HILLIARD BULLETIN

FOR 1999

HILLIARD BULLETIN COMPLETE – 1999

HILLIARD BULLETIN

Published by the church of Christ

4840 Cemetery Road

Hilliard, Ohio 43026

Phone: (614) 876-4089

Preacher and Editor: Garreth L. Clair

Phone: (614) 850-7252

Email: glclair@aol.com

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Volume 2 ---------------- Number 1 ---------------- January 1999

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THINGS THAT HINDER

By Garreth L. Clair

It is possible to be hindered as one attempts to sincerely serve God correctly. As some live their life in this world they are so severely hindered that they find service to God difficult and some quit altogether because of hindrances. In reading the text found in Gal 5:7, "Ye were running well; who hindered you that ye should not obey the truth?"(ASV) it is apparent that the people of God can be hindered, even to the point of backsliding. There are many people today that fit this situation, many of us are too easily distracted from the pursuit of faithful living and we need to know why this occurs.

TWO TYPES OF HINDRANCES:

As we examine the concept of hindrances we find that they fall into two distinct categories. The first category may be called "Internal Hindrances"; the second may be called "External Hindrances." Let us examine these two means that the Devil uses to hinder God's people today.

I. INTERNAL HINDRANCES:

In this category let us look within (i.e., internally) the

Congregation, we may discover that there are hindrances within it (ex. Heb 10:30, "For we know him that said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense. And again, The Lord shall judge his people." 1 Pet 4:17, "For the time (is come) for judgment to begin at the house of God: and if (it begin) first at us, what (shall be) the end of them that obey not the gospel of God?" (ASV) These two references indicate that God will judge His people too. As we consider this fact it becomes apparent that some that consider themselves part of a congregation have been hindered so badly that they will be lost. We know from other passages of Scripture that there will be those in the end time that will come to the Judge with the mistaken idea that they did right while living in this life -- cf., Matt 7:21-23,

21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

(KJV) What a sad situation to contemplate, people may be hindered so badly that they will be honestly deceived to think that they are right with God when in reality they are lost. Let us look at some of the internal things that may hinder God's people.

1. Untrained Members:

This is surely a major hindrance in many congregations that cause some to fall. There are at least three reasons for untrained members -- they are:

A. The member is a new convert.

B. The member refuses to accept instruction.

C. The leadership is not providing an acceptable format for the growth of the membership.

All of the above areas need attention in each congregation. The church (i.e., each individual member) will mature as it receives the correct nourishment from God's Word.

2. WORLDLINESS (i.e., materialism, modernism, covetousness):

These characteristics may reside in some of those that attend the congregation, if so these people may hinder many. Some of the manifestations of this problem in a congregation may be observed as:

A. A failure to apply 1 Thessalonians 5:2 -- "…shun the appearance of evil..."

B. This kind of attitude destroyed Demas, cf., 2 Tim 4:10, "for Demas forsook me, having loved this present world, and went to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia." (ASV)

C. This attitude may drive out the love of God, cf., 1 John 2:15, "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." (ASV)

D. May destroy our influence for good and cause others to fall.

3. INDIFFERENCE:

This characteristic may hinder more people than all the rest combined, one possessed of this characteristic will:

A. Never study God's Word.

B. Never visit those that are in need of visitation.

C. Never does any personal work of any kind.

D. Talks a lot but produces no fruit

4. UNBELIEF:

This characteristic hinders the seekers of truth and the growth of the congregation. Those afflicted with this characteristic will demonstrate the evil fruits in a number of ways, note the following:

A. Will not place the things of God first in their life, cf., Matt 6:33, "But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (ASV)

C. Will not do what they can do in God's service, cf., Matthew 25:14-31 -- the parable of the talents.

D. Will not contribute to the "… unity of the spirit in the bond of peace…" cf., Ephesians 4:1-3 and Proverbs 26:30.

CONSIDER THIS:

There are other internal hindrances that create problems for God's people; these mentioned are a sampling of some of the most common.

II. EXTERNAL HINDRANCES:

External hindrances are many and hinder many people from serving God correctly. The greatest of all hindrances outside the church is false religions both local and throughout the world. The term false religions refers to every false way, every man originated religion, every religious philosophy that is not approved by the God of heaven and earth. The very idea that man has a choice in religious affiliations is contrary to the nature of the one church philosophy taught by our Lord, cf., Matt 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." Eph 4:3-6, "giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. -- (There is) one body, and one Spirit, even as also ye were called in one hope of your calling; -- one Lord, one faith, one baptism, -- one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all." Col 1:18, "And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence." (ASV) False religions outside the church continue to hinder people from following the "TRUE WAY" that leads to eternal life. Look again at the text in Galatians 5:7!

SALVATION FROM SIN

The greatest possible benefit to man in this world is to acquire salvation from sin. Knowledge of this fact ought to stir the hardest hearted person to obey God's plan for man's salvation, but in far too many cases this knowledge is insufficient to melt the heart of some sinners. Truly, today is the acceptable time; today is the day of salvation[1]. On the Day of Pentecost[2] nearly 20 Centuries ago the church of our Lord was established,[3] this is man's last opportunity to acquire a good relationship with God, there will be no other covenants.

Today, many reason that God will somehow make allowances for their failure to be a Christian, to serve God and worship Him only[4]. The Lord, Jesus Christ has complete power today [5]and has required that men obey him in order to be saved from their sin -- have you obeyed his commands[6]?

