What The Bible Says

Vol. V - No. 18 / February 12, 2023

INTERPRETATION VERSES BELIEF

    "Interpreters" explain or give the meaning of words from one language to another language. No one would knowingly say of a competent interpreter, "Well, that's just his interpretation," meaning that his translation is only an opinion, has no solid basis to support it, and should be discounted as unworthy of any consideration. If he knows both languages and is honestly doing his work, he can be depended on. 

    Most don't need an "interpretation" of the daily newspaper. It is fairly self explanatory. If there are several articles in one newspaper on one breaking story, reading all the articles gives one a clearer picture of the event. On the whole, this is true of the Bible. It has been my observation that "interpretation" or understanding what the Bible says is not that big a problem. Believing it is! Reliable translations of the Bible use English words understandable to most people. Where then does the problem lie? It lies in rejecting what is the obvious.

    Is Jesus Christ Deity (God's Son), Or Merely A Historical Character? -- Jesus claimed to do the works of His Father (Jno. 5:17,18), to be able to give life (Jno. 5:26), which only God could do, to be sent from God (Jno. 5:36), to be eternal with God (Jno. 8:58), and to be "one" with the Father (Jno. 10:30). He taught as only one who had divine qualities could teach (Matt. 7:28,29). Honest people recognized that His Words and Works were signs that He was from God (Jno. 3:2). His resurrection from the dead was God's sign of signs that Jesus of Nazareth, born of a woman and living as men live (Phil. 2:5-8) was also deity (see Rom. 1:4). These passages are straightforward. If one believes the Bible to be God's Word, how much "interpretation" does one need on this subject? It is as straightforward, and I would say much more so, than most headline stories in newspapers. He was both a historical figure and Immanuel, God with us (Matt. 1:23).

    Why then don't people "understand" this? Likely it is because of all the consequences. If Jesus is God's Son, all He says is significant -- it is authoritative. His Words are true, morality is important, how we deal with each other has eternal bearing, and He will judge us in the final day (Jno. 12:48). We should therefore live our lives according to His teaching. Therefore, Jesus' being God's Son is not so much interpretation as it is belief!

    The Bible Teaches There Is "One Church." -- Most Bible students understand that Jesus said He would build His church (Matt. 16:18), that it began through the preaching of the gospel of Christ after His death, resurrection and ascension (Acts 2:22-47), that saved people were added to it (Acts 2:47), and that the apostles' words constituted the Supreme Court on all questions (see Matt. 10:40; Acts 2:42; 15:24; Gal. 1:6-9; 1 Cor. 11:34; 14:37). These passages are straightforward. The New Testament also teaches that there is "one body" (Eph. 4:4), and that body is the church (Eph. 1:22,23; Col. 1:18). It is into that "one body" that penitent believers are baptized (see also 1 Cor. 12:13). While there were a plurality of "local" churches or assemblies of Christians during the first century ("the churches of Christ salute you" Rom. 16:16), they were all taught the same gospel (1 Cor. 4:17). Apostolic instructions concerning their worship, work, and organization were the same (1 Cor. 1:1,2; 16:1). Church historians recognize these truths. They also recognize that an apostasy was predicted (Acts 20:29-31; 2 Thess. 2:1-12) and that it came.

    While there were religious sects during the first century (such as Pharisees, Sadducees, Herodians, Essenes and others), Christ and His gospel were intended to eradicate them and bring everyone into "one body" (read carefully, Eph. 2:11-22 and Jno. 17:20,21). Since Christ is not divided, and neither Paul nor anyone but Christ was crucified for us, and we are not to be baptized into anyone except Christ, then Paul argues that we "speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfected together in the same mind and in the same judgment" (1 Cor. 1:10-13). 

    This is straightforward and really needs no "interpretation." The problem is that given hundreds of years from the first century, religious division, a plurality of man-made churches, and a failure to use only the Scriptures as our authority, we now have religious chaos. To say that the New Testament teaches there is one body, one church, sounds so narrow to many. Yet it is the truth. Why do people have problems with such an "interpretation"? It is not because the Bible "means different things to different people”, but because people do not believe it.

    Don't be fooled by the "just your interpretation" idea. Believe the Bible can be understood (Eph. 3:3-5) and believe and obey the gospel. —Phillip Owens

***SENTENCE SERMONS***

Staying calm is the best way to take the wind out of an angry man's sails.
*** 
Kind words take less breath than harsh ones. 

