****************************************************************************************************
Bulletin
Lay Lake Church of Christ
Volume 4 November 29, 2009 Number 48
****************************************************************************************************
God Means What He Says?
David A. Bass
Many seem to approach the Bible with the proverbial “grain of salt” and as a result they do not take the Word of God seriously. We are willing to obey God IF it is convenient; IF it fits into our thinking and IF it is not too difficult. But, we need to learn that God means what He says and says what He means. He expects us to obey Him in the EXACT manner prescribed!
This lesson has often been learned too late. Adam and Eve were free to eat of all the trees in the garden except for “the tree of knowledge of good and evil” (Genesis 2:16,17). They were warned by God that “in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die “ (Genesis 2:17). Satan added ‘ONE SMALL WORD’ and changed what God had said to “thou shalt NOT surely die.” Adam and Eve foolishly listened to Satan rather than God and as a consequence of their sin they were forced to leave their earthly paradise home and the tree of life.
Moses learned the hard way that God means ‘exactly’ what he says. In Numbers 20 Moses only changed what God said ‘A LITTLE’ (to obtain water he struck the rock twice instead of speaking to it as God had commanded). But this ‘small, insignificant act’ kept Moses from entering the promised land (Exodus 20:12).
We need to realize that God means exactly what he says and that we must obey Him! Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Again we notice the words of Jesus as recorded in Matthew 7:21, “Not everyone that saith unto me Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;hut he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” Our attitude should be like that of Jesus. He said, “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, hut the will of him that sent me” (John 6:38).
It is time that we begin to take the Bible seriously and obey ALL the commands of God exactly as they are set forth without adding to them or taking away from them. John wrote, “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words, of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things!, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book” (Revelation 22:18,19).
“Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). My friends, may we speak where the Bible speaks and be silent where the Bible is silent. Let’s do Bible things in Bible ways and call Bible things by Bible names. Let’s not be afraid of being “too technical” or “too picky.” God isn’t!
Prayer List
Richard Dunphy (Don’s father); J.C. Hyche (David’s father); Barbara Hix (Will’s grand-mother - breast cancer); Larry Carroll (cancer); Carol Nelson; Earlene Davis (Christy’s grandmother); Gayle Higginbotham; Colin Chandler; Earl Dean (Don’s father); Martha Eckert; Corey Boothe; Adam Carskaddon; Adam Pilling; Scott Pierce; Jesse Spillman; Major Marshall. Christopher Cary & David Miller (Rachel’s dad) in Afghanistan.
Upcoming Activities & News
Scripture Reading: Matt. 8:1-13
Sympathy: We extend our deepest sympathy to the David Hyche family in the loss of his father, J.C. Funeral services are at 2:30 today in Jasper.
Response: Whitney Gaut responded to the invitation last Sunday morning confessing sin and requesting prayer.
Training Class: 4:00 TODAY. ALL of our Christian boys and men are strongly encouraged to attend.
Fifth Sunday Night Prayer Service: All of our Christian men/boys are encouraged to participate in leading prayer and/or reading scripture this afternoon at 5:00!!!
Men’s Meeting: Next Sunday afternoon (Dec. 6) at 3:30.
Fellowship Meal & Visitation Kick-off: Sunday evening (Dec. 6) following our afternoon worship. Everyone is encouraged to attend and participate!
Upcoming Events
2010 Great Smoky Mtn. Marriage Retreat: Feb.17 - 20
Winter Bible School: February 19,20, 2010
Guntersville Family Retreat: March 18-20