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HILLIARD BULLETIN FOR 2002 HILLIARD BULLETIN COMPLETE 2002
HILLIARD BULLETIN Published by the church of Christ 4840 Cemetery Road – Hilliard, OH 43028 Phone: 9614) 876-4089
Preacher: Garreth L. Clair Phone: (61) 850-7252 Email: glclair@aol.com
========================================================== Volume 5 --------------- Number 1 --------------- January 2002 =========================================================+
A NEW YEAR
It is amazing to me how swiftly time is passing; it seems like only yesterday that I began preaching the gospel in the Chicago area yet, that has been 43 years ago. The nature of our existence is truly remarkable as we contemplate the vastness of time and eternity as it relates to the teaching of the Bible. Indeed, the Bible teaches us that time is forever; that is, time as we know time actually began with the creation recorded in the Book of Genesis and will end when Christ returns to judge humankind and assign the faithful to heaven and the wicked to the lake of fire. Even though time as we know it will eventually end, the time of God has no end. God is eternal and eternity has neither beginning nor ending, therefore time in eternity is impossible to gauge and is really immaterial.
Since we are created beings, we are to respond to our Creator as he wills. Since our creator is God, we will want to respond to His instruction because of our knowledge that without His action we could not exist. You see God is the sustainer of our environment, and everything that pertains to our existence. To understand this fact is important to our understanding regarding our place in the scheme of things visible and invisible. Since God did create our first parents (i.e. Adam & Eve) and made it possible for them to multiply, we understand that our presence here on the earth is controlled by God. Therefore, God is in charge of everything that pertains to our existence, our destiny is predicated upon our understanding and response to this knowledge, As we acquire knowledge of God’s goodness toward us, we naturally want to respond to please and glorify Him. If we know that God loves us and cares for us, surely we will want to obey his wishes regardless of whatever those wishes are. Today is a good time to reexamine ourselves so that we can honestly determine what we want to be in the coming years, do we want to be right with God or do we want to be something less than right in our relationship to God and others? REMEMBER THIS – our time here is growing shorter with each passing day, now is the time to get right with God and with our family, friends, and neighbors
GOD LIVES US AND CARES FOR US
In John 3:16 we are told that God loves us, “For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes on him should not perish, but have eternal life.” (ASV) Since God’s word teaches this fact, it is imperative that we also understand that we can have a good relationship with God simply by following (i.e. simply becoming obedient to his instruction Hebrews 5:8-9). Because we are created beings, we should understand that God does know what is best for us, God says of us and our limitations, 1 Thessalonians 3:11, “Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way unto you:”
Proverbs 3:6, “In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he will direct thy paths.” (ASV) Jeremiah 10:23, “O Jehovah, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.” (ASV)
From these verses it is obvious that we need guidance from God so that we can walk through this life acceptable to God. It is important that we realize this fact; we need to come to a correct understanding of God’s will for us and respond.
GOD GIVES US UNDERSTANDABLE INSTRUCTIONS
In order that we might be able to know what we ought and ought not to do in this life, God gives us understandable instructions via the Written Word (i.e. the Bible).
CONSIDER THIS:
What should I do in the following situations? 1. If I am not right with God – I have never been a Christian: A. Know that you can be saved from sin - Matthew 11:28-30, “28 Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (ASV) B. Be willing to do whatever God instructs you to do – Hebrews 5:8-9, “8 though he was a Son, yet learned obedience by the things which he suffered; 9 and having been made perfect, he became unto all them that obey him the author of eternal salvation;” (ASV) C. Determine to live faithful to God’s instructions until you die – Revelation 2:10, “Fear not the things which thou art about to suffer: behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life.” (ASV)
2. If I belong to a false religion: A. Know that God will forgive you for that – 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” B. Be willing to come to God on God’s terms - Ephesians 1:7, “in whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,” ASV C. After converting to Christ, remain faithful (i.e. imitate the Apostle Paul’s life) - 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith:” ASV 3. If you are a Christian but you have backslidden (i.e. fallen back again into sin) – 2 Peter 2:20-22, “20For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein and overcome, the last state is become worse with them than the first. 21 For it were better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after knowing it, to turn back from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 It has happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog turning to his own vomit again, and the sow that had washed to wallowing in the mire.” ASV 4. Correct your life, repent and return to God – Galatians 6:1, “Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” ASV 5 Determine to remain faithful – 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.”
