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 without the word be gained by the behavior of their wives;“ (ASV)

1 Peter 3:7, ”Ye husbands, in like manner, dwell with (your wives) according to knowledge, giving honor unto the woman, as unto the weaker vessel, as being also joint-heirs of the grace of life; to the end that your prayers be not hindered.“ (ASV)

Ephesians 6:1, ”Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.“ (ASV)

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

Colossians 3:20, ”Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing in the Lord.“ (ASV)

1 Timothy 5:4, ”But if any widow hath children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety towards their own family, and to requite their parents: for this is acceptable in the sight of God.“ (ASV)

You will notice that God gives instruction to fathers, wives, parents, children, and older women (i.e. and the extended family) in these references. Indeed, God expects the Christian to live holy in the family unit and perform their role in a godly fashion.

II. THE CHURISTIAN IS ALSO INVOLVED IN THE CIVIL RELATIONSHIP:

(i.e. He sustains a relationship with the governing bodies – federal, state, and local. God has also instructed the Christian about how to live and react in this relationship, please note the following Biblical references:

Matthew 22:17-21, ”17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar , or not? 18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why make ye trial of me, ye hypocrites? 19 Show me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a denarius. 20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? 21 They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.“ (ASV)

Romans 13:6-7, ”For this cause ye pay tribute also; for they are ministers of God's service, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute (is due); custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.“ (ASV)

Romans 13:1-7, ”1 Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers: for there is no power but of God; and the (powers) that be are ordained of God. 2 Therefore he that resisteth the power, withstandeth the ordinance of God: and they that withstand shall receive to themselves judgment.

3 For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. And wouldest thou have no fear of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise from the same: 4 for he is a minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is a minister of God, an avenger for wrath to him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore (ye) must needs be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience' sake. 6 For this cause ye pay tribute also; for they are ministers of God's service, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute (is due); custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.“ (ASV)

III. THE CHRISTIAN ALSO SUSTAINS A RELATIONSHIP TO EVERYON ELSE ON THE EARTH:

(i.e. this relationship may be referred to as the brotherhood of man)

Please note the following Biblical references:

Matt 22:37-40, ”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 shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 40 On these two commandments the whole law hangeth, and the prophets.“ (ASV)

James 2:8, ”Howbeit if ye fulfill the royal law, according to the scripture, Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well:“ (ASV)

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

Romans 15:2, ”Let each one of us please his neighbor for that which is good, unto edifying.“ (ASV)

Ephesians 4:25, ”Wherefore, putting away falsehood, speak ye truth each one with his neighbor: for we are members one of another.“ (ASV)

IV. THE CHRISTIAN SUSTAINS A BROTHER/SISTER RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER CHRISTIANS;

This relationship we may refer to our church (i.e. Congregational relationship)

In this relationship God instructs us to do several things:

ASSEMBLE:

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)

IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH:

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

WORSHIP CORRECTLY

SINGING,

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)

PRAYER,

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

CONTRIBUTION,

TEACHING,

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)

LORD’S SUPPER.

V. THE CHRISTIAN’S PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD:

This relationship requires that we always recognize that God is our FATHER, OUR Sustainer, our Hope, and our All. Without proper respect awe, and humbleness before God we will not respond correctly in the other relationships of life. If we do not honor and respect God we will surely not respect God’s Written Word (i.e. the BIBLE). The person that refuses to let God’s Written Word lead him is blind and cannot see the distance, no one can have a right relationship with God who does not follow and reverence the Word.

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

Consider the following facts:

THE WORD OF GOD IS A LAMP UNTO MY FEET:

Psalms 119:105, ”Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and light unto my path.“ (ASV)

Proverbs 6:23, ”For the commandment is a lamp; And the law is light; And reproofs of instruction are the way of life:“ (ASV)

THERE ARE MANY FACETS TO THE CHRISTIAN LIFE:

Indeed, it is true the Christian lines in many relationships in this life. In each relationship the Christian sustains he/she needs to fulfill their obligations to God and to his their fellow man. It is an act of great consideration whenever a Christian recognizes and so lives to set an example for others. Please note the following teaching of the Bible with regard to the disciple of Christ as being ”the light of the world“ and ”the salt of the earth“ – cf. Matthew 5:13-16, ”13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men. 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do (men) light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shineth unto all that are in the house. 16 Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.“ (ASV)

CONCLUSION:-------------------------------------------------------------

Philippians 4:8, ”Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.“ (ASV)

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NEWS PAGE - April 1999

REMEMBER OUR SHUT-IN:

James McFadden

Robert Palmer

Brother and Sister Sherwood

THE NEW BAPTISTRY HAS ARRIVED:

OUR NEXT GOSPEL MEETING:

Dates are June 20-25

Subjects & Speaker:

Sunday – Kent Clark

Monday – Ben Hastings

Tuesday – Tim Wessel

Wednesday – Aaron Kemple

Thursday – Dan Degarmo

Friday – James Buchanan

NEW CLASS FOR SUNDAY:

Study on the eldership, Garreth Clair will prepare study guides and teach the class.

Class begins after the meeting.

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GOD’S PROMISED BLESSINGS

(Note the conditional clause)

Deuteronomy 28:1-13:

1 If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his

commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth.

2 All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you

obey the LORD your God:

3 You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country.

4 The fruit of your womb will be blessed, and the crops of your land and the young of your livestock--the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks.

5 Your basket and your kneading trough will be blessed.

6 You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out.

7 The LORD will grant that the enemies who rise up against you will be defeated before you. They will come at you from one direction but flee from you in seven.

8 The LORD will send a blessing on your barns and on everything you put your hand to. The LORD your God will bless you in the land he is giving you.

9 The LORD will establish you as his holy people, as he

promised you on oath, if you keep the commands of the LORD your God and walk in his ways.

10 Then all the peoples on earth will see that you are called

by the name of the LORD, and they will fear you.

11 The LORD will grant you abundant prosperity--in the

fruit of your womb, the young of your livestock and the crops of your ground--in the land he swore to your forefathers to give you.

12 The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his

bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none.

13 The LORD will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom. NIV

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THE FIVE ACTS OF SCRIPTURAL WORSHIP

John 4:23-24, ”23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." (NKJ)

1. MUSIC [Singing],

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)

2. PREACHING [Teaching],

3. PRAYER,

1 Timothy 2:8, ”I desire therefore that the men pray in every place, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and disputing.“ (ASV)

4. LORD'S SUPPER,

Luke 22:19-20, ”19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and gave to them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. 20 And the cup in like manner after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood, (even) that which is poured out for you.“ (ASV)

5. CONTRIBUTION,

1 Peter 4:11

"If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." (KJV)

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NEED FOR UNITY

Colossians 3:1-17

1. SET MIND ON THINGS ABOVE:(Verses 1-4)

2. FOLLOW NOT AFTER CARNAL THINGS:

(Verses 5-11)

3. PUT ON ATTRIBUTES OF GOD'S ELECT:

(Verses 12, 13)

4. DEVELOP LOVE FOR GOD AND FOR FELLOW MAN:

(Verse 14)

5. HAVE A HEART OF THANKSGIVING:

(V. 15b)

6. LET CHRIST THROUGH HIS WORD RULE THE HEART:

(Verses 15, 16)

7. DO ALL IN HIS NAME:

(Verse 17)

By appealing to his authority alone.

OTHER PASSAGES ON UNITY TO DISCUSS

John 17:20-21 - 1 Cor 1:10, 1

HILLIARD BULLETIN

Published by the Church of Christ

4840 Cemetery Road – P.O. Box 96

Hilliard, Ohio 43026

Phone: (614) 876-4089

Evangelist: Garreth L Clair

Phone: (614) 850-7252

Email: glclair@aol.com

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Volume 2 ----------------- Number 5 ----------------- May 1999

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ARE YOU INTERESTED IN HEAVEN?

Editorial by Garreth L Clair

Those of us that make up the church here on Cemetery Road are prone to ask our friends if they are interested in heaven. Our motive in making such an inquiry is our concern for our friends that are not Christians (ref. Acts 11:26) and their hope for the future. You see, we believe that one must be a Christian or they cannot go to heaven. So our concern for our friends is honorable and sincere. We do not desire anything but the betterment (i.e., conversion) of our relatives and friends that have not yet become Christians. In the remainder of this study let me show you some facts that relate to man's sojourn here in this world and the possibilities for a better place after death and the resurrection. We hope that you have some interest in the subject for this is our editorial message this month.

THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO

It is one of the facts of man's existence that he is here for some purpose. The Bible says that man is here to prepare himself for an eternal home -- cf., Matt 6:19-20, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. -- But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." (NIV) This passage tells us that man ought to do those deeds that will please God, those deeds that are consistent with right conduct and correct reaction to God's instruction. These good deeds (i.e. laid up treasures) in the hands of our Lord are acceptable and safe from the devil and his agents -- cf., 2 Tim 1:12, "For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." (KJV) In this passage Paul is talking about the committal of his soul to the Lord. There is nothing that can ever take away mans hope so long as he remains faithful to the Lord -- cf., Rom 4:21, "And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform." (KJV) In this passage reference is made to the greatness of Abraham's faith in God's promise to give him an heir, it is said, "he did not waver." We too may possess a faith that has confidence in the final outcome.

THE DECISION IS PERSONAL

Whether or not one makes a decision to commit to Christ (i.e., become a Christian) is completely a personal decision. No person is capable of deciding for another about their service to God or their lack of it. The ultimate decision to be a Child of God depends upon individual commitment to Christ through faith and obedience. The Bible is clear as we examine its contents relating to salvation from sin. There are several things that contribute to one's salvation from sin, they are:

Hearing the gospel (i.e., understanding that one is a sinner),

Rom 10:17, "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."(KJV)

Believing (i.e., having faith),

Mark 16:15-16, "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation. -- He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned." (ASV)

Rom 10:9-11, "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: -- for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. -- For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be put to shame." (ASV)

Repent of sins (turn away from sin toward righteousness),

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 11:18, "And when they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then to the Gentiles also hath God granted repentance unto life." (ASV)

Confess Christ (A confession with the mouth),

Rom 10:9-10, "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: -- for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (ASV)

Baptism through immersion (not sprinkling or pouring water on the candidate),

1 Pet 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)

NOTE:

1. Baptism must be "for the remission of sins." -- Acts 2:38

2. Baptism must be a burial and a resurrection in water (i.e., immersion) -- Romans 6:3-5.

3. Baptism is the final action that is essential to the sinner for salvation from sin -- 1 Peter 3:21.

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

AFTER YOUR SINS HAVE BEEN REMITTED

A misconception exist in the mind of some to the effect that once you become a Christian you are saved always, you need never do anything else again. This view is false, the Bible plainly teaches that the new Christian is to begin his/her new life as a babe in Christ with a desire to grow into maturity, that is to grow in he grace and knowledge of the Lord -- cf., Heb 5:13-14, "For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. --But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

(KJV)

1 Cor 3:1, "And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ."(KJV)

2 Pet 3:18, "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him (be) the glory both now and forever. Amen." (ASV)

WHAT ABOUT YOUR CONDITION, NOW?

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END NOTES

Do you attend worship and Bible study anywhere?

If you do not, you are depriving yourself and your family of good information that will aid you in your marriage, your parenting, and your interactions with other people you know or you come in contact with from time to time.

Join us for our next Bible study session

You will be glad that you did.

HILLIARD BULLETIN

Published by the Church of Christ

4840 Cemetery Road – P.O. Box 96

Hilliard, Ohio 43026

Phone: (614) 876-4089

Evangelist: Garreth L Clair

Phone: (614) 850-7252

Email: glclair@aol.com

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

Volume 2 ------------------- Number 6 ------------------- June 1999

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

THE TWENTY THIRD PSALM

Editorial: Garreth L Clair

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

Psalms 23:1-6,

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

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

3 He restores my soul; he leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

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

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

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell

in the house of the Lord forever. (NKJ)

COMMENTS ON VERSE 1:

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

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

COMMENT ON VERSE 2:

"He makes me to lie down in green pastures;" This statement surely implies that David considers himself blessed for the peacefulness he enjoys.

"He leads me besides the still waters." This statement in the text also implies peacefulness and quietness of mind. That peacefulness and quietness of mind is understood whenever one puts their life into the hands of Jehovah (cf., Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." 2 Tim 1:12 "That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.")

COMMENT ON VERSE 3:

"He restores my soul;" This phrase indicates that David felt renewed constantly as a result of his relationship with Jehovah.

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

COMMENT ON VERSE 4:

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil;" What a great confidence and trust David possessed in Jehovah, indicated by the fact that he was not afraid or concerned even of dead.

"for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."

The grounds for David's lack of fear even of death resides in his knowledge of Jehovah's great power and ability [cf., indicated by the use of the words rod and staff in the text] to preserve and protect him even though he die.

COMMENTS ON VERSE 5:

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

"my cup runs over." This phrase in the Psalm indicates that David feels that his life and good fortune as provided by Jehovah is complete (i.e., as full as possible).

COMMENTS ON VERSE 6:

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life;" David indicates that he looks forward to living a good life in God's care for all the time he is permitted to reside on the earth.

"And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." David has sufficient confidence in God's care to look forward to a home beyond the grave where he will dwell forever. Other men and women of the Old Testament -- cf. Hebrews 11, share this particular point in David's confidence in God.

DO YOU HAVE THAT KIND OF RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD?

You can have that kind of confidence in God if you have made a decision to faithfully serve Him all the days of your life. Indeed it may be difficult at times to hold fast to the faith (cf., Jude 3 -- "Beloved, while I was giving all diligence to write unto you of our common salvation, I was constrained to write unto you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints." (ASV) but the example of David and the example of the faithful ones mentioned in Hebrews 11 will convince us that it can be done. Since this is so, let us endeavor with all our intellect to apply our hearts to serving God, as He would have us do.

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YOUR INVITATION TO OUR GOSPEL MEETING

Please consider this your invitation to attend our special lecture series, the theme of the series is evangelism.

Speakers for the meeting will be Kent Clark from Malta, Ohio, Ben Hastings from Columbus, Ohio -- Tim Wessel from Columbus, Ohio -- Randy Yerby from Norwalk, Ohio -- Dan Degarmo from Columbus, Ohio -- James Buchanan from Temple Terrace, Florida.

Dates for the meeting will be June 20-25, Sunday through Friday.

The times for the meeting will be Sunday at 10:30 AM and 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday at 7:30 PM. Everyone is invited to come and participate in this series of important studies. See you there!

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DEMONSTRATING LOVE FOR GOD AND OTHERS

We hear a lot today about love, it seems that there are many interpretations of the word itself but there is one interpretation that is sure, God's interpretation. Please observe the following thoughts in the Scriptural references that relate to love:

Matthew 5:43-44,

43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy.

44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; (KJV)

Mark 12:30-31,

30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these (KJV)

John 13:34,

34 A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

John 13:34-35,

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

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

John 14:15,

15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. (KJV)

John 14:23,

23 Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. (NIV)

John 14:23-24,

23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: 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 sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. (KJV)

Galatians 5:6,

6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. (KJV)

2 Thessalonians 2:10,

10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. (KJV)

1 John 2:5,

5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know

we that we are in him. (KJV)

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LECTURE PROGRAM

(Gospel Meeting)

CHURCH OF CHRIST

4840 Cemetery Road

Hilliard, Ohio 43026

THEME OF THE LECTURESHIP: "EVANGELISM"

DATES: June 20-25 (Sunday through Friday)

SPEAKER SUBJECT TIME

Kent Clark (Sunday) Yesterday and today in evangelism 10:30 AM

Kent Clark (Sunday) Yesterday and today in evangelism 6:00 PM

(Wolf Creek Church of Christ, Malta, OH)

Ben Hastings (Monday) Young People and evangelism 7:30 PM

(Broad Street Church of Christ, Columbus, OH)

Tim Wessel (Tuesday) Congregational evangelism 7:30 PM

(Park Row Church of Christ, Columbus, OH)

Randy Yearby (Wednesday Electronic evangelism 7:30 PM

(Norwalk Church of Christ, Norwalk, OH)

Dan DeGarmo (Thursday) Family evangelism 7:30 PM

(Eastside Church of Christ, Canal Winchester, OH)

James Buchanan (Friday) Personal evangelism 7:30 PM

(Temple Terrace, Florida)

Everyone is invited to study these special subjects with us. If we can assist you with information please call Garreth L Clair at (614) 850-7252 or call the building number and leave a message at (614) 876-4089

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NEWS PAGE -- HILLIARD BULLETIN - JUNE 1999

Lectureship program (Gospel Meeting) announcement in this issue:

The work on the front of the meetinghouse is almost complete.

