What The Bible Says

Vol. IV - No. 26 / May 22, 2022

GOD AND SIN

   Sometimes to describe two things opposite one another, we might say, “They are as different as day and night”. When it comes to opposites there is no sharper contrast which exist than the one between God and sin.

   God created all that is good (Genesis 1:10,12,18,21,25). “The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.” (Psalms 33:5). The first man, Adam, was created with no sin and was given access to the tree of life so that he could live forever (Genesis 2:9,16; 3:22,24). It was never God’s wish or will for man to sin. God created man in His own image (Genesis 1:27) and He provided man with every good thing as we have shown already.

   God’s attitude is such that He hates all iniquity. Psalms 5:5: “Thou hates all workers of iniquity” and Psalms 45:7: “Thou loves righteousness and hates wickedness”. “Iniquity” and “wickedness” is committed when we transgress God’s will and sin. 1 John 3:4 teaches: “For sin is the transgression of the law”. Everyone of us has sinned (Romans 3:23). It is sin that separates us from God and causes Him to. Hide His face from us so that He will not hear us (Isiah 59:2). However, Psalms 119:172 teaches all of God’s commandments are righteous.

   God so hates sin that He cannot dwell in the presence of it. The reason for this is because He is holy (1 Peter 1:15,16; 1 Timothy 6:16). We see God’s hatred toward sin as He dealt with mankind under the Old Testament. The priests who offered sacrifices under the Old Testament had to consecrate and purify themselves before going into the tabernacle or temple (Leviticus 8). They had to wash with water (verse 6), be properly clothed (verses 7-9), have oil poured on their heads (verse 12), a sin offering had to be offered (verse 14), and blood had to be put on the tip of Aaron’s right ear, the thumb of his right finger, and big toe of his right foot (verse 23) before he could come near to the presence of God and offer sacrifices for the sins of the people.

   God’s hatred of sin is so great the greatest price was required for its forgiveness, His own Son. We today, like those in old time, must purify ourselves before we can come into the presence of God. Hebrews 10:22 teaches “our bodies” are to be “washed with pure water”. This signifies the necessity of our being baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). Real atonement is through the blood of Christ which we contact in baptism. “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:” (Romans 6:3-5). —E.R. Hall, Jr.

The pleasures of sin are seasonal, but the wages of sin are eternal!
(Hebrews 11:25; Romans 6:23) 

INTERMINGLING THE PHYSICAL WITH THE SPIRITUAL

   If we are not careful we will gradually intermingle the physical with the spiritual. This was a problem even in the early church. Corinth turned a spiritual feast (the Lord's supper) into a physical festival (1 Cor. 11). What was supposed to be the Lord's supper became their own supper (1 Cor. 11:21). Paul reminded them that they had "houses to eat and drink in" and to so desecrate the spiritual feast of the Lord's supper with the physical was to "despise the church of God" (1 Cor. 11:22). So, he said, "If any man hunger let him eat at home: that ye come not together unto condemnation" (1 Cor. 11:34).

   Long ago the denominations failed to see the distinction between the carnal and the spiritual, so they built their kitchens and recreation rooms, and people soon looked upon church-furnished recreation and social activities as an integral part of the church’s mission. I can remember when Christians thought this was ridiculous. When I was a boy, the Presbyterians in my home town built a kitchen on to their building. Our brethren ridiculed it, and exclaimed, "The very idea of a kitchen in a church building!" Now, the church of Christ there whose building is just across the street, has a special building for a kitchen and a recreation room where they have social activities like baby and bridal showers, pot lucks, etc.

   Today, the liberal churches ape the denominations. There are liberal churches that have recreation programs, youth ministers, million dollar gymnasiums and well-furnished kitchens, etc. The spiritual-minded person finds this to be unscriptural and abhorrent. Worship is designed to draw our minds away from such things and focus them upon that which transcends all of this. The carnally minded think the church is not fulfilling its mission if it is not filling stomachs or entertaining someone. They intermingle praying with playing, and the social with the spiritual.

