Where The Church Meets

Local Evangelist

HILLIARD BULLETIN

FOR 2008

Hilliard Bulletin

Published by the church of Christ

Meeting at 4840 Cemetery Rd –P.O. Box 96

Hilliard, OH 43026

Phone: (614) 976-4089

Preacher & Editor: Garreth L. Clair

Phone: (614) 850-7252

Email: glclair@aol.com or glclair@sbcglobal.net

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Volume 10 ----------------------- Number 12 ----------------------- December 2008

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REBUILDING THE CHRISTIAN

VALUE SYSTEM

The great debate between the liberal and the conservative political positions is easy to describe. To describe the liberal position in politics seems to be taking the anti-biblical position. By that I mean the liberal politicians generally take the position that infanticide (i.e. abortion) is an acceptable norm, that homosexuality is not to be censured but that these people are ok, that marriage between two men or two women are to be accepted as ok, that the mention of God, the Bible, or discussions of true religion are to be extinguished in government and in all institutions that accept money or aid from the government. These politicians that consider themselves to be liberal generally do not believe the Bible or anything pertaining to it; they believe in humanism as defined by the great humanistic thinkers (i.e. evolution, the big-bang, and do-you-own-thing, etc) of the past and in our current time.

One of the most revealing statements in recent years is a statement by one of our politicians after a journey to Africa where that politician was so overcome with their circumstance that she wrote that ”it takes a village to raise a child.“ Actually, it takes a father and mother (i.e. a family) to raise children. You see, there is a lack of respect for God’s instruction regarding the family unit that God approves and the composition of that family unit. God; in His sacred Book (i.e. the Bible) says that the family cares for the children that the husband cares for the wife, and children, and that the man is the leader in the family unit; please note the following facts regarding the family unit that God approves:

The election is over, now let us pick up the pieces and attempt to reclaim the Biblical lifestyle that is slipping away from the masses of humanity. It is up to us, those of us who still follow the Holy Bible and its teaching.

Rom 7:2-3, 2 For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. 3 So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to

another man, she shall be called an adulteress:

but if her husband be dead, she is free from that

law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man. (KJV)

1 Cor 7:2-4, 2 Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. 3 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. 4 The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.

Eph 5:23-25, 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. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; (KJV)

Col 3:21, 21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

Eph 6:4, 4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. (KJV)

1 Cor 6:18, 18 Flee fornication, Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. (KJV)

1 Cor 7:2, 2 Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. (KJV)

Gal 5:19-21, 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (KJV)

Whether you are a man or a woman as part of a family God speaks to you about your role. If you are a child in the family God speaks to you and to your mother and father about their and your responsibilities in that family. God addresses the grandparents in the family unit and gives instructions that indicate they ought to teach and set examples of godly conduct and living for the grandchildren – cf. 2 Tim 1:2-5, To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; 4 Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; 5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois , and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. (KJV) --- November 4, 2008

THE DAY AFTER … From Biblemat …

The day after the 2008 Presidential election has left me wondering what the Almighty has in store for our nation. Indeed, this election has been historic in that Americans have elected its first African-American President. I’m certainly not opposed to a black president; in fact, it’s good to live in a country where all men can be treated equal.

That being said, I am greatly troubled today by what many are now saying was the reason for their voting in Barrack Obama. This election was historic in my judgment, not because an African-American won the presidency, but because the economy (materialism) was more important to the voter than was morality. Don’t get me wrong, I too desire a stronger economy. But as a Christian, I understand that it is God above that sustains us and provides for us the necessities of life (Mat. 6:33; Mal. 3:10). Could it be that our weak economy is a direct result of our immorality? The shedding of innocent blood (abortion), illicit sexual relations (adultery, fornication, homosexuality, etc.), greed, vulgarity, pride, etc. are an abomination to God! Can we expect God, the giver of every good and perfect gift, to continue showering upon us His blessings if we continue to distance ourselves from His Word?

Barrack Obama’s platform throughout this election was ”CHANGE!“ And my friend, if his past record is any indication of the type of change he so desires, than expect even greater immoral behavior, and in turn even greater hardship politically, socially, and economically.

I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know who holds the future! The God of heaven is and will forever be in control, and He will deal justly to all the inhabitants of the earth!

”If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land“ (2 Chr. 7:14). --- Terry R. Townsend

A HARD TIME REACHING THE LOST (1)

(The Corruption of Mankind)

FACT: The great work of interesting sinners in Jesus Christ and the gospel is more difficult today than at any time in my lifetime. I have been preaching the gospel for 50 years and have experienced several difficult areas in which to interest the masses in the gospel; yet, I believe from all that experience today is the most difficult time to reach the sinner with the gospel. I am not sure I know why; but there are some glaring issues that we will all acknowledge relating to the lack of interest in Divine things today. Some of the hindrances that are evident today that have influenced and in many cases caused the negative attitude of the masses toward the God of the Bible and the church Jesus built. These are the issues I want us to consider herein. Since World War II ended there have been a consistent ”deadening-of-the-senses“ of the general population in America. The following moral and ethical downward methods have been used by the mass electronic media (i.e. Movies, T.V., recorded music, and the internet, etc) to present never before concepts and taboos as normal fare in the lives of normal family programming. To this assault on morals and ethics that had existed from the agrarian period in America came the assault about the same time of the printed media (i.e. porn-magazines), anti-God assaults by the ACLU and the general destruction by those with actions and passions like Madelyn Murray O'Hair (i.e. the Anti-God atheist). These named actions along with a very liberal U.S. Supreme Court which approved the killing of literally millions of unborn and partially born children have left many of our world’s population with corrupt and evil minds with no guidelines to assist in their survival in this world.

A HARD TIME REACHING THE LOST (2)

(The Corruption of Mankind)

FACT 2: I cannot define the current state of the American attitudes toward the Bible and the church Jesus built without also giving credit to the phony, misguided religions and religious leaders of the past 60 years. The proliferation and media spread of false religious conduct and false religious leaders and their hypocritical actions have also deadened the senses of many people. The claims of Oral Roberts of seeing a hundred foot Jesus; Robert’s so called vision where he was told if he did not raise a certain amount of money that he (i.e. Oral) would be called home, etc; Jim Jones and his false religion in the name of God where 900 followers and Jones committed suicide in Guinea; The case of Heaven's Gate was an American UFO Religious sect based in San Diego, California and led by Marshall Applewhite (1931-1997) and Bonnie Nettles (1927-1985). The group's end coincided with the appearance of Comet Hale-Bopp in 1997, – all committed suicide. From 1972-until 1989 Jim and Tammy Fay Baker built a religious empire that was called PTL – This TV program, hotel, and amusement park in Charlotte, North Carolina was run by what one reporter stated --- Robert Thompson, director of the Bleier Center for Television and Popular Culture at Syracuse University, said Jim and Tammy Faye's legacy will be of two charismatic charlatans. Among the Roman Catholic leaders some have been convicted of child molestation and other of illegal sex acts with under age children. Whenever we examine these events and honesty look at the exposure given them by the mass media; these events too, have had a disastrous impact on the hearts of many people regarding true religion.

I suggest no moral and ethical guidelines simply because the Creator (i.e. GOD) has spoken through the ancient Prophet Jeremiah long ago and defined man’s situation without guidance – Jeremiah 10:23, ”O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.“

----- MAN NEEDS GOD TO TELL HIM HOW TO LIVE -----

Indeed, man is without guidance when he rejects the only source of correct human orientation (i.e. the Written Word of God – the BIBLE). Mankind (i.e. both male and female) are adrift without Divine Guidance; if you doubt this look at the proliferation and encouragement of homosexual conduct in much of American culture See Romans 1:18ff). It is surely time in the life of God-fearing-people on this planet to turn back to the perfect guide and follow it in all areas of human interaction today – that is, back to the Written Word of God. --glclair@aol.com

LOCAL HAPPENINGS:

The power point set up is complete; now those of us using it continue to learn the process. The DVD system has been installed and the process is moving along. There is no shortage of interest in the programs as the congregation voices their feelings about them. The church has embraced the methods of teaching and speaks well of their usefulness to the edification and evangelistic mission of the congregation.

