What The Bible Says

Vol. I - No. 14 / December 2, 2018

THE VALUE OF MODESTY

     The Bible says, "If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God…." (1 Pet. 4:11). "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men (and women), who suppress (hold down) the truth in unrighteousness” (Rom. 1:18).     

    Louis L'Amour was a premier novelist. His fascinating stories of the old west have been bestsellers. L'Amour had a vast personal library dealing with American frontier lore, and he was meticulous in producing works that are extremely accurate in terms of the culture of the 1800s.

    Some years ago a national magazine published an article by L'Amour which addressed the manner in which women were viewed in the Old West. He observed that almost uniformly they were treated with great respect, even by the roughest of men. He noted that, as a rule, females could travel alone hundreds of miles by stagecoach and feel quite secure, because men regarded them so highly, and were extremely protective of the "fairer" sex.

    Those days are gone and have been for quite a while. Nowadays, a woman can hardly walk unescorted down a crowded street without being verbally assaulted or in some fashion sexually harassed. Most men in sizable cities do not want their wives driving alone at night. One recent author believes she knows, at least in part, a cause for this dramatic shift in attitude toward women. She says it involves the "loss of modesty."

    Wendy Shalit, a young Jewish writer, is creating a considerable stir in the media with the publication of her new book, A Return to Modesty: Discovering the Lost Virtue. This volume has been hailed by some as a work that will "change society"; others-especially feminists-vehemently denounce it; even suggesting it should be banned.

    Ms. Shalit says that her initial exposure to our grossly "immodest" culture commenced when she was in the fourth grade. She was introduced to a "sex education" course (it should be spelled "coarse"), from which her parents presently removed her. She argues that such classes should be "completely abolished" because they erode one's natural sense of modesty. Modesty, she contends, is an innate, psychological barrier which protects youngsters as their personalities are developing.

    Later, as a student at Williams College in Massachusetts, Shalit was appalled by coed restrooms and other on-campus, sex-related problems. She wrote a piece about these practices which was eventually published in Reader's Digest.

    The thesis of A Return to Modesty is that the so-called "sexual revolution" has robbed society of many of its most valuable virtues; for one thing, a sense of self-worth. She contends that the breakdown of modesty among young girls has led to an exploding level of promiscuity, and that "every single study" of this moral degeneracy has revealed that "low self-esteem is correlated with early intercourse for girls."

    Shalit argues that the modern loss of modesty has spawned a host of serious problems that have robbed women of genuine happiness. She cites early feminists who believed that if women abandoned their natural instincts toward modesty, devastating consequences would eventually result.

    The author unhesitatingly charges that modern feminists, together with women's magazines, and the so-called "mental health industry," have, in concert, contributed to the numerous difficulties women now are encountering. She cites, for example, feminists like Naomi Wolf, who has suggested that there is a "shadow slut" lurking somewhere in every woman's personality, just waiting to be liberated.

    Ms. Shalit contends that modesty is not a disease of which women need to be cured! "It is high time sexual modesty came out of the closet," she writes. "Not only can you not get AIDS from it, not only is it morally right, but . . . modesty is really much more exciting than promiscuity."

    My own conviction is this. If women would learn to be women again, instead of trying to emulate the conduct of crude and profane men; if they would learn to speak, dress, and act like ladies again, instead of portraying the image of foul-mouthed, street-corner prostitutes; if they would return to the biblical norm of femininity, whole new vistas would open to them, which they would discover as wonderful, exciting, and fulfilling.

    Modern immodesty has not liberated women; rather, it has enslaved them to lifestyles that have only degraded them, and marred the glorious image their Creator intended them to enjoy. All mature women can envision certain fashions they loathe to the point of saying with hyperbole, "I wouldn't be caught dead in that." There is nothing wrong with admiring a certain style (as long as it is not ungodly) and we all have to learn to tolerate others whose taste in fashion differs widely from our own.