   We all need to be careful how we walk. Our Lord did not die for a YMCA or a Red Cross society. He shed His blood to purchase a divine spiritual institution with a divine spiritual mission. We must keep the line distinct and wide between the secular, the carnal, the physical, and the divine spiritual. The church has a threefold mission: Evangelism, edification and benevolence among its needy members. That does not include recreation and social activities. These are fine, but we must refrain from anything that remotely indicates that we are intermingling the social with the spiritual.

   A brother was asked how services were last Sunday. He replied, "The preaching was weak, the coffee was cold, and the donuts were old." N. B. Hardeman used to say, "The less spiritual a person is the more fried chicken it takes to keep him interested." Someone has said, "If we must use tea parties, fried chicken dinners, and ice cream socials to keep a church interested, the church is as cold as the ice cream, as weak as the tea, and as dead as the chicken."

   Churches generally need more reverence in their worship and more spirituality in their members. Let it not be said of us as of ancient Israel, "They sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play" (1 Cor. 10:7). —James P. Needham

HOW MUCH, HOW MANY, HOW OFTEN?

   There is nothing more completely opposed to the true spirit of Christianity than the attitude back of the questions “How Much, How Many, and How Often must I serve the Lord?” It is appalling that some would argue such.

   Years back a man handed me a paper which listed his income, rent, food bill, utilities, etc., and said “Now you have the facts. Tell me how much I must give to the Lord?” I asked if he thought he should visit the sick, help the needy; and when he said he did, I asked “How often?”.

   He seemed a bit puzzled, so I suggested 50 times per week, and he thought he would be well to get in that number of calls. But I persisted: “On Saturday afternoon when you have just made your fiftieth call and are on your way home, you meet a brother who is destitute, obviously worthy, and you have the means to assist him. Do you say, “I’m sorry I cannot help you now. I have made my 50 calls for this week--but hang in there, drink water and I’ll see you Monday.”

   How does one measure service that is patterned after God’s love for us? If a fellow just must have figures or percentages, he should be given them from Scriptures: like 100%. “for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.” (Mark 12:44) or “So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.” (Luke 14:33). Are you amazed? (Matthew 19:25)

   A Christian does not dole out an hour or two, a few dollars, or a pound of mercy for God. He gives first himself (2 Cor. 8:5; Mt. 16:24) and from then on his service is limited only by ability and opportunity. That’s the meaning of “as prospered” (1 Cor. 16:2). i.e., in keeping with what God has given you. God gave life to Stephen, and when the service of God called for it, Stephen gave it back to God (Acts 7:59).

   When Jesus said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” (Mat. 22:37), He left no place for “and ten percent of thy money and one hour per week of thy time”. I believe Jesus will go fishing with you (Lk. 5:4f); but don’t forget, you are doing it on His time. —Robert Turner

SENTENCE SERMON

He who is not content with what he has would not be contented with what he would like to have. 

"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. IV - No. 25 / May 8, 2022

THE VALUE OF THE SOUL

    There are many things in our life that we place value on. Some place great value in money, cars, homes, investments, education, and career. Jesus tells us that our most prized possession is our soul. In Matthew 16:26, he tells us, "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" God has given everyone an eternal spirit. Ecclesiastes 12:7 states, "Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it." In Luke 12: 16-21, Jesus tells us a parable of a man who was very prosperous, expanded his business, and felt very secure in his wealthy position. In verse 20-21, Jesus says, "But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those be which you have provided?' So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." In Matthew 6, Jesus tells us where we need to place importance in our lives in view of our eternal nature. In verses 19-21 he says, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” 

    In light of these vital teachings of Jesus, how can we begin placing proper value on our soul? First, we can begin studying God's word and learning more about him. II Timothy 2: 15 tells us to "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." Jesus tell us in Matthew 5:6, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled." Second, we need to prioritize our life in accordance with the great value placed on our soul. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus tells us to, "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness". Colossians 3:2 instructs us to, "Set your mind on things above, not on things of the earth." Third, we need to prepare to meet God in judgement. II Corinthians 5:10 states, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad." If you are not a Christian, you need to become one! You need to believe the gospel, repent of your sins, confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and be baptized in order to have your sins washed away. Mark 16: 16 tells us, "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." Acts 2:38 tells us to, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." I urge you to consider the value and condition of your soul. —Patrick White

LESSONS FROM GENESIS 1 & 3

    From these chapters in Genesis some simple yet profound lessons can be learned. They are not hard lessons but they are important lessons that give unanswerable arguments.

