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 HILLIARD BULLETIN 2012 =================== HILLIARD BULLETIN Published by the church of Christ Meeting at 4840 Cemetery Road P.O. Box 96 Hilliard, Ohio 43026 Phone 614-876-4089 Preacher and Editor Gareth L. Clair Phone: 614-850-7252 Email: glclair@aol.com ======================================================= Volume 14 Number 5 May 2012 ======================================================= The Importance of Preparation (Matthew 25:1-13). "Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For the foolish, when they took their lamps, took no oil with them: but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. Now while the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. But at midnight there is a cry, 'Behold, the bridegroom! Come ye forth to meet him' Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, 'Give us of your oil; for our lamps are going out.' But the wise answered, saying, 'Peradventure there will not be enough for us and you: go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.' And while they went away to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage feast: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open to us.' But he answered and said, 'Verily I say unto you, I know you not.' Watch therefore, for ye know not the day nor the hour" Consider this: Throughout our sojourn here in the world many questions will arise and many opportunities for each one of us to deal with and choose various options in the type of life we develop from accountability to death. One of the choices we all have is to acknowledge God and serve Him or otherwise. To this proposition many people will immediately respond by saying; “I will not choose to believe in God nor will I lend myself to any other form of superstition” {i.e. or some similar mind game offered to justify a worldly or hedonistic life style}. In the Bible reference above one is reminded by God via the Written Word to prepare now {i.e. while we have ability to choose} for the suddenness of the coming of the Lord, Jesus Christ to judge and assign all humankind from Adam to the last person on earth at His trumpet and His return. - Ref. John 12:48-50. Each person on earth is responsible to Almighty God for their choices while here in the world; whether good and righteous or evil and wicked - James 4:13-17 - 13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: 14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appeareth for a little time, and then vanishes away. 15 for that ye ought to say, if the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. 16 But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil. 17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. KJV ALWAYS BE ALERT; ALWAYS BE FAITHFUL, ALWAYS WATCH, “Watch therefore, for ye know not the day nor the hour" Not Ashamed of the Gospel The negative impact of an Anti-Christ society. In the news media and academia there is a “cult of non-belief.” The “intellectual elite” assumes that stupidity accompanies religious conviction! About 57% of Americans do not attend church and oppose organized religion. Embarrassment and shame has been the result with many Christians. We will be condemned eternally for having shame of God and His gospel! Mark 8:38 (NASB) - "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels." Our readiness to spread the gospel requires that we are not ashamed of it. With zeal and confidence we are meant to proclaim the gospel. Rom. 1:15 (NASB) - Thus, for my part, I am ready to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rom. cf. Acts 8:4. Paul was ready because he was not ashamed of the Gospel and all that it stands for! Rom. 1:16-17 (NASB) - 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "But the righteous man shall live by faith." cf. 1 Cor. 15:1-4; Eph. 1:13; John 17:17; Acts 20:27 Why we should not be ashamed of the gospel of Christ. The gospel is the power of God (from Dunamis) (Rom. 1:16). Jeremiah 23:29 "Is not My word like fire?" declares the LORD, "and like a hammer which shatters a rock?” The gospel stands for that same great power that God used to create the world! Psalm 33:9 (NASB) Indeed; The Gospel is the power of an all-powerful God wiser than the wisdom of men (1 Cor. 1:20). “The world has many religions; it has but one gospel.” It is for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek (all nations) (e.g., Acts 8:37) - The gospel comes from an impartial God (Rom. 2:11; Acts 10:34-35). The Gospel is God’s plan on how to become right before God. Rom 1:17 (NASB) For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "But the righteous shall live by faith." Obeying the gospel is the way we can be acquitted or released from sin (forgiven) and regarded as righteous in God’s sight! (Acts 2:38) When we are absolutely convinced that only in the gospel, righteousness before God can be obtained, we will share it with others! (Rom. 3:21-23). The Gospel reveals the plan of righteousness that can