    However, the truth is, there are a lot of bodies roaming America in various stages of UNDRESS which indicates they are spiritual corpses. In the discerning eyes of faithful Christians (Heb. 5:14), these who shamelessly show their skin are seen for what they really are: spiritually dead and in need of the Gospel to save their souls and instill godly standards of dress.

    Every time they venture into public in their short skirts, short shorts, thong swimsuits, skin tight clothes, revealing dresses, low cut blouses, see through fabric, midriff-revealing tops, etc., they are, literally, "caught dead" in them. They are like those whom Jesus described as, "...whited sepulchers, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness" (Matt. 23:27).

    When it comes to nakedness, society's definition and God's are not synonymous. Society tells us a woman (or man) with a few inches of fabric barely covering the barest essentials is clothed - especially if he or she is on the beach. God's concept is quite to the contrary.

    From the third chapter of Genesis, we notice that after Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, their eyes were opened and they saw they were naked. So, they sewed fig leaves together to make loincloths. Surely this leafy loincloth covered at least as much as today's modern swim-wear. But it is very revealing (pardon the pun) that later, when God came to the garden, they hid. Why? Adam said they hid because they were naked - even though they had on the fig leaves (vs. 10). God seems to concur when, in verse 11, He asked Adam, "Who told you that you were naked?"

    Later, God made them both garments ("coats" of animal skins) covering enough so that they were no longer naked. Interestingly, the word for the garments God made Adam and Eve is the same Hebrew word (ketonet) used for the coat of many colors which Jacob made for Joseph (Gen. 37:3). God did not give Eve a mini-skirt.
   
    Later, in giving instructions for what the priests were to wear, God told Moses "And you shall make for them linen trousers to cover their nakedness; they shall reach from the waist to the thighs" (Ex. 28:42). The thigh is everything between the waist and the knee. Thus, for God's priests to expose anything above the knee would be to expose nakedness (and these were all men!). It goes without saying that godly Israelite women were not parading their thighs in public, either.  
    
    Isaiah prophesied of Babylon's destruction, describing it as a virgin trying to escape through a river:  1 "Come down and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon; Sit on the ground without a throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans! For you shall no more be called Tender and delicate. 2 Take the millstones and grind meal. Remove your veil, Take off the skirt, Uncover the thigh, Pass through the rivers. 3 Your nakedness shall be uncovered, Yes, your shame will be seen" (Isa. 47:1-3).

    In this passage God tells Babylon that her nakedness would be uncovered (v. 3). How? Verse 2 indicates (1) her veil would be removed; (2) her skirt would be removed; and (3) her thighs would be uncovered. Result: her nakedness would be exposed.
   
    There seems to emerge a consistent biblical concept that uncovered legs - at least anything above the knee (i.e. the thigh) - are viewed by God as nakedness. In light of several Bible passages, God expects men and women to be clothed in something that - at a minimum - reaches down to the knees. If someone wants to take issue with that conclusion, let him or her produce the Scripture that teaches you can be modest while revealing your thighs.

    Mary Martini, a godly sister in Christ, has compiled several helpful questions to determine what is proper to wear. I highly commend these questions for your consideration.

    And remember, concerning any fashion not up to God's standard of decency, let us all say, "I wouldn't be caught dead in that."

The Dress Test for Women Professing Godliness

•     Look at yourself in a full length mirror - front, back and side.  Ask yourself:

•     Will what I'm wearing bring God glory (1 Cor. 10:31; Ex. 28:40, 43; Isa. 61:3) and portray me as a godly woman (1 Tim. 2:9-10)?

•     Does what I'm wearing meet or exceed God's standard for being modest (Gen. 3:21; Ex. 20:26; 28:40-43)? Will my clothing help or hurt my influence for Christ (Rom. 13:10; 15:3; Phil. 2:3-4)?

