HILLIARD BULLETIN

FOR 2000

HILLIARD BULLETIN

Published monthly by the church of Christ

Meeting at 4840 Cemetery Rd – P.O. Box 96

Hilliard, Ohio 43026

Phone: (614) 876-4089

Preacher: Garreth L. Clair

(614) 850-7252

Email: glclair@aol.com

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Volume 3 --------------- Number 1 --------------- January 2000

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Greetings!

            Since this is the first issue for 2000 may we encourage every one of you to look forward to a good, healthy, spiritual, and prosperous life throughout the future. Those of us that make up the Cemetery Road church of Christ invite you to join with us, as we look forward to the coming year – not only the coming year but our part in the next 1000 years. Indeed, we will all leave our mark on the 2nd millennium and the early part of the 3rd millennium. Since we will leave some influence to those that will follow us, let us live out our lives in the 3rd millennium CE as subjects to Christ and part of His church (cf.,  Matthew 16:18, ”And I also say unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.“ (ASV)

            We do not know how many days, weeks, months, or years we will be able to live into the 3rd millennium but we do know that we can live for God if we really put forth the effort to conform to His Written Word. We may be influential in converting some soul to Christ through our efforts at living and teaching during the remaining years of our life; don’t you want to help others in this way? I cannot think of any effort that we will put forth in the future that we have that will glorify God greater than to serve Him and exhibit a love for others that will influence them for good. Please note the following instructions to the Christian about their disposition toward other:

James 1:27, ”Pure religion and undefiled before our God and Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, (and) to keep oneself unspotted from the world.“ (ASV)

Galatians 6:10, ”So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith.“ (ASV)

THE THIRD MILLENNIUM HAS STARTED!

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ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS

            It is surprising to me that many people cannot distinguish between carnal warfare and spiritual warfare. To understand the difference I dedicate the contents of this article.

1          Now, carnal warfare is the kind of physical battles that is taking place in Afganastinan between the terrorist (i.e. those responsible for the bombing of the world trade center towers in New York, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and the crashing of a jumbo jet in Pennsylvania),. Carnal warfare is the physical affront of an opposing force with the hope and expectation of conquering them and beating them into physical surrender, at which point the war ends perhaps with thousands of physical casualties (i.e. dead & injured).

2.         Secondly, spiritual warfare is the warfare that is taking place between Satan and God. The conflict is not physical in nature but is waged with words and with manner of life (i.e. ”salt of the earth“ – ”light of the world“). The weapons of this warfare are described in Scripture, note the following references:

Ephesians 6:10-18.

”10 Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might.

11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual (hosts) of wickedness in the heavenly (places).

13 Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 withal taking up the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil (one).

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

18 with all prayer and supplication praying at all seasons in the Spirit, and watching thereunto in all perseverance and supplication for all the saints,“ ASV

CONSIDER THIS:

            Apparently, each person is involved in the spiritual conflict. The alien and the faithful Christian alike are struggling with the forces of evil, The Devil (i.e. Satan) desires to confuse and confound the alien so that he/she will never turn to God and seek salvation from sin, the alien is bombarded with the sensual, the glitter of the world by the Devil, this is how the Devil distracts the sinner so that they are blinded to the truth. The Devil also lies or has others lie about the truth so that the alien is suspicious of true religion having heard only lies about it from Satan’s agents, cf.,

John 8:44, ”Ye are of (your) father the devil, and the lusts of your father it is your will to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and standeth not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father thereof.“ (ASV)

Romans 3:3-4, ”3 For what if some were without faith? Shall their want of faith make of none affect the faithfulness of God? 4 God forbid: yea, let God be found true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy words, And mightest prevail when thou comest into judgment.“ (ASV)

NEVER RESORT TO PHYSICAL VIOLENCE IN DEFENSE OF SPIRITUAL TRUTH

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SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT THE LORD’S CHURCH

            As we look back over the history of the church nearly 20 Centuries has passed since the Lord stated to those in Caesarea Philippi that he would build his church (cf. Matt 16:13-18).  We know that Christ’s Church came into existence shortly after He made this prediction to those assembled (cf. Acts 12:1-47). As we read through the 2nd chapter of the Book of Acts we are impressed with the power of events that transpired on the birthday of the church of Christ.

            One of the impressive things about the Lord’s Church is the number of Jews that heard, obeyed, and became the part of the church that day, some 3,000 (cf. Acts 2:36-42). The number of the disciples multiplied quickly as we are told in the early chapters of the Book of Acts (cf. Acts 2L41; 4:4). Today we wish to imitate this great growth against such great obstacles, yet, we must proceed with all the strength that we can muster to reach out to the lost and undone in this world and help them to see the right of the Lord’s church and her message. The first century disciples were busy, filled with zeal for God, and untiring in their efforts. It was stated about the early disciples that they ”turn the world upside down“ (Acts 17:6).

            There are people today who believe that the Church of the Lord is withering and dying. To this philosophy I say :ridiculous“, the church is growing in many places and the only reason that it is not growing everywhere is that there are many disciples that are lazy and will not do their share of the work needed to keep sowing the good seed (i.e. getting our and evangelizing the lost all over the community). Indeed, the congregation will grow only if the elders, the preacher, and every member will do the personal work needed in the community (See Luke 8:11 – 1 Cor 3:6-7).

            REMEMBER THIS: We are the sowers, are we sowing the good seed? Each of us should, to the extent of our ability go about our lives sowing the good seed.

Whenever a congregation is at peace, whenever the members of the congregation show love and concern about one another and their neighbors, whenever a congregation is busy doing the works of God (i.e. that which is revealed in the Bible). The church will grow and the congregation will be influential in the community in which it exists. Let us therefore involve ourselves in the effort to sow the good seed (i.e. spread the gospel message) Let us each do what we can! (NOTE – Matthew 5:13-16).

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THE RICH RULER

(A Sermon for You)

TEXT:

Mark 10:17-22

”17 And as he was going forth into the way, there ran one to him, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good save one, (even) God.

19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not kill, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor thy father and mother.

20 And he said unto him, Teacher, all these things have I observed from my youth.

21 And Jesus looking upon him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

22 But his countenance fell at the saying, and he went away sorrowful: for he was one that had great possessions.“ ASV

INTRODUCTION:

”Jesus looking upon him loved him …“

BODY:

1.         WHY JESUS LOVED HIM:

A.                 He was earnest – verse 7,

B.                 He was sincere – verse 17,

C.                 He was rich – verse 22,

D.                 He was a moral man – verse 19. 22.

2.         WHAT JESUS SAID:

            In essence, Jesus said unto him that there was a hindrance in his life that was keeping him from being righteous. The rich man needed to get his priorities straightened out – cf. Matthew 6:33, ”But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.“ (ASV)

3.         WHAT THE RICH MAN DID:

            ”But his countenance fell at the saying, and he went away sorrowful.“ Verse 22.

4.         DID THE MAN EVER CHANGE?

            We have no evidence to suggest that he did perhaps he is like; perhaps he is like King Agrippa that Paul encountered in the 26th chapter 0f Acts - cf. Acts 26:28, ”Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.“ (KJV)   --- glc

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RESOLUTIONS FOR 2000

Sermon by Garreth L Clair

Through the years it has been my custom to deliver a sermon of resolutions to the congregation on the 1st Sunday morning in the New Year. In previous sermons of this type that I have prepared generally a New Year is beginning but this lesson is prepared as we are about to enter a new Century and a new Millennium.

INTRODUCTION:

In the coming year I encourage each member of the congregation here as well as those of you visiting us to resole that you will make a special effort to be or to become a more mature Christian.  I have listed eight points in the list of resolutions that will assist us in our desire to become more mature in our spiritual life we may more faithful:

BODY:

1.                  IN ATTENDANCE:

Hebrews 10:24-25,

24        And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

25                Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us

encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.  NIV

2.                  IN OBEDIENCE TO CHRIST:

Hebrews 5:8-9,

8          Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered

9                      and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him

3.                  TO APPRECIATE THE MESSAGE OF THE GOSPEL MORE:

Romans 1:16,

16                I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of

everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. NIV                 

4.                  TO TEACH OTHERS IN WORD AND DEED:

Colossians 3:17,

17                And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks to God the Father through him. NIV   

5.                  TO PRACTICE THE TRUTH IN MY LIFE:

Romans 12:1-2,

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living

sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship.

2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the

renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will. NIV

6.                  TO SEEK GOD'S KINGDOM FIRST:

Matthew 6:33,

33                   But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to

you as well. NIV      

7.                  TO GROW IN GRACE AND KNOWLEDGE:

2 Peter 3:18,

18                But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be

glory both now and forever! Amen.  NIV     

8.                  TO ALWAYS BE PREPARED FOR THE LORD'S 2nd ADVENT:

Matthew 24:44,

44                So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do

not expect him.  NIV

CONCLUSION:

There are many things that Christians ought to do in their service to God and man that I have not included in this study. The Christian that is growing will improve in all the areas mentioned, and others before the coming of the next New Year in 2001. I encourage each person to be a true and better Christian during the year 2000.

May God richly bless every one of us as we labor together in His Kingdom.

Garreth L. Clair - Wednesday, December 22, 1999

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NEWS PAGE for January 2000

BAPTIZED HERE:

Benjamine Adam House, Dec 12, 1999

Raymond Paul House, Dec 12, 1999

Jeffery Michael House, Dec 12, 1999

Karl Philip Furrow, Dec 16, 1999

GOSPEL MEETINGS SCHEDULED FOR 2000:

Hubert Showalter, April 16-21, 2000

Doug Roush, October 15-20, 2000

REMEMBER ALL OUR SHUT-IN:

PERSONAL WORK PROGRAM CONTINUES

April 27 - 5:00 PM

3rd Saturday in May - 10:00 AM

HILLIARD BULLETIN

Published by the church of Christ

Meeting at 4840 Cemetery Road

Hilliard, Ohio 43026

Phone: (614) 876-4089

Preacher: Garreth L. Clair

(614) 850-7252

Email: glclair@aol.com

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Volume 3 -------------- Number 2 --------------- February 2000

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PERPETUAL CONSCIOUSNESS

            One of the most important things that the Christian may possess in life is a perpetual consciousness. Now, a perpetual consciousness is manifest in the person that is always involved in the on-going activities of the Christian occupation; indeed the lifestyle of the Christian is to be perpetual.

            Every Christian is to be continuous (i.e. perpetual) in their devotion and service to Almighty God, to the church of the Lord, and in all other areas encouraged by God via the Holy Scriptures, some of these things are listed – following:

1.         CONTINUE IN THE LORD’S TEACHING:

            John 8:31, ”Jesus therefore said to those Jews that had believed him, If ye abide in my word, (then) are     ye truly my disciples;“ (ASV)

2.         CONTINUE IN THE LOVE OF GOD:

            John 15:9, ”Even as the Father hath loved me, I also have loved you: abide ye in my love.“ (ASV)

3.         CONTINUE IN THE GRACE OF GOD:

            Acts 13:43, ”Now when the synagogue broke up, many of the Jews and of the devout proselytes      followed Paul and Barnabas; who, speaking to them, urged them to continue in the grace of God.“ (ASV)

4.         CONTINUE IN THE FAITH:

            Acts 14:22, ”confirming the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God.“ (ASV)

5.         CONTINUE IN HIS KINDNESS:

            Romans 11:22, ”Behold then the goodness and severity of God: toward them that fell, severity; but toward thee, God's goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shall be cut off.“

6.         CONTINUE STEADFAST IN PRAYER:

            Colossians 4:2, ”Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving;“

7.         CONTINUE IN THE TRUTH THAT YOU HAVE LEARNED:

            2 Timothy 3:14-15,

            ”14 But abide thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom          thou hast learned them.