be understood. Romans 1:17 (NASB) For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "But the righteous man shall live by faith." cf. Eph. 3:3-5 Only in the gospel, can we learn about righteousness made possible by God. The Gospel produces faith in those who hear it. Rom 1:17 (NASB) For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "But the righteous man shall live by faith." Rom. 10:17 “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” Why be ashamed to proclaim the gospel when there is such great potential? The righteous live by faith (i.e., trust and believe in Christ, not in themselves) and by faith shall live eternally. Rom 1:17 (NASB) For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "But the righteous man shall live by faith." The Christian (or the righteous) will live by faith. He will not rely on himself, trust in his good works, and try to earn his way to Heaven (Eph. 2:8-9). His good works demonstrate a living faith (James 2:14-26), but cannot merit salvation alone! The righteous will believe in Christ and trust in God’s power to save him through the gospel (e.g., Rom. 4:5-8). A person who lives life “by faith and obedience” to Christ Jesus is justified in God’s sight and thus “will live” eternally. GOD’S PLAN FOR YOUR SALVATION TODAY? Have you heard about Jesus death, burial, and resurrection? Christ gave His Life for the your sins so that you might receive salvation? Romans 10:17 Have you believed the message with your whole heart? Mark 16:15-16 Have you repented of all sins? Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38 Have you been immersed for remission of sins - ? Acts 2:38 If you have Jesus has added you to His church Acts 2:47 The new name you will now wear is “Christian” - Acts 20:7 ========================================= GOSPEL MEETING June 17-22, 2012 SPEAKER: Wayne T. Galloway Sunday: 9:30 and 10:30 AM --- 6:00 PM Monday through Friday: 7:30 PM Everyone is invited to the meeting. Come and bring a friend or relative they may decide to become a Christian. Contact: glclair@aol.com - April 26, 2012 ========================================= HILLIARD BULLETIN Published by the church of Christ Meeting at 4840 Cemetery Road P.O. Box 96 Hilliard, Ohio 43026 Phone 614-876-4089 Preacher and Editor Gareth L. Clair Phone: 614-850-7252 Email: glclair@aol.com ======================================================= Volume 14 Number 4 April 2012 ======================================================= FROM THE PREACHER'S DESK Ten Rules to Promote Harmony 1. Remember that we are all subject to failings of one kind or another. 2. Bear with, and not magnify, each other’s infirmities. 3. Pray for one another in our meetings, and particularly in private. 4. Avoid going from house to house for the purpose of bearing bad news and interfering with other people’s business. 5. Always turn a deaf ear to any slanderous report and lay no charge against any person until well founded. 6. If a member is in fault, tell him of it in private, before it is mentioned to several other people. 7. Be careful of avoiding someone because of some action that has the appearance of opposition or resentment. 8. If a member has offended, consider how godlike it is to forgive, and how unlike a Christian it is to seek revenge. 9. Remember that it is a giant deception of the devil to promote animosities among members of the church; do not let him succeed. 10. Consider how much more good we can do in the world and in the church in particular, when we are all united in love. Author unknown Progress in the developement of the New Testament Church; Reference from J.W. McGarvey A QUESTION ABOUT ACTS 6:1 ... 1. From the preceding account of the struggle, between the apostles and the Sadducees, Luke now turns to consider, briefly, the internal condition of the Church during the same period. Though the mass of the disciples had attained many of the excellencies of Christian character, they were still but men, and liable to the partialities and prejudices of men. This became manifest in a manner which at first threatened serious consequences. (1) “Now, in those days, the disciples having multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Hellenist against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.” The disciples in Jerusalem now numbered largely over five thousand. In so large a multitude, it was almost impossible to look after the wants of all with equal care, and some unintentional oversight must unavoidably occur. The “daily ministration” is undoubtedly that distribution from the funds contributed by the brethren, which was made “to every one according as he had need.” That it was made daily, confirms our former conclusion, that there was no general equalization of property, but only a provision for the needy. The Hellenists were Jews of foreign birth and Greek education, and were so called because of their conformity to the manners of the Hellenes, as Greeks were called. Many of them were, perhaps, not permanent residents in Jerusalem, but had remained there after Pentecost on account of their interest in the new religion. They were the more likely to be neglected, because less familiarity known to the apostles and their assistants. 