Please know; in order to become a recipient of the hope of eternal life one must obey God's plan of salvation that includes:

1st. Hear the gospel, Romans 10:17

2nd. Believe the gospel, Mark 16:15, 16

3rd. Repent of sin, Acts 2:38

4th. Confess, Romans 10:9, 10

5th. be baptized, Acts 2:38

One must, after becoming a Christian[7], live a life of continued faithfulness to the Divine Instruction (i.e., found within the pages of the Bible -- the Written Word).[8] You should be a Christian today; won't you consider today your eternal soul and do whatever is necessary?

7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,

8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; (KJV)

Room for everyone in heaven!

Don't worry about space in heaven, Jesus indicates that there is plenty of space for all the saved. John 14:1-3,

1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye 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. I go to prepare a place for you.

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (KJV)

"ONLY ONE GOD!"

1 King 8:60, "so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is God and that there is no other." -- Dan 2:47, "The king said to Daniel, "Surely your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, for you were able to reveal this mystery." Jesus says, He is the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end -- the first and the last, truly there is only ONE GOD, cf. Rev. 1:5-8. Indeed, there is no other like the God of the Bible; man therefore ought to serve God! ---January 1999

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----- RESOLUTIONS FOR 1999 -----

The New Year brings about the decision of thousands of people to make resolutions about things they need to change in their life. Often these people will make some resolution that affects their health, or their family, or their spiritual health and relationship to God. Perhaps those of us that are Christians need to make some resolutions for the coming year, if so --- let us resolve to:

BE BETTER HUSBANDS OR BETTER WIVES:

Ephesians 5:23-25, “23 For the husband is the head of the wife, and Christ also is the head of the church, (being) himself the saviour of the body. 24 But as the church is subject to Christ, so (let) the wives also (be) to their husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself up for it;” (ASV)

BE BETTER PARENTS TO MY CHILDREN:

Psalms 127:3-5, “3 Lo, children are a heritage of Jehovah; (and) the fruit of the womb is (his) reward.

4 As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the children of youth. 5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be put to shame, when they speak with their enemies in the gate.” (ASV)

BE BETTER CHILDREN:

Ephesians 6:1-2,

“1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

2 Honor thy father and mother (which is the first commandment with promise),” (ASV)

BE BETTER CHURCH MEMBERS (i.e. Children of God):

Romans 6:16-22,

“16 Know ye not, that to whom ye present yourselves (as) servants unto obedience, his servants ye are whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

17 But thanks be to God, that, whereas ye were servants of sin, ye became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching whereunto ye were delivered;

18 and being made free from sin, ye became servants of righteousness.

19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye presented your members (as) servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity, even so now present your members (as) servants to righteousness unto sanctification.

20 For when ye were servants of sin, ye were free in regard of righteousness.

21 What fruit then had ye at that time in the things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.

22 But now being made free from sin and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto sanctification, and the end eternal life.” ASV

Be A BETTER NEIGHBOR:

Matthew 22:36-39,

“36 Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?

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

38 This is the great and first commandment.

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

Matthew 22:39, “And a second like (unto it) is this, Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself.”

Romans 13:9-10, “9 For this, Thou shall not commit adultery, Thou shall not kill, Thou shall not steal, Thou shall not covet, and if there be any other commandment, it is summed up in this word, namely, Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself. 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: love therefore is the fulfillment of the law.” ASV

LOVE MY BRETHREN:

Philippians 4:1, “Wherefore, my brethren beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my beloved.” (ASV)

James 5:9, “Murmur not, brethren, one against another, that ye be not judged: behold, the judge standeth before the doors.” (ASV)

1 John 3:14, “We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not abideth in death.” (ASV)

I WILL GIVE LIBERALLY OF MY MONEY TO HELP THE CHURCH DO ITS WORK:

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)

2 Corinthians 9:6-7, “6 But this (I say,) He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he that soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 (Let) each man (do) according as he hath purposed in his heart: not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” (ASV)

I WILL PRAY MORE:

James 5:19, “My brethren, if any among you err from the truth, and one convert him;” (ASV)

1 Peter 4:7, “But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore of sound mind, and be sober unto prayer:”

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

Philippians 1:4, “always in every supplication of mine on behalf of you all making my supplication with joy,”

Philippians 1:3-4, “3 I thank my God upon all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every supplication of mine on behalf of you all making my supplication with joy,” (ASV)

I WILL HELP MY WEAK AND FALLEN BRETHREN TO BE STRONG AGAIN – AS MUCH AS LIETH IN MY ABILITY TO DO SO!

Acts 20:35, “In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring ye ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (ASV)

Romans 15:1, “Now we that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.”

1 Corinthians 9:22, “To the weak I became weak, that I might gain the weak: I am become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some.” (ASV)

1 Thessalonians 5:14-15, “14 And we exhort you, brethren, admonish the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be longsuffering toward all. 15 See that none render unto any one evil for evil; but always follow after that which is good, one toward another, and toward all.” (ASV)

Galatians 6:1, “Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” (ASV0

Let’s be better Christians in 1999

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WHAT IS PERSONAL WORK?

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)

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)

There are many people in the church today who do not know what personal work is? Many times Christians would do personal work if they understood what to do. In this article we want to list some of the things that personal work includes;

PERSONAL WORK INCLUDES – (but is not limited to the following):

1. It is giving someone you know a gospel tract on some subject that they may be interested in.

2. It is discussing the Bible truth with a friend, neighbor, or relative either at you home or their home.

3. It is telling or showing your neighbor, friend, or relative the happiness and joy that you have found in your relationship to God.