"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. V - No. 16 / January 15, 2023

MATTHEW 23 - ELEVATING MEN AND RELIGIOUS TITLES? 

In Matt. 23:1-12, Jesus warns His disciples and the multitude concerning the religious leaders of that day, (the Scribes and the Pharisees) and their desires to be elevated above men. One way men were elevating themselves above others was the taking on of religious titles, titles like: Rabbi, Father and Master.

Matt. 23:5-7, reads this way, "all their works they do to be seen of men ... and they love the uppermost rooms at feast, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and the greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.”

Jesus went on to say, in verse 8, "BUT BE YE NOT CALLED RABBI: for one is your Master even Christ...." Do men call you Rabbi? Do you call men Rabbi? No doubt since it's wrong to call a man Rabbi, it's wrong to be called the same.

Matt. 24:9 reads, "AND CALL NO MAN FATHER UPON THE EARTH: for one is your Father, which is in heaven." Does this remind you of most of the religious leaders of our day? We all have biological fathers. We wouldn't be here without them. When Jesus said, "for one is your Father which is in heaven", Jesus, no doubt had in mind, God the Father; i.e., their heavenly Father. ‘

Do you address anyone on earth as, "father" in a religious sense? Are you being called, "father"? Take, for example: Instead of being called Mr. Smith or Brother Smith, do others address you as "Father Smith?" Do you demand such a title? Certainly, since it's wrong to call a man, "father (as a religious title), it would likewise be wrong to be called "father" in the same way. If not why not? Jesus went on to say that we are not even to accept being called by a religious title’.

Matt. 23:10 reads, "NEITHER BE YE CALLED MASTERS: for one is your Master even (namely) Christ." Do you condone the use of religious titles when men and women address you? Do you practice things in religion just because it's what you've been taught? Or because, "it's the way we've always done it?" Have you sought approval from the New Testament for everything you say or do in religion?

The Bible teaches us that, "Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." Col. 3:17

To do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, is to do all things by His authority. Do you have authority from Christ to call a man Rabbi, Father or Master? It may be that you've adopted the use of similar titles (Reverend, Pastor, Bishop, etc.,) when being addressed or addressing others? Jesus said that religious titles are used to elevate leaders above others.

Jesus went on to say, "BUT HE THAT IS GREATEST AMONG YOU SHALL BE YOUR SERVANT. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted." Matt. 23:11, 12.

Do you want to exalt yourself? Or do you want God to exalt you? If we want to be exalted by God, then we need to humble ourselves. Finally, We have this warning from Jesus, "He that rejects me, and receives not my words, has one that judges him: the very word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day." Jn. 12:48  —Jeremy Booker

TREATING SYMPTOMS?

   What if you continually maintained a fever of 101 degrees? After going to the doctor, he prescribed aspirin or Tylenol to keep down the fever. However, after several days the fever returned but, upon checking with the doctor, he continued to insist on your using Tylenol. Surely it wouldn't take long for you to realize that the doctor was only treating the symptom of what might be something serious. Fever is often the body's way of indicating an infection. To continually take Tylenol, while it may help the fever, will not take care of the infection. To continually treat the symptom (fever) will never cure the problem (infection). Cure the infection and the fever will disappear. 

   What is true in the medical field is also true in the social realm. Illegitimate births, divorce, crime, etc. are social symptoms of a deeper problem--the lack of respect for a moral standard. That moral standard is not to be humanistic (“O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.” Jeremiah 10:23) but rather a divine standard if our society is to be rescued from it downward spiral. We cannot continue to be sympathetic toward people who have ignored the standard of right and wrong. God's moral standard is for ALL our good. It is not being "bigoted" or “self­-righteous" to insist on a moral code that EVERYONE must live by! Otherwise our society will continue to decay and fall into chaos. 

   The same is true of the confusion in religious matters. To see all the names that are being worn religiously, the different types of worship being engaged in, the numerous doctrines being preached, and the various ways for people to be saved from sin are all the symptoms of a much deeper rooted problem--a lack of respect for God's Word. To speak only where the Bible speaks (“If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God….” 1 Peter 4:11) and respect the silence concerning things which God has not revealed His will, would get rid of the present confusion that exist.

   The problem cannot be cured by treating the symptoms. Take care of the problem and all the symptoms will disappear! —E.R. Hall, Jr.

DON'T BE AFRAID!

