What The Bible Says

Vol. IV - No. 5 / August 1, 2021

COME AS YOU ARE, WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

    Often times the phrase “come as you are” is used in religious discussions pertaining to one’s approach toward the worship of God and has even been used as a motto and/or fundamental principal by some churches. What does this phrase suggest? Is it a biblically inspired teaching?  Let’s see what God’s Word has to say about it.

    When the phrase “come as you are” is used in relation to the worship of God, it suggests that all individuals are welcome and that there is no need of action to meet any special criteria for God to accept you (i.e. repentance from sin, dress, etc.). Although the bible teaches that all are welcome since Christ died “…once for all” – (Romans 6:10) and that “…the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men” – (Titus 2:11), it also shows in the parable of the wedding feast in Matthew 22 that one must make preparation in order to be accepted of God.  Jesus began His ministry teaching the need for repentance as seen in passages like Matthew 4:17 and Mark 1:15 and states “I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish” in verses 3 and 5 of Luke 13. Repentance is often defined as: a change of mind that results in a change of action. This concept is taught in Ephesians 4:22-24 where the Bible states that we must “…put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt….and put on the new man which was created according to God…” This completely disavows the idea that God loves us “just the way we are” and that there is no need of action on our part to meet His standards. His standard is clearly identified in 1 Peter 1:16 where God says, “...be holy, for I am holy.”  

    We are NOT good enough the way we are, and God does NOT love the way we are. However, God DID love us so much that He sent His son Jesus who “…gave himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.” – (Titus 2:14). When people use this phrase “come as you are”, they are teaching the exact opposite of what God intended.  God did not love us and sacrifice His son for us so that we could remain in sin and stay “just the way we are”. He sacrificed His son for us so that we would REPENT and TURN from who we are and become a changed, purified people that are zealous for obeying His word. With these teachings in mind, we MUST acknowledge that to be accepted by God, one MUST transform themselves – (Romans 12:2). The phrase “come as you are” is not only wrong, but is totally contrary to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His teaching on the necessity of repentance – (Acts 2:38). May we all imitate Paul and “…press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” – (Phillipians 3:14) and humble ourselves to meet all of God’s standards so that we can one day receive that crown of life spoken of in James 1:12.
 —Jared Davis

CAN WE BE SURE OF THE ACCURACY OF THE BIBLE?

    Has it ever concerned you that there might have been things added to or taken from the Bible? It is extremely important for us to know whether or not the book, known as the Bible, contains all of God’s word. What if one of the translators decided to change something? Is there some way we can be sure of the accuracy of the Bible we read today?

    When the Bible was originally written, the writers did not write in English. They wrote in the language of their day which was Greek. Neither do we have the original manuscripts they wrote. That being true, it might cause us to ever doubt the accuracy of our Bible today. However, we do have hundreds upon hundreds of handwritten copies. The oldest New Testament manuscript dates back to within 50 years of when John wrote it. By comparison of all these copies, we can achieve a high degree of certainty concerning what was originally written. This would be like asking 200 men to copy by hand a particular book. While all copies may contain numerous errors, one could find what the original said by comparing all 200 copies.

    Great care was exercised by the scribes and copyists down through the ages to be sure the original texts were duplicated. They realized the importance of maintaining minute precision in the transmission of God’s word from one generation to another. Some even counted every letter of the finished product to be certain no mistakes were made. Oftentimes the detection of a single error was enough to warrant destroying the entire copy.

    Another fact for us to consider is if all the old manuscripts were destroyed, all but 20 verses of the New Testament could be reconstructed by taking quotations of Bible passages found in other ancient sources.

    As the result of all this, we can be certain we  have an identical facsimile of how the original text read. Yet, this brings us to another question: Since few of us can read Greek, how can we be sure what we read is an accurate translation? The best translations are those done by large groups of scholars of varied religious convictions working together on a translation. Thus the King James Version and the American Standard Version of the Bible are hard to beat for their accuracy. “Paraphrases”, like The Living Bible need to be avoided because these are the works of one man retelling the Bible in his own words.

