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HILLIARD BULLETIN FOR 2001 HILLIARD BULLETIN Published by the church of Christ 4840 Cemetery Rd P.O. Box 96 Hilliard, Ohio 43026 Phone: (614) 876-4089
Preacher: Garreth L. Clair Phone: (614) 850-7252 Email: glclair@aol.com
=========================================================== Volume 4 --------------- Number 1 --------------- January 2001 ===========================================================
EDITORIAL PLANS FOR 2001 Garreth L. Clair
In this year's issue of the HILLIARD BULLETIN we will include a good deal of information that will aid the Bible student in understanding the Bible. There are many elementary concepts that are to be found in the Bible that open up avenues of understanding, perhaps some of these will benefit us. We will also continue to answer the questions that you send us as best we are able, fully understanding that we do not know very much. Even though we are fallible we will offer our insights relating to the Bible for everyone to read and examine. We are thankful to all of you for your input; the questions and suggestions that you have offered us are beneficial to us in many ways.
I also want to publicly thank the brothers and sisters of the congregation for their aid and support in this good work, without your help and support the bulletin could not be published. In particular, I would like to mention sister Boysel for her work of folding, and mailing the bulletin, brother Robert Nichols for his work in preparing and updating the labels each month for the mailing of the bulletin.
In the coming year if you have suggestions for an article on a particular subject we encourage you to pass your idea on to the editor and we will consider it or a similar article in the bulletin. We will look forward to the good work that we may all accomplish together in the coming year, 2001. The limits of our work will be determined by our collective dedication to do the work of God with zeal and determination.
RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE SCRIPTURES BY PERIOD
2 Timothy 2:15 "Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth." ASV
1. THE ANTEDILUVIAN PERIOD: This covers the period from creation to the great flood. "Ante" means before; "diluvian" refers to the flood. 2. THE POSTDILUVIAN PERIOD: This covers the period from the Noachian flood to Abraham's call in Genesis 12. "Post" obviously, means after or subsequent.
3. THE GREAT PATRIARCHAL PERIOD: This period covers from the Abrahamic call to the descent into Egypt by Jacob's family. Earlier patriarchs had lived but we know so much more about the quartet of patriarchs adorning the pages from Genesis 12 to Genesis 50.
4. THE EGYPTIAN PERIOD: This encompasses the era from the descent into Egypt to the exodus. Some 430 years {some critics suggest 215 years} encompass this period.
5. THE PERIOD OF WANDERING: Forty years covers this stirring period. Two miraculous water crossings adorn this period; crossing the Red Sea at the beginning of this period and crossing the swollen waters of the Jordan at this period's end under recently ordained Joshua as new leader.
6. THE PERIOD OF CONQUEST: This is the period of their initial entrance into Canaan till the appointment of the first judge, Othneil. Canaan is conquered and parceled out among nine and one-half half of the tribes in this period. Two and one-half of the tribes had received tribal 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 the first king, Saul. There were fifteen judges -- fourteen men and one woman judge constitute the "The Dark Ages of Hebrew 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 triggered by Solomon's apostate and sad demise.
9. THE PERIOD OF THE DIVIDED KINGDOM: Covered here are the ebb and flow years when Judah {Southern Kingdom} and Israel {Northern Kingdom} existed side by side. This period lasted from approximately 975 BC to 722 BC. Each of the kingdoms had nineteen kings. David's line kept the Southern throne except for Athaliah's short reign. The Northern kingdom had several dynasties which emerged, reigned briefly and then faded the monarchial leadership role.
10. THE PERIOD OF JUDAH {i.e., Southern Kingdom} ALONE: This covers approximately one hundred thirty-six years from the fall of Samaria to the Assyrians to Jerusalem's fall to the Chaldeans {i.e., Babylonians} in 586 BC.
11. THE PERIOD OF THE CAPTIVITY: This covers those years that Judah spent in Captivity in Babylon. This captivity cured their idolatrous inclinations. Many interesting studies are found in this period regarding the faith of the Israelites such as Daniel, and the three Hebrew children. 12. THE PERIOD OF THE RESTORATION: This period covers from Cyrus' decree that they could return to Canaan to Nehemiah's rebuilding the Jerusalem walls and Malachi's writing the last book of the Old Testament.
13. THE FOUR HUNDRED SILENT YEARS: This covers the four centuries from Nehemiah and Malachi to the announced birth of John and Jesus Christ. Many otherwise knowledgeable students of Sacred History know but little of this period and yet knowledge of this period enhances ones knowledge of New Testament events. NOTE: The editor has some material that he has prepared for study of this period. If you would like to examine it just let me know.
14. THE PERIOD OF JESUS INCARNATION {i.e., earthly sojourn}: This period covers from the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem to his ascension. Approximately one-third of a century is involved. Son of God and Son of man merged in Him who is our Glorious Savior and Majestic King.
15. THE PERIOD OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST: This covers from Pentecost {Acts 2} till the end. This is earth's final age. There will not be another as Premillennialists vainly envision. This is the period of time in which we live NOW!
EDITOR'S NOTE:
In future studies we will present more informative articles like the one in this issue of the bulletin. As we have time to research and prepare the material for these pages we are happy to share with you the results of our study. If the material is helpful to you we have our reward. glc
EVERYBODY, SOMEBODY, ANYBODY AND NOBODY
Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody were all neighbors in a community. These four fellows worshiped at the same church. Yet, they were unlike you and me, for they were more mature in their judgment. Everybody was out of town most Sundays visiting relatives and somebody, a real sport, usually went fishing, hiking, hunting, or golfing. Anybody could have gone to worship service but he thought that he wouldn't really be missed since nobody would be there. So, nobody went to church service. Not long ago, one of the elders needed a teacher for one of the Bible classes. Everyone thought somebody would teach the class and somebody thought anybody could do the teaching. So they wound up with nobody teaching the class. It seems that nobody was the only decent chap among them. Nobody did the work when everybody didn't, when somebody wouldn't and anybody couldn't. One day an unbeliever moved into the community. Everybody honestly believed somebody would teach him. Somebody thought anybody could while anybody thought everybody had already talked to him. But in reality nobody did. The years went by and these four chaps {Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody} died and went to meet their Creator. Care to guess who finally went to heaven? That's right-NOBODY! Author unknown -- Submitted by Al Ferguson
ALL CHRISTIANS SHOULD WORK
Each member of the congregation is to do all that they are capable of in building up the congregation with the abilities that they possess. There is always a variety of works that need to be done in the functioning of each congregation as it performs its assigned tasks. Some of the works that are available to the Christian in the congregation are:
1. PRAY, Indeed, there are men selected to lead in the assembly prayers but this does not excuse others from participating in prayer. Not only are we to pray in the assembly but we are to be of a prayerful disposition always.
2. SING, Do you participate in the song service during the assembly? You should. God desires that all Christians sing with their voice.
3. GIVING, Do you give, as you should? Christians should give of their money, time, and abilities to build the cause of Christ in the community {1 Cor. 16"1, 2}.
4. VISIT, Indeed, we should visit as often as we are able to do so. We ought to visit the shut-in, the long term sick ones, the members that are slipping away, etc. {James 1:27; Gal 6:10}
5. CONVERSE WITH OTHERS, In our conversations with others in the community do we talk up the Cemetery Road Congregation? We ought always to speak well of our brethren/sisters in Christ that make up the congregation here at 4840 Cemetery Road. We should always be seeking to build up the church here where our membership is.
6. BIBLE CLASSES, Do you do as much in preparing yourself and your children for the Bible classes as you should? Remember the Lord would have each of us to use our knowledge and wisdom in the teaching of others including our family. Are you preparing to become a teacher in one of our classes? It is a good work for any Christian.
7. GOSPEL MEETINGS, Do you eagerly look forward to and prepare for our meeting in the spring and the fall? You must surely know that this is an excellent time to invite anyone that you know to attend services with you.
8. ENCOURAGING THE WORKERS, Do you speak encouraging words to those that participate in the work of the congregation? Have you recently commended the work of the teachers, the song leaders, the families that prepare the communion and clean the building, the men who take care of the lawn and building maintenance, the people that prepare the bulletin by folding, addressing, and mailing it? You can be an encourager to the workers by telling them that they are doing a good job.
9. BEING KIND, Are you kind and considerate to your brethren/sisters as you interact with them? You may be the light that will cause the difference in a good day or a bad day by your kind actions.
DIVERSIONS
Brittany Eichelberger was fascinated by snow. After all, snow is a scarce commodity in Elkins, WV. So the little 5-year-old toddled out into the night air to build a snowman. Several hours later she was found, wearing only a nightgown, frozen to the point of clinical death, in complete cardiac arrest, with no heart activity and no breathing.
The story however, has an amazing and happy ending. Once discovered, a neighbor performed CPR until paramedics arrived. And after extensive effort, little Brittany was successfully resuscitated. A bit of frostbite and some fluid in her lungs were her most persistent problems. Today, she is home. Healthy and happy
Quite frankly, most aren't that lucky.
Diversions can be dangerous, can't they? The heart desires, anticipation replaces reason, the conscious is crushed, the body acts. For Brittany it was the novel opportunity to play in the snow. For the Christian, it may be one of a thousand enticements: Opportunity to
Pocket a profit by means of a less-than-honest business deal. Order a drink with friends. Pass on some juicy tidbit of gossip. Engage in an "affair" with a friend or co-worker. Linger and lust over some piece of erotica. Wager the paycheck and you soul on the lottery. Loose you temper, find your tongue, and use the two in deadly combination. Abuse you wife or your children. Tell a lie that hurts an innocent person.
Such diversions have a way of becoming permanent, don't they? Once conscience is demoted and self is exalted, death will result. Like Brittany, we end up with "no heart activity." No heart for our family. No heart for our church family. No heart for God. Just dead: dead to responsibility, respectability, and accountability.
Is it any wonder that the Great Physician prescribes a focused life in His Book? Listen to Him: Colossians 3:1-5, 1 If then ye were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth. 3 For ye died, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, (who is) our life, shall be manifested, then shall ye also with him be manifested in glory. 5 Put to death therefore your members which are upon the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry; ASV WHY? Because, quite simply, diversions can be dangerous and deadly. --- Author unknown
RESOLUTIONS FOR 2001
Each year the editor is accustomed to preparing a list of resolutions to remind him of the duties and responsibilities that are involved in being a Christian. The Scriptures do encourage Christians to resolve {cf., 2 Cor 1:15-18): 15 And in this confidence I intended to come to you before, that you might have a second Benefit-- 16 to pass by way of you to Macedonia, to come again from Macedonia to you, and be helped by you on my way to Judea. 17 Therefore, when I was planning this, did I do it lightly? Or the things I plan, do I plan according to the flesh, that with me there should be Yes, Yes, and No, No? {NKJV}, to examine self {cf., Mark 8:34}: 34 When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. {NKJV}. So, Let us resolve to:
1. ALWAYS REMAIN FAITHFUL TO HIS INSTRUCTION: Revelation 2:10; Hebrews 10:24-25
2. LOVE GOD, OUR BRETHREN, and OUR NEIGHBOR: 1 John 3:14; Matthew 22:36-39
3. PRAY MORE: James 5:16; 1 Peter 4:7; Colossians 4:2; Phil 1:3-4
4. WORK IN UNITY WITH OTHER BRETHREN: Psalms 133:1, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" ASV
5. COOPERATE WITH OTHERS THEREBY PROMOTING PEACE: Ephesians 4:1-3, 1 I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beseech you to walk worthily of the calling wherewith ye were called, 2 with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. ASV
6. LIVE A LIFESTYLE ACCORDING TO GOD'S INSTRUCTION: 2 John 9, 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. A
NEWS PAGE FOR JANUARY 2001
NEXT GOSPEL MEETING HERE: March 25-30 with Titus Edwards. Make plans now for this opportunity to study God's Word.
