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HILLIARD BULLETIN FOR 2005
HILLIARD BULLETIN COMPLETE 2005 HILLIARD BULLETIN Published by the church of Christ Meeting at 4840 Cemetery Road in Hilliard, Ohio 43026 Phone: (614) 876-4089
Preacher and Editor: Garreth L. Clair Phone: (614) 850-7252 Email: glclair@aol.com
========================================================== Volume 8 Number 1 January 2005 ==========================================================
THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH Editorial by Garreth L. Clair
TEXT: Matthew 16:13-20 (Reference also in Mark 8:27-30; Luke 9:18-20) 13 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?" 14 So they said,” Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." 15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" 16 Simon Peter answered and said,” You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17 Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." 20 Then He commanded His disciples that they should tell no one that He was Jesus the Christ” (NKJV).
INTRODUCTION: Understanding of the church Jesus built begins with an understanding of the phrase “church”. Those of us having more than a passing interest in the church Jesus built are interested in teaching others about it. Consequently, we are, or must understand what it is in order to explain it to others. The very nature of the Christian’s commitment to Christ requires of him/her that they teach others about Christ and His Church, {cf. Matthew 28:18-20, 18 “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. 2 Timothy 2:2, 2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” {NKJV}.
DEFINING THE WORD CHURCH IN HISTORICAL PRESPECTIVE
‘The Greek word ekklesia, which came to mean church, was originally applied in the Classical period to an official assembly of citizens. In the Septuagint (Greek) translation of the Old Testament (3rd–2nd century BC), the term ekklesia is used for the general assembly of the Jewish people, especially when gathered for a religious purpose such as hearing the Law (e.g., Deuteronomy 9:10, 18:16). In the New Testament it is used of the entire body of believing Christians throughout the world (e.g., Matthew 16:18), of the believers in a particular area (e.g., Acts 5:11), and also of the congregation meeting in a particular house—the “house-church” (e.g., Romans 16:5)”. (Excerpted from Encyclopedia Britannica Online}
CHRIST USED A WORD IN COMMON USE AT THE TIME HE PREDICTED HE WOULD BUILD HIS CHURCH, Matthew 16:18.
The selection of the word church to designate the church Jesus Built indicates that it was to be an assembly of people who had all followed His prescription to enter it as those that entered it (i.e., the first congregation), on the day of Pentecost, cf. Acts 2:37-47, “37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" 38 Then Peter said to them,” Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call." 40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation." 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved” (NKJV).
SOME FACTS ABOUT THE CHURCH JESUS BUILT
1. The church Jesus promised to build is described as a new relationship for Jews and Gentiles where they were to be united in one body --- Ephesians 2:11-22, “11 Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh — who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands — 12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. 19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit” (NKJV).
2. The church Jesus promised to build is described by as a place where the citizens of it are peaceful and docile, and harmless as doves --- Isaiah 2:4, “4 He shall judge between the nations, And rebuke many people; They shall beat their swords into plowshares, And their spears into pruning hooks; Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, Neither shall they learn war anymore” (NKJV). John 14:25-27, “25 These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” Matthew 11:28-30, “28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (NKJV).
CONSIDER THIS: During Jesus ministry he taught the crowds that followed him about the qualities of and the nature of the people that were to make up the church (i.e., Kingdom of God) he promised to build especially is this prominent in his teaching of “The Sermon on the Mountain” cf. Matthew 5-7.
3. Jesus taught the people of his day that there would be salvation from sin for both Jews and Greeks, both slaves and freemen, and both male and female in the church he established --- 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, “12 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body — whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free — and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. 14 For in fact the body is not one member but many. Galatians, 3:26-29, “26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise” (NKJV)
4. Jesus set the organizational structure of the church, both in its universal sense and in its local congregational sense: * In the universal sense the church is the Body of Christ, He is the head of it --- Ephesians 1:19-23, “19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. 22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all” (NKJV).
** In the local, congregational sense each congregation is autonomous, self governing, having their own plurality of elders, deacons, and members --- Ephesians 4:11-16, “11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors (i.e., elders – added by Glc) and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head — Christ — 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love” Philippians 1:1, “1 Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops {i.e., “elders – Added by Glc} and deacons” (NKJV).