Our shut-in:

Brother and sister Sherwood,

Brother Robert Palmer,

Brother McFadden,

(Remember these in calls, prayers, cards, and visits.)

Sister Gladys Williamson's husband passed away on May 11, 1999. Our sympathy goes out to the widow and family.

Sister Teresa House was restored here at the meetinghouse on May 9, 1999. We are all encouraged by her courage to do that right. May God bless her to be strong and may we all learn from her good example.

Did you know?

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)

Hebrews 13:5-6,

5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me

HILLIARD HEIGHTS I CONDOS (target for May personal work):

The 3rd Saturday in May (i.e., May 15, 1999) at 10:00 AM several of us met at the meetinghouse and went over to the Hilliard Heights I Condo complex. The packets of useful information prepared for hanging on the doors were distributed to each apartment in the complex.

Brethren, let us continue to do the good works:

1 Cor 15:58, "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." (KJV)

2 Cor 9:8, "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:" (KJV)

Phil 2:12, "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (KJV)

Col 1:10, "That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;" (KJV)

Tuesday June 1, 1999

HILLIARD BULLETIN

Published by the church of Christ

4840 Cemetery Road - P.O. Box 96

Hilliard, Ohio 43026

Phone: (614) 876-4089

Evangelist: Garreth L. Clair

Phone: (614) 850-7252

Email: glclair@aol.com

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Volume 2 ----------------- Number 7 ---------------- July, 1999

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"GUESSWORK"

Garreth L. Clair

In many areas of life we guess or estimate things rather than go to the trouble of going out and finding the exact answer. An illustration of guesswork that most of us are familiar with is the end of thumb to the end of the little finger (i.e., a span) or stepping off an area by estimating that each step is equal to 1 yard. Another illustration of time that we sometimes use is to look at the location of the sun in the heavens and guess at the time of day. These illustrations could be lengthened to include almost all things even to cooking and baking (i.e., a pinch of salt or two grindings of peppercorns, etc. These estimations or this kind of guesswork does not matter too much in the scheme of things in the material world with the things I have already suggested, but they may mean death to the person who goes to a pharmacist to fill a complicated prescription and the pharmacist uses guesswork in measuring the various amount of drugs, etc. that go into the capsule. It is therefore extremely important in many instances to use an absolutely perfect rule for measuring things, -- sometimes our very life may depend upon an accurate measurement.

This principle is also extremely important in our attempt to be correct in our pursuit at finding the true church of Christ and the correct procedure for entering that church, the correct pattern to follow for worship, etc. The procedure that many use, "guesswork" or "maybe-so" is not good enough. God says as much in the following verses:

Prov 14:12; 16:25,

12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

1 Sam 15:22-23,

22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.

23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.

John 12:48,

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

The "Word of God" (i.e., the Bible - properly interpreted) is the absolute 'TRUTH" pertaining to man and his relationship to God in all things. There is no room at all for guesswork in our relationship to God - we have the "TRUTH" as God wanted us to have it, written down in the Bible. Since we do have the "Perfect Will of God" for us, we can but submit our will to that which it directs us to do or to be - knowing full well that will be enough. "Our faith rests on nothing else but Jesus Christ and His Revelation to us"

John 8:32,

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

John 17:17,

17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is

truth. (KJV)

John 12:48,

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)

----- SEEKING AUTHORITY -----

Garreth L. Clair

One of the problems that plague us in this period of history is the problem of an authoritative source. Many people today have been so conditioned by the electronic and printed media that they think there is no absolute truth. Consequently, if there is no absolute truth one cannot ever know anything for sure. This kind of reasoning in our society today has created a difficult situation for Christians that want to teach the sinner the pure gospel. You see, the sinner does not believe there is any absolute truth (i.e., a source of authority that is wholly the truth).

AUTHORITY IN SPIRITUAL MATTERS

God has informed man that it is not within his ability to lead an orderly, acceptable, and constructive life

Jer 10:23, "O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps." (KJV) Man, is therefore dependent upon God to lead an acceptable life. If man insists that there is no absolute truth (i.e., no authoritative source) that man may turn to in order to be correct, then man will not acquire the truth. This philosophy cannot be true for the simple reason that man is here and there must be some answer to his origin and continued existence. The only two alternatives are: 1st Man is here simply by chance as the evolutionist, Charles Darwin has observed or 2nd Man is here as a result of God's creation activity recorded in the Scriptures and this fact, if accepted necessitates acceptance of the Bible (i.e. the 66 Books of the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures). Once one has accepted a standard (i.e., and authoritative source), either evolution or the Biblical account of origins, one may then pursue the lifestyle that is acceptable based upon his conception of what is true.

MAN, A FREE MORAL AGENT

Each person is a free moral agent. The definition of "free moral agent" is, the individual has a built in ability to choose between good and evil. Examples of this ability:

Josh 24:15-16,

15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

16 And the people answered and said, God

forbid that we should forsake the LORD, to serve other gods;

NOTE: In the case of Joshua it is clear, he indicates that the choice between Baal and Jehovah was in the hands of the people (individually and collectively), to make. They could choose Baal or Jehovah. We find in the next verse that they understood this and made the choice to serve Jehovah.

Matt 7:21-27,

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.

24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

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

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

27 And the rain descended, and the floods

came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

NOTE: In this instruction by our Lord it is evident that the power to be right with God is predicated upon individual response, to do as God instructs or to disobey that which God instructs.

In this reading wisdom is equated as the ability to choose to follow God's instruction (i.e., the builder on the rock) verses the foolish builder (i.e., the builder on sand). The underlying truth here is the different choices the two builders made; the wise built his lifestyle on the instructions of God the foolish built his lifestyle on other foundations. The wise choose to serve God and the foolish do not!

Phil 2:12,

"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."

NOTE: Here, obedience is a choice -- one may of his own free will choose to obey God or disobey God. The text indicates that the ability is personal and individual in nature.

James 1:25,

"But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." (KJV)

NOTE: This passage shows that one who is a Christian may or may not continue in an acceptable condition. The individual that is acceptable to God is the person that continues to choose to serve God correctly (i.e., according to Divine instruction). Man may determine of the two choices above to choose either one. If man chooses to accept evolution and its attendant philosophies he may do so. On the other hand if man chooses to accept the Bible's account of origins he ought to choose to comply (i.e., live) as the Bible instructs him. You see, there are only two choices about authority that one may make, only one of them is acceptable to God.

THE TRUTH

Yes, there is an authoritative source for religious information, "the Bible". The Bible (i.e., God's instruction) teaches that the "Truth will make one free" from sin -- cf., John 8:32. That objective truth (i.e., the truth from God revealed) can make one free from sin if man chooses to comply with its conditions of salvation from sin and will continue to live a lifestyle consistent with its teaching. We can know that God considers His Written Word as

authoritative for salvation from sin and proper living by an appeal to it. Consider the following:

John 8:32,

and ye shall know the truth, and the

truth shall make you free. (ASV)

The truth is capable of making one free from sin if one will choose it. If one does not choose it he cannot be saved.

John 17:17,

"Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is truth. (ASV)

The Word of God either spoken [i.e., of ancient times to Adam, Abraham, Moses, etc.], or the written is under consideration in this text. God's Word is therefore absolutely the truth and will be suitable for whatever man needs in his spiritual relationship with God if he chooses to abide within its boundaries. If he does not choose to abide within the boundaries of God's Word his good relationship with God will not exist or continue, as one can understand from examination of the following text found in:

John 12:48-50,

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.

49 For I spake not from myself; but the Father that sent me, he hath given me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.

50 And I know that his commandment is life

eternal: the things therefore which I speak, even as the Father hath said unto me, so I speak. (ASV)

AUTHORITY FOR EVERY ONE

The Bible is an authoritative document from God to all mankind. The contents of the Bible will lead the honorable inquirer to a good relationship with God through grace, faith, and obedience. This good relationship will not happen unless one exercises personal responsibility and comes to God on God's terms. Coming to God on God's terms is a simplified way of saying that one must:

1st Hear the gospel, Romans 10:17

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

3rd Repent of sins, Acts 2:38

4th Confess Christ, Romans 10:9, 10

5th Be baptized (immersed), Acts 2:38; Rom 6:3, 4

For remission of sin, Acts 2:38.

