What The Bible Says
What The Bible Says - Vol. 2 / No. 13
Sunday, December 01, 2019.jpg)
What The Bible Says
Vol. II - No. 13 / December 1, 2019
HOW DOES THE LORD "OPEN" HEARTS?
In Acts 16 we read: "And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. And a certain woman named Lyda, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us. whose heart the Lord open that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us." (vs. 13-15). How did the Lord open her heart? Does He do the same thing to people today? Does this imply the necessity of a direct action of the Holy Spirit? Is it possible to know and obey the will of God without miraculous divine intervention in our lives?
Look carefully at this immediate context. Notice that they "spake unto the women" (vs. 13), and Lydia "heard us" (vs. 14), and she "attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul" (vs. 14). It seems clear that the means by which Lydia's heart was opened was by the Word of God. There is nothing mysterious here. Rather, it is a demonstration of the power of the gospel (Rom. 1:16), and an example of God's plan for "preaching to save them that believe" (1 Cor. 1:21).
Whatever the Lord did, and however the heart of Lydia was opened, it was the same thing that occurred in every other case of conversion in the book of Acts. Remember, God is "no respecter of persons" (Acts 10:34,35). On Pentecost they "heard" and were "pricked in their heart" (2:37). On that day many "gladly received his word and were baptized" (2:41). Other examples abound in the book of Acts that directly link the teaching of the word with a heartfelt, obedient response (4:4, 8:12, 13:12, 13:48, 15:7, 16:32-33, 17:32-34, 18:8, 19:5).
The Lord "opens" hearts today in exactly the same way He always has -- through the preaching of the Word.
—Greg Gwin
"ASK JESUS TO SAY TO YOU, JUST DO IT!"
If I do what this billboard advertisement says, I will say, "Lord, save me!" for this is what a major denomination in this area teaches from radio, television, billboards, and pulpits. But Jesus has an answer to those who want salvation from sin simply by uttering the words "Lord, save me" or "Jesus, come into my heart". Jesus' answer is found in Matthew 7:21 - "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven; but he that DOETH THE WILL OF MY FATHER which is in heaven.” (Emphasis mine, ERH)
It could also be that this statement is believed to have Bible basis because we are told to "ask and it shall be given you" in Matthew 7:7. But that's not the half of what the verse says. Jesus said, "ASK, and it shall be given you; SEEK, and ye shall find; KNOCK, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." (Matthew 7:7,8).(Emphasis mine, ERH) There is more to it than asking; there is seeking and knocking.
Anything for which we ask must be according to His will. "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us." We cannot ask the Lord to save us a way that is not "according to His will". Faith only and praying your sins away are not according to His will and we cannot ask Christ to save us by doing either of them. He will only save us from sins if we DO ACCORDING TO HIS WILL. To properly "seek" the Lord, we must do His will wholeheartedly. "Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart." (Psalms 119:2).
The Scriptures teach that we are saved by the blood of Christ. (Matthew 26:28). We contact the blood of Christ when we, too, “obey from the heart that form of doctrine” (Romans 6:17). When we are "baptized into Jesus Christ", we are "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." (Romans 6:3,4). Jesus has TOLD us what to do, just do it!
—E.R. Hall, Jr.
"KILL THE SPIDER"
One of the deacons was frequently called upon to pray at the mid-week service, and he always concluded his prayer the same way: "....and now Lord, clean out all the cobwebs in our lives.” I think you know what he was talking about - those little unsightly words, deeds and thoughts that we let accumulate throughout the week.
Well, it got to be too much for one brother who heard him say that prayer so many times. So, one Wednesday night, just after hearing these words again, this one brother jumped to his feet and shouted, "Don't do it, Lord, KILL THE SPIDER!"
Brethren, how well it would be if we would kill the spider rather than continually having our lives full of cobwebs. We will never be able to live acceptably for God and reach heights that Christ presents for us until deep within us we have that clean and rightful desire.
The great problem in the average Christian life is that we do not have the desire to really give up the world and completely surrender to Christ. Thus, we always find our lives cluttered with “cobwebs” - with sins.
Let’s start inside of our lives. Create that humble desire; and the external part of Christianity will come. Once we have killed the spider, we will no longer have to worry about bothersome cobwebs.