The shut in among us are about the same as we come to the last month of 2008. Those on the shut-in list are:

Audrey Bineger

Margie Boysel

Virginia Jordan

Katie Kerr

Geraldine Showalter

Let us all be conscious of these and visit, send cards, or call them to encourage them in their difficulties. The Holy Scriptures encourage us to consider the shut-in.

NOTE:

James 1:27, ”Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Gal 6:10, ”As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.“ (KJV)

Sunday, November 23 at the end of the PM Service, Erin Kirke came forward asking for prayer on her behalf. We are encouraged by Erin’s seeking God’s help in her life.

Hilliard Bulletin --- December, 2008

HILLIARD BULLETIN

Published by the church of Christ

Meeting at 4840 Cemetery Rd. – P. O. Box 96

Hilliard, Ohio 43026

Phone: (614) 976-4089

Preacher & Editor: Garreth L. Clair

Phone: (614) 850-7252

Email: glclair@aol.com – glclair@sbcglobal.net

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Volume 10 ------------------------- Number 11 ----------------------- November 2008

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WHY WE ACCEPT THE BIBLE

As God’s Written Word

2 Corinthians 5:4-10,

”4 These earthly bodies make us groan and sigh, but we wouldn't like to think of dying and having no bodies at all. We want to slip into our new bodies so that these dying bodies will, as it were, be swallowed up by everlasting life.

5 This is what God has prepared for us, and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit.

6 Now we look forward with confidence to our heavenly bodies, realizing that every moment we spend in these earthly bodies is time spent away from our eternal home in heaven with Jesus.

7 We know these things are true by believing, not by seeing. ”For we walk by faith and not by sight.“ (KJV)

8 And we are not afraid but are quite content to die, for then we will be at home with the Lord.

9 So our aim is to please him always in everything we do, whether we are here in this body or away from this body and with him in heaven.

10 For we must all stand before Christ to be judged and have our lives laid bare-before him. Each of us will receive whatever he deserves for the good or bad things he has done in his earthly

body.”

(The Living Bible (i.e. more a commentary than a translation)

HOW WE VIEW THE BIBLE by Garreth L. Clair

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. John 8:32 tells me that it is the ”TRUTH“

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)

Building a Great life - READ: Heb. 11:8-16

They desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; Hebrews 11:16, ”But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly:

wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.“

For 41 years, New York’s Empire State Building enjoyed the distinction of being the world’s tallest building at 1,250 feet. Since then, others have passed it, including the 1,483-foot Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and the 1,670-foot Taipei 101 building. The 2,657-foot Burj in Dubai to be completed in late 2008 will surpass those by far.

From ancient times, man has tried to distinguish himself through monuments of all kinds. It is still the dream of many today.

The writer to the Hebrews presents a better way to achieve significance. He noted that heroes of the faith never lost sight of the fact that they ”were strangers and pilgrims on the earth“ (Heb. 11:13). As a result, ”God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them“ (v.16).

It is a fact of life that every monumental work will likely be surpassed. Even man’s biggest ”successes“ are fleeting. Our best efforts can bring only temporary honor, which all too soon will be eclipsed by the new and greater achievements of others. But those who invest their efforts in living to please God have a lasting city and an everlasting honor to look forward to. God is even now preparing these for them.

Who is building your life; You or God?

True greatness does not lie with those Who strive for worldly fame; It lies instead with those who choose To serve in Jesus’ name. --- D. De Haan

CONTROVERSY

[Solving it in the Church]

The reality of disputes among religious adherents is legend; there have always been disputes between honest people professing religion. The fact that there have been disputes and controversy over religious issues in no way justifies many such disputes; indeed, many religious disputes could be avoided if the individual who have such a dispute were clear about their convictions. Often disputes originate by a person who uses a straw man to bring up their disagreement. This is a tactic that often creates explosive confrontations because someone in the crowd takes an adverse position but will not acknowledge it openly, thus the straw man is presented and his position defended by the person who likes confrontation.

Open controversy will cause many people to stop serving the Lord and turn to more peaceful assemblies somewhere else. These people that will vacate a church where there is constant wrangling over every subject may be justified by leaving but they ought to seek out a sound church for worship.

No person ought to be so discouraged that they leave a church for an unsound church to worship because they are seeking an atmosphere free of controversy. The truth is, occasionally honest differences will arise between honest disputations, {Example: Paul’s companions in the work of God - Philemon 24-25, ”24 (and so do) Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow-workers. 25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.“ ASV}. Of this number, John Mark did not travel with Paul on one of the journeys because of personal differences {i.e. Acts 15:37-40, ”37 And Barnabas was minded to take with them John also, who was called Mark. 38 But Paul thought not good to take with them him who withdrew from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. 39 And there arose a sharp contention, so that they parted asunder one from the other, and Barnabas took Mark with him, and sailed away unto Cyprus; 40 but Paul choose Silas, and went forth, being commended by the brethren to the grace of the Lord.“ ASV] Whenever this condition surfaces, the better judgment of the elder will stop this before it becomes an open schism. Also examine the next paragraph closely for more on this theme.

One of the great problems exists when seemingly unsolvable disputes arise in a church where there are no elders. Many churches that are small and have no elders meet regularly to solve congregational matters in business meetings. These business meetings often become sessions of division and controversy. Since these adverse conditions are discouraging to some this matter may cause some to leave the church unannounced. There would normally be no controversy if only one person is involved as being difficult and advisable but often this person will have some influence over a few others in the congregation. Whenever a problem such as I have just described occurs, the church is divided in the business meeting as well as in the assembly. Whenever division of this nature occurs Paul’s statement to the church at Corinth over miraculous spiritual gifts and their creation of problems with members ought to be examined, cf. 1 Cor 14:37-40, ”37 If any man thinketh himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him take knowledge of the things which I write unto you, that they are the commandment of the Lord. 38 But if any man is ignorant, let him be ignorant. 39 Wherefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and forbid not speak with tongues. 40 But let all things be done decently and in order.“ ASV

The most helpful quality that any Christian may contribute to ”the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace“ [i.e. the roadmap to peace and unity - Ephesians 4:2-6] - ”2 with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4(There is) one body, and one Spirit, even as also ye were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all. ”ASV] is to be careful that those words that are used are words that will not create an opportunity for rebuttal. Sound teaching will usually eliminate schism in a congregation if the members really want to submit to one another and promote peace and unity as the Word of God requires of Christians in a congregation – cf. Heb 13:17, ”Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit (to them): for they watch in behalf of your souls, as they that shall give account; that they may do this with joy, and not with grief: for this (were) unprofitable for you.“ ASV – This instruction seems to work when the church has elders but is much more difficult to understand when everyone in a business meeting thinks himself to be elder material even though they are not qualified on scriptural grounds. In such a case where there are no elders problems seem to get worse whenever the problem is brought up in a business meeting.

Dear brethren, pray that more men in the church will work at qualifying themselves for the eldership. Qualified elders are the best group of men in the congregation to solve serious differences and rebellious people in the church. Without elders many congregations will eventually self-destruct, they will last for a while and finally destruct from within.

