What The Bible Says

Vol. IV - No. 16 / January 2, 2022

IS TELEVISION SAFE TO WATCH?

    This is a legitimate question in view of the facts: 1) Television has a definite influence. It is stated that "modern visual technology is now perhaps the single most influencial means of molding public opinion and changing moral values", and I am in total agreement. 2) Ninety-eight percent of homes have one or more television sets and DVRs. 3) The average child will have watched 21,000 hours of television by the time they graduate from high school. (Compare this to the 13,000 hours they are in school!)

    Television is a CONSTANT form of advertisement. (Not just only when there are commercials.) Television promotes situation ethics, fornication and adultery, alcoholic lifestyles, humanistic values, and materialistic values. There is no denying that we buy the advertising because our nation has the highest percentage of divorce and violent crime of any other nation in the world, television keeps our society highly stimulated sexually, and television is the largest single cause for the rise of sexual promiscuity, pornography, homosexuality, unwed couples, marital infidelity, divorce, teen-age pregnancy, and venerial disease.

    All these things being true, television has DESENSITIZED us morally and has contributed to the breakdown of the family. Programs that would have been turned off years ago are left on, and gradually we have become "hardened through the deceitfulness of sin" (Hebrews 3:13). Instead of being ASHAMED, BLUSHING, and being REPULSED, we have learned to "tune out" obscenities and profanity with our minds instead of the channel changer or the on-off switch. Most folks would not allow family members to use any type language and engage in indecent or violent acts in their home but still we sit and watch and listen to total strangers curse and commit almost every form of ungodliness on the TV screen! (Isn't that being hypocritical to say the least?) Anymore, being able to find a decent program or movie to watch is about as rare as thinking we can go to the garbage can and find something sweet to eat.

    There are definite Bible principles we need to follow when viewing programs on television. We must deny "ungodliness and worldly lust, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly" (Titus 2:11,12). We become like what we associate with. "Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners".(1 Corinthians 15:33). We must guard our minds, for what we put into our minds is what we get out. "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life" (Proverbs 4:23). We need to think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report (Philippians 4:8). Therefore, what we view on our television screen should help us to think on the right things.
 —E.R. Hall, Jr.

COLLEGE PROFESSORS AND CHRISTIANITY

    Have you ever wondered why there seems to be so few college professors that are Christians? The Bible gives us the answer …

     Many college professors are like the Greeks of I Cor 1:22 who sought after the “wisdom” of men. God goes on to say in verse 26 that “not many wise men after the flesh” (college professors) “are called.” Then God gives us the answer to our question of why in verses 27-29. "But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence." According to these verses, the reason not many of the so called intellectuals among us have obeyed the gospel is because God planned it that way! He chose a foolish thing in the eyes of the world (“the preaching of the cross” - verse 18) to save them that believe (verse 21). He did this so no one could glory in themselves (verse 29). The implication is that had God chosen a way for people to be saved that appealed to the intellectual (like working calculus problems), the intellectual would have bragged that his great intelligence brought about his salvation. So God chose something simple in the eyes of the world (preaching the cross), so "He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord" (verse 31).

     What about each one of us? Are we trusting in our own wisdom, or are we trusting in God's wisdom (His word)? We are trusting in our own wisdom any time we try to explain away the plain meaning of a verse. Are we doing the doing the will of the Father in heaven (Matt 7:21)?
—Patrick Donahue

BEFORE WE CRITICIZE...

    There are times when mistakes are made and things need to be pointed out. And, unfortunately, we all know that offering criticism can sometimes make a bad situation even worse. Serious thought needs to go into what we will say. Maybe it would help if we would ask the following questions before offering criticism:

1. Why am I doing this? Do I really want to help this person, or am I just doing this to make myself feel better? Am I trying to improve the situation, or do I just want to say, "I told you so!"? What is my motive? "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Phil. 2:3-4). Regardless of what the world believes, we don't have the right to let off some steam at the expense of another. Criticism that is only going to make us feel better needs to be kept to ourselves.