24. This unforeseen circumstances suggested to the apostles the propriety of insinuating a new office in the Church. Though the Holy Spirit was given to guide them into all the truth, its additional instruction was given only as circumstances required. They were not theorists, with a constitution and by-laws drawn up in advance, to which, under all circumstances, the Church must conform; but they allowed the condition of the congregation, from time to time, to dictate the provisions which should be made, and therefore the provisions which were made precisely such as were needed. Hitherto the Church had been without an officer of any kind, except the apostles; for the supposition advanced by some writers, that the young men, oi neoteroi, who buried Ananias and Sapphira, were regularly-appointed officers, is without foundation, except in the analogy of later and unscriptural organizations. Seeing, then, that the Church in Jerusalem existed for a time under the control of the apostles alone, it follows that a Church may now exist under the written teaching alone of the same apostles. But seeing, further, that when circumstances required it, other officials were appointed, it follows that all Churches among whom similar wants arise should provide themselves in the same way. All Churches, however, will inevitably find need for such officers as the New Testament authorizes; hence they should procure them without unnecessary delay. When the murmuring came to the ears of the apostles they acted promptly. (2) “Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples to them and said, It is not well that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. (3) Therefore, brethren, look out among you seven men of good repute, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. (4) But we ourselves will continue in prayer and the ministry of the word.” The alternative with the apostles was to “leave,” in some degree, “the word of God,” and serve the tables satisfactorily, or turn this business over to other hands, and “continue in prayer and the ministry of the word” as uninterruptedly as before. They showed their superior regard for the latter ministry by choosing the latter course. It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and the apostles that the whole “multitude of the disciples” should take part in the selection of these officers. No ingenuity of argument can evade the conclusion that this gives the authority of apostolic precedent for the popular election of officers of the Church. The multitude were limited, however, by apostolic authority, to the choice of men of a certain description. They must be men of “good repute;” not merely good men, but men whose goodness was accredited among the brethren. They must also be men who were “full of the Holy Spirit.” Whether this means that they must be possessed of miraculous powers, or merely that they must exhibit abundantly the fruits of the Spirit, it is difficult to determine. The circumstances, that up to this time no miracles had been wrought, so far as we know, by any of the apostles, and that, immediately after the appointment of the seven, Stephen appears “doing great wonders and miracles among the people,” seem to indicate that they were merely full of the Holy Spirit in the ordinary way, but received miraculous powers when the hands of the apostles were laid upon them. On the other hand, the expression, “full of the Holy Spirit,” generally means possessed of the miraculous powers of the Spirit. Whatever may be the decision of this question, it is certain that when a disciple was “full of the Spirit” in either sense, the religious sentiments were in lively exercise, and this is all that can be required in a candidate for the same office at the present day. The office which the apostles are about to institute and fill is easily identified with that of the deacon as described in the third chapter of First Timothy. The seven are not styled diakonoi, deacons, but they were selected to attend to the daily diakonia, (verse 1) and their service is expressed by the verb diakoneo, (verse 2) the same which expresses the duty of deacons in 1 Tim 3:1013. The chief duty for which they were appointed, was “to serve tables,” diakonein trapezais; yet this duty need not prevent them from discharging any other functions for which they were qualified, and for which they could find time. God exacts the employment of every talent that is committed to us, and has appointed no work to be done which is too holy for the humblest disciple. We therefore find one of the seven deacons soon after in the front rank of the defenders of the faith; while another, after the dispersion of the Church, preaches in Samaria, and immerses both the Samaritans and the Ethiopian nobleman. Those who deny to deacons, at the