Know Your Bible

VOL. 12 March 10, 2013 NO. 6

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CONJUGAL CONFIDENTIALITY

Before we wed, my wife and I agreed that any problems arising in our marriage were ours to solve and would not be made known to outsiders unless and until we gave mutual consent to receive counsel from others because we could not resolve the matter ourselves. We believed then, as we believe now, that airing our grievances toward each other with anyone other than each other would invite the destruction of our union. This policy has served us well in the decade we’ve been married and we encourage others to follow suit.

Good men publicly compliment their wives. Of the virtuous woman (Proverbs 30:10), it is written, “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her” (Proverbs 30:28). While positive remarks merit public attention, criticism should be confidential.

Gossiping (Romans 1:29; 2nd Corinthians 12:20; 1 Timothy 5:13) and complaining (1 Corinthians 10:10; Philippians 2:14; Jude 16) are forbidden by God. They are not solution-oriented actions. Griping to friends or coworkers about a spouse’s shortcomings does nothing to make that man a better husband or that woman a better wife. It only serves to ruin that one’s reputation, but “a good name is to be chosen rather than great riches” (Proverbs22:1). One must never deprive a spouse of such a valuable and hard-earned thing as a decent reputation.

Jesus taught that “a house divided against itself cannot stand” (Mark 3:25). Any perceived weakness in the relationship can be exploited by a seductress, for “a seductress… lies in wait as for a victim, and increases the unfaithful among men” (Proverbs 23:27-28). Hearing of the frustrations in a marriage, an admirer may attempt to fulfill the idealized role the spouse is supposedly deficient in, and the aggrieved may very well indulge the fantasy, leading to all manner of sin and heartbreak.

“The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, and they go down into the inmost body” (Proverbs 18:8; 26:22). Sadly, humankind has an unhealthy appetite for negativity. Long after a problem has been resolved between a husband and wife, forgiven and forgotten, memory of the complaint lingers in the mind of those who heard it. Such can only establish or deepen animosity between one’s spouse and one’s friends. As friends become increasingly hostile toward the marriage partner, divorce becomes a more appealing option.

“Let the wife see that she respects her husband” (Ephesians 5:33) and “husbands” are to be “giving honor to the wife” (1 Peter 3:7). Commands of this sort cannot be fulfilled while broadcasting complaints about the person one is married to.

Marriage is a good and favorable thing (Proverbs 18:22). Keep it that way.

---Bryan Matthew Dockens

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NEGLECTED ISSUES

A preacher friend once told me of his intention to get his brethren all straightened out on the "issues" —just as soon as he could find all of them sober at the same time!

What we call "doctrinal" issues still need dealing with, but so do moral issues! It is disturbing to hear of “sound" churches with members involved in such things as fornication, homosexuality, social drinking, shady and dishonest business dealings, lying, profanity, neglected debts, and other like sins that ought not to be named among God's people (Ephesians 5.3).

Besides these should be mentioned the more "dignified" and "sophisticated" sins of bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, evil speaking and malice (Ephesians 4.31); strife, enmities, jealousies, factions, divisions, parties, envyings, and such like (Galatians 5.20-21).

Some have said they had just as soon fellowship doctrinal error as immorality. But, why condone either? Why not take a stand for all that is right and against all that is wrong? Can God's people afford to do less?

---Dan Shipley

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THE FAILURE OF SECULAR APPEALS

The bulletin from a denominational church included notices about a wide variety of social activities. These included: a ladies breakfast; quarterly fellowship for seniors; an after school club for youths; a Christmas program; youth and teen group meetings; and a 60th wedding anniversary reception. To those of us who are not familiar with such things, this listing of social and recreational activities may seem incredible, but this list would pale by comparison to some of the more ‘liberal’ denominations.

Also in the bulletin were the latest attendance numbers. The Sunday morning worship boasted 201 present, but the Sunday evening worship had only 63. A poor record, wouldn't you say? Less than a third of those who attended Sunday morning returned for the evening service.

We have a simple point to make. For years now most of the denominations have stressed the importance of secular appeals to draw people to their assemblies. Some of our own brethren have been foolish enough to follow this course. Look at the results! There is an apparent lack of genuine commitment on the part of those who have been thus ‘drawn’ by the secular appeals. The fact is that when men abandon the power of the gospel (Rom. 1:16) in favor of these methods they are destined to fail.

The church of our Lord simply cannot compete effectively in the entertainment business. But, of course, the Lord never intended it to. Those who are faithful will continue to follow God's wisdom in making the gospel the basis of our appeal to the lost (1 Cor. 1:21).

---Greg Gwin

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TRENDS...

In an effort to eliminate all known Scripture references to homosexuality being sinful, a new gay-friendly "Bible" has been released . . . The "Queen James" version, which features a rainbow homosexual cross on its cover, makes changes to scripture passages it feels have been wrongly construed to condemn homosexuality.

- via Christian News, 12/14/12

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 NKJV “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.

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Know Your Bible" is e-mailed weekly by the church of Christ which meets at 112 Roberts Avenue in Wise, Virginia. If you know of others who might benefit from the articles contained in this bulletin, we would be glad to have you submit their e-mail addresses and we will include them in next week's mailing. If you are receiving this bulletin and do not wish to continue to do so, please e-mail us with your desire to be removed from the mailing list and we will remove your address promptly. Continue to the bottom of this page and further instructions will be given as to how you may contact us.

--- E.R. Hall, Jr.

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SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

Sunday

Bible Classes ……….....….…............ 10:00 AM

Morning Worship ……..…….….…...... 11:00 AM

Evening Worship …………...……........ 6:00 PM

Wednesday

Bible Classes …………..………........... 7:30 PM

"THOUGHT FOR THE DAY"

Radio Program

Monday - Friday

WDXC 102.3 FM .....................…........ 10:20 AM

"WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS..."

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Comcast Cable - Heritage TV - Digital Channel 266 ............ 6:00 AM & 2:00 PM

Wednesday

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