OUR SHUT-IN: Don't forget our shut-in: call them, visit them, send them cards and letters - let them know that you care.
A NEW YEAR BEGINS: This year may be the best year that we have ever had in our service to God. This year will be good if we are faithful to God and zealous workers in His church. The congregation here is made up of many good, faithful, working, and zealous people that have a desire to build for Christ. How can we fail in our task of serving God if we continue to encourage one another in Love and exalt the Lord in all that we do?
THE BIBLE STUDY AT THE KIRKE; S HOME: The Bible study at the Kirke's this month will be on the 11th at 7:00 PM. The subject matter for this session will be "dating."
CHECK THE BULLETIN BOARD IN THE VESTIBULE: 1. There are many announcements about upcoming gospel meetings and special Bible studies listed there each month. 2. There are reports from the men that the church here assists with financial support, currently the congregation is assisting four preachers in the Philippines, one in Hungary, and two in the United States. 3. There is also information about others that the church assist in one way or the other, included in this group currently the church is assisting brother Jerry Parks with his travel fund to the Philippines and the church has sent a complete communion set with containers to brother Macusi in the Philippines to use for communion service. 4. There are also other announcements of interest to you. 5. Check the Bulletin board regularly for changes and updates.
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Matthew 22:36-39 Teacher {LORD}, which is the great commandment in the law? And 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. This is the great and first commandment. And a second like (unto it) is this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. ASV
SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS HERE
SUNDAY Bible study for all ages . 9:45 AM Worship . 10:30 AM Worship . 6:00 PM
WEDNESDAY Bible study for all ages . 7:30 PM
Everyone is invited to all services of the church.
If you have Bible questions please let us know. You may contact us at the address on the Bulletin, Call us at one of the phone numbers listed, Or contact us at the email address listed.
Information about us online: http://hometown.aol.com/glclair/myhomepage/index.html
HILLIARD BULLETIN Published by the church of Christ Meeting at 4840 Cemetery Rd P.O. Box 96 Hilliard, Ohio 43026 Phone: (614) 876-4089
Preacher and Editor: Garreth L. Clair Phone: (614) 850-7252 Email: glclair@aol.com
========================================================= Volume 4 --------------- Number 2 --------------- February 2001 =========================================================
MORALS, ETHICS, and MAN Editorial: Garreth L. Clair INTRODUCTION:
How do we decide what is right and 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 21:15, ”And the people repented them for Benjamin, because that Jehovah had made a breach in the tribes of Israel.“ (ASV) Upon what then should our morals be based?
Definition of moral/morals: Main entry: mor-al 1 a : the moral significance of practical lesson (as of a story) b : a passage pointing out usually in conclusion the lesson to be drawn from a story 2 plural/ a : moral practice or teaching : modes of conduct
BODY:
I. MORALITY IS BASED ON THE FACT THAT GOD IS OUR CREATOR: A. He Created everything Genesis 1:1, ”In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.“ Psalms 100:3, ”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) Genesis 1:20, ” 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.“ (ASV)
B. We have as much right to argue with God about morals as a pot with the potter. Romans 9:20-21, ”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? 21 Or hath not the potter a right over the clay, from the same lump to make one part a vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor?“( ASV)
C. Since God is Creator we have an obligation to ask what His will is concerning our moral conduct: Galatians 4:30, ”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.“ (ASV) Acts 9:6, ”but rise, and enter into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.“ (ASV) Acts 17:11, ”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.
II. SINCE MORALS ARE BASED ON THE INSTRUCTION OF THE UNDHANGEABLE GOG THEY ARE ABSOLUTE: A. God’s moral and ethical attributes and character are unchangeable: Malachi 3:6, ”For I, Jehovah, change not; therefore ye, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.“ Hebrews 13:8, ”Jesus Christ (is) the same yesterday and today, (yea) and for ever.“ (ASV) James 1:7, ”For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord;“ (ASV) B. God therefore commands us to be holy: 1 Peter 1:15, ”but like as he who called you is holy, be ye yourselves also holy in all manner of living;“ ASV
III. GOD’S MORAL LAWS ARE NOT MATTERS FOR PERSONAL SPECULATION: A. God is speaking to me: Hebrews 1:1-2, ”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;“ ASV
IV. TO BE PLEASING TO GOD OUR NORALS AND ETHICS MUST BE BASED UPON GOD’S WRITTEN WORD, ALONE: A. There is ”a law of Christ“ Romans 8:1-2, ”1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of sin and of death.“ (ASV) Galatians 6:2, ”Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.“ (ASV) 1 Corinthians 9:21, ”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) B. This ”law of Christ“ is not revealed in a set of do’s and don’ts. This law is set forth in Divine principles to govern our lifestyle. There are many Divine principles that include illegal drugs, modest appearance, honesty, integrity, neighborliness, and etc.
CONCLUSION:
Morals and ethics have not been left up to our personal preferences and personal likes or dislikes. The ”do you own thing“ philosophy will only lead one to sinful practices. Rather, it is much better to choose those actions and activities that show one’s light shining or to live a lifestyle that flavors the people you meet and interact with cf. Matt 5:12-16, ”12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets that were before you. 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. 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither 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. 16 Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.“ (ASV)
HILLIARD BULLETIN Published by the church of Christ Meeting at 4840 Cemetery Rd P.O. Box 96 Hilliard, Ohio 43026
Preacher and Editor: Garreth L. Clair Phone: (614) 850-7252 Email: glclair@aol.com ========================================================== Volume 4 -------------- Number 3 -------------- March 2001 ==========================================================
SPECIAL ISSUE THIS MONTH We encourage everyone that reads this issue of the "HILLIARD BULLETIN" to join with us this month as we involve ourselves in a gospel meeting. The work of the congregation here on Cemetery Road ought to be of interest to each one of you. As you know the quality of the congregation and the community itself will be influenced by the things that we do as individual Christians and as a collective body {i.e., church}. Indeed, the Bible is clear as to the importance of our lifestyle {i.e., conduct} in and around the community - Matt 5:14-16, >"Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. >Neither 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. >Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven"< {ASV}. The lifestyle of the disciple of Christ is to be an example to everyone that he encounters in life. The Christian ought to influence neighbors, friends, and co-workers for good, the true Christian will never present himself/herself before others as a bad example. Whenever the Christian conducts themselves as if they are a sinner they bring shame on the church and upon their Lord, consequently the true Christian will always be conscious of their conduct; knowing that someone may be looking or listening. The Bible also teaches that the Christian is to be the "salt of the earth" Matt 5:13, >"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"< {ASV}. The "salt of the earth" indicates that the Christian and the Lord's Church are to be an influential agent in the shaping of society and the population of the world in general. Influencing the people of the world is accomplished whenever Christians honor the Lord and uphold the Written Word {i.e., the Bible}. OUR FAITHFULNESS IN ATTENDING SCHEDULED MEETINGS WILL SURELY INDICATE TO OTHERS OUR DESIRE TO SERVE GOD CONTINUALLY.
In our list of priorities in life we ought to recognize the importance of faithful attendance to all meetings of the congregation as an exercise in faithfulness and the setting of a good example for others to follow. It is observable to our neighbors whether we value our relationship to God sufficiently to faithfully serve him - have your neighbors seen you our and about the house or in the community shopping while the rest of the church is at the assembly worshipping God? If they have you are setting a bad example for them to follow - you ought to be ashamed! NOTICE: Hebrews 10:24-25, >"and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works; >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} OUR GOSPEL MEETING
The congregation here is about to conduct a GOSPEL MEETING for the membership and others throughout the area. Everyone in driving distance is invited to attend the meeting, will you be here to meet and greet those that attend the meeting from other areas of the state. There will be some here from other congregations in the area as well as visitors from the immediate area, don't you want to meet and visit with them? The speaker for our meeting will be Titus Edwards from Florida, we can expect to hear some good, sound preaching by brother Edwards. The time for the meeting will be 9:45 AM and 6:00 PM on Sunday {March 25} and 7:30 each night Monday {March 26} through Friday {March 30}. We will look for many of you during the meeting. · Let us all be ready to do everything that we can do to promote the GOSPEL MEETING. We may promote the meeting by: · Praying for the preacher and for the health and interest of all the membership of the congregation here. · By using out telephone or computer to contact everyone that we know encouraging them to join with us during meeting week and attend as much as possible. · By making a special effort to encourage relatives that you know who need to serve the Lord. · To speak to your friends that attend other congregations in the area {We will send an announcement of the meeting to all congregations in the area}. · Pass along to the local evangelist any names of people that you know who need to be visited during meeting week. · We will try and visit every one of the shut-in ones and those that have not been attending service lately if we can reach them. · Will you do what you can? · God will be pleased with your efforts whatever you do to glorify Him and build up His church. Let us always be ready for every good work - cf. 2 Corinthians 9:8.
Information about us online: http://hometown.aol.com/glclair/myhomepage/index.html
NEWS PAGE
DOOR TO DOOR: The program that we have had in place for the past two years will resume this month March 17 at 10:00 AM; we will meet at the building to begin.
REMEMBER THE SHUT-IN We have received a report that the membership is not communicating with the shut-in as well as in the past. Let us remember these in our calls, cards, letters, and visits. I am sure that it is discouraging to many of our shut-in to be neglected. Let us remember Paul’s admonition to the 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)
HOME BIBLE STUDY: Remember the current home Bible study is scheduled at the Kirke’s home on the 8th of March at 7:00 PM the subject this session is ”The Keepers of the Home.“
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
See you next month, Lord willing.
HILLIARD BULLETIN Published by the church of Christ 4840 Cemetery Road P.O. Box 96 Hilliard, OHIO 43026 Phone: (614) 876-4089
Preacher & Editor: Garreth L. Clair Phone: (614) 850-7252 Email: glclair@aol.com
========================================================== Volume 4 --------------- Number 5 --------------- May 2001 ==========================================================
WHY TRY TO CHANGE OTHER PEOPLE’S RELIGION
Editor’s Introduction:
Those of us that make up the church of Christ honestly and sincerely believe that we are God’s people. We believe that we are God’s people because of our understanding of the Bible’s teaching. We believe that the method of interpretation that we accept is precisely what the Bible teaches about all things that pertain to man’s relationship to God and his eternal destiny. We therefore are convinced that we are Christians in the strictest sense of the use of the word in the New Testament we are disciples that follow God’s instructions.
OUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE EVANGELISTIC PROCESS
The instructions of our Lord regarding evangelizing of the world’s population states ”And Jesus came to them and spoke unto them, saying, All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth. Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 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) Matthew 28:18-20.