•     Is it too short? Sit down, cross your legs, reach up, bend over and squat down. At any time, does the garment reveal any of your leg above your knees (Ex. 28:42)? Does it emphasize my sexuality, thus tantalizing, enticing or tempting men to have impure thoughts (Matt. 18:7; Gal. 5:19 - lasciviousness)? Will it encourage a man to lust after me, thus causing him to stumble and sin (Rom. 14:13; 1 Cor. 8:9; Matt. 5:27-28)?

•     Is the neckline too low? Bend over - what can you see? Sit. Have another female tell you what they can see while looking down at you (men serving the Lord's Supper say this is a problem).

•     Is it too sheer? Can I see my skin or undergarments through the material (With tops and blouses, is your midriff showing at any time (Gen. 3:21)? Is it too tight? Am I revealing my body form - undergarments exposed - naked in God's eyes - John 21:7)? If sleeveless, are my undergarments visible (John 21:7)? Is it appropriate and respectful (Gen. 41:14; Matt. 22:11-14)?

•     When I come to worship, would someone think I was going to a picnic or other social activity, or can they tell I'm giving my best in my worship to God (Ex. 20:26)?

•     Because of how I'm dressed, would someone mistake me for a worldly woman (a harlot - Prov. 7:10; Gen. 38:15)? Is what I'm wearing stating that I'm dressed to be chaste (pure and holy) or chased (by men)?

•     Remember---God may hold me responsible for wrong reactions if I dress inappropriately (Matt. 5:27-28; 14:1-12).    

       - - Mary Martini

     Loved ones, let us dress properly as spiritual children of God, "that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed" (Rev. 3:18). Let us be in appearance what/who we claim to be, CHRISTIANS ONLY! (Acts 11:26; Jam 2:7; 1 Pet. 4:16; Phil. 3:20-21). “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth, for your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Col. 3:2, 3; Eph. 1:3; see Phil. 4:8, 13).

(Condensed due to length. ERH)
—Sam Matthews

SELF CONTROL

    What is the value of self-control? Self-control is that which enables us to hold our tongues when we are tempted to viciously put someone in his place once and for all; or when we know a juicy bit of gossip that would be entertaining to the group and would turn us into the "life of the party"; or when an occasion almost demands that we betray a confidence that must not be betrayed under any circumstances.

    Self-control is that which enables us to control our passions when another is provoking us to anger; that keeps the clinched fists in the pockets when the agitator is only half our size; that keeps the lips sealed when another is railing and swearing at us. Self-control is that which enables us to be like our Lord "who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously" (I Peter 2:23).

    Self-control is that which enables us to maintain purity of heart and to thrust out evil thoughts before they can take root; that enables us to place the best possible construction on another person's actions when unproven rumors could easily destroy our confidence in him; that helps us to maintain a cheerful disposition when everything around us has turned sour. Self-control is that which enables us to love the unlovable and to hate that which the world loves.

    Self-control is that which enables us to rule our appetites; to say "no" when our lusts would lead us to sin or when that which is harmful to our health is placed before us. Self-control is that which enables the smoker to put down his cigarettes and the alcoholic to put down his drink and never return to it. Self-control is that which enables us to rule rather than to be enslaved.

    The Bible does not glorify the indifferent and impassive. It is not our goal to be uncaring. To be like Paul, we must be able to have our spirit stirred within us when we are surrounded by evil (Acts 17:16). To be like our Lord, we must sometimes feel anger when surrounded by hypocritical self-righteousness (Mark 3:5); we must even react with occasional outbursts of goodness on occasions, as when the Lord cleansed the temple (John 2:13-17). But, all such outbursts must be tempered with self-control, that in our anger we "do not sin" (Ephesians 4:26).

    God does not view our uncontrolled actions with amusement. Our temper tantrums and harsh, unbridled words are soul threatening, a potential bar to the abundant entrance into the Lord’s everlasting kingdom (2 Peter 1:5-11). We must not minimize the danger. We must not surrender to this evil.