4. It is inviting interested person to join with you in a study of God’s Word.

5. It is picking up the telephone and calling an absent church member to find out if they are sick, or if you can assist them in some way.

6. It is setting up a Bible study to be conducted on a regular basis in you home or somewhere else.

7. It is going from house to house distributing literature about the church of Christ at 4840 Cemetery Road here in Hilliard.

8. It is gathering your children together on a regular scheduled day and time to study THE Bible – also invite the other children that your children play with.

9. It is working for the GOSPEL MEETINGS as they come about each year.

10. It is using your own car to bring someone to church service.

Indeed, personal work is many things, but to sum it up, it is concern for the lost and glorifying Christ.

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NEWS PAGE – January 1999

TRAINING TEACHERS:

The church here will provide a training class session for anyone aspiring to be a teacher or to be a better teacher. The textbook for the class will be provided by the congregation and will be prepared by Garreth Clair – specific dates will be forthcoming.

REMEMBER OUR SHUT IN:

James McFadden

Robert Palmer

Brother and sister Sherwood

(Contact family members of one of the church members for information and updates).

WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY:

The Seven Churches of Asia is currently being studied – study-guides are prepared by the preacher for each student.

MEETING CONFIRMED FOR FALL:

Johnie Paul Edwards will be with us for our Gospel Meeting – October 24-28, 1999.

NEW CONVERT:

Wednesday night, December 30, 1998 Joesph Steven House became a Christian - he believed, repented, confessed Christ, and was baptized by immersion for the remission of sin. Let us all encourage and assist him as he grows for week to week.

HILLIARD BULLETIN

Published by the church of Christ

Meting at 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 2 –--------------- Number 2 –--------------- February 1999

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Editor's Note

In this issue we want to provide some useful information on the works of the flesh discussed by Paul in Galatians 5:19-21. The subject matter if important for the Christian to know about because the works of the flesh are sinful. Therefore, the Christian with the correct information about these sins will be armed with the knowledge and will not become entangled in any of them. To become entangled in the works of the flesh will surely destroy a once faithful child of God, and will render his/her service unacceptable to God – cf.

Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death; but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (ASV)

The material in this issue of the HILLIARD BULLETIN will be informative to the Christian as we will attempt to make the subject matter simple and not at all difficult to comprehend. Please bear with us as we present the subject matter as complete as possible in this issue.

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----- WORKS OF THE FLESH -----

Galatians 5:19-21,

19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,

20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,

21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Defining the works of the flesh:

1. Adultery, Sexual impurity -- disregarding the marriage vow.

2. Fornication, General sexual impurities including adultery, beastly, and homosexuality.

3. Uncleanness, Greek -- "akatharsia", moral uncleanness (Vine's expository Dictionary).

4. Lewdness, Absence of restraint, indecency.

5. Idolatry, Worship of idols.

6. Sorcery, Practice of magic through diabolical means.

7. Hatred, Enmities -- the opposite of "agape" -- love.

8. Contentions, To cut apart, divide in two -- strife.

9. Jealousies, Greek -- "zelos", envyings.

10. Outbursts of wrath, Hot anger, passion.

11. Selfish ambitions, Contention -- the expression of enmity.

12. Dissension, A standing apart, Greek -- "dicha" -- asunder, "stasis" -- a standing.

13. Heresies, "hairesis", denotes (a) "a choosing, choice" (from haireomai, "to choose"); then, "that which is chosen," and hence, "an opinion," especially a self-willed opinion, which is substituted for submission to the power of truth, and leads to division and the formation of sects, <Gal. 5:20> (from Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words -- Copyright (C) 1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers)

14. Envy, A. Noun. -- phthonos, "envy," is the feeling of displeasure produced by witnessing or hearing of the advantage or prosperity of others; this evil sense always attaches to this word, <Matt. 27:18; Mark 15:10; Rom. 1:29; Gal. 5:21; Phil. 1:15; 1 Tim. 6:4; Titus 3:3; 1 Pet. 2:1>; so in <Jas. 4:5>, where the question is rhetorical and strongly remonstrative, signifying that the Spirit (or spirit) which God made to dwell in us was certainly not so bestowed that we should be guilty of "envy." (from Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words -- Copyright (C) 1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers)

15. Murders, In the plural,

16. Revelries, Involvement in drinking parties, rioting, under the influence.

17. And the like, Anything that is similar to the above.

FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT

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)

CHRISTIANS WILL EXHIBIT THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT

Galatians 5:24-25,

24 And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. (NKJ)

Prepared by Glc for HILLIARD BULLETIN, February 1999

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THE WORKS OF THE FLESH

Introduction:

In another issue of HILLIARD BULLETIN (i.e. Vol. 2 – Number 3), we will provide an article titled “THE CHRISTIAN VIRTUES” – In this issue of the Bulletin we will deal with the “WORKS OF THE FLESH”. The works of the flesh are those evil characteristics that true Christians will want to shun. The Devil and his agents will do anything to get the true Christian to indulge in these evil personal qualities. The Christian that returns to the works of the flesh after they have once become a Christian is in really bad shape; Peter gives us a look at the backslider’s condition in cf. 2 Peter 2:20-22. “20 For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein and overcome, the last state is become worse with them than the first. 21 For it were better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after knowing it, to turn back from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 It has happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog turning to his own vomit again, and the sow that had washed to wallowing in the mire.” (ASV)

