BEACON A Publication of Bellview Church of Christ 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL 32526 850.455.7595 Internet Web Page: http://www.bellviewcoc.com E-mail: [email protected]
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(Phi. 4:11).The problem is nothaving things ability tobe content withwhathecan afford not man’s desire to have ahouse, butman’s in ney Frank and Maxine Waters. The problem is of liberalCongressional leaderslikeReps. Bar- no moneydown, andwiththeencouragement exceeding their reasonable ability to pay, with debts. They were buyinghouseswithpricesfar cellphonesratherthanpayingtheir ing new turn intheU.S.economy. People were buy- (and more ofit)hasdriven thecurrent down obsession withhavingthenewest and best ly aftertheyare driven offthelot.Theworld’s row. New cars become “used” cars immediate Blackberries soldtodaywillbeobsoletetomor nology. Computers,cellphones,iPads, and changing andprogressing industriesoftech- is customarilyusedinregard tothealways in withthenew,” isacommonone.Thisphrase seems reversed. Thephrase, “out withtheold; Deacons: Minister: Bishops: To probably most,thetitleofthisarticle
Bill Busch,Crowe,JimLoy Henry Born,ElwardBrantley, Michael Hatcher Paul Brantley, Fred Stancliff Out Out In With theNew; With theOld BEACON Vol. XLII/No. 1 A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com Brad Green - - - - E-mail: [email protected] Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. the church to respond forcefully—“No! Out with thenew.” There existsasolemn needfor in thechurch are saying,“out withtheold; in are neededto“keepupwiththetimes.” Many programsnew and sources of entertainment not powerful enoughtosave (Rom. 1:16)and Col. 1:13).In themindsofmany, theGospel is have outofsuch(Acts beenconverted 3:19, tract andretain peoplewhowere supposedto vations inthereligious worldasameanstoat “not richtoward God” (Luke 12:21). concluded thatthisman’s error was thathe himself “treasures inheaven” (Mat. 6:20).Jesus treasureshis earthly rather than laying upfor His inhimselfand sinwasinplacinghistrust greater” (Luke 12:18) did not sin in that act. man whotore down hisoldbarnsto“build 6:10).Therich things heoughtnot(1 Tim. and love inthephysicalwhichleadsmantodo that are new, butratheritis themisplacedtrust The samementalityhasledto “new” inno 850.455.7595 January 7,2013 - - with the new; in with the old.” The prophet the law of God. Next, Josiah proclaimed, “out Jeremiah states, “Thus saith the Lord, Stand with the new.” “Josiah took away all the abom- ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old inations out of all the countries that pertained paths, where is the good way, and walk there- to the children of Israel” (2 Chr. 34:33). Jo- in, and ye shall find rest for your souls” (Jer. siah then proceeded to enact the “old paths” by 6:16). Dire consequences await if there is not a re-instating proper and authorized worship to restoration and return to the “old paths.” The God (35:1-19). restoration led by King Josiah should serve as Sadly, our call to oust the new and return to an inspiring Scriptural example. The restora- the old will be received the same way it was in tion began with the reading of the Word of the days of Jeremiah. “But they said, We will God (2 Kin. 22:8-11). This remedy is so sim- not walk therein” (Jer. 6:16). However, our ple to understand, seeing that the “new” inno- cause is just. Let us continue to plant, water, vations being introduced in worship and prac- and let God give the increase (1 Cor. 3:6) as we tice are themselves a product of disregarding walk in the “old paths.” Lenoir City, TN
What Is Said When You Are Absent Have you considered the comments made who are responsible. They let others know they by fellow Christians when a member of the are going to be away. They make arrangements church is absent from a service? These com- for the classes they teach and leave their con- ments, or lack of them, usually provide a good tribution to be given as they purposed so the clue to the faithfulness and dependability of a church can carry on its work even though they church member. Note what the following re- are absent. marks indicate: “They’re probably out of town for the “There must be something wrong!” This weekend.” One gets the impression on hear- is usually heard when a member is unexpect- ing this that these make a fairly regular habit of being gone on Sunday. It causes one to feel edly absent who is ordinarily present for ev- that they are not exactly being fair to be gone ery service. It indicated that he is not one who so much and leave the teaching and other du- lets trivial things like a headache or even house ties to the other members. guests keep him from worship. He is always Nothing is said. When this occurs, it prob- in his place unless something serious is wrong. ably means that the person is absent more than “Oh, they’re on vacation.” This remark he is present. He may be absent so much that about an absent family pictures Christians no one notices it anymore, or they just assume
Defender and Beacon Via E-mail that he is willfully forsaking the assembly as usual. To receive the Defender and Beacon, in PDF What do people say when you are absent? format, via e-mail, please send your e-mail What does it say about you? address to [email protected]. Author Unknown Begin the New Year with God
Lester Kamp This is the time of year when all of us do a the things that you have done and the things little self-examination. We find that this is an that you have failed to do in the teachings appropriate time since the old year is now past of God’s Word which are wrong. Then you and we stand at the gates of a New Year. This should determine to do God’s will, being sorry is the time when many of us look back and for the sins of the past. When the sin is publicly take note of the mistakes that we have made known, a public confession is necessary; when last year and determine or resolve to do bet- the sin is private, confess privately your sins to ter in the New Year. We look back on our per- God. Pray for forgiveness. Know that God has sonal habits, our likes and dislikes, our jobs, forgiven you and live your life for Him. our home life, our role as father or mother or You may have been putting off your becom- child, etc. ing a Christian. Now is the appropriate time to Let me urge you to examine your life and obey without delay. If you believe the Truth, determine to begin the New Year with God! repent of your sins and be baptized in the name You are probably already involved to some ex- of Jesus for the remission of your sins. The time tent in self-examination—do not forget the is now (2 Cor. 6:2). There are many who are most important aspect of your life. concerned about you and are praying for you You may be a baptized believer who has to obey. Many look to you for an example; will drifted away from the Lord. If so, you need to you not set the right example for them? renew your relationship with God. You should Life is fragile and death is so certain. Begin realize the condition of your life at present and this year with God. Aurora, CO
Evil Companions
G. K. Wallace “Evil communications [companions] cor- company of corrupt men, he will soon become
rupt good manners [morals]” (1 Cor. 15:33). as they are. We should be careful of our com-
The choice of personal associates is very im- pany because of what we are. Evil companions portant. To go wrong here could cause one to will not tolerate us unless we adapt to their lose his soul. There is an old proverb that says, so-called “lifestyle.” Our dedication to Christ “There were two dry logs and one green log, should be so complete that we will shun evil but the dry logs burned up the green one.” Our companions. Half-hearted men lead only half associates could destroy us. We all need con- a life. The only way to keep character up is to genial society. The kind of people with whom live up to the highest standard at all times— we associate is a sure sign of our character. We Jesus Christ. Paul said, “And have no fellow- are the result of our choices. One may be ever ship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but
so sound in the Faith, but if he frequents the rather reprove them” (Eph. 5:1 1). Deceased BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1724 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Horace MyrickHorace Bill Busch Ella Hammac Charles Williams GallaherBill Remember inyour prayers: Dub and hisfamilyinyour prayers. Lavonne, onJanuary 5th.Please keep Dub McClish inthedeathofhis wife Our deepest sympathy is extended to offer anyassistance you can. la, FL32526.Please welcome herand dress is5515Lovaleen Circle; Pensaco- with theBellviewcongregation. Her ad- Heather Stark hasplacedmembership January 13 Every Sunday Jason Smith (Debra &Denise Mowery’s Sharon McCrory (Horace &Sheila Chase Busch (Bill &Pam Busch’s Robbie Cravey (The Haven) Marilyn Hall (Sacred Heart Hospital) Nellie Read Flesher Al 5:30 pm,inroom 5. Deacons’ meetingwillbe heldat pm, inthezone room. Ladies’ Bible Classwillmeetat5:00 procedure–Jan heart nephew; 15) Myrick’s daughter) grandson) Placed Membership Please Remember
Sympathy
Sick Marge Williams Bobbie LaBryer Harold Melvin Torrey Dot Lambert Nancy Travis PamBusch Cozad
Calvinist give four proof-texts, but all fell short Calvinist give four proof-texts, butallfell short ed sin,Adamic sin,ororiginalsin. Ioncehada inherited his sin. It issometimes calledinherit sinned andthatallhisoffspring (allmankind) will anygoodinthislife.The ideaisthat Adam thatmancannot think or trine simply asserts false teacherstodefinewhat ismeant.Thisdoc- much asfoundintheBible, we mustallow the Depravity. Since notoneofthesewords isso the TULIP! topple Word asoursword (Eph. 6:17),letusturnand anism (there was no other choice)! Using God’s Lord’s church hassuccumbed tosuchsectari- er. Thea.d.70doctrinethathasinvaded the Calvin’s acrostic TULIP hook,line,andsink tenants. Many religious groups have swallowed that doesnotsubscribetoatleastoneofhis It ishard tofindaman-madedenomination errorsmanism withnew ofhisown invention. Deacons: Minister: Bishops: The letter “T” stands forTotalThe letter Hereditary John from Calvinthe departed errors of Ro
Bill Busch,Crowe,JimLoy Henry Born,ElwardBrantley, Michael Hatcher Paul Brantley, Fred Stancliff Topple the “TULIP” (Part 1) BEACON Vol. XLII/No. 2 Jessie Whitlock A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com - - - E-mail: [email protected] Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. born intothisworld—aswere we—yet, Christ 2:14 and following we learn that Christ was text dealswiththefrailty of man.In Hebrews thing outofanunclean?notone.” Thecon perboles. (3)Job canbringaclean 14:4:“Who The truth). references in Psalms are both hy know thatbabesare notbornspeaking(liesor I know why—itsays,“speaking lies.” We all speaking lies.” He failedtocompletetheverse. womb: they go astray assoon as they be born, 58:3: “Thewickedare estrangedfrom the applied to David’s mother (cf. 51:7). (2) Psalm I replied thatthesininvolved inthepassage iquity; andinsindidmymotherconceive me.” teaches. of themark inlightof come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of come unto me:for of suchisthe kingdomof “Suffer littlechildren, andforbidthemnot, to of His noratanytime! Christdidsay, birth, was not “Totally De (1) Psalm 51:5: “Behold, I was shapen in in 850.455.7595 praved” from January 14,2013 all thatGod’s Word the moment the moment - - - heaven” (Mat. 19:14). In Matthew 18:3 Christ text in this and the other three attempts took said we must be converted and become as little away any hope for giving a real proof-text to children. Hebrews 12:9 and Ecclesiastes 12:7 support the error of Total Depravity! teach that man’s spirit comes from God and Adam had the right to choose for himself- at death returns to God who gave it. That is a just as you and I have the same right today. I long way from Calvinism. (4) Romans 5:12: ask the supporter of this false heresy to explain “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the Ecclesiastes 7:29: “Lo, this only have I found, world, and death by sin; and so death passed that God hath made man upright; but they upon all men, for that all have sinned.” Adam have sought out many inventions.” What was did sin and all have suffered the consequences that? Did you hear it? I believe I heard a petal of that sin but not the guilt of Adam’s sin (Eze. fall from a TULIP! 18:20; cf. 1 Cor. 15:21; Rom. 5:18). The con- Evant, TX
“Be Not Ye Called,” “Call No Man,” and
“Neither Be Ye Called”
David P. Brown
There are only three verses in the New Tes- times and didaskalon, another form of didas- tament explicitly instructing us concerning re- kalos, is translated “doctors” in Luke 2:46 in ligious “titles” and their application to Chris- the KJV. tians. Jesus taught His disciples concerning the Now we come to Luke 2:46: use of “titles” before the multitude in Matthew And it came to pass, that after three days
23:8-10. In these verses Christ prohibits reli- they found him in the temple, sitting in gious “titles” to be worn by Christians and ex- the midst of the doctors [didaskalos— plains why they are condemned. In the King teachers], both hearing them, and asking James Version we read: them questions. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Doctors translates the Greek word didaskalos Master [Teacher], even Christ; and all ye (“teachers”). are brethren. And call no man your fa- Next, the Holy Spirit inspired the apostle ther upon the earth: for one is your Father, John to render the Hebrew word “rabbi” into which is in heaven. Neither be ye called the Greek word didaskalos. Hence, we have a masters [leaders]: for one is your Master divine translation proving that the two words [Leader], even Christ (Mat. 23:8-10). are synonymous. Therefore, the prohibition In examining master (“teacher”) in Matthew of our Lord found in Matthew 23:8 regard- 23:8, W. E. Vine states in his Greek Expository ing rabbi is applicable to the word didaskalos. Dictionary of New Testament Words that master Didaskalos is translated in the next passage as (teacher) is the Greek word didaskalos. Didache, “master.” In other texts it is rendered “doctor” a form of didaskalos, is translated “doctrine” 29 in the KJV (“teacher”). In John 1:38 the inspired penman wrote: ren that would serve to exalt one Christian “Then Jesus turned, and saw them fol- above another or encourage pride, arrogance, lowing, and saith unto them, What seek or haughtiness to develop or be encouraged ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is among and between the brethren. to say, being interpreted, Master,) where When Peter referred to Paul as “brother dwellest thou?” Paul” (2 Pet. 3:15), he was not using brother Jesus also prohibited the use of the word as a title, but simply to show their spiritual re- Father as a title when addressing Christians. lationship in the Lord’s family—the church “Father” translates the Greek word pater in of Christ. One never reads in the Bible of the Matthew 23:9. In Matthew 23:10, masters Reverend Dr. Paul or Peter, His Holiness the translates the Greek word kathegete. It is from Pope. The terms elder, deacon, minister, evan- kathegete that we get our English words cate- gelist, and gospel preacher are descriptive of the chism and catechist as well as the words teacher work done by those referred to by these terms. and teaching, respectively. Such terms should never be used as titles. Each Thus, contrary to denominational conduct, Christian is to revere all other Christians, but Jesus clearly prohibits Christians from address- this does not give any Christian the authority ing one another with religious titles such as fa- from the Lord to apply reverend as a title to ther, rabbi, doctor, teacher, master, or leader. any member of the church. If we do so we vio- Clearly Jesus is prohibiting spiritual titles. Jesus late the Lord’s prohibition previously studied sites two reasons for His prohibition: (1) Our and thereby sin against God. Lord is our Teacher, and (2) God is our spiri- Academic degrees or titles designating one’s tual Father. A third reason is found in Matthew level of study in certain subjects, “Dr.” as com- 23:11-12: monly applied to physicians, master plumbers, But he that is greatest among you shall be master electricians, and the like are not neces- your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall sarily wrong. However, they are not to be al- humble himself shall be exalted. lowed by the persons to whom they apply to Although Christians have different roles to enter into the spiritual relationships in the fulfill in the Lords church with different -au church. They must never be employed among thority delegated to them by Jesus, all of them church members in such a way as to encourage are simply areas of service to the Christ. Thus, elevating brethren above their fellows. Indeed, our Lord forbids any conduct on the part of because a person has an academic doctorate of Christians or terms to be applied to our breth- some kind does not necessarily mean that per- son knows much of anything about the Bible. 38th Annual Bellview Lectures But even if an academic degree is in some area June 7-11, 2013 of religion, our Lord prohibits Christians from (Friday – Tuesday) using them in the church to elevate one church Innovations member above other members. Spring, TX BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1724 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED one God! Spirit. These make up God. Our God is fiable areas: the Father, the Son, andthe personality thatconsistsof three identi Yet, theBible alsoindicatesGod has The whole Bible emphasized thisfact! Horace MyrickHorace Bill Busch Ella Hammac Charles Williams GallaherBill Remember inyour prayers: January 21 January 20 Every Sunday Jason Smith (Debra &Denise Mowery’s Chase Busch (Bill &Pam Busch’s Robbie Cravey (The Haven) Linda Worley Anthony Polnitz Flesher Al pm. Visitation Group 2willmeetat6:00 held at5:00pm,inroom 5. Elders/Deacons’ meetingwillbe pm, inthezone room. Ladies’ Bible Classwillmeetat5:00 nephew) grandson) Please Remember God IsOneGod God
Delbert GoinsDelbert
Sick Marge Williams Harold Melvin Torrey Dot Lambert Marilyn HallMarilyn Nancy Travis Nellie Read PamBusch Cozad -
made doctrine be true? If one is elected to If one iselectedto made doctrine be true? Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:40ff) ifthisman- Great or Last Commission (Mat. 28:18-20; to besaved? Again,whydidourLord give the all ifonlyapredetermined numberare going Christ diedforall—whyshoulddie before he was born! 1 John 2:2 declares that according toanelectionthatwasdetermined manaccording judge every tohisworks…not ticular petal? before ourbirth. What is wrong withthispar damnation. Allwassupposedlypredetermined do tohave anythingtodowithhissalvation or either lostorsaved. There isnothingmancan I is oursecondpetal:Unconditional Election. At thistimewe considertheletter“U”which away anotherpetaloftheCalvinistic TULIP. have been predestined (foreordained) to be Deacons: Minister: Bishops: The Bible clearly affirms that God will This heretical that doctrine asserts We unsheathethesword oftheSpirit tocut
Bill Busch,Crowe,JimLoy Henry Born,ElwardBrantley, Michael Hatcher Paul Brantley, Fred Stancliff Topple the “TULIP” (Part 2) BEACON Vol. XLII/No. 3 you and A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist Jess Whitlock 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com - E-mail: [email protected] Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. obeys the saved whodesires tobesaved. Anymanwho the al salvation. I believe that God did foreordain He willed; thisisnotadiscussionofindividu- eternal destiny. God didchoosethenations text notesadiscussionoftwonationsandtheir However, acareful studyof thisentire con of this false teaching. appealed to for support Bible wouldmakenosensewhatsoever! that thisandahundred more passagesinthe Calvin’s init— doctrinehasonegrainoftruth life freely.” May I submit that if this tenant of And whosoever will, let him take thewaterof say, Come.Andlethimthatisathirst come. the bridesay, Come.Andlethimthat heareth here—Revelation 22:17:“And theSpirit and that commission,wouldit?Put your eardown be lostitwoulddonogoodforhimtoobey is promised thereward; i.e.,Revelation 2:10. Sometimes Romans 9:10andfollowing is plan; butnotthemanwhereby anycanbe 850.455.7595 plan andremains faithfultodeath January 21,2013 - Thea.d. 70 doctrine must support this ten- 38th Annual Bellview Lectures ant of Calvinism. This heresy asserts that all men received final judgment with the destruc- June 7-11, 2013 (Friday – Tuesday) tion of Jerusalem in a.d. 70. If that be true, Innovations then they are teaching Unconditional Elec- tion; if not, why not? Calvinists have the final The late brother Marshall Keeble said it per- judgment prior to the creation of the heavens fectly: the “elect” are the “whosoever wills”; and earth; Kingism has it in a.d. 70. The only the “non-elect” are the “whosoever won’ts”! difference in the two positions is a matter of What was that? Did you hear it? Why, I believe time. But, for every soul born after a.d. 70, it I just heard another petal fall to the ground. is Calvinism. Evant, TX
Serving in Public
Guy N. Woods “Ought men to be used to serve the Lord’s evenings and Wednesday nights. Those who table, lead in prayer, and otherwise participate take part in the services are to serve as exam- actively and publicly in the worship, who at- ples (1 Tim. 4:12), to follow that which is good tend only on Sunday morning? The answer is (1 The. 5:15), and to forsake not the assembly no. The querist indicates in the letter that these of the saints. How can we hope to influence are people who simply do not have sufficient others to be faithful if those in public view in interest to attend other services of the church, the church are not themselves faithful? If we choosing to engage in worldly and material af- truly love the Lord we will be present in all the fairs rather than to attend services on Sunday services possible.” Deceased
False Notions Concerning the Church Cled E. Wallace Notions and opinions contrary to plain Bi- well informed and culturally developed along ble teaching, or at best unsupported by the other lines. Scriptures, multiply in the minds of the peo- Some very capable people have rejected the ple. They are barriers to the reception of the law of God and made it void by their tradi- truth which are very often difficult to remove. tions. A querist more informed about nearly Objections to the truth are always based either everything else than New Testament teaching, on ignorance of the truth or prejudice, which makes some inquiries about the church: is the handmaiden of ignorance. It must be “What positive proof have you that your recognized that both ignorance and prejudice church is the only one? Can you prove that this in religious matters may exist in a character is the church that Christ founded? All Chris- tian people are working toward the same goal. says nothing about. Usually people who ask
What possible difference can the church make such questions as the above have made the mis- when the heart is right? Do you think that take of doing just that. your church can save you?” Since the church is the body of Christ and It is not my manner of speech to speak of includes all Christians because they are Chris- “my church” and “your church,” as is com- tians, it makes a lot of “difference” whether monly done. I am not a party man and be- a man is a member of the church or not. It long to nothing in religion that had a human would be as sensible to ask, what difference can origin. The New Testament contains “positive it make whether a man is a Christian or not proof” that the Lord established “one body,” “when the heart is right”? The heart is not ex-
and that is “the only one” which He approves. actly right, to say the least of it, when it leads a “There is one body” (Eph. 4:4). “Many mem- man into unscriptural church relations. bers, yet but one body” (1 Cor. 12:20). “For in It is a favorite saying with the sectarians one Spirit were we all baptized into one body” that, “your church cannot save you.” Just a (12:13). This body is the church. “And he is little New Testament information drives that the head of the body, the church” (Col. 1:18). fallacy out into the light where its absurdity “The church, which is his body” (Eph. 1:22- is manifest. The church is the family, includ- 23). All other bodies are unauthorized and ing all the children of God. “For ye are all sons condemned. They set up rival authority against of God, through faith, in Christ Jesus. For as the Head of the “one body.” many of you as were baptized into Christ did In New Testament times, “all Christian” put on Christ” (Gal. 3:26-27). The church was people were working toward the same goal established that both Jews and Gentiles might in this one body. It included all the people of God. They simply became Christians in their be reconciled in it. “Reconcile them both in obedience to the Lord, and He added them to one body” (Eph. 2:13-16). Christ saves in the the body, the church. It was not a human set- church, or adds them to the church when He up at all. saved them, which all amounts to the same The querist is wrong in his very assump- thing. Surely parties do not save, and a man tions regarding the character of the New Testa- can be a Christian and keep all the command- ment church. The way for a man to know that ments of God and stay out of all denomina- he belongs to the true church is to do what the tions, which is reason enough to do so. New Testament requires in becoming a Chris- If people generally would spend as much tian and leave it to the Lord to add him to the time and energy in seeking the will of God right body. The Lord has not added anyone to that they might do it, as they do in hatching the wrong church yet. The surest way to know up excuses to evade it, more of them would be that you do not belong to the right church is on the Lord’s side of that line which separates to accept the doctrines and commandments of those who love Him from those who do not. men and join something the New Testament Deceased BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1724 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Horace MyrickHorace Bill Busch Ella Hammac Charles Williams GallaherBill Remember inyour prayers: January 30 January 23 Every Sunday Randall Johnson (Joyce Johnson’s Maybelle Brown (Dot Brantley’s Robbie Cravey (The Haven) Linda Worley Anthony Polnitz Flesher Al Christians because of their birth in in Christians becauseoftheir birth Brethren becauseoftheirrelationship, Believers becauseoftheirfaith, Disciples becausetheyare learners, Saints becauseoftheircharacter, pm, intheauditorium. Fifth Wednesday Singing at7:00 the auditorium. Sermons Video Series at7:00pm,in pm, inthezone room. Ladies’ Bible Classwillmeetat5:00 husband) mother) Christ. God Calls His Children: CallsGod His Please Remember
Sick Marge Williams Author Unknown Harold Melvin Torrey Dot Lambert Marilyn HallMarilyn Nancy Travis Nellie Read PamBusch Cozad
world” (1John 2:2). Why did John writethat ours only, butalsofor thesinsofwhole he isthepropitiation for oursins:andnotfor both theelectandnon-elect. whatsoever. for God determinedeverything has nofreedom, responsibility, orobligation nothing thatanymancandoaboutit.Man are predestined tobelostineternity. There is the beginningoftime.Of necessity, allothers number whowere chosenatrandom,priorto that God provided salvation fora“limited” lected oneswere foreordained tobelost. determined (elected)tobesaved andotherse onesare thatcertain pre-tional electionasserts Atonement! Now, remember thatuncondi- on tothethird petalofCalvinism: the petalofUnconditional Election we move dependent upontheothers.Closelyrelated to Deacons: Minister: Bishops: What saiththeScripture? John writes,“And Hence, Many ofthe“petals” are tothis“TULIP”
must concede Limited Atonement mustconcede
Bill Busch,Crowe,JimLoy Henry Born,ElwardBrantley, Michael Hatcher Paul Brantley, Fred Stancliff Topple the “TULIP” (Part 3) BEACON Vol. XLII/No. 4 Limited Limited A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist Jess Whitlock 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com - E-mail: [email protected] Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. passages andmany more. heresy ofCalvinismwoulddeny allofthese Christ wasintended for“whosoever will.” The man.”ery Surely, we canseethat thedeathof by thegraceofGod shouldtastedeathforev death, crowned andhonour;thathe withglory a littlelower thantheangelsforsufferingof Hebrews 2:9:“But we see Jesus, whowasmade Scripture. Considerjustonemore passage— in lightof pentance? Calvinismcannotbetrue should perish,butthat“all” shouldobeyinre Peter speak of God’s not desiring that “any” all shouldcometorepentance.” Why would “not willingthatanyshouldperish,but truth? Watch whatPeter writes—2Peter 3:9: the expression “all men” ifthisdoctrinehasany knowledge ofthetruth.” Why doesPaul use have all mento be saved, andto come unto the ear down here—1 Timothy will 2:4:“Who Now,this Calvinisticdoctrineistrue? putyour Christ diedforthesinsof“whole world” if 850.455.7595 January 28,2013 - - We must point out that the a.d. 70 here- and if not, why not? Therefore, we must reject sy, once again, is in perfect alignment with not only Calvinism but also the a.d. 70 theory the false doctrine of the Calvinists. This her- as being diametrically opposed to the plain and esy contends that the final judgment day for all authoritative teaching of Holy Writ. men took place during the destruction of Jeru- Listen! I heard it again. Did you? Yes, I be- salem in a.d. 70. If all men were judged in a.d. lieve that it was another petal falling from the 70, then certain ones are predetermined to be TULIP! saved and all others are foreordained to be lost, Evant, TX
“What Is Your Life?” Ken Chumbley In October 2003 the widow of Gener- nity to live out a long life, but we have no guar- al Chaing Kai-Shek passed away at the age of antee of tomorrow. Indeed, we do not know 105 in New York. She had lived to a “ripe old what the morrow may bring, hence James’ age” when we consider the three score and ten statement, as we look at the context (4:13-14). mentioned in the Scriptures. However, in the We should not live our lives as though we overall picture, 105 years is not a vast amount have many tomorrows to make changes. All of time. It matters not how long we live here need to realize that “it is appointed unto men on this earth, it will end in a comparatively once to die” (Heb. 9:27). Yes, the day of our short period of time. James states, “For what is passing will come and after that will come the your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for judgment. Once this life is over there will be a little time, and then vanisheth away” (Jam. no possibility of making changes that should
4:14). As we look back over our lives, we re- have been made in this life that we might be alize that the years seem to pass by with as- able to be with the Lord through eternity. tonishing speed. It seems just yesterday that The rich man, in the story that Jesus told of we were welcoming in the new year of 2013. the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16), realized When, as adults, we think back to our child- that he had lost his opportunities to set this hood, we remember that it seemed like special life straight. He learned that here was indeed events during the year would never arrive but “a great gulf fixed” (16:26). now they are here and gone before we realize The rich man in the parable of Luke 12 was it. We wonder, “Where have all the years gone? making plans for the future when God said
Why, it only seems like yesterday we were start- unto him, “Thou fool, this night thy soul shall ing school and now look at us as we show the be required of thee: then whose shall those signs of growing older.” things be, which thou hast provided?” (12:20). Life is short, even at its longest. Thus, we The rich man, in the parable, needed to learn need to make good use of the time that we have that he could not prolong his life because he here on this earth. We may have the opportu- wanted to do so. He had made plans for this life, but like the rich man in Luke 16 he had ready for that life which is beyond this that not made preparation for eternity. you may indeed be ready to be with the Lord What about you? Have you thought beyond through all eternity. this life and made preparation for the life that Remember, “Whereas ye know not what follows? If you have not made preparation, or shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It if you once prepared and now have allowed the is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, things of this life to crowd out the things of and then vanisheth away” (Jam. 4:14). Do not eternity, we would plead with you, while you put it off; make your preparation today. have the time and the opportunity, to make Belvedere, SC
The Seed: God’s Word Brad Green
The Bible teaches that life begins at the Seed Fruit seed and growth proceeds only after the seed Baptist Manual/Baptist Baptist is planted and germinated (Luke 8:5-15). The Faith and Message * Bible also teaches that every seed will only Book of Discipline Methodist bring forth after its own kind (Gen. 1:12). Book(s) of Confessions/ Therefore, when Jesus referred to God’s Word Presbyterian Order as being “the seed” (Luke 8:11), He was teach- Articles of Faith/Book Mormon ing that the Bible (1) is the only seed that can of Mormon produce a Christian, and (2) if followed hon- Faith and Practice Quaker estly, will only produce a Christian. No oth- The Word of God Christian er book can produce a Christian and the Bi- * Different types of Baptists have different creeds. ble will not produce anything but a Christian. The logical conclusion then, for someone who While men join “the church of their desires to be a follower of Christ, is to simply choice” daily, God adds those who are being study God’s Word and obey God’s plan to save. saved to the only church bought by the blood
Since the Bible only makes Christians only, of Christ—The church of Christ (Acts 2:47; 20:28). If you desire to be added by God to His from whence do denominations come? De- church, simply plant the seed, God’s Word, in nominations are produced by man-made seeds your heart and humbly obey. By obeying God’s or creed books. The Bible does not produce plan to save: hear (Rom. 10:17), believe (Heb. Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, etc. Man- 11:6), repent (Acts 2:38), confess (Rom. 10:9- made creed books are the seed which bring 10), and be baptized (1 Pet. 3:21), you can be forth denominationalism. Consider the fol- a Christian. lowing table: Lenoir City, TN BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1724 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Horace MyrickHorace Bill Busch Ella Hammac Charles Williams GallaherBill Remember inyour prayers: cheerful giver.”cheerful ingly, orofnecessity:for God loveth a - so lethimgive; notgrudg in hisheart, “Every manaccording as he purposeth February 6 January 30 Every Sunday prayers. Marilyn Hall. Please keephiminyour on January 28.He isthegrandsonof Anthony Hall wasrestored toChrist Barbara Busch (Bill Busch’s mother; Randall Johnson (Joyce Johnson’s Robbie Cravey (The Haven) Linda Worley Anthony Polnitz Flesher Al pm. Visitation Group 1willmeetat6:00 pm, intheauditorium. Fifth Wednesday Singing at7:00 pm, inthezone room. Ladies’ Bible Classwillmeetat5:00 Hospice care) husband) 2 Corinthians 9:7 Please Remember
Restored
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supports theteaching ofJohnsupports Calvin.Thisher Once again,we seethatthe They are tobe with God’soverwhelmed grace. then thesaved onescannotrefuse salvation. saved andallothersare doomedtobelost— ited Atonement.” oneswillbe If onlycertain result of“Unconditional Election” and“Lim- trarily chooseshim,henceIrresistible Grace. not resist thisgracewhentheHoly Spirit arbi forcing thatmantoacceptsalvation. Man can God’s ofman grace beingplacedintheheart fromarate and apart the Holy Word. This is andlives ofmensep- it operatesinthehearts in thechurch ofmyLord!), thattheHoly Spir as domanypreachers today(includingmany doctrine ofIrresistible Grace . Calvintaught, to theletter“I”whichstandsforCalvinist’s the Word ofGod. In thisacrostic we now come “Tulip” withthesword oftheSpirit, whichis Deacons: Minister: Bishops: You cannotfailtoseethatthisisthenatural Let uscontinuetotoppletheCalvinistic
Bill Busch,Crowe,JimLoy Henry Born,ElwardBrantley, Michael Hatcher Paul Brantley, Fred Stancliff Topple the “TULIP” (Part 4) a.d. BEACON 70 doctrine 70 doctrine Vol. XLII/No. 5 A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist Jess Whitlock 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com - - - - E-mail: [email protected] Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. is still able to choose (Jos. 24:15). is stillabletochoose(Jos. (Tit. 2:10ff),ispossible ofbeing resisted. Man grace ofGod thathathappeared toallmen grace benotreceived invain. Therefore, the 6:1). Notice thatPaul isbeseechingthatHis receive notthegraceofGod invain” (2 Cor. ers togetherwithhim,beseech ceive God’s grace invain. “We then, elect orthenon-elect,asperCalvinistic TULIP. fore, we are automaticallycountedamongthe and there isnothingwe candoaboutit.There was over and done(predestined, foreordained) when you andIwere bornthatourjudgment in a.d. 70. Itrusalem necessarilyfollows that ofJemankind tookplaceinthedestruction thatthefinaljudgmentdayforall esy asserts are sentunto thee, how oftenwould I est theprophets, andstonest themwhich O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thouthatkill - Jesus criedinMatthew 23:37: Now, lettheBible speak.It ispossibletore 850.455.7595 February 4,2013 you also that ye alsothatye as work- - - - have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! 2013 Spring Church of Christ Did you catch that? “Ye would not.” Not that CFTF Lectureship the Holy Spirit or God’s grace could not, but Christ—The Great Controversialist they would not. February 20–24 No man on earth today knows any truth in relation to eternity unless it is learned in God’s Word. The Holy Spirit operates through the Word. He guided the Apostles into all truth does for us. Therefore, the Holy Spirit works (John 16:13). They penned that truth for all today in the pages of Holy Writ—the Bible. men (2 Tim. 3:16-17). That which is written is Any teaching, doctrine, or stance that asserts intended to cause men to believe (John 20:30- that the Holy Spirit operates in some man-
31). Faith comes by hearing God’s inspired ner separate and apart from the divine Word
Word (Rom. 10:17). To be pleasing in God’s of God is Calvinism! Nothing more, nothing sight man must be obedient (Heb. 5:8-9). Ev- less, and nothing else! What is that? You heard erything the Bible says that the Holy Spirit does it, too? I believe another petal just fell down! for us on earth, it also states the Word of God Evant, TX
What Exactly Does Revellings
Mean in Galatians 5:19-21?
Johnny Oxendine Sometimes we are asked about words found includes a similar description, “drinking par-
ties involving unrestrained indulgence in al- in the Scriptures; it helps to look a little deeper for a better understanding of terms. In Gala- coholic beverages and accompanying immoral tians 5 there is a list of works of the flesh. In- behavior.” Other sources (Thayer’s Greek Lexi- cluded is “revellings,” which is also found a few con, Bauer’s, etc.) give the same definitions, but it is also found in a passage in 1 Peter 4:3 with other places in the New Testament. What does this word mean? We will look at several lexi- an added word that informs us ever more pre- cisely to the harms of these activities. cons for help in this study. For we have spent enough of our past life- komos The Greek word, , is described as time in doing the will of the Gentiles— meaning “feasts, accompanied by music and when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunk- dance” according to Spicq’s Theological Lexi- enness, revelries, drinking parties, and con of the New Testament. Spicq continues, abominable idolatries. “The Bible uses the word only in this pejora- “Banquetings” is a word that, when coupled tive sense.” The Louw & Nida Greek Lexicon with “revellings,” gives the Christian a clear in- dication of what to avoid under any circum- evidence that Christians should avoid these ac- stances. According to Barnes in his Notes on the tivities today. When people ask us why Chris- New Testament, tians cannot dance or drink like everyone else, The word here used (potois) occurs no- these verses supply all that one might need to where else in the New Testament. It means give an answer. Worldly friends might want to properly drinking; an act of drinking; say that they do not get drunk or that they are then a drinking bout; drinking together. The not dancing in a licentious way, but the lexi- thing forbidden by it is an assembling to- cons point to how these indulgences lead to gether for the purpose of drinking. There what could become a problem of Christian is nothing in this word referring to eating, influence. or to banqueting, as the term is now com- Liberal congregations are making light of monly employed. The idea in the passage these verses, indicating that they are not going is, that it is improper for Christians to meet to be bound by the Scriptures, and that what together for the purpose of drinking—as they are doing today will not be of the same wine, toasts, etc. The prohibition would
apply to all those assemblages where this magnitude as the Scriptures indicate. One sim-
is understood to be the main object. It ple question to ask is this: “Why?” Why do would forbid, therefore, an attendance they feel the need for/to participate in these ac- on all those celebrations in which drink- tivities in the first place?Is it okay only when ing toasts is understood to be an essential nothing bad happens? This mindset obvious- part of the festivities, and all those where ly seeks to defend actions (liberties) that clear- hilarity and joyfulness are sought to be pro- ly intend to satisfy those desires that violate duced by the intoxicating bowl. Such are the apostle’s (thus God’s) warning in Galatians not proper places for Christians. 5:13: “For, brethren, ye have been called unto Spicq states that “these feasts, accompanied liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to
by music and dance, degenerated, ending up in the flesh, but by love serve one another.” drunkenness and license,” which is even more San Mateo, CA
What If Christ Had Come Yesterday?
We always have a tendency to place the terday, where would you be today? Would you coming of Christ in the future. We are always be singing in heaven or crying in hell? Would
saying maybe tomorrow, maybe the next day, you be with the Father or with Satan?
or even maybe later on today. We always live Just think for a moment. Where would thinking Christ will return in the future. Our you be now if Christ had returned yesterday? lives show that we are not thinking that Christ If the answer is not good, then it is time you will come now. do something about it. Answer the call of the Some have said, “I will change my life be- Lord today so upon His return you will not be fore Christ returns.” Let us stop for a moment found wanting but waiting! and do some thinking. If Christ had come yes- Author Unknown BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1724 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Ella Hammac Charles Williams GallaherBill Remember inyour prayers: February 10 Every Sunday family inyour prayers. Please keepElward andDot andtheir Maybelle Brown, on February 2, 2013. Dot Brantley isthedeathofhermother, Our deepest sympathy is extended to ily inyour prayers. Please keepBill andPam andtheirfam- Barbara Busch, onJanuary 30,2013. Bill Busch inthedeathofhismother, Our deepest sympathy is extended to Randall Johnson (Joyce Johnson’s Robbie Cravey (The Haven) Linda Worley Anthony Polnitz Flesher Al MyrickHorace Bill Busch 5:30 pm,inroom 5. Deacons’ meetingwillbeheldat pm, inthezone room. Ladies’ Bible Classwillmeetat5:00 husband) Please Remember
Sympathy
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to Christians today (2 Cor. 11:3). that happened toAdam andEve couldhappen tered theworld.Paul feared thatthesame thing Satan andGod castthemoutofEden. Sin en to they would not suffer at all. They listened they would suffer. Satan convinced them that ative commandregarding theforbiddenfruit Adam andEve, thatifthey refused His neg ed. In the beginning God warned His children, about beinglost,fallingaway, orbeingreject Scripture references warningGod’s followers apostasy,” and“once ingrace,alwaysgrace.” “once saved, alwayssaved,” “impossibilityof to sin. We know this doctrineby manyterms: so sinastobelost.God willnotallow thatone grace oftheHoly Spirit, thenthatmancannot God takesamanoutofsinby theirresistible of theSaints that when . This doctrine asserts “Tulip,” i.e.,“P”whichstandsfor Deacons: Minister: Bishops: There are literallymultipliedhundreds of Timber!!! We cometothefinalletterof
Bill Busch,Crowe,JimLoy Henry Born,ElwardBrantley, Michael Hatcher Paul Brantley, Fred Stancliff Topple the “TULIP” (Part 5) BEACON Perseverance Vol. XLII/No. 6 A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist Jess Whitlock 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com - - - E-mail: [email protected] Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. took placein that thejudgmentforallmankind trine asserts Remember that this equally amazing false doc accept thispointofCalvinism asbeingtrue. a matterofdivinerecord. the law;ye are fallenfrom grace” (5:4). Thatis fect untoyou, whosoever ofyou are justified by your eardown here. “Christisbecomeofnoef ing toNew Testament Christians.Now put less refuted therepeated warningsofGod. fute it.He never even pickedapassage—much and askedhimtotakejustonepassagere my opponentalistofover ahundred references in theBible ifthisdoctrinewere Igave true. numerous passages of Scripture did notbelong doctrine inpublicdebate.Ipointedoutthat in ways saved” was ever taught by aCalvinist, itis a.d. 70cannotbe altered. If “once saved, al Yet, theadvocates ofthe Galatians 1:1-5pointsoutthatPaul iswrit Several years agoImetthisamazingfalse 850.455.7595 a.d. 70. Whatever thedecree February 11,2013 a.d. 70heresy must was - - - - - most certainly taught in Max King’s pet doc- warns that a Christian can fall (1 Cor. 10:12; trine! If not, why not? Gal. 5:4; Rev. 2:1-5). We have examples in the New Testament of Anyone who still believes that a child of many who did fall—Demas, Judas, Hymenae- God cannot so sin as to be lost needs to study us, Alexander, and Simon, to name just a few. again 2 Peter 2:20ff. I quoted that in the afore- Christ taught against this doctrine of men in mentioned debate before over four hundred Matthew 13:4-6, 40ff, Mark 4:18ff, and Luke people. Why? Because my opponent made the 15:24ff. Do we not recall the case of Dio- mistake of saying that you cannot lose what trophes in3 John 9-10? Also, 1 John 1:9 is a you once had. After the quotation was finished, law of pardon for Christians who have sinned. I observed, “The dog lost what he once had!” Why is this law given if this final “petal” of the Timber!!!
