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. 

"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. 20 / March 12, 2023

DO YOU FEEL SAVED?

     Are you saved? How do you know you are saved? "I know I am saved because I feel it in my heart," many often say. But are the feelings of your heart the proper standard to determine your salvation? We do not use this standard in other matters. No one says of his bank statement, "I know it is right because I feel it in my heart," while they ignore to properly add and subtract from their balance. No carpenter says, "I know the board is 10 feet long because I feel it in my heart" — he checks the board with the proper standard, the measuring tape! But, when it comes to a matter far more important than bank balances and board lengths — salvation — many are willing to trust their eternal welfare to their feelings.

     Can you trust the feelings of your heart to tell you whether or not you are saved? The Bible says "No!" "He who trusts in his own heart is a fool" (Prov. 28:26), for "the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps" (Jer. 10:23). "There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death" (Prov. 14:12). Feelings are subjective, they change from person to person and even within the same person. Truth is objective, it remains fixed and does not change, regardless of the person or the year.

     The way you feel about salvation does not change God's truth concerning it, just as the way you feel about math, does not change the truth of it. Whether or not you are saved is an objective fact, not subject to the whims of how you feel from moment to moment. So how can they know they are saved? The Scripture says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding" (Prov. 3:5).

     You do not have to rely upon your own faulty and deceptive feelings concerning your salvation. The Lord has given "the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation" (2 Tim. 3:15). The knowledge and confidence of salvation can only come from the objective standard of God's Word. God will judge you by His Word, not by how you feel. Jesus proclaimed, "the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day" (John 12:48). What is your salvation based upon? Many people feel in their heart they are saved because they have "simply believed" in Jesus. While salvation certainly requires faith in Jesus, faith alone does not and cannot save according to God's Word. James wrote, "You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only"(Jas. 2:24). Other people have prayed and "asked Jesus to come into their heart" and now they feel they are saved. But nowhere does the Bible teach one must simply pray to Jesus in order to be saved. God's Word teaches to be saved you must: hear the gospel (Rom. 10:17); believe Jesus is the Son of God (Mk. 16:16); repent of your sins (Acts 2:38); confess Jesus (Rom. 10:9; Acts 8:36-38) and be baptized for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38; Mk. 16:16). Those who obey God's Word do not have to guess whether or not they are saved based upon the feelings of their heart. They know they are saved because their salvation is based on the unchanging Truth of God's Word. —Wayne Greeson

CHRIST AND THE LOST

     In Luke 15 we read of how Jesus was accused of receiving sinners. The three parables given in this chapter are given by Jesus to illustrate why he received sinners. What we find upon reading these parables is that four different types of lost people are being illustrated:

There are those who are lost in the sense the sheep was lost. This sheep wasn’t lost in the sense that it was dead but it had become lost as the result of no. longer being in fellowship with the shepherd an the flock. In 1 John 1:5-7 we read: “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”

There are those who are lost in the sense the coin was lost. This coin hadn’t lost its value. It was simply out of circulation. It wasn’t doing anyone any good. Jesus recognizes as lost every person out of circulation. If our blood didn’t circulate no nutrition would reach the cells of our body.

There are those who are lost as the youngest son was lost. We sometimes call him the ‘prodigal son’. He was a waster, not a worker. 2 Timothy 4:10 “For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica;…” It is obvious this son was lost!

There are those who are lost as the elder brother was lost. His type is seldom counted as lost either by himself or others. However, he is lost because he has no sympathy for others who are lost. He has no joy when those who are lost return.

    Not only do these parables illustrate four TYPES of lost people but also four WAYS by which to get lost. The sheep was lost through thoughtless straying. So we drift ever so carelessly away (Hebrews 2:1-3. The coin was lost through the carelessness of others. Thus we have a responsibility to restore those who are lost (Galatians 6:1-2). The prodigal son and his older brother was lost because each of them wanted to have their own way. Instead, our attitude must be that of our Saviour in Luke 22:42 when He spoke to His Father and said, “thy will be done”.

