What The Bible Says
What The Bible Says - Vol. 2 / No. 24
Sunday, April 26, 2020.jpg)
What The Bible Says
Vol. II - No. 24 / April 26, 2020
FIVE VIEWS OF MARK 16:16
Mankind is certainly ingenious when it comes to inventing different views to tip toe around what God's word says. Mark 16:16 is one such passage.
THE METHODISTS read Mark 16:16 like this: "He that believeth not and is baptized shall be saved". One of their cardinal doctrines teaches the practice of infant baptism when the infant is way too young to know what's going on much less to believe anything the Bible teaches concerning sin, repentance, and salvation.
THE ATHEISTS read Mark 16:16 like this: "He that believeth and is baptized shall not be saved". They do not even believe in God to Whom man is accountable for his actions. Since there is no accountability to a God, there can be no such thing as sin and definitely no need for salvation.
THE UNIVERSALISTS read Mark 16:16 like this: "He that believeth not and is baptized not shall be saved". They believe EVERY-BODY will be SAVED and NOBODY will be LOST.
THE BAPTISTS read Mark 16:16 like this: "He that believeth and is not baptized shall be saved". They believe salvation comes at the point of faith and baptism has nothing to do with saving.
JESUS said in Mark 16:16 “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved".
Now, which view are we going to take on this verse?
WHAT MEN HAVE DONE TO HELL
1. Atheists, skeptics and modernists have eradicated it by their “wonderful” powers of “reason”.
2. “Christian Scientists” have attributed it to improper thinking, the figment of bad imagination, or “malicious animal magnetism”.
3. Universalists have removed the need of fearing it since they teach that all will be saved anyway.
4. Unitarians and others have decided that the only real heaven or hell are encountered by men in this life by pleasant or unpleasant experiences.
5. “Jehovah’s Witnesses” have reduced it to annihilation, eternal non-existence rather than eternal punishment.
6. Many Protestant denominations have taken away any concern about being lost from millions by their doctrine of “once saved, always saved”.
7. Catholicism has assured millions that they will not go there because of her sacraments and rituals, and has caused many to be more concerned about an imaginary “purgatory”.
8. Many have sought to remove the eternal duration and the awful torment of hell by their own concept of God’s love.
But what the Bible says about hell remains true. You may read about it in:
Matthew 18:8-9 “If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire.”
Matthew 25:41 “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels:”
Matthew 25:46 “And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 “in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,”
Revelation 14:10-11 “he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.11 And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.”
Revelation 20:10 “The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”
Revelation 20:15 “And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.”
Revelation 21:8 “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”
—Bill Crews
IS THIS TRUTH?
Ask a denominational preacher if what he preaches is the truth and he will surely say, “YES". Ask him if one must believe the truth in order to be saved and he will no doubt say, “YES". But, ask him if one must believe the particular doctrine which he preaches in order to be saved and he will probably answer, “NO". (Now, make sense out of that!)
THINGS BY WHICH MAN IS SAVED:The Bible teaches man is saved by God (Titus 3:4-5), Love (John 3:16), Mercy (Titus 3:4-5), Grace (Eph 2:9), Christ (Matt 1:21), Blood (1 Pet 1:18-19), the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:11), Gospel (Rom 1:16-17), Faith (Rom 5:1), Repentance (Acts 17:30), Confession (Rom. 10:10), Works of Faith (James 2:24), Baptism (1 Pet 3:21).
The Bible nowhere teaches men are saved by any one thing only!
—Richie Thetford
SENTENCE SERMONS
Eternity will be a long time to think about what you should have done.
***
Trust God’s authority, not man’s majority.
***
If you don’t plan for the future, you probably won’t like what you get.
***
Life is short – pray hard and read the Book!
***
Too much time is wasted by people telling how busy they are.
***
Every man has an equal chance to become better than he presently is.
***
Be careful of your thoughts. They may break into words at any time.
HAVE A BIBLE QUESTION YOU’D LIKE ANSWERED?
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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. 2 / No. 23
Sunday, April 12, 2020
What The Bible Says
Vol. II - No. 23 / April 12, 2020
REASONS TO DISCIPLINE OUR CHILDREN
A scanning of Solomon's Proverbs provides several reasons. . .
