.). In addition to internal strife and infighting with revolting provinces, they were at war with the power kingdom of Urartu to the north. Impending defeat and destruction were the last things the people of Nineveh wanted to hear. Where was this to take place? Not in some far away city or land! Rather, it would be here in their own city, with their own homes in the crosshairs. When was this to take place? In just 40 short days! What was the result of this Divine message? As previously examined, the people believed in God (Jonah 4:5), repented/obeyed, and were saved (v.10). This pattern of instruction, faith, repentance/obedience, and salvation occurs time and time again in the Holy Scriptures (see Acts 2:36-41 for another example). Jonah's sermon was certainly short, but truly effective! 

    The New Testament contains a passage that is likewise short but should be equally effective to us today. In 2 Peter 3:10 the Scripture says, "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up." What will take place? Complete and utter destruction! A fire so intense that not only the contents of the earth with be destroyed, but the earth itself will be consumed. Where will this take place? Not some far away place or planet, but here, with our homes in the crosshairs. When will this take place? No one knows for sure! Not the angels, nor even Jesus (Matthew 24:36-39). Like a thief coming, it will happen at a time that we don't expect (Luke 12:39)! Isn't that unnerving? The most important question is: What will be the result of this Divine message? Will we, like the Ninevites (and those in Acts 2), follow the Biblical pattern of hearing (Romans 10:14), believing (Hebrews 11:6), repenting, obeying, and being saved (Acts 2:37-38; Mark 16:16)? —Ruben Hall

LOOKING FOR A FEELING?

    When it comes to religion and attending a place of worship, many people are looking for a feeling. This feeling is something difficult for them to explain but somehow they will know it when they feel it. Feelings are the guiding element in their spiritual lives. What about feelings? Are they a safe guide in such serious matters? Let's examine what the scriptures teach. 

    In both Proverbs 14:12 and 16:25 we read: "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death". Our feelings can mislead us when they are based upon the wrong information. This can be clearly seen in the story ofJacob recorded in Genesis 37. Jacob’s favorite son wasJoseph and this made Joseph's brothers jealous. Their jealousy was so great they sold Joseph as a slave. Then they took his coat, which his father had made, dipped it in blood, and presented it to their father. This lead Jacob to believe that Joseph had been killed by a wild animal. Jacob grieved for his son. Though Joseph was still very much alive, Jacob's feelings were as real as if he had been dead. He had been given the wrong information. 

    Paul did many things contrary to Jesus because he was following the religion of the Pharisees. Yet during that time he could say," ...I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day." (Acts 23: 1). 

       In religion there is a lot of wrong information. Not everything you hear coming from pulpits and TV evangelists is the truth. We need to look to God's inspired word, the Bible, as the source of all truth (John 17:17). In looking to His word, we need to rightly divide and handle it right (2 Timothy 2:15). Our feelings are based on the information we receive. If we receive the wrong information, our feelings will make us to feel we are right even though we are wrong. Check the Bible first before relying on your feelings. It is your soul that is at stake. —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
 ***
A problem is a chance for you to do your best.

"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. V - No. 22 / April 9, 2023

SOME BIBLE QUESTIONS ASKED

   God created man with a mind to think. Sometimes the mind has to be stimulated to do this work, not by drugs or alcohol, but by questions. Questions make people think. Besides that, great lessons are taught and grasped by asking questions. Every time a question is asked in the Bible, by either God or some inspired man, a great lesson is taught.

"WHERE ART THOU?" (Genesis 3:9) 

   This was God's first question to man. It was a serious and very important question because Adam and Eve had sinned and were trying to hide from God. It is a serious and important question today, for mankind is trying to hide sin. Yet we need to proclaim as Hagar did: "Thou God seest me” (Genesis 16:13). We would be better off to remember this at all times for there is an "all seeing eye" watching us (Hebrews 4:13). Another verse says it like this: "...and be sure your sin will find you out" (Numbers 32:23). Jesus said it like this in Matthew 10:26: "...for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known”.