  Don't be afraid to visit us at the East Albertville church of Christ. We are not a part of any denomination (1 Corinthians 1:10-13). We are simply a local body of Christians (1 Corinthians 1:2) who meet together to worship the Lord (Acts 20:7) and to do the Lord's work collectively ( 1 Timothy 5:16) through the use of funds that are collected only from members of the church on the first day of each week (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). We have no clergy (Matthew 23:8-12). The preacher is not called "Rev­erend" for that is a name and title that belongs exclusively to God (Psalms 111:9). Since we follow only the Bible, namely the New Testament, as the basis for our teaching and practice, we do not have a human creed or man-made doctrines. We strive to give book, chapter, and verse for all we teach and practice (Colossians 3:17). We do not worship according to human traditions for this renders worship vain (Matthew 15:7-9) but it is "in spirit and in truth" (John 4:23-24). Members of the church are expected to live holy lives (1 Peter 1:15-16; Titus 2:12). We believe in one God, one Lord, one Spirit, one hope, one faith, one body (the body is the church - Colossians 1:18), and one bap­tism (Ephesians 4:4-6).

"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. V - No. 15 / January 1, 2023

ARE THERE SAVED PEOPLE IN ALL CHURCHES? 

       We must not be satisfied to allow emotions to answer this question. Neither let us be content to allow personal opinions or what we might have heard others say in regards to this question. Would it not be the best to allow God, through His word, answer this question for us and thus put it to rest forever? 

    God only recognizes ONE church. "And (God) hath put all things under his (Christ) feet, and gave him (Christ) to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his (Christ) body, the fullness of him (Christ) that filleth all in all." (Ephesians 1:22,23). "There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;" (Ephesians 4:4). To that one church, the Lord adds those that are saved. "...And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved" (Acts 2:47). 

    Those who were being saved in Acts 2 were those who heard and believed the things Peter had preached (verse 22,29,40). They were willing to "gladly" receive the word (verse 41). They were willing to acknowledge that Jesus was the Christ whereas before they were not willing to confess that Jesus was who He said He was (verse 23, 36). Being convinced, they said, ''Men and brethren, what shall we do?" (verse 37). Peter told them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins,…". "Then they that gladly ·received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." (verse 41). The same thing these three thousand did in Acts 2 is the same thing we repeatedly read throughout the book of Acts. God has the same plan to save everybody; not one plan for you and a different plan for me. If we would be saved from our sins and added to the church by the Lord we, too, will have to hear the word, believe, repent, confess, and be baptized for this is what God speaks and tells us through His word. 

    There are only saved people in one church: the church in which the Lord has added them and the one church of which He is the Head. Man-made churches, wearing man­-made names, teaching and practicing doctrines that have originated from man is not the church of which Christ is the head nor the ones to which the Lord is adding the saved. To become members of man-made churches, one does something different from what those in Acts 2 did. Churches today teach salvation at the point of faith: faith only. Others teach to pray the "sinner's prayer" and thus pray your sins away. Other churches teach baptism has nothing to do with saving. By this it ought to be evident that many "church members" are not even saved to start with because they have not done what the Scriptures teach in order to have their sins forgiven.  —E.R. Hall, Jr.

THE MEANING OF OBEDIENCE

    Those who question the values of Old Testament study should consider the fact that no place in the word of God defines obedience with greater precision and clarity than the book of Deuteronomy. Special attention should be focused upon three passages:
“Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish from it, that ye may keep the commandments of Jehovah your God which I command you” (Deut. 4:2).
“Ye shall observe to do therefore as Jehovah your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.” (Deut. 5:32).
“What thing soever I command you, that shall ye observe to do: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it” (Deut. 12:32).

    There are only saved people in one church: the church in which the Lord has added them and the one church of which He is the Head. Man-made churches, wearing man­-made names, teaching and practicing doctrines that have originated from man is not the church of which Christ is the head nor the ones to which the Lord isWhat is suggested is that obedience requires doing exactly what God commands without modification. Israel was warned against adding to or diminishing from God's commandment, and in the first of the three verses the purpose of such strict adherence to the divine command is assigned — "that (i.e., in order that) ye may keep the commandments of Jehovah your God." This is simply saying that the only way to keep the commandments of God is to do exactly as God says, without addition or subtraction.

