What The Bible Says
What The Bible Says - Vol. 1 / No. 9
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What The Bible Says
Vol. I - No. 9 / September 23, 2018
HAS THE BIBLE BEEN CHANGED?
We are frequently asked about the reliability of our Bibles. Specifically, how can we be sure that the Bibles we are reading today are true to the original messages delivered so long ago. In particular, can we be sure that the New Testament has not been altered and changed in the almost 2000 years since it was written?
The answer to these questions is a resounding YES, we can be absolutely certain that we have good, reliable copies of the messages as they were originally written. To illustrate how we can have this confidence, consider this illustration:
- At a potluck dinner, Sally has a delicious dish and several other ladies ask for her recipe.
- Sally makes three handwritten copies of her recipe and gives them to Anna, Betty, and Clara.
- A good while later, Anna pulls out that recipe and is preparing to fix the dish. She calls Sally to confirm the ingredients, but Sally has lost her original copy of the recipe.
- Is there any way for Anna to confirm the accuracy of her copy?
- YES, although the original has been lost, Anna can compare her copy to those of Betty and Clara.
- If all three agree, she can have good confidence that her copy is exactly like the original.
Now, take this illustration and apply the same principle to the New Testament. Admittedly, the original ''autograph'' copies of these documents are all lost and unavailable. But, there are literally thousands of copies of those originals, many dating back to the immediate time frame in which the originals were written.
By comparing these thousands of copies, and by observing their nearly perfect similarities, we can conclude that our Bibles today are true to the originals. In fact, there is no book of antiquity that comes even close to the Bible in being able to provide this sort of documentary evidence for authenticity and accuracy.
YES, you can trust your Bible!!!
- Greg Gwin
FATHERS: PRINCIPLE TRAINERS OF CHILDREN!
"Children are an heritage of the Lord" (Ps. 127:3) and as such should be considered gifts from God who have been placed in our hands to mold and fashion into worth-while citizens in his kingdom. Thus is laid on us the responsibility to "train up a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old he will not depart from it" (Prov. 22:6). Note the word "train." Far too many times this is thought to be accomplished simply by telling how to act, etc. However, even a dictionary recognizes that such is not the case. It says, "to bring to a desired standard of efficiency or condition or behavior, etc. by instruction and practice" (Oxford American Dictionary).
Telling is definitely important. "These words, which I command thee this day, shall be upon thy heart; thou shalt teach them diligently to thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thy house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up" (Deut. 6:6-7). But practice and application are also required. This can be seen even in secular matters. One may attend school where he is told the information he needs, but then he needs on-the-job training, and some are hired as trainees. He needs the experience. Churches have training classes in which instruction is given, but training is gained by practice and experience.
This is brought out in the New Testament in Ephesians 6:4. It says, "And ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." There are several important points made in this passage:
1. Of utmost importance is the expression "of the Lord." This has religious and spiritual application. It is "the way he should go" (Prov. 22:6). It is not just nurture and admonition, but is nurture and admonition of the Lord.
2. The synonyms nurture and admonition are not easily defined but most seem to agree that the word "nurture" deals with training by act and discipline and the expression "admonition" is training by word (Expositor's Greek Testament). In his discussion of paideai (nurture) Thayer says: "1. the whole training and education of children (which relates to the cultivation of mind and morals, and employs for this purpose now commands and admonitions, now re-proof and punishment)."
3. Usually we husbands leave this to mothers, but in doing so we have neglected the fact that the passage explicitly gives this to the father! Thus, it is his responsibility to do the "nurture and admonition." He can do this by reading the Bible and Bible stories to and with his children and enabling them to make application of its truth to various aspects of life. He doesn't merely tell them but helps them in preparing their Bible class lessons. He is involved in training them when he sees to it that they go with him to church services and participate as much as possible in its activities. It is his responsibility that they are taught the word of God, to train them in proper behavior, and when needed he is to administer discipline, correction, and punishment, as he "chastens them betimes" (Prov. 13:24). If a father is not actively involved in this, he is neglecting his role as father. Thus he is the principal trainer of his children.
