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HILLIARD BULLETIN FOR 2006
HILLIARD BULLETIN Published monthly by the church of Christ Meeting at 4840 Cemetery Road – P.O. Box 96 - Hilliard, Ohio 43026 Phone: (614) 876-4089
Preacher and Editor: Garreth L Clair Phone: {614} 850-7252 Email: glclair@aol.com
=========================================================== Volume 9 Number 1 January 2006 ===========================================================
Editorial by Garreth L Clair PREACHING (i.e., TEACHING)
Some serious problems are before us with regard to the supply of good, sound men that are willing to preach the gospel. There are fewer men it seems that are willing to go into the ministry on a full time basis. Perhaps one of the reasons for this shortage has something to do with the hardships that the full-time preacher must deal with as he proclaims the gospel and labors with churches in different areas of the country. Perhaps we have pushed this problem out of our mind but never the less we will have to deal with this shortage sometime.
Within the pages of this issue we will cover some points that we consider to be relevant in this particular area. We cannot cover every point regarding this important subject but we can deal with some points that are pressing and currently problematic. Consequently, if you have a particular point in mind that is not considered here please be advised we have attempted to use the space available wisely.
You will notice as you read this issue that we have attempted to approach the subject from as many angles as possible. We have not presented only one approach but have endeavored to present a complete picture of the subject "PREACHING".
WHO SHOULD BE ASHAMED?
It is strange that some Christians trying to convert souls from sin are hesitant, being a bit ashamed [i.e. bashful] to speak up for Christ, while the sinners who ought to be ashamed of their deeds, persist in evil in the boldest way possible. Why is this so? The fellow doing right who is trying to save others from sin should not be ashamed, and the fellow living in sin ought to be the one ashamed. But it is often the other way around.
YES, WE CAN HAVE A "GOOD" TIME
In preaching on worldly pleasures, people often say in response, "Preacher, you don't think a person ought to have a good time." Sure we do, but it ought to be consistent with the Savior's idea for a Christian. To say that one living for the Lord is not joyous is to bring an accusation against Christ. But if one is to have a "good" time, it must not be - it cannot be - by doing something that is sinful. The idea of people doing that which is evil and calling it a GOOD time! A person ought to be so thoroughly converted or changed that his/her thoughts of pleasure are those things which pertain to godliness and not to the world and its allurements. One who truly loves the Lord finds that he supplies blessings and joy untold. We ought to be spiritually minded in order to have a fellowship with Christ and to inherit the promised reward.
The unconverted lives of "church members" who run to the attractions of a sinful world testify to the world that Jesus Christ and His work are insufficient to meet the needs and legitimate desires of personal life. Thus they place a stumbling block in the path of many sinners’ eternal salvation. "Necessity is laid upon me"
Concerning the preaching of the gospel today, men who are actively working in this field of activity, ought to be admired for their work's sake. Too often, good men are given too little credit for the work that thy do. It is extremely difficult to find good, honest, dedicated men willing to enter this field today. Perhaps one more reason for this is, there are not enough men who are ready to proclaim the gospel for the correct reason, "necessity being laid upon them" cf., 1 Corinthians 9:16, "For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!" KJV As I see this point the man must have a burning desire to be a preacher as a first cause.
There is no fame or fortune connected with the preaching of the gospel. There is a great deal of personal satisfaction afforded the man that works and lives his life of the gospel. It is a wonderful experience to be partly responsible for the conversion of souls. There is also personal satisfaction in knowing that one has done all that they know to do in the solving of problems for others, at least in part. If a man will dedicate his life to Christ and do all that he is physically and mentally capable of doing in His service he may justly say with Paul, cf., 2 Tim 4:8, "henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day; and not to me only, but also to all them that have loved his appearing.” ASV
Indeed, we must prepare to work in the vineyard as preachers if the shortage of good men is to be alleviated. "Speak the truth"
In 2 Timothy 4:2 Paul points out an important truth to those who have a desire to preach the gospel - cf., 2 Tim 4:2, "preach the word; be urgent in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching." Paul suggests:
[Preach the word] Keeruxon (NT:2784) ton (NT:3588) logon (NT:3056). Proclaim the doctrine, the doctrine of Christ crucified, for the sins of the whole world; the doctrine, that the Gentiles are invited to be fellow heirs with the Jews, and that for Jews and Gentiles there is no salvation but by faith and obedience in Jesus Christ.
[Be instant in season, out of season] Episteethi (NT:2186) eukairoos (NT:2121), akairoos (NT:171). Be urgent whether the times are prosperous or adverse, whenever there is an opportunity; and when there is none, strive to make one. The Judge is at the door, and to every man eternity is at hand! Wherever you meet a sinner, speak to him the word of reconciliation. Do not be contented with stated times and accustomed places merely; all time and place belong to God, and are proper for his work. Wherever it can be done, there it should be done. Satan will omit neither time nor place where he can destroy. Omit none where you may be the instrument of salvation to any.
[Reprove] Elengxon (NT:1651). Confute, the false teacher.
[Rebuke] Epitimeeson (NT:2008). Reprove cuttingly and severely those who will not abandon their sins.
[Exhort] Parakaleson (NT:3870). Comfort the feeble-minded, the timid and the tempted.
[With all long-suffering] In reference to each and all of these cases.
[And doctrine.] The different modes of teaching suited to each. Revised from Adam Clarke's Commentary,
The passage here in 2 Timothy 4:2 must always be in the mind of that man who has a desire to preach the gospel.
"2 Timothy 2:15" "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
[Study to allow thyself approved unto God] Endeavor so to cultivate and improve thy heart and mind, that you may not be a reproach to him from whom thou professes to receive thy commission.