Pray for maturity {i.e. personal growth} cf. 2 Peter 3:18, ”But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him (be) the glory both now and for ever. Amen.“ AS

Pray for unity of the spirit in the bond of peace cf. Eph 4:3-4, ”3 giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4(There is) one body, and one Spirit, even as also ye were called in one hope of your calling;“ ASV – For every male member of each congregation particularly on this behalf [i.e. that they will work at qualifying themselves for scriptural leadership roles] in the congregation.

LOCAL HAPPENINGS

The church here is in the process of adding power point capabilities to the teaching process in the auditorium at the building. The power point capabilities will aid in the visual teaching process.

There will be a new process for recording the sermons and auditorium classes by this time next month. The brethren decided to go to the DVD recording process for the auditorium events here on Cemetery Road.

The cassette taping program will continue to be an option for the auditorium also. If we make any changes pertaining to the development and assimilation to the members and others of our materials that teach the gospel we will inform you. Those involved in the work of setting up these good helps; are Rodney Estepp, Rob Blatt, Bill Kirke, and Randy and Cody Archer.

Also the preacher finished a six part study of ”WHAT KIND OF BOOK IS THE BIBLE“ – A thirty page spiral bound study was prepared by the preacher and distributed to the members and visitors during the study. Thanks to Gary Brewer for assembling the books.

Remember there are free Bible teaching tracts available to those who desire to use them for personal study or for personal working.

THE Hilliard Bulletin is presented by the congregation on a monthly basis for the teaching and information of the membership and others that request it. If you do not receive the Hilliard Bulletin and desire to have it emailed to you contact us at glclair@aol.com and we will add your name to our monthly mailing list.

The next gospel meeting here at 4840 Cemetery Road in Hilliard will be a lecture type meeting with different speakers each day. Those participating in the meeting will be Lewis Willis, Ethan Longhenry, James Buchanan, Randy Blackaby, Steve Brewer and Jason Hardin

HILLIARD BULLETIN

Published by the church of Christ

Meeting at 4840 Cemetery Rd. – P.O. Box 96

Hilliard, Ohio 43026

Phone: (614) 976-4089

Preacher & Editor: Garreth L. Clair

Phone: (614) 850-7252

Email: glclair@aol.com

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Volume 10 ……………….. Number 10 ………………. October 2008

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Dependence

The word that forms the basis for this article defined is; dependence - / Pronunciation

[di-pen-duhns]

–noun

1.	The state of relying on or needing someone or something for aid, support, or the like.

2.	Reliance; confidence; trust: Her complete reliability earned her our dependence.

3.	An object of reliance or trust.

4.	The state of being conditional or contingent on something, as through a natural or logical sequence: the dependence of an effect upon a cause.

5.	The state of being psychologically or physiologically dependent on a drug after a prolonged period of use.

In our study of this word today let us use the first definition in the above list; cf. ”the state of relying on or needing someone or something for aid, support, or the like.“

The sinner depends upon God for salvation from sin – cf. Acts 2:37-38,

”37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.“ (KJV)

The Christian has placed their dependence upon

God – cf. Matt 11:28-30,

”28 Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.“ (KJV)

The Christian depends upon God for help in time of trouble, trial, and tribulation – cf. 1 Peter 1:7-9, ”7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.“ (KJV)

Rom 12:12, ”Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;“ (KJV)

Rom 5:3-4, ”3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience ; 4 And patience , experience; and experience, hope:“

2 Cor 6:4, ”But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience , in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,“ (KJV)

Heb 10:36-37, ”36 For ye have need of patience , that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. 37 For yet a little while, and he

that shall come will come, and will not tarry.“

The Christian depends upon God to raise them from the dead – ”SOMEDAY“ - cf. 1 Cor

15:51-52, ”51 Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep , but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.“ (KJV)

1 Cor 15:19-23, ”19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.“ (KJV) ---glclair@aol.com

--- Suspicious ---

A great problem to good relationships with many people is their highly suspicious nature. For one who possesses this quality it is difficult to trust even their friends and associates. The person with a suspicious disposition is never at ease; they are always on the defense. Suspicious people act as though they may be trapped in some way and as a result suffer loss of face, loss of position, or loss of advancement in their chosen field. This kind of malady is common in big business and high finance where the rule of thumb seems to be doing anything to advance where the big bucks are found. People who possess this quality are constantly under stress from within and are often physically in pain because of the stress they have brought upon themselves.

Now, this mentality is a great disservice to the relationship one sustains in a church relationship; a person with this type of deficiency is constantly an agitation within the congregation. This type of person needs to seek help in settling down and becoming a useful worker with other Christians as they shoulder the load of work in the congregation from day to day.

The Christian ought to study and meditate upon the Scriptures that teach love, patience, and long-suffering --- cf. 1 John 1:3-7, ”3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. 5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.“

Rom 15:4-7, ”4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. 5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: 6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.“ (KJV)

1 Tim 6:11, ”But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience , meekness.“ (KJV)

Heb 6:12, ”That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.“ (KJV)

Heb 10:36-38, ”36 For ye have need of patience , that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. 37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. 38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.“ (KJV) glclair@aol.com

CONVERTING THE LOST; DOING PERSONEL WORK

The great work of saving souls is not as productive today as it was in past ages. The difficulty with modern man and God’s con-version process has nothing to do with God, the Bible, the church of Christ or the teachings found in the Bible. Today we are living in a time like no other time in man’s past history: man has so much in developed countries (e.g. America, Canada, England, France, Germany etc) today of material things and opportunities that he can see no need for spending time in search of or in service to God. This affluence that many people are enjoying is blinding them to the God that created them long ago and placed them on this planet. Indeed, to talk seriously with someone about God or the things of God is no longer a delightful conversation but is considered by many as an invasion of one’s privacy. The concept that one person speaks to another person about their lost and sinful condition is considered as slander by some in our society; to tell a homosexual that he/she is in violation of God’s Law is consider-ed slander at the least and in some cases; yes, it is considered by many people today a matter of opinion to tell them that they are a sinner and have need of turning to God and seeking salvation from their sins by complying with God’s instruction.

THE POLITICALLY CORRECT GENERATION

We that cling to the Bible as the absolute Word of God and insist that the Bible is true in all of its teaching are looked upon as extremist today by many. The problem of converting people from the world and its allurements is a very serious undertaking today and requires stout and consistent servants of God; servants like those in the infancy of the church who were willing to stand up for God’s truth regardless of the consequence; Note the following examples of staunch upholders of the faith in its early years:

PETER IN ACTS 2:

Acts 2:12-15, ”12 And they were all amazed, and

were perplexed, saying one to another, What meaneth

this? 13 But others mocking said, They are filled with new wine. 14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and spake forth unto them, (saying), Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and give ear unto my words. 15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose; seeing it is (but) the third hour of the day.“

Acts 2:16, ”16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;“ (KJV)

PETER TO THE JEWISH RULERS IN Acts 4:1-10, ”And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, 2 Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide. 4 Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand. 5 And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, 6 And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. 7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this? 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, 9 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; 10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.“ (KJV)

The true Christian will consistently make every effort to uphold the truth revealed via the Holy Scriptures. This is one of the most important considerations that we all must adhere; God’s Word is the whole truth and we are to handle it correctly under all circumstance – cf. 2 Tim 4:1-5,

”1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.“ (KJV)

Acceptance of God

To know God and to understand God’s Book are paramount in human development for all? Is there any hope for those who will not acknowledge God’s superiority in the universe? Can a person be saved who will not accept the God of the Bible?

The three questions that we pose at the beginning of this study address a problem with most people of every class and in every nation, this is the question of accepting God and heeding His instruction. Too many people have a knowledge of some supreme presence, some unspeakable greatness in the scheme of things but will not acknowledge the true God --- revealed to humankind via the Holy Scriptures [i.e. the Written Word of God – the Bible].