    When does the Lord receive sinners? When they hear and believe the word of God (Romans 10:17), repent of their sins (Luke 13:3,5), confess Christ with their mouth (Matthew 10:32; Romans 10:10), and are baptized (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). Then and only then can they have the remission of their sins and the hope of heaven. —E.R. Hall, Jr.

***SENTENCE SERMONS***
Staying calm is the best way to take the wind out of an angry person’s sails.
***
Kind words take less breath than harsh ones.
***
The world needs more warm hearts and fewer hot heads.
***
A problem is a chance for you to do your best.
***
The danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it.
***
It’s choice - not chance - that determines our destiny. 

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

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

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

Website: www. EastAlbertville.org

What The Bible Says

Vol. V - No. 19 / February 26, 2023

"LORD, LORD"

   Jesus, during the time of his ministry, was recognized as an astonishing teacher. Both Matthew and Mark account that the people were astonished at his teaching, and that he taught differently than their religious leaders, " ...for he taught as one having authority, and not as the scribes." These are recorded in Matthew 7:29 and Mark 1:22. 

   Jesus would, at times, teach by posing a question with the answer contained within it. One such occasion is recorded in Luke 6:46 - "But why do you call me 'Lord, Lord' and not do the things which I say?" I would argue that this question is still valid today. Do you profess with your lips that Jesus is your Lord (i.e. the Ruler and Master of your life) yet refuse to render obedience to him as Lord of Lords and King of Kings (Revelation 17:14)? Jesus would go on to teach in this same account (Luke 6:49) that one who hears his words and does not do them is like " ...a man who built a house on the earth with no foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great." A great ruin awaits all those who render only lip service "obedience" to Christ and whose faith is without a foundation, as Jesus the master teacher warned. Now armed with the question Jesus posed and the answer he gave us, let us purpose to render to him all he deserves. Paul, guided by the Spirit, penned some very encouraging words with a warning in Romans 13:11 - "And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.”   —Tim Davis

FACTS ABOUT THE SABBATH

   In the Old Testament, under the law of Moses, God's people observed the "Sabbath". The Sabbath is first mentioned in Exodus 16 in connection with God miraculously giving manna for Israel to eat. However, in Exodus 16 the Sabbath is not given as a day to be kept holy! Those of the Seventh Day Adventist try to argue that the Sabbath was instituted in Genesis 2: 1-3 but, again, it is not given as a day to be kept holy. Genesis 2: 1- 3 is a statement of fact that God rested on the seventh day. 
WHEN was the Sabbath commanded? In Exodus 20. This was after God delivered Israel from the bondage in Egypt. In fact, Deuteronomy 5:15 teaches the Sabbath was commanded for Israel to remember they were in bondage and God had given them rest. Nehemiah, the prophet, points back to Exodus 20 to show that this was when God gave Israel His law on Mount Sinai (Nehemiah 9:13,14). 

   In Numbers 15:32-36 we read of an incident where Moses had to inquire of God as to what to do with a man who had been caught picking up sticks on the Sabbath. This shows that the Jews were not accustomed to keeping the Sabbath for if they had been keeping the Sabbath for 2500 years, they would have known what to do with a man who had violated it. 

The PURPOSE of the Sabbath was to cause the Israelites to remember that while they were in Egypt they had no rest, but now God had delivered them and given them a day of rest (Deut. 5:15). 
To WHOM was the Sabbath given? According to Exodus 31:13-17, it was a sign between GOD and ISRAEL. The Sabbath was a part of the covenant between God and the children of Israel. This covenant was not given to the Gentiles but was a memorial to an event peculiar only to the Jews (Deut. 5:1-5). The Gentiles were never delivered from Egyptian bondage and , therefore, could not observe the Sabbath in memory of any such event. 

   To observe the Sabbath there was to be no work (Exodus 31:13-17), no food could be gathered (Ex. 16:23-26), no fire to be kindled (Ex. 35:1-3), could not pick up sticks (Num. 16:32-35), to bear no burden (Jeremiah 17:21,22), could not buy or sell (Nehemiah 13:15-21), could only travel a "Sabbath day journey" (a little over half a mile Matthew 24:20), and two lambs of the first year were to be sacrificed along with two tenths deals of flour mingled with oil (Numbers 28:9,10). Do you know of anyone who observes the Sabbath in this manner? I don't! Not even among those who teach that it is to be observed! This is really ironic!