[Rightly dividing the word of truth.] It is generally supposed that the apostle alludes here to the care taken to divide the sacrifices under the law; the priests studied, in dividing the victim down the spine, to do it so scrupulously that one half of the spinal marrow should be found on each side the backbone. Probably nothing was much further from the apostle's thoughts than this view, which is now commonly taken of the subject. Indeed this scrupulously dividing does not appear to have been any original ordinance among the Jews; much stress was laid upon it in later times, but from the beginning it was not so. The word orthotomein (NT:3718) signifies:
1. Simply to cut straight, or to rectify. 2. To walk in the right way; it is thus used by Gregory Nazianzen, who, in Orat. Apol. fugae, opposes orthotomein (NT:3718) to kakoos (NT:2560) hodeuein (NT:3593), walking in a right way to walking in a bad way. Thus, kainotomein signifies to walk in a new way, and kateuthunein (NT:2720) to walk in a straight way.
Therefore, by rightly dividing the word of truth, we are to understand his continuing in the true doctrine, and teaching that to every person; and, according to our Lord's explicit comparison, giving each his portion of meat in due season-milk to babes, strong meat to the full grown, comfort to the distressed, reproof to the irregular and careless; in a word, finding out the necessities of his hearers, and preaching so as to meet those necessities. ( Adam Clarke's Commentary)
"Is the Preacher a Pastor?"
Pastors [cf., Eph 4:12] are those who have met certain requirements discussed by Paul to Timothy and Titus (i.e., 1 Timothy 3:1-7: Titus 1:5-9). The word pastor is the same office as bishop, elder, overseer, and shepherd. In order for the preacher to be a pastor (i.e., overseer of the flock) he must have met the qualifications and have been approved by the congregation.
A gospel preacher is not a pastor in the sense of being an overseer, shepherd, bishop, or elder. In order for the eldership to exist in a local congregation there are to be two or more men that have met the qualifications and have been approved by the congregation.
CONSIDER THESE REFERENCES: Titus 1:5, "For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that were wanting, and appoint elders in every city, as I gave thee charge;" ASV
Acts 14:23, "And when they had appointed for them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they had believed." ASV Phil 1:1, "Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus that are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:" ASV
To serve as a gospel preacher is not to serve as a pastor unless one is qualified in all respects. A preacher of the gospel is a servant of Christ, one that proclaims the good news of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The preacher of the gospel should not accept the designation of reverend or of any honorary title. The gospel preacher may be addressed by his name, as evangelist, teacher, preacher, or brother in Christ.
"Church members cooperating"
The preacher of the gospel is to fulfill to the extent of his ability his responsibilities that are revealed through the pages of the Holy Scripture. The congregation has a responsibility to the preacher also:
1. If the teaching is sound and wholesome, it is the obligation of the membership to apply, uphold, and encourage the preacher. 2. If the preacher is doing a good job according to the teaching of the Bible and it is evident to the elders and the membership, let the preacher know.
3. Help the preacher, give him names of prospective members, offer to assist him in any paper work that he has to do. Also, always be attentive to those things that he has to say from the pulpit - sometimes he may say things that will assist you in living the life of a Christian better.
… A NOTE FROM GARRETH AND BARBARA …
Today [January 1, 2005], we began a New Year of work in the Vineyard of the Lord. Indeed we will probably have opportunities this year to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might but we will also have opportunities to be slack and ignore opportunities – this we must not choose to do. While we know that we will try to do all things well [i.e. pleasing to our Lord], perhaps we will make some bad choices this New Year but whenever we realize it, let us correct those bad choices-decisions and do our best to be faithful to our Lord’s instruction.
Barbara and I look forward to a good year and enter this New Year with great expectation on behalf of God’s work here. We love and cherish every opportunity to be with you in our collective capacity and to interact together in other relationships away from the regular meetings. There is a great feeling of joy that is present in our hearts each time that we interact together anywhere; indeed we do love you all dearly.
The work here as a congregation is healthy, there is room for growth in all areas, there will be many opportunities to participate in spiritual activities [i.e. refer to the list posted on the bulletin board in the vestibule at the meetinghouse]. As we therefore have opportunity let us continue to do well and to grow onward toward maturity. Remember too, MEN, CONTINUE TO WORK TOWARD QUALIFICATION FOR THE OFFICE OF ELDERS – the qualifications in Timothy and Titus.
Even as we labor together we realize that as we look in the past few years of our work together there will be days of sadness, sickness, death, and emergencies among us, let us therefore be prepared to deal with those sad times too. We have lost some good and faithful members to death in the past few years but we have been able to deal properly with each case, let us not forget those who have been strong and of great help to the cause of Christ here at 4840 Cemetery Road.
FINALLY:
During the coming year [2006] if there is ever a time that Barbara and I can do anything to help any of you in any way, please let us know. There is always time for you – you are all important to us and to God.
Be of good cheer and of great faith as we look longingly toward the good in this coming year and toward the sunset of our lives and hope of better things in the future.
We love you greatly,
Garreth and Barbara – See you next month, Lord willing!
HILLIARD BULLETIN Published by the church of Christ 4840 Cemetery Road – P.O. Box 96 - Hilliard, OH 43026 Phone: (614) 876-4089
Preacher: Garreth L. Clair Phone: (6614) 850 7252 Email: glclair@aol.com
=========================================================== Volume 9 Number 2 February 2006 ===========================================================
HONESTY AND GOOD MORALS IS NOT ENOUGH
Often today we hear some sincere person exclaim, "You know, so and so seems to be such a good person and they seem to be such a good family, don't you think that they are saved people?" This statement or one similar comes up very often in conversation today. The question deserves a Biblical answer not an emotional one, as many are prone to offer. What does the Bible say about sincerity, honesty, and good morals?