    CREATION ARGUES A CREATOR (Genesis 1:1). The “Big Bang Theory” cannot explain mankind’s existence and be consistent. Does the existence of a watch argue a watchmaker or a big explosion in a factory? Which is more reasonable?

    SEED PRODUCES AFTER ITS KIND (Genesis 1:11-12). We take confidence in this fact. Why would God have such a simple fact of nature mentioned in the Bible? Jesus, in Luke 8:11, taught the parable of the sower and stated, “The seed is the word of God”. The comparison is easy to understand. No more than a seed of corn can be planted and a bean plant be the result, can God’s word is planted in the hearts of people and something result other than what can be found in the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 14:33). You do not plant an acorn and get a branch of hickory, another branch of apple, another of pine, and still another of chestnut. Neither does God’s word produce Baptists, Methodists, Lutherans, Pentecostals, Mormons, and etc. Obviously, something else had to be planted because seed produces “after its kind”. God’s word produces Christians and ONLY Christians (Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16).

    THE FIRST SIN WAS A MODEL FOR ALL SIN (Genesis 3:1-6). There cannot be sin without a law (Romans 7:7) and God gave His law for Adam and Eve in Genesis 2:16-17. By comparing Genesis 3:2-6 and 1 John 2:15 we see sin can make its appeal through the “lust of the flesh” (Eve saw it was good for food), the “lust of the eye” (Eve saw it was pleasant to the eyes), or the “pride of life” (Eve knew it could make her wife). Today, sin makes its appeal the same three ways to you and I.  —E.R. Hall, Jr.

CAN A CHRISTIAN PLAY THE LOTTERY?

(Editor’s Note: The lottery is already entrenched in many states. Alabama is attempting to pass laws to legalize the same. Previous attempts have failed but it will continually be advocated until it eventually it will become “legal”. In view of what appears to be the inevitable, I commend to you the following article. ERH)

    The word "covet" is found (in various forms) eighteen times in the Old Testament and twenty-two times in the New Testament. Webster defines covet: "to desire (passionately) [especially, something that another person has]." The Greek meaning of the word is "to fix the desire upon (syn., lust)."

    The Christian is bound by the Law of Christ with such passages as Colossians 3:5, "Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry." The nature of covetousness is the act of idolatry. In this realm, God is not put first but the fleshly desire for wealth. Observe the kind of company covetousness keeps: "Being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers" (Rom. 1:29).

    The apostle Paul warns Timothy of what men will become in turning from the Lord: "For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy" (2 Timothy 3:2). To be "lovers of money" is the very nature of covetousness. In Luke 12:16-21, Jesus teaches His disciples that life is not about the things we possess. "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses" (v. 15).

    The true danger of covetousness is that a person will lose their soul and be damned to hell for it. Paul speaks very plainly when he describes those who will not be saved: "Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God" (1 Cor. 6:9-10). Consider again Paul’s words, "For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God" (Eph. 5:5).

    The lottery is very popular in our culture and has caused a lot of people to spend millions of dollars trying to win an elusive prize. For the Christian, the money is not the problem, rather the heart that desires the riches of this world. Playing the lottery is the sin of covetousness and the Lord reminds us that covetousness will damn a soul to Hell. "‘No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.’ Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him" (Luke 16:13-14). Will you also deride the Lord Jesus Christ by playing the Lottery? "But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints" (Eph. 5:3). —Kent E. Heaton, Sr.

SENTENCE SERMONS

A handful of common sense is worth a bushel of learning. 
***
Your temper may get you into trouble, but it is your pride that keeps you there. 