15    And that from a babe thou hast known the sacred writings which are able to make thee wise unto

salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.“ (ASV)

8.         CONTINUE TO OBEY JESUS CHRIST:

            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)

9.         CONTINUE TO LOVE THE BRETHREN:

            Hebrews 13:1, ”Let love of the brethren continue.“ (ASV)

10.       CONTINUE IN EVERY GOOD WORK:

            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)

            Titus 3:1, ”Put them in mind to be in subjection to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready unto every good work,“ (ASV)

            The value of perpetual (i.e. continuing) faithful cannot be overestimated. Those of us that profess to be God’s Children ought to be motivated to pursue righteous living and conduct without being reminded. Yet too often we fail in our life or fall back into the world because we are not conscious of our relationship to God and what is involved in living right. Living for God is not difficult if we will always be aware of who we are and where our ”real“ home is. You see, our home is not of this world but a place prepared for us – 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)

            Indeed, let us possess a perpetual consciousness of our relationship to God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit. May we also possess a continuous consciousness of our relationship to each other in the Body of Christ so that we will always act the way the we should toward one another and to everyone we know in evry situation of life.

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WHAT IS BEST FOR MAN?

(A Sermon for You)

Text:

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14,

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

14 For God will bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.“ (ASV)

            ”What is that good which the sons of men should do?“ (Eccl 2:3). What is the true way to personal happiness and to having a happy, contented, family relationship. What is the sure way to attain our personal hopes and desires and acquire those good things for our spouse and children. The answer in brief is understood by Job of Old, where he declared; ”And unto man he said, behold the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding: (cf. Job 28:28).

            ”Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter“ (KJV)

I.          THE SUMMARY OF TRUE RELIGION:

            Setting aside all matters of doubt, to be religiously correct is ”To fear God and keep His commandments.“ (Eccl 12:13 – KJV)

            A.        The very foundation of true religion is the feat of God reigning in the heart, a reference of his majesty, a submission to his power and authority, and a dread of his wrath and judgment.

            B.        The pattern of true religion is the law of God as revealed through the Holy Scriptures. Our fear and awe toward God must be taught by His Commandments – cf. Isaiah 29:13, ”And the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw nigh (unto me), and with their mouth and with their lips to honor me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment of men which hath been taught (them);“ (ASV

II.        THE BOUNDLESS IMPORTANCE OF IT:

            ”This is the whole ”DUTY“ of man.“

            It is man’s business and all his blessedness; our whole duty is summed us in this and our whole comfort and future blessedness is bound up in this.

III.       A CONTROLLING INCENTIVE TO DO WHIS – cf. Verse 14:

            We shall see the great consequence to us that we are religiously correct in our personal life as well as   our home and family life if we consider the account that we must shortly give of ourselves to God.

”God shall bring every work into judgment“

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NEWS PAGE FOR February 2000

OUR SHUT-IN:

James McFadden, 3591 Heywood Drive, Hilliard, OH 43026

Danny & Opal Sherwood, 5091 Thompson Road, Columbus, OH 43230

Robert Palmer, Saint Luke Rehab Center (Room 218) 44 Sauder Av. – Columbus, OH

INFORMATION ON LINE ABOUT THE CHURCH:

http://hometown.aol.com/glclair/myhomepage/index.html

HILLIARD BULLETIN

Published by the church of Christ

4840 Cemetery Road – P.O. Box 96

Hilliard, OH 63026

Phone: (614) 876 4089

Preacher: Garreth L. Clair

Phone: (614) 850-7252

Email: glclair@aol.com

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Volume 3 --------------- Number 3 --------------- March 2000

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THE SUPREME AUTHORITY IN RELIGIOUS MATTERS

            One of the very important questions that comes up among religious people today. as in the past is, ”What is the position one must take regarding subject ”X“?

            If subject ”X“ is a Biblical subject the answer to the question is obvious to the person that really believes the Bible to be God’s Written Word. The answer is, whatever God says about the matter is the ”TRUTH“, ”THE WHOLE TRUTH“, and ”NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH.“ By accepting the Biblical answer to the question about subject ”X“ one will always be correct. The reason one will always be correct is, God’s Word is the final authority in all religious conflict.

            The reason for the abundance of conflicting religious thought today is not about the contents of the Bible; it is caused by men who refuse to accept the Bible answer to their question. The Bible cannot teach two conflicting points of view about salvation from sin and be worth the paper it is written upon. Therefore, whenever men disagree over what the Bible says; one or both are wrong about their answer to the same question if their answers are in conflict with each other (i.e. if their conclusions differ) – there cannot be two conflicting answer to the same question in the Bible. The reason this conclusion is correct may be found in the nature of the Bible, you see, the Bible is inspired of God – cf., 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)

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

John 17:17, ”Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is truth.“ (ASV)

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HONESTY AND GOOD MORALS IS NOT ENOUGH

Editorial by Garreth L. Clair

            Often today we hear some sincere person exclaim, ”You know, so and so seems to be such a good person and they seem to be such a good family, don’t you think that they are saved people?“ This statement or one similar comes up very often in conversation today. The question deserves a Biblical answer not an emotional one, as many are prone to offer. What does the Bible say about sincerity, honesty, and good morals?

            Perhaps the best illustration in the Scriptures of God’s attitude toward the honest, sincere, moral person is revealed to us in Acts 10, please read the following quotation before we discuss it further:

Acts 10:1-6,

”1 Now (there was) a certain man in Caesarea, Cornelius by name, a centurion of the band called the Italian (band),

2 a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, who gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always.

3 He saw in a vision openly, as it were about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of God coming in unto him, and saying to him, Cornelius.

4 And he, fastening his eyes upon him, and being affrighted, said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are gone up for a memorial before God.

5 And now send men to Joppa, and fetch one Simon, who is surnamed Peter:

6 he lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side.“ (ASV)

CONSIDER THIS:

1.         Cornelius was a good, sincere, honest, moral man but he was not saved from his sin – See qualities in 10:2.

2.         In 10:4 we see that God took note of his good deeds and morality but encouraged him by the angel to do more than that. There is a lesson here for all people of all ages.

”THERE IS MORE TO SALVATION FROM SIN THAN BEING GOOD“

3.         In 10:5, 6 the angel instructs Cornelius to send to Joppa and request that Simon Peter come to his home and tell him what he needed to do further, See verses 5, 6 above.

            In this introduction to the context of chapter 10 we clearly see that Cornelius was a good, sincere, honest, moral man and yet God sends an angel to instruct him on what he needed to do further. Today we have God’s Written Word (i.e. the Bible) to guide is in understanding what the will of the Lord is. But at the time contemporary with Cornelius the written word was incomplete.

            Whenever Peter received the messengers from Cornelius he acted according to his instructions from God and came to the home of Cornelius:

Acts 10:17-35,

”17 Now while Peter was much perplexed in himself what the vision which he had seen might mean, behold, the men that were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon's house, stood before the gate,

18 and called and asked whether Simon, who was surnamed Peter, were lodging there.

19 And while Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.

20 But arise, and get thee down, and go with them, nothing doubting: for I have sent them.

21 And Peter went down to the men, and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come? 22 And they said, Cornelius a centurion, a righteous man and one that feareth God, and well reported of by all the nation of the Jews, was warned (of God) by a holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words from thee.23 So he called them in and lodged them. And on the morrow he arose and went forth with them, and certain of the brethren from Joppa accompanied him. 24 And on the morrow they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius was waiting for them, having called together his kinsmen and his near friends .25 And when it came to pass that Peter entered, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. 26 But Peter raised him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. 27 And as he talked with him, he went in, and findeth many come together: 28 and he said unto them, Ye yourselves know how it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to join himself or come unto one of another nation; and (yet) unto me hath God showed that I should not call any man common or unclean: 29 wherefore also I came without gainsaying, when I was sent for. I ask therefore with what intent ye sent for me. 30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago, until this hour, I was keeping the ninth hour of prayer in my house; and behold, a man stood before me in bright apparel,

31 and saith, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call unto thee Simon, who is surnamed Peter; he lodgeth in the house of Simon a tanner, by the sea side .33 Forthwith therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore we are all here present in the sight of God, to hear all things that have been commanded thee of the Lord. 34 And Peter opened his mouth and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

35 but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is acceptable to him.“ (ASV)

CONSIDER THIS:

            In this portion of the 10th chapter we can see that Peter came to the home of Cornelius, the Centurion rehearsed the things that had happened to him earlier, and Peter then exclaimed ”But in every nation he that feared him, and worketh righteousness, is acceptable to him“ (10:35). This exclamation from Peter simply indicates that Cornelius, as with everyone, may be saved from sin by ”fearing God and working righteousness.“ (I.e. reverencing God and obeying Him).

            Peter, after arriving at the home of Cornelius began to preach Jesus to him and his assembled family. At the conclusion of the sermon by Peter Cornelius and his family were baptized for the remission of sin as the Jews were on the Day of Pentecost earlier, see Acts 2:38. Notice the instructions of Peter at the close of his sermon at the home of Cornelius: Acts 10:47-48, ”47 Can any man forbid the water, that these should not be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.“ (ASV)

CONCLUSION:

            We see that at the conclusion of the sermon in Acts 10 Cornelius and his family were baptized, but why were they baptized if their goodness, sincerity, honesty, and good moral could save them from sin? It is a Biblical fact that salvation from sin is acquired through belief, repentance, confession and baptism by immersion for the remission of sins and in no other way (cf. Acts 2:38; Romans 10:9-10; 1 Peter 3L21). Therefore, Cornelius and his family were saved from their sins, not by their good deeds, etc., but by their willingness to obey the instructions that came from God via Simon Peter. Please notice the statements in the Bible that establish the necessity of obedience over all other considerations:

1 Samuel 15:22, ”And Samuel said, Hath Jehovah as great delight in burnt-offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of Jehovah? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.“

Job 36:10-12, ”10 He openeth also their ear to instruction, And commandeth that they return from iniquity.

11 If they hearken and serve (him), They shall spend their days in prosperity, And their years in pleasures.

12 But if they hearken not, they shall perish by the sword, And they shall die without knowledge.“ (ASV)

Acts 5:29, ”But Peter and the apostles answered and said, We must obey God rather than men.“ (ASV)

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

Hebrews 5:9, ”and having been made perfect, he became unto all them that obey him the author of eternal salvation;“ (ASV)

1 Peter 4:17-18, ”17 For the time (is come) for judgment to begin at the house of God: and if (it begin) first at us, what (shall be) the end of them that obey not the gospel of God? 18 And if the righteous is scarcely saved, where shall the ungodly and sinner appear?“ (ASV)

            Indeed, it is good to be honest, sincere, and morally correct, but man is instructed to obey God;s instructions too if he desires salvation from sin. Regardless of ones apparent goodness one cannot be saved from sin without coming to Christ on HIS TERMS (cf. Hebrews 5:8-9, ”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)  glc – February 21, 2000

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NEWS PAGE for March 2000

Don’t forget our Gospel Meeting – April 16-21 – Speaker is Hubert Showalter

Ladies Bible class:

Six weeks study on Tuesday night:

Subject will be prayer:

Will be taught by Susann McFadden

Will be at the home of the Clair’s

Next session is April, further announcements will be made at the building.