—Selected
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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. 12
Sunday, November 17, 2019
What The Bible Says
Vol. II - No. 12 / November 17, 2019
THE CONVINCING POWER OF PROPHECY
Prophecy, as it is considered in this study, is the foretelling of future events by revelation from God. It never was based on the will of man or the wisdom of mankind (2 Pet. 1:20,21). It was always true and accurate and did not fail. In fact, these characteristics were made the test of true prophecy and true prophets of God (Deut. 18:21, 22). If one spoke as a prophet and used a predicted event for the purpose of leading people away from God, he was to be recognized as a false prophet and was to be rejected (Deut. 13:1-3). Prophecy was given by God to be a sign from Him (1 Sam. 2:31,34; Isa. 7:14; 1 Kgs. 13:3-5).
No human being can by human wisdom unerringly predict future events; even when he has trends or circumstances on which to base his prediction. The convincing power of prophecy is in its inerrancy even when there are no visible clues to serve as guides. Note for example, Joshua's prophetic curse upon anyone who undertook to rebuild Jericho, and its fulfillment specifically about five hundred years later in the life of Hiel the Bethelite (Jos. 6:26; 1 Kgs. 16:34).
The prophetic word from God through Moses was that by obedience to God Israel could assure their stay in the promised land of Canaan; but if they turned away from God, they would lose the possession (Deut. 11:16-21). Much of the Old Testament tells of the fulfillment of that prophecy, culminating in the Assyrian and Babylonian Captivity.
Peter said that we do well to heed the prophetic word made sure, as to a light shining in a dark place (2 Pet. 1:19). These prophecies are some of the most powerful faith-building evidence given. Prophets of old spoke of the coming of a new covenant, distinguishing it from the covenant given through Moses (Deut. 18:15,18,19; Jer. 31:31-34). The coming of an eternal kingdom built by God in the days of the Roman kings was prophesied by Daniel in (Dan. 2:31-45). The nature of that kingdom is further described by Isaiah and Micah (Isa. 2:2-4; Mic. 4:1-7). Remember that Isaiah and Micah prophesied these things over seven hundred years before Christ came. Joel spoke of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit that was to accompany the coming kingdom (Joel 2:28-32; Lk. 24:49; Acts 1:5-8; 2:1-21).
Assurance that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ, the Messiah, is fully confirmed by prophecy. He was born of a virgin (Isa. 7:14) in Bethlehem (Mic. 5:2) of the tribe of Judah (Gen. 49:10), of the seed of David (Isa. 9:6,7). People were prepared for His coming by the preaching of John, "the voice of one crying in the wilderness" (Isa. 40:3). Jesus preached in Galilee (Isa. 9:1,2), and confirmed His claims by miracles and signs (Isa. 29:18,19; 19; 35:5-10; 61:1,2; Lk. 7:19-23). He was rejected by the Jews (Isa. 53:3), crucified (Isa. 53:7-12; Matt. 20:19), and pierced (Zech. 12:10) He died with the wicked and was buried in a rich man's tomb (Isa. 53:9), and rose the third day (Psa. 16:8-11; Matt. 17:22,23). A multitude of witnesses attested to His resurrection. Truly, He was a Man approved by God, Who fulfilled the prophecies that had been made concerning Him. We have the prophetic proof always at our hand to strengthen our faith, the foundation of our lives.
—Gilbert Alexander
"ACCEPT THE GIFT"
This was spotted on the marque of a denominational church whose preachers teach that if ANYTHING is done to have forgiveness of sin, salvation is no longer a gift. The idea is that if you have to do anything to receive a gift, it is no longer a gift but is earned.
In view of their teaching, I find this statement on their marque to be contradictory. Is not to "accept the gift" doing SOMETHING and if we do something it is no longer a gift but something we've earned? If not, why not?
Indeed, salvation is a gift. "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23) but is it free in that it demands or costs nothing of us? The gift of our salvation cost the Father His Son. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son..."(John 3:16). The gift of our salvation cost Jesus His life. "...while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8). The gift of our salvation came at a high cost to both the Father and the Son.
There is also a high cost for us to "accept the gift". We must "deny self". "And he said to them all, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." (Luke 9:23). We must deny self and follow Him (do as He says). And He says, "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love." (John 15:10). Was Jesus EARNING anything from His Father? No, no more than we are EARNING anything when we do what He tells us to do. That is what it means to deny self and follow Him! Therefore when we do what He tells us to believe in Him (John 8:24), repent of sin (Luke 13:3), confess Him (Matthew 10:32), and be baptized into His death (Mark 16:16; Romans 6:4) we are not EARNING anything. We are simply denying self and following Him.