    What is suggested is that obedience requires doing exactly what God commands without modification. Israel was warned against adding to or diminishing from God's commandment, and in the first of the three verses the purpose of such strict adherence to the divine command is assigned — "that (i.e., in order that) ye may keep the commandments of Jehovah your God." This is simply saying that the only way to keep the commandments of God is to do exactly as God says, without addition or subtraction.

    When one adds to or diminishes from the divine commandment, and then fulfills the modified version, he has not kept the commandment of God at all; he has done as he pleases. That is a lesson worth remembering. The commandments of God that are in force today are not the same commandments which God gave in an earlier age. But the meaning of obedience does not change, no matter what commandments God gives. —L.A. Mott, Jr.

IS A GOOD PERSON A SAVED PERSON?

"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, and gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always. 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. And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. 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 seaside: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do." (Acts 10:1-6).

    By every definition of the word "good", Cornelius was a good man. He was devout (religious), he feared God with all his house, he gave alms, and he prayed always. Because of these characteristics, most folks would consider Cornelius to be saved. Many people associate goodness with being the same as being saved. It is true that if we are saved we are to be a good person, but it is not true that simply because a person is good he is saved.

    Cornelius was a good man but he was not saved. In Acts 11:13-14 Peter re-accounts what Cornelius said to him: "And he showed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, 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." As good of a man as Cornelius was, he still had to send for Peter to come and speak to him the things God required him to do (Acts 10:33-43). Though Cornelius was a good man, he was still commanded to be baptized (verse 48) like Peter commanded them in Acts 2:38 to be baptized for the remission of sins. Though Cornelius was most definitely a good person, he was lost!

    There are folks today who are very religious (devout) and would give you the "shirts off their back". Yet, they need to hear ‘words whereby they shall be saved’. They are good people but lost! The gospel must be obeyed regardless of how good we are. The ones on whom the Lord will take vengeance will be those "that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Thessalonians 1:8). It matters not how good of a husband or wife we are, how good of a father or mother we are, how good we are to pay our debts, to visit the sick, or to help the needy. If we do not obey the gospel, we are not saved. 

    To obey the gospel, we must have FAITH (Hebrews 11:6) but faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). Then we must REPENT (Acts 2:38). After repentance, we must CONFESS Christ to be the Son of God (Acts 8:37; Roman 10:10). Then we must be BAPTIZED for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21). We must then be taught so that we can "observe all things" that God has commanded (Matthew 28 :20). Let us be good AND saved rather than good BUT lost!  —E.R. Hall, Jr. 

"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. V - No. 14 / December 18, 2022

LEARN FROM THE LEPER

 DO YOU BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF GOD?

Do you believe that God had power to create the heavens and the earth? Genesis 1:1 
Do you believe that God has power to raise up children from stones? Luke 3:8 
Do you believe that God had power to deliver Jesus from crucifixion? Matthew 26:53 

Certainly, God has power. Colossians 1:16: however, we must believe (Hebrews 11:6) in the power of God, but we must also respect the will of God. 

Matthew 8:2-3 proves this principle. "And behold, a leper came and worshiped him saying, 
''Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.' Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, 'I am willing; be cleansed.' Immediately his leprosy was cleansed.” If Jesus had replied that He was not willing that would not have meant that he did not have power to make the leper clean. 

We need to learn the principle set forth by the leper, God's power works together with His will.

Does God have power to save? Hebrews 7:25 states "Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him (Jesus) ... “

Since He does have power to save, we must understand that God's power works together with His will. In speaking of Jesus, Hebrews 5:9 states "And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him." If eternal salvation is desired, it is necessary to obey Jesus. This is the will of God. 

It is the will of God. that we work the works of God (John 6:29). Not the works that have been determined by man, but the works of God that He has revealed in the Scriptures and instructs us to obey. 

God's will requires that we,
    Hear the word of God (Romans 10:17)
    Believe in God (Hebrews 11:6)
    Repent (Acts 17:30)
    Confess the Lord Jesus with our mouth (Romans 10:9)
    Be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38)
    Conduct our selves according to the Gospel (James 1:25)

Learn from the leper, believe in the power of God AND respect the will of God.

—Donnie Mathis

"SEEK AND YE SHALL FIND"

    "Many false prophets have gone out into the world." 1 Jn. 4:1,2. One should not be blinded to the existence of error, but should seek TRUTH. Jesus promised that "the truth will make you free." Jn. 8:32. Truth is the only antidote for error. This truth is accessible to all men alike. Yet there are certain basic considerations which are essential for the sincere truth seeker. Let us notice some of them.