In the Book of Galatians Paul gives us a list of 17 works of the flesh – These 17 may be classified in 5 categories. cf. Galatians 5:19-21, “19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are (these): fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousies, wraths, factions, divisions, parties, 21 envyings, drunkenness, revellings, and such like; of which I forewarn you, even as I did forewarn you, that they who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” (ASV)

CONSIDER THE FIVE CATAGORIES:

SENSUAL SINS – Verse 19:

Fornication

Uncleanness

Lasciviousness

Adultery

RELIGIOUS SINS – Verse 20:

Idolatry

Sorcery

SOCIAL SINS – Verses 20, 21:

Enmities

Strife

Jealousies

Wrath

Factions

Divisions

Heresies

Envying

PERSONAL SINS – Verse 21:

Drunkenness

Revellings (KJV)

Murderers

ALL SINS OF A SIMILAR NATURE – Verse 21:

And such like (KJV)

The last group (i.e. and such like) will include all other sins that are omitted in the list of verses 19-21. One is not left in the dark when putting forth the effort to live a holy and sanctified (i.e. set apart) lifestyle. God gives us complete information about those things that we should be or do. God loves us and He has provided us with all information needed to live acceptable to Him – 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)

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----- THE GOOD, THE BAD, and THE UGLY -----

A few years ago there was a movie titled “THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY.” Today this describes our society perfectly. There are large numbers of bad and ugly people but on the other hand, the number of good people is declining every day – (% wise) if the polls are correct. In many parts of the world there is little respect for human life. Even in America this BAD and Ugly attitude is manifest almost everywhere. There is so much wickedness shown to us via the media that we are unsure of our safety in our own homes. With all this taking place around us, what are we to do as Christians? Some Scriptural suggestions follow:

IN THE FIRST PLACE, we must not allow ourselves to become cynical or ridiculously pessimistic as some righteous people of ancient times have done (e.g. Elijah the prophet) – cf.

1 Kings 19:4-18, “4 But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper-tree: and he requested for himself that he might die, and said, It is enough; now, O Jehovah, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.

5 And he lay down and slept under a juniper-tree; and, behold, an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.

6 And he looked, and, behold, there was at his head a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again.

7 And the angel of Jehovah came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for thee.

8 And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God.

9 And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of Jehovah came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?

10 And he said, I have been very jealous for Jehovah, the God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword: and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.

11 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before Jehovah. And, behold, Jehovah passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before Jehovah; but Jehovah was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but Jehovah was not in the earthquake:

12 and after the earthquake a fire; but Jehovah was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.

13 And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entrance of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?

14 And he said, I have been very jealous for Jehovah, the God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.

15 And Jehovah said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, thou shalt anoint Hazael to be king over Syria;

16 and Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel; and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room.

17 And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth from the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay; and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay.

18 Yet will I leave (me) seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.” (ASV)

IN THE SECOND PLACE, we should recognize that our confidence in God and our relationship with him will sustain us even through death; the great apostle of Christ , Paul; understood this – cf. 2 Timothy 4:6-8, “6 For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure is come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith: 8 henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day; and not to me only, but also to all them that have loved his appearing.” (ASV)

The apostle John also understood this fact, as he wrote under Divine influence to the church at Ephesus in the 1st Century CE – 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)

IN THE THIRD PLACE, those of us who are serving God faithfully in this present society ought to consider the words of Christ while he was in this earth in human form – cf. Matthew 10:28-32, “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. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? and not one of them shall fall on the ground without your Father: 30 but the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. 32 Every one therefore who shall confess me before men, him will I also confess before my Father who is in heaven.” (ASV)

IN CONCLUSION, those of us who are truly Christians should recognize that this world will not be the end of our existence. We recognize that whatever happens here in the world is not important but that the truly important things are of God.

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----- IN THE DESERT WITHOUT WATER -----

In the deserts of the southwest there is little or no visible water supply. In the early days of this country many people perished from lack of water as they attempted to cross the deserts. Water is one of the necessities for human life, without it humans die. The principle may be applied to our lives as Christians, we need certain spiritual foods and spiritual water so that we may grow and survive as Christians cf.

John 4:10, “Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.” (ASV)

The child of God may be separated from the living water that Christ provides by his sin. It is imperative that we understand that it is possible to backslide and wander in the desert of sin without spiritual water until we die. Indeed, we may not die physically because we have water to keep the physical body alive even though we are wandering hopelessly in the desert of sin, cut off from spiritual water by our insistence on living in some sin. Sometimes we need our brethren to intercede and help us to correct our erring ways. Yet many times when brethren show us by example, or through personal confrontation, we reject their good advice and put ourselves deeper into the desert of sin. With Paul, we plead [“Brethren, my hearts desire and prayer to God for my erring brethren is that they will return to God and continue to be faithful (cf. Revelation 2:10).

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NEWS PAGE February 1999

BAPTIZED HERE:

Joseph Edward Achee was baptized into Christ at the meeting-house Mandy, January 18.

Alex William Kirke was baptized into Christ at the meeting-house Wednesday the 20th.

COMING GOSPEL MEETINGS AT 4840 CEMETERY ROAD:

1. Evan Casey from Louisville KY will be here March 19-21 to conduct a three-day gospel meeting.

2. A lecture type gospel meeting will be conducted here June 20-25 with different speakers, those currently scheduled to speak – Tim Wessell, Ben Hastings, James Buchanan, and Daniel DeGarmo – others will be announced later.