    It can be concluded that if we are selective in choosing what we accept as the Bible, we can rest assured in knowing the book we read is in fact the true and complete word of God. Let us also have faith in the statement of Jesus when He said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away: but My words shall not pass away.” (Mark 13:31)
—E.R. Hall, Jr.

***SENTENCE SERMONS*** 

Anger makes your mouth work faster than your mind.
*** 
It may be that a dog is man's best friend because he wags his tail and not his tongue.
***
The man who has not learned to say "no" will be a weak and wretched man as long as he lives.
***
Church members are like cars; they start missing before they quit.
***
You quickly lose interest in the church if you have nothing invested.

"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. 4 / July 18, 2021

HOW TO ANSWER WHEN YOU DON'T KNOW THE ANSWER

    No one likes to be 'put on the spot.' We dread the possibility of being asked questions that we can't answer. This is especially true when the questions are about religion.

     Without a doubt, one of the biggest hindrances to spreading the gospel is this fear of being asked questions. Many Christians feel uneasy about their level of Bible knowledge. Thus, to avoid potentially embarrassing situations, they do their best to sidestep any discussion that might turn to religious themes. This is sad, because it keeps us from many 'open doors' for personal evangelism.

     Since no one has ALL of the answers, it is important for us to know what to do when questions arise that 'stump' us. Here are some suggestions:

1) Realize -- and be ready to explain -- that there are simply some pieces of information that we do not have because God has not supplied them. "The secret things belong unto the Lord our God" (Deut. 29:29). But, we have "all truth" (John 16:12, 13), and "all things that pertain unto life and godliness" (2 Pet. 1:3). So, every piece of essential information has been supplied.

2) When you do not know the answer, it is best to simply admit it. This is much better than trying to 'bluff' you way through. Humbly say, "I don't know." But do not fail to add: "I'll find out and get back to you on that." Following this procedure will actually provide additional opportunities to teach. It keeps the door open to further discussions.

3) Study, study, study! You will feel less intimidated and more willing to engage in biblical discussions if you build your confidence level by increasing your Bible knowledge. Pay special attention to areas where you presently feel 'weak' in knowledge and understanding. Be well prepared to deal with popular denominational errors. Be ready to explain 'issues' that divide brethren.

4) Never shy away from a chance to talk about God and His Word. The more you do this, the easier it will become. Every such conversation serves as an opportunity for you to 'sharpen your sword'.

—Greg Gwin

RESPECTABLE WORLDLINESS

    Whenever we hear the word "worldliness" we often think of lying, drunkenness, adultery, and other such things. There is no doubt that God's word condemns such things from verses like Revelation 21:8: "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone:" 

    Yet there is another kind of worldliness that we possibly don’t recognize because it is so widely accepted. Let's call it "respectable worldliness" because it has to do with good things like our families, our jobs, our recreation, etc. Many of our material blessings come to us through these things and none of us would deny the rightful place which they have in our lives. However, ANYTHING we put more emphasis on than serving God and doing His will becomes a sin. We are to "love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength" (Mark 12:30). This verse is telling us that everything is to be secondary to God. 

    Many Christians are guilty of "respectable worldliness". No, they don’t commit fornication or adultery; they are not drunkards or drug addicts. What they are guilty of is letting the good and decent things of this life totally engulf them. As a result, things of the Lord are pushed to the side more and more little by little. How often have we used the words, "I don't have the time!” when it comes to justifying ourselves for not visiting the sick, studying our Bibles at home, attending all the services, or teaching someone the gospel? What we are saying is that we are too busy working on our jobs or doing for our families to have enough time to do the Lord's bidding. We mean no harm because we realize the importance of our jobs and our famiIies and we understand that God has required us to work and care for our families. Could it be that even though we say we love the Lord, we might just love our jobs and families more. The way we live can definitely demonstrate a misplaced affection. 