Personal work program:

Part 1 of the program will begin on Thursday, April 27. Those that desire to participate will meet at the building at 5:00 PM

Part 2 of the program for 2000 will began on Saturday, May 2o. Those that desire to participate will meet at the building at 10:00 AM

IF YOU ARE A NEW WORKER: If you haven’t been able to work with us in these efforts in the past, you will find that your contribution in this year’s effort will fill you with joy as you work in our Master’s Vineyard to reach lost souls in the community.

Information about us on the WEB:

http://hometown.aol.com/glclair/myhomepage/index.html

HILLIARD BULLETIN

Published by the church of Christ

4840 Cemetery Road – P.O. Box 96

Hilliard, Ohio 43026

Phone: 876-4089

Preacher: Garreth L. Clair

Phone: (614) 850-7252

Email: glclair@aol.com

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Volume 3 --------------- Number 4 --------------- April 2000

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NOT PERFECT JUST FORGIVEN

Editorial by Garreth L. Clair

            True Christians – (cf., Acts 11:26, ”and when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that even for a whole year they were gathered together with the church, and taught much people, and that the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.“ (ASV) – understand that they have not earned their salvation from sin but that they are saved from their sin because they have turned to God and followed His instructions. By following God’s instructions the true Christian realizes that they have heard the gospel, believed the gospel, repented of sins, confessed Christ, and have been baptized (i.e. immersed) in water for the remission of sin (cf., Romans 10:17; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:38; Romans 10:9-10; Romans 6:3-5; and  1 Peter 3:21). This procedure is the Biblical formula for everyone that has become a Christian, there are no Christians but this kind of Christian – those that have complied with the conditions stated herein.

            Those that have become Christians also realize that they are to continue in the faith (i.e. they are to continue to be faithful to the teaching of Christ revealed via the Written Word).

CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING SCRIPTURE REFERENCES:

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)

INDEED,

Doing that which God instructs in all things, seeking perfection!

Christians are not perfect, but forgiven“

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GOSPRL MEETING HERE

Speaker: Hubert Showalter

Dates: April 16-21

Info: Call (614) 850-7252

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NEWS PAGE – April 2000

Remember our shut-in:

James McFadden, Robert Palmer and Danny & Opal Sherwood

Sympathy extended:

To the family of Daisy Palmer who passed away in March 2000

Special Class continues:

The class on CHURCH HISTORY at the Kirks home continues on the 11th.

The women’s class meets on the 4th of April at 7:30 PM at the Clair’s home.

NOTE:

Both sessions announced will be canceled due to the gospel meeting but will resume April 25th.

Personal work effort:

The effort to contact those that are moving into the Hilliard area will begin on Thursday, April 27, 2000.

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GOSPEL MEETING BENEFITS

            The value of gospel (i.e., Old Time Revival) meetings have long been a subject of debate. On the one hand there are those that champion the philosophy that the gospel meeting of today does no good. There are those on the other hand that tell us that the value of gospel meetings to the overall spiritual and numerical growth of the congregation is substantial. If we look only at the number of conversions to be numbered in the gospel meeting we may indeed claim that they have not been productive in recent years – generally speaking. Surely the immediate number of conversions is an inadequate device for measuring the benefits of gospel meetings, please notice the following:

1.         THE GOSPEL IS PREACHED EACH SERVICE:

            2 Timothy 4:2, ”preach the word; be urgent in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.“ (ASV)

2.         BRETHREN HAVE OCCASION TO INTERACT TOGETHER:

            Ephesians 4:3, ”giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.“

3.         THE CONGREGATION IS STIMULATED TO A UNITED EFFORT:

            Hebrews 10:24-25, ”24 and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works;

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

4.         OPPORTUNITIES TO MEET AND VISIT WITH VISITORS:

            1 Thessalonians 1:8, ”For from you hath sounded forth the word of the Lord, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place your faith to God-ward is gone forth; so that we need not to speak anything.“ (ASV)      

5.         THE CONGREGATION HAS SPECIAL INCENTIVE TO INVITE FRIENDS AND   RELATIVES:

            Matthew 28:19, ”Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit:“ (ASV)

6.         IT IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EVERY CHRISTIAN TO WORK:

            Titus 3:1-2, ”1 Put them in mind to be in subjection to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready unto every good work,

            2 to speak evil of no man, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all meekness toward all men.“ (ASV)

7.         IT IS A TIME FOR PERSONAL AND CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER:

            1 Thessalonians 5:17-18, ”17 pray without ceasing;

            18 in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus to you-ward.“

APRIL 2000 – INVITE ALL YOUR FRIENDS

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

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Volume 3 --------------- Number 5 --------------- May 2000

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THE CEMETERY ROAD CHURCH OF CHRIST

            The Lord’s Church meeting here at 4840 Cemetery Road in Hilliard, Ohio is a growing church committed to providing an atmosphere of learning for everyone that has a desire to serve God and eventually go the heaven.

            The church here offers a complete series of Bible studies for all age groups, from pre-school to adult groups. You are welcome to attend these classes and to bring your children and guests also. The Bible study sessions are conducted each Lord’s Day at 9:45 AM and on Wednesday night at 7:30 PM.

            The church meets at 10:30 AM for Biblical worship and again at 6:00 PM; Everyone is encouraged to attend as much as possible.

WE INVITE YOU TO COME AND VISIT US AT EVERY OPPORTUNITY

Whenever you visit us you will be impressed with the sincerity, and humble disposition of the Christians that make up the church here. You will never be embarrassed by any of the members of the church here.

WE PROMISE THAT WE WILL PROVIDE

1.         Practical Bible based teaching that will aid you in acquiring the knowledge to serve God correctly.

2.         We will encourage you and your family with the simplicity of New Testament worship.

3.         We will offer only Scriptural authorized music with our blended voices unto the Lord.

4.         We will partake of the Lord’s Supper each Sunday.

5.         We will offer humble prayers to God; our Heavenly Father.

6.         We will never solicit your money or possessions. The only collection will be on the first day (i.e. Sunday) of the week.

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THE SEPTUAGINT

(First Old Testament Translation)

The Septuagint. - The tradition of the Septuagint is told by Josephus (Ant, XII, ii, 13). Aristeas and Aristobulus, a Jewish priest in the reign of Ptolemy Philometor (2 Macc 1:10), are also quoted in support of it by Clement of Alexandria and by Eusebius. See SEPTUAGINT . The truth of the matter is most probably that this great translation of the Old Testament Scriptures was begun at the instance of Ptolemy Philadelphus 285 BC - 247 BC, under the direction of Demetrius Phalereus, and was completed somewhere about the middle of the  2nd century B.C.. Internal evidence abounds that the translation was made by different hands and at different times. If the translation was in any way literal, the text of the Septuagint raises various interesting questions in regard to the Hebrew text that was used in the translation, as compared with the one we now possess. The Septuagint was of the utmost missionary value and contributed perhaps more than any other thing to prepare the world for the "fullness of time."

More relevant history of the Bible - In the form in which it has been handed down among the Jewish people, the Old Testament, or Hebrew Bible, contains three divisions: the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings. The Law consists of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy; this section of the Old Testament is also known as the PENTATEUCH. The Prophets fall into two subdivisions: the former prophets (Joshua, Judges, First and Second Samuel, and First and Second Kings) and the latter prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the Book of the Twelve Prophets-Hosea through Malachi). The rest of the books are gathered together in the Writings: Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Song of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, Esther, Daniel, Ezra/Nehemiah (counted as one book), and First and Second Chronicles.

The arrangement of the Old Testament with which readers today are most familiar has been inherited from the pre-Christian Greek translation of the Old Testament (the SEPTUAGINT) - an arrangement which was also followed by the later Latin Bible (the Vulgate). This arrangement has four divisions: the Pentateuch, the historical books, poetry, and prophecy. (from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright © 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)

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THINGS THAT HINDER THE PURSUIT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

Sermon Prepared by Garreth L. Clair

TEXT:

Galatians 5:7

"Ye were running well; who hindered you that ye should not obey the truth?" ASV

INTRODUCTION:

            It is possible to hindered in ones attempt to serve God correctly.  I have observed in life that there are many people that are hindered in pursuit of righteousness. In the following study let us identify some of the things that hinder, there are two kinds of hindrances:

I.                   EXTERNAL HINDRANCES:

A.                 Denominationalism:

Denominationalism may deceive one seeking the truth to such a degree that one may believe that he is right with God when in reality he has joined himself to a false religious system.

B.                 Roman Catholicism:

Is also a great hindrance to those seeking righteousness. This false religious system dating to 606 AD with its pope, huge building, great wealth, and great mystery surrounding its function deceive many unawares.

C.                 Atheism:

This religion appeals to the independence in man, his desire to do whatever he wants to do, to be uninhibited by Dive rules, etc.

D.                 Agnosticism:

This is also a great deceiver, this philosophy was an outgrowth of the Age of Reason concepts, "Believe nothing that cannot be seen, felt, or scientifically proven."

"We walk by faith, not by sight."{2 Cor 5:7}

E.                 Liberalism:

This problem is found in many religious movements that have a sign that reads "CHURCH OF CHRIST" displayed in a prominent place.

1.                  CHURCH OF CHRIST in Christian Union {Christian Church}.

2.                  CHURCH OF CHRIST {Disciples of Christ}.

3.                  United CHURCH OF CHRIST.

4.                  Full gospel CHURCH OF CHRIST

CONSIDER THIS:

            All of these false ways may be dealt with simply by appealing to the teaching of the Bible in several Scriptures:

John 8:32,

32        and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. ASV

John 17:17,

17        Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is truth.

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

John 12:48,

48                He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my sayings, hath one

that judgeth him:the word that I spoke, the same shall judge him in the last day. ASV

II.                INTERNAL HINDRANCES:

In this area of our study let us examine the congregation to see if there are hindrances there. Many are discouraged from seeking righteousness because of the hindrances of some that profess to be Christians. We realize that we cannot control the conduct of others but we can control our own conduct in our relationship to God and to other people. Notice the following Scriptural references that indicate internal hindrances:

            LOVERS OF THIS WORLD -- 2 Timothy 4:10,

"for Demas forsook me, having loved this present world, and went to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.

"DECEIVERS, DELIBERATE LIARS, FALSE WITNESSES        

      2 John 7, ”For many deceivers are gone forth into the world, (even) they that confess not that Jesus Christ cometh in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist.“ ASV

      Acts 5:1, "But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,"

Mark 14:56-57, ”56 For many bare false witness against him, and their witness agreed not together.57 And there stood up certain, and bare false witness against him, saying,“ ASV

            SEEKERS OF PREEMINENCE -- 3 John 9,

"I wrote somewhat unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not." ASV

            TOLERATING OPEN SIN WITHIN THE CONGREGATION --1 Cor 5:1-2, "It is actually      reported that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as  is not even among the Gentiles, that one (of you) hath his father's wife. -- And ye are puffed up, and did not rather mourn, that he that had done this deed might be taken away from among you." ASV

Many sins are so apparent to everyone that even some in the community are aware of the sin.

