As we enter a new year, we ought to ponder the past to see if it has been happy and healthy (i.e., physically, mentally, and spiritually). One of the things that God points out to man in the Bible is the need for him to be happy, content, and healthy as he lives in this world awaiting the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Please note the following Bible references that teach this concept:

2 For thou shalt eat the labor of thy hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.

20 He that giveth heed unto the word shall find good; And whoso trusteth in Jehovah, happy is he.

14 And soldiers also asked him, saying, And we, what must we do? And he said unto them, Extort from no man by violence, neither accuse (any one) wrongfully; and be content with your wages. ASV

11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therein to be content. ASV

5 wranglings of men corrupted in mind and bereft of the truth, supposing that godliness is a way of gain.

7 for we brought nothing into the world, for neither can we carry anything out;

14Now the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him; and he cannot know them, because they are spiritually judged.

15But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, and he himself is judged of no man. ASV

5 ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. ASV -- Please consider these thoughts as you consider the hopes and aspirations of the coming year. Nothing you could do will aid your happiness, contentment, and spiritual well being greater than serving GOD. (Glc - 1/1/03)

There will be 52 occasions to study God's Written Word together with others on Sundays at 9:45 AM at the building located at 4840 Cemetery Road.

There will be 104 occasions to hear the gospel message preached in its beauty at 10:30 AM and 6:00 PM each Sunday at the building located at 4840 Cemetery Road.

There will be 52 occasions for your family to be involved in Bible study at the building located at 4840 Cemetery Road on Wednesday nights at 7:30.

There will be twelve copies of the HILLIARD BULLETIN (One each month - January to December) that will be available and passed out at the door of the building each first Sunday in the month for your reading, study, and admonition. There will additional handouts for information and Bible study also.

There will be two gospel meetings this year, dates will be made available as they draw near, one in the Spring of 2003 and one in the fall of 2003.

There will be a good supply of tracts on a variety of subjects that will be available to the members and to those that visit the congregation during the coming year. These tracts may be used by the membership as aids in spreading the gospel message to family, friends, and coworkers (IF YOU HAVE SUGGESTIONS FOR NEW TITLES, tell Garreth Clair).

FREE BIBLE CORRESPONDENCE COURSES are available for the asking to everyone who would like to study the Bible in the privacy of their home. (Tell Garreth Clair if you would like to register or add a friend to our list)

There is a five video set of IN HOME VIDEOS that are available to anyone who has a desire to study the Bible at home; the Videos are by David Harkrider.

There is a cassette tape library available to anyone with about 300 different titles. These are very good for home, for sick and confined people, and for introducing friends, family, and coworkers to the church.

In home Bible studies are available to anyone who has a desire to study the Bible in your home or the home of a friend. NOTE:

If you cannot conduct a home Bible study, feel free to invite Garreth Clair to teach the class or to assist you in presenting the teaching of the Bible to your friends.

The Bible reveals a pattern for the salvation of man's soul. There are many different things taught be many different people about how one is saved from sin. The only reliable place to turn for the truth about the subject of salvation from sin is the Bible (THE WRITTEN WORD OF GOD). In the remainder of this article, please observe the truth, gleaned from the Bible about the Divine plan for the salvation of man.

Paul the apostle of Christ tells us first of all that the Scripture is to be divided correctly and applied to our life:

"Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth." ASV

This action requires that we examine the subject of salvation from sin in the New Testament and make proper application of the teaching.

16 But they did not all hearken to the glad tidings. For Isaiah saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?

15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation.

16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned. ASV

3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all in like manner perish. ASV

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

36 And as they went on the way, they came unto a certain water; and the eunuch saith, Behold, (here is) water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

37 (And Philip said, If thou believest with all thy heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.) ASV

10 for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. ASV

19 Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: ASV

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

The Bible teaches that after one has complied with these Biblical conditions for salvation from sin, that person is then added to the church by the Lord.

Acts 2:47, "praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to them day by day those that were saved." ASV

After a person becomes a Christian (Acts 11:26), that person is to consider themselves as babies in Christ, notice 1 Peter 2:1-2,

1 Putting away therefore all wickedness, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speaking,

2 as newborn babes, long for the spiritual milk which is without guile, that ye may grow thereby unto salvation; ASV

This passage shows us that the newly converted are as infants in the faith, having need for growth. The church of which they are members ought to provide spiritual food for them so that they can grow to ultimately be mature in the faith, notice the following reference --

6For unto this end was the gospel preached even to the dead, that they might be judged indeed according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

7But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore of sound mind, and be sober unto prayer:

8above all things being fervent in your love among yourselves; for love covereth a multitude of sins:

10according as each hath received a gift, ministering it among yourselves, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God;

11if any man speaketh, (speaking) as it were oracles of God; if any man ministereth, (ministering) as of the strength which God supplieth: that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, whose is the glory and the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

12Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial among you, which cometh upon you to prove you, as though a strange thing happened unto you:

13but insomuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory also ye may rejoice with exceeding joy.

14If ye are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed (are ye); because the (Spirit) of glory and the Spirit of God resteth upon you.

15For let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evildoer, or as a meddler in other men's matters:

16but if (a man suffer) as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God in this name.

17For the time (is come) for judgment to begin at the house of God: and if (it begin) first at us, what (shall be) the end of them that obey not the gospel of God?

18And if the righteous is scarcely saved, where shall the ungodly and sinner appear?

19Wherefore let them also that suffer according to the will of God commit their souls in well doing unto a faithful Creator. ASV

In 1 Cor 3 Paul contrasts babes to mature (i.e., spiritual) to show that growth is essential to the Christian, indeed, the new Christian ought to place himself/herself in a position to learn and to grow spiritually, seeking maturity.

1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, as unto babes in Christ. ASV

The material that you will be reading herein is a study in contrasts. The contrast is the distinction between the person that serves the one true God and the person that refuses to serve the one true God. This study might be consider an exercise in theology relating the distinction and ultimate end of the saint and the sinner based upon their reaction to the Divine instruction available to them via the Written Word (i.e., the 66 books of the Bible).

It is never acceptable to study the condition of the sinner and the saint from the human perspective without Divine input via the Written Word of God. The reason the writer insist upon this point is simple, there is no Divine truth except that found within the Book of God. Since this is evident to the simple as well as to the scholar, we might now proceed to examine the evidence found in the Book of God.

THE ACCOUNTABLE PERSON MUST BE A CHRISTIAN AT THE TIME OF HIS DEATH TO GO TO HEAVEN

Revelation 14:13, "And I heard the voice from heaven saying, Write, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth: yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; for their works follow with them"

Luke 11:28, "But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it" (ASV).

The accountable person is a person that has the ability to make an intelligent choice about his/her relationship to God. If a person does not have the ability to make a choice because of age (i.e., infant) or mental handicap, that person is not amenable to the law of Christ. Only those persons that reject the gospel of Christ personally may be referred to as those without God -- 2 Thessalonians 1:8, "rendering vengeance to them that know not God, and to them that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus" (ASV). -- Romans 2:8, "but unto them that are factious, and obey not the truth, but obey unrighteousness, (shall be) wrath and indignation," -- 1 Peter 4:17, "For the time (is come) for judgment to begin at the house of God: and if (it begin) first at us, what (shall be) the end of them that obey not the gospel of God"(ASV), to follow another religion is unacceptable to God -- for there is but one God, His name is Jehovah. Based upon this line of argument it is clear that only men and women capable of choosing to serve the one true God (i.e., revealed via the 66 books of the Bible) are acceptable to Him. Since this is factual, we must not accept other god's as equal to the God of the Bible they are not equals but are inferior as were the god's of the Canaanites of the Old Testament era, cf., 2 Kings 19:17-18, "> Of a truth, Jehovah, the kings of Assyria have laid waste the nations and their lands, > and have cast their gods into the fire; for they were no gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone; therefore they have destroyed them"

2 Chronicles 13:9-10, "> Have ye not driven out the priests of Jehovah, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites, and made you priests after the manner of the peoples of (other) lands? so that whosoever cometh to consecrate himself with a young bullock and seven rams, the same may be a priest of (them that are) no gods. > But as for us, Jehovah is our God, and we have not forsaken him; and (we have) priests ministering unto Jehovah, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites in their work: (ASV).

These facts are not presented for the purpose of embarrassing anyone or of creating enmity against any person or religion but these facts are presented in the hope of converting some of these people to the true God. The process of conversion is outlined in the New Testament and cannot be found in any other book of religious authority. Consequently, it is this writer's contention that everyone that pleases God will have become acceptable to Him by following the same procedure. The same procedure that I refer to is found only in the New Testament and contains the following items; Belief (Mark 16:15-16), repentance (Acts 2:38), confession (Romans 10:9-10), and baptism for the remission of sin (Acts 2:38). According to the teaching of the Bible we find that the first converts from the Law of Moses did these very things, things, which constituted the first congregation of disciples (i.e., Christians - Acts 11:26). This first congregation of disciples was formed in Jerusalem of converted Jews according to Acts 2:1-47.

As we conclude this part of our study, we are made aware of the great gap that divides religious people throughout the world today. Indeed, there are millions of people who are without God in their lives. Those who are without God in their lives are without hope as were the Gentile nations before the advent of Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:11-12, >"Wherefore remember, that once ye, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called Circumcision, in the flesh, made by hands; > that ye were at that time separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of the promise, having no hope and without God in the world" (ASV).

We have a great responsibility to the masses of humanity that are scattered throughout the world, we must do our very best to inform them of the doom that awaits those that are without God, cf., Luke 12:4-5, "And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. > But I will warn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, who after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him." -- 2 Thessalonians 1:8, "rendering vengeance to them that know not God, and to them that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus" (ASV). This is a great and difficult task for most religious people throughout the world are satisfied with the religion that they currently serve. Not only are most religious people in the world satisfied, they are dull of hearing and blind guides of the blind, unwilling to examine other religious alternatives. The same might be said of the masses of people that have no religion at all, many of them have no interest in religion for one reason or another, often reasons without creditability. Yet, regardless of the objections, and difficulties connected to evangelizing others, we must surely do the works of God which encourage us to teach others of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ, cf., Matthew 28:18-20,

18 And Jesus came to them and spake unto them, saying, All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth.

19 Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit:

20 teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." ASV

According to the teaching of the Bible, our proposition, "THE HUMAN CONDITION WITH GOD" simply means, man's condition with God as a faithful disciple.

Whenever one walks with God one must be in step with God, before one can walk with God he must have complied with whatever conditions that God has stipulated. On the one hand, if God has not made stipulations for man to follow, man may walk with God predicated on any or no qualifying conditions but if God has provided qualifications for man to meet before walking with him, man must meet these qualifications.

Abel and Cain -- Genesis 4:4-9, > "And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And Jehovah had respect unto Abel and to his offering: > but unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. > And Jehovah said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? > If thou doest well, shall it not be lifted up? and if thou doest not well, sin coucheth at the door: and unto thee shall be its desire, but do thou rule over it. > And Cain told Abel his brother. And it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. > And Jehovah said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: am I my brother's keeper" (ASV)?

Enoch -- Genesis 5:24, "and Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him" (ASV).

Hebrews 11:5, "By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and he was not found, because God translated him: for he hath had witness borne to him that before his translation he had been well-pleasing unto God" (ASV):

Exodus 16:4, "Then said Jehovah unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a day's portion every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or not"

Exodus 18:20, "and thou shalt teach them the statutes and the laws, and shalt show them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do."