2. Do I have a right to criticize? Was I available when this person could have used some help before? Can I sympathize with what they are going through? Can I offer some positive suggestions to go along with the criticism? Some people like to just sit on the sidelines and criticize the labors of others. Such people really have no right to criticize.

3. Have I examined myself? It is not right for me to give criticism that I am not willing to take. Jesus says that I must make sure that the log is out of my eye first, then I can offer to help my brother get the speck out of his eye (Matt. 7:3-5). Criticism is respected when it comes from a respectable person, but no one appreciates a hypocrite.

4. What will I say, and how will I say it?  This is very important. I must choose my words very carefully. They have the power to build up or to destroy (Proverbs 12:18, 16:24). As Paul said, "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt" (Col. 4:6). What we say, and the way we say it, will make all the difference in the world. 

5. Will it glorify God?  “…Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Cor. 10:31). Who's glory am I seeking? Am I saying something to help the cause of Christ or just to be heard? If it is just to be seen and heard by men, then truly I have my reward (Matt. 6:1-6). 

—Heath Rogers

WHO ARE WE?

    The East Albertville church of Christ is not a part of any denomination (1 Cor. 1:10-13). We are simply a local body of Christians (1 Cor. 1:2) who meet together to worship the Lord (Acts 20:7) and do God’s work collectively (1 Tim. 5:16) through the use of funds donated on a free will basis by our own members each first day of the week (1 Cor. 16:1-2). We have no clergy (Matthew 23:8-12). We follow no human creeds or human doctrines (Rev. 22:18-19). We strive to give scriptural authority for all we believe, teach, and do (Col. 3:17). The worship is not according to human traditions (Matthew 15:7-9) but is in spirit and in truth (Jn. 4:23-24). Members of the church are expected to live holy lives (1 Pet. 1:15-16). Our one hope is a home in Heaven. (1 Pet. 1:3-5).

"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. 15 / December 19, 2021

FACT AND FICTION ABOUT THE BIRTH OF CHRIST

    At this time of year we hear a lot talk about the religious significance of Christmas. We thought it might be useful to separate the facts from all the fiction that has been generated about the birth of Christ.
 
Facts About The Birth Of Jesus:

    There was a baby boy named Jesus born in Bethlehem more than 1900 years ago. He grew up to be one of the most influential men in history. Secular writers of history confirm that there was such a man (Josephus, Tactitus, Suetonius, Pliny).

    The circumstances of his birth have been confirmed by archaeological discoveries. There was an imperial census, Cyrenius was governor (Luke 2:2), and each Jew was required to go to his ancestral home.

    Angels announced His birth to shepherds (Luke 2:8-14), and wise men from the east came to worship Him (Matt. 2).

    He was born of a virgin, and this was attested to by his mother, Joseph, Elisabeth, John the Baptist, and the inspired writers.

    He came on a mission of salvation (Luke 2:29-32).
 
Fiction About The Birth Of Jesus:

    It is not a known fact that there were three wise men. The three gifts could have been brought by a smaller or larger group.

    The wise men did not visit the stable, as the so-called “nativity” scenes often depict. Matthew 2:11 says they visited Jesus later, when He was in a house.

    There is no evidence that Jesus was born on December 25th. In fact, there is a strong indication that it was during a warmer time of year. (The shepherds were still in the fields with their sheep at night - Luke 2:8.)

    We have no instruction in the Bible to observe a special day in honor of the birth of Jesus. This is not to say that we are not grateful for His birth. Obviously, we are. But the only special observance taught in the New Testament is the Lord’s Supper which commemorates His death - and that is to be done each first day of the week (Acts 20:7).