What cost God and Christ such a supreme price, does not come cheap to us. Jesus must be Lord (Ruler) over ourselves, our lives, and all that we have.
—E.R. Hall, Jr.
***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.
***
If you preach what is new, it won't be true. If you preach what is true, it won't be new.
***
A poor listener seldom hears a good sermon.
HAVE A BIBLE QUESTION YOU’D LIKE ANSWERED?
HERE’S YOUR CHANCE…
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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:
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IMPROVE YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE BIBLE...
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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. 11
Sunday, November 03, 2019
What The Bible Says
Vol. II - No. 11 / November 3, 2019
"DIGITAL CHURCH" VERSUS "LOCATION CENTRIC" CHURCHES
I recently read an article entitled, “Church as we know it is over. Here’s what’s next.” The article describes the rise of the “digital church” and it explains how digital church (streamed worship services and online Bible sermons and studies) will replace the “physical attendance model that is location-centric.”
The internet has provided an amazing platform for Bible study. It provides access to many different versions the Bible in many different languages. It houses an avalanche of Bible commentary, study and resource materials, lexicons and dictionaries. I personally like blueletterbible.org and use it almost every day. I keep a tab to this site always open in my internet browser. Of course, as is true with other sources of Bible commentary, whether written or oral, Bible students must be careful to avoid being deceived by the many religious and doctrinal errors that are propagated on the internet and through religious apps. There are false teachers who deceitfully plot to overthrow faith (2 Pet. 2:1; Eph. 4:14; 2 Tim. 2:18). However, the internet and digital technology can be a tremendously valuable tools for learning the Bible.
The author of the above referenced article is correct that many people do prefer to use their phones, tablets and computers for many things, including spiritual things. However, these devices cannot provide all of our spiritual nourishment. Watching streamed worship services is not a substitute for actually being in and being a part of a worship assembly. This is not a criticism of technology, nor is it a denial of its usefulness, but technology does have its limitations.
For example, those who presume to speak on behalf of God are obligated to speak “the very words of God” (1 Pet. 4:11). Preachers must base their message and their conclusions upon what the Scriptures say and teach. Only the Scripture is “given by the inspiration of God” and it alone is capable of guiding people spiritually (2 Tim. 3:16-17). The preacher is obligated to speak where the Bible speaks whether he writes his bullet points on a chalk board or projects them onto a screen using a DLP projector. He might disseminate his writings and sermons using physical paper or he might do so in digital format via the internet. Regardless of the technology that he uses, he is obligated before God to speak where God has spoken. Ones use of technology does not violate or negate the basic purpose, which is to disseminate the gospel.
Technology and Worship
Christians are commanded to assemble. Hebrews 10:25 says, “Not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”
One might walk to that assembly, ride a horse, ride in a horse-drawn buggy or car or fly in some futuristic hovercraft. They may some day invent a Star Trek-like “transporter” capable of dematerializing us and then instantaneously re-materializing us somewhere else! Regardless of advancements that might be made in transportation technology, our obligation to God remains exactly the same—we are to assemble together. We have approved apostolic examples of saints assembling upon the first day of the week—“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42); “Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight” (Acts 20:7).
1 Corinthians 14 provides instructions governing worship. It addresses various worship practices as well as the type of attitude and conduct that should be had in worship assemblies. Verse 23 says, “Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place…” In order to worship God there must be an assembly, and in order to have an assembly there must be agreement upon a certain time and place. This is, by definition, “location-centric.” Yes, people might reject this concept but they are wrong if they do.
Singing is the type of music that is authorized in the New Testament for worship and it is to be done “to one another” (Eph. 5:19). This requires being together in an assembly. Giving also involves a church assembly—“Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come” (1 Cor. 16:1-2).
Scriptural observance of the Lord’s Supper requires eating unleavened bread in remembrance of Christ’s body and drinking fruit of the vine in remembrance of His blood (1 Cor. 11:24-25). It is also to be done when saints “come together in one place” (1 Cor. 11:20 & 33). The Lord’s Supper cannot be rightly observed through a conference call or on Facebook. It can only be done by saints in a church assembly that has come together into “one place.”
While it is fine to use the internet, social media, apps and other technology for certain things relating to spirituality, it is no substitute for the church assembly composed of physical people. Those who are too lazy or too preoccupied with other activities to take the time to attend a church assembly cannot worship God “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24).
—Tim Haile
"THE BIBLE AND YOU"
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 EVERYBODY is SAVED and NOBODY is 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 passage?