Leviticus 26:3, "If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them" (ASV);

1 Kings 6:12-13, > "Concerning this house which thou art building, if thou wilt walk in my statutes, and execute mine ordinances, and keep all my commandments to walk in them; then will I establish my word with thee, which I spake unto David thy father. > And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake my people Israel"

The Christian Dispensation is no different from the other two that men have lived under in the past. God expects mankind to conform to His instructions (i.e., commands) under the last dispensation too. Please notice the following teaching from the New Testament that relates to this proposition:

Christ died on the cross for the sins of humanity; this is an act of grace. Even though that is true, Christ has stipulated conditions for benefiting from that grace He has provided, please note, cf., Hebrews 5:8-9 --- "> though he was a Son, yet learned obedience by the things which he suffered; > and having been made perfect, he became unto all them that obey him the author of eternal salvation" (ASV).

Has Christ provided conditions that man is to obey before he can be saved from sin? Yes, He has, please note the following Biblical references:

Hebrews 1:1-2, "God, having of old time spoken unto the fathers in the prophets by divers portions and in divers manners, > hath at the end of these days spoken unto us in (his) Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds" (ASV);

How has Jesus Christ communicated these conditions (i.e., commands) to humankind? He has communicated them via the Written Word (i.e., the Bible), please note the following references:

Jesus is talking to His Father on behalf of His apostles and those that will believe on Him through their teaching. The teaching of the apostles is contained in the New Testament today. Since the New Testament contains the teaching of the apostles (i.e., the teaching that Christ authorized them to present), we can know what to do in obedience to Christ by reading the New Testament. The New Testament tells us that we "ought to rightly divide the truth" cf., 2 Timothy 2:15 -- (i.e. the teaching of Christ and the apostles). John 17:17-23,

19And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth.

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.

22And the glory which thou hast given me I have given unto them; that they may be one, even as we (are) one;

23I 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

The teaching of Christ and the apostles presents a plan for the salvation of men's souls, it follows -- Jesus Christ told the apostles that their mission would be to preach and teach the whole creation, Matthew 28:18-20. -- The New Testament (i.e. the teaching of the apostles) reveals to us the gospel plan of salvation.

Indeed, Jesus Christ will save everyone that will follow His instruction, look again at Hebrews 5:8-9 listed above.

Finally, look at the apostle Paul's instruction to Timothy in, cf., 2 Timothy 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" (ASV). Consequently, whenever we preach the apostles doctrine today we tell people that they are saved by grace through faith and obedience. Why do we teach that? Because the Bible teaches that and we are bound to teach whatever the Bible authorizes.

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Did you ever consider the fact that some Christians do not understand that there is work to do in the Kingdom/church of the Lord. Indeed there are some people that consider themselves to be part of a congregation yet do not think that God expects anything of them. This is a view of the Christian's relationship to Christ that the Bible does not teach. Let us examine the teaching of the Bible about this subject to see what the Bible does say about "Christian Duty".

25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting (one another); and so much the more, as ye see the day drawing nigh.

This passage teaches the Christian that he/she ought to assemble faithfully with other Christians whenever the church comes together.

1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I gave order to the churches of Galatia, so also do ye. 2 Upon the first day of the week let each one of you lay by him in store, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come. ASV

This passage of Scripture teaches the Christian that he/she ought to give of their money to support the work of the congregation where they are members.

6 But this (I say,) He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he that soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

7 (Let) each man (do) according as he hath purposed in his heart: not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. ASV

This passage of Scripture tells the Christian the kind of disposition they ought to possess toward their money as it relates to their worship of the one true God.

24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and truth. ASV This passage tells the Christian the kind of disposition and standard that is acceptable to God for worship, in spirit and according to truth.

18 Yea, a man will say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith apart from (thy) works, and I by my works will show thee (my) faith.

19 Thou believest that God is one; thou doest well: the demons also believe, and shudder.

This passage teaches the Christian that "good works" or "obedience" is expected, God expects the true Christian to show their gratitude and love by doing those works that glorify Him. Other passages of Scripture that teach this point are:

6 and showing loving kindness unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.

10 and showing loving kindness unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments. ASV

23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my word: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. ASV

39 And a second like (unto it) is this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. ASV

27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. ASV

8 Owe no man anything, save to love one another: for he that loveth his neighbor hath fulfilled the law.

9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not covet, and if there be any other commandment, it is summed up in this word, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: love therefore is the fulfillment of the law. ASV

Note -- The Christian can do these things if he/she is conscious of the need to do so, will we do them?

Many people today do not serve God or pursue Him because they do not have confidence in Him. This is true of many people because they have not taken time to be acquainted with God. There are too many people today that get their information about the God of the Bible from unreliable sources. I know of many people who make statements about God or about events in their life, the life of someone that they know, about some tragic event in nature or the sudden death of someone that they know, or get their view of God from people who do not really know Him. We all need to investigate the God of the Bible from the only source that is available to us, the Bible. Whenever we are wise enough to examine the Bible we find out a number of facts that give us an idea of God's nature, qualities, and majesty.

As one can see by reading about God's qualities in His Book (i.e., the Bible), He is not at all like man in any sense. Because God is unlike man, it is difficult for us to understand Him without examining the Bible. The Bible gives us a beautiful picture of God, of course no man has seen God for God is spirit, cf., John 4:24. Knowledge of God can only be determined by considering the information that is revealed to us via the Written Word, or by looking at nature around us.

When we look at the natural world, we find that nothing compares, in beauty to what God has provided for us in the natural world. Whenever we look for real magnificence in art we might turn to the painters of great pictures or venture to a famous art gallery but the paintings of man cannot compare to the beauty of a golden, red, yellow, and blue sunset on a crisp spring day. Whenever we look to the works of man in construction and architecture, we are amazed by the great bridges and tall skyscrapers that man has built but these are meager when compared to the Grand Canyon or the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. Then of course we are awed by the power of the rockets that blast men into outer earth orbit or the explosive power of an atomic bomb but theses too are simple whenever we see the power of a volcano or a 6.5 earthquake somewhere in the earth. Indeed, these mighty works demonstrate the power, the beauty, the greatness, and goodness of God, not only in the Bible record; it is also visible in nature.

In your heart, you know God exist, why not find out more about Him today. Open your Bible and begin to read about Him, He can make your life better as you become familiar with Him. If you need some assistance in your study, feel free to contact us.

As we live, move, and have our being here in the world we oftentimes ignore the many things that God has done for us. How often do we acknowledge our very existence, out ability to learn, our capacity for love, anger, and hate, the beauty of a fall sunset, the activity of the oceans as their tides come and go, the beauty of a rose or a daffodil, etc. Indeed, there are many things that bless our existence even if we do not acknowledge God. Indeed, it is true, "God makes his rain fall on the just and the unjust alike, cf., Matthew 5:45,

45 that ye may be sons of your Father who is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sendeth rain on the just and the unjust. ASV

A seven lesson Bible study by mail is available to anyone who desires it, contact us at the address for the first lesson.

The cause of Christ in Hilliard is the most important consideration that the members here have. We are continuing to encourage one another and are seeking out those in our sphere of influence to become Christians too.

In this issue of the HILLIARD BULLETIN we want to examine the proposition, "What must I be, in order to please God continually?" Today religion is mostly subjective, very few people will admit this but it is never-the-less true. As we examine our own views about faithfully living the Christian life are we truly willing to submit to God's will (objective philosophy) or are we more prone to pick and choose those things that we want in religion (subjective philosophy). You see, true religion requires that we submit our will to the instruction (i.e., via the Written Word) of God. Whenever we are submitting to God's wishes in our lifestyle we are glorifying God, to glorify God is our highest achievement in our relationship with the one true God, cf., Ecclesiastes 12:12, "(This is) the end of the matter; all hath been heard: fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole (duty) of man" (ASV).

John 14:23, "Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my word: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him" (ASV).

In this SPECIAL ISSUE for April, we want to give some information to you about conformity and rejection of conformity to God, some information about the right choices to make in our spiritual life rather than the wrong choices. As you read and examine this issue consider the things that we are presenting as also necessary qualities that you need to incorporate into your life and choices today, as you struggle to live a life that is acceptable to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, cf., Acts 17:28, "for in him we live , and move, and have our being; as certain even of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring" (ASV).

In America today we want to think that everyone at least believes in good morality and God's family values, yet our desire to believe this does not make it so. There are many people in America today that have very bad values whenever it comes to comparing their values system with the values system that God encourages people everywhere to possess. God's value system established by God's Written Word covers all areas of man's relationship in life from the cradle to the grave. Whenever we want to know what God desires of us rather than what is currently in vogue in society we simply need to turn to that subject in the Written Word of God (i.e., the 66 books of the Bible) and the answer is there, let me give you a few examples, following:

18And the LORD God said, "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him." 19Out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name. 20So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him. 21And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. 22Then the rib which the LORD God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. 23And Adam said:

24Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. 25And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed. NKJV

Gal 5:18-19, --- 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, NKJV

Revelation 21:8, 8But for the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part (shall be) in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death (ASV). Today in our society, dishonesty and greed has become axiomatic with business transactions in nearly every area of commerce. These are sins against God and God's instructions that are clearly taught via the Written Word of God. There is no time whenever men and women are to involve themselves in fraud, deceit and other acts of dishonest to accomplish selfish, covetous, or greedy objectives, such is always sinful.

All murderers will be lost cast into the lake of fire at the judgment unless they repent and turn to God in His terms for forgiveness. See the references for number 2 and 3 already listed.

Anyone that teaches false doctrine will be condemned by God, no false teacher can be acceptable before God, there is only one true gospel.

16For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of; for necessity is laid upon me; for woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel. ASV

6I marvel that ye are so quickly removing from him that called you in the grace of Christ unto a different gospel;

7which is not another (gospel) only there are some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

8But though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach unto you any gospel other than that which we preached unto you, let him be anathema.

9As we have said before, so say I now again, if any man preacheth unto you any gospel other than that which ye received, let him be anathema. ASV

Each congregation is organized as an autonomous (i.e., self governing) body. Each church will have its own plurality of qualified elders (i.e., bishops, shepherds, overseers), its own deacons that serve the church under the oversight of the elders. The preacher is not an elder unless he is qualified and selected by the congregation, each eldership oversees the work of the church over which they server and no other.

1:1Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus that are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: ASV

1The elders among you I exhort, who am a fellow-elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, who am also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:

2Tend the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not of constraint, but willingly, according to (the will of) God; nor yet for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

3neither as lording it over the charge allotted to you, but making yourselves ensamples to the flock. ASV

Parents are head over children in the home, children are to be cared for and loved by parents. Children are to honor and submit to parents, --- Ephesians 6:1-4, 1Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. > 2Honor thy father and mother (which is the first commandment with promise), > 3that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. 4And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but nurture them in the chastening and admonition of the Lord. ASV

The standard that God has established for approved worship is established by the text in John 4:24, --- 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and truth. ASV Anyone that will worship God correctly must do so based upon what the Bible authorizes, please notice the following acts of worship that is approved by God:

Hebrews 10:24-25, --- 24 and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works; > 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting (one another); and so much the more, as ye see the day drawing nigh. ASV

1 Corinthians 5:4, --- 4in the name of our Lord Jesus, ye being gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus, ASV

Acts 20:7, --- 7 And upon the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul discoursed with them, intending to depart on the morrow; and prolonged his speech until midnight. ASV

Acts 4:18-20, --- 18And they called them, and charged them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. > 19But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it is right in the sight of God to hearken unto you rather than unto God, judge ye: > 20for we cannot but speak the things which we saw and heard. ASV

1 Corinthians 11:23-26, --- 23For I received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which he was betrayed took bread; > 24and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, This is my body, which is for you: this do in remembrance of me. > 25In like manner also the cup, after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood: this do, as often as ye drink (it), in remembrance of me. > 26For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink the cup, ye proclaim the Lord's death till he come. ASV

1 Corinthians 16:1-2, --- 1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I gave order to the churches of Galatia, so also do ye. > 2 Upon the first day of the week let each one of you lay by him in store, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come. ASV

Philippians 4:6, --- 6 In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. ASV

1 Corinthians 14:15, --- 15What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. ASV

As we examine the instruction from God that applies to us as we develop and sustain relationships with other people, there are guidelines that will aid us in God's Book of instructions (i.e., the Bible).