    What is the value of self-control? It is one of the qualities that enable us to go to heaven. The possessor of it is rich indeed.
—Bill Hall

SENTENCE SERMONS

 A sharp tongue does not necessarily indicate keen thinking. 
***
True wealth is not determined by the size of a man's bank account. 
***
When compared to the burden of sin, the yoke of Christ is easy and His burden is light. 
***
It is not what you think, but what God's Word says that will judge you at the last day. 

"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. I - No. 13 / November 18, 2018

THE CONVERSION OF CORNELIUS

  The conversion of the first Gentile to the gospel of Christ is recorded in Acts 10:1-49 and is retold by the apostle Peter in Acts 11:1-18. There are many good lessons for us to learn from his conversion and, in this article, we would like to examine some questions that often arise from this particular case of conversion.

Did Morality Save Cornelius?

    "There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway." (Acts 10:1,2). There is no mistaking the fact that Cornelius was as good a man as you would want to meet. The word "devout" means that he was religious. Many people are "religious" but this does not mean they fear God and have raised their family to do the same but Cornelius had. Cornelius also practiced his religion by helping people in need and he prayed to God at all times.

    There would be many people, preachers included, who would have no doubts that if Cornelius had died at this point in his life he would have gone to Heaven. They believe that if a person is good, honest, pays his debts, is a good husband/wife and father/mother, there is nothing else for a person to do to be saved and God surely would not bar such a person from entering Heaven. The problem with this thinking is that it is merely an emotional argument and not based upon what the Scriptures teach.

    What do the Scriptures teach? In verses 5 and 6 Cornelius is told: "And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do." The Scriptures tell us that Cornelius had something else he needed to do. When Peter rehearsed this conversion in chapter eleven, he said, "Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved." This clearly shows that though Cornelius was a good moral person, he was not saved. This is one lesson we must learn: Morality alone does not save!

Was Cornelius Saved By Having A Miraculous Experience?

    Acts 10:3 says, "He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius." In many religious circles, people are ask to tell their "experience" which is the evidence of the Lord saving them. While an angel did appear to Cornelius, he did not tell Cornelius that he was saved. Instead, he told Cornelius to "...send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do." Why did the angel not tell Cornelius and save Peter all the trouble of coming from Joppa to Caesarea? The answer is found in 2 Corinthians 4:7- "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." God intends for the gospel to be taught by human beings to human beings; not angelic beings to human beings. This is why the angel did not tell Cornelius nor does an angel tell anyone else what to do to be saved. Even the Lord Himself did not tell Saul what to do to be saved but, instead, told him to go into Damascus and it would be told him what to do. (Acts 9:1-6).

    The appearance of the angel to Cornelius was not to give him an experience for him to go to Peter and have Peter to declare him to be saved because of the experience. The lesson for us to learn is that neither an appearance of the Lord nor angels is to serve as evidence that we are saved.

Did Holy Spirit Baptism Save Cornelius?

    Many contend that because Cornelius and his house received Holy Spirit baptism, this was in order to save them. Indeed, the Holy Ghost came upon them as it also had come upon the apostles in Acts 2. "While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days." (Acts 10:44-48). In rehearsing the story, Peter said, "And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?" (Acts 11:15-17). The Jews, which accompanied Peter, were astonished for they were seeing the Gentiles receive the Holy Ghost but this is only the second time this had occurred. Peter points out to the Jews in Jerusalem that the Holy Ghost fell on them (Cornelius and his house), as on us (apostles) at the beginning(day of Pentecost, Acts 2).

    No, the baptism of the Holy Ghost was not an everyday occurrence in that day nor in this day. In fact, these are the only two recorded cases of Holy Spirit baptism in the New Testament. The apostles received it because it was a promise from Jesus to enable them to remember the truth Jesus had taught them (John 14:26). It also enabled them to confirm God’s word - “And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following.” (Mark 16:20) The reason Cornelius and his house received Holy Spirit baptism was for the same conclusion the Jews in Jerusalem reached: “When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.” (Acts 11:18)

    For the Holy Spirit to be given to Cornelius and his house was evidence that God included the Gentiles in His scheme of redemption. That is why Peter proceeded to command them to be baptized. Holy Spirit baptism did not remit the sins of Cornelius and his house for that was never the purpose of it. Holy Spirit baptism was a promise and never a command. What is a command is the same thing Peter commanded - water baptism. The things Peter taught Cornelius resulted in their being baptized. This is exactly the same thing that resulted in Acts 2 when Peter preached to those in Jerusalem. When they asked, "Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, 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 Ghost."(Acts 2:37,38).