From the instruction of Christ and the example set by His apostles after the church began (cf. Acts 2:1-47); we can see a continuous pattern by the early Christians of going everywhere attempting to change the sinner and those that possessed other religious beliefs. The early disciples of Jesus Christ attempted to convert the Jews of their day, they attempted to convert those that followed idolatry (i.e. worshippers of images), they sought to convert those that were irreligious both men and women, they attempted to convert sorcerers and those that practiced the occult; they sought to convert those that worshipped Caesar. The Christians of the 1 Century understood that their mission was to convert everyone to religion of Jesus Christ. We know that 3,000 Jews were converted from Judaism (i.e. the Law of Moses) on the birthday of the church of Christ please observe the following reading found in Acts 2:36-42, ”36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly, that God hath made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom ye crucified. 37 Now when they heard (this,) they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, Brethren, what shall we do? 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. 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. 40 And with many other words he testified, and exhorted them, saying, Save yourselves from this crooked generation. 41 They then that received his word were baptized: and there were added (unto them) in that day about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and the prayers.“ (ASV)
NOTE:
From these verses of scripture we understand that even though the Jews of the first century wanted to hold on to their old religion (i.e. the Law of Moses), the disciples of Christ insisted that they needed to break from that dead law and turn to Jesus Christ and his church in order to be saved from sin because the Lord’s church had replaced the Old Covenant (i.e. the Law of Moses) therefore they we told to turn to Christ for salvation from sin cf. Romans 7:1-4, ”1 Or are ye ignorant, brethren (for I speak to men who know the law), that the law hath dominion over a man for so long time as he liveth? 2 For the woman that hath a husband is bound by law to the husband while he liveth; but if the husband die, she is discharged from the law of the husband. 3 So then if, while the husband liveth, she be joined to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if the husband die, she is free from the law, so that she is no adulteress, though she be joined to another man. 4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also were made dead to the law through the body of Christ; that ye should be joined to another, (even) to him who was raised from the dead, that we might bring forth fruit unto God.“ (ASV)
The evangelizing process is a process of converting all people in the world to the religion of Jesus Christ; this concept is exemplified (i.e. undertaken in the world today) by Christians that make up the churches of Christ (i.e. Rom 16:16). Therefore those of us that constitute the church of Christ are to go into all the world and actively work at converting everyone that is not yet a member. The churches of Christ are simply carrying out the instruction of its head; Jesus Christ. Indeed we are obligated to God to work at converting all of the lost in our sphere of influence to do any less is fail as we have been instructed cf. 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)
Whenever a Christian reaches out the hand to anyone lost in sin, loost in idolatry, or in some other false religion that Christian is doing as instructed by his/her Savior. Has someone that you know extended an invitation to you to join them in worship to God at the church of Christ meeting at 4840 Cemetery Road here in Hilliard? If they have I encourage you to visit the congregation and find out for yourself about these people that call themselves Christians only. I am sure that you will not be disappointed with your discovery there. --- glclair@aol.com June 23, 2008
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AS A FAITHFUL MEMBER OF THE CHURCH, AM I REALLY OBLIGATED AS ONE PERSON TO SEEK THE BEST INTEREST OF THOSE THAT ARE NOT MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST? AM I TO SEEK THEIR CONVERSION?
Many people will ask themselves these question because they know that if they approach some of their friends, or other associates about religion that they may not be on good terms with them in the future. When Jesus Christ came down to earth and put on humanity about 20 Centuries he taught many things about being his disciples. Please notice two important commands that Christ uttered about this matter of discipleship cf. 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)
CONSIDER THIS:
If one truly loves their neighbor they will seek whatever is best for them, won’t they? Indeed, if I truly love my neighbor, I will try to bring them into a right relationship with God so that they will be saved from sin as I am saved from sin. The greatest act of love that one person can ever perform for another person is to seek their conversion from sin to righteousness. If we love our neighbor we will try to convert our neighbor to your religious belief. Why? Because if you would serve God correctly and please Him you know that to ”do good to your neighbor“ includes; 1st of all that you seek their conversion from sin. Go the extra mile for your neighbor’s sake tell them about Jesus Christ and His church.
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THE EXAMPLE OF THE FIRST CHRISTIANS ABOUT CONVERTING THE LOST IS STILL APPLICABLE TODAY
Acts 8:1-4, ”1 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. 2 And devout men buried Stephen, and made great lamentation over him. 3 But Saul laid waste the church, entering into every house, and dragging men and women committed them to prison. 4 They therefore that were scattered abroad, went about preaching the word.“ (ASV)
From these verses of Scripture we understand that a great persecution arose against those early Christians who were following Christ; some of the problems that the early Christians faced were:
Persecution at the hands if the Romans regarding Caesar worship to many during this time Caesar was thought of as a god. The teaching of the early Christians opposed this religious philosophy.
The religion of the Jews (i.e. the Ten Commandment Law and all that pertained to that Law) the early Christians opposed the worship under the Law of Moses, according to the teaching of Christ and His Apostles the Law of Moses had ceased to be acceptable for salvation from sin from the beginning of the church on the forst Pentecost after the resurrect of Jesus Christ from the tomb cf. Acts 2:1-47.
Idolatry, There were many different heathen religions in existence at the time the church was established in Jerusalem ref. Acts 2:1-4.
HILLIARD BULLETIN Published by the church of Christ 4840 Cemetery Rd P. O. Box 96 Hilliard, Ohio 43026 Phone: (614) 876-4089
Preacher: Garreth L. Clair Phone: (614) 850-7252 Email: glclair@aol.com
========================================================== Volume 4 --------------- Number 6 --------------- June 2001 ==========================================================
WHO DO YOU BELIEVE?
In the day to day activities of living our life their is a concept that we seldom give thought, that is our reasons for doing, saying, feeling, and thinking the way that we do. If I may put it forth another way, we are what we are because we have formed certain beliefs, philosophies, lifestyles, etc by accepting, weighing, and applying actions to ideas that we have received from others or from situations that we have found ourselves involved in or with.
Indeed, whatever lifestyle we currently live, we live it because we are convinced that it is ok. Our religious preferences today is ours because we have been convinced that it is preferable to any and all other religious philosophies. If we have no religious convictions of any kind it is because we have concluded that religion is not really beneficial to us and that perhaps our time and effort might be better spent making money or pursuing some other ideal or relationship.
Whatever we are we are by choice, we have chosen to whatever we are and have developed our desires, hopes, and aspirations as a result of that which we have been convinced of by other people. Yes we have formed our philosophy of life and all things through the processes of secular education, from one or more teachers, and from one or more sources of authority outside of ourselves. Indeed, we are not our own man/woman, but we are product of what/who we believe.
GOD, THE BIBLE {i.e. GOD’S WRITTEN WORD}
Have you ever-considered GOD and the BIBLE? You know, God has the answer to every question or problem in life that you will ever encounter. God has made man from the dust of the ground cf. Genesis 1:27, ”And God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.“ (ASV)
To be complete a person ought to ”Believe in God“ and put confidence in HIM. To believe in other sources is unwise because of whom God is, He is creator and Sustainer of all things and is our only hope for a better existence ‘SOMEDAY.“
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THE CONSEQUENCE OF SIN
We serve a forgiving God. And how grateful we should all be. If it were not for God’s amazing grace, we would all be destined to spend eternity separated from Him. That is what we deserve. But because He loves us, He sent His Son so that ”whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.“ (John 3:16)
And His forgiveness is complete. ”For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.“ (Hebrews 8:12). God will not bring up your past sins and constantly remind you of how bad you have been. When He forgives you, that forgiveness is TOTAL.
BUT we must remember that forgiveness does not erase the consequence of sin in this life. If I murder someone, I can be forgiven, but that does not bring the person back to life. Forgiveness of sins and freedom from the consequence of our actions are two separate things. Consider some other examples.
*After David committed adultery with Bathsheba, God forgave him (2 Samuel 12:13. But he still faced multiple consequences of his sin. His child died, his wives were defiled, and the sword did not depart from his house (vs. 9-14).
*A man who has cirrhosis of the liver from years of heavy drinking of alcoholic beverages can be forgiven, but his disease will not disappear.
*A person may be unscriptural divorced and remarried. Such a one can be forgiven, but as a consequence of his/her sin cannot remain in an unscriptural marriage.
*2 Chronicles 33 tells us of the ungodliness of Manasseh. He eventually repented, but it was too late to avert the Babylonian captivity. And Manasseh’s son, Amnon, follow his early example.
Do you see the point? We should not confuse forgiveness and consequence. Our sins will find us out. Sin is not game; it is serious business. We cannot play with fire and then complain when we get burned.
”Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that will he also reap.“ (Gal 6:7) ” your sin will find you out “ (Numbers 32:23) --- Roger Hills
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GUARANTEED
Salvation from sin is guaranteed by the Lord conditioned on God's grace and man's obedience. God's system for salvation from sin is clearly revealed to mankind upon the pages of the written word (i.e., the Bible), please observe the following plan that God has devised for man's salvation:
1. Hear the gospel: Romans 10:17, "So belief (cometh) of hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." (ASV)
2. Believe the gospel: Mark 16:16, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieves shall be condemned." (ASV)
3. Repent of sins: Acts 2:38, "And Peter (said) unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (ASV)
4. Confess Christ as Lord: Romans 10:10, "for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (ASV)
5. Be baptized for the remission of sin: Acts 2:38, "And Peter (said) unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (ASV)
The Lord then adds you to the 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)
CONSIDER THIS:
After complying with God’s directions as instructed above, one is then added to the Body of Christ by the Lord. (Acts 2:47) After one is saved from sin he/she must become part a congregation this is done by the individual who will select a sound congregation near to their place of residence notice the following scripture regarding this point: Acts 9:26-27, ”26 And when he was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: and they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus.“ (ASV)
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CHOICE
Every day we are called upon to make certain choices in our life. God has empowered us with the ability to choose between good and evil. Since we live in a world that offers us those things that may or may not make us happy, may or may not please God; we are faced with the choice between what is Good (i.e. righteous) and what is bad (i.e. unrighteous). In many instances we may find that the right choice may deprive us of something that seems good but is condemned by God {i.e. in His Written Word the Bible} it is sinful if we do it (cf. Hebrews 10:14-25; James 4:17).
As we travel down the highway of life let us endevour to always make the right choices in life. If we fail to makw rhw right choices we may be destroying our hope of everlasting life in the final day of judgment -- 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
THE CHOICE IS OURS TO MAKE
It se3ms to me that Joshua of old has the right concept regarding the matter of making choices between right and wrong cf. Joshua 24:15, ”And if it seem evil unto you to serve Jehovah, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve Jehovah.“ ASV
HILLIARD BULLETIN 4840 Cemetery Rd P.O. Box 96 Hilliard, Ohio 43026 Phone: (614) 876-4089
Preacher: Garreth L. Clair Phone: (614) 850-7252 Email: glclair@aol.com
========================================================= Volume 4 ---------------- Number ---------------- 7 July 2001 =========================================================
HELP FOR THE TROUBLED
The Lord has told us in a number of places that He will not forsake or leave us alone, but will make it possible for us to live a successful life here and inherit eternal life after the judgment. One of the terrors of life to so many is their fear of the unknown or their fear of what will be after death. These are important considerations and deserve answers, answers though concerning such matters will have to come from God, for He alone knows. It is reasonable to suggest that we must turn to God for answers to such unknown answers simply because no one has ever come back to tell us about the conditions or situation after death; except Jesus Christ and He went back to be with the Father without telling anyone what awaits after death. Since no one knows the answer to these matters except God, let us turn to God’s Book and find out what He says about the matter.