CONSIDER CORNELIUS:
Perhaps the best illustration in the Scriptures of God's attitude toward the honest, sincere, moral person is revealed to us in Acts 10, please read the following quotation before we discuss it further: Acts 10:1-6, 1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, 2 (1 )A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always. 3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. 4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, (2) Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. 5 And now (3) send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: 6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do. (KJV)
CONSIDER THIS:
1. Cornelius was a good, sincere, honest, moral man but he was not saved from his sin. See his good qualities underlined above in 10:2.
2. In 10:4 we see that God took note of his good deeds and morality but encouraged him by the angel to do more than that. There is a lesson here for all people of all ages. (THERE IS MORE TO SALVATION FROM SIN THAN BEING GOOD). 3. In 10:5, 6 the angel instructs Cornelius to send to Joppa and request that Simon Peter come to his home and tell him what he needed to do further. See portion underlined in verses 5, 6 above.
In this introduction to the context of chapter 10 we clearly see that Cornelius was a good, sincere, honest, moral man and yet God sends an angel to instruct him on what he needed to do further. Today we have God's written word (i.e., the Bible) to guide us in understanding what the will of the Lord is. But at the time contemporary with Cornelius the written word was unavailable.
Whenever Peter received the messengers from Cornelius he acted according to his instructions from God and came to the home of Cornelius: Acts 10:17-35, 17 Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate, 18 And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there. 19 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. 20 Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them. 21 Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come? 22 And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee. 23 Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him. 24 And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends. 25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. 26 But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. 27 And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together. 28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath showed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. 29 Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me? 30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. 33 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God. 34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
CONSIDER THIS:
In this portion of the 10th chapter we can see that Peter came to the home of Cornelius, Cornelius rehearsed the things that had happened to him earlier, and Peter then exclaimed "But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is acceptable to him" -(10:35) This exclamation from Peter simply indicates that Cornelius, as with everyone, may be saved from their sins by "that feareth him, and worketh righteousness," (i.e., reverencing God and obeying him). Peter, after arriving at the home of Cornelius began to preach Jesus to him and his assembled family. At the conclusion of the sermon by Peter, Cornelius and his family were baptized for the remission of sin as the Jews were on the day of Pentecost earlier, see Acts 2:38. Notice the instructions of Peter at the close of his sermon at the home of Cornelius: Acts 10:47-48, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. (KJV)
CONCLUSION:
We see that at the conclusion of the sermon in Acts 10 Cornelius and his family were baptized, but why were they baptized if their goodness, sincerity, honesty, and good morals could save them from sin? It is a Biblical fact that salvation from sin is acquired through baptism by immersion for the remission of sins and in no other way (cf., 1 Peter 3:21). Therefore, Cornelius and his family were saved from their sins, not by their good deeds, etc., but by their willingness to obey the instructions that came from God via Simon Peter. Please notice the statements in the Bible that establish the necessity of obedience over all other considerations: 1 Samuel 15:22 22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. Job 36:10-12 10 He openeth also their ear to discipline, and commandeth that they return from iniquity. 11 If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures. 12 But if they obey not, they shall perish by the sword, and they shall die without knowledge. Acts 5:29 29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said We ought to obey God rather than men. 2 Thessalonians 1:8 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Hebrews 5:9 9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; 1 Peter 4:17-18 17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? (KJV)
Indeed, it is good to be honest, sincere, and morally correct, but man is instructed to obey God's instructions too if he desires salvation from sin. Regardless of ones apparent goodness one cannot be saved from sin without coming to Christ on HIS TERMS (cf., Hebrews 5:8, 9). JANUARY 2006 - NOTES
The New Year [2006] has now begun for us here at Cemetery Road in Hilliard. We have an obligation this year just as we have had in every year since we became a Christian to do all those things that God would have us do as named in His Book [i.e. the Bible]. Perhaps we have not really given a great deal of thought to what we ought to do daily, yet we need to always be conscious of who we are, indeed – we are children of God.
Some of those things that we might want to do pursue in the current year are some of those things that we planned to do for God in the past but just did not seem to find time for them. Maybe this year is the year that we will look carefully at some of the passages of Scripture that we have neglected in the past [i.e. study them and apply them to ourselves], such passages as:
BE A GOOD STEWARD OF ALL THINGS THAT GOD HAS BLESSED US TO ACQUIRE: 1 Cor 4:2, “2 Here, moreover, it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” ASV
MEN; UNDERSTAND THAT BECOMING QUALIFIED TO BE AN ELDER [i.e. ONE OF THE PASTORS] IS A GOOD WORK: 1 Tim 3:1, “1 Faithful is the saying, if a man seecatch the office of a bishop, he desired a good work.” ASV
WOMEN; BE FAITHFUL TO GOD IN ALL THINGS; 1 Tim 3:11, “11 Women in like manner (must be) grave, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things.” ASV
TEACHERS FOR CHRIST, COMMIT YOUR KNOWLEDGE TO FAITHFUL MEN SO THEY CAN CONTINUE THE PROCESS: 2 Tim 2:2, “2 And the things which thou hast heard from me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”
FAITHFUL CHRISTIANS HELPING OTHERS IS DECLARED BY THE APOSTLE JOHN TO BE A FAITHFUL WORK: 3 John 5, “5 Beloved, thou doest a faithful work in whatsoever thou doest toward them that are brethren and strangers withal;” ASV
========================================================== ALWAYS STRIVE FOR THE GOOD THAT GOD REVEALS TO US VIA HIS WRITTEN WORD ==========================================================
ATTENDANCE
What do you plan to do this year about your attendance at the opportunities to study God’s Word and participate in the worship to Almighty God?
Do you plan to do the same this year about your attendance or do you plan to make better use of your time and seek the things of God – You know that God wants you to seek His things first: Matt 6:33-34, 33 But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Be not therefore anxious for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” ASV
Do you plan to worship God regularly, you know that He wants you to do so: John 4:24, “24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
Do you plan to study God’s Written Word more this year; you know that God wants you to do so; 2 Timothy 2:15, “15 Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth.” ASV King James Version: “15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
GIVING
Do you plan to give of your money, time, and effort just like you have been doing in the past or do you plan to do better this year with all three things that you possess that can further the cause of Christ in this area [Money, Time, Effort]?
