What The Bible Says

Vol. III - No. 25 / May 9, 2021

'FOR THE YOUNG PEOPLE'

    More and more we hear folks deciding to attend a certain ‘church’ because “there are lots of good activities for the young people”. Often it is the sole basis for making this important determination. ‘Pro­grams’, ‘activities’, and ‘groups’ for the young people – that’s the drawing card.

    And, what activities are these folks searching for? Are we talking here about carefully arranged Bible classes that seek to instill an understanding of God’s word in the hearts of our young people? Is it sound teaching from the pulpit and scrip­tural practice in the way the church does its business so that the young folks can learn respect for Bible authority? Is it love between brethren that manifests it­self by each individual demonstrating “hospitality one to another” (1 Pet. 4:9).

    Sadly, the answer is no. Instead, the activities that are desired “for the young people” are fun and games – ‘youth groups’ that sponsor parties, retreats, outings, camps, softball and basketball leagues, etc. ‘’The bigger the better’ and ‘the more the merrier’ seem to be the rule.

    Lest anyone misunderstand, let it be known that we love basketball, baseball, camping, parties . . . and fun and food in general!  We strongly favor such things being provided as an avenue of ‘good, clean fun’ for our young folks. But we insist that there is no authority in the Bible for the church to provide such. Let parents who really care see to it that the kids have these needed diversions, and let the church keep to its important au­thorized work. There’s nothing better for our young people than this. 

—Greg Gwin

FIVE QUESTIONS ON FUTURE PUNISHMENT

1.    IS THERE ANY PUNISHMENT FOR THE WICKED AFTER DEATH? The answer is found in Luke 12:4-5: “And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5 But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!”

2.    WHEN DOES THIS PUNISHMENT BEGIN? The answer is found in Luke 16:23: “And being in torments in Hades, he lifted uphis eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.” Again, Jesus is the authority for this truth. Punishment began with the rich man as soon as he died. Note, however, this Hades, the place of departed souls, is a temporary place and not the ETERNAL place of punishment of Hell. The punishment of Luke 16 ends when the soul is brought back out of Hades and into its body. That will also end Hates, too. (Revelation 20:14). The departed souls is united with a glorious body at Christ’s return and the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:35-58).

3.    WILL THERE BE A FUTURE, FINAL, UNIVERSAL JUDGMENT? The answer is found in Hebrews 9:27: “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,”. Luke 11:31-32 quotes Jesus stating that “the queen of the south shall rise up in judgment…” with the people of His generation. In verse 32, Jesus says that “men of Nineveh shall rise up in judgment…” with His generation. Back in Luke 10:12.15 Jesus says the inhabitants of Sodom, Chorazin, Bethsaida, Tyre, and Capernaum will all be there in judgment. The conclusion of necessity must follow: People of all times will be present at the judgment. Most certainly, the Bible teaches YES to this question.

4.    WILL THERE BE ANY PUNISHMENT AFTER THE JUDGMENT? The answer is found in Matthew 25:31-46 where, again, we have Jesus providing the answer. “ALL NATIONS” will be gathered before Him and He will judge. Those on His left will “go away into everlasting punishment”. (Verses 41,46)

5.    HOW LONG WILL PUNISHMENT GIVEN AT THE JUDGMENT LAST? Again, with Jesus giving the answer, “EVERLASTING” (Matthew 25:46). Jesus said as long as the eternal life of the righteous lasts, so will the punishment of the wicked. The same word described both. It is forever, eternal, everlasting. 
—E.R. Hall, Jr.

MAKE THE BREAK

    Many churches are doing many things today that would have been unthinkable several years ago. Though the gospel is God’s power to save (Romans 1:16), all kinds of gimmicks are invented to draw people. Kitchens are built and fellowship meals are conducted by the church. Basketball teams, skating parties, and youth rallies are designed to appeal to young people. Numerous other practices could be mentioned to show that many churches have abandoned the practice of doing all things according to the pattern of the New Testament.

    Some people are bothered by all these things being done by churches. Often they say they do not believe such things are the work of the church and wish the church would cease such practices. Yet, they do not have the courage to break with the liberal trends and instead go right along giving their money and time advancing the very things they oppose. Romans 14:23 teaches if we do things, not being fully persuaded in our own mind that the practice is right, we sin! We urge you to examine what we teach and practice in these areas of differences and find out just what the issues are. We stand ready to accept any passage or Bible argument that will prove the afore mentioned things are scriptural. 
—E.R. Hall, Jr. 

