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Where The Church Meets Local Evangelist
HILLIARD BULLETIN FOR 2008
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
========================================================= Volume 10 Number 8 (B) August 2008 =========================================================
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) 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. 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
======================================================= Volume 10 ---------------- Number 8 (A) --------------- August 2008 =======================================================
“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) 1 Peter 1:18-21, “18 knowing that ye were redeemed, not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, from your vain manner of life handed down from your fathers; 19 but with precious blood, as of a lamb without spot, (even the blood) of Christ: 20 who was foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world, but was manifested at the end of times 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
======================================================= Volume 10 ---------------- Number 8 --------------- August 2008 =======================================================
“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) 1 Peter 1:18-21, “18 knowing that ye were redeemed, not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, from your vain manner of life handed down from your fathers; 19 but with precious blood, as of a lamb without spot, (even the blood) of Christ: 20 who was foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world, but was manifested at the end of times 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 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) 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. (KJV) 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. 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. (KJV)
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
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.
HILLIARD BULLETIN Published by the church of Christ 4840 Cemetery Rd. P.O. Box 96 – Hilliard, OH – 43026 Phone: (614) 876-4089
Preacher & Editor: Garreth L. Clair Phone: (614) 850-7252 Email: glclair@aol.com
====================================================== Volume 10 Number 7 July 2008 ======================================================
FINDING TRUE RELIGION
Whether a person subscribes to one religion or another may not be of concern to most people but it is to this scribes conviction that it matters a great deal to God. I do not prefer one religion above another as such but I must find out whether God approves of any religion and just what that religion consist of if God tells me via HIS WRITTEN WORD certain criteria for my acceptability to HIM; then I want to follow that prescribed course so that I may be able to become a recipient of the promises God makes.
FINDING AN ACCEPTABLE GUIDE
The first point in searching for correct excess to God and acceptability to HIM depends upon my following acceptable directions that God Himself has ordered for me {i.e. everyone} if there is one. Without an acceptable guidance system that will lead me through all the many confliction religious movements I cannot attain to the truth that can make me acceptable to God. Am I to accept without examining their claims of correctness {i.e. acceptability} to God? I am sure all will agree that in order to please God the Creator of the universe; I must have authority from God to establish and adhere to some form of religion. In this connection please notice the following instruction from the Bible {i.e. this is God’s Book of correct Directives to man}: Jeremiah 10:23, “O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps. “ NKJV
GOD’S BOOK OF INSTRUCTION
The Bible is a very large Book and contains many different stages of God’s dealings with man throughout his history from the creation to the present time. Because of this great length of time and the historical significance that the Bible brings to us clearly we must spend some time examining the chronically nature of God’s Revelation {i.e. the Bible}.
The Bible tells us first of all that God created the universe and all that exist began with God’s action. God spoke and the creation began, God created the earth, water, atmosphere, the planets, outer space, the rotation of the earth on its axis, the rising of the sun and the existence of the moon that is visible at night, God created all green plants, all the seas, all the life in the seas and on dry land. God also created man and woman from the man’s rib --- Genesis 1:1-2:25.
Prior to the creation God {i.e. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – the Divine Trinity}; decided to create man, give man free-moral-agency, and prepare grounds upon which to bless man or curse man; depending upon his choice to serve God or serve the Devil {i.e. Serpent, Satan}.
CONSIDER THESE VERSES:
The fall of man was not fate, the fall of man was man exercising his free-will to serve the Devil and disobey God. God gave to man and woman when HE created them one requirement for continued blessings. That one requirement is voiced in the following statement by God; Gen 2:17, “but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.”
The choice of Eve and Adam to disobey God caused God to expel them from Eden (i.e. Paradise). Whenever man was expelled from Eden he was separated from God {i.e. his sin had separated Him}. This matter of sin was then the cause for man’s physical death. This sin also created a situation where the Devil held man in a condition where he could not return to God’s favor.