3. Johnie Paul Edwards from Clayton. IN will be her October 24-29 to conduct a gospel meeting.

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 2 --------------- Number 3 --------------- March 1999

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THE CHRISTIAN VIRTUES (i.e. Characteristics)

Editorial by Garreth L. Clair

INTRODUCTION:

In our society today the Biblical lifestyle is frowned upon even in the highest echelons of the government. Today it is acceptable in most relationships to disregard the teaching of the Bible as a standard of right. Right today is simply decided on the whim of the individual without any concern for the Biblical value system that has been the standard of morals and ethical conduct for the past 2000 years. It is true that in past and current relationships there were individuals that cast aside the Biblical restraints and did evil but these were not the generally accepted but the odd, the outer fringes, the sensational. Today, though many of the individuals that are in high positions are exhibiting the kind of morality and ethics that 70 years ago would have been only accepted in back alleys or under the cover of darkness in some shabby location.

The only really constructive value system is that system that God reveals for mankind. The reason for God’s kindness in providing man with a constructive lifestyle pattern is simple; man is unable to correctly order his lifestyle of and through his own devices. The truthfulness of this premise is established by Jeremiah the ancient prophet, 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) God has given to mankind a standard of conduct that will cause good results from his activities and interactions with others, that standard is exemplified in the New Testament in several key passages. The Holy Scriptures reveal to us the “Christian virtues” (i.e. the Divine standard for correct conduct) in at least three passages, the three are 1 Corinthians 13:13, Galatians 5:22-24, and 2 Peter 1:5-7.

Of course the Christian virtues are found in those that are practicing true Christianity. Anyone may claim to be a Christian, claims are unacceptable to the Lord without correct, Biblical, lifestyle actions and interactions with others, cf. Matthew 7:15-27,

“15 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves.

16 By their fruits ye shall know them. Do (men) gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but the corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

20 Therefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy by thy name, and by thy name cast out demons, and by thy name do many mighty works?

23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

24 Every one therefore that heareth these words of mine, and doeth them, shall be likened unto a wise man, who built his house upon the rock:

25 and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and if fell not: for it was founded upon the rock.

26 And every one that heareth these words of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand:

27 and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and smote upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall thereof.” (ASV)

In our current study let us examine the three passages of Holy Scripture and the Christian virtues listed in them. We need to know what is involved in living the life of the Christian and the Christian virtues give us the details (i.e. the qualities needed in our character).

I. LET US EXAMINE THE PASSAGE IN 1 Corinthians 13:13, “But now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; and the greatest of these is love.” There are three characteristics in this passage that each true Christian will possess. In the study, let us examine each for our understanding. They are:

FAITH:pistis NT:4102, primarily, "firm persuasion," a conviction based upon hearing (akin to peitho, "to persuade"), is used in the NT always of "faith in God or Christ, or things spiritual."The word is used of (a) trust, e. g., Rom 3:25 [see Note (4) below]; 1 Cor 2:5; 15:14,17; 2 Cor 1:24; Gal 3:23 [see Note (5) below]; Phil 1:25; 2:17; 1 Thess 3:2; 2 Thess 1:3; 3:2; (b) trust-worthiness, e. g., Matt 23:23; Rom 3:3, RV, "the faithfulness of God"; Gal 5:22 (RV, "faithfulness"); Titus 2:10, "fidelity"; (c) by metonymy, what is believed, the contents of belief, the "faith," Acts 6:7; 14:22; Gal 1:23; 3:25 [contrast 3:23, under (a)]; 6:10; 1:27; 3:10; 1:3,20 (and perhaps 2 Thess 3:2); (d) a ground for "faith," an assurance, Acts 17:31 (not as in KJV, marg., "offered faith"); (e) a pledge of fidelity, plighted "faith," 1 Tim 5:12.The main elements in "faith" in its relation to the invisible God, as distinct from "faith" in man, are especially brought out in the use of this noun and the corresponding verb, pisteuo; they are (1) a firm conviction, producing a full acknowledgement of God's revelation or truth, e. g., 2 Thess 2:11-12; (2) a personal surrender to Him, John 1:12; (3) a conduct inspired by such surrender, 2 Cor 5:7. Prominence is given to one or other of these elements according to the context. All this stands in contrast to belief in its purely natural exercise, which consists of an opinion held in good "faith" without necessary reference to its proof. The object of Abraham's "faith" was not God's promise (that was the occasion of its exercise); his "faith" rested on God Himself, Rom 4:17,20-21. See ASSURANCE, BELIEF, FAITHFULNESS, FIDELITY. (From Vines Expository Dictionary of New Testament)

HOPE:

HOPE (NOUN AND VERB), HOPE (FOR) elpis NT:1680, in the NT, "favorable and confident expectation" (contrast the Sept. in Isa 28:19, "an evil hope"). It has to do with the unseen and the future, Rom 8:24,25. "Hope" describes (a) the happy anticipation of good (the most frequent significance), e. g., Titus 1:2; 1 Peter 1:21; (b) the ground upon which "hope" is based, Acts 16:19; Col 1:27, "Christ in you the hope of glory"; (c) the object upon which the "hope" is fixed, e. g., 1 Tim 1:1.