present day, the same privileges, impose a restriction which is in direct conflict with the word of God. As to the title evangelist, afterward applied to Philip, see the “Commentary on Acts,” xxi. 8. --- A COMMENTARY ON ACTS OF APOSTLES, WITH A REVISED VERSION OF THE TEXT. by J. W. McGarvey BULLETIN Published by the church of Christ Meeting at 4840 Cemetery Road P.O. Box 96 Hilliard, Ohio 43026 Phone 614-876-4089 Preacher and Editor Gareth L. Clair Phone: 614-850-7252 Email: glclair@aol.com WEB: considermagazine.com ======================================================== Volume 14 Number 3 March 2012 ======================================================== “ GOD’S PLAN FOR MAN’S SALVATION” When the sinner hears {i.e. understands} that they are a sinner then they may become a Christian by Realizing they are lost - 1 John 3:4 - Whosoever commits sin transgresses also the law: for sin is the transgression of the (i.e. Divine) law. Rom. 3:23 - For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; OBEYING THE GOSPEL PLAN OF GOD Hearing {understanding} Romans 10:14 - How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? KJV Believing (having faith) Mark 16:15-15 Repenting of Sin Luke 13:3 Confessing Christ Rom. 10:9-10 Being Baptism Acts 2:38 Christ adds the saved to the church Acts 2:47 WORKING TOGETHER Our united efforts are needed --- I encourage each member of the congregation here as well as those of you who visit us to resolve that you will make a special effort to be or to become a more mature Christian. I have listed eight points that will assist us in our desire to become more mature in our spiritual life which may aid us in becoming more mature and of greater benefit to our Lord and to the lost ones in our community if added to our life and activities in future days, weeks, months, and years: 1. IN ATTENDANCE: Hebrews 10:24-25, 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching. NIV 2. IN OBEDIENCE TO CHRIST: Hebrews 5:8-9, 8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him 3. TO APPRECIATE THE MESSAGE OF THE GOSPEL MORE: Romans 1:16, I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. NIV 4. TO TEACH OTHERS IN WORD AND DEED: Colossians 3:17, And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. NIV 5. TO PRACTICE THE TRUTH IN MY LIFE: Romans 12:1-2, 1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will. NIV 6. TO SEEK GOD'S KINGDOM FIRST: Matthew 6:33, But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. NIV 7. TO GROW IN GRACE AND KNOWLEDGE: Peter 3:18, But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. NIV 8. TO ALWAYS BE PREPARED FOR THE LORD'S SECOND ADVENT: Matthew 24:44, So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. NIV May God richly bless every one of us as we labor together in His Kingdom ... glclair@aol.com March 1, 2012 WILL I BE REMEMBERED? Text - Ecclesiastes 11:8 FACTS ABOUT LIFE: 1. Life is short James 4:14 2. Our lives are a gift from God Acts 17:26 3. The greatest act of love shown for another is to give up life freely John 15:13 4. Sober thinking about our life here John 12:26 FACTS ABOUT THE END OF LIFE: 1. Everyone will eventually die Heb 9:27 2. When a person dies, the body returns to dust Ecclesiastes 12:7 3. Whenever a person dies their memory on earth is generally short a. My seed will forget me b. My burial place will be forgotten c. My bones will be dust d. My gravestone will be dust e. There will be no remembrance among mankind GOD WILL REMEMBER ME! Indeed, we will surely die, someday, We will be remembered for a few years, We will finally be forgotten. But, GOD WILL NOT FORGET US: Hebrews 13:5 1 Cor. 15:20-25, “20 But now hath Christ been raised from the dead, the first-fruits of them that are asleep. 21 For since by man (came) death, by man (came) also the resurrection of the dead. 22 for as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the first-fruits; then they that are Christ's, at his coming. 24 Then (cometh) the end, when he shall deliver up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have abolished all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign, till he hath put all his enemies under his feet.” ASV February 28. 2012 glclair@aol.com GOSPEL MEETINGS 2012 SPEAKER: Wayne T. Galloway June 17-22 SPEAKER: Donnie Oliver October Dates not set Everyone welcome ----- THE GOLDEN RULE ----- The maxim of the "golden rule" is exemplified in many Christian stories, such as the Parable of the Good Samaritan, which are unadorned replications of the Jewish Torah: "Love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD.” (Leviticus 19:18). THE BIBLE STORY OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN: Luke 10:30-37 - 30 The Good Samaritan Jesus replied and said, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers, and they stripped him and beat him, and went away leaving him half dead. 31 "And by chance a priest was going down on that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 "Likewise a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 "But a Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion, 34 and came to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 "On the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper and said, 'Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I return I will repay you.' 36 "Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers' hands?" 