Author: Bryan Gibson

Weekly Bulletin
March 31, 2024

Plain Words for Young Preachers (Part 2)
by Bryan Gibson
Picking up from where we left off last week…
Don’t be like tabloid journalists—too eager to break something new, too eager to give some never before thought of slant on a difficult passage. Slow down, study thoroughly and meticulously, harmonize your understanding of difficult passages with plain ones, and make sure you can prove each and every point you make. Case in point, we’re hearing a number of assertions made about the work of the Holy Spirit, but what we’re NOT hearing is clear, solid proof. What we’re hearing in some cases is actually contradictory to what is plainly taught in other passages. Not yet sure of your conclusions—don’t preach them. Once you unsettle souls (Acts 15:24), it’s hard to get them settled again. Accuracy is paramount (2 Timothy 2:15; Acts 18:25), so make it your aim to become a very careful Bible student.
Seek, pray for, and take advantage of every open door to teach the lost (1 Corinthians 16:9; 2 Corinthians 2:12; Colossians 4:3). Just make sure in your haste to convert people to the Lord you don’t compromise the truth. Concealing portions of it, watering it down, compromising it in any way will pad the numbers, but it won’t make true disciples. This ear tickling approach is actually an insult to people who want the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. With patient teaching (2 Timothy 4:2), good and honest hearts (Luke 8:15) will repent of anything contrary to the truth; they’ll be just as eager as the eunuch to be baptized into Christ (Acts 8:35-39); and following that, will be eager to do all the Lord has commanded (Matthew 28:18-20). “Buy the truth, and do not sell it…” (Proverbs 23:23).
“Be clothed with humility” (1 Peter 5:5), and be sure it’s real, because it will be tested in numerous ways, including how you handle correction and rebuke. You will likely make some mistakes, and someone will likely rebuke you or correct you (just like Aquila and Priscilla did Apollos—Acts 18:24-26). How you react to this correction will likely make you or break you. “The ear that hears the rebukes of life will abide among the wise. He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, but he who heeds rebuke gets understanding” (Proverbs 15:31-32). “Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid” (Proverbs 12:1).
Current culture has led many to express distaste for any kind of negative or corrective preaching. People in droves have bowed the knee to the god of positivity. By all means, be balanced in your approach (1 Thessalonians 2:1-12; 2 Timothy 4:2), but don’t be afraid to use the word to correct, warn, and rebuke (Titus 2:15). Do it “in love” and “in humility” (Ephesians 4:15; 2 Timothy 2:25); and do it “considering yourself” (Galatians 6:1); but please ask God for the boldness to do actually do it (Ephesians 6:19-20). You’ll be in good company—with Old and New Testament prophets, with the apostles of Jesus, and even with Jesus Himself. Hard hearts will be offended, but poor and contrite hearts will be eternally grateful.
READ THE BIBLE, the only infallible source of religious truth (Psalms 119:160). Remember, Bible authors are inspired (2 Timothy 3:16-17); men and women who write books about the Bible are not. Quote Jesus and His apostles on salvation, on grace and faith, and any other subject, and you’ll know you’re teaching the truth. Fill your mind with the popular religious literature of the day, and there’s a good chance you’ll be teaching something that’s not. It’s happened to a number of people already; please don’t let it happen to you.

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.