39And a second like (unto it) is this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. ASV

27And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.

28And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.

29But he, desiring to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbor? ASV

36Which of these three, thinkest thou, proved neighbor unto him that fell among the robbers?

37And he said, He that showed mercy on him. And Jesus said unto him, Go, and do thou likewise. ASV

4. Love of others emanates from the heart, no evil will be directed toward a neighbor and no hurt (physical or physiological) will be directed toward them.

7Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute (is due); custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.

8Owe no man anything, save to love one another: for he that loveth his neighbor hath fulfilled the law.

9For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not covet, and if there be any other commandment, it is summed up in this word, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. ASV

5. Nothing harmful to a neighbor will emanate from the heart of the one who truly loves and has a desire to be a good neighbor.

10Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: love therefore is the fulfillment of the law. ASV

6. Interaction with others will ought to be based upon the concept that whatever I want for myself and for my own comfort and pleasure ought to be afforded my neighbor also.

7. In all interaction with others I must do all that I am capable of to promote good will, if there is dissention between me and my neighbor let it be his fault -- not mine as the cause.

God instructs His people to abide by the just laws that the governments (i.e., local, state, and federal) enact. There is no instruction contained in the Bible for Christians to submit to secular laws that violate the laws of God.

1Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers: for there is no power but of God; and the (powers) that be are ordained of God.

2Therefore he that resisteth the power, withstandeth the ordinance of God: and they that withstand shall receive to themselves judgment.

3For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. And wouldest thou have no fear of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise from the same:

4for he is a minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is a minister of God, an avenger for wrath to him that doeth evil.

5Wherefore (ye) must needs be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience' sake.

6For this cause ye pay tribute also; for they are ministers of God's service, attending continually upon this very thing.

7Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute (is due); custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. ASV

21 They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's. ASV

27And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them,

28aying, We strictly charged you not to teach in this name: and behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.

29But Peter and the apostles answered and said, We must obey God rather than men. ASV

What does this point consist of? The concept of morals and ethics are by-products of submitting ourselves under the Kingship of Jesus Christ and is shown in our conduct. Some examples of moral and ethical qualities are demonstrated in the following overt acts:

2. Having limits to involvement in activities that may hinder our relationship to God and to other Christians in the living of life for God.

3. Insisting upon equal treatment for all people regardless of race, or ethnic origin.

4. Accepting our place in life or in the church and seeking patiently to improve ourselves without taking advantage of others.

5. Realizing that circumstance in life is sometimes tragic, sometimes depressing, and doing our best regardless of the circumstance.

6. To accept defeats in life as well as victories in our struggles with life and its problems --- to always continue to serve God regardless.

The very concept that encourages us to live the life of a Christian also instills within us the above qualities that are often referred to as moral and ethical qualities. These qualities of character are also called "Christian virtues" or "Christian graces". Please note some of them as they appear in the Bible:

4whereby he hath granted unto us his precious and exceeding great promises; that through these ye may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world by lust.

5Yea, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply virtue; and in (your) virtue knowledge;

6and in (your) knowledge self-control; and in (your) self-control patience; and in (your) patience godliness;

7and in (your) godliness brotherly kindness; and in (your) brotherly kindness love.

8For if these things are yours and abound, they make you to be not idle nor unfruitful unto the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

9For he that lacketh these things is blind, seeing only what is near, having forgotten the cleansing from his old sins.

10Wherefore, brethren, give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never stumble: ASV

These qualities of character will naturally become part of the Christian as they grow toward maturity in the faith. These moral and ethical qualities will enable the Christian to become the salt of the earth and the light of the world as Christ desires. The Lord says that His disciples are to be so, please note the following verses:

13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men.

15Neither do (men) light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shineth unto all that are in the house.

16Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. ASV

Indeed, there are many areas of life where the Christian may have an influence upon other people in the world. The Christian will be on display all the time, at work, on vacation, at the market place, and with family and friends --- Are we conscious of this great influence that we exhibit before others? We surely ought to be because we may be the catalyst that causes another person to turn to God for salvation sometime. Because of our great influence over other people let us recognize the fact: God has given us information and a pattern of right and wrong to follow, that is the Written Word of God (i.e., the 66 books of the Bible).

The congregation will come together at 3:00 to 4:00 PM for singing. SEE YOU THERE!

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As the apostle Paul discusses miraculous spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12-14 he emphasizes charity (i.e., love) as the greatest of all gifts, yet in reality love is not a spiritual gift but is a disposition of heart that is to be developed by each Christian. The disposition of most people today is nothing near that which Paul emphasizes in the letter to the Corinthians, quite the contrary, the masses of humanity are caught up in the sin of selfishness and greed to such a degree that they cannot love anyone but themselves. In this article, we will look at the teaching of the Bible on the subject of love, so that we may know how Christians ought to exhibit this greatest Christian characteristic in their lives.

The passage that I have referred to herein is 1 Corinthians 13:8-13, "8Love never faileth: but whether (there be) prophecies, they shall be done away; whether (there be) tongues, they shall cease; whether (there be) knowledge, it shall be done away.

10but when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away.

11When I was a child, I spake as a child, I felt as a child, I thought as a child: now that I am become a man, I have put away childish things" (ASV).

12For now we see in a mirror, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know fully even as also I was fully known.

13But now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; and the greatest of these is love. ASV

agape (ag-ah'-pay); from NT:25; love, i.e. affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast:

Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

[Charity never faileth] Paul here proceeds to illustrate the value of love, from its "permanency" as compared with other valued endowments. It is valuable, and is to be sought because it will always abide; may be always exercised; is adapted to all circumstances, and to all worlds in which we may be placed, or in which we may dwell. The word rendered "faileth" ekpiptei (NT:1601) denotes properly to fall out of, to fall from or off; and may be applied to the stars of heaven falling (Mark 13:25), or to flowers that fall or fade (James 1:11; 1 Peter 1:24), or to chains falling from the hands, etc.; Acts 12:7. Here it means to fall away, to fail; to be without effect, to cease to be in existence. The expression may mean that it will be adapted to all the situations of life, and is of a nature to be always exercised; or it may mean that it will continue to all eternity, and he exercised in heaven forever. The connection demands that the latter should be regarded as the true interpretation; see 1 Cor 13:13. The sense is, that while other endowments of the Holy Spirit must soon cease and he valueless, LOVE would abide, and would always exist. The "argument" is, that we ought to seek that which is of enduring value; and that, therefore, love should be preferred to those endowments of the Spirit on which so high a value had been set by the Corinthians.

[They shall fail] The gift shall cease to be exercised; shall be abolished, when the New Testament is completed, cf., 1 Cor 13:10.

[There be tongues] The power of speaking foreign languages through the power of the Holy Spirit, see following:

[They shall cease] Macknight supposes this means that they shall cease in the church after the gospel shall have been preached to all nations. But the more natural interpretation is, to refer it to the completed revelation, which event occurred shortly after the 1st Century, after the death of Christ.

[Whether there be knowledge] -- Another of the miraculous spiritual gifts that are peculiar to this context. This knowledge is not that knowledge that is acquired through mental exercise but knowledge that is given through the laying on of an apostle's hands cf., Acts 5:12, 18; 6:6; 8:17; 13:3; 14:3; 19:6; 19:11; 28:8 2 Tim 1:6 and Heb 6:2. But LOVE shall continue; and we should, therefore, seek that which is permanent and eternal. Adapted by Garreth Clair from Barnes' Notes, Electronic Database. Copyright (c) 1997 by Biblesoft)

Love is an important quality in each Christian, we ought to be motivated by love to do good toward out God, our neighbors, our family, and our brethren in the church family. The following passages of Scripture indicate this necessary quality in the faithful disciple:

37And he said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

39And a second like (unto it) is this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. ASV

34A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; even as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

35By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. ASV

2and walk in love, even as Christ also loved you, and gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for an odor of a sweet smell. ASV

We want o take this opportunity to invite everyone in the community to attend the revival meeting that will begin here at 4840 Cemetery Road on April 27-May 2, 2003.

The speaker for our gospel meeting will be Jerry Parks, a good man with vast experience in the Lord's work -- you will enjoy being here with us.

One of the great privileges available to people in the city of Hilliard are the opportunities that the Cemetery Road church of Christ makes available to the community on a continuing basis. In the list following are several options that are available to everyone simply by making personal contact with us:

2. Receive the "HILLIARD BULLETIN" by U.S Postal service, mailed into your home monthly.

3. Submit your email address to us at glclair@aol.com and receive timely reminders of local events and activates, plus the "Hilliard Bulletin mailed via email monthly.

Today most people are not very interested in the "truth." The specific "truth" that I refer to is the Bible. The Bible is the only real source of truth that matters in our search for blessings from the Creator. There are many different religions in our world and all of them claim to provide a ticket to paradise for their followers. The strange thing about the claims of differing religions, religions that teach conflicting doctrines is, they all tell their followers that they will go to paradise if they follow their doctrinal philosophy. Many of these conflicting religions claim that they follow the Bible, but there are many religions that do not subscribe to the Bible or any part of it, yet they tell their followers that they will experience paradise just the same. How do we sift through all this religious conflict and come up with the right answer that will truly bring us an acceptable relationship with our Creator, God?

Since the concept of doctrinal purity is important to acquiring a right relationship with God, we need to go to Him for that information. God does not speak audibly to man today as He did in His early dealings with man but He speaks today to man via the Written Word (i.e., the Holy Scriptures). The Pentecostals are wrong when they teach that the Holy Spirit speaks directly to people today, no passage of Scripture teaches this philosophy. The only way for man to truly know what God would have him to know is found in the Bible. The fact is, to know the truth about any spiritual (i.e., religious) matter man must turn to the Written Word of God.

According to John 8:32, "the truth makes man free from sin…" Indeed, if we accept this statement for the truth that it is we will know that freedom from our sins may be obtained from God through a knowledge of truth. Since this is so, let us seek the Divine formula contained in the Written Word that frees man from sin. Please observe the following points that teaches us how man is saved from sin as gleaned from the Written Word of God:

Ø One is to confess that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (i.e., the Messiah) according to Romans 10:9-10.

Ø One is to be baptized through immersion for the remission of sin according to Romans 6:3-4 and Acts 2:38.

Ø One is then privileged to wear the name Christian as those disciples in Antioch of Syria according to Acts 11:26. (glc)

A great encouragement to the true Christian is secured in hope. Hope is said by the Scripture to be the anchor of the soul, cf.,

Hebrews 6:18-19, "that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have a strong encouragement, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us: >"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). Indeed, the hope of the Christian enables the one to have confidence in the promises that God has made to him, cf., 2 Timothy 4:6-8,

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 --- The true Christian accepts as factual that he will one day be resurrected to eternal life and joy with the Godhead, cf., John 5:28-29,

28Marvel not at this: for the hour cometh, in which all that are in the tombs shall hear his voice,

29and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of judgment.