CONSIDER THIS: The Biblical organization of the church of Christ is a plurality of elders (i.e., bishops, presbyters, pastors,) in every church, with deacons serving under the oversight of the qualified elders. The qualifications of elders and deacons is found in Titus 1:5-9, “5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you — 6 if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination. 7 For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, 8 but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, 9 holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict” (NKJV). 1 Timothy 3:8-13, “8 Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, 9 holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. 10 But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. 11 Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus” (NKJV).
5. The church Jesus built has a divinely given pattern for its worship --- John 4:24, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (NKJV).
There are five actions included in acceptable worship:
Lord’s Supper -- Acts 20:7, “Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight” ( NKJV).
Giving into a common treasury (i.e. the congregation’s treasury) -- 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, “ Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come” (NKJV).
Singing -- Ephesians 5:19-21, “19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.” Colossians 3:16, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord”
Praying – Colossians 4:2-4, “Continue earnestly in prayer , being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; 3 meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, 4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.” Philippians 4:6, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (NKJV). Ephesians 5:2, “ giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God” (NKJV).
Teaching (i. e. preaching) -- Acts 20:7, “Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight”
6. The work that the congregation is to do is also revealed by God, each congregation is to perform activities that God has authorized the congregation to do. Those authorized activities are:
Edify the congregation – Romans 14:19, “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.” 1 Corinthians 10:23-24, “23 All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. 24 Let no one seek his own, but each one the other's well-being. 1 Thessalonians 5:11, “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” Ephesians 4:12, “ For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:”
Evangelize the world to the extent of the congregation’s resources – Matthew 28:18-20, “18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. Acts 8:4-8, “4 Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. 5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. 6 And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. 8 And there was great joy in that city. Acts 11:19-26, “19 Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. 20 But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.”22 Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. 23 When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. 24 For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. 25 Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. 26 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. “ Acts 20:7, “Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. NKJV
CONSIDER THIS: It is often suggested that if each congregation is limited to the extent of its ability how may the church aid in evangelizing the far off countries and their many and varied peoples? The Lord did not leave this matter to the judgment of individual Christians or to the judgment of the elders of autonomous churches; He did revealed the method for doing this type of world outreach to the Lost. Please note the following Biblical references that show how this work was done in early New Testament times:
FIRST – Notice in these passages that the preacher (i.e., Paul and his fellow preachers) in the mission field (i.e. Corinth) were supported directly by many churches:
SECOND– Notice that the large congregation in Jerusalem, after hearing of the conversion of the Gentiles in Antioch of Syria, sent Barnabus (i.e., supported him) to go and strengthen and encourage them – (see above Acts 11:22-25, underlined) 2 Corinthians 11:5-10, “5 For I consider that I am not at all inferior to the most eminent apostles. 6 Even though I am untrained in speech, yet I am not in knowledge. But we have been thoroughly manifested among you in all things. 7 Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge? 8 I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you. 9 And when I was present with you, and in need, I was a burden to no one, for what I lacked the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied. And in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so I will keep myself.” 2 Corinthians 12:12-13, “12 Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds. 13 For what is it in which you were inferior to other churches, except that I myself was not burdensome to you? Forgive me this wrong” (NKJV)!
THIRDLY – Whenever a large, affluent congregation sees the need to assist a church either in America or a foreign country and are financially able to do so they ought to do it.
FORTHLY – Whenever a need is brought to the attention of faithful churches and evangelists in a destitute place, a church ought to send a sound man to assist the needy church. If the congregation cannot support the man alone they ought to aid him in raising whatever support that he needs from other churches and individuals and Have the support sent directly to the preacher in the field of labor. The New Testament does not give authority to do this work of evangelizing any other way.
Care for needy (i.e., destitute) Christians -- Acts 11:27-30, “27 And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar. 29 Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. 30 This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.” James 2:15-16, “15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit” (NKJV). 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, “1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come. NKJV
Care for widows indeed from the congregation’s treasury - 1 Timothy 5:3-16, “3 Honor widows who are really widows. 4 But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety at home and to repay their parents; for this is good and acceptable before God. 5 Now she who is really a widow, and left alone, trusts in God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. 6 But she who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives. 7 And these things command, that they may be blameless. 8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 9 Do not let a widow under sixty years old be taken into the number, and not unless she has been the wife of one man, 10 well reported for good works: if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints' feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work. 11 But refuse the younger widows; for when they have begun to grow wanton against Christ, they desire to marry, 12 having condemnation because they have cast off their first faith. 13 And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought to the adversary to speak reproachfully. 15 For some have already turned aside after not. 14 Therefore I desire that the younger widows marry, bear children, manage the house, give no opportunity Satan. 16 If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows”
CONSIDER THIS: Responsibilities of Christians on an individual basis examined toward the poor, destitute, orphans, and widows or widowers. Consider these following Biblical references in context: With regard to younger widows or those widows with family -- 1 Timothy 5:14-16, “14 Therefore I desire that the younger widows marry, bear children, manage the house, give no opportunity to the adversary to speak reproachfully. 15 For some have already turned aside after Satan. 16 If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows” (NKJV).