After one has complied with the conditions contained in the Divine pattern one is then added to the church (cf. Acts 2:47)

FOR A BETTER UNDERSTANDING

Garreth L. Clair

Editor's note: In future issues I will utilize this heading to discuss some passage of Scripture or some concept that pertains to the Bible. Our discussion this month will deal with the question of eternal punishment. Will there be eternal punishment for the people that obey not the laws and instructions of God? Some definitions need to be established as we look at this subject:

1st The concept of eternal punishment is discussed in the scriptures [i.e., the Bible -- the 66 Books of the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures]. If one does not accept the Bible as THE WORD OF GOD, establishing the validity of eternal punishment for the wicked is difficult. Because this is so many people do not accept the doctrine of eternal punishment -- they do not believe the Bible to be infallible [i.e., without error].

2nd Those that accept the Bible as the WORD OF GOD will also accept the reality of eternal punishment for the wicked. Bible believers accept the fact of eternal punishment because of the following. Definition of the word "ETERNAL" as used in the Bible follows:

"1. aion ^165^, "an age," is translated "eternal" in <Eph. 3:11>, lit., "(purpose) of the ages" (marg.), and <1 Tim. 1:17>, lit. "(king) of the ages" (marg.). See AGE.

2. aionios ^166^ "describes duration, either undefined but not endless, as in <Rom. 16:25; 2 Tim. 1:9; Titus 1:2>; or undefined because endless

as in <Rom. 16:26>, and the other sixty-six places in the NT.

"The predominant meaning of aionios, that in which it is used everywhere in the NT, save the places noted above, may be seen in <2 Cor. 4:18>, where it is set in contrast with proskairos, lit., `for season, and in <Philem. 15>, where only in the NT it is used without a noun. Moreover it is used of persons and things which are in their nature endless, as, e. g., of God, <Rom. 16:26>; of His power, <1 Tim. 6:16>, and of His glory, <1 Pet. 5:10>; of the Holy Spirit, <Heb. 9:14>; of the redemption effected by Christ, <Heb. 9:12>, and of the consequent salvation of men, <5:9>, as well as of His future rule, <2 Pet. 1:11>, which is elsewhere declared to be without end, <Luke 1:33>; of the life received by those who believe in Christ, <John 3:16>, concerning whom He said, `they shall never perish,' <10:28>, and of the resurrection body, <2 Cor. 5:1>, elsewhere said to be `immortal,' <1 Cor. 15:53>, in which that life will be finally realized, <Matt. 25:46; Titus 1:2>.

"Aionios is also used of the sin that `hath never forgiveness,' <Mark 3:29>, and of the judgment of God, from which there is no appeal, <Heb. 6:2>, and of the fire, which is one of its instruments, <Matt. 18:8; 25:41; Jude 7>, and which is elsewhere said to be `unquenchable,' <Mark 9:43>.

"The use of aionios here shows that the punishment referred to in <2 Thes. 1:9>, is no temporary, but final, and, accordingly, the phraseology shows that its purpose is not remedial but retributive."

From Notes on Thessalonians, by Hogg and Vine, pp 232, 233.

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NEWS AND NOTES – July 1999

Our sympathy extended:

To Debbie Buchanan and family in the passing of her mother. Funeral services were conducted in Mt Gilead, Ohio on Tuesday, June 22, 1999.

Our sympathy extended:

To Sue Buchanan and family in the passing of her brother John D. Cox. Funeral services were conducted in Plainfield, N.J.

New picture directories prepared:

The new directories of those attending worship at 4840 Cemetery Road are finished, see the Kirks or the Brewers for information and a copy.

Don't forget our shut-in! with prayers, calls, cards, and visits.

Personal work privileges available:

Each Thursday at 5:00 PM meet at the building for address assignments.

Each 3rd Saturday at 10:00 AM for group visitation at one of the housing developments, apartment complex, or condominium complex.

New audio system installed in the meetinghouse July 5th and 6th.

Members will hear the Bible teacher and the worship activities at the front and back of the auditorium much better now that the new system has been installed.

HILLIARD BULLETIN

4840 Cemetery Road – P.O. Box 96

Hilliard, Ohio 43026

Phone: (614) 876-4089

Evangelist: Garreth L. Clair

Phone: (614) 850-7252

Email: glclair@aol.com

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

Volume 2 ---------------- Number 8 ---------------- August 1999

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DO YOU ATTEND WORSHIP?

Editorial: Garreth L. Clair

I have discovered that many people do not attend worship service anytime. I have also observed that some members of the church of Christ are very lax in their attendance at worship opportunities. There may be a number of causes for this situation, let us look at some of the possible causes and some of the solutions to this problem.

First of all let us look at the individuals in the world (i.e., the unconverted) and examine their possible reasons and God's solution to their problem of attending worship.

1. Perhaps many people fail to attend worship because they do not believe in God. If you are one of those people you are an atheist (i.e., one that does not believe there is a God). If you are an atheist; how do you possible explain your very own existence, how do you explain the orderly actions of our earth and the universe in which we live, the fact that the Bible exist and that the very time by which we live has its beginning with Jesus Christ sojourn here on this earth. How can one disbelieve in God whenever one ventures outside on a crisp, clear, dark, night to observe the many lights hanging in the darkness of space and exclaim there is no God? (NKJ)

Psalms 14:1,

"The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good." (NKJ)

Psalms 53:1,

"The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good."

2. Perhaps the individual that has no interest in worship feels that he does not need to involve himself

in these matters of church attendance and worship. Let us examine the Book of God with regard to this carless approach.

Heb 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)

Heb 1:6,

"And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him." (KJV)

Heb 2:2-3,

"For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; - How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;" (KJV)

3. Perhaps you do not attend or have in interest in worshipping God because of some evil action you have observed in some so called Christian. A person that said that he was a Christian betrayed you and for that reason you will nor seek to serve God because you have been hurt by those you think are God's people.

RESPONSE:

Many people attend church somewhere, not all of them are attending the right church, not all of them are saved people (i.e., some are pretenders). The true child of God will not act like a hypocrite, the true child of God will correct his/her sins whenever they fall, and the true child of God will never dishonor their Savior or their God.

Matthew 7:15-21, "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. - Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? - Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. - A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. - Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. - Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. - 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. (KJV)

Dear friend, do not allow the hypocrites, and pretenders in this world to prevent you from coming to Christ and obeying His gospel. You must not allow these double-minded hypocrites to keep you from the Savior who loves you and would have you to be saved from your sin. Please look past those that are not what they ought to be and make your life right with God.

CONSIDER THIS:

Matt 11:28,

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Matt 16:24,

"Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."

Rev 22:17,

"The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life. "

Don't you see my friend? The condition of others or the actions of others must not be the cause of your refusal to serve the true God. Will you not reconsider, will you not come to Christ (i.e., visit the congregation here at 4840 Cemetery Road in Hilliard) and give him your undivided attention and service for the rest of your life. Make a decision today about your eternal destiny; Jesus calls you by name:

"Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest"

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----- GOD'S PLAN FOR YOUR SALVATIONFROM SIN -----

HEAR THE GOSPEL

Romans 10:17

"So belief (cometh) of hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ."(ASV)

BELIEVE THE GOSPEL

Mark 16:16

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

REPENT OF SINS

Acts 2:38

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

CONFESSION WITH THE MOUTH

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.

BAPTISM FOR REMISSION OF SINS

Acts 2:38

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

”GOD LOVES YOU“

John 3:16

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)

John 15:9-10

9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

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. (KJV)

Romans 5:8-9

8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. (KJV)

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NEWS AND NOTES August 1999

Members have moved away:

1. Jay and Vicki Boggs have moved to Jacksonville, FL. Their new address nay be found in the new pictorial directory.

2. The Achee's have moved to Denver, CO. Their new address may be found in the new pictorial directory. Jennifer is still living here in Hilliard with her grandparents, temporarily.

3. Matt and Heidi Palmer have also moved to Florida to be near her parents. Whenever we receive their permanent address we will post it for everyone.

Five new booklets being published:

The five new booklets now being prepared by the preacher will be 8 1/2 X 11 spiral bound books. The titles of the booklets will be (cf., see list following). Three of the booklets are complete but the other two are still under construction by yours truly:

1. Music (i.e., singing)

2. Prayer

3. Communion

4. Preaching (i.e., teaching)

5. The contribution and the treasure

Remember our shut-in with cards, calls, prayers, and visits.