OUR ETERNAL DESTINY DEPENDS UPON OUR CHOICES IN THIS LIFE
Every one of us will have to make the decision someday to obey God’s instructions or to reject them. It is true that those that have not grown mentally so that they are able to made conscious choices between good and evil are safe. These are safe because they are not responsible for their decisions due to handicap (i.e. either through genetics or through some other event). Only those that are capable of understanding the difference between right and wrong (i.e. between good and evil) are amenable to the law of God. There is no teaching in the Bible that remotely suggests that every person born into the world is a sinner – sin is not something that we inherit – sin is something that we do (i.e. transgress divine law – 1 John 3:4, “Every one that doeth sin doeth also lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness.” ASV The great problem today that hinders many people from coming to Christ is the many diverse, even contradictory religious philosophies presented to man in the name of true religion. The religion of Jesus is a religion that had its beginning in Jerusalem approximately 2000 years ago when, according to Acts 2 the church had its beginning as predicted by Jesus himself in Matthew 16:13-18, “13 Now when Jesus came into the parts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Who do men say that the Son of man is? 14 And they said, Some (say) John the Baptist; some, Elijah; and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. 15 He saith unto them, But who say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jonah: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father who is in heaven. 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) Jesus while on the earth prayed for unity of His disciples based upon the “truth” – 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)
REMEMBER THIS: You can know the right way by searching the Book of God (i.e. the Bible). Do not be mislead, turn to your Bible and search it, for within its pages is the wisdom of God found.
GOD’S FAMILY VALUES – PART 2 (Part 1 – in December 2001 issue)
INTRODUCTION: The family consists of several facets; one of them has to do with the relationship of the parents to the children. This article deals with some Biblical examples of parenting and the result of that parenting, in some cases the example is good in other cases the example of the parents rearing process results in problems. The examples that we will look to will aid us in knowing how best to rear our children and how not to do so. Please observe the following child rearing methods of Biblical parents in the past:
35 And it came to pass, when he saw her, that he rent his clothes, and said, Alas, my daughter! thou hast brought me very low, and thou art one of them that trouble me; for I have opened my mouth unto Jehovah, and I cannot go back. 36 And she said unto him, My father, thou hast opened thy mouth unto Jehovah; do unto me according to that which hath proceeded out of thy mouth, forasmuch as Jehovah hath taken vengeance for thee on thine enemies, even on the children of Ammon. 37 And she said unto her father, Let this thing be done for me: let me alone two months, that I may depart and go down upon the mountains, and bewail my virginity, I and my companions. 38 And he said, Go. And he sent her away for two months: and she departed, she and her companions, and bewailed her virginity upon the mountains. 39 And it came to pass at the end of two months, that she returned unto her father, who did with her according to his vow which he had vowed: and she knew not man. And it was a custom in Israel,” ASV
4. ELI – Was indulgent with his children, placing them before the instructions he received from God – 1 Samuel 2:22-29, “22 Now Eli was very old; and he heard all that his sons did unto all Israel, and how that they lay with the women that did service at the door of the tent of meeting. 23 And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil dealings from all this people. 24 Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make Jehovah's people to transgress. 25 If one man sin against another, God shall judge him; but if a man sin against Jehovah, who shall entreat for him? Notwithstanding, they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because Jehovah was minded to slay them. 26 And the child Samuel grew on, and increased in favor both with Jehovah, and also with men. 27 And there came a man of God unto Eli, and said unto him, Thus saith Jehovah, Did I reveal myself unto the house of thy father, when they were in Egypt (in bondage) to Pharaoh's house? 28 and did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to go up unto mine altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? and did I give unto the house of thy father all the offerings of the children of Israel made by fire? 29 Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have commanded in (my) habitation, and honorest thy sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people?” ASV
5. DAVID – Could not restrain his son, Absalom; was rebellious and caused him mush distress – 2 Samuel 18:32-33, “32 And the king said unto the Cushite, Is it well with the young man Absalom? And the Cushite answered, The enemies of my lord the king, and all that rise up against thee to do thee hurt, be as that young man is. 33 And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!” ASV
6. JONADAB – Apparently controlled his sons, they honored him by obeying his instructions – Jeremiah 35:5-10, “5 and I set before the sons of the house of the Rechabites bowls full of wine, and cups; and I said unto them, Drink ye wine. 6 But they said, We will drink no wine; for Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, commanded us, saying, Ye shall drink no wine, neither ye, nor your sons, for ever: 7 neither shall ye build house, nor sow seed, nor plant vineyard, nor have any; but all your days ye shall dwell in tents; that ye may live many days in the land wherein ye sojourn. 8 And we have obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, in all that he charged us, to drink no wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, or our daughters; 9 nor to build houses for us to dwell in; neither have we vineyard, nor field, nor seed: 10 but we have dwelt in tents, and have obeyed, and done according to all that Jonadab our father commanded us.” ASV