Why is that so?

Many people in America are skeptical when questioned about their belief in the God of the Bible. Many will say that there is no evidence that God is as religious people insist, but will deny any proof or evidence of God’s existence. Is this a rational position for anyone to take? Of course rationality is not considered when one brings up the subject of religion or of any peripheral object of Biblical religious thought.

The basis for true understanding of God, the Bible, and religious thought in general must emanate from within the person’s seat of intellect. Intellect is conditioned through or by whatever a person imbibes through the eyes [i.e. sight] and through the ears [i.e. hearing], no one is born with the capability to believe or reject God because everyone is born with the ability to choose between good or bad with regard to any given choice as they mature. Therefore, whenever one reaches a point in growth [i.e. age and mental input] he or she will be able to know, accept, or reject whatever evidence has been imbibed into the seat of intellect [i.e. the mind – the brain]. For this cause children accept the parent or guardian that raise them to a certain point [i.e. during development stage all infants are dependant on parents or guardians for their mental and physical growth. Since the previous statement is obvious, it stands to reason that whoever is in charge of the infant’s upbringing will be influential with regard to the development of their mental state as well as their spiritual state [i.e. understanding of God, etc. – cf. Ephesians 6:1-4, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor thy father and mother (which is the first commandment with promise), that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but nurture them in the chastening and admonition of the Lord"] ASV.

Let us recognize that we are all responsible for how we react to God and to His Book [i.e. the Bible], whether we acknowledge God and the Bible as God’s Book or not will rest entirely on our mind’s acceptance or rejection of them. Therefore we ought to be very careful what we allow our mind to imbibe. Remember this, whatever goes into our mind will corrupt or enlighten and whatever we allow our infants to embed while they have yet to reach accountable age may Cause them to possess a corrupt understanding of God and the Bible. Parents, you must be careful what you expose your infant and young children to; it could be bad for their mental development and their eternal destiny. Children need their parent’s help as they grow from childhood into adult; this is a fact all parents

need to understand. --- glclair@aol.com

Who works for God?

Often today we find that many members of the congregation do not work even though they know they should even when opportunity is present in their lives – cf. James 1:25, ”But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.“

It has been my pleasure to live and work with churches in five different states and to have observed this condition in each of the places where I have had the pleasure of working. This is not a criticism of the membership of any church but a reprimand for those that are not doing the works that they are capable of doing when opportunity is present.

The many opportunities that each of us has is often overlooked or ignored; this will not please our Lord and Master. Some of the areas in which we have opportunities are:

1. Encouragement by James to be a doer of the work – not just a hearer --- James 1:25, ”But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work , this man shall be blessed in his deed.“

2. Every person’s work is peculiar to himself – one man’s work may differ from another’s --- 1 Cor 3:13-14, ”13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.“ (KJV)

3. Paul encourages each Christian to be faithful in their labors for Christ --- 1 Cor 15:58, ”Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.“ (KJV)

4. Here: Paul indicates that each disciple is responsible for their own work for God --- Gal 6:4-6, ”4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For every man shall bear his own burden.

6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.“ (KJV)

Our service for God is personal work

HILLIARD BULLETIN

Published by the church of Christ

4840 Cemetery Rd – P.O. Box 96

Hilliard, OH 43026

Phone: (614) 976-4089

Preacher & Editor: Garreth L. Clair

Phone: (614) 850-7252

Email: glclair@aol.com

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Volume 10 Number 9 September 2008

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THE TRUTH - Editorial

John 8:32,

"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

COMMENT ON VERSE:

This passage of Scripture as recorded by John stresses the importance that Jesus Christ attaches to understanding the value of "truth." Jesus indicates that the "truth" will make man free. Jesus did not leave us in the dark about what he meant when He said "the truth shall make you free"; He clearly indicates in the context that freedom from sin is acquired through understanding and applying "truth."

John 17:17,

"Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth."

COMMENT: ON VERSE:

In this verse Jesus teaches us that the "truth" He encourages mankind to live by is the Word of God. The Word of God either oral or written may be understood in the text as applicable. Yet, today we do not enjoy oral, or inspired knowledge received directly from God but we do have the "WRITTEN WORD OF GOD" that is just as much God's Word and as if it were spoken orally (i.e., such as Abraham, Isaac, Moses, Elijah, etc.). Or given to us directly by inspired men (i.e., such as Moses, Solomon, Matthew, Mark, John, Paul, etc.).

John 12:47-50,

"And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.

He that rejected me, and receives not my words,

hath one that judges him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.

And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak." (KJV)

COMMENT ON VERSES:

In these verses Jesus is teaching the eternal ramifications of man's failure to heed the teaching that comes from God. Jesus teaching in the 47th verse does not indicate that He will not be the Judge of all mankind in the last day but suggest that God's Word spoken, or written will be the standard of that judgment as the next verse suggest. In verse 48 Jesus tells mankind that the words that He speaks will be the standard of judgment in the last day. Then in verses 49, 50 He further establishes the source of His teaching and the validity of that source to present the absolute "truth."

FURTHER COMMENT:

There is nothing in this life of greater importance to mankind than a proper understanding of the nature of the Bible (i.e., the 66 Books of the Hebrew and Christian scriptures). Jesus Christ in the above context suggests to us that the Word of God (i.e. "the Bible") is the absolute TRUTH." We either accept that the Bible is truth or reject it. If we accept or reject the Bible as truth it will be reflected in the way we order our life, our lifestyle will tell everyone else around us whether we believe it or not. Our corner of the world will reflect our philosophy toward the validity of the Bible's message to us for either good or for evil, indeed; we will either be a Christian or a non-Christian. --- [Glc] January 2006 – Revised

IS THE PREACHER TOO OLD?

By Garreth L. Clair

Occasionally someone with a need to become important begins to spread a rumor that the preacher is too old to do his work and the congregation is suffering because of his age. This is just one of those tactics that the Devil uses to undermine the truth and the peace in a local congregation. Remember you will never see the Devil in person; the Devil appears in human form sometimes as a brother in Christ or even as an "angel of light" - cf. 2 Cor 11:14-15, "14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works."

There are no age limits for the ministers of the gospel; the New Testament and early traditions indicate that there were good men preaching the gospel into their very old age. We may also see in the Old Testament that most of the great heroes of the 11th chapter of the Book of Hebrews were old men who continued until they died.

PLEASE LOOK AT THE WORK OF MOSES:

Deut 34:1-8,

1 And Moses went up from the plains of Moab

unto the mountain of Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, that is over against Jericho. And the LORD showed him all the land of Gilead, unto Dan,

2 And all Naphtali, and the land of Ephraim, and Manasseh, and all the land of Judah, unto the utmost sea,

3 And the south, and the plain of the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees, unto Zoar.

4 And the LORD said unto him, This is the land which I swore unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, saying, I will give it unto thy seed: I have caused thee to see it with thine eyes, but thou shall not go over thither. 5 So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD. 6 And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Beth-peor: but no man knows of his sepulchre unto this day. 7 And Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated. 8 And the children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days: so the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended.“

PLEASE CONSIDER CALEB:

Joshua 14:6-13,

6 Then the children of Judah came unto Joshua in Gilgal: and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite said unto him, Thou knowest the thing that the LORD said unto Moses the man of God concerning me and thee in Kadesh-barnea.

7 Forty years old was I when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadesh-barnea to espy out the land; and I brought him word again as it was in mine heart.

8 Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt: but I wholly followed the LORD my God.

9 And Moses swore on that day, saying, Surely the land whereon thy feet have trodden shall be thine inheritance, and thy children's for ever, because thou hast wholly followed the LORD my God.