1. THE INITIAL BATTLE IS WITH YOUR OWN WILL. If you really want the truth, you can find it. Jn. 7:17. The desire of the Holy Spirit is that you "be not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is." Eph. 5:17. But you must first make up your mind that your DESIRE is to know. Then you will be ready to begin the search. A "good and honest heart" is first.

2. YOU MUST HAVE A WHOLESOME, RESPECTFUL ATTITUDE TOWARD THE TRUTH. To search for it will be a waste of your time if you do not plan to accept the truth -- whatever it may be. One must LOVE and BELIEVE the truth to avoid God's condemnation. (Be sure to read 2 Thess. 2:10-12).

3. BE SURE THAT YOUR SOURCE OF INFORMATION IS RELIABLE. God's revealed Word is the only infallible source of religious truth. The Bible writers were inspired of God. They could not err, therefore, in what they spoke by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Scriptures are God-breathed, perfect, and all-sufficient as a guide for man in his search for forgiveness and the hope of eternal life. 2 Tim. 3:16,17.

4. RECOGNIZE THAT IT IS NOT YOUR PEROGATIVE TO CHANGE THAT WHICH THE WORD OF GOD TEACHES. Be content with what you find in the BIBLE. It is possible for parents to be wrong. Remember, too, that even men who are called "preachers" and "rabbis" have NO AUTHORITY at all to bind upon you any tradition or commandment of men. They are just men--and nothing more. BUT, the Author of the Bible is GOD. The Holy Spirit simply revealed to humanity what was in the mind of God. The Bible alone makes know the will of God for you. Steer clear, then, of any disposition to prevent this divine revelation. It is perfect; you are not.

5. DO NOT ALLOW ANYONE TO HINDER YOUR OBEDIENCE TO THE TRUTH. A soul (yours) is too valuable. The gospel of Christ is God's power to save. Rom. 1:16,17. Your concern must be, "What does CHRIST teach me to do to have remission of sins?" Read carefully these passages: Mk. 16:15,16; Acts 2:38; Rom. 10:10; Acts 22:;16; Rom. 6:3,4. The simple requirements of Jesus are FAITH, REPENTANCE, CONFESSION and IMMERSION for the remission of sins.

BELIEVE the truth, OBEY it to have your soul purified. 1 Pet. 1:22. Let no one dissuade you from obeying the Author of eternal salvation. Heb. 5:8,9. All who seek salvation in this way WILL find it. THE TRUTH WILL MAKE YOU FREE.  —Barney Keith

ADDICTS

    Addicts are normally thought of as people addicted to alcohol, tobacco, or drugs. Being addicted means these things CONTROL them. They become a daily NEED. They are CRAVED. The addiction is the ALL IMPORTANT thing in people’s lives. They don’t care about their jobs, the position of responsibility they’re in, their pride, other people, their health, their money, or their live.

    What if the addiction is football, golf, hunting, fishing, the Internet, or our cell phones. I’ve heard of people spending all night outdoors in 18 degree temperatures or others willing to pay $200 for a $5 ticket to a ballgame. But all this is calling being a “fan” (a good thing). What if you put religion or God first? Then you’re called a “fanatic” (a bad thing). Yet, in the Scriptures we read: “I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)” (1 Corinthians 16:15). Thus we see that addiction can be in reference to good things.

    We should be addicted to God. In Hebrews 11:24-27 we read of Moses who considered the position, money, and pride he could have had for Himself. Instead, he gave it all up because God was number one in his life. Yet, today, how often is it that we see people give up God for overtime on the job? Their concern is often for money and the material things it can buy than what the Lord requires of them.

    Abraham loved Isaac (Genesis 22:1-2) but was willing to do as God commanded in regards to his son. God meant more to Abraham than his own son Isaac. Yet, many people let family come before God.

    Paul had to give up much (Philippines 3:7-7) but he gave them up that he might win Christ. Paul was addicted. Christ meant more to him than life.

    How is it with us? Are we addicted to this world and the things it has to offer? Where is the bulk of our time and effort expended? This ought to give us insight as to where our addiction lies!  —E.R. Hall, Jr.

"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. V - No. 13 / December 4, 2022

WHERE DID THE RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE OF CHRISTMAS ORIGINATE?

       To answer this question it is necessary to go outside the New Testament:

        - The Encyclopedia Americana says, "The Christmas celebration was not observed in the first centuries of the church.”

