The Prom Jerry Joseph It is that time of the year when young people are thinking about “The Prom.” It is tragic and sad to hear that some young people who claim to be children of God attend such activities. To make it even worse, some parents will encourage and condone such. Such is tragic as well as sinful (2 John 9-11). “The Prom” with its modern dancing is no place for a child of God. Notice some reasons why:
Dancing is condemned in the Scripture. When you read of the works of the flesh listed in Gal. 5:19-21, Paul said that they who “do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Please consider two of the things mentioned: “Lasciviousness” and “revellings.” Lasciviousness is described as “filthy words, indecent bodily movements, unchaste handling of males and females” (Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon). Revellings is a “jovial feast with music and dancing” (Liddell-Scott Greek Lexicon). When one understands the meaning of these words, it is evident that dancing and “proms” are condemned in the Scripture.
Dancing causes lewd and lustful desires. You cannot obey, “Flee also youthful lusts” (2 Tim. 2:22); “...neither be partakers of other men's sins; keep thyself pure” (1 Tim. 5:22), and “...abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul” (1 Pet. 2:11) while engaging in the modern dance. Remember that Jesus said, “But I say unto you, That whosever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart” (Matt. 5:28).
Dancing crushes one's influence for good. We do influence the people around us for good or evil. Dancing or attending the prom is not a ‘good work.' We must stay away from those things that are evil (1 Thess. 5:22; Matt. 5:16; 1 Tim.4:12). Young people keep your body and heart pure (1 Cor. 6:16-20; Matt. 4:8). Parents, you must help your children to be pure in their attitudes, actions, attire, and activities by guiding them in the way that is right and oppose that which is wrong (Eph. 5:11; 1 Cor. 16:13).
--edited from Bulletin Briefs Context Determines Meaning
Scott Perry Context is the physical, historical, and psychological communication environment (Principles of Communication, Beebe). A word can have various usages provided by the dictionary, but the context in which a word is used will provide the meaning intended by the writer or speaker (or which of the usages found in the dictionary was intended by the author). In teaching the Bible, the only way to interpret and teach the Scriptures correctly is to acquire the proper context of a word. Ascertaining the meaning of a passage from its context is “sound doctrine” and the objective basis for “convincing the gainsayers” (Titus. 1:9)--those who by the commandments of men deny God's word.
Deriving the meaning of a word requires some knowledge of the physical environment-“who said it and to whom?” Was it said by an inspired apostle? Was it said by Satan?, etc. The historical environment is important because words may change meaning over time developing new usages by the public, and the Bible was written long ago. Another question that must be asked, then, is, “What did the word mean at the time the writer used it?” Was it written in A.D. 50, or 1611? etc. The psychological aspect of communication is important because it provides answers to what the mindset and observable behaviors are of the speaker or writer. Was the tone of the writer serious or sarcastic? Is the matter in question one of faith or opinion? Understanding the fundamentals of context are important in properly fulfilling the responsibilities of a teacher (Jas. 3:1-2).
For example, the word “baptism” from passages in the New Testament (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12) is contextually described as a burial. However, many today interpret this word to mean “pouring” or “sprinkling.” Why? Because of selecting the improper usage of the word from a modern dictionary. When this is done, the reader inserts meaning unintended by the author. The word Paul used for baptism was written nearly 2000 years ago, so we must consult a lexicon for the history of the word to properly determine what it meant at the time it was written. Religious division is propagated profusely when improper exegesis of words like baptism is conducted. In teaching the Bible, where souls are at stake, one must ascertain the proper context of words in order to serve and represent the Lord properly and professionally.
Is it really that important? Yes, it is. Interpreting the Scriptures incorrectly is the same as believing a lie. Now, would anyone argue that believing a lie is not important in regards to matters of faith and our soul's eternal destiny? In fact, Peter said it is our obedience to the truth that purifies our souls: “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit...” Therefore, it is impossible to be saved from sin without diligently ascertaining the meaning (truth) of what the Bible teaches. Matters such as what the action of baptism is (immersion, pouring, sprinkling) and its efficacy (for the remission of past sins--Acts 2:38) in God's plan of redemption are not ones with which the religious world is at liberty to disagree.
VOLUME 41 NUMBER 15
APRIL 12, 2004 OUR SICK Edwina McClurkan went home on Friday after knee replacement surgery on Tuesday.
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SYMPATHY We extend our sympathy to Nita and the rest of the Boyd family on the loss of Johnny Boyd, one of the elders here at Mabelvale. The funeral service was Saturday here at the church building.
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NEW BABIES Todd & Andrea Bittle have a new daughter, Hattie May, born April 1st, weight 5 lbs. 7 oz. Ken & Glenda Bittle are the grandparents.
Scott & Leah Boyce have a new daughter, Breanna Michelle, born April 9th, in El Dorado, weight 6 lbs. 15 oz. Mike & Addie Boyce are the grandparents.
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BABY SHOWER All ladies are invited to a baby shower for Valerie Linker at 3:30 PM on Sunday, April 25th, in the multipurpose room. Valerie is expecting a second son (she is more in need of “everyday practical items”). She is registered at Target.
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Olive Dove is in the Saline Nursing Center in Benton. She appreciates visits very much but requests that visits be made in the afternoon and evening and on weekends. Cards need to be sent to 1178 War Eagle Dr., Alexander, AR 72002. SERMONS FOR APRIL 18 Morning
The Joy Of Moral Living [1] (Galatians 5:22-23)
Evening
The Joy Of Moral Living [2] (Galatians 5:22-23)
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The Teen Sing will be after the evening service this Sunday, April 18th at the Gulledge's. Girls bring chips, boys bring drinks.
SEARCH
April 18
FAITH IS NOT A LEAP IN THE DARK
Webster's Dictionary says “faith is a firm belief in something for which there is no proof.” Sadly, some people accept that definition of faith without looking into the Bible. And it says, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” The Christian faith is founded securely on the trustworthy evidence in the Bible, the living word of God. Mabelvale newspaper article on instrumental music to appear in Democrat/Gazette in B section on Saturday, April 17th. CALENDAR OF EVENTS April 18………..Teen Sing at Gulledge's
April 20……………….All Comers Class
April 24….…..Church Growth Workshop
with R.C.Thompson
May 1……………Bible Bowl at Crossett
June 10-13 ……………..Gospel Meeting
July 18-21……….Vacation Bible School
OUR RECORD APRIL 11, 2004 A.M. WORSHIP 262
SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY 215
P.M. WORSHIP 157
WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY 159 CONTRIBUTION 7271
BUDGET 6845
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MEN TO SERVE
April 18, 2004
Chuck Farris Phil DePriest
Ray Bryan Bill Boyd
Ron Douglas Richard Butler
Brian Campbell David Campbell
Evening
Alan Caudle
Bob Brown
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WEDNESDAY SONG DIRECTOR April 21 John Griffin
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USHERS FOR APRIL Morning Tim King & Wally Davis
Evening Greg King & Nicolas Lowe
Wednesday Rick & Danny Wooldridge
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GREETERS FOR APRIL Greg & Cheryl King
Blake Poole
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ELDER CHAIRMAN April Roger Horton
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