10 And now, behold, the LORD hath kept me alive, as he said, these forty and five years, even since the LORD spake this word unto Moses, while the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness: and now, lo, I am this day fourscore

and five years old.

11 As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in.

12 Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the LORD spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the LORD will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said.

13 And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh Hebron for an inheritance." (KJV)

Indeed, we would do well to set at the feet of the aged ministers to learn of the great experiences that the older men have had with regard to their work over long years of faithful service. Therefore if a man is faithful, mentally alert, and able to speak clearly --- why should he stop teaching and preaching the gospel message to the lost and dying in this world and also in the pews of many church-buildings throughout the land?

I have known of preachers with one arm, in wheel chairs, in their 80s, grey headed, and sometimes bald headed who worked harder and longer each day than most Christians half their age. As long as they are mentally and spiritually capable

to perform, encourage them to keep up the good work.

MORE INSTRUCTION REGARDING OLDER CHRISTIANS:

Lev. 19:32, Thou shall rise up before the hoary head , and honor the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD. (KJV)

Prov. 16:31, "The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness."

Prov 20:29, The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head.

Prov. 23:22, Hearken unto thy father that begat

thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.“

THE BEST WAY TO FORM REBELLION AMONG THE PEOPLE:

(Seek the advise of the young - and - do not listen to the aged faithful)

1 Kings 12:6-19,

6 And king Rehoboam consulted with the old men, that stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, and said, How do ye advise that I may answer this people?

7 And they spoke unto him, saying, If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for ever.

8 But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, and which stood before him:

9 And he said unto them, What counsel give ye that we may answer this people, who have spoken to me, saying, Make the yoke which thy father did put upon us lighter?

10 And the young men that were grown up with him spoke unto him, saying, Thus shall thou speak unto this people that spoke unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it lighter unto us; thus shall thou say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father's loins.

11 And now whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.

12 So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day, as the king had appointed,

saying, Come to me again the third day.

13 And the king answered the people roughly, and forsook the old men's counsel that they gave him;

14 And spoke to them after the counsel of the young men , saying, My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke: my father also chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.

15 Wherefore the king hearkened not unto the

people; for the cause was from the LORD, that he might perform his saying, which the LORD spoke by Ahijah the Shilonite unto Jeroboam the

son of Nebat.

16 So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So Israel departed unto their tents.

17 But as for the children of Israel which dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them.

18 Then king Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the tribute; and all Israel stoned him with stones, that he died. Therefore king Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem.

19 So Israel rebelled against the house of David unto this day. (KJV)

A RECENT LETTER FROM AN AGED PREACHER:

I have Reached A Milestone Now What? Ill health has forced retirement and so now what shall my life be - Shall I whine and complain a lot since my voice is taken from me? For some fifty years He allowed me to proclaim the salvation "in Christ:" And so I thought that’s what I’d do for the remainder of my natural life! But I have other talents as well - abilities not requiring a voice I can still read and I can write - So writing is another good choice! "The pen is mightier than the sword" Someone wrote long ago it’s so true God committed His word to written form - So why can’t I do the same thing too? Paul wrote "when you read you may understand." Writing of the salvation of the Jew & Gentile too some say I have the ability to teach via poetry so then that’s at least something that I can still do. --- Ephesians 3:1-6,1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;6 That the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: (KJV) --- By Kenneth E. Thomas – 2008

QUESTION - ANSWER --- by the editor

I have a question concerning Ecclesiastes 9:5. Does this verse teach that the person who passes has no more memory of the things on earth or what transpired in their life? Or does it teach we are soon forgotten after death? Thanks! Tom

GENERAL CONTEXT:

Eccl 9:5-6, ”5 For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.

6 Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun.“

ANSWER:

It seems that Solomon is discussing those events that happen under the sun (i.e. occurrences that man experience while living on earth), prior to physical death (i.e. separation of the body from the spirit).

Possibly, both statements in the question is what is meant by the way the 2 verses are presented in the K.J.V. --- glclair@aol.com --- August 9, 2008

BUSINESS MEETING NOTES

August 3, 2008

In a meeting of the men of the congregation five items were discussed and resolved; those items are listed herein:

1. It was suggested and agreed to send $1,000.00 to the storm victims in the Philippines. Brother Jerry Parks was consulted about the soundness of those requesting assistance and he returned a note to us affirming that they were good, sound, and needy.

2. It was suggested and agreed that those in the congregation might suggest sound preachers to come here to Hilliard and hold us a gospel meeting. Brother Clair will collect the suggestions and contact two of them each year for our future gospel meetings.

3. It was suggested and approved that when we have a short meeting – the meeting will be conducted Sunday through Wednesday – 4 days.

4. It was suggested and approved that Garreth Clair take notes and record the meetings for the record, for the membership, and for the authorities.

5. It was suggested and approved that we delete the fifth-Sunday program and return to our regular schedule of Sunday night service.

glclair@aol.com – August 2008

IS CHURCH MEMBERSHIP NECESSARY

Some people tell is that it is unnecessary to be a part of an organized congregation to worship God acceptably. Following are some of the reasons why this philosophy is untrue:

1. Jesus built the church, Matthew 16:18,

2. Jesus cleansed the church,

Ephesians 5:26, ”That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,“ (KJV)

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,“ (KJV)

5. Jesus loves the church,

Ephesians 5:25, ”Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;“

7. Jesus sanctified the church,

Ephesians 5:26, ”That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,“ (KJV)

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 filleth all in all.“

11. Jesus adds all the saved to the church,

Acts 2:47

12. Jesus will save all that belong to the church, Eph. 5:23, glclair@aol.com - Aug 18, 2008

THAT WHICH IS RIGHT ABOUT DIFFERENCES OF OPINION Number 1

The decisions that we make and the choices that we make in our lives will determine our progress in any Endeavour we attempt. There are many choices in life to make while we live out our lives here in this world. Perhaps the greatest choice we make will deal with our relationship with God and with other Christians. The relationship that we sustain with God is a volunteer relationship and must be based upon our willingness to conform to God’s directions, ”all of them; all the time.“ Even the choices we make with regard to whether we will listen, understand, and conform to God’s instructions is a factor that will determine the kind of relationship we have with God – if we conform we will be happy, confident, and filled with the goodness of God toward everyone in all situations of life; but if we do not conform but develop a stubborn, self-righteousness, of our own, then we will not have the relationship with God that is rewarding and satisfactory – cf. Romans 10:1-3, ”1 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. 2 For I bear them record that they have zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 3 for they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.“ (KJV)

The relationship that we sustain to brothers and sisters in Christ (i.e. in the congregation) is maintained out of our relationship with God and our willingness to hear, understand, and comply with instructions that relate to our joint responsibilities in that relationship – cf. 1 Corinthians 12:12-20, ”12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body , being many, are one body : so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body , whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. 14 for the body is not one member, but many. 15 If the foot shall say, because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear shall say, because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? 18 but now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. 19 And if they were all one member, where were the body? 20 but now are they many members, yet but one body.“ (KJV)

We cannot become a faction; we cannot become a unit within the congregation working against other Christians to accomplish some personal goal. Often within a congregation one may come to a conclusion that everything needs to change from the top to the bottom with the direction of the congregation. Whenever one puts into operation such a plan he/she must go outside the boundaries of sound doctrine to accomplish this evil plan. The matter of judgment is often flawed but the correcting of an action of flawed judgment is to be undertaken with the cooperation of the whole body of believers in that congregation, not a selection of individuals that agree with the premise (i.e. whether justified or not) in secret, away from the other members.