"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. IV - No. 24 / April 24, 2022

JUDGING TIME AND JUDGEMENT TIME

    We humans judge everything we do by the amount of time it will take to accomplish our goals. We often find ourselves saying things like, “There just isn’t enough time in the day” to accomplish all that we want. The Bible tells us much about time, especially in relation to the relatively short amount of time we will live on this earth. James tells us, “For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away” (James 4:14). With similar knowledge, the apostle Peter encourages us to “pass the time of your sojourning here in fear” (1 Peter 1:17), for our obedience to God during our time on earth will determine where we will be spend our time in eternity. 

   At the time of this writing, I have been blessed to live upon this earth for 28 years last month. In my relatively brief time on earth, I have seen much bad that this world has to offer. But I have also been blessed to witness much good as I have lived 26.5 years around faithful Christians in the Lord’s Church, thanks to the diligence of my grandfather who began taking me to worship services when I was 18 months old. Thanks to his example and the examples of other faithful Christians, I obeyed the gospel and became a partaker of God’s grace some 10 years ago. In the time since, I have come to understand that the shortness of human life is not really so short. Perhaps we consider that life here in this world is short compared to eternity – which it certainly is – but have you considered the significant amount of time God allowed you to languish in sin without calling you for your final judgment? Time has been on your side, but this will not always be the case. 

   God is patient with us and often allows some of us to live to a full and fruitful life in His service. Yet, others do not stay here very long due to circumstances beyond their control. I seriously encourage us all to consider our present lives and the time we have spent away from God, and then consider the remaining time we have before our deaths, which shall seal our judgment. When we die, our time to act will be no more, we will not be able to alter the outcome of God’s judgment, and God will judge where we will spend our time in eternity. Our time will be spent in one of two places: 
    • Heaven – A place known as “eternal life” (Matthew 25:46); where God “will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4); where “neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19-21); that “has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb . . . and there will be no night there” (Revelation 21:21-25). 
    • Hell – A place known as “eternal punishment” (Matthew 25:46;41); where Satan presides amidst an “unquenchable fire” (Matthew 25:41; Mark 9:43); which is “away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His might” (2 Thessalonians 1:9); that contains the “smoke of their torment [which] goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name” (Revelation 14:11) 

   How are you spending your time? How you walk during your time on earth will determine where God places you in eternity. Let us spend our time wisely to ensure that our time in eternity will be in Heaven! 

“Swiftly we’re turning life’s daily pages, Swiftly the hours are changing to years; How are we using God’s golden moments, Shall we reap glory, Shall we reap tears?” (“Into Our Hands,” Ruth Carruth [1939])  —Dylan Stewart

GOD AND HIS CHARACTER

  The Bible does not attempt to prove the existence of God. Yet from its many passages, it is quite obvious that GOD IS! The Bible does show three distinguishing characteristics of God that would do us well to consider.

   GOD IS GOOD. He has proven His goodness by giving His only begotten Son to die for our sins (John 3:16). His goodness is also seen in that He makes no distinction with material things. He causes it to rain on the just and the unjust (Matthew 5:45). His goodness is further proven by the plan He has given whereby we can have the forgiveness of sins. Mark 16:16 says, “He that believes and is baptized shall be saved….””

   As we understand that God is good we must also acknowledge the Bible teaches GOD IS SEVERE. Romans 11:22 says, “Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.” Stronger words came from Christ Himself in Matthew 10:28: “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” As we have ample evidence of God’s goodness, we likewise have ample evidence of God’s severity: He expelled Adam and Eve from the garden of Eden in Genesis 3, the flood He brought upon the whole world in Genesis 6, His destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19, and many others recorded in the Bible.

   GOD IS EXACT. We are to do exactly as He commands. “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:17). We have been more than warned concerning this matter. “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God….” (2 John 9). Even Christ warns us in Matthew 15:13: “Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted.” Despite these warning, the social and religious world abound with examples which show many think God is not exact. Adultery, fornication, and homosexuality abound in our society despite God’s condemnation of such in passages like Romans 1:26-28 and Galatians 5:19-21. Churches will substitute sprinkling instead of being immersed for baptism despite Romans 6:4 and Colossians 2:12. Other want to add mechanical instruments of music in worship along with singing despite any authority for doing so (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). Some preach a “mourner’s bench” for salvation to pray sins away when the Bible says sins are to be “washed away” when we are baptized (Acts 22:16). —E.R. Hall, Jr.