HE WILL NEVER FORSAKE HIS CHILDREN WHO ARE FAITHFUL
The Lord is careful to encourage his disciples that he will always be aware of and concerned about every one of his children. Please note the following Scripture references that state this fact: Hebrews 13:5, ”Be ye free from the love of money; content with such things as ye have: for himself hath said, I will in no wise fail thee, neither will I in any wise forsake thee.“ (ASV) Matthew 11:28, ”Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.“ (ASV) Matthew 6:33, ”But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.“ (ASV)
THE CHRISTIAN CAN LIVE A LIFE ACCEPTABLE TO GOD HERE
Everyone has the option to come to God through obedience to Jesus Christ if they will. 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) Revelation 22:17, ”And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And he that heareth, let him say, Come. And he that is athirst, let him come: he that will, let him take the water of life freely.“ (ASV)
Living a righteous lifestyle is a choice:
Every person in the world will make a choice about whether or not they will choose to serve the one true God and Lord Jesus Christ. No one will leave this world without making that choice; whether consciously or not. Indeed, some will not choose to serve or even acknowledge the Lord but that is the choice they have made willingly no one can make another person make the right choice about their eternal destiny. The choice of salvation or condemnation resides in each person’s ability Ezekiel 18:20-22, ”20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die: the son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son; the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. 21 But if the wicked turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. 22 None of his transgressions that he hath committed shall be remembered against him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.“ (ASV)
THE LORD WILL NOT ALLOW US TO BE TEMPTED BEYOND THAT WHICH WE CAN ENDURE
Many people are afraid that they cannot live a faithful life or that the temptations of life are greater than they will be able to bear. God’s Word gives us a different perspective on the subject of living an aceeptable life, we will be able to deal with the temptations of this life is we will put forth the effort, notice the following Biblical reference; 1 Corinthians 10:13, ”There hath no temptation taken you but such as man can bear: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation make also the way of escape, that ye may be able to endure it.“ (ASV) 2 Peter 2:9, ”the Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment unto the day of judgment;“ (ASV)
Don’t worry about being unable to live the Christian life; you can, if you will accept responsibility for your conduct, life, speech, and thoughts. Make a conscious decision about being a Christian and about remaining faithful whatever happens in your life. Maybe you will not be perfect but remember God will forgive you over and over again if you will do as you should about your sin ”repent of them’“
REMEMBER THIS FACT: God is faithful and will always accept our repentance of sin if we will come to him seeking that forgiveness.
GOD HAS PROMISED HEAVEN TO THOSE THAT OVERCOME THE TEMPTATIONS OF THIS LIFE
There is an old saying that ”Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people,“ That is a real good comment about those that will be in that heavenly abode prepared by the Lord for them cf. John 14:1-3, ”1 Let not your heart be troubled: believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I come again, and will receive you unto myself; that where I am, (there) ye may be also.“ (ASV)
Troubles, trials, and tribulations confront everyone in the world. The sinner experiences troubles just like the Christian but the Christian can turn to God for help, the sinner has no where to turn. Let us understand that we can overcome this life and its troubles and go to heaven if we will place out trust in God who will never leave or forsake us. Hang on dear Christian friend 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)
COME AND GO WITH ME!
Whenever Moses led the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage one person that he desired to go with them was his father-in-law. In the following verse Moses pleads with his father-in-law to come and go with them for they (i.e. the people and Jehovah) will do you good - cf. Numbers 10:29, ”And Moses said unto Hobab, the son of Reuel the Midianite, Moses' father-in-law, We are journeying unto the place of which Jehovah said, I will give it you: come thou with us, and we will do thee good; for Jehovah hath spoken good concerning Israel.“ (ASV)
We may say the same thing to everyone we know in this world, come and join with us as we travel our spiritual journey through this life. You see, those of us that are Christians are on a spiritual journey that will end in heaven, ”someday.“ If we are always faithful; apostle Paul an example - cf. 2 Timothy 4:6-8, ”6 For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure is come. 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)
Will you come and go with us? We want you dear reader to become a Christian just like we are and travel your spiritual journey with us. The journey is not difficult or distressing but is filled with Joy, expectation, and hope, each day of our lives here. The true Christian is happy to be traveling this journey that will eventuallu end in HEAVEN>
REMEMBER THIS FACYT: 2 Peter 3:9, ”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.“ (ASV)
BUILDING A SAFE LIFESTYLE
Life here is, at best, contingent on the way that we live. Certainly there are some things that we have no control over that may claim our physical life, such as automobile accidents, and workplace accidents, Yes, sometimes we may loose our life due to no fault of our own.
Things that we may control in life:
We may control what goes into our body that may alter our alertness to danger. Today there are many substances that one may take into their body that has the ability to kill us or cause us to kill someone else, some of these are; Alcoholic beverages, Tobacco, Illegal drugs (crack, Marijuana, LSD, misuse of prescription drugs, etc.).
We may control where we go for recreation, for vacations, for entertainment, etc some questions we may ask ourselves: Will we be safe there, Is there any kind of physical Danger lurking in that place?
We may control the quality of our friendships and continued associations that we deliberately cultivate: Will our associates endanger our lives? Will the place our associates encourage us to go be safe? Do my associates carry guns or knives, Do my associates experiment with illegal drugs? Do my associates drive drunk?
One may see that there are many instances where the individual may avoid entanglements with others that may cause danger to life, Why would a person with good sense want to out themselves in harms way by or through such dangerous situations or entanglements? Surely no Christian will involve themselves in such situations.
CONSIDER YE WELL FRIENDS GOD’S INSTRUCTIONS ABOUT BUILDING A SAFE LIFESTYLE BY USING THE WRITTEN WORD (i.e. the Bible)
Under the previous heading we have shown you some of the dangers inherent in building a lifestyle without God’s instruction. Under this heading let us look at what God says will build a safe lifestyle. Of course, the Christian may also loose his/her life due to no falt of their own in an accident of some kind, caused wholly by others. Because a Christian will not do the same things and go to the same places and will not choose friends and companions that are wicked. He may less likely to die young.
Consider these references: 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, ”9 Or know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with men, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye were washed, but ye were sanctified, but ye were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God.“ (ASV) Matthew 6:13, ”And bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil (one.)“ (ASV) 1 Peter 3:10-12, ”10 For, He that would love life, And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips that they speak no guile: 11 And let him turn away from evil, and do good; Let him seek peace, and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, And his ears unto their supplication: But the face of the Lord is upon them that do evil.“ (ASV) 3 John 11, ”Beloved, imitate not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: he that doeth evil hath not seen God.“ (ASV)
CONCLUSING THOUGHT: ”it is always better to follow the right way (i.e. God’s Written Word) than to follow anything else --- To build a good, God pleasing lifestyle.
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JULY 2001 THE YEAR IS HALF GONE
The beginning of this month brings us to the halfway point in the year 2001. Have you/we accomplished all that you had planned for this year so far? I know that there are many opportunities that we have had to do well in our service to God and to our fellow man, have we done those things that we have had an opportunity to do? You know that the Word of God teaches us that if we know to do that which is good and refuse to do it that we have done wrong cf. James 4:17, ”To him therefore that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.“ (ASV)
HILLIARD BULLETIN Published by the church of Christ 4840 Cemetery Road - Hilliard, Ohio 43026 Phone: {614} 876-4089
Preacher: Garreth L. Clair {614} 850-7252 Email: glclair@aol.com
========================================================= Volume 5 ---------------- Number 8 ---------------- August 2001 =========================================================
ALWAYS LOOK UPWARD
In the world today many people are going about their lives with little joy or happiness. There are millions of people that are depressed and troubled about many earthly problems that they feel have no solutions. The children in many homes today are not being cared for properly because of two working parents that have full time jobs and therefore are not nurturing their children as they ought - cf., Ephesians 6:4, "And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." KJV Indeed, there is much unhappiness, guilt, and depression felt by many people in our society today. Perhaps the greatest origin of this unhappiness, etc. is to be found in a decline of personal acceptance of God in the lives of so many people in the world today. Yes, if one does not accept God in their life they have no where to turn in times of trouble. If one has no where to turn they have only themselves and others who are just as messed up as they are to turn to - "no help there!"
AN INTRODUCTION TO GOD
EDITOR'S NOTE:
Early in July of this year I prepared a lesson that I titled, "THE RELEVANCY OF GOD." The lesson was designed to show the importance of accepting the reality of God's existence to the individual for his/her spiritual wellbeing. An outline of the lesson follows: PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING, p.s.
{PS: The lesson is complete with the printed text and the transparency masters that I used in the lesson.} THE RELEVANCY OF GOD Sermon by Garreth L. Clair TEXT:
John 5:19-31
INTRODUCTION:
1. GOD IS - HE EXISTS: Genesis 1:1 1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. ASV Hebrews 1:10 10 And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning didst lay the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the works of thy hands: ASV
2. GOD WILL ALWAYS BE - EXIST: Psalms 102:25-27, 25 Of old didst thou lay the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the work of thy hands. 26 They shall perish, but thou shalt endure; yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: 27 But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end. ASV
3. GOD SPOKE TO MEN IN THE PAST: A. Moses and Israel; Deuteronomy 5:26, 26 For who is there of all flesh, that hath heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived? ASV B. The Old Testament prophets; Hebrews 1:1, 1 God, having of old time spoken unto the fathers in the prophets by divers portions and in divers manners, ASV
4. GOD SPEAKS TODAY: Through His Son; Hebrews 1:2, 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; ASV
5. WHAT DOES THE SON SAY OF THE FATHER? See the TEXT, John 5:19-31.
6. THE DIVINITY OF CHRIST IS ESTABLISHED BY THE BIBLE: A. The Father says, "Thou art my Son" Hebrews 5:5, 5 So Christ also glorified not himself to be made a high priest, but he that spake unto him, Thou art my Son, This day have I begotten thee: ASV B. Paul, by revelation says, " God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ " 2 Corinthians 1:3, 2 Blessed (be) the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; ASV
THE REVELANCY OF GOD {TRANSPARENCY}
1. GOD IS - HE EXISTS: {Genesis 1:1; Hebrews 1:10}
2. GOD WILL ALWAYS BE - EXIST: {Psalms 102:25-27}
3. GOD SPOKE TO MEN IN THE PAST: A. MOSES - Deuteronomy 5:26. B. THE PROPHETS - Hebrews 1:1.
4. GOD SPEAKS TODAY: A. Through His Son - Hebrews 1:2
5. WHAT DOES THE SON SAY OF THE FATHER? {John 5:19-31 - TEXT}
6. THE DIVINITY OF CHRIST IS ESTABLISHED BY THE BIBLE: A. The Father says, "Thou art My Son" - cf., Hebrews 5:5 B. Paul, by revelation says, " God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, " cf., 2 Corinthians 1:3
IN VIEW OF THESE FACTS, I SUBMIT: {TRANSPARENCY}
THAT:
· GOD IS ALIVE!
· HE SPEAKS TO MANKIND THROUGH HIS SON!
· WHOSE LAW IS BINDING ON EVERYONE!
· WHICH LAW WILL FINALLY BE THE STANDARD OF JUDGMENT FOR EVERYONE!