The desire for preeminence has always been a great hindrance to congregational growth and unity, - cf. 3 John 9, ”I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.“ (KJV) perhaps it is unreasonable to seek the unity of everyone in any given area of local church function but it is the correct way to proceed with any problem (i.e. real or imaginary). To become a factional complainer, to seek to undo a program or a custom one must be very careful that thy do not sin in the process – cf. Ephesians 4:14-16, ”14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love , may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.“ (KJV)

Christians are to be a unit (i.e. unified) in their work for God. The problems in local work arise over customs, programs, and personal preferences that often become a point of contention among the members. Even when one disagrees with a program, he/she ought to maintain a disposition of love toward all brethren involved in the matter; including those that have initiated the custom, tradition, or program cf. 1 John 4:20-21, ”20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? 21 And this commandment have we from him, that he who loveth God love his brother also.“ (KJV) A person may feel that he/she cannot love those that disagree with his/her position – this is not acceptable to God. A person must love his/her brethren. – Number 1 of 3 --- glclair@aol.com

The 2nd of 3 articles

THAT WHICH IS RIGHT ABOUT DIFFERENCES OF OPINION Number 2

Many problems in local congregations are always brought about by someone or as a result of some disagreement over a matter that the Bible does not address. This is true in most cases but there are cases where a violation of the Scriptures is at stake and someone in such a disagreement will loose their argument. AN EXAMPLE – If a dispute arises over the subject of baptism between members in a congregation; the subject may be settled by appealing to the passages in the Bible that address the matter of baptism.

ILLUSTRATION – If one claims that baptism is for remission of sins and the other contends that it is not; look at the verses in the New Testament that deal with baptism; such as; Acts 2:38, ”Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.“

Romans 6:4, ”Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.“ (KJV)

Colossians 2:12, ”Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.“ (KJV)

We can understand from these three passages of Scripture that one of the disputants is right and one of the disputants is wrong; we know that the Bible does not teach conflicting doctrine regarding baptism or for that matter any other subject.

The person who takes the wrong position regarding the purpose of baptism in the above situation is simply wrong – he/she cannot continue to support that false view and be acceptable to God – they must change to the correct position or become an outcast – Matthew 18:15-17, ”15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.“ (KJV) --- glclair@aol.com

THAT WHICH IS RIGHT ABOUT DIFFERENCES OF OPINION

Number 3

The maintenance of righteousness in any congregation falls under the elder’s duty. Most problems that have a scriptural solution (Number 2 this study) are solved by Scriptural Elders; therefore the solution to Scriptural based differences in any congregation must be solved under the oversight of the qualified elders as they point the person (s), involved in the dispute to the Bible based solution. This is the way that God intended for the congregation to function correctly and pursue unity. This is always the method for solving Bible based differences, ”Consider the following:“

THE ELDER’S (i.e. Bishops, overseers, etc.) WORK:

The elders at of the congregations in Judea:

Acts 11:27-30, ”27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.

28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. 29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: 30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.“ (KJV)

The false teachers come to Antioch of Syria and the solution of elders function:

Acts 15:2-6, ”2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.

3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. 4 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them. 5 but there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, that it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the Law of Moses. 6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.“

Acts 15:23-24, ”23 And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia: 24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:“ (KJV)

SOME EXAMPLES WHERE THE ELDER’S FUNCTION (i.e. Necessary Inference):

Jerusalem - Acts 6:1-5, ”1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, it is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, which we may appoint over this business. 4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. 5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:“ (KJV)

Corinth - 1 Cor 5:1-9, ”1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife. 2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. 3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, 4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. 6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? 7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us: 8 therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. 9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:“ (KJV)

The false teacher or one who refuses to accept the truth (i.e. the heretic) –

Titus 3:8-11, ”8 this is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.9 but avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. 10 A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject; 11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.“ (KJV)

Yet, whenever one of the disputants rejects the elders solution (i.e. based on proper interpretation) to the problem; the church has no recourse but to initiate discipline to the rebellious member. --- Number 3:3

CONCLUSION:

Now, it is never right to do something wrong to correct something that one has done. Often in life we consider correcting some wrong by doing something else that is wrong – Example: Many times in life thus far; I have read or heard of people who commit murder for revenge. The person who seeks to right a wrong done to himself or a family member by killing the person who has done the offence to him or his loved ones is not the correct process to settle wrongs done to self under any circumstance.

The Bible is clear on this point as well as on the subject of all wrongs that the Christian will suffer in life; please observe the following Biblical references regarding this point in our concluding thoughts:

Matt 5:21,

Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shall not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: {KJV}

Mark 10:19,

Thou knowest the commandments, do not commit

adultery, do not kill, and do not steal, do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honor thy father and mother. {KJV}

Rom 13:9-10,

9 for this, Thou shall not commit adultery, Thou shall not kill, Thou shall not steal, Thou shall not bear false witness, Thou shall not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself. 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. {KJV}

James 2:11,

For he that said, do not commit adultery, said also, do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. {KJV}

James 4:1-7,

1 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. {KJV}

glclair@aol.com --- July 31, 2008

SUSPICION

1 Tim 6:11, ”But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience , meekness.“ (KJV)

glclair@aol.com – September 2008

SPRING GOSPEL MEETING

The dates for the gospel meeting in the coming spring will be May 10-15, 2009

A list of subjects and speakers will be included in a future issue of HILLIARD BULLETIN

HILLIARD BULLETIN

Published 2 times each month by the church of Christ

4840 Cemetery Road – P.O. Box 96

Hilliard, Ohio 43026

Phone: (614) 876-4089

Preacher & Editor: Garreth L. Clair

Phone: (614) 850-7252

Email: glclair@aol.com

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Volume 10 Number 8 (B) August 2008

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YOU CAN MAKE IT RIGHT

There is a saying, ”you cannot go back and make changes in the past.“ Even though this is an accurate statement; a person can change the tenor (i.e. intention) of events that they may have participated in the past. Yes, no one can go back to the past and alter the present as a result of going back. Yet, one may alter the effects of dispositions, and actions that they have caused or been a party to in the past; regardless of how long in the past their actions precipitated an alteration in personal relationships, church actions, or any other action performed between a person and others anywhere that caused harm mentally or doctrinal between or to other persons or other institutions.

I have known of persons who created divisions within their own family because of their actions. I have known of individuals within congregations (i.e. local churches), that caused separations (i.e. schisms and parties). These persons often disenfranchise themselves as a result of their own actions and often defect (i.e. leave) completely from the family or the church because of their own guilt feelings after awhile. Guilt is a great separator of people; many times the person who is responsible for schism in the family or in the church is so self-condemned whenever they come to their senses and realize what they have done; they are either full of self-loathing or commit suicide (Example – Judas – cf. Matt 27:3-7, ”3 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, what is that to us? See thou to that. 5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. 6 And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, it is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood. 7 And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in.“ (KJV)

CONSIDER THIS:

Regardless of the wickedness that a person may involve themselves in, God will forgive and accept them if they are willing to correct the evil that they have done. God is good and in His loving-kindness there is forgiveness for all evil if the offending person(s) are willing to seek forgiveness for their sins. In corroboration of this concept please notice the following Biblical references:

Psalms 86:5-6, ”5 for thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. 6 Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications. (KJV)

Matt 6:14-15, 14 for if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (KJV)

Matt 18:21-22, 21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times? 22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, until seven times: but, until seventy times seven. (KJV)

Matt 18:35, So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. (KJV)

2 Cor 2:6-11, 6 Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. 7 So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. 8 Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him. 9 For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things. 10 To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; 11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. (KJV) 1 John 1:9, if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all

unrighteousness. (KJV)

Dear friend or brother, come back to God, He will forgive your transgressions. Remember, HELL is an awful place to go, don’t choose to go there on account of your failures in the past, be a true Christian – return to God and seek forgiveness for your wrong doings; you will be forgiven!