With regard to the poor -- John 12:8, “For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always.” Galatians 2:10, “They desired only that we should remember the poor, the very thing which I also was eager to do.” James 2:1-6, “My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. 2 For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, 3 and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, "You sit here in a good place," and say to the poor man, "You stand there," or, "Sit here at my footstool," 4 have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him” (NKJV). Galatians 6:10, “10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (NKJV).
With regard to orphans and widows -- James 1:27, “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world”.
With regard to enemies -- Matthew 5:48, “"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I say to you, love your enemies , bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect” (NKJV).
With regard to brethren:
Erring brethren -- James 5:19-20, “19 Brethren , if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, 20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins” (NKJV).
Faithful brethren -- 1 Peter 1:22-23, “22 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren , love one another fervently with a pure heart, 23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever,” 1 John 3:13-18, “13 Do not marvel, my brethren , if the world hates you. 14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death. 15 Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. 16 By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth” (NKJV).
How to behave as Christians interact together in Christ (i.e., in the church) – 1 Timothy 3:14-16, “These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; 15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to behave yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness” 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, “1Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. 4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. 11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. 13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love” (NKJV)
CONCLUSION: The material that we have presented here is a very small portion of those things that the New Testament teaches about church membership, and the Christian’s personal responsibility. From time to time we will discuss more of the duties, privileges, and desires that the Christian ought to possess. There are many fundamental matters that are often overlooked or neglected in the life of many Christians; perhaps we can study these matters in the future in more detail. Biblical study is the most productive of all reading and personal study, there is not another source of information on earth that will effect your life more that the information that God has revealed to us via the Written Word. Study the Bible daily…
GOOD BOOKS ON THE CHURCH "Walking by Faith" -- Roy Codgill The New Testament Church" -- Roy Cogdill ---GLC --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On-Line Edition 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 Email: glclair@aol.com Phone: (614) 850-7252
========================================================== Volume 8 Number 2 (2) February 2005 ==========================================================
SOME PEOPLE CANNOT BE SAVED FROM SIN TEXT - Romans 1:16-24
INTRODUCTION:
1. There is a heaven and there is a place of eternal punishment.
2. All will eventually die and will go to either heaven or eternal punishment.
3. Everyone is either saved or unsaved.
4. The Bible states these facts very clearly.
A HEAVENLY PLACE FOR THE RIGHTEOUS: John 14:2-6, 2 In 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. 3 And 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. 4 And whither I go, ye know the way. 5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; how know we the way? 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but by me. ASV
A PLACE OF ETERNAL TORMENT FOR THE UNRIGHTEOUS: Revelation 20:10, 10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where are also the beast and the false prophet; and they shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. ASV Revelation 20:14, 14 And death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death, (even) the lake of fire. ASV
Knowledge of the realities of life, death, and what is after death is important to every person. The wise understand that now is the time to prepare the soul for eternity. The apostle Peter stated clearly in 1 Peter 1:24 the importance of understanding that life is fleeting, please note Peter's statement: "For, All flesh is as grass, And all the glory thereof as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower falleth:" ASV
1. Man and his glory (i.e., his life) are fading away.
2. Everyone will eventually return to the dust (i.e., will die) from which they came -- cf. Ecclesiastes 12:7, “Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it." KJV
BODY:
{Even though many realize that life is short and they are unsaved, many will not (i.e., CANNOT) be saved -- those that will not be saved are}
THOSE WHO DO NOT DESIRE SALVATION: A. One must want to be saved, Acts 2:37, "Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, " Men and brethren, what shall we do? B. Each person is personally involved in their conversion, becoming a Christian is not a passive affair! (1) Each person volunteers to serve God. (2) No one can be saved for another person.