    The blessings we have in this country are a curse to the spirituality of the Christian. Take a look at ourselves. We have no time for in-depth study of the Bible, some prefer sermonettes during worship services, we drive several miles to attend a ball game or other events but cannot go to the next town to attend a gospel meeting, and we hardly blink an eye at the debt we assume in order to buy a new color TV or spend on our hobbies, but we would suggest a psychiatrist for the man who would incur the same sort of debt to support gospel preaching in a needy location. This kind of worldliness has given us a "ho-hum" attitude especially in view of the fact that everyone in society places job and family at the head of their list of priorities. 

    We all know the drunkard, drug addict, fornicator, etc. are going to hell. We help to amen the preacher who steps on their toes. Let's consider this: Can a person be lost because he worked too many hours making an "honest living" or will one be condemned for attending ball games, or relaxing with friends, or for buying a new TV or their hobbies? The answer to these questions can be found in Jesus' parable in Luke 14:16-24: "A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: and sent his servants at supper time to say to them that were bidden, ‘Come; for all things are now ready’. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, ‘I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused’. And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused’. And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come’. So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go  out  quickly  into  the  streets and  lanes of  the city,  and bring in hither the poor, and the halt, and the blind’. And the servant said, ‘Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room’. And the lord said unto the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.’" 

    Notice that the men that would not taste of the supper were not drunkards, adulterers, homosexuals, or even liars. They were lost over "a piece of ground", "five yoke of oxen", and "a wife". The lesson is simple: PUT GOD FIRST! "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33).

—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. 2 / June 20, 2021

CAN THOSE WHO ARE SINCERE BE WRONG?

    Honesty and sincerity do not guarantee that our positions and actions are right. We recognize that principle in other areas of life. Why not grabble with it in religion? We all know that it is possible for one to take the wrong medication, while believing it to be correct, and then suffer the consequences. If a person drank a glass of poison, thinking it to be water, would it not have an adverse affect upon him?

    All through the Bible there are examples of those who were sincere and still in sin. To illustrate, consider the case of Abimelech who took Sara from Abraham. He said, “In the integrity of my heart and innocence of my hands I have done this” (Gen. 20:5). Yet, it was still wrong for him to take her. God told Abimelech, “Indeed you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken, for she is a man’s wife” (v. 3). As a consequence, God “closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife” (v. 18).

    Do you remember the old prophet who lied to the younger one about God telling him to come back with him (1 Kings 13)? The younger prophet had been specifically warned by God who said, “You shall not eat bread, nor drink water, nor return by the same way you came” (v. 9). The older prophet “lied” to him and convinced the younger prophet that the Lord told him to bring the younger prophet home with him. So, he did what he was told. The text says the Lord allowed a lion to slay him because of his disobedience. Sincere? Yes. Honest? Absolutely. Wrong?  No doubt!

    More specifically, there are cases of people who were sincere and yet they were still wrong and in need of salvation. Saul of Tarsus is a case in point. Before his conversion he persecuted the church making havoc of it (Acts 8:1-3). He assisted in putting Christians in prison and voiced his opinion about some being put to death. In fact, he was so bad that he described himself as the “chief” of sinners (1 Tim. 1:15). Yet, during that time, he lived with a clear conscience (Acts 23:1). The whole time he was doing what he thought to be right. He was wrong, though sincere. He still needed to be baptized to wash away his sins (Acts 22:16).

    Another case is that of Cornelius, the first Gentile convert (Acts 10). He was a good man (vv. 2, 22). He feared God, gave alms, and prayed regularly. Yet, he still had to hear the gospel by which he could be saved (Acts 10:6; 11:14). Was this notable leader sincere? No one would question that. Was he still lost and in need of salvation? He certainly was.

    In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said that there would be some who would be surprised at the judgment day. He said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, “' never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness”’ (Matt. 7:21-23)!  Their reaction shows their honesty and sincerity. Yet, these would be cast off because they work lawlessness (doing that which is not lawful).

    While we do not determine what is right and wrong by whether we like the consequences, we can see something is wrong with a conclusion if its consequences contradict plain and simple passages. If we cannot conceive of sincere people being lost, then we must conclude that any who are honest and sincere cannot be lost. Who could affirm that? That would mean that sincerity is all that is essential. It wouldn’t matter what you believe, practice, or teach in religion as long as you are sincere. This would mean that any Jew or Muslim who denies that Jesus is the Son of God would not be lost (even though he doesn’t believe in Christ) since he is sincere. Thus, any passage demanding faith would have to be wrong! Furthermore, even an atheist would not be lost if he is honest and sincere in their conclusions. Who can accept these consequences?

