HANCOCK
COUNTY
CHURCH
OF
CHRIST
www.hancockcountychurchofchrist.com
Bulletin Editor:
Donald P. Ames
A Simple Question
May 27, 2012
Vol. 2, No. 9
The question is so simple that if we’re not careful, it can trip us
up: “What is the creed of the Church of Christ?” People are so used
to having a creed to make things simple, they cannot fathom a
church not having one.
P. O. Box 560
(4197 S. 600 W.)
New Palestine, In. 46163
(317) 894-3888
WORSHIP SERVICES:
SUNDAY:
Worship…….......9:30 AM
(Extended Service)
Bible Classes..11:35 AM
WEDNESDAY:
Bible Classes…...7:30 PM
EVANGELIST:
Royce U. DeBerry
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But the answer is that the churches of Christ have no creed other
than the Bible itself! This is why Paul wrote the Corinthians that
they should not be divided after the teachings of men (1 Cor. 1:1013). And he instructed Timothy that only that which he had received from Paul was he to pass on to others, with the same
instructions (2 Tim. 2:2). And thus we must study, properly divide,
and understand what God has commanded us to do (Eph. 5:17)..
How else can we have unity in the religious world today? If we
were free to teach whatever we wanted, there would never be any
unity, for we all have different wants. That way we have a united
front to present to the world (Jn. 17:20-23), and one upon which all
can agree. Or do you agree we should follow the Bible?
But why have a creed? If it is different from the Bible, it is wrong
because it is different (Gal. 1:6-10, Matt. 15:9)! If it contains more
than the Bible, it is wrong because it contains too much (2 Jn. 9). If
it contains less than the Bible, it is wrong because it takes away
from God’s word (Lk. 6:46, Heb. 5:9). And if it is just like the Bible,
why is it needed—we have the Bible! It is inspired of God and given
to meet all our needs (2 Tim. 3:16-17). So, instead of looking up
what men have decided is important, let us go to the Bible itself and
study what God would have us to do! That is our plea to you! If you
can show us what we are doing is not found in the word of God, we
will change! Will you make the same offer? And, if you do have a
creed, WHY DO YOU HAVE A CREED??? Is it exactly like the
Bible??? Have you looked at it recently?
--DPA
V. B. S.
Theme: “Be Careful Little Ones What You do”
June 11-13
7:00-8:30 PM
Ages 3 & Older
Everyone Welcomed!
Join us in the study of God’s Word!
[P. 17]
Painless Religion
The unpleasant hurting sensation sometimes
experienced in the physical body can have beneficial effects. Without the symptoms of chest or
stomach pains, for instance, one may be unaware of serious ailments needing immediate attention. The prospects of a comfortable coronary or a painless appendicitis may sound appealing, but the end thereof could well be death.
Physical hurting is not only an informer; it is also
a reminder and protector. Even the sore toe can
convey an attention getting message by hurt saying, “Hey! Remember to take care of me!” The
point is, hurt is a necessary and often helpful part
of our physical existence.
Furthermore, I’m not so sure that hurt doesn’t
occupy a somewhat similar role in the spiritual
realm as well. Take the hurt of Godly sorrow, for
instance. Without it, repentance is impossible for
“godly sorrow worketh repentance” (2 Cor. 7:10).
You can see it in the repentance of the Pentecostians who were “Pricked in their heart” (Acts
2:37). I think we see it in Peter who, in realizing
his sin against Jesus, “went out, and wept bitterly” (Matt. 26:75). Who are the blessed mourners
of Matt. 5:4 if not those who are hurt by sin?
Such hurt is actually an essential part of gaining
spiritual health. But, as with the physical body,
there are different kinds of hurting.
Another sort is that which comes with the
sting of rebuke. Whether administered publicly
or privately, there are timed when the rod of
verbal chastisement is necessary. Paul used it
with Peter and threatened more of it with the Corinthians (Gal. 2:11; 1 Cor. 4:21). Timothy is told
to use it (1 Tim. 4:2).
Actually, it involved a double hurt in that it affects the rebuker as well. Paul was sorry for
having to make the Corinthians sorry (2 Cor. 7:8),
though it later brought joy. No doubt, their putting away the fornicator from among them was a
painful experience too, but the church could not
be healthy without it.
Since hurt, therefore, is so vitally related to
spiritual health, why do so many seem so set on
taking all the hurt out of religion? Why the demand for an ouchless religion? Many appear obsessed with the fear that someone may get their
feelings hurt! Others want to spare themselves
[P. 18]
the pain and unpleasantness of saying what
needs to be said to lost souls (preachers and elders included). Could it be that we have become
more concerned about removing the hurt than about removing the sin? That is something like a
doctor administering a strong pain-killer for severe stomach pains without treating what caused
the pains. Obviously, he has not removed the
problems, only the patient’s awareness of it. Neither do we remove the problem by removing the
pain. True, we have manufactured lots of “tranquilizers” in our quest for a painless religion.
Many, though dying in sin, have been made to
feel good under the sedation of false teaching,
good intentions, and excuses. The pain may be
gone, but not the problem.
Speaking the truth in love is good medicine—
good for those who speak it and hear it—and
hurt!
--Dan S. Shipley
(Via Lafayette, Ind. bulletin)
Coming Soon:
GOSPEL
MEETING!
Speaker: Boyd Sellers, (Avon, Ind.)
June 24-26
7:30 PM Nightly
(Sunday: Regular time)
Bring your Bibles,
Study with us!
Time
The time is short, my friends, he cried.
How short, we cannot tell.
But this I know, the preacher said,
We must prepare full well.
With other words he warned, exhorting—
Save yourselves, God’s word obey!
Some hearts were touched, some lives converted,
Others turned themselves away.
It was always so, the preacher knew,
For men of old were ever thus:
Some people mocked, some would hear more,
Some chose to follow Jesus.
Have you your preparation made?
Redeem the time! The preacher cried.
Choose now to follow Christ, obey!
Time will not be denied.
--Author Unknown
(Via Southport; Indpls., Ind. bulletin)