THOSE THAT REFUSE GOD'S WILL: 2 Thess 1:8-9, 8 rendering vengeance to them that know not God, and to them that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus: 9 who shall suffer punishment, (even) eternal destruction from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his might, ASV
THOSE THAT WILL NOT ABANDON SIN: Luke 13:1-5, 1 Now there were some present at that very season who told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And he answered and said unto them, Think ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they have suffered these things? 3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all in like manner perish. 4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and killed them, think ye that they were offenders above all the men that dwell in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. ASV
THOSE THAT TRUST IN THEMSELVES FOR SALVATION: Matt 7:21, 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven. ASV
THE CARELESS, THOSE THAT WILL NOT TAKE THE TIME TO KNOW THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO GOD: Matt 15:14, 14 Let them alone: they are blind guides. And if the blind guide the blind, both shall fall into a pit. ASV
THOSE THAT HATE THEIR BROTHER: 1 John 4:20-21, 20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, cannot love God whom he hath not seen. 21 And this commandment have we from him, that he who loveth God love his brother also. ASV
AN INFANT CHILD: {They have no sin - They cannot be saved from something that they do not have} Matt 18:1-3, 1 In that hour came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven? 2 And he called to him a little child, and set him in the midst of them, 3 and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye turn, and become as little children, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven. ASV
CONCLUSION:
1. Indeed, there are many people that cannot be saved from the eternal torment that is coming to the wicked.
2. Those that cannot be saved are those that will not allow God to save them for whatever reason.
3. God is willing and able to save everyone but everyone will not be saved from sin and go to heaven, This is a great tragedy of every generation.
4. It is a fact, the infant child cannot be saved from sin -- an infant child has no sin
Sermon compiled by Garreth L. Clair - See you next issue, Lord willing! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HILLIARD BULLETIN Published by the church of Christ – P. O. Box 96 Meeting at 4840 Cemetery Road – Hilliard, OH 43026 Phone: (614) 876-4089
Preacher: Garreth L. Clair E-mail: glclair@aol.com Phone: (614) 850-7252
=========================================================== Volume 8 Number 3 March 2005 ===========================================================
THE DAYS OF OUR LIVES Garreth L. Clair
The days of a person’s life pass with great rapidity, to think that we have unlimited time here on the earth is a serious mistake. Many people live as though they have forever to get the most mundane things done, when the things could be done very quickly if the person put the task first in their priorities and began to do it. The great problem that hinders too many people is the willingness to put off (i.e. procrastinate), rather than take a task, beginning it, and following through to its conclusion. Indeed, some things require planning and thoughtful consideration before they are undertaken but the putting off indefinitely the commencement of a useful project is a contributing factor to an unproductive life and an old age full of regret. Because people have different levels of ability each person must decide for themselves if their approach to living life is productive or unproductive to good, only then can one begin to tackle projects within the range of their ability and proceed to finish them one by one. This concept is also effective at building a Christian life (i.e. a life for God) and a satisfied and fulfilling existence while one lives out the years of their life here on earth.
CONSIDER THIS:
The Bible has several very pointed statements about our pursuits here on the earth and what our priorities in life ought to be in order to live a successful life (i.e. successful by God’s standard). Please read the following truths, found in God’s Book, think on each reading and consider the ideal of “considering, seeking, and following through to completion.”
Matt 6:31-34, “31 "Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (NKJV).
Luke 11:9-13, "So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 11 If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him” (NKJV).
John 5:41-45, “41 "I do not receive honor from men. 42 But I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you. 43 I have come in My Father's name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive. 44 How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God” (NKJV)?
Rom 2:11, “1 Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. 2 But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. 3 And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? 5 But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6 who "will render to each one according to his deeds": 7 eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; 8 but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness — indignation and wrath, 9 tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; 10 but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 11 For there is no partiality with God” (NKJV).
Col 3:1-4, “1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory” (NKJV).
Heb 11:6, “6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (NKJV).
Heb 11:8-10, “8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; 10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (NKJV).
CONCLUSION:
So, as the wise man so adequately states the case - Psalms 90:10-12, “10 The days of our lives are seventy years; And if by reason of strength they are eighty years, Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; For it is soon cut off, and we fly away. 11 Who knows the power of Your anger? For as the fear of You, so is Your wrath. 12 So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom” (NKJV).
----- Hilliard Bulletin … March 2005 ----- THE POSSIBLE RESULTS WHEN ONE DOES NOT PREPARE WISELY Matthew 25:1-13, The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins
“1 Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. 6 "And at midnight a cry was heard: 'Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!' 7 Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' 9 But the wise answered, saying, 'No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.' 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. 11 "Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open to us!' 12 But he answered and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.' 13 "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming” (NKJV).