***SENTENCE SERMONS*** 

No man has a good enough memory to make a successful liar.
*** 
Truth is not always popular, but it is always right.
 ***
Human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives.
 ***
Other people see your deeds. God sees your motives.
***
A man's integrity is measured by his conduct, not by his claims.
*** 
Character is built by many small deeds, but it can be lost in a single act.

"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. 24 / April 25, 2021

BORN AGAIN

    Much is said in religion about being born again but is all of what we are hearing really what the Bible teaches on this very important subject? Let’s see if we can honestly and objectively understand what it means to be born again.

    In John 3 we read of a conversation Jesus had with a man named Nicodemus. When Jesus made the statement, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (v. 3), Nicodemus thought He was talking about a physical birth (v. 4). It was then Jesus replied, “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.“ (v. 5). Jesus made it clear He was not talking of a physical rebirth but instead a spiritual birth. Just as physical life begins with the physical birth, spiritual life begins with a new or spiritual birth.

    The text of John 3:1-7 proves there is a way by which lost people may be saved. They “must be born again” and this is accomplished when we are “born of water and of the Spirit”. The same thing is stated, only in a different way, in Titus 3:3-5: “For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,”. The “washing of regeneration” is the same as “born of water” and “the renewing of the Holy Spirit” is the same as “born…of the Spirit” in John 3. Thus, to fully understand the Bible’s teaching concerning being born again, we must closely examine the two things it takes to constitute spiritual birth: They are “water” and “Spirit”.

    In considering the place water has in being born again, let’s read the passage in Galatians 3:26-27: “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” We “put on Christ” when we are “baptized into Christ”. Romans 6:3 says, “Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?”. Also 1 Peter 3:21 states “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:” Water is connected with being born again and we can see that baptism and the birth of water are for the same thing; namely, salvation. Therefore, baptism and “being born of water” must be the same thing.

    To be born “of the Spirit” is to be born again by the word of God. In 1 Peter 1:23 we read “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” The Spirit was sent from Heaven to reveal God’s word (1 Peter 1:12) and to guide the apostles into all truth (John 16:13).

    The Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, constitutes the seed of the kingdom which, when planted in the heart, springs up and bears obedience to the gospel. This is what it means to be “born… of the Spirit”. Our obedience to the gospel is completed in baptism and thus we are born of water. Ephesians 5:26 sums it up by saying, “that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word,”.

    Jesus, in John 3:5, says in a figure what he said literally in Mark 16:15-16: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”

    Yes a lot is said about being born again but oftentimes the Spirit is emphasized and the water is all but left out. It takes both! Just as it takes two things - a father and a mother - to bring about a physical birth, it likewise takes two things  - water and the Spirit - to bring about a spiritual birth. All of us who are living were born physically but, more importantly, have we been “born of water and of the Spirit”? Jesus said in John 3:7, “Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.”
—E.R. Hall, Jr. 

DO WE PREFER MEN ABOVE WHAT IS WRITTEN?

    “And these things, brethren, I  have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.”  I Corinthians 4:6 (KJV)

    The inspired apostle Paul teaches each of us a lesson in the latter part of this verse about how we should esteem God’s written word above men – our family,  our preacher, etc. – and what they may say.  II Timothy 2:15 says, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Paul writes here that “Study” and “rightly dividing the word of truth” are essential for shewing ourselves approved to God.  Certainly we are not underestimating the importance of a faithful preacher in our becoming a believer as we see in scripture like Roman 10:14. This teaching is still in keeping with our need to search out the things we are being taught in the scriptures (Acts 17:11b, John 5:39).  

    Political correctness is also a huge obstacle to those who would follow God’s word but they are swayed by “politically correct” thinking – which is sometimes in accordance with God’s plan but is often in direct opposition to it.  We can learn from the example of Peter and the other apostles in Acts 5:27-29 when they were commanded by the political establishment of their day not to teach in Jesus’ name.  These men stood before the council and said, “We ought to obey God rather than men.”  We should understand that we all should have the proper respect for our government officials (Roman 13) and that does not include violating clear passages of scripture that we have noticed where God must be first in our line of command. 
—Sid Rowe

***SENTENCE SERMONS*** 

One of the weaknesses of our age is our apparent inability to distinguish need from greed..
***
To stay out of hot water, keep a cool head. 
*** 

Live Video Streaming Of The Bible Study 

SUNDAY 9:30 AM and Wednesday 7:00 PM WWW.EASTALBERTVILLE.COM - click on “Live Feed”
or
Go To East Albertville church of Christ on YOUTUBE/FACEBOOK

Live Video Streaming Of The Bible Sermon

SUNDAY 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM WWW.EASTALBERTVILLE.COM - click on “Live Feed”
or
Go To East Albertville church of Christ on YOUTUBE/FaceBook

HAVE A BIBLE QUESTION YOU’D LIKE ANSWERED?