Eph 4:26-27, 26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun goes down upon your wrath: 27 neither give place to the devil. (KJV)

Heb 3:13-15, 13 but exhort one another daily, while it is called to day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end; 15 While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the

provocation. (KJV)

Heb 10:26-27, 26 For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. (KJV)

1 John 1:7-9, 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (KJV)

glclair@aol.com

July 28, 2008

ALWAYS RESTLESS

Some Never Learn

Small children are often into everything, everywhere. Small children are explorers, adventurers, dare-devils, and without fear. While children are small and unable to know their limitations, they are in pursuit of anything, from the cat’s tail, to the lamp on the side table by the couch; indeed, but don’t forget the electric socket and plug-ins on the walls and in lamps with no bulb installed – these may be dangers for the little explorers. We all are amused and careful with our small children while they are involved in the early stages of growing and learning. Yet, when the same children reach an age when they are under-standing that some things are no! - No! We are not up to the task that requires our adult supervision and correcting impulses to take care that our children are learning while they are growing. The learning while they are growing process is also important to the spiritual development of our children.

The spiritual development of our children is very important to the growing process because of the worldly influences that are fostered in many of the homes that provide playmates for our children in school (i.e. public and private). Unless we are aware of the dangers of peer pressure even at very young ages we may loose our children to the beggarly elements of the world very early – cf. Titus 2:12, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world (KJV)

1 Cor 15:33, Be not deceived: evil communications (i.e. companion s- ASV) corrupt good manners. (KJV)

Prov. 1:7-15, 7 the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. 8 My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: 9 for they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck. 10 My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. 11 If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause: 12 Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit: 13 We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil: 14 Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse: 15 My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path: (KJV)

CONSIDER THIS:

It is very important that parents of young children monitor their children’s friends and find out what kind of environment they favor and pursue in life; children are imitators of their parents – if the children’s parents use alcohol, curse, never go to Bible study, have poor disciplinary rules, and spend their time in frivolous pursuits, their children will imitate them in these matters. If your children are left to develop their own friends; this is a serious child rearing error. Children have no idea about influences, or what is right and what is wrong for them to do or to be. Parents; it is up to you to care for and nurture your children in important matters that are pertinent to their very survival as a healthy, spiritual, and intelligent person – God requires this of you if you as a Christian parent. Isn’t it time for you to examine your parenting skills to determine if you are helping your children grow up or if you are hindering their proper growth pattern that God has given you?

CONSIDER THESE VERSES OF SCRIPTURE:

Eph 6:1-4, 1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. 2 Honor thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise ;) 3 that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. 4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Col 3:20-21, 20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. 21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

1 Thess. 2:11, ”As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, (KJV)

We must all consider the rearing of children as our greatest occupation after serving the one true God acceptably. We must turn back to the principle of our fathers and grandfathers, which were much more reliable than our modern standards of child rearing. We must return to God’s principles for raising godly children in an ungodly world. Dear friends; make no mistake about it – the worldly movers and shakers are after your children, they want them to be like the society of unbelievers that have brought our world into a chaotic state. A state where it will take parents of unusual integrity (i.e. dedicated Christians) to move them forward as God’s future stewards of the church.

glclair@aol.com

Thursday, July 24, 2008

NEVER, NEVER

”Sow those wild oats – young person!“

There is never a good time to be bad. In spite of the fact that many young people feel that they have a few years to make really bad decisions about morality, ethics, and social choices. The truth of the matter is; many young people kill themselves while young, damage their body so badly that they will live a short life, or disgrace themselves and their family. This notion that a person is not responsible until sometime after they have sowed their wild oats is not at all a productive outlook on life.

A person ought to never, never decide that choosing to ignore God, Jesus Christ, and the church Jesus built is a good idea; the facts are just the opposite. A person may try to ignore the right choices in life but they will never find any happiness or contentment in such a standard of living. In the Bible we are given warnings and instructions regarding this matter of ”sowing wild oats“ (i.e. living without considering God in our lives); please note the following:

CONSIDER THIS:

Eccl. 12:13-14, 13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. (KJV)

Prov. 23:17-18, 17 let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long. 18 For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.

Prov. 15:16, Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.

Matt. 10:28, and fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (KJV)

Eccl. 11:9-10, 9 Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment .

10 Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity. (KJV) --- glclair@aol.com

July 23, 2008

REMEMBER OUR SHUT-IN:

James 1:27

Galatians 6:10

THE CHURCH IS THE PLACE WHERE LOVE ABOUNDS – WHERE TRUTH IS DISCUSSED AND LIVED – WHERE GOOD PEOPLE ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER TO DO GOOD WORKS - TO BE HAPPY AND AT PEACE.

GOSPEL MEETING PLANS

Spring 2009

We are in the process of arranging a lecture program here on Cemetery Road for this coming Spring. We will keep you up to date with the subject matter and the speakers as we confirm the schedule. There will be different speakers for each day of the lecture series.

Look for future announcements about this great opportunity to hear several good men as they proclaim God’s Written Word.

OUR ATTENDANCE IS DOWN

As we look at the attendance figures for the past 12 months we find that some of our figures are down from previous months, perhaps this is due to health and other unavoidable hindrances; yet we all need to examine ourselves to see if we are as careful with our attendance at Sunday night worship and Wednesday night Bible study. If you have suggestions as to how we might improve our attendance please let us know.

CONSIDER HELPING US:

If you know of some solutions to our problem of attendance, we need to hear from you. The greatest association that we have on earth is fellowship with other Christians as we also have fellowship with God --- cf. 1 John 1:3-7, ”3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. 5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.“ (KJV)

HILLIARD BULLETIN

Published 2 times a month by the church of Christ

4840 Cemetery Road – P.O. Box 96

Hilliard, Ohio 43026

Phone: (614) 876-4089

Preacher: Garreth L. Clair

Phone: (614) 850-7252

Email; glclair@aol.com

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Volume 10 ---------------- Number 8 (A) --------------- August 2008

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”THE SCHEME OF REDEMPTION“

Number 2 - Editorial …

Read the last issue lead article (Hilliard Bulletin - Volume 10 – July 2008); ”FINDING TRUE RELIGION“

The plan from the Godhead from the beginning was to make it possible for man to thrive on the earth physically and for man to seek God and find him on his own initiative (i.e. freely choose to serve God). This was the very nature of the sermon by Paul to the Epicurean and Stoic Philosophers at Athens. Paul told them, cf.

Acts 17:16-30,

16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he beheld the city full of idols.

17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with Jews and the devout persons and in the marketplace every day with them that met him.

18 And certain also of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. And some said, What would this babbler say? others, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached Jesus and the resurrection.

19 And they took hold of him, and brought him unto the Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new teaching is, which is spoken by thee?

20 For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.

21(Now all the Athenians and the strangers sojourning there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell or to hear some new thing.)

22 And Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus, and said, Ye men of Athens, in all things, I perceive that ye are very religious.

23 For as I passed along, and observed the objects of

your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. What therefore ye worship in ignorance, this I set forth unto you.