6. THE PRODIGAL SON,S FATHER – Forgiving his son’s headstrongness once he came to his senses and welcomed him home again – Luke 15:17-24, “17 But when he came to himself he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perished here with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight: 19 I am no more worthy to be called your son: make me as one of thy hired servants. 20 And he arose, and came to his father. But while he was yet afar off, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck and kissed him. 21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight: I am no more worthy to be called thy son. 22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: 23 and bring the fatted calf, (and) kill it, and let us eat, and make merry: 24 for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.” ASV
THE MOST ACCURATE GUIDE FOR CHILD REARING TODAY
We know that God created mankind (Genesis 1:1-3); we also know that since this is true God knows how the family unit should function. Since God created us, blessed us with the ability to procreate, and gave us a perfect guide (i.e. the Bible), we ought to know how to fit in as a family member. Yes, we can know by using God’s rulebook for living as a Godly family unit.
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Each member can assist us in GREETING OUR VISITORS EACH SERVICE
Each member of the congregation ought to make an effort to meet all the visitors that frequent our assembly.
Visitors are not obligated to introduce themselves to us but we ought to be willing to go out of our way to introduce ourselves to them.
REMEMBER THIS: The visitors are new to our assembly – we are their hosts – let us be mindful of the obligation that we have to welcome them and invite them to return.
ADDED NOTE: Give the visitors that you meet one of the visitors cards and ask them to fill it our and pass it back to you at their convenience.
------------------------------------------------------------------ SOME RESOLUTIONS FOR 2002
12. I WILL BE ATTENTIVE TO THE NEEDS OF MY BRETHREN - Galatians 6:10, “So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith.” ASV
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SPECIAL STUDY ON THE HOLY SPIRIT
Sunday morning at 9:45 Study conducted in the auditorium of the church building Located at 4840 Cemetery Road – Hilliard, OH Everyone is encouraged to attend Study Guides prepared by Garreth L. Clair – Teacher Study Guides for each student
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HILLIARD BULLETIN Published by the church of Christ 4840 Cemetery Road - Hilliard, Ohio 43026 Phone: (614) 876-4089
Preacher: Garreth L. Clair Phone: (614) 850-7252 Email: glclair@aol.com
==================================================== Volume 6 ------------- Number 2 ------------- February 2002 ====================================================
EXTENDING OUR INFLUENCE Editorial by Garreth L. Clair
CONVERSION OF THE SINNER IS A BIBLICAL DOCTRINE
Those of us that seek to expand the borders of the Lord's church need to be constantly aware of that necessity in this present world. The concept that we are not responsible for the millions that are caught in the web of sin is contrary to the teaching of the Bible and ought not to be seriously considered. The world religious movement of today insists that evangelism of other religions is not acceptable, this response is totally contrary to the basic philosophy advocated by the Bible. You see, the Bible clearly teaches that true Christians are to "Go into all the world {i.e., unto all nations and races of people} and to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ" for the purpose of converting aliens and those that practice false religions --
THE APOSTLES OF CHRIST UNDERSTOOD THEIR MISSION WAS TO CONVERT ALL MANKIND
Matthew 28:18-20, 18 And Jesus came to them and spoke 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 This charge given by the Savior is repeated by Mark in Mark 16:15-16, 15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned. ASV Again, the Savior gave this instruction to His apostles just preceding His accent up into the presence of the Father. He told them that they were to wait in Jerusalem until they received power to perform the task He had assigned them, please note the underlined portion of the contexts here: Luke 24:46-49, 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. 48 Ye are witnesses of these things. 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
PAUL, THE APOSTLE TO THE GENTILES ALSO UNDERSTOOD THAT HIS MISSION WAS TO CONVERT ALL NATIONS TO CHRIST
Paul, was a devout Jew and did as he thought was right while in the Jewish religion - cf., Acts 23:6, 6 But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Brethren, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees: touching the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question. ASV Acts 26:5-6, 5 having knowledge of me from the first, if they be willing to testify, that after the straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. 6 And now I stand (here) to be judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers; ASV Acts 26:9-11, 9 I verily thought with myself that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 And this I also did in Jerusalem: and I both shut up many of the saints in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests, and when they were put to death I gave my vote against them. 11 And punishing them oftentimes in all the synagogues, I strove to make them blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto foreign cities. ASV From these verses of Scripture it is apparent that Paul was a member of the Jewish religion and was very devout about this religion. Indeed, he was convinced that the Jews religion was correct, yet his convictions were not correct as he found out on the road to Damascus cf., Acts 9:1-21, 1But Saul {i.e., Paul's name before he was converted}, yet breathing threatening and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2and asked of him letters to Damascus unto the synagogues, that if he found any that were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3And as he journeyed, it came to pass that he drew nigh unto Damascus: and suddenly there shone round about him a light out of heaven: 4and he fell upon the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And he (said), I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: 6but rise, and enter into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. 