IMPROVING YOUR LIFE!

1. Turn off the TV and read your Bible. The Psalmist said of the blessed man, "His delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night" (Psalms 1:2).

2. Put away the phone and pray. I never cease to be amazed at how much time some people spend on their cell phones. Is all that talking necessary or profitable? "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:1 7). "The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much" (James 5:16).

3. Get up out of bed an hour earlier and come to Bible study on Sunday. "As the door turns on its hinges, so does the sluggard on his bed" (Prov. 26:14).

4. Cut down your credit card purchases and give. Give to the poor. Increase your contribution on the Lord’s day. "One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his good deed" (Proverbs 19:17). "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35).

5. Change the conversation from sports, weather, and politics to spiritual things. Do that at home. "These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). Do that at work, too. "He who wins souls is wise" (Proverbs 11:30). —Frank Himmel

SENTENCE SERMON

Self control is one of the foundation stones of true character. 

"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. IV - No. 23 / April 10, 2022

ARE YOU A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST?

    To be a true follower of Christ means He must be our everything. The Old Testament that was written for our learning describes a people whose lives revolved around their service to God. Raising animals for sacrifices, preparing for the commanded feast days, keeping the Sabbath all took time. While today we do not have those same responsibilities, we do have the same general command in following Christ. Passages like Matthew 7:13-14 speaks about the" ... broad gate that leads to destruction and many that go in... " while the narrow gate leads "unto life" and the few that find it. We must spend time looking for that narrow path, just like the people in the Old Testament our lives must revolve around Christ and this narrow path. In Matthew 24:14 it mentions that " ... many are called but few are chosen ... ". Today many people claim to be Christians while attending these large "come as you are" congregations  that teach the blessing of Christ but never mention the narrow path. 

    In Luke 9:23 it talks about denying self and taking up the cross daily, not only on Sunday but daily. Many religious people are mentioned in the New Testament that resisted denying self. Mark 10:17-21 describes a man who had kept all the commandments from his youth, but when Christ told him the one thing he lacked, was unwilling to deny himself of his riches therefore he went away sad and lost. Following Christ means striving to be more like Him, John 8:29 mentions doing things that "please Him". 1 Cor 10:31 says "... whatever you do, do all to the glory of God… ". Today we need to ask ourselves are we really following Christ? Are we putting our family or our jobs before Him? Is the path leading to destruction or is it narrow leading unto life?  —Dee Ledbetter

"THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE YOU FREE"

"Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’” (John 8:31-32)

    Concerning this statement Jesus made in John 8:31 and 32, lets consider some important questions.

WHAT IS TRUTH? Pilate asked this question in John 18:38 but did not wait for Jesus to answer. However, Jesus says being free depends on the proper answer to this question. If we were to ask a dozen people, ”What is truth?”, we would probably get a dozen answers in return. The Bible gives the ONLY correct answer: “Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth.” (John 17:17). God’s word, the inspired Bible , is truth!

FROM WHAT WILL THE TRUTH MAKES US FREE?  In a conversation Jesus had in John 8, it is obvious the Jews did not know the answer to this question (verses 33 and 34). Yet, they, like us, need to be free from SIN. We are all guilty of sin (Romans 3:23) and sin is serious because it separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2). Not only are we all guilty of sin, we can all be made free from sin. In Matthew 11:28 Jesus said, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” When someone insists they are waiting on the Lord to operate on their heart and do the moving, they deny they can do the coming. They are saying, “No, Lord, you come” while the Lord is saying “Come unto Me”. Jesus never promised to made men free from sins in any other way but His way. He did promised all who come to Him will be made free from the bondage of sin.                                                                    

HOW DOES THE TRUTH MAKES US FREE? Again, only the Bible can give us the correct answer. Truth must first be known. Jesus said, “You shall KNOW the truth…”. Ignorance of truth cannot make one free. “So then faith cometh by. Hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17). The we must BELIEVE the truth. “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” (Hebrews 11:6). Without faith in Christ, we will die in our sins (John 8:23-24). Finally, one must OBEY the truth. “Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21). Romans 6:17-18 teaches we are free from sin when we obey “that form of doctrine”. From verses 1-5 we see the “FORM” was that of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. Since we are dead in sins, we must be buried with Him in baptism in order to raise (resurrect) to walk in “newness of life”.  —E.R. Hall, Jr.