2So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:

43it is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:

44it is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual (body).

5 By terrible things thou wilt answer us in righteousness, Oh God of our salvation, Thou that art the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off upon the sea:

6 Who by his strength setteth fast the mountains, being girded about with might;

7 Who stilleth the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, and the tumult of the peoples.

8 They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens: Thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice.

9 Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it, Thou greatly enrichest it; the river of God is full of water: Thou providest them grain, when thou hast so prepared the earth.

10 Thou waterest its furrows abundantly; Thou settlest the ridges thereof: Thou makest it soft with showers; Thou blessest the springing thereof.

12 They drop upon the pastures of the wilderness; and the hills are girded with joy.

13 The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered over with grain; they shout for joy, they also sing. ASV

Proverbs 3:26, "For Jehovah will be thy confidence, And will keep thy foot from being taken" (ASV).

3 knowing this first, that in the last days mockers shall come with mockery, walking after their own lusts,

4 and saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for, from the day that the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

5 For this they willfully forget, that there were heavens from of old, and an earth compacted out of water and amidst water, by the word of God;

6 by which means the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:

7 but the heavens that now are, and the earth, by the same word have been stored up for fire, being reserved against the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.

8 But forget not this one thing, beloved, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some count slackness; but is longsuffering to you-ward, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall be dissolved with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

11 Seeing that these things are thus all to be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in (all) holy living and godliness,

12 looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God, by reason of which the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

13 But, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. (ASV).

The Christian will demonstrate the hope that they possess by actions and conduct that will be seen by other people. Some of the by-products that are manifest by the Christian possessing hope are:

Ø The Christian will always be faithful to the Lord's instruction. The only standard of religious authority that is binding on man today is the Written Word of God, therefore as we live out our lives here we will show by our faithful adherence to that Written Word our confidence in God --- "OUR HOPE" (Hebrews 10:24-25; Rev 2:10).

Ø The Christian will not compromise the Word of God (i.e., the TRUTH), under any circumstances. The Christian understands that without abiding in all truth one cannot be pleasing to God in anything ---2 John 9-11, "9 Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching of Christ, hath not God: he that abideth in the teaching, the same hath both the Father and the Son.

10 If any one cometh unto you, and bringeth not this teaching, receive him not into (your) house, and give him no greeting:

Ø There are times in the Christian's life whenever he/she may be overcome with the temptations of the Devil, even then, when the Christian comes to his senses he will repent and turn again to faithfully serve the God that he knows he can trust --- cf. 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.

According to the calendar, schools will be out for the summer in July. Since our children and grandchildren will all be home except while we are on the annual vacation, why not make plans to attend worship, Bible study, special singing, and training sessions with us here at 4840 Cemetery Road.

There will be different individuals selected to read, pray, lead singing, and teach from the pulpit. Usually there will be as many as 10 or 12 individuals involved in the service,

How do we decide what is right and what is wrong? Is everyone free to choose his own way? While this philosophy is called "new" by some in our society, it is as old as the early days of the Old Testament. We are told in Judges 21:25, "In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes." (ASV) Upon what should our morals be based?

Pronunciation: 'mor-&l, 'mär-; 3 is m&-'ral - Function: noun - Date: 15th century

1 a: the moral significance or practical lesson (as of a story) b: a passage pointing out usually in conclusion the lesson to be drawn from a story

"Know ye that Jehovah, he is God: it is he that hath made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture." ASV

"And God said, let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven."

B. We have as much right to argue with God about morals as a pot with the potter.

20 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, why didst thou make me thus?

C. Since God is our creator we have an obligation to ask what His will is concerning our moral conduct:

"Howbeit what saith the scripture? Cast out the handmaid and her son: for the son of the handmaid shall not inherit with the son of the freewoman.

"but rise, and enter into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do." ASV

"Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of the mind, examining the Scriptures daily, whether these things were so." ASV

II. SINCE MORALS ARE BASED ON THE INSTRUCTION OF THE UNCHANGEABLE GOD THEY ARE ABSOLUTE:

"For I, Jehovah, change not; therefore ye, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed." ASV

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, neither shadow that is cast by turning." ASV

"but like as he who called you is holy, be ye yourselves also holy in all manner of living;" ASV

1. 1 God, having of old time spoken unto the fathers in the prophets by divers portions and in divers manners,

2 hath at the end of these days spoken unto us in (his) Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds;

"Every scripture inspired of God (is) also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness." ASV

9 but as it is written, Things which eye saw not, and ear heard not, And (which) entered not into the heart of man, Whatsoever things God prepared for them that love him.

10 But unto us God revealed (them) through the Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

11 For who among men knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of the man, which is in him? even so the things of God none knoweth, save the Spirit of God.

12 But we received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is from God; that we might know the things that were freely given to us of God.

teacheth, but which the Spirit teacheth; combining spiritual things with spiritual (words). ASV

"Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth." ASV

"The opening of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple." ASV

C. The Scriptures are not to be wrested/twisted to satisfy everyone's philosophy:

20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of private interpretation.

"as also in all (his) epistles, speaking in them of these things; wherein are some things hard to be understood, which the ignorant and unstedfast wrest, as (they do) also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction." ASV

IV. TO BE PLEASING TO GOD OUR MORALS AND ETHICS MUST BE BASED UPON GOD'S WORD ALONE:

"to them that are without law, as without law, not being without law to God, but under law to Christ, that I might gain them that are without law." ASV

2. Their are many Divine principles included that address drugs, sexual perversion, etc.

Morals and ethics have not been left up to our personal preferences and personal desires. The "do your own thing" philosophy will only lead to confusion, heartache, and spiritual death.

Jim McFadden --- In care facility in Marysville. Ohio --- See Susan or Margaret about information.

We might all like to keep in touch with these that are having difficult medical problems at this time. If you are unable to visit them, send them a card, or call them.

The vacation season is upon us, the family vacations will soon begin as schools end for the summer and families begin their annual vacation. Let us all determine to be faithful to our Lord even though we may be many miles away from the church assemblies here on Cemetery Road --- cf., Hebrews 10:24-25,

25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting (one another); and so much the more, as ye see the day drawing nigh. ASV

The preacher is back in the pulpit and back to a full schedule of activities as of Sunday, June 1, 2003. The open-heart surgery that Garreth underwent on April 2, 2003 was successful and he has recovered normally. To everyone that prayed for my recovery and assisted me in many other ways during the surgery and after the surgery I will be forever grateful. There is no doubt in my mind that some of the finest and sincerest Christians anywhere are members of the church here, May God richly bless all of us as we labor together in the Vineyard of our Lord in the future.

Our next gospel meeting here on Cemetery Road will be in October (dates next month); the preacher will be John Haines from Dayton, Ohio. Let us mark our calendar so that we will not forget or make plans that may conflict with the meeting. Meeting time is a great time for learning more of God's will for our lives.

John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life." (ASV) There should be no doubt in our mind about God's love for us, as we read the passage of Scripture here in John 3:16, we are impressed with God's willingness to allow His only Son to sacrifice himself for our sins so that we might be forgiven through this gracious act and our compliance with His will --- cf., Hebrews 5:8-9.

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A constant problem faced by everyone is the problem of sin. Sin is the great separator between God and man today as in all ages past. The reality of sin plagues the man that never attends religious services as well as those that do attend religious services. To this great problem that mankind continues to confront in daily life we direct the following comments.

SIN (Heb. hatta'a; Grk. hamartia, a falling away from or missing the right path). Also numerous other Heb. words.

General. The underlying idea of sin is that of law and of a lawgiver. The lawgiver is God. Hence sin is everything in the disposition and purpose and conduct of God's moral creatures that is contrary to the expressed will of God (Rom 3:20; 4:15; 7:7; James 4:12,17).

The sinfulness of sin lies in the fact that it is against God, even when the wrong we do is to others or ourselves (Gen 39:9; Ps 51:4).

The being and law of God are perfectly harmonious, for "God is love." The sum of all the commandments likewise is love; sin in its nature is egotism and selfishness. Self is put in the place of God (Rom 15:3; 1 Cor 13:5; 2 Tim 3:2,4; 2 Thess 2:3-4). Selfishness (not pure self-love, or the exaggeration of it, but in opposition to it) is at the bottom of all disobedience, and it becomes hostility to God when it collides with His law.

All sin therefore has a positive character, and the distinction between sins of commission and those of omission is only on the surface. In both cases, sin is actual disobedience (see Matt 23:23).

People in the world becomes amenable to the law of Christ whenever they reach the age of accountability. Now, the age of accountability may be different in people, some people who are born are born with brain damage so that they never in life will be able to make a choice between good and evil, still others that may be born with the ability to choose between good and evil are damaged in auto accidents, etc., so that they too, are unable to choose between good and evil --- all such people will not be amenable to God. Only those that develop normally with normal intellect in place will attain to the age of accountability (i.e., having the ability to choose good and/or evil whenever the choice is made available to them). The individual that chooses to disobey God will be considered by God as transgressor (i.e., sinner), cf., James 2:8-12,

8Howbeit if ye fulfill the royal law, according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well:

9but if ye have respect of persons, ye commit sin, being convicted by the law as transgressors.

10For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one (point), he is become guilty of all.

11For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou dost not commit adultery, but killest, thou art become a transgressor of the law.

12So speak ye, and so do, as men that are to be judged by a law of liberty. ASV

Here in James 2:8-12 the subject of sin (i.e., transgression) is considered from both the Law of Moses and according to the "law of liberty" (i.e., the law of Christ). In both cases one is considered to be sinful even though he/she may keep part of the commands but fail to keep other parts of the same law. In this contexts we can surely see, man's sin will separate him from the God that will eventually be his judge even though he might keep some law faithfully. The important point in this context is, man cannot keep part of the law of God and fail to keep other parts of the same law and expect God to reward him. Again, man cannot consider the good deeds he does as more important than keeping all of God's law --- cf., 1 Samuel 15.

There are far too many people today involved in religious activity that are not obeying God's commands and they know that they are not. Those that keep some of God's commands are weighing their good deeds against their failures and are accepting their definition of righteousness based upon their partial obedience to God's law and simply ignoring their failures to obey God in many other areas. This self standard of determining righteousness is completely unacceptable to God --- cf., Col 3:24-4:1,

24knowing that from the Lord ye shall receive the recompense of the inheritance: ye serve the Lord Christ.

25For he that doeth wrong shall receive again for the wrong that he hath done: and there is no respect of persons. ASV

24No 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. ASV

Consequently, no person can partially serve God and please Him. To serve God correctly let us determine to do all that God requires of us. God requires of us first that we become converted, converted from the kingdom of darkness (i.e., Satan's kingdom) into the kingdom of God's dear Son (Colossians 1:13-24). Secondly, once we have been converted to Christ's Church we then need to continue to serve God faithfully for the rest of our lives, this faithfulness is not to be a pick-and-choose type of faithfulness but an acceptance of all God's instructions continually --- cf., Revelation 2:10,

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.

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

Let us always serve God willingly and completely, let us determine to do whatever we learn from God as our responsibilities.

Acts 5:29, "But Peter and the apostles answered and said, We must obey God rather than men."