7And the men that journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing the voice, but beholding no man. 8And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw nothing; and they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. 9And he was three days without sight, and did neither eat nor drink. 10Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and the Lord said unto him in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I (am here), Lord. 11And the Lord (said) unto him, Arise, and go to the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one named Saul, a man of Tarsus: for behold, he prayeth; 12and he hath seen a man named Ananias coming in, and laying his hands on him, that he might receive his sight. 13But Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard from many of this man, how much evil he did to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14and here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call upon thy name. 15But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles and kings, and the children of Israel: 16for I will show him how many things he must suffer for my name's sake. 17And Ananias departed, and entered into the house; and laying his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, (even) Jesus, who appeared unto thee in the way which thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mayest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. 18And straightway there fell from his eyes as it were scales, and he received his sight; and he arose and was baptized; 19and he took food and was strengthened. And he was certain days with the disciples that were at Damascus. 20And straightway in the synagogues he proclaimed Jesus, that he is the Son of God. 21And all that heard him were amazed, and said, Is not this he that in Jerusalem made havoc of them that called on this name? and he had come hither for this intent, that he might bring them bound before the chief priests. ASV
Indeed, it is amazing that Paul was willing to convert to the religion of Christ from Judaism. Paul is an example of a sincere follower of the one true God, he understood that whatever God instructed is the truth. Paul also understood that all that he possessed was not worth throwing away his soul to hold on to. Please note the reading in Phil. 3:5-9, 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; 6 as touching zeal, persecuting the church; as touching the righteousness which is in the law, found blameless. 7 Howbeit what things were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea verily, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but refuse, that I may gain Christ, 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of mine own, (even) that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith: ASV
THE CONGREGATION AND THE INDIVIDUAL CHRISTIAN ARE TO WORK AT EXTENDING THE BORDERS OF THE LORD'S CHURCH
Ø THE CONGREGATION:
Each congregation of the Lord's people have been instructed to evangelize the world. There are some congregations today that do not consider this as significant work for the congregation; I say some, because their actions show that this is not an important part of their planning and current work. Since the Scripture clearly indicates that this is a work of the church as demonstrated by the apostle Paul and clearly taught by him -- cf., Acts 14:26, 26 and thence they sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been committed to the grace of God for the work which they had fulfilled. ASV Ephesians 4:12, 12 for the perfecting of the saints, unto the work of ministering, unto the building up of the body of Christ: Acts 11:26,26and when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that even for a whole year they were gathered together with the church, and taught much people, and that the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. ASV
Paul traveled throughout the world of his day preaching the gospel, he was involved in four journeys that involved preaching the gospel and setting up churches. Paul also received his financial support from some of the churches that were established which indicated that the congregations of his day understood the importance of converting the lost to the religion that Christ had established on Pentecost day - cf., Acts 2:1-47. The same is true of congregations of God's people today, we all should understand that the congregation that we are a member of needs our support so that the gospel can be spread abroad -- this will result in an increase in the numerical strength of the Lord's church in the community in which it resides.
Ø AS AN INDIVIDUAL CHRISTIAN:
Indeed, I have a responsibility to help the congregation do whatever work in evangelism that it is able to do with its resources. On the other hand, I may, as an individual evangelize the community by exerting my knowledge and influence with my friends, neighbors, work related contacts, and any other opportunities that are available to me. The Scripture is also clear about this facet of the Christian's work; please observe the following reference - Acts 8:1-4, And Saul was consenting unto his death. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church which was in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2And devout men buried Stephen, and made great lamentation over him. 3But Saul laid waste the church, entering into every house, and dragging men and women committed them to prison. 4They therefore that were scattered abroad, went about preaching the word.