Acts 20:35, “ In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring ye ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” ASV
Eph 4:28, “ Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have whereof to give to him that hath need.” See also James 1:27 – Galatians 6:10
CONSIDER THIS:
The thought for this month will be about the 23rd Psalm. One of the most beautiful thoughts that mankind may ever imagine is contained in this Psalm. The thought is simply that mankind may always depend upon God in every situation of life, even in death. Please read with me this Psalm as we have recorded it here from the
Psalms 23:1-6
1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2He makes me to lie down in green pastures: he leads me beside the still waters. 3He restores my soul: he leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5Thou prepares a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anoints my head with oil; my cup runs over. 6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
DID YOU PRAY TODAY?
Did you take time to pray today? Of course there are always many things that the faithful Christian may pray about, even though this is true – “Will you pray for me today, pray for my health of mind and body, pray for my strength to hold up under the temptations brought upon me by the Devil. “
Pray for you too! Remember those things that you have been thinking about that you need to talk to the Father about – Why not take the time now to go to God and discuss those important things with Him – He will always be there to listen and to answer those request that you make.
Matthew 11:28, “Come unto me , all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” ASV
HILLIARD BULLETIN Published by the church of Christ 4840 Cemetery Road – P.O. Box 96 Hilliard, Ohio 43026 Phone: [614] 876-4089
Preacher and Editor: Garreth L. Clair Website: http://www.considermagazine.com Email: glclair@sbcglobal.net Phone: [614] 850-7252
========================================================== Volume 9 Number 3 March 2006 ==========================================================
CONSISTENTLY SEEKING PERSONAL MATURITY By Garreth L. Clair
I know of no greater ambition than the desire of a person to consistently seek to acquire greater service in the church of our Lord. There are some people who spend more time involved in the mundane affairs of life than in the pursuit of godly things [i.e. godly living] – cf. Luke 10:39-42, “39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at the Lord's feet, and heard his word. 40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving; and she came up to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister did leave me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41 But the Lord answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art anxious and troubled about many things: 42 but one thing is needful: for Mary hath chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her” ASV. To spend the greatest portion of ones time in the pursuit of material things or to spend the greatest portion of ones time in an attempt to gratify personal lusts and unnatural desires is to condemn oneself – cf. Matt 6:24-25, “24 No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. 25 Therefore I say unto you, be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than the food, and the body than the raiment” ASV?
The only way for one to become more useful in God’s service is to pursue the things of God first in life. Pursuing the things of God first requires of the disciple a willingness to make choices about what is most important on a daily basis – are we making the right choices? – cf. Matthew 6:33, “33 But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” ASV. Yes, it is important to “seek personal maturity” in God’s service – we need to grow [2 Peter 3:18].
REMEMBER THE GOSPEL MEETING
Our Gospel meeting will be here soon; therefore we ought to be making plans now so that we will not miss a service. The speaker will be Norman Fultz a faithful gospel preacher from Kansas City. Let us each look at the dates and determine that we will do whatever we can to be here in our place when the first service begins.
There are other gospel meetings with dates and times posted on the bulletin board in the vestibule here at the meetinghouse. If you are able, attend one or more of these gospel meetings, the brethren will be glad to see you.
A NEW UPDATED TEACHER SCHEDULE
A new schedule for teachers is posted on the bulletin board for students and teachers. Please read the information so you will know your class and the teacher. The schedule will include substitutes and phone numbers so that we can keep informed about the status of each other. If you [i.e. the teacher] is unable to be with your class please call your substitute and give them time to prepare for the class - 1 Cor 14:40, “But let all things be done decently and in order”
THE ORDERLY EXERCISES OF SPIRITUAL THINGS
God has always instructed that service, [i.e. the works of God] should be carried out with reverence, order, promptly, with love, and as directed. One of the failings of many congregations has been their inability to carefully and orderly carry out the instructions of God. Whenever God’s people or any who serve Him fails to carry out instructions as given, disaster always follows.
EXAMPLES: Adam and Eve – Genesis 3:1-24
Cain – Genesis 4:1-12
Nadab and Abihu - Lev 10:1-2 1 And Nadab and Abihu , the sons of Aaron, took each of them his censer, and put fire therein, and laid incense thereon, and offered strange fire before Jehovah, which he had not commanded them.2 And there came forth fire from before Jehovah, and devoured them, and they died before Jehovah”
Ananias and Sapphira - Acts 5:1-10 1 But a certain man named Ananias , with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, 2 and kept back (part) of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. 3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thy heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back (part) of the price of the land? 4 While it remained, did it not remain thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thy power? How is it that thou hast conceived this thing in thy heart? thou has not lied unto men, but unto God. 5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down and gave up the ghost: and great fear came upon all that heard it. 6 And the young men arose and wrapped him round, and they carried him out and buried him. 7 And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. 8 And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much. And she said, Yea, for so much. 9 But Peter (said) unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to try the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them that have buried thy husband are at the door, and they shall carry thee out. 10 And she fell down immediately at his feet, and gave up the ghost: and the young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her by her husband” ASV.
Whenever we note carefully the teaching of God regarding orderly conduct as individual Christians and as members collectively in the church we understand that our service to God is to be according to God’s instruction. This instruction from God requires reverence, order, Love, and according to the Divine Pattern – cf. Col 3:12-17, “12 Put on therefore, as God's elect, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, longsuffering; 13 forbearing one another, and forgiving each other, if any man have a complaint against any; even as the Lord forgave you, so also do ye: 14 and above all these things (put on) love, which is the bond of perfectness. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to the which also ye were called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms (and) hymns (and) spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto God. 17 And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, (do) all in the name of the Lord Jesus , giving thanks to God the Father through him” ASV. CONTRIBUTE TO UNITY
One of the major occupations of each Christian [i.e. whether male of female], is to contribute to unity in the church. The process of unity is desirable because the Lord clearly instructs it, cf. Eph 4:2-3, “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” ASV.