37 And he said, "The one who showed mercy toward him. "Then Jesus said to him," Go and do the same." NASU COMMENTARY Luke 10:3037. A certain man. A Jew of Jerusalem. Went down. It was a constant descent from Jerusalem to Jericho, over 3,000 feet in eighteen miles. Fell among robbers. The road is a dark, desolate, mountain pass, dangerous then, so beset by robbers still that no traveler dares go through it without a guard. Which stripped him. Not only of raiment, but of all he had; then left him, stunned, bleeding, unconscious, nearly dead. A certain priest. Jericho was a city of priests. A priest ought to be a holy man. The law commanded mercy and help to a neighbor (Exod. 23:4-5; Deut 22:1-4). The priest and Levite both disregarded the law in passing the poor sufferer. Likewise a Levite. A temple minister. He probably excused himself by the example of his priest. A certain Samaritan. The hereditary enemy of the Jews; despised and hated by the latter. “The Jews and Samaritans have no dealings” (John 4:9). If any man had excuse for passing the wounded Jew by it was the Samaritan. But he, unlike the priest and Levite, had compassion. His compassion leads to action, to self-denial, and inconvenience. He dresses the man's wounds, sets him on his own beast, carries him to the inn, and when he left, left money for his care. For ancient inns, see note on Luke 2:7. Two pence was two days' wages, and there was promise of more. Which of these three proved neighbor? The stranger became the neighbor. So we are to be neighbors to all who need help. Christian love must know no narrow bounds of race or sect. Genuine philanthropy is a Christian spirit. People's New Testament, The Consider this: There is no greater demonstration of the religion of Christ than to be considerate, kind, and benevolent, toward all people who are in distress of whatever kind. The story of the good Samaritan is further demonstrated in the Bible by the writers of the New Testament in several places; note the following Galatians 6:10 - So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith. NASB Galatians 6:10 So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith. NASB James 1:27 - This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. NASB Matthew 19:19 - Honor thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself. KJV Mark 12:30-31 - 30 And thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. James 2:8-9 - 8 If ye fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well: 9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. glclair@ao;.com March 1, 2012 DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE OTHERS DO UNTO YOU; THIS IS A GOOD QUALITY FOR ALL CHRISTIANS TO DEVELOP IN LIFE. =================== HILLIARD BULLETIN Published by the church of Christ Meeting at 4840 Cemetery Road P.O. Box 96 Hilliard, Ohio 43026 Phone 614-876-4089 Preacher and Editor Gareth L. Clair Phone: 614-850-7252 Email: glclair@aol.com WEB: considermagazine.com ============================================= Volume 14 Number 2 February 2012 ============================================= “FOR THIS WE PLEAD” There is one body, and one spirit, even as we are called in one hope of your calling, One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” {Ephesians 4:4-6} 1-The one body is the church of Christ {Eph. 1:22-23}. Jesus promised to build only one church {Matthew 16:18} 2-The one Holy Spirit was active in creation {Gen. 1:2}, in the re-creation {John 3:5}, and in revealing God’s Word to the apostles {John 16:13}. He does not operate directly in conversion. 3-The Christian hopes for an inheritance in heaven, not for an earthly reign with Christ {1 Peter 1:3-4} He has steadfast hope of eternal life {Titus 1:2} 4-Jesus is one Lord {Acts 2:36}. He is the Son of God {Matt. 16:16}, possessing all authority to direct mankind {Matt. 16:18}. Christ is the Head of the church {Col. 1:18}. 5-The one faith is the completer New Testament {Jude 3}. It is the gospel of Christ {Rom. 1:16}. 6-The one baptism commanded by Christ {Mark 16:16}, is a burial {Rom. 6:3-4}, puts one into Christ {Gal. 3:26-27}. Is for remission of sons {Acts 2:38} 7-The one God is Jehovah {Psalms 83:18} He is Creator, Sustainer, the Commander of repentance, and the appointer of judgment {Acts 17:30-31} ----- The Preceptor 2012 ----- USE YOU TIME HERE PROFITABLE Ephesians 5:14-17 - 14 that is why God says in the Scriptures, "Awake, O sleeper, and rise up from the dead; and Christ shall give you light." 