   However, the observance of the Sabbath was to CEASE. Some contend that the Sabbath was "a perpetual covenant" therefore it would not end. They quote Exodus 31:16 as their proof. Yet, the Sabbath was no more perpetual than INCENSE and ANIMAL SACRIFICES. For they, too, were "perpetual" (Exodus 30:8; Numbers 28:1-10). The Sabbath was a perpetual "sign" between God and Israel as His chosen people, but when Israel ceased to be God's chosen people, the Sabbath ceased. We can even read the prophecies which spoke of the Sabbath coming to an end (Hosea 2: 11; Amos 8:1-1O; and Zechariah 11:10-14). We can also read of these prophecies being fulfilled in Colossians 2:14-17; Matthew 27 :45,46; Luke 23:44,45; John 19:30; Matthew 26:14,15; and Matthew 27:3-7. 

   The first covenant (Old Testament) was fulfilled and taken out of the way. It is important to remember that the words of the covenant were on the tables of stone and that those words were the 1en commandments (Exodus 34:28). The Sabbath was the fourth of the ten. Paul said that this covenant was made old by a new testament (Hebrews 8:13). The "handwriting of ordinances" was nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14). That which was written and engraven in stone was done away (2 Corinthians 3:7-13; Ephesians 2:13-16). Thus Christ came to fulfill the law (Matthew 5: 17). Christ finished the work which He came to do (John 17 :4). Hence, the law and the Sabbath was fulfilled and finished. For anyone to attempt to justify the keeping of the Sabbath is to result in being severed from Christ and fallen from grace (Galatians 5:4). 

   To mix the Sabbath, which was dedicated by animal blood that could not take away sin, with worship that we find authorized in the New Testament, which was dedicated with the blood of Christ, is in essence mixing the blood of animals with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. We are mixing blood that cannot take away sin with the blood of Christ that does take away sin. (Hebrews 9:16-23;10:4). —E.R. Hall, Jr.

***SENTENCE SERMONS***

Hell will be a truth that many will realize too late.
 ***
Satan will use 99% truth (if necessary) to float one lie.
*** 
It is a sad religion that is never strong except when its owner is sick.
***
Always remember the future comes one day at a time.

"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. 18 / February 12, 2023

INTERPRETATION VERSES BELIEF

    "Interpreters" explain or give the meaning of words from one language to another language. No one would knowingly say of a competent interpreter, "Well, that's just his interpretation," meaning that his translation is only an opinion, has no solid basis to support it, and should be discounted as unworthy of any consideration. If he knows both languages and is honestly doing his work, he can be depended on. 

    Most don't need an "interpretation" of the daily newspaper. It is fairly self explanatory. If there are several articles in one newspaper on one breaking story, reading all the articles gives one a clearer picture of the event. On the whole, this is true of the Bible. It has been my observation that "interpretation" or understanding what the Bible says is not that big a problem. Believing it is! Reliable translations of the Bible use English words understandable to most people. Where then does the problem lie? It lies in rejecting what is the obvious.

    Is Jesus Christ Deity (God's Son), Or Merely A Historical Character? -- Jesus claimed to do the works of His Father (Jno. 5:17,18), to be able to give life (Jno. 5:26), which only God could do, to be sent from God (Jno. 5:36), to be eternal with God (Jno. 8:58), and to be "one" with the Father (Jno. 10:30). He taught as only one who had divine qualities could teach (Matt. 7:28,29). Honest people recognized that His Words and Works were signs that He was from God (Jno. 3:2). His resurrection from the dead was God's sign of signs that Jesus of Nazareth, born of a woman and living as men live (Phil. 2:5-8) was also deity (see Rom. 1:4). These passages are straightforward. If one believes the Bible to be God's Word, how much "interpretation" does one need on this subject? It is as straightforward, and I would say much more so, than most headline stories in newspapers. He was both a historical figure and Immanuel, God with us (Matt. 1:23).