TODAY, AS IN THE FIRST CENTURY WE MUST TEACH/PREACH THE GOSPEL WITH THE INTENTION OF CONVERTING THE SINNER
The disciples of the Lord in the first Century were not always received with open arms; many times their audience detested the message of the gospel. There is still today many that detest the gospel yet we must not waver in our insistence of bring the message to the lost.
CONSIDER THESE FACTS:
1. Because of the teaching of the gospel the teachers were charged with "turning the world upside down" Acts 17:6, 6 And when they found them not, they dragged Jason and certain brethren before the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; ASV Psalms 146:9, 9 Jehovah preserveth the sojourners; He upholdeth the fatherless and widow; but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down. ASV
2. Because of the teaching of the gospel the teachers were put in jail. Acts 5:17-19, 17 But the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy, 18 and laid hands on the apostles, and put them in public ward {i.e., jail}. 19 But an angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them out, and said, ASV
3. Because of the teaching of the gospel the preacher was killed. Acts 7:58-60, 58 and they cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon (the Lord), and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. ASV
As can be seen from these three examples from the first century, many of the teachers of that period were not well received even though they did teach the truth. Therefore we ought not become discouraged if we are not well received part of the time whenever we attempt to teach other people the gospel of Christ.
REMEMBER THIS:
1. The truth can free men and women from sin - John 8:32, 32 and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. ASV
2. The Written Word of God is the truth available to us today. John 17:17, 17 Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is truth. ASV
3. The Word of God {i.e., context - Christ} will be the standard of judgment in the last day. John 12:48, 48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my sayings, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I spoke, the same shall judge him in the last day.
IT IS THEREFORE IMPORTANT THAT WE EVANGELIZE, AS A CONGREGATION AND AS INDIVIDUALS LET US DO GOOD UNTO ALL
James 1:27, "Pure religion and undefiled before our God and Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, (and) to keep oneself unspotted from the world." ASV
Galatians 6:10, "So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith." ASV
THE USE OF METHODS IN TEACHING OTHER PEOPLE
Methods have to do with different approaches to the subject matter. Such methods as using the name of Biblical characters to prepare a study or preparing a study of the miracles in the Bible, the parables of the Bible, etc THE USE OF TACT IN THE TEACHING OF OTHER PEOPLE
This has to do with the approach of the teacher and how he/she comes across to the students in the class. A good teacher is always conscious of their mood and how they are coming across to the class. If a teacher can not get good attention of their students, it may be because they are not being tactful in their approach to a Biblical subject. It is never a good idea to use course, or a caustic disposition in any discussion in a Bible class.
CONCLUSION:
Indeed, the great work of the congregation is evangelism and the great work of the individual Christian is evangelism; may we always recognize these facts and participate accordingly.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NEWS PAGE
Don’t forget the study of the Holy Spirit now on Sunday morning at 9:45 – See you there
Our next planned Gospel Meeting will be with Dale Smelser – April 7-12, 2002
Remember the sick and shut in – the list is updated and is posted in the vestibule.
Keep visiting and calling our shut-in; let them know that we care.
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{SERMON} … FACTS TO LIVE BY …
TEXT -- John 8:32
1. EVERYONE WILL NOT BE SAVED Matthew 7:21-22
2. THE MAJORITY WILL BE ETERNALLY LOST Matthew 7:13-14
3. MANY WILL BE ETERNALLY LOST THAT EXPECT TO BE SAVED -- Matthew 7:19-23
4. NO ONE CAN BE SAVED AFTER DEATH Hebrews 9:27-28
5. ONLY THOSE THAT OBEY THE GOSPEL WILL BE SAVED -- 2 Thess 1:7-9
6. TODAY IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY 2 Cor 6:1-2
7. IT MAY BE YOUR LAST CHANCE 1 Thess 5:1-3, "1But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3For when they say, "Peace and safety!" then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. NKJV
CONCLUSION:
ONLINE EDITION HILLIARD BULLETIN Published by the church of Christ 4840 Cemetery Road - Hilliard, OH 43026 Phone: {614} 876-4089
Preacher: Garreth L. Clair {614} 850-7252 Email: glclair@aol.com
===================================================== Volume 5 ------------- Number 3 ------------- March 2002 =====================================================
FREEDOM FROM SIN
Every right thinking person surely has a desire to be free from the stain of sin in their life. It is not surprising that since the events of September 11, 2001 that many people are doing some soul searching. It is a serious matter to suddenly die without having taken time to get ones life right with God. Indeed, we all know that Jesus Christ will be the judge at judgment day - cf., 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} Please notice also the statement of Paul in Hebrews 5:8-9, > 8 though he was a Son, yet learned obedience by the things which he suffered; > 9 and having been made perfect, he became unto all them that obey him the author of eternal salvation; {ASV}
HAVE YOU MADE A DECISION YET?