2 Thessalonians 1:8, "rendering vengeance to them that know not God, and to them that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus:" ASV

1 Peter 4:17, "For the time (is come) for judgment to begin at the house of God: and if (it begin) first at us, what (shall be) the end of them that obey not the gospel of God?" ASV

2 John 9-11, "9 Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching of Christ, hath not God: he that abideth in the teaching, the same hath both the Father and the Son.

10 If any one cometh unto you, and bringeth not this teaching, receive him not into (your) house, and give him no greeting:

James 2:10-11, "10For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one (point), he is become guilty of all.

11For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou dost not commit adultery, but killest, thou art become a transgressor of the law. ASV

Matthew 23:23, "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye tithe mint and anise and cummin, and have left undone the weightier matters of the law, justice, and mercy, and faith: but these ye ought to have done, and not to have left the other undone. ASV

Luke 11:42, "But woe unto you Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and every herb, and pass over justice and the love of God: but these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

2 Timothy 4:3, "For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts;" ASV

1 Timothy 6:3, "If any man teacheth a different doctrine, and consenteth not to sound words, (even) the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;"

Galatians 1:6-8, "6I marvel that ye are so quickly removing from him that called you in the grace of Christ unto a different gospel;

8But though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach unto you any gospel other than that which we preached unto you, let him be anathema.ASV

2 Peter 3:15-16, "15And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also, according to the wisdom given to him, wrote unto you;

16as also in all (his) epistles, speaking in them of these things; wherein are some things hard to be understood, which the ignorant and unstedfast wrest, as (they do) also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction." ASV

Matthew 15:3, "And he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition?" ASV

The disciple of Christ will always be careful to love God and neighbor but will also make every effort to comply with God's instruction that relate to other areas of life and service also. Cf., Matthew 6:33, "But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. ASV

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As Christians and members of the congregation meeting here on Cemetery Road we are obligated to God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit to go about the business of evangelizing our friends and neighbors - cf., Matthew 28:18-20. Because this is commanded of all Christians, we have been visiting in the various neighborhoods of the community (i.e., zip code 43026) distributing tracts, and packets of information about the Cemetery Road congregation and it's work and relationship to Christ. We are simply carrying out the commands of our Lord to do our best to convert the whole world (i.e., it's people) from sin. We plead with you to greet our representatives that come into your community as honest, dedicated, children of God.

1. The church makes available to anyone printed tracts and study guides about many of the things that the church does. The Bible is our only rule of faith and practice, you will find

2. The church provides FREE Bible Correspondence Courses to anyone that will enroll in the studies.

3. The congregation offers a monthly bulletin (i.e., The Hilliard Bulletin) to anyone that wants to receive it, just give us your mailing address and we will make sure that you get

the bulletin each month. Incidentally, the bulletin and Bible study aids are FREE.

4. You are invited to come and visit us at the meetinghouse as often as you desire, we would be delighted to meet you and your family and discuss anything of a spiritual

5. We are also available for home Bible studies at your convenience; please feel free to let us know of your desire to have a home Bible study anytime, call 850-7252.

There are many people today that reside in the world of sin. One of the kindest things that one could do for one of these that are living in sin, having never believed and obeyed the gospel, is to show them that without becoming a Christian they will ultimately be lost.

James 5:20, "let him know, that he who converteth a sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall cover a multitude of sins" (ASV).

1 Peter 4:18, "And if the righteous is scarcely saved, where shall the ungodly and sinner appear" (ASV)? Today we see occasional opportunities to discuss with one of the unconverted their condition before God and we ought to take advantage of those occasions. Remember this, God has no voice but our voice to speak the Holy Words of Truth today to these lost ones. Let us be, as Jesus says; "about our Father's business." cf., Luke 2:49, "And He said to them, "Why did you seek me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business" (NKJV)?

Indeed, those of us that are Christians need to busy ourselves in the area of personal evangelism. Unless Christians today shoulder the responsibility to teach the lost they will never be taught, let us go, and teach. We will never be sorry that we tried to teach another.

Not only must we be concerned about the alien sinners in our world today, we must also be concerned about those that we know that no longer serve God faithfully. There are many people in the community here in Hilliard that at one time attended services faithfully but they have drifted away and into sin. We need to reach out to these and encourage them to return to the faith that they have abandoned.

Galatians 6:1-2, " >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.

Yes, we need to extend our outreach to the lost including our backsliding brethren, too. Many time once a Christian leaves the church we do not seek them out and try to get them back, this ought not to be. As we can see from the passage here in Galatians 6, we ought to try to restore them to Christ.

20let him know, that he who converteth a sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall cover a multitude of sins. ASV

Yes, we ought to be continually concerned about our brethren who are faithful. Yes, we ought to encourage them to continue in the good works that they are pursuing. We must constantly be prepared to join in every worthy effort that the faithful are pursuing. We ought to pray for the faithful ones and seek out their companionship so that we might interact with them and so strengthen our ties as brethren together.

11 For this is the message which ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another:

18 (My) Little children, let us not love in word, neither with the tongue; but in deed and truth.

9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

10 In love of the brethren be tenderly affectionate one to another; in honor preferring one another;

Jesus Christ promised that He would build His church according to Matthew 16:18, "And I also say unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it" (ASV). Did Jesus establish the church as He promised in this verse? As we proceed to study the Bible on this question, we are told by Jesus that some of the people to whom he was talking would not die until this event (i.e., the kingdom was established {i.e., the church}). Matthew 16:28, "Verily I say unto you, there are some of them that stand here, who shall in no wise taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom" (ASV). As we consider these facts, it is certain that:

(2) Jesus said that some of the people living at that time would not die until they saw it established.

There are further evidences in the Bible that tell us facts about the church, please note the following additional establishment markers:

2 And (1) it shall come to pass in the latter days, that the mountain of Jehovah's house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.

3 And (2)many peoples shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for (3)out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of Jehovah from Jerusalem.

The kingdom/church will be established in the latter days, last days of the Jewish dispensation.

These establishment markers were fulfilled according to Acts 2, for there we read of the fulfillment, please note:

1 And when the day of Pentecost was now come, they were all together in one place.

2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound as of the rushing of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

3 And there appeared unto them tongues parting asunder, like as of fire; and it sat upon each one of them.

4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. ASV

5 Now there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven.

5 Now there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. ASV

39 For to you is the promise, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, (even) as many as the Lord our God shall call unto him.

The church of Christ had its beginning on the first Pentecost after the death of Christ, approximately A.D, 33. The Biblical reference that details the events on the birthday of the church is Acts 2:1-47. From the facts revealed to us in the 2nd chapter of the book of Acts we find that (1) the conditions for membership are enumerated, (2) the offer of salvation is extended to all nationalities, and (3) Christ adds the saved to the church (i.e., the body).

a. Belief --- indicated by their question, "men and brethren what shall we do"? --- Verse 37

2. The offer of salvation from sin to all nationalities, both Jews and Gentiles:

Acts 2:39, "For to you is the promise, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, (even) as many as the Lord our God shall call unto him" (ASV).

The afar off in the context of verse 39 refers to the Gentile nations as Paul clearly states in

Ephesians 2:13, "But now in Christ Jesus ye that once were far off are made nigh in the blood of Christ" (ASV).

Ephesians 2:17, "and he came and preached peace to you that were far off, and peace to them that were nigh" (ASV).

Acts 2:47, "praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to them day by day those that were saved" (ASV).

It is possible to know the right church today simply by looking for identifying marks. Identifying marks are visible throughout the New Testament that tell us how the true church worships, who it worships, its doctrine about salvation, living the life of a Christian, etc. Indeed, we can look upon the pages of the Written Word of God (i.e., the Bible), and find the identifying marks that will lead us to the right church.

John 4:24, "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and truth" (ASV).

Ephesians 4:2-7, "2with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; > 3giving 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; 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all. 7But unto each one of us was the grace given according to the measure of the gift of Christ. (ASV)

The HILLIARD BULLETIN has been coming to you for a good while, some of you have been receiving the publication for five years. We want to revise our mailing list to include those that want to receive the bulletin, therefore we are asking you to cut out this part of the bulletin and mail it back to us if you want to continue receiving the publication by U.S. MAIL.

The congregation consists of those that are members of a local church. A local church is made up of a plurality of Christians that have volunteered to work together at a certain location to carry out their God given responsibilities to worship and work to glorify God - cf., John 4:24, "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and truth (ASV). Each congregation when having reached its maturity will consist of elders and deacons with the membership - cf.,

Philippians 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):

Among those qualities, that the membership of each congregation is to develop is purity of life. Now, this purity includes a number of things that each Christian ought to possesses in their character, please note the following reference:

sensualities, or the ascendancy of irregular passions; chastity (2 Cor 6:6; 1 Tim 4:12; 5:2).

1. katharismos NT:2512 is rendered "a cleansing" (akin to No. 4, above), Mark 1:44; Luke 5:14; in Heb 1:3, RV, "purification."

3. hagnismos NT:49 denotes "a ceremonial purification," Acts 21:26, for the circumstances of which with reference to the vow of a Nazirite (RV), see Num 6:9-13.

hagnizo NT:48, akin to hagnos, "pure" (see CHASTE), "to purify, cleanse from defilement," is used of "purifying" (a) ceremonially, John 11:55; Acts 21:24,26 (cf. No. 3 above); 24:18; (b) morally, the heart, James 4:8; the soul, 1 Peter 1:22;

2. katharizo NT:2511, "to cleanse, make free from admixture," is translated "to purify" in Acts 15:9, KJV (RV, "cleansing"); Titus 2:14; Heb 9:23, KJV (RV, "cleansed"). See CLEAN, B, No. 1.

As these words apply to the quality of character that Christians ought to possess. We have no problem understanding that they refer to morally, sexually, and spiritually clean. There are a number of passages of Scripture that refer to pure and purity by simply using the term white, as "dressed in white robes" {Rev. 7:9} and "riding on white horses" {Rev. 19:11-14}. White in these passages and others indicates purity.

In these passages in the Book of Revelation, many of them refer to Christ or to heavenly personages. Purity is a quality that every Christian ought to seek so that they can truly claim to be "imitators of the Divine Nature" (i.e., of Christ) - cf., 2 Peter 1:2-4,

2Grace to you and peace be multiplied in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord;

3seeing 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;

4whereby he hath granted unto us his precious and exceeding great promises; that through these ye may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world by lust. ASV

refers to the actions that we perform in our interactions with others. In whatever area that we may find ourselves dealing with other people we must display moral purity. If I am involved with another person in any business enterprise, I must always pursue honest, equitable, and fair practices. I must not seek to gain advantage through unchristian tactics. It is never morally right to take unfair advantage of another person in any activity. Fairness itself is an action that all Christians ought to pursue, note the following Biblical references:

3 To receive instruction in wise dealing, In righteousness and justice and equity; ASV

9 Then shalt thou understand righteousness and justice, And equity, (yea), every good path. ASV

13 Now for a recompense in like kind (I speak as unto (my) children), be ye also enlarged.

1 Masters, render unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. ASV

The Christian that desires to maintain purity of the mind with regard to the opposite sex must be conscious of the teaching of the Bible on the subject and conform thereto. Part of the problem of maintaining purity in this area may be attributed to a failure to control the desires. We know that God teaches the Christian to maintain self-control as a quality of acceptance, please note the following Biblical references:

25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, and self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified, and answered, Go thy way for this time; and when I have a convenient season, I will call thee unto me. ASV

6 and in (your) knowledge self-control; and in (your) self-control patience; and in (your) patience godliness;

problems that he experienced as he desired to live the pure life was self-control. Paul even left us instructions about how to gain the advantage in 1 Corinthians 9:27, "but I buffet my body, and bring it into bondage (K.J.V., under subjection) lest by any means, after that I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected" {ASV}. We would do well to imitate the apostle's attitude toward taking care of the body's desires.

