PUBLISHED MONTHLY IN THE INTEREST OF TRUTH AND RIGHTEOUSNESS BY THE

Jackson Drive Church of Christ

1110 Jackson Dr., Athens, AL 35611

Vol. 5 May, 2003 No. 5

Gospel Meetings

By Gilbert Alexander

[Note: Some question why we have arrangements such as mentioned on the preceding page, where all can study and worship together for an intensive week. Many of us delight in such opportunities; others may think it boring. Gilbert Alexander (who is to speak on Wednesday of our meeting) wrote the following fine article on this subject. It originally appeared in the April 25 issue of The News-Courier. – p.a.o.]

Gospel lessons are often presented in a series of studies called gospel meetings. The purpose of such studies is to make available, to all who will attend, an opportunity to hear God’s word taught. Lessons range from basic teaching about God, His word, the difference between the Old and New Testaments, Christ’s death on the cross for the sins of mankind, how to become a Christian, love, faith, and hope, to teaching that further instructs people on such subjects as God’s eternal purpose, the church of the Lord and its work, all relationships of Christians, daily application of Bible teaching to life’s experiences, the importance of marriage and family, and true worship. This is by no means an exhaustive list of Bible subjects taught in gospel meetings.

In view of what is taught in gospel meetings, why would anyone think that such occasions of study are just for the benefit of preachers? What is your attitude toward such opportunities for study? Do you know that there were times when the Lord’s people met daily for some length of time in order to take advantage of an opportunity to study God’s truth? Note Acts 2:42-47; 5:42; 10:48; 19:9.

How do you react when you are invited to attend a series of studies of God’s word? David said, “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord” (Ps. 122:1). We have much more than David had. Are gospel meetings a burden to you or a blessing? Or do you just ignore them? Have we reached such a high plane of knowledge that we do not need to hear lessons such as the ones listed on the preceding page? Is our memory so keen that we do not need to be reminded of fundamental truth that is preached so clearly in gospel meetings?

Can we sing from the heart, “O how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day”? During this time of year especially, there is great opportunity to enrich our faith and knowledge, to worship God and study with His saints His will through the many series of lessons made available to us in gospel meetings. “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear” (Matt. 11:15).

Premillennialism
The Rapture (# 7)

by Hiram Hutto

In all probability you have seen a bumper sticker similar to one that says, “In case of the rapture, this car will be without a driver.” What does this mean? The word ‘rapture’ usually refers to something like an emotional high. But not in this case. The word ‘rapture’ does not appear in the Bible. In this case it is claimed that the rapture refers to the second coming of Christ, at which time those who “are in Christ” will be caught up secretly to meet the Lord in the air. But that is not all.

According to the theory, when the saints are raptured they will meet the Lord in the air and be with Him for a period of seven years. During this time there will be a great tribulation for those left on the earth; the Jews will have returned to the Promised Land (i.e., promised to the literal Jews) in unbelief. After a period of three and one-half years the Anti-Christ will cause great tribulation to those on the earth. There is considerably more, but briefly stated, at the end of the three and one-half years Jesus will return to earth and establish His kingdom and reign on the earth for a literal 1,000 years, at the end of which will occur the judgement and the end of the world.

While there is much error in the preceding, the Bible does teach that Christ will return and His people will rise to meet Him in the air. One such passage is I Thessalonians 4:16-17. “...The Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”

Some things are clearly seen here that deny the rapture theory. In the first place, His coming is not “silent” as rapturists claim, but is audible. Note: the text says the Lord will descend with a SHOUT, with the VOICE of the archangel, and with the TRUMP of God. The same point is made in John 5:28. In speaking of the resurrection Jesus said, “All that are in the graves WILL HEAR HIS (JESUS') VOICE and shall come forth.” Again, speaking of the resurrection, I Corinthians 15:52, (“...at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised incorruptible.”)

Not only will the second coming be AUDIBLE and therefore contrary to the silent rapture theory, it will not be secret but visible and public. In Revelation 1:7 the Bible says, “Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him.” Some teach that only those who are prepared will see Him. He will be invisible to others. However, this text says those that pierced Him will see Him. These certainly were not His disciples.

A vital point in the rapture theory is that when the Lord returns He will rapture the church, and after a period of seven years, He will return and set up His kingdom. An important question is “Where is the scripture that says that the so-called rapture will occur seven years before the second coming?” The rest of the rapture program is as riddled with error as this.

Remember the booklet by Bill Hall, Restudying Issues

of the ‘50s and ‘60s

Contact us for a free copy!

A few years ago the Pepper Road church of Christ here in Athens asked Bill Hall to present a series of lessons on issues that divided God’s people during the 1950’s and 60’s. The lessons were well received, and since that time he has preached them in numerous locations by request. He will be preaching these during our gospel meeting.

The elders of the Jackson Drive church desired that these lessons be given a wider circulation so that even more might study the Bible principles involved. Jane Bragwell of Birmingham offered her time and talents transcribing the lessons. Bro. Hall edited the transcripts. The Jackson Drive church underwrote the expenses for printing, and what is now in booklet form are those lessons in practically the same wording in which they were given.

The 44-page booklet contains three lessons: 1) Church-Supported Orphan’s Homes; 2) The Sponsoring Church Arrangement; and 3) Kitchens and Fellowship Halls. We believe bro. Hall has been fair in representing what the issues were and were not, and are thankful we could have a small part in supporting the truth (I Tim. 3:15) on these vital issues through the printed page. Write or call the church for free copies. – Phillip Owens

A Painful Operation

In 1809, Dr. Ephraim McDowell’s examination of a patient revealed that she had an abdominal tumor which would soon kill her. Though abdominal surgery was unheard of in those days, the woman finally persuaded the doctor to operate.

The surgery lasted for twenty-six minutes and the twenty-two pound tumor was successfully removed. Since there were no anesthetics back then, the pain involved was almost unbearable. Why, then, would this woman so forcefully insist that the doctor inflict such agony on her? Quite simply, because she preferred the pain to its alternative—death.

One of the most painful examinations that any sincere seeker of truth must experience is the self examination which God requires of all men (II Cor. 13:5).

Our goal should be to examine our life with the same objectivity that God uses in evaluating our character. Since He knows about us (Heb. 4:13), and since His “gauge” is the only accurate one, we should relish any proper correction in our life that is necessary. If the exam reveals a flaw in my character, and if I want to avoid spiritual death, I will gladly accept the correction. If I want to die, I can simply ignore the warnings or refuse to take the examination. It’s that simple. -- Rick Duggin