            UNFAITHFUL ATTENDANCE BY SOME -- 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

            CHRISTIANS WHO ARE NOT PUTTING FORTH EFFORT TO LET THEIR LIGHT SHINE -- Matt 5:14-16,

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

CONSIDER THIS AS THE REMEDY:

Hebrews 10:30,

30        For we know him that said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. ASV

1 Peter 4:13,

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

Gal 6:1-2,

1          Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

2          Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. ASV

CONSIDER THIS:

            The child of God must never become a stumbling block to anyone. The Scripture clearly commands the Christian to never become a stumbling block to a Christian or for that matter to anyone.

1 Cor 8:9,

"But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak." KJV

Rom 14:13,

"Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother's way." KJV

CONCLUSION:

Let us then, recognize that there are external hindrances and internal hindrances to the seekers of righteous living. Let us never allow ourselves to become a hindrance to others or to allow anything to hinder our relationship with God.   --- May 2000

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LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

(Count the Cost)

            It is always good to look to the future for change, for improvement, even to fulfill personal goals. There is great good that one may accomplish whenever they approach life looking to the future and making plans. Even though looking to the future is a worthy goal to pursue one must not ignore the past and the present as one seeks an improved future for themselves and/or for others.

            Looking at the past is important for great value may be gleaned from past efforts and even from past failures. Our past experiences may aid us greatly in the pursuit of future projects and goals. Mistakes as well as achievements need to be examined so that we will not make the same mistakes that we made in times past; we must learn from past mistakes.

            Looking at the present may also aid us in achieving greater things in the future. Examining our current plans, and procedures for good ought to be examined, for if things that we are doing bow are successful we ought to use those concepts in future attempts at doing good. Anything that we are doing now that hinders or handicaps our efforts for good should be abandoned.

CONSEQUENTLY:  as we contemplate the future of our family, our personal life, or our role in the growth of the church; may we look backward, at our current situation, and based upon these two periods of experiences we may plot our future course for the good that may be in store.

REMEMBER THIS:

Luke 14:28-32, ”28 For which of you, desiring to build a tower, doth not first sit down and count the cost , whether he have (wherewith) to complete it? 29 Lest haply, when he hath laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, all that behold begin to mock him, 30 saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. 31 Or what king, as he goeth to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and take counsel whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? 32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and asketh conditions of peace.“ ASV

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

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Volume 3 --------------- Number 6 --------------- June 2000

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SPRING TIME IN CENTRAL OHIO

            The city and the countryside in Central Ohio around Columbus are now in full bloom. The flowers and trees are showing their blossoms and their various colors of green. God has truly blessed those of us that are privileged to live in this area. One of the joys of living in this area of the country is seeing the winter five way to springtime. I have had the pleasure of living in the West; California, Arizona, West Texas – in the South; Kentucky and Mississippi and have found beauty in nature everywhere but there is nothing quite like Spring in Central Ohio.

            Now that the weather is good the workload for all of the membership here has increased.  The personal work efforts are now moving forward for the spring, summer, and part of the fall. There is good interest and good participation in the two programs that we are involved in here at 4840 Cemetery Road. If  you see the brethren out visiting in the community say hello or give them a word of encouragement.

CONSIDER THIS:

Luke 14:23, ”And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and constrain (them) to come in, that my house may be filled.“ (ASV)

Matthew 28:18-20, ”18 And Jesus came to them and spake unto them, saying, All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: 20 teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.“ (ASV)

Luke 10:2, ”And he said unto them, The harvest indeed is plenteous, but the laborers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send forth laborers into his harvest.“ (ASV)  --- glc

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QUESTION FOR YOU

            Are you attending worship as often as you can? I do not mean to pry but the Bible puts emphasis emphasizes on the need to attend worship as much as possible can cf.  Hebrews 10:24-25, ”24 and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works; 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting (one another); and so much the more, as ye see the day drawing nigh.“ (ASV)

            May we all be conscious of this important admonition; ”… not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together…“  --- glc

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UNDERSTANDING HUSBANDS

            ”You husbands likewise, live with your wives in an understanding way …“ (1 Peter 3:7, NASV).

            A good husband is concerned for his wife’s welfare and is understanding in relation to all her needs.

1.         Her material need. He understands that his wife would like a new outfit occasionally just as he does; that she would enjoy some spending money that she can ”call her own;“ that she would enjoy as occasional break from the kitchen; and, understanding these things, he places her material needs and those of his children ahead of his own.

2.         He health needs. He does not complain when his wife needs to see a doctor or when her failing health requires extensive medical treatment. He provides the best care for her that he can afford and he does so cheerfully.

3.         Her social needs. A good woman is hospitable. She recognizes the need for good companionship for all her family. She wants her home to be a place where fellow Christians feel comfortable and welcome. An understanding husband recognizes these needs, too, and often gives up his own personal interests for the sake of his family’s social needs. Also, he plans trips to visit with his wife’s parents and others in her family. In fact, her people become his people.

4.         Her spiritual needs. A good man provides spiritual leadership for his family. He not only attends worship periods and Bible classes with his family, he makes the home a spiritual center itself. He reads and discusses the Scriptures with them. At various times – while riding in the car, or walking in the woods, or sitting around the dinner tables – he exhorts and encourages his wife and children to be godly in behavior and spiritual in their outlook. He is concerned for his own example before his family and does not hesitate to say ”I’m, sorry“ when he is aware of wrong doing on his part.

5.         Her physical needs. A husband and wife are to render ”due benevolence“ to each other

(1 Corinthians 7:2-5), satisfying one another’s sexual needs. Neither should be overly demanding of the other; neither should ”defraud“ the other. The man ”married“ to his job and neglectful to his wife makes a serious mistake.

6.         He emotional needs. An understanding husband loves his wife and expresses it by both word and deed. It is said of the ”virtuous woman“ of Proverbs 31: ”Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying: ”Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all“ (vs. 28-29).

            God has given to man the position of headship in the home and the responsibility of showing himself worthy of that position. Many are failing! How applicable vie exhortation of David becomes: ”Show thyself a man!“  --- Bill Hall

Editor’s notes:

            The above article by brother Hall is an excellent article about ”GOD’S FAMILY VALUES“. Today this kind of information is needed far and wide in the homes of the American people. It seems that the more we accomplish in the material realm, the health realm, educational realm, and social realm, the further our families generally fall under the spell of social change. Social change is only valuable to a society if that change is a modifying influence on the family unit.; a change for the better designed by God and revealed via His Holy Book (i.e. the Bible) --- glc

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NEWS PAGE

One baptized into Christ:

Charlott Benedict was added to the Body of Christ the end of May, 2000.

May God continue blessing her throughout her Christian life.

Personal work effort by all.

Don’t forget our planned visitation for the 3rd Saturday (i.e. June 17, 2000).

”Everyone is encouraged to join us at the meeting house at 10:00 AM for this event.

We will go out to prescribed location 2 by 2.

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THE DIVINE STANDARD

            A fact about religion that often arises; ”Is there a standard that applies to everyone in all situations and from all nations about religion?“ If one accepts the God described in the Bible at His Word revealed to man. ”Indeed, there is a Divine Standard that applies to everyone in all possible situations.“ The Bible states; cf. Jeremiah 10:23, ”O Jehovah, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.“ (ASV) Only God can direct man in the right way, only God has the knowledge to lead man correctly in all areas of human life, and only God has provided man with a perfect rulebook/guide (i.e. the Bible). Everything that MAN NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT HOW TO LIVE LIFE HERE ON EARTH AND EVENTUALLY GO TO HEAVEN IS CONTAINED IN God’s Book – cf., 2 Peter 1:3-4, ”3 seeing that his divine power hath granted unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that called us by his own glory and virtue; 4 whereby he hath granted unto us his precious and exceeding great promises; that through these ye may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world by lust.“ (ASV)

THERE IS ONLY ONE STANDARD OF AUTHORITY FROM GOD:

Psalms 18:30, ”As for God, his way is perfect: the word of Jehovah is tried; He is a shield unto all them that take refuge in him.“ (ASV)

Psalms 19:7, ”The law of Jehovah is perfect, restoring the soul: the testimony of Jehovah is sure, making wise the simple.“ (ASV)

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DON’T FORGET OUR NEXT GOSPEL MEETING

OCTOBER 15-20, 2000

Doug Roush

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

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Volume 3 ---------------- Number 7 --------------- July 2000

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THE WORSHIP OF THE CHURCH

            The worship of the church is patterned after the instructions found within the Bible.  To solve the differences of worship found in denominationalism today one need but accept the clear teaching of the Written Word of (i.e. the Bible). Even though the pattern stated may appear simple is misunderstood and misinterpreted. Please refer to the following facts as our pattern for true worship.

1.         WE WORSHIP GOD IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH:

Exodus 34:14, ”for thou shall worship no other god: for Jehovah, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:“ (ASV)

Psalms 95:6, ”Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before Jehovah our maker:“ (ASV)

Matthew 4:10, ”Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shall worship the Lord thy God, and him only shall thou serve.“ (ASV)

John 4:24, ”God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and truth.“

2.         ACTS OF WORSHIP AUTHORIZED IN THE NEW TESTAMENT:

THE LORD’S SUPPER (On the first day of the week (i.e. Sunday):

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

CONTRIBUTION (Into a common treasury):

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

SINGING (No other form of music is ever stipulated for New Testament worship):

Acts 16:25, ”But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns unto God, and the prisoners were listening to them;“ (ASV)

Ephesians 5:19, ”speaking one to another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;“ (ASV)

Colossians 3:16, ”Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms (and) hymns (and) spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto God.“ (ASV)

TEACHING (Is always mentioned in the New Testament whenever Christians came together to worship God):

Acts 2:42, ”And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and the prayers.“(ASV)

Acts 15:35, ”But Paul and Barnabas tarried in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.“ (ASV)

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

1 Timothy 5:17, ”Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching.“ (ASV)

PRAYER (Is always mentioned and instructed in the private as well as assemblies):

Acts 6:4, ”But we will continue steadfastly in prayer, and in the ministry of the word.“ (ASV)

Acts 12:5, ”Peter therefore was kept in the prison: but prayer was made earnestly of the church unto God for him.“ (ASV)

Colossians 4:2, ”Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving;“ (ASV)

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INFORMATION ABOUT US

http://hometown.aol.com/glclair/myhomepage/index.html

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APOSTASY

            Apostasy is the act of leaving the ”Truth“. In most communities throughout America today there are a large number of people that once attended worship service but have gone back and are walking no more with the Lord. To these people we extend the invitation to come back home to the Lord. Your good relationship with God is one of your most valuable possessions – keep it in good by returning and remaining faithful  -cf., 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)  

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THERE IS ONLY ONE GOD

            Those of us that believe the Bible (i.e. the 66 books of the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures) are committed to the proposition that there is only one God. Since the Bible is consistent in the teaching of the one true God as being JEHOVAH we therefore conclude that it is our responsibility as Bible believers to resist very strongly any suggestion that there are more than one God. Because our steadfastness to the one God we cannot accept or quietly coexist with different god advocates.

”There is only one true God, Jehovah is his name.“ We are duty bound because of our faith in the one God to reach out to sinners (Anyone who is not a Christian) with the intention of bringing him/her into covenant relationship with God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit. The only way that we can accomplish this; is to make every effort to teach them the gospel of Christ that is able to save their soul from sin.