GOD’S PLAN FOR MAN’S RESTORATION TO AN ACCEPTABLE STATE IS PUT INTO ACTION
The first statement after the fall of man that God was planning for his redemption is found in the statement of God in Genesis 3:15, “and I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed: he shall bruise thy head, and thou shall bruise his heel.” ASV
NOTE ON GENESIS 3:15 Genesis 3:15; Therefore the address is not to Adam and Eve, but to the devil; and it was in consequence of this purpose of God that Jesus Christ was born of a virgin; this, and this alone, is what is implied in the promise of the seed of the woman bruising the head of the serpent. Jesus Christ died to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself, and to destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil. Thus he bruises his head -destroys his power and lordship over mankind, turning them from the power of Satan unto God; Acts 26:18. And Satan bruises his heel-God so ordered it, that the salvation of man could only be brought about by the death of Christ; and even the spiritual seed of our blessed Lord have the heel often bruised, as they suffer persecution, temptation, etc., which may be all that is intended by this part of the prophecy. ---Adam Clarke's Commentary
DID GOD CREATE SIN
No! God created man with free-moral-agency; God was aware of the possibility that man may choose to disobey Divine Instruction. Even though God knew that the possibility was in man, God chose not to know that this would occur; consequently - Matthew 25:34, “34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:” ASV
Ephesians 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
1 Peter 1:18-21, “18 knowing that ye were redeemed, not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, from your vain manner of life handed down from your fathers; 19 but with precious blood, as of a lamb without spot, (even the blood) of Christ: 20 who was foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world, but was manifested at the end of times 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.” ASV
When man did sin, God’s plan devised before the world came into existence began to unfold. God put into action the “SCHEME OF REDEMPTION” on behalf of man so that mankind would have hope of restoration to a good relationship with the Godhead; in the passage listed above {i.e. 1 Peter 1:18-21}.
WHAT IS THE SCHEME OF REDEMPTION
Definition – redemption; Two of the really good books that have been published on the subject under consideration here are; “The Scheme of Redemption” by Robert Milligan - Robert Milligan (1814 1875) and “Salvation from Sin” by David Lipscome (1831-1917), “Salvation from Sin” {i.e. both were titles of books that were published during the lifetime of the authors. CONTINUED IN AUGUST ISSUE - glc
Our study is truly a study of God’s arrangement through the ages to bring to fruition HIS PLAN FOR RESTORING MAN TO AN ACCEPTABLE RELATIONSHIP; to remove the barrier; SIN, so that man and God could have a good relationship {i.e. severed by sin in the Garden of Eden by Adam and Eve}.
This process may truly be called the Scheme of Redemption as Robert Milligan stated in the book he edited long ago. Indeed, God’s --- CONTINUED IN AUGUST ISSUE - glc
-- GOSPEL MEETING --
We encourage each one receiving the Bulletin to be aware of the fact that the church here on Cemetery Road in Hilliard will be involved in a three day Gospel Meeting: July 18-20.
Steve Brewer will be doing the preaching for the meeting. Steve has prepared five lessons that deal with Old Testament characters. The lessons will emphasize the kind of problems and circumstance in life that we all will have to deal with sometime in life, the problems the O.T. people dealt with are common problem for everyone. Meeting announcement on page 4 of this issue of Hilliard Bulletin.
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GOSPEL MEETING
CHURCH OF CHRIST 4840 Cemetery Road – Hilliard, Ohio Phone: (614) 876-4089
Information: (614) 850-7252
SPEAKER Steve Brewer - Steve preaches regularly at the church on Park Road in Worthington, OH
DATES July 18, 19, 20, 2008
TIME Friday (18th) & Saturday (19th) 7:30 PM Sunday (20th) 9:30, 10:30 AM & 6:00 PM
SUBJECTS
Friday- Adam & Eve: Sins Separates (This lesson will highlight the consequences of sin that are seen in our lives when we choose to rebel against God's word)
Saturday- Noah: Sometimes You Have to Stand Alone (This lesson encourages Christians to stand up for the Lord even if we are the only ones doing it)
Sunday- Joseph: Sometimes You Have to Run (This lesson teaches us that in dealing with temptation and Satan, we need to run away from it) Sunday- Solomon: The Good, the Bad, The Ugly (This lesson illustrates how someone good can go bad and then turn ugly as they see the consequences of their sin. It aw | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