Commentary by Adam Clark – Matthew 25:1, “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. [Then shall the kingdom of heaven] The state of Jews and professing Christians-or the state of the visible church at the time of the destruction of Jerusalem, and in the Day of Judgment: for the parable appears to relate to both those periods. And particularly at the time in which Christ shall come to judge the world, it shall appear what kind of reception his Gospel has met with. [Virgins] Denoting the purity of the Christian doctrine and character. In this parable, the bridegroom is generally understood to mean Jesus Christ. The feast, that state of felicity to which he has promised to raise his genuine followers. The wise, or prudent, and foolish virgins, those who truly enjoy, and those who only profess the purity and holiness of his religion. The oil, the grace and salvation of God, or that faith which works by love. The vessel, the heart in which this oil is contained. The lamp, the profession of enjoying the burning and shining light of the Gospel of Christ. Going forth, the whole of their sojourning upon earth. Matthew 25:2, “And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. [Five of them were wise] Or, provident, phronimoi-they took care to make a proper provision beforehand, and left nothing to be done in the last moment. [Five were foolish] Moorai, which might be translated careless, is generally rendered foolish; but this does not agree so well with phronimoi, provident, or prudent, in the first clause; which is the proper meaning, of the word. Mooros, in the Etymological, is thus defined, me hoar to deon, he who sees not what is proper or necessary. These did not see that it was necessary to have oil in their vessels (the salvation of God in their souls), as well as a burning lamp of religious profession, Matt 25:3-4. Matthew 25:3, They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: Matthew 25:4, “But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. [Took oil in their vessels] They not only had a sufficiency of oil in their lamps, but they carried a vessel with oil to recruit their lamps, when it should be found expedient. This, the foolish or improvident neglected to do: hence, when the oil that was in their lamps burned out, they had none to pour into the lamp to maintain the flame. Matthew 25:5, “While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. [The bridegroom tarried] The coming of the bridegroom to an individual may imply his death: his coming to the world-the final judgment. The delay-the time from a man's birth till his death, in the first case; in the second, the time from the beginning to the end of the world. [Slumbered and slept.] Or, enustaxan kai ekatheudon, they became drowsy and fell asleep. As sleep is frequently used in the sacred writings for death, so drowsiness, which precedes sleep, may be considered as pointing out the decays of the constitution, and the sicknesses which precede death. Matthew 25:6, “And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. [At midnight there was a cry] The Jewish weddings were generally celebrated in the night; yet they usually began at the rising of the evening star; but in this case there was a more than ordinary delay. [Behold, the bridegroom cometh] What an awful thing to be summoned to appear before the Judge of quick and dead! Matthew 25:7, “Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. [Trimmed their lamps.] Ekosmeesan, adorned them. I have seen some of the eastern lamps or lanthorns, the body of which was a skeleton of wood and threads, covered with a very thin transparent membrane, or very fine gauze, and decorated with flowers painted on it. It is probable that the nuptial lamps were highly decorated in this way; though the act mentioned here may mean no more than preparing the lamps for burning. There are certain preparations which most persons believe they must make at the approach of death; but, alas! it is often too late. The lamp is defiled, the light almost out, and the oil expended; and what adorning is a wretched sinner, struggling in the agonies of death, capable of preparing for his guilty soul! Matthew 25:8, “And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. [Our lamps are gone out.] Sbennuntai, are going out. So then it is evident that they were once lighted. They had once hearts illuminated and warmed by faith and love; but they had backslidden from the salvation of God, and now they are excluded from heaven, because, through their carelessness, they have let the light that was in them become darkness, and have not applied in time for a fresh supply of the salvation of God. Matthew 25:9, “But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.” [Lest there be not enough for us and you] These had all been companions in the Christian course, and there was a time when they might have been helpful to each other; but that time is now past forever-none has a particle of grace to spare, not even to help the soul of the dearest relative! The grace which every man receives is just enough to save his own soul; he has no merits to bequeath to the church; no work of supererogation which can be placed to the account of another. Matthew 25:10, “And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. [While they went to buy, the bridegroom came] What a dismal thing it is, not to discover the emptiness of one's heart of all that is good, till it is too late to make any successful application for relief! God alone knows how many are thus deceived. [And they that were ready] They who were prepared-who had not only a burning lamp of an evangelical profession, but had oil in their vessels, the faith that works by love in their hearts, and their lives adorned with all the fruits of the Spirit. [The door was shut.] Sinners on a death-bed too often meet with those deceitful merchants, who promise them salvation for a price which is of no value in the sight of God. Come unto me, says Jesus, and buy: there is no salvation but through his blood-no hope for the sinner but that which is founded upon his sacrifice and death. The door was shut-dreadful and fatal words! Matthew 25:11, “Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. [Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord] Earnest prayer, when used in time, may do much good: but it appears, from this parable, that there may come a time when prayer even to Jesus may be too late!