To be sure, his wife has a part in this. She is told to "guide (or rule, ASV) the home" (1 Tim. 5:14). Nevertheless, "the husband is the head of the wife as Christ also is head of the church" (Eph. 5:23). So, in addition to being involved in the actual teaching and training, it is his responsibility and God has given him the authority to see that all such, though done by others, is done properly. The following quotation from the Pulpit Commentary brings this out very well. In discussing the synonyms "nurture" and "admonition, it says, "It is difficult (but apparently impossible) to get words in the English language to represent the two words that are in the Greek original. They are in a general way to be distinguished as discipline by power and discipline by reason . . . It is rather all that drilling which a parent gives his children in virtue of the executive (magisterial) power which is placed in him. He has certain rules by which he goes in training his children, and he has got the power to enforce them. He makes them say `grace before meat' that they may learn betimes from whom all table comforts come. He makes them attend to their lessons, that they may know that they have got to work and not be idlers. He makes them be selective as to their companionships, that they may not get out in evil associations. He appoints certain hours for the house, that they may learn order and punctuality. He does not ask them if they will go to church, but he makes them go to church with him. That is the kind of drilling that is meant here, and when it is necessary it must be backed up by chastening, or judicious punishment for good." It is interesting that in discussing admonition it says, "It is not necessary that a parent should always explain to a child the reasons of his procedure. But it is important that, as a rule, children should have explained to them the evil of the course they are asked to avoid, and the advantages of the course they are asked to follow." Again observe that the text places the responsibility to do this on the fathers.
The wording of this may seem somewhat harsh, but remember the same verse (Eph. 6:4) lets us know that it is to be administered in such a way as not to provoke the children to wrath.
Conclusion:
It seems fair to say that, in this regard, the Bible shows:
1. Children need the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
2. This involves much more than mere telling; it requires training.
3. God has specifically given this responsibility to fathers.
---Hiram Hutto
Guardian of Truth - June 19, 1997
"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. 1 / No. 8
Sunday, September 09, 2018
What The Bible Says
Vol. I - No. 8 / September 9, 2018
HOW WELL DO WE KNOW EACH OTHER?
Many people in local churches know little or nothing about one another. They don't know each other's physical state, spiritual condition, or convictions about spiritual things. Too many have walled themselves in and their brethren out, a situation common to our times. Sixty years ago, people would go to neighbor's house and visit for several hours. They talked about the weather, politics, how each was getting along, and religious matters. They knew whether their neighbors went to church services, where they went if they were "church-goers", and what they believed about all sorts of Bible matters. They didn't always visit all of their brethren; however, they had much more than a passing acquaintance with a number of them. They were not afraid to talk to each other about spiritual things.
We need a return to openness of question-ing and dialogue. These things are necessary to our becoming truly acquainted with one another. Surely this is Biblical behavior. Paul informed his readers about faithful saints and their work, and about unfaithful ones who had given up their sanctification (Rom. 16; 2 Tim. 2:17,18; 4:14). He wanted the brethren to know how he was faring, and he wanted to know how the brethren in various places were faring (Eph. 6:21,22; Phil. 1:27). He sent Tychicus to Colosse to inform them of all the news about him, and that Tychicus might learn of their circumstances and comfort them (Col. 4:6-8). Paul exhorted the saints to know their elders (1 Thess. 5:12). This meant more than just knowing their names; for they were told to esteem the elders highly in love for their work's sake (vs. 13). It was for the safety of the saints that Paul wanted to know how they were faring, and also that his own mind might be set at ease by the assurance of their faithfulness (1 Thess. 2:17 - 3:10).
Do we know who needs comfort, who needs companionship, who is drifting away from steadfastness, who is sick, even who is absent from worship at times of assembling? How can we fulfill our duty to our one another without knowing these things? How can elders do their work without knowing these things? How can we "warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, and be patient with all" if we are oblivious to each other's condition (1 Thess. 5:14,15)? How can we profit from the good examples of saints in other places if we are not told about their work? Remember what Paul told the Corinthians about the Macedonians and why he had done so (2 Cor. 8:1-7,24; 9:1-5). Do we know those who teach us as Timothy knew Paul and could, therefore, be assured in faith concerning the things he had been taught (2 Tim. 3:14,15)? Do we know each other as John knew the elect lady and Gaius and rejoiced in their devotion to God and in the fruits of their labors (2 Jn. 1-8; 3 Jn. 1-8)? How well do we know each other?