NOTE THE FOLLOWING BIBLICAL FACTS – These Scripture references relate directly to what we will attempt to teach one who is not a Christian.

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)

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)

Acts 16:31-33, ”31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus, and thou shalt be saved, thou and thy house. 32 And they spake the word of the Lord unto him, with all that were in his house.

33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, immediately.“ (ASV)

Romans 6:3-4, ”3 Or are ye ignorant that all we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him through baptism unto death: that like as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life.“ (ASV)

Romans 10:9-10, ”9 because if thou shalt confess with thy mouth Jesus (as) Lord, and shalt believe in thy heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved:

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

1 Corinthians 15:1-2, ”1 Now I make known unto you brethren, the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye received, wherein also ye stand, 2 by which also ye are saved, if ye hold fast the word which I preached unto you, except ye believed in vain.“ (ASV)

1 Peter 3:21, ”which also after a true likeness doth now save you, (even) baptism, not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the interrogation of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ;“ (ASV)

ASSISTING OTHERS TO KNOW GOD IS THE CHRISTIAN DUTY

HILLIARD BULLETIN

Published by the church of Christ

4840 Cemetery Road – Hilliard, OH 43026

Phone: (614) 876-4089

Preacher: Garreth L. Clair

Phone (614) 850-7252

Email: glclair@aol.com

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Volume 3 --------------- Number 8 --------------- August 2000

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GOD’S METHOD FOR MOLDING CHARACTER

Editorial: Garreth L.Clair

INTRODUCTION:

            Today we see very little teaching about good character building in the educational system. Part of the reason for this lack of character building lies in the defensiveness of parents who have themselves developed very little in the way of good character, consequently they have silenced any effort by the educational system to provide character building studies. Good character building was, in the past developed because of the teaching in most public schools from the Bible or other literature that had for their basic teachings, virtues and philosophy found in the Bible. In recent years we have seen an effort by many atheists, agnostics, sexual perverts, and outlaw types, to eliminate all reference to God, the Bible, and any statement that may be found in the Bible from all educational materials used from kindergarten through college. This evil movement has found champions in many areas of secular culture; the secular electronic media, and liberal activism among printed media secularists.

            Since the need to develop good character is at the root of good morality and ethics it stands to reason when a generation or two are not taught good character traits the end result in children, our relatives, and women that have no understanding of morals and ethics. From what we observe in current society for the past 25 years in politics, the courts, (i.e. conduct of lawyers, and unqualified judges), the movies and entertainment complex (i.e. magazines, music, stage and screen, etc), etc. we are seeing evidence that God’s methods for building character has not been received by the vast majority of the American public. Indeed, we are seeing a movement toward humanistic philosophy in our time.

            There is a way that good character can still be developed in some of our children, our relatives, and our neighbors – good character development is based on the teaching of the Bible. Whenever people turn to the moral and ethical principles taught via the Bible for their life and lifestyle their character will possess many virtues that will aid humankind in a better and more humane way of interacting one with another. Let us proceed in our study to examine the teaching of the Bible as it relates to the development of good character traits.

Remember this: only God’s methods of character development will work.

GOD’S PRESCRIPTION FOR BUILDING CHARACTER:

1.         God says that salvation from sin is through Jesus Christ and it will transform the sinner into     a saved from sin person (i.e. a Christian – Acts 11:26) Now this salvation from sin I refer to; is procured through God’s grace and man’s obedience, references follow:

Ephesians 2:4-5, ”4 but God, being rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace have ye been saved),“ (ASV)

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)

2.         God says that once a person has been transformed through the conversion process they are prepared to progress onward (i.e. grow toward mature Christians):

2 Peter 3:18, ”But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him (be) the glory both now and for ever. Amen.“ (ASV)

3.         The growth process is accomplished through a new Christian’s continued study, meditation, understanding, and finally conforming or changing our conduct, actions, and aspirations.

THE CHURICTIAN CHARACTER IS MOLDED {i.e. created} BY GOD’S INSTRUCTION:

1.         The seven characteristics named in

2 Peter 1:5-7, ”5 Yea, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply virtue; and in (your) virtue knowledge; 6 and in (your) knowledge self-control; and in (your) self-control patience; and in (your) patience godliness; 7 and in (your) godliness brotherly kindness; and in (your) brotherly kindness love.“ (ASV)

A.        Virtue – moral courage

B.        Knowledge – knowing, understanding of God’s instruction

C.        Self-control – temperance, self-discipline

D.        Patience – endurance, steadfastness

E.         Godliness – reverence toward God and the things of God

F.         Brotherly kindness – genuine sharing, sincere concern for others

G.        Love – unselfish, unsolicited, and spontaneous concern for others

2.         The characteristics found in Galatians 5:22-23, ”22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 meekness, self-control; against such there is no law.“ (ASV)

Galatians 5:22

A.        [Love] Agapee. An intense desire to please God and to do good to mankind; the very soul and spirit of all true religion; the fulfilling of the law, and what gives energy to faith itself. See Gal 5:6.

B.        [Joy] Chara. The exultation that arises from a sense of God's mercy communicated to the soul in the pardon of its iniquities, and the prospect of that eternal glory of which it has the foretaste in the pardon of sin. See Rom 5:2.

C.        [Peace] Eireenee. The calm, quiet, and order, which take place in the justified soul, instead of the doubts fears, alarms, and dreadful forebodings, which every true penitent less or more feels, and must feel until the assurance of pardon brings peace and satisfaction to the mind. Peace is the first sensible fruit of the pardon of sin. See Rom 5:1, and the notes there.

D.        [Long-suffering] Makrothumia. Long-mindedness, bearing with the frailties and             provocations of others, from the consideration that God has borne long with ours; and that,         if he had not, we should have been speedily consumed: bearing up also through all the   troubles and difficulties of life without murmuring or repining; submitting cheerfully to     every dispensation of God's providence, and thus deriving benefit from every occurrence.

E.         [Gentleness] Chreestotees. Benignity, affability; a very rare grace, often wanting in many who have a considerable share of Christian excellence. A good education and polished   manners, when brought under the influence of the grace of God, will bring out this grace       with great effect.

F.         [Goodness] Agathoosunee. The perpetual desire and sincere study, not only to abstain from every appearance of evil, but to do good to the bodies and souls of men to the utmost of our ability. But all this must spring from a good heart-a heart purified by the Spirit of God; and then, the tree being made good, the fruit must be good also.

G.        [Faith] Pistis, here used for fidelity-punctuality in performing promises, conscientious    carefulness in preserving what is committed to our trust, in restoring it to its proper owner,  in transacting the business confided to us, neither betraying the secret of our friend, nor        disappointing the confidence of our employer.

Galatians 5:23

H.        [Meekness] Prautees. Mildness, indulgence toward the weak and erring, patient suffering of   injuries without feeling a spirit of revenge, an even balance of all tempers and passions, the entire opposite to anger.

I.          [Temperance] Engkrateia. Continence, self-government, or moderation, principally with regard to sensual or animal appetites. Moderation in eating, drinking, sleeping, etc.

Several very respectable MSS., as D*EFG, with the Vulgate, most copies of the Itala and        several of the fathers, add hagneia, chastity. This we are sure cannot be separated from the          genuine Christian character, though it may be included in the word engkrateia, continence or moderation, immediately preceding.

J.         [Against such there is no law.] Those, whose lives are adorned by the above virtues, cannot be condemned by any law, for the whole purpose and design of the moral law of God is fulfilled in those who have the Spirit of God, producing in their hearts and lives the    preceding fruits.   ---Adam Clark Commentary

CONSIDER THIS:

            It is self-evident to the Bible student that these virtues (i.e. qualities of character) listed are designed by God to make the character (i.e. the lifestyle – manner of life) of the one that possesses them a better person. The qualities of character listed will improve any person that will include development of them in their life. To the person who will develop these characteristics, they are not only approved of God but will be better citizens, fathers, husbands, wives, mothers, children and grand-children as well as better employers and employees. They will truly become an influence for good character to all.

GOD DESIRES THAT ALL SERVE HIM

            It is the will of God that all people serve him by coming to him on His terms. God wills that every person change from sinner to righteousness. This change will cause society in general to change from corruption to righteous if enough people turn to God and do his will. Note the following:

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)

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)

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)

2 Peter 1:1-3, ”1 Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained a like precious faith with us in the righteousness of our God and (the) Saviour Jesus Christ:

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

3 seeing that his divine power hath granted unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that called us by his own glory and virtue;“ (ASV)

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THAT APPOINTMENT DAY IS COMING – ARE YOU READY?

Hebrews 9:27

And inasmuch as it is appointed unto men once to die, and after this (cometh) judgment;

(ASV)

HILLIARD BULLETIN

Published by the church of Christ

4840 Cemetery Road - Hilliard, OH 43026

Phone: {614} 876-4089

Minister: Garreth L. Clair

Phone: {614} 850-7252

Email: glclair@aol.com

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Volume 3 ----------------- Number 9a ----------------- September 2000

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On Being Considerate of Others

Editorial by Garreth L. Clair

            Consideration for other people is a learned art; very few people have the natural inclination to be considerate of the feelings of other people.  Yet the Bible teaches that Christians (especially Christians), ought to be non-offensive, and non-aggressive in their day to day interactions with other people "Jesus extended the concept of neighbor to include strangers, as in the parable of the Good Samaritan <Luke 10:25-37>, and hence all mankind. The apostle Paul declared that "love your neighbor as yourself" was a supreme commandment."           

(From Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary) 

Rom 13:8-10 "Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.    Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law." (KJV)

            The Christian is to always display the spirit of meekness and sobriety toward everyone that he interacts with, the future growth of the church will depend upon the actions and attitudes of its members to a large degree.  The Christian is also to be a light in the world of darkness (i.e., spiritual darkness).  How can a Christian win friends and influence people when he constantly exhibits hostile and unfriendly actions and speech?  The attitude of every Christian is to be good, clean, holy, and joyful toward others.  Indeed, there will be times when the Christian is sick of mind or body, at such times he may feel badly and it may show. Even when the Christian is sick he need not be offensive.  The Christian whenever healthy or sickly truly needs to be conscious of his attitude and actions toward others.  Together, we are trying to influence the world to join us and serve the one true God, therefore let us be considerate of other people and their feelings as we interact with them.

"BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHERS!"

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SERMON OUTLINE -- SALVATION FROM SIN

INTRODUCTION:

The subject matter in our sermon for this month {September 2000) is one of permanent importance in the practice of the religion of Jesus Christ. The church of our Lord is entered through the avenue that is commonly referred to as "the plan of salvation." God's plan is not optional to the person who has a desire to be saved from sin. Please note the following outline:

1.         GOD PROVIDES GRACE (i.e., an acceptable sacrifice, etc.)

            Titus 2:11, ”For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,“ 

2.         MAN PROVIDES HIS OBEDIENCE"

            Hebrews  5:8-9, ”8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;“ (KJV)

3.         MAN'S OBEDIENCE CONSISTS OF:

            A.        BELIEF (i.e., faith)   John  8:2, ”I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.“  (KJV)

            B.        REPENTANCE OF PAST SIN:   Acts  2:38, ”Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and  ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.“ (KJV)

            C.        CONFESSION OF JESUS CHRIST AS GOD'S SON:  

                        Romans  10:9-10, ”9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.“

            D.        BAPTISM: Acts 2:38, ”Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of  you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.“

Baptism is for the "remission of sin" Acts 2:38

Baptism is "immersion in water" - Romans 6:3, 4

Baptism is the last action prescribed for salvation from sin in God's instruction Book

1 Peter 3:21, ”The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:“ (KJV)

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NEWS PAGE -- September 2000

PERSONAL WORK EFFORT CONTINUES:

Don't forget the visitation for the 3rd Saturday (i.e., September 16, 2000).