15 So be careful how you act; these are difficult days. Don't be fools; be wise: make the most of every opportunity you have for doing good. 17 Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to find out and do whatever the Lord wants you to. TLB One of the serious misunderstandings that people accept in the world today is; “we have plenty of time to get everything done correctly later.” This mindset is the enemy of those that need to get their life corrected by God’s standard {i.e. according to the Bible}. Indeed; many people may be possessed with good intentions to do what is right after-a-while; but their time may be limited. You see; many people will underestimate their length of time God allows them to live. Whenever a person makes plans that do not include “walking with God” (i.e. living according to God’s standard}; they are in danger of loosing their soul and of expecting any eternal joy prepared for the faithful of God {cf. - Ephesians 5:14-17 - 14 That is why God says in the Scriptures, "Awake, O sleeper, and rise up from the dead; and Christ shall give you light." 15 So be careful how you act; these are difficult days. Don't be fools; be wise: make the most of every opportunity you have for doing good. 17 Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to find out and do whatever the Lord wants you to. {TLB} Consider this: Since God has provided mankind with a roadmap to HEAVEN SOMEDAY; man ought to seek the pathway that will eventually lead to that promised eternal joy, happiness, and love discussed and revealed in the Bible. Indeed; man’s intuition, senses, hopes and desires often are elusive and difficult to find or understand without some help; indeed; God therefore provides mankind with a clear vision and understanding of those things needed to “redeem the time” and prepare for physical death, the resurrection, and that final assignment for all that live now and for all those that have lived in the past. That which God provides for man’s guidance through life and all difficulties while living here is the BIBLE. Yes; God says to mankind in Jeremiah 10:23 “it is not in man that walks {i.e. lives} to determine his own steps” of life here on earth. Why not look diligently at God’s instruction for you? Study the contents of God’s Book and attend Bible study whenever opportunity presents itself? You must surely know that your life here is short and full of difficulty; that your life is short and all hopes for heaven in the after-a-while are dependent upon your living for God while here. Indeed; will you prepare for heaven while you have the opportunity? Only you can make your calling an election sure cf. 2 Peter 1:3-11 - 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8 for if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But he that lacks these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. 10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: 11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. KJV --- glclair@aol.com --- 1-27-2012 IS CHURCH MEMBERSHIP NECESSARY? INTRODUCTION: Many people believe that it is unnecessary to be a member of the church in order to please God and eventually go to heaven. The people who advocate this idea have apparently failed to examine the teaching of the Bible on the subject or they would not make that claim. As one searches the Written Word of God it soon becomes apparent that God is the builder of the church of Christ (i.e., it is referred to as the Body of Christ, Acts 2:47). Once a person realizes this fact it is utter foolishness to continue to advocate the concept that membership in the church is unnecessary. Please observe that without being a member of the church of Christ a person deprives themselves of a proper relationship with Christ. BODY: 1. Jesus built the church, Matthew 16:18, “And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (KJV) 2. Jesus cleansed the church, Ephesians 5:26, “That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,” 3. Jesus purchased the church with His blood, Acts 20:28, “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” (KJV) 4. Jesus washed the church, Ephesians 5:26, “That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,” 5. Jesus loves the church, Ephesians 5:25, “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;” (KJV) 7. Jesus sanctified the church, Ephesians 5:26, “That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,” 8. Jesus is the foundation of the church, Colossians 1:18, “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.” (KJV) 9. Jesus glorified the church, Ephesians 5:27, “That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” (KJV) 10. Jesus is head over all things to the church, Ephesians 1:22-23, “22 and hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fullness of him that fills all in all.” 11. Jesus adds all the saved to the church, Acts 2:47, “Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” (KJV) 12. Jesus will save all that belong to the church, Ephesians 5:23, “For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body.” (KJV) CONCLUSION: How can a person suggest that membership in the church is unnecessary