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WBSA
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also
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SUNDAY NIGHTS @ 8 PM CT

PREVIOUS SHOWS AVAILABLE AT:

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"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. 23 / April 11, 2021

ATTITUDES ABOUT RELIGION

    “I have a right to believe and practice whatever I want to in religion!” “I can serve God in whichever church I choose!” “I am free to worship God any way I please!”

    Have you ever heard these statements being made or have you said them yourself? These statements are indicative of a very popular attitude about religion but are they the right attitudes?

    Satan has done an excellent job in convincing people their choices in religion are acceptable to God. God’s word has been changed and rearranged on every side to suit every whim mankind can come up with and the sad thing is most folks are firmly convinced God approves of it all. Take, for example, the question of what a person must do to be saved. The answers varies from denomination to denomination and each one claims the word of God as their guide in all things. How can this be? In the case of denominational churches, they have changed the work and worship that God requires to accommodate themselves. It has come down to being a matter of pleasing the people. The people must be pleased or they will go somewhere that is more pleasing to them. All the while Satan has his servants, in the form of preachers and other influential people, giving the people what pleases them. What it all comes down to is a matter of the people being pleased to the neglect of what God has commanded and what pleases Him. Most folks are convinced if they are pleased, God will be pleased; if they are happy, God is happy.

    “I have a right to believe what I want to believe!” This is true. However, if what I choose to believe is not what God has revealed in His word (the Bible), the I am NOT pleasing to Him even though I might be perfectly satisfied. For example, most religious groups deny baptism has anything to do with the forgiveness of sins. This pleases most folks and they think because they are pleased God is pleased. Jesus, however, said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” (Mark 16:16) Most folks, to stay consistent with what they practice, would have this verse to read, “He that ONLY believeth and is NOT baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”

    God’s word is also clear concerning Jesus building HIS church. In Matthew 16:18 Jesus said, “And I say unto thee, That thou are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church: and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” The “rock” upon which His church was built was the fact that He was “the Christ, the Son of the living God”. (verse 16) The term “church” refers to those who have obeyed the gospel and as a result of obedience to the gospel, the Lord then adds them to His church (Acts 2:37-47). God’s word also teaches Christ’s church and His body are one and the same. Ephesians 1:22-23 states, “And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.” Thus when we read Ephesians 4:4 which says there is "one body” then, of necessity, we must conclude Jesus is pleased with only one church of which He is the “head” (authority).

    I would be the first to agree you can do anything that pleases you and believe as strongly as you can that God is also pleased; but if what you are doing is not according to God’s word, you cannot please God while you are doing it. “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:” (2 John 9-10) All of us preachers claim to preach the word of God. We all read and quote scriptures. Yet we preach different doctrines. Undoubtedly this is responsible for the religious confusion that exists all around us.
—E.R. Hall, Jr.
 

DON'T WAIT TO TEACH MORAL VALUES TO YOUR CHILDREN

    You don't have to have a degree in 'child psychology' and you don't have to attend a college class in 'early childhood development' to know that children have an incredible capacity to learn new things.  If you've never done so, you ought to set down at a computer with a 5-year-old, and listen as they explain things you never knew!  After that, you can try to beat him or her at an electronic game – good luck!  Kids learn quickly, as everyone knows.

    With this truth in mind, we wonder why some parents are so unconcerned about teaching their children important moral values.  Why do they wait to instruct them about issues that will directly affect their spiritual well being? Parents, don't wait to teach your kids, even the very young ones about:

- Modesty in dress and conduct.  Mothers, why will you let your little girls wear scanty clothing, the likes of which would be shocking in an older girl? If you don't teach them now, when will they learn? If swimming suits and mixed swimming are wrong for those who are older, why isn't it wrong for kids?

- Dancing.  Seems some parents can't bring themselves to condemn modern dancing. They think it's cute and "innocent" when the kids jump and gyrate to the music. How will they know when "cute" suddenly becomes vulgar? Teach them now that dancing is wrong.