24 The God that made the world and all things therein, he, being Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;

25 neither is he served by men's hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he himself giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;

26 and he made of one every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, having determined (their) appointed seasons, and the bounds of their habitation;

27 that they should seek God, if haply they might feel after him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us:

28 for in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain even of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

29 Being then the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and device of man.

30 The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked; but now he commandeth men that they should all everywhere repent:“ (ASV)

GOD CHOSE TO SEND HIS SON INTO THE WORLD TO BECOME A SACRIFICE FOR SIN;

John 3:16, ”For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life.“ (ASV)

2 Thess 2:13,

”13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always

for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, for that God chose you from the beginning unto salvation in

sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:“

Titus 2:11-14, ”11 For the grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12 instructing us, to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world; 13 looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people for his own possession, zealous of good works.“ (ASV)

1 Peter 1:9-12, ”9 receiving the end of your faith, (even) the salvation of (your) souls. 10 Concerning which salvation the prophets sought and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that (should come) unto you: 11 searching what (time) or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did point unto, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glories that should follow them. 12 To whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto you, did they minister these things, which now have been announced unto you through them that preached the gospel unto you by the Holy Spirit sent forth from heaven; which things angels desire to look into.“ (ASV)

As we can see from the previous references the plan of God was designed and carried out according to a long ranged plan after Adam and Eve sinned. Their sin brought about God’s pr-planned event that finally came to fruition in Jerusalem at approximately 33 BCE; at that time Jesus Christ was tried, falsely convicted, and crucified for the sins of mankind and to complete the plan arranged by the Godhead before the foundation of the universe was laid – cf. John 17:24

”Father, I desire that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.“ (ASV)

Eph 1:3-5, ”3 Blessed (be) the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly (places) in Christ:

4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before him in love: 5 having foreordained us unto adoption as sons through Jesus Christ unto himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,“ (ASV)

for your sake, 21 who through him are believers in

God, that raised him from the dead, and gave him glory; so that your faith and hope might be in God.“

ALL MANKIND PRIOR TO JESUS DEATH AND RESURRECTION WERE LOST:

Abraham, Moses, Joshua, David, Solomon, and all the Gentile people were without salvation until Jesus shed his precious blood on the cross of Calvary for the sins of man from Adam to the sounding of the trumpet of God at the last day cf. - Romans 3:9-22, ”9 What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we before laid to the charge both of Jews and Greeks, that they are all under sin ;10 as it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one; 11 There is none that understandeth, There is none that seeketh after God; 12 They have all turned aside, they are together become unprofitable; There is none that doeth good, no, not, so much as one: 13 Their throat is an open sepulcher; With their tongues they have used deceit: The poison of asps is under their lips: 14 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: 15 Their feet are swift to shed blood;

16 Destruction and misery are in their ways;

17 And the way of peace have they not known:

18 There is no fear of God before their eyes.

19 Now we know that what things sever the law saith, it speaketh to them that are under the law; that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may be brought under the judgment of God: 20 because by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified in his sight; for through the law (cometh) the knowledge of sin. 21 But now apart from the law a righteousness of God hath been manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ unto all them that believe; for there is no distinction.“ (ASV)

THE FAITHFUL UNDER THE PATRIARCHAL DISPENSATION AND THE LAW OF MOSES DISPENSATION WERE SAVED FROM SIN BY THE BLOOD OF CHRIST:

Hebrews 9:8-29: ” 8 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: 9 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; 10 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. 11 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; 12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. 13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: 14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the New Testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. 16 For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. 17 For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth. 18 Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. 19 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, 20 Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. 21 Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. 22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. 23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: 25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; 26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. (Heb 9:8-28)

TRULY; MAN’S HOPE FOR SALVATION FROM SIN IS IN CHRIST. THE PLAN OF GOD TO JUSTIFY MAN IS NOW AVAILABLE TO ALL SINCE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CHURCH ON THE FIRST PENTECOST AFTER JESUS RESURRECTION FROM THE DEAD.

When we seek God’s plan for man’s salvation from sin we find that the Bible reveals a clear chronological plan to bring about the opportunity for all mankind to be saved from sin – thus being reunited with the Godhead from which the sins of Adam and Eve severed centuries ago. That plan is referred to by commentators, as God’s Plan of Salvation. The plan to which we refer is not man’s plan but is a plan revealed by God through the Written Word (i.e. the Bible) which cannot be wrong but is the only true way of breaking down the wall of sin between man and God.

God’s plan of salvation for man under the current dispensation, (i.e. the Christian) which replaced the previous religious arrangements ordained of God and had its beginning at

Acts 2:1-47; Study this passage well, for it tells of the establishment of the Lord’s Church. For the first time in history the gospel of Christ was preached; people were told what to do about their sins; 3,000 Jews were baptized becoming the first congregation of Christians located in Jerusalem about 33 CE. You will also notice if you read and study this 2nd Chapter of Acts at verse 47 the text says that Christ continues to add those being saved to that church. Indeed Christ is still adding the saved people to the church of Christ cf. Acts 2:47, ”praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to them day by day those that were saved.“ (ASV)

THAT PLAN OF SALVATION THAT BRINGS THE Salvation TO MAN TODAY INCLUDES FIVE ITEMS. PLEASE NOTICE THE PLAN OF GOD FOR MAN’S SALVATION REVEALED:

Hearing the gospel:

Romans 10:17, ”So belief (cometh) of hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.“ (ASV)

Believing:

Mark 16:15-16, ”15 and he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned.“

Repenting of sins:

Luke 13:3, ”I tell you, nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all in like manner perish.“ (ASV)

Acts 2:38, ”38 And Peter (said) unto them,

Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.“ (ASV)

Confess Christ as God’s Son:

Romans 10:9-10, ”9 because if thou shall confess with thy mouth Jesus (as) Lord, and shall believe in thy heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shall be saved: 10 for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.“ (ASV)

Be Baptized:

Acts 2:38, ”And Peter (said) unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.“ (ASV)

Galatians 3:26-27, ”26 for ye are all sons of God, through faith, in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ did put on Christ.“ (ASV)

Baptism is ”for remission of sins“

Baptism is a burial and a resurrection in water:

(Scriptural Baptism is not sprinkling nor is it a pouring of water upon a person)

TEMPORAL SALVATION:

Salvation from sin in the present life is accomplished whenever one believes, repents, confesses Jesus Christ as God’s Son, and are baptized in water for the remission of sins. The process affords to a person God’s forgiveness of all sin to that point in time. After the Christian is converted; Jesus Christ adds them to the Body of Christ – cf. 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)

After a new born (i.e. reborn – converted to Christ) Christian begins their life in service to God they are to continue to be faithful servants in the Lord’s Church. To be faithful the Christian must live according to the Lord’s directions for the remainder of their life in order to be acceptable in the judgment – cf. Phil 2:10-15, ”10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. 14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;“ (KJV)

When the trumpet of God sounds and all that are in the graves hear his voice and come forth – cf. 1 Thess 4:16, ”For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:“ (KJV)

Heb 10:30-31, 30 ”For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.“ (KJV)

2 Tim 4:8, ”Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.“ (KJV)

John 12:48, ”He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.“ (KJV)

1 Cor 15:52, ”In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.“ (KJV)

THE FINAL REWARD:

After a life of faithful service, the Christian will die, go to the grave, await the resurrection, be assigned to heaven and spend eternity in the presence of God and all the saved from all ages: from Adam to the entrance welcome by the Lord to Heaven – cf. Matt 10:28, ”And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.“ (KJV)

Revelation 2:10, ”Fear none of those things which thou shall suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.“ (KJV)

Rev 22:12-14, ”12 and, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. 13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. 14 blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.“ (KJV)

Hilliard Bulletin – August 2008 – glclair@aol.com

HILLIARD BULLETIN

Published by the church of Christ

4840 Cemetery Road – P.O. Box 96

Hilliard, Ohio 43026

Phone: (614) 876-4089

Preacher: Garreth L. Clair

Phone: (614) 850-7252

Email; glclair@aol.com

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Volume 10 ---------------- Number 8 --------------- August 2008