after examining the twelve points that we have provided above? It is evident that no one will be saved in the last day that is not a member of the church for which Jesus died. Since the day of Pentecost (i.e., Acts 2:12-47 -- the establishment of the church), no one will make it on that last day without being faithful servant of our Lord, Jesus Christ, cf., John 12:48. --- (mailto: glclair@aol.com) "HOW WE VIEW THE BIBLE" If the Bible is from God, as I believe it is, all people in the world are personally responsible for the way they respond to it. If the Bible is from God, as I believe it is, someday everyone in the world will be judged by its contents. If the Bible is from God, as I believe it is, all people in the world should look at its contents and make life choices about how they will react to it. If the Bible is from God, as I believe it is, everyone will one day bow to Jesus Christ Who is "King of Kings and Lord of Lords." If the Bible is from God, as I believe it is, all of humanity must follow whatever God has said about any subject named in it, unless there are exclusions contained within the instruction. If the Bible is from God, as I believe it is, every statement and every thing in it is absolutely true and cannot be contested by any man or group of men. If the Bible is from God, as I believe it is, the first two verses in the Book of Genesis are true. Therefore, mankind is composed of simply created beings whom God has blessed beyond expression. If the Bible is from God, as I believe it is, I will obey, live accordingly, love God, love my neighbor, and do as He instructs me. I will thank Him continually for my life; for my mind and body health; for Jesus Christ, His great gift for my sins; indeed, for everything. I will be a Christian because I believe in God, the Bible, and everything about God's Book: If the Bible is not from God, I will live out my life as a Christian not knowing it. I will eventually die and be buried somewhere, and my memory will finally subside so that one-thousand years from today, no one will ever know that I have lived. If the Bible is from God, because I made a personal choice in my life to believe and obey Him, someday all the promises He has made to me will become reality. I will gain victory, the thought of which encourages me to continue faithfully day by day seeking to do God’s will. “For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: Death is swallowed up in victory. O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory? The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:54-58) HILLIARD BULLETIN Published by the church of Christ meeting at 4840 Cemetery Road - P.P. Box 96 Hilliard, Ohio 43026 Phone: 614-876-7252 Preacher and Editor - Garreth L. Clair Phone: 614-850-7252 Email: glclair@aol.com Web - considermagazine.com ============================================== Volume 14 Number 1 January 2012 ============================================== SELFISH AMBITION The Bible condemns it in many places Galatians 5:19-21 - 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.{NKJV} Philippians 2:3 - Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. {NIV} James 3:14 - but if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. {NIV} James 3:16 - for where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. {NIV} Jesus Christ condemns it Matthew 18:1-4 - At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? 2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 3 And said, Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.Matthew 20:25-27 - 25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said; ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. 26 but it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; 27 and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: {KJV} Matthew 23:11-12 - 11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. {KJV} All Christians {i.e. Saints} should avoid Psalms 121:1-8 - I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. 2 My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. 3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. 4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. 6 The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. 7 The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. 8 The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore. { May lead to strife and contention James 4:1-7 - From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? 2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. 3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. 4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. 5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, the spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? 