    Why then don't people "understand" this? Likely it is because of all the consequences. If Jesus is God's Son, all He says is significant -- it is authoritative. His Words are true, morality is important, how we deal with each other has eternal bearing, and He will judge us in the final day (Jno. 12:48). We should therefore live our lives according to His teaching. Therefore, Jesus' being God's Son is not so much interpretation as it is belief!

    The Bible Teaches There Is "One Church." -- Most Bible students understand that Jesus said He would build His church (Matt. 16:18), that it began through the preaching of the gospel of Christ after His death, resurrection and ascension (Acts 2:22-47), that saved people were added to it (Acts 2:47), and that the apostles' words constituted the Supreme Court on all questions (see Matt. 10:40; Acts 2:42; 15:24; Gal. 1:6-9; 1 Cor. 11:34; 14:37). These passages are straightforward. The New Testament also teaches that there is "one body" (Eph. 4:4), and that body is the church (Eph. 1:22,23; Col. 1:18). It is into that "one body" that penitent believers are baptized (see also 1 Cor. 12:13). While there were a plurality of "local" churches or assemblies of Christians during the first century ("the churches of Christ salute you" Rom. 16:16), they were all taught the same gospel (1 Cor. 4:17). Apostolic instructions concerning their worship, work, and organization were the same (1 Cor. 1:1,2; 16:1). Church historians recognize these truths. They also recognize that an apostasy was predicted (Acts 20:29-31; 2 Thess. 2:1-12) and that it came.

    While there were religious sects during the first century (such as Pharisees, Sadducees, Herodians, Essenes and others), Christ and His gospel were intended to eradicate them and bring everyone into "one body" (read carefully, Eph. 2:11-22 and Jno. 17:20,21). Since Christ is not divided, and neither Paul nor anyone but Christ was crucified for us, and we are not to be baptized into anyone except Christ, then Paul argues that we "speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfected together in the same mind and in the same judgment" (1 Cor. 1:10-13). 

    This is straightforward and really needs no "interpretation." The problem is that given hundreds of years from the first century, religious division, a plurality of man-made churches, and a failure to use only the Scriptures as our authority, we now have religious chaos. To say that the New Testament teaches there is one body, one church, sounds so narrow to many. Yet it is the truth. Why do people have problems with such an "interpretation"? It is not because the Bible "means different things to different people”, but because people do not believe it.

    Don't be fooled by the "just your interpretation" idea. Believe the Bible can be understood (Eph. 3:3-5) and believe and obey the gospel. —Phillip Owens

***SENTENCE SERMONS***

Staying calm is the best way to take the wind out of an angry man's sails.
*** 
Kind words take less breath than harsh ones. 

"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. 16 / January 15, 2023

MATTHEW 23 - ELEVATING MEN AND RELIGIOUS TITLES? 

In Matt. 23:1-12, Jesus warns His disciples and the multitude concerning the religious leaders of that day, (the Scribes and the Pharisees) and their desires to be elevated above men. One way men were elevating themselves above others was the taking on of religious titles, titles like: Rabbi, Father and Master.

Matt. 23:5-7, reads this way, "all their works they do to be seen of men ... and they love the uppermost rooms at feast, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and the greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.”

Jesus went on to say, in verse 8, "BUT BE YE NOT CALLED RABBI: for one is your Master even Christ...." Do men call you Rabbi? Do you call men Rabbi? No doubt since it's wrong to call a man Rabbi, it's wrong to be called the same.

Matt. 24:9 reads, "AND CALL NO MAN FATHER UPON THE EARTH: for one is your Father, which is in heaven." Does this remind you of most of the religious leaders of our day? We all have biological fathers. We wouldn't be here without them. When Jesus said, "for one is your Father which is in heaven", Jesus, no doubt had in mind, God the Father; i.e., their heavenly Father. ‘

Do you address anyone on earth as, "father" in a religious sense? Are you being called, "father"? Take, for example: Instead of being called Mr. Smith or Brother Smith, do others address you as "Father Smith?" Do you demand such a title? Certainly, since it's wrong to call a man, "father (as a religious title), it would likewise be wrong to be called "father" in the same way. If not why not? Jesus went on to say that we are not even to accept being called by a religious title’.