HOPE (NOUN AND VERB), HOPE (FOR)

1. elpizo NT:1679, "to hope," is not infrequently translated in the KJV, by the verb "to trust"; the RV adheres to some form of the verb "to hope," e. g., John 5:45, "Moses, on whom ye have set your hope"; 2 Cor 1:10, "on whom we have set our hope"; so in 1 Tim 4:10; 5:5; 6:17; see also, e. g., Matt 12:21; Luke 24:21; Rom 15:12,24.

The verb is followed by three prepositions: (1) eis, rendered "on" in John 5:45 (as above); the meaning is really "in" as in 1 Peter 3:5, "who hoped in God"; the "hope" is thus said to be directed to, and to center in, a person; (2) epi, "on," Rom 15:12, "On Him shall the Gentiles hope," RV; so 1 Tim 4:10; 5:5 (in the best mss.); 6:17, RV; this expresses the ground upon which "hope" rests; (3) en, "in," 1 Cor 15:19, "we have hoped in Christ," RV, more lit., "we are (men) that have hoped in Christ," the preposition expresses that Christ is not simply the ground upon whom, but the sphere and element in whom, the "hope" is placed. The form of the verb (the perfect participle with the verb to be, lit., "are having hoped") stresses the character of those who "hope," more than the action; "hope" characterizes them, showing what sort of persons they are. See TRUST.

2. proelpizo NT:4276, "to hope before" (pro, "before," and No. 1), is found in Eph 1:12.

3. apelpizo NT:560, lit., "to hope from" (apo, and No, 1): see DESPAIR.

LOVE:

LOVE (NOUN AND VERB)

1. agapao NT:25 and the corresponding noun agape (B, No. 1 below) present "the characteristic word of Christianity, and since the Spirit of revelation has used it to express ideas previously unknown, inquiry into its use, whether in Greek literature or in the Septuagint, throws but little light upon its distinctive meaning in the NT. Cf, however, Lev 19:18; Deut 6:5.

"Agape and agapao are used in the NT (a) to describe the attitude of God toward His Son, John 17:26; the human race, generally, John 3:16; Rom 5:8, and to such as believe on the Lord Jesus Christ particularly John 14:21; (b) to convey His wiil to His children concerning their attitude one toward another, John 13:34, and toward all men, 1 Thess 3:12; 1 Cor 16:14; 2 Peter 1:7; (c) to express the essential nature of God, 1 John 4:8.

-"Love can be known only from the actions it prompts. God's love is seen in the gift of His Son, 1 John 4:9,10. But obviously this is not the love of complacency, or affection, that is, it was not drawn out by any excellency in its objects, Rom 5:8. It was an exercise of the divine will in deliberate choice, made without assignable cause save that which lies in the nature of God Himself, Cf. Deut 7:7-8.

"Love had its perfect expression among men in the Lord Jesus Christ, 2 Cor 5:14; Eph 2:4; 3:19; 5:2; Christian love is the fruit of His Spirit in the Christian, Gal 5:22

"Christian love has God for its primary object, and expresses itself first of all in implicit obedience to His commandments, John 14:15,21,23; 15:10; 1 John 2:5; 5:3; 2 John 6. Selfwill, that is, self-pleasing, is the negation of love to God.

"Christian love, whether exercised toward the brethren, or toward men generally, is not an impulse from the feelings, it does not always run with the natural inclinations, nor does it spend itself only upon those for whom some affinity is discovered. Love seeks the welfare of all, Rom 15:2, and works no ill to any, 13:8,9,10; love seeks opportunity to do good to 'all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith,' Gal 6:10. See further 1 Cor 13 and Col 3:12-14."

(From Notes on Thessalonians, by Hogg and Vine, p. 105.

II. LET US EXAMINE THE PASSAGE IN Galatians 5:22-24, “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. 24 And they that are of Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with the passions and the lusts thereof.”

1. LOVE – See definition already listed above.

2. JOY - chara

NT:5479 chara (khar-ah'); from NT:5463; cheerfulness, i.e. calm delight:

KJV - gladness, greatly, (X be exceeding) joy (-ful, -fully, -fulness, -ous).

3. PEACE - eirene

NT:1515 eirene (i-ray'-nay); probably from a primary verb eiro (to join); peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity:

KJV - one, peace, quietness, rest, set at one again.

4. Longsuffering - makrothumia

NT:3115 makrothumia (mak-roth-oo-mee'-ah); from the same as NT:3116; longanimity, i.e. (objectively) forbearance or (subjectively) fortitude:

KJV - longsuffering, patience.

5. Gentleness - chrestotes

NT:5544 chrestotes (khray-stot'-ace); from NT:5543; usefulness, i.e. moral excellence (in character or demeanor):

KJV - gentleness, good (-ness), kindness.

6. Goodness - agathosune

NT:19 agathosune (ag-ath-o-soo'-nay); from NT:18; goodness, i.e. virtue or beneficence:

KJV - goodness.

7. Faith - pistis

NT:4102 pistis (pis'-tis); from NT:3982; persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly, constancy in such profession; by extension, the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself:

KJV - assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity.

8. Meekness - prautes

NT:4240 prautes (prah-oo'-tace); from NT:4239; mildness, i.e. (by implication) humility:

KJV - meekness.

9. Temperance - egkrateia

NT:1466 egkrateia (eng-krat'-i-ah); from NT:1468; self-control (especially continence):

KJV - temperance.