Remember our on-going personal work efforts:

1. Thursdays at 5:00 PM and 6:30 PM meeting at the building for assignment.

2. The third Saturday in each month at 10:00 AM meeting at the building and proceeding to predetermined condo or apartment complex to go door to door visiting.

Brethren, keep up the good works it shows in increased attendance and personal dedication.

Quotes:

"We cannot become good people by doing bad things - ever!"

"The road to heaven is paved with good (i.e., righteous) living."

"You can't do wrong and escape the consequence."

"You will reap whatever you sow."

"God always knows - He knows everything that we think."

See you next month - Lord permitting.

HILLIARD BULLETIN

Church of Christ - 4840 Cemetery Road

Hilliard, Ohio 43026 -

Phone: (614) 876-4089

Evangelist: Garreth L. Clair

Phone: (614) 850-7252

Email: glclair@aol.com

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

Volume 2 ------------------ Number 9 ----------------- September 1999

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

DO YOU LOVE GOD?

Editorial: Garreth L. Clair

Many people today say that they do love God but do they really? Let us examine this question in our editorial for this month.

GOD DOES LOVE MANKIND

John 3:16-17,

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.

17 For God sent not the Son into the world to judge the world; but that the world should be saved through him."

I John 4:7-8,

7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. (KJV)

I John 4:10-12,

10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. (KJV)

IS GOD FIRST IN YOUR LIFE?

It is easy to say yes, but is God and the things of God really first in our mind and life? If the things of God are first in our list of priorities we will find time to do God's work. We do know that HE ought to be first!

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

OUR FRUITS WILL TELL

Matt 22:37-39,

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

38 This is the first and great commandment.

39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

Mark 12:30,

30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' (NIV)

John 14:15,

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

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."

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DOING GOOD IS ALWAYS APPROPIATE

GOOD:

A word with two distinct meanings in the Bible:

1. As an adjective, good means "pleasant" <Prov. 15:23>, "full measure" <Gen. 30:20>, "kind" and "gracious" <1 Sam. 25:15>.

2. As a noun, good means primarily God Himself <Mark 10:18>. The Bible also speaks of God's works, gifts, and commands as good.

(from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary)

GOODNESS:

The quality of being good; praiseworthy character; moral excellence. The Bible speaks often of the goodness of God <Ex. 33:19; Rom. 2:4>. God's goodness consists of righteousness, holiness, justice, kindness, grace, mercy, and love. Goodness is also one of the fruits of the Spirit that should characterize Christian believers <Gal. 5:22>. Christians are called to goodness, even as God the Father is perfect and good <Matt. 5:48>.

(from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary)

THE TRUE CHRISTIAN WILL BE BUSY IN GOOD WORKS - THE TRUE CHRISTIAN'S GOODNESS WILL BE KNOWN THROUGHOUT THE CONGREGATION AND THE COMMUNITY.

-------------------------------------------------------------

"LOVE THY NEIGHBOR"

Some of Jesus' teaching is very difficult for man to live, even for those of us that have been Christians for a long time. One of those problem areas is His answer to the experts in the law when asked what is the greatest commandment. Jesus answered him with two propositions, note the following:

Under the Law of Moses it was clear that God desired his people to possess a kind of love that considers others without discrimination.

Lev 19:18,

18 Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself: I am the LORD. (KJV)

In Matt 5:43-44, Jesus extends and strengthens the instruction to his disciples to love not only their cordial neighbor but to also love the neighbor that is not neighborly and to go so far as to love his enemy.

43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy.

44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; (KJV)

And in Matt 22:37-40, Jesus again gives the instruction to that expert in the law to the effect that love for God is to be demonstrated also to one's neighbor.

37 Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'

38 This is the first and greatest commandment.

39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'

40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on

these two commandments." (NIV)

It is never easy to love those that do not respond to us whenever we try to cultivate their friendship. Yet, Jesus instructs us to do that very thing in Matt 5:46-48,

46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?

47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?

48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly

Father is perfect. (NIV)

Indeed, we are to pursue the good for others as we live on this earth. Perhaps there will be occasions when we will not be able to receive a good response from someone we are trying to befriend. If that does occur, don’t blame yourself necessarily because God's Word plainly tells us that this may occur -

Heb 12:14,

14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: (KJV)

Rom 12:18,

18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (NIV)

Therefore, we ought to love God and also love our brethren and our neighbors, including our enemies.

Gal 6:10,

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,

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)

LET US SHOW OUR LOVE FOR GOD AND OUR LOVE FOR OUR NEIGHBORS IN THE DEEDS THAT WE DO FOR BOTH.

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NEWS and NOTES – September 1999

ONE RESTORED:

Brother Noah Meade Jr. ask for prayers of the congregation on his behalf Wednesday night,

August 18, 1999.

THE FIVE ACTS OF WORSHIP BOOKLETS NOW AVAILABLE TO THE MEMBERSHIP:

The booklets are:

1. Music in Worship

2. Prayer

3. The Communion

4. Preaching

5. Laying by in Store

PERSONAL WORK PROGRAMS GOING WELL:

The cooperation and participation for the two personal work programs has been good. We are thankful to those who work behind the scenes to help us with the stuffed plastic bags, the printing and preparing of the personal work booklets, the HILLIARD BULLETIN, and the booklets for SPECIAL CLASSES. Thanks to those of you who give up your third Saturday morning too.

USING THE INTERNET FOR EVANGELISM:

1. A new program will begin September 1, 1999 titled "A TAPE A MONTH" - this program will provide a selected tape each month for those that request it via the Internet.

2. A new program that makes a seven lesson correspondence course available via the internet had its beginning in August. The program is off to a good start.

3. A new homepage is available via the Internet: http://hometown.aol.com/glclair/myhomepage/index.html

SEE YOU NEXT MONTH, Lord willing.

HILLIARD BULLETIN

Church of Christ - 4840 Cemetery Road

Hilliard, Ohio 43026

Phone: (614) 876-4089

Evangelist: Garreth L. Clair

Phone: (614) 850-7252

Email: glclair@aol.com

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Volume 2 ----------------- Number 10 ----------------- October 1999

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HOW MUCH TOLERATION IS TOO MUCH?

Editorial: Garreth L. Clair

One of the current problems in our society has to do with toleration. The definition of toleration is:

Toleration, noun:

1. a willingness to put up with beliefs and actions of which one does not approve.

2. The recognition of a person's right to worship as he thinks best without loss of civil rights or social privileges. freedom of worship.

Tolerationist, noun:

A person who supports or advocates toleration, especially in religious matters.

Tolerative, adjective:

Tending to tolerate or be tolerant; permissive. (WORLD BOOK – CD)

EDITORIAL COMMENT:

To be tolerant of others and their beliefs is good but to accept the beliefs of everyone on all subjects regardless of their ethical, moral, or social implication is not acceptable to God - cf., Col 3:17, "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). The Christian is duty bound to follow the Divine code (i.e., the Bible) with regard to moral, ethical, and social interaction. Here is where the Christian has problems with the toleration of everything. If the socially accepted standard for men and women is fornication and adultery the Christian cannot approve of or ignore that violation of God's law (i.e., sin is the violation of God's Law cf., 1 John 3:4; Hebrews 2:2). If the fornicator comes into the congregation and demands equal rights with the faithful without repenting of his sin he cannot be accepted. The leadership of the church must not allow that person membership rights - cf., 1 Cor 5:1-7,

1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.

2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.

3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,

4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,

5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?

7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: (KJV)

EQUALITY IN CHRIST:

All faithful members of the congregation are afforded equal access to all the privileges of membership. The only thing that deprives one of rights in the church is their sinfulness and insistence on continuing to live in sin. You see, the fornicator, adulterer, thief, murderer, etc. may be forgiven of their sin by accepting the conditions from God and pursuing them but if the sinner persists in sinning he/she cannot be granted membership privileges. You see, Christ adds the saved to the church - He will not make any mistakes in this process cf., Acts 22:47.

CONTINUING IN SIN IS NOT REPENTENCE:

The sinner that truly repents will not continue in the sin but will not commit that sin any longer. You see, repentance of sin is a turning from sin and pursuing righteousness (i.e., God's lifestyle as revealed via the Bible). The thief that repents of stealing has not repented if he continues to steal - he is still a thief. The adulterer that repents of adultery has not repented if he/she continues in the sin of adultery (i.e., keeps on living in adultery). The homosexual that repents of his/her homosexuality has not repented if he/she continues to practice the sin. As you can see, if one really repents of a sin (any sin) he will not continue to practice (i.e., continuous action) that sin.