1. To show you don't hate them. "He who spares the rod hates his son but he who loves him is careful to discipline him." (13:24)
2. To give them hope. “Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death." (19:18)
3. To help them for a lifetime. "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." (22:6)
4. To chase away foolishness. "Folly is bound up in the heart of a child but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him." (22:15)
5. To save their soul. "Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with the rod he will not die. Punish him with the rod and save his soul from death." (23:13-14)
6. For your own comfort. "Discipline your son and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul." (29:17)
Parents need to read and understand these passages. So, too, should our children. We want them to see why for their own good, and for the good of their children as well.
DO YOU "...HUNGER AND THIRST AFTER RIGHTEOUSNESS"?
Jesus taught: “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled” (Matt. 5:6). This verse describes an intense craving to be in a right relationship with God. The words that Jesus used here for “hunger” and “thirst” denote a level of intensity in desire that would be similar to the person who is about to starve to death, as versus a simple hunger pang; or a person about to die from dehydration, as versus someone who had a mild desire for something to drink.
Christians often wrestle with a number of problems that could be easily resolved in our minds and removed from our lives if we simply asked the question: “Am I hungering and thirsting for righteousness?” For instance, the supposedly hard questions about social drinking, smoking, dancing, movie and TV watching, immodest clothes, bad language, etc., all just vanish in the face of this test. If I desire to be right with God at the same level as a starving man desires food, it will be simple to answer these challenges and do the right thing.
Watch how neatly this divine principal works on the problem area of church attendance. Ask yourself, would a starving man pass up an opportunity to eat a good home cooked meal?” Answer: obviously not! Why? Because he is starving!! Now, would a Christian who “hungers and thirsts for righteousness” pass up an opportunity to meet and study with other saints—to worship God and study His Word? Answer: certainly not! Why? Because he craves to maintain a right relationship with God, and such assemblies aid tremendously in that direction. You can see the idea here—and the challenge is to make the application in every area of your life. Think!
—Greg Gwin
"I DON'T GO ALONG WITH ALL MY CHURCH DOES!"
There are many people today who willingly and knowingly fellowship error. When their unscriptural practices are pointed out, they say, "I don't believe everything my church teaches" or the statement in the title of this article. Are you one of those people? Are you willing to even admit that you realize that the church of which you are a member is getting farther and farther from the truth of the Bible? Many people are very uncomfortable with such things as the social, recreational, and entertainment craze that many churches are involving themselves in. But let it be understood there are many other things in addition to these.
Let me raise this question: Does recognizing and then denying wrongdoing in the church of which you are a member, free you from all responsibility in the matter? Let's put it like this: Can a person close his eyes to error and willingly stay in a group that he knows is doing things contrary to what the Bible teaches? Are we willing to let the Bible give the answer? God says, "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." (Ephesians 5:11). "This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth." (Titus 1:13,14). From these verses we must conclude that one cannot continue to have fellowship with those who are believing and practicing error. Rather, he has the responsibility to reprove and warn them. Yet, if no one raises their voice to oppose, by their silence they give consent and thereby become a partaker of wrongdoing.
How can one repent of an error while at the same time be a member of a church which believes and practices error? For one to repent of error, he must completely give up that error. As long as a person is a member of a church that has error, he is associated with error and is identified with error.
Jesus said in Matthew 15:13 "..Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up." Those who are in a church that has error will be rooted up along with others at the last day. Those who recognize error in the churches in which they are members need to come out and be identified with the people of God.
We cannot help but believe there are those of you reading this bulletin who do not agree with the beliefs and practices of the church of which you are a member. We must all ask ourselves the question of who are we trying to please in religion. Is it man or God? There can be the wrong motive for the religion we have. "For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ." (Galatians 1:10). If we seek to please men, it will not matter whether we condone things that the Scriptures condemn and give our silent consent to things that God does not approve of. But if our religion is to please men, "I should NOT BE THE SERVANT OF CHRIST".
—E.R. Hall, Jr.
SENTENCE SERMONS
Eternity will be a long time to think about what you should have done.