Eph 4:15-16, “15 but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, (even) Christ; 16 from whom all the body fitly framed and knit together through that which every joint supplieth, according to the working in (due) measure of each several part, maketh the increase of the body unto the building up of itself in love” ASV. 1 Cor 14:40, “But let all things be done decently and in order” ASV.
HILLIARD BULLETIN Published by the church of Christ Meeting at 4840 Cemetery Road – P.O. Box 96 Hilliard, Ohio 43026 Phone: (614) 876-4089
Preacher and Editor: Garreth L. Clair Phone: (614) 850-7252 EMAIL: glclair@aol.com
============================================================ Volume 9 Number 4 April 2006 ============================================================
“Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness” [Some thoughts on “free moral agency”] By Garreth L. Clair
The subject is a phrase contained in the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States of America and has to do with guarantees that citizens have in this great country. While this is a document that defines some of the privileges and restraints guaranteed, it is not the greatest document available to citizens in America. As citizens of this great country we are privileged indeed, yes, we have certain rights that are not found in many countries, yet there is a greater document than this.
As citizens of America one of the privileges that we possess is a guarantee of pursuing any religion of our choice. As all would surely agree, this too, is a great benefit of living here in America. Even though we possess this great privilege there is no guarantee in the U.S. Constitution that we will choose the religion that God would have us choose. Even though we have the right of choice in the matter of religion, it is possible that we will choose no religion or we may choose a religion that God will not accept.
That great document I suggest that grants guarantees to mankind even greater than the constitution is God’s Book of guarantees [i.e. the BIBLE]. Indeed, the Bible is the Book that gives to man a roadmap to eternal life, to heaven, into the presence of the Godhead, and like the constitution the Bible offers all this to man. Yet, the offer is conditional on man making a choice about whether he will accept God’s offer or whether he will reject God’s offer. The offer is made to all mankind of every nation [cf. Matthew 28:18-20]; God will not reject any accountable person who will come to Him on the terms that He offers to man. God’s terms for salvation from sin and membership into His Church are plainly revealed to man. As we examine God’s Book we find that God has provided a Divine Pattern for everyone to follow about salvation from sin, the pattern:
Remember our gospel meeting May 7-12, 2006 with Norman Fultz
One must hear [i.e. understand] the gospel – Romans 10:17, “So belief (cometh) of hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ:
10 for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” {ASV}.
THE RIGHT OF “free will”
The ability of each person to make choices in life is a quality that God gave to each person – Joshua 24:15, “And if it seem evil unto you to serve Jehovah, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve Jehovah.” - Job 34:4, “Let us choose for us that which is right: Let us know among ourselves what is good. - Proverbs 3:31, Envy thou not the man of violence, And choose none of his ways”
The fact that God did bestow upon each person the ability of choice is a great personal responsibility – Mark 8:36-37, “36 For what doth it profit a man, to gain the whole world, and forfeit his life? “37 For what should a man give in exchange for his life?” ASV The responsibility to God that each person possesses is dependent, therefore upon that person’s choices in life. Consequently, man’s relationship to God:
TODAY: James 4:13-17, “13 Come now, ye that say, Today or tomorrow we will go into this city, and spend a year there, and trade, and get gain: 14 whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. What is your life? For ye are a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. 15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall both live, and do this or that. 16 But now ye glory in your vauntings: all such glorying is evil. 17 To him therefore that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” ASV.
TOMORROW: Proverbs 27:1, “Boast not thyself of tomorrow; For thou knowest not what a day may bring forth” ASV. - and in the judgment rests entirely upon the personal decisions that he/she chooses to make in this life: 1 Peter 1:9, “9 receiving the end of your faith, (even) the salvation of (your) souls.” 1 Corinthians 15:22-28, “22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; then they that are Christ's, at his coming. 24 Then (cometh) the end, when he shall deliver up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have abolished all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign, till he hath put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be abolished is death. 27 For, He put all things in subjection under his feet. But when he saith, All things are put in subjection, it is evident that he is excepted who did subject all things unto him. 28 And when all things have been subjected unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subjected to him that did subject all things unto him, that God may be all in all”
FREE WILL AND FAITHFULNESS {i.e., continued obedience}
Definitions: The basic meaning of '(Gk. Emunah) is "certainty" and "faithfulness." Man may show himself "faithful" in his relations with his fellow men 1 Sam 26:23. But generally, the Person to whom one is "faithful" is the Lord Himself: "And he charged them, saying, Thus shall ye do in the fear of the Lord, faithfully, and with a perfect heart" 2 Chron 19:9. The Lord has manifested His "faithfulness" to His people: "He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he" Deut 32:4. All his works reveal his "faithfulness" Ps 33:4. His commandments are an expression of his "faithfulness" Ps 119:86; those who seek them are found on the road of "faithfulness": "I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me" Psalms 119:30. The Lord looks for those who seek to do His will with all their hearts. Their ways are established and His blessing rests on them: "A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that makes haste to be rich shall not be innocent" Proverbs 28:20. The assurance of the abundance of life is in the expression quoted in the New Testament Romans 1:17; Gal 3:11 from Hab 2:4: "Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith."
The word 'emunah is synonymous with tsedeq ("righteousness" — cf. Isa 11:5), with chesed ("lovingkindness" — cf. Ps 98:3, NASB), and with mishpat ("justice" cf. Jeremiah 5:1). (From Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, Copyright © 1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers.)