—Gilbert Alexander
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE?
Regardless of peoples' religious or philosophical views, one thing we all can agree on is that our life is going to end one day. Let this cause us to think soberly on ‘what is your life'? We must acknowledge God's Word as the "instruction manual" by which to pattern and put together our lives. It contains "...all things that pertain unto life..." (2 Peter 1:3) and it can make us "...throughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3:16,17).
From its pages we can learn that "...it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" (Hebrews 9:27) and that "we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; ..." (2 Corinthians 5:10).We must realize that what we do while we are living is the basis on which we will be judged. The rest of 2 Corinthians 5:10 says, "...that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad." Some have the idea that judgment is going to have God put all our good we do on one side and all the bad we do on the other side and whichever outweighs will determine the verdict. Not so! Ezekiel 18 :21-32 shows that when a wicked man repents and does the will of God, all his transgressions will not be mentioned unto him. However, if the righteous turns away and sins and does not repent, all the righteousness he has done will not be mentioned. God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked (verse 32) but "precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." (Psalms 116:15).
So, what is your life? Do you know God, have you obeyed the gospel, and living faithful to God's Word? If not, Jesus is coming "in flaming fire taking vengeance..." and you "shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power." (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). Only if our life is a life "...faithful unto death", then Jesus says, "...I will give thee a crown of life." (Revelation 2:10).
HOW TO BE USELESS AND MISERABLE
Be Self-Centered: -- Bestow all your affection and care upon yourself, seek your own happiness and well-being to the point of unconcern for the needs of others.
Be Demanding Of Others: -- Tell yourself that others are obligated to you, that it is their duty to be concerned about you and look after your best interest, and make no allowance for the least failure on their part to discharge this duty.
Feel Neglected And Become Absorbed In Self-Sympathy: -- Convince yourself completely that others do not fulfill their obligat- ions to you, and never allow the least doubt that you are a subject of misfortune and pity.
See Only Good In Yourself And Faults In Others: -- For every attitude and act of unrighteousness on your part, find an excuse to salve your conscience while demanding absolute perfection of others.
Observe These Rules And You Will Attain To Complete Uselessness And Perfect Misery Forever!
If, however, your aim is usefulness and happiness, then you must do the exact opposite: "It is more blessed to give than to receive," and remember that selfishness is among man's most soul-condemning blunders.
—L.R. Hester
"It is not enough for a man to know what is right; he must have the disposition to do it.”
"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. 1 / No. 7
Sunday, August 26, 2018What The Bible Says
Vol. I - No. 7 / August 26, 2018
HOW ARE DEACONS SELECTED
How are deacons selected and appointed in the local church? Are they self-appointed? Are they ordained with the laying on of hands in a special ceremony? Are they elected by majority vote? Do they grow into the office? This is the subject assigned to me in this special issue on the work of deacons.
Deacons are listed with the bishops, servants (ministers) and saints in Philippi 1:1: "Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishop and deacons."
While we do not have detailed directions for the step by step procedure in selecting and ordaining elders and deacons, we do have principles in the New Testament that govern the procedure of putting elders and deacons in the office (work) of the local church. Ignoring what the New Testament says about this matter will usually cause internal problems and will make it virtually impossible for elders and deacons to function after they begin their work. We must know what we are to do and then know how we must do it.
Neither elders nor deacons are self-appointed. It would be a disaster for any congregation to accept just any man who decides he should be a deacon and appoints himself to that work. The requirements in the word of God would be worthless if the church could not "look ye out among you" those who meet the pattern given by the Holy Spirit.
It is important to understand the meaning of select and appoint. The appointment of elders and deacons is the beginning of an agreement between them and the church. It is the point at which the elders and deacons begin their work. Such a beginning is necessary to know when one is an elder or deacon, and when the church has an obligation to them in that capacity.