-namely when the door is shut-when death has separated the body and the soul. Matthew 25:12, “But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. [I know you not.] As if he had said, Ye are not of my company-ye were neither with the bride, nor the bridegroom: ye slept while the others were in procession. I do not acknowledge you for my disciples-ye are not like him who is love-ye refused to receive his grace-ye sinned it away when ye had it; now you are necessarily excluded from that kingdom where nothing but love and purity can dwell. Matthew 25:13, “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. [Watch therefore] If to watch be to employ ourselves chiefly about the business of our salvation, alas! how few of those who are called Christians are there who do watch! How many who slumber! How many who are asleep! How many seized with a lethargy! How many quite dead! [Wherein the Son of man cometh.] These words are omitted by many excellent MSS., most of the versions, and several of the fathers. ----- HILLIARD BULLETIN – March 2005 ----- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On-Line Edition 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 Email: glclair@aol.com or glclair@sbcglobal.net Phone: (614) 850-7252
=========================================================== Volume 8 Number 4 April 2005 ===========================================================
Editorial: ANOTHER LOOK AT ELDERS
The church established by our Lord on Pentecost (Acts 2:1-47), is an institution that is to have elders, deacons, and members. When we fail to recognize these relationships as important ingredients in the building process of the congregation we are not wise. The Scriptures tell us in Phil 1:1-2, “1 Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (NKJV).that the church at Philippi had elders, deacons, and saints (i.e. members), this arrangement constitutes a fully matured congregation of God’s people. Whenever we fail to strive for maturity as a congregation we are failing to do our best as saints (i.e., faithful members in the congregation).
We all need to be aware of the fact that God does not want those that are not qualified to act as elders or deacons. The qualifications of elders are clearly shown in two places by the apostle Paul, note the following qualifications of “overseers, elders, bishops, shepherds”:
1 Tim 3:1-7, “1This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; 3 not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; 4 one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence 5(for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); 6 not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil” (NKJV).
Titus 1:5-9, “5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you — 6 if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination. 7 For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, 8 but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, 9 holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict” (NKJV).
These two references give the qualifications other Scriptures give us the work they are to do while they serve as elders.
The work that elders do is also taught upon the pages of God’s Written Word, please note some of them: Stop the mouth of troublemakers – rebuke them sharply Do not give heed to fables and the commandments of men who are unsound
Titus 1:10-16, For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain. 12 One of them, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons." 13 This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth. 15 To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. 16 They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work” (NKJV).
· Serving as an elder involves work 1 Timothy 3:1, “This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work” (NKJV).
· Shepherd the flock (i.e., the membership) · Being examples to the flock (i.e., the membership) 1 Peter 5:1-4, “1The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: 2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; 4 and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away” (NKJV).
· They watch for the souls of the flock (i.e. the members) Hebrews 13:17, “17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you” (NKJV).
ARE THERE TWO OR MORE QUALIFIED MEN IN THE CONGREGATION?
Only the men that are of age and experience know whether they can qualify.
It is the work of the congregation to periodically discuss this issue.
We have 5 or 6 men who may qualify for this office.
Maybe they do not want to be elders.
We need to discuss it in our June business meeting
Perhaps we are in a position to have elders and do not know it
It has been about 5 years since we have discussed this matter about appointing men to the office.
Maybe we should examine the possibilities here and if we do not have men who desire to be elders or for some other reasons we cannot appoint them at this time we will just have to wait for our men to mature and become qualified sometime in the future – we will see!
DOES THE CONGREGATION NEED ELDERS?
Every congregation needs to have a plurality of qualified elders to oversee the flock. The instruction of Paul to Timothy verifies this fact, please note the reference - Titus 1:5-8, “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; 6 if any man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having children that believe, who are not accused of riot or unruly. 7 For the bishop must be blameless, as God's steward; not self-willed, not soon angry, no brawler, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; 8 but given to hospitality, as lover of good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled” (ASV). In this scripture Paul indicates that something is wanting (i.e. missing/lacking in the church). That which is missing will be completed through the appointment of elders.