    It is also fiction to imagine that anyone could please Him by thinking of Him and worshiping Him one day per year. We must serve Him faithfully every day!  —Greg Gwin

"I WANT TO BE RICH"

    There was a song popular in the late 80’s called “I Want To Be Rich”. Some of the lyrics are “I want money, lots and lots of money…” and “I wanna be rich for a little love, peace and happiness.“ Sometimes we are led to believe all our problems can be solved with money. Countless millions are spent each year on various ways to strike it rich. But if we had millions, would we really be satisfied? Eccl. 5:10 says, “He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance with increase.” But there are some things in which we should desire to be rich – and it is not money or things. In James 2 we are warned of showing partiality to the wealthy. He says in verse 5, “Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom…” In many cases it was the poor who were willing to listen to Christ and His apostles. And I think to a large extent that is still true today. Those we would consider wealthy have very little time for God or obedience to His will. These James talks about had little materially but were rich in faith. Faith is the foundation of our Christian life. We should all desire to be rich in faith. In I Timothy 6 Paul gives instructions to the rich saying in verse 18 “Let them do good, that they be rich in good works.” These people may have had a lot but there were more important things for them to do. No matter our station in life, wealthy or poor, we can be rich in good works. In the latter part of verse 18 Paul continues by saying that they be ready to give, willing to share. We should always be ready and willing to help. We may not have much to share but the attitude and intention behind our helping is a large part of it. Jesus gave the parable of the rich fool in Luke 12. This man had a lot materially and there was nothing wrong in him having many goods. Or even in his tearing down his barns to build bigger ones. He failed in his attitude. He trusted in his wealth and didn’t give the glory to God. In verse 21 Jesus speaks of those not rich toward God. To think about what is required in being rich toward God might seem a little daunting. However, we can begin by having a strong faith. Stephen in Acts 6:5 was described as a man full of faith. Wouldn’t it be nice to have that said of us? By doing good works. In Acts 9:36 Tabitha is said to be a woman full of good works and charitable deeds. I would love to be known by the good things I have done! By seeking first His Kingdom and laying up for ourselves treasures in heaven. That is the type of wealth we should want to accumulate.  —Lee Pack

EXPECT A MIRACLE

    There is much ado about miracles. Turn on your television and you don’t have to listen very long to the religious networks to realize all the talk that is being made about miracles.

    Since miracles are a Bible subject, everything we need to know about them can be found in the Scriptures. One thing that would make for a good study is to examine what the Bible says about the PURPOSE of miracles.

    First, Christ preformed miracles to prove Himself to be the Son of God and that purpose has been served. Nicodemus, in John 3:3, was able to know that Jesus was from God “…for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.” When Peter preached to those in Jerusalem he said, “Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:” (Acts 2:22). Thus Jesus was confirmed and proven to be the Son of God by the miracles He performed.

    Second, God gave miracles for the purpose of confirming the WORD that was preached because the New Testament had not been written for mankind to follow. In Mark 16:19-20 we read: “So then after the Lord had spoken unto them (the eleven according to verse 14), he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they (the eleven) went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following.” Another passage in Hebrews 2:3-4 reads: “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?” Again, the purpose of New Testament miracles was to prove Christ to be the Son of God and to confirm the Word of God that had not yet been written.

    Today we hear so much about miracles when in fact no miracle has occurred. Today there are only “so called” miracles. There are so many that are making puppets of people with these “professed” miracles, Some of the TV evangelists attempt to establish a belief in themselves. Others strive for financial gain and material prosperity and some offer miracles for the personal benefit of the person being healed. After going through a series of testimonials, you are encouraged to not only ask but EXPECT A MIRACLE! During all this, there is usually an 800 telephone number of a website given for you to call and make a financial pledge to the evangelist or make a “donation” and receive some book or printed material.

    It shouldn’t take much to see the one who is truly benefiting is the TV evangelist! Can we read anywhere in the Scriptures of Jesus or even one of His apostles begging money after a miracle was performed? Can you even imagine Jesus or one of His apostles begging money in this way?

    The purpose of miracles was to reveal and confirm the Word of God and not for someone’s personal benefit.  —E.R. Hall, Jr.

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

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

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

Website: www. EastAlbertville.org

What The Bible Says

Vol. IV - No. 13 / November 21, 2021

WHY YOU SHOULD BELIEVE THE BIBLE

    If you already believe the Bible, let this serve to reinforce your belief. If you do not believe the Bible, please consider carefully and seriously the evidence that is about to be set forth.