    Today, we can be saved from sin by doing what Cornelius did. Not by just being a good moral person. Not by some miraculous experience. Not by expecting to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Instead, we must hear God’s word and do what it says by being baptized in the name of the Lord.
 —E.R. Hall, Jr.

SENTENCE SERMONS

You can't do much about your ancestors, but you can influence your descendants enormously. 

"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. I - No. 12 / November 4, 2018

WHAT ARE YOUR PRIORITIES?

    It was a 99° September day in San Antonio, when a 10-month-old baby girl was accidentally locked inside a parked car by her aunt. Frantically the mother and the aunt ran around the auto in near hysteria, while a neighbor attempted to unlock the car with a clothes hanger. Soon the infant was turning purple and had foam on her mouth.

    It had become a life-or-death situation when Fred Arriola, a wrecker driver, arrived on the scene. He grabbed a hammer and smashed the back window of the car to set her free.  Was he heralded a hero? The lady was mad at me because I broke the window, Arriola reported. “I just thought, what’s more important - the baby or the window?”

    This story illustrates one who failed miserably to distinguish between what was truly important and something that was relatively immaterial. As Christians, we must make sure that our priorities are in the right order as well. Do we put the Lord first at all times? Many place Him first some of the time, but not all of the time. If we fail to have our spiritual priorities right, the results will be disastrous; we will lose our souls.

    Notice a few of the passages in the Bible that teach us about our priorities.

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (Matthew 6:33).

"He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me" (Matthew 10:37).

"Then He said to another, ‘Follow Me.’ But he said, ‘Lord, let me first go and bury my father.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God.’ And another also said, ‘Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go and bid them farewell who are at my house.’ But Jesus said to him, ‘No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God’" (Luke 9:59-62).

"So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?’ He said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.’ He said to him, ‘Feed My lambs’” (John 21:15).

    Do we really put the Lord first in our lives? Is He our number one priority? If He is, there will be certain things obvious about the way we live.

Attendance. We will be present at all of the assembles (Heb. 10:25). Sunday night worship and Wednesday night Bible study are very important to those who really love the Lord. When it is time to assemble, those who value their relationship with God are always going to be there.

Studying. If our priorities are right, we will spend several hours each week meditating upon the word of God (Ps. 1:2). It is not hard to see what we value. Do you spend more in studying the Bible or watching TV? Do you read the paper from cover to cover each day, yet fail to spend an adequate amount of time reading the Scriptures? Answer these questions truthfully and you will see what is really important to you.

Giving. I have heard brethren say that we need to give until it hurts. The Bible teaches no such thing. It does tell us to give as we have prospered, not grudgingly nor of necessity but cheerfully (2 Cor. 9:6-7). If under the Old Law the Jews gave 10%, should we not at least give back to the Lord as much as they gave? If our priorities are right, giving as we have prospered will be no problem.

Visiting. All of us are busy each day. We get up each morning and head out to our jobs, returning in the evening tired from working all day. It is so easy to just relax and never call nor visit someone who is sick in the hospital or the weak Christian who has been missing services. Those who are devoted to the cause of Christ will exert the energy and find the time to make that call or visit (Mat. 25:31-46).

    Where have you placed your priorities? If you have put the Lord first, notice the promise that He has made. “So Jesus answered and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel's, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time-houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions-and in the age to come, eternal life" (Mark 10:29-30).

 —Jim Mickells

SENTENCE SERMONS

Many who expect to be saved at the 11th hour die at 10:30.
***
Nothing is more frequently opened by mistake than the mouth.