***
Trust God’s authority, not man’s majority.
***
If you don’t plan for the future, you probably won’t like what you get.
***
Life is short – pray hard and read the Book!
***
Too much time is wasted by people telling how busy they are.
***
Every man has an equal chance to become better than he presently is.
***
Be careful of your thoughts. They may break into words at any time.
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. 2 / No. 22
Sunday, March 29, 2020
What The Bible Says
Vol. II - No. 22 / March 29, 2020
WHAT'S THE REAL REASON?
"There is no God!” The person who is usually heard making that statement almost always follows it up with one or more reasons why they think that way. They may claim that true science denies the existence of God. They may cite some seemingly strong evidence in favor of the theory of evolution. They might even make an attack on the accuracy and reliability of the Bible.
Whatever the reasons may be, the one who disbelieves in God usually claims that his thinking is based on "science" or "logic". But what is the real reason for the unbelief of the unbeliever? Is it "scientific fact and logical reasoning" or something else?
Psalm 14:1 - "The fool has said in his heart, 'there is no God'. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none who does good.” As we see in this verse, there is a certain lifestyle that accompanies disbelief in God. That lifestyle is totally at odds with the will of the Creator. If you really believe in a God, it makes it hard to ignore His will. However, if you have convinced yourself that there is no God then it makes it easy to live as you please.
So, why do so many people disbelieve in God? Because they don't want to be accountable to any one but themselves, especially a Creator. They want to live their own way, they want to live in sin. Is your sinful lifestyle blinding you to the truth? Don't be foolish, open your eyes and your heart to God.
—Phillip Mullins
HAVE YOU HEARD IT SAID?
While speaking to the Jews of His day, Jesus referred to their teaching by saying, "Ye have heard that it hath been said ... but I say unto you... " (Matt. 5:38-39). In this manner He warned them against anger, an evil heart, unlawful divorce, swearing and other numerous sins. Thus Jesus made it clear that an idea was not true just because it was what people had always heard.
The teaching of that day was imposed upon the people by their religious leaders and had become long standing traditions in so much that traditions had been regarded as equal to the law of Moses. Jesus challenged the authority of their traditions and said they were vain in religion. (Mk. 7:9). It is sad, but even in religion there has always been a tendency to accept an idea if it is repeated often enough. If the majority of people have come to accept a position as true, then most people will not question or investigate whether or not it's traditions from men or God's word. We should not believe everything we hear no matter how often we hear it or from how many we hear it from. True faith can not be built on hearsay. The Bible warns, "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits, whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world". (1 John 4:1)
Have you heard it said that it doesn't matter what one believes, just so he is sincere? Is this true? If so, why does the Bible warn against being deceived and against believing false teachers? So, if what someone believes becomes the truth simply because he sincerely believes it to be the truth, then there is no reason for concern about false prophets and no danger in accepting their teaching. Thus the Joel Osteen’s and the Benny Hinn's are not false teachers because they sincerely believe that what they are teaching is the truth. After all, sincerity is all that matters in religion according to what everybody says. However, the Bible doesn't teach what you have always heard about sincerity being all that matters.
Have you heard it said that as long as someone has been baptized that's all that really matters? This is just as false as those who think sincerity is all that matters. Sincerity won't get us to heaven and neither will baptism. The Scriptures teach, “…be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." (Rev. 2:10). Also in Heb. 6:1-2 the Scriptures read, "Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment." Far more is necessary to insure heaven as our home than just having been baptized.
It is never safe to believe everything we hear. The important thing is: DOES THE SCRIPTURES SAY IT!
—E.R. Hall, Jr.
CAN WE TALK?
The ability to communicate is the difference between unified achievement and confusion. The unfinished city and tower of Babel attest to the role communication plays in success or failure (Gen. 11:4-9).
Christians who cannot or will not talk to one another contribute to the weakening of the body of Christ. Whether it is a kind word of encouragement needed by a fellow saint, a word of warning to beware of temptations and sin, a teaching of truth to the lost or a rebuke of sinful error, the inability to talk to each other hinders the strengthening and salvation of souls. God’s word must be communicated so it can be heard and produce faith unto salvation (Rom. 10:8, 13-17).