· Therefore, since by Christ' law everyone will be judges don't you think it is a good idea to obey Him today? See 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 CONCLUSION: There is therefore no reason for anyone to live a doom and gloom lifestyle, there is no reason to feel despair and unhappiness because our God is alive and is prepared to aid us in our distress. LOOK UPWARD! The Bible teaches that God is exhalted {i.e., to be raised up in our mind}, that God is higher {i.e., above us}, that God is greater then we are and different in content {i.e., thinks higher and differently than we do - Isa 55:7-9, "let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto Jehovah, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. > For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith Jehovah. > For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." ASV}. Indeed, LET US LOOK UPWARD to God who is mighty, and loving, and kind, and forgiving, and longsuffering, etc. Let us understand that God is capable of relieving our doubts, fears, despair, and troubled mind if we will allow HIM to do so. GLC YOU CAN EXPERIENCE PEACE IN YOUR LIFE TOO All faithful Christians are promised a peace that passes understanding by our Lord. Philippians 4:4-13, 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. 10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. NKJV
DO YOU WANT THAT PEACE? If you do, then you need to become a Christian just like those that Paul is addressing here in Philippi. Perhaps you have been procrastinating about the matter of believing and obeying Jesus Christ for a long time, if so please consider the alternative to serving God. Those that are not God's children do not experience the peace that passes human understanding such people have not God's tender mercies to appeal to, or His loving-kindness. Dear friend, become a Christian today! THE IMPORTANCE OF TRUTH Not long ago I placed a two-word statement on the outside-lighted sign in front of the meetinghouse that said "TRUTH MATTERS". It was my intention for the reader to get the idea that God's truth matters for salvation from sin and God's truth matters for correct lifestyle after one's initial obedience in becoming a Christian. The Word of God is our guide in attainment of truth and our decision to live it or not live it will result in either our eternal salvation or eternal loss {i.e., condemnation}.
HOW ABOUT YOU? Do you understand the real importance of "TRUTH"? You know that without attaining and living of the "TRUTH" your life will be incomplete. Without living of the TRUTH you will never attain to happiness, you see happiness is included in the concept of freedom and freedom is acquired by those that know and do the "TRUTH" cf., John 8:32, "and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" {ASV}.
JOIN US FOR WORSHIP
You are always welcome at the worship here on Cemetery Road. The church meets at 9:45 AM and 6:00 PM on Sundays and 7:30 PM on Wednesday.
DEALING WITH REJECTION Garreth L. Clair There are many instances in our lives as Christians that our council to the non-Christian is rejected. The non-Christian is the person that has never complied with the conditions for salvation from sin. You see, the grace {i.e., unmerited favor} of God is available to everyone. Even though the grace of God is available to everyone that does not guarantee that everyone will be saved from sin. Grace is appropriated by God to everyone that will obey His Son, Jesus Christ - 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;
The true Christian is one that has heard the gospel {Romans 10:17}, believed it {Mark 16:16}, repented of sin {Acts 2:38}, confessed the Divinity of Christ {Romans 10:9-10}, and has been baptized into Christ through immersion {Romans 6:3-5} for the remission of sin {Acts 2:38}. Having obeyed these instructions one is then added to the church of Christ by the Lord {Acts 2:47; Romans 16:16}. CONSIDER THIS: So, one cannot become a Christian another way but all become Christians through this same process. REJECTION The truth that is stated in the first half of this page is that which is rejected by many of our friends. I do not understand why people reject this advice; it is Biblically based and is provable by the Bible. The rejection that we receive because we seek to convert others must not deter us in our duty to them. Indeed, there are many people that do not like to hear that their current manner of life is unacceptable to God for salvation. Yes. Many people will reject our attempt to help them see the narrow way that leads to life eternal - cf., Matthew 7:13-14, "Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby. > For narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it" {ASV}. Regardless of the fact that our Bible based advice is rejected by some, we must press on with the gospel message and present it to those that will listen and will turn to the Lord on His terms.
REMEMBER THESE FACTS AS YOU OFFER SPIRITUAL ADVICE TO OTHER PEOPLE
God has no voice but your voice, 2 Timothy 2:2 God expects you to teach, Matthew 28:18-20 God expects you to pray, Colossians 1:9 God expects you to love Him, Luke 10:27 God expects you to love the brethren, 1 Peter 1:22 God expects you to love the world {i.e., people}, James 2:8 God wants you to work now, Titus 3:1 God wants everyone to come to repentance, 2 Peter 3:9 God wants us to exhibit our love for Him, John 14:15
-------------------------------------------------------------- NEWS PAGE FOR AUGUST 2001 BAPTIZED HERE: · On Sunday July 8, 2001 John Evanoo was immersed into Christ here at the meetinghouse. We encourage each Christian to aid John in the growth process now that he is a member of the family here. · On Monday night July 23, 2001 Stephanie Lincicome was baptized into Christ here at the meetinghouse. We encourage every Christian to assist Stephanie in growing to maturity. RESTORED: · Rodney Lincicome was restored to Christ after a long absence, we are encouraged to see Rodney make the decision to return to the family of God through acknowledgement of sin, repentance, and prayers on his behalf. WEDDING: · John Schlaback and Stephanie Parker were united in Marriage on Saturday July 14, 2001. We are truly happy to see this young couple start out their married life as Christians. Our prayer for them is that they will love each other even more as they grow old together. THE FALL GOSPEL MEETING HERE: · The next gospel meeting here will be held during the week of October 21-26, 2001. The meeting will be a lecture type meeting with different preachers. Plan now for this feast of good things coming soon. RENEWAL OF WEDDING VOWS: · John and Marsha Buchanan renewed their wedding vows July 31, 2001 at the building located at 4840 Cemetery Road in Hilliard, Ohio. John and Marsha expressed their wishes that the next 25 years might be as happy as the first 25 years. We wish John and Marsha, at least another 25 years of happiness. THIRD SATURDAY PERSONAL WORK SESSION: · The third Saturday door to door work session will be August 18, 2001 at 10:00 AM. We will look forward to another good workday as we seek to interest others in our community in the things of God. See you there! ALWAYS DOING GOOD We are often bewildered about what we ought to be doing with our spare time, of course some people have more spare time than others do - Since this is so, we ought to find constructive ways to use the time that we do have. If one is a Christian one knows how to use spare time profitably, for we know that the Bible tells us to continue to do good things {i.e., good works}, 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22, "prove all things; hold fast that which is good; abstain from every form of evil." ASV
REMEMBER THE LORD
When we are gone away from the church and from brethren's influence we must be strong and continue to remember that our Lord is there, wherever we are. Indeed, we cannot go anywhere in the world, even in the universe where we could avoid the presence of the Lord - Hebrews 13:5, "Be ye free from the love of money; content with such things as ye have: for himself hath said, I will in no wise fail thee, neither will I in any wise forsake thee." ASV When we are gone from the presence of our brethren on a business trip, on a vacation, etc., do we remember the Lord to worship Him on the Lord's Day as we know that we should or do we become too busy to take time out to worship him? If we fail to remember our Lord do you suppose he will overlook it? Please read the passage of Scripture following: - Hebrews 10:24-25, "and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works; > 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 Do we remember Jesus whenever we remain silent in a crowd of people where He is being talked about in a slanderous way? Are we standing up for Jesus whenever we have the opportunity? You know, we ought to do so. Cf., Matthew 10:32-33, "Every one therefore who shall confess me before men, him will I also confess before my Father who is in heaven. > But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father who is in heaven." ASV
Am I working as I ought to build up the church of which I am a member or am I doing nothing but attending there once and a while? The work that the congregation does is to be the work of the whole church; we need to understand that the church if not just a few of the members but the church is all of the members working together. Cf., 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of the body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ. 13 For in one Spirit were we all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all made to drink of one Spirit. 14 For the body is not one member, but many. HILLIARD BULLETIN Published by the church of Christ 4840 Cemetery Road P.O. Box 96 Hilliard, Ohio 43026 Phone: (614) 876-4089
Preacher: Garreth L. Clair Phone: (614) 850-7252 Email: glclair@aol.com
======================================================== Volume 4 --------------- Number 9 --------------- September 2001 ======================================================== SEEKING PERFECTION
Possibly one of the most complex philosophies in the world is the concept of acceptability to the God that Created us. It is amazing to examine the options of others as we attempt to personally seek God’s approval. The desire to please God is bound up in our understanding of God and that which he reveals to us via the Bible (i.e. the Written Word of God).
THE BIBLE IS TRUTH:
The concept that the Bible is absolute truth and free of error is the basis of our view that man is required to ba as perfected personally as h/she is capable of being. This idea is not universally accepted by religious people but is acceptable to those of us that make up the Lord’s church. (i.e. Matthew 26:18; Rom 16:16; Acts 2:1-47). The Bible is specific about the responsibility of man to serve (i.e. do the works of God), as he learns those things that is required of him by God. Indeed, has been a great deal of effort put forth by God for the salvation of mankind but many will never be saved from their sin because they misunderstand the concept revealed via the Written Word. You see, the Written Word - (i.e. that section of the Bible that applies to mankind now - The New Testament) is God’s instruction to mankind in this dispensation as sure as the Law of Moses was the law that governed ancient Israel in the method of becoming and staying acceptable to God. It is true that the laws are different one from the other but the same God is the author of both laws. Since we can no longer be saved from sin by keeping the Law of Moses Galatians 5:1-4, ”1 For freedom did Christ set us free: stand fast therefore, and be not entangled again in a yoke of bondage. 2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that, if ye receive circumcision, Christ will profit you nothing. 3 Yea, I testify again to every man that receives circumcision, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. 4 Ye are severed from Christ, ye would be justified by the law; ye are fallen away from grace.“ (ASV)
Since the New Testament is the only true source for doctrinal teaching under the ”Christian Dispensation,“ it is imperative that we seek to live according to its teachings. The truth is God’s salvation unto salvation from sin - Romans 1:16, ”For I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.“ (ASV) The ”TRUTH“ is actually God’s written word to us today John 17:17, ”Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is truth.“ (ASV), and it is capable of making us free from sin John 8:32, ”and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.“ (ASV)
CAN WE BE PERFECT NOW?
Perfection is that for which each Christian ought to strive. Yet, to acquire perfection in this world one must cease from sin completely. The Bible tells us that all sin cf. Romans 3:23, ”for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;“ (ASV) In Christ’s sojourn here in the world one of the facts that he revealed to man is, whenever man does all that he can do for himself with regard to pleasing God he still has fallen short of perfection cf. Luke 17:10, ”Even so ye also, when ye shall have done all the things that are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants; we have done that which it was our duty to do.“ (ASV)
GOD GRACE MAKES US ACCEPTABL TO GOD:
General definition of grace: Now, grace is that which God has and does for man that he is unable to do for himself. Man cannot, of himself achieve sinless perfection but man can do all that he is capable of doing to acquire perfection. Since man cannot become perfect by his own activity it is necessary that God help him. God has given to every person unmerited favor (God will accept the person even though they cannot achieve perfection if that person is habitually obedient to His Will cf. 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) Titus 2:11-12, ”11 For the grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12 instructing us, to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world;“ (ASV)
Comment on Titus 2:11-12: In this context, we see that grace is available to everyone (cf. verse 11) but in order to appropriate that grace in a person’s life one must obey. Note the 12th verse:
God’s grace is applied to the person that: 1. Denies ungodliness 2. Denies worldly lusts and 3, Lives soberly treats himself right 4. Lives righteously treats others right 5. Lives godly treats God right
FOLLOWING GOD’S INSTRUCTION (i.e. is obedience):
Many religious people affirm that one cannot work their way to salvation. Indeed, it is not possible for anyone to do enough good works to merit salvation from sin. Yet, there are works of God that man is required to do in order to attain salvation from sin, this is not of human merit but complying with the instructions that God establishes for salvation.