“Tulip” contains any truth at all? The Scripture Evant, TX
Remission of Sins Jimmie Z. Gribble Paul, in his preaching to the people at An- of Moses. He used justified. One cannot be tioch in Pisidia, preached about remission justified unless he has remission of sins, and in of sins. He said, as recorded by Luke, “Be it receiving remission of sins one is justified. The known unto you therefore, men and breth- writer of Hebrews emphasized this very point. ren, that through this man is preached unto One such emphasis is found in chapter 10. The you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all text says, “For it is not possible that the blood that believe are justified from all things, from of bulls and of goats should take away sins” which ye could not be justified by the law of (10:4). In addition, “Neither by the blood of Moses” (Acts 13:38-39). Paul declared that goats and calves, but by his own blood he en- through “this man,” Jesus, remission of sins is tered in once into the holy place, having ob- available. Jesus charged His apostles to do this tained eternal redemption for us” (9:12). very thing. He stated, “And that repentance Who can receive remission of sins? All who and remission of sins should be preached in believe and obey! Those who crucified the Son his name among all nations, beginning at Je- of God, can they have remission of sins? Yes, it rusalem” (Luke 24:47). These, to whom Paul was so stated several times in Acts. Those who spoke, could have received remission of sins. persecuted the children of God, can they have Because of envy on the part of “the Jews,” remission of sins? Yes, for the apostle Paul was the Word of the Lord went unto the Gentiles. one who persecuted the saints and he received These, Gentiles, were granted remission of remission of his sins (Acts 22:16). Can one, sins. today, receive remission of sins? Yes, by obey- Paul, in the above passage, emphasized that ing the will of God. this remission was not available under the Law This remission comes about in the name of Jesus. That was what was preached (Luke text says concerning them: 24:27). This is what is needed to be preached For so hath the Lord commanded us, say- today. The means and the way of remission ing, I have set thee to be a light of the have not changed since they were given, and Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salva- they will not change. tion unto the ends of the earth. And when Beloved, remission is available. We ought the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, to be like the Gentiles mentioned above. The and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life be- lieved (Acts 13:47-48). Defender and Beacon Thanks be unto God for the preaching of Available Via E-Mail remission of sins in His name and for the re- mission of sins that we can have. To receive the Defender and Beacon via e- Beloved, listen to all of God’s Word, God mail please send your e-mail address to will do thee good! [email protected]. Portsmouth, VA
Paganism Paul Vaughn
There are many cultures in the world that itation. All of these are on a course to destroy
are called pagan. They are primitive in many the family and weaken principles of Christian
aspects such as idolaters worshiping stone im- ethics that this country was established upon.
ages and the dead. Others are barbaric without We are living in a country that has turned its
civilizing influences, some are immoral, not ad- back on God. Without God we are pagan and hering to any ethical or moral principles, and lost. Jesus said, “But seek first the kingdom of still others are without the advantage of a mod- God and His righteousness, and all these things ern culture. shall be added to you” (Mat. 6:33). Yet, in this As inhabitants of the greatest country on land of freedom, people are seeking everything earth, we have advantages of a modern society, but God. Let us all take a stand for God and but paganism is strong and healthy in Ameri- oppose the pagan influences a godless society is ca. In the most advanced nation on earth, life seeking to enforce on all. is not valued. There are thousands of babies Marion, VA who are killed every day through abortion. Morality is at an ex- 2013 Spring Church of Christ tremely low ebb with moral decay CFTF Lectureship progressing to destroy the home, Christ—The Great Controversialist while thousands are seeking to normalize homosexual activity and February 20–24 http://www.churchesofchrist.com/lectures2013.php untold numbers advancing cohab- BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1724 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Bill Busch Ella Hammac Charles Williams GallaherBill Remember inyour prayers: February 18 February 17 Every Sunday Randall Lawson(grandsonofMarilyn Rubye Bailey (West Florida Hospital) Robbie Cravey (The Haven) Linda Worley Anthony Polnitz Flesher Al MyrickHorace pm. Visitation Group 2willmeetat6:00 held at5:00pm,inroom 5. Elders/Deacons’ meetingwillbe pm, inthezone room. Ladies’ Bible Classwillmeetat5:00 Hall’s friend) June 7- 11,2013 Bellview Lectures (Friday - Tuesday)(Friday Please Remember
38th Annual
Innovations
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him, andto Jacob” (Isa. 60:16).“For ofhim,andthrough Saviour And thy Redeemer, the mighty One of removing itfrom us.Christ didthis: nal life.Thepriceforsin must bepaid,thereby have allthatwe need,we are madecomplete. forever.ry Amen” (Rom. 11:36).In Christ,we “And thoushaltknow thatIthe 8:12).ChrististheSavior(John oftheworld, in darkness, butshallhave thelightoflife” the world:hethatfolloweth meshallnotwalk Jesus againuntothem,saying,Iamthelightof respect thelightofworld,“Thenspake ery Our Redemption IsComplete Redemption Our inChrist Deacons: Minister: Bishops: Sin isthatwhichstandsbetween usandeter- (8:3). and forsin, condemned sin in the flesh his own Son inthelikeness ofsinfulflesh, was weak through theflesh, God sending For whatthelawcouldnotdo, inthatit To the believer, Christ is all in all. He is in ev
Our CompletenessOur (Col. inChrist 2:6-15) Bill Busch,Crowe,JimLoy Henry Born,ElwardBrantley, Michael Hatcher Paul Brantley, Fred Stancliff are allthings:towhom BEACON Lord Vol. XLII/No. 7 thy am thy A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist be glo- 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com Tim Smith - E-mail: [email protected] Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. the eyes ofJehovah behold,and nottheshort this becauseour Lord andHis sacrifice iswhat as oneswhoare withoutsin. We are abletodo before theeyes ofGod notasguiltysinners,but though no sinwasever committed. We stand for guiltremoved. To bejustifiedistostand as given, thustohave thejustandduepenalty of sins” (Eph. 1:7). redemption through hisblood,theforgiveness it, butChristcouldanddid.“In whomwe have also unabletoalso,andyou andIcouldnotpay sin. Satan wasnotonlyunwillingtopayit,but The Lawof Moses couldnotpaythepricefor Our JustificationOur Is Complete inChrist To bepardoned istostandguiltyyet for fied by the lawof Moses (Acts 13:38-39). things, from whichye couldnotbejusti him allthatbelieve are justifiedfrom all unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by brethren, thatthrough thismanispreached Be it known unto you therefore, menand 850.455.7595 February 18,2013 -
- - comings in our lives. “And such were some of do better work if they know why they are doing you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, what they are doing. In this verse we are plain- but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Je- ly told why we work for Christ. Ours is not an sus, and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Cor. 6:11). empty or meaningless endeavor, but one with Our Holiness Is Complete in Christ hope, one with purpose. This allows us an op- My little children, these things write I unto portunity to be both the one who works and you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, the recipient of the works that are done. Thus, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus in Christ, all that we do is complete. Christ the righteous: And he is the propi- Our Triumph over the Adversary tiation for our sins: and not for ours only, Is Complete in Christ but also for the sins of the whole world A study of the Revelation which was re- (1 John 2:1-2). ceived by John on the Isle of Patmos reveals the That we are, of ourselves, unholy and ultimate triumph of the saints over their ene- wretched there is no doubt. That we are desti- my, the forces of evil. Paul assured them, and tute and without hope on our own, there is no assures us even now, that we have the power doubt. That with Jesus, and by His sacrifice, we to do (or accomplish) all things through Christ are made Holy, we joyfully declare there is ab- (Phi. 4:13). We know, and are assured by the solutely no doubt. According to Romans 6:22, Bible, that we are more than conquerors in we are “made free from sin” by Jesus and His Christ. Paul declared that God “always causeth sacrifice. We are truly made “Godlike” by and us to triumph in Christ” (2 Cor. 2:14). There is in Him. nothing that Satan can throw at us that we are Our Peace and Comfort Are unable to overcome. Complete in Christ Our Tranquility and Happiness We need peace and comfort, for our world Are Complete in Christ is filled with conflict and hurt. Paul said, “For The Christian can face the “grim reaper” he is our peace” (Eph. 2:14). And again, “For happily, even unafraid. With Paul we can say, the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy (Phi. 1:21). We know that if we live on another Ghost” (Rom. 14:17) As the sorrows of life 50 years that we will live them for Christ and mount, and as the suffering and sickness grows that if our next breath is our last that we will go on us with the passing of the years, it is sure- home to be with Christ. This removes from the ly comforting to know that “as the sufferings faithful the fear of some calamity overtaking us of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also or some illness striking us down, and it allows aboundeth by Christ” (2 Cor. 1:5). us to press along no matter come what may. Our Labors and Toils Are Our Resurrection and Eternal Complete in Christ Glory Are Complete in Christ We know that our “labour is not in vain in There is nothing as reassuring for me than the Lord.” (1 Cor. 15:58). Most workers will the knowledge that someday Jesus will come to receive His own and to carry them home some future battle that is to be fought after the to glory and that I will be in that number. I end of time. All that needs to be done for me know that I will hear His voice, and that I will to be saved by Christ has been done. The only meet Him in the air, and that I will live on for- question that remains is this: Have I done my ever and ever, age without end, if I am living part? Have I obeyed the Gospel? Am I living for Him. I further know that my redemption right? If not, please allow us to assist you. in Him is full, not partial, not contingent on Dothan, AL
Disinherited Children Dub McClish The late movie star, Joan Crawford, with- lulled into a false sense of security by this false held their expected inheritance from some of teaching. her children. She was not the first to do so. Is it possible that some of us have unwitting- Nor is she likely to be the last. It is the right ly drifted into this very dangerous position? I of a parent to disinherit a child if the parent so fear so. Otherwise, it is very difficult to explain chooses. Let it be observed that such disinher- how some of us can go hunting and fishing, ited children do not cease to be the children or visit relatives, or take a vacation, and not make off-spring of the withholding parent; they sim- any provision whatsoever for assembling with ply are left out of the will, cut off from receiving the saints on the Lord’s day. Yet, some church any of the estate. members do this and apparently never feel any Can and will God ever disinherit His chil- guilt at all. dren? One of the major tenents of Calvinism Then, there are those who attend regularly answers, “No, once a person is a child of God and even give generously, but their lives are reg- he can never do anything sinful or evil enough ularly marred by ungodly habits that dishonor to fall from God’s grace and lose his eternal in- God and disgrace the church before unbeliev- heritance.” However, those who will read the ers. Yet, their attitude seems to be, “I am what New Testament with clear glasses, rather than I am and I cannot change.” And what of those Calvinistic ones, will discover a plethora of pas- who “drop out” for weeks or even months at a sages that teach otherwise. Simon became a time and then just sort of “drop in” again as if Christian, but fell into the “bond of iniquity,” nothing were wrong with their relationship to for which he was commanded to pray for for- God and the church. Surely, they must labor giveness (Acts 8:21-24). The alatiansG were in under the assumption that God will not keep danger of falling from grace (Gal. 5:4). Even His promises of condemnation of His faithful in the Old Testament, God literally disinherit- children. Brethren, once we are God’s children ed an entire generation of His people for faith- we never cease to be. But let us soberly remem- less rebellion (Num. 14:26-30). It is a tragedy ber that God has promised to disinherit un- that so much of the Protestant world has been faithful children. Denton, TX BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1724 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Bill Busch Ella Hammac Charles Williams GallaherBill Remember inyour prayers: February 27 Every Sunday Randall Lawson(grandsonofMarilyn BordenGary (Joyce Johnson’s friend) Jason Smith (Debra &Denise Mowery’s Robbie Cravey (The Haven) Rubye Bailey Linda Worley Anthony Polnitz Flesher Al MyrickHorace the auditorium. Sermons Video Series at7:00 pm,in pm, inthezone room. Ladies’ Bible Classwillmeetat5:00 Hall’s friend) nephew) June 7- 11,2013 Bellview Lectures (Friday - Tuesday)(Friday Please Remember
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ship withChrist.” those thingsdon’t someone’s interrupt relation behaviormatters, is asin.But headds,“While ues toacknowledge freely thathomosexuality 6:9-11). Chambersknows this,andcontin abstaining from homosexualpractices (1 Cor. 14:15),andHis(John commandmentsinclude who loves Jesus willkeepHis commandments all love Jesus.” Thisisclearly false,sinceone be Christian,“We’re Christians, allofus…we said toagroup ofhomosexualswhoclaimto twist atExodus International. Protestant”a beliefs.Thesebeliefshave led to ally alignthemselves withcommon“evangelical spects leaves muchtobedesired—they gener preciate theirintent,theologyinmanyre addiction. ap While Christianscancertainly striven tohelphomosexualsleave theirsinful Deacons: Minister: Bishops: How could Mr. Chamberssay such athing? In January, EIpresident AlanChambers For 36years, Exodus International (EI)has
Bill Busch,Crowe,JimLoy Henry Born,ElwardBrantley, Michael Hatcher Paul Brantley, Fred Stancliff Some FruitSome of “Osas” BEACON Vol. XLII/No. 8 A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com Lee Moses - - - - - E-mail: [email protected] Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. hope ofeternallife. their minds, they will die in their sins with no something doesnotcompel themtochange to remain intheirsinsinsteadofrepenting. If example ofthisdoctrine’s compellingpeople “the impossibilityofapostasy.” Here isaclear also known as“perseverance of the saints” or trine of“once saved, alwayssaved” (OSAS), lose hissalvation (Dean 13).Thisisthedoc- argument isthatifapersonsaved, hecannot not have Heaven ashisreward (Mat. 7:21-23). ship withHim whatsoever, does andcertainly keep Christ’s commandmentshasnorelation not inhim” (1 John 2:4).Someone whofailsto his commandments,isaliar, is andthetruth “He thatsaith,Iknow him,andkeepethnot As one writer observed, Chambers’As onewriterobserved, central yourselves, neither suffer ye themthat are heaven againstmen:for ye neither goin hypocrites! for ye shutup thekingdomof But woeuntoyou, scribesandPharisees, 850.455.7595 February 25,2013 - entering to go in (Mat. 23:13). his neck, and that he were drowned in the When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt depth of the sea (Mat. 18:6). surely die; and thou givest him not warn- These three passages serve as warnings to ing, nor speakest to warn the wicked from anyone who would encourage another to sin, his wicked way, to save his life; the same or who would allow another to remain in sin. wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but Truly, “once saved, always saved” is a hideous his blood will I require at thine hand (Eze. doctrine of demons. 3:18). Work Cited But whoso shall offend one of these little Dean, Jamie. “Alan Astray?” WORLD Magazine. ones which believe in me, it were better for August 11, 2012. 13.
him that a millstone were hanged about Mammoth Spring, AR
The Lure of Money
Lester Kamp Jesus in Matthew 6 is not giving attention thing to be shrugged off as if it does not matter. to the luxuries of life. He does not in this pas- Materialism is idolatry! Possessions can keep us sage point our attention to some things, but “all out of heaven. “Covetousness, which is idola- these things.” Jesus in this context has discussed try” (Col. 3:5). material possessions as a potential idol that is Calvin accurately wrote, “Where riches hold worshiped and served. In verse 24, Jesus tells of the dominion of the heart, God has lost His au- the impossibility of serving two gods. We can- thority.” According to Jesus in Matthew 6, our not divide our allegiance between two gods. treasure is either in heaven or on earth, our life
Jesus states clearly, “for either he will hate the is either full of light or darkness, our master is one, and love the other; or else he will hold to either God or mammon. This is not our only the one, and despise the other” (6:24). There is warning about the lure of possessions. no middle ground. Religiously we cannot occu- A familiar parable begins with these words py middle ground. Religion is a “love” or “hate” of warning and the theme of the parable, “Take relationship. heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s Of all that could be named as an illustration life consisteth not in the abundance of the of “another god” that could have been named, things which he possesseth” (Luke 12:15). In Jesus, in this verse, said, “Ye cannot serve God the parable of the rich, young ruler, we are in- and mammon.” Mammon means “money and troduced to a prospering young man. His crops what money can buy, possessions.” Perhaps had been so abundant that he had no place to man’s greatest threat to idolatry is here, in mon- store them. His solution to the problem was to ey and possessions. Perhaps the lure of mate- pull down his barns and build bigger ones. His rialism is man’s greatest weakness. Man needs attitude was, “take thine ease, eat, drink, and to know of the danger of “these things.” Man be merry” (12:19) because his life was good for needs to know that materialism is not some- many years to come because of the quantity of his possessions. He believed that his life was de- is the root of all evil: which while some cov- termined by things. He was wrong. God cor- eted after, they have erred from the faith, and rected his impression, “Thou fool, this night thy pierced themselves through with many sor- soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall rows” (1 Tim. 6:10). those things be, which thou hast provided? So In another familiar parable the sower sows is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is seed in thorny ground. Jesus interprets this por- not rich toward God” (12:19-21). Paul points tion of the parable for us. He states, “And that us to the same danger, “For the love of money which fell among thorns are they, which, when
they have heard, go forth, and are choked with
cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and
The Greatest Work bring no fruit to perfection” (Luke 8:14). No- A builder builded a temple, tice carefully that the seed which is the Word He wrought it with grace and skill; of God is sown into the heart where it is even- Pillars and groins and arches, tually “choked” by the “cares and riches and All fashioned to work his will. pleasures of this life.” It is interesting to observe Men said, as they saw its beauty, here that the word for worry comes from an “It shall never know decay. old German word which means “to choke, to Great is thy skill, O builder; strangle.” Worry usually has to do with these Thy fame shall endure foraye.” very things, the cares, riches, and pleasures of
A teacher builded a temple this life. We are physically affected by worry so we choke and strangle. These same things With loving and infinite care, can affect us spiritually in a similar way. The Planning each arch with patience; growth of God’s Word in our lives is choked by Laying each stone with prayer. the “cares, and riches and pleasures of this life.” None praised her unceasing effort; When this life becomes more important to us None knew of her wondrous plan— For the temple the teacher builded than the life which is to come then the process Was unseen by the eyes of man. of choking has begun. Gone is the builder’s temple, Christ here is not speaking of the extras, the Crumpled into the dust; luxuries of life. The questions He gives suggest Low lies each stately pillar, the very essentials of life can become so im- Food for the consuming rust. portant to us that they can keep us from be- But the temple the teacher builded ing saved. His questions have to do with food, Will last while the ages roll, drink, and clothing. If we can place too much For that beautiful unseen temple importance on these things, then how much Was a child’s immortal soul. more dangerous are the “wants” of life available Author Unknown to us. Aurora, CO BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1724 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Marilyn Hall Marilyn Bill Busch Ella Hammac Charles Williams GallaherBill Remember inyour prayers: March 10 March 4 Every Sunday Joan Furman (Debra Mowery’s co-worker) Randall Lawson(grandsonofMarilyn BordenGary (Joyce Johnson’s friend) Horace Myrick (Sacred Heart Hospital) Al Flesher (The Haven) Robbie Cravey (The Haven) Linda Worley Anthony Polnitz Nancy Travis 5:30 pm,inroom 5. Deacons’ meetingwillbe heldat pm. Visitation Group 1willmeetat6:00 pm, inthezone room. Ladies’ Bible Classwillmeetat5:00 Hall’s friend) June 7– 11,2013 (Friday – Tuesday)(Friday Bellview Lectures Please Remember
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read: and instituted.It wasonlyinGenesis 6thatwe ator, they also lose respect for what He has said ting away(Mal. 2:16). prophet, Malachi, wrote thatGod hatesput husband andwifeisthusasacred one.God’s asunder” (Mat. 19:6).Theunionbetween the fore God hathjoinedtogether, letnotmanput are nomore twain,butoneflesh. Whatthere isees aboutdivorce, He said,“Wherefore they wife (Gen. 2:24).In Jesus’ response tothePhar- Adam He declared thatamanistocleave tohis heavenly Father madeEve and brought herto Deacons: Minister: Bishops: sons of God saw the daughters of men that sons of God sawthe daughters ofmenthat daughters were bornuntothem, Thatthe and to multiplyon thefaceofearth, And itcametopass,when menbegan When menlosetheirrespect fortheirCre Marriage isaninstitutionofGod. When our
Bill Busch,Crowe,JimLoy Henry Born,ElwardBrantley, Michael Hatcher Paul Brantley, Fred Stancliff Society’s for Marriage Respect Sinks Lower andLower BEACON Vol. XLII/No. 9 Charles Pogue A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com - - - E-mail: [email protected] Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. commandment ofGod (Rom. 13:9).Adultery “Thou shalt notcommitadultery” isstillthe one ofthe Ten Commandments (Exo. 20:14). ly lost.“Thoushaltnotcommit adultery” was other words, such individuals will be eternal 6:9).In heriting thekingdomofGod (1 Cor. alty toone’s spouse, will prevent one from in which, withoutrepentance andsubsequentloy 14:4). “It isnotlawfulfortheetohave her” (Mat. caused himtocomeundertherebuke ofJohn, It wasHerod’s takingofhisbrother’s wifethat said thatfrom thebeginningthatwasnotso. wives withawritingofdivorcement, butJesus Israelites of old were suffered to put awaytheir Unfaithfulness inone’s marriageisasin Because of the hardness the of their hearts, all whichtheychose(6:1-2). they 850.455.7595 were fair; and they took them wives of fair;andtheytookthemwives of March 4,2013 - - - is one of the works of the flesh listed by Paul launched in 2001, was featured on the Internet. in Galatians 5:19. Study of both the Old and This site, www.ashleymadison.com, demon- New Testaments makes it very plain that men strates just how low people have sunk in their of old often paid little heed to God’s instruc- sin and debauchery when it comes to marriage. tions regarding the most sacred relationship of Boasting 10,320,000 members, this is a website marriage that can exist between a man and a for men and women providing them with op- woman. Unfortunately, not much has changed portunities to cheat on their spouses. One re- in that regard. view of the site reads in part: Increasingly, people are ignoring the need for www.ashleymadison.com is a married dat- marriage and instead select a convenient part- ing site designed specifically for casual en- ner and live together outside of marriage and a counters, secret romances and adult fantasy. commitment honored by God. Men with men The target audience? Men and women alike and women with women work that which is who are interested in being a tad naughty unseemly, but are obtaining greater public and and stepping outside their relationship. private support. As far as the commitment to A tad naughty indeed! It is not a tad naugh- marriage and promise of staying together un- ty; it is heinously and despicably sinful. It til death do us part is concerned, it has been makes a total mockery out of God and His discarded by many like so much garbage. Di- commandments. It shows total disrespect for vorce is rampant! One supposes that it began one’s spouse, for himself, and for marriage in in the denominational bodies, where even reli- general. Furthermore, ashleymadicon.com and gious people decided to ignore the commands its subscribers, turn the vow to keep one’s self of God regarding marriage, and now one may from all others into nothing more than a cheap divorce and remarry for any reason, as many lie. times as they please, and still be regarded as In June 2010, there were an estimated 60.3 faithful members. Presently, the Lord’s church million marriage in the U.S., or 120,600,000 is no exception to that serious disobedience to married persons. In other words, this offensive the will of God. Couples that have been di- site claims that 8.6% of all married individuals vorced from their original spouses without in the United States are consumers of its filthy scriptural cause, and remarried (some multiple service. Sadly, while the claims may be some- times) are accepted by congregations as faithful what exaggerated, they are probably not over- Christians. The men in such unholy unions are stated by much if at all. used to lead prayers, wait on the Lord’s Table, One obvious question that is raised by the and as song leaders. What irreverence to God foregoing is, “Are we surprised?” Shocked, yes, and His commands! but surprised? Unfortunately, no! We live in a
Yes, man’s lack of seriousness and respect world where even belief in God is on the de- for the husband and wife relationship estab- cline. Among those who believe in God, accept- lished by God, is very prevalent and growing ing the Bible as His inspired Word and rule- in today’s world. Recently a website, originally book for man’s behavior is also on the decline. People are attempting to do what the proph- the closet to them on the earth, their spouses. et Jeremiah wrote they cannot do, direct their “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed un- own steps (Jer. 10:23). Among other things defiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God when people attempt to do that, they end up will judge” (Heb. 13:4). hurting the individuals who are supposed to be Granby, MO
Having God on Our Side Often we hear people talk about having God rather, we need to make His cause our cause. “on their side.” Certainly the idea is comfort- We might imagine Him to say, “‘I’m not join- ing and reassuring. However, does God look at ing your team—you need to join mine.” Himself as being “on our side,” even if we are The question to ask regarding any situa- His faithful children? In one way He does, in tion, dispute, doctrine, practice, organization, the sense that He has promised to be with us in or personal agenda is not “Whose side is God our lives as Christians (Mat. 28:20; Heb. 13:5- on?” but rather, “Who is on the Lord’s side?” 6). One of the richest blessings the Christian (Exo. 32:26). has is that of the abiding presence of God and Author Unknown His constant help. There is another sense, however, in which it would be presumptuous to view God as be- Postage Increase ing “on our side.” In the days just before the Due to the postage increase that went into conquest of Jericho, Joshua looked up and saw effect on January 27, the cost for mailing the a man standing near him with a sword in his Bellview Lectures books has had to increase. hand. Obviously startled and momentarily un- The cost of mailing one book will now be guarded, Joshua asked him, “Are you for us $3.50. This will affect the hardcover books or for our adversaries?” The soldier answered, and the 2012 softcover book. The postage “Nay; but as captain of the host of the Lord chart for the 2010 book is listed below. am I now come” (Jos. 5:13-14). The command- er of God’s army was on God’s side. Whatever Postage Chart for else that meeting did for Joshua, it certainly re- 2010 Bellview Lectures Book Only minded him that God was not in his army, but Books Postage that he was fighting for God’s cause. 1 $3.00 per book It is possible for people to approach God 2-5 $5.00 per order with the idea of trying to force Him (or at best, 6-9 $6.00 per order to make Him appear) to be on their side of some issue or dispute. What begs to be under- 10 or more Pay by Invoice stood, however, is that God is not there to line Postage cost subject to change up with us on our side of some human cause; based on U.S. Postal Rates. BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1724 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED To your Mother To God To achild To anenemy To your boss To your wedded mate To your Father Nancy Travis Hall Marilyn Harold Cozad Charles Williams GallaherBill Remember inyour prayers: To allmen To afriend March 10 Every Sunday Joan Furman (Debra Mowery’s co-worker) BordenGary (Joyce Johnson’s friend) Al Flesher (The Haven) Robbie Cravey (The Haven) Linda Worley Anthony Polnitz These Are theBest Things to 5:30 pm,inroom 5. Deacons’ meetingwillbeheldat pm, inthezone room. Ladies’ Bible Classwillmeetat5:00 ...... Please Remember ......
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children of Israel, saying: to confess, “I was wrong”? Throughout the his dren ofIsrael, God said: ty inorder tohave His approbation. Of thechil demanded thatHis children confesstheiriniqui ofGod’story dealingswithHis people,He has Deacons: Minister: Bishops: Through Moses, theLord spoke untothe will remember theland(Lev. 26:40-42). nant withAbraham willIremember; andI my covenant withIsaac, andalsomycove remember mycovenant withJacob, andalso I the punishmentoftheiriniquity: Thenwill behumbled,andtheythenacceptof hearts of theirenemies;ifthenuncircumcised them, andhave brought themintotheland unto And thatIalsohave walkedcontrary unto me; also theyhave walkedcontrary which they trespassed against me, and that iniquity oftheirfathers,withtrespass If they shallconfess their iniquity, and the Why shoulditbesodifficultforaChristian
Bill Busch,Crowe,JimLoy Henry Born,ElwardBrantley, Michael Hatcher Paul Brantley, Fred Stancliff BEACON Vol. XLII/No. 10 I Was Wrong A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com W.L. Totty - - - - E-mail: [email protected] Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. (Jam. 5:16). (Jam. vent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” other, thatye maybe healed. The effectual fer your faultsonetoanother, andprayoneforan He said: willing torepent ofhissinsandconfessthem. The apostle Paul freely admittedthathewas In theNew Testament we are told,“Confess my sin.Selah (Psa. 32:2,5). the I said,willconfessmytransgressions unto unto thee,andmineiniquityhave Inothid. there isnoguile.…Iacknowledged mysin imputeth notiniquity, and inwhosespirit Blessed is David, themanafterGod’s own was heart, done (Num. 5:6-7). they shallconfesstheirsinwhichhave the sin thatmencommit,todoatrespass against When amanorwomanshallcommitany 850.455.7595 Lord ; andthouforgavest theiniquityof Lord , andthatperson be guilty;Then the manuntowhom March 11,2013 Lord
- - chief of sinners (1 Tim. 1:15), even though he had persecuted the Christians in ignorance be- Postage Increase cause of his former religious training. No, one Due to the postage increase that went into cannot plead ignorance and be excused. Though effect on January 27, the cost for mailing the Jesus prayed to the Father to forgive those Jews Bellview Lectures books has had to increase. who were guilty of crucifying Him because “they The cost of mailing one book will now be know not what they do,” it is evident from the $3.50. This will affect the hardcover books Scriptures that they were not forgiven until they and the 2012 softcover book. The postage acknowledged their guilt, repented of their sins, chart for the 2010 book is listed below. and were baptized at the preaching of Peter and the other apostles on the day of Pentecost follow- Postage Chart for ing His crucifixion. 2010 Bellview Lectures Book Only Likewise, we as Christians, if we ever ex- Books Postage pect to get to heaven, are going to have to as- 1 $3.00 per book sume some responsibility for our actions. When 2-5 $5.00 per order we have sinned, we must confess it and pray for 6-9 $6.00 per order forgiveness. 10 or more Pay by Invoice Sometimes it is not enough to merely ac- Postage cost subject to change knowledge to God that we have sinned. There based on U.S. Postal Rates. are many sins which involve our actions toward our fellow man that must be rectified between ing to humble ourselves to the point that we will the two of us in the manner which God has com- endure the consequences of our sins, our char- manded (Mat. 18:15; Jam. 5:16). acter is not the type that God will accept. In or- We cannot be like children, when they are der to be faithful and a true follower of Christ, corrected by their parents, who sometimes say, we must be willing to say, “I can do all things “He made me do it.” We cannot place the blame through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Phi. on someone else and hide behind them. Confess- 4:13), and get on with the business of confess- ing our sins may at times demand that we accept ing our wrongs and doing whatever is necessary some type of punishment for then, even though to rectify them. we will be forgiven of them; yet, if we are unwill- Deceased
Worship or Entertainment?
Bob Pritchard Neil Postman described serious problems in thoughtful discourse is missing. “Show busi- modern culture in his insightful 1985 book, ness” hype has affected advertising, politics, Amusing Ourselves to Death. His thesis was that and religion. Postman’s conclusion is that none public discourse has been reshaped to such an of these changes have made for improvement. extent by television and entertainment that In our entertainment-oriented culture, many churches find themselves trying to “out- acts, and that it must be done in exact obedi- do” themselves with more and more elaborate ence to God’s commands. The worship must additions to worship. What began as special be directed to Him, not to the whims of the music by a choir becomes a full orchestra with worshipers. professional soloists. A dramatic reading neces- God’s regulations for worship as set out in sitates a full Broadway stage production. And as the New Testament are neither boring nor out- long as those who come to worship enjoy what of-date. They are God-centered, while enter- is offered, anything goes. The expectation is tainment is man-centered! that sermons will be shorter, wittier, and more Culture relevance is important—thus many uplifting. Anything in worship that cannot be churches are implementing modern technology jazzed up must be abandoned as boring—and such as projection systems to enhance sermons. there is nothing worse than being boring, we And there is nothing wrong with the worship- are led to believe. er enjoying worship. God intended worship to The problem with this entertainment orien- bless His children. But when worship is mere- tation is that the very object of worship is for- ly window dressing for an entertainment per- gotten. God is the audience in worship. Jesus formance, it cannot please God. The apostle told the Samaritan woman that ignorant wor- warned, “Whosoever transgresseth, and abi-
ship was unacceptable to God, even though it deth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not
may have been sincere or enjoyable. “God is a God” (2 John 9). Paul condemned things that
Spirit: and they that worship him must worship “have indeed a shew of wisdom in will wor- him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). To wor- ship” (Col. 2:23). “Will worship” is that which ship God in spirit and truth means that wor- is fashioned after man’s desires. ship must be from the heart, not just outward Copied
What Is Personal Work? It Is …Discussing Christianity with a friend. …Telling and showing your neighbor the happiness of being a Christian. …Teaching or hosting a home Bible study. …Planting the Word in someone’s heart. …Writing a letter to a loved one expressing interest in his soul. …Having a prospect in your home for dinner and fellowship. …The encouragement given to a new member. …Any deed that shows the love of God working through you. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Heb. 10:24). Author Unknown
BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1724 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Nancy Travis Hall Marilyn Harold Cozad Charles Williams GallaherBill Remember inyour prayers: Which are you? 4. 3. 2. 1. of thechurch: There are atleastfourtypesofmembers March 18 March 17 Every Sunday Al Flesher (The Haven) Robbie Cravey (The Haven) Linda Worley Anthony Polnitz
pm. Visitation Group 2willmeetat6:00 held at5:00pm,inroom 5. Elders/Deacons’ meetingwillbe pm, inthezone room. Ladies’ Bible Classwillmeetat5:00 happening. Those thatcriticize whatis happening. Those thatdon’t know whatis Those thatwatchthingshappen. Those thatmakethingshappen. Which OneAre You? Please Remember
Sick Marge Williams Author Unknown HoraceMyrick Melvin Torrey Ella HammacElla Dot Lambert Rubye Nellie Read Bailey
took unto him his wife: And knew her not till hernottill took unto himhiswife: Andknew as theangelof theLord hadbidden him,and read: “Then Joseph beingraised from sleepdid was theHoly Spirit. In Matthew 1:24-25,we a dream andtoldhimthatMary’s pregnancy was nothis.Anangelappeared toJoseph in al relations that thechild withherandknew to secretly divorce her. He hadnotsexu waswithchild,hedetermined found thatMary remain avirgininMatthew 1. When Joseph and sisters. the Bible teachesthatJesus didhave brothers Jesus wouldhave beenanonlychild.However, gin throughout herlife.If thiswere then true, remainedolics) whomaintainthatMary avir- Therebirth. are some(suchasthe Roman Cath virgin atthetimethatsheconceived andgave between theHoly Spirit andMary. She wasa of Jesus wastheresult ofasupernaturalunion Deacons: Minister: Bishops: We didnot findthefirstevidencethat Mary According toMatthew 1:18-21,thebirth
Bill Busch,Crowe,JimLoy Henry Born,ElwardBrantley, Michael Hatcher Paul Brantley, Fred Stancliff Do YouDo Words?These Recall BEACON Vol. XLII/No. 11 Bruce StultingBruce A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com - - E-mail: [email protected] Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. children ofJoseph from aprevious marriage. therefore His younger brothers andsisters, or dren andJoseph borntoMary afterJesus, and are onlytwopossibilities.They were eitherchil were these brothers and sisters of Jesus? There with us?Andtheywere offendedathim.” Who Juda, and Simon? andare nothissistershere Mary, thebrother of James, andJoses, and of Mark 6:3:“Is not thisthe carpenter, the son of became indignantatHis claimsandsaidin was inNazareth thepeopleofHis hometown the brothers andsisters of Jesus. When Jesus hadotherchildrenseph andMary whowere Mary. Furthermore, theBible teaches that Jo refutes thedoctrineofperpetualvirginity ofJesus.until afterthebirth Thispassagethus Joseph didnothave sexualrelations withMary called hisnameJESUS.” herfirstbornson:andhe she hadbrought forth The reason somebelieve thatthese were not From thisScripture we candeterminethat 850.455.7595 March 18,2013 - - children of Joseph and Mary is due to the way they were blood kin and not the children of Jo- they are designated. Jesus is called the “Son of seph from a previous marriage the existence of Mary” and is distinguished separately from the which is impossible to prove. Also, there are brothers and sisters. However, in Acts 1:14 we two different words in the Greek language to read that “Mary the mother of Jesus, and with distinguish between brothers and cousins. It is his brethren” were included with those gath- unlikely that the Holy Spirit would have used a ered in the upper room. Here they are called his word that would be ambiguous when so much brothers not her sons. This evidence shows that was at stake. Huntsville, TX
Lessons from the Past
David P. Brown Almost a generation ago the church was as- for his great spirituality. Possibly this will al- sailed from within by those who bound where low one to be placed in the exalted positions God had not bound. Although legislators for of “Minister of Smiling” or maybe “Minister of God are still a problem in some areas, for the How To Pin Your VBS Button On.” most part they have dried up on the vine. Over one hundred years ago the apostasy Today, from within, the church is harangued that digressed into the Christian Church de- by the opposite extreme. This faction is bent nomination had started. They too followed the loosing where God has not loosed on . Such principle of, “If it is not expressly forbidden, speak much of love but practice the opposite. we can do it.” Although the error that this false
They are an “anything goes” people; accept any- premise rode out on was different, having to do thing as long as one does it with a smile and mainly with mechanical instruments of music jump like a flea on a hot griddle. One does not in worship and the missionary society, it still need to know much Bible, just be able to do was loosing where God has not loosed. The the “Sanctified Boogie,” and he will be noted attitude or spirit of these apostates toward those
Books-on-CD The 1988-2005, 2007-2012 books, all Defender issues of 1970, 1972-2011, and the weekly bulletin Beacon 1974-2011, along with numerous other books, tracts, and studies are available on computer disk in Adobe Acrobat Reader (PDF) format (making it useful for both Windows and Macintosh computers). The CD is completely indexed allowing searches of all the books at the same time (you can find every occurrence of a word or phrase such as “baptism for the remis- sion of sins” in every book at the same time). The cost of the CD is only $35 plus postage/han- dling fee of $2.50 (total is $37.50) in which you receive all the lectureship books (about $1.25 per book) and other material. If you purchased a previous version of our CD, the upgrade price
upon return of the previous CD is only $7.50 (includes postage). Take advantage of this great of-
fer. Order from Bellview Church of Christ.
who opposed these innovations was the same as excel? I clamor, in what?… No one emo- those who occupy their position today. tion of piety ever trembled in their souls to To illustrate this point, we quote from broth- which their brethren of the baser sort are er Earl West’s book, The Search For The Ancient strangers. Closely as they have gone to the Order (2:144-145, Indianapolis, 1950). presence of God, so closely have gone we; We have been pained for some time to see deeply as they have drunk at the fount of reproach cast upon those who insist upon spiritual life, so deeply have drunk we. Not faithful obedience to the law of God, as the a flower blooms on the tallest peak their condition of his blessing, as legalists, and feet have ever pressed whose fragrance we the principle that required the submission have not inhaled. These men lack the gift legalism…Some of our progressive breth- to see themselves as others see them (Moses ren have even gone so far as to deny there is E. Lard, “The Progressive vs. The Sound.” any law in the New Testament as there was Apostolic Times, Vol. K, No. 1 (April 15, in the Old.… 1869), p. 1). The tendency of our brethren’s specula- We dare say that these words from the past tive distincition [sic] on these subjects is to will not mean anything to those who worship weaken the sense of obligation to comply at the shrine of popularity and kiss the big toe with the full requirements of God’s will, of the great god “Go, God, Git ’Um, Git ’Um, and to give people license to follow some Ugh! Ugh!” However, we know that there are
impulse, passion or prejudice which they “seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which
may conceive to be the suggestion of faith have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth
within, that becomes law to itself (David which hath not kissed him” (1 Kin. 19:18). To
Lipscomb, “Legalism and Obedience,” the faithful who “ask for the old paths, where
Gospel Advocate, Vol. XIII, No. 17 (April is the good way; and walk therein” (Jer. 6:16),
27, 1871), pp. 389, 390). there will be steadfastness in following “the per- They are partial to the “pious” in other fect law of liberty” (Jam. 1:25—KJV). sects; yet they pounce unmercifully upon Spring, TX the faults of their own brethren. They ap- pear doubtful that their brethren are right “Life is occupied in both perpetuating itself in anything. They claim to have made and in surpassing itself. If all it does is main- greater progression spirituality; in that in- tain itself, then living is only not dying” (S. ner life, and in the secret walks with God. de Beauvoir). Life really is what you make of Are they less tyrannical than others? or more it. Others may treat you well or ill but their lowley [sic] in their look, in their walk, or treatment is not what defines your life: how in their talk? Eat less than their brethren you handle what happens to you determines of the vulgar rout; pray they more, or just the measure of your success. Do not be con- less coarsely? Give they more than others tent with what happens to you, contribute! to the cause of God; work they more as- God bless! Tim Smith, Dothan, AL siduously, or grumble less? In what do they BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1724 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Marilyn Hall Marilyn Harold Cozad Charles Williams GallaherBill Remember inyour prayers: March 31 March 27 Every Sunday Sarah O’Rourke (Dale Cunningham’s Robbie Cravey (The Haven) Al Flesher Linda Worley Anthony Polnitz Nancy Travis Four Things to Belong aJudge 4. 3. 2. 1. pm. Grounds, at1:00 evening service Fifth Sunday Dinner onthe the auditorium. Sermons Video Series at7:00pm,in pm, inthezone room. Ladies’ Bible Classwillmeetat5:00 daughter) To decideimpartially To considersoberly To answer wisely To hearcourteously Please Remember
Sick Marge Williams Author Unknown HoraceMyrick Melvin Torrey Ella HammacElla Dot Lambert Rubye Nellie Read Bailey
entertainment andappealingtoman’sentertainment marily, ismeantmore attractive by meansof like allthedenominations.” By make usmore relevant generation tothenew leaders hear, “thou andthywaysare old,now like allthenations” 8:5),now faithful (1 Sam. “thou old…now art makeusakingtojudge heardtionalism. Similar by tothecry Samuel, Jesus diedcloserandtowards denomina ment attemptingtodrawthechurch forwhich is whyonecanexpectto seejustaboutany they say, practice, anddo(cf. Col.3:17). This respect norseekScripturalauthorityforallthat on this needs. Denominations have heldamonopoly nasiums, and musical concerts (just to name a (just toname a nasiums, andmusical concerts grounds—from pettingzoos, carnivals, gym thing todayin achurch parking lotoron Deacons: Minister: Bishops: For sometimenow, there hasbeenamove “Is theChurch for Which JesusDiedStill ‘Relevant’ relevance duetothefactthattheydo not
and Is the Gospel of Christ Still ofChrist and IstheGospel ‘Enough’?”
Bill Busch,Crowe,JimLoy Henry Born,ElwardBrantley, Michael Hatcher Paul Brantley, Fred Stancliff BEACON relevant, pri- Vol. XLII/No. 12 A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist church 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com Brad Green social - - - -
E-mail: [email protected] Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. ognize the standard used to promote why “the andextremelyequally important, sad,to rec provided in reference to these statements. It is It tonote that noBible isimportant verses were ridicules. One authorwrites: ismockedand God andnottobeentertained ble togetherasthechurch ofChristtoworship (Mat. 21:12-13).Still, theideathatwe assem He summarily“cast out” ofHis Father’s temple ed towhatJesus calls“a denofthieves” which ple inattendancebutseemsmore closelyrelat needs and generate lots of publicity and peo These activities do appeal tofew). man’s The Church needs to be very goodas The Churchwell. needstobe very good atmeetingsocialneeds. Very good! know: Theworld(through Satan) is very social connection…Here’s thethingwe 20’s is the need for social interaction and the greatest need for people today in their 850.455.7595 March 25,2013 social - - - -
Church needs to be very good” at meeting so- then why should man tamper with God’s plan? cial needs—“Satan.” The claim is simply this: Is God’s design not perfect? “since the world (through Satan) is good at The Church of Christ Is Still Relevant be- meeting social needs, then the Church needs to cause she is still the only church built by Jesus be good as well.” First, man’s “greatest need” has (Mat. 16:18; Eph. 4:4) and the only body pur- never been “social interaction and social con- chased with His blood (Acts 20:28). The church nection.” Man’s greatest need is to be reconciled is still relevant because God still adds those be- to God and salvation from sin—“For what is a ing saved to her number (2:47) and there is no man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, salvation outside of the body of Christ (4:12; and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give Eph. 1:22-23). The church is still relevant be- in exchange for his soul?” (Mat. 16:26). Sec- cause Jesus is still her Master (6:9), Lord (Mat. ond, God devised and ordained an institution 7:21-23), and Savior (Eph. 5:23). The church by which social needs can be met—the home is still relevant because it is the only body that (Eph. 6:1-4). The New Testament very clearly Jesus will take to Heaven at His second com- teaches that the work of the church is spiritual ing (5:27). in nature, not physical—“the true worshippers The Gospel of Christ is still “the power shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: of God unto salvation…. For therein is the for the Father seeketh such to worship him. righteousness of God revealed” (Rom. 1:16- God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must 17). Despite weak men’s faith in the power of worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23- God’s Word, it is still the only thing powerful 24). Jesus also says, “My kingdom is not of this enough to draw souls to Christ. Many souls world: if my kingdom were of this world, then have been drawn away from Christ and His would my servants fight, that I should not be church by any number of means, but God’s delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom plan to save is only found in the Gospel. The not from hence” (18:36). Though we Scriptur- church can most certainly open doors to evan- ally encourage Christians to gather as often as gelism by letting our “light so shine before they can in addition to the designated times men, that they may see your good works, and for Bible study and worship, it must be under- glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Mat. stood that this social interaction is a work of the 5:16). We should always exhibit the mercy and home. Would to God that faithful Christians compassion of Christ in our lives, and in so do- meet and enjoy one another’s company more ing, hearts may be softened and receptive to the often than they do with those in the world Gospel. However, it is the Gospel that produc- (where they get the ideas that the church is not es Christians (2 Tim. 3:15). Our benevolence fulfilling social needs). However, the work of and edification are manifestations of our obedi- the church and social connections must not be ence to God’s Word and thus any good accom- entwined. If God saw the need (and desired) plished by such is still attributable to the Truth, that there be two, separate Divine institutions, not to man. one for spiritual needs and one for social needs, The church of Christ is comprised of souls who are obedient to the Gospel, having heard and be added, by God, to His church (2:47). Let the Word (Rom. 10:17), believed (Mark 16:16), us love and appreciate the church for which Jesus repented of their past sins (Luke 13:3), con- died rather than seek man-made ways of chang- fessed that Jesus is the Christ (Acts 8:37), and ing her into something God never intended nor were baptized to have their sins forgiven (2:38) wanted. Lenoir City, TN
Automatic Forgiveness? Al Brown No one, as long as he is clothed with this and trying to purchase, the power of impart- body of flesh, will be immune to fleshly de- ing miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit through sires. Even Jesus was tempted (Mat. 4:1ff; the laying on of hands (8:18-19). Peter, in re- Heb. 2:18), but like Him the Christian can buking him, named the sin he had commit- be so committed to God that he will be ada- ted: “Thou hast thought to obtain the gift of mantly determined not to give in to such de- God with money” (8:20). He charged that Si- sires. Indeed, this is what Christ expects him to mon’s heart was “not right before God” (8:21) do (Mat. 16:24). He may sin in a moment of and that he was “in the gall of bitterness and in weakness, but sin will not be the rule of his life the bond of iniquity” (8:23). Although Simon (cf. Rom. 7:21ff). On the contrary, the rule is was a Christian, who can doubt that he was cut that he does not sin; the exception to the rule off from God’s favor at that moment and fall- is that occasionally he does, but his determina- en from grace? Yet, Peter told him to repent of tion to walk with God will cause him to quick- his wickedness and pray to the Lord “if perhaps ly repent of his weakness and sin and ask for the thought of thy heart shall be forgiven thee” forgiveness. It is because he has such an attitude (8:22). It would appear that Simon believed of submission, and such a determined commit- what Peter told him, for he asked the apostle to ment, that Jesus’ blood is said to continually pray for him (8:24). cleanse him of his sins (1 John 1:7-10). Since Peter told Simon that he would “per- No one should assume, however, that such ish” in his present condition (8:20), it is ludi- cleansing will automatically continue if he re- crous to think that Jesus’ blood was cleansing fuses to repent, no matter how trivial and in- him of his sin before he repented. On the oth- significant the sin may seem to be. The com- er hand, if he obeyed Peter’s command, there mission of even one sin, for which one will not is every reason to believe that Jesus’ blood did or does not repent, will result in his alienation continue to cleanse him after his repentance from God (Jam. 2:10). and prayer. Since God is no respecter of per- Simon is an inspired example of this (Acts sons (Rom. 2:11), He likewise expects repen- 8:9-24). Although some claim he was never a tance and prayer from Christians today when- believer, Luke clearly says that he was (8:13) ever awareness of sin takes place—if they expect and that he was baptized just as the other Sa- the blood of Christ to continue cleansing them. maritans were. Simon sinned by lusting for, Deceased BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1724 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Nancy Travis Hall Marilyn Harold Cozad Charles Williams GallaherBill Remember inyour prayers: the suggestion? and listsofgoodworks. Else whymake So take the lead bysionary? giving names ers fornotdoing.Need tohelpamis lead, before harpingontheoth you start you offertohelp,certain even takethe see awork thatneedstobedone,make March 31 March 27 Every Sunday Sarah O’Rourke (Dale Cunningham’s Robbie Cravey (The Haven) Al Flesher Linda Worley Anthony Polnitz If your own eyes are blurred and you pm. Grounds, at12:30 evening service Fifth Sunday Dinner onthe the auditorium. Sermons Video Series at7:00pm,in pm, inthezone room. Ladies’ Bible Classwillmeetat5:00 daughter) Get Rid of Rid Get That Pole! Please Remember
Sick Marge Williams HoraceMyrick Melvin Torrey Ella HammacElla Fred Stancliff Dot Lambert Rubye Delbert GoinsDelbert Nellie Read Bailey - -
Corinth. He wrote: church ofChrist at wrote tothefirstcentury ther. Theapostle Paul brought thisoutwhenhe and harmonywiththe Will oftheHeavenly Fa man ithastodowithbringingintofavor vor andharmony with.” In respect to God and cally tobe all mixed-up concerningreconciliation. Bibli- Southern Hills Church ofChristisevidently Deacons: Minister: Bishops: Now then we are ambassadors forChrist, mitted untous theword ofreconciliation. their trespasses untothem; andhathcom ing theworlduntohimself, notimputing To wit,that God was inChrist,reconcil ofreconciliation; en toustheministry to himselfby Jesus Christ,and hathgiv things behold, allthingsare becomenew. Andall creature:new old things are passed away; Therefore ifany man The church in Abilene, Texas known asthe A Beer JointA Beer Church Christ IsNottheChurch Of are
reconciled is“to bebrought intofa
ofGod, who hathreconciled us Bill Busch,Crowe,JimLoy Henry Born,ElwardBrantley, Michael Hatcher Paul Brantley, Fred Stancliff be inChrist, BEACON Vol. XLII/No. 13 he isa A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist Dub Mowery 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com - - - - - E-mail: [email protected] Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. forgiveness andfellowship. turn from hissinsandrepent before obtaining New Testament itistaughtthatasinnermust wise perish” (Luke 13:3, 5). Throughout the you, Nay: but,except ye repent, ye shallalllike the Words oftheLord concerningthis:“Itell needing to repent and be Hereconverted. are Son ofGod placesemphasisuponasinner Rather thanacceptingpeopleastheyare, the the teachingsofinspired Word ofthe Lord. to ing our fellowman as he is. This iscontrary Hills church is placing emphasis upon accept- midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto little childunto him,andsethiminthe kingdom of heaven? And Jesus calleda Jesus, saying, Who is thegreatest inthe At thesametimecamedisciples unto In theirmisguidedapproach theSouthern to God (2 Cor. 5:17-20). pray as thoughGod didbeseech 850.455.7595 you inChrist’s stead,beye reconciled April 1,2013 you by us:we - you, Except ye be converted, and become cepting those who frequent that bar as they are. as little children, ye shall not enter into the They admit that some drinking of alcoholic kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore drinks may take place while their worship ser- shall humble himself as this little child, the vice is still going on. Also, that some of their same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven singing will be accompanied with instrumen- (Mat. 18:1-4). tal music. Those people will not see any need to The Son of God declared that man must be change their lifestyle if “church people” are go- converted to enter the kingdom of Heaven. The ing to accept them as they are. Greek word translated converted at Matthew Faithful brethren throughout the brother- 18:3 means “to turn around, to change one’s hood should participate in a withdrawal of fel- course of action, and to change one’s mind.” lowship from the Southern Hills Church of Those misguided members of the South- Christ unless they repent. Their foolishness is ern Hills church of Christ are starting a church bringing reproach upon the church of our Lord. in a beer joint in Abilene with emphasis of ac- Pittsburg, TX
Bellview Lectures Information New Dates for the Lectureship day, and Tuesday. For all other meals, a list of The lectureship will start Friday evening and restaurants will be available at the registration go through Tuesday. tables. Housing Books
The Red Roof Inn (2591 Wilde Lake Blvd; The lectureship book, Innovations, will be
Pensacola, FL 32526) is providing a special rate available for purchase. The price has not yet for those attending the Bellview Lectures. The been determined. The book will contain 26 price (tax not included) is $59.99—single bed chapters and will be a soft-cover book. Every- and $69.99—double beds. Their phone num- one will want to purchase a copy and perhaps ber is 850.941.0908. Tell them you are at- additional copies for gifts. The books will not tending the Bellview Lectures when making be mailed until after the lectures are over. your reservations. If you are planning on at- Books-on-CD tending the lectureship you may want to make The Bellview lectureship books (1975-1976, your motel reservations early. 1978, 1988-2005, 2007-2013) will be available
Meals on CD in Adobe PDF. The price of the CD is
The ladies of the Bellview Church of Christ $37.50. The CD will also includes the Defend- will provide a free lunch on Saturday, Mon- er (1970, 1972-2012), Beacon (1972, 1974-
2012), and other material.