"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. I - No. 11 / October 21, 2018

ON A DAILY BASIS

   A man, asked recently to describe memories of his college days twenty-five years ago, replied, "A few big moments; many goofs, but, overall, pleasant memories.”

   Would these words not describe our memories of life generally? As we recall our years, there are always the "big" moments, the emotional "highs," that we love to relish. Then there are the "goofs," the embarrassing occasions that just keep coming back to haunt us. But, through it all, the pleasant memories sufficiently prevail to enable us to feel generally good about life.

   But, in reality, success or failure in life is not determined by the "big moments" or "the goofs." We will not be eternally saved on the basis of a few great spiritual achievements or eternally lost on the basis of a few gross mistakes (assuming they have been repented of). Life consists of everyday actions and decisions, and it is these that bring ultimate success or failure, eternal happiness or eternal damnation. "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me" (Luke 9:23).

   It is one thing to express concern for our children as we talk of their future spirituality and faithfulness. It is quite another to provide on a daily basis a spiritual atmosphere in the home, a good example of godliness and faithfulness, consistent and loving discipline and a love for God and respect for fellowman that are so essential to the training of our children. It's the little impressions that are made day by day that prove to be so decisive.

   It is one thing to dream of some day being appointed an elder in the church. It is quite another thing to put forth the effort on a daily basis to learn the scriptures, to develop leadership ability, to grow spiritually, and to live as to gain the confidence of a discerning congregation. One does not qualify for the eldership in one big leap. It comes through daily development.

   It is one thing to talk a "good line" on priorities. It is quite another thing to put God first on a daily basis. The devil knows so many ways to test our resolve in these realms. Our intentions are good, but, through his subtlety, he has us selling our souls for a mess of pottage or thirty pieces of silver.

   It is one thing to think that we would die for the Lord if our faith were so tested. It is quite another thing truly to live for Him on a daily basis. Egos may be fed on the "big moments," but true spirituality develops through daily prayer, study and meditation.

   Our lesson is this. Set your goals for the future, and set them high. But recognize that it's the little, day-by-day moments, the often forgotten moments, accumulated through the years, that truly shape our destiny. Tomorrow's success depends upon the choices and decisions that are made today. Make them with care. 

- Bill Hall

SENTENCE SERMONS

Sin without repentance always brings punishment: sometimes visibly, sometimes secretly, frequently in this lifetime, but always in eternity. 
***
If false teaching goes unchallenged,  it breeds confusion and draws more shallow and insincere people into its fold.

***
Simply put, integrity is doing what you said you would do.

"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. I - No. 10 / October 7, 2018

MARRYING THE WRONG GUY

     Today I have several single female friends who would very much like to find the right guy. Some tell me the pickings are slim at their church, so they have ventured into the world of online dating. Others have thrown up their hands in despair, wondering if there are any decent Christian guys left anywhere. They’ve begun to wonder if they should lower their standards in order to find a husband.

     My advice stands: Don't settle for less than God's best. Too many Christian women today have ended up with an Ishmael because impatience pushed them into an unhappy marriage. Please take my fatherly advice: You are much better off single than with the wrong guy!

Speaking of “wrong guys,” here are the top 10 men you should avoid when looking for a husband:

    The unbeliever. Please write 2 Corinthians 6:14 on a Post-it note and tack it on your computer at work. It says, “Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?” This directive is filled with such common sense that it would also apply to any marriage.

    Don’t allow a man’s charm, looks or financial success (or his willingness to go to church with you) push you to compromise what you know is right. “Missionary dating” is never a wise strategy. If the guy is not a faithful Christian, scratch him off your list. He’s not right for you. I’ve yet to meet a faithful Christian woman married to an unbeliever who would recommend it.