CONSIDER THIS:
In the process of ancient Israel’s conquest of Canaan, one example of the Lord’s grace is fittingly demonstrated in the case of the taking of the city of Jericho cf. Joshua 6:2-20, ”2 And Jehovah said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thy hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valor. 3 And ye shall compass the city, all the men of war, going about the city once. Thus shalt thou do six days. 4 And seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark: and the seventh day ye shall compass the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. 5 And it shall be, that, when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, and when ye hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city shall fall down flat, and the people shall go up every man straight before him. 6 And Joshua the son of Nun called the priests, and said unto them, Take up the ark of the covenant, and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of Jehovah. 7 And they said unto the people, Pass on, and compass the city, and let the armed men pass on before the ark of Jehovah. 8 And it was so, that, when Joshua had spoken unto the people, the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams' horns before Jehovah passed on, and blew the trumpets: and the ark of the covenant of Jehovah followed them. 9 And the armed men went before the priests that blew the trumpets, and the rearward went after the ark, (the priests) blowing the trumpets as they went. 10 And Joshua commanded the people, saying, Ye shall not shout, nor let your voice be heard, neither shall any word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I bid you shout; then shall ye shout. 11 So he caused the ark of Jehovah to compass the city, going about it once: and they came into the camp, and lodged in the camp. 12 And Joshua rose early in the morning, and the priests took up the ark of Jehovah. 13 And the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of Jehovah went on continually, and blew the trumpets: and the armed men went before them; and the rearward came after the ark of Jehovah, (the priests) blowing the trumpets as they went. 14 And the second day they compassed the city once, and returned into the camp: so they did six days. 15 And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they rose early at the dawning of the day, and compassed the city after the same manner seven times: only on the day they compassed the city seven times. 16 And it came to pass at the seventh time, when the priests blew the trumpets, Joshua said unto the people, Shout; for Jehovah hath given you the city. 17 And the city shall be devoted, even it and all that is therein, to Jehovah: only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all that are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent. 18 But as for you, only keep yourselves from the devoted thing, lest when ye have devoted it, ye take of the devoted thing; so would ye make the camp of Israel accursed, and trouble it. 19 But all the silver, and gold, and vessels of brass and iron, are holy unto Jehovah: they shall come into the treasury of Jehovah. 20 So the people shouted, and (the priests) blew the trumpets; and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, that the people shouted with a great shout, and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city“ (ASV)
CONSIDER THIS:
1. In v. 2 Jehovah speaks to Joshua in the past tense and says, ”I have given into thy hand Jericho “
2. In v. 16 Joshua speaks to the people in the past tense and says, ”for Jehovah hath given unto the city“
Before the people had done anything, God said I have given you the city to the Israelites as a gift but the gift was a conditional gift. The fact that God stipulated conditions to receive the gift (i.e. the city of Jericho) does not change the facts at all the gift of God in this instance was Jericho.
3, In v. 20 the text says, ” and they took the city “ The taking of the city was dependant upon their having obeyed the instructions that God had set for the prize.
PERFECTION IS CONDITIONAL:
The only way for anyone to be perfect in their relationship with God is to become a child of God correctly and live a righteous, acceptable lifestyle for all their life here on earth cf. Paul’s example cf. 2 Timothy 4:6-8, ”6 For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure is come. 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) 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)
For God’s grace to applied in our life, we must follow whatever God instructs us to do throughout all of our life. Yes, it can be done! God has never given to mankind laws and instructions that he could not obey. But has been gracious toward man and his honest efforts to follow those instructions. God’s grace is evident in the life of many Old Testament characters (e.g. Hebrews 11) and many New testament characters {e.g. Peter, Paul, Apollos, Cornelius, etc.} God does not expect the impossible from man but God does expect man to do the best he is capable of doing cf. Acts 2:40, ”And with many other words he testified, and exhorted them, saying, Save yourselves from this crooked generation.“ (ASV) Philippians 2:12-14, ”12 So then, my beloved, even as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who worketh in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure. 14 Do all things without murmurings and questionings:“ (ASV)
STUDY TO BE SURE:
One of the sure ways to work toward perfection is to study God’s Written Word and rightly divide it cf. 2 Timothy 2:15, ”Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth.“ ASV
A LACK OF KNOWLEDGE DESTROYS:
`It is stated by the prophet Hosea at Hosea 4:6, ”My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shall be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I also will forget thy children.“ ASV Always be ready to learn be willing to better your knowledge.
A CHANGE REPENTANCE IS NEEDED:
One of the tragedies if this generation is that many of its numbers have little or no respect for the life and work of those that have diligently worked in the past. One of the ways to gauge the value of a person’s education and intellect is to observe the way that they treat their family, their elders, how men treat women, how parents teat their children, how children (i.e. including adult children) treat their parents and grandparents, etc. It is a sad commentary on the direction of society in general to observe the attitudes of many people toward family, fellow laborers, neighbors, etc. in many cases adults show by their actions, conversations, dress, and companions that they have no manners, and/or no upbringing.
HILLIARD BULLETIN Published by the church of Christ 4840 Cemetery Rd. P.O. Box 96 Hilliard, OH 43027 Phone: 876-4089
Preacher: Garreth L. Clair Phone: (614) 850-7252 Email: glclair@aol.com
======================================================== Volume 4 --------------- Number 10 --------------- October 2001 ========================================================
IN PURSUIT OF THE RIGHT CHURCH
In the world today there are many churches each one claims to be ok with God and most of them are doing good works in the community and are attracting good, honest, people as members. So, what is wrong with this picture; why would anyone criticize such an apparent good thing? It seems, that many churches are doing good for the community and there are many good people that belong to them. As we look at these many different churches from a purely humanistic point of view, it seems that everyone would be content with what is being done religiously in the world and go along with the situation. I believe that many people look on the religious scene in the world today through rose colored glasses; they only see the good works being done in secular society and miss the greater and more important aspect of true religion. There is nothing wrong with any institution that does good works and advance man’s physical well being. Yet, a failure to advance the principles of true religion while accomplishing these humanistic goals is a total failure in God’s plan.
PLEASING GOD:
The greatest failure of the kind of religious diversity that exist in the world today is the fact that God does not approve of division (i.e. a plurality of diverse philosophies on the doctrine of the Bible, etc.) religiously and that He never has approved of it cf. John 17:21, ”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) Since th4e Lord does not approve of religious division, it behooves man in his religious pursuit to work diligently for its eradication from all religious pursuits, To eliminate religious pluralism is to object to the religious division that is acceptable to most of the world’s population today. You see; there are literally thousands of religious people in all nations of the earth practicing some kind of religion, many of these religions are completely in contradiction one with the other they cannot all be practicing true religion. The only religion that has God’s approval is authorized by His Book and His Book’s doctrine the Bible.
HOW IT IS REVEALED:
God has provided mankind with three major dispensations of true religion (i.e. each possesing its unique doctrine and actions each being established for those that lived under the 3 contrasting religious concepts.
The Patriarchal This period began with Adam and continued to be binding upon mankind until the SECOND The Law of Moses was instituted.
The Law of Moses This period began with God’s giving of the Ten Commandments and subsequent laws and rituals this law was binding upon those that lived and died under it. This law of God was in vogue until Christ established His Church on the first Pentecost after His resurrection.
The Law of Christ This period began at Acts 2:1-47 and brought to an end the Law of Moses. This new law united both Jews and Gentiles in to one Body (i.e. the church of Christ). This law will be binding upon all humanity until the trumpet of God sounds and time will end as we know it. - 1 Cor 15:22-29, ”22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; then they that are Christ's, at his coming. 24 Then (cometh) the end, when he shall deliver up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have abolished all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign, till he hath put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be abolished is death. 27 For, He put all things in subjection under his feet. But when he saith, All things are put in subjection, it is evident that he is excepted who did subject all things unto him. 28 And when all things have been subjected unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subjected to him that did subject all things unto him, that God may be all in all.“ ASV
As is surely apparent to even the casual reader the first two periods of God’s dealings with mankind are no longer in vogue (i.e. are unacceptable to God for establishing and maintaining an acceptable relationship with HIM)
As we have established God requires obedience from man in order to receive the benefits of God’s grace. Since the grace of God is already available to man, he ought to do whatever is necessary to acquire its benefits. NOTE THE FOLLOWING SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Acts 2:37-38, ”37 Now when they heard (this,) they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, Brethren, what shall we do? 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) John 6:66-68, ”66 Upon this many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. 67 Jesus said therefore unto the twelve, Would ye also go away? 68 Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.“ (ASV)
In the passage just answered, we see the great question that is on the heart of each person sometime in his/her lifetime. Indeed, that question is; ”What shall I do to be saved from my sin?“
THE TRUTH IS SALVATION FROM SIN IS AVAILABE TO EVERYONE TODAY
Even though everyone in the world may be saved from their sin, all will not be saved because they will not come to Jesus Christ on His terms 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) 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.“ Acts 2:38, ”And Peter (said) unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.“ (ASV)
WHAT CHURCH?
We have already stated that there is only one true church (i.e. religious movement), that one true church is found in the New Testament.
Its origin: Isaiah 2:2-4, ”2 And 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 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 out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of Jehovah from Jerusalem. 4 And he will judge between the nations, and will decide concerning many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.“ (ASV) Its Builder: Matthew 16:17-20, ”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. 19 I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 20 Then charged he the disciples that they should tell no man that he was the Christ.“ (ASV) Its beginning: Acts 2:37-47, ”37 Now when they heard (this,) they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, Brethren, what shall we do? 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. 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. 40 And with many other words he testified, and exhorted them, saying, Save yourselves from this crooked generation. 41 They then that received his word were baptized: and there were added (unto them) in that day about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 and they sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all, according as any man had need. 46 And day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to them (i.e. the church) day by day those that were saved.“ ASV
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OUR FALL GOSPEL MEETING
Dates: October 21-26, 2001
TIME, SUBJECT, and SPEAKER
October 21 9:45 AM ”The resurrection of Christ“ Garreth L. Clair Gospel preacher at Hilliard, Ohio October 21 10:30 AM ”Authority in religion“ Mike Grushon October 21 6:00 PM ”Origin of the church“ Mike Grushon Gospel preacher from West Carrollton, Ohio (Dayton Area) October 22 7:30 PM ”Worship of the Church“ John Gibson Gospel preacher from West Lafayette, Ohio October 23 7:30 PM ”Organization of the Church“ Doug Roush Gospel preacher from Fredericktown, Ohio October 24 7:30 PM ”Evangelism“ Richard Greeson Gospel preacher from Bedford, Ohio (Cleveland area) October 25 7:30 PM ”Edification“ Keith Greer Gospel preacher from Beavercreek, Ohio (Dayton area) October 26 7:30 PM ”Benevolence“ Aaron Kemple Gospel preacher from Columbus, Ohio
ASSISTANCE and INFORMATION (614) 850-7252
Everyone is welcome
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NEWS FOR OCTOBER 2001
ADDITIONS TO THE CHURCH HERE: Diana Leonard came forward on Wednesday night (Sept 29, 2001) and ask for the prayers of the congregation because of sin in her life, she asked to be restored to faithful service. We are truly happy for her and do pray that she will be strong and faithful for the rest of her life here in the world.
WEDDING BELLS: On August 30, 2001, Garreth L. Clair united Chris Markovanovich and Diana Leonard in Marriage at the home of sister Leonard. Let us pray they might always be as happy as they were on their wedding day.
HOME BIBLE STUDIES: On October 11, 2001 at 7:30 PM, a new study is beginning on the subject ”EVOLUTION“ brother Clair will be teaching the class at the Kirke’s. See you all there!