View Lectures Live on the Internet Open Forum Questions If you cannot attend the lectureship in per- If you have a question send it to [email protected] son, please view them live on the Internet: www.bellviewcoc.com
38th Annual Bellview Lectures June 7-11, 2013 (Friday – Tuesday)
Innovations Friday, June 7 Monday, June 10 7:00 pm Bible Authority 9:00 am Dedicating Babies Daniel Denham Danny Douglas 7:45 pm Silence of the Scritptures 10:00 am Logic and the Bible Dub McClish Terry Hightower Saturday, June 8 11:00 am Kitchens in the Building? 9:00 am Special Services (Easter, Jess Whitlock Christmas) Michael Hatcher Lunch Break 10:00 am Logic and the Bible 1:00 pm Modern Translations Terry Hightower Daniel Denham 11:00 am Direct Operation of the Spirit 2:00 pm Voting on Elders Johnny Oxendine David Watson Lunch Break 3:00 pm Open Forum: 1:00 pm Drama Teams/Puppet Ministry Dinner Break Lee Moses 7:00 pm Special Ministers Tim Cozad
2:00 pm Disater Relief Organizations 8:00 pm The Social Gospel Lee Moses
David P. Brown Tuesday, June 11
3:00 pm Open Forum 9:00 am Missionary Societies
Dinner Break Ken Chumbley
7:00 pm Female Leaders Bruce Stulting 10:00 am Logic and the Bible
8:00 pm Ecumenism Danny Douglas Terry Hightower
Sunday, June 9 11:00 am Children’s Worship/Divided
9:00 am Praise Teams Ken Chumbley Assembly Bruce Stulting
10:00 am Any-Day, Any-Thing Lord’s Lunch Break
Supper David Watson 1:00 pm Handclapping Jess Whitlock
Lunch and Dinner Break 2:00 pm Gymnasiums (“Family Life
5:00 pm House Church Concept Centers”) Tim Cozad
Lynn Parker 3:00 pm Open Forum:
6:00 pm Fellowship Innovations Dinner Break
Johnny Oxendine 7:00 pm Mechanical Instruments of
7:00 pm No Eternal Punishment Music David P. Brown Dub McClish 8:00 pm Theistic Evolution Lynn Parker BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1724 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Marilyn Hall Marilyn Harold Cozad Charles Williams GallaherBill Remember inyour prayers: If you have harmedabrother, Confess your faultstoanother; Don’t toignore orhideit try When you are wrong, admitit; April 14 April 8 Every Sunday Robbie Cravey (The Haven) Al Flesher Linda Worley Anthony Polnitz Nancy Travis Tell him,andwin hisfaithanew. It’s themanlythingto do, And sufferthepainandgrief. It willbringyou great relief. 5:30 pm,inroom 5. Deacons’ meetingwillbeheldat pm. Visitation Group 1willmeetat6:00 pm, inthezone room. Ladies’ Bible Classwillmeetat5:00 Please Remember You andSin
Sick Marge Williams Author Unknown HoraceMyrick Melvin Torrey Ella HammacElla Dot Lambert Rubye Nellie Read Bailey
to do more (fishing, sleeping late, unnecessary to do more (fishing, sleeping late, unnecessary assembly when theyfindsomething want know better, forsakeeven theSunday morning church.weaklings inevery proved themselves tobeamong thespiritual or twice during a Gospel meeting have always evening or Wednesday evening andonlyonce Those whowouldnever show upon Sunday would seldomcomeeven onSunday morning. Sunday evening andastillsmallerpercentage that somewouldnever beseenatworshipon as amatterofprinciple.Ihave alsoobserved Sunday morningor Wednesday night, almost peopleneverfew cometotheirBible classon “going tochurch” Ihave beenaware thata as optionalanymore? all of the church’s worship and study assemblies among membersofthebodyChristtotreat Deacons: Minister: Bishops: It isquitedistressing tosee brethren who Ever sinceIcanremember anythingabout Am I just imaging things,or is there atrend
Bill Busch,Crowe,JimLoy Henry Born,ElwardBrantley, Michael Hatcher Paul Brantley, Fred Stancliff A Disturbing TrendDisturbing A BEACON Vol. XLII/No. 14 Dub McClish A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com E-mail: [email protected] Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. assemblies withnonchalance satisfy theircon night really thatcriticaltothechild’s education? and one-halfrequired tobehere on Wednesday night—one ofmychildren didso.) Is thathour ble classesonSunday morningor Wednesday ities andstudieswithout neglecting theirBi tendance. (One canstillexcel inschoolactiv- homework before Bible schoolandworshipat children placingpublicschoolactivitiesand parents willnotbringthem.It isalsosadtosee morning or Wednesday evening becausetheir not get to attend their Bible class on Sunday It isdistressing torealize thatmany children do the halls,outonparking lot,thefoyer, etc.). assembled forworship(teachers’ workroom, find somewhere elsetogowhilethesaints were would cometothechurch building,butwould bly. Ihave even known ofsomebrethren who of theirwaytoavoid comingintotheassem- travel, etc.).It appearsthatsomealmostgoout How canthose whotreat worship andstudy 850.455.7595 April 8,2013 - - - science? Or do they listen anymore? What to carefully reread it. Can we ignore this direct might be some of the factors in this apparently command of God with impunity? If so, why growing attitude? 1) Some may can we not ignore them all? Do some still be ignorant of God’s “Not of us need to re-examine our at- Word on the subject, forsaking our own titudes toward worship but only a few. 2) Some assembling together; as and study opportuni- have slipped into a care- the custom of some is, but exhorting ties? Do some of us less habit and need to one another: and so much the more, as need to make some be challenged to break it. ye see the day drawing nigh” changes? Do some 3) Do some feel themselves (Heb. 10:25). of us need to pub- to be so spiritual that they can licly repent of forsak- be taught nothing more? Hebrews 10:25 ing the assembly? still reads like it always did. Many of us need Denton, TX
Bellview Lectures Information New Dates for the Lectureship day, and Tuesday. For all other meals, a list of The lectureship will start Friday evening and restaurants will be available at the registration go through Tuesday. tables. Housing Books The Red Roof Inn (2591 Wilde Lake Blvd; The lectureship book, Innovations, will be Pensacola, FL 32526) is providing a special rate available for purchase. The price has not yet for those attending the Bellview Lectures. The been determined. The book will contain 26 price (tax not included) is $59.99—single bed chapters and will be a soft-cover book. Every- and $69.99—double beds. Their phone num- one will want to purchase a copy and perhaps ber is 850.941.0908. Tell them you are at- additional copies for gifts. The books will not tending the Bellview Lectures when making be mailed until after the lectures are over. your reservations. If you are planning on at- Books-on-CD tending the lectureship you may want to make The Bellview lectureship books (1975-1976, your motel reservations early. 1978, 1988-2005, 2007-2013) will be available Meals on CD in Adobe PDF. The price of the CD is The ladies of the Bellview Church of Christ $37.50. The CD will also includes the Defend- will provide a free lunch on Saturday, Mon- er (1970, 1972-2012), Beacon (1972, 1974- 2012), and other material. View Lectures Live on the Internet Open Forum Questions If you cannot attend the lectureship in per- If you have a question send it to son, please view them live on the Internet: [email protected] www.bellviewcoc.com
38th Annual Bellview Lectures June 7-11, 2013 (Friday – Tuesday)
Innovations Friday, June 7 Monday, June 10 7:00 pm Bible Authority 9:00 am Dedicating Babies Daniel Denham Danny Douglas 7:45 pm Silence of the Scritptures 10:00 am Logic and the Bible Dub McClish Terry Hightower Saturday, June 8 11:00 am Kitchens in the Building? 9:00 am Special Services (Easter, Jess Whitlock Christmas) Michael Hatcher Lunch Break 10:00 am Logic and the Bible 1:00 pm Modern Translations Terry Hightower Daniel Denham 11:00 am Direct Operation of the Spirit 2:00 pm Voting on Elders Johnny Oxendine David Watson Lunch Break 3:00 pm Open Forum: 1:00 pm Drama Teams/Puppet Ministry Dinner Break Lee Moses 7:00 pm Special Ministers Tim Cozad 2:00 pm Disater Relief Organizations 8:00 pm The Social Gospel Lee Moses David P. Brown Tuesday, June 11 3:00 pm Open Forum 9:00 am Missionary Societies Dinner Break Ken Chumbley 7:00 pm Female Leaders Bruce Stulting 10:00 am Logic and the Bible 8:00 pm Ecumenism Danny Douglas Terry Hightower Sunday, June 9 11:00 am Children’s Worship/Divided 9:00 am Praise Teams Ken Chumbley Assembly Bruce Stulting 10:00 am Any-Day, Any-Thing Lord’s Lunch Break Supper David Watson 1:00 pm Handclapping Jess Whitlock Lunch and Dinner Break 2:00 pm Gymnasiums (“Family Life 5:00 pm House Church Concept Centers”) Tim Cozad
Lynn Parker 3:00 pm Open Forum: 6:00 pm Fellowship Innovations Dinner Break Johnny Oxendine 7:00 pm Mechanical Instruments of
7:00 pm No Eternal Punishment Music David P. Brown
Dub McClish 8:00 pm Theistic Evolution Lynn Parker BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1724 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Nancy Travis Hall Marilyn Harold Cozad Charles Williams GallaherBill Remember inyour prayers: 1560. verses wastheGeneva Bible, printed in English version oftheBible dividedinto nus, printedin1528.The firstcomplete Old Testament Latineditionby Pagni The firstprintedan Bibleinto verseswas tament by Robert Stephanus in1551. by R.Nathan in1448andtheNew Tes- Old Testament wasdividedintoverses by Stephen Langton about 1228. The es. The Bible wasdividedintochapters 1189 chaptersconsistingof31,173vers The Bible has66books,dividedinto April 14 Every Sunday Robbie Cravey (The Haven) Al Flesher Linda Worley Anthony Polnitz When theBible Was Put into 5:30 pm,inroom 5. Deacons’ meetingwillbeheldat pm, inthezone room. Ladies’ Bible Classwillmeetat5:00
Chapters and VersesChapters Please Remember
Sick Marge Williams Author Unknown HoraceMyrick Melvin Torrey Ella HammacElla Fred Stancliff Dot Lambert Rubye Nellie Read Bailey - -
true then church the is true cations of statement. their statement that If be onapostles of day the Pentecost. outpouring the with of Holy the Spirit on the thronethe of David, before power the came tablished before Lord the to ascended sit on havethe They church recordedes 2. Acts in established was Lord’s the that teaching church are they that resurrected.” was Christ Jesus the that Note on established day Churchthe very the was remarkable statement:this “We believe that River. Now, from achurch web site comes heer preached as by baptized Jordan the and itby established Johnthat was Immers the others say of days tablished the Abraham; in who have contended es church the was that Deacons: Minister: Bishops: Just think, for amomentJust think, about impli the thereThroughout thehave those been years
Bill Busch,Crowe,JimLoy Henry Born,ElwardBrantley, Michael Hatcher Paul Brantley, Fred Stancliff before Was the Church Established on the Day Our Lord Was Resurrected? that day of day that Pentecost not the kingdom for kingdom the BEACON Vol. XLII/No. 15 Ken Chumbley Ken A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com - - - - E-mail: [email protected] Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. references to Lord’s the church show it that all Following 2, future. tablished the in Acts of it 2speak terms of in to its Acts es being references to all Lord’s the that church prior preached 2)was (Acts clearly shown is in Pentecost when day Gospel sermon first the ment of kingdom. the were for establish the essential throne. All to sitonation reign King and on as David’s without our bemeaningless Lord’salso cor Further, ascension the anything. wouldmean sion, then even resurrection the would not salvation. However, without Christ’s ascen without resurrection the there would beno without resurrection the forbe meaningless of Bible parts vital but doctrine, would they are andChrist of The time. burial same death wouldthey not have been at established the That the church was establishedthe that church That on was 850.455.7595 April 15,2013 - - - - had been established, that it was in existence. Him (including the apostles) were still living. As to the church and the kingdom being the The power came when the Spirit came (2:1-4), same institution, this is clearly seen in Mat- the day when the church was established and thew 16. In that chapter our Lord speaks of about three thousand were added to it (2:41) establishing the church in the future, but He and from then on there were daily additions to also speaks of the kingdom when He speaks of the church (2:47). the keys of the kingdom, the means of open- Thus to teach that the church was estab- ing the kingdom were given to Peter who lished during the days of Abraham, that it was preached the Gospel of the kingdom first to established by John the Immerser during his the Jews (Acts 2) and then to the Gentiles ministry, or that it was established “on the (Acts 10). We also note that Jesus promised very day that Jesus the Christ was resurrect- that the kingdom would come with pow- ed” is to teach false doctrine and to teach an- er while some who were standing there with other gospel (Gal. 1:8-9). Belvedere, SC
Bellview Lectures Information New Dates for the Lectureship Monday, and Tuesday. For all other meals, a The lectureship will start Friday evening and list of restaurants will be available at the reg- go through Tuesday. istration tables. Housing Books The Red Roof Inn (2591 Wilde Lake Blvd; The lectureship book, Innovations, will be Pensacola, FL 32526) is providing a special available for purchase. The price has not yet rate for those attending the Bellview Lectures. been determined. The book will contain 26 The price (tax not included) is $59.99—single chapters and will be a soft-cover book. Every- bed and $69.99—double beds. Their phone one will want to purchase a copy and perhaps number is 850.941.0908. Tell them you additional copies for gifts. The books will not are attending the Bellview Lectures when be mailed until after the lectures are over. making your reservations. If you are plan- Books-on-CD ning on attending the lectureship you may The Bellview lectureship books (1975- want to make your motel reservations early. 1976, 1978, 1988-2005, 2007-2013) will be Meals available on CD in Adobe PDF. The price The ladies of the Bellview Church of of the CD is $37.50. The CD will also in-
Christ will provide a free lunch on Saturday, cludes the Defender (1970, 1972-2012), Bea- con (1972, 1974-2012), and other material. View Lectures Live on the Internet Open Forum Questions If you cannot attend the lectureship in per- If you have a question send it to son, please view them live on the Internet: [email protected] www.bellviewcoc.com
38th Annual Bellview Lectures June 7-11, 2013 (Friday – Tuesday)
Innovations Friday, June 7 Monday, June 10 7:00 pm Bible Authority 9:00 am Dedicating Babies Daniel Denham Danny Douglas 7:45 pm Silence of the Scritptures 10:00 am Logic and the Bible Dub McClish Terry Hightower Saturday, June 8 11:00 am Kitchens in the Building? 9:00 am Special Services (Easter, Jess Whitlock Christmas) Michael Hatcher Lunch Break 10:00 am Logic and the Bible 1:00 pm Modern Translations Terry Hightower Daniel Denham 11:00 am Direct Operation of the Spirit 2:00 pm Voting on Elders Johnny Oxendine David Watson Lunch Break 3:00 pm Open Forum: 1:00 pm Drama Teams/Puppet Ministry Dinner Break Lee Moses 7:00 pm Special Ministers Tim Cozad 2:00 pm Disater Relief Organizations 8:00 pm The Social Gospel Lee Moses David P. Brown Tuesday, June 11 3:00 pm Open Forum 9:00 am Missionary Societies Dinner Break Ken Chumbley 7:00 pm Female Leaders Bruce Stulting 10:00 am Logic and the Bible 8:00 pm Ecumenism Danny Douglas Terry Hightower Sunday, June 9 11:00 am Children’s Worship/Divided 9:00 am Praise Teams Ken Chumbley Assembly Bruce Stulting 10:00 am Any-Day, Any-Thing Lord’s Lunch Break Supper David Watson 1:00 pm Handclapping Jess Whitlock Lunch and Dinner Break 2:00 pm Gymnasiums (“Family Life 5:00 pm House Church Concept Centers”) Tim Cozad
Lynn Parker 3:00 pm Open Forum: 6:00 pm Fellowship Innovations Dinner Break Johnny Oxendine 7:00 pm Mechanical Instruments of
7:00 pm No Eternal Punishment Music David P. Brown
Dub McClish 8:00 pm Theistic Evolution Lynn Parker BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1724 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED this book.”this World communicated is through to us good fromthe Saviour the of the All ever given to has God man. gift best 1809-1865: “I believe Bible the the is Bible.” govern World the without the and God 1732-1799: “It impossible is to rightly Nancy TravisNancy Hall Marilyn Harold Cozad Williams Charles Gallaher Bill Remember your in prayers: April 24 April 22 April 21 April Sunday Every Haven) (The Cravey Robbie Flesher Al WorleyLinda Anthony Polnitz Abraham Lincoln, 16 Lincoln, Abraham George Washington ,1 auditorium. the Sermons Video Series at 7:00 pm, in pm. Visitation Group meet at 6:00 2will held at 5:00 pm, room in 5. be Elders/Deacons’ will meeting pm, zone the in room. meet at Bible 5:00 Ladies’ will Class Please Remember
Statements
Sick
Marge Wi Marge Horac Melvi Ella H Ella Fred Dot La Ruby th Nelli st President, President, President, President, Stancliff e Myrick n Torrey e Bailey ammac e Read mbert lliams
tional influence). tional abigwith “circle of fellowship” (i.e., institu bypetrated someone of or stature someone churchthe error who it exposes if per being is the fired. is Suchanyone attitude toward in doingis wrong. something Then be youwill wrong, but something ing not management if someone management if tell squeal/ do is else otherIn words, want you they to reveal/ lookedgenerally upon scorn. with Tattlers! worldthe toward “whistleblowers,” who are governments various in around businesses and stop such efforts. tempts “trouble who as and push to making” there brethren those who are such see at proved (reprimanded, rejected), censured, who those and fellowship such) should bere would doctrines, include teachers, false false (which works the in of darkness engaged are Deacons: Minister: Bishops: This is attitudedifferent notThis that from very the thoseThough Biblethat who us tells
Bill Busch,Crowe,JimLoy Henry Born,ElwardBrantley, Michael Hatcher Paul Brantley, Fred Stancliff Chloe—the TroublemakerChloe—the BEACON Vol. XLII/No. 16 Johnny Oxendine A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com - - - - - E-mail: [email protected] Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. es nearly every possible nearly every es sin of flesh the (1 Cor. address Paul since sinful, as considered have to know what brethren the Corinth might in body It of Christ. would have been acuriosity Club for formerly members conservative of the Country Corinthian created a mammoth has sinto on address some refusal level, this and ments) more and result the of are arefusal groupies. Encampment or Tahoe the Valley Bear the Lectures, Family pit crowd, Memphis the School of Preaching, try,” Workshops, Sunset Polishing the Pul the whothose jaunt Minis “Recharge the with passion for to brethren the she expose if dared troublemaker, one love as who lacks com and actions. Today, a as she would be“blacklisted” series of onesthe ungodly who this exposed some on as Chloe, oflamity her household are One want might to ca lay blame the for this These gatherings gatherings engage These (or speaking look us atLet situation the Corinth: in 850.455.7595 April 22,2013 ------6:9-10; Gal. 5:19-21), yet they seemed content with their divisions and sinful activities. Re- Bellview Lectures member how many things actually were al- Information ready in progress in Corinth, and the fact that Paul was entirely amazed that such could go Housing on without the slightest indication that these The Red Roof Inn (2591 Wilde Lake brethren were upset about any of it—not one Blvd; Pensacola, FL 32526) is providing bit! Contentions, divisions, carnal minded- a special rate for those attending the Bell- ness, fornication, lawsuits, marriage concerns, view Lectures. The price (tax not included) spiritual gift arguments, and more, but none of is $59.99—single bed and $69.99—double it seemed to matter, and that is what was so re- beds. Their phone number is 850.941.0908. pulsive to the apostle and the Lord! Tell them you are attending the Bellview Let us understand fellowship as we find it Lectures when making your reservations. revealed to us in the Scriptures, a relationship If you are planning on attending the lecture- we have with each other that is based on our ship you may want to make your motel res- relationship with the Father and the Son. Let ervations early. us continue to foster that relationship by our Meals strict adherence to His Word. The ladies of the Bellview Church of San Mateo, CA Christ will provide a free lunch on Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday. For all other meals, a Bellview Lectures on the Internet list of restaurants will be available at the reg- Lessons from Innovations will be available istration tables. for viewing during and after the lectures at: Books http://www.bellviewcoc.com/lectures.php. The lectureship book, Innovations, will be available for purchase. The price is $11 plus Open Forum Questions $3.50 for postage. The book will contain 26 If you have a question send it to chapters and will be a soft-cover book. Ev- [email protected] eryone will want to purchase a copy and per- or call 850.455.7595 haps additional copies for gifts. The books will not be mailed until after the lectures are over. Defender and Beacon Books-on-CD Available Via E-Mail The Bellview lectureship books (1975- To receive the Defender and Beacon via e- 1976, 1978, 1988-2005, 2007-2013) will be mail please send your e-mail address to bell- available on CD in Adobe PDF. The price [email protected]. The file you will re- of the CD is $37.50. The CD will also in- ceive will be a PDF (a free reader is available cludes the Defender (1970, 1972-2012), Bea- from www.adobe.com). con (1972, 1974-2012), and other material.
38th Annual Bellview Lectures June 7-11, 2013 (Friday – Tuesday)
Innovations Friday, June 7 Monday, June 10 7:00 pm Bible Authority 9:00 am Dedicating Babies Daniel Denham Danny Douglas 7:45 pm Silence of the Scritptures 10:00 am Logic and the Bible Dub McClish Terry Hightower Saturday, June 8 11:00 am Kitchens in the Building? 9:00 am Special Services (Easter, Jess Whitlock Christmas) Michael Hatcher Lunch Break 10:00 am Logic and the Bible 1:00 pm Modern Translations Terry Hightower Daniel Denham 11:00 am Direct Operation of the Spirit 2:00 pm Voting on Elders Johnny Oxendine David Watson Lunch Break 3:00 pm Open Forum: 1:00 pm Drama Teams/Puppet Ministry Dinner Break Lee Moses 7:00 pm Special Ministers Tim Cozad 2:00 pm Disater Relief Organizations 8:00 pm The Social Gospel Lee Moses David P. Brown Tuesday, June 11 3:00 pm Open Forum 9:00 am Missionary Societies Dinner Break Ken Chumbley 7:00 pm Female Leaders Bruce Stulting 10:00 am Logic and the Bible 8:00 pm Ecumenism Danny Douglas Terry Hightower Sunday, June 9 11:00 am Children’s Worship/Divided 9:00 am Praise Teams Ken Chumbley Assembly Bruce Stulting 10:00 am Any-Day, Any-Thing Lord’s Lunch Break Supper David Watson 1:00 pm Handclapping Jess Whitlock Lunch and Dinner Break 2:00 pm Gymnasiums (“Family Life 5:00 pm House Church Concept Centers”) Tim Cozad Lynn Parker 3:00 pm Open Forum: 6:00 pm Fellowship Innovations Dinner Break Johnny Oxendine 7:00 pm Mechanical Instruments of 7:00 pm No Eternal Punishment Music David P. Brown Dub McClish 8:00 pm Theistic Evolution Lynn Parker BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1724 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Nancy TravisNancy Hall Marilyn Harold Cozad Williams Charles Gallaher Bill Remember your in prayers: way, give it atry. bless. God world”the (Mat. 28:20). you If feel that mewith “alway, even unto end the of to goaway remember and Jesus is that down, devil the Itell really Iget When me! Yet sometimes way. Ifeel that still, world—they the so goodto in ily are sometimes Ido. Ihave fam greatest the I have no reasonway, to feel that but aburden, expense, an sad— worthless, alone, Sometimes Ifeel weak, useless, 24 April Sunday Every Haven) (The Cravey Robbie Stark Heather Flesher Al Dot Dodd Anthony Polnitz the auditorium. the Sermons Video Series at 7:00 pm, in pm, zone the in room. meet at Bible 5:00 Ladies’ will Class Please Remember
Sick
Marge Wi Marge Horac Melvi Ella H Ella Fred Dot La Ruby Nelli Dothan, AL Dothan, Tim Smith Stancliff e Myrick n Torrey e Bailey ammac e Read mbert lliams -
17:6; 23:22). Yet, numerous professed follow spise not thymother when she (Pro. old” is of glory children children children not take his daily walk to the gas station to to gas the walk daily his not take wouldthey come today, he thought. He did shaved, put and clothes. on best Surely his 91.was usual, He than awakenedearlier elderly the ward our relationship or with common to practice ters sometimes do. Solomon described what sons, granddaugh and daughters, grandsons, never own, His but forsake will, unfortunately that this not; Until unto Ihave shewed thystrength old meam grayheaded, forsake and OGod, Deacons: Minister: Bishops: Yesterday old an man’s was birthday. He pleads, The“Now whenalso I Psalmist generation, is to is come” (Psa. 71:18). of God, course, are
the crown the of old men; the And Bill Busch,Crowe,JimLoy Henry Born,ElwardBrantley, Michael Hatcher Paul Brantley, Fred Stancliff And should be should Do Not Forsake Me When I’m Old are thypower one to every their fathers…And de fathers…And their so that “Children’s so that BEACON The Old Man’s Birthday Vol. XLII/No. 17 Terry Hightower A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com - - - - E-mail: [email protected] Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. thundered ingrates: to these do now they as (Mat. 15:1-14). just century first pattern the in expected mal ers Word of His and God violated nor the coming. Surely would they come today. He ofview road he the so that could them see He came. sat on front the porch a clear with he wantedbecause to beright there when they visit old-timers the with of community, the Our Lord “pulledOur no punches” when He your tradition (Mat. 15:4-6). ofcommandment of God none by effect er, honourAnd notmoth or father his his profited be thousoever mightest by me; orther But yesay to say, his shall Whosoever or father mother,eth death. the die let him mother: curs He and father thy and, that HonourFor saying, commanded, God 850.455.7595 he shallbe free he his It is It mother, . Thus have ye made thehave . Thus made ye April 29,2013 a gift, by what agift, fa - - - - -
38th Annual Bellview Lectures June 7-11, 2013 (Friday – Tuesday)
Innovations Friday, June 7 Monday, June 10 7:00 pm Bible Authority 9:00 am Dedicating Babies Daniel Denham Danny Douglas
7:45 pm Silence of the Scritptures 10:00 am Logic and the Bible
Dub McClish Terry Hightower Saturday, June 8 11:00 am Kitchens in the Building? 9:00 am Special Services (Easter, Jess Whitlock Christmas) Michael Hatcher Lunch Break 10:00 am Logic and the Bible 1:00 pm Modern Translations Terry Hightower Daniel Denham 11:00 am Direct Operation of the Spirit 2:00 pm Voting on Elders Johnny Oxendine David Watson Lunch Break 3:00 pm Open Forum: 1:00 pm Drama Teams/Puppet Ministry Dinner Break Lee Moses 7:00 pm Special Ministers Tim Cozad 2:00 pm Disater Relief Organizations 8:00 pm The Social Gospel Lee Moses David P. Brown Tuesday, June 11 3:00 pm Open Forum 9:00 am Missionary Societies Dinner Break Ken Chumbley 7:00 pm Female Leaders Bruce Stulting 10:00 am Logic and the Bible 8:00 pm Ecumenism Danny Douglas Terry Hightower Sunday, June 9 11:00 am Children’s Worship/Divided 9:00 am Praise Teams Ken Chumbley Assembly Bruce Stulting 10:00 am Any-Day, Any-Thing Lord’s Lunch Break Supper David Watson 1:00 pm Handclapping Jess Whitlock Lunch and Dinner Break 2:00 pm Gymnasiums (“Family Life 5:00 pm House Church Concept Centers”) Tim Cozad Lynn Parker 3:00 pm Open Forum: 6:00 pm Fellowship Innovations Dinner Break Johnny Oxendine 7:00 pm Mechanical Instruments of 7:00 pm No Eternal Punishment Music David P. Brown Dub McClish 8:00 pm Theistic Evolution Lynn Parker decided to skip his noon nap because he want- asked that the ice cream be left in the freezer. ed to be up when they came. He has six chil- He wanted to wait and have dessert with them dren. Two of his daughters and their married when they came. About 9 o’clock he went to children live within four miles. They have not his room and got ready for bed. His last words seen him for such a long time. But today was before turning out the lights were “Promise his birthday. Surely they would come today. to wake me up when they come.” It was his At supper time he refused to cut the cake and birthday and he was 91. Amarillo, TX
Bellview Lectures on the Internet
Open Forum Questions Lessons from Innovations will be available for viewing during and after the lectures If you have a question send it to at: [email protected] http://www.bellviewcoc.com/lectures.php or call 850.455.7595
Bellview Lectures Books Order Form Please send the following: Date: ______Total Price ____ copies of Innovations (2013) @ $11.00 ______copies of What The Bible Says About: (2012) @ $11.00 ______copies of Back To The Bible (2010) @ $4.00 ______copies of Preaching From The Minor Prophets (2009) @ $18.00 ______copies of Preaching From The Major Prophets (2008) @ $16.00 ______copies of A Time To Build (2007) @ $15.00 ______copies of The Blight Of Liberalism (2005) @$5.00 ______copies of Great New Testament Questions (2004) @ $5.00 ______copies of Great Old Testament Questions (2003) @ $5.00 ______copies of Beatitudes (2002) @ $5.00 ______copies of Encouraging Statements Of The Bible (2001) @ $5.00 ______copies of Sad Statements Of The Bible (2000) @ $5.00 ______copies of Preaching God Demands (1996) @$5.00 ______Books-on-CD (1988-2013) (PDF format) @ $37.50 ______(includes postage/handling)—call for upgrade price Postage/Handling ($3.50 per Book): ______Total: ______Send To: ______Address: ______City: ______State: ______Zip: ______BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1724 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Marilyn Hall Marilyn Harold Cozad Williams Charles Gallaher Bill Remember your in prayers: Thereare direct revelations no today. bying word the (Rom. 10:17).of God” cometh then faith given hath of God Son.that His “So self, but testimony the is witness that him in witness the has Christian every of Son” his (1 John 5:9). It that true is ofwitness he which testified God hath ofwitness the greater:is is God for this “If we received of witness the men, the 6 May Sunday Every Haven) (The Cravey Robbie Flesher Al Dot Dodd Anthony Polnitz TravisNancy pm. Visitation Group meet at 6:00 1will pm, zone the in room. meet at Bible 5:00 Ladies’ will Class Firm Foundation Firm Paragraph Sermon Please Remember
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hell; neither thine thou wilt Holy suffer One to “ForChrist. thou not wilt leave my in soul esied about resurrection the of coming the proph David Psalms, In prophesy. fulfilled resurrectionthe Jesus. of Christ lookandconfirms verifies at evidence the that resurrection beproved? of Christ One must forno the How of future soul the man. can there and no is value or hope Christianity in built is proclaimed. and sage foundationthe upon Gospel the which mes- resurrection the is of that Christ powerfully Christianity. issue in Paul critical stated very Deacons: Minister: Bishops: your faith is your faith The resurrection confirmedis of by Jesus not Jesus is Christ If from risen dead, the not risen, then be Christ if not And risen: Christ is then But there of no be dead, if the resurrection Thethe the resurrection is of most dead
Bill Busch,Crowe Henry Born,ElwardBrantley, Michael Hatcher Paul Brantley, Fred Stancliff also vain (1 Cor. vain also 15:13-14). is our preaching vain, and and vain, ourpreaching The Resurrection of the Dead BEACON Vol. XLII/No. 18 A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist Paul Vaughn 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com - E-mail: [email protected] Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. was notwas present (Thomas). time at that resurrection. His One week disciplethe after toappeared disciples His day on first of the gravethe no had power over Lord. the Jesus is strongThomas evidence which provesthat resurrectionthe The of testimony Christ. of David proves resurrection the of Christ. 2:30-31). (Acts sus prophesyfulfilled of The about not but himself, Jewas speaking Christ resurrection. and Peterdeath David that said aboutbeforePsalm years Christ’s athousand corruption”see (Psa. 16:10). David wrote this Thomas is just simply stating that he will is Thomas notthatsimply will just he stating There who were eyewitnesses declared 20:25). not into (John side, believe hand his Iwill my thrust and into print the of nails, the put and print my the finger of nails, the hands his in see unto them, Ishall Except Wehim, But have Lord. the seen he said Thedisciples therefore other unto said 850.455.7595 May 6,2013 -
38th Annual Bellview Lectures June 7-11, 2013 (Friday – Tuesday)
Innovations Friday, June 7 Monday, June 10 7:00 pm Bible Authority 9:00 am Dedicating Babies Daniel Denham Danny Douglas
7:45 pm Silence of the Scritptures 10:00 am Logic and the Bible
Dub McClish Terry Hightower Saturday, June 8 11:00 am Kitchens in the Building? 9:00 am Special Services (Easter, Jess Whitlock Christmas) Michael Hatcher Lunch Break 10:00 am Logic and the Bible 1:00 pm Modern Translations Terry Hightower Daniel Denham 11:00 am Direct Operation of the Spirit 2:00 pm Voting on Elders Johnny Oxendine David Watson Lunch Break 3:00 pm Open Forum: 1:00 pm Drama Teams/Puppet Ministry Dinner Break Lee Moses 7:00 pm Special Ministers Tim Cozad 2:00 pm Disater Relief Organizations 8:00 pm The Social Gospel Lee Moses David P. Brown Tuesday, June 11 3:00 pm Open Forum 9:00 am Missionary Societies Dinner Break Ken Chumbley 7:00 pm Female Leaders Bruce Stulting 10:00 am Logic and the Bible 8:00 pm Ecumenism Danny Douglas Terry Hightower Sunday, June 9 11:00 am Children’s Worship/Divided 9:00 am Praise Teams Ken Chumbley Assembly Bruce Stulting 10:00 am Any-Day, Any-Thing Lord’s Lunch Break Supper David Watson 1:00 pm Handclapping Jess Whitlock Lunch and Dinner Break 2:00 pm Gymnasiums (“Family Life 5:00 pm House Church Concept Centers”) Tim Cozad Lynn Parker 3:00 pm Open Forum: 6:00 pm Fellowship Innovations Dinner Break Johnny Oxendine 7:00 pm Mechanical Instruments of 7:00 pm No Eternal Punishment Music David P. Brown Dub McClish 8:00 pm Theistic Evolution Lynn Parker believe unless he has evidence to prove the During the past few weeks some journal- resurrection of Christ. The next week Thom- ists have tried to deny the resurrection of Je- as saw the evidence he needed to believe in sus, using fabrications to advance their beliefs. the resurrection of the Lord. When Jesus ap- There is ample evidence to prove the resurrec- peared, Thomas “said unto him, My Lord and tion of Jesus from the dead. Do not let anyone my God” (20:28). The eyewitnesses prove the rob you of your faith in the Lord. Your soul resurrection of Jesus. depends on it. Marion, VA
Bellview Lectures on the Internet
Open Forum Questions Lessons from Innovations will be available for viewing during and after the lectures If you have a question send it to at: [email protected] http://www.bellviewcoc.com/lectures.php or call 850.455.7595
Bellview Lectures Books Order Form Please send the following: Date: ______Total Price ____ copies of Innovations (2013) @ $11.00 ______copies of What The Bible Says About: (2012) @ $11.00 ______copies of Back To The Bible (2010) @ $4.00 ______copies of Preaching From The Minor Prophets (2009) @ $18.00 ______copies of Preaching From The Major Prophets (2008) @ $16.00 ______copies of A Time To Build (2007) @ $15.00 ______copies of The Blight Of Liberalism (2005) @$5.00 ______copies of Great New Testament Questions (2004) @ $5.00 ______copies of Great Old Testament Questions (2003) @ $5.00 ______copies of Beatitudes (2002) @ $5.00 ______copies of Encouraging Statements Of The Bible (2001) @ $5.00 ______copies of Sad Statements Of The Bible (2000) @ $5.00 ______copies of Preaching God Demands (1996) @$5.00 ______Books-on-CD (1988-2013) (PDF format) @ $37.50 ______(includes postage/handling)—call for upgrade price Postage/Handling ($3.50 per Book): ______Total: ______Send To: ______Address: ______City: ______State: ______Zip: ______BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1724 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Nancy TravisNancy Hall Marilyn Harold Cozad Williams Charles Gallaher Bill Remember your in prayers: in yourin prayers. tion. her and Please keep Nancy family congrega the in missed begreatly will husband, father, grand-father. and Jim adevoted aChristian, He was years. Adult Bible for program over Class 30 appointed aDeacon. He the in taught gation since 1977 1978 in and Jim was been members congre of Bellview the on May 4, 2013. Jim have Nancy and ofdeath Jim, life from who this passed the in her and Loy toed family Nancy 12 May Sunday Every Haven) (The Cravey Robbie Nelda King Flesher Al Dot Dodd Anthony Polnitz Our deepest sympathy is extend is sympathy deepest Our 5:30 pm, room in 5. beheldDeacons’ at will meeting pm, zone the in room. meet at Bible 5:00 Ladies’ will Class Please Remember
Sympathy
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nence otrephes he that loves is to have the love. in another one long-suffering, with meekness forbearing and disposition.a haughty We must have lowliness no is justification for truth the Having having attitude disposition and to have of unity. heart to but have unity one have right the must also Deacons: Minister: Bishops: (3 John 9-10). The sin that John charges against Di against that The sin Johncharges casteth and would, brethren, forbiddeththe and that them neitherwith, receive doth he himself words: notmalicious and content there with us he against which prating doeth, remember deeds fore, Icome, his if Iwill not. us among them, Where receiveth preeminence the have to loveth who I wrote unto church: but the Diotrephes, Diotrephes,Of beloved the John wrote: Not only must one believe right the thing . The word here employed by Johnis a
Bill Busch,Crowe Henry Born,ElwardBrantley, Michael Hatcher Paul Brantley, Fred Stancliff them The Right Attitude for Unity out of church the BEACON Vol. XLII/No. 19 J. Noel Merideth preemi A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com - - - - E-mail: [email protected] Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. John followed Baptist the preach they and Je ple to not Jesus and themselves. Men heard follow preachers Jesuswill and who point peo about them. We parties rally need people who otrephes. We do not need men who to seek science saw its owner such in asetting. shoethe fit;hit con dog howled;guilty the Diotrephes writer the which painted. The had picture the themselves in ofmen recognized been madehad upontwenty-five them. These against the the against immediately.celled as a this did They subscription their that asked appeared, becan subscribers to paper the article the which in ticle. But twenty-five he one learn did thing of results the ar the of all never course, knew church regulator,” “a short-horn deacon.” He ticle on Diotrephes. “a as Heforth him set one “fond rare ofvery means and first.” being Thechurch does not need menlike Di Years ago A. YearsT. A. ago Robertson ar wrote an 850.455.7595 personal attack that they thought they that attack May 13,2013 protest ------sus. This was great preaching. John was a great preacher who plants or the preacher who wa- preacher. He was no Diotrephes. He said Je- ters but to God who gives the increase (1 Cor. sus must increase but that he himself must de- 3:1-9). We should step out of selfishness and crease. He could gracefully grant the preemi- into the service of God. With the proper at- nence to Christ, where it belongs, in all things. titude among brethren all of the small things Paul did not want the brethren at Corinth vanish away. divided into parties with each following their Deceased favorite preacher. That is the wrong attitude. The glory in the church is not to go to the Bellview Lectures on the Internet
Open Forum Questions Lessons from Innovations will be available If you have a question send it to for viewing during and after the lectures [email protected] at: or call 850.455.7595 http://www.bellviewcoc.com/lectures.php
Bellview Lectures Books Order Form Please send the following: Date: ______Total Price ____ copies of Innovations (2013) @ $11.00 ______copies of What The Bible Says About: (2012) @ $11.00 ______copies of Back To The Bible (2010) @ $4.00 ______copies of Preaching From The Minor Prophets (2009) @ $18.00 ______copies of Preaching From The Major Prophets (2008) @ $16.00 ______copies of A Time To Build (2007) @ $15.00 ______copies of The Blight Of Liberalism (2005) @$5.00 ______copies of Great New Testament Questions (2004) @ $5.00 ______copies of Great Old Testament Questions (2003) @ $5.00 ______copies of Beatitudes (2002) @ $5.00 ______copies of Encouraging Statements Of The Bible (2001) @ $5.00 ______copies of Sad Statements Of The Bible (2000) @ $5.00 ______copies of Preaching God Demands (1996) @$5.00 ______Books-on-CD (1988-2013) (PDF format) @ $37.50 ______(includes postage/handling)—call for upgrade price Postage/Handling ($3.50 per Book): ______Total: ______Send To: ______Address: ______City: ______State: ______Zip: ______
38th Annual Bellview Lectures June 7-11, 2013 (Friday – Tuesday)
Innovations Friday, June 7 Monday, June 10 7:00 pm Bible Authority 9:00 am Dedicating Babies Daniel Denham Danny Douglas
7:45 pm Silence of the Scritptures 10:00 am Logic and the Bible Dub McClish Terry Hightower Saturday, June 8 11:00 am Kitchens in the Building? 9:00 am Special Services (Easter, Jess Whitlock Christmas) Michael Hatcher Lunch Break 10:00 am Logic and the Bible 1:00 pm Modern Translations Terry Hightower Daniel Denham 11:00 am Direct Operation of the Spirit 2:00 pm Disater Relief Organizations Johnny Oxendine David P. Brown Lunch Break 3:00 pm Open Forum: 1:00 pm Drama Teams/Puppet Ministry Dinner Break Lee Moses 7:00 pm Special Ministers Tim Cozad 2:00 pm Voting on Elders 8:00 pm The Social Gospel Lee Moses David Watson Tuesday, June 11 3:00 pm Open Forum 9:00 am Missionary Societies Dinner Break Ken Chumbley 7:00 pm Female Leaders Bruce Stulting 10:00 am Logic and the Bible 8:00 pm Ecumenism Danny Douglas Terry Hightower Sunday, June 9 11:00 am Children’s Worship/Divided 9:00 am Praise Teams Ken Chumbley Assembly Bruce Stulting 10:00 am Any-Day, Any-Thing Lord’s Lunch Break Supper David Watson 1:00 pm Handclapping Jess Whitlock Lunch and Dinner Break 2:00 pm Gymnasiums (“Family Life 5:00 pm House Church Concept Centers”) Tim Cozad Lynn Parker 3:00 pm Open Forum: 6:00 pm Fellowship Innovations Dinner Break Johnny Oxendine 7:00 pm Mechanical Instruments of 7:00 pm No Eternal Punishment Music David P. Brown Dub McClish 8:00 pm Theistic Evolution Lynn Parker BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1724 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Marilyn Hall Marilyn Harold Cozad Williams Charles Gallaher Bill Remember your in prayers: his family in your in prayers. family his on May 2013. 6, Pleaseand keep Bill of brother,death his Gallaher, Edwin the in family his and to Gallaher Bill 22 May 20 May 19 May Sunday Every Haven) (The Cravey Robbie Nelda King Flesher Al Dot Dodd Anthony Polnitz TravisNancy Our deepest sympathy is extended is sympathy deepest Our auditorium. the Sermons Video Series at 7:00 pm, in pm. Visitation Group meet at 6:00 2will held at 5:00 pm, room in 5. be Elders/Deacons’ will meeting pm, zone the in room. meet at Bible 5:00 Ladies’ will Class Please Remember
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hunter, married an African woman. Shehunter, con African an married halters inpublic.Afriend of mine, awhite the white women in Africa; she white herthe paraded women Africa; in show her new position some like by of dressing sidered astep up. this One she day decided to up. we call And do down any you nor cut have do to kids call vently, sit for will and They sing they heartily, praybest service. fer bring their but whatever have bestthey best attitudesto church.may They bepoor, their wear tians Even people who have not become Chris have following the observed things: I culture, their studying and working, living, 25 of do. years After Africans things many We couldprofit well Africans. cerning from Deacons: Minister: Bishops: African women will not wear shorts and African womenwillnot wear shorts Africans cometochurch withtheirbest. A lot of people have misconceptions con
best conduct, Bill Busch,Crowe Henry Born,ElwardBrantley, Michael Hatcher Paul Brantley, Fred Stancliff them pagans! clothes and bring their their bring and best clothes to listen. listen. hours to And We Call Them Pagans! best attention, and they wear ! They BEACON Andrew M. Connally M. Andrew Vol. XLII/No. 20 A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist Never 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com - - - - -
E-mail: [email protected] Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. weeks. Otherwise they feel justicenot is they being Otherwise weeks. he sentenced is to executed and six eight in Most often when one convicted is of murder them pagans! we call ished. And should be believepun evil ludicrous; Africans slap-on-the-wrist treatment of offenders sex is and believe They homosexuals. attitudes our molesters rapists, child with abusers, and leave much to have bedesired, they no patience morals sexual on such people. African While outpronounce penalty death the carry and molesters, andhomosexuals. them pagans! we call to of happen her because of lack modesty. And going was this women “knew” African the All her woman left the husband for another man. aprostitute.” like dressing months Afew later women were short in ahalter.self shorts and African The Africans punish murderers punish immediately.Africans Africans quiteoftenkillrapists,child 850.455.7595 . They said, scandalizedsaid, “She . They is May 20,2013 Many tribes tribes Many - done. Very often thieves are killed by crowds of people on the street when caught. This hap- A Blessing pened twice in one week in Arusha where we H. L. Gradowith lived. They beat the thieves to death only min- I’m a blessing to you: utes after the robbery. Somewhere they got the You’re a blessing to me: idea that “if judgment against evil work is not Together we will work executed speedily then the hearts of men are To be all we should be! set in them to do evil.” And we call them pa- Dothan, AL gans! Deceased
Bellview Lectures on the Internet Open Forum Questions Lessons from Innovations will be available If you have a question send it to for viewing during and after the lectures at: [email protected] http://www.bellviewcoc.com/lectures.php or call 850.455.7595
Bellview Lectures Books Order Form Please send the following: Date: ______Total Price ____ copies of Innovations (2013) @ $11.00 ______copies of What The Bible Says About: (2012) @ $11.00 ______copies of Back To The Bible (2010) @ $4.00 ______copies of Preaching From The Minor Prophets (2009) @ $18.00 ______copies of Preaching From The Major Prophets (2008) @ $16.00 ______copies of A Time To Build (2007) @ $15.00 ______copies of The Blight Of Liberalism (2005) @$5.00 ______copies of Great New Testament Questions (2004) @ $5.00 ______copies of Great Old Testament Questions (2003) @ $5.00 ______copies of Beatitudes (2002) @ $5.00 ______copies of Encouraging Statements Of The Bible (2001) @ $5.00 ______copies of Sad Statements Of The Bible (2000) @ $5.00 ______copies of Preaching God Demands (1996) @$5.00 ______Books-on-CD (1988-2013) (PDF format) @ $37.50 ______(includes postage/handling)—call for upgrade price Postage/Handling ($3.50 per Book): ______Total: ______Send To: ______Address: ______City: ______State: ______Zip: ______
38th Annual Bellview Lectures Innovations
June 7-11, 2013
(Friday – Tuesday)
Friday, June 7 Monday, June 10
7:00 pm Bible Authority 9:00 am Dedicating Babies Daniel Denham Danny Douglas 7:45 pm Silence of the Scritptures 10:00 am Logic and the Bible Dub McClish Terry Hightower Saturday, June 8 11:00 am Kitchens in the Building? 9:00 am Special Services (Easter, Jess Whitlock Christmas) Michael Hatcher Lunch Break 10:00 am Logic and the Bible 1:00 pm Modern Translations Terry Hightower Daniel Denham 11:00 am Direct Operation of the Spirit 2:00 pm Disater Relief Organizations Johnny Oxendine David P. Brown Lunch Break 3:00 pm Open Forum: 1:00 pm Drama Teams/Puppet Ministry Dinner Break Lee Moses 7:00 pm Special Ministers Tim Cozad 2:00 pm Voting on Elders 8:00 pm The Social Gospel Lee Moses David Watson Tuesday, June 11 3:00 pm Open Forum 9:00 am Missionary Societies Dinner Break Ken Chumbley 7:00 pm Female Leaders Bruce Stulting 10:00 am Logic and the Bible 8:00 pm Ecumenism Danny Douglas Terry Hightower Sunday, June 9 11:00 am Children’s Worship/Divided 9:00 am Praise Teams Ken Chumbley Assembly Bruce Stulting 10:00 am Any-Day, Any-Thing Lord’s Lunch Break Supper David Watson 1:00 pm Handclapping Jess Whitlock Lunch and Dinner Break 2:00 pm Gymnasiums (“Family Life 5:00 pm House Church Concept Centers”) Tim Cozad Lynn Parker 3:00 pm Open Forum: 6:00 pm Fellowship Innovations Dinner Break Johnny Oxendine 7:00 pm Mechanical Instruments of 7:00 pm No Eternal Punishment Music David P. Brown Dub McClish 8:00 pm Theistic Evolution Lynn Parker BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1724 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Harold Cozad Williams Charles Gallaher Bill Remember your in prayers: 221-4090. Please update your directory. 32505. FL la, telephone His number is West Bobe Street, #37; Lot Pensaco 2 June 29 May 22 May Sunday Every Doris Smith (Sheila Myrick’s sister) Haven) (The Cravey Robbie Flesher Al Dot Dodd Anthony Polnitz TravisNancy Hall Marilyn Tony is: 4005 Hall’s new address toencouraged attend. members of congregation the are room in 1. service, evening All the Pre-lectureship after meeting pm, audiotirum. the in WednesdayFifth at Singing 7:00 auditorium. the Sermons Video Series at 7:00 pm, in pm, zone the in room. meet at Bible 5:00 Ladies’ will Class Please Remember
