Author: Bryan Gibson

Weekly Bulletin
August 4, 2019

Blinded by the “Heart”
by Bryan Gibson
Many things can blind us to the truth found in God’s word, but for this short article, let’s focus on just one. The way people “believe in their heart” is a major hindrance to believing and obeying the truth. Confronted with a passage that clearly shows them to be wrong, some will respond with a statement like, “I’m sorry, but I just know in my heart I’m right.” Some might even be brazen enough to say, “I’d rather have feeling than Scripture.”
But feelings of the heart (mind) are not always a reliable guide, are they? “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 16:25). “He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but whoever walks wisely will be delivered” (Proverbs 28:26). Judah was condemned because they “walked according to the dictates of their own heart” (Jeremiah 9:14). A few simple conclusions from these passages: We can “feel” certain that we’re right, but still be very wrong. A “heart” not trained by the word of God can lead us in all the wrong directions—just ask the people of Judah to whom Jeremiah spoke. Feelings should never take the place of what the Scriptures teach to be true and right (note the contrast in Proverbs 28:26 quoted above).
The Lord does want us to have feelings of confidence and assurance, but those feelings should come from knowing and doing His will. A few passages from 1 John should be enough to prove this point: “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments…But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him” (1 John 2:3, 5). “And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight” (1 John 3:22, note the earlier references to confidence and assurance in vv. 19, 21).
Feelings, then, most certainly have their place. Let’s just make sure those feelings are produced by obedience to God’s will. It is when we completely submit to His will that we can say, “it is well with my soul.”
Ponder this warning very carefully: “The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness” (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).

Dealing With “Relatives”
by Edward O. Bragwell, Sr.
Have you noticed how eager some brethren are to dismiss any Bible teaching that uses “relative” terms in an effort to justify their behavior? Point out to them that the Bible commands “modest” apparel. Their answer: “Modest is relative, just where (in inches) do you draw the line on skirt or short lengths, top or blouse height, etc.?” Point out that the Bible condemns long hair on men and short hair on women. Their reply: “Just how long is long and how short is short?” The idea being that unless you are able to answer any of these questions with absolute measurements then you have no right to criticize. The idea is that since the terms are relative, each person has a right to put the line, if there is a line, anywhere he chooses without being questioned by anyone.
Now before we start tossing such “relative” commands into the “do not apply” wastebasket, let’s ask about some other “relative” commands. Just how long is the “long” in “long-suffering”? Just how soon is “soon” in “not soon angry?” Just how little is “little” in “a little wine” for the stomach’s sake? Just how “much” was “much water” where John was baptizing? Do we make an honest effort to apply such “relative” terms to our lives and try to help others apply it to their lives in their effort to please God? Or do we just summarily dismiss them?
Relative commands do matter!

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	P.O. Box 680872 / Prattville, AL 36067
	(334) 365-5887 / (334) 868-0801
	prattmont@gmail.com / prattmontchurchofchrist.org

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The Prattmont Church of Christ is just what the name suggests, a church that belongs to Christ. We are not a denomination; we are simply a group of Christians trying very hard to practice the teachings of our Head, Jesus Christ. The New Testament offers a complete pattern for what each local church should be like—its organization, its worship, its work, etc. We are committed to following that pattern. We cordially invite you to attend our services. We would also welcome any comments or questions about this bulletin.

TIMES OF SERVICES:
Sunday
Bible Study 9:00 A.M.
Worship 10:00 A.M.
Training Class 5:00 P.M.
Worship 6:00 P.M.
Wednesday:
Bible Study 7:00 P.M.