—Donnie V. Rader

***SENTENCE SERMONS*** 

"In company, guard you tongue; in solitude, your heart.
*** 
Hell will be truth seen too late.
 ***
It is a sad religion that is never strong except when its owner is sick.
 ***
You can't do much about your ancestors, but you can influence your descendants enormously.
 ***
If you don't live it, you don't really believe it.
***
Rivers (and men) grow crooked by following the path of least resistance.

"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. 1 / June 6, 2021

UNDENOMINATIONAL CHRISTIANITY

    Are you one of the many who have expressed confusion over the various denominations? Have you asked the question: “Can I be a Christian without belonging to a denominational church? If so, please read on.

    In the early days of Christianity there were no denominations (divisions) as they now exist. The early followers of Christ were simply called Christians (Acts 11:26). Collectively, they were called “churches of Christ” (Romans 16:16). Both of these terms show ownership in that they belong to Christ. Religiously, the apostles Paul, Peter, and John were neither Protestants, Catholic, nor Jews. They were Christians only.

    The apostles, as well as all the saved, were undenominational Christians. This term is not to be confused with the ideas of inter-denominational or all-denominational Christianity. Those early Christians did not approve, even in their day, of those who tried to create divisions within the church. Instead they strongly condemned such action by saying, “Let there be no divisions among you…” (1 Corinthians 1:10-13). Their allegiance was to Christ and to Him only. They were just Christians — simply those who were followers of Christ — members of the church of Christ.

    Today, if we follow Christ as they did, we too can be just Christians: Christians and nothing else! Since this is baseball season, let’s use it as an example. Suppose the game of baseball is completely abandoned and another game is never played for five hundred years. Yet, five hundred years from now someone finds a rule book on the game of baseball, decides to follow it, and see what the game would be like if it were to be played. By following the rule book, could they not re-establish the game just as it was played five hundred years earlier? We all would agree they could. The same is true of genuine Christianity. Though it has been two thousand years since people first became Christians and were added to the church (Acts 2:47), we today can follow the rule book, the New Testament, and become Christians the same way they did and be added to the Lord’s church the same way they were. Thus we can be undenominational Christians! We, as they were, will be free from the error and confusion of denominationalism. We can worship and serve God as simply and acceptably as they did. This has been the constant practice of the church of Christ from her beginning.

    Yes, you can be an undenominational Christian just as in the early days of the church by following only the teaching of the New Testament. 

—E.R. Hall, Jr.

THE DANGER OF PRECONCEIVED IDEAS

    Below are three phrases, more or less familiar. Before you go any further, I would like for you to read them out loud. Please read them out loud or you will miss much of the effectiveness of what I’ve got to say:   

                        PARIS                   ONCE                     A BIRD
                       IN THE                   IN A                       IN THE
                 THE SPRING           A LIFETIME            THE HAND

    Did you read them out loud? Good! Now — unless your are a very suspicious person, you read them all wrong! Did you notice two of them have two “the’s” and the other had two “a’s”? But what is the point you might ask? I’ve given you this little test to illustrate the danger of preconceived ideas. You read the phrases as you did because you thought you knew what they said before you read them. Now this answers one of the nagging questions people ask: How can two people read the same passages of Scripture and come up with two different meanings? No doubt there might be many factors but the most common factor is one or both have their minds made up before they read the passage as to what it is going to say! Consider the following:

    Many religious organizations have “conceived in advance of the truth” terms of membership into their organizations. Let us consider only one point. Many believe baptism today is not necessary at all. Some believe it is only an action to be carried out AFTER God has already saved them. Others believe baptism is necessary but contend baptism is only sprinkling and is to be performed on infants. Forget all these preconceived ideas and listen to the Bible. “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:16). This verse alone tells us baptism is necessary to be saved. Also it reveals the individual who is the proper subject to be baptized  - “he who believes”. In Romans 6:3-4 we read that baptism is to be “buried”. Notice the example of the Ethiopian Eunuch in Acts 8. After being taught God’s word and believing it, he requested baptism. Verse 36 says, “they went down into the water”. Verse 39 sayı, “when they were come up out of the water”. Now, does either of these passages indicate sprinkling or a complete omitting of baptism? The answer is, NO! Baptism is necessary and can be clearly understood in the Scriptures but we must lay aside all preconceived ideas about it.