New Address
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keeping people’s attention away from repen a problem, faith, and grace emphasize he will withholds pertinent about data source the of tation deception. and media news the Just as at misrepresen of he skillful its is teachings; distorted many has Satan benefits because full known. it have notthey never is though before as been generation, by every discoveredare afresh but able for one hundredsIn of years. sense, they have they been avail because is, nature tual exploration—but and search none of a spiri for Heaven—in Word the of God. righteously here before prepare and God one of Truth the enable aperson will that to live one the find one place that can Truth—all ignore it of its because simplicity. Thereis only it; hides philosophers usually media tainment Deacons: Minister: Bishops: A person must goto Source the to the get Some Truths re discovered are through Newspapers seldom of print it; enter the all
Bill Busch,Crowe Henry Born,ElwardBrantley, Michael Hatcher Paul Brantley, Fred Stancliff BEACON Vol. XLII/No. 21 Where TruthWhere Is Gary W.Gary Summers A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com ------E-mail: [email protected] Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. terest in the marketplace. Noterest marketplace. the one in eight sets in of a casual business because in asuccess is diligently righteousness (Mat. 5:6), nor have been they have they not cause hungered after or thirsted susceptible easily are Many rect. to error be cor is our understanding that must be certain we must hold on to them. First, however, we once that, we its understand means teachings, approach sacred the Word properly. to divisions by haveuseless afailure occurred it. or Sometimes explain others modify that thereby verse or excluding passage, particular 119:160). Too people many on have a camped righteous judgments true 20:27). (Acts ofcounsel “Thy God” word is the “all learning than less anything with fied baptism. and tance Buy the truth and sell it not sell and truth Buy the For reason, that people must not besatis from 850.455.7595 the beginning: And every one every of And thy beginning: the seeking Him (Heb. Him 11:6). seeking No one endureth May 27,2013 for ever” (Psa. (Pro. 23:23) - - - - world records in swimming because he had a when the saints meet. There is no danger of mild interest in the sport. No one becomes a an overdose; overexposure might be a problem champion runner because he or she possesses with the sun—but not from the Son. Search- a nominal interest in jogging. ing the Scriptures daily (Acts 17:11) not only Truth is only located in one place—the Bi- serves as a good precedent, it is the pathway to ble. Therefore, we must have the Book open eternal life. frequently; we must study at home consistent- Winter Park, FL ly; we must be present for Bible study always
Bellview Lectures on the Internet Open Forum Questions Lessons from Innovations will be available If you have a question send it to for viewing during and after the lectures [email protected] at: or call 850.455.7595 http://www.bellviewcoc.com/lectures.php
Bellview Lectures Books Order Form Please send the following: Date: ______Total Price ____ copies of Innovations (2013) @ $11.00 ______copies of What The Bible Says About: (2012) @ $11.00 ______copies of Back To The Bible (2010) @ $4.00 ______copies of Preaching From The Minor Prophets (2009) @ $18.00 ______copies of Preaching From The Major Prophets (2008) @ $16.00 ______copies of A Time To Build (2007) @ $15.00 ______copies of The Blight Of Liberalism (2005) @$5.00 ______copies of Great New Testament Questions (2004) @ $5.00 ______copies of Great Old Testament Questions (2003) @ $5.00 ______copies of Beatitudes (2002) @ $5.00 ______copies of Encouraging Statements Of The Bible (2001) @ $5.00 ______copies of Sad Statements Of The Bible (2000) @ $5.00 ______copies of Preaching God Demands (1996) @$5.00 ______Books-on-CD (1988-2013) (PDF format) @ $37.50 ______(includes postage/handling)—call for upgrade price Postage/Handling ($3.50 per Book): ______Total: ______Send To: ______Address: ______City: ______State: ______Zip: ______
38th Annual Bellview Lectures Innovations
June 7-11, 2013 (Friday – Tuesday) Friday, June 7 Monday, June 10 7:00 pm Bible Authority 9:00 am Dedicating Babies Daniel Denham Danny Douglas 7:45 pm Silence of the Scritptures 10:00 am Logic and the Bible Dub McClish Terry Hightower Saturday, June 8 11:00 am Kitchens in the Building? 9:00 am Special Services (Easter, Jess Whitlock Christmas) Michael Hatcher Lunch Break 10:00 am Logic and the Bible 1:00 pm Modern Translations Terry Hightower Daniel Denham 11:00 am Direct Operation of the Spirit 2:00 pm Disater Relief Organizations Johnny Oxendine David P. Brown Lunch Break 3:00 pm Open Forum: 1:00 pm Drama Teams/Puppet Ministry Dinner Break Lee Moses 7:00 pm Special Ministers Tim Cozad 2:00 pm Voting on Elders 8:00 pm The Social Gospel Lee Moses David Watson Tuesday, June 11 3:00 pm Open Forum 9:00 am Missionary Societies Dinner Break Ken Chumbley 7:00 pm Female Leaders Bruce Stulting 10:00 am Logic and the Bible 8:00 pm Ecumenism Danny Douglas Terry Hightower Sunday, June 9 11:00 am Children’s Worship/Divided 9:00 am Praise Teams Ken Chumbley Assembly Bruce Stulting 10:00 am Any-Day, Any-Thing Lord’s Lunch Break Supper David Watson 1:00 pm Handclapping Jess Whitlock Lunch and Dinner Break 2:00 pm Gymnasiums (“Family Life 5:00 pm House Church Concept Centers”) Tim Cozad Lynn Parker 3:00 pm Open Forum: 6:00 pm Fellowship Innovations Dinner Break Johnny Oxendine 7:00 pm Mechanical Instruments of 7:00 pm No Eternal Punishment Music David P. Brown Dub McClish 8:00 pm Theistic Evolution Lynn Parker BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1724 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Anthony Polnitz TravisNancy Harold Cozad Williams Charles Gallaher Bill Remember your in prayers: June 2 June Sunday Every Brower’s RandolphOctavia (Ashley Doris Smith (Sheila Myrick’s sister) Melvin Torrey (West Florida Hospital) (Sacred Hospital) Hall Heart Marilyn Haven) (The Cravey Robbie Flesher Al Dot Dodd encouraged toencouraged attend. members of congregation the are room in 1. service, evening All the Pre-lectureship after meeting pm, zone the in room. meet at Bible 5:00 Ladies’ will Class aunt) Forced uponme—can’t refuse it, Didn’t seekit,didn’t choose it. Give accountifIabuseit; I hadonlyjustaminute I mustsufferifloseit, Just atinylittleminute Just sixty secondsinit; Please Remember
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been deciphered, it surely time should the If be instructive. Lord’s return (but just as certainly Lord’s (but certainly return just as of predictions their ofcuracy of time the the have centuries been “certain”eral of ac the merology of or Daniel TheRevelation? offrom time coming the nu the His discern times”the for men “the Can of day Lord”? the thereAre “signs of earthquake. conflict or tary major each with mili seem They to resurface to present, the have proliferated. time-guessers could dothey so (2 The. 2:1-3). Fromtime that Evencentury, turn? first the in somethought centuries. the people rested through has come promise again.” hope the this In of His greatpromise John in this 14:3:rized “I will refers to Second the Coming. Jesus summa inent New Testament doctrine. Every writer Deacons: Minister: Bishops: The fact that many thatmany men scattered Thefact over sev we determine re whenCan Lord the will is a promcome again will Christ That Jesus
Bill Busch,Crowe Henry Born,ElwardBrantley, Michael Hatcher Paul Brantley, Fred Stancliff would When Will He Return? Will He When BEACON have been could Vol. XLII/No. 22 wrong Dub McClishDub A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com have have ), ), ------E-mail: [email protected] Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. lem’s impending doom, He of then said His “signs” Jerusa could by recognize they which could notturn describing beplainer. the After befutile. hide will attempts ofand tocoming Lord, the flee all back (Mat. 24:15-18; 21:21-24). Luke the At possessions not and all looking disregarding immediately to for mountains the lives, their lem under 21:20), siege (Luke were they to flee 21:5-24).Luke disciples the When saw Jerusa (Mat. 24:6-22;to Return His 13:1-20; Mark a.d. in by Legions Roman the quakes) relate to of destruction the Jerusalem (i.e., earth famines, of rumors wars, wars, Lord’s The return. “signs” of which spokeJesus 1 The.44; 5:2-3; 2 Pet. 3:10). night,” not (Mat. 24:43- at expected atime now. by deciphered Jesus’ words of concerning time re the His Thereare no the times”“signs of thefor the be “asin a thief Jesus’ will coming 850.455.7595 June 3,2013 70 rather than 70 rather than - - - - Second Coming: Bellview Lectures on the Internet But of that day and hour knoweth no one, Lessons from Innovations will be available not even the angels of heaven, neither the Son, but the Father only.… Watch there- for viewing during and after the lectures at: fore: for ye know not on what day your Lord cometh.… Therefore be ye also http://www.bellviewcoc.com/lectures.php ready; for in an hour that ye think not the Son of man cometh (Mat. 24:36, 42, 44). Jesus then told two parables that teach the same message (24:45-51; 25:1-13). Open Forum Questions Whether from ego, ignorance, or avarice, If you have a question send it to all predictions of the time of Jesus’ return are [email protected] doomed to certain failure. or call 850.455.7595 Denton, TX
Bellview Lectures Books Order Form Please send the following: Date: ______Total Price ____ copies of Innovations (2013) @ $11.00 ______copies of What The Bible Says About: (2012) @ $11.00 ______copies of Back To The Bible (2010) @ $4.00 ______copies of Preaching From The Minor Prophets (2009) @ $18.00 ______copies of Preaching From The Major Prophets (2008) @ $16.00 ______copies of A Time To Build (2007) @ $15.00 ______copies of The Blight Of Liberalism (2005) @$5.00 ______copies of Great New Testament Questions (2004) @ $5.00 ______copies of Great Old Testament Questions (2003) @ $5.00 ______copies of Beatitudes (2002) @ $5.00 ______copies of Encouraging Statements Of The Bible (2001) @ $5.00 ______copies of Sad Statements Of The Bible (2000) @ $5.00 ______copies of Preaching God Demands (1996) @$5.00 ______Books-on-CD (1988-2013) (PDF format) @ $37.50 ______(includes postage/handling)—call for upgrade price Postage/Handling ($3.50 per Book): ______Total: ______Send To: ______Address: ______City: ______State: ______Zip: ______
38th Annual Bellview Lectures Innovations
June 7-11, 2013 (Friday – Tuesday) Friday, June 7 Monday, June 10 7:00 pm Bible Authority 9:00 am Dedicating Babies Daniel Denham Danny Douglas 7:45 pm Silence of the Scritptures 10:00 am Logic and the Bible Dub McClish Terry Hightower Saturday, June 8 11:00 am Kitchens in the Building? 9:00 am Special Services (Easter, Jess Whitlock Christmas) Michael Hatcher Lunch Break 10:00 am Logic and the Bible 1:00 pm Modern Translations Terry Hightower Daniel Denham 11:00 am Direct Operation of the Spirit 2:00 pm Disater Relief Organizations Johnny Oxendine David P. Brown Lunch Break 3:00 pm Open Forum: 1:00 pm Drama Teams/Puppet Ministry Dinner Break Lee Moses 7:00 pm Special Ministers Tim Cozad 2:00 pm Voting on Elders 8:00 pm The Social Gospel Lee Moses David Watson Tuesday, June 11 3:00 pm Open Forum 9:00 am Missionary Societies Dinner Break Ken Chumbley 7:00 pm Female Leaders Bruce Stulting 10:00 am Logic and the Bible 8:00 pm Ecumenism Danny Douglas Terry Hightower Sunday, June 9 11:00 am Children’s Worship/Divided 9:00 am Praise Teams Ken Chumbley Assembly Bruce Stulting 10:00 am Any-Day, Any-Thing Lord’s Lunch Break Supper David Watson 1:00 pm Handclapping Jess Whitlock Lunch and Dinner Break 2:00 pm Gymnasiums (“Family Life 5:00 pm House Church Concept Centers”) Tim Cozad Lynn Parker 3:00 pm Open Forum: 6:00 pm Fellowship Innovations Dinner Break Johnny Oxendine 7:00 pm Mechanical Instruments of 7:00 pm No Eternal Punishment Music David P. Brown Dub McClish 8:00 pm Theistic Evolution Lynn Parker BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1724 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Anthony Polnitz TravisNancy Harold Cozad Williams Charles Gallaher Bill Remember your in prayers: 1 Peter 2:21-23. porate our lives. in Study carefully very to incorus would which God expect out principle every follow carrying in model best the Jesus is for toChrist us 17 June 16 June Sunday Every John JohnsonJake &Randall (Joyce Brower’s (Ashley Hill Octavia cousin) (Baptist Hospital)Nellie Read Haven) (The Cravey Robbie Hall Marilyn Flesher Al Dot Dodd pm. Visitation Group meet at 6:00 2will to attend.aged bers of congregation the encour are room in mem 1. service, ning All critique eve the Lectureship after pm, zone the in room. meet at Bible 5:00 Ladies’ will Class son’s great-nephew) Best Example of All of Example Best Please Remember
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Christians must now resistpow higher the Christians powersthe behave that crossed line, the and we imminent foresee eventor an can when question, there ever now, been, has it is case the me gether sometimes it the to struck ask has We men” ought to rather obeyGod than ter other the and words the with 5:29:panied of Acts “Then Pe reference the been accom has them myself), verses quoted (and I have time quoted every wrote: Deacons: Minister: Bishops: When I have to versesWhen those heard used I have time two heard those every Almost damnation. receive to themselves shall resist that they ofer, and God: ordinance the resisteth pow thereforethe resisteth Whosoever of ordained God. are be powersthe that powers. For no there is power but of God: subject be soul unto higher the every Let two verses Romans of first the 13,In Paul Romans 13:1-2 and Acts 5:29 and Obama Care
Bill Busch,Crowe Henry Born,ElwardBrantley, Michael Hatcher Paul Brantley, Fred Stancliff apostles answered and said, said, and answered apostles BEACON Vol. XLII/No. 23 Charles Pogue Charles A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com - - - - - E-mail: [email protected] Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. cally to fund abortions. Obama Care would abortions. Care to Obama fund cally would one that bemandated gospecifi dollar tion elective. From monthly the premiums it abor an contains that plan insurance health the premiumsany of rule regarding a final 12, 2012, Department the of issued Health On March called. it usually as is Care, Obama Patient Protection Act, or Care Affordable and men.”“Obey rather God than to have failed dience passage, to Romans the some, ofthat rationalization the obe using and have viction such occurred, conflicts that arisen. is conIt has my personal a conflict remember anyone possibility the that raising sible Actually, contradiction Icannot arises. not receives God, deference the when apos away impression the with government, that come Ihave always passages, two these tween be arise about can disjunct the ren that talk Ihave listeneder to As to obeyGod? breth Wethe in now such are with conflict faced 850.455.7595 June 10,2013 ------be one of those plans. vidual policy holder to fund abortions. What
We know very few Christians (though do you do? Is this a case where Acts 5:29 su- there are a few of them around), who deny persedes Romans 13:1-2? It seems to me that that abortion is murder of an innocent baby. many of us are between a rock and a hard Is it wrong to assist in the payment of a wom- place, not being able to afford private insur- an who seeks to have an abortion? How can ance (which will soon be gone anyway) or anyone answer in the negative? the penalty. The choices are, enroll in Obama Most of us have probably heard by now Care, which I believe would be sin, or eventu- that for a private health plan to fulfill the re- ally, because of inability to pay the additional quired government mandate regarding bene- tax, be in serious debt jeopardy with the fed- fits that such plans must provide, the premi- eral government. um cost will be in excess of $20,000 per year. We hear from various groups that our re- Within the circle of people I know, if there ligious freedom guaranteed by the First are any who can afford that cost, I am un- Amendment of the Constitution is under at- aware of it. Beginning in 2014, there will be a tack by Obama Care. It is. That is an absolute penalty imposed upon those who are without fact. If you happen to be in a similar financial insurance. Although the penalty starts small situation to a lot of others, you have proba- ($95 per individual), by 2016 it reaches $695 bly been flailing about in confusion and doubt per individual, up to a family maximum of about what you can do and what will happen $2,085. The penalty will rise yearly based on to you in the next five or ten years if you live the cost of living increase. that long. Whatever the answer for us may be, Here is the problem for many Christians. I have no doubt in my own mind that we are They cannot afford the private insurance, or faced with the question, has the Government the penalty for not having health insurance. created a dilemma between Romans and Acts?
The only option left is Obama Care which For me, I believe it has. will collect the $12 per year from every indi- Granby, MO
“I’m Satisfied” “Satisfaction Guaranteed” has been a sell- Many in religious matters seem to think ing point with numerous businesses. The that if they are satisfied that makes the prac- product is to fulfill the needs and desires of tice guaranteed. But our being satisfied with a promise. Sellers rejoice to hear of a satisfied practice or doctrine does not equate God be- customer. Some will accept almost anything ing satisfied! Repentance is that act of heart of with satisfaction while others are more dis- cerning. This satisfaction may be short lived Bellview Lectures on the Internet when after the guarantee time has elapsed Lessons from Innovations can be viewed at: and the requirements of the product are not http://www.bellviewcoc.com/lectures.php fulfilled.
Bellview Lectures Books Order Form
Please send the following: Date: ______Total Price ____ copies of Innovations (2013) @ $11.00 ______copies of What The Bible Says About: (2012) @ $11.00 ______copies of Back To The Bible (2010) @ $4.00 ______copies of Preaching From The Minor Prophets (2009) @ $18.00 ______copies of Preaching From The Major Prophets (2008) @ $16.00 ______copies of A Time To Build (2007) @ $5.00 ______copies of The Blight Of Liberalism (2005) @$5.00 ______copies of Great New Testament Questions (2004) @ $5.00 ______copies of Great Old Testament Questions (2003) @ $5.00 ______copies of Beatitudes (2002) @ $5.00 ______copies of Encouraging Statements Of The Bible (2001) @ $5.00 ______copies of Sad Statements Of The Bible (2000) @ $5.00 ______copies of Preaching God Demands (1996) @$5.00 ______Books-on-CD (1988-2013) (PDF format) @ $37.50 ______(includes postage/handling)—call for upgrade price Postage/Handling ($3.50 per Book): ______Total: ______Send To: ______Address: ______City: ______State: ______Zip: ______
man’s part that brings his religious doctrine are satisfied.” When we warn about mistrans-
and practice into alignment with God’s satis- lations and their destructive force, “Well, we
faction (Rom. 6:16-18). are satisfied.” Or, the church of God preacher The Jews in Jesus’ day were satisfied with (James Dobson) films “Focus on the Family” rejecting Him as Lord. Jesus said, “ye shall die with its doctrines of Direct revelation, direct in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, intervention, tithing, and instrumental mu- ye shall die in your sins” (John 8:24). Their sic, “Well, our elders are satisfied” It does not satisfaction did not mean they were pleasing mean God is pleased with the matter. to God! Likewise, mention could be made of Until we bring our religious practices and the Atheist, infidel, Denominationalist, and doctrines into harmony with God’s will and others who think because they are satisfied to His satisfaction, we need to know that we with their religion that God must also be sat- walk on dangerous grounds. Paul did not say isfied! Not so! in vain, “And have no fellowship with the un- When we warn brethren about departures fruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove from the Faith, often they retort, “Well, we them” (Eph. 5:11). Author Unknown BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1724 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED dividual responsibilitydividual to God.” ever occupied my of that mind is my in be it he done, toaccording that hath whether Anthony Polnitz TravisNancy Harold Cozad Williams Charles Gallaher Bill Remember your in prayers: may receive the things done may receive things the judgment one every that seatof Christ; 17 June 16 June John JohnsonJake &Randall (Joyce Brower’s (Ashley Hill Octavia cousin) (Baptist Hospital)Nellie Read Haven) (The Cravey Robbie Hall Marilyn Flesher Al Dot Dodd “The most important thought “The importantthatmost “For before appear wethe must all pm. Visitation Group meet at 6:00 2will to attend.aged bers of congregation the encour are room in mem 1. service, ning All critique eve the Lectureship after son’s great-nephew) good or bad” (2 goodor Cor. bad” 5:10). Please Remember
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to do them. do to therefore, him that, and expects God things do certain into can man account that takes never could do for Theside himself. human donedo what has God he with that for man side. human er the is The Divine side to has there Divine the hand is side on and oth the sidessimple to two salvation. are On one facts receiver). Clearly seen fromforegoing these (the gave Christ (the to man gift) mankind (the giver) motivated solely by love for lost ceiver. John In 3:16 seen. God readily is this of God. gift free vation (Rom. 5:8). Salvation therefore, is, the could do to obligate to God sal with pay him salvation there and not is he that one thing ited never favor deserved has of Man God. God’s (Eph. grace 2:8-9). unmer the Graceis Deacons: Minister: Bishops: This raises the question:raises salvationfree “Is This Hence, involves grace agiver, re and gift, Salvation from made sinpossible is by
Bill Busch,Crowe Henry Born,ElwardBrantley, Michael Hatcher Paul Brantley, Fred Stancliff BEACON Salvation by Grace Vol. XLII/No. 24 David P. Brown David A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com - - - - E-mail: [email protected] Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. made doctrine. to what goto extent uphold men will aman- endeavors. secular indicates Itdo his in also to religiongard he away in that would never re reason in will man trative that of fact the illus is query This doesanything?” man if or by meritorious any by works man devised so by works the of law the of Moses (3:20) vation. How He doeshe do do cannot this? must appropriate of or sal receive gift free the blessingstheir to himself. he must do or work to something appropriate that fitfrom gifts God’s freelygiven natural indeed to concludery to for bene that man items world. God’s in natural It elementa is water, ahost food, and sunshine, of other obtained therefrom?ing true of is Thesame bless to receive singular the necessary what is not one is tion because air free must that do What person absurd the posi wouldWhat take Relative to man’s salvation from sin, man 850.455.7595 June 17,2013 ------(Eph. 2:8-9). ing us that” man must abstain from certain The inspired James, however, declared that, things and also do other things (Tit. 2:12; “by works a man is justified” (Jam. 2:24). It 2 Pet. 3:9). is obvious that James is not speaking of the In Noah’s day, after God had resolved to de- works of the law of Moses or the meritorious stroy man the Bible records that “Noah found works of man. What works, then, could jus- grace in the eyes of the Lord” (Gen. 6:8). Be- tify a man in God’s sight? Or the question cause Noah “found grace,” God instructed could be phrased in another way: “How does him as to how he could appropriate the bless- one take hold of or receive God’s free gift of ings that had been so freely made available to salvation? him by God. Noah had to do what God said
In answering the aforementioned question do, in the way He said do it, and for the reason one must remember that at this point the hu- God said do it, or God’s grace could not save man side of salvation and not the Divine side him. Hence, Noah “prepared an ark to the is being investigated. The only works that will saving of his house” (Heb. 11:7). Noah’s faith save anyone are the works of God and man saved him only when it was strong enough to can do them (John 6:29). David declared, obey the teaching that God’s grace provided.
“My tongue shall speak of thy word: For all Thus, both the Divine and human sides of sal- thy commandments are righteousness” (Psa. vation are clearly seen in this example that was 119:172). At the house of Cornelius it is then “written aforetime were written for our learn- no wonder that Peter declared that “he that ing, that we through patience and comfort of feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is ac- the scriptures might have hope” (Rom. 15:4). cepted with him” (Acts 10:35). It is obvious, No man could love as God loved, nor give therefore, that the works that James and Pe- the gift (the Christ) that God gave. Neither ter are speaking of are works of obedience to could man live, suffer, die, rise, and ascend God’s commandments (Heb. 5:9). By obedi- back to heaven as Christ did. No mortal could ence to God’s commandments is God’s work build the church and give the human race the done and man thereby receives or appropriates Bible as God has done. Deity did all of this be- the free gift of salvation to himself. cause man could not. The denominational world ignores man’s Man can study the Bible, have faith creat- part in salvation. They, thereby, are blind and ed in him by God’s Word and do what God dumb when the Biblical question of “Men said (John 5:39; Acts 17:22; Rom. 10:17; Jam. and brethren, what shall we do?” is put to 2:24). In doing what God said he is simply them (Acts 2:37). It is obvious that if the Di- taking hold of the free gift of salvation. Such vine side was the only side to salvation that work has no connection whatsoever with the all men would be saved regardless of anything meritorious works men have concocted to ob- they might do or not do (Tit. 2:11; 2 Pet. 3:9). ligate God to pay man with salvation. Much The whole truth is, however, that “the grace studying and teaching regarding “the grace of God that bringeth salvation” came “teach- of God that bringeth salvation” needs to be done. Only then will men understand that man can reconcile “how that by works a man “grace reign[s] through righteousness unto is justified, and not by faith only” with “Not eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom. by works, lest any man should boast” (Jam. 5:21). Both the Divine and human sides of sal- 2:24; Eph. 2:9). vation must be taken into consideration before Spring, TX
Judging Righteous Judgment Tim Smith
“Judge not according to the appearance, But notice that in our text there is a judg-
but judge righteous judgment” (John ing that we are compelled to engage in and
7:24). it is called “righteous judgment.” We consider
Have you ever tried to convince someone the works of an individual and compare them
that the particular religious position he/she with the standard of righteousness (God’s
held was incorrect? If so, you most probably Word—cf., John 12:48) and arrive at a con-
received an answer somewhat like this: You clusion as to the propriety of those works or are judging me and that is wrong. While we deeds. It is not wrong to engage in this kind are never to presume to judge one’s motives, a of judgment, and in fact, it is wrong not to en- certain amount of judging is absolutely neces- gage in this kind of judging! sary to pleasing God. We cannot judge what is How can we oppose a man like Hitler with- beyond our ability to perceive, but that which out judging righteous judgment? How can we is before us and regulated by His Word we say that Saddam Hussein or the devil himself must judge. is wrong without comparing their deeds with We are not, according to our text, to judge the Bible? And is not such a comparison judg- “according to appearance,” or only based on ing? Indeed. It is judging righteous judgment. externals when the matter pertains to the in- Someone who says, “You are wrong for ner man. I cannot see whether your secret judging” has engaged in the very activity they thoughts are right with God unless you mani- condemn. They have judged you for judging. fest your motive incontrovertibly by your ac- They condemn you for condemning. Where is tions. I cannot perform a cursory review based the consistency? To judge righteous judgment on my own preferences or rules. These things is to preach the Truth. To judge righteous are strictly forbidden. judgment is to determine what is required of God on a given matter and to then pronounce His requirements to one in danger of hell-fire. Bellview Lectures on the Internet Heed His Word: “Judge not according to Lessons from Innovations can be viewed at: the appearance, but judge righteous judg- http://www.bellviewcoc.com/lectures.php ment” (John 7:24). Dothan, AL BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1724 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Anthony Polnitz Rubye Bailey Dot Lambert Williams Charles Gallaher Bill Remember your in prayers: Christ died for died Christ us.” we while were that, in yetus, sinners, “But commendeth God love his toward 22 July 8 July 30 June 26 June John JohnsonJake &Randall (Joyce (West Florida Hammac Ella Hospital) Haven) (The Cravey Robbie Flesher Al Horace Myrick pm. Visitation Group meet at 6:00 2will pm. Visitation Group meet at 6:00 1will pm. at 1:00Grounds, service evening Sunday DinnerFifth on the auditorium. the Sermons Video Series at 7:00 pm, in son’s great-nephew) Calendar Changes Please Remember
Romans 5:8 Romans
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For this cause God has given us the special special given the us has God For cause this knowledgeinsufficient is salvation.er this for sible to about know some howev God, things (19:1).handywork” Paul stated: Also, his firmament the sheweth of And God; ry the glo “The said, heavens declare Psalmist revelation the Bible. natural the Regarding ation revelation special the and the which is revelation cre the is which ways: natural the Deacons: Minister: Bishops: him them that diligently seek him (11:6). him seek diligently that them that he and is, that lieve From foregoing the it that pos we is learn without (Rom. 1:20). are excuse they that even made, are that understood by things the ation of world the seen, clearly being are from cre ofthe him invisiblethe things come one in ofKnowledge can God of two faith without stated: writer The Hebrews : for to must be cometh God he that his eternal power and Godhead; so power Godhead; and eternal his
Bill Busch,Crowe Henry Born,ElwardBrantley, Michael Hatcher Paul Brantley, Fred Stancliff it is it impossible to please please to impossible he is a rewarder of he arewarder is BEACON Let Us Be Noble Vol. XLII/No. 25 Bruce Stulting Bruce A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com ------E-mail: [email protected] Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. consider the following. the consider mindletprayerfully in us With this directs. Bible the as of alife faith by is living future the in life today to eternal and life abetter answer toing more complicated problems. The only self-helpand often lead results the with books world to man-made often philosophies turns problems, to these answers the seeking When life. this in with we which with must deal difficult Thereare many perfected. problems devoted Bible study so Bible devotion be can is article designed to encourage to This read. ever been privileged has important book man Bible source the it is of faith, most saving the is simple” the wise (Psa. 19:7).making Since the the soul:the The testimonythe of God” (10:17).God” cometh Paul source: comes “So then from faith this revelation—the Bible. spoken Thefaith of by “The law “The the Lord of 850.455.7595 by hearing, and hearing by word the hearing and of by hearing,
June 24,2013 is perfect, converting perfect, Lord
is sure, sure, - The Importance of Bible Study the apostle Paul exhorted: “Study to shew The Bible is the only all sufficient guide to thyself approved unto God, a workman that all of our spiritual needs. We are told that God needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing “hath given unto us all things that pertain unto the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). We are re- life and godliness, through the knowledge of minded that him that hath called us to glory and virtue” All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for (2 Pet. 1:3). There are many things that are at- reproof, for correction, for instruction in tributed to the Word of God. Notice the fol- righteousness: That the man of God may lowing: (1) The Word will be our standard in be perfect, throughly furnished unto all the day of judgment, it will be that by which we shall be judged (John 12:48). (2) The Word good works (3:16-17). has the power to cleanse us (John 15:3). (3) The The Tragedy of Ignorance Word is an agent in sanctification (John Speaking through the prophet Hosea, God said: 17:17). (4) By abiding in the Word we become true disciples (John 8:31). (5) The use of the My people are destroyed for lack of knowl- edge: Because thou hast rejected knowl- Word brings knowledge which in turn brings edge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt freedom from sin (John 8:32). (6) The Word be no priest to me: Seeing thou hast for- produces faith (Rom. 10:17). (7) The Word ex- gotten the law of thy God, I will also for- erts an influence in the lives of people which get thy children (Hos. 4:6). can increase and grow in its effect (Acts 6:7; Notice that when one generation neglects 12:24). (8) Through the Word Christians are their study of God’s Word that generation able to comfort sorrowing loved ones (1 The. suffers as well as the next. This pattern is re- 4:18). (9) The Word is able to pierce the inner- peated over and over again in the Old Testa- most self of man (Heb. 4:12). (10) By having ment. In contrast to this the Psalmist said, “I the Word living and abiding in us, our prayers have been young, and now am old; Yet have I will be more effective (John 15:7). (11) The -di not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his seed recting of one’s life should be left to the power begging bread” (37:25). There are those today of the Word (Mat. 4:4). (12) It is through the who have
Word that we are begotten again unto salva- received not the love of the truth, that tion (1 Pet. 1:23; Jam. 1:18). (13) The Word they might be saved. And for this cause is God’s instrument of reconciliation (2 Cor. God shall send them strong delusion, that 5:19). (14) The Word is able to save sinners they should believe a lie: That they all (Jam. 1:21; Acts 11:14). (15) The Word, which might be damned who believed not the is the Gospel, is also said to save (Rom. 1:16; truth, but had pleasure in unrighteous- 1 Cor. 15:2). (16) Finally, the Word is able to ness (2 The. 2:10-12). produce growth to maturity in Christ (1 Pet. Jesus repeatedly said to the Scribes and Phari- 2:2). All of the foregoing is made possible sees “Have ye not read.” It is a sad commen- through a knowledge of God’s Word. Thus, tary on the state of religious affairs when the religious leaders of the day know not the Word trine; continue in them: for in doing this we of God. shall both save ourselves and them that hear Therefore, let us be noble like the Bere- us (1 Tim. 4:16). ans who “received the word with all readi- Huntsville, TX ness of mind, and searched the scriptures dai- ly, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11). Sympathy May we all “receive with meekness the en- Our deepest sympathy is extended to grafted word, which is able to save your souls” Rheba Stancliff in the death of her brother, and “be ye doers of the word, and not hearers Vernon Matthews, on June 23. Please keep only” (Jam. 1:21-22). Finally, brethren, may Rheba and her family in your prayers. we take heed unto ourselves and unto the doc-
Take Heed How You Hear James Burton Coffman
The message of John the Baptist, when he fools…blind guides…ye are children of
came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, your father the devil (Luke 13:3; Mat.
was not, “Smile, God loves you!” 23:14-16; John 8:44).
It was “O generation of vipers, who hath Paul was not commissioned to write about
warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” half the New Testament because he taught
(Mat. 3:7). that men are “saved by faith only.” He taught:
The prophet Jeremiah was not cast into the vengeance on them that know not God,
miry pit for preaching, “I’m OK: You’re OK!” and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…wrath of God is revealed He suffered the wrath of his contemporaries from heaven against all ungodliness and for crying out against their adultery, idolatry, unrighteousness…obey the truth, but violence, injustice, and shameful indifference obey unrighteousness, indignation and to God’s commandments. wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon ev- Noah’s message from the steps of the ark ery soul of man that doeth evil (2 The. was not, “Something good is going to happen 1:8; Rom. 1:18; 2:8-9). to you!” He condemned the world and was There is no record of Jesus Christ trying to called by the Holy Spirit, “A preacher of righ- help men find out who they were. When they teousness” (2 Pet. 2:5). went up into the mountain, Jesus did not ask, Jesus Christ was not crucified for saying: “Peter, who are you?” The Lord never directed “Consider the lilies, how they grow.” He went any follower to try to identify himself, but He to the cross for demanding of all the dwellers did demand, “What think ye of Christ; whose in Jerusalem: son is he?” (Mat. 22:42). It is not, who am I, except ye repent…Woe unto you, scribes but who is He! and Pharisees, hypocrites…child of hell… Deceased BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1724 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Anthony Polnitz Rubye Bailey Dot Lambert Williams Charles Gallaher Bill Remember your in prayers: everyone. 185 lbs was 2ozand inches long. Borne born on was June 20. She weighed Raine Cheyenne great-grand-daughter: 19 was oz and inches long. born on June 19. She weighed 7lbs 10 GraceHoffay daughter:was Amelia 8 July 30 June Tim Smith (ICU) Melanie Crowe &Cheyenne Borne Dia &Karen (Dallas Gabriel Stewart Haven) (The Cravey Robbie Hammac Ella Flesher Al Horace Myrick Our congratulations are extended are congratulations toOur Crowe Peggy and Bill have anew grand- a Ayliffenew has Karen pm. Visitation Group meet at 6:00 1will pm. at 1:00Grounds, service evening Sunday DinnerFifth on the great-grand-daughter) & ter Crowe’s &Peggy (Bill grand-daugh nephew) mond’s Please Remember
New Arrivals
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• on occasion. Please consider following: the ment) of some of prayer the terminology Ihear (andI humbly reappraisal abandon suggest onetors mind,as in who misspeaks, at times concepts. onlyveys Scriptural With fac these to conform prayers their to wording con that ever seek brethren will Faithful carefully. very sions apparently they have not thought about prayers expres use our in assemblies at times (Col.thorizes 3:17). Those who suchlead volves both) Lord the which must au bethat Deacons: Minister: Bishops: mistakable. The mistakable. represents thank bread, symbolizes which of supper the “We says, thank to the thanks ing the respective identities the table often mix of Confusion: Godhead we do that word in orAll deed (prayer in Father thee
Bill Busch,Crowe Henry Born,ElwardBrantley, Michael Hatcher Paul Brantley, Fred Stancliff thy and the Son the and Thoughts on the Words of Our Prayers for this fruit of which vine, fruit the for this blood,” confusion un the is Father Father Prayers at Lord’s the . When one,. When giv in never a body had thy for elements the BEACON body” or “We thee Vol. XLII/No. 26 for this for this Dub McClishDub A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com ------E-mail: [email protected] Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. • we worship the God who speaks through through we worship who God the speaks 12:48). No, we do not worship Bible; the Word contempt equals for Him—John do not contempt believe that for Lord’s the we do. that thorityapparently for (They all au on insist ofthose who Scriptural us dare hurled Word: the Worshiping 16:23-26). to in the the in or blood to offer.Rather, His in aprayerin to the addressed evident whenconfusion also is abrother, This distinction. Scriptural this we confuse our (Mat. sins 26:26-28), we and err when offering ultimate andthe of body blood for but it nonsensical is to thy Holythe Spirit), prayer closes his with, “In nois authority for Jesus or addressing thus 850.455.7595 the Father the the in name we pray.” name no unkindness, Imean name of name Bibliolaters the Father. the We to are (Bible worshipers) at name of name July 1,2013 pray to pray Liberals have long Liberals His Son (John Son His (John Father the Father Father the Son (there (there made made pray pray - the Bible—and by no other means. I have, this and “just” that. I suspect that brethren however, heard otherwise knowledgeable have, wittingly or unwittingly, adopted this brethren pray: “We are thankful we can practice from them. The Truth will be bet- come together to worship thy Word.” Such ter served if they leave it where they found unfortunate (and unauthorized) wording it—with the denominations. plays right into the hands of liberal accus- • Worship or Learn About? Some appar- ers. If one does not believe in “worshiping ently confuse these two activities by stating the Bible,” he should never say so in his that we have gathered “to worship about prayer. If he believes in “worshiping the Bi- God.” No, we assemble to worship God ble,” he needs additional teaching before and His Son (John 4:23-24). In the process further leading public prayers. of studying the Bible and singing spiritual • “Just” Prayers: “Father, we just pray songs, we learn about God and His Son, that…, and we just thank thee for…, and but this does not constitute “worshiping we just ask for forgiveness…,” have become about God.” Such an expression is foreign all too common prayer expressions in re- both to Scriptural concept and terminolo- cent years. Just in such contexts conveys gy, as well as to grammatical sense. the idea of “merely” or “only” (viz., “I have I do not believe that brethren who thus just [merely, only] five minutes to speak.”). speak in their prayers intend to make unau- Is it fitting to “merely” ask God to forgive thorized statements. I think such untoward us when we sin, knowing the cost of our expressions stem mostly from thoughtless- redemption (Acts 20:28)? And how can it ness, along with ignorance of grammar and/or make sense to ask for just (i.e., “only”) one of Scripture. Let us be more conscious of our more thing repeatedly (this is about as ra- words and of their implications. Let us be con- tional as to claim that one is saved both by cerned in our assemblies with representing the faith “only” and by grace “only”). Over the Truth of God’s Word in our prayers, even as years I have heard many denomination- we must be with our sermons and our songs. al preachers offer prayers filled with “just” Denton, TX
More Thoughts on Who We Think We Are: Johnny Oxendine
I will be forever grateful to a lady by the I thought about this again, not just in the name of Gertha Alston? Why? Because she context she spoke it (which would only make said something to me before I obeyed the Gos- perfect sense that a faithful Christian would pel that still resonates in my ear when we are look first at the spiritual personality as a pri- discussing certain passages of Scripture. With- mary consideration), and then put some other out going into the word for word, she said to things we think/do that should demand the make sure that the person you are interested same conscientiousness: in puts the Lord first. 1. Do I think of my responsibility to the Lord when considering a job? Will it show them the area and miss evening interfere? services? 2. Do I think of the Lord first when con- 5. Am I often too sick for worship or Bi- sidering my vacations? Do I make ble class, but up bright and early for sure that I will be able to worship with work the next day? sound congregations and not just who- 6. Are my best friends strong Chris- ever is available? tians or are they in the weak and non- 3. Is God firstwhen I look for a place to Christian category? live (or relocate), or does the place and You could easily add more, but the point price (my agent) determine what I do? is hard to miss. Mrs. Alston spoke of the im- 4. Do people who visit me attend the portance of putting the Lord and church first, worship (and classes) with me—or and we have certainly seen how the Lord em- do we just come in the morning and phasized that many times. run off to meet them/pick them up/ San Mateo, CA
Bellview Lectures Books Order Form Please send the following: Date: ______Total Price ____ copies of Innovations (2013) @ $11.00 ______copies of What The Bible Says About: (2012) @ $11.00 ______copies of Back To The Bible (2010) @ $4.00 ______copies of Preaching From The Minor Prophets (2009) @ $18.00 ______copies of Preaching From The Major Prophets (2008) @ $16.00 ______copies of A Time To Build (2007) @ $5.00 ______copies of The Blight Of Liberalism (2005) @$5.00 ______copies of Great New Testament Questions (2004) @ $5.00 ______copies of Great Old Testament Questions (2003) @ $5.00 ______copies of Beatitudes (2002) @ $5.00 ______copies of Encouraging Statements Of The Bible (2001) @ $5.00 ______copies of Sad Statements Of The Bible (2000) @ $5.00 ______Preaching God Demands ____ copies of (1996) @$5.00 ______Books-on-CD (1988-2013) (PDF format) @ $37.50 ______(includes postage/handling)—call for upgrade price Postage/Handling ($3.50 per Book): ______Total: ______Send To: ______Address: ______City: ______State: ______Zip: ______BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1798 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Rubye Bailey Dot Lambert Williams Charles Gallaher Bill Remember your in prayers: Are you it? in Are growing you are schemeWhere the in of things? toany perish. How about your truth? He ofdoesnot alack trust. possess want together. people His chides God who why leave they al or and Christ forsake division church,brethren the in cause is why righteousness. and This truth “Iates don’t an attitude toward care” cre This our minds. checked through 8 July Cheyenne Crowe’s Borne &Peggy (Bill Dia &Karen (Dallas Gabriel Stewart (Baptist Hospital)Nellie Read Haven) (The Cravey Robbie Hammac Ella Flesher Al Horace Myrick Trust oftento allowed is slip un pm. Visitation Group meet at 6:00 1will great-grand-daughter) nephew) mond’s Please Remember
Drifting TrustDrifting
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trine ontrine worship, divorce, re and marriage, doc of be lost false their because still and ics, veracity of otherBible, the top certain and ly convinced of of the and existence God the Indeed, doctrine? people false in may be ful brethren congregationswith and up caught acceptable influence their for them to align out reproving error(s)? established their it Is whereplaces error to needs be refuted, with in other speak among well-known us, speakers tablished errors of congregations? these to beallowed for and ignore days, afew - es the error, in are gregations that it even if only is fellowship? work goand May they con with apologetics, to ignoreChristian law on His family, the and or church growth, marriage as such in areas who those allow specialize fromed God’s law on fellowship. God Does brethren, it exempt are would they seem that Deacons: Minister: Bishops: May speakers fromMay Apologetics speakers Press, or oneIf considers example of the certain Are Some Exempt from God’s Law on Fellowship
Bill Busch,Crowe Henry Born,ElwardBrantley, Michael Hatcher Paul Brantley, Fred Stancliff BEACON Vol. XLII/No. 27 Danny Douglas A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com ------E-mail: [email protected] Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. New Testament teaching: ofdoctrine Christ. Holy Spirit, or onto the other contrary issues the organizations, para-church unscriptural fellowship associations, supportmarriage, of gery. Rather than fellowshippinggery. er than in those Rather on one sur need in of bypass quadruple heart aphysician as doing surgery knee fallacious as would another in sin be practiced being area, ofother Truth, the category ignoring while Those who do this are in violationarein Those whothis do clear of To or evidences some Christian with deal not receive him into doctrine, this there come unto any you, not bring and Father Son. the the both If he and hath of Christ, doctrine the abidethHe in that not hath God. of Christ, doctrine the in abideth not and transgresseth, Whosoever his evil deeds (2 John deeds 9-11). evil his of partaker is speed God biddeth him that house, neither for speed: bid God he him 850.455.7595 July 8,2013 your
- - ror and enhancing their influence by our asso- ciation with them, the Scriptures are plain as Bellview Lectures to how they should be handled: “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of dark- on the Internet ness, but rather reprove them” (Eph. 5:11). Let Lessons from Innovations can be viewed at: us do this and please God! http://www.bellviewcoc.com/lectures.php Mt. Pleasant, TN
When Can We Know We Have Lost Our “First Love” for the Lord?