    The foremost reason to believe the Bible is because IT IS THE INSPIRED WORD OF GOD. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,…”. To realize 40 inspired men wrote the Bible during a 1500 year period without a single contradiction is a feat that is totally unexplainable outside of divine guidance.

    We need to believe the Bible because IT IS TRUE. “In the beginning God…” (Genesis 1:1) is the truth concerning the existence of earth and sky and the human race. Evolution would have us believe something came from nothing. The truth of the matter is nothing could be more absurd. The reproductive laws God set in motion in Genesis 1:11,21,24, and 28 still stand the test of time. Many scientific discoveries of the past few hundred years have been made, in part, because of the Bible’s reference to them. For instance, the ocean’s navigational currents were discovered because of Job 28:7.

    We need to believe the Bible because it, like nothing else, MAKES FOR HUMAN BETTERMENT. It turns us from sin (Romans 6:17-18; 1 Peter 1:13-16). It teaches us to have concern for others (Mark 12:28-31; Matthew 7:12). It teaches honesty with all (Romans 12:17; 1 Peter 2:11-12). It will improve us as parents and children (Ephesians 6:1-4). It makes us better citizens in society (Romans13:1,7; 1 Peter 2:13-14). Mankind, left on their own, could never attain such high principles. What one worthwhile contribution has atheism ever made?

    We should believe the Bible because IT BRINGS JOY AND PEACE. It does this by teaching us to be spiritually minded (Romans 8:1) and thus to bear the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-25). True and lasting peace comes only through Jesus (John 14:27) and this results in peace with God (Romans 5:1). Our joy will be unspeakable (1 Peter 1:8). We can learn how to live peaceably (Romans 12:18) and have the “peace that passeth understanding” (Philippines 4:7). Pleasures, lusts, and material riches do not bring true or lasting peace and joy!

    Let’s believe the Bible for it alone OFFERS HOPE FOR THE FUTURE. It offers a “lively (living) hope” (1 Peter 1:3-5). It is the hope of eternal life (Titus 1:2; 3:7) that serves to anchor our soul (Hebrews 6:17-20). It is a hope we can have confidence in (2 Timothy 1:12; Philippines 1:21-24). To remain in unbelief is to have no hope. To be without hope is to be miserable (1 Corinthians 15:19).

    What more reasons do we need to convince us to believe in the Bible? What is there we can turn to that will be better than God’s inspired Word? —E.R. Hall, Jr.

UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE

    Problems in understanding the Bible must be blamed on ourselves and not God as so often is the case. If God, in His infinite power and wisdom, created all things, mankind included, could He not also know us well enough to give us His Word in such a way that we could understand? Certainly He could! Thus to blame God for a Bible that cannot be understood is to cast serious reflection on the very power of God. Instead, let us admit that confusion over what the Bible teaches is the product of mankind and not God. “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” (1 Corinthians 14:33). More often than not, the confusion on our part is in failing to properly observe some simple rules when we study the Bible. Let’s remind ourselves of them:

OBSERVE THE CONTEXT! We make grave mistakes when we read one verse and do not also read and take into consideration the verses surrounding that one verse. The verses immediately before and after the verse we are looking at can give great insight into its meaning. We know what happens when we take what someone says ‘out of context’. We can  have that person saying a number of different things than what he originally meant. The same is true of the Bible. A verse used out of context can be made to say almost anything we want it to say but does that constitute the truth on the matter?

OBSERVE WHO THE SPEAKER IS! It’s always important to understand who is doing the speaking. The Bible definitely says, “THERE IS NO GOD”! (Psalms 14:1). It then becomes important to ask, “Who says there is no God?” The answer is: “THE FOOL”. It makes a great deal of difference when we know who is doing the talking.

OBSERVE WHO IS BEING SPOKEN TO! This can made a great deal of difference. Is it for us or was it for Noah to build an ark? Obviously, in Genesis 6:13-16 God is speaking to Noah. What Jesus said in Mark 16:17-18, “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”, was spoken to “the eleven” (verse 14) which means the apostles. Yet, there are those today who take these verses and try to make application to themselves.