Can we talk without a spirit of superiority? Sadly, some Christians convey an air of condescension when they talk with others. Such ought not to be (Rom. 12:16; Phil. 2:3). Rest assured, communication will be hindered where humility toward others is lacking. How we say our words can have a much greater impact for good or evil that what we say. You may have the truth, but if you display smugness or self-importance when you speak it, you will not communicate effectively. Most likely, you will make it harder to be heard.
Can we talk with words that are gracious? The apostle said, "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one" (Col. 4:6). To successfully talk with others we must speak with kindness, not rancor or malice. "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" (Prov. 15:1). Oh, how our marriages would profit by a "soft answer" instead of harsh and vindictive speech! What strength would be garnered in a church where brethren live the timeless truth that "a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver" (Prov. 25:11). To do otherwise is a sinful use of the tongue (Jas. 3:9-10).
Can we talk to the lost about their souls? The gospel will save, but it must be communicated to the lost to do so (Rom. 1:16; Mk. 16:15). The word of God must be spoken to save souls from sin, not philosophies, not psychologies and not religious traditions (Col. 2:8). We can speak the truth in love; the question is, will we? (Eph. 4:15)
—Joe R. Price
SENTENCE SERMONS
A poor listener seldom hears a good sermon.
***
Attitudes are nothing more than habits of thought – and habits can be acquired.
***
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. 2 / No. 21
Sunday, March 15, 2020
What The Bible Says
Vol. II - No. 21 / March 15, 2020
DO YOU KNOW THE STORY OF JESUS?
While many claim to know Jesus, the question we pose is: Do you know the story of Jesus? His story is the way by which we know who He is. What do the Scriptures tell us concerning His story?
COMPASSIONATE. In Luke 7 Jesus came into the city of Nain and saw the funeral of a young man who was the only son of a widow. "And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not." (verse 13). In Galilee a leper came to Jesus wanting Jesus to heal him of his dreaded disease "And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and said unto him, I will; be thou clean." Jesus did what other people would not dare to do in that He touched the leper. No doubt it had been a long time since he had been touched by anyone.
MEEK. Jesus said, "...I am meek and lowly in heart" (Matthew 11:29). He proved His meekness as He hung on the cross and said, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). Let us also remember the story of how Jesus engaged in the meek and humble act of washing His disciples' feet in John 15:5.
LOVED BY SINNERS. He forgave the sins of the woman taken in adultery (John 8:1-11). While in the house of Matthew "...many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples” (Matthew 9:10). When questioned about His eating with them, He answered, "...I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." (verse 13).
While the things we have considered so far are truly the story of Jesus it is not the whole story. Yet, far too many people's perception of Jesus is limited to the things we have just examined. Let's continue to look at "the rest of the story".
NARROW-MINDED. It was Jesus who said, "...I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6). This is starkly opposite to broad minded thinking which allows for Buddha, Mohammed, and a host of other gods and other ways. Truly, if Jesus were on earth today, He would have to change His attitude about other religions or be rejected and crucified all over again. Let us be narrow-minded as Jesus is.
INTOLERANT. Jesus did not allow the money changers to go on making the temple a "house of merchandise" (John 2:13-17). Instead, He made Him a scourge of small cords, drove them out, poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables. Churches today are involved in entertainment, recreation, eating in the meeting house and a host of other things that people have come to expect of today's churches. Would Jesus be as tolerant and not open His mouth to rebuke as He did the scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23:13-33? We, too, would do well to be intolerant of those things that are contrary to the will of God.
OBEDIENT. Jesus stated: "For I came down from heaven, not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me." (John 6:38). He also said, "...for I do always those things that please Him." (John 8:29). "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;" (Hebrews 5:8,9). Would Jesus been the "author of eternal salvation" if He had not been obedient? Certainly not! Do we have the hope of eternal salvation if we do not obey Christ? Certainly not! If obedience was required of Christ, it most certainly is required of us! Christ is the "author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him". Could language be any plainer? The verse does not need an interpretation place on it, it just simply means what it says: To Obey Is To Have Eternal Salvation! Therefore, it goes without saying that if we do not obey, we will not have eternal salvation! Obedience is the test of our love for Christ. "If ye love Me, keep My commandments" (John 14:15) because obedience was the test of Christ's love for the Father. "But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave Me commandment, even so I do...." (John 14:31). When Jesus kept the commandments of the Father, did He have anything of which to boast? No! When we keep the commandments of the Father, do we have anything of which to boast? No! "So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do." (Luke 17:10).
