East Albertville Church of Christ Podcast

East Albertville Church of Christ Podcast

By East Albertville Church of ChristReligion & Spirituality
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East Albertville Church of Christ Podcast episodes

  • Questions and Answers

    Series: N/A

    Service: Sunday

    Type: Sermon

    Speaker: E.R. Hall, Jr.

    Questions and Answers From God’s Word

    Tonight we’re taking a few of the Bible questions that were submitted and trying to answer them as faithfully and scripturally as we can. The goal is not controversy, but understanding God’s will and following the safest and clearest course according to Scripture.

    One question asked whether all of a man’s children must be faithful Christians for him to qualify as an elder. In Titus 1:6, elders are described as having “faithful children.” While there are different views on the passage, the safest and strongest understanding is that an elder’s children should all be faithful, because leadership in the home reflects leadership in the church.

    Another question asked about “saved in childbearing” in 1 Timothy 2:15. That verse does not mean a woman is saved simply by giving birth. Rather, through woman came the Savior, Jesus Christ. Eve introduced sin into the world, but through Mary came Christ, the Savior of the world. Women, like all people, are saved through Christ as they continue in faith, love, holiness, and self-control.

    Another question dealt with Christians gathering in a place where there is no local church and holding worship services together. The New Testament shows that the Lord’s Supper was observed when the church came together as an established congregation. The church is more than just a temporary gathering for convenience. Local congregations had organization, work, worship, and accountability. So we need to be careful not to treat the church as something temporary or casual.

    One question asked about attending denominational services and fellowship meals in hopes of opening Bible studies. While the motive may be good, influence matters. Participating in activities we later teach against can confuse people and weaken our influence. Paul warned in 1 Corinthians 8 about liberties becoming stumbling blocks. We must always consider how our actions affect others.

    Another question asked whether Christians in liberal congregations are participating in sin. The concern is that when a congregation uses its treasury for unscriptural works—such as social and recreational programs or human institutions—members become partakers in those works. Fellowship means sharing together, and Scripture warns us not to participate in error.

    Another serious question dealt with suicide. Scripture teaches that life is sacred and made in the image of God. Suicide is the intentional taking of life, and repentance is necessary for forgiveness of sin. Because suicide often removes the opportunity for repentance, it is a tragic and dangerous act spiritually. Our hearts should be filled with compassion, while still respecting what Scripture teaches about sin and repentance.

    Finally, there was a question about people appearing after death, such as Samuel, Moses, and Elijah. In each case, God allowed these events for a specific purpose—to confirm His message, demonstrate His authority, or point people to Christ. But Luke 16 reminds us that we already have God’s warning through His word. We should not expect messages from the dead today because God has already revealed what we need for salvation.

    Through all these questions, one principle stands out: we must seek God’s will, not merely what is convenient or popular. We must ask, “What do the Scriptures teach?” and then have the courage to follow them.

    59 min
  • Believing God

    Series: N/A

    Service: Sunday

    Type: Sermon

    Speaker: E.R. Hall, Jr.

    Believe in God… But Also Believe God

    In Acts 27, the apostle Paul is on a ship in the middle of a violent storm. Everyone thinks they are going to die. But Paul stands and says:

    “Take heart… for I believe God, that it will be just as it was told me.” — Acts 27:25

    That statement is powerful.

    Paul did not merely believe in God. Paul believed God.

    And there is a difference.

    A lot of people believe in God. But believing God means trusting what He says enough to obey Him, rely on Him, and act on His word.

    Hebrews 11:6 says:

    “Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

    Notice the two parts:

    • Believe that God exists.
    • Believe what God says.

    The Bible gives many examples of people who did both.

    Noah believed God when he built the ark, even though rain had never flooded the earth before.

    Abraham believed God when God promised him a son, even though he and Sarah were far beyond childbearing age.

    Joseph believed God when the angel told him to flee to Egypt with Mary and Jesus.

    And Paul believed God in the middle of a storm.

    But Scripture also shows people who believed in God while struggling to believe God.

    Moses believed in God, yet kept making excuses when God told him to lead Israel out of Egypt.

    Peter believed in Jesus, but when Jesus said, “You will deny Me,” Peter refused to believe it—until it happened.

    So the challenge for us today is not simply:
    “Do I believe in God?”

    The bigger question is:
    “Do I believe God?”

    Do I believe God when He says:

    • “All have sinned”?
    • “Sin separates us from Him”?
    • “Jesus is the only way of salvation”?
    • “He hears prayer”?
    • “He will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear”?
    • “Evil company corrupts good habits”?
    • “Christ will come again”?

    It is easy to say, “I believe in God.”

    The real test is whether we trust His word enough to obey it.

    Jesus said:

    “He who believes and is baptized shall be saved.” — Mark 16:16

    Do we believe Jesus enough to do what He says?

    Real faith is more than acknowledgment. Real faith acts.

    Noah built.
    Abraham obeyed.
    Paul trusted.
    And we must do the same.

    So let us not only believe in God.
    Let us believe God.

    And let us live like we truly trust Him.

    1 hr 3 min

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