“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, DD When I view the command of Christ as because thou hast left thy first love” (Rev. 2:4). restrictions to my happiness rather than
DD When my delight in the Lord is no longer expressions of His love, I have lost my
as great as my delight in someone else, I “first love.”
have lost my “first love.” DD When I inwardly strive for acclaim of
DD When my soul does not long for times this world rather than the approval of the
of rich fellowship in God’s Word or in Lord, I have lost my “first love.”
prayer, I have lost my “first love.” DD When I fail to make Christ or His words
DD When my thoughts during leisure mo- known because I fear rejection, I have lost
ments do not reflect upon the Lord, I have my “first love.”
lost my “first love.” DD When I refuse to give up an activity which DD When I claim to be “only human” and I know is offending a weaker brother, I easily give in to those things I know dis- have lost my “first love.” please the Lord, I have lost my “first love.” DD When I become complacent to sinful con- DD When I do not willingly and cheerfully ditions around me, I have lost my “first give to God’s work or to the needs of oth- love.” ers, I have lost my “first love.” DD When I an unwilling to forgive anoth- DD When I cease to treat every Christian er for offending me, I have lost my “first brother as I would the Lord, I have lost love.” my “first love.” Author Unknown
Murder Plus Murder Does Not Equal Righteousness Paul Vaughn It was in January of 1973, when the Su- been numerous attempts to get the Supreme preme Court ruled that a woman had the le- Court to reverse this decision. Anti-abortion gal right to terminate a pregnancy. There have groups have formed throughout the country to protest against taking the innocent life of a Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear baby. Yes! It is a human baby not just a blob of false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and tissue or a fetus. Abortion is the planned de- if there be any other commandment, it struction, murder, of a human life. The inno- is briefly comprehended in this saying, cent baby cannot speak for itself therefore oth- namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as ers must stand boldly to seek protection of the thyself (Rom. 13:8-9). unborn child. Christians must love people enough to take Those who protest against abortion, for the the Gospel of Christ to them to affect change. most part, do not use violence. In Wichita, It is the doctrine of Christ that can stop abor- Kansas, a gunman killed Dr. George Tiller tion: not murder. One cannot murder a fellow for his work in Tiller’s Women’s Health Care human and expect to go to Heaven. Murder- Service Clinic. Dr. Tiller was noted for his ing those who murder does not make one righ- D teous. Government has the right to administer work in termination of unborn babies through abortion. As stated above abortion is the de- the death sentence (13:1-4), but not evil wick- D ed men. They only give non-believers the op- struction, murder, of an innocent child. Sad- ly, the Supreme Court makes it legal in this portunity to speak against God. Therefore, all D of us should speak out against abortion and D country. But, the murdering of Dr. Tiller does not all sin. Are you prepared to stand against all make it right! God forbids murder. Owe no man any thing, but to love one wickedness? D another: for he that loveth another hath Any wickedness is wrong in the sight of D fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not God, even that done in His name.
commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Marion, VA D D If You Had Died for the Sins of the World D D How Would You Feel: When men took your name in vain? death? D When men damaged their bodies dabbling When men did not appreciate your sacri- D in sin instead of glorifying you as their savior fice enough to stay for the supper you had left in their bodies? as a memorial of it? When men fussed and got angry among When men did not respect you enough to themselves in which you had established and wear your name? thus brought reproach upon you? When men did not care whether their con- When men chose to go somewhere else on duct caused anyone else to stumble? the day which you had set aside for men to Did you ever stop to think? The Son of worship you? God probably would think the same as you When men refused to obey what you said would about such thoughtless people. they had to do to gain the benefit of your Author Unknown BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1798 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED is availableis from www.adobe.com). beaPDF receive will (awill reader free file The toyou [email protected]. please send e-mail youraddress e-mail Anthony Polnitz Rubye Bailey Dot Lambert Williams Charles Gallaher Bill Remember your in prayers: To receive the 14 July lie’s your in prayers. family gregation since 2005. Please keep Nel been amemberhad con of Bellview the on life Junefrom this 30, 2013. Nellie of who Nellie Read, passed family the extended is sympathy deepest toOur Doris Gulsby (Phyllis Brantley’s aunt) Cheyenne Crowe’s Borne &Peggy (Bill Dia &Karen (Dallas Gabriel Stewart Haven) (The Cravey Robbie Crowe Peggy Flesher Al Horace Myrick 5:30 pm, room in 5. beheldDeacons’ at will meeting great-granddaughter) nephew) mond’s Defender Available Via E-Mail Via Available Please Remember
Sympathy Defender
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have become Christians in their youth their in and have become Christians may they even era, though childhood the past 5:12: brews principlethis from here,He taught as well as prove were they sent from God. tongues, in etc., to speaking forming miracles, to bedonewas away, of use the per such as of Gospel the bringing age childhood the ed, complet when was that, Gospel the message example to teach that using he was instance 13:11).(1 Cor. this in We that aware all are he put aman things awaybecame childish Holythe Spirit, when informedthat he us Deacons: Minister: Bishops: Some members of church the not and have of need of strong milk, meat. become such as are oracles of and God; which again ye oneteachers, have need you that teach For when ye for ought time to the be However, application an make from we can The apostle inspiration through Paul, of
Bill Busch,Crowe Henry Born,ElwardBrantley, Michael Hatcher Paul Brantley, Fred Stancliff be the first principles first the the of “I Want to Be Involved” BEACON never Vol. XLII/No. 28 A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist grow grow 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com W. Totty L. - - - E-mail: [email protected] Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. teams, hay rides, picnics,teams, charged He etc. was However, ball job not his was to organize Timothy apostleyoung the Paul. man assisted ality are not part of not are the part ality merely involved “programs” in re in which youththe involved.” are they time the But all “programs” to duty is instigate main to “keep Bible the in nothing authorizing such) whose “youth (whatever minister” I find is, that should. Christian a like act him “programs” to make to try of “make varieties and work” inable, all and imag ofsorts gimmick entertainment, every all games, of ball body the ofsuch as Christ, found some paraphernalia the in elementsall conceive withoutcannot of being a Christian “toys”needs to play church. the in He with of persontype still That live earth. upon this to we says God may expect that tenand years to threescore the reach have bodily matured Some churches a“youth hire director” or 850.455.7595 July 15,2013 church activity. The - - by Paul to “Preach the word; be instant in sea- Too, there is a disposition on the part of son, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort some to think that, unless we are involved in with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Tim. group activity, we cannot practice Christiani- 4:2). Children, all young people, and all el- ty. In other words, “I won’t do it unless we can derly people need to learn that to be obedient, get a group together to do it.” We are so afraid, respectful sons and daughters, living as good I suppose, that we will be found doing “more examples to others in the community, is a part of Christianity. Often we hear complaints by some of the A Warning Call to younger folk that there is nothing being done to interest the young folk to keep them from Christians going back into the world. Well, rest assured Children are you ready that God expects the same work of the young If your Lord should call today? people as is expected of aged. Their main trou- Are your garments stained and dirty ble is that they do not want to be content with By the filth of worldly play? the Lord’s business. Or have you kept them spotless Some more mature young people have not In his service all the way, yet learned that to go about their “own busi- As the moments pass so swiftly ness,” providing the necessities of life for their Towards that final judgment day? families (2 The. 3:11), and bringing up their children in the nurture and admonition of Life is only just a vapor the Lord (Eph. 6:4) are Christian acts and We are here today—then gone. Can we dare to be so careless, ones that are sorely needed in this age. Some With eternity—oh—so long? of them would rather be busybodies, as were So let us give our time and talent some in the church in the days of the apos- To Him where it belongs; tle Paul (2 The. 3:11), and trying to tell others And have our garments clean and ready how to run their affairs. To join that heavenly throng. However, the matter of minding their own business does not gain them recognition in Do your faces shine so radiant the eyes of the people that they are seeking. That the world sees Christ therein? They “want to be involved” in something that Are your hands all washed and undefiled will cause them to be looked up to as being From the filthiness of sin? a great leader in the eyes of the public. They Are your feet so firmly guided “want to be involved,” but the fact of the mat- They’ll not stray in ways so dim? ter is that hardly any of them who like such Be it so my little children fanfare will volunteer to do the menial, daily Are you ready to go in???? tasks that need to be done. That is not what he Author Unknown means when he says he “wants to be involved.” than our share.” But the Bible says that a cup I have taught in times past about our doing of water given in the name of Christ will bring benevolence through the church treasury, let reward in Heaven (Mat. 10:42; Mark 9:41). me point out that there is Biblical example for One does not have to do his benevolent acts as such. The apostle Paul said, “Now concern- a group activity. We are all going to be judged ing the collection for the saints, as I have giv- individually before God. The Samaritan did en order to the churches of Galatia, even so not have to call the leader of his group to get do ye” (1 Cor. 16:1). There is a place for col- his assignment. He, when he saw the need, lective action: yes. But we must also assume fulfilled his obligation as neighbor to the man our individual responsibilities as well. We who fell among thieves (Luke 10:30-36). must not wait for others to do what we can Now, lest someone might be disposed to do individually! think that I am turning my back on all that Deceased
The Embarrassed Atheist
A certain atheist lecturer was parading up comfort has been a tremendous joy. If,
and down the countryside pouring out his when I die, I come to learn that there is
verbiage against the very thought of God, no God, that Jesus is not the Son of God,
and heaping ridicule upon all those foolish that the Bible is not true, and that there
enough to believe in God, and in the Bible as is no salvation or heaven, pray, sir, what
the Word of God. have I lost, believing in Christ during this
On one occasion, he addressed a group who life?
were gathered in a large hall. His wordy elo- The room was very still. The audience
quence stirred them to a high pitch and deem- quickly grasped the logic of the woman’s ques- ing himself master of the situation he hurled a tion. Then they turned to the atheist, who was
challenge to Almight God. If there be a God, swayed by the woman’s simplicity. In quiet
he challenged Him to reveal Himself by smit- tones he made an answer: “Madam, you won’t
ing the lecturer to death. When God did not stand to lose a thing.” Hearing this, the wom-
do this, the man turned to his audience and an spoke again: exclaimed: “See, there is no God!” You have been kind to have answered my Whereupon a little woman, with a shawl question. Permit me to ask another. If, about her head, arose to her feet. She addressed when it comes time for you to die, you her remarks directly to the lecturer, as follows: discover that the Bible is true, and that Sir, I cannot answer your arguments, your there is a God, that Jesus is His Son, and learning is beyond me. With your supe- that there is a heaven and a hell—pray, sir, rior intelligence, will you answer me one what will you stand to lose?” question? I have been a believer in Christ The atheist had no answer. for many years. I have rejoiced in His sal- “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no vation and I have enjoyed my Bible. His God” (Psa. 14:1). Author Unknown BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1798 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Melvin Torrey Rubye Bailey Dot Lambert Williams Charles Gallaher Bill Remember your in prayers: July 24 July 22 July 21 July encouragement. Nelda your in prayers offer and her congregation on Please her keep behalf. requestedNelda prayers King of the Tony &Pam Busch’s (Bill Busch son) Cheyenne Crowe’s Borne &Peggy (Bill Dia &Karen (Dallas Gabriel Stewart Haven) (The Cravey Robbie Flesher Al Horace Myrick the auditorium. the Sermons Video Series at 7:00 pm, in pm. Visitation Group meet at 6:00 2will held at 5:00 pm, room in 5. be Elders/Deacons’ will meeting great-granddaughter) nephew) mond’s Pantry Items Needed Pantry Items Prayers Requested Please Remember
Canned Vegetables Canned Canned Soups Canned
Sick Juice
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guistically and doctrinally wrong to refer to doctrinally and guistically Lord’s church the body then are it lin both is incorrect.is members Actually, the if of the “our phrase, tothe use that past church” the church.” Consequently, we have pointed out in show church the belongs to It Him. not is “our sessive pronoun “My” 16:18 Matthew in to to religious the world pos the Jesus used that 16:18). We have long pointed correctly and out world. mistaken already confusion an in cause really another about church, the we can for instance, weof If say say and one religious truth. thing understanding befuddled toing already their another, saying and onesaying thing add and enough without confused are nationalism us the Thosein religious error fused!” of denomi con now you and really until that, Iam said ably enough it said ourselves, confused “I was Deacons: Minister: Bishops: Jesus said HeJesus said would church build His (Mat. We someone heard have all say, prob and
Bill Busch,Crowe Henry Born,ElwardBrantley, Michael Hatcher Paul Brantley, Fred Stancliff Saying One Thing and Saying Another Saying and Thing One Saying BEACON Vol. XLII/No. 29 Charles Pogue Charles A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com ------E-mail: [email protected] Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. helped by another poor student; algebra now poor the student algebra be like who being is “our church,” our religious going friends are to churchthe belongs then say, and to Christ of church. the we If say marks identifying are that ofsion things those to and all to Christ, exclusivity of church, the church’s the submis church belongsthe goes to totruth Jesus. That toWe convince world the the trying are that the of fivetimes site. pages least on various better, “about phrase, the has at our church” elderswith preacher and who ought to know congregation Goldsboro, in Carolina, North websiteFor the instance, Forest of Oak the then how say some “our among us, church.” price God’s are and (1 Cor. 6:19-20). not we are that our own, but bought a are with theit.withScriptures, accords That too,in of possessor the and possessed thing the both “our church.” be cannot possessed Athing If we are the church, the weIf are church the Christ’s, is 850.455.7595 July 22,2013 - he is really lost! farther away from the things which they have The time was when we in the Lord’s church heard (Heb. 2:1); these accusers—are becom- were very careful about being both specific and ing lax, lenient, and are losing their grip on accurate in our language. We recognized the the proper application of New Testament lan- errors in the religious world in what they be- guage and behavior that has distinguished the lieved and in what they said. We fear some of Lord’s church from the churches of man for lo us are now either untaught or unconcerned these many years. about getting the details right. Some would Neither you nor I suffered the cruel abuse of say using the phrase “our church” is no big the Jewish leaders, or were targets of the emo- deal. This writer was one of the few who was tionally aroused mob calling, “Crucify Him, concerned with the phrases that led up to this Crucify Him!” We did not hang on Calvary’s “our church” business. Brethren, it is not our cross and die for the church. Neither your blood church family either! It is not our congrega- nor mine was the purchase price of the heav- tion! We are the family. Locally, we are the enly kingdom instituted on earth as a result congregation; it is not ours. The thing pos- of the heavenly message delivered by the apos- sessed cannot be both the possession and the tles beginning at Pentecost. There are no nail possessor principle applies with those kinds of prints in your hands or mine. Our sides do not statements, as well. I have no doubt at all that bear the scar of a spear thrust into our bodies those phrases led up to the egregiously errone- even after we were dead, which side gave forth ous and false claim of ownership phrase, “our both blood and water. However, Jesus did suf- church.” fer those things, and He suffered them to be Where will it end? In as much as the last the savior of the body, His body, the church: few years has seen a pooh-poohing of those the church of Christ, not our church! who seek for authority in all of the things they I have my wife, and Christ has His. Please, do and say (Col. 3:17), we just wonder how let us stop this drifting away from speaking as far many are going to go in making the ac- the Bible speaks, embracing the language of cusation, “you are binding where God has not Ashdod instead. Let us stop saying one thing bound.” These who are drifting farther and and saying another. Granby, MO
God’s Plan of Salvation Hear...... Romans 10:17 Believe...... Mark 16:16 Repent...... Luke 13:3, 5 Confess...... Romans 10:9-10 Baptism...... Acts 2:38 Be Faithful...... 1 Corinthians 15:58
No Good Deed Goes Unpunished?
Tim Smith I have heard the old saying used as the title What happens when we do a good deed for this piece many times through the years— and are ill treated for it? We enter some pretty and, being somewhat of an unofficial pessimist good company. Like those mentioned in the on occasion—I may even have said it myself. previous paragraph, it is the case that some- Sometimes it seems that such is true, but upon times we will go out of our way to help some- closer examination it is merely an old saying— one only to have them requite our kindness and one that is not wholly founded in literal with anger or malice. Sometimes we will say a truth. kind word to someone only to have them snap We know that it is possible for one to do a back at us. Such is regrettable, but such is a good deed for another and have things work very real possibility. out fine. It happens. We are told to do good We need to know of the possibility of good to all men (Gal. 6:10), and there is no warn- repaid with evil. It sometimes happens. Ad- ing appended that for doing so we will receive ditionally, we need to be careful not to allow some sort of punishment. Jesus went about do- our good to become a source of sin to us when ing good, as did the apostles and before them it is repaid with evil. Our duties remain un- the prophets of Old Testament fame. Doing changed—we must do good to others irrespec- good deeds is a good thing and we should do tive of their requitals. If you say, “Good morn- them. ing,” and they say “mind your own business” smile and go on. If you pick up a dropped book and they fail to say, “thank you,” just smile and If You Have Never go on. If you answer them in the same spirit in If you have never felt the joy which they answer you what have you done? Of sharing a brother’s loss; You have taken your good deed and erased it If your own arms have not grown strong by ending with an evil deed. There is another By bearing another’s cross; old saying that has a higher source than the one serving as our title, I believe it goes some- If you have never brought a smile thing like this: turn the other cheek. To a face tear-stained and grim; Punished or not: If your own hands have not held up Do all things without murmurings and . The light when the way grew dim; disputings: That ye may be blameless and . If you have never told someone harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, . Of a better life to be; in the midst of a crooked and perverse na- . Then you have walked in a path unknown tion, among whom ye shine as lights in the . To the man of Galilee! world; Holding forth the word of life (Phi. . Author Unknown 2:14-16a). Dothan, AL BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1798 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Melvin Torrey Rubye Bailey Dot Lambert Williams Charles Gallaher Bill Remember your in prayers: hold of faith.” of hold unto them whocially of are house the nity, let do us good unto all we not.faint have therefore As opportu reap,for due we in if we season shall “And doing: well in letnot us beweary 31 July Wendell Brower’s (Ashley Harrison Tony &Pam Busch’s (Bill Busch son) Cheyenne Crowe’s Borne &Peggy (Bill Dia &Karen (Dallas Gabriel Stewart Haven) (The Cravey Robbie CrowePeggy Flesher Al Horace Myrick pm, audiotirum. the in WednesdayFifth at Singing 7:00 step-father) great-granddaughter) nephew) mond’s Chicken &Vegetable Soups Pantry Items Needed Pantry Items Please Remember
Galatians 6:9-10Galatians Canned Vegetables Canned
Sick Juice
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is hope,is let not And thy soul spare for cry his “Chastenents warned, thyson are there while (Pro.deliver from soul hell” his 23:14). Par Andthe shalt with rod, him “Thou beat shalt toer discipline achild’s crucial is upbringing: would not discipline Yet, children. his prop dren’s times all and costs happiness at all chil disciplined;being his so aparent seeking Clearly,rearing. not are children happy when not is goal conducive child mary to successful rearing. child stickof notis successful measuring the wonderful indeed, is happiness their children portant.” However, sight the while of happy er, “As long they’re as happy, that’s what’s im A flight commentedattendant their to moth seemedcheerful. all fine andbunch,looking mother. their with dren traveling They were a writer anumber observed chil this of small Deacons: Minister: Bishops: Having achild’sHaving happiness aparent’s as pri Love Field, aflight at Dallas awaiting While
Bill Busch,Crowe Henry Born,ElwardBrantley, Michael Hatcher Paul Brantley, Fred Stancliff “As Long They As Are Happy” BEACON Vol. XLII/No. 30 A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com Lee Moses Lee ------E-mail: [email protected] Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. The The that is ing rear child stickof successful measuring the children. able children’stheir have miser happiness usually power their in to maintain who do everything them, leaves and them never satisfied. Parents want spoils they them everything giving and ing” (19:18). to discipline children Refusing ei h igo fGd 1 Cor. 6:9-10),herit (1 of kingdom the God” er, who those continue therein not “shall in Howev sex. alcoholand or use extramarital immorality, sure in recreational drug such as Some arejustifiableable means. find to plea un many justified end ultimate the ness has good (15:15)feast” “A that and doeth heart merry hath heart of is amerry that “he contentment.” that true it certainly is While fines A major problem happiness using with as Oxford American Dictionary College Oxford 850.455.7595 happy like amedicine” (17:22), happi making as “feeling or showing pleasure or “feeling as happiness can be very ambiguous. bevery can July 29,2013 a continual continual a de ------and thus “shall be cast out into outer dark- ment, “As long as they’re happy, that’s what’s ness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of important,” likely was not attempting to pro- teeth” (Mat. 8:12). vide sound advice for child rearing. He prob- Some take their pleasure at the expense of ably was expressing his appreciation for the others; yet such shall eventually receive miser- sight of happy children, a sentiment shared by ies (Jam. 5:1-5). Many of these find themselves this writer. However, there are far too many very content in their unjustifiable means of parents who do make their children’s “happi- seeking happiness. Others may indeed “show ness” their nebulous goal. Let each parent in- pleasure or contentment,” but they are tru- stead heed the inspired instruction, “And, ye ly neither pleased nor content. After many a fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: teenage suicide, the dead child’s parents have but bring them up in the nurture and admo- lamented, “But he seemed so happy!” As Solo- nition of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). No, children’s mon found long ago, true happiness will never apparent happiness is not what is important; be found unless one determines to “Fear God, what is important is that they are taught to and keep his commandments: for this is the become faithful Christians for the remainder whole duty of man” (Ecc. 12:13). of their lives. The flight attendant who made the state- Mammoth Spring, AR
Twenty-Four Years in the First Grade!! Jess Whitlock A bulletin crossed my desk years ago. It much of “our literature” has to be proofed to contained this clip “Twenty four years in the make sure it is Scriptural, and so much of the 1st Grade—that is how long it would take to instruction has to be “weeded out,” and then pass if public schools met only as often as the price is atrocious. We decided to write our Sunday School, and IF NO BIBLE CLASS- own material. In asking around, I contacted ES WERE MISSED!” The Word of God, ac- Gary Summers, who responded by saying, cording to a 2012 survey (Rankin), revealed “We’ve done that!” The elders looked over that that only 19% of “churchgoers” read the Bi- material, ordered the material, and we are now ble daily. Twenty-five percent stated they read implementing Bible material that covers the the Bible a few times each week. A stagger- Bible in 5 ½ years! This means our very young ing 14% indicated they read the Bible once a kids could cover the Old and New Testaments week. Twenty-two percent confessed to read- twice before High School graduation. ing the Word of God “once a month or a few The late brother Eldred Stevens once ob- times each month.” served that if a person spent 20 minutes a Several months ago brother Jack Wall, day on any given subject for a period of 20 brother Dale Vann, and myself had a long years, that at that time, he/she would be con- discussion of our Bible class curriculum. So sidered an “authority” in that field! The Bible furnishes us completely unto every good work The Lord’s church must get the Bible back (2 Tim. 3:16-17); the Bible is the Truth that into Bible classrooms at every opportuni- can set us free (John 8:32; 17:17); the Word of ty. It is time for the Lord’s people to remove the Lord is pure and righteous (Psa. 119:140; the skits, crafts, and silliness gone to seed. In- Pro. 30:5-6). Let us never forget the value of stead let us teach our youth what it means to God’s Word and that His Word will be the “speak where the Bible speaks, and to be silent final standard of judgment for all mankind where the Bible is silent.” We live in an age (John 12:48). By the way, the Supreme Court of continuing education. You may have grad- is not the final authority! That august body uated from High School or college back in will one day stand before the real Supreme nineteen-hundred and none-of-your-business! Court! My friend, you have not graduated from Bible Every parent and grandparent should think knowledge and learning. This is “higher learn- seriously about our opening statement! How ing” that is needed by every Christian in every do your children (grandchildren) do in at- congregation. tending Bible classes? If they only make it to The Word of Jehovah is powerful (Heb. about half of those classes, that would mean 4:12-13; Mat. 24:35), God’s Word is able to it would require 48 years to finish the First purify the soul (Psa. 119:9; 1 Pet. 1:22), the Grade! What if public schools met only as of- Word of the Lord can build us up (Acts 20:32; ten as our Bible classes? Do you realize that 2 Tim. 3:16-17), and His authoritative Word the majority of youth in this nation would not is forever settled in heaven (Psa. 119:89; 1 Pet. live long enough to enter Junior High School! 1:23-25). Let us get serious about studying the Bible. How much longer will our young people If we love Christ, we will follow His will spend so much time preparing for a profession (John 14:15; 15:14), we will handle the Word that may last forty or fifty years at the most, correctly (2 Cor. 4:2; 2 Tim. 2:15), we will and so little time in making preparation for a abide in Truth (2 Tim. 3:14), and we will not ceaseless eternity the other side of death’s door tamper with His Holy Word (Rev. 22:18-19; (Heb. 9:27)? I was a student to the late broth- Deu. 4:2; Pro. 30:6). To do this will require er Hugo McCord (Oklahoma Christian Col- time and effort on your part and mine. Years lege). I once commented on his tremendous ago the late brother Guy N. Woods had com- knowledge of the Scripture. He replied, “Jess, pleted a week long Gospel meeting. One sister if I could study the Bible for another hundred in Christ had attended each service and was years, I would still be a novice.” Then, I did impressed with his masterful knowledge of not understand what he meant, however, to- Scripture. This sister shook his hand, and said, day I understand fully. As a Christian may I “Brother Woods, I would give half my life to ask of you this one question: “Have you grad- know the Scripture as well as you do.” Brother uated from your study of the Word of the Liv- Woods replied, “Madam that is precisely what ing God? I sincerely hope not!! it has cost me.” Evant, TX BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1798 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Dot Lambert Williams Charles Gallaher Bill Remember your in prayers: August 5 August 31 July prayers offer and her encouragement. on July 28. Please keep Terri your in Terri restored Myrick was to Christ Wendell Brower’s (Ashley Harrison Tony &Pam Busch’s (Bill Busch son) Dia &Karen (Dallas Gabriel Stewart Haven) (The Cravey Robbie Godwin Aleacia Flesher Al Horace Myrick Melvin Torrey Rubye Bailey pm. Visitation Group meet at 6:00 1will pm, audiotirum. the in WednesdayFifth at Singing 7:00 step-father) nephew) mond’s Chicken &Vegetable Soups Pantry Items Needed Pantry Items Please Remember
Canned Vegetables Canned
Restored
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be called “soundbe called [healthy, doc health-giving] of for focus and our preaching, such alone can 4:2).(2 Tim. The Biblethe content be must 4:3-4), preacher the who more is serious about Bible (as preaching Paul prophesied, 2Tim. “concordance” preaching. Even some if reject citesthat book, chapter, it verse, and labeling 20:27).(Acts Such debunk Bible preaching termined to preach whole the of counsel God members to listen to anyone refuse who de is or religioustures “pep rallies.” Sadly, many platforms for brief psychology lec popular - pulpits many Instead, is. always preaching are Gospel true which ly distinctive, not is at all our pulpits in heard being what is current die from malnutrition. spiritual much So of of instead God’s Truth,talks” will our souls ecdotes, “nice experiences, and personal little trine” (4:3). only we If hear jokes, an amusing Deacons: Minister: Bishops: “Preach word”Paul’s the is command
Bill Busch,Crowe Henry Born,ElwardBrantley, Michael Hatcher Paul Brantley, Fred Stancliff Bible Preaching The Kind of Preaching We Need BEACON Vol. XLII/No. 31 Dub McClishDub A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com - - - - E-mail: [email protected] Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. If the Gospel the it, teaches If to do not be afraid most diabetes.” of them have sugar spiritual have so heard much that sweet-talkpreaching 1:7). right: “The N.brethren was Hogan R. but of power love and discipline” and (2 Tim. “For not gave God us a spirit of fearfulness; cowardly: and weak us not Lord, the makes of might” (Eph. his 6:10).strength The devil, strong the Lord, in the and in “be heart: all? (or hear) Bible, the why preach (or listen) at one If material. waste not is going to preach so much other as any pulpit kind refuse will demand such and yea, encourage, preaching support,will desires carnal ownselfish, their terested going in to satisfying in Heaven than itpreaching (4:5). Listeners who more are in pay price the jobkeeping to his keep will on helping people to get he Heaven about is than Preachers Paul’s need to take words to 850.455.7595 Powerful Preaching August 5,2013 - preach it with authority (Tit. 2:15). The world man in the pulpit. Preacher, raise your voice and the church are in great need of men who and shout, lower your voice and whisper, slap will courageously preach against sin and error your hands together, pound the pulpit, stamp and uphold righteousness and Truth. your feet—emphasize appropriately what you Emphatic Preaching are preaching. Drive the point home. Many a pew-sitter has been sung to sleep Persuasive Preaching by the perfectly-rounded, golden tones of the Preaching that does not challenge us to deeper service, move us to greater faithful- ness and prompt self-searching and rededica- Gospel Meeting tion misses its mark. Preaching should stir up with and touch our hearts. Paul was constantly be- Gene Hill seeching, persuading the brethren, and so will God’s preachers in every age be ever seeking September 29 – October 4 to do. Denton, TX
Let Us Not Complain When Prophecy Is Fulfilled Bill Jackson Paul gave this warning to Timothy: “For is that man has freedom to embrace the mes- the time will come when they will not endure sage of salvation and by obedience to obtain sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall all benefits therein, or that man also has the they heap to themselves teachers, having itch- freedom to reject it all and move away from ing ears; And they shall turn away their ears God now and eternally. If that free-will did from the truth, and shall be turned unto fa- not exist, then the prophecies we noted above bles” (2 Tim. 4:3-4). Paul had earlier warned would be meaningless, for men could not turn the elders from Ephesus that “grievous wolves from truth, could not embrace fables, could enter in among you, not sparing the flock. not speak perverse things, and could not so Also of your own selves shall men arise, speak- influence other men that they would follow ing perverse things, to draw away disciples af- them into perversion. Free-will is stressed ter them” (Acts 20:29-30). Here, prophecies throughout the Scriptures. uttered, and we, today, are seeing some fulfill- In noting the two prophecies with which ment. It is not at all pleasant, but it is the ful- this article began, we see these points: filling of prophecy and thus we need to note (1) All times will not be favorable toward it as such. truth. Once again, we are reminded of the free- (2) There will be times when men will have will of man, and man thus possessing free-will no love of God’s teaching. because God made him so. The design of God (3) These men will have itching ears, and will be seeking those who will bring a the view is now so prominent that “there is no soothing message to them. such thing as restoring the New Testament (4) In such times, Satan will always see church, and no such thing as a non-denomi- that teachers/preachers are available to national versus a denominational stance.” We thus sell themselves to men. regret all of that, and feel the pain that any (5) The teachers obtained will join the lover of truth would have to feel, but we will hearers in a turning away from truth, not complain. God has placed the prophecies for truth will have lost its appeal for in the Word that point to just such a time, them. and God never made the promise that you, or (6) All these, in spurning truth, will find I, would not have to live through such times! that Satan has plenty of fables they can And that last point is vital: We can live and will embrace. through these times, and maintain our faith- (7) And, in such times when there are de- fulness to God all the while. It will come, as partures, some of those who served as it has come in many places, to this particu- overseers and shepherds of the flock lar congregation, and these particular mem- will themselves turn out to be “grievous bers who make up the congregation, putting wolves” and will be prominent in dam- forth great effort to be true to God, regard- aging that which they were charged less of what others do and regardless of how with protecting! widespread the apostasy becomes! Granted, We greatly lament the apostasy now under- that will interfere with fellowship and partici- way, just as we are pained at any time when pation members and congregations have had God is rejected and Satan is given the day. We in the past with other members, other congre- very much regret that a time has come when gations. No way to avoid it, in fact! Men devi- the clear distinctive features of the New Tes- ate because they no longer value truth. In the tament church are being ignored, with such Word of truth, I am told that fellowship is to teaching now underway that keeps men from be restrictive (Eph. 5:11; 2 John 9-11). Some seeing those features. We very much regret that men will howl and protest, but when they do we must remind them that the once-held fel- lowship has been damaged not by us, but by Defender and Beacon Available them! Let us never be on the defensive in this regard, for Satan is not above trying to make Via E-Mail the saints of God feel badly because they stand To receive the Defender and Beacon via for the truth! Apostasy? Yes. Are we pained e-mail please send your e-mail address that such is so? Yes. Will we complain? No. Is to [email protected]. The file you there a course for us? Yes: Keep on keeping on, will receive will be a PDF (a free reader is steadfast and unmovable in teaching and liv- available from www.adobe.com). ing by the truth! (1 Cor. 15:58). Deceased BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1798 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Rubye Bailey Dot Lambert Williams Charles Gallaher Bill Remember your in prayers: God and mammon.” and God despiseand other. the Ye serve cannot other; hold or he else will to one, the hate one, the ther he will love and the for masters: ei two serve “No can man 11 August Wendell Brower’s (Ashley Harrison Tony &Pam Busch’s (Bill Busch son) Dia &Karen (Dallas Gabriel Stewart Haven) (The Cravey Robbie Godwin Aleacia Flesher Al Horace Myrick Melvin Torrey 5:30 pm room in 5. beheldDeacons’ at will meeting step-father) nephew) mond’s Chicken &Vegetable Soups Pantry Items Needed Pantry Items Please Remember
Canned Vegetables Canned Matthew 6:24 Matthew
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the the for a basis down our worship as today. First, choice matter. the in we If wouldrule. we please God, have no perative we worship that to according this 4:24). (John ship spirit in It truth” and im is Spirit: worship that must wor they him and by we which worship. “God Jesus said, a is offered God to 19:10; 22:8-9). Second, our worship must be 5; 3; Mat. Dan. 4:8-10; 10:25-26; Acts Rev. worthy is God of such action (Exo. 20:3- might impede our search for impedemight our truth. search the mattersthat unnecessary out rule all we shall approach With article. this to our subject,this title the of as question the swering serves that 3:16-17), we to must it appeal alone an in inerrant, all-sufficient Word God of (2 Tim. Deacons: Minister: Bishops: Within this verse are three principles verse three are Within this laid Christians have a Christians Bible the that Knowing infallible, the is object
of our worship designated. is Only
Bill Busch,Crowe Henry Born,ElwardBrantley, Michael Hatcher Paul Brantley, Fred Stancliff in in spirit rule . This simplyin This means
or or What Is Worship? (No. 1) standard BEACON Vol. XLII/No. 32 David P. Brown David
of truth of truth A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com - - - E-mail: [email protected] Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. der for worship to beacceptable, it governsa law that worship. Therefore,in or 17:17). (John word truth” is Hence, there is ance with the New the Testament. with ance fered to right the spirit in God compli in and worship must be (Mat. 15:7-9;heart 22:37; 6:45). Luke Third, rightthe manner, state of mind,or of purpose sion of from the truth could the not befurther it heart.” the in Such adefinitionandconclu not worship bein you because could not put music could instrumental “mechanical that not beworship.” conclude Hence, further they prayer,as Lord’s the supper, could giving and whollysomething such things of heart, the is: “Since worshipclusion is thinking of this heart.”the andultimate The erroneous con imply “worship that something is worshipped heart.” their in God Thereby,they sat and have they “just have that declared What does What 850.455.7595 worship in in truth August 12,2013 mean? Some mean? people . Jesus said, “Thy “Thy Jesus said, must wholly
be of of of - - - - - New Testament! Others have concluded that What we have learned is that to worship God everything we do in life is worship. As we shall is a part of our service to Him, but that all of see, both ideas are not taught by the Bible. our Christian living (service) is not engaging When we know what worship means, we in the specific acts of worship, i.e., acts from will then know what it does not mean. In the the heart that are designed and ordained by
New Testament proskuneo is the Greek word God for His worship. most commonly used to denote the act of wor- Our Lord has not left us without direction ship. Its basic meaning is to kiss the hand. in our acts of worship. God has ordained what
Such an act demonstrates obeisance on the we do. He has given us specific instructions in part of the one person to another among Ori- matters of worship. The acts of worship to be entals. Hence, the acts of worship, not only performed are governed solely by the doctrine the attitudes and emotions of it, are within of Christ. “Whosoever transgresseth [“goeth the meaning of proskuneo. When we worship onward”—ASV] and abideth not in the doc- we pay our respects to God as His Word di- trine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth rects. How would the reverence in the heart in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Fa- be expressed if the act of expressing it was ther and the Son” (2 John 9). ruled out? When we assemble for worship on the first
It is obvious from the meaning of prosku- day of the week, there are only five acts of neo that whenever a Christian would worship worship that Christians are authorized to en-
(engage in acts the design of which is to praise gage in. They are: teaching, praying, giving,
God) that these are different acts from visit- eating the Lord’s supper, and singing. Any- ing the sick, being a godly father (mother), thing more or less is sin. These are the acts neighbor, etc. These aforementioned matters that God has authorized whereby Christians that characterize Christian living are areas of are to express or pay their reverence to God. service, but not the specific acts of reverence He knows what He wants and we should be through which Christians are to pay their disposed to give Him only that which He respects (worship) to God. The Holy Spirit has ordained. (In next week’s article, we shall chose latreuo, not proskuneo, to describe the learn how we arrived at only these five acts of service of the Christian in his daily living. worship. Spring, TX
Why Is the Expression “Lord’s Day”
Applied to the First of the Week, or Sunday? William C. Hatcher Lord’s Day occurs but one time in the Scrip- Lord’s Day is the first day of the week sincere tures, Revelation 1:10, where it is said that the Bible readers often wonder why the expression apostle John “was in the Spirit on the Lord’s is so applied. It is true that post-apostolic writ- day.” Since the Bible does not say that the ers and that Bible scholars, almost without ex- ception, refer to Sunday as the Lord’s Day, but again, why this supposition? Nine Great Ideas: The Greek word usually translated into our All Mine! English Bibles as Lord is kurios, however, in 1. My idea of visitation: everybody comes Revelation 1:10 the word is translated from to see me. kuriakos which, according to the outstanding 2. My idea of sympathy: everybody suffer-
Greek lexicographer Dr. J. H. Thayer, literally ing with me.
means “of or pertaining to The Christ, relat- 3. My idea of a sinner: the man for whom I
ing to the Lord.” Kuriakos occurs but one oth- have a great dislike.
er time in the New Testament, 1 Corinthians 4. My idea of a meek man: the man who
11:20, where it speaks of the “Lord’s supper.” yields to me.
Hence, the day of which John speaks in Rev- 5. My idea of a contentious man: the man
elation 1:10 is associated with the Christ in a who takes issue with me.
very peculiar and singular way. 6. My idea of a wise man: the man who lis-
Surely there can be no doubt but that the tens to me.
day most peculiarly associated with Christ 7. My idea of unity: everybody agreeing
is the first day of the week, or Sunday. This with me.
can be seen from a study of such Scriptures as 8. My idea of cooperation: everybody
Mark 16:9 which affirms that our Lord was working with me.
raised from the dead on that day. Again, in 9. My idea of a good sermon: one that fits
John 20:19 and 26 we are told that after His and hits everybody but me.
resurrection Jesus appeared to His apostles at Author Unknown least twice on the first day of the week. Ac- cording to Acts 2, the New Testament church, our Lord’s church, was established on the first day of the week, the first Pentecost after His Gospel Meeting resurrection (Pentecost always came on Sun- with day—Lev. 23:15-16). Further, the church wor- Gene Hill ships the Father, on that day (cf. Acts 2:42; 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:1-2). More, a number of out- September 29 – October 4 standing prophecies of the Old Testament concerning the Lord, His church or kingdom, Sunday: and the salvation offered in His name, find 9:00 A.M., 10:00 A.M., their fulfillment on this day. & 1:00 P.M. Truly, the first day of the week, or Sunday, is that day “of or pertaining to the Christ, re- Monday – Friday Evenings: lating to the Lord,” hence, the “Lord’s Day.” 7:30 P.M. Deceased BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1798 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Melvin Torrey Rubye Bailey Dot Lambert Williams Charles Gallaher Bill Remember your in prayers: August 19 August 18 August Wendell Brower’s (Ashley Harrison Tony &Pam Busch’s (Bill Busch son) Dia &Karen (Dallas Gabriel Stewart Haven) (The Cravey Robbie Godwin Aleacia Flesher Al Horace Myrick pm. Visitation Group meet at 6:00 2will held at 5:00 pm, room in 5. be Elders/Deacons’ will meeting step-father) nephew) mond’s Chicken &Vegetable Soups Pantry Items Needed Pantry Items To we should be! beall Together work we will You’re ablessing to me: I’m a blessing to you: Please Remember
Canned Vegetables Canned
A Blessing A
Sick Juice
Ant Marge W Marge Bob H.L. Gradowith H.L. Har Ell Fre Nan Mar hony Polnitz bie LaBryer a Hammac d Stancliff d old Cozad ilyn Hall ilyn cy Traviscy illiams -
the wordsthe five atof we acts these worship. arrived way the that forth set week’s we will article, Lord’s supper, next and this In singing. and the eating of our means, giving praying, ing, there only are that fiveof acts worship—teach ship Weis. ended by pointing article the out eral Greek wordseral translated Testament Words order in set towards” ( Greek word protasso 10:48), (Acts ofname Lord” the hethe used household his lius and “to the in bebaptized let us study the significance of the of let study significance the us Peter authorizing by commandment nec the - of Cornelius, through Christ itcase the was authority exercising prerogative. his the In mandment and Deacons: Minister: Bishops: To we concentrate this, understand on what wor we examined article, ourIn last act . When Peter. When “
, they all involve all , they idea the of one in ommand
Bill Busch,Crowe Henry Born,ElwardBrantley, Michael Hatcher Paul Brantley, Fred Stancliff , 210).thereare Though sev , . Itor “to means arrange act Vine’s of New Dictionary commanded , and , and “What Is Worship?” (No. 2) command expedient BEACON Vol. XLII/No. 33 command ” Corne ” David P Brown P David or or A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist . First 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com com - - - - -
E-mail: [email protected] Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. mandment, there can be mandment, there can thereWhere no is law, authorization, or com expedite it. we can or commanded is lawful, dition get the act done! act the get mustin, beexpedited. they fiveof acts worship. theForto be engaged acts We Christ. the mentioned have already the word ed not is to that God 18). Therefore, be thereno can demands from the heart the the from heart demands the to or observe upon. act Hence, the action for household Cornelius his and essary the commandment is left up commandmentthe left to is one the go “Go.” Notice the that expedient” (1 Cor. 10:23). not are for me, things but lawful all are things by Christ. the Now letconsider us relation the of the We 28:19 Matthew in commanded are to 850.455.7595 expedient without without to the authorization But beno there can authorized August 19,2013 acts commandedacts how no expedition. no expedition. To to is expedite or expediting or act - command or . If an action an . If act act (Rom. 6:17- command acceptable acceptable expe “All “All by by of of - - - ing. Our Lord did not specify the how. In mand. We should know them and conduct the passage He loosed the how but bound ourselves accordingly. the what to do and teach. We must not loose Matthew 28:19-20 commands us to teach. where God has bound or bind where God has Teaching the world and the church is in- loosed! Of course, this principle must be un- volved. How am I to teach? Our Lord did not derstood and applied to this present study of specify the how. It might be by blackboard, the five acts of worship. For every act of wor- articles such as this, flannel-board, overhead ship, the New Testament has a direct com- or slide projector, movie film, etc. Whatever
Gospel Meeting
with
Gene Hill
September 29 – October 4 Basic Plan of Action...... Sunday 9 a.m. Foundation...... Sunday 10 a.m. Sanctified and Meet for the Master’s Use: How the Lost Are Saved and Stay That Way...... Sunday 12:30 p.m. The Need for the Church: The World Is Lost and the Saved Need a Place to Stay...... Monday 7:30 p.m. The Church’s Task: The World Is Lost and the Saved Need to Keep Working...... Tuesday 7:30 p.m. The Church’s Work: Glory and Honor to God...... Wednesday 7:30 p.m. The Church Worshiping God...... Thursday 7:30 p.m.
The Church on Earth: The Kingdom of Heaven...... Friday 7:30 p.m.