By and large, the world does not truly know who Jesus was. What controls your life? To be truly liberated is to let Christ control our lives through our obedience to His will. Jesus is the only One who can control us without destroying us!
—E.R. Hall, Jr.
HOW MANKIND RESPONDS TO GOD'S GOODNESS
God created mankind and placed them in a garden which provided a wholesome, healthful environment. They responded by disobeying God's one commandment of restraint. God expelled them from Eden, yet He continued to bless them with the needs of life, for which they had to toil much harder. The guilt of their sin was held in remembrance, and its consequences affected their descendants greatly.
Cain and Abel were blessed with instruction from God. Abel served God by faith, but Cain was disobedient and took his anger out on his own brother, by killing him. A hard sentence was given to Cain in his life, and his sin held in remembrance.
By the time of Noah, in the comparatively few generations from the beginning, most of the human race had corrupted themselves to the degree that they thought about evil continually. Noah was an exception. He obeyed God by faith, found favor with God, and was delivered from the flood by doing what God told him to do. All people except the family of Noah perished in the flood. After that great salvation, Noah's son, Ham, acted wickedly and incurred the judgment of God upon him.
In the days of Abraham, the world was greatly involved in idolatry. Abraham, the exception to many, was a faithful servant of God. God made promises to Abraham that would fulfill His plan of offering to fallen humanity a way of redemption form their transgression. How great are the longsuffering, mercy, and grace of God!
God had looked upon this great drama of life before He ever brought it to pass, and had concluded that salvation was to be a part of this great story, in spite of His foreseeing the disobedience of His future creatures. He foresaw that some would repent if they were given opportunity, so He made provisions for that opportunity. What a trial He endured from the children of Israel in order to accomplish His purpose and keep His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob! How ungrateful the Israelites were!
With a mighty hand God brought Israel out of Egypt, provided for them in the wilderness, and gave them the land He had told Abraham that He would give his descendants. He gave them His law, gave them great leaders, and protected them from their wicked enemies. Yet they turned away from Him to idolatry, and their sins were multiplied. Through defeat and captivity, God brought a remnant back to their land to serve Him.
He sent His Son to them, and they rejected and killed the Son -- as God had foreknown. Even then, God loved humanity — what inexpressible love! The gospel was proclaimed, and the majority of the race rejected it. It is still being proclaimed, and the majority of the race still rejects it. What a wonderful and sad story! Where are you in this equation or sad story?
—Gilbert Alexander
SENTENCE SERMONS
The world belongs to the man who is wise enough to change his mind in the presence of facts.
***
When you think, you thank.
***
Where complaining exists, thankfulness is absent.
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...
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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. 2 / No. 20
Sunday, March 01, 2020
What The Bible Says
Vol. II - No. 20 / March 1, 2020
CONFLICTING VOICES
"God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son,..” (Hebrews 1:1,2). Any voice not in agreement with God's Word is a conflicting voice. We hear a lot of voices in the religious world and they all profess to be speaking God's Word. Yet, they conflict each other and this has lead to the different denominations that are in existence.
I have yet to meet a preacher, or hear one preach, who does not say he is preaching what the Bible says. They all claim to preach only what God would have them preach. However, when I compare what they preach with what I preach, there are clear differences. Several years ago, I attended the funeral of my aunt. The preacher made the statement several times that he only wanted to preach what God would have him to preach. Well, that's exactly what I want to do so I expected him to preach the same things I preach. As his sermon progressed it was obvious that he and I don't preach the same things especially when it come to what a person must do to be saved. He was telling his audience to accept Jesus as their personal Savior and I've never preached that. Is he preaching God's word? If he is, then what am I preaching when I preach something different from him? Is he sincere in what he preaches? I'm sure he is but, then again, so am 1. One or the other of us is right or it could be possible that we are both wrong but we both can't be right. If I were to ask two people what is the sum of 3,250 and 6,750 and one answered 10,000 and the other answered 100,000, could I say both were right? So, in religious matters, we are divided and yet both he and I profess to be worshiping the same God and preaching the message of God.