FAITHFULNESS 'emunah fits very well. Hosea portrays God's relation to Israel as a marriage and states God's promise of "faithfulness" to Israel: "And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in loving-kind- ness, and in mercies. I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shall [acknowledge] the Lord" Hosea 2:19-20. (From Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, Copyright © 1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers.)
A person’s choice to become a Christian is a very personal choice loaded with continuing responsibility {i.e. faithfulness – being continually steadfast}. The person who hears, believes, repents, confesses, and is baptized becomes a Christian [cf. Acts 2:47]. After a person becomes a Christian that person will choose to grow in grace and in knowledge - 2 Peter 3:18, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him (be) the glory both now and for ever. Amen” ASV.
That faithful continuation in service to God is essential is born out by the Holy Scripture in the following passages:
Proverbs 11:19-21, “19 He that is steadfast in righteousness (shall attain) unto life; and he that pursueth evil (doeth it) to his own death. 20 They that are perverse in heart are an abomination to Jehovah; but such as are perfect in (their) way are his delight. 21(Though) hand (join) in hand, the evil man shall not be unpunished; But the seed of the righteous shall be delivered” ASV.
1 Corinthians 15:58, “58 wherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not vain in the Lord” ASV.
Hebrews 6:19, “19 which we have as an anchor of the soul, (a hope) both sure and steadfast and entering into that which is within the veil” .ASV
1 Peter 5:9-10, “9 whom withstand steadfast in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world. 10 And the God of all grace, who called you unto his eternal glory in Christ, after that ye have suffered a little while, shall himself perfect, establish, strengthen you” ASV.
THE FALSE DOCTRINE OF “once saved always saved.”
Most main-line-denominations go the great lengths to establish and perpetuate the doctrine of “once saved always saved”. Actually, what the teachers of this philosophy believe is that whenever a person makes some kind of commitment to God, either private, or public at that point they are saved for evermore – they cannot ever fall away so as to be lost in Gehenna {the lake of fire – torments – hell}. This doctrine is probably the greatest single obstacle to converting the lost people of this country and the world.
When one considers the impact that the false doctrine under consideration here has on the individual that subscribes to it, it is no wonder that many such people cannot and/or will not discuss their religious commitment – they feel complete safe – BUT are they safe?
Some definitions of “The Lake of Fire [i.e. Gehenna”:
LAKE (Grk. limne, a "pool"). A term used in the NT only of the lake of Gennesaret (Luke 5:1-2; 8:22-23,33) and the "lake of fire " (Rev 19:20; 20:10,14-15; 21:8). See Gehenna. (From The New Unger's Bible Dictionary. Originally published by Moody Press of Chicago, Illinois. Copyright © 1988.)
HELL There are many phrases in which the overshadowing idea is presented with great distinctness, such as "unquenchable fire," "black darkness," "furnace of fire," "fire and brimstone," "the smoke of their torment," "the lake of fire which burns with brimstone," "where their worm does not die," "the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels." Van Oosterzee does well to remark: "There is no doubt that Holy Scripture requires us to believe in a properly so-called place of punishment, in whatever part of God's boundless creation it is to be sought. That the different images under which it is represented cannot possibly be taken literally will certainly need no demonstration; but it is perhaps not unnecessary to warn against the opinion that we have to do here with mere imagery. Who shall say that the reality will not infinitely surpass in awfulness the boldest pictures of it?" (From The New Unger's Bible Dictionary. Originally published by Moody Press of Chicago, Illinois. Copyright © 1988.)
Revelation 20:7-10: Satan meets his final perdition. He was imprisoned in the Abyss before; but he is now "cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where also the Beast and the False Prophet are" (Rev 20:10). When the Saviour was on earth, he discoursed to his disciples about an "everlasting fire, prepared for the Devil and his angels" (Matt 25:41). This is it; and this is the time when he for whom it is prepared first feels those terrific flames. (From the Apocalypse: Exposition of the Book of Revelation, Electronic Database. Copyright (c) 1998 by Biblesoft)
CONSIDER THIS:
Those who choose to become a part of some religious movement therefore ought to be careful that they are not becoming involved with a false religion. You see, whenever one believes a lie that person’s faith in the lie is just as strong as the truth is to the person who is in the right relationship with God. Yes, a person may believe a lie – please notice the following Biblical references: Romans 1:18-25, “18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hinder the truth in unrighteousness; 19 because that which is known of God is manifest in them; for God manifested it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, (even) his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse: 21 because that, knowing God, they glorified him not as God, neither gave thanks; but became vain in their reasonings, and their senseless heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts unto uncleanness, that their bodies should be dishonored among themselves: 25 for that they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. Revelation 22:15, “15 Without are the dogs, and the sorcerers, and the fornicators, and the murderers, and the idolaters, and every one that loveth and maketh a lie.” John 8:44, “44 Ye are of (your) father the devil, and the lusts of your father it is your will to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and standeth not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father thereof”
MAKE YOUR COMMITTMENT AS SURE AS POSSIBLE [Follow God’s Instruction impeccable]
2 Peter 1:10b, “… give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never stumble” ASV:
Before making a commitment to some religious movement, make sure that they are teaching from the Bible [i.e. the 66 Books of the Old and New Testament].
Make sure the teaching you are called on to believe is correctly interpreted.
Make sure the teaching or passage of Scripture is not contradicted in some other Bible passage. Make sure the Bible translation you are using is a good translation, some Bible translations are more a commentary than a translation.
Make sure that you are not under duress, but feel free to question your teacher and his philosophy.
Feel free to ask your teacher to show you the passage in the Bible that teaches his/her convictions about each point discussed.
Make sure that your previous exposure to false religious concepts are not influencing your perception of the present truth - Matthew 15:12-14, 12 Then came the disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, when they heard this saying? 13 But he answered and said, Every plant which my heavenly Father planted not, shall be rooted up. 14 Let them alone: they are blind guides. And if the blind guide the blind, both shall fall into a pit” ASV.