OBSERVE ALL THAT IS SAID ON A SUBJECT! Failure to observe this simple rules has lead so many to believe all a person has to do to be saved is just have faith. Yet when it comes to the subject of salvation we must consider ALL the Bible has to say on the subject. We must not just take Romans 5:1 and stop there but we must also consider Acts 15:11; Matthew 26:28; James 1:21; Matthew 7:21; James 2:24, and 1 Peter 3:21 to see we are also saved by the GRACE of God, the BLOOD of Christ, GOD’S WORD, OBEDIENCE, WORKS, and BAPTISM. It takes them ALL!  —E.R. Hall, Jr.

NOTHING TO HIDE

Consider this:

- If a man has some printed money but is not willing to have it examined, people think it is counterfeit.

- If a man is afraid to take a lie detector test, people think he is guilty of crime.

- If a man conducts a business but is unwilling to let anyone investigate it, folks think he is running a crooked business.

    Yet many preachers teach doctrines that under no circumstances will they test or allow to be tested by the Bible. However, millions of people will accept them as upright, honest teachers of the truth, and will risk their salvation upon them. What makes the difference? The Bible instructs us to try the teachers (I John 4:1). The truth never fears investigation!  It has nothing to hide. —Bill Crews

SENTENCE SERMONS

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

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

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

Website: www. EastAlbertville.org

What The Bible Says

Vol. IV - No. 12 / November 7, 2021

FATHER. REVEREND. HOLY.

    I would like to discuss the idea of addressing someone by a religious title. It is not uncommon to hear someone addressed as father, reverend or even have the word holy attached to their title. Matt. 23:9 clearly states “Do not call anyone on earth your father”, and also gives the reason for this teaching, “for One is your Father. He who is in heaven”. There is no doubt Jesus’ teaching here is referring to the spiritual sense in which we would call someone father and not the temporal sense. For to be here on earth inherently necessitates a physical father and mother. Another precept that men often ignore is the attributing of titles such as reverend or holy to a man. In Psalms 111:9 “Holy and Reverend is His name” refers to God, and I would argue CANNOT be bestowed by men. Mal. 1:6 talks about the ones who despised God’s name and then denied it. These are the same ones who dishonor God by being disobedient in their offering of polluted sacrifices. To take what is by right God’s [Father, Reverend, Holy] and give it to a man is robbery, and in practice is despising His name. Mal. 2:2 makes God’s case that those who would not hear and take to heart the things that he had directed them and give glory to His name would have to face certain consequences. 

    Psalms 111:10b teaches that “good understanding have all they that do His commandments”, so why the continuance in wrong practices? The question of the day is, are you disobedient ,do you profane what is Holy, do you rob God? Do you call any man in a spiritual sense father, reverend or holy?   —Tim Davis

BAR

The name of each saloon’s a bar,
The fittest of its names by far.
A bar to heaven, a door to hell,
Whoever named it, named it well.
A bar to manliness and wealth,
A door to want and broken health;
A bar to honor, pride, and fame,
A door to sin and grief and shame;
A bar to hope, a bar to prayer,
A door to darkness and despair.
A bar to honored, useful life,
A door to brawling, senseless strife;
A bar to all that’s true and brave,
A door to every drunkard’s grave;
A bar to joys that home imparts,
A door to tears and aching hearts;
A bar to haven, a door to hell,
Whoever named it named it well.

WHAT CHURCHES DO (and get away with) IN THE NAME OF RELIGION!

    Many are the people who think that anything can be done in the name of religion. Many things are done and gotten away with by people who do them under the disguise of religion. Oral Roberts came up with outlandish schemes. Jim Bakker did for a time until the civil authorities caught up with him and others like them are still at it. However, the bulk of things practiced in religious institutions today do not have to be “outlandish” to be false when compared to what the Bible teaches.