    No one of us is immune to the malady of reading with preconceived ideas. Let us always ask ourselves: Is this really what God is saying here or is this simply what I want the passage to say?
—Taken from THE TRUTH,
bulletin of the church of Christ in McRoberts, KY.

***SENTENCE SERMONS*** 

"Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing."    
- Abraham Lincoln
 ***
Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all.
***
Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow.
***
If money talks, it usually sends the wrong message.
***
Do a little more each day than you think you possibly can.
***
Be more concerned what God thinks about you

"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. III - No. 26 / May 23, 2021

HAVE YOU BEEN RISEN WITH CHRIST?

Colossians 3:1-4 “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” 

    If we have been raised with Christ we are to seek or pursue heavenly or spiritual things because we now have a changed mind. We are no longer worldly minded but have a renewed spiritual mind. We have died to self and sin and our life is hid with Christ in God. These changes and sacrifices are not in vain but will result in glory with Christ when He comes again.

    But what does it mean to be raised with Christ? Let us allow the scriptures to answer this question.

    Colossians 2:12 “Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.” This verse clearly teaches that we are risen with Christ in baptism but we can learn more when we consider Romans 6:3-4 “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.” The significance of being baptized into the death of Christ is that Christ shed His blood at his death and it is Christ blood that washes away our sins. We know this occurs when we are buried with Christ in baptism because we are raised to walk in newness of life. Acts 22:16 confirms this truth when Ananias instructed Saul “And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”

    Have you been raised with Christ?

—Gerald White

CAN I KNOW WHEN GOD SAVES ME?

    Many times the question is asked, “Can I know when God saves me?” Indeed, we can and the Bible is clear to tell us the answer to this very important question.

    In Romans 6, let’s examine verses seventeen and eighteen: “But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” We see the inspired apostle Paul thanked God that though these Romans had been sinners, yet now they were the servants of God. In addition to this, we can see HOW and WHEN this conversion was brought about.

    Notice Paul said, “Ye have obeyed…”. This tells us obedience is essential to salvation. Jesus said in Matthew 7:21, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” We even see the example of Jesus Himself in Hebrews 5:8-9: “Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered; And being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him;”. On the other hand, the Scriptures point out whose who obey not the gospel shall be lost! (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10).

    Not only had they obeyed but they had “obeyed from the heart”. This involves our intellect as Matthew 13:15 teaches: “For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.” It also involves our emotions: “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” (Matthew 22:37). Too, it involves conscientious obedience as stated in Hebrews 10:22: “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.”

    According to our text in Romans 6, what has been “obeyed from the heart” was “that form of doctrine”. Basically speaking: the doctrine of Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). The word “form” means likeness or similarity. Thus a form of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection is our being dead in sin, our burial in water (baptism), and our resurrection to a new life in Christ Jesus (a Christian). Notice Romans 6:3-6: “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. Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin:”

    In verse eighteen of Romans 6 the statement is found: “Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” The word “then” is an adverb of time, telling us exactly the time we are made free from sin. Thus the time when we were made free from sin is when we “have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine.”

    To conclude our study of this question “Can I Know When I Am Saved?”, we must answer the question according to what the Scriptures teach. God saves us at the time in which we intelligently (faith), emotionally (repent), conscientiously (confess), are baptized, and raised again. A more important question is: Have you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine? If not, why not do so while you still have time and opportunity?
—E.R. Hall, Jr.

***SENTENCE SERMONS*** 

Be more concerned what God thinks about you than what people think about you.
 ***
Your life may be all that some know of the Bible.
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Either you master your habits or they will master you.

"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