Make sure that your fleshly relationships are not interfering with your ability to reason correctly about the truth - Matthew 10:34-38, “34 Think not that I came to send peace on the earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35 For I came to set a man at variance against his father , and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law: 36 and a man's foes (shall be) they of his own household. 37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And he that doth not take his cross and follow after me, is not worthy of me” REMEMBER THIS:
No question is out of order when a person is seeking truth, ask of your teacher whatever question about his/her teaching that puzzles you or that you do not fully understand – if the teacher is honest and sincere about their conviction, they will be happy to explain - Colossians 4:6, “6 Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer each one” ASV. 1 Peter 3:15, “15 but sanctify in your hearts Christ as Lord: (being) ready always to give answer to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, yet with meekness and fear” ASV.
CONCLUSION:
Since we are created beings, we are to respond to our Creator as He wills. Since our Creator is God, we will want to respond to His instruction because of our knowledge that without His action we could not exist. You see God is the sustainer of our environment, and everything that pertains to our existence. To understand this fact is important to our understanding of our place in the scheme of things visible and invisible. Since God did create our parents {i.e., Adam and Eve} and made it possible for them to multiply, we understand that our presence here on the earth is controlled by God. Therefore, God is in charge of everything that pertains to our existence, our destiny is predicated upon our understanding and response to this knowledge. As we acquire knowledge of God's goodness toward us, we naturally want to respond to please and glorify Him. If we know that God loves us and cares for us, surely we will want to obey his wishes regardless of whatever those wishes are. Today is a good time to reexamine ourselves so that we can honestly determine what we want to be in the coming years, do we want to be right with God or do we want to be something less that right in our relationship to God and to others? REMEMBER THIS - our time here is growing shorter with each passing day, now is the time to get right with God and with our family, friends, and neighbors.
GOD LOVES US AND CARES FOR US
In John 3:16 we are told that God loves us, "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 Since the Word of God teaches this fact, it is imperative that we also understand that we can have a good relationship with God simply by following {i.e., become obedient to His instruction - Hebrews 5:8-9}. Because we are created beings, we ought to understand that God does know what is best for us. God says of us and our limitations as mankind, > 1 Thess 3:11, "Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way unto you:" > Prov 3:6, "In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he will direct thy paths." ASV > Jer 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” KJV From these verses it is obvious that we need guidance from God so that we can walk through this life acceptable to God. It is important that we realize this fact; we need to come to a correct understanding of God's will for us and respond.
GOD GIVES US UNDERSTANDABLE INSTRUCTIONS
In order that we might be able to know what we ought and ought not to do in this life, God gives us understandable instructions via the Written Word {i.e., the Bible}.
CONSIDER THIS:
What must I do in the following situations?
1. If I am not right with God - I have never been a Christian. A. Know that you can be saved from sin - Matt 11:28-30 - > 28Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. > 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. > 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. ASV B. Be willing to do whatever God instructs you to do - > Hebrews 5:8-9 -> 8 though he was a Son, yet learned obedience by the things which he suffered; > 9 and having been made perfect, he became unto all them that obey him the author of eternal salvation; ASV C. Determine to live faithful to God's instructions hereafter. Revelation 2:10 - "Fear not the things which thou art about to suffer: behold, the devil is about to 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 the crown of life" {ASV}.
2. If I belong to a false religion. A. Know that God will forgive you for that - 1 John 1:9 - "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" {ASV}. B. Be willing to come to God on His terms - Eph 1:7 - "in whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace" {ASV}. C. After converting to Christ, remain faithful to Him always - 2 Timothy 4:7-8 - > 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith: > 8 henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day; and not to me only, but also to all them that have loved his appearing" {ASV}.
3. If I once was a Christian but have backslidden {i.e., gone back into sin again}. A. Know that you are worse off than you were before you became a Christian. 2 Peter 2:20-22 - > 20 For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein and overcome, the last state is become worse with them than the first. > 21 For it were better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after knowing it, to turn back from the holy commandment delivered unto them. > 22 It has happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog turning to his own vomit again, and the sow that had washed to wallowing in the mire. ASV B. Correct your life, repent and turn back to Him Galatians 6:1 - "Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted" {ASV}. C. Determine to remain faithful and gain that heavenly abode - John 14:2-3 -> 2In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. > 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I come again, and will receive you unto myself; that where I am, (there) ye may be also.
OUR ETERNAL DESTINY DEPENDS UPON OUR CHOICES IN THIS LIFE
Each of us today will have to make the decision sometime to obey God's instructions or to reject them. It is true that those that have not grown mentally so that they are able to make conscious decisions and considerate choices between good and evil are safe. These that are safe are safe because they are not responsible for their decisions because of age or mental handicap. Only those that are capable of understanding the difference between right and wrong {i.e., between good and evil} are amenable to the law of God. There is no teaching in the Bible that remotely suggest that every person is born a sinner - sin is not something that we inherit - sin is something that we do {i.e., transgress Divine law - 1 John 3:4 - "Every one that doeth sin transgresses also law; and sin is transgression of the law" {ASV}. The great problem today that hinders many people from coming to Christ is the many diverse, even contradictory religious philosophies presented to mankind in the name of true religion. The religion of Jesus is a religion that had its beginning in Jerusalem approximately 2000 years ago when, according to Acts 2 the church had its beginning as predicted by Jesus himself in Matthew 16:13-18. The Lord, while he was on the earth prayed that unity might exist among all believers based upon the teachings of his apostles, cf., John 17:20-21 - 20Neither for these only do I pray, but for them also that believe on me through their word; > 21that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, (art) in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us: that the world may believe that thou didst send me. ASV
We must all consider our “free-moral-agency” [i.e. our ability to choose] and we must not forget in the scheme of life that our relationship with God is the most important consideration. God expects each of us to use our personal choice to choose to serve and glorify HIM.