- Honesty.  Lying is wrong at any age. Teach them now or be sorry later.

- Putting God first. If you let them compromise spiritual obligations for ball games, band concerts, recreational activities, etc., it will convince them that it is OK to do so for many other reasons later on.

     This list can be expanded, but the point is obvious. Parents, if you don't make a dedicated effort to teach your kids now, you will very likely live to regret it later.  Don't wait to do your important job!  Think!
—Greg Gwin

***SENTENCE SERMONS*** 

Some are 'setting on the premises' instead of 'standing on the promises’.
***
God gives and forgives; men get and forget.
***
Patience: the ability to count down before blasting off.
***
Eternity is a long time to think about what we should have done.
***
Lord, when I am wrong, make me willing to change;
when I am right, make me easy to live with.
***
The world belongs to the person who is wise enough to change their mind in the presence of facts.
***

Live Video Streaming Of The Bible Study 

SUNDAY 9:30 AM and Wednesday 7:00 PM WWW.EASTALBERTVILLE.COM - click on “Live Feed”
or
Go To East Albertville church of Christ on YOUTUBE/FACEBOOK

Live Video Streaming Of The Bible Sermon

SUNDAY 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM WWW.EASTALBERTVILLE.COM - click on “Live Feed”
or
Go To East Albertville church of Christ on YOUTUBE/FaceBook

HAVE A BIBLE QUESTION YOU’D LIKE ANSWERED?

HERE’S YOUR CHANCE…

BIBLE CROSSFIRE
A CALL-IN RADIO PROGRAM
WBSA
93.5 FM & 1300 AM
also
SIRIUS XM CHANNEL 113
SUNDAY NIGHTS @ 8 PM CT

PREVIOUS SHOWS AVAILABLE AT:

BibleCrossfire.com

IMPROVE YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE BIBLE...

FREE ONLINE BIBLE CORRESPONDENCE COURSE

http://EastAlbertville.org/course

"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. 22 / March 28, 2021

"...TRY THE SPIRITS..."

All of us preachers claim to preach the word of God. We all read and quote scriptures. Yet we preach different doctrines. Undoubtedly this is responsible for the religious confusion that exists all around us.

    Does the Bible actually teach all these different doctrines? If it does, that makes it a contradictory book and, if it contradicts itself, it cannot be the word of God.

    All preachers sound sincere and no doubt the average listener thinks they are all sincere. But are they? Are they sure beyond doubt that they are preaching the pure word of God without any additions, subtractions, or substitutions? We are warned in 2 Peter 2:1 there would be “false teachers”. In fact, 1 John 4:1 warns that “many false prophets have gone out into the world”. Even Jesus warned us to beware of false prophets who come in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15).

    I believe I can suggest a test of how much preachers really believe what they teach and it is this: ARE THEY WILLING TO MEET OPPONENTS AND DISCUSS DIFFERENCES BEFORE AN AUDIENCE?. If they believe what they preach they surely ought to be willing to let it be investigated and examined. The truth in the matter is that most preachers are not willing to stand up and DEFEND what they preach. It’s one thing to preach something and another thing to defend it when they are challenged! They continue to preach from pulpits, radio, and television but when challenged concerning what they preach, they either brand the person questioning them as a trouble maker or someone not worthy of even common courtesy. Could it really be they are fearful to have what they preach examined by what God’s word really teaches? Could it be most of what they preach are doctrines and commandments of men?

    Friends, I believe I am preaching the truth on what to do to be saved, on the New Testament church, on acceptable worship, on the work of the church, that we can fall from grace, and on other vital subjects. I’m not saying denominational preachers aren’t preaching the truth on anything. They do preach a lot of the truth. However, on the plan of salvation, the church, true worship, etc., they do not. Their preaching and teaching will leave a sinner without Christ and away from the benefits of His death and blood.

    If you believe I am teaching error through the means of this bulletin, please persuade a preacher you believe is right to come with you and we’ll discuss any subject on which you think I am wrong. I am not being boastful! Neither do I think I am smarter than denominational preachers. But I am sincere about what I preach - sincere enough to let any audience hear me discuss it with a preacher who disagrees. 
—E.R. Hall, Jr.