{Remember: everyone will meet at the building at 10:00 AM for this good work}

CHURCH HISTORY CLASS:

Next session:  September 28, 2000 at 7:30 PM.

The next session will begin a study of

"THE RESTORATION PERIOD IN AMERICA"

Location of study:  The Kirke's home.

Teacher:  Garreth L. Clair,  850-7252.

LADIES BIBLE STUDY:

At the residence of Susan McFadden

Tuesday, August 29, 2000 {All ladies are encouraged to attend}

Subject: "Responsibility to Aged Parents" -- Teacher: Susan McFadden,

876-7260

OUR NEXT GOSPEL MEETING:

October 15-20 with Doug Roush

INFORMATION ABOUT US ONLINE:

http://hometown.aol.com/glclair/myhomepage/index.html

HILLIARD BULLETIN

Published by the church of Christ

4840 Cemetery Road – Hilliard, OH 43026

Phone: (614) 876-4089

Preacher: Garreth L. Clair

Phone: (614) 850-7252

Email: glclair@aol.com

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Volume 3 ----------------- Number 9b ----------------- September 2000

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A DIVINE GUIDE

Editorial: Garreth L. Clair

            One of the great obstacles to true unity is the great variety of religious sources of authority. The problem of unity has always been a desired status, even our Lord desires unity, cf.

John 17:20-21, ”20 Neither for these only do I pray, but for them also that believe on me through their word; 21 that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, (art) in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us: that the world may believe that thou didst send me.“ (ASV)

Philippians 2:2, ” make full my joy, that ye be of the same mind, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind;“ (ASV)

Acts 2:46, ”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,“ (ASV)

Acts 4:24, ”And they, when they heard it, lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, O Lord, thou that didst make the heaven and the earth and the sea, and all that in them is:“ (ASV)

            The above, inspired writers of the New Testament, all encouraged their hearers and readers to submit to the authority of God

NOTE:

Peter and the apostles declaration to the doubters on the day of Pentecost:

Acts 2:14-17, ”14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and spoke forth unto them, (saying), Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and give ear unto my words. 15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose; seeing it is (but) the third hour of the day. 16 but this is that which hath been spoken through the prophet Joel: 17 And it shall be in the last days, saith God, I will pour forth of my Spirit upon all flesh: And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, And your young men shall see visions, And your old men shall dream dreams:“ (ASV)

            Jesus Christ claims ”all authority“ now, cf. Matthew 28:18, ”And Jesus came to them and spoke unto them, saying, all authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth.“ (ASV)

This declaration by Christ after he had risen from the dead is the same authority that we are willing to accept today. This is the authority that insures us when we believe and obey the gospel  that we are saved from our sins –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) Indeed, whatever Christ has said and whatever He has caused to be written is our religious authority today. To suggest that there are other acceptable religious authorities is to deny the authority of Jesus Christ and bring upon man a condemnation from God Almighty.

”LET THE WRITTEN WORD (i.e. the BIBLE) BY YOUR GUIDE“

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BIBLE QUESTION AND ANSWERS

QUESTION:

            I notice that the church of Christ people take the Lord’s Supper each first day (SUNDAU) of the week. Why do you do that when other churches take it once a month or twice a year>

ANSWER:

            Many people do take the Lord’s Supper at different times during the month or year and we are aware of that. Yet we do not follow the philosophy and customs of other religions, we follow the teaching of the Bible with regard to the Lord’s Supper as well as other acts of worship.

            We are always concerned about the instructions of the Lord with regard to any worship activity that we involve ourselves as a church and even as individual Christians when we are assembled together. The matter of our electing to meet each first day of the week and take the Lord’s Supper at that time is not due to custom or tradition. Rather, we partake of the Lord’s Supper each first day of the week for the following reasons:

            In the first Century of the church, the disciples of the Lord took the Lord’s supper on the first day of the week, cf. Acts 20:6-7, ”6 And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days, where we tarried seven days. 7 And upon the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul discoursed with them, intending to depart on the morrow; and prolonged his speech until midnight.“ (ASV)

Glc comments on the Text:

            Since the apostle Paul approved of the first day of the week (i.e. Sunday) by his participation in the service, it is apparent that the day for observing the Lord’s Supper is the first day of the week. From this action by Paul we have an APOSTOLIC EXAMPLE THAT ESTABLISHES THAT DAY AS THE SCRIPTURAL TIME FOR THE LORD’S SUPPER.

            Further, since the first day of the week comes each week we observe the Lord’s Supper each one of them in orger to remain consistent with the approved example set by Paul at Troas. To further establish this as an acceptable procedure for establishing Biblical authority we refer the reader to the nature of the ancient Jewish understanding for keeping the Sabbath day each week under their Law of Moses. There is not statement to the Jews that reads ”Keep all the Sabbath days“, the only instruction they had was ”Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy“ (i.e. one of the ten commandments – Exodus 20:8). Yet, even though they had no direct command to keep each week they understood the command, so should we – don’t you see?

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IS YOUR PRAYER BASKET FULL

By Susan McFadden

            This past year, I have been motivated to improve my prayer life with God. I was open to all ideas suggested. I started by teaching a class on prayer. I gathered all sorts of books and motivational material and felt that I was really on my way. I set aside time (10-15 minutes every day) to read the Bible and to pray. I bought a journal and write down my prayers and thoughts. I made a ”prayer book“ to carry with me so I could write down the names of people who needed my prayers. I bought several devotional books to help me meditate. I had several ideas to send note cards to fellow Christians, friends, and family, but never really got organized.

            As the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months, I soon realized that I wasn’t as zealous as I was in the beginning. It occurred to me that I needed some more motivation and dedication to continue in my desire to improve my prayer life.

            In one of my devotional books, I read about a ”Prayer Basket“. At first I thought ”Well, that’s silly – Who needs a prayer basket?“– then I read on. The author suggested that you put all the materials for prayer, devotions and meditation in one basket.

1.         A Bible

2.         A daily devotional book

3.         A prayer notebook

4.         Some silk flowers (to remind one of the beauty of God)

5.         A small box of Kleenex

6.         A pen for journalizing

7.         A few pretty post cards.

            (this comes from ”15 Minutes Alone With God“ by Emilie Barnes, - the article entitled Becoming New, Becoming Strong – page 256-260 – Published by Harvest House Publishers)

            The idea is that all the things you need for prayers is in one spot. Is portable and can be taken to your ”prayer closet“ wherever you want to pray.

            As I thought about this – I realized that this was not a bad idea. – So I took one of my baskets and put a pretty flowered garter and handle on it and put the following items in it ---

1.         My devotional Bible

2.         A devotional book (I have several that I will exchange periodically)

3.         My journal for writing my prayer thoughts.

4.         A pretty silk Red Rose that a good friend gave me.

5.         My prayer book with the names of people that need my prayers.

6.         Some pretty note cards

7.         The church directory.

8.         Several different pens.

9.         Some pretty self return addresses.

            Now I have a pretty basket that I can take wherever and whenever I want to pray (this is my ”prayer closet“). And it is pretty and small enough that it can set on a table in the living room when not in use.

            My Prayer Basket“ is now full – I’m sure there are other things that I can put in it (like a book of stamps!) and as the days turn into weeks, I hope that it will began to overflow. And soon I hope that my prayer life will began to overflow!

So my question to those who are reading this article – ”Is your prayer Basket“ Full?“

HILLIARD BULLETIN

Published by the church of Christ

4840 Cemetery Rd – P.O. Box 96

Hilliard, Ohio 43026

Phone: (614) 850-7252

Preacher: Garreth L. Clair

Phone: (614) 850-7252

Email: glclair@aol.com

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Volume 3 ----------------- Number 10 ----------------- October 2000

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SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT THE CHRISTIAN THAT LEAVES THE FAITH

Editorial by Garreth L. Clair

            Possibly one of the most puzzling aspects of Christianity is the conscious decision of some that have been faithful to Christ – to leave HIM and go back into the world. I have agonized over this matter for many years and have prepared many sermons to encourage faithfulness realizing that others who are now faithful may be the next to fall away. Indeed, we know that the New Testament teaches that a Christian may ”fall away“, may ”fall from grace“, etc.  As I have consider this matter it has become evident to me that many leave the faith, that those that do leave the faith leave for many different reasons. It is never acceptable to God to leave the faith for any reason but I know through interaction and conversation with some that have left the faith that they had reasons that they considered more important than remaining faithful.

            The question of keeping the faith is important as the Christian’s hope rests upon his faithfulness unto death – cf., 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 question is also of great interest to those that are continuing faithful. The faithful are concerned about, ”why do the faithful leave?“ Is there something that we should have done or are we in some way responsible for their failure? Let us look at the Bible’s teaching about the condition of the backslider.

1.                  First of all let us recognize that we must never become a stumbling block in the life of any Christian or anyone for that matter:

Rom 14:12-13, ”So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. 13Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.“ NKJV

1 Cor 8:9-10,

”But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak.“

Rev 2:14,

”But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality.“ NKJV

2.                  In the second place we that are faithful have a responsibility to one another to love each other and to bear one another’s burdens:

Rom 12:9-10,

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

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

1 Cor 13:4-8,

4          Love suffereth long, (and) is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

5          doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not its own, is not provoked, taketh not account of evil;

6          rejoiceth not in unrighteousness, but rejoiceth with the truth;

7          beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

8          Love never faileth: but whether (there be) prophecies, they shall be done away; whether (there be) tongues, they shall cease; whether (there be) knowledge, it shall be done away.“ ASV

Gal 6:2,

”Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.“ASV

3.         In the third place the faithful are to try to restore those that turn away from the faith (i.e., backslide):

            Gal 6:1-2,

1          Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

2                    Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. ASV

Finally, whenever the faithful have been a pattern of good works, love, patience, and  possess a willingness to go to the backslider and try and restore him/her to faithfulness, surely they can do nothing else. After the faithful have exhausted all avenues of Biblical instruction in their attempt to restore such a one, the faithful ones must not blame themselves for the failure of the backslider to return to the faith. The guilt for sinning and leaving the faith belongs to him who has chosen to leave the faith and remain in the world.

CONSIDER THIS:

Ezek 18:19-21,

21              The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the

father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.

22              But if a wicked man turns from all his sins which he has committed, keeps all

My statutes, and does what is lawful and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die. NKJV

THE PRECEEDING ARTICLE is presented to answer a question that was received by the editor. The question was, ”Don’t you think that most of the people that leave the church leave because of other church members?“

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GOSPEL MEETING

DATES: OCTOBER 15-20, 2000

SPEAKER:

Doug Roush

SCHEDULE:

SUNDAY -- 9:45, 10:30 AM

SUNDAY NIGHT -- 6:00  PM

MONDAY -- FRIDAY: 7:30 PM

Everyone is invited to attend each service

If you need assistance call 850-7252

COME HEAR: "book, chapter, and verse preaching.