Matt. 23:10 reads, "NEITHER BE YE CALLED MASTERS: for one is your Master even (namely) Christ." Do you condone the use of religious titles when men and women address you? Do you practice things in religion just because it's what you've been taught? Or because, "it's the way we've always done it?" Have you sought approval from the New Testament for everything you say or do in religion?

The Bible teaches us that, "Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." Col. 3:17

To do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, is to do all things by His authority. Do you have authority from Christ to call a man Rabbi, Father or Master? It may be that you've adopted the use of similar titles (Reverend, Pastor, Bishop, etc.,) when being addressed or addressing others? Jesus said that religious titles are used to elevate leaders above others.

Jesus went on to say, "BUT HE THAT IS GREATEST AMONG YOU SHALL BE YOUR SERVANT. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted." Matt. 23:11, 12.

Do you want to exalt yourself? Or do you want God to exalt you? If we want to be exalted by God, then we need to humble ourselves. Finally, We have this warning from Jesus, "He that rejects me, and receives not my words, has one that judges him: the very word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day." Jn. 12:48  —Jeremy Booker

TREATING SYMPTOMS?

   What if you continually maintained a fever of 101 degrees? After going to the doctor, he prescribed aspirin or Tylenol to keep down the fever. However, after several days the fever returned but, upon checking with the doctor, he continued to insist on your using Tylenol. Surely it wouldn't take long for you to realize that the doctor was only treating the symptom of what might be something serious. Fever is often the body's way of indicating an infection. To continually take Tylenol, while it may help the fever, will not take care of the infection. To continually treat the symptom (fever) will never cure the problem (infection). Cure the infection and the fever will disappear. 

   What is true in the medical field is also true in the social realm. Illegitimate births, divorce, crime, etc. are social symptoms of a deeper problem--the lack of respect for a moral standard. That moral standard is not to be humanistic (“O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.” Jeremiah 10:23) but rather a divine standard if our society is to be rescued from it downward spiral. We cannot continue to be sympathetic toward people who have ignored the standard of right and wrong. God's moral standard is for ALL our good. It is not being "bigoted" or “self­-righteous" to insist on a moral code that EVERYONE must live by! Otherwise our society will continue to decay and fall into chaos. 

   The same is true of the confusion in religious matters. To see all the names that are being worn religiously, the different types of worship being engaged in, the numerous doctrines being preached, and the various ways for people to be saved from sin are all the symptoms of a much deeper rooted problem--a lack of respect for God's Word. To speak only where the Bible speaks (“If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God….” 1 Peter 4:11) and respect the silence concerning things which God has not revealed His will, would get rid of the present confusion that exist.

   The problem cannot be cured by treating the symptoms. Take care of the problem and all the symptoms will disappear! —E.R. Hall, Jr.

DON'T BE AFRAID!

  Don't be afraid to visit us at the East Albertville church of Christ. We are not a part of any denomination (1 Corinthians 1:10-13). We are simply a local body of Christians (1 Corinthians 1:2) who meet together to worship the Lord (Acts 20:7) and to do the Lord's work collectively ( 1 Timothy 5:16) through the use of funds that are collected only from members of the church on the first day of each week (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). We have no clergy (Matthew 23:8-12). The preacher is not called "Rev­erend" for that is a name and title that belongs exclusively to God (Psalms 111:9). Since we follow only the Bible, namely the New Testament, as the basis for our teaching and practice, we do not have a human creed or man-made doctrines. We strive to give book, chapter, and verse for all we teach and practice (Colossians 3:17). We do not worship according to human traditions for this renders worship vain (Matthew 15:7-9) but it is "in spirit and in truth" (John 4:23-24). Members of the church are expected to live holy lives (1 Peter 1:15-16; Titus 2:12). We believe in one God, one Lord, one Spirit, one hope, one faith, one body (the body is the church - Colossians 1:18), and one bap­tism (Ephesians 4:4-6).

"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