We must surely understand the importance of showing those in the world that we are pure of speech, actions, and inclinations. To influence the people around us for good we must always maintain purity in their presence as if we were in the presence of the Lord in the congregation. Many passages found in the teaching of the Lord teach this fact, notice Matthew 5:13-16,

13Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men.

15Neither do (men) light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shines unto all that are in the house.

16Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. ASV

It is imperative that those of us that are serving God develop purity in all areas of life.

Ø We must develop purity in our relationship with other Christians in the congregation.

Ø We must develop purity in our business and social relationships in society generally.

Ø We must develop purity as we interact with those people we work with in whatever place we work to provide a living for our family.

OUR FUTURE ABODE DEPENDS UPON OUR LIVING A PURE AND WHOLESOME LIFESTYLE WHILE WE ARE HERE IN THE PHYSICAL BODY.

WE MUST CORRECT OUR SINS AND FAILURES SOON AS THEY ARE KNOWN, AND REPENT OF ALL THOSE THINGS THAT WILL HINDER US

James McFadden - at home - Contact family members to find out about his condition or call Jim at (614) 876-7260.

Cash Boysel - In Arbors Care Center - Contact Margie Boysel to find out about his current condition.

The local evangelist will be preaching in a gospel meeting with the brethren at Norwalk, Ohio - (September 7-12, 2003). The evangelist there is Shaun Sullivan. We look forward to the meeting with these good brethren as we have been with them before in gospel meetings. Pray for the success of the meeting and the health of the speaker.

The special program for the fifth Sunday night (i.e., 6:00 PM) will be arranged by one of the brethren. Everyone is encouraged to cooperate, as you are available.

We will have special studies on Sunday and Wednesday night during our gospel meeting here with brother Haines (October 12-17, 2003).

During the meeting, brother Haines will speak at 9:45, 10:30 and 4:00 PM on Sunday and 7:30 PM on Wednesday night on personal work and personal evangelism. The congregation here as well as in many places is not growing numerically as we think that it ought to grow. We are seeking answers and methods that may assist us in this great work of personal evangelism. Remember these dates and mark them as times that you want to be here and learn about personal evangelism.

Several of those that attend here are in need of encouragement, please look around and be conscious of those that are not here as often as some of the others and make an effort to contact them and offer help in whatever hindrance is in their life.

James 5:16, "Confess therefore your sins one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The supplication of a righteous man availeth much in its working" ( ASV).

Sister Williamson passed away this past month, brother Kemple preached the funeral. Sister Williamson was buried on Tuesday, August 26, 2003. There have been a large number of loses here due to infirmity and physical death, let us that remain, do everything that we can do to render faithful service God. Let us "rise up and build."

1. The Antediluvian Period --- This covers from Creation to Noah's Flood. Ante means before (i.e., the great flood).

2. The Postdiluvian Period --- This covers from Noah's Flood to the call of Abraham (Genesis 12). Post means after or subsequent.

3. The Patriarchal Period --- This period covers from the call of Abraham to the descent into Egypt of Jacob's family. Earlier patriarchs had lived but we know so much more about Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob these adorns the Bible from Genesis 12 to Genesis 50.

4. The Egyptian Period --- This covers the era from the descent into Egypt to the Exodus, approximately 200 - 215 years.

5. The Period of Wandering --- This period covers 40+ years. Two miraculous water crossings adorn this period; crossing the Read Sea at the beginning of this period and crossing the flood swollen waters of the Jordan River at the end under Joshua's leadership.

6. The Period of Conquest --- This is the period from their crossing into Canaan until the appointment of the first Judge, Othniel. Canaan is conquered and parceled out among nine and one-half of the tribes at this time. Two and one-half tribes had already received their inheritance under Moses in Eastern Palestine.

7. The Period of the Judges --- This is a lengthy period and covers from Othniel's appointment as first judge to the establishment of the kingdom under Saul. There were at least 15 judges - fourteen men and one woman judge, this era constitutes the dark ages in Israel's history.

8. The Period of the United Kingdom --- This is the era that covers the three reigns of Saul, David, and Solomon. Each ruled for forty years, this period begins with Saul's inauguration and ends with the division initiated by Solomon's apostate and sad ruin.

9. The Period of the Divided Kingdom --- Covered here are the years of Judah (Southern Kingdom) and Israel (Northern Kingdom). This period lasted from 975 B.C. - 722 B.C. Each of the kingdoms had 19 kings. David's line kept the Southern Kingdom except for Athaliah's short reign. The Northern Kingdom had several dynasties, which ruled briefly then faded away.

10. The Period of Judah Alone --- This covers about 136 years from the fall of Samaria to the destruction of Jerusalem by the Assyrians in 586 B.C.

11. The Period of the Captivity --- This covers those years Judah spent in captivity in Babylon. This cured their idolatrous inclinations.

12. The Period of the Restoration --- This period covers from Cyrus' decree that they could return to Canaan to Nehemiah's rebuilding Jerusalem and the city walls and Malachi's penning the final book of the Old Testament.

13. Between the Testaments Period --- This covers the 400 years from Nehemiah and Malachi to the announced births of John and Jesus. Many otherwise knowledgeable students of the Bible know but little of this period and yet knowledge of this era enhances a greater acquaintance with many New Testaments institutions and events. The editor has published a study guide to this era titled "THE FOUR HUNDRED SILENT YEARS.

14. The Period of Jesus Incarnation --- This period covers from His birth to His ascension. Approximately 33 years are involved. The Son of God and Son of Man met and merged in Him who is our Glorious Savior and Majestic and all-powerful King.

15. The Period of the Lord's Church --- This covers from Pentecost until the end. This earth's final age. There will not be another opportunity for mankind; this is the last dispensation of time. After this the judgment will occur. --- Compiled by Garreth L. Clair - June 16, 2003

One of the greatest problems that the Christian faces today in converting denominational people is their lack of knowledge about what their particular denomination teaches and believes. There are many good people who hold membership in denominational churches who do not know (i.e., or they act as if they don't) the doctrinal positions held by the leaders of that group. I say they do not know because I have personally made statements about the doctrinal positions of certain denominations only to be chastised by the person or persons with whom the discussion is being conducted. If you confront many people with the true conclusions of the doctrine of inherited sin (i.e., original sin - infants are born sinners) you will be told, "I don't believe that." If a person does not believe the foundation principle of the church that they attend and give their money and time to support what on earth holds them in that denomination?

I had one person confront me after one of my sermons from the pulpit to explain that he did not believe that infants were born sinners and that the denomination where his membership resided did not teach it. Perhaps he did not believe the doctrine but the church to which he paid allegiance did - they could not continue to be in the conference if they did not accept the foundation principles of the denominational leadership. Even when this person discussed this matter of inherited sin with his pastor? the pastor? told him that this was not true that God some-how made allowances for infants even though they were born sinners. If infants are born sinners as this pastor suggested the only arrangement I know of for the remission of sins is belief, repentance, confession, and baptism "for the remission" of that sin. This pastor lied to the person so that he would not cause trouble or perhaps begin to really study the Bible for himself and find out that the teaching and doctrine of the denomination is not found in the Bible.

Whenever a true Christian attempts to teach one in a denomination, (i.e., Baptist, Pentecostal, Lutheran, Methodist, Episcopal, Roman Catholic, Church of God, Jewish, Presbyterian, etc.) he will find this lack of knowledge about the denomination's teaching. This poses a great barrier to teaching the person - the first thing then to establish with the person you desire to become a true Christian is what they DO BELIEVE" One must know what the person believes before he can teach him the truth and then proceed from that foundation.

If a person does not believe the doctrine of the church where they have membership why would they keep on supporting it? This is a problem that I have never been able to answer successfully myself - if one knows the church is teaching for doctrine something that the Bible does not support and they continue to support it they are "bidding God speed to sin" (2 John 9-11). If the previous statement by John is correct and it is, then the person who understands that the church he is attending is teaching error must immediately seek to correct the error and if he cannot, he must leave that church and find one that is teaching "TRUTH." He must seek a church teaching "TRUTH" --- Because:

33 They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?

34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.

35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.

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

There are many reasons for the religious connection that people have, many of them have nothing to do with a love for God and a desire to go the heaven. Whenever we attempt to convert those from Denominationalism, we need to understand these facts.

Indeed, there are some that can be reached with the "TRUTH." Those that can be reached with God's Truth may be few but there are some of them that perhaps we know personally. Even if we know one or two people who might be converted to the "True Way" if we do not approach them with the "TRUTH" they may never become Christians;

13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (KJV)

3 For this is he that was spoken of through Isaiah the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make ye ready the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

4 Now John himself had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his food was locusts and wild honey.

5 Then went out unto him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about the Jordan;

7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said unto them, Ye offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

9 and think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up.

Did you ever consider what a beautiful thought God has revealed to us through the 23rd Psalm? Perhaps you are like many other people and have not taken the time to consider the greatness of the message found in the words to this Psalm if David. In our editorial this month we will take a careful look at the contents of this Psalm, please note the text is from the N.K.J.V. Bible.

“1 The LORD the Shepherd of His People A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.

3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.” NKJV

“The Lord is my shepherd;” David acknowledges that Jehovah is his leader (i.e. shepherd) and that implies that he is ready to follow him wherever he leads.

“I shall not want” David knows that whatever he needs God will provide. Many times we are not satisfied with what we need, we are dissatisfied, but if one could really understand as did David --- nothing is important but having a right relationship with God and if that relationship is right all other things are easy to accept and deal with in life.

“He Makes me to lie down in green pastures” This statement surely implies that David considers himself blessed for the peacefulness of mind he enjoys.

“He leads me beside the still waters” This statement implies peacefulness and quietness of mind {i.e. spirit}. That peacefulness and quietness of mind is to be understood whenever one puts their life into the hands of Jehovah cf., Romans 8:28, “And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, (even) to them that are called according to (his) purpose.” ASV

Note also 2 Timothy 1:12, “For which cause I suffer also these things: yet I am not ashamed; for I know him whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to guard that which I have committed unto him against that day.” ASV

2 Timothy 1:12, “For which cause I suffer also these things: yet I am not ashamed; for I know him whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to guard that which I have committed unto him against that day.” ASV

“he restores my soul” This phrase indicates that David felt renewed constantly as a result of his relationship with Jehovah.

“He leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name sake” This phrase indicates that David is convinced that Jehovah is leading him correctly, for his own sake and for the glory of Himself.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” What great confidence and trust David possesses in Jehovah, indicated by the fact that he is not afraid or concerned even of death.

“for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me,” The grounds of David’s lack of fear resides in his knowledge of Jehovah’s power and ability {cf., indicated by the use of the words; rod and staff in the text} to preserve and protect him even though he die.

“You prepared a table for me in the presence of mine enemies; You anoint my head with oil.” This reference is an indication of the thankfulness that David has toward Jehovah in view of the fact that he has been anointed King of Israel. David is conscious of the fact that his office as king is a result of God’s kindness and confidence in him.

“my cup runneth over” This phrase indicates that David feels confident that his life and good fortune as provided by Jehovah is complete (i.e. as full as possible).

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” David indicates that he looks forward to living a good life supervised by God’s care for all time he is permitted to reside in His Care.