All definitions from: (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

III. LET US PROCEED TO EXAMINE THE PASSAGE 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.”

In this list there are 7, some of them you will find definitions in the first two already examined.

Virtue - arete

NT:703 arete (ar-et'-ay); from the same as NT:730; properly, manliness (valor), i.e. excellence (intrinsic or attributed):

KJV - praise, virtue.

Knowledge - gnosis

NT:1108 gnosis (gno'-sis); from NT:1097; knowing (the act), i.e. (by implication) knowledge:

KJV - knowledge, science.

Temperance – Listed above

Patience - hupomone

NT:5281 hupomone (hoop-om-on-ay'); from NT:5278; cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy:

KJV - enduring, patience, patient continuance (waiting).

Godliness - eusebeia

NT:2150 eusebeia (yoo-seb'-i-ah); from NT:2152; piety; specially, the gospel scheme:

KJV - godliness, holiness.

Brotherly Kindness - philadelphia

NT:5360 philadelphia (fil-ad-el-fee'-ah); from NT:5361; fraternal affection:

KJV - brotherly love (kindness), love of the brethren.

Charity (i.e. Love) – Listed above

(All Greek Definitions from Strong’s Numbers)

CONCLUSION:

From the list we are able to determine that the Christian ought to possess certain characteristics that is not commonly found in worldly minded people. These characteristics make the Christian useful in God’s service and also causes them to be acceptable to God. Within these three Scriptural references there are 15 different virtues that Christians ought to possess. We might began an investigation of ourselves to see that we are living a lifestyle consistent with God’s desires for us – cf. 2 Corinthians 13:5, “Try your own selves, whether ye are in the faith; prove your own selves. Or know ye not as to your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you? unless indeed ye be reprobate.” (ASV)

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GOSPEL MEETING

March 19-21, 1999

Preaching by Evan Casey

From Louisville, KY

Friday – Saturday – 7:30 PM

Sunday – 9:45 10:30 AM 7 6:00 PM

Everyone is invited

HILLIARD BULLETIN

Published by the Church of Christ

Meeting at 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 2 ----------------- Number 4a ---------------- April 1999

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A WAY THAT SEEMS RIGHT

In our search for true religion we are constantly brought face to face with those that tell us of their interpretation of the right religion (i.e., the way to be saved from sin). Many of those that present to us religious formulas have received them from men, who, in all probably thought that they were right. Even though a person might think that they are religiously correct it is always a good idea to check with God (i.e., refer to His Written Word) to make sure that others are telling us the truth about religion. You see, the only real truth that pertains to man's relationship to Jehovah is revealed through the pages of the Bible.

SOMETIMES ONE'S RELIGION MAY SEEM RIGHT BUT STILL BE WRONG

One of the characteristics of the human mind that continually plagues us is that we can think that something is right when it is wrong, God warned us about that possibility in Prov 14:12, "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." (KJV) Since we may believe something about religion that appears to be right when it is wrong we ought to be very careful about those that we follow. If one teaches that which is not provable from God's Written Word his sincerity does not matter, we must have the truth from God in order to be made "free from sin." To establish the truth of the previous statement please note John 8:32, "and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."(ASV)

BEING CORRECT IN OUR RELATIONSHIP TO GOD IS IMPORTANT

The most important consideration in life is making it to heaven, only those that are correct in God's estimation will be allowed to enter heaven at the last day, cf., Matt 7:21-23, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. -- Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? -- And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." (KJV) We should do everything that we can to "make our calling an election sure." (2 Peter 1:1-11).

GOD'S WORD IS TRUTH -- John 17:17

1. STUDYING GOD'S WRITTEN WORD:

2. RESEARCHING THE LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES AT THE PREACHER'S LIBRARY:

3. PLANNING FOR AND VISITING:

4. PREPARATION AND MAILING OF CORRESPONDENCE:

5. TEACHING THE BIBLE AND SPECIAL CLASSES:

6. COMPUTER USE AND PRINTING:

1. Studying God's Word is the number one priority of the Bible teacher. Without a

good understanding of God's Word the Bible teacher will not be successful, cf., 2 Tim 2:15, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

2. The good Bible teacher will spend time in research of history, geography, and other areas so that he will be able to embellish the Scripture references with fact that are contemporary with the Bible event. The Bible class literally will come alive in the mind of the student if the teacher does a good job of preparing and researching his text.

3. The good teacher will make opportunities to do visitation with the desire and expectation of helping those he visits. Help of the person visited may take many different forms, 1st instruction that will enable the person visited to be restored to Christ's Church, 2nd instruction to understand the teaching of the Bible so that the person may be converted from the world, 3rd. help with a problem of sickness, 4th help with a financial need, 5th sometimes just a visit to encourage one that is already doing a good work and is faithful (Gal. 6:10; James 1:27; Gal 6:1, 2, etc.).

4. A good deal of the teacher's time will be utilized preparing correspondence coursesand other forms of written communication with the membership of the church and with visitors to the assembly as well as other interested contacts. All relationships and contacts are potential servants of the Lord, keep in touch with them!

5. A good teacher will continue (i.e., throughout life) to educate and improve his ability to orally communicate God's message to the lost (2 Tim. 2:15; 3:16, 17; 4:1-5, etc.).

6. Today, the personal computer has become an aid to teaching that is very helpful. A computer makes available a wealth of good information on about any subject. A good teacher can find ideas, suggestions, sermon material, and research texts in any language, communicate with brethren anywhere, and do many other tasks.

