Author: Bryan Gibson

Weekly Bulletin
January 1, 2017

The Church Not Found in the Bible
by Bill Hall
The word “church” is used in two senses in the Bible. (1) it is used in the universal sense, referring to the saved of all ages, and (2) it is used in the local sense, referring to a congregation of saved people in any given locality.
So, we read of Jesus’ giving Himself for the church (Ephesians 5:25) and of His purchasing the church with His own blood (Acts 20:28). In these two passages the word “church” is used in the universal sense. Jesus gave Himself for the saved of all ages and purchased them with His own blood.
But we also read of the church in Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:2), the church in Jerusalem (Acts 11:22), and the seven churches of Asia (Revelation 1:11). The reference in these passages is to congregations of saved people in these different localities. These local churches were organized, each with its own “bishops and deacons” (Philippians 1:1).
The Bible does not use the word “church,” however, in the denominational sense. One cannot read in the scriptures of denominational conferences, associations, or synods. Nor can he read of denominational hierarchies, names, creeds, or doctrines. These are the inventions of men, not of God. They have been the cause of many problems in religion.
What of the reader? Does he consider himself a part of that universal church made up of all the saved? Is he also a member of a local church? Does his membership in that local church bring him also into an association with a denominational organization, an organization bigger than the local church, but smaller than the universal church? If so, he is a part of a “church” not found in the Bible.
It must be our goal just to convert people to Jesus Christ, bring them to salvation through Him, and lead them to affiliation with a local church that is a part of no denominational organization—a local church that is organized as were the local churches of the scriptures. This is the Bible way. Why should we continue to perpetuate that which God never founded nor authorized in His word, the Bible?
Will Your Children Go to Heaven?
by Jim R. Everett
Several years ago some congregations began to explore why we were losing so many of our young people. One congregation discovered a correlation between the interest the parents manifest in their assembling practices and the faithfulness of their children. They discovered that the greatest impact on the children came from their parents, not from the preacher, elders or Bible class teachers and special congregational teaching work. The statistics were very alarming and revealing.
When both parents were spiritually minded and active in assembling 93% of the children remained faithful. However, if only one of the parents was faithful that number dropped to 73%. Then, when both parents were only reasonably active and faithful in their worship and study, only 53% of the young people stayed with their faith.
PARENTS, READ THIS NEXT STATISTIC CAREFULLY—WHEN BOTH PARENTS ATTENDED INFREQUENTLY THE PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN WHO REMAINED FAITHFUL TO THE LORD DROPPED TO 6%!!!
Your interest and attendance say a lot to your children. It tells them about your faith, values and priorities. Whether or not your children go to heaven, to a great degree, depends on you. Do you want your children to go to heaven? We answer that question at every assembly time, don’t we?

Contact Information
	P.O. Box 680872 / Prattville, AL 36067
	(334) 365-5887 / (334) 868-0801
	prattmont@knology.net / prattmontchurchofchrist.org

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E-Mail Address
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Mailing Address

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.