The Selection. The New Testament gave the criterion for a man to be a deacon, and the church where they are to serve is to select out those who have the qualifications. The men must be what God requires of them before they can be selected, otherwise the disciples could ignore the requirements and select whomsoever they pleased.
The selection is simply the choosing out from the number those who have the requirements given by Christ. The qualifications determine whether a man may be appointed to be a deacon, and the church simply looks out from their number those who have the qualifications. They are not deacons at this point.
Voting usually means the majority rule, which is scripturally wrong. The kingdom is not a democracy, it is a monarchy, with Christ as the only King, Ruler and Lawmaker. Someone has said, "The first attempt at voting in scriptural matters marks the beginning of division: for and against." Voting for elders and deacons, with the majority vote winning the office, is not scriptural from any point of view.
When the multitude of disciples did what the apostles told them to do, they chose those seven who were qualified who were "set before the apostles" to be appointed "over this business" (Acts 6:5,3).
The Appointment. The term "appoint" signifies a subsequent action to the selection of those to be deacons. Of Paul and Barnabas the Holy Spirit said, "And when they had ordained them elders in every church. . . " (Acts 14:23). Ordain here means "to elect by stretching out the hand" (Young's Analytical Concordance).
Titus was instructed by Paul to "ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee" (Titus 1:5). Thayer says the word "ordain" here means "to appoint one to administer an office." The apostles appointed the deacons in Jerusalem who were selected in Acts 6:3. This was something the apostles did following the selecting by the multitude of disciples - the church. This is what the church is to do in appointing deacons.
The selection of those to be deacons is not done by majority vote election. This method automatically makes the winners deacons. Others put the responsibility upon the preacher to select and appoint the deacons. This is not what Acts 6:3 teaches.
Some believe that deacons "grow" into the office. They began doing the work and one day they are recognized as deacons. Various views of this method are put forward, but none are scriptural.
There is not a detailed procedure, point for point, given in the New Testament for selecting and appointing deacons. There are three steps necessary in getting men into the office of deacon:
Qualifications determined. The first thing to be done is to determine exactly what essentials the men must have because selection depends entirely upon whether or not the men have them. A lot of teaching and studying of the New Testament should be given to this subject by the congregation.
The Selection. The Holy Spirit said: "Look ye out among you" (Acts 6:3). This places the responsibility upon the disciples (church). Whatever method of selecting out the qualified men that is decently and orderly, and fully respecting the Scriptures, may be used. One method may be to have each member of the congregation make a list of the names of those believed to be qualified and give the lists to two or three respected brethren of the congregation to put together for all to consider. Any orderly method of doing this will be successful. To stop here would be "majority vote rule." After the names of those who have been suggested are given, each member should have the opportunity to voice any scriptural objection against any name. If any objection is scripturally valid, that person should not be appointed, no matter how many want him; he is not scripturally qualified. The selection depends upon the qualifications. If any man is contentious about being a deacon even though valid scriptural objections are established against him, he is confirming his unfitness for the office.
The Appointing. Titus was left in Crete to "ordain" elders in every city (Tit. 1:5). Paul and Barnabas "appointed" elders in every church where they had preached (Acts 14:23). Deacons are appointed in the same way. The evangelist may appoint those who are qualified and have been selected by the brethren. This appointing is simply the designating them to the work. The method of doing this may vary from place to place, but it must conform to God's word.
Some time should be allowed between the selection and the appointment to allow for consideration by the church. Someone may know of a scriptural reason why one should not be appointed. After a sufficient time has elapsed after the selection, the preacher may appoint them in a very solemn manner to impress the seriousness of the responsibility of both the deacons and the church. No secret balloting should be used because too many evil things can be covered up.
Every responsible and faithful member of the church should know when one is qualified to be a deacon. If one is taught to act without bias and prejudice, and to try to please God rather than self, there will be little or no difficulty in the matter of selecting and appointing deacons to the work.
