Author: Bryan Gibson

Weekly Bulletin
May 29, 2016

The Need for Authority
by Doy Moyer
Why be concerned about Biblical authority? For this one simple reason: “Your God reigns!” (Isaiah 52:7). If we aren't concerned for authority, then we place ourselves in God's position of reigning. It really is just that simple. Jesus is Head (Colossians 1:18). We aren't.
Does stressing authority mean we don't think grace plays any role in salvation? That would be a ludicrous jump to assume such. Just bear this in mind: grace can only come from One who has the authority to give it. Otherwise, grace is not really grace at all, but a false hope. Pitting authority and grace against each other results in both a graceless and headless religion, regardless of what else is being professed in the name of Christ.
Does stressing authority mean we believe we are saved by law? Again, that's an unwarranted jump. It means that we are stressing that salvation can only come from One who has the power to give it, and that we need to listen to what He teaches.
What's the alternative? When we quit stressing authority, we quit stressing the Kingship, Lordship, and Headship of the One who came to save us by His grace. Once we do that, we have, ironically, entered into a situation in which we think that our own wisdom and power justifies us—even while saying God is the One who saves.
Positively No Visiting
by Bill Hall
Recently, while visiting patients in a hospital, we observed several signs saying, “No Visiting.” Then we came to a sign that said, “Positively No Visiting.” I suppose some day we will find one that will read, “Absolutely Positively No Visiting.” If only we could learn to respect authority so that “No Visiting” would just mean no visiting.
The attitude of many toward the Lord’s authority is the same as it is toward a “No Visiting” sign. They somehow feel that they are an exception to the rule or that somehow the Lord will overlook this one instance of flouting His authority. But the same God who would not overlook Nadab and Abihu’s strange fire (Leviticus 10:1-2), David’s new cart (2 Samuel 6:1-7), or Ananias and Sapphira’s cover-up tactics, will not overlook our disregard for His authority.
The words “positively and “absolutely” are not found in the King James Version of the Bible. But they are inferred in every statement and command found in the scriptures. One cannot hope to go to heaven while disregarding Christ’s authority.

Let us quietly submit to HIS authority!

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.