—E.R. Hall, Jr.
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. 10
Sunday, October 20, 2019
What The Bible Says
Vol. II - No. 10 / October 20, 2019
"CHANGE"
We are moving into the season called "Fall" or "Autumn". It is a season of change. I remember the first time I had ever went away from home to college in Florida. It was in the summer of 1970 and I did not return till December of that year. I had considered what would it be that I would miss the most and concluded that, since Florida did not have mountains, it would be the mountains that I would miss. To my surprise, I did not miss the mountains nearly as much as I missed the change from Summer to Fall to Winter.
Some changes are necessary while others are not and some changes are welcome while other aren't. If all is normal, we change from a child into an adult, from young to old but some changes have to be deliberately made. They just don't happen by themselves. We are born into this world in a state of innocence; not knowing right from wrong. (Romans 7:7-12). But, through the process of teaching and learning what God expects of us, we make the same kind of choice that Joshua spoke to the children of Israel about in Joshua 24:15 when he said, "...choose you this day whom ye will serve."
Ultimately, on our own, we choose the way of Satan and the way of sin. "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23). We choose to sin and sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:1,2). Thus, we choose death (spiritual death) for "the wages of sin is death." (Romans 6:23). There is another choice which is available to us: the choice of being reconciled back to God. That choice involves meeting the conditions God as set for the removal of sin. Faith (Hebrews 11:6; Romans 10:17), repentance (Luke 13:3,5; Acts 2:38), confessing Christ to be the Son of God (Romans 10:10; Acts 8:37), and being baptized (buried) will result in the forgiveness of sin (Colossians 2:12; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). This I can and will choose to do or not do. The choice is mine. If God's conditions are met, a change will occur: I will be changed from one who is lost in sin to one who is saved by the blood of Christ. What a change!
—E.R. Hall, Jr.
"DOES MORAL GOODNESS MAKE ONE A CHRISTIAN?"
Many honest and sincere souls mistakenly believe that if a person is morally good, then he is a Christian. No one can be a faithful follower of Christ without being on a high moral plane. However, Christianity is more than merely being moral.
Acts 10 tells about a man named Cornelius, whose living standard, from a moral standpoint, was above reproach. The moral life of this man would put many Christians to shame. He is described (Acts 10) as a “devout man,” “a just man,” and one, “which gave much alms to the people.” In spite of these good traits, he was not a child of God.
Peter came to Cornelius’ house and told him what he needed to do to be in a saved state. Before this, it is clear Cornelius was an unsaved person. In Acts 11, Peter defended himself to the Jewish brethren for having preached to the Gentiles. In doing so, Peter cited what the angel had said to Cornelius, which was, “. . . Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved (vs. 13-14).” Thus, before the arrival of Peter and his preaching, Cornelius, a very moral man, was unsaved.
Further, Cornelius’ prayers and good deeds did not save him, nor was he saved because of hearing an angel. Instead, he was saved by hearing and believing (Acts 15:7), repenting, (Acts 17:30-31), and by being baptized (Acts 10:48, 2:38).
If moral goodness could save someone, undoubtedly Cornelius, a cut above most, would have been saved. Moral virtue alone could not save him, and it cannot save us today. However, we must not get the wrong idea. A Christian must have high morals, but it takes more than merely being morally good to be a Christian and to be saved.
—Mike Johnson
"NEITHER PROTESTSANT NOR CATHOLIC"
It’s pretty easy to see that this congregation or church is not Catholic. There is no Roman priest in charge of the parish or nuns to serve, no Vatican connection or leader status for the Pope, and no incense or infant baptisms in our worship and work. Since it is obvious we are not Catholics most will say we must be Protestants.
The assumption made is that Christians are either Catholic or Protestant. If you are not one you must be the other. But we are not Protestants either. We are not of the Protestant Reformation that protested the excesses of the Catholic Church and sought to reform it. Beyond Catholic tradition and Protestant theology we are, simply, Christians.
We understand that this sounds strange in a religious world complicated with so many denominations. If you ask a man today what he is religiously he doesn’t say “I am a Christian.” He says he is a Baptist or a Methodist or a Presbyterian or a Pentecostal. In the New Testament followers of Jesus were content to be, simply, Christians (Acts 11:26).
Christ’s people were described by God in several ways in the Scripture, long before Catholics and Protestants existed. To God they were His children (1 John 1:1-3). To Christ they were His disciples (John 8: 31-32). To each other they were brothers (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). And to the world they were, simply, Christians (1 Peter 4:16).