"IF A MAN DIE, SHALL HE LIVE AGAIN?" (Job 14:14) 

   Job was interested in this question for he was in misery and it seemed that death was at his door. This question has lost none of its interest today. We need to be thankful that God has given a clear answer. "Marvel not at this; for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection damnation." (John 5:28,29). "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." (1 Corinthians 15:22). Our life here will determine our life beyond.

"WHAT IS A MAN PROFITED…?" (Matthew 16:26) 

   Christ asked this question. Let's read the whole verse: "For what is man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" This verse contains two questions in one and I know of no answer for either of them. It is an unanswerable and unanswered question. Our souls are just that valuable and yet most folks are selling their souls at a rock bottom price.

"WHO THEN CAN BE SAVED?" (Matthew 19:25) 

   This question was asked by Jesus' disciples after Jesus' conversation with the rich young ruler. This young man had kept the commandments but Jesus told him of the one thing he lacked. However, because of his great love for riches, the young man refused to comply with what Jesus had requested and left sorrowful. Because the desire for material things is so strong, Jesus made the remark concerning how hard it would be for those who trust in riches to enter heaven (vs. 23, 24). It was then that His disciples asked this question. Many answers have been given to this question depending upon the person doing the answering. The atheist will tell you that this question doesn't have any merit, thus there is no need to ask it. Religious sectarians have numerous answers: those who do nothing except wait on the Lord, those who have faith only, those who pray their sins away, or those who say, "Lord save me". Yet all these answers are without merit because nowhere in the New Testament after Jesus' death can you find an example where anyone was saved by doing any of the aforementioned things! Jesus answers in no uncertain terms: "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." (Mark 16:16).

"WHAT SHALL THE END BE...?" (1 Peter 4:17) 

   "For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God; and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?" The "end" will certainly not be salvation for Paul states in 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9: "And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power:" It is sad to say that teaching abounds everywhere on radio, television, and from pulpits that deny this and teaches otherwise.

"...WHY TARRIEST THOU?" (Acts 9:26)

   It was Ananias, the preacher, who asked this question to a man who was praying. The man, Saul, was also a strong believer in Jesus Christ and was very penitent. Ananias goes on to tell Saul: "...Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins calling on the name of the Lord." Notice: Ananias did not tell Saul to keep on praying until he "prayed through" as many preachers today would have told him. How many preachers today are telling people to be baptized to wash their sins away? Most that I hear are telling people that baptism has nothing to do with getting rid of sins. You've probably heard them yourself. In fact, you might be attending a church where that very doctrine is taught. But you know what? Saul did just as Ananias told him. Will you? Why tarriest thou? —E.R. Hall, Jr. 

THE BIBLE TEACHES MAN IS SAVED BY:

God, Titus 3:4-5
love, John 3:16
mercy, Titus 3:4-5 
grace, Ephesians 2:8-9 
Christ, Matthew 1:21 
blood, 1 Peter 1:18-19
Holy Spirit, 1 Corinthians 6:11 
gospel, Romans 1:16-17 
faith, Romans 5:1
repentance, Acts 17:30 
confession, Romans 10:10 
works of faith, James 2:24 
baptism, 1 Peter 3:21

The Bible nowhere teaches men are saved by any one thing only!
Are these the things that saved you or are you lacking some of them?

THE BIBLE DOES NOT SAY:

that we are justified by faith only. Read James 2:24. 
that there is nothing in a name. Read Acts 4:12. 
that a child of God cannot fall. Read 1 Corinthians 10:12. 
that baptism is non-essential. Read Acts 2:38. 
that all religious people will be saved. Read Matthew 7:21-23. 
that one faith is as good as another. Read Ephesians 4:5. 
that hell for the wicked will be annihilated. Read Rev. 20:10.