If you have not made a decision to become a Christian, following are some facts you need to know - cf., Acts 11:26, "and when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that even for a whole year they were gathered together with the church, and taught much people, and that the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." {ASV} Yes, the person that has come to Christ on His terms is privileged to wear the name "Christian." It is also true that no one can save you from your sin but God. God will save you if you will come to Him and accept His remedy for your sin, the Scriptural method to receive remission of sin is: Ø Hear the gospel --- Romans 10:17 Ø Believe the gospel message --- Mark 16:15-16 Ø Repent of past sin --- Acts 2:38 Ø Confess with the mouth the Son of God {i.e., Jesus Christ} --- Romans 10:10 Ø Be baptized: 1. A burial in Water --- Romans 6:1-6 2. For the remission of sin --- Acts 2:38
THE LORD WILL THEN, ADD YOU TO HIS CHURCH
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}
---------- MAN'S BASIC NEED ---------- Editorial: Garreth L. Clair
TEXT: 2 Timothy 2:1-6, 1 Thou therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 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. 3 Suffer hardship with (me), as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier on service entangles himself in the affairs of (this) life; that he may please him who enrolled him as soldier. 5 And if also a man contend in the games, he is not crowned, except he have contended lawfully. 6 The husbandmen that laboreth must be the first to partake of the fruits. ASV
INTRODUCTION:
In the above passage, Paul makes it clear that the basic need of every person is to be saved from sin. Throughout this world, mankind, without Jesus Christ, is in a tragic condition, please note the following:
I. The Bible describes man's condition, without Christ, in at least six phrases:
1. He is lost -- Luke 19:10, "For the Son of man came to seek and save that which was lost." ASV A. The entire population of the earth is lost. B. Lost, as a city is lost when it falls into the hands of terrorists. C. As a sick person is lost whenever his sickness is terminal.
2. Without strength -- Romans 5:6, "For while we were yet weak, in due season Christ died for the ungodly." A. The grace of God is provided for all. B. Even though we are unable to save ourselves, God has made it possible for us to be saved from sin in a cooperative effort. C. God will save us from sin, if we obey Him - cf., Hebrews 5:8-9.
3. Without hope -- Ephesians 2:12, "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
4. Without promise -- Ephesians 2:12, 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
5. Without liberty -- John 8:32-34, 32 and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. 33 They answered unto him, We are Abraham's seed, and have never yet been in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? 34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Every one that committeth sin is the bondservant of sin. ASV A. Liberty comes to man through hearing of the truth. B. Without liberty, we are servants of sin. John 8:44, "Ye are of (your) father the devil, and the lusts of your father it is your will to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and standeth not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father thereof." ASV
6. Without life {i.e., spiritually dead} -- Ephesians 2:1, "And you (did he make alive,) when ye were dead through your trespasses and sins," ASV A. Destitute of righteousness. B. Cut off from God, the fountain of life. C. Dead, as the condemned murderer is said to be "a dead man" as he awaits execution.
II. Man does not have to remain in this condition. This is only the diagnosis; there is a remedy, a cure:
1. The sinner is lost -- "Christ came to seek and to save."
2. The sinner is without strength -- "Christ died for us."
3. The sinner is without hope or promise -- Ephesians 2:13, "But now in Christ Jesus ye that once were far off are made nigh in the blood of Christ." ASV
4. Without Life -- John 10:10, "The thief cometh not, but that he may steal, and kill, and destroy: I came that they may have life, and may have (it) abundantly." ASV John 20:30-31, 30 Many other signs therefore did Jesus in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book: 31 but these are written, that ye may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye may have life in his name. ASV
5. 1 Timothy 2:4, "who would have all men to be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth."
III. ARE YOU READY, to be saved from sin, to have strength in Christ, to have hope, to have the promise of everlasting life, to be free from sin, to have liberty in Christ, and to have hope of eternal life?