We are not claiming to be the first denomination, the best denomination, the most conservative denomination, the non-denominational denomination, or a denomination at all! We simply follow the New Testament to be Christians, in the unity Christ called for (John 17:21) as an invitation to the world, there for all to see.
—Robert Hines
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. 9
Sunday, October 06, 2019
What The Bible Says
Vol. II - No. 9 / October 6, 2019
"EXCEPTION OR THE RULE"
A few years ago during my wife's surgery, I was impressed with the fact that I did not see a male nurse the entire four days while she was in the hospital. This made me to reflect on the fact that, by and large, women make the better nurse when it comes to care and compassion of the sick. This is not to say that men do not care nor have compassion on the sick but, in this area, men are the exception while women are the rule.
In the past three decades of this country, the focus of attention has been placed on the exceptions to things rather than the rule about things. When it comes to the roles of men and women, all the attention has been on the reversal of their roles rather than the rule which God has decreed. God stated that the man was to provide for the family by the "sweat of his face" (Genesis 3:17-19; 1 Timothy 5:8). The woman is to be a "keeper at home” (KJV) “homemaker” (NKJV) (Titus 2:4,5). The focus today is on the "career woman" and the "house-husband"; the exception rather than the rule. We now have a generation that looks upon the exception as being the rule.
In recent years, much publicity has been given to the homosexual and how their "alternate lifestyle" should be accepted as "normal". Yet, God created male and female (Genesis 1:27) and that the woman's "desire shall be to thy husband and HE shall rule over thee" (Genesis 3:16). "The wife hath not power of HER own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of HIS own body, but the wife." (1 Corinthians 7:4 emphasis mine, ERH). God's word never refers to a wife as a HE or to a husband as a HER! Yet, the homosexuals want recognition in their relationships and "marriages" as acceptable exceptions to the norm and, if not, they are quick to brand others as intolerant, bigots, and haters. Can we not see that we are just a short time away from having a generation that will consider it a rule to accept homosexual lifestyles and those who will oppose such to be the exception?
Due to constant exposure, we are a society that accepts indecent and irreverent behavior as the rule. Clothing, or the lack of it, by men and women is no doubt becoming more like the fig leaves that Adam and Eve sowed together. The only difference is that today people think that they are clothed when Adam and Eve still realized they were naked. (Genesis 3:7-10). Talk is full of four letter words and suggestive, to say the least, but we are told these are the times we live in and it is normal for people to talk that way. It is all a part of our "societal evolution". Look at the parade of "guests" which marches across the TV talk shows that began years ago with Phil Donohue and now up to the present. Notice how the gross, the vile, the perverted, and the filth are held up to admiration while anyone who would object is ridiculed and scorned. We are making fun of the rule of honor and decency and being entertained by the vulgar. We are presently seeing a generation that considers the vulgar as the rule and the descent as the exception and their behavior is the proof.
We have a generation of children who have been entertained by blood, gore, violence, and action till they think that such things as the law of gravity are exceptions if they should decide to jump off a cliff. They believe in actions without consequences. The rule is: "for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he reap" (Galatians 6:7). The rest of the verse says, "Be not deceived: God is not mocked:"
God's rules may be made fun of (and they are) but we are fooling no one but ourselves when we begin to focus, as the world has, on the exceptions rather than looking into God's word and finding out what the rules are.
"ONE SINNER DESTROYS MUCH GOOD"
A preacher may be a very effective pulpiteer and he may have a firm grasp on the truth of scripture, but if he doesn't believe what he preaches enough to live it, he is himself a sinner who destroys any good that he achieves (I Timothy 4:11-12).
A Bible class teacher may be kind, knowledgeable, and very practical in his application of scripture, but if he is a gossiper, quick tempered, listens to slander, and never asks forgiveness from those against whom he has sinned, any good that he accomplishes will be destroyed by his sins (Romans 2:19-24).
If others see people in the church who claim to be Christians, but whose lives are full of hypocrisy and evil, then any good that is accomplished by the congregation will be destroyed (Hebrews 10:26-29).
We should promote good instead of destroying it. If our lives are not what God says they should be we are destroying the good that we or other saints seem to be achieving. We must repent of our sins and start anew. Christians, if there is sin in your life, stop it and turn to God. Then and only then will the good that we and others are trying to do will not be destroyed.
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