        - The Catholic Encyclopedia says, "Christmas was not among the early festivals of the church.”

    Therefore, if we cannot find the Christmas observance in the New Testament, and a secular encyclopedia says that it was not observed in the first centuries of the church, and a religious encyclopedia says that it was nonexistent in the early church, then we must conclude that it did not originate with the apostles.

    So, where did this December observance originate?  Colliers Encyclopedia tells us that Lyberius, the Bishop of Rome, whom the Catholics regard as one of the early Popes, ordered in 354 A.D. that "December 25th be observed as the birthday of Christ.” December 25th had formerly been used by the Romans as a feast day for their Sun-God, Mithra. The Roman Saturnalia (riotous festival of Saturn) also came at this time. "The indications are that the church in this way grasped an opportunity to turn the people away from a purely pagan observance of the winter solstice to a day of adoration of Christ the Lord. Both Saint Cyprian and Saint John Chrysostom allude to this thought in their writings." (Colliers Encyclopedia) "December 25th was already a festive day for the sun god, Mithra, and appealed to the Christians as an appropriate day to commemorate the birth of Jesus, the light of the world." (Lincoln Library of Essential Information)

    From these statements by reliable sources it is easy to see that the date of Christmas had its origin in a pre-Christian age among the pagans. It was adopted into a so-called "Christian" holiday by the Roman Catholic Church. Furthermore, the word "Christmas" is of Catholic origin. The word is derived from the medieval "Christes Masse," the mass of Christ, which is a corruption of the Lord's Supper. On December 25th, even until this day, the Catholics hold a special Mass for Christ. In time, "Christes Masse" came to be shortened to "Christmas." Christmas, then, had its origin as a special religious observance in the Roman Catholic Church. —David Padfield

JESUS BORN OF DECEMBER 25?

Luke 2:7ff "And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger … And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and … said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord..."

"The climate was mild, and, to keep their flocks from straying, they spent the night with them  . . . The Jews sent out their flocks into the mountains and desert regions during the summer months, and took them up in the latter part of October or the first of November, when the cold weather commenced . . . It is probable from this that our Saviour was born before the 25th of December . . . At that time it is cold, especially in the high and mountainous regions about Bethlehem."   —Albert Barnes

SHOPPING AROUND

    Many people think religion is like shopping. When we are interested in purchasing a vehicle, we go to different places looking for the vehicle with the most features and the best deal. When shopping for groceries, we look for a store with the largest selection and the cheapest prices. When shopping for clothes, we look for name brands at the lowest prices.

    When people think in terms of religion, they continue to have this “shopping around” mentality. “After all”, they will say, “look at all the choices there are!” In making the choice, names are important only to the extent that the church must be “well-known”. Otherwise, the thinking that persist is, “There’s nothing in a name!” The Scriptures refutes this thinking: “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). There is no salvation in any name other than Jesus Christ. He is the One that shed His blood for the remission/forgiveness of our sins (Matthew 26:28). With that same blood He purchased the church (Acts 20:28). Does any church have the right to wear any other name? Do those who have had their sins forgiven have a right to wear any name other than or another name in addition to Christian? Does the authority by which we do things religiously come from the Scriptures or are they the commandments of men? Jesus tells us worship which is done according to the commandments of men is vain (Matthew 15:9).

    It is sad to say though it is true: Most people have no regard for what the Scriptures teach when it comes to deciding which church they want to be affiliated with. Many have let their parents decide for them which church and they will continue to follow that tradition down through the generations. To others their choice is simply a matter of which church is located the closet to them. Other are looking for a church with the friendliest people or maybe the most people. Some are shopping for a church based on what social and recreational programs they offer for themselves and their children. Some are drawn to a church because it has the prettiest building in the community. Some want to be a part of a church where the town mayor, members of the city council, or other local government officials attend.

    Yes, a lot of people at one time or another are shopping for a church and maybe you are one of them. What is the criteria you are using to determine the choice you make — a church that follows the Scriptures or a church that has a fellowship hall or a beautiful steeple on the roof?   —E.R. Hall, Jr. 

SENTENCE SERMONS

Trouble is merely opportunity in work clothes.
 ***
When they discover the center of the universe, a lot of people will be disappointed to discover they are not it.
*** 
The greatest of faults, I should say, is to be conscious of none.
 ***
The most significant change in a person's life is a change of attitude. Right attitudes produce right actions.

"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