WE ALL BEGIN AT THE SAME PLACE # 1

INTRODUCTION:

Everyone understands that there is something for the individual to do to acquire forgiveness for sin. It is a fact, everyone who becomes a Christian must comply with the instructions of Christ (HEBREWS 5:8, 9). The instructions of Christ are clearly revealed within the pages of the New Testament that leads the sinner to salvation. Please note the following:

1. Hearing the gospel, ROMANS 10:17 - "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."

2. Believing the gospel, MARK 16:16 - "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be condemned."

3. Repent of sins (i.e., sins), 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."

3. Confess Christ with the mouth, ROMANS 10:10 - "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

4. Baptism for the remission of sins (i.e., a burial in water), ROMANS 6:1-7 -Please read this text and comment in detail.

CONSIDER THIS:

Whenever a sinner follows these Divine instructions his/her old sins are all forgiven by God and the person becomes a new Christian, then he/she is added to the CHURCH OF CHRIST by the Lord (cf. ACTS 2:47

LIVING THE CHRISTIAN LIFE, # 2

INTRODUCTION:

In 1st lesson of this study we examined the procedure defined in the New Testament that leads to salvation from sin for the sinner. In this 2nd lesson of "LIVING THE CHRISTIAN LIFE" let us begin by stating a general fact, after one becomes a Christian he/she must live the life prescribed in the Bible for the growing Christian (ACTS 2:40 - "And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourself from this untowrd generation."

THE GROWING CHRISTIAN WILL

I. KEEP HIS BODY CLEAN OF DRUGS:

1. That which harms the physical body;

A. Alcoholic beverages,

B. Tobacco products,

C. Illegal drugs (i.e., Crack, Marijuana, Cocaine,

E. The abuse of prescription drugs.

2. Are these things harmless to the body or are they destructive to it?

A. God instructs the growing Christian to keep the body pure and undefiled, 1 CORINTHIANS 6:19 - "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own."

B. Therefore, if we harm the body through the use of drug of any kind, we are disobeying God - Disobedience is sin, 1 JOHN 3:4 - "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law."

II. THE GROWING CHRISTIAN WILL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY:

1. Adultery is the only grounds for a Christian to divorce their mate, and remarry, MATTHEW 19:9 - "And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery."

III. THE GROWING CHRISTIAN WILL NOT COMMIT FORNICATION:

CONSIDER THIS:

The broad term, "fornication" applies to all sexual immorality, which would include;

1. Sexual relations between young people of the opposite sex.

2. Sexual relations between married and unmarried people.

3. Sexual relations between humans (i.e., male or female) and animals.

4. All sexual relations between men and men.

5. All sexual relations between women and women.

OBSERVE:

1 CORINTHIANS 6:18, 19, "Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. -- What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have not of God, and ye are not your own."

PUTTING OUR PRIORITIES IN ORDE # 3

INTRODUCTION:

Perhaps the greatest failing of most professed Christians is their failure to understand that their life is to be structured according to God's directions. In the first lesson in our study we showed how one may become a Christian and escape the pollution of this world, that man must follow the teachings of God or be lost, and that there is gross wickedness in following the rudiments of this world, cf. ROM 1 - 2:5

Although man can become a Christian and through the process become free from sin he must continue to live his life according to Divine instruction (i.e., he must follow the instructions of God found in the Bible -- cf. Rev 2:10).

While living the Christian life each Christian must prioritize his life --- simply stated, he must place first things first in his life from the time of his conversion. He must therefore:

1. KNOW THAT THE TRUTH IS CAPABLE OF MAKING HIM FREE FROM SIN, JOHN 8:32.

2. KNOW THAT THE TRUTH IS THE WORD (i.e., the written word today), JOHN 17:17.

3. SEEK THE KINGDOM OF GOD FIRST, MATTHEW 6:33.

4. CONTINUE TO KNOW, That the "TRUTH" will make him "free indeed." JOHN 8:36.

5. KNOW THAT THE "TRUTH" will ultimately be the "standard of judgment" in the last day, JOHN 12:48.

CONCLUSION:

As we understand these facts about our relationship to God it is apparent, or should be, that those of us who are Christians are to live changed lives. Christians are truly, "not of this world." the Christian's hope is the hope of all the saved of past ages, "We seek a city whose builder and maker is God"

(HEBREWS 11:8-16).

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 2 ----------------– Number 4b –---------------- April 1999

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

----- A GOOD WORK -----

A good work in the realm of Christian activity includes all things that are done in or on behalf of our Lord and Savior; Jesus Christ. The Christian is involved in may areas of activity from day to day, some of the areas of activity for Christians are:

I. THE CHRISTIAN IS A MEMBER OF A SECULAR FAMILY:

father, mother, son, daughter, and etc. within the family unit. You see, every Christian is part of a family and is influential in that relationship. The true Christian as a member of the secular family will live his/her life in accordance to God’s instructions so that the influence exerted will be good for the family as a whole. The Christian knows that God has addressed his/her particular status in the family unit – examples follow:

Ephesians 6:4, “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but nurture them in the chastening and admonition of the Lord.” (ASV)

Colossians 3:21, “Fathers, provoke not your children, that they be not discouraged.” (ASV)

Ephesians 5:22, “Wives, (be in subjection) unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.” (ASV)

Ephesians 5:25, “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself up for it;”

1 Peter 3:1, “In like manner, ye wives, (be) in subjection to your own husbands; that, even if any obey not the word, they may with