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Bulletin
Lay Lake Church of Christ
Volume 4 October 04, 2009 Number 40
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The Bible #2
David A. Bass
The twenty-seven books of the New Testament were written by 8 men and cover about seventy years. Here we read of the life of Christ, the establishment of the church and instructions on Christian living. The first four books are called the Gospels and they tell of the life of Christ. The book of Acts is a book of History and in it we find the establishment of the church, early persecutions, several accounts of conversion and we read of several missionary journeys. The next twenty-one books are called Epistles (letters) and contain instruction on Christian living. Revelation is the final book of the Bible and may be identified as a book of Prophecy. It gives assurance of the final triumph of Christianity and tells of a beautiful heavenly home.
The chapters and verses were added by men many years after the completion of the Bible. Center column references and other notes, prefaces, etc. are also added by men and therefore not inspired!
In 2 Timothy 2:15 we read, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” When we study the Bible we have a responsibility to “rightly divide” it. In order to do so we must understand that the Old Testament was given to the Jews and we do not live under it today; although it is beneficial to us. “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4). We learnmuch about God and his dealing with man from the Old Testament; yet we do not live under the Old Testament law. Paul said in Colossians 2:14 “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;” We read in Hebrews 8:6,7, “But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.” The Old Testament (first covenant) has been taken away and replaced with the New Testament (second covenant). Jesus Christ is the mediator of the New Testament which is described as a “better covenant.” Therefore, while the Old Testament is important and should be studied, we live under the New Testament and we must comply with its teaching.
As Christians, we are commanded to study the Bible (2 Timothy 2:15). The apostle Peter wrote, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:” (1 Peter 2:2). Jesus said in Matthew 5:6, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” We read in 2 Peter 3:18, “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” We should study the Bible at home each day and attend every Bible Class that is made available. The Bible is a wonderful book that will help us to truly find, peace, contentment and happiness!
Prayer List
Karen Funderbird; Earlene Davis; Mr. & Mrs. Hyche (David’s parents); Dawn Rasco; Betty Suiter; Kari Woods; Payton Edwards; Gayle Higginbotham; Colin Chandler; Earl Dean; Martha Eckert; Corey Boothe; Adam Pilling; Scott Pierce; Jesse Spillman; Major Marshall. (Earthquake victims in Pacific Islands).
Upcoming Activities & News
Scripture Reading: Matt. 5:27-32
Pantry: canned chicken
Promotion Day: TODAY!
Men’s Meeting: TODAY at 3:30!
Responses: Whitney Gaut & Kim Roberson responded Sunday night confessing sin in there life and requesting prayer.
Singing Workshop: Oct. 17th (all song leaders [boys & men], 18th everyone!!
Fellowship Meal: Oct. 18th after our morning worship
Youth Devotional: Oct. 11th following our afternoon worship!
Upcoming Events
Final Fall Fling at Backwoods: Oct. 23,24
Fall Cook-Out & Hay Ride: Oct. 31 at 6:30 at the Cashes!
Fall Gospel Meeting: Nov. 1-4
2010 Great Smoky Mtn. Marriage Retreat: Feb.10 - 13 in Pigeon Forge
Winter Bible School: Mark your calendar - February 19,20, 2010
Guntersville Family Retreat: March 18-20
October Birthdays
- 5 - Dean Bass
- 11 - Vanessa Hale
- 25 - Greg Monroe
- 26 - Ginger Cash
- 27 - Elizabeth Smith