True repenting is demonstrated through actions. The person that repents of a sin and then continues in that sin is unacceptable to God while in the sin. The only people that may serve God acceptably are those that have been born again and are living a lifestyle continually according to God's instruction. The individual that pretends to repent of a sin but continues to practice the sin cannot serve God acceptably.

By studying the passages of Scripture following and examination of the definition from the Greek lexicon one can see that repentance is a turning from sin and a turning to righteousness -

3340 metanoeo (met-an-o-eh'-o);

from 3326 and 3539; to think differently or afterwards, i.e. reconsider (morally, feel compunction):

KJV-- repent. (STRONG'S GREEK DICTIONARY)

REPENT, REPENTANCE

A. Verbs.

1. metanoeo ^3340^, lit., "to perceive afterwards" (meta, "after," implying "change," noeo, "to perceive"; nous, "the mind, the seat of moral reflection"), in contrast to pronoeo, "to perceive beforehand," hence signifies "to change one's mind or purpose," always, in the NT, involving a change for the better, an amendment, and always, except in <Luke 17:3, 4>, of "repentance" from sin. The word is found in the Synoptic Gospels (in Luke, nine times), in Acts five times, in the Apocalypse twelve times, eight in the messages to the churches, <2:5> (twice), <16,21> (twice), RV, "she willeth not to repent" (2nd part); <3:3,19> (the only churches in those chapters which contain no exhortation in this respect are those at Smyrna and Philadelphia); elsewhere only in <2 Cor. 12:21>. See also the general Note below.

2. metamelomai ^3338^, meta, as in No. 1, and melo, "to care for," is used in the passive voice with middle voice sense, signifying "to regret, to repent oneself," <Matt. 21:29>, RV, "repented himself"; <v. 32>, RV, "ye did (not) repent yourselves" (KJV, "ye repented not"); <27:3>, "repented himself"; <2 Cor. 7:8> (twice), RV, "regret" in each case; <Heb. 7:21>, where alone in the NT it is said (negatively) of God.#

B. Adjective.

ametameletos ^278^, "not repented of, unregretted" (a, negative, and a verbal adjective of A, No. 2), signifies "without change of purpose"; it is said (a) of God in regard to his "gifts and calling," <Rom. 11:29>; (b) of man, <2 Cor. 7:10>, RV, "[repentance (metanoia, see C)]... which bringeth no regret" (KJV, "not to be repented of"); the difference between metanoia and metamelomai, illustrated here, is briefly expressed in the contrast between "repentance" and "regret."#

C. Noun.

metanoia ^3341^, "afterthought, change of mind, repentance," corresponds in meaning to A, No. 1, and is used of "repentance" from sin or evil, except in <Heb. 12:17>, where the word "repentance" seems to mean, not simply a change of Isaac's mind, but such a change as would reverse the effects of his own previous state of mind. Esau's birthright-bargain could not be recalled; it involved an irretrievable loss.

As regards "repentance" from sin, (a) the requirement by God on man's part is set forth, e. g., in <Matt. 3:8; Luke 3:8; Acts 20:21; 26:20>; (b) the mercy of God in giving "repentance" or leading men to it is set forth, e. g., in <Acts 5:31; 11:18; Rom. 2:4; 2 Tim. 2:25>. The most authentic mss. omit the word in <Matt. 9:13> and <Mark 2:17>, as in the RV.

Note: In the OT, "repentance" with reference to sin is not so prominent as that change of mind or purpose, out of pity for those who have been affected by one's action, or in whom the results of the action have not fulfilled expectations, a "repentance" attributed both to God and to man, e. g., <Gen. 6:6; Exod. 32:14> (that this does not imply anything contrary to God's immutability, but that the aspect of His mind is changed toward an object that has itself changed, see under RECONCILE).

In the NT the subject chiefly has reference to "repentance" from sin, and this change of mind involves both a turning from sin and a turning to God. The parable of the Prodigal Son is an outstanding illustration of this. Christ began His ministry with a call to "repentance," <Matt. 4:17>, but the call is addressed, not as in the OT to the nation, but to the individual. In the Gospel of John, as distinct from the Synoptic Gospels, referred to above, "repentance" is not mentioned, even in connection with John the Baptist's preaching; in John's gospel and 1st epistle the effects are stressed, e. g., in the new birth, and, generally, in the active turning from sin to God by the exercise of faith <John 3:3; 9:38; 1 John 1:9>, as in the NT in general.

(from Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words)

Matt 13:49,

49 This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous (NIV)

Acts 26:20,

20 First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds. (NIV)

2 Cor 7:8-11,

8 For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season.

9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.

10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

Rev 2:21-22,

21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.

22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. (KJV)

LOVE IS NOT THE ISSUE HERE:

The sinner is not unloved, he is not hated, he is not abused, he is denied full privileges based upon his refusal to comply with God's conditions of acceptability. If the sinner repents and goes onward and lives by the Divine standard he/she will be afforded all membership privileges.

Indeed, toleration is good up to a point but when toleration accepts sinful lifestyles it effects the whole church and must be corrected. The process for correcting individual and local congregational problems are documented clearly - cf., Matthew 18:14-17,

14 Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.

17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

1 Corinthians 5:7,

8 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: (KJV)

A QUESTION OF FAITH - JUDE 3; 2 JOHN 9-11:

The problem with social and political correctness verses God's law within the church is often misunderstood. What can be done in matters outside the church cannot necessarily apply in the church. For instance, the social acceptability of pornography, XXX rated films, the playboy philosophy, fornication before marriage as acceptable, using the Lord's name in vain, abusing drugs (both prescription and illegal), free love (i.e. the Woodstock philosophy), and many other things are unacceptable to God and to those people who sincerely follow HIM. The reason that the above things are unacceptable is not based upon some silly notion but is based upon the teaching of the Bible. You see the teaching of the Bible is the guide for the true Christian not the current social or politically accepted actions and philosophies of man -

cf., Acts 5:27-29,

27 Having brought the apostles, they made them appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest.

28 "We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name," he said. "Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man's blood."

29 Peter and the other apostles replied: "We must obey God rather than men! (NIV)

True Christians work very hard at trying to live by Divine principles revealed via the Bible, sometimes the true Christian may stumble but if he is sincere he will repent and return to faithful living - cf.,

Acts 5:27-29,

27 Having brought the apostles, they made them appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest.

28 "We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name," he said. "Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man's blood."

29 Peter and the other apostles replied: "We must obey God rather than men! (NIV)

1 Peter 4:1-6,

1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;

2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:

4 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:

5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.

6 For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged

according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. (KJV)

LET US THEREFORE BE TOLERANT UP TO A POINT BUT IF TOLERATION LEADS ME TO CONDONE SIN -

MY TOLERATION MUST END, I MUST TAKE A STAND ON GOD'S WORD.

Jude 1:3,

"Beloved, while I was giving all diligence to write unto you of our common salvation, I was constrained to write unto you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints." (ASV)

2 John 1:9-11,

"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. - If any one cometh unto you, and bringeth not this teaching, receive him not into (your) house, and give him no greeting: - for he that giveth him greeting partaketh in his evil works."

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NEWS PAGE – October 1999

One baptized here at Cemetery Road:

Kevin Kirk was baptized into Christ on September 19, 1999. We are happy for his decision to serve the Lord.

Both of the personal work programs continue:

The Thursday program at 5:00 PM and at 6:30 PM will continue as long as weather permits.

The third Saturday program at 10:00 AM will also continue until weather conditions drive us indoors.

New song books:

On September 28, 1999 we placed 24 new Sacred Selections in the pews.

Remember the sick and shut-in:

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)

See you next month, same place, Lord willing!

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THINGS YOU CAN DO TO

PROMOTE

NUMERICAL GROWTH

1. Prepare a list of people you know, over which you have some influence, get their name, address, and zip code together, then let them know that you would like for

them to attend service with you. You may also ask them if they would like to read our monthly bulletin, "Hilliard Bulletin" - if they are interested in your suggestion, follow through. If your friend would like to attend service with you, suggest that you would be happy to pick them up at their residence. If your friend indicates that they would like to receive the "Hilliard Bulletin" make sue that they get a copy each time it is published.