A. All of this is possible for you today. B. Will you come to Christ on His terms: 1. Believe the gospel 2. Repent of your sin 3. Confess Christ as God's Son 4. Be baptized "for remission of sin." Ø Through immersion Ø As the final act of obedience -- 1 Peter 3:21
C. Arise from the watery grave of baptism a new creature in Christ -- Romans 6:1-6. The Lord will add you to His Body {i.e., the church} -- Acts 2:47
SCHEDULE OF WORSHIP AND INVITATION TO YOU
INVITATION TO YOU
You are invited to attend all the services of the church meeting at 4840 Cemetery Road here in Hilliard. We invite you to worship with us, if after you have visited with us you have questions -- we encourage you to let us know. If you do have questions, we will do our best to answer them with the Bible as our guide;
"We want to speak where the Bible speaks and remain silent where it is silent."
"We want to do Bible things in Bible ways and avoid binding our opinions upon anyone."
WORSHIP PRIVILAGES:
SUNDAY:
Bible study for all ages….. 9:45 AM Worship ….. 10:30 AM Worship ….. 6:00 PM {Congregational singing ….. 3rd Sunday nigh each month
WEDNESDAY:
Bible study for all ages ….. 7:30 PM
OUR NEXT GOSPEL MEETING:
Dale Smelser April 7-12, 2002 "See you there"
ONLINE EDITION HILLIARD BULLETIN Published by the church of Christ Meeting at 4840 Cemetery Road - Hilliard, OH 43026 Phone: {614} 876-4089
Preacher: Garreth L. Clair {614} 850-7252 Email: glclair@aol.com
===================================================== Volume 5 --------------- Number 4 --------------- April 2002 =====================================================
DEAR READERS
We have been happy to send the HILLIARD BULLETIN out to you for the past four years. We would like to know though if any of you that receive the bulletin would like to be deleted from the list. I understand that sometimes I have received pages of mailings that take much time to sift through; perhaps you may have other, more important priorities. If you do please let us know and we will delete your email address from our mailing each month.
The church here in Hilliard is progressing nicely, with numerical growth coming slowly, in the past week we have had two to place membership with the congregation here with one of them feeling a need to be restored because of failures in her life. We have a gospel meeting that will begin here on April 7 and continue through the 12th. If you are in the area, do feel free to come by during the meeting as often as you are able. Incidentally, the members that make up the congregation here are warm and friendly folks -- I am sure that you will enjoy being with us.
The congregation here has a policy that encourages anyone that wishes to contact us to feel free to contact us either at glclair@aol.com or at the postal address of 4840 Cemetery Road. The church offers a seven and a 12-lesson correspondence course {FREE}, to anyone that would like to sign up for it. The church has a web site located -- http://hometown.aol.com/glclair/myhomepage/index.html
The church has recently began a Sunday morning Bible study that has created some interest, the study consists three parts {1} Examination of terms, "Hebrews, Jews, and Israelites" {2} A timeline of "A History of the Jews from Abraham to 70 AD" {3} The "Four Hundred Silent Years" -- We are currently into our 2nd lesson in this study. Everyone in the community is invited to attend any or all of the sessions each Sunday at 9:45 AM.