A covered-dish meal will be provided on Sunday after the morning service in the general purpose building. A covered-dish meal will also be provided: Monday – Thursday at 6:00 P.M., in the zone room. Visitation Group 1 will provide the meal—Monday & Wednesday Visitation Group 2 will provide the meal—Tuesday & Thursday Visitors are invited to every meal.
Come and enjoy Gospel preaching and a good meal.
can be used to get the truth over and not make of the above methods of obeying 1 Corinthi- the method used an end within itself—is ans 16:2 is expedient, if any of them would expeditious. At different times and places, be, would be determined by a number of fac- that which expedites may change. But the act tors. One of these factors would be whether commanded never does? the church numbers 35 or 835, because how 1 Corinthians 16:2 records the command 35 could contribute expeditiously might not for Christians to give. Our Lord has not speci- be how 835 could expedite the command of fied how the collection is to be taken. There 1 Corinthians 16:2. have been all sorts of ways that it has been Spring, TX obeyed in the church. Brethren have put their Galatians 1:8 contribution in hats, in a box as they went out the door, and some have gone to the front of “But though we, or an angel from heaven, the auditorium and laid it on a table. The point preach any other gospel unto you than that to keep in mind is that the Lord bound what which we have preached unto you, let him to do, but loosed the how to do it. As to which be accursed.”
. Salvation Is in the Church . Foy E. Wallace, Jr. The idea that one is first saved by some mys- washed it and sanctified it, cleansed and . tical or mystified, unintelligible or intangible saved it, purchased it with His blood and process, and afterwards “joins some church” redeemed it, reconciles us to God in it, and . is a common religious delusion. Yet, there is adds all the saved to it. Therefore, out of the no truth more plainly emphasized in the Bible church there is no cleansing, no blood, no . than the fact that the process of being saved is redemption, no reconciliation to God, no . the process of entering the church (Acts 2:47). salvation. . 1. It is affirmed in Acts 4:12 that salvation 3. The relation between Christ and the is in Christ. Then, to have salvation, one church is the same as that which exists be- . must get into Christ. But Paul, by analogy, tween God and Christ. Christ is the “full- in Ephesians 5:30, teaches that as husband ness” of God (Col. 1:19), and the church is and wife are one, so Christ and the church the “fullness” of Christ (Eph. 1:22). There- are one. “I speak concerning Christ and the fore, no man can come to Christ and ig- church,” he said. Christ and the church be- nore the church for the same reason that no ing one, how can one be in Christ and out man can come to God and ignore Christ. of the church? We exhort the unsaved to come to Christ, 2. Paul makes the fact that Christ is “the sav- “gladly receive the word,” be “baptized into iour of the body” (5:23) the ground of his Christ,” and the Lord will add you to His exhortation to the Ephesians concerning church. the church as the bride of Christ (5:25). He Deceased BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1798 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Rubye Bailey Dot Lambert Williams Charles Gallaher Bill Remember your in prayers: did it! did do it! cannot God Man sons year? the in livable to aroundsea sun the guarantee orbit on exact the put Who earth the 28 August Wendell Brower’s (Ashley Harrison Tony &Pam Busch’s (Bill Busch son) Dia &Karen (Dallas Gabriel Stewart Haven) (The Cravey Robbie Godwin Aleacia Flesher Al Horace Myrick Melvin Torrey the auditorium. the Sermons Video Series at 7:00 pm, in step-father) nephew) mond’s Chicken &Vegetable Soups Pantry Items Needed Pantry Items Please Remember
Canned Vegetables Canned
Earth Sick Juice
Ant Marge W Marge Bob Har Ell Fre Nan Mar Delbert Goins hony Polnitz bie LaBryer a Hammac d Stancliff d old Cozad ilyn Hall ilyn cy Traviscy illiams - -
Acts 20:7Acts records church early the comply Lord’sthe world. the in church anywhere has has none. made binda law where lest we posture the make God this command is a is command this action the of 29, authorization the found. is The in final and third this In worship begun. was The The the prayers”in 2:41-42). (Acts notice that Again of day the Pentecost, “continued steadfastly… additionsthousand to Lord’s the church on (1 Corinth toin “give yourselves unto prayer” study the concludes.stallment, of
Cor. 75—ASV). Luke records that the three three recordsthe that Luke Cor. 75—ASV). Deacons: Minister: Bishops: how Concerning the Lord’sConcerning the supper, our Lord Paul church the commanded of Christ subject, second on the In this astudy article act bound how of praying is the church arrives at churchonly the arrives fiveof acts or posture or
certain acts. In Matthew 26:26- Matthew In acts. certain Bill Busch,Crowe Henry Born,ElwardBrantley, Michael Hatcher Paul Brantley, Fred Stancliff of the early church obeying of church early the obeying pattern is loosed is bound What Is Worship? (No. 3) upon Christians. upon Christians. or example or BEACON . We not dare Vol. XLII/No. 34 David P. Brown David account A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com for for - - E-mail: [email protected] Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. “a cup” Since one (ASV). does not cannot and of “the cup” drinking the (KJV), commanded or how the container of prayer bread, in the posture the of He more any vine fruit the bound the than a pattern of Lord’s the Troas supper becomes partaking whyestablishes ye have for ensample,” so as us an walk further together of them which me, mark and ASV] 3:17:ans “Brethren, befollowers [imitators— Paul’s statement to church the Philippi in 2:42).doctrine…in of (Acts bread” breaking must continuetians apostles’ the in “stedfastly assemblyper the in (1 Cor. 11:20, 33). Chris of Lord’s the sup to are partake Christians around,comes “theday time the first of week” Lord’sthe supper. Thereby we present of observance participatedthe and in 26:26-29. Matthew with ing apostle was An Our Lord not did Our bind container the of the 850.455.7595 for Christians to imitate. for Christians of taking up collection. the He of taking the account August 26,2013 of church the at know that any any that - - - drink the container of “this fruit of the vine” “the cup” but loosed the container. If orange, (Mat. 26:29), “the cup” must refer to the con- lemon, grapefruit, apple, and grape juice were tents of the container and not the container on the table that would be a “Multi-cup” sit- itself. “And he took the cup, and gave thanks, uation, unauthorized by Christ in remember- and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of ing His blood, shed for the remission of sins. it” (26:27). The Bible binds the kind of music God There is only one cup authorized by Je- wants by specifying “sing” (Eph. 5:19; Col. sus. It is the fruit of the vine. The Lord bound 3:16). There are only two kinds of music— "
"
Gospel Meeting
with "
Gene Hill "
September 29 – October 4 "
Basic Plan of Action...... Sunday 9 a.m.
Foundation...... Sunday 10 a.m. "
Sanctified and Meet for the Master’s Use: How the Lost Are Saved and Stay That Way...... Sunday 12:30 p.m.
The Need for the Church: The World Is Lost and
the Saved Need a Place to Stay...... Monday 7:30 p.m. The Church’s Task: The World Is Lost and the Saved Need to Keep Working...... Tuesday 7:30 p.m. The Church’s Work: Glory and Honor to God...... Wednesday 7:30 p.m. The Church Worshiping God...... Thursday 7:30 p.m.
The Church on Earth: The Kingdom of Heaven...... Friday 7:30 p.m.
A covered-dish meal will be provided on Sunday after the morning service in the general purpose building. A covered-dish meal will also be provided: Monday – Thursday at 6:00 P.M., in the zone room. Visitation Group 1 will provide the meal—Monday & Wednesday Visitation Group 2 will provide the meal—Tuesday & Thursday Visitors are invited to every meal.
Come and enjoy Gospel preaching and a good meal.
mechanical instrumental and acapella (sing- may arise and determine whether it is right or ing only). When God told us His kind (sing), wrong. With the pioneer Gospel preachers, we He ruled out any other kind. Since there is conclude, “There is a way that is right and can- only one other kind (mechanical instrument), not be wrong.” Let us resolve to walk therein. that leaves only singing as the kind of music Spring, TX acceptable to God in worship. A song book, director, tuning fork, or pitch It Bears Repeating pipe, are all aids and not additions. Why? "" Blowing out the light of another will Because the book helps us do what God com- make one’s own light shine no brighter. manded—sing. The song director helps us do "" The trouble with doing nothing is that what God bound on us—sing. No one can you can’t stop and rest. sing without a pitch. To sing, one must have "" You can be content and happy if God’s pitch. Therefore, pitch is implied and how will is more important than your wants. to establish it is an expedient. The day that "" He who talks to you about others, will someone sings without some sort of pitch is talk to others about you. the day the tuning fork and pitch pipe will be- "" God often digs wells of joy with spades come additions and cease being aids, but that . of sorrow. day will never come. . "" Many people are in debt because they We have thus given the basics for accept- spread what their friends think they able worship, by defining it and studying what . make. is therein involved. When one knows how the Author Unknown Bible authorizes, he can examine whatever . The Preachers and Preaching Needed . . Benjamin Franklin . We want no mere excitement about a man, lightenment and salvation of men. nor after a man, who, as Simon the sorcerer, The man that can tell the story of the cross, . induces the people to think that he is some and of a Savior’s love, in the most artless and great one. We want the clear, solid, and tell- unaffected manner, lose sight of and forget ing preaching of the Gospel, enlightening the himself in his theme most completely, will ac- people in reference to our Lord, the way to complish the most in the Savior’s name. May Him, and how to serve Him. we learn and tell the story of infinite compas- We want nothing sensational, no tricks, no sion and love in all its fullness and complete- comic performance; …no artifice to get round ness more successfully, with more faith and the people, come on them suddenly, and sur- power than ever, and may we be enabled to prise them. Come directly to the people from bring souls to Christ more abundantly than the start, and let them know what you mean, ever. and work directly to the one point—the en- Deceased BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1798 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Rubye Bailey Dot Lambert Williams Charles Gallaher Bill Remember your in prayers: When you won’t wrong—when admit have to goyour wayWhen things or When everyone wrong is but you. uponWhen you to murmur called if sermonWhen the too is long or too September 8 Wendell Brower’s (Ashley Harrison Tony &Pam Busch’s (Bill Busch son) Dia &Karen (Dallas Gabriel Stewart Haven) (The Cravey Robbie Godwin Aleacia Flesher Al Horace Myrick Melvin Torrey you are. you you won’t cooperate. give alittle more. strong. 5:30 pm, room in 5. beheldDeacons’ at will meeting step-father) nephew) mond’s When Is One Backsliding? IsOne When Please Remember
Sick
Author UnknownAuthor Ant Marge W Marge Bob Har Ell Fre Nan Mar hony Polnitz bie LaBryer a Hammac d Stancliff d old Cozad ilyn Hall ilyn cy Traviscy illiams -
three passages. The first was written was by first The Paul, passages. three (1 The. we Lord” the ever bewith shall 4:17). clouds, sothe and to meet air: Lord the the in up becaught together “shall them in with ful, world”the (Eph. 2:12), we, faith the that and promise, no having hope, without and in God fromof covenants the Israel, of strangers and from commonwealth the aliens being Christ, people” (1 Pet. 2:9), we once that were “without holy priesthood,a royal an nation, apeculiar remindersstant we“a are chosen generation, have led them to conclude we need that con ple one. experienceand Theirof maturity years have sim concluded avery is answer the that wouldperience I possess say such they athing. wonderedways of ex why years the with those how much such needed. alesson Ihave was al me comment and on thank Christians mature sic first principle sermon,the number of more about preaching is that after preaching aba preaching about after that is preaching Minister: In supportIn premise of letconsider us this One of the things I find most fascinating Ifind Onefascinating most of things the
Michael Hatcher The Need for First Principles BEACON Vol. XLII/No. 35 A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com Gene HillGene ------E-mail: [email protected] Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. diminished with the passage of time. passage the with diminished not is pel preached basis to them on aregular 1:5). The theneed forthechurch Gos to hear Gospelthe to them (1:15; 15:1-4; 1 Cor. Col. wanted to preach he that still thing a curious (1:13; 15:23). then Such we find true being it long had them and with desired to meet them ly well-known (16:19). Paul been familiar had 1:8). apparent Theirwas as well obedience ken of throughout whole the world” (Rom. have sufficient had time faithfor tobe its “spo forparently existence been It in awhile. to had church,to Roman the ap had achurch that on occasion. on preachersneed reminding then that also case 1:3-7). churchRoman (1 Tim It must bethe brethren, desirous he which to was do for the for Ephesian precisely the ing thing same the Ephesus intention in behind the with of do othy how to Paul behave Timothy himself. left to remind was Tim purpose express his which alsnx asg s1 Timothy 3:15 in Paul’s 1 is passage next 850.455.7595 September 2,2013 ------The last passage is from Revelation 2:1-5 pear to have lost the fervor of their initial con- and is Jesus admonishing the Ephesian church. version that led to great strides for the King- The brethren apparently heeded well Timothy’s dom (Acts 19:8-10, 13-20, 23-27). preaching regarding faithfulness (2:2-3). Their The need for First Principle sermons is es- doctrinal and practical soundness had been tablished when we realize brethren are as af- such that Jesus commended them. The prob- flicted by sins of the flesh as are our worldly lem for which He chided them was a problem neighbors. (1 Cor. 1:10-16; 3:1-3; 5:1-13). Spiri- of the heart and not that of the head. They ap- tually mature brethren are not so beset by sins
Gospel Meeting with Gene Hill September 29 – October 4 Basic Plan of Action...... Sunday 9 a.m.
Foundation...... Sunday 10 a.m. Sanctified and Meet for the Master’s Use: How the Lost Are Saved and Stay That Way...... Sunday 12:30 p.m. The Need for the Church: The World Is Lost and the Saved Need a Place to Stay...... Monday 7:30 p.m. The Church’s Task: The World Is Lost and the Saved Need to Keep Working...... Tuesday 7:30 p.m. The Church’s Work: Glory and Honor to God...... Wednesday 7:30 p.m. The Church Worshiping God...... Thursday 7:30 p.m. The Church on Earth: The Kingdom of Heaven...... Friday 7:30 p.m.
A covered-dish meal will be provided on Sunday after the morning service in the general purpose building. A covered-dish meal will also be provided: Monday – Thursday at 6:00 P.M., in the zone room. Visitation Group 1 will provide the meal—Monday & Wednesday Visitation Group 2 will provide the meal—Tuesday & Thursday Visitors are invited to every meal.
Come and enjoy Gospel preaching and a good meal. of the flesh (Heb. 5:12-14). elderships cannot be maintained much less Just so we are clear on this point, are the fol- constituted because men cannot be bothered lowing practices a demonstration of a lover for to qualify themselves to serve; when congrega- the Lord and His Body: tions and preachers refuse to allow an eldership Consider attendance at various assemblies to be formed because they do not want to be of the church and how much figures vary from held accountable; and the list goes on. Sunday morning Bible classes to the morning Why is there an ongoing need for First Prin- worship assembly to the Sunday evening wor- ciple sermons? Because of brethren that are ship assembly; the fluctuation of the contri- seeking spiritual growth, brethren that have bution because of vacations (which deficit fre- stopped seeking spiritual growth, and stand in quently is not made up); when Bible classes are need of spiritual revival. put off or even ended for lack of teachers; when Indianola, MS
Frederic W. Stancliff (1931–2013) . Fred Stancliff passed from this life on August 27, 2013, after a long and faithful life of . service to the Lord. Our deepest sympathy is extended to Rheba and her family. Fred will be dearly missed. . Fred Stancliff was born in 1931 in Jackson, Michigan. He and his wife, Rheba, have four children, nine grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, and seven great-grandchil- . dren. Fred had been a Bible class teacher, song leader, treasurer, deacon, full-time or fill- in preacher, and elder at various times and places. He graduated from the University of . Florida in 1957 with a BSBA in Accounting. He worked as an auditor for the University of . Florida for one year and for the state of Florida for eleven years. In 1969, he enrolled in the . Sunset School of Preaching and graduated in 1971. Following graduation, they moved to . Florence, South Carolina, to work with a congregation there for three years. In 1974, they moved to Orlando, Florida, where he returned to his former work as an auditor for the state of Florida and also preached full-time without pay for a struggling congregation in Lock- hart, Florida. Fred’s work with the state brought them to Pensacola in 1977. Fred was put to work in the Bellview congregation as an adult Bible class teacher, a part-time teacher for the Bellview Preacher Training School, and as treasurer for the congregation. He served as an elder for the Bellview congregation from 1979 until he and Rheba moved to Singapore in 1991, where he served as an instructor in Four Seas College for two years. In 1993, Fred and Rheba returned to Pensacola where he received treatments for cancer most of that year. In 1994, Fred was reappointed to the eldership and continued to serve faithfully in that capacity till his death. BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1798 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Melvin Torrey Rubye Bailey Dot Lambert Williams Charles Gallaher Bill Remember your in prayers: Because itdoesn’t costtosing. Loud myhymnsofpraise I bring, Praise Him allcreatures here below.” “Praise God from whomallblessings But pleasedon’t countonme. No! Others, Lord, shoulddotheir part, And alltheworldgofree?” “Must Jesus bearthecross alone, I stillinsistam. Yes, thoughIseldompray, A follower oftheLamb?” “Am Iasoldierofthecross, comestoo high. Thy glory But, Lord, expectnocashfrom me, A God toglorify.” “A chargetokeepIhave, This bedissimplygrand. But pleaseexcuse myabsence,Lord, Her wallsbefore theestand.” “I love thychurch, OGod, Haven) (The Cravey Robbie Nelda King LaBryer Bobbie Flesher Al Horace Myrick flow; Lovest Thou Me?
Sick
Author UnknownAuthor Ant Marge W Marge Har Ell Nan Mar hony Polnitz Ray a Hammac Car old Cozad ilyn Hall ilyn cy Traviscy Foshee y Parks y illiams
24:16; 26:9-11). It that may even case bethe on 7:58;assault church the (Acts 22:15; 23:1; murderous and dogged the persecution and state hegoodconscience in acted estly had in of Saul Tarsus. was as system He could hon outdated is that superseded and by another son’s body for himself. of son death he his if seen Joseph his had than cob believed no strongly less about alleged the (Gen.seph 37:18-36). by animal awild Ja fathertheir about supposed the of death Jo of sons the of case the Jacobin lied to having encountered. from learned and whatever source we have of what we because havegiven heard thing God,” then it must follow we believe that any meth 10:17: Paul itIf Romans in says as is co “faith Minister: We for of asystem may belief bezealous We informed or may beill even lied to as do peopleWhy believe? believe what they by hearing, and hearing by word the hearing and of by hearing,
Michael Hatcher Learning and Believing and Learning BEACON Vol. XLII/No. 36 A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com Gene HillGene - - - - Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. E-mail: [email protected] we learn intowe learn action (Phi. 4:8; 1 Pet1:13-16). 1:1-7). tion (1 Cor. enough to answers seek 1:10; Eph able understandable and ought to be motiva believe, but God’s believing Word know is correct the positioners to discern to which in Someoth subjects maythan more difficult God’s Word 12:48).context in (John taken 15:1-21; 17:11; 1:6-12). Gal. is standard Our or of we which have that become (Acts aware that which havewe learned ous effort to verify (Mat. 11:28-30; 13:8, 23, 44-46). it make then whenours will wetruth, findwe honest and to do wanting in right, be willing (Mat. 6:33; truth seek 17:11). Acts We must lem? to first Thestepwillingness bea would 5:36-39). (John accordingly acting are and we have on belief the system distorted our own Third, it is the case that we can putcan that whatwe case theThird, is it The reasonablenext step would be aseri solution the then is What prob to this 850.455.7595 September 9,2013 - - - - - God has given us a law which can be known 17). When we have the right mind, our heart (John 8:31-32), obeyed (Heb. 5:8-9), and fol- is under spiritual control (Rom. 8:1-2, 12-14; lowed (1 Cor. 11:1; Phi. 3:17; Heb. 13:7). Sim- Col. 3:5ff ). ple belief, however, is insufficient (John 1:12; Once I have the facts in hand, studied Mark 16:16). Humble, obedient action is what them in a satisfactory manner and drawn the God requires (1 Pet 1:22; Acts 22:16). correct conclusions, I will possess the correct Biblical belief is based upon factual knowl- beliefs to ensure my faithful walk in the light edge and then sound reasoning. The right sort (1 Cor. 15:1-4; Col. 1:5; 2 Pet. 1:3-11). of action flows from a heart that humbles it- Indianola, MS . self before the Lord (Mat. 12:33-37; Jam. 4:7, .
. Gene Hill Carl E. “Gene” Hill, Jr., was born and raised in southwest Ohio, primarily in the Day- . ton area. He served four years in the US Navy and was honorably discharged in 1974. He met and married his wife Jerry Booker that same year and moved to Fort Lauderdale, Flori- . da. They were converted at the Andrews Avenue church in 1975. Gene attended the Florida . School of Preaching under the Directorship of B.C. Carr, from 1976-1978. Be began his first . work with the Lauderdale Manors church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 1982. He has since . served congregations in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, and current- ly works with the Indianola church in Indianola, Mississippi. Gene and Jerry have one son, Justin, a daughter-in-law, Shannon, and are grandparents of Connor James and Brenna Jo.
Free Bible Correspondence Course
If you would like to study the Bible with us, you can contact us at 850.455.7595 or you can enroll in our free Bible Correspondence Course by sending your request to 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL 32526. You can also enroll on our website at: http://www.bellviewcoc.com/bbc.php
Name: ______
Address: ______City: ______State: ______Zip: ______E-mail: ______Phone: ______
Gospel Meeting with Gene Hill
September 29 – October 4
Basic Plan of Action...... Sunday 9 a.m. Foundation...... Sunday 10 a.m. Sanctified and Meet for the Master’s Use: How the Lost Are Saved and Stay That Way...... Sunday 12:30 p.m. The Need for the Church: The World Is Lost and the Saved Need a Place to Stay...... Monday 7:30 p.m. The Church’s Task: The World Is Lost and the Saved Need to Keep Working...... Tuesday 7:30 p.m. The Church’s Work: Glory and Honor to God...... Wednesday 7:30 p.m. The Church Worshiping God...... Thursday 7:30 p.m. The Church on Earth: The Kingdom of Heaven...... Friday 7:30 p.m.
How to find us... Covered-Dish Meal A covered-dish meal will be provided on Bellview Ave Sunday after the morning service in the
general purpose building. Mobile Hwy A covered-dish meal will also be provided: Monday – Thursday at 6:00 P.M., in the zone room. Muldoon Rd Blue Angel Pkwy • Visitation Group 1 will provide the Saufley Field Rd meal—Monday & Wednesday Visitation Group 2 will provide the meal—Tuesday & Thursday Visitors are invited to every meal. Make plans now to Come and enjoy Gospel preaching attend the and a good meal. Gospel meeting! BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1798 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Melvin Torrey Rubye Bailey Dot Lambert Williams Charles Gallaher Bill Remember your in prayers: 7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. September 16 Dia &Dallas (Karen Gabriel Stewart Haven) (The Cravey Robbie LaBryer Bobbie Flesher Al Horace Myrick
(John 6:63). (John The Word gives meheavenly life The Word(Jer. gives mejoy 15:16). 10:17). The Word gives mefaith(Rom. 2:14; Acts 20:32). The Word strengthens me(1 John The Word cleansesme (Eph. 5:26). me (2 Tim. 3:16). The Word teaches, reproves, corrects (1 The. 2:18). The Word works effectuallyin me pm. Visitation Group meet at 6:00 2will nephew) mond’s When IRead My Bible? Please Remember
What Happens What
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with an excellent to an opportunity with bring their a briefin span. much strength spiritual knowledge and gain be delivered. Thosethem can whoall of attend Gospel sermons six at least will meeting, day from God’steaching Word. Even afour- in to continuesons exist them. having good rea many that worthwhile and still are world. tertainment-oriented aprevious, in did slower-paced,they en less do not crowds the they that attract gainsaid problem. or social on that ist this It be cannot ued favor them in ofsome in bringing special someago, and congregations have discontin years or forty thirty such with efforts pared point to when attendance, decline the in com money,time, they require? Many effort and Minister: 2. They They provide2. membersthe church of 1. They provide aperiod concentratedof However, believeGospel Ifirmly meetings the worth series Gospelstill meeting Are
Michael Hatcher Why Have Gospel Meetings? BEACON Vol. XLII/No. 37 Dub McClishDub A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com - - - - - Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. E-mail: [email protected] quaintance and enjoy and quaintance fellowship those with meetthus new brethren renew and our ac other attend. congregations We who will can also applies to in This brethren portunities. semblies. multiply Gospel meetings such op as by merely at can regular each seeing they need to toget know one another than better congregation. Memberscal of acongregation lowship brethren.applies with This the to lo into such during baptized meetings. Christ aGospel of were meeting.ing Many these Lord’sthe theGospel church first heard dur Probably who now are thousands members of removed. thus is myexcuse to church” miss beonoften cannot Sunday. The “I wouldhave may bepersuaded to attend, tians they which beonealways of of purposes ameeting. the Gospel, perhaps This time.should for first the the to hear friends who not are Christians 4. They provide more opportunities for fel 3. They providetime when a non-Chris 850.455.7595 September 16,2013 ------we have previously met. 5. Most important, Gospel meetings are one proved method of carrying out the com- Whose Side Are You On? mand to preach the Gospel to everybody In a certain village there lived a man who (Mat. 28:19; Mark 16:15). Both the world and was deaf. Every Sunday morning and night the church need more, rather than less, Gos- he was seen going to the services of the pel preaching. Churches that have ceased hav- church. One Sunday morning a neighbor ing Gospel meetings are not generally doing stopped him, and by using sign language, more, but less, to preach the Gospel to every asked him why he always attended church creature. services when he couldn’t hear a word that There are other good reasons for having was said. The man replied, “I want all my Gospel meetings, but these are more than neighbors to know whose side I am on.” enough for those who hunger and thirst for Attending every service of the church is . righteousness (Mat. 5:6). Of course, if we one way to show the world whose side you . are on…Christ’s or Satan’s. choose not to attend, we lose all of the benefits Author Unknown of such a potentially powerful exercise. . Denton, TX . Gospel Meetings Build Up the Church The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation in the preaching of the Gospel than endeavoring . today just as it was in the first century. There are to get others to hear and obey it. . many ways of teaching the Gospel, but let us not 3. Attending the services of a Gospel meeting . forget that one of the most successful ways is the strengthens members by providing the opportu- Gospel meeting. We have all seen the power of nity for indoctrination and spiritual development. Gospel meetings. Many of us obeyed the Gospel In every church there are new members who need during such efforts, and have seen our friends and such instruction. Even the most mature Christian loved ones respond in obedience. In this article we needs to hear the “first principles” again and again are considering how a Gospel meeting builds up to become “Rooted and built up in him, and sta- the church. blished in the faith” (Col. 2:7). It adds power and
1. Gospel meetings have played a very impor- strength to one’s spiritual life to listen to lessons tant part in establishing and building up local on prayer, the Christian graces and themes that congregations since the day of Pentecost. They are emphasize Christian duty. In these meetings, our no less necessary and useful in reaching the lost vision is enlarged, our courage is increased, inspi- and building up the church today. ration is received, and members are built up in the 2. Preparation for the meeting builds up the faith. church as it provides the opportunity to re-em- 4. The meeting provides opportunity for con- phasize the importance of soul-saving. Every tacting new prospects. If a careful record is made member should have a prospect list of his own. of those in attendance, many new names will be Nothing does more to quicken our own interest furnished for further visitation. Every individual who comes into the meeting house is a possible show interest to attend our services. Let us all pro- prospect. Too often, they are never gained because vide a cheerful, friendly welcome to all who attend no record of their visit is made and further con- our Gospel meeting. tact is impossible. It is tragic to neglect those who Author Unknown
Gospel Meeting with
Gene Hill
September 29 – October 4 Basic Plan of Action...... Sunday 9 a.m. Foundation...... Sunday 10 a.m.
Sanctified and Meet for the Master’s Use:
How the Lost Are Saved and Stay That Way...... Sunday 12:30 p.m. The Need for the Church: The World Is Lost and the Saved Need a Place to Stay...... Monday 7:30 p.m. The Church’s Task: The World Is Lost and the Saved Need to Keep Working...... Tuesday 7:30 p.m. The Church’s Work: Glory and Honor to God...... Wednesday 7:30 p.m. The Church Worshiping God...... Thursday 7:30 p.m. The Church on Earth: The Kingdom of Heaven...... Friday 7:30 p.m.
Gene Hill Carl E. “Gene” Hill, Jr., was born and raised in southwest Ohio, primarily in the Day-
ton area. He served four years in the US Navy and was honorably discharged in 1974. He
met and married his wife Jerry Booker that same year and moved to Fort Lauderdale, Flori- da. They were converted at the Andrews Avenue church in 1975. Gene attended the Florida School of Preaching under the Directorship of B.C. Carr, from 1976-1978. Be began his first work with the Lauderdale Manors church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 1982. He has since served congregations in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, and current- ly works with the Indianola church in Indianola, Mississippi. Gene and Jerry have one son, Justin, a daughter-in-law, Shannon, and are grandparents of Connor James and Brenna Jo.
BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1798 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Dot Lambert Williams Charles Gallaher Bill Remember your in prayers: prayers offerencourgagement.him and 32526.FL your in Please keep him 2527are: Avenue, Hillcrest Pensacola, phone and address His King. number congregation. Butch son the is of Nelda placed membership Bellview the with onto Christ September 15. He also September 29 4 September 29–October September 25 Dia &Dallas (Karen Gabriel Stewart (West Florida Hammac Ella Hospital) Haven) (The Cravey Robbie Flesher Al Horace Myrick Melvin Torrey Rubye Bailey Restored /Placed Membership Willard “Butch” King was restored was “Butch” King Willard beat 12:30 will vice pm. evening ser The morning service. Dinner on the Grounds the after Gene with Gospel Meeting Hill. auditorium. the Sermons Video Series at 7:00 pm, in nephew) mond’s Please Remember
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Ant Marge W Marge Bobbi Har Nan Mar hony Polnitz Car old Cozad e LaBryer e ilyn Hall ilyn cy Traviscy y Parks illiams - -
female. Thereuniquefemale. is something about a father and/orcal not is to adult the married is thenot adult the figure that biologi male is cited most consistently aroot being as cause, cited, reasons there many are one the reason of suchoccurrences for While children. the promiscuity, abuse, sexual earlier stance and inferior education of children, the sub higher ence incidence ahigher of poverty, violence, ried other, to each more are to likely experi not are female adult the and which mar male occur. Incompleteof or things one in families, home, other, to each who married are avariety the in afemale and amale both having is, that crowd. Correct Withoutcally intactfamily, an been suppressed has which that by Politi the ahousehold, in an so much it to as is hold up downplay obvious very the impact of a wom isThis not to has. ence astrong figure male one out item positive the stands is that influ Minister: In reading various articles on family, the articles various reading In
Michael Hatcher The Importance of aFather’s Influence BEACON Vol. XLII/No. 38 A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com Gene HillGene ------Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. E-mail: [email protected] all about. (Psa. of purity speech They all learn is character my Christian actions, what male howstrating it done adult is male. an as 3:1-8),sume leadership (1 Tim. demon and 39), to prepare for to and a willingness as and 4:7;(Jam. John 4:23-24), (Mat. 25:31- service (1 Cor. 16:13), 6:5), (Isa. humility submission Idemonstrate man, strength aChristian As for (Rom. my 13:1-7; country 2:1-2). 1 Tim. my neighbor 12:31; (Mark Rom. 13:9), and 31), for my (Eph. children 6:4; 1 Tim 3:4), for mother the and of my (Eph. children 5:21- forspect 12:29-30), (Mark God for my wife do. father Idemonstrateand can love re and able am to husband only do a man that Ias oning man’s. the woman’s the ing all, influencemerely at - focus out into We at large. society not are impugn the influence in strong home manly that seeps My family learns by my learns wordsMy through and family as that I Thereare somethings basic very 850.455.7595 September 23,2013 - - - - 37:30; Pro. 16:21-24; Eph. 4:29), soberness demonstrating it. The church needs real men (Tit. 2:11-12; 1 Pet. 5:8), chasteness (Rom. 13:13; to step forward and assume their proper place. Col. 3:5; 1 The. 4:3), true spirituality (Luke Our country needs faithful Christian men to 10:42; Psa. 51:6; Rom. 8:4), and the value turn back the tide of darkness that threatens of work (Pro. 10:4-5; 13:11; 22:29; 27:23-27; to engulf our land and carry us away. Our 1 Tim. 5:8) from an adult male perspective. wives and families need such men to provide Little boys learn how to be real men, and little for and protect them. Of all the titles worn girls learn how to identify a true man when and awards won by man, truly Christian Fa- they see one in their Christian father. ther is the greatest and most rewarding. . A true Christian man loves his God, his Indianola, MS . family, and his country, and is not shy about .
Gene Hill . Carl E. “Gene” Hill, Jr., was born and raised in southwest Ohio, primarily in the Day- ton area. He served four years in the US Navy and was honorably discharged in 1974. He . met and married his wife Jerry Booker that same year and moved to Fort Lauderdale, Flori- . da. They were converted at the Andrews Avenue church in 1975. Gene attended the Florida . School of Preaching under the Directorship of B.C. Carr, from 1976-1978. Be began his first work with the Lauderdale Manors church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 1982. He has since . served congregations in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, and current- ly works with the Indianola church in Indianola, Mississippi. Gene and Jerry have one son, Justin, a daughter-in-law, Shannon, and are grandparents of Connor James and Brenna Jo.
Free Bible Correspondence Course
If you would like to study the Bible with us, you can contact us at 850.455.7595 or you can enroll in our free Bible Correspondence Course by sending your request to 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL 32526. You can also enroll on our website at: http://www.bellviewcoc.com/bbc.php
Name: ______
Address: ______City: ______State: ______Zip: ______E-mail: ______Phone: ______
Gospel Meeting with Gene Hill
September 29 – October 4
Basic Plan of Action...... Sunday 9 a.m. Foundation...... Sunday 10 a.m. Sanctified and Meet for the Master’s Use: How the Lost Are Saved and Stay That Way...... Sunday 12:30 p.m. The Need for the Church: The World Is Lost and the Saved Need a Place to Stay...... Monday 7:30 p.m. The Church’s Task: The World Is Lost and the Saved Need to Keep Working...... Tuesday 7:30 p.m. The Church’s Work: Glory and Honor to God...... Wednesday 7:30 p.m.
The Church Worshiping God...... Thursday 7:30 p.m.
The Church on Earth: The Kingdom of Heaven...... Friday 7:30 p.m.
How to find us... Covered-Dish Meal A covered-dish meal will be provided on Bellview Ave Sunday after the morning service in the
general purpose building. Mobile Hwy A covered-dish meal will also be provided: Monday – Thursday at 6:00 P.M., in the zone room. Muldoon Rd Blue Angel Pkwy • Visitation Group 1 will provide the Saufley Field Rd meal—Monday & Wednesday Visitation Group 2 will provide the meal—Tuesday & Thursday Visitors are invited to every meal. Make plans now to Come and enjoy Gospel preaching attend the and a good meal. Gospel meeting! BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1798 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Melvin Torrey Rubye Bailey Dot Lambert Williams Charles Gallaher Bill Remember your in prayers: with hands, eternal in the heavens.” the in eternal hands, with house of a notbuilding an God, made of house “For our earthly if we know that September 29 4 September 29–October September 25 your in prayers. ofrest family the 1952. in gan the and Please keep Lee congregation when Bellview the it be of attended services first the family mac away on September 16, 2013. The Ham who passed Hammac, of Ella family the extended is sympathy deepest toOur Dia &Dallas (Karen Gabriel Stewart Haven) (The Cravey Robbie LaBryer Bobbie Horace Myrick this tabernacle were dissolved, we have vice will beat 12:30 will vice pm. evening ser The morning service. Dinner on the Grounds the after Gene with Gospel Meeting Hill. auditorium. the Sermons Video Series at 7:00 pm, in nephew) mond’s Please Remember 2 Corinthians 5:1
Sympathy
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every thing that he behold, made, and, that had thing every of days creation: six the in ed “And saw God God’s demonstrat vividly creative was ability toes appreciate role the of joy happiness. and happiness? of condition the to our emotional is purpose regards in system process. the what Of in man to and God serve fore some serve intended purpose to glorify emotional purpose. Our must system there some must serve ofeach our characteristics God’s (Gen. in we are image 1:26-27), that 2:12; 4:11, 14). It should be noted since that 9:13;2 Cor. 1:24; Gal. 2 The. 1:10-12; 1 Pet. (Mat. 5:16; 61:3; Isa. John 15:8; 1 Cor. 14:25; ordained by to is God be, as ofness mankind dicate. The Bibletheclearly what states busi lesson for in point this texts the focal as the 2:5, 7), not, we are nor were we meant to be, Minister: WeunderstandGod’s must first purpos pinnacle the is of creation man (Gen.While
Michael Hatcher (Proverbs 16:4; Revelation 4:11; Romans 11:36) Doesn’t God Want Me to Be Happy? BEACON Vol. XLII/No. 39 A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com Gene HillGene - - - - - Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. E-mail: [email protected] it was it (12:42). one the is unfaithful is that Asteward wisdom faithfulness and indicating readiness to spring into action (12:35-36) such with Lord’s their ing at moment any return ready be one anticipat is that will steward faithful 12:35-38, Luke in us informs sus a that 42, (1 Cor.ardship 4:1-2; Tit. 1:7; 1 Pet. 4:10)! Je ByGod? my accepting responsibility of stew my obligation glorify to God’s fulfill in image, 11:36). Rom. 21), (Pro. God glorify 16:4; will even evil the were 43:7, created (Isa. forthings glory His (2:19),ativity (2:20-25), socialization All etc. (1:29), moralconsideration (2:9, 16-17), cre 3:8-9); for responsibility his (1:28), sustenance merely adequate for man’s (1:27-2:25; needs accomplished morewas was away in that than (1:31). day” morning were sixth the Creation In the next place, next how the In do one I, as created 850.455.7595 very good. And the evening and the the and evening the And good. very September 30,2013 - - - - that is wasteful and unjust in the handling of tivity (19:20-23). It would be profitable for us his master’s wealth (Luke 16:1-8). to note for further study the events related by As a faithful steward what are my obliga- Jesus in Matthew 25:31-46 and how steward- tions in all of this? The Lord provides insight ship relates to the command “Occupy.” into our responsibilities in the parable found I will be a successful and faithful steward in Luke 19:12-27. A certain nobleman was to by ordering the very core of my being (Luke go into a far place to receive a kingdom and 6:45; Pro. 23:7) to align my whole life with then return. Prior to his departure he provides the Word (Col. 3:17). money to various servants and then com- Now let us observe the practical effects of mands them to occupy till he returns where- ordering our lives along the pathway of faith- upon he will have an accounting. Only one of ful stewardship. In carrying out my steward- the ten servants did nothing, simply returning ship, I will have accepted the Lordship of Jesus what he had been given. It is obvious that the Christ (Rom. 10:9; Phi. 2:10-11; Isa. 45:22-25; command “Occupy” and the subsequent time Heb. 5:9; Col. 3:24). I will next recognize that of accounting meant that faithful servants will as a bond servant (John 12:26; Rom. 6:16-18; actually be accountable for even minimal ac- Eph. 1:7, 14), I have surrendered my whole self
Gospel Meeting with
Gene Hill
September 29 – October 4 Basic Plan of Action...... Sunday 9 a.m. Foundation...... Sunday 10 a.m. Sanctified and Meet for the Master’s Use: How the Lost Are Saved and Stay That Way...... Sunday 12:30 p.m. The Need for the Church: The World Is Lost and the Saved Need a Place to Stay...... Monday 7:30 p.m. The Church’s Task: The World Is Lost and the Saved Need to Keep Working...... Tuesday 7:30 p.m. The Church’s Work: Glory and Honor to God...... Wednesday 7:30 p.m. The Church Worshiping God...... Thursday 7:30 p.m. The Church on Earth: The Kingdom of Heaven...... Friday 7:30 p.m.