“And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” David has sufficient confidence in God’s care to look forward to a future home with God beyond the grave. As others of the Old Testament period hoped for --- cf., Hebrews 11, shows that they shared David’s hope of a resurrection to be with Jehovah.

You can have that kind of confidence in God and your future if you will make a decision to be a Christian and live as a faithful disciple the rest of your life on the earth. Indeed, it may be difficult at times to hold fast to the faith {cf. Jude 3, “Beloved, while I was giving all diligence to write unto you of our common salvation, I was constrained to write unto you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints.” ASV} but the example of David and the example of the faithful ones listed in Hebrews 11 will encourage us that it can be done. Since this is so, let us endeavor with all our ability to apply our hearts to serving and glorifying God, as HE would have us do.

In the first Century of the church, during the ministry of Christ apostles, they were instructed by Christ to “God into all the world and preach the gospel to everyone.” Please notice the three references in the gospels where the message is recorded:

“18 And Jesus came to them and spake unto them, saying, All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth.

19 Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit:

20 teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” ASV

“15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation.

16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned” ASV

46 and he said unto them, Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer, and rise again from the dead the third day;

47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name unto all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.

49 And behold, I send forth the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city, until ye be clothed with power from on high.” “ASV

The three passages listed above constitute the instructions of Jesus Christ to His Apostles that He personally selected while on the earth. Most commentators and scholars consider this as the “Great Commission.” This instruction clearly states that the apostles were to do several things in their teaching activities, the list of actions to perform are:

“Baptize them into the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit” –

Those that “disbelieve the gospel of Christ will be condemned” –

”Christ should suffer (i.e. be crucified-glc), rise again from the dead the third day”

“That repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name unto all nations” –

That the preaching of the gospel will come from Jerusalem for the first time “beginning at Jerusalem” –

That the apostles were to “wait in Jerusalem until they were empowered by the Holy Spirit” –

According to Acts 1:2-5, Luke writes that Jesus’ apostles were assembled and waiting for the promise.

According to Acts 2:1-4, the Holy Spirit came and overwhelmed (i.e. baptized) the apostles – which at that time included Matthias.

According to Acts 25:13, there were Jews from every nation on earth assembled for the Pentecost activities in Jerusalem.

Peter stood up with the 11 other apostles and preached the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the first time in history.

Acts 2:14-36, At the conclusion of the sermon preached; the Jews wanted to know what to do to clear themselves (i.e. be saved) from sin.

Peter told the believing Jews in answer to their question concerning their sins (i.e. crucifixation of Jesus). Acts 2:38

Whenever we compare Acts 3:39, “For to you is the promise, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, (even) as many as the Lord our God shall call unto him.”

With Ephesians 2:17, “and He came and preached peace to you that were far off (i.e. the Gentile Nations), and peace to them that were near” (i.e. the Jews of all nations).

It is apparent that in both cases; the Gentiles are referred to, since this is so we recognize that the gospel of Christ is to be continually preached/taught to everyone on earth.

At the time Jesus Christ gave the Great Commission, he was addressing the apostles he had selected. This was the primary responsibility of the apostles as witnesses and establishers of the foundational truths (i.e. through teaching) about the church promised by Christ at the ”coast of Caesarea Philippi in Matthew 16:13-20. This is the same church that was established on the first Pentecost after the ascension of Christ back to the Father.

When Jesus prayed for the apostles and for those that would believe on Him through their teaching (i.e. oral and written – the inspired Written Word),

John 17:20-21, “20 Neither for these 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.” ASV

2 Timothy 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.” ASV

From these instructions of Paul to Timothy here, the verse indicates that faithful Christians are to teach other faithful ones so that they can continue the teaching continually. Each disciple is to be a personal worker (i.e. teacher of truth – John 8:32).

The teaching of the Bible that applies to us today make us responsible to God and to the unsaved who are dying in sin. Indeed, we must do everything that they will allow us to do in teaching them the right way to heaven. Many times people will not allow us the opportunity to assist them to a better knowledge of God, Christ and those things that pertain to salvation from sin, yet, we must continue to make every effort.

Since we believe, the Bible is the only standard for determining who is and who is not saved from sin; those that we encounter that need to be converted we ought to do whatever is possible to assist them in the conversion process; it should be done according to God’s instruction.

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;”

John 8:32, “and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” ASV

John 12:48, “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my sayings, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I spake, the same shall judge him in the last day.” ASV

We are interested in doing all things according to God’s will, if you know of things that we do not do that God requires of us or know of areas where we are operating without God’s authority; please let us know. --- Revelation 22:18-19, “18 I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add unto them, God shall add unto him the plagues which are written in this book:

19 and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the tree of life, and out of the holy city, which are written in this book.” ASV

Garreth will be with the church in Norwalk September 7-12, 2003 for a gospel meeting.

Do you read the Bible on a regular basis? I do hope that each one of you that read the HILLIARD BULLETIN also regularly read your Bible. Some people do not own a Bible; this is evidence that they possess little or no knowledge of God, the right path to pursue in lifestyle, or in other areas of existence. It is such a shame to know nothing of God and His way of righteousness since the Bible is available to anyone today. You see; the Bible is available to read and examine at any library or any religious establishment. There is no reason for anyone to be ignorant of the Bible’s teaching on any subject.

The Bible and knowledge about its contents is important to everyone for a number of reasons, let me list a few:

2 Timothy 3:15-16, “15 And that from a babe thou hast known the sacred writings which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 Every scripture inspired of God (is) also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness.” ASV

Definition of inspiration --- INSPIRATION. The doctrine of the inspiration of Scripture is of immense importance. This is at once apparent when one considers that all Christian doctrine are developed from the Bible and rest upon it for authority. L.Boettner is correct when he calls the biblical teaching of inspiration “the mother and guardian of all the others” (Studies in Theology {1947}, p. 48). An unsound view of inspiration of Scripture is bound to countenance unsound views, produce distorted teachings or serious gaps in essential doctrinal systematization, or offer a temptation to too easy subscription to plausible but unsound scientific or philosophic theorizing.

The Scriptural Definition of Inspiration. In defining divine inspiration in the distinctive sense in which it is employed in Holy Scriptures, the difference in meaning of this expression from revelation and illumination must be carefully comprehended.

Revelation. Revelation, which may be oral or written, may be defined, as an operation of God communicating to man truth that otherwise man could not know. Since man was created in God’s image and endowed with capacity to know God, it is rational to expect that God would communicate Himself and His mind to man.

Inspiration. “A supernatural influence exerted on the sacred writers by the Spirit of God, by virtue of which their writings are given Divine trustworthiness”) B. B. Warfield, “Inspiration,” Int. Std. Bible Ency., p. 1473).

SECOND, the subject of inspiration, man, the agent upon whom the Holy Spirit acts directly;

THIRD, the result of inspiration, a written revelation, given once for all time (i.e. Jude 3 – glc), thoroughly accredited and tested by miracle and fulfilled prophecy (cf. J.E. Stein Mueller, Companion to Scripture Studies {1941}, 1:5, 14).

Illumination, Illumination is a ministry of the Holy Spirit that enables all who are in right relation with

God to understand the objective written revelation. Thus, revelation and recording, and illumination, understanding or comprehending the written objective revelation.

**Inspiration embraces man under divine control accurately receiving the truth thus given.

***Illumination deals with man’s understanding the God-given, inspired revelation (1 Cor 2:13).

Revelation as it concerns Holy Scripture had a specific time period involving the inspiration of certain sovereignty chosen individuals as the recipients of the Revelation. It is plain that all of these divine operations have ceased.

2 Timothy 3:16-17, “16 Every scripture inspired of God (is) also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness.

17 That the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work.” ASV

SECOND, The plenary inspiration specifically of the O.T., plainly implying the entire N.T. as well, that is, “all Scripture”;

THIRD, the divine authorship of Scripture-“inspired by God” (“God breathed”);

FOURTH, the supreme value of all Scripture to the spiritual life, “profitable fir teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness”;

FIFTH, the holy purpose of Scripture, “that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”

The sacred authors were prophets and apostles of God’s Word in the highest sense of the term. Scripture is filled with such expressions as “Now the Word of the Lord came … saying” (1 Kings 16:1); “Thus the Lord said to me … (Jeremiah 13:1); “The word of the Lord came expressly to Ezekiel” (Ezek 1:3). The apostle Paul and others claimed to speak by direct revelation)Eph 3:1-10; etc.). Prophets spoke of future events (such as Moses’ foretelling the coming of the great Prophet, Christ- Deut 18:15-18) and have had their predictions verified during succeeding centuries. David (Psalm 22 and Isaiah (Isaiah 53 minutely prophesied the suffering, death, and resurrection of Christ. Daniel previewed the rise of Persia, Greece, and Rome (Daniel 2:37-40; 7:4-7). Some prophets, such as Moses, Elijah, and Elisha, had their messages authenticated by miracles. Others had an irresistible compulsion to speak, such as Jeremiah (Jeremiah 20:9). They were often commanded to write their utterances or wrote under divine leading (Exodus 24:4; Deut 27:8; Isaiah 30:8; Jeremiah 30:2; Luke 1:1-3; etc.).

2 Peter 1:20-21, “20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of private interpretation. 21 For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit.” ASV

FIRST, it declares how it did not originate-it is not “a matter of one’s interpretation.” It is not the result of human research nor the product of the writer’s own thought. It did not come into being by the will of man.

Man did not purpose to write it, decide its subject matter, or outline its arrangement.

SECOND, this passage tells how the Scriptures did originate. “Men,” that is, certain divinely selected men, “spoke from God,” the source. These inspired men were borne, or carried along, by the Holy Spirit, the message being His, not theirs. Accordingly, if it can be demonstrated that we have the words they spoke and wrote transmitted substantially in identical form with the original documents, and the science of textual criticism enables this to be done, then a charge of error is a charge against God, where the supposed “error” may be due to textual corruption in the long course of transmission. Where the text has unquestionably suffered in transmission, the laborers of devoted scholars are directed to its restoration. This is done through ancient versions, textual variants, and other linguistic and historical evidence continuously being made available by Archaeology and various other phases of sound Biblical research.

Other Scriptural Proofs of the Inspiration of the Scriptures, God spoke through O.T. prophets (Heb 1:1-2) The O.T. Scriptures are inviolable (i.e. secure from violation) John 10:34-36). The indefectibility (i.e. not subject to failure or decay) and certain of promise and prophecy are clearly seen in the oft-recurring expression “:that what was spoken … might be fulfilled” (Matt 1:22; 2:15, 23; 8:17; 12:17; etc) and in such Scripture as 24:35, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” Jesus quoted the O.T. as authoritative (4:4, t, 10). The Holy Spirit in the prophets equipped them for their ministry (1 Peter 1:10-11), and the Spirit of God spoke through David (2 Sam 23:1-2) and other prophets. Besides the Scriptural proofs, unbroken Jewish and Christian traditions attests the inspiration of Scripture.

Scripture nowhere fully explains the precise modus operandi (i.e. a method of procedure) of inspiration, yet it is possible to formulate a doctrine that is in agreement with all plain and sufficient Scriptural revelation vouchsafed to us. This doctrine, almost universally rejected today based on alleged philosophic, scientific, historical, archaeological, and linguistic difficulties involved, is called verbal, plenary inspiration. It is sometimes called the dynamic view. This view holds that the superintendence of the Holy Spirit rendered the writers of Scripture infallible in their communications of truth and inerrant in their literary productions. Yet, it leaves room for the fullest play of the personality, style, and background of the individual authors. By verbal inspiration is signified that in the original writings the Holy Spirit led in the choice of each word used (CF. 1 Cor 2:13; John 10:34-36). Compare Gal 3:16, where the problem turns upon the singular or plural of a word.