SEEKING THE RIGHT PATH
Often a person stumbles through life unconcerned about whether he knows the God of the Bible or not. Some people that attend religious services are just as unconcerned about the truth as the man who has no religion but acknowledges God at the same time. Have you ever had occasion to hear someone say, "Yes, I believe in a supreme being" I just don’t believe in all that religious stuff or the Bible." I am unsure, but it seems to me that there must be something missing in that person's development process. Indeed, everyone should turn to and acknowledge God but they ought also to pursue Him and find out how one may acquire a good relationship with Him. Having a good relationship with God is desirable for without a good relationship with God man cannot hope to go to heaven after judgment. Matt 7:21-23, 21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy by thy name, and by thy name cast out demons, and by thy name do many mighty works? 23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. ASV
It seems to me that it is more difficult to reach the lost in our current society than it has been in previous years, I suppose that the Devil is having his way with far too many people who want to believe in God but who do not want to serve Him according to His will -- Romans 6:23, 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. ASV John 8:24, 24I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for except ye believe that I am (he), ye shall die in your sins ASV 1 John 1:9-10, 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. ASV
LEARN OF JESUS CHRIST -- He can save you from sin
Will you consider serving God? Everyone in the world has the same privilege and opportunity, Jesus says; Matt 11:28-30, 28Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. ASV
THE VALUE OF AND IMPORTANCE OF GOSPEL MEETINGS
1. To teach God’s Word – Luke 8:11; 1 Peter 1:23
2. To call on people to turn from humanly devised names and creeds and turn to the Bible – Acts 11:26; Romans 16:16
3. To call on people to turn become Christians only – Acts 2:38; 11:26
4. To plead for Biblical unity – John 17:17
5. To lead the lost to Christ – 2 Peter 3:5; Titus 2:11
6. To edify the local congregation: · To “resist the devil” and “draw near to God” – James 2:7-8 · To encourage Christians to keep themselves “unspotted” from worldliness – James 1:27 · Christians may be encouraged to “maintain good works” – Titus 3:8 · Christians may be encouraged to ”endure till the end and be saved” - Matthew 10:22
7. To “let your light shine” and to show everyone that we are “the salt of the earth” – Matthew 5:13: · That we may build our influence for good in the community – · That we may encourage others to be Christ-like, as we already are. · To show that we “love our neighbor” - 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------- OUR GOSPEL MEETING Preaching by Garreth L. Clair Begins April 7 – 12, 2002 Everyone welcome -----------------------------------------------------------------------
HILLIARD BULLETIN Published by the church of Christ 4840 Cemetery Road – P.O. Box 96 Hilliard, OH 43026 Phone (614)876-4089
Preacher and Editor: Garreth L. Clair Phone: (614) 850-7252 Email: glclair@aol.com All writing by the editor except where noted
======================================================== Volume 5 --------------- Number 5 --------------- May 2002 ========================================================
… FAITHFULNESS IS REQUIRED …
One of the most difficult problems that I see as a gospel preacher is the problem of individual faithfulness in attendance at the regular services of the congregation by the membership. It seems that wherever I have been privileged to work among brethren that there has been a large percentage of the members that cannot make it to but one service of the church each week, Sunday morning.
WHAT IS GOING ON?
Whatever the reason for these that are absent for many of the occasions when the church comes together, there is surely some reason. As we consider the reasons/excuses that are offered for our failure to attend services regularly, will they be acceptable to God? Remember this, we will someday answer to God for how we have acted toward the relationship that we have with HIM – cf. Romans 14:11-12, “11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, to me every knee shall bow, And every tongue shall confess to God. 12 So then each one of us shall give account of himself to God.” (ASV)
Perhaps some do not consider the other assemblies of the church as being important. Yet, the other meetings of the church are occasions for study and fellowship, why should these activities be less significant to us that the meeting at 10:30 AM on Lord’s Day> Are not all occasions that we get together considered as worship to God? Of course they are, we know that – cf. John 4:24, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” (ASV)
SCHEDULED MEETINGS
The leadership of the congregation arranges the times for the worship sessions; Bible study, gospel meetings, and other special studies. All meetings are designed for the members and their families and guests to assemble. The meetings are therefore “good works” that are available for every member to participate. Since we know the Scripture teaches us that “good works” ought to be pursued by all Christians, we understand that we ought to participate. If we know that we ought to participate, how can we explain the following Scriptures? Hebrews 10:23-26, “23 let us hold fast the confession of our hope that it waver not; for he is faithful that promised: 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. 26 For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more a sacrifice for sins,” (ASV) James 4:17, “To him therefore that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” (ASV) ALWAYS BE FAITHFUL IN ALL THINGS – ATTENDANCE TOO
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{SERMON - With Transparency Master at conclusion} CONFLICT BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE LORD'S CHURCH
INTRODUCTION: A. Text: Revelation 3:11-13, > "1I come quickly: hold fast that which thou hast, that no one take thy crown. > 12 He that overcometh, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go out thence no more: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God, and mine own new name. > 13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches." ASV
I. A CONGREGATION MUST REMEMBER WHAT Its WORK IS: SOWING THE SEED
1 Corinthians 3:6, "I planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase." ASV
II. A CONGREGATION MUST LIVE ABOVE PETTINESS
Philippians 4:2, "I exhort Euodia, and I exhort Syntyche, to be of the same mind in the Lord." ASV
III. A CONGREGATION MUST BELIEVE IT CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN ITS COMMUNITY
IV. A CONGREGATION MUST MAINTAIN GRATITUDE FOR ITS BLESSINGS
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