    The liar. If you discover that the man you are dating has lied to you about his past or that he’s always covering his tracks to hide his secrets from you, run for the nearest exit. Marriage must be built on a foundation of trust. If he can’t be truthful, break up now before he bamboozles you with an even bigger deception. Paul writes: “Therefore, putting away lying, let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” (Ephesians 4:25). Every marriage must be built upon truthfulness. If he lies to you about anything, drop him like a hot rock!

    The playboy. I wish I could say that if you meet a nice guy at church, you can assume he’s living in sexual purity. But that’s not always the case today. I’ve heard horror stories about single guys who take part in the worship services; waiting on the table, leading singing and even preaching on Sunday but act like Casanovas during the week. If you marry a guy who was sleeping around before your wedding, you can be relatively sure he will be sleeping around after your wedding. Also, if he’s using pornography marriage will not cure his use. Does he flirt with or text messages to the opposite sex—run, run as fast as you can, he is the wrong guy. “Put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24).

    The bum. “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever,” (1 Timothy 5:8). If you find out that the man you are interested in has trouble keeping a job, or says he just hasn’t found the right job for him, be advised he is not good for you. You can detect whether he is lazy and if he will not be a good provider for his family. If he won’t work you will probably be FORCED to work to pay the bills so he can sit in front of the TV playing his video games.

    The addict. Churchgoing men who have addictions to alcohol or drugs have learned to hide their problems—but you don’t want to wait until your honeymoon to find out that he’s a boozer. Never marry a man who refuses to get help for his addiction. Insist that he get professional help and walk away. And don’t get into a codependent relationship in which he claims he needs you to stay sober. You can’t fix him!

    The deadbeat. What kind of debt does he have? Why does he have those debts? Is he living up to his obligations to pay those debts? Does his strategy include default, bankruptcy or letting mom and dad worry about those student loans? There have been many women who enter a marriage with a deadbeat and end up spending the next several years baling out the ne'er-do-well.

    The narcissist. I sincerely hope you can find a guy who is handsome. But be careful: If your boyfriend spends six hours a day at the gym and regularly posts close-ups’ of his biceps on Facebook, you have a problem. Do not fall for a self-absorbed guy. He might be cute, but a man who is infatuated with his appearance and his own needs will never be able to love you sacrificially, like Christ loves the church (Ephesians 5:25). The man who is always looking at himself in the mirror will never notice you.

    The abuser. Men with abusive tendencies can’t control their anger when it boils over. If the guy you are dating has a tendency to fly off the handle, either at you or others, don’t be tempted to rationalize his behavior. He has a problem, and if you marry him you will have to navigate his minefield every day to avoid triggering another outburst. Angry men hurt women—verbally and sometimes physically. Find a man who is gentle.

    The man-child. Call me old-fashioned, but I’m suspicious of a guy who still lives with his parents at age 35. If his mother is still doing his cooking, cleaning and ironing at that age, you can be sure he’s stuck in an emotional time warp. You are asking for trouble if you think you can be a wife to a guy who hasn’t grown up. He is looking for another mother! Back away and, as a friend, encourage him to find a mentor who can help him mature.

    The control freak. Some Christian guys today believe marriage is about male superiority. They may quote Scripture and sound super-spiritual, but behind the façade of husbandly authority is deep insecurity and pride that can morph into spiritual abuse. Stop and consider what the apostle Peter wrote. “Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered,” (1 Peter 3:7). Sure men, are to head their home (Ephesians 5:23), but Peter makes it clear that in Christ there is spiritual equality, and therefore men must respect this equality. If the man you are dating talks down to you, makes demeaning comments about you or women in general, back away now. He is on a power trip. Women who marry religious control freaks often end up living a nightmare of depression.

If you are a woman of God, don’t sell your spiritual birthright by marrying a guy who doesn’t deserve you. Your smartest decision in life is to wait for a man who is sold out to Jesus.

- J. Lee Grandy (adopted)

SENTENCE SERMONS

Our basic temperament is hard to change, but it can be improved upon as we strive to become more like Christ.
***
Even skeptics have faith. They have faith that skepticism is true.
***
False brethren can be more dangerous than open enemies.

"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