    For example, look at all the names that religious institutions call themselves. They are by the hundreds, if not the thousands, and yet when you take each name and go to the Bible to find them therein, they aren’t there. Someone says, “Oh, there’s nothing in a name”, but what does the Bible say? Acts 4:12 states, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” The name referred to is the “name of Jesus Christ” as verse 10 points out. People today are no longer content to be simply called a Christian and members of the Lord’s church (Matthew 16:18), the church of Christ (Romans 16:16) because we have all these other names to call ourselves. The conclusion is: All the names we’ve adopted and churches that are available are foreign to the Scriptures and if we are wearing these names ourselves and admitting membership in these churches, we are foreign to the Scriptures, too!

    Some churches use mechanical instruments of music in their worship and this practice has become so commonly accepted people feel strange to worship without them. Do you ever stop to consider what God has said about the kind of music we are to use in worship because, after all, our worship is supposed to be directed to Him in the first place? In Ephesians 5:19 we read, “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16 says, “…teaching and  admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Singing is to be done with our lips (Hebrews 13:15) upon the instrument of our heart according to these verses. No mechanical instrument is authorized by God! Because some churches or most churches use mechanical instruments under the disguise of religion does not make them right.

    Some churches allow women to lead or conduct parts of the services. This, too, is done in the name of religion but again what does God’s word say? In 1 Corinthians 14:34 we read, “Let your women keep silent in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak;…” Also 1 Timothy 2:11-12 teaches, “Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence.” This is a far cry from the public praying, preaching, and ‘testifying’ on the part of women that can be seen and heard in most denominational churches.

    Another example would have to be that of many churches failing to properly observe the Lord’s Supper. Some do not observe it at all. Some might observe it weekly but do so on any day of the week. But, again, we must ask the question, “What sayeth the Scriptures?” Acts 20:7 says, “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them,…” This verse shows the practice of the early church, under the supervision of the apostles, was to “break bread” (eat the Lord’s Supper) on the “first day of the week”. Must we not also seek to do things in the name of religion today that are according to apostolic approval? Yet, still, many churches have no problem with observing the Lord’s Supper on Saturday night (the 7th day of the week), once a month, once a year, or never observing it at all.

    Are all of these examples we have given insignificant? Does it really matter what we do religiously? Is anything and everything alright as long as it has a religious connection being given to it? What are we going to make of these verses if our answer to any of the above questions are “yes”? “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:8-9). Let us never put the doctrines or practices of men or churches “above that which is written” (1 Corinthians 4:6)! —E.R. Hall, Jr.

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

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

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

Website: www. EastAlbertville.org

What The Bible Says

Vol. IV - No. 11 / October 24, 2021

"RENOVATE MY FAMILY"

    Reality shows are the norm for television today. People have become fascinated with the "real life drama" of other peoples lives and how they react to adverse situations. One of the genre's of reality shows are the makeover programs where families receive new homes, new looks and new everything. The criterion for families to be considered is based upon their needs, their sacrifice for others or some type of tragedy befalling them. No one can doubt the wonderful blessings many people have received from others as they have their homes remodeled, their appearance enhanced and new hope given to their lives. The attention given programs such as this is how needy people are given such wonderful gifts from others. It speaks well of many communities who are willing to go to such extremes to help their fellow man.

    However (and there is always a “however"), a point that is missing in these exercises of human benevolence is the true reality of life. While the remodeling, remaking and renewing of lives are wonderful for television, when the lights go off, the cameras stop humming and the crowds go home life remains in much the same manner it was before. The families are able to enjoy life more than before the makeover but the change has taken place largely only on the outside. Renovating a family takes more than a nice home, nice looks and nice clothes.
 
    Society portrays happiness as the attainment of material things. While tragedy and sorrow fall upon all of us, the true worth of reality is found in the renewal of the inward person. These are the changes that are worth living for. If you take a bum off the street and dress him in a $1,000 suit you have a bum in a $1000 suit. The application is that window dressing does not solve the more pressing needs of man. The character of a man or the inward self must be changed to find true fulfillment. King Solomon found all the things that men seek for today. He found wisdom (Ecclesiastes 1:12-18); pleasure and wealth (2:1-11) and pondered fame (1:1-11) but all was vanity. The word vanity is something that is of "no profit under the sun" (2:11).