YOU CAN UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE FOR YOURSELF

    Are you ever late? Late completing assignments at school or work? Late getting to work, appointments, school or church? Are you ever too late? I've known people who got the time for church services wrong and drove up in the parking lot just as church members were coming out the door. I've also known people to show up for a dinner appointment just as everyone else was finishing dessert! Now that is too late!One of the greatest misconceptions about the Bible is that it is a locked book. The average person is believed to be shut out from comprehending its message. It is thought to be too mysterious, too difficult for the common man or woman to understand.

    Nothing could be further from the truth. The apostle Paul was one of the individuals who was chosen to write down the message of Christ for the New Testament. The word of Christ was revealed to Paul by the Holy Spirit. The gospel had been hidden for years like a mystery, but it was now being unveiled for all to see and know. Speaking of the gospel, Paul wrote, "how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I wrote before in a few words, by which when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)," (Ephesians 3:3-4).

    The Bible was not written to stump man or frustrate him in any way. Certainly there are sections of it that are challenging and even parts that leave most of us at a loss as to what it is about. Yet, the vast majority of what is found in the Bible is understandable for anyone.

    God's supreme intelligence makes the Bible understandable. He knows how we reason and communicate and He has constructed it in such a way that we can comprehend it. It is filled with narrative, illustrations, and colorful language that makes it easier for us to relate to what is being said. Though He is so far above us, God has always been able to connect with man if man was willing to listen.

    You don't have to have some special teacher to unlock the secrets of the Bible for you. You may benefit from another's assistance, but you can read the Bible for yourself. You do, however, have to make an effort and invest some time into studying the Bible in order to understand it. Like learning anything new, you will struggle at first. Yet, if you are committed and stick to it, you will soon begin to see it come together. You will discover that the Bible is fascinating and enlightening. You will find that it is understandable and that it is the word of eternal life (John 6:63). —Phillip Mullins

SENTENCE SERMONS

Zeal without knowledge is like driving full speed at night with your lights off.
 ***
If you don't know where you stand, you might as well sit down.
 ***
If you don't love the truth, you are likely to believe a lie.
*** 
Our goal is not to be 'politically correct' in what we say, but to be truthfully correct.
 ***
Look around at what you have before you complain about what you don't have. 

"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. IV - No. 22 / March 27, 2022

ARE WE SAVED THE MOMENT WE BELIEVE?

       The reason for asking this question is because there are so many people and churches which teach we are saved the moment we believe. If this is true then all is well and good; more people and more churches need to be teaching likewise. If it is not true, it does not need to be taught at all. Only the inspired Word of God can give the answer to this question. Let us look to it with open minds to learn the answer.

    First of all, the phrase “saved the moment you believe” is not found in the Bible. This should immediately cause concern because due to the popularity of this teaching you would automatically think the phrase would surely have been recorded numerous times upon the pages of God’s Word. Yet, it can nowhere be found!

    However, the Bible does teach the necessity of belief. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6) We can understand from this verse that we must do more than just “believe that He is”. We must also believe “that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him”. To just simply “believe that He is” will not save anyone. We have too many examples of those in the New Testament who believed in God and/or Christ but were still lost. In John 12:42 “…many believed on Him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:” James 2:19 says if “thou believest there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.”

    The Scriptures do not teach a person is saved the moment they believe because more is involved than just believing. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” The word “gave” does not tell specifically everything which was involved in God giving His only begotten Son. Though the word “gave” does not specifically state anything about Christ’s lowly birth, His earthly ministry, His betrayal, arrest, the mock trials, His crucifixion, burial, or resurrection, we know all this is included when God “gave” His Son.