By plenary inspiration is meant that the accuracy that verbal inspiration insures is extended to every portion of the sacred revelation, so that it is as a whole and in all its constituent parts infallible as to truth and final as to divine authority. This is the traditional teaching of the church and is that doctrine set forth by Christ and the apostles. This teaching preserves the duel authorship of Scripture (The divine and the human) in perfect balance, ascribing to each the consideration that is accorded in the Bible.

Results if Inspiration. The Bible having been brought into existence by the supernatural action of the Holy Spirit upon the sacred writers, the question is what is the result of this divine process in the product itself.

The Absolute Inerrancy of the Autograph. Absolute freedom from error must be attributed to the original copies of the inspired writings. It is unthinkable that inaccuracy and mistakes can coexist with inspiration. Can God who is Supreme Truth speak that which is untrue?

The claim of verbal, plenary inspiration for the original writings, however, does not extend to the multitudinous transcriptions and various translations, both ancient and modern. Inerrancy applies to transcriptions such as the Masoretic-Hebrew text, the Greek N.T. text, and the translations such as the Septuagint, Vulgate, Syriac, Luther’s Bible, and various English versions only insofar as autographic manuscripts.

Since none of the original manuscripts is in existence, critics commonly reject the inerrancy of the autograph, as “an assumption for which there is no warrant in sound reason” (G. Maines, Divine Inspiration, P. 109). But the fact and the truth rest not upon “reason” but upon the clear revelation of the Scriptures themselves) (2 Tim 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21).

Providential Preservation of Scripture with Regard to Its Substance. The Holy Spirit, it is reasonable to conclude, also had a definite ministry in preserving the inspired Scriptures through millennia of transmission. Possible errors that have crept in because of copyists’ slips, glosses, etc, are the domain of lower criticism and here the Christian scholar may find a worthy task for his labors. The high development of N.T. textual criticism as the result of many manuscripts finds has given us the transmitted text in a high degree of purity. Lack of manuscript evidence in the O.T. field has seriously curtailed textual criticism and hence there are many more irresolvable textual difficulties in the O.T. than in the N.T. Recent phenomenal manuscript finds such as the Dead Sea Scrolls (notably the Isaiah Manuscript) are tending to alleviate this condition regarding the O.T. text.

Scriptural Inerrancy Embraces Scientific Features. In this realm, although serious problems exist, there are no proved facts of science that necessitate abandonment of the scriptural doctrine of inspiration. Many scientific theorizing would seem to suggest this; but when the Bible is correctly placed in the pre-scientific era in which it had its birth, its alleged scientific inaccuracies are much less formidable than the liberal or neo-orthodox interpreter would have us believe.

Scriptural Inerrancy Embraces Historical and Literary Features. In no field has the Bible been more seriously challenged than in the historical. While it is true that many serious historical problems remain, such as the existence of the Philistines in patriarchal times, the date of the Exodus, and the identity of Darius the Mede in the Book of Daniel, archaeology has made colossal contributions toward resolving many of these problems. The exist of Sargon II, the Hittites and the Horites (the Hurrians), the religion of the Canaanites, the historicity of the patriarchs and many other serious problems has been cleared up.

Although there is almost universal rejection of a thoroughly sound teaching of biblical inspiration in our day, the conservative scholar with an abundance of this new apologetic material at his disposal may well hesitate before abandoning this solid foundation of true biblical exposition and theological systematization.

Inspiration guarantees the reliability of the Bible as a Divine document, a document that man today may fully accept as truth

Since the Bible is inspired, its contents will reveal to man the way man ought to live in this world, how to survive physical death and where he will reside after that.

The Bible claims for itself that it is complete, that it does not need updating, ever.

2 Timothy 3:15-17, “15 And that from a babe thou hast known the sacred writings which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 Every scripture inspired of God (is) also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness. 17 That the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work.” ASV

There are many translations of the Bible that one may purchase in book stores today, many of the Bibles translations today are misleading, many are not translations at all but are paraphrase editions or one man commentaries rather that accurate translations. Some of the most accurate and reliable translations available today are the K.J.V. – the N.K.J.V. – The A.S.V. (1901 – May be purchased from Star Bible and book publishers) – the N.A.S.V.

These translations are very good and I do recommend them for use by serious Bible study. Greek and Hebrew scholars generally consider these translations the very best. My personal pick is the A.S.V. (1901). Once you have acquired a good translation of the Bible, study it with the intention of conforming your life to its precepts. You will find that your life will be better generally because your faith and relationship to God is according to “truth.”

May 9-14 – John Isaac Edwards will be with us for the meeting in May. Let us prepare to be here for each service of the meeting.

Remember to always pray for the shut-in – James 5:16, “Confess therefore your sins one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The supplication of a righteous man availeth much in its working.” ASV

Remember those that are slack in attendance – call, or contact them and encourage them to come and be with us regularly.

Of the three thousand proverbs Solomon spoke (1 Kings 4:32), we have some of them recorded in the book of Proverbs. The main portion of these are devoted to wisdom (ch.1-9). In fact, the very first proverb says “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (1:7). It is the fool that despises dominion that is daring and trembles not to rail at dignities (2 Peter 2:10). Both Solomon and Jesus tell us not to waste our time with fools because they will despise the wisdom that is from above (Prov. 23:9; Matt.7:6).

Still, in he hearing of instruction and gaining wisdom there are three words that we best not forget: “do not consent.” (Prov.1:10) Stated in other words, we could say, do not give in to them --- the foolish and unwise. This is one rule we all need to remember in the face of peer pressure and other temptations. Fod instance, do you remember what Eve did before she picked the forbidden fruit: She CONSENTED! However, do also remember Job, who was sorely tried, “Yet in all this Job sinned not” (Job 1:22; 2L10)? Do you know why? He did “NOT CONSENT! He resisted! This is what Joseph did when enticed and urged by Potiphar’s wife: “He refused” and said, “How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” (Gen. 39:8-9) There were two times in Joseph’s life when he lost his coat --- when his brothers took the coat of many colors and when Joseph ran from Potiphar’s wife he left his coat in her hands --- BUT HE NEVER LOST HIS CHARACTER! In the same way that various electrical devises need resisters to keep out interferences and control currents, so it is that we need to use our God given resistors: personal conviction, faith in God, reverential fear, wisdom from above, and warning to do God’s will more than anything else!

Young men and young ladies, not even the Devil himself can lead one into sin until he or she CONSENTS. Therefore, let us apply our hearts unto wisdom by refraining our feet from the path of evil (Prov. 1:15; Psalms 119:101), by abstaining from every form of evil (Eph. 5:7, 11; 1 Thess. 5:22), and by walking not in the council of the ungodly (psalms 1:1). To put it in simple language: by being a Joseph, a Job, a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. Remember their example and DO NOT CONSENT --- ‘to evil.”

In the lead article this month please consider the question, “Do You Attend Worship?” The question is one that most people will answer in the negative. Today a veil covers the conscious of many people, that veil is a sense of apathy, disinterest, and carelessness on the part of many. The problem has affected all segments of our society, Indeed – everyone is staying home or deeply involved in distractions that hinder them from understanding the importance of worshipping the one true God.

Today, there are many people that do not know that Jesus Christ died for their sins. This is a shame upon God’s people for not reaching out to these that are unaware of God’s love, Jesus power to save, the fellowship of the church, true worship, and a host of Biblical facts and instructions. All of the facts we mention are contained within the pages of the Bible (i.e. that one book containing 66 books).

The Christians that meet here at 4840 Cemetery Road in Hilliard, Ohio are interested in you, {i.e. our reader, our neighbors, and our friends}. The members of the congregation are concerned about you and your family. Each one of us have an earnest desire to assist you if you have questions or concerns about religious matters. You see, we consider you as our neighbors and Jesus Christ has said that we are to love our neighbors and show concern about you, please notice the following verses from the Bible that show our responsibility to you: Luke 10:27, “And he answering said, Thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” ASV

Romans 13:9, “For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not covet, and if there be any other commandment, it is summed up in this word, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” ASV --- Join us for worship!

No greater love can one person bestow upon another than to tell them about Jesus Christ and His mission and work.

There are many thoughts in this message that are upbuilding to those of us that are Christians. As we examine each of the ten items listed let us examine ourselves and see if we are doing what God expects of us.

Bible centered preaching (2 Tim. 4:2).
Committed members (Luke 14:26, 27, 33). People need something to believe in, that will change their lives for the better.
Strong morality with joy (1 Peter 2:12, 3:16, 1 Thess. 5:16, Phil. 4:4).
Family love (Rom. 12:10, 1 Peter 1:22).
Commitment to growth by each member (Acts 8:4).
Great, enthusiastic Bible classes (2 Tim. 2:15). Good visuals, teacher rotation, tools, curriculum, training, excitement.
Good, calm, steady leadership (1 Peter 5:1-3, Acts 20:28).
Meaningful classes and worship. People need to feel they have missed something when they are not present! (John 20:24-25, Heb. 10:24-25).
Special efforts to teach the lost. Special topics, speakers, a goal to pursue. (Acts 10:24, 33).
A sincere love for all people (i.e., desire to bring them to Christ/obedience), (2 Timothy 2:2; Romans 10:1)

Are we committed to lost souls? Are we committed as the people of God here in Hilliard, His word to the lost and cause the body of Christ to grow? Let us do all that we can in this community to convert the lost.

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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?

26 Behold the birds of the heaven, that they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; and your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are not ye of much more value then they?

27 And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit unto the measure of his life?

28 And why are ye anxious concerning raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

29 yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

30 But if God doth so clothe the grass of the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven, (shall he) not much more (clothe) you, O ye of little faith?

31 Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 For after all these things do the Gentiles seek; for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

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

Defining the word, "righteousness." --- From W.E. VINE, "It comes from a Greek word, whose root meaning, 1 - Is the character or quality of being right or just." The word was originally spelled right-wise ness which clearly expresses its meaning.

6 Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. ASV

10 Blessed are they that have been persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ASV

20 For I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed (the righteousness) of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven. ASV

II. WHATEVER HAS BEEN APPOINTED BY GOD TO BE ACKNOWLEDGED AND OBEYED BY MAN:

Example --- Matthew 3:15, "But Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer (it) now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffereth him" (ASV).

Matthew 6:33, "But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (ASV).

Ecclesiastes 12:13, "(This is) the end of the matter; all hath been heard: fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole (duty) of man" ( ASV).

1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things that were heard, lest haply we drift away (from them).

2 For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward;

3 how shall we escape, if we neglect so great a salvation? which having at the first been spoken through the Lord, was confirmed unto us by them that heard; ASV

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Occasions such as this make us wonder what the future holds. In one sense, it is filled with uncertainties. We know not what tomorrow brings. However, we do that some things are certain. It is the things that are certain that are important to us all.

Hebrews 9:27, And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

B. It's meaning - The separation of the soul/spirit from the physical body; Genesis 35:18,

Acts 1:11, Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

2 Peter 3:10, But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens

shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. (KJV)

1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: 43 It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. (KJV)

Hebrews 9:27, And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: (KJV)

John 5:27-29, 27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. 28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

Garreth has over 50 years experience as a preacher, and is currently the preacher for the church that meets at 4840 Cemetery Road, in Hilliard OH.