    There is joy and excitement at a new bike but after time, it is neglected and forgotten. Why? Material things rust and break down in time and then soon laid aside. An interesting study for reality shows would be the follow up ten years (or more) later when the families have lived in their new homes and the question is examined as to how these things truly changed their lives.
 
    Life changes measured by material gain are fleeting. Changes made to the life of a person will last forever. The apostle Paul described the value of changing the inner person rather than focus on the outer person. "For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). Seeking those things that are above (Colossians 3:1,2) have true worth; seeking the things of this earth have no lasting value (2 Peter 3:10).

    Jesus did not come to change the economic, political or social status of man. He came to impress His life upon their hearts. From hearts filled with the will of Jesus Christ, changes will take place that are eternal. "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul" (Mark 8:36-37)? Renovation of the family can only take place when Christ is the center of the family, the central theme of our lives, valued above all earthly possessions and whose footsteps we carefully walk after each day. Jesus told the woman at the well in John 4:13-14: “'Whosoever drinks of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.’"
 —Kent Heaton

INDIVIDUAL INTERPRETATIONS

    One of the most, if not the most, often heard reply from someone in a Bible discussion is, “I can interpret it one way and you another”. This is the most absurd thing that can be said in matters of religion. This seems a direct insult to the Almighty God by saying, “I can see it my way and you can see it your way”.

    In matters of weights and measures this principle is not so. When you go to the grocery store to buy a pound of hamburger, would you be willing to accept 12 ounces for a pound? Of course not! We insist on the standard of 16 ounces to make a pound. To arrive at this answer we would go to the authority of weights and measures. Neither would you be willing to accept what the butcher THOUGHT was a pound but would insist it be weighed on an accurate and reliable scale.

    In mathematics, what if one person insisted 2+2=4, another person insisted 2+2=5 and another person insisted 2+2=6? To settle the matter all we would have to do is go to the standard of authority in mathematics and find the answer. By having a standard of authority we can determine the absolute value and thus the correct answer. Can we not see a parallel to these things and the scriptures? In the realm of weights and measures, if everyone’s opinion was the standard of authority, there would be no absolutes and nothing but confusion and misunderstanding would be the result. The same thing applies to God’s word. “God is not the author of confusion, but of peace…” (1 Cor. 14:33). If it is true that everybody has a right to their own belief and can interpret the Bible anyway so as to suit themselves, this would make God a respecter of persons in that He would save one person one way and, at the same time, save another person bye one other way. No, my friends, God is no respecter of person (Acts10:34). God is the Savior of them that do HIS WILL (Matthew 7:21).

    “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:20-21). What is this verse having us to understand? It is as plain as the words in which it is spoken! THERE IS NO PRIVATE INTERPRETATION OF THE SCRIPTURES! God moved them! He directed them! He guided them! Hence, we have a revealed will of God with us in book form. It is our ONLY rule and guide or authority. GOD’S WORD IS THE ABSOLUTE; THE STANDARD FOR THE THINGS WE ARE TO BELIEVE AND PRACTICE! We cannot be united on God’s word unless we recognize it as the ONLY source of authority in religious matters. We can either accept or reject what God’s word teaches but we are not the interpreters of it.

    By looking at a few passages of scripture, let’s see how we can twist them and then say, “You can see it your way and I can see it mine”. In Mark 16:15-16 it says, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel…”. What interpretation does that verse need? None! The gospel is to be preached to all the world. The next verse, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved”. What interpretation does this verse need? Again, none! In order to be saved we must believe and be baptized. Is this not the interpretation God left for us in His inspired word concerning being saved? There is no other interpretation than that which God has given: “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved”. Is a pound any less or any more than 16 ounces? Is a foot in measure any more or less than 12 inches. Can a person be saved without being baptized? The answer to all these questions is not left up to our own opinion. The answers have an absolute. It is not a question of how I see it or how you see it but whether we are going to accept the standard. We will either accept it or reject it. We cannot change it! 
—E.R. Hall, Jr.

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

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

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

Website: www. EastAlbertville.org