HILLIARD BULLETIN Published by the church of Christ 4840 Cemetery Rd P.O. Box 96 Hilliard, Ohio 43026 Phone: (614) 876-4089
Preacher and Editor: Garreth L. Clair Phone: (614) 850-7252 Email: glclair@aol.com
========================================================= Volume 4 Number 11 November 2001 =========================================================
Part 1 UNDERSTANDING Editorial: Garreth L. Clair
There is a great problem today about understanding he teaching of the Bible and applying it properly. This problem is different from all other problems that man faces. The problem with a lack of understanding of God’s Word is different from any other problem because a failure to understand God’s Word will be the difference between our going to Heaven or to gehenna (i.e. the lake of fire). Perhaps some of our readers do not consider this matter as worthy of so serious a consideration but after we examine this proposition, I am sure you will have changed your mind. You see, there is nothing worse than loosing ones soul, the only possession that we have that is truly of eternal value (i.e. priceless) is our soul. Note the circumstance of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 12:16-21, ”16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: 17 and he reasoned within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have not where to bestow my fruits? 18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, be merry. 20 But God said unto him, Thou foolish one, this night is thy soul required of thee; and the things which thou hast prepared, whose shall they be? 21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.“ (ASV) You will notice that the rich man did not understand that his soul was really the most important possession he had vs. 20. The rich man in the parable is like many of us today , we become so involved in the affairs of this life that we just do not take time to reflect on deeper matters of life, that there might be something of great importance that we are neglecting the rich man was surely such a person.
WHY IS THE SOUL SUCH A VALUABLE ASSET?
Our soul has an eternal value (i.e. it outlasts the physical body), that part of us that is the life force; whenever it leaves the physical body it does not end. Because it does not end we must adequately prepare for it wherever it is going. The Book of God says that the soul of man is eternal and will reside in one of two places after death depending upon how we prepare for it when we physically die Look carefully at Luke 20:35-38, ”35 but they that are accounted worthy to attain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: 36 for neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection. 37 But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed, in (the place concerning) the Bush, when he calleth the Lord, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. 38 Now he is not the God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.“ (ASV) Since the soul will survive physical death to be resurrected at the last day, every person ought to be alerted to the reality of this event and examine the nature of the resurrection and events that follow.
HOW DOES A PERSON KNOW WHAT PRECEEDS And WHAT FOLLOWS THE RESURRECTION?
Each person may understand the nature of birth, life, physical death, the resurrection, judgment, and eternal life or eternal torment {i.e. death}. This understanding is found whenever a person turns to God’s Written Word and searches it for such important details about these matters.
1, BIRTH, This is the natural process that God put into action after he had created man and woman (i.e. Adam and Eve), Genesis 1-3
2. LIFE, is what happens to those that are born {i.e. physically} into this world, each person begans to grow into adulthood.
NOTE:
During this time (i.e. living life) each person begins to understand many facets of life, we learn about other people, education (i.e. development of the mind and senses), we come to realize that in life each person is a product of their choices. Indeed, choice makes each person whatever he or she becomes we choose between right (GOOD) and wrong (EVIL) as we decide upon our course of life. Many times we choose those things that are not wrong in and of themselves but we become so involved it them that we have no time or spend no time in contemplation, therefore we ignore sometimes the important things for the mundane things of life. You see, God instructs us to ”seek first the Kingdom of God (i.e. recognize that God’s way is more important) cf. Matt 6:33 before other things. A person will not want to waste this time that he/she has on the earth, they will want to make arrangements so that when they leave this life they will know where the soul will go. Paul said of this life in 2 Timothy 4:5-8, ”5 But be thou sober in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill thy ministry. 6 For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure is come. 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) Ro the church at Smyrna the John wrote, 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) As a person can see by studying God’s Word, understanding of these important matters occurs because we do seek answers where real answers may be found, in God’s Written Word (i.e. the Bible).PHYSICAL
3. DEATH, The death of everyone is assured by the testimony of God: Hebrews 9:27, ”And inasmuch as it is appointed unto men once to die, and after this (cometh) judgment; 1 Corinthians 15:51-55, ”51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We all shall not sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 But when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy victory? O death, where is thy sting?“ (ASV)
4. THE RESURRECTION, The resurrection of everyone is just as sure a reality as physical death. That the resurrection follows death is a Biblical doctrine that cannot be denied. With regard to the resurrection let us examine the teaching of the Bible: * Hebrews 9:27, ”And inasmuch as it is appointed unto men once to die, and after this (cometh) judgment;
** John 5:28-29, ”28 Marvel not at this: for the hour cometh, in which all that are in the tombs 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 judgment.“ (ASV)
*** Acts 24:15, ”having hope toward God, which these also themselves look for, that there shall be a resurrection both of the just and unjust.“ (ASV)
**** 1 Corinthians 15:21, ”For since by man (came) death, by man (came) also the resurrection of the dead.“
5. THE JUDGMENT, The judgment of all mankind will take place before the Righteous Judge, Jesus Christ: 2 Timothy 4:1, ”I charge (thee) in the sight of God, and of Christ Jesus, who shall judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom:“ (ASV) 2 Timothy 4:8, ”henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day; and not to me only, but also to all them that have loved his appearing.“ (ASV)
THE FOLLOWING VERSES WILL TELL US WHAT THE STANDARD OF JUDGMENT WILL BE: ” The word that I speak (i.e. the words of Jesus Christ) “ is the standard are measuring up to the standard? 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
6. THE LAST DAY, The trumpet of God will sound, all the dead will be raised, everyone will be judges and sentenced on the ” last day “ All things created by God in the beginning will be dissolved and immortality of the resurrected will commence.
CONSIDER THIS FACT:
There will be only one last day. If the last day is not the last day then God has erred, we know that this is impossible, therefore there cannot be 1,000 years after the last day.
NOTE:
1 Corinthians 15:52-53, ”52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.“ (ASV) John 6:39-40, ”39 And this is the will of him that sent me, that of all that which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. 40 For this is the will of my Father, that every one that beholdeth the Son, and believeth on him, should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.“ John 11:24-25, ”24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. 25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth on me, though he die, yet shall he live;“ (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)
SUMMATION:
Do we understand these things? We ought to study until we have reached an understanding of these important issues, that pertain to life, death, and the hear-after. Without a clear understanding of these things we will be unable to experience ”JOY“ in our lives and ”The peace that passes understanding“ will escape is cf. Philippians 4:4-8, ”4 Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your forbearance be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.“ (ASV)
Part 2 UNDERSTANDING MAN’S RELATIONSHIP TO GOD By Garreth L. Clair
In the first part of this study we examined the nature of man’s circumstances from birth to the final judgment. In this part of our study, let us look at the consequences that will result from our decision while we live upon this earth. We will discover that there is one of two places that we will go, either to heaven or to gehenna (i.e. the lake of fire hell). Yes, when the Righteous Judge (i.e. Jesus Christ John 12:48) judges mankind after the resurrection He will assign us to either heaven or to gehenna (i.e. translated HELL in the K.J.V.) forever.
MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICES
Today is the acceptable time to make the right choice about Divine and eternal things. The Bible teaches us this fact very clearly in 2 Corinthians 6:2, ”(for he saith, At an acceptable time I hearkened unto thee, And in a day of salvation did I succor thee: behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation):“ (ASV) My decisions now, while I am able to make them will determine my eternal destiny after I am resurrected at the last day. Because I understand that my righteous decision today will determine my eternal destiny, I want to make the right decision (i.e. choices) so that I can be assured of going to heaven rather than to Hell.
There are occasions in my life whenever I pause and consider the options that I do have when I am considering some action that involves right and wrong. Should I choose the right because I know that my decision will be seen and recorded by God or do I choose the questionable; or perhaps the wrong without consideration of future consequence? If I choose the right I have made the righteous choice if on the other hand, I choose the wrong, I have consciously made the unrighteous choice knowing that it will condemn me in God’s sight. Therefore, it is imperative that I consider each choice that is presented to me in the light of God’s instructions and choose the righteous over the unrighteous for the sake of my eternal soul’s future welfare.
There are a number of Scriptural references that teach clearly the above concept, please note some of them: 2 Timothy 2:21, ”If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, meet for the master's use, prepared unto every good work.“ (ASV)
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)
Acts 5:23, ”saying, The prison-house we found shut in all safety, and the keepers standing at the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.“ (ASV)
Romans 2:3-11, ”3 And reckonest thou this, O man, who judgest them that practise such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? 4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? 5 but after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up for thyself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; 6 who will render to every man according to his works: 7 to them that by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and incorruption, eternal life: 8 but unto them that are factious, and obey not the truth, but obey unrighteousness, (shall be) wrath and indignation, 9 tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that worketh evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Greek; 10 but glory and honor and peace to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek: 11 for there is no respect of persons with God.“ (ASV)
THE FIRST CHOICE:
Fr everyone there comes a time in life when a decision about obeying our impulse to seek God’s way comes over us. This impulse comes over us whenever we hear and understand that our sin can be forgiven by God predicated upon some action on our part to comply with His instruction (i.e. obey Him). Our response to this calling of God (i.e., the impulse to choose) by the gospel message is the most important decision that we will ever make in our earthly life. You see, if we make the decision to immediately rush into the out-stretched arms of Christ and obey Him cf., 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) we will then be in possession of that hope of heaven that will become our heritage after a lifetime of faithfulness cf., To those that overcome in Smyrna - 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) The apostle Paul’s hope 2 Timothy 4:5-8, ”5 But be thou sober in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill thy ministry. 6 For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure is come. 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)
IF THE CHOICE IS; ”Yes Lord!“
If your choice is right, you will rush to Christ and fulfill whatever instruction that is required so that you will be saved from your sins. We have Biblical example that inspires many to follow their action in Acts 2:36-40, ”36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly, that God hath made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom ye crucified. 37 Now when they heard (this,) they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, Brethren, what shall we do? 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. 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. 40 And with many other words he testified, and exhorted them, saying, Save yourselves from this crooked generation.“ (ASV).
ARE YOU READY TO MAKE YOUR LIFE RIGHT WITH GOD?
The final decision about serving the Lord and becoming a Christian is a decision that only the individual can make. There is no possibility of someone else making it possible for a person to be saved from sin but Jesus Christ. You should make that decision while you are still able to do so; the time may come when you will no longer be able to change your relationship to God. If you know that you have a bad relationship with God because of your sins or because you are part of a religion that is not approved by God you need to make a decision about it today. Remember this; no one can become a part of the Lord’s church today for you - you must make that decision.
READ THIS: 2 Peter 1:10, ”Wherefore, brethren, give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never stumble:“ (ASV)
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NEWS PAGE FOR November 2001
TWO NEW STUDIES PLANNED FOR THE WINTER MONTHS: A study of the Holy Spirit will be taught by Garreth Clair from material that he has prepared in spiral bound booklet form, The study will begin after we have finished the Book of John’s gospel.
Garreth is also planning an extensive study of the 400 Silent Years. The spiral bound booklets are already in preparation. The study may be after the Holy Spirit Study.
REMEMBER OUR SHUT IN:
Evan Casey Report From Hungary: On Wednesday< November 7 brother Casey will be her to give us a report on the Lord’s work in Hungary. Brother Casey has recently returned from 2 years work with the churches in Hungary, the congregation here in Hilliard has assisted in his transportation and in his regular monthly support during that time Everyone make an effort to be her for the report.
