Author: Bryan Gibson

Weekly Bulletin
December 1, 2019

“Whoever Lives and Believes…”
by Bryan Gibson
“And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:30-31).
Mission accomplished, at least as far as I’m concerned, because I’ve read “this book,” and I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. And because I believe that, I believe every other claim Jesus made about Himself—that He is Lord and Savior (John 12:47; 13:14), the bread of life (John 6:35, 48), the light of the world (John 8:12; 9:5), the door (John 10:7, 9), the good shepherd (John 10:11, 14), the resurrection and life (John 11:25), the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6), and the vine (John 15:1, 5).
But here’s the deal. I know I can’t be saved by merely believing these things about Jesus, or by simply professing my love for Him. Simply acknowledging that He is all these things is not sufficient. I know that, because these passages say so: “Many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did, but Jesus did not commit Himself to them…” (John 2:23-25). “As He spoke these words, many believed in Him. Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you are my disciples indeed’” (John 8:30-31). “Among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees, they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” (John 12:42-43).
Faith begins in the mind, but it doesn’t end there. If I truly believe that Jesus is all these things, it will be seen in the way I respond to Him—His example, His teaching, and all His wonderful promises. What exactly is that response? Let’s stay right here in the Book of John to find out. The passages will speak for themselves.
“If you love Me, keep My commandments…he who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me” (John 14:15, 21). “He who feeds on Me (His words—6:63) will live because of Me” (John 6:57). “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed” (John 8:31). “If anyone keeps My word he shall never see death” (John 8:51). “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me…they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers” (John 10:27, 5). “He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life” (John 12:25). “For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you” (John 13:15). “Love one another, as I have loved you…” (John 13:34). “He who abides in Me, and I in Him, bears much fruit…by this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples” (John 15:5, 8).
So enough of this talk about “belief only salvation.” “Whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die” (John 11:26). Read it again—“lives and believes.” Others may say differently, but that’s what Jesus said, and I believe Him.

Contact Information
	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.