DEAD OR ALIVE

    Death is a state of separation. Physical Death is separation of body and spirit (Jas. 2:26). The spirit lives on, and so God could say of long deceased Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob:  "I am their God" (Exo. 3:6). Moses and Elijah, long dead physically, talked with Jesus in His transfiguration (Matt. 17:3). How then can anyone who believes the Bible say that  physical death is the cessation of all life, as some religious people claim? Even so, Spiritual Death is separation from God (Isa. 59:1,2). Paul said "I was alive once without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died" (Rom. 7:9). Sin produced death in Paul at that earlier time in his life (Rom. 7:13). Deliverance from that death was through Christ (Rom. 7:24,25). This deliverance was accomplished through reconciliation to God so that Paul was no longer separated from God (2 Cor. 5:18,19). So it is with us today.

      We are all dead and alive. We are either dead in sin or alive with God. If we are living in sin with its dominion over us, then we are dead. If through Christ we put to death the sinful life, then we are alive unto God (Rom. 6:11). This newness of life is gained in Christ through our obedience to God by faith when we are baptized into the death of Christ (Rom. 6:3-6). Since we are all dead and alive in one of the two situations, we should recognize that spiritual death does not render us unconscious or incapable of action. Here we can see one of the errors of Calvinism. If, when we have died to sin, we are still continually tempted by it, then why, when we are dead in sin, can we not hear and heed the appeal of the Gospel to repent and be converted without a miraculous operation of the Spirit to enable us? Peter told people who had been convinced by the preached message concerning Christ, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). They had not, at that point, received either the Holy Spirit as a gift or salvation as the gift of the Spirit, for Peter said "you shall receive" it, conditioned upon their repentance and baptism. They were dead in trespasses, yet they were told to do something about it. This indicates that they were capable of doing something about their condition, else the commandment was vain.

      Now, consider the lives of the saints. Paul told people who had died to sin when they obeyed the Gospel to "put to death” their members which were on the earth: "fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry” (Col. 3:5). This he said to people who had put off "the old man with his deeds" and had "put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him Who created him” (Col. 3:9,10). These were people who had been dead but had been made alive together with Him through their faith and obedience to Christ (Col. 2:9-15). To the Ephesians, Paul included all as having once been dead in trespasses and sins, but he asserted that God had made them alive together with Christ through faith in Him (Eph. 2:1-22). Christians are Christians because they "have crucified the flesh with its passion and desires" yet they must constantly guard themselves against the temptations of sin (Gal. 5:18 - 6:5). We must "let not sin reign" in our lives (Rom. 6:12).

     Now, the practical questions are these: Are we alive to sin and thus dead, separated from God; or are we alive to God and dead to sin? God has made us capable of choosing and has provided the way of escape from death in sin through Jesus Christ, if we will believe in Him and obey Him (Heb. 5:8,9). What do we choose?
—Gilbert Alexander

***SENTENCE SERMONS*** 

Certain channels are called 'educational TV'. But in reality all TV is educational -- it typically teaches profanity, violence, sexual immorality, etc.
***
The true disciple is obedient rather than ambitious, committed rather than competitive. For him, nothing is more important than pleasing the One who called him.

Live Video Streaming Of The Bible Study 

SUNDAY 9:30 AM and Wednesday 7:00 PM WWW.EASTALBERTVILLE.COM - click on “Live Feed”
or
Go To East Albertville church of Christ on YOUTUBE/FACEBOOK

Live Video Streaming Of The Bible Sermon

SUNDAY 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM WWW.EASTALBERTVILLE.COM - click on “Live Feed”
or
Go To East Albertville church of Christ on YOUTUBE/FaceBook

HAVE A BIBLE QUESTION YOU’D LIKE ANSWERED?

HERE’S YOUR CHANCE…

BIBLE CROSSFIRE
A CALL-IN RADIO PROGRAM
WBSA
93.5 FM & 1300 AM
also
SIRIUS XM CHANNEL 113
SUNDAY NIGHTS @ 8 PM CT

PREVIOUS SHOWS AVAILABLE AT:

BibleCrossfire.com

IMPROVE YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE BIBLE...

FREE ONLINE BIBLE CORRESPONDENCE COURSE

http://EastAlbertville.org/course

"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. 21 / March 14, 2021

ASK YOUR PREACHER?

    It’s an easy claim for a church or a person to say, “The Bible is our/my only standard”. Indeed it ought to be for 2 John 9-10 teaches, “Whosoever transgresseth and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ hath both the Father and the Son. 10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house nor bid him Godspeed;”

    There are many doctrines advocated by preachers from pulpits, radio, television, internet, and even bulletins like this but are we to simply take their word that the doctrines they teach are of Christ? In Acts 17:11 we read of people in Berea who “were more fair-mined than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.” We, too, would be “fair- mined” to search the Scriptures and see what they teach rather than take someone’s word on the matter. That’s why we are urging you to ASK YOUR PREACHER!