"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. 1 / No. 6
Sunday, August 12, 2018What The Bible Says
Vol. I - No. 6 / August 12, 2018
PREACHING AND SCIENCE
Do not worry about science. It has its legitimate field, and in its field it has done wonderful things. We reap its benefits and are glad. The average preacher knows little about science, and the average scientist knows less about the Bible.
The claim that science and the Bible do not agree should disturb no one. What is called "science" is not static. Each generation brings new light; most of the old theories have been exploded by scientists themselves. Yet, each generation of scientists boldly announces that science has disproved the Bible.
But it can as easily be proved that science has disproved itself. With all their dogmatism about the Bible and science, there are few theories that real scientists are willing to take their stand on and say: "Here is the ultimate truth; no future discoveries will contradict this." So long as they cannot afford to affirm that they have arrived at ultimate truth, how can they with honor say that science disproves the Bible?
Besides if the Bible fully agreed with the scientific theories of one age, it would not agree with theories of the next age. The Bible is unchangeable and cannot keep up agreement with that which constantly changes.
Some of the foremost scientists recognize the limitations of science and are firm believers in the Bible. Preach the word! No known truth contradicts the Bible.
—R.L. Whiteside
"I'M TOO TIRED!"
I could have come to Bible class this morning. I could have taken my children. Then there might have been two or three in their classes instead of one or two. Of course, we haven't worked on their Bible class lesson this week. (I haven't worked on mine, either.) I suppose we could have gotten up fifteen minutes early and still gotten their lessons done - maybe mine, too. But I'm too tired.
I could have gone to Bible class on Wednesday. I could have made sure we had a quick dinner. We could have left the dishes for later that night, I suppose. But it was an especially tough day at work Wednesday, I seem to recall. I just wasn't ready to get back in the car again. I was too tired.
I could be making plans to attend our gospel meeting, just like I made plans six months in advance to go on vacation. The kids will get plenty of sleep, since it's summer. And I stay up way past 10 every night anyway. But I like to save my evenings for myself. Five days in a row of worship is a lot to ask. I have a feeling I'll be too tired.
I could put Jesus first. I could teach my children to make time for God, no matter what is going on in our lives. I could be in my place whenever possible so I could give as much glory to God as I could manage. I could set a good example for my brethren so that they, too, would be motivated to put their priorities in order. I could encourage and instruct the ones who come so often and yet are not members of Christ's body. I could show them what a Christian really looks like. I could lift up my spirit by singing familiar songs of praise and instruction, as well as learn new ones. I could be available to assist in the worship. I could be there to hear about who needs my prayers and visits. I could show God how much I love Him. -- But I'm too tired.
—Hal Hammond
BEWARE OF SATAN'S COUNTERFEITS
FALSE TEACHERS. Where are the false teachers? They aren't any! People no longer respect God's Word enough to use it to prove the message preachers preach anymore. Everybody's got the right to their own belief and practice. With this attitude prevailing, false teachers are a thing of the past. Isaiah's day was much like today: "...Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophecy deceits:" (Isaiah 30:10). The truth in the matter is there are many false prophets! "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). Satan has many ministers who preach ALMOST all of the truth.
FALSE DOCTRINES. It only follows that if Satan has counterfeit preachers he would also have counterfeited the things they teach. Doctrine which is genuine is the doctrine of Christ. That is, it originated with Christ. This is the doctrine that we must "abide in" (3 John 9,10). There is not another gospel but there are gospels that are perverted (Galatians 1:6,7). These "gospels" sound a lot like the real thing; just like a counterfeit twenty dollar bill looks like the real thing. Yet, regardless of our honesty or sincerity, we are holding a worthless piece of paper in our hand. So it is in religious matters. Regardless of our sincerity, if we believe and practice a doctrine that originated with man, our religion and worship is vain. (Matthew 15:9). No matter how long we have practiced a certain belief or been recognized as a member of some religious organization, that does not make it right any more than the possibility that a counterfeit twenty dollar bill will become worth $20 if we continue to carry it around in our billfold or pocketbook.