to Him (Gal. 2:20; Col. 3:1-4). Last, I am tak- I ought to learn that there are consequenc- ing on the mind of Christ (Phi. 2:5-8) becom- es to my sin that will cause me to lose privi- ing more like Him each day so I will be as He leges (Heb. 12:14-17). Even though I repent, is when He returns (1 John 3:2-3, 7; 4:17). I must accept God’s judgment and be con- All of this being the case, what role does tent with what I do have left to me (Phi. 3:8; my emotional system have as it pertains to 1 Tim. 6:6-9). Paul had a thorn in the flesh, happiness and joy as a steward of God? I view for which he had no responsibility that he ad- temptations differently than before (Jam. justed to (2 Cor. 12:7-10). 1:2-5). Strong defines temptations as “a put- In closing it should be understood that ting to proof (by experiment (of good), ex- happiness is not an externally caused emo- perience (of evil), solicitation, discipline or tion. Happiness is internal and a matter of provocation); by implication, adversity.” Such choice and attitude. If the only time I am occasions could be indicators of our faithful- happy is when I am at Disney World, then, ness consequential to my new lifestyle (Mat. unless I work there, I can only be happy but 5:10-12; Acts 5:41). It is in such occasions we few times in a year or even a lifetime. learn patience because we are in the compa- God has constructed this world in such a ny of the faithful of the ages that have like- way that we can be happy and content if we wise suffered greatly for the faith (Mat. 5:12; choose to. Likewise, we can choose to live in Heb. 12:1). harmony with God’s law and reap the ben- I understand some suffering may be de- efits as promised (Mat. 3:7; John 3:36; Rom. signed for God’s glory (Job 1-3; John 9:1-5; 1:18; Col. 3:6; 1 The. 1:10). Since I am also 1 Cor. 10:13). It is possible that suffering can responsible for my words, thoughts and deeds turn us back to God (Psa. 18:6). If we are that flow from my heart, then I must subdue sufficiently aware, it may be that sins’ conse- my emotions and direct them to be in har- quence can cause us to see sin as it really is mony with God’s will. If my sin causes me . (Rom. 5:12). Suffering can cause me to real- to lose privileges, then I must adjust to that. . ize what is truly valuable. Indianola, MS
. Gene Hill . Carl E. “Gene” Hill, Jr., was born and raised in southwest Ohio, primarily in the Day- ton area. He served four years in the US Navy. He and his wife Jerry (Booker) have one . son and two grandchildren. They were converted at the Andrews Avenue church in 1975. . Gene attended the Florida School of Preaching under the Directorship of B.C. Carr, from . 1976-1978. Be began his first work with the Lauderdale Manors church in Fort Lauderdale, . Florida in 1982. He has since served congregations in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Florida, Ala- bama, Louisiana, and currently works with the Indianola church in Indianola, Mississippi. BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1798 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Melvin Torrey Rubye Bailey Dot Lambert Williams Charles Gallaher Bill Remember your in prayers: " " " " " " " " " October 7 Haven) (The Cravey Robbie Tina Foshee (Sacred Hospital) Heart LaBryer Bobbie Hall Marilyn " " " " " " " " " pm. Visitation Group meet at 6:00 1will land. of aglimpse get promised the and of Revelation upclimb stairs the youIf losing are sight of future, the lazy, youIf watch getting James. are below is yourIf faith par, readPaul. Isaiah. with while sordid, youIf spend getting are a you readDaniel. If man, apolicy are ten to David. thereIf no is lis song your in heart, a goodlook at Elijah. weak-kneed, youtake If getting are readaboutgo and Moses. youIf just are alittle strongheaded, readJob. and etly youIf impatient, are sit down qui Please Remember Timely AdviceTimely
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done so not we that” are to repeat“doomed” wisdom of who those there have and “been should upon to lean learn knowledge the and have knowledge the We they acquired. and es of offor experienc years their because advice oldertapped. Our members should be sought a fool would such wisdom allow to goun of wisdom by garnered dance older. the Only members for should abun the beever grateful ty), knowledge. experiences, and Younger past dom by way of acombination (or of age maturi ofMany our members unto have wis attained silver!”rather to (16:16). bechosen than gold! to understanding get And wisdom than “Howunderstanding. much better prefersGod for we search knowledge that and 8:11). fortune, and fame seek many While notdesired are to becompared to it” (Pro. may be that things the rubies; all And than Minister: This congregation wisdom.withis This blessed The Bible “better wisdomthat is teaches
Michael Hatcher BEACON Vol. XLII/No. 40 is it is A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist to get 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com Brad Green Brad Wisdom - - - - - Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. E-mail: [email protected] of education, knowledge and have specialized aroundhave block.” the “been by simply towho older listening Christians quicker multiplied see and aptitude in growth much mature Young him. can ed Christians he from must who those learn have preced experience. For young the to athlete begreat, pensate what younger the mayin athlete lack situations playedcomtain out can past the in ceralready seen The whogame. has veteran of the understanding knowledgebe their and but athletic, may just whose asset greatest still ofnecessity employing older players who are the see lockerthe room well. These teams as there veteranleadership sure is that in make need the understand to also teams same these place the of of superstars the yesteryear, take toing younger, faster, stronger and to athletes are look NFL teams Though to past. the in have been witness individuals these mistakes We have members also who, years through 850.455.7595 October 7,2013 - - - - talents that should be taken advantage of and used to benefit the work of the Gospel Meeting with Gene Hill church. God has blessed these individu- als with their abilities and the opportu- The lessons are available for viewing at: nity to further hone their skills in col- http://www.bellviewcoc.com/meeting.php leges and universities. Therefore, their expertise should not only be of great val- ue to them in the secular workforce, but is foolish. For example, some have conclud- should also be used to the furtherance of the ed, based upon their experience, that the only Kingdom of Christ. Moses’ 40 years of train- way for the church to compete with denomina- ing in the ways of the Egyptians and 40 years tionalism is to play their game on their terms. training in the wilderness of Madian (Acts “Children’s church,” church sponsored sports 7:23, 29-30) made him more than qualified teams, and contemporary “worship” servic- to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage es have been added because individuals with and through the wilderness wanderings. Jesus years and years of experience concluded that commanded Peter, Andrew, James, and John it was the only way to call people to Christ. A to use the knowledge of their trade to become young man with no experience can evince the “fishers of men” (Mat. 4:19). In like manner, wisdom that is sorely lacking in the previous we can call upon those with specialized train- example, with just a Bible in his hand. The ing to put their abilities to work for God. Bible teaches that man is “called” by the Gos- Wisdom is of great importance and to be pel (2 The. 2:14), the Gospel is God’s pow- desired. Wisdom, however, must be based in er to lead man unto salvation (Rom. 1:16-17), the truth. A conclusion based upon past ex- and practicing anything not authorized by the periences or years of experience that is con- Gospel is a sin against God (Col. 3:17). trary to the Word of God is not wisdom—it Lenoir City, TN
The Days of Creation Johnny Oxendine Brethren must be willing to stand for the no options regarding whether or not we are to Truth when confronted with ideas (and es- defend the faith (either we will or will not) be- pecially theories) that are totally incompati- cause God has commanded that we do so. ble with what the Bible teaches. This may put The area where this duty has caused tre- unwanted pressure on us to stand steadfastly mendous difficulty for some is in the defense for the defense of the Gospel, but we are com- of creation as the Bible reveals it. Evolution- manded to “contend earnestly for the faith ists have tried to mask (but still inject) a theory which was once for all delivered” (Jude 3). This that would seemingly allow for a compromise statement, along with other verses that imply on the part of the creationist camp without go- the same (e.g., Phi. 1:17), means that we have ing whole hog for evolution. The fact of the matter, however, is that this is unequivocally place before Satan ruins everything), leav- impossible. ing the remainder of the story beginning with We must seriously take time investigat- Genesis 1:3 to tell us the story of the re-cre- ing and analyzing a theory that has caught on ation. It has a nice appeal to it if you do not with many brethren because of its flexibility care what the Scriptures say, which is why we and many levels of tolerance. It is called the must oppose it. But how have the academics, “Gap Theory,” and it is properly so-called, not the layman, and the uninitiated received this? for anything having to do with accuracy, but In 1961, the chairman of the Bible Department rather because this theory (like other evolution at Abilene Christian University said that there theories), as a figment of human imagination, was nothing that anyone could show to dis- has too many “gaps.” Be that as it may, both prove this theory. This sad footnote in history creationists and evolutionists agree on one spe- is one of the reasons that Abilene cannot ever cific fact: Evolution is impossible if the Earth/ be trusted to handle aright the Word of Truth. Universe is young—with an age measured in Shamefully, the influence that the liber- thousands, not billions of years. al and compromising schools have had on so Thomas Chalmers, a nineteenth-centu- many young minds should cause us to reevalu- ry Scottish theologian, is given credit for giv- ate so much of what is called a “Christian ed- ing this theory its legs. It has gone through ucation.” In closing, let me give the people at many transformations, and there are those who Abilene a little hint: “for in six days the Lord hold to various parts of those transformations made heaven and earth” (Exo. 31:17). Now, that even argue among themselves. What we was that so hard? do know is that the “Gap” theorists take the San Mateo, CA unique position that God created the world. However, this creation, as they explain it, took place billions of years ago. Satan is said to have Handle With Prayer ruined this original creation as a result of his rebellion, which supposedly cast the world into My gift was delivered at seven. darkness. Some of the theorists have this cata- Just as I awoke where I lay, clysmic event altering certain stages of the geo- A gift that was postmarked from logic ages, requiring God to re-create the earth. “Heaven” On one thing they seem to agree: that the pe- My gift was this beautiful day, riod between the first creation and the second One wonderful, shining good morning, (after Satan’s fall) represents the “Gap.” After the “Gap,” God re-created the world in the lit- Entrusted by God to my care, eral six-day time span. It came, bearing only the warning, To make a long story short, this alleged “Fragile, handle with prayer.” “Gap” takes place between Genesis 1:1 and Author Unknown Genesis 1:2 (where the original creation takes BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1798 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Rubye Bailey Dot Lambert Williams Charles Gallaher Bill Remember your in prayers: ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ Haven) (The Cravey Robbie LaBryer Bobbie Hall Marilyn Melvin Torrey ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ they make. they spreadthey what friends their think peopleMany debt in are because of sorrow.spades of wells joy oftenGod digs with to others about talk you. will to you aboutHe who others, talks wants. your more is God’s important will than You becontent can happy and if youthat can’t stop rest. and troubleThe with doingis nothing brighter. one’s make will ownlight shine no Blowing out light of the another Pantry Items Needed Pantry Items Canned Chicken Breast Chicken Canned It Bears Repeating Bears It Spam orSpam Treat
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Author UnknownAuthor Ant Marge W Marge Hor Har Nan hony Polnitz Tin ace Myrickace old Cozad Al Fl Al cy Traviscy a Foshee a illiams esher
in the shadow the in of cross. the cord among brethren” (Pro. 6:16-19). seven soweththe abominations dis that “he is (Psa. 133:1).dwell together unity!” in One of howgood and pleasant who to Lord. please wishes the “Behold, how andbecome effort the prayer person every of orwho promote cause division. Unity must from division people and loose souls their will of souls results men. pain and Much heartache Division to church the the destructive and is of our Lord. to will condemned the contrary as world division and a congregation atin large is bymanded Lord. the Division religious the in people it de to because is Christian portance ofof church. the unity the It of is supreme im Minister: them also which shall believe on believe me shall which also them Neither pray alone, Ifor but these for Jesus prayed of for followers His unity the We need to study important theme the all
Michael Hatcher The Plea it is it for brethren to BEACON Vol. XLII/No. 41 J. Noel Merideth Real Unity Real A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com - - - Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. E-mail: [email protected] divisions among them. should They have uni church.the there He should that said beno in division the existed that he wrote against skepticism. and ism, denominationalism produces infidelity, athe plication prayer division of that and this was “thatwas: world the may believe.” (4) Theim for unity. (3) unity this ultimateeffect The of followers His that be“one.” might He prayed prayer!this (2) The objectthe of prayer was included believers are scope the in of all So wouldpreaching.which their believe through not pray just for but apostles the for them also scope of plea. the universal He Jesus said did of statements. these Notice analysis (1) an The When PaulWhen wrote to church the at Corinth, one; as thou, Father, Father, thou, as one; may be all word; they their That through me (John 17:20-21).me (John sent worldthe thou hast that may believe mayone be that us: in also they that thee, 850.455.7595 October 14,2013 art in me, and I in me,Iin in and - - - ty of speech and all speak the same things; the gate, and broad is the way, that lead- unity of organization with no divisions; and, eth to destruction, and many there be unity of judgment, being of the same mind which go in thereat: Because strait is the and judgment (1 Cor. 1:10-13). gate, and narrow is the way, which lead- The Basis eth unto life, and few there be that find it Believers must be united in Christ and his (Mat. 7:13-14). doctrine. Whatever unity might be affected The Method outside of Christ is a failure. The seven ones in The method of achieving unity is the “seed Ephesians 4:4-6 constitute the only basis upon principle.” We should sow the seed of the which unity is possible. Paul says: (1) there is kingdom which is the Word of God and when one body, unity in membership; (2) there is people obey that then you have the New Tes- tament church (Luke 8:11). When we obey one Spirit, unity in guidance; (3) there is one the Gospel, we just become Christians and hope, unity in desire; (4) there is one Lord, we have fellowship with other Christians be- unity in authority; (5) there is one faith, unity cause of our relationship with God. As long in message; (6) there is one baptism, unity in as we walk in the Light, then this fellowship salvation; and, (7) there is one God, unity in continues (1 John 1:7). In sowing the seed of worship. the kingdom, we are restoring New Testament Denominationalism corrupts the Lord’s Christianity. People have sought to restore simple plan. Denominationalism says “one Christianity through the years and here in the church is as good as another,” “they are just United States such men as Barton Stone, Wal- different roads leading to the same place,” “we ter Scott, Alexander Campbell, Tolbert Fan- are all trying to get to heaven,” and the like. ning, and others have presented this plea. These statements and slogans of the denomi- The plea is to sow the seed of the kingdom, national world are deceptive, illogical, and in conflict with God’s plan. These different faiths restore New Testament Christianity, and pro- claim the Gospel of Christ. cannot be right. Jesus said: Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is Deceased
Confessing Faults G. K. Wallace “Confess your faults [sins] one to anoth- his or her repentance of that sin. er, and pray one for another, that ye may be When a sin is well known, the sinner healed” (Jam. 5:16). Private wrongs should be should publicly make known his or her pur- corrected privately (Mat. 18:15). A Christian pose to quit the wrong. To fail to do so may is doing himself an incalculable injury to try cause others to do the same sin. He who tries to hide a public sin. When a sin is known, one to hide his sin is adding the sin of hypocrisy to does not confess the sin, but his repentance of the wrong committed. The prodigal son said, that sin. The wrongdoer needs to make known “I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heav- church, they just “slide into the congregation” en, and in thy sight” (Luke 15:18—ASV). and feel forgiven. A Christian who has done Today, we not only have “backsliders,” we a public wrong is never humble enough to be have “insliders.” Insliders are those who have forgiven until he is humble enough to take publicly sinned so as to bring reproach upon away the reproach he has publicly brought on the church, but instead of making a public the church. confession and asking the forgiveness of the Deceased
What about Halloween? Jess Whitlock
As we near the end of October, it is time we get the expression, “trick-or-treat.”
for that annual question that is always of great Now, the question arises, “Is it wrong to
concern to Christian parents, “What about observe Halloween just because it is rooted in
Halloween?” What can we do, and what mythology/paganism?” Will you stop calling
ought not to be done? “Thursday” by its name since it is rooted in
Samhain was an ancient Celtic New Year’s worship to a false god? Originally it was called
festival. This season involved both human and “Thor’s Day.” Every day of the week derives
animal sacrifices offered to the “Lord of the its name from mythology, as do the names of
Dead” (Saman). This ritual also involved wor- the months. “Easter” and “Christmas” derive
ship to the “Sun god.” Originally it was cele- many of their customs and traditions from pa-
brated on November 1. Around the 8th centu- ganism as well.
ry it came to be called the “Eve of All Hallows New Testament Christians will not observe
Day,” or “All Saints Day.” Now, it is observed either Christmas or Easter as “religious holy
on October 31. days.” But, is it wrong to eat candy from a bas- The association with witches, ghosts, and ket, hunt for eggs, enjoy a hayride, make (and
death can be traced back to the ancient pagan eat) pumpkin pie, or give and exchange gifts? holiday. After a large feast was offered to the Of course, we should always consider the con- dead, villagers would don masks and costumes science of others (1 Cor. 8). imitating the departed dead. They would form If you allow your son to dress up as an as- a procession toward the edge of town. This tronaut, or allow your daughter to dress up supposedly would lead the “ghosts” away. The as a clown or a princess and accept candy Celts would pour oil or wine of the ground as from family and friends, let us be careful to their sacrifice. This would insure them many do nothing that would glorify Satan (1 Cor. rewards for those gifts in the coming year. 10:20ff). Remember the “golden rule” when it However, if they neglected to make such an comes to tricks played, especially if you should offering, the wrath of those gods would be come to our house! with them in the coming year! That is where Evant, TX BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1798 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Melvin Torrey Rubye Bailey Dot Lambert Williams Charles Gallaher Bill Remember your in prayers: 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. October 23 October 21 Haven) (The Cravey Robbie LaBryer Bobbie Hall Marilyn
the auditorium. the Sermons Video Series at 7:00 pm, in pm. Visitation Group meet at 6:00 2will fied People fied andSaved Glori TheReturn—A Warned but People Rebellious Exile—A and Prophets The People Priestly System—A Levitical The Redeemed Exodus—A The People People Chosen to Sinai—A Abraham Pantry Items Needed Pantry Items Israel—Five Pictures Canned Chicken Breast Chicken Canned Please Remember of theChurch Spam orSpam Treat
Beef Stew Beef
Sick
Author UnknownAuthor Ant Marge W Marge Hor Har Nan Kar hony Polnitz ace Myrickace old Cozad Al Fl Al en Ayliffe en cy Traviscy illiams esher -
rules—open-society of the rules—open-society group of people who gravitate toward no- the governed we increasingly are Why nism? by a more more and commu and toward socialism moving left, farther and farther be leaning year, passing United the each States to seems it is recent in under Why with attack years? Itrests. of bulwark the is institutions.” our free book, sir, rock the on is our which republic pointed Bible to family “That the said, and finite thecompanymen. In friend,of a he of moral, though hearts the in of stirs God forshowed respect Word that the softness the led Jackson death, toGeneral eventually his that fromtheillness suffering and of age years for However, toughness. Hickory” his at 78 dent of United the “Old as known States, was of Battle the Newseventh Orleans and Presi Deacons: Minister: Bishops: Why have ourWhy freedoms come increasingly Jackson, commander of Andrew General
Bill Busch,Crowe Henry Born,ElwardBrantley, Michael Hatcher Paul Brantley, Michael Hatcher Rules for Radicals Rules The Rock and Bulwark and Rock The BEACON Vol. XLII/No. 42 Charles Pogue Charles A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com - -
E-mail: [email protected] Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. up violating impunity? law the with quo,ten it just status the because is end and quo, status the for of of purpose the changing of organizing activity the pursue alacrity with change-for-change’s-sake protégés of Alinsky rabble-rouser, it is the Why that Alinsky? Saul the alleged right to debauch alleged the another with of affirmation for an and been evicted goodness Whyandhave God aged? theand infirm, the of for death into unborn, the turned zens halls provided protection our citi for livesof the all ofweapon deranged! the hands the in adepraved a in as is culture Libertarianism riorated freedom to mean without restraint? sponsibility foreseen as by our founders dete dom been reinterpreted free to mean by secularists by First the Amendment of our Constitution Why has freedom has Why Why have the civil institutions have civil the Why once which 850.455.7595 from religion? Why has freedom re religion? with has Why October 21,2013 of religion guaranteed religion guaranteed - - - - - one’s own sex replaced them in every station, shore. A nation whose God is not the Lord from the seat of power to the sidewalks of city is self-condemned and, in lieu of repentance, streets? destined to fall from the weight of its own dec- Is it not that the Book once held aloft in adence that incontrovertibly follows. Freedom the affection of all our citizens as the rock and because of fear of Divine reprisal can only be bulwark of our civil institutions has now been the companion of the destiny of destruction. relegated to a place of virtual irrelevance, even You and I must hold aloft the same Bible as has the national Constitution to which said that General Jackson so rightly extolled, the Book gives life through the inspiration of gen- pursuit to restore our nation to its love for erally pious men? Our nation has reached the God and to the humble attitude of submis- point at which many have attached themselves sion to the authority of His divinely breathed to the assertion that their sophistication has Word is in your hands and mine. Let us go outgrown their need for God. They know as forth with resolve, longsuffering, and above all well, if not better, what is good for them than the Gospel of Jesus Christ and one person at a the almighty Creator who formed them from time turn back the advances of the enemy who the dust and breathed into their nostrils the from old would desire nothing more than to breath of life. Our barks, once guided by the extinguish the light which for two hundred hand that holds the sparrow aloft and adorns plus years has beamed in its radiance from the lily beyond the artist’s brush facility to rep- the shining city on the hill. Unless the Bible resent, are now adrift upon the waves with no is restored as the rock, the foundation, the captain to navigate the swells of life’s stormy underpinning of our national soul, and once seas. again held up as the bulwark and fortification Man without God and His revelation is against evil, we are destined to fall. And as the much like a ship without a rudder, destined to Lord Himself said, “And great was the fall of wreck upon the craggy roughness of a stormy it” (Mat. 7:27). Granby, MO
What Kind of Member Are You?
Gus Nichols There are all kinds of members referred to of members in the New Testament. Then in the New Testament. Some had lost their there are some modern groups each of which first love (Rev. 2:4-5). Others had become has quite a following. What kind of a mem- only lukewarm (3:14-19). Some had forsaken ber are you? the assembling of themselves together (Heb. Are you a “oncer”—one who attends 10:25). Others had gone all the way back and church services only once per week—on the had fallen from grace (Gal. 5:1-4). Some nev- Lord’s day morning? Such members enjoy er did return to the right way (John 6:66; good health, but they never come at night. 1 Pet. 2). There are many other classifications Had they been at Troas, they would not have heard Paul preach until midnight, and would for the glory of God. They are happy that they have missed the fine fellowship of the occa- have been saved, and feel that if they had a sion, plus the witnessing of the miracle of thousand lives to live, they could not do all raising a man from the dead there that night they would like to do for the wonderful Sav- (Acts 20:7-14). iour who came, bled, and died, that they Some are church “tramps”—they go might be children of God and have the happi- tramping from one congregation to anoth- ness which they enjoy in the Lord, every day, er, worshiping here and there, so as to dodge along the way. any responsibility for doing anything in the What kind of member are you?—You church and having any part in any real pro- need not try to deceive anyone by your an- gram of work. They are often called “Church swer, for the way you are living proclaims dai- Drifters.” They never settle down so as to work ly the kind of member you are! Maybe you and grow in the church (1 Cor. 16:13). need to change your ways, and move up in Others are simply “leaners”—they “lean” the church—up to higher ground of Christian on the church in every time of illness, mis- living. Many have changed who found them- fortune, and the like, but they never contrib- selves in a failing group, doing little or noth- ute to its work. They are out to “get” and not ing for the church. to “give.” They are like the Dead Sea which Deceased has no outlet. They have no life. They are like sponges—they take in all they can hold but Sons of God and you have to squeeze them to get anything out of them! Daughters of Men
Some others are “specials”—they work for Robertson L. Whiteside the church on some special occasions which Q. Please explain Genesis 6:1-2. Who happen to appeal to them. But the regular were the sons of God and who were the work of the Lord has no appeal unto them. daughters of men? The every-day matter of being Christians is A. None but servants of God are called to them a drab affair. When they are tuned sons of God; at least that is general Bi- up they work enthusiastically, but no one ever ble usage. From the contrast in the vers- knows when they are going to get rubbed the es referred to we would naturally con- wrong way about something. They are sup“ - clude that the daughters of men were the porters” of that part of the work of the church daughters of men who did not serve God. that they like, but they oppose the other good Sons were born to these sons of God and works being done by others. daughters of men (6:4). It seems that the But some are “pillars”—they are always marriage of the righteous with the wicked dependable. Without them the church would resulted in great corruption. be a laughingstock in the community. They Deceased stand ready at all times to do what they can BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1798 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Karen Ayliffe Karen Rubye Bailey Dot Lambert Williams Charles Gallaher Bill Remember your in prayers: (34:1). were written by a secondGod time them down on ground the (32:19). They werewhich broken by Moses throwing written stone on two slabs (Exo. 31:18), signed for ten the commandments, first Greek This wordis “the ten words”as October 30 October 23 prayers offerencouragement.him and October 20. your in Please keep him restored was Butchon to Christ King Melvin Torrey (Gulf Hospital) Breeze Haven) (The Cravey Robbie LaBryer Bobbie Hall Marilyn pm, auditorium. the in WednesdayFifth at Singing 7:00 auditorium. the Sermons Video Series at 7:00 pm, in
Pantry Items Needed Pantry Items Canned Chicken Breast Chicken Canned Please Remember Spam orSpam Treat
Decalogue
Restored Beef Stew Beef
Sick
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er Woods certainly called this one he wrote: this as er called Woods certainly ship from her due to sin the of adultery. Broth The withdrawn churchfellowhoma had trial. awarded $390,000.00 Okla asensational in was Oklahoma fromGuiness Collinsville, 1984, “A called Brotherhood Crisis.” AMs. 14, April Gospel Advocate, editorialthe in Minister: Bishops: is “harassment,” and an interference “harassment,” an with is and her toallow to preach pray and publicly to action refusal on ground the that ilar “emotional from sim distress,” afeminist him causes “lifestyle” of his ship because exclusion his ground from that member church on the the from suing homosexual a to is restrain What area. every in fairs way the for intrusion into church’s the af paves church it the in actions also plinary disci not of only supervision for all court a precedentall. establishes It us affects ally materi court Oklahoma Thethis action of Thelate brother Guy N. wrotean Woods
Michael Hatcher Paul Brantley, Michael Hatcher A Brotherhood Crisis Brotherhood A BEACON Vol. XLII/No. 43 A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist Jess Whitlock 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com ------E-mail: [email protected] Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. not have desired the result. Nonetheless, that However, shyster’s the anddid backfired trick 1 Cor.20; 5:1-13; 6:1-2; Gal. 3:14-15). 2 The. of (i.e., God to teachings obeythe Mat. 18:15- it besmirched because dared churchthe was vor. put of Iwas name the on and stand, the effort to persuade a in an rule judge herfa to introducedletter was into of law acourt in adultery. in living Acouple that ago of years a member of Evant the congregation who was Churchme to ofasked pen a letter Christ to Several years ago the elders the ago of Evant the years Several terference this poses. this terference in of civil threat the church faced the has not of persecution state that days sincethe to say of truth realm the It within well is churches. to the discipline exercisein any be most andreluctant elderships will filed, be will of such suits aflurry that likely is lowed to become it law of the land, the decisionher al is this “civil If rights?” 850.455.7595 October 28,2013 - - - failed effort remains a public record for any to cal knowledge to deal with “sin in the camp.” read. The devil will not relent! Now, with adulterers, sodomites, and lesbians According to a CNN news report: “El- suing the church that dares to stand where ders at Ridgedale Church of Christ told Lin- God’s Word stands, I fear many more church- da Cooper and two relatives that their public es may cease to do the will of the Lord! Faith- support for Kat Cooper, Linda Cooper’s ho- ful churches of the Lord are not going to come mosexual daughter, went against the church’s under attack from the sodomites and the im- teachings.” Kat Cooper has a same-sex spouse, moral, brethren we are already under attack! Krista. The Ridgedale congregation withdrew The time is not coming—the time is here! fellowship from Kat’s mother, and an aunt Thirteen states plus the District of Columbia and uncle for their tacit approval of the lesbian recognize homosexual marriage even now. We lifestyle, which is opposed in God’s Word (i.e., have an immoral president and vice-president. Gen. 18-19; Lev. 18:22; 20:13; Rom. 1:18-ff; President Obama warned our entire nation be- 1 Cor. 6: 9-ff; 1 Tim. 1:9-10; 2 Pet. 2:6). fore he was elected, that if elected as President, The majority of congregations bearing the he would make the office of the President a name “church of Christ” on their signs already “bully pulpit for homosexuality.” We have an do not obey the Lord’s teaching in the mat- immoral Congress and Senate. The majority ter of church discipline. Many elderships to- of the so-called Supreme Court is immoral. day simply do not have the backbone or Bibli- The faithful are going to be challenged on a daily basis to “fight the good fight of the faith” Defender and Beacon (1 Tim. 6:12a). Brethren, let us “take up the
whole armor of God, that ye [we] may be able Available Via E-Mail to withstand in the evil day” (Eph. 6:13). The To receive the Defender and Beacon via remnant of the faithful seems to be growing e-mail please send your e-mail address smaller. Let us seek to obey Him and live in to [email protected]. The file you
will receive will be a PDF (a free reader is such a way that one day we can all “lay hold
available from www.adobe.com). on the life eternal” (1 Tim. 6:12b). Evant, TX
God Is Supreme
Danny Douglas God is Supreme and He is the Sovereign cisions of any nation, God will never condone Ruler of the Universe. Therefore, no man or or approve of that which the Scriptures declare body of men may overrule His law. God in His sinful. God will not change His Word accord- infinite wisdom has prescribed that which is ing to popular human opinion. One day, we good and right for all of us in His holy Word, will all be judged by the Word of Jesus Christ the Bible. Regardless of the governmental de- (John 12:48). Regardless of how many people may con- the inspired writer Jude declares: done sin or call “evil good” and “good evil” Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the (Isa. 5:20), God will never approve of that cities about them, in like manner giving which His Word condemns. God will nev- themselves over to fornication, and going er recognize or approve of two people of the after strange flesh, are set forth for an ex- same gender getting married. Since God is Su- ample, suffering the vengeance of eternal preme and His law reigns supreme over man’s fire (Jude 7). law, no group of men, be it the United States Those destroyed in these ancient cities go Supreme Court or the President himself, can down in history as an example and warning to change or strike down the law of God. Jesus “those that after should live ungodly” (2 Pet. declared that marriage is between male and 2:6). female, and this goes all the way back to the Moreover, no person in a public position beginning: has the Scriptural or constitutional right to And he answered and said unto them, coerce students or anyone else to support that Have ye not read, that he which made which is sinful in the eyes of God, or that them at the beginning made them male which is a violation of their conscience: in- and female, And said, For this cause shall cluding homosexuality. a man leave father and mother, and shall God loves all people, including those who cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be are living in ungodliness. “But God commen- one flesh? Wherefore they are no more deth his love toward us, in that, while we were twain, but one flesh. What therefore God yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). hath joined together, let not man put Yet, He will not tolerate those things which asunder (Mat. 19:4-6). are in rebellion to His revealed will. Therefore, God never has and never will approve of ho- He desires for all people to repent and obey mosexual behavior, as the Scripture declares: His Son, Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38; Heb. 5:8-9). For this cause God gave them up unto We have all sinned (Rom. 3:23; 5:6-11), and vile affections: for even their women did are all in need of Christ and His cleansing change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the blood (Rom. 5:9; Rev. 1:5; Acts 22:16). God men, leaving the natural use of the wom- is “not willing that any should perish, but that an, burned in their lust one toward an- all should come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9). other; men with men working that which Thus, in His great love, Jesus invites all people is unseemly, and receiving in themselves to come to Him and find the rest and peace that recompence of their error which was that only He can give: “Come unto me, all meet (Rom. 1:26-27). ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will Our nation and other nations of the world give you rest” (Mat. 11:28). Only in Christ would do well to take heed to the warning can we find real meaning to life and the hope which God has given concerning the destruc- of eternal life (Rom. 6:23). tion of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 19), as Mt. Pleasant, TN BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1798 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Bobbie LaBryer Bobbie Hall Marilyn Rubye Bailey Dot Lambert Williams Charles Gallaher Bill Remember your in prayers: profession before witnesses.” many professed hast and a good called, also hold whereunto life, on eternal thou art ness. Fight good fight the layfaith, of love, faith, godliness, patience, meek follow righteousness, and after things; “But ofthese thou, flee God, Oman 4 November October 30 Kar Margaret Bruce (Pam Bruce Busch’s friend)Margaret Melvin Torrey (Gulf Hospital) Breeze Haven) (The Cravey Robbie pm. Visitation Group meet at 6:00 1will pm, auditorium. the in WednesdayFifth at Singing 7:00 en Ayliffe Pantry Items Needed Pantry Items Please Remember 1 Timothy 6:11-12 1 Timothy Canned TomatoesCanned Mixed VegetablesMixed Pork &Beans
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but to God: somefool infallible the try to atfool people humans, laugh fallible trying went splendidly—until her We coat barked! up to customssailed barrier. the Everything der her her coat. Smiling actress prettiest, the up coveringto through, un him smuggle him dogs from suffer awaytheir shemasters, tried law, the against but poorwas little because customs. Shewhite it through poodle knew Minister: Bishops: oxen which Ihear?(1Sam. 15:10-14). sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the What meaneth thenthisbleatingofthe mandment ofJehovah. AndSamuel said, thou ofJehovah: the com Ihave performed to Saul; and Saul said unto him, Blessed be my commandments.…And Samuel came from following me,andhathnot performed up Saul tobeking;forheisturnedback uel, saying,It repenteth methatIhave set Then cametheword of Jehovah unto Sam- her tiny to tried take One actress an day
Michael Hatcher Paul Brantley, Michael Hatcher Those TroublesomeThose Facts Objective BEACON Vol. XLII/No. 44 Terry Hightower A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com - - E-mail: [email protected] Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. avoid of aday reckoning. On avacation trip up” believe so perfectly, we can we actually move “cover- every planned every he and has “perfect crime” where perpetrator the thinks reject (15:23). us turn in will we rejectWhen God’s objective Word, He ignore “obeying voice the of (15:22). Jehovah” he so bigever that or gets or she powerful can to for around. get No hard evenare one aking Objective oxen aliar! facts him lowed to call asheep(instead bleated of a dog and barking) Lord the sent had (15:13,that him 20). But obeyed voice the of gone had and God way the he that had way. claims twice Saul Amazingly, Almighty’s the goodas or as at least ter than bet way concerningwas religious instruction (15:3), ass and camel but he his thought that ox sheep, and suckling, woman, and infant and man both terly everything, destroying Like the movie the Like plots involving so-called the toldGod ut to Saul smite Amalekites, the 850.455.7595 November 4,2013 - - to the mountains a man and wife from Ver- naked and laid open before the eyes of him mont met a quiet, pleasant couple from New with whom we have to do” (Heb. 4:13)? Are York. All four of them had a great time to- you really irrational enough to believe, even gether. Later, the gentleman from Vermont for one moment, that the Bible is wrong when made up an album of snapshots he had taken it declares a “day when God shall judge the se- of the other couple and mailed it to them in crets of men, according to my gospel, by Jesus New York. The gift was never acknowledged, Christ” (Rom. 2:16)? until one day a big-city lawyer appeared and If you know that the Bible requires belief asked the man if he had prepared the album. (John 3:16), repentance (Luke 13:3), confes- “Sure,” was his reply, “Did they get it?” “It was sion of Christ (Rom. 10:10), and baptism for received all right,” said the lawyer, “And I’m the remission of sins (Acts 2:38), then why not representing the man’s wife in the divorce suit. do these things if you have not? If you know You see, she wasn’t the woman in the album!” that you are an unfaithful Christian, why not Are you trying to fool the infinite God? Do come back today by repentance, confession of you really think that you can hide personal sin sins, and prayer (Acts 8:13-22)? “But if ye will from the One who formed you in your moth- not do so, behold, ye have sinned against Je- er’s womb (Psa. 139:13) or from the One of hovah; and be sure your sin will find you out” Whom it is said that “there is no creature that (Num. 32:23). is not manifest in his sight: but all things are Amarillo, TX
Return to Basic Bible Authority Bill Jackson In Matthew 21:25, in discussing the bap- pressed with the fact that the Bible was de- tism of John, our Lord directed this question manded for all things religious, and they were to the Jewish leaders: “The baptism of John, able to see this as the line separating sectari- whence was it? from heaven, or of men?” This anism from the Lord’s body. We must recog- piercing question confounded these leaders in nize today that, in the church, there is not that Judaism, and they were uncomfortable in be- same stress on the Word as the only authority, ing brought to the critical point of seeing that and in such a move away from God, we will all religious matters boil down to this: either not and cannot bear the fruit demanded of us.
God authorized it, or it is a thing of man! We, If there is a single cry that needs to be made, today, need to recognize that there has been for all to hear, it would be this: “Let us return no change in this basic truth. to the Bible as the basis of all of our actions in
A generation or so ago, churches of Christ religion!” There is really no hope for us unless were known as those who demanded a “thus we do this. saith the Lord” for all religious practice. Many Let us now list a few reasons why we must of those who were urged to forsake denomi- have a return to the Bible: nationalism and obey the truth were first im- (1) Jesus tells us that His Word will be the basis of judgment (John 12:48). He plainly ever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doc- says that the Word will judge us. If the Bible is trine of Christ, hath not God” (2 John 9). John to be the basis of our judgment, then it is sure- continues and brands one a false teacher who ly vital that we abide by that volume. does not so abide by this doctrine, and calls (2) The Bible is inspired (God-breathed), the works of such a one “evil deeds” (2 John and profitable for us. In 2 Timothy 3:16 Paul 11). It is imperative, then, that the people of tells us that God breathed-out the Scriptures, God remain with the Word of God, and they and that for doctrine, for reproof, for correc- must if the blessings of God continue to rest tion, and for instruction in righteousness, this upon them. is the volume giving us the help we need. That We have thus noticed that the Lord has being so, then to refuse to be guided by the Bi- made us in Himself, that we might be those ble is to refuse that which God has said is the who live right and do right, this is possible profitable course. Man will rely on something, only if we abide by the right standard—the if just his own will and pleasure. In spurning Bible! The present-day apostasy is character- the Bible as authority, whatever man turns to ized by a disdain for the Word of God, and by will be that which cannot profit nor deliver a non-caring attitude regarding Bible author- (1 Sam. 12:21). ity. The same departures from the Bible stan- (3) In the same context, 1 Timothy 3, the dard that we have long seen in sectarianism apostle continues and lets us know that the Bi- is now too often witnessed among our own ble furnishes a man completely unto all good people. Many individuals live their lives, and works (3:17). The work of the Christ, in form- many congregations conduct their activities, ing us as a people, was to develop a people for with little regard for what the Bible says. In God’s own possession zealous of good works these lines, we have tried to call men back to (Tit. 2:14). God’s children labor in the realm basic Bible authority in all things, and herein of doing that which is good, and behind that is our only hope! Urging from the apostle Pe- is the fact that God Himself has declared unto ter is appropriate here: “If any man speak, let us that which is the good and right thing. To him speak as the oracles of God” (1 Pet. 4:11). enable us to work in the area of good, and to Deceased remain only in that area, God has provided Web Site us with the Bible as the authoritative and in- The site offers a vast amount of resources fallible Guide. We are thus furnished unto ev- for your personal edification. Past issues of ery good work. I can thus know that any giv- Defender and Beacon, written sermons pre- en work is not good if it is not authorized by sented by Michael Hatcher, as well as Ira the Bible. Y. Rice’s Basic Bible course are available. (4) Finally, and certainly not the least in Videos of lectureships and sermons can be importance, is the fact that our Lord will con- viewed. Why not check it out at: demn us if we refuse to abide by the Bible as http://www.bellviewcoc.com our authority. The warning is given: “Whoso- BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1798 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Karen Ayliffe Karen Rubye Bailey Dot Lambert Williams Charles Gallaher Bill Remember your in prayers: clopedia ofthe Bible 59). ( to gods es the Ekron, offered and Ashdod and sacrific built Thetemples Philistines Gaza, at own religion of to that Canaanites. the adapted their Philistines the that ing origin, suggest of Eastern were Near all gods These Ashtoreth Baalzebub. and were gods Dagon, Philistine Themain your in prayers.family their Tina3. and and Please keep Ray in-law, on November Donald Cockrell, Foshee of brother-Ray death the his in extended is sympathy deepest toOur (Pam Bruce Busch’s friend)Margaret Paul (Baptist Brantley Hospital) Melvin Torrey (Gulf Hospital) Breeze Haven) (The Cravey Robbie LaBryer Bobbie Hall Marilyn Pantry Items Needed Pantry Items Philistine Religion Canned TomatoesCanned Mixed VegetablesMixed Pork &Beans
Sympathy Nelson’s Illustrated Ency Sick
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2:15—ASV). Tim. word (2 the aright of truth” handling not needeth that toa workman beashamed, gence to present approved thyself unto God, acceptable and to “Givebe straight God. dili frequentlyed always might our paths so that day. every and each through It to is be consult fore minds) and we (in move us as our hearts right the decisions. to making gard re dowith and inform us Scripturesthe can of doing for matter) life, that thinking this in Nolife. matter what we bedoing might (or of this aspects its toin ability help all with us forly essential salvation, but it not is limited of obedienceedge and to Bible the certain is congregations. many in Aknowl night class Sunday during worshipsung Wednesday and Minister: Bishops: The Word is constantly be God of to be “Give Me The Bible,”favoriteis a song often
“Give Me the Bible” Is More Than aTheme:
Michael Hatcher Paul Brantley, Michael Hatcher It Represents and Affirms a View of Life! BEACON Vol. XLII/No. 45 Johnny Oxendine A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com ------E-mail: [email protected] Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. the Gospelthe have “chosen over life” death 24:15). (Jos. style” People who have obeyed be) a“life been (and still made regarding can thoroughly reasoned objective and choice has to adhere.expected all quiteare to which commands we specific outlinejust from an to which improvise, but found thereinmore meant by are as God than 3:16), commands the that aperson recognizes obvious spacethe meritsthis found 2 Tim. in by (and God notin we needlessly argue will 55:9). inspired By Scriptures the as accepting (Isa. ways his and to ways His man and God (in days). six supremacy the of It maintains whoing created heavens the earth the and Supreme the as God abelief in Be maintains philosophicallime position or statement that “Give Me The Bible”that a establishes “Give Me The Bible”uniquely a also is sub 850.455.7595 November 11,2013 - - - (Deu. 30:19). This choice requires acquies- This clarion call continues the response made cence to that which will lead or navigate one by the apostles in Acts 4 when they rejected safely on a road to salvation as opposed to a the “threat” to never speak the name or Gos- way that leads to spiritual and, thus, everlast- pel of Jesus Christ again. ing death. By using the Bible as our guide we “Give Me The Bible” should have for the will live lives that are intent on the purity that Christian an even more heartfelt passion than God requires, not the prurient self-satisfaction the patriotic one that we are likely to feel the world now seeks through such vices as “re- when reminded of that famous American pa- a lit y T V.” triot who said, “Give me liberty, or give me “Give Me the Bible” is also a salvo against death” (Patrick Henry), regarding the use of the humanistic efforts found so blatantly at- the Virginia militia for the defense of the colo- tached to our education systems (on all lev- nies against England. Jude exhorts us to “con- els). We want all children to learn that true tend” for our faith, and we will do this with science is not contradictory of Biblical teach- the help of God’s Word—the Bible. ing. “Give Me The Bible” rather than Darwin, Recalling a question by Peter in John 6:68, Gould, and Richard Dawkins means a rejec- if not in the Lord, where is salvation to be tion of the outlandish and unprovable claims found? To retool a position advocated by Josh- of evolution, or any other “theory” that calls ua (24:15), “Give Me The Bible!” into question the literal six days of creation. San Mateo, CA
Thanksgiving Paul Vaughn
One of the happiness times of the year is written, “Be careful for nothing; but in every
thanks- Thanksgiving. It is the period of the year when thing by prayer and supplication with many people usually take a full stop of their giving let your requests be made known unto hectic life to thank God for all the blessings God” (Phi. 4:6). Again it is written, “Giving they have received. Even in a society that is thanks always for all things unto God and the seeking, extremely hard, to remove God from Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” all facets of life, most are aware of the bless- (Eph. 5:20). ings they have on Thanksgiving Day. It is al- All we have to do is count our many bless- ways appropriate to have an attitude of thank- ings and it will be easily seen that we have fulness and gratitude should manifest itself in many things for which to be thankful. The one’s heart daily. families we live in to watch over us, the jobs One of the greatest sins of most people is we have to support us, the friends we have to the failure to have an attitude of thankfulness encourage us, and the health we enjoy to help on a daily basis. The Scriptures are abundant us have the life that is great are all exceeding with words of guidance for thankfulness. It is important blessings to be thankful. Yet, these and thousands of other things like them pale believeth in him should not perish, but have in comparison to the love God has for us. Je- everlasting life” (John 3:16). Yes! God loves sus said, “For God so loved the world, that he us and gave His Son for us. Let us always be gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever thankful. Marion, VA
Publically or Privately?
Kenneth D. Cohn In the parable of the Pharisee and the tax discord among brethren,” for God delights collector recorded in Luke 18:9-14, we see the in concord. If publicly proclaiming the per- Pharisee pointing out the perceived deficien- ceived sins of another while ignoring the sins cies of the tax collector and then extolling his in one’s own life is not both pharisaical and own perceived virtues. The Pharisee had not sowing discord, then pray tell what else would assessed the circumstances correctly, but his one have to do for it to be so? The Lord also objective was to exalt himself, to make him- made clear that such conduct is hypocritical. self look good by comparison, ego aggran- In Matthew 7:3-5, the Lord said: dizement, if you will. I know what the Lord And why do you look at the speck in your thought of such action: “for everyone who brother’s eye, but do not consider the exalts himself will be humbled, and he who plank in your own eye? Or how can you humbles himself will be exalted” (18:14). In say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the Matthew 23:23 Jesus said: speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypo- in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove crites! For you pay tithe of mint and an- the plank from your own eye, and then ise and cummin, and have neglected the you will see clearly to remove the speck
weightier matters of the law: justice and from your brother’s eye. mercy and faith. These you ought to have Publicly proclaiming the perceived sins of done, without leaving the others undone. another while ignoring the sins in one’s own It is the case that there are some who use these life is oftentimes a case of one needing to look public forums to do the exact same thing that for the plank and not the speck. The accus- the Pharisees of old attempted to do by their er should beware! Is it not preferred for some public prayers, i.e., to denigrate their own matters to be handled privately rather than brethren to magnify their own perceived pi- publicly? Would not the cause of Christ be ety. True piety consists not in forms, but in better served if the advice given in James 1:19 substance, not in outward observances, but in were heeded: “So then, my beloved brethren, justice, mercy, and faith. let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, Seven things were enumerated in Proverbs slow to wrath”? Why? “For the wrath of man 6:16-19 that God hates. The very last thing does not produce the righteousness of God” is sowing discord among brethren. The God (1:20). of love and peace hates the “one who sows Spring, TX BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1798 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED to glory. His Join me bless. please? God do it of towill best the my and ability a hero. I and do But Iwill what Ican not I am do great things. cannot many I aspirations. do I cannot everything. nowhere is my reality my near childish or orathlete adult, hero. law man an As agreat as myself Ioften imagined child only do Burke). alittle” (Edmund a As he he who could because nothing did “Nobody than made a greater mistake Marilyn Hall Marilyn Rubye Bailey Dot Lambert Williams Charles Gallaher Bill Remember your in prayers: November 18 November WareAnita (Terri Myrick’s mother) (Pam Bruce Busch’s friend)Margaret Horace Myrick (Sacred Hospital) Heart Paul (Baptist Brantley Hospital) Melvin Torrey (Gulf Hospital) Breeze Haven) (The Cravey Robbie LaBryer Bobbie pm. Visitation Group meet at 6:00 2will Pantry Items Needed Pantry Items Please Remember Canned TomatoesCanned Mixed VegetablesMixed Pork &Beans
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It is an intellectual temper tantrum. The temper BibleIt intellectual tantrum. an is UnbeliefGod. and at itsempty. core selfish is offace horror conclude and there no is that Yet,age. I should not (must not) give up the in of war, bond catastrophe, human and plague, a loved horrors the one. only imagine Ican theand tragic loss of disaster, suffering, ural nat of disaster—war, aftermath the in usual God. overvictory enemies, their there must beno prayedsides war for the God in to same the since both that, veteran who surmised man onmentary World War aGer interviewed II concluded,Another “There is God!” docu no seemed death imminent man the his When chamber. from agas in impendingance death praying for Divine aman witnessed deliver vivor of aconcentration related how camp he on television about Holocaust. the One sur Minister: Bishops: The The adocumentary watching Recently Iwas unbelief
Michael Hatcher Paul Brantley, Michael Hatcher of these two men not is of two these un BEACON Moral Dilemma?Moral Vol. XLII/No. 46 Roelf L. Ruffner Roelf L. A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com ------E-mail: [email protected] Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. in in one every may receivethat things the before appear judgment the all seatof Christ; Judgmentdeath—the of “For God: we must thing thing 3:16; 1 John 4:10). collectively, and individually (cf. total is John love His and for exists God us, that us tells sia, Britain, and America) came and liberat and sia, Britain, came America) and 6:16-17). (Rus Eventually, Armies Allied the be ablecome; (Rev. who to and stand?” shall For is Lamb: the of greatday wrath the his sitteth on of throne, the from and wrath the that of fromon hide and face him us the us, righteous the see and avenging Lord: “Fall We must look beyond finitevision our frail, surely next. the life, in not this in evil—if all injustice punish and all rectify will God that be it whether We all need to realize that there some that is We need to realize all As a faithful Christian, I can be Ican Christian, afaithful As his 850.455.7595 body, he done, to according that hath far worse far good or bad” (2 Cor. goodor bad” 5:10). than human suffering and suffering human than November 18,2013 certain done - - -
ed the death camps. Nations were liberated and inflict injury: from National Socialist tyranny. The Nazi war Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again machine was destroyed. Trials were held and thy sword into his place: for all they that many were punished for their crimes. It was take the sword shall perish with the sword not complete justice by any means but a fore- (Mat. 26:52). taste of The Judgment Day. To shake our fist at the heavens in the face And I saw the dead, small and great, stand of misery is to deny the obvious: God is in before God; and the books were opened, control and His will is being done, whatever which is the book of life: and the dead we may imagine to the contrary; whatever the were judged out of those things which forces of Hell are against us. We have the free were written in the books, according to will to believe in God and obey Him or not. their works (Rev. 20:12). Wherefore do I take my flesh in my teeth, God is not the source of evil in this world— And put my life in mine hand? Though he Satan and men are. If men followed the will of slay me, yet will I trust in him: But I will God there would be no wars and much less maintain mine own ways before him (Job human suffering (cf. Jam. 4:1-2). Instead we 13:14-15). often follow the flesh and wage war, murder, Columbia, TN
“Salvation Has a Location”
J. D. Tant From the time God called Abraham to go the ark. to a country that He would show him, with Coming now to the New Testament, I call a promised blessing when this command was to your attention that Jesus purchased His obeyed, God has always required certain peo- church with His blood (Acts 20:28). Being ple to go to certain places for safety or bless- purchased by the blood of Christ, it became a ing. None whom God called could reach His divine institution in which Jesus is said to be blessing without doing what God told him to the head and that church is His body (Eph. do. 1:22-23). This church is built upon a divine We call to memory that when God brought foundation of which Jesus is the chief corner a flood upon the earth, He placed salvation stone (2:20-22). All people who are reconciled from the flood for Noah and his family in the to God must be reconciled in this one body or ark and all had to go into the ark to be saved church (2:16). The God of heaven has located from death. Many good people in our time salvation from all past sins in, not out of His would argue that God has as much power out church. There is no promise of any man being of the ark as in the ark. They would argue that saved outside the church of Christ and here is going into the ark was unnecessary, and they where the great battle comes between Truth would have been preaching salvation out of and error—between the human churches and the church of Christ. your building will fall. 1. Some people argue that there are people 5. We are reconciled to God in the church who are just as good in one church as in or one body (Eph. 2:16). Then if you are another. That is true, but God does not saved outside the church, you are saved save us on account of our goodness, but on outside of reconciliation to God. No one account of our spirituality. Jesus teaches would want that kind of salvation for that that we must be born again (John 3:3-5). is an impossibility. 2. Some say we are saved outside the church, Having now learned where I am recon- then join the church because we are saved. ciled to God, the next question to settle is Paul said Christ purchased the church this: “What must I do to come into the place with His own blood (Acts 20:28). So if of reconciliation?” Jesus answers by saying we you are saved outside of the church you must “hear” His sayings and “do” them to be are saved outside of the purchased posses- like the wise builder (Mat. 7:24). In doing the sion and you must claim salvation apart sayings of Jesus, I must “believe” that He is from the blood of Christ. the Son of God (John 20:31). After believ- 3. Some argue that it is God—not the ing, I must “repent” of my sins (Luke 13:5). church—who saves. That is true. But After repenting, I must “confess” Him before where does God save? Paul says we are rec- men (Mat. 10:32), and in the great commis- onciled in one body (Eph. 2:16) and that sion Jesus not only taught that I should be- this one body is the church (Col. 1:18- lieve, but that I must be baptized to reach sal- 24). Now, since God reconciles us in the vation (Mark 16:16). This agrees with Paul’s church, if you were reconciled outside statement that “as many of you as have been the church it was not God who did the baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Gal. reconciling. 3:27). So these five commands taught at dif- 4. Some will ask, “Won’t God save me out ferent places in the New Testament teach me of the church?” Let Jesus answer. In Mat- what I must do to be saved. If our entrance thew 7 He argues that there are only two into the city of God depends upon our doing classes of builders—those who build on His commandments, no one can have a hope the rock and those who build on the sand. of salvation short of complying with the same. The structures of those who build on the I should be willing to not only obey for my sand will fall, but those on the rock will own salvation, but for those with whom I may stand. When Peter confessed the Son of associate along life’s pathway. As salvation is God, Jesus answered and said, “upon this located in the only church Christ purchased rock I will build my church; and the gates with His own blood, and the way into that of hell shall not prevail against it” (Mat. church is made so plain, the only reason one 16:18). Since the church is built upon the can offer for not being saved is that he simply rock, if you are building outside it, you does not want to do God’s will. are building upon the sand and Jesus said Deceased BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1798 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Rubye Bailey Dot Lambert Williams Charles Gallaher Bill Remember your in prayers: salem in in salem only of by destruction Roman Jeru the revolts.several One ended of was these New Testament period, engineered they bring God’s in the kingdom. During wouldthemselves ready that for war the held and to Romans, the to pay taxes secondthe century forces in the coming of AntiochusIV leader over who in succeeded rilla had guer spirit of Judas Maccabaeus—the thegroup the alivethat kept was This November 27 WarrAnita (Terri Myrick’s mother) (Pam Bruce Busch’s friend)Margaret Haven) (The Cravey Robbie Horace Myrick LaBryer Bobbie Hall Marilyn the auditorium. the Sermons Video Series at 7:00 pm, in Nelson’s of Encyclopedia Illustrated Please Remember ad 70. The Zealots
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Paul was successful in making any Christians Christians any making in successful Paul was manner. Whether malign and denigrating, demeaning, disrespectful, this in to speak Christians compelling he that was Himself sus of Jename Jesus of Nazareth,” it against was to the “to contrary seeking do things many er, Gingrich 177-178). and Arndt, Paul was As (Bauer, denigrates, maligns” demeans, Dank way that pheme” “to is adisrespectful in speak of Thephemy meaning “to- uncertain. blas is “compelledhad ities build up to even something worse: Paul These atroc synagogues. the them all often in putting them to death,he and punished had imprisonedhad them, he participated had in 26:9-11). (Acts Christians mitted against He person of authority com among had Jews, the ly noted some of atrocities the a he, which as conversion,to his apostle the Paul shameful Minister: Bishops: What was the exact nature of this blas of nature this exact the was What prior life of former his sinful speaking In
Michael Hatcher Paul Brantley, Michael Hatcher tothem blaspheme” (26:11). Compelled to Blaspheme BEACON Vol. XLII/No. 47 A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com Lee Moses Lee ------E-mail: [email protected] Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. (Hab. 1:13). mock Many holy the of names notbehold look canst and on evil, iniquity” ment One the who “of is to purer than eyes to defile word, toGod acurse linking thus of name the attach will Christianity claiming of towhatsoever God Some mind. cross his no thought has speaker the which in surprise plea to Father, the but amere expression of “Oh,used. no my is longer God!” adistressed come of name Lord the the to has that be blaspheme of name Lord. the the to oftentimes doesnot require much force at all cluded of Unfortunately, death. threat the it them to blaspheme. force This obviouslyin compelto Paul force efforts that used his in (Heb. 10:23). indicates also But language the the professionthe of heldroom “fast for all they possibility the that leaves Theblasphemelanguage uncertain. is compel All have heard the vain and degrading ways ways degrading and have vain the heard All 850.455.7595 many professing Christians today to professing many Christians faith without faith our wavering” November 25,2013 - - God the Father and of the Lord Jesus Christ The Lord has never taken such misuse of by twisting them into such derisive appella- His name lightly. The third commandment tions as “Lordy,” “Gosh,” and “Jeez.” stated, “Thou shalt not take the name of the Some may attempt to justify such breach- Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will es of reverence on the basis that the speaker not hold him guiltless that taketh his name “does not mean anything by what he says.” in vain” (Exo. 20:7). And indeed under the This, dear reader, is the precise problem. To old covenant such blasphemers were not held use the name of the Lord without meaning guiltless. The Lord commanded Moses: anything is impossible, because the name of And he that blasphemeth the name of the Lord means something. God told Moses: the Lord, he shall surely be put to death, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of and all the congregation shall certainly Israel, The Lord God of your fathers, the stone him: as well the stranger, as he that God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: the name of the Lord, shall be put to death this is my name for ever, and this is my (Lev. 24:16). memorial unto all generations (Exo. 3:15). Immediately after receiving this instruction, It was by the Lord’s name that He was to the Israelites carried out this very punishment against a blasphemer (24:11, 23). be remembered and worshipped. It was not to be a meaningless word applicable to manifold Blasphemy did not suddenly become pleas- uses. “That men may know that thou, whose ing or acceptable to God under the new cov- name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high enant. Blasphemy is one of the traits a person over all the earth” (Psa. 83:18). The name of completely “puts off” when he “puts on” the
God belongs to God alone—it is not to be giv- new man of Christianity (Col. 3:8). The apos- en to another person, nor to another person’s tle Paul acknowledged that before his conver- situational vocabulary. God Himself said, “I sion he had been “injurious” and “chief of sin- am the Lord: that is my name: and my glo- ners” when he had been a blasphemer, and ry will I not give to another” (Isa. 42:8). Yet, in need of mercy (1 Tim. 1:13-15). The book some would endeavor to take from the Lord of Revelation does not portray blasphemy as a His name and His glory in one fell swoop. practice of Christians, but of a “beast” (Roman emperor—13:1, 5-6), of recipients of God’s se- Defender and Beacon vere wrath (16:9, 11, 21), and of “the great har-
Available Via E-Mail lot” (Rome—17:3).