2. If you know anyone not now attending service that at one time did attend by all means contact that person and ask him/her to return. Even if you have asked

before, give it another try!

3. In many instances you may know people but you don't know how they will react if you mention the church to them, with such a person the best approach may be to

approach them with a simple offer of a tract such as "An Introduction to the Church." In some instances this will open them up for further encouragement.

4. Set a good example for those you are in contact with. We are in constant contact with people at work, at school, when we are shopping, as neighbors, and as family

members. In all of our contacts let us remember that we are displaying our religious conviction, we are a testimony to the benefits of serving Jesus Christ faithfully.

Remember this fact:

Matthew 5:14-16

"Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. - Neither do (men) light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shineth unto all that are in the house. - Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." (ASV)

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----- GOSPEL MEETING -----

LOCATION:

CHURCH OF CHRIST

4840 CEMETERY RAOD

HILLIARD, OHIO 43026

SPEAKER:

Johnie Paul Edwards

From Clayton, Indiana

DATES:

October 17-22, 1999

TIME:

Sunday - 10:30 AM and 6:00 PM

Monday to Friday - 7:30 PM

Information Call (614) 850-7252

EVERYONE IS INVITED!

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----- RIGHTEOUSNESS -----

DEFINITION:

dikaiosune NT:1343 is "the character or quality of being right or just"; it was formerly spelled "rightwiseness," which clearly expresses the meaning. (from Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, Copyright (c)1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers)

NT:1343 (i.e., Strong's Numbers):

dikaiosune (dik-ah-yos-oo'-nay); from NT:1342; equity (of character or act); specially (Christian) justification:

KJV-righteousness.

RIGHTEOUSNESS IS THEREFORE

I. WHATEVER CONFORMS TO THE REVEALED WILL OF GOD - as:

A. Those who hunger and thirst after it - Matt 5:6, "Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." ASV

B. Those who suffer persecution - Matt 5:10, "Blessed are they that have been persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." ASV

C. Those whose deeds exceed those of the Pharisees - Matt 5:20. "For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven." KJV

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

A. Jesus' example - Matt 3:15, "And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him." KJV

B. Jesus commandment - Heb. 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

III. CORRECT PRIORITIES OF LIFE:

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

Matt 6:19-21,

"19. Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

20. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

21. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." KJV

IV. COMMANDMENT KEEPING:

Matt 20:1 - 15,

1. "For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that was a householder, who went out early in the morning to hire laborers into his vineyard.

2. And when he had agreed with the laborers for a shilling a day, he sent them into his vineyard.

3. And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing in the marketplace idle;

4. and to them he said, Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.

5. Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did likewise.

6. And about the eleventh (hour) he went out, and found others standing; and he saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?

7. They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard.

8. And when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the laborers, and pay them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.

9. And when they came that (were hired) about the eleventh hour, they received every man a shilling.

10. And when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received every man a shilling.

11. And when they received it, they murmured against the householder,

12. saying, These last have spent (but) one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.

13. But he answered and said to one of them, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a shilling?

14. Take up that which is thine, and go thy way; it is my will to give unto this last, even as unto thee.

15. Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? or is thine eye evil, because I am good?"

Garreth L. Clair - Sunday, October 03, 1999

HILLIARD BULLETIN

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 11 ---------------- November 1999

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A COOPERATIVE EFFORT

Editorial by Garreth L. Clair

There are many religious people today that think man is not required to do anything in order to be saved from sin. This religious philosophy is the result of misunderstanding the nature of God’s instruction on the subject as it is revealed in the Bible. The Bible clearly teaches us that salvation from sin is accomplished through the grace of God through faith and an active obedience on the part of man. Note the following information regarding this matter;

GOD’S PROVISION FOR MAN’S SIN:

It is true that man cannot devise a system or plan that will enable him to save himself, in this matter God says through the prophet Jeremiah – 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) You see, man then, is in need of Divine intervention. For this reason man’s hope of salvation from sin is totally dependant upon God’s initiative. God has provided for man’s salvation by providing an acceptable sacrifice for sin. That sacrifice is Jesus Christ – cf. 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) This provision is referred to as God’s grace. Now, (God’s grace defined from the Greek ”charis“ is - NT:5485 charis (khar'-ece); from NT:5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude):

KJV - acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace (-ious), joy, liberality, pleasure, thank (-s, -worthy).

(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.) has been made available to everyone – cf. Titus 2:11-12, ”11 For the grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12 instructing us, to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world;“ (ASV)

Please notice in the previous verse that salvation is predicated on God’s grace and man’s obedience. See the article on the next page that describes ”A COOPERATIVE EFFORT“

A CAREFUL EXAMINATION OF TITUS 2:11-12:

From verse 11 (i.e. above), we may safely deduct this thought, the grace of God has been made available to everyone of all races. This verse also indicates that the grace of God that has been made available to everyone brings salvation. Now these facts gleaned from verse 11 do not stand alone – the next verse is a continuation of the thought began in verse 11.

From verse 12 we deduct that there are positive and negative actions that are to be performed by the sinner so that God’s grace man be beneficial to his condition.

NEGATIVES:

1. NO! to ungodliness – The prefix, ”un“ preceding godliness simply means that one must not pursue evil conduct in any form – ”it is ”un-godliness.“

2. NO! to worldly passions – The Bible teaches that worldliness (i.e. worldly passions un-restrained) leads to all forms of wickedness.

NOTE (Biblical references):

2 Timothy 2:22, ”But flee youthful lusts, and follow after righteousness, faith, love, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.“ (ASV)

1 Peter 2:11, ”11 Beloved, I beseech you as sojourners and pilgrims, to abstain from fleshly lust, which war against the soul;“ (ASV)

James 1:14-15, ”14 but each man is tempted, when he is drawn away by his own lust, and enticed.

15 Then the lust, when it hath conceived, beareth sin: and the sin, when it is fullgrown, bringeth forth death.“ (ASV)

CONSIDER THIS:

Indeed, there is something that man must do in order to benefit from the grace of God, first he must ”deny ungodliness and worldly lusts“ (KJV). Then he must live the positives:

POSITIVES:

1. Live self-controlled:

The quality here described amounts to keeping oneself under control as Paul says in – cf.

1 Corinthians 9:27, ”but I buffet my body, and bring it into bondage: lest by any means, after that I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected.“ (ASV)

2. Upright:

The quality here described may be the active pursuit of good will toward everyone and keeping a good and wholesome attitude toward god’s value system.

3. Godly:

Now, the quality here must surely be to treat God correctly in all things,

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NEWS PAGE – November 1999

Personal work program:

Both of our work efforts are suspended until Spring 2000. The weather is very harsh and difficult to predict during the winter.

Our shut-in:

Robert Palmer; James McFadden; Danny and Opal Sherwood,

Let us consider these and visit, call, or send a note to let them know we are thinking of them.

Auditorium work:

The work that has been underway for several months on the front of the meeting house near the baptistery is complete, thanks to everyone who has had a hand in bringing these improvements to an end.

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THE PRIDE OF LIFE

1. HOW IT EFFECTS YOU

Proverbs 11:2, ”When pride cometh, then cometh shame; But with the lowly is wisdom.“ (ASV)

2. CASUAL QUARRELS

Proverbs 13:10, ”By pride cometh only contention; But with the well-advised is wisdom.“ (ASV)

3. OFTEN LEADS TO DISASTER

Proverbs 16:18, ”Pride (goeth) before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.“ (ASV)

4. IS SINFUL

Proverbs 21:4, ”A high look, and a proud heart, (Even) the lamp of the wicked, is sin.“ (ASV)

5. IS A MOCKER

Proverbs 21:24, ”The proud and haughty man, scoffer is his name; He worketh in the arrogance of pride.“

6. WAS A HINDRANCE TO ANCIENT ISRAEL

Hosea 7:10, ”And the pride of Israel doth testify to his face: yet they have not returned unto Jehovah their God, nor sought him, for all this.“ (ASV)

NO SIGN OF PRIDE IN CHRIST!

1 John 2:6, ”he that saith he abideth in him ought himself also to walk even as he walked.“ (ASV)

We must be imitators of him!