"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. 1 / No. 5
Sunday, July 29, 2018What The Bible Says
Vol. I - No. 5 / July 29, 2018
WHY I GO TO EVERY SERVICE OF THE CHURCH
a. I Go To Every Service Of The Church Because I Am Made Stronger. Power is given in worship to live a nobler life (Acts 20:32). There is the sweetest fellowship on earth. Why should I want to miss ANY service?
b. I Go To Every Service Of The Church Because God Wants The Church To Grow (cf. Acts 2:47; 4:4). The church always grows when members put God first by loyal attendance. Here is a way all can help in the finest work on earth.
c. I Go To Every Service Of The Church To Set A Good Example. Many look my way and follow in my steps (Matthew 5:14-16). Influence is either good or bad. Any hour the church meets, my influence is with or against Christ.
d. I Go To Every Service Of The Church To Prove My Love And Gratitude. One who truly loves God does not ask if he must attend all services. His love compels him to! If I show love to God by attendance, I show lack of love by absence (Matthew 22:37-39).
e. I Go To Every Service Of The Church To Obey God. The Bible says, "forsake not the assembling of yourselves together" (Hebrews 10:25). Any service where the Bible is taught, prayer is made, and God is worshipped, is good, and "to him that knoweth to do good and doeth it not to him it is sin" (James 4:17). If it is good to be present for all services, it is bad to be absent from any.
f. I Go To Every Service Of The Church To Put First Things First. "Seek ye FIRST his kingdom" (Matthew 6:33). Jesus said the church must be first to the Christian, even before seeking food, clothing or drink.
g. I Go To Every Service Of The Church Because It Is Safe To Do So. All who forsake an assembly wonder if they sin, but I know I am safe in attending EVERY service (Romans 14:21-23).
h. I Go To Every Service Of The Church To Abound In The Lord's Work (1 Corinthians 15:58). A true Christian wants to do ALL he can and not as LITTLE as he can. Since the assemblies of the church are vital, I must abound in attendance.
"BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH", BUT WHEN?
But while that resurrection is taking place, effected by human hands, a resurrection of far greater significance is taking place, effected not by human hands, but by the hands of almighty God. For the same God who made Jesus alive from the dead, and raised Him up to sit at His own right hand in the heavenly places (Eph. 1:20-23), makes us alive from spiritual death and raises us up together with Christ that we might sit with Him in the heavenly places.
"And you did he make alive, when ye were dead through your trespasses and sins … but God, being rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace have ye been saved), and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus" (Eph. 2:1-6).
How do we come to be raised together with Christ? It is by grace (God's unmerited favor) coupled with our faith. "For by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, that no man should glory" (Eph. 2:8,9).
So many, however, who have come to recognize how we are raised with Christ have failed to recognize when we are raised with Him. We are raised with Him in baptism. A parallel passage, Col. 2:12, says so: "Having been buried with him in baptism, wherein ye were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead."
WHAT HAPPENED TO FAITH AND OBEDIENCE?
What do the Scriptures teach? Should this not be where we go to find the answer? "By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:” (Romans 1:5). "But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made know to all nations for the obedience of faith:" (Romans 16:26) [Emphasis mine, E.R.H.]. From these and other Scriptures, it becomes clear that faith and obedience cannot be separated. "But without faith it is impossible to please God“ (Hebrews 11:6) and without works, our faith is dead. (James 2:26).
What is the conclusion to be drawn from these verses, as well as others? Those who teach and believe that a person is saved by faith, separate and apart from works, are teaching we are saved by a "DEAD" faith. If this is not the conclusion, please tell me what it is! They say, "You are saved the moment you believe and works don't save you!". The Bible says, "Faith without works is dead" (James 2:26). The conclusion? We are saved by a dead faith!
Let us understand that we are saved by obedient faith. Faith that has not and does not obey is dead. It is only when our faith, which comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17), moves us to repent of our sins (Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38), confess Christ with our mouth (Matthew 10:32; Acts 8:37; Romans 10:10) and be buried with Christ in baptism (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12) that we are forgiven of our sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16). While man teaches salvation by dead faith, God teaches that our faith must be obedient to save us.
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--- 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