The only correct action that may be taken by a congregation that has qualified men to fill the office of elders is to appoint them as the scriptures indicate. There must not be an appointment of unqualified men or men who do not want to be elders. The work of overseeing the congregation is a great work and not to be entered into without careful consideration by any man.
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SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT GOSPEL MEETINGS
One of the great debates that continue year after year is the importance and value of gospel (i.e. revival) meetings today. There is ample evidence to indicate that gospel meetings today are not as well attended today as they were 100 years ago. It is also true that not as many people are converted in gospel meetings today as they were 100 years ago. Yet, we must realize that we are living in a different world today than were our for-fathers of 100 years past. Indeed, we live in an age where the mechanics of this world are distracting millions of people to such a degree that they hardly have time to focus their attention on personal preparation for eternity, focus on the best source of knowledge for their family experience, or maintain focus on their personal commitment to their job. Many people today are living (i.e. or trying to) live up to the expectations and demands of a secular media that tells them how to live, what to buy, how to dress, where to go, what to eat, the kind of car that fits their profile, and on and on until they suffer an overload of information and complete stalling of personal accomplishment and satisfaction with life itself. Regardless of all this, we must work for today and leave the past to the past, let us do the work of evangelizing today just as faithfully as those 100 years ago. We are to sow the seed, God will give the increase.
GOD HAS THE ANSWER: Matthew 11:28-30, “28 Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (KJV).
Indeed, mankind today may hear, and obey God’s instruction on how to be saved from sin and live an exemplary life before God and man in this world but he must first hear the gospel of Christ to know what he is to be and to do. Let us, therefore encourage self, relatives, friends, and everyone that we know to come and hear the gospel message during our upcoming gospel meeting with Gary Fiscus from Salem, Indiana – May 15-20, 2005. Those that we know will benefit from the gospel meeting if they will come for even one service, let us all get to work and do whatever we can to prepare our friends and acquaintances for the meeting. See you next issue, Lord willing!
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On-Line Edition --- SPECIAL ISSUE HILLIARD BULLETIN Published by the church of Christ Meeting at 4840 Cemetery Road – Hilliard, OH 43026 Phone: (614) 876-4089
Preacher and Editor: Garreth L. Clair Email: glclair@aol.com or glclair@sbcglobal.net Phone: (614) 850-7252
============================================================ Volume 8 Number 5 (1) May 2005 ============================================================
MAY 15-20, 2005
The church here will conduct a gospel meeting on the above dates, each person reading this article is encouraged to join us for this great opportunity to study together from the greatest book ever written, the Bible.
Our speaker for the meeting is a gospel preacher of many years experience, we can expect some fine expository teaching from God’s Written Word each service. The preacher has been with the church in Spencer, Indiana a number of years and is beloved by the members. We will all profit from the efforts of brother Gary Fiscus as he presents each message – we will surely see you there!
The list of subjects that brother Gary Fiscus will present to us during this meeting is listed, please plan to be at each service but if you cannot, do come for some of these informative studies.
May 15 – Sunday: 9:45 AM – “What Difference Does it Make?” 10:30 AM – “Why Doesn’t God Make It Easier For Us?” 4:00 PM – “Timing Is the Key”
May 16 – Monday 7:30 PM – “I Know What the Bible Says, But…”
May 17 – Tuesday 7:30 PM – “The Wild Man Who Finally Settled Down”
May 18 - Wednesday 7:30 PM – “The Power of Prayer”
May 19 - Thursday 7:30 PM – “Am I Saved?”
Friday 20 – Friday 7:30 PM – “How will the World End?”
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GOD HAS THE ANSWER!
Often people run into problems while they live life here in the world, the fact is problems come to both the righteous and the unrighteous. The way to deal with problem that we experience in life often evades us as we suffer in silence, yet there is a source of information that deals with every problem in our lives. That source for problem solving is actually available in every country and to all people; it is God’s “Written Word’ (i.e. the Bible).
God says via the Written Word that it is a complete guide for every person – “Grace to you and peace be multiplied in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; 3 seeing that his divine power hath granted unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that called us by his own glory and virtue” (ASV), 2 Peter 1:2-3,
God has also revealed, that part of our problems in life stem from our own inability to solve or to deal correctly with the problems that we do experience because we cannot understand and do not know how to do so - 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).