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GOD’S PLAN OF SALVATION

HEAR THE GOSPEL

Romans 10:17, ”So belief (cometh) of hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.“ (ASV)

BELIEVE

Mark 16:15-16, ”15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned.“

REPENT OF SINS

Acts 2:28, ”And Peter said unto them, repent and be baptized every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins.“

Luke 13:3, ”I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all in like manner perish.“ (ASV)

CONFESS CHRIST AS GOD’S SON

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)

BE BAPTIZED

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)

For forgiveness of sin;

Baptism is a burial in water – sprinkling and pouring water on a person is not baptism!

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)

Is the final action in man’s salvation from sin;

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)

GOD’S PLAN FOR MAN’S SALVATION IS ALWAYS THE CORRECT CHOICE

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SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT BAPTISM

The instructions for sinners to be baptized did not originate wuth man, it was given to us by Jesus Christ; 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)

Baptism is a burial, it is not sprinkling or pouring water on a person.

baptizoo

NT:907 baptizoo;

I. baptizoo

1. properly, to dip repeatedly, to immerge, submerge

2. to cleanse by dipping or submerging, to wash, to make clean with water Luke 11:38 3. metaphorically, to overwhelm,

II. In the N.T. it is used particularly of the rite of sacred ablution, first instituted by John the Baptist, afterward by Christ's command received by Christians -- an immersion in water, performed as a sign of the removal of sin, and administered to those who, impelled by a desire for salvation, sought admission to the benefits of the Messiah's kingdom a. The word is used absolutely, to administer the rite of ablution, to baptize Mark 1:4 b. with prepositions

aa. eis, to mark the element into which the immersion is made: Mark 1:9

bb. en, with the dative of the thing in which one is immersed: Mark 1:5

cc. Passive epi Acts 2:38

dd. huper toon nekroon on behalf of the dead, i. e. to promote their eternal salvation by undergoing baptism in their stead, 1 Cor 15:29

NT:908 baptisma, baptismatos,

immersion, submersion

1. used tropically of calamities and afflictions with which one is quite overwhelmed: Matt 20:22 f 2. of John's baptism, Matt 3:7 3. of Christian baptism; 1 Cor 12:13

NT:909 baptismos, baptismou, ho

a washing, purification effected by means of water: Mark 7:4,8

NT:910 baptistees, baptistou, ho

(baptizoo), a baptizer; one who administers the rite of baptism Matt 3:1

NT:911 baptoo:

a. to dip, dip in, immerse: ti, John 13:26

b. to dip into dye, to dye, color Rev 19:13

CONSIDER THIS:

From the Bible and from Koine Greek definitions, immersion is the only process for baptism in the early church. Jesus and his apostles never taught or baptized persons except through immersion. Since the New Testament is authority in religious matters; we ought to immerse and follow the pattern established by Christ and his apostles in the beginning. ---glc

HILLIARD BULLETIN

Published by the Church of Christ

4840 Cemetery Road

Hilliard, Ohio 43026

Phone: (614) 876-4089

Preacher: Garreth L Clair

Phone: (614) 850-7252

Email: glclair@aol.com

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

Volume 2 ----------------- Number 12 ----------------- December 1999

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

----- LIFE IS SHORT -----

Garreth L Clair

As I grow older, I understand more and more that life really is short. Many of those people that I have known through the past years are no longer among the living. Many of my immediate family members are no longer among the living today. The relentlessness of time and aging will eventually take everyone that I know, including myself.

We will all soon exit the land of the living.

Many people are careless even though they understand that this life span is relatively short. Many are careless in that they do not explore the possibility that there is more to life than birth and eventual death, they do not therefore make any provisions for life beyond the grave. You see there is something after death as God reveals to humankind via the Holy Scriptures (i.e., either paradise or torments). Please consider the following points that give further information.

SOME FACTS ABOUT DEATH AND WHAT FOLLOWS DEATH

1. Physical Life is Very Short:

Job 14:1-2,

1 Man, that is born of a woman, Is of few days, and full of trouble.

2 He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: He fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not. ASV

Psalms 103:15-16,

15 As for man, his days are as grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.

16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. ASV

2. Death is sure:

Heb 9:27. ”And inasmuch as it is appointed unto men once to die, and after this (cometh) judgment; ASV

CONSIDER THIS THOUGHT:

We all, indeed every one of us, have an appointment with death some time in our future. Our appointment with death may be yet many years away, we have no way of knowing when or how our end will come. Because we do not know when or how our end will come we ought to examine the Bible evidence that tells us we will live again.

3. After Physical Death Occurs There Will Be A Part Of Us That Will Live On:

The teaching of the Bible on the the eternity of the soul ought to cause everyone that understands the shortness of life here to make preparations to go to heaven. The alternative place is not a place where any rational person would want to go.

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----- MATURITY -----

The need for mature Christians today is as great as it has ever been among the people of God. Mature Christians do not fight and devour one another, as is the practice of so many people today in religious association. There is a great need today for godly elders, preachers, Bible class teachers, and Christians in general in every congregation in our vast brotherhood.

To put it another way, the church today needs men and women who are maturing into dedicated Christians.

In 1 Corinthians 16:13 Paul says, "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong." Paul is encouraging the Christians at Corinth to manliness (i.e., maturity) in this text.

BUT, maturity consists of many facets; a few of them follow:

1. Maturity is the ability to control anger.

We must learn to deal with the problem of anger if we have a problem with it. "We must not let the sun go down on our anger" as the old adage says. We must settle our problem of anger with our friends; family, etc. so that we can begin the next day free of anger. We must not allow our anger to abide, for to allow anger to abide in us will allow us time to devise sinful conclusions. We must know how to control this problem that is common to most people.

… Resolve the problems that anger create "quickly."

2. Maturity exhibits itself in patience.

Patience is the willingness to pass up temporary pleasure or conquest in favor of the long-term gain.

3. Maturity is perseverance. The ability to sweat out a project is

spite of opposition. The mature Christian will hold on until the task in completed.

4. Maturity is the ability to Face unpleasant, difficult,

frustration, discomfort, and even defeat, without collapse.

5. Maturity is humility.

It is being big enough to say "I was wrong," and when right, the mature Christian will not say, "I told you so."

6. Maturity is the ability to make

the right decision and

Stand on it. The immature spend their lives exploring endless possibilities and projects, and then complete none of them. "What a wasted life, such is!"

7. Maturity is dependability. The mature Christian can be counted

on to keep his promises and commitments, to keep his word, and to always stand on and defend the "TRUTH."

CONSIDER THIS:

The mature Christian will always come through in a crisis (i.e., the dependable). The immature are apt in the alibi department. They are the confused and disorganized. Their lives are a maze of broke, dreams, unfinished projects, and good intentions that somehow never seem to materialize.

8. Maturity is the art of living in peace with that which cannot

be changed or altered.

2 John 9-11,

9 Anyone who runs ahead and does

not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God;

whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.

10 If anyone comes to you and does

not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him.

11 11 Anyone who welcomes him

shares in his wicked work. NIV

Revelation 22:18-19,

17 I warn everyone who hears the

words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book.

18 And if anyone takes words away

from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. NIV

Ephesians 4:1-3,

1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.

2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of

peace.

9. Maturity is gained through self-exercise.

2 Peter 3:18,

19 But grow in the grace and

knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

ALWAYS INSECURE

In our society today there are many bad people. We know that to be true from reading the Newspaper, listening to the radio, watching TV, and surfing on the web. These bad people are a constant source of discouragement to the people that have a desire to live an ethical, moral, and upright life with those around them. The crime rate that has been recently revealed shows violent crime figures down some but this has not created a sense of security in anyone that I have talked to. It seems that in our world there is no peace of mind. But let me assure you of this fact, "there is peace of mind available to all who really want it. There is available to everyone a relationship that encourages joy, happiness, and well being even while living in the world of today.

CHRIST IS THE ANSWER TO OUR INSECURITIES!

Although our problems are so unsettling as we live in this world, if we are Christian's we have a sense of well-being that the unsaved do not have. As we understand the teaching of Christ we see that our hope for heaven is a secure hope so long as we maintain out faithfulness.

Matt 11:28-30,

28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (NKJV)

HILLIARD BULLETIN – 1999 – END

[1] 2 Cor 6:2

"(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

[2] Acts 2:1-47

[3] Acts 2:38, 39

[4] John 4:24

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

[5] Matthew 28:18, 19

[6] Hebrews 5:8, 9

[7] Acts 11:26

[8] 2 Timothy 4:7, 8: Revelation 2:10b

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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