Author: Bryan Gibson

Weekly Bulletin
May 22, 2016

“It Is Corban”
by Robert F. Turner
By Jewish tradition, one could declare his possessions “Corban” (dedicated to the temple), and therefore not subject to lien or other obligations. Some Jews took refuge in this tradition as justification for neglecting their parents. One could say, “I can't support my aged mother, for my money has been promised to God.” But God had commanded them to “honor” their parents, as well as to support the temple. The apparently noble gesture of dedicating possessions to God was destroyed by its use to escape obligations to parents. Jesus exposed their hypocrisy, saying, “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth and honoreth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me” (Mark 7:11; Matthew 15:3-9).
Religionists like these could falsely accuse Jesus, and deliver him to Pilate for crucifixion; while remaining too “holy” to enter a Gentile judgment hall “lest they be defiled” before eating the Passover (John 18.28).
Modern counterparts abound today. One “gives at church” so he feels no obligation toward a needy neighbor. Another excuses an ugly sectarian spirit because he “told the truth.” In their zeal to fight what they believe to be the “fight of faith” others may throw ethics to the wind and slander and malign their brethren. God is not the author of such conduct (James 1:13-15).
It is Satan who convinces us we can pit one service for God against another—that we can “do evil that good may come.” We are kidding no one but ourselves when we brand our cause “Corban”—dedicated to God's glory—and think this relieves us of the need to be honorable, considerate of others, and humbled in the realization of our own weakness.
God commands us to war against sin and war is not easy. I believe spiritual warfare is harder than carnal battles, for we must curb our own flesh, and love our enemy, through the conflict. Saying we love them, as we violate God's definition of love (1 Cor. 13:4-6) is just more “Corban.”
God demands clean hands and a pure heart of those who stand before Him.

What Love DOES
Indeed, Biblical love is more than just a feeling. Love is an action word.
“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails…” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8).
But that’s not all it does…
Love obeys (John 14:15, 21); warns (1 Corinthians 4:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:14); rebukes (Revelation 3:19); gives thanks (Luke 17:11-19); praises (1 Corinthians 11:2); forgives (Luke 17:3-4); puts Christ before family members (Matthew 10:34-39); expresses confidence, whenever it can (Philemon 1:21); exhorts, comforts, and charges (1 Thessalonians 2:11); teaches (Mark 6:34); gives (2 Corinthians 8:24); reminds (2 Peter 1:12-15); disciplines (Proverbs 13:24; 15:10); withdraws (2 Thessalonians 3:6; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13); shows courtesy (1 Peter 3:8); bears burdens (Galatians 6:2); pursues peace (Romans 12:18; Hebrews 12:14); prays (Colossians 4:12-13); shows compassion (Luke 10:33; 1 Peter 3:8); considers (Hebrews 10:24); upholds (1 Thessalonians 5:14); serves (Matthew 20:25-28); rejoices with those who rejoice and weeps with those who weep (Romans 12:15); etc., etc., etc.

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