What is the way to solve this dilemma? Can I compare him to me? No! "For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise." (2 Corinthians 10:12). There has to be a higher standard by which we can measure the things being taught in the religious world. That standard of reference is to be the Word of God.
We must take God's Word and take God at His Word. It is not for me or anyone else to interpret what God says because God means what He says. If I tell my children to go to the store for milk and bread, they do not have to interpret what I said, they must simply do what I've told them to do. When Jesus said, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved" (Mark 16:16) that is not left up to anyone's interpretation. We must simply do what He says. Since I can no where read in the Bible that a person must accept Christ as their personal Savior, I would be conflicting with what God says to preach such a thing. When we read: "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only." (James 2:24), anyone who teaches a person is saved the moment they believe is a voice conflicting with what God has said.
In all that we hear taught, let us compare it to God's Word and be sure we are "rightly dividing the word of truth" (l Timothy 2:15). God means what He says and says what He means. No one needs to interpret what God has said. It is when God's Word is interpreted that all these conflicting voices can be heard.
—E.R. Hall, Jr.
THE DECEPTION OF WICKEDNESS
We know that deception is nothing more than a fancy word for a lie. And we know that a lie is anything but the truth. This phrase is found in 2 Thessalonians 2:10: "and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved".
Satan and the world have promoted wickedness from the beginning. The reason is because Satan does not want you to go to heaven. That is his goal, and that is what he is constantly and continuously working at 24/7/365. His domain has promoted wickedness as the all there is mentality. Live life to the fullest, eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die are just two of the many phrases offered to entice people to succumb to wickedness. Most people have no problem in doing this because they want all the wickedness that they can get a hold of.
Some still hang onto wickedness while pretending to be followers of God. Well, Romans 6:16 tells us that we are the servants of the one we serve, either of sin resulting in death or obedience resulting in righteousness. It does no good to claim to love Jesus while playing in the devils playground. That is his domain, and if you were to die, he would claim your soul on his property.
Some know that wickedness is wrong to do and sort of want to be right with God, yet they cannot let go or what the world has to offer. Surely these must be the most miserable people on the planet. They want it both ways, but God said "MY WAY".
We are force fed lies all the time. Satan deceives us; in fact, Satan is the father of lies or deception. Satan tries to convince us that righteousness is nothing more than mythical foolishness and such people to strive for it are wasting time and effort.
The world is helping Satan promote this wickedness. Everywhere we look and whenever we listen, we are usually listening to lies. The commercials promise a life of luxury if we use their product. Many commercials suggest that you can have sex with beautiful people by using their product. How often have you seen a fat, ugly person with bad teeth promote any product? Not likely that you ever have.
Even the news media for the most part are striving to promote Satan's agenda. They look for opportunities to downgrade Christians and the truth. Even to the point of printing lies. And most people are gullible enough to take what they are fed and not even question the validity of such articles. Many news stories lately have been proven to be false information. And all this deception is used to promote wickedness and to make a mockery of righteousness.
This is all made possible because people do not love the truth and seek after truth. Truth is the only thing that God tells us that can save our souls. Our obedience to the truth is so vital. Peter tells us in 1 Peter 1:22: "Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart".
2 Thessalonians 2:11 tells us that God will allow people to believe the lies all they want because that is all they want. But in the end, this deception will bring forth spiritual death and an eternity of punishment.
—Carey Scott
SENTENCE SERMONS
A man can't go anywhere while he's straddling a fence.
***
Satan is a fisherman, too. Deceit is his bait.
Suckers get caught.
***
Measure wealth, not by the things you have, but by the things
you have for which you would not take any amount of money.
***
Be content with what you have,
but never with what you are.
***
I asked, “Why doesn't somebody do something?”
Then I realized that I was somebody!
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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