Author: Bryan Gibson

Weekly Bulletin
May 7, 2023

The Nation of Israel
by Edward O. Bragwell, Sr. (via Facebook)
There are arguably several good reasons for supporting Israel in its ongoing dispute with its Arab neighbors—but their being God’s chosen nation today is not one of them. They are the only dependable ally of the U.S. in the region. They seem to be the only hope for democracy in the Middle East. They have been a good friend of the U.S. through thick and thin since their beginning in 1948. The list could go on.
Now, as to their being God’s chosen nation and having a divine right to our allegiance—ancient Israel was God’s chosen people or nation. They were chosen to be the nation through whom Jesus, the Savior of the world, would come. They served that purpose, despite their many short comings and history of apostasy and restoration cycles. In A.D. 70, Israel was finally defeated and utterly destroyed as a nation. The temple, the center of Judaism, was destroyed and has never been rebuilt. The impending destruction of the temple marked what was called “the end” (Matthew 24:3, 13, 14). “The end” of what? Not the end of the earth or the end of time, but the end of the Jewish state or nation within the lifetime of that generation (v. 34). Ancient Israel was created by God out of the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; modern Israel was created by the U.N. in 1948 out of people who claimed Jewish heritage. As a nation, we have no more obligation to modern Israel than we do to any other good friend and ally.
God has only one “chosen” or “holy” nation. It is God’s people, Christians. Contrast two passages—the first identifying the children of Israel as God’s only holy nation before Christ came and the second identifying God’s only holy nation after Christ came and did his redeeming work, those who have been born again.
“And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel” (Exodus 19:6).
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9 NKJV). This was spoken, not to physical Israel, but to those “having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever” (1 Peter 1:23).

Togetherness in the Lord
by Bryan Gibson
“Workers TOGETHER with Him” (2 Cor. 6:1).
“Joined TOGETHER in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Cor. 1:10).
“Joined and knit TOGETHER by what every joint supplies” (Eph. 4:16).
“With one mind striving TOGETHER for the faith of the gospel” (Phil. 1:27).
“Knit TOGETHER in love” (Col. 2:2).
Brethren who are TOGETHER in heart, purpose, and conviction should naturally look forward to the opportunity to actually meet TOGETHER (1 Cor. 14:23).
And when we do assemble, when we come TOGETHER to worship God, it brings us even closer TOGETHER. “When we meet in sweet communion where the feast divine is spread; hearts are brought in closer union while partaking of the bread.”
So, brethren, we may be TOGETHER now, but I'm looking forward to Sunday when we can be TOGETHER in the same place. See you there!

Contact Information
	P.O. Box 680872 / Prattville, AL 36067
	(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 Classes………...9 A.M.
Worship 10:00 A.M.
Worship/Bible Study..5 P.M.
Wednesday:
Bible Study 7:00 P.M.