The ultimate goal of every person ought to be getting to heaven because we understand that this is not a permanent arrangement here on earth. The prevailing truth is, humankind [i.e. every person] has an appointment with God someday to receive a place to reside throughout eternity – either HEAVEN or ETERNAL PUNISHMENT - Romans 6:22-23, “22 But now being made free from sin and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto sanctification, and the end eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” ASV. The time we have here in this life is our time of preparation:
You can know the right way by searching the Book of God {i.e., the Bible}. Do not be misled, turn to your Bible and study it, for within its pages is the wisdom of God to be found – John 8:32, “32 and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” ASV. --- Garreth L. Clair – March 1, 2006 ---
JUDGMENT OF THE EVIL AND THE GOOD IS COMING, “SOMEDAY.”
Matt 13:24-30, “24 Another parable set he before them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man that sowed good seed in his field: 25 but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares also among the wheat, and went away. 26 But when the blade sprang up and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. 27 And the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst thou not sow good seed in thy field? whence then hath it tares? 28 And he said unto them, An enemy hath done this. And the servants say unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? 29 But he saith, Nay; lest haply while ye gather up the tares, ye root up the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather up first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them; but gather the wheat into my barn” ASV.
HILLIARD BULLETIN Published by the church of Christ Meeting at 4840 Cemetery Rd – P.O. Box 96 – Hilliard, OH 43026 Phone: (614) 850-7252
Preacher & Editor: Garreth L. Clair Phone: (614) 850-7252 Email: glclair@aol.com
=========================================================== Volume 9 Number 5 May 2006 ===========================================================
KEEP THE FAITH, BRETHREN! {Editor}
In recent days we have been inundated by media garbage that is designed to undermine the faith of the elect [i.e. God’s Children – Christians]. While the media reports on the Da Vinci Code and the Gospel of Judas as perhaps really helpful in changing the Biblical accounts that exist.
These so-called scholars are not at all interested in helping encourage faith in God, the Bible, or anything else sacred, their only apparent motive is to discredit the existing Bible and it’s teaching about Divine matters. I say apparently because of the nature of their comments about the Da Vinci Code and the so-called Gospel of Judas.
Both of these recent revelations about the possible inaccuracy of the existing Bible is another attempt to create doubt in the mind of anyone interested in the things spiritual that pertain to the true-God and His revelation to mankind [i.e. the existing Bible as we have it today].
“KEEP THE FAITH, Brethren, The Bible is still “truth”
Do not allow these attempts of atheist and unbelievers to unsettle your faith in God and His Written Word. The people who present this material are not interested in helping explain the truth revealed via the Holy Scriptures, they are only interested in discrediting it in the minds of gullible people and those who are weak in the faith.
Remember the truth taught in the Bible: 1 Cor 16:13, “13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong” ASV. Eph 6:10-17, “10 Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual (hosts) of wickedness in the heavenly (places). 13 Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 withal taking up the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil (one). 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” ASV.
REMAIN FAITHFUL, MY DEAR BRETHREN. – 1 Peter 1:9
GOSPEL MEETING ENCOURAGEMENT
The church here on Cemetery Road will begin a gospel meeting on May 7th the meeting will run through May 12, 2006. The meeting will begin on Sunday morning at 9:45 with sermons also at 10:30 and 4:00 PM. The capable evangelist for our meeting will be Norman Fultz who works with the church in Kansas City, MO. The services will begin at 7:30 each night, Monday through Friday. We will look for many of you that receive the HILLIARD BULLETIN at our services – God bless you all as you plan for the meeting.
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THE GOSPEL MEETING AND YOU
Each year the congregation here on Cemetery Road plans and schedules two gospel meetings. The meetings are designed to reach the lost in the community and to encourage [i.e. edify] the local members of the congregation. The men selected to preach during this time are good men that have been active for many years in God’s service. These good men prepare lessons that will aid us all in our journey through this earthly life. Many of the men that conduct meetings for the church here are well know in our brotherhood for their doctrinal soundness and dedication to the Holy Scriptures as the only guide in spiritual life and conduct.
You will do well to make plans for these meetings and the opportunity to learn more about the life a Christian is to live and how to stay right before God.
Can we depend on you to be here with your family and friends; to show your interest and to encourage others who may need to see your dedication and resolve to be in your place to learn more of God’s way?
CAUSES OF DIVISION – IS UNITY POSSIBLE TODAY? By Garreth Clair
Today it is extremely difficult to pin down a specific cause for the religious division that is so rampant in the religious world. If there is one cause, it must surely be disbelief – disbelief in God, disbelief in creation, disbelief by many that unity is possible, disbelief [i.e. a lack of trust] in other people, and etc. Indeed, there are many causes of division today and probably no real hope of unity among religious people.
Even though this is a true assessment of the people of the world in general, God tells us that we ought to be united, please note the following admonitions of Scripture:
Eph 4:1-6. 1 I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beseech you to walk worthily of the calling wherewith ye were called, 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”
Psalms 133:1, 1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity” ASV
Eph 4:11-13, 11 And he gave some (to be) apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 for the perfecting of the saints, unto the work of ministering, unto the building up of the body of Christ: 13 till we all attain unto the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a full grown man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” ASV
John 17:20-23, 20 Neither for these [i.e. the apostles - glc] only do I pray, but for them also that believe on me through their word; 21 that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, (art) in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us: that the world may believe that thou didst send me. 22 And the glory which thou hast given me I have given unto them; that they may be one , even as we (are) one ; 23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be perfected into one; that the world may know that thou didst send me, and lovedst them, even as thou lovedst me” ASV &nb |