IS ONE CHURCH AS GOOD AS ANOTHER?

    Ask your preacher where the Bible says one church is as good as another. Many preachers and churches teach this doctrine but where does the Bible teach such? What the Scriptures do teach is there is “one body” (Ephesians 4:4) and "the body” is the “the church” (Ephesians 1:22-23). Also Colossians 1:18 says Christ is "the head of the body, the church”. Christ is “the Saviour of the body, the church” (Ephesians 5:23) and in Matthew 16:18 Jesus said, “I will build my church”. Only the church that Jesus built, the church that is His body, the one that He is the head of, and the one which He is the Saviour of will suffice! Other churches that are man-made, wear names foreign to the Bible, ruled and governed by Popes, synods, conferences, and creeds written by men will be “rooted up” (Matthew 15:13). Now I ask you, “Is one church as good as another?” If we are talking about man-made churches, you are absolutely right - One church IS just as good as another! But Jesus nowhere indicates He will save people in anything but His church!

SAVED BY FAITH ONLY?

    Ask your preacher where the Bible says a person is saved by faith only. The Bible most certainly teaches we are saved by faith. Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,”. But it does not say faith only justifies/saves. James 2:24 teaches, “You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.” What the Bible does teach is is salvation is by GRACE (Ephesians 2:5), CHRIST’S BLOOD (Matthew 26:28), THE WORD (James 1:21), OBEDIENCE (Hebrews 5:9), WORKS (James 2:24), FAITH (Hebrews 11:6), and BAPTISM (1 Peter 3:21). It takes ALL these to bring about our salvation. That being the case, why do some preachers preach only one thing to the exclusion of all the other things that are necessary? Why not ask them?

SPRINKLING FOR BAPTISM?

    Ask your preacher where the Bible says that a person was ever sprinkled for baptism. The Bible teaches baptism is a burial in Romans 6:4 and Colossians 2:12. For an example of water baptism being administered, we can turn to Acts 8:38. On the occasion Philip, the preacher, was baptizing the treasurer of Ethopia. The verse says, “…both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.” Verse 39 also bears out they came “up out of the water”. This example harmonizes with the passages in Romans 6:4 and Colossians 2:12 concerning baptism being a burial and our being “buried with Him by baptism” is like that of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. Where does the practice of sprinkling for baptism originate: from man or from God’s Word? Ask your preacher and get him to produce the scripture.

BAPTISM NOT NECESSARY?

    Ask your preacher where the Bible says baptism is not necessary to salvation. Then ask yourself the question of how can men make such a statement when Jesus Himself said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.” (Mark 16:16). Do they profess to know more than Jesus? Do they profess to know more than Peter because he commanded the people in Acts 2:38 to “Repent, and be baptized every one of you the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins.” If baptism is not necessary then how do we get into Christ? Galatians 3:27 says, “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” If we aren’t “baptized into Christ” how else can we “put on Christ”? A lot of preachers talk about “praying your sins away” but the Bible talks about being “baptized, and wash away thy sins” (Acts 22:16). For baptism to save, to be for the remission of sins, to put a person into Christ, and to wash away sins, how can preachers claim to believe the Bible and yet preach baptism has nothing to do with saving a person? Ask your preacher?

    Let’s never fear to question those who profess to be teaching God’s Word. Our souls are too precious and eternity too long to risk taking some preacher’s word over what the Bible teaches. “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they be of God because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1)

    If you have any question or wish to challenge anything in this bulletin, feel free to contact us at the address given on the front or go to www.eastalbertville.org and give us your question or comment in the ‘comment box’ on the church’s homepage. We will be glad to hear from you and have the opportunity to reason and study with you.
—E.R. Hall, Jr.

Live Video Streaming Of The Bible Study 

SUNDAY 9:30 AM and Wednesday 7:00 PM WWW.EASTALBERTVILLE.COM - click on “Live Feed”
or
Go To East Albertville church of Christ on YOUTUBE/FACEBOOK

Live Video Streaming Of The Bible Sermon

SUNDAY 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM WWW.EASTALBERTVILLE.COM - click on “Live Feed”
or
Go To East Albertville church of Christ on YOUTUBE/FaceBook

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"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