6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Selfish ambition is often connected to pride, covetousness, and cruelty Habakkuk 2:4-5 - 4 "Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith. 5 Woe to the Wicked "Indeed, because he transgresses by wine, He is a proud man, and he does not stay at home. Because he enlarges his desire as hell, and he is like death, and cannot be satisfied, He gathers to himself all nations and heaps up for himself all peoples. {NKJV} Covetousness Habakkuk 2:8-9 - 8 Because you have plundered many nations, All the remnant of the people shall plunder you, Because of men's blood and the violence of the land and the city, And of all who dwell in it. 9 "Woe to him who covets evil gain for his house that he may set his nest on high that he may be delivered from the power of disaster! Cruelty Habakkuk 2:12 - "Woe to him who builds a town with bloodshed, who establishes a city by iniquity! {NKJV} BIBLICAL EXAMPLES Adam and Eve Genesis 3:5-6 - 5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. 6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. {KJV} Miriam and Aaron Numbers 12:2 Numbers 12:2-8 - by us? And the LORD heard it. 3(Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.) 4 And the LORD spoke suddenly unto 2 And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? Hath he not spoken also Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out. 5 And the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth. 6 And he said hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. 7 My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. 8 With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses? {KJV} Korah READ Numbers 16 Adonijah READ 1 Kings 1:5 Sennacherib READ 2 Kings 19:23 Sons of Zebedee READ Matthew 20:21 The antichrist READ 2 Thess. 2:4 Diotrephes READ 3 John 1:9 Consider this: All Christians must guard against the sin of selfish ambition; for this sin will cause that one who yields to it; spiritual suicide. If you find that your ambition is of the sort herein examined, correct it quickly by repenting and resolve to be unselfish in all that you want, hope for or desire in life. Indeed; submit yourself unto God and God will aid you in resisting the impulse toward selfish ambition cf. Philippians 2:1-8 - 1 Unity Through Humility - Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 The Humbled and Exalted Christ - Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. {NKJV} --- glclair@aol.com 11-22-2011GOSPEL ========================================= MEETINGS HERE IN 2012 Wayne T. Galloway - Stanford, KY late June Donnie Oliver Hazard, KY - late October More information as time draws nearer. ========================================= KEEP THE FAITH, BRETHREN! In recent days we have been inundated by media garbage that is designed to undermine the faith of the elect [i.e. God’s Children Christians]. While the media reports on the Da Vinci Code and the Gospel of Judas as perhaps really helpful in changing the Biblical accounts that exist. These so-called scholars are not at all interested in helping encourage faith in God, the Bible, or anything else sacred, their only apparent motive is to discredit the existing Bible and it’s teaching about Divine matters. I say apparently because of the nature of their comments about the Da Vinci Code and the so-called Gospel of Judas. Both of these recent revelations about the possible inaccuracy of the existing Bible is another attempt to create doubt in the mind of anyone interested in the things spiritual that pertain to the true-God and His revelation to mankind [i.e. the existing Bible as we have it today]. “KEEP THE FAITH, Brethren, the Bible is still “truth” Do not allow these attempts of atheist and unbelievers to unsettle your faith in God and His Written Word. The people who present this material are not interested in helping explain the truth revealed via the Holy Scriptures, they are only interested in discrediting it in the minds of gullible people and those who are weak in the faith. Remember the truth taught in the Bible: 1 Cor 16:13, “13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong” Eph 6:10-17, “10 finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 for our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual (hosts) of wickedness in the heavenly (places). 13 Wherefore take up the whole armor of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 withal taking up the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil (one). 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” ASV. REMAIN FAITHFUL, MY DEAR BRETHREN. 1 Peter 1:9 - Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. KJV glclair@aol.com Sunday January 1, 2012 =========================================================
Consider Magazine is an independent work by Garreth L. Clair Garreth has over 50 years experience as a preacher, and is currently the preacher for the church that meets at 4840 Cemetery Road, in Hilliard OH. http://www.cemeteryroadchurchofchrist.org/ Copyright 2005, All Rights Reserved. (Please contact us for permission to reprint.) Please help us show up on search engines, by putting a link to http://www.considermagazine.com on your website!
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