Because we are so helpless in the area of understanding ourselves and what is best for us, God (i.e. “our “Creator”) has provided us with a guide book so that we can understand and make corrections in our life so that we will be able to live out our life here with a degree of joy and happiness instead of confusion, sorrow, regret, and hatred – Notice the following Biblical references in regard to this concept:…
1. In the Old Testament there are many references to man’s need of help from God, God will help us today if we will faithfully serve and honor Him: Psalms 22:19, “But You, O LORD, do not be far from me; O My Strength, hasten to help me” (NKJV)! Psalms 33:20-22, “20 our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. 21 For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name. 22 Let your mercy, O LORD, be upon us, just as we hope in you” (NKJV). Psalms 146:3-6, “3 do not put your trust in princes, Nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help. 4 His spirit departs, he returns to his earth; in that very day his plans perish. 5 Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God, 6 Who made heaven and earth, The Sea, and all that is in them; who keeps truth forever,”
2. In the New Testament there are also many references that teach God will help us in time of calamity, trouble, trial and during times of tears and grief if we are faithful and will call on Him:
The Promise of Rest From God - Hebrews 4:1-16
“1 Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. 2 For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. 3 For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said: "So I swore in My wrath, 'They shall not enter My rest, although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For He has spoken in a certain place of the seventh day in this way: "And God rested on the seventh day from all His Works;” 5 and again in this place: "They shall not enter My rest.” 6 Since therefore it remains that some must enter it, and those to whom it was first preached did not enter because of disobedience, 7 again He designates a certain day, saying in David, "Today," after such a long time, as it has been said: "Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts."8 For if Joshua had given them rest, then He would not afterward have spoken of another day. 9 There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. 10 For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. 11 Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. 12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. 14 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need”
CONCLUSION:
Therefore let us so live our lives here in this word so that when the final judgment of all mankind by Jesus Christ {cf. John 12:48) takes place we will be found acceptable.
There is a terrible resurrection awaiting the wicked - Heb 10:27-31, “27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. 28 Anyone who has rejected Moses' law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know Him who said, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. And again, "The LORD will judge His people." 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (NKJV).
A wise person will surely understand these statements found in God’s Written Word about the need to pursue righteous living while living here on this earth. To ignore the warnings and admonitions from God regarding this matter is a grave mistake that the honest student of God’s Word will take to heart and make every possible effort personally to walk in the ways of God throughout his/her life.
Remember the congregational singing at 3:00 P.M. Sunday – May 15, 2005. We have invited singers from everywhere to join us. We will pray that many song leaders will attend. Will you plan to join us? You will be welcome here.
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Garreth Next Gospel Meeting
The next gospel meeting will be with the 4th Street congregation in Cullman, Alabama
DATES – June 12-17, 2005
Sunday through Friday
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OnLine Edition 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 Email: glclair@aol.com or glclair@sbcglobal.net Phone (613) 850-7252
========================================================= Volume 8 Number 5 (2) May 2005 ==========================================================
GOD HAS THE ANSWER!
Often people run into problems while they live life here in the world, the fact is problems come to both the righteous and the unrighteous. The way to deal with problem that we experience in life often evades us as we suffer in silence, yet there is a source of information that deals with every problem in our lives. That source for problem solving is actually available in every country and to all people; it is God’s “Written Word’ (i.e. the Bible).
God says via the Written Word that it is a complete guide for every person – “Grace to you and peace be multiplied in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; 3 seeing that his divine power hath granted unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that called us by his own glory and virtue” (ASV), 2 Peter 1:2-3,
God has also revealed, that part of our problems in life stem from our own inability to solve or to deal correctly with the problems that we do experience because we cannot understand and do not know how to do so - 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).
Because we are so helpless in the area of understanding ourselves and what is best for us, God (i.e. “our “Creator”) has provided us with a guide book so that we can understand and make corrections in our life so that we will be able to live out our life here with a degree of joy and happiness instead of confusion, sorrow, regret, and hatred – Notice the following Biblical references in regard to this concept:…
1. In the Old Testament there are many references to man’s need of help from God, God will help us today if we will faithfully serve and honor Him: Psalms 22:19, “But You, O LORD, do not be far from me; O My Strength, hasten to help me” (NKJV)! Psalms 33:20-22, “20 our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. 21 For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name. 22 Let your mercy, O LORD, be upon us, just as we hope in you” (NKJV). Psalms 146:3-6, “3 do not put your trust in princes, Nor in a son of man, in whom there is no |