***SENTENCE SERMONS***

The right and good way is seldom the easy way.
 ***
Evil takes giant steps forward when Good sits down to rest.
 *** 
Steel that loses its temper is worthless - so are men.

"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. V - No. 21 / March 26, 2023

"BY THESE"

2 Peter 1:3 “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: 11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
James 4:7 “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.”
Mark 16:16 “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” 
Romans 10:9 “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” 
Revelation 2:10 “be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”
James 1:25 “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” 
JUST A FEW OF MANY!

—George Leath

DEEP BLUE

     As a child of about 9 years, I remember swinging in the back yard.  I was pumping those chains as hard as I could, seeing how high I could go. I was trying to get my toes deep into the blue.

   What was it, I thought, of the blue? Is it hot, or is it cold? How far away is it? Where does it go at night? Why are there no stars? I had so many questions to which I had no answer.

   I was playing alone which was unusual as there were always siblings enough and a variety of neighborhood kids, so you would rarely be by yourself for long. So, there I was, just me, my swing, and my thoughts. Wrong! I was not alone as I had supposed. I heard a sound first, then he came around the corner and across the back yard. It was the Whistler. I had no fear of him. I was quite at ease and comfortable around him. The whistler was my dad. Whistling, well that’s what he did. His own special tunes always perfectly pitched, soft and relaxing. 

   I posed various questions about my thoughts to my dad, and he answered all he could.  Question, then answer, then another question, and at some point, I realized he may be stumped. This too was unusual because other than a beloved teacher, or the local weatherman, my dad was the most impressive and informed person that I knew.  Remember, I was 9.

  As we concluded our talk, probably what seemed like an interrogation to my dad, I really wanted to know what was past as far as you could go. He did not know the answer in great detail but told me that out there beyond as far as we could go was where God lived.  Really, I thought. I had never heard him speak of God. We did not go to church anywhere. My parents, though good as they were, they were not spiritual.

   The conversation ended and the Whistler went on his way. He had things to do. He stayed busy; I knew that because I had been watching him all my life. We both went about our normal routines:  school, work, etc. – Just like always.

   That Fall, my dad was stricken with illness, very sick. Very surprised was I, because my dad had never been sick. To me, he was invincible. My Dad’s hospitalization was very beneficial to him both physically and spiritually. He improved physically, though he was plagued by illness for the remainder of his life, this did open the door of opportunity for a preacher of the gospel to befriend him. My Dad and Mom both learned of Jesus Christ and God’s plan to redeem man from sin. They both submitted to baptism as Acts 2:38 directs, for the forgiveness of sin. This began their Christian walk; new persons being influenced by God’s teaching in his word.

   I continued to watch my dad learn of God, then modify his behavior and actions accordingly. I watched him grow-up mature as a child of God, as Eph. 4:13-16 teaches. My entire family obeyed the Gospel, as well as some extended family. My dad enjoyed many years in God’s service, trying to influence people with kindness and good deeds.

   The Whistler is gone now, been gone for a while. He died holding on to the hope that he had in Jesus. He longed for the change that would take place! 1 Cor. 15:52 ”...and we will be changed” He was a changed man and was ready for his corruptible body to be transformed into a new incorruptible body.

   I have often pondered my dad’s deep blue moment. The moment he realized he did not have the answers but must attribute the unknown things to God. Rom. 1:20 describes this as “His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made.” God is the answer to many of our life struggles, and the deepest needs of our souls. Isa. 55:3 says it like this, “Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you – The sure mercies of David.”

   I wish for all a deep blue moment. A moment where you consider what is beyond the azure blue in a place concealed from human sight. Have you lately considered a dwelling place with God made up of many mansions, Jn. 14:1-3. I hope that your deep blue moment is sobering and one of tremendous clarity. Obey God while you have opportunity.  Stop Resisting… —Blind Bartimaeus 23

***SENTENCE SERMONS***

If what you're working for really matters, you'll give it all you've got.
 ***
In company, guard you tongue; in solitude, your heart.
*** 
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. 

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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