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MAN CAN UNDERSTAND GOD’S WORD TODAY

            Some Bible teachers tell us that the Bible is a good book but that it cannot be understood. If the Bible cannot be understood by modern man, consequently man’s hope of salvation is in jeopardy, please observe the following thoughts by the editor:

The apostle Paul said of some of Paul’s writings that they were ”hard to be understood …“

2 Peter 3:15-16, ”15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also, according to the wisdom given to him, wrote unto you; 16 as also in all (his) epistles, speaking in them of these things; wherein are some things hard to be understood, which the ignorant and unstedfast wrest, as (they do) also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.“ (ASV)

CONSIDER THIS:

There is nothing in this passage that indicates Paul’s writings cannot be understood. The passage does teach that the unlearned (i.e. insufficiently taught) and unstable may misunderstand some of Paul’s writings, that they may require further teaching.

Through a continuing study of the Holy Scriptures man may understand the truth, even that truth that Paul received from God and taught the people of his day.

Ephesians 3:2-5, ”2 if so be that ye have heard of the dispensation of that grace of God which was given me to you-ward; 3 how that by revelation was made known unto me the mystery, as I wrote before in few words, 4 whereby, when ye read, ye can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ; 5 which in other generation was not made known unto the sons of men, as it hath now been revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit;“ (ASV),

CONSIDER THIS:

            The thought contained here in Ephesians 3 is, man can know God’s will as the apostle and prophets knew it by reading their words received from God during the infancy of the church through the guidance of the Holy Spirit (i.e. the Written Word as we have it today).

            Indeed, man can know what it is that God expects from him by reading, understanding, and obeying the instruction of the written word of God on all matters necessary for his salvation from sin.

CONCLUSION:

            The very idea that God would give mankind a book that he could not understand, then make his hope of salvation from sin depend upon his understanding that book is ridiculous. God is not willing that anyone should perish:

John 3:16, ”For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life.“ (ASV)

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The above article,

”CAN MAN UNDERSTAND GOD’S WORD TODAY?“

was prepared as an answer to two questions the editor received recently. I do hope and pray that this answer is sufficient.  glc

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ABOUNDING IN GOOD WORKS

            The Scriptures encourage Christians to abound in every good work, - 2 Corinthians 9:8, ”And God is able to make all grace abound unto you; that ye, having always all sufficiency in everything, may abound unto every good work:“ (ASV) This instruction is to be pursued by the growing Christian but ought to be a part of their daily preoccupation. Some of the areas that may be included in this instruction, ”… abound in every good work…“ are:

1.         ”… abound …“ – To ”abound“ is to overflow, it is easy to understand to what extent the Christian is     to seek progress in  good works.

2.         ”… to every …“ – ”To every“ indicates that the Christian ought to exclude none of the works of God    as he/she contemplates growing as a child of God. One of the great dangers to many new Christians is       the tendency to categorize the various instructions of the Lord via the Written Word. Some new       Christians consider some of God’s instructions more important than others, the fact is all of God’s instructions are equally important.

3.         ” … good …“ – The word ”good“ in the text indicates that the kind of works in which the Christian is   to abound are righteous works or works authorized by the Lord. Whatever the Lord has instructed            the Christian to do, may be referred to as ” … good …“

4.         ” … work … ” – The word ”works“ in the text includes whatever the Lord has stated for the     Christian’s growth toward maturity. Some of the works listed in the Scriptures are:

Love God, Matthew 22:37

Love thy neighbor, Matthew 22:29

Love the brethren, 1 John 3:1a

Prefer the company of Christians, Romans 12:10

Attend worship regularly, Hebrews 10:24-25

Care for the needy, Galatians 6:10

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(2 Questions)

IS THERE A HELL WHERE EVIL PEOPLE WILL GO AFTER JUDGMENT?

(Will God send people to hell if they are not Christians?)

HELL

1. geenna NT:1067 represents the Hebrew Ge-Hinnom (the valley of Tophet) and a corresponding Aramaic word; it is found twelve times in the NT, eleven of which are in the Synoptists, in every instance as uttered by the Lord Himself. He who says to his brother, Thou fool (see under FOOL), will be in danger of "the hell of fire," Matt 5:22; it is better to pluck out (a metaphorical description of irrevocable law) an eye that causes its possessor to stumble, than that his "whole body be cast into hell," v. 29; similarly with the hand, v. 30; in Matt 18:8,9, the admonitions are repeated, with an additional mention of the foot; here, too, the warning concerns the person himself (for which obviously the "body" stands in chapt. 5); in v. 8, "the eternal fire" is mentioned as the doom, the character of the region standing for the region itself, the two being combined in the phrase "the hell of fire," v. 9. To the passage in Matt 18, that in Mark 9:43-47, is parallel; here to the word "hell" are applied the extended descriptions "the unquenchable fire" and "where their worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched."

That God, "after He hath killed, hath power to cast into hell," is assigned as a reason why He should be feared with the fear that keeps from evil doing, Luke 12:5; the parallel passage to this in Matt 10:28 declares, not the casting in, but the doom which follows, namely, the destruction (not the loss of being, but of wellbeing) of "both soul and body."

In Matt 23 the Lord denounces the scribes and Pharisees, who in proselytizing a person "make him two-fold more a son of hell" than themselves v. 15, the phrase here being expressive of moral characteristics, and declares the impossibility of their escaping "the judgment of hell," v. 33. In James 3:6 "hell" is described as the source of the evil done by misuse of the tongue; here the word stands for the powers of darkness, whose characteristics and destiny are those of "hell."

For terms descriptive of "hell," see e. g., Matt 13:42; 25:46; Phil 3:19; 2 Thess 1:9; Heb 10:39; 2 Peter 2:17; Jude 13; Rev 2:11; 19:20; 20:6,10,14; 21:8.

Notes: (1) For the rendering "hell" as a translation of hades, corresponding to Sheol, wrongly rendered "the grave" and "hell," see HADES. (2) The verb tartaroo, translated "cast down to hell" in 2 Peter 2:4, signifies to consign to Tartarus, which is neither Sheol nor hades nor hell, but the place where those angels whose special sin is referred to in that passage are confined "to be reserved unto judgment"; the region is described as "pits of darkness." RV

(From Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, Copyright © 1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers.)

Editor’s Comments:

            The facts gleaned from the Greek text does confirm that there is a hell for the wicked after judgment by Jesus Christ. The standard of that coming judgment is God’s Written Word. Can you be approved by the New Testament teachings about salvation from sin, about church membership, about living he righteous lifestyle of the N.T. Christian, about raising your family, etc. Are you wicked? If so you need to read and learn about HELL. Note the following …

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)

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)

Matthew 10:28, ”And be not afraid of them that kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.“ ASV

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

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Volume 3 ------------------ Number 11 ----------------- November 2000

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REACHING OUT TO YOU!

Those of us that make up the church of Christ here at 4840 Cemetery Road in Hilliard, Ohio encourage you to come and visit us during our regular assemblies.  There is always an open door to you that receive our monthly bulletin in the mail. Whatever we can do to assist you to a better knowledge of the Lord's Church will be a joy for us to provide. Some facts about the church are:

1.                  The churches of Christ had their origin approximately 33 AD in the city of Jerusalem in what is now the nation of Israel in the Holy Land.

2.                  The originator of the churches of Christ is Jesus Christ, see,  Matthew 16:13-18,

13        Now when Jesus came into the parts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Who do men say that the Son of man is?

14        And they said, Some (say) John the Baptist; some, Elijah; and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.

15        He saith unto them, But who say ye that I am?

16        And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

17        And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jonah: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father who is in heaven.

18        And I also say unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.  ASV

3.                  The first congregation of the churches of Christ began meeting in Jerusalem about 33 AD, please read the 2nd chapter of the book of Acts, notice especially verses 27-47.

4.                  Churches of Christ do not have a creed, the only rule of faith and practice we recognize is the Written Word of God (i.e., the Bible).

5.                  Churches of Christ have no earthly headquarters, the headquarters of the churches of Christ is where the Lord Jesus Christ resides, see Colossians 1:13-18,

13        who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love;

14        in whom we have our redemption, the forgiveness of our sins:

15        who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation;

16        for in him were all things created, in the heavens and upon the earth, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created through him, and unto him;

17        and he is before all things, and in him all things consist.

18                And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the

19                firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 

6.         The churches of Christ meet for communion and to lay by in store upon the first day of each week, note the following Biblical references,  Acts 20:7,

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

1 Corinthians 16:1-2,

1          Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I gave order to the churches of Galatia, so also do ye.

2                    Upon the first day of the week let each one of you lay by him in store, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come. ASV         

NOTE:

Churches of Christ also pray, sing, and teach/preach whenever they come together in the assembly to worship God anytime. The communion and the contribution are limited by the Bible to the first day of each week.

6.                  The congregation here at 4840 Cemetery Road invites you to attend any of our scheduled services:

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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

See you in service brethren, friends, and neighbors!

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7.                  All of the members of churches of Christ have been born again, they have been added to the church by our Lord, notice 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

8.                  All the members of churches of Christ have become members the same way:

1.                  They have heard the gospel Romans 10:17.

2.                  They have believed the gospel Mark 16:15, 16.

3.                  They have repented of sin Acts 2:38.

4.                  They have confessed with the mouth Jesus Romans 10:9, 10.

5.                  They have been baptized Acts 3:38.

A.                 Baptism is for "remission of sin" Acts 2:38.

B.                 Baptism is a burial and resurrection in water Romans 6:3-5.

C.                 Baptism "now saves us" 1 Peter 3:21.

D.                 Through baptism one puts on "Christ“ Galatians 3:26-27.

9.                  Churches of Christ worship God in spirit and in truth because that is the way that God wants His people to worship Him, John 4:23-24,

23        But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth: for such doth the Father seek to be his worshippers.

24        God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and truth."         

WON'T YOU JOIN US IN OUR QUEST TO HAVE A RIGHT RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD?

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FREE WILL

{i.e., man's ability to choose between right and wrong}

One of the important factors that man must take into account as he considers his relationship to other people, the government, his family, his relationship with God, etc. is his built in capacity to choose between right and wrong. Every person has the ability to choose between good and evil when they reach the age of accountability - cf., Ezekiel 18:20-21, <"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.  <>  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."> ASV -- The two verses listed here indicate that everyone  will be responsible for their own personal conduct some day as they stand before God to be judged. Since everyone will be personally responsible for their sin it is imperative that each person seek and do whatever is essential so that they will be pleasing and acceptable to God when their life ends here on this earth - see Revelation 2:10 following,  and notice especially the last part of the verse, <"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

            At some time in our life we need to get serious about the reality of God and our need to make that personal decision about our sins. Sins do not just go away, we must decide to eradicate them ourselves from our life  - we must be born again (i.e., become a Christian). The choice to become a Christian or to remain in our sins is our personal decision to make, how long do you intend to delay before you do what you know you need to do about sin in your life? God tells us via His Written Word that "Today is the acceptable day, today is the day of salvation." - cf., 2 Cor 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  Will you make that personal decision? I know that there are many of you that are reading this bulletin that know that you should serve the Lord, I know that you intend to do what is right some day but please, don't wait too long. You see, we do not know when the last day of our life will come so let us be wise and make things right with God today.

DON'T WAIT TOO LONG TO MAKE THE DECISION ABOUT YOUR ETERNAL STATE.