HILLIARD BULLETIN Published by the church of Christ meeting at 4840 Cemetery Road P.O. Box 96 Hilliard, Ohio 43026 Phone: (614) 876-4089
Preacher & Editor: Garreth L. Clair Phone: (614) 850-7252 Email: glclair@aol.com
======================================================== Volume 4 ---------------- Number 12 --------------- December 2001 ========================================================
FAMILY VALUES ACCORDING TO GOD’S WORD Part 1
Introduction:
I know of no institution of society that has undergone such drastic changes in the past 50 years as the American family. The family unit that existed 50 years ago was normally thought to consist of a man, a woman, and children. The extended family of 50 years ago normally was thought to be made up of parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, and nieces. A great deal has changed in the family and in the attitudes of society toward the family unit described in the Bible. In this study we want to examine some of the changes and compare them with the God sanctioned definition of the family, please stay with us as we develop this study.
Today, there are several groups of very militant people that have successfully altered the concept of the American family. The homosexual/lesbian alliance have insisted that two women or two men make a family unit and this living arrangement has been blessed by the court system in America so that they are today entitled to adopt children and raise them according to this perverted lifestyle. There is also a lifestyle today that consists of a man and a woman who agree to live together without benefit of marriage (i.e. two people involved in continuous fornication). This lifestyle exists because such individuals consider marriage and submitting to God’s ordinances of marriage as irrelevant. The two lifestyles discussed in this paragraph are not acceptable to God. God condemns these two humanly devised substitutes for marriage; we will discuss God’s law regarding the family unit and family values later on in this study.
No list of lifestyles is complete without giving some space to the single Parent family unit. Now, the single parent family unit may occur in society due to at least three causes perhaps there may be more reasons that I will list here.
1. Because of unlawful deed (i.e. rape) 2. Because of Divorce. 3. Because of the death of one of the married partners.
I do not see that this particular family situation can be avoided. Although I do not see how these kinds of families can be avoided I suggest that if the individual that is widowed scripturally divorced seek to remarry, they try to find a Christian partner. Indeed,, sometimes a Christian (i.e. one that seems to be so), is no better than an unbeliever, but the chances for a successful second marriage is still greater if the person you marry is a true Christian.
THE BIBLE ON GOD’S FAMILY AND FAMILY VALUES
In the beginning God created Adam and Eve and placed them in the Garden of Eden cf., Genesis 1:27, ”And God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.“ (ASV) Genesis 2:21-25, ”21 And Jehovah God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof:22 and the rib, which Jehovah God had taken from the man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. 23 And the man said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. 24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. 25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.“ (ASV)
God did not create anyone else at this time but equipped Adam and Eve in such a fashion that they could procreate together cf., Genesis 1:27-28, ”27 And God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. 28 And God blessed them: and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the heavens, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.“ (ASV) The Bible further shows that Adam and Eve did began to multiply cf. Genesis 4:1-2, ”1 And the man knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man with (the help of) Jehovah. 2 And again she bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.“ (ASV)
Since God created the man and then created the woman for the man, any departure from this divine plan (i.e. homosexual, lesbian, or lying with beasts) is unacceptable to God. For man to assume that any other family arrangement is acceptable to God is sinful and will eternally condemn the perpetuator of the unnatural act. cf. 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)
NOTE:
God has always condemned sexual relationships between men and men and between women and women as is stated in cf. Romans 1:26-32, ”26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile passions: for their women changed the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another, men with men working unseemliness, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was due. 28 And even as they refused to have God in (their) knowledge, God gave them up unto a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 backbiters, hateful to God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 without understanding, covenant-breakers, without natural affection, unmerciful: 32 who, knowing the ordinance of God, that they that practice such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but also consent with them that practice them.“ (ASV)
GOD’S ATTITUDE TOWARD FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS
In God’s plan for the family unit the plan in perfection includes a man, a woman, and children. Such a family unit may be found in Genesis as we look at the very first family unit that came into existence, God apparently approved the Genesis family for nothing is said that would indicate otherwise. The Biblical concept described above does not exclude other God approved family situations. 1. The man or woman who desires to remain single 2. The one parent family unit where one parent is no longer included in the family due to legitimate (i.e. God acceptable) reasons.
DUTIES OF FAMILY MEMBERS
There is a great responsibility placed upon the husband and wife as parents in God’s family values system. The Bible teaches that the parents have several joint responsibilities in the family unit; they are: 1. Provide materially for their children 2 Corinthians 12:14, ”Behold, this is the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be a burden to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.“ (ASV) A. Schooling (i.e. a reasonable education) B. Food C. Clothing D. Shelter E. Peace, contentment, safety, freedom from fear, etc. F. Spiritual example (i.e. father & mother give the children spiritual guidance)
2. Provide a nurturing environment for the children Ephesians 6:4, ”And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but nurture them in the chastening and admonition of the Lord.“ (ASV)
3. Provide love and affection for the children Matthew 7:9-11, ”9 Or what man is there of you, who, if his son shall ask him for a loaf, will give him a stone; 10 or if he shall ask for a fish, will give him a serpent? 11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?“ (ASV)
RESPONSIBILITIES THAT FATHER, MOTHER, AND CHILDREN SHARE; JOINTLY
1. Jointly work together to provide a happy home 2. Jointly work together to cooperate in family activities 3. Jointly look out for one another’s well being 4. Jointly work together to help each other get to heaven
FATHER’S RESPONSIBILITY
1. Provide for the family (i.e. primary provider) - Genesis 3:19, ”in the sweat of thy face shall thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it was thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shall thou return.“ (ASV)
2. Be a good husband and father by example encourage spirituality in the family unit. The father that is a Christian will be an example of spirituality to everyone in the community and surely he is also to be an example to his own family, note the following Bible references that establish this point: Matthew 5:13, ”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.“ (ASV) Matthew 5:14, ”Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid.“ (ASV) Proverbs 22:6, ”Train up a child in the way he should go, And even when he is old he will not depart from it.“ (ASV) Ephesians 6:4, ”And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but nurture them in the chastening and admonition of the Lord.“ (ASV)
MOTHER’S RESPONSIBILITY
There is an old adage about mothers that is not used very much today but it is still the truth if applied as God instructs ”The hand that rocks the cradle, rules the world.“ From this adage, one understands that even nations and kings are influenced by their mother while young and in the development stages. This tells mothers to be conscious of the great role that they still play in God’s family value system.
1. Mothers ought to honored and respected Ephesians 6:2, ”Honor thy father and mother (which is the first commandment with promise),“ (ASV)
2. Mothers (i.e. wives) are to be loved and cherished by their husbands - Ephesians 5:25, ”Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself up for it;“ (ASV) 3. Mothers have some of the same responsibilities as the father in God’s system of family values See father’s responsibilities previously studied.
4. Mothers and grand-mothers ought to teach their children about God and the things of God 2 Timothy 1:5, ”having been reminded of the unfeigned faith that is in thee; which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and, I am persuaded, in thee also.“ (ASV)
CHILDREN’S RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Children should obey their parents - Ephesians 6:1-3, ”1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. 2 Honor thy father and mother (which is the first commandment with promise), 3 that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.“ (ASV) Colossians 3:2, ”Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth.“ (ASV)
2. Children ought to be in subjection (i.e. obedient to) to their parents - 1 Timothy 3:4, ”one that ruleth well his own house, having (his) children in subjection with all gravity;“ (ASV) 1 Timothy 3:12, ”Let deacons be husbands of one wife, ruling (their) children and their own houses well.“ (ASV) Titus 1:6, ”if any man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having children that believe, who are not accused of riot or unruly.“ (ASV)
3. Children ought to provide for their needy parents, etc. - 1 Timothy 5:4, ”But if any widow hath children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety towards their own family, and to requite their parents: for this is acceptable in the sight of God.“ (ASV)
4. Children ought to become Christians when they reach accountable age Children that are Christians are a joy unto their parents and their Heavenly Father; they are also examples to the community in which they live.
5. Children should honor their parents Ephesians 6:2-3, ”2 Honor thy father and mother (which is the first commandment with promise), 3 that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.“ (ASV)
THE FAMILY UNIT and RESPONSIBILITY TO GOD
There is a great failure on the part of many families today in the relationship that they sustain to God. Many families today are regular in their attendance at some place of worship but fail to put God and the things of God first in their priorities of day to day living, Note the statement in Matthew 6:33, ”But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.“ (ASV) It is not difficult to understand this passage of Scripture but it seems difficult for many families to put this concept into action in their lives. I do not believe that we really give serious attention to this instruction because we think that we do not have time to stop and consider the things that we are involved with as distractions from serving and obeying God’s instructions here in Matthew 6:33. It is possible that we never stop and consider that we have erred in some phase of everyday life so we do nothing about it. We do not consider the Lord’s pleadings with us as in 1 John 2:1-4, ”1 My little children, these things write I unto you that ye may not sin. And if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2 and he is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the whole world. 3 And hereby we know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him;“ (ASV) Some advice about strengthening the bond in the family unit: 1. Have family prayer at meals at home or at a restaurant. 2. Have family together Bible study about some subject of interest to everyone in the family. 3. Make it a practice to invite friends and guests to worship with you if they plan to be in your home during times for worship with the church. 4. As a family prepare cards and notes to mail out to the sick and shut-in in the church at home as a family. 5. Invite neighbors to attend worship and gospel meetings with you. 6. Make sure that you always set a good example for your neighbors. 7. Always make a special effort to attend services when the whole church comes together.
CONSIDER THIS:
Ultimately, everything that the family ought to be is attainable through a knowledge of the Written Word (i.e. the BIBLE). The family that practices true Christian lifestyles will be a shining light in the community not only as Christians but as representatives of Christ’s church. Just as the church that is approved of by God ourselves the Divine Pattern found in the Bible, also the family unit that pleases God follows the Divine Pattern found in the Bible.
1. Genesis 2:22-24, ”22 and the rib, which Jehovah God had taken from the man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. 23 And the man said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. 24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.“ (ASV)
2. Mark 10:6-9, ”6 But from the beginning of the creation, Male and female made he them. 7 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; 8 and the two shall become one flesh: so that they are no more two, but one flesh. 9 What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.“ (ASV)
3. The family unit is designed by God to last until the children are grown and continue until the parents pass on to be with the Lord. Make it a good adventure through life!
CONCLUSION:
In the first issue of HILLIARD BULLETIN for 2002 We will continue this study with another article, Look for that next month.
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NEWS PAGE for December 2001
The year end in coming quickly:
Next gospel meeting here: Dale Smelser will be with us for the next meeting plans are now being discussed for the meeting.
We are truly thankful: When we moved back to Ohio from Mississippi we thought that I would never work again as a gospel preacher. I was involved in a serious automobile accident during an ice storm. I was seriously injured (the injury affected my speech, and memory), I was diagnosed by the doctors as having permanent brain damage. When we returned here we were not prepared to do anything but live out life as sound as possible. I began to improve some as I went back and forth to Plymouth, Indiana to help with the work there and assist Arthur Adams with his recovery from cancer. The place that I am at this time with improved motor skills is probably near the point where I was before the accident. I thank God for the good people here in Hilliard, Ohio that make up the congregation her on Cemetery Road. These have truly been those that have held up my arm and helped me to again work the works of God successfully. The work here is a good work with good people involved in it. Our expectations for the future are all concentrated here in Hilliard.
Audio tapes: The audio tape list has grown to hundreds as we continue to make cassette tapes available to members and others by request.
Hard copies of the sermons: Printed copies of the sermons delivered from the pulpit here are available for the asking. Just ask the preacher and he will provide you with a paper copy.
HILLIARD BULLETIN COMPLETE - 2001
Consider Magazine is an independent work by Garreth L. Clair 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. http://www.cemeteryroadchurchofchrist.org/ Copyright 2005, All Rights Reserved. (Please contact us for permission to reprint.) Please help us show up on search engines, by putting a link to http://www.considermagazine.com on your website!
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