A NEWSLETTER FOR THE MEMBERS OF THE GREENWOOD CHURCH OF CHRIST

VOLUME 2 NO. 49                                         January 22, 2006

BACK TO THE BIBLE

BY TIM ARTHUR

One of the besetting sins of modern society is a lack of knowledge of the greatest book in the world---the Bible! It is really no surprise that so much ungodliness runs rampant in our streets. A lack of spiritual emphasis always results in chaos and wickedness. In Proverbs 14:34 the inspired writer boldly affirmed: “Righteousness exalts a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.”

Americans desperately need to get back to the Bible in our homes. Divorce runs rampant in our land because Americans have forgotten the Lord's will in this matter, “What God has joined together, let not man put asunder” (Matthew 19:9).

We need to get back to Bible teaching regarding proper respect for authority. This is the only way to stop the disrespect for civil authority, parents, teachers and human's life in general (Romans 13:1-8).

We need to get back to Bible teaching regarding proper respect for authority in religion. The reason for denominationalism is a lack of respect for the authority of God's Word, for God's Word condemns division (I Cor. 1:10; 14:33). Men need to do away with their creed books, church manuals, etc., and return to God's Word as the sole authority in religion. Jesus promised in Matthew 16:18 to build His church. We must go back to the Bible for that glorious body over which He rules as head (Colossians 1:18).

Americans certainly need to return to God's Word for moral purity and holiness. In an age of filth, nudity, and all kinds of sexual perversions, we plead with men to return to the wholesome purity taught in the Bible. Church councils may sanction homosexual preachers, but the Bible clearly and emphatically condemns such (Romans 1:27; I Corinthians 6:9).

There is a genuine need for men to return to the Bible for God's plan of redemption. The majority of the religious rejects baptism as a condition for salvation; however, in Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Galatians 3:27; I Peter 3:21; etc., it is clearly seen that baptism into Christ for the remission of sins is a necessity.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

A SELECTED ITEM

• Advice when most needed is least heeded.
• Better be alone than in bad company.
• Both medicine and advice are easy to prescribe but hard to take.
• The only time some people think of God is when they get into trouble.
• There is no such thing as a great talent without great willpower.
• Life's heaviest burden is to have nothing to carry.
• Believe that life is worth living and your belief will help create the fact.