GOD IS INDEED VERY PATIENT, DELAY NO LONGER!

GOD LOVES YOU

John 3:16,

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life." ASV

            Yes, God does love mankind and this great love is sometimes misunderstood, some people think that God's wrath (i.e., judgment of the wicked) is inconsistent with the concept of God's love. The Bible clearly states that God is a God of Love but to suggest that God's love excludes responsibility and consequence as it relates to God's instruction is without Biblical support. Please read the following Biblical references in this matter:

John 14:15,

15        If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments. ASV

John 14:23-24,

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

24        He that loveth me not keepeth not my words: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's who sent me. ASV

John 15:10,

10        If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.  ASV

Heb 10:24,

24        and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works;

1 Peter 3:10-11,

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.

1 John 5:3,

3          For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.  ASV

2 John 6,

6          And this is love, that we should walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, even as ye heard from the beginning, that ye should walk in it.  ASV

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NEWS PAGE

Hilliard Bulletin - November 2000

SPECIAL BIBLE STUDY:

            We have a special study on church history each month at the Kirke's. The next session is November 2, 2000.  The study is: "The Restoration Period in America." Everyone is invited to attend each session of the study. Time for the study is 7:30 PM.  SEE YOU THERE!

QUESTION AND ANSWERS:

            In the bulletin each month we will include answers to questions that we receive from the local membership, the bulletin mailings, or the Internet. The editor will try to answer each question according to the teaching of the Bible. If our answer is insufficient in some way let us know and we will respond. Thank you for your questions. Please send only Bible related questions.

WOMEN'S CLASS:

            There will be one more session of the women's Bible study this year. Remember the class will be at Susan McFadden's residence. All the ladies are invited to attend this class. Class time is 7:30. Next session will be November 21, 2000.

OUR SHUT IN:

1.                  Jim McFadden

2.                  Opal and Danny Sherwood

3.                  Gladys Williamson

4.                  Bob Palmer

5.                  Minnie Culp

VISITATION FOR THE 3rd SATURDAY:

            The personal work program for the 3rd Saturday will be recessed until spring 2001 when we will again continue the program. The program is very good for us and for the community's residents.

SPECIAL SERVICE FOR THE 5th SUNDAY NIGHT:

            We have four 5th Sundays in each year. The special program will consist of songs, prayers, and an invitation, all according to a set theme. Gary Brewer and Bob Nichols have arranged our first program for October 29, 2000.

TO HELP YOU:

            The church provides correspondence courses, tracts, monthly bulletin, or audio tapes to anyone that wants to study more about God's Word and His church. If you want help in any of these areas let us know.

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 3 ------------------ Number 12 ----------------- December 2000

=====================================================

"LORD, TO WHOM SHALL BE GO?"

Editorial by Garreth L. Clair

            The question in our heading is a question that the apostle Peter posed many years ago to the question from the Lord, "will you also go away?" There have been many times in my life that I have mentally asked myself the same question that Peter ask, "Lord, to whom shall we go?" The Bible reference reads, John 6:68, "Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life." ASV

PETER'S ANSWER

            The answer that Peter gave to the question that Jesus ask him indicates that Peter knew for sure that there was no other person to whom one could turn to gain the knowledge of salvation from sin. The understanding that Peter reveals to us about his estimation of Jesus knowledge indicates that he believed very deeply that Jesus was the Messiah. We can have the same kind of confidence in Jesus today because we have

the completed Bible that attests to His Divinity.

JESUS HAS WHAT ALL MEN NEED

            There is not a person living today that does not need to be saved from their sin. Since this is man's condition he needs to hear and heed the words of Jesus. As Peter says of the Lord in the context here, "… thou hast the words of eternal life." Nothing in this world is more important than knowing to whom we must turn {i.e., heed} so that we will be able to solve the problem of sin in our life today. Jesus later says, "And ye shall know the truth and  the truth shall  make you free"

John 8:32. We must always be aware of the fact; Jesus has the answer to sin in our life. Indeed, man can be saved from his sin if he is willing to seek it in the teaching of Christ and in his apostles teaching also.

AM I AS FAITHFUL AS I SHOULD BE?

            There may be many Christians that periodically ask themselves the question, "Am I as faithful as I should be?" The question is a valid exercise in self-examination that each disciple ought to consider regularly. The Bible instructs us "Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? --unless indeed you are disqualified" 2 Cor 13:5. {NKJV}

HOW TO DETERMINE FAITHFULNESS

            How do we determine if we are faithful? The Bible is our rule or gauge in determining the quality of our religion. We cannot and must not seek to determine the degree of our faithfulness based upon the faithfulness of other disciples cf., 2 Cor 10:12, "For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise" NKJV.  We must be honest about ourselves and our relationship to God based upon whether we are abiding within the teaching of Christ - cf., 2 John 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" ASV. 

JUDGE RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT

            As we look personally within our own heart we will be able to judge

ourselves correctly based upon how we are reacting to the instruction of Christ. Indeed, we can know what is expected of us by the Lord by reading the Word of God. We can also know whether we are applying the truths as we learn them from God's Word.

IDENTIFYING THE TRUTH

            Jesus said of the truth, "and ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free" - John 8:32. Jesus also tells us how to identify the truth in John 17:17 where He says, "Thy word is truth." I cannot think of a greater bit of information for the disciple of Jesus than to know that God's Word is TRUTH. We may know whether we are as faithful as we ought to be because we have the truth to guide us in our lifestyle. If we are living according to the Divine instructions we know that we are faithful if we are not then we know that we are unfaithful, This is not hard to understand for the person that really wants to know.

EXAMINE SELF!

            Always examine self; don't spend your time examining others. Many times we cannot judge another's actions because we cannot read their mind. We may know them by their fruits but we must not attribute to other people's actions, motives because we can not know why a person does what they do all the time. Let us keep a close check on self and remain faithful.

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CONFUSED

            One of the problems that honest, sincere, people have with religion today is the many religions that exist, all claiming to be the right church for them to become a part of. It is important to understand that these many churches often teach conflicting doctrines about many things. Some religions teach that only the Old Testament is to accepted as from God. Some teach that the Bible (i.e., the 66 books) is not acceptable as religious authority. Some deny that Jesus Christ is the Messiah. This philosophy is clearly not the road to unity as Christ prayer requested in John 17:20-24, 20"I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.  NKJV

OUR PLEDGE TO YOU

            The Christians meeting here at 4840 Cemetery Road in Hilliard will not teach anything that is not contained in the Holy Scriptures. We will seek to rightly divide (2 Timothy 2:15) all the Scriptures correctly and make application of the Scripture in our lives and the practice of our faith. We will study with you to aid you in understanding any difficult passages of Scripture that you encounter (2 Timothy 2:2). Visit the congregation of Christians in your community at the next service and introduce yourself to us, we will be happy to meet you and to have you attend worship with us.

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----- AM I AS FAITHFUL AS I SHOULD BE? -----

            There may be many Christians that periodically ask themselves the question, "Am I as faithful as I should be?" The question is a valid exercise in self-examination that each disciple ought to consider regularly. The Bible instructs us "Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you? --unless indeed you are disqualified" 2 Cor 13:5, {NKJV}.

HOW TO DETERMINE FAITHFULNESS

            How do we determine if we are faithful? The Bible is our rule or gauge in determining the quality of our religion. We cannot and must not seek to determine the degree of our faithfulness based upon the faithfulness of other disciples cf., 2 Cor 10:12, "For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise" NKJV.  We must be honest about ourselves and our relationship to God based upon whether we are abiding within the teaching of Christ - cf., 2 John 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" ASV. 

JUDGE RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT

            As we look personally within our own heart we will be able to judge

ourselves correctly based upon how we are reacting to the instruction of Christ. Indeed, we can know what is expected of us by the Lord by reading the Word of God. We can also know whether we are applying the truths as we learn them from God's Word.

IDENTIFYING THE TRUTH

            Jesus said of the truth, "and ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free" - John 8:32. Jesus also tells us how to identify the truth in John 17:17 where He says, "Thy word is truth." I cannot think of a greater bit of information for the disciple of Jesus than to know that God's Word is TRUTH. We may know whether we are as faithful as we ought to be because we have the truth to guide us in our lifestyle. If we are living according to the divine instructions we know that we are faithful if we are not then we know that we are unfaithful, this is not hard to understand for the person that really wants to know.

EXAMINE SELF!

Always examine self; don't spend your time examining others. Many times we cannot judge another's actions because we cannot read their mind. We may know them by their fruits but we must not attribute to other people's actions, motives because we can not know why a person does what they do all the time. Let us keep a close check on self and remain faithful

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----- CONFUSED -----

            One of the problems that honest, sincere, people have with religion today is the many religions that exist, all claiming to be the right church for them to become a part of. It is important to understand that these many churches often teach conflicting doctrines about many things. Some religions teach that only the Old Testament is too accepted as from God. Some teach that the Bible (i.e., the 66 books) is not acceptable as religious authority. Some deny that Jesus Christ is the Messiah. This philosophy is clearly not the road to unity as Christ prayer requested in John 17:20-24, 20"I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.  NKJV

OUR PLEDGE TO YOU

            The Christians meeting here at 4840 Cemetery Road in Hilliard will not teach anything that is not contained in the Holy Scriptures. We will seek to rightly divide (2 Timothy 2:15) all the Scriptures correctly and make application of the Scripture in our lives and the practice of our faith. We will study with you to aid you in understanding any difficult passages of Scripture that you encounter (2 Timothy 2:2). Visit the congregation of Christians in your community at the next service and introduce yourself to us, we will be happy to meet you and to have you attend worship with us.

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NEWS PAGE -- Hilliard Bulletin for December 2000

1.                  Last issue for the year 2000:

The year has gone very fast. We have had a very busy year in our association together as we have labored in the vineyard of the Lord. Perhaps as we work diligently together, next year will afford us opportunities to glorify God even to a greater degree.

2.                  New personal work effort under construction:

We  have  began  to  implement  a  new  work  that we hope  will increase  our contacts in the surrounding community. The details of the plan were discussed by brother Clair Sunday morning (November 19, 2000) prior to the sermon. More information will be announced as we proceed with the work.

3.                  New Bible study at the Kirke's home each month:

The new material for our monthly Bible study is titled, ”Dealing With the Difficulties of Life". Each session will deal with one of 13 different subjects; the first lesson is titled "What Kind of Son/Daughter Should I Be?" future subjects are posted in the vestibule at the meeting-house. Time for the class is 7:30 on the 5th of December and future dates will be announced at the meeting-house. Everyone is invited to attend these studies.

4.                  Remember the shut-in of the congregation: Jim McFadden, Danny and Opal Sherwood, Minnie Culp, Bob Palmer, and Gladys Williamson.

5.                  New paper folder and audio tape copier purchased:

Two new items for expediting our work has been purchased so that the bulletin preparation and the audio-tape copying will be handled quicker.

6.                  Our sympathy is extended to the family of Margaret Hunt who passed away on November 26, 2000.

8.         Our next gospel meeting:

            Speaker for the meeting will be Titus Edwards.

            Dates: March 25-30, 2001

SEE OUR WEB PAGE

http://hometown.aol.com/glclair/life1/index.html

See you next year {January 2001}, Lord willing

END HILLIARD BULLETIN - 2000

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/

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