To receive the Defender and Beacon via What is it that “compels” a professing
e-mail please send your e-mail address Christian to blaspheme? It is not love of the
to [email protected]. The file you Lord. It is not an understanding of His will will receive will be a PDF (a free reader is conjoined with a strong desire to please Him. available from www.adobe.com). But these are the things which compel the true Christian to live the life that he does. While many early Christians were “compelled name of the Lord to compel him to see it held to blaspheme,” there was a stronger force com- in the highest regard. pelling them not to blaspheme. Many resisted “Let them praise the name of the Lord: for even the threat of death to avoid blasphem- his name alone is excellent; his glory is above ing the name of the Lord: “And they over- the earth and heaven” (Psa. 148:13). came him by the blood of the Lamb, and by Work Cited the word of their testimony; and they loved Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich. A Greek- not their lives unto the death” (12:11). Instead English Lexicon of the New Testament and other of allowing the hot flame of temper or the roll- Early Christian Literature. 3rd ed. Chicago, IL: ing waves of emotion to compel him to blas- University of Chicago Press, 2000. pheme, the Christian will allow the worthy Mammoth Springs, AR
Ten Ways to Improve the Worship Service Have you ever heard someone say, “I just Open Your Mouth and Sing. Singing is don’t get much out of the worship service?” not an option; it is commanded. Those who Sometimes this is more of a commentary on violate this command are just as guilty as if the person than on the service. Here are some they neglected the assembly in the first place. suggestions that may help you improve the Sit Close to the Front. Experience has
quality of your worship when you gather with shown that some marginal church members
the saints on the Lord’s Day. would rather switch congregations than to
Make Sunday Worship a Priority. It is change pews.
the most important commitment of the week. Before and After Service—Be Friendly.
It is nothing less than a meeting with God. Worship is enhanced when done as a family. Do not Bring God Left-Overs. God has Family members should know and love each always demanded the “first fruits.” He cannot other. be satisfied with scraps. Get plenty of sleep on Listen Carefully to the Sermon. Taking Saturday night and come to worship with an notes may help. Follow along in your Bible. alert and refreshed mind. Prepare Your Mind. Discipline begins in Take the message seriously. It will help you. It the mind. So does discipleship. Train your will encourage the speaker. It will show non- mind to concentrate on things of the Spirit. Christians that you are serious. Make Your Worship God-Centered—Not Be on Time. Rushing in late makes it dif- Man-Centered. Worship is primarily a giv- ficult for you to settle into meditation and dis- ing situation. Those who say, “I don’t get much turbs other worshipers. Get up a little earlier out of worship” are wrongly focused. It is in the if necessary. Bring Your Bibles. Coming to worship giving of ourselves that we get. No giving—no without your Bible is like going out to drive getting! your car without your keys. Author Unknown BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1798 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Marilyn Hall Marilyn Rubye Bailey Dot Lambert Williams Charles Gallaher Bill Remember your in prayers: family in your in prayers.family Please of rest the keep Tim and the schools. bemissed! He will er training to men to enable them to attend preach thehe years providedThrough support followed Bible’s the faithfully teachings. since 2011.view who Haroldaman was 1986. He been amember had of Bell elderan from October 1972–November congregation 1969. in Bellview He was placed membership the family with his Harold, on November Harold 22. and of father, death the his in Tim Cozad extended is sympathy deepest toOur 2 December November 27 WarrAnita (Terri Myrick’s mother) (Pam Bruce Busch’s friend)Margaret Haven) (The Cravey Robbie Melvin Torrey Manor) (Rosewood LaBryer Bobbie pm. Visitation Group meet at 6:00 1will auditorium. the Sermons Video Series at 7:00 pm, in Please Remember
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I. Christmas? or should Christian’s be, the attitude towards religiously, do others. as ask,is, what Thus, we tions of church the do not celebrate day, this wonder members congrega and why faithful Christ. ject the controlled and manifested by who Jews the re adoxically, much of commercial the interest is religious, interest day, surrounds this par and, Sonthe of Much God. as commercial, well as tendom to of homage pay to birth special the Chris aside set time by the so-called day: mas
Minister: Bishops: A. The Christmas. of Origin religious neighborsOur friends often and Wednesday, December 25, beChrist will birth of Savior the birth of men. memorate, or, religiously the observe, wayany we intimate should that com nor,concerning Christmas, in do they apparent silent Scriptures the are that To Bible true the student it readily is
Michael Hatcher Paul Brantley, Michael Hatcher The Christian and Christmas! and Christian The BEACON Vol. XLII/No. 48 William Hatcher C. A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com ------E-mail: [email protected] Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. B. 850.455.7595
2. 1. practices. Catholic and a combining of paganistic than more nothing is Actually, Christmas
a. “massthe of Christ.” or “Christ mass” means which mas, given name day, the in all Christ TheCatholic of first seen background: c. b. a. dedicated to of rebirth the sun. the afeast was “Saturnalia” called festival theRoman background: The pagan
our Lord went and into apostasy church the by established After “Solstice.” is observance Another word heathen for this celebration of Christmas. holiday the and pagan this tween be Thereare many similarities season. our Christmas with ing endthe of year, the coincid thus, December continued 22 and till about began festival pagan This December 2,2013 - - - the Catholic church came into of Christ, first found in 1038, and being, the leaders of that apostate Cristes-messe , in 1131.” church in converting the pagans 5. “The well-known solar feast,…cele- broke down the pagan’s prejudic- brated on 25 December, has a strong es by “Christianizing” their hea- claim on the responsibility for our De- then festivals. cember date. For the history of the so- b. Christmas was the adoption of the lar cult…see…” (We noticed this un- Roman pagan festival “Saturnalia.” der “The pagan background—WCH).
c. a.d. 254 Origin, an early out- D. Notice what the Encyclopedia Britanni-
standing church father, repudiat- ca states (VI:641-642). ed the idea of celebrating any day 1. “Christmas was not among the ear- as the birthday of Christ. liest festivals of the church, and be- d. The first mention of December fore the fifth century there was no 25 as Christ’s birthday was in a.d. general consensus of opinion as to 354, even then it was not celebrat- where it should come in the calen- ed in any special way. dar, whether on January 6, March e. The first observance of the birth- 25, or December 25.” day of Christ on December 25 2. “The exact day and year of Christ’s th dates from the 4 century a.d., birth have never been satisfactorily and, the name “Christmas” was settled, but when the fathers of the not attached to that day until the church in A.D. 440 decided upon th 11 century (a.d. 1038). a date to celebrate the event, they C. The following statements are taken from wisely chose the day of the winter
the Catholic Encyclopedia (III:724-728). solstice which was firmly fixed in the
1. “Christmas was not among the ear- minds of the people and which was liest festivals of the church. Iranae- their most important festival….The us and Tertullian omit it from their transition from paganism to Chris- lists of feasts; Origen…asserts that tianity was gradual but became ap- in the Scriptures sinners alone, not parent after the fall of Rome A.D. saints, celebrate their birthday.” 476 when the church was the one 2. “But Lupi has shown…that there is organization which had the strength no month in the year to which re- and wisdom to withstand the disor- spectable authorities have not as- ganized centuries of the dark ages.... signed Christ’s birth.” For several centuries Christmas was 3. “In 385, therefore, 25 December solely a church anniversary observed was not observed at Jerusalem.” by religious services. But as Chris- 4. “The word forChristmas in late Old tianity spread among the people of English is Cristes Maesse, the Mass pagan lands, many of the practic- es of the winter solstice were blend- b. Galatians 4:9-11. Might well ap- ed with those of Christianity. Thus, ply today. Christmas became both religious B. Although Christmas cannot be respect- and secular in its celebration, at ed as having any religious significance times reverent, at others gay.” (as a religious holy day) the day can, E. Thus, Christmas was not a “Christian” nevertheless, be enjoyed as a national observance until several centuries after holiday. Christ’s death and the establishment of 1. If we can remember Saturday without the church. It came into being after the worshiping Saturn or Sunday without church had gone into apostasy, a fall- ing away from the truth, and was the worshiping the sun then we can re- incorporating of a heathen festival into member December 25 as a purely sec- so-called Christianity. ular holiday. II. What, therefore, should be the Christian’s 2. Yes, let us enjoy this season of the year, attitude towards Christmas? but, let us do it in a way in which our A. The members of the Lord’s church Lord would approve. will not teach, nor practice, religiously, There are two contradictory spirits mani- anything that is not specifically autho- fested during this time of year. One spirit is rized in the New Testament either by characterized by drunkenness, gluttony, revel- direct statements, implications, or by ries, and such like: a spirit that is out of place example. at any time of the year. The other spirit is char- 1. Matthew 16:9. acterized by giving, thankfulness, forgiveness, 2. Galatians 1:6-9. kindness, fellowship, love, and happiness— 3. 1 Corinthians 4:6. this is not so much the spirit of Christmas as 4. 2 Timothy 3:16-17. (Since the Scrip- tures are silent concerning Christ- it is the spirit of Christ and the Christian who mas, this day is not a part of “every is like Christ. It is this spirit that should char- good work.”) acterize our lives at all seasons of the year that 5. 1 Peter 4:11. every day might be as joyous and rewarding as 6. 2 Peter 1:3. (The Lord has not given Christmas. Deceased us the observance of Christmas so it is not a part of “life and godliness.”) Defender and Beacon 7. 2 John 9. Available Via E-Mail 8. Revelation 22:18-19. To receive the Defender and Beacon via a. The sincere follower of Christ will e-mail please send your e-mail address to desire to teach and practice only [email protected]. The file you will that for which there is a “thus saith receive will be a PDF. the word of the Lord.” BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1798 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Marilyn Hall Marilyn Rubye Bailey Dot Lambert Williams Charles Gallaher Bill Remember your in prayers: 2:15). obedience (2 Tim. untostand faithful must one be readif Christ to is under 1:27; 2:3).all-authoritative The Word of once hidden, but now (Col. revealed thoritative Himself, of purpose Christ (Rom. 11:33).all-au the is The mystery out!” finding ments, past ways his and judg how his God! are unsearchable ofboth wisdom the knowledge of and doxology is: “O depth the of riches the mystery, nowis exposed an Paul’s and once was (Eph. just that 3:1-3)man and of Yes, God? work the of toward God mystery the ofas Christ we speak Can know by December 20. Members’ Directoryplease let office the to you 2014If the have changes any WarrAnita (Terri Myrick’s mother) (Pam Bruce Busch’s friend)Margaret Haven) (The Cravey Robbie Bobbie LaBryer What Mystery ofChrist? What Mystery 2014 Directory Update 2014 Directory
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an has given following the to has us account: an describing In them,feasts. one church histori guage). Jude 12 2 Peter and 2:13 refer to these “love (or feasts” were designated by formally term,meals the of places their in worship,meals these and Minister: Bishops: lence whom from and fed both those they er, benevo much their and and pleasure love united in one strictly anoth with all reverence were the and of they place, the eating, fellowship in sofrom this And mon church [building]. banquet the in common table, acommon dinner, acom poor, the a made called and and houses, brought own from food meat their and of assembly, the but wealthy rich and the home up mediately return upon breaking communion,ceived not the did they im sermon the prayers, heard had and re and met together and faithful For the when all The apostolicchurch enjoyedcommon
Michael Hatcher Paul Brantley, Michael Hatcher agapais agapais Eating in the Church Building the in Eating in the Greek the in lan BEACON Vol. XLII/No. 49 Dub McClishDub A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com ------E-mail: [email protected] Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. church its and Those councils. who hold such following are apostate the they reality in that apostolicthe need to they is see church. What imitating are they think lowship usually meals fel and forchurch dinners building basket abominable is idolatry.paganism (Col. Jesus’2:14),with on death Calvary and Moses God’s perished as authority religion in of church the course, Theing, building. law of or spread house the of tables “in God,” mean By By idea of sacred sites,temples. and buildings, concepts it practices, and embracedgan the itsand borrowing of Old Testament pa and odicea, in its in 28 odicea, hierarchy.ist of Council the La year that In of Roman the ly integrated into thinking the Those whotoday theopposeuse of With of advance Catholicism the Roman Church Bingham Church from ( God a.d. 850.455.7595 397 sacred-site the approach ful was The Antiquities of the Christian Christian the of Antiquities The th cannon, forbade to any eat , Vol. 11, Book IV). December 9,2013 ------a view commit at least two faults: both very serious matters. Can we not see that 1. They confuse the church with a build- “the Most High dwelleth not in houses made ing of brick and mortar, boards or with hands” (Acts 7:48-50)? To use the church nails where the church meets. building for a common meal is not going to 2. They make laws for others where God desecrate it, since it is not God’s temple to be- has not made them. gin with. The concept of “sacred” buildings The first of these is likely a result of failure is rooted in the defunct law of Moses and/ to comprehend what the church really is. The or paganism rather than in the law of Christ. church is those persons who have been bap- He demands consecrated minds, hearts, and tized for forgiveness of their sins, upon the bodies (Luke 10:27; Rom. 12:1-3). To misuse confession of their faith in Jesus as the Christ these, not eating in a church building, is to and upon repentance of their sins (Acts 2:37- defile or destroy God’s temple (1 Cor. 3:16-17; 47). One might look upon it as God’s “deposi- 6:19-20). tory” of those who are saved. Jesus purchased What are we to make of the language of the church, not a church building, with His 1 Corinthians 11:22 and 34? Do they not say blood (20:28). that one should eat and drink in his house or Jesus gave Himself up for the church, not eat “at home” if he is hungry? They indeed do. for a church building (Eph. 5:25). To view the However, these cannot be fairly construed as church building as a “holy place” consistent- a general condemnation of eating a meal in ly leads one to the decision of the Laodicean the same premises where worship is offered to Council of 397. God. We have already the historical descrip- The second fault results in a brazen attempt tion of the “love feast” of Jude 12 and 2 Peter to usurp the dominion of the Lord by mak- 2:13, which was held immediately after wor- ing a decree He has not made. It forbids that ship in the same facility. which He allows. Those who hold this view Further, one must consider the fact that are governed by a human, rather than by a Di- brethren in various places used their homes vine law. Those who are determined to govern for meeting places. Paul sent greeting to “Pris- others by this position have only the author- ca and Aquila…and salute the church that is ity of men for their dogma and their practice in their house” (Rom. 16:3-5). The church in in doing so. This practice is a fine example of Laodicea met in the home of Nymphas (Col. what Jesus condemned in principle when he 4:15). Archippus’ house was where the church said, “In vain do they worship me, teaching in Colossae met (Phm. 2). Surely the brethren as their doctrines the precepts of men.” (Mat. who owned these houses also ate their meals 15:9). in them. But why devote so much space to a mat- Moreover, if we are going to ignore the true ter that is really only an indifferent point any- context of what Paul says in 1 Corinthians way? Because ignorance of what the church re- 11, the passage would forbid one to ever eat ally is and binding a tradition on brethren are anywhere else except in his own house. One other point on this passage: Paul’s statement of the sacred, memorial purpose of the supper includes drinking as well as eating (11:22). and the risk to their souls in failing to thus Yet, we have never heard those who decry eat- reverently observe it (11:23-29). ing in the church building ever raise one word To duplicate the error of the Corinthian of opposition to the drinking fountain in each church described in this passage we would of their own church buildings. However, what have to combine a fellowship meal with the applies to one applies to both in this passage. observance of the Lord’s supper (which some What is the major thrust of 1 Corinthians liberal brethren have actually been promoting 11? It is not the right or wrong use of a build- in recent years, incidentally). ing, for there is no record of any first century Then those who have more food would church even owning a building. Rather, the have to refuse to share their abundance with apostle condemns the Corinthians’ profan- those who have much less. Paul does not ad- ing of the Lord’s supper, not of His building dress eating or not eating a physical meal in in this important chapter. They were combin- the church building in this passage. He ad- ing the Lord’s supper with an ordinary meal. dresses combining a fellowship meal with the Additionally, those who had more were eating Lord’s supper, thus corrupting the spiritual too much and not sharing it with those who feast. Read verses 20 through 34 again and had little and who then went away embar- you cannot miss it. rassed and hungry (11:21-22). They could call [NOTE: I am indebted to Elvis Huffard for this the “Lord’s supper,” but it was impossible assembling some of the historical notes I have for it to be so by the Lord’s reckoning (11:20). used in the foregoing article—DM.] Paul then reminded them in very strong terms Denton, TX
The Dust-Covered Bible Some years ago, a clergyman in Ireland scarcely knowing what he did, he traced on it took for his text one Sunday morning, “Search the appalling words of the preacher. the Scriptures.” In the course of his sermon, He looked at them, read them again, and he quoted a passage from John Wesley, to bursting into tears flung himself on his knees, the effect that the Bible “sometimes had dust and confessing his past sins, sought grace that enough on its cover to write ‘damnation’ on he might prize it more in the future. The Bible it.” One of his hearers was struck by the re- became his companion, and to his dying hour mark, and on her return home repeated it. She he bore witness to its sustaining power, and was overheard by her brother, who had cause- his joy in the God it reveals. lessly absented himself from church that day. See how much came from a seemingly ran- The startling thought fixed itself in his heart dom word, spoken eighty years before. like an arrow. He retired to his room, and took Author Unknown down his Bible. Looking at its dust-cover, and (Firm Foundation, July 10, 1890) BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1798 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Marilyn Hall Marilyn Rubye Bailey Dot Lambert Williams Charles Gallaher Bill Remember your in prayers: that doeth good.” doeth that done abominable works, arecorrupt, havetheyis no They God. There his in heart, “The foolsaid hath know by December 20. Members’ Directoryplease let office the to you 2014If the have changes any 390-1910. Please update your directory. Tim Cozad’s new telephone number is: 16 December WarrAnita (Terri Myrick’s mother) (Pam Bruce Busch’s friend)Margaret Haven) (The Cravey Robbie Melvin Torrey pm. Visitation Group meet at 6:00 2will Spaghetti & Spaghetti Sauce 2014 Directory Update 2014 Directory Pantry Items Needed Pantry Items Please Remember Directory Change Directory Peanut Butter Peanut
Psalm 14:1
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or religion” ( of assumption virtue appearance of an false not or to believe what one doesnot; esp: the ster as, defines it to bewhat“a feigning oneis not.was As out or pretended a part towhich he be that actor, word an nal means i.e., one who acted (Rom. aliar” 3:4). but man true, every remember Paul’s comment, “yea, let be God would do to well pair. All sinful this with ing ofGod not enough having love deal His in would of they accuse mindthat frame a sinful 15:3). some that have not Itrust reached such but ajust 4:16; (1 John God He also is Rev. for(5:5, hypocrisy their 10). Yes, “God love,” is them were hypocrites, active killed God and but were they ful, that notice not Idid were that they say faith that 5). churchof Jerusalem (Acts early the Please Minister: Bishops: To beahypocrite to is live alie. The origi Sapphira and were membersactive Ananias
hypocrisy Michael Hatcher Paul Brantley, Michael Hatcher Webster’s New Seventh Collegiate
relates to religion, Web active Jerusalem Hypocrites Jerusalem BEACON
(5:1-2). They They (5:1-2). Vol. XLII/No. 50 David P. Brown David A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com - - - - E-mail: [email protected] Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. about Ananias and Sapphira’s and about Ananias contribution. Church,” “The Jerusalem commentsthese had 4:32-37; 5:2). J. W. McGarvey, sermon his in on ceived to church the for (Acts aworthy cause sold gave and some land their of re what they Dictionary “Beware ye of“Beware leaven the of Pharisees, the (Mat. 23:28). it So our Lord warned: that is hypocritesall typical of flaw is character This of men generosity. for to be praised false their wanted husbandto Both wife beseen ing! and for it if today morn been had uttered as this 1893! Remember how that Ananias and Sapphira and Remember how Ananias that McGarvey said this in the summer summer the in this said McGarvey If this deed (253). deed this at clapping of hands hearty very and eral blies, blies, some are ofhouse as ourmodern assem irreverentmonstrative and Lord’s the in the disciples at that age had been as de as been had age disciplesthe at that 850.455.7595 It however, is, applicable and fresh as I think there would have gen been think , 1963). , December 16,2013 - - - of of - - which is hypocrisy” (Luke 12:1). Their lie to man in the church, than if we cast him the God of glory brought about His swift out? (254). and sure retribution (Acts 5:5, 10). McGarvey I am constantly made to marvel at how again comments: some things never change. You may be sure What awful work this was; and how that if Ananias and Sapphira “agreed togeth- quickly done! No tears, no prayers, no de- er to tempt the Spirit of the Lord” before an lay. Nothing but solemnity and awe like inspired apostle (Acts 5:9), that in our age of that of the judgment day, and whose work worldly pride and “supposing that gain is god- was it? Not that of Peter; for he seems not liness” (1 Tim. 6:5), the same sinfulness will to have known that Ananias was to fall run rampant in the church. dead; and although he knew that Sap- How many churches really want sermons phira would, he expressed no will of his preached that deal with the sins of the breth- own in the matter. It was the work of the ren? The present “positive preaching” concept great Head of the church, who thus ex- would have us angry at God and Peter and ercised discipline in His church, so as to cooing like doves over the poor unloved and show those to whom it would afterward mistreated Ananias and Sapphira. Beloved be entrusted, the promptness with which brethren, we must open our eyes to the sad crying sins must be rebuked if the church state of affairs so many in the church have would please Him. This is divine intima- come to and set our hearts and lives to turn tion on the subject of discipline. Shall we back to God. We must realize the importance learn the lesson, or shall we continue, as in godly discipline and its place in the saving so many churches have long been doing, of souls (1 Cor. 5:4-5, 10-13; 2 The. 3:6). to keep the ungodly in the church, under Work Cited the vain delusion that we are exercising McGarvey, J. W. “The Jerusalem Church.” Ser- forbearance and mercy which heaven will mons. Nashville, TN: Gospel Advocate Com-
approve, or under the idle impression that pany, 1958. 253-254.
we have a better hope of saving a wicked Spring, TX
We Come to Worship God!!!
Jess Whitlock
“But the hour is coming, and now is, when The mighty Messiah speaks to a woman the true worshipers will worship the Father of Samaria in John 4. The woman was inter- in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking ested in the place of worship. The Jews wor- such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those shipped only in Jerusalem (Deu. 12:5-11). The who worship Him must worship in spirit and Samaritans worshipped “on this mountain” truth” (John 4:23-24). Worship is a precious (John 4:20), i.e., Mount Gerizim. A tremen- privilege for God’s child, and God’s children dous change in worship is about to take place. come together to worship Him! The Son of God declares, “the hour is coming and now is.” Soon there would be a transition God still seeks true worshipers and those from the Old Law of Moses to the New Testa- “who worship Him must worship in spirit and ment of Jesus Christ! The place would not be truth.” The true worshiper of God will wor- any designated building or structure. Where ship Him from the very essence of his being “true worshipers…worship the Father” results (Gen. 1:26-27; 2:7-ff; Isa. 45:18). in true worship. True worshipers will wor- Let us worship God on the first day of the ship only God the Father. We know there is week (Acts 20:7). We are to Sing (Eph. 5:19; true worship. Also, there is vain worship (Mat. Col. 3:16), we are to Pray (Phi. 4:6), we are to 15:9; 2 John 9-11), and ignorant worship (Acts partake of the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor. 11:20-ff), 17:23-31). we are to give as prospered (16:1-2), and there True worship is rendered to “the Father will be the Teaching of His Word (Acts 2:42; in spirit and truth.” The majority of worship 28:31). Let us worship God both in spirit and in the religious world today is not offered in in truth! (1) spirit, or in (2) truth. For worship to be Evant, TX acceptable we must have the correct Object: God, the Father, and Creator (Gen. 1:1; Exo. 20:9-11). We must have the correct Attitude: Everybody needs a rule to work by,
in spirit, i.e., sincerely, the soul of man wor- and here is a good one: The whole church,
ships the Creator. Finally, we must have the and the furtherance of Truth, is more im-
correct Way: in Truth, i.e., in accordance with portant than one man, or a few, and more
the Word of God (John 17:17; Col. 3:17). important than one congregation or a
When we worship God as a “true” worship- few. The Word is to be preached (2 Tim.
er this will exclude human traditions, innova- 4:2), and all of it (Acts 20:27), and in a
tions, and the commandments of men! True spirit of love of Truth (2 The. 2:10) and
worship is centered on God and not on man. hatred for all false ways (Psa. 119:104,
128). To “let error pass” is to declare that
one cares nothing for Truth, cares noth- Bellview Church of Christ ing for the souls of men, and cares not if Web Site souls are lost. No man calling himself a Gospel preacher can afford to be in that The site offers a vast amount of resources position. And, he cannot allow himself to for your personal edification. Past issues of be compromised in spirit and heart that Defender and Beacon, sermon outlines pre- some man or some men stand between sented by Michael Hatcher, as well as Ira him and the Truth! Our speaking and Y. Rice’s Basic Bible course are available. writing brethren, around the world, need Videos of lectureships and sermons can be to take this lesson most seriously! viewed. Why not check it out at: Bill Jackson (Deceased) http://www.bellviewcoc.com
BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1798 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Rubye Bailey Dot Lambert Williams Charles Gallaher Bill Remember your in prayers: know by December 20. Members’ Directoryplease let office the to you 2014If the have changes any 696-2247. Please update your directory. Flesher’sAl new telephone number is: 25 December prayers offer and her encouragement. on December 15. Please keep her your in into baptized Heather Christ was Stark WarrAnita (Terri Myrick’s mother) (Pam Bruce Busch’s friend)Margaret Haven) (The Cravey Robbie Melvin Torrey Hall Marilyn the auditorium. the Sermons Video Series at 7:00 pm, in Spaghetti & Spaghetti Sauce 2014 Directory Update 2014 Directory Pantry Items Needed Pantry Items Please Remember Directory Change Directory Peanut Butter Peanut
Baptized Sick
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if heif it feels would but advantage, beto his he volved. One without be honest integrity will unjust, men often consider “trade-offs” the in or or deceptive, dishonest, fair just or truthful it long before it terminates. tocontract “renegotiate” then demanding and show contempt their for integrity a by signing singers,and idolized imitated and by millions, attitude. Professionalcavalier actors athletes, rental agreements, tenants show and same the notorious are Landlords to live up for to failing ten contract. aperson’sand writ any binding word as as was reverence ideal, the for was honesty truth and when time today—a are they as pervasive as ber when atime deception fraud were and not question who remem people many asking are is a This land? this in so many characterized Minister: Bishops: In making adecision about making In whether to be Even little today. signed contracts mean happenedWhat to integrity once the which
Michael Hatcher Paul Brantley, Michael Hatcher What Ever Happened to Integrity? BEACON Vol. XLII/No. 51 A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com Al Brown Al - - - E-mail: [email protected] Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. which they know to be the best and strongest know and to best bethe they which ever it entices may them bethat to give up that fortegrity money or power or pleasure—what for who those in their trade becalculated age dam the such How attitudeshave caused? can losssure the self-esteem trust in mutual and destroy them”shall (Pro. 11:3). mea can Who them; But of perverseness the treacherous the tion.guideintegrity the “The of upright shall have themselves set on of acourse self-destruc offintegrity numbers vast casting greed, in anything. about truth the he besure if telling is really aresult, no ever one As to him. can tageous he believed it advan unless was truth the tell moral scruples. He could never to beexpected ly untrustworthy, unpredictable, without and Such too is aperson high. obviously is ty high price the of honesto bedishonest he if thinks quickly, as withoutwill and hesitation, decide Motivatedand grasping by selfishness 850.455.7595 December 23,2013 ------and finest in exchange for that which is sleazy In a word, we can live as our Savior did when and shady, filthy, underhanded, and evil? He walked on this earth. He was transparent- Integrity has been defined as “soundness of ly honest. He never tried to hide anything, for moral principle and character, complete honesty there was nothing in His life about which He and uprightness with no masking of intent.” Its was ashamed. Jesus never lied to anyone or opposite is hypocrisy, deceit, and fraud. If a per- cheated a single person. He not only never re- son has integrity, he does not put on a false front sorted to verbal gymnastics, or any other kind or wear an artificial mask, as it were. He will be of deception, to mislead and confuse or to cov- openly honest and worthy of complete trust in er up what He meant, but He always clearly all that he says or does, as opposed to one who is told the truth, regardless of the consequences. deceptive or makes false claims. It obviously ex- He was loving, fair, just, and righteous to all cludes lying, stealing, cheating, or any form of men, even though it brought on Him the ha- deception. David described a person of integrity tred and scorn of those in positions of power in Psalm 15:1-4: Jehovah, who shall sojourn in thy taber- who were devoid of such qualities. In fact, if He had not been so determined to nacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill? teach and practice those traits which are marks He that walketh uprightly, and worketh of integrity, He probably would not have gone righteousness, And speaketh truth in his to the cross. On the other hand, if He had sti- heart; He that slandereth not with his tongue, Nor doeth evil to his friend, Nor fled and compromised those principles, He taketh up a reproach against his neighbor; would have never fulfilled His Father’s will as In whose eyes a reprobate is despised, But foretold in the prophets (cf. Isa. 11:1-5), and who honoreth them that fear Jehovah; He His own lack of integrity would have shattered that sweareth to his own hurt, and chan- the only perfect ideal men would ever have by geth not. which they could pattern their lives. Would it not be wonderful if we lived in Integrity is always expensive. It cost the Son a world where people practiced integrity? Of of God His life. It so aroused the envy and course, men being what they are, this will nev- hatred of the hypocrites and deceivers around er be a reality this side of eternity, but it can Him that they hung Him on a tree. Our Lord be better than it is—much better! You and I can practice integrity. We can have a high re- calls on us to follow His example and stand straight—walk straight—talk straight: “Watch gard for honesty, and we can be scrupulously honest. We can be just, righteous, and fair in ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, all our dealings with others and in all that we be strong” (1 Cor. 16:13). The cost will be high say. Your life, and mine, can be such that de- for us too, but look at the reward: “Be thou ception or subterfuge or hypocrisy will never faithful unto death, and I will give thee the stain our lives, and others will be able to trust crown of life” (Rev. 2:10). us fully and completely. Deceased The Lord is Good
Jimmie Z. Gribble Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: my people. And they shall teach no more
But thou hast in love to my soul delivered every man his neighbour, and every man it from the pit of corruption: For thou his brother, saying, Know the Lord: For
hast cast all my sins behind thy back (Isa. they shall all know me, From the least of
38:17). them unto the greatest of them, saith the
King Hezekiah, upon his recovery from Lord: For I will forgive their iniquity, sickness and the point of death, wrote the And I will remember their sin no more above words. He stated that God had cast his (Jer. 31:31-34).
sins behind His back. Setting forth the truth Notice, that this is the new covenant; God
of God’s Word, that when God forgives, He would remember their sin “no more.”
forgets—that is He sees them no more. The writer of Hebrews used this same pas- Jeremiah, prophesying of the new covenant sage in Hebrews 8:8-13. One difference be-
God would make with His people, stated: tween the Old and New covenants had to do Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, with this very point—God forgiving and for-
That I will make a new covenant With the getting. To see this difference more clearly, we
house of Israel, and with the house of Ju- look at another passage in Hebrews. The writ-
dah: Not according to the covenant that er wrote:
I made with their fathers In the day that For the law having a shadow of good
I took them by the hand To bring them things to come, and not the very image of out of the land of Egypt; Which my cov- the things, can never with those sacrifices enant they brake, Although I was an hus- which they offered year by year continu- band unto them, saith the Lord: But this ally make the comers thereunto perfect.
shall be the covenant that I will make with For then would they not have ceased to the house of Israel; After those days, saith be offered? because that the worshippers the Lord, I will put my law in their in- once purged should have had no more ward parts, And write it in their hearts; sacrifices conscience of sins. But in those And will be their God, And they shall be there is a remembrance again made of sins
every year (Heb. 10:1-3). Defender and Beacon Once “our” sins are cast behind the back
Available Via E-Mail of God, He remembers them no more. What a great blessing for us today. Beloved, if there To receive the Defender and Beacon via e- is sin in your life—take care of it now. And, if mail please send your e-mail address to bell- you can, once taken care of, let it go yourself. [email protected]. The file you will re- Do not carry the guilt of it, because as far as ceive will be a PDF (a free reader is available God is concerned—it never happened. from www.adobe.com). Portsmouth, VA BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1798 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Marilyn Hall Marilyn Rubye Bailey Dot Lambert Williams Charles Gallaher Bill Remember your in prayers: the Bible 28). ( salem from kingdom the itsrule capital, Jeru dom of Israel. Rehoboam continued to one-thirdarea, of of king size the the 5,630 km/3,500 square in miles square kingdom, about It asmall jamin. was comprised of Ben tribes the Judah and south, the In of new kingdom the Judah 25 December Sunday Every WarrAnita (Terri Myrick’s mother) (Pam Bruce Busch’s friend)Margaret (West Florida Hammac Lee Hospital) Haven) (The Cravey Robbie Melvin Torrey the auditorium. the Sermons Video Series at 7:00 pm, in pm, zone the in room. meet at Bible 5:00 Ladies’ will Class Spaghetti & Spaghetti Sauce The Kingdom ofJudah The Kingdom Pantry Items Needed Pantry Items Nelson’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Please Remember Peanut Butter Peanut
Sick
Jelly Ant Marge W Marge Hor Pau hony Polnitz ace Myrickace Al Fl Al l Brantley illiams esher - - -
ate on amount, income total based the (before week, have you predetermined aproportion fit? Or, when yougive thedayfirst the of on you have and as to somesee paying, use funds bill on taxes, based what you have after left termined amount the you going are to give tion? you When give, have you previously de of infla because what you decreased give has your value the of and income increased has over even not though years the has changes amount that and you ago determined years youWhen give, do you give amount aset that ofyou your wants? and care needs have taken you give aportion of what you have after left then give aportion you of When give, that? do or there in what see is and purseand wallet ofcerity your worship? worship. How show doesyour giving sin the week onethe is of five the or acts avenues of aul Brantley, Michael Hatcher Minister: Bishops: When youWhen give, do you just check your theday first giving The of of on our means
Michael Hatcher P BEACON Vol. XLII/No. 52 Ken Chumbley Ken A Publication Church ofBellview ofChrist 4850 Saufley Field Road; Pensacola, FL32526 Internet Website:http://www.bellviewcoc.com Giving - - - - E-mail: [email protected] Wednesday Bible Classesforallages—7:00p.m. Sunday Worship —10:00a.m.,6:00p.m. Services Sunday Bible Classesforallages—9:00a.m. giving of our means for of our work means the giving of Lord. the Scripture to in respect the with instructions with? you bills), and taxes prospered of what has God Yet, all Christians have been given Yet, same the Christians all selves; Praying us with much intreaty that that much with intreaty us selves; Praying their power, beyond record, and yea, Ibear of riches liberality.the their For to abounded unto deep poverty their and their of the joy abundance of affliction al tri How agreat of in es Macedonia; that of bestowed God on church grace the the Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of (1 Cor. 16:1-2). when Icome there no be gatherings that store, God in him as day sodo even ye. Upon of first es Galatia, the Ihave given order as saints, to church the Now collection for the concerning the 850.455.7595 of the week let every one of weeklet of the every you lay by power power they were December 30,2013 hath prospered hath him, willing of them willing their - - - -
we would receive the gift, and take upon all grace abound toward you; that ye, al- us the fellowship of the ministering to the ways having all sufficiency in all things, saints. And this they did, not as we hoped, may abound to every good work (9:6-8). but first gave their own selves to the Lord, We do not intend to police the giving of and unto us by the will of God. Insomuch others, but as Christians we have an obliga- that we desired Titus, that as he had be- tion to police our own giving. Further, we need gun, so he would also finish in you the to remember that God knows how we give. same grace also. Therefore, as ye abound He knows whether or not we are giving as we thing in in every , faith, and utterance, and have prospered and showing the sincerity of knowledge, and in all diligence, and in our love in this act or avenue of worship. We your love to us, see that ye abound in this need to be honest with ourselves and if we grace also (2 Cor. 8:1-7). But this I say, He which soweth sparing- have not been giving as we have been pros- ly shall reap also sparingly; and he which pered we need to make the necessary changes in our giving now. Remember, we will have to soweth bountifully shall reap also bounti- answer to God at the judgment for our failure fully. Every man according as he purpos- eth in his heart, so let him give; not grudg- to do what He has commanded regarding our
ingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a giving as well as in other matters.
cheerful giver. And God is able to make Belvedere, SC
Placing Membership
Lee Moses Sometimes questions arise as to wheth- church of Christ after leaving another. er it is Scripturally necessary, or even Scrip- (1) In the New Testament, each first centu- turally permissible, to “place membership” ry Christian is understood to be a member of with a congregation. A modern brother or sis- a particular congregation. The New Testament ter may raise the objection: “I’m a member of does speak of the universal church of Christ, the church of Christ, and that’s good enough into which the Lord adds the saved when they for me.” What this person means is: “I am a are baptized (Mat. 16:18; Acts 2:47; Eph. 5:23). member of the universal church of Christ, but However, far and away the New Testament
I have no interest in serving in a local con- most often uses “church” to refer to the local gregation.” Others seem to believe that plac- congregation (Acts 14:27; 20:17; Rom. 16:1, ing membership is a denominational concept, 23a). Paul wrote “saints which are at Ephesus” rather than a Scriptural concept. However, the (Eph. 1:1). Here it is expressed that he wrote term simply means to identify oneself with a to “saints,” or Christians—but were they not local congregation. saints who were members of the local church Please consider a few reasons why it is both at Ephesus? He wrote “Unto the church of God Scripturally permissible and Scripturally nec- which is at Corinth, to them that are sancti- essary to place membership with a faithful fied in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus within the body (Rom. 12:5; 1 Cor. 12; Eph. Christ our Lord” (1 Cor. 1:2). “Paul, and Sil- 4:16), and the body functions within each lo- vanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the cal congregation. There is no larger organiza- Thessalonians which is in God the Father and tional structure of the church (compare with in the Lord Jesus Christ” (1 The. 1:1). Wheth- Phi. 1:1). If we do not function within a local
er Paul addressed “the saints at [whatever loca- church, we do not function within the church
church at all. tion]” or “the at [whatever location],” he was addressing the same group. (3) Christians have the responsibility to
(2) Members are responsible to function submit to a local eldership (or men’s business
meeting, where congregations do not have
qualified men), while each eldership has the Self-Examination for responsibility to oversee the flock they are among (Heb. 13:17; Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:2). Church Members How many morning services would we If one never submits to an eldership, he nev-
have had this past year if everyone had er complies with his responsibility to submit
stayed at home when I did? How many to an eldership, and he hinders elders from
times would the evening services be omit- performing their responsibility to oversee the
ted if no one had gone except when I was flock. there? How many times would the Sunday (4) After Saul was converted and returned school have met if they met only when I to Jerusalem, he knew he had to identify him- was there? How much Christian instruc- self with the congregation there. This is why tion would the children of my community “he assayed to join himself to the disciples”
have received if everybody gave as much as there (Acts 9:26). There is no difference be-
I do? How many people of darkened lands tween this and what is sometimes called “plac-
would have heard the Gospel, if everyone ing membership.” If Saul saw the need to
was as interested in them as much as I am? identify himself with a faithful congregation How many of my neighbors would have where he was living, why would we not have been invited to service, welcomed at the the same need? If one lives in an area where church; how many prayers would have there are no faithful congregations, placing been offered for my minister, my neigh- membership is obviously not an option. In bors, my church? How many words of tes- such instances, one should again do what the timony spoken for Christ? first century Christians did, and establish con- What kind of a Christian am I any- how? Do my excuses stand before Christ? gregations in those areas (compare with Acts What kind of a church would this be, if 8:4ff; 11:19-21). every person was just like me? Otherwise, placing membership is both Author Unknown Scripturally permissible and Scripturally nec- essary. Mammoth Springs, AR BEACON Nonprofit Org. Bellview Church of Christ U S. Postage 4850 Saufley Field Road Paid Pensacola, FL 32526-1798 Pensacola, FL Permit No. 395 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Marilyn Hall Marilyn Rubye Bailey Dot Lambert Williams Charles Gallaher Bill Remember your in prayers: lustrated Encyclopedia ofthe Bible 28). now cutfrom off ( Jerusalem northern for kingdom, which was this worship at cities the Bethel and of Dan Shechem. He new centres established of of from capital his ruled and king, as ed dom of Israel. Jeroboam appoint Iwas king the called kingdom, they which Ten of Israelite the up set anew tribes January 6 Sunday Every WarrAnita (Terri Myrick’s mother) (Pam Bruce Busch’s friend)Margaret Haven) (The Cravey Robbie Melvin Torrey pm. Visitation Group meet at 6:00 1will pm, zone the in room. meet at Bible 5:00 Ladies’ will Class Spaghetti & Spaghetti Sauce The Kingdom ofIsraelThe Kingdom Pantry Items Needed Pantry Items Please Remember Peanut Butter Peanut
Sick
Jelly A M H nthony Polnitz arge Williams arge L P orace Myrick aul Brantley aul ee Hammac ee A Nelson’s Il - l Flesher - -