    The same is true with the word “believeth” in this verse. It too is a comprehensive word which includes more than just the act of believing in God or believing on Jesus. It includes hearing God’s Word because “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). It includes repenting because Jesus said, “…except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3,5). The word “believeth” also includes confessing. Remember those we read about in John 12:42 who “believed on Him: but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him”? They needed to confess along with their believing on Jesus. The word “believeth” in John 3:16 also includes baptism. Yet, Jesus said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” in Mark 16:16. If we “believe” we must also be “baptized” for Jesus stated both were involved in order to be “saved”!

    Have you “believed” in the way the Bible teaches or in the way that man defines the word?   —E.R. Hall, Jr.

HOW DOES GOD OPEN OUR HEARTS?

    In Acts 16 we read: “And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. And a certain woman named Lyda, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us. whose heart the Lord open that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us." (vs. 13-15). How did the Lord open her heart? Does He do the same thing to people today? Does this imply the necessity of a direct action of the Holy Spirit? Is it possible to know and obey the will of God without miraculous divine intervention in our lives?

    Look carefully at this immediate context. Notice that they "spake unto the women" (vs. 13), and Lydia "heard us" (vs. 14), and she "attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul" (vs. 14). It seems clear that the means by which Lydia's heart was opened was by the Word of God. There is nothing mysterious here. Rather, it is a demonstration of the power of the gospel (Romans 1:16), and an example of God's plan for "preaching to save them that believe" (1 Corinthians 1:21).

    Whatever the Lord did, and however the heart of Lydia was opened, it was the same thing that occurred in every other case of conversion in the book of Acts. Remember, God is "no respecter of persons" (Acts 10:34,35). On Pentecost they "heard" and were "pricked in their heart" (2:37). On that day many "gladly received his word and were baptized" (2:41). Other examples abound in the book of Acts that directly link the teaching of the word with a heartfelt, obedient response (4:4;8:12;13:12;13:48;15:7; 16:32-33;17:32-34; 18:8;19:5).

    The Lord "opens" hearts today in exactly the same way He always has -- through the preaching of the Word. —Greg Gwin

TOO LATE!

    Are you ever late? Late completing assignments at school or work? Late getting to work, appointments, school or church? Are you ever too late? I've known people who got the time for church services wrong and drove up in the parking lot just as church members were coming out the door. I've also known people to show up for a dinner appointment just as everyone else was finishing dessert! Now that is too late!

    What makes us late? Procrastination. Laziness. Failing to recognize and value opportunities. Poor scheduling. Not allowing for emergencies or unexpected circumstances. These are a few of the reasons that people are late for things every day. These same factors will cause some people to be too late when it comes to obeying the gospel.

    In Matthew 25:1-13, Jesus tells a parable about ten virgins who were to participate in a wedding feast. They all waited for the appearance of the bridegroom, but the five "foolish virgins" had taken no oil for their lamps. Why not? Procrastination! Laziness! Poor planning! They failed to prepare properly. Then, when the bridegroom was delayed (an unexpected circumstance), the foolish virgins had to go out to buy oil. He came while they were out (another unexpected occurrence), and when they returned, they were too late. They were not allowed entrance to the wedding. Imagine their frustration, sorrow and humiliation.

    Another Bible example of folks who were too late is found in Luke 19:41-44. As Jesus approached Jerusalem, "He saw the city and wept over it." He foresaw the day when all that were within would be destroyed and the city would be leveled to the ground, without one stone left on top of another. Why would this happen to Jerusalem and its people? Jesus tells them that it is "because you did not know the time of your visitation." They missed their chance.

    On the judgment day, it will be too late to obey the gospel. Those who squandered opportunities to heed and obey in this life will feel a lot like the five virgins who were shut out of the wedding feast - very foolish indeed. They will realize that, like the people of Jerusalem, they missed their chance. And like the children of Israel of old who disobeyed God, they will cry out in despair "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved!" (Jeremiah 8:20)

    Don't allow that sickening feeling of despair and loss to be yours for all eternity. Life is too short, eternity is too long, and the risk is too great to wait too late to make your life right with God. —Steve Klein

SENTENCE SERMONS

I asked, 'Why doesn't somebody do something?’ Then I realized that I was somebody!
 ***
Be content with what you have, but never with what you are.

"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