Woodland
Hills Church of Christ
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Sunday, April 16, 2006 Volume 50, Issue 14 JESUS THE "I AM" The phrase "I Am" can be located some 698 times when both the Old and New Testaments are searched. It is especially interesting that the phrase is used 59 times in the gospel of John alone. However, this article will discuss the seven times, of those 59, which best describe the nature of Christ in the flesh. First, Christ showed that he is the one who provides spiritual nourishment by saying, "I am the bread of life, he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst" (John 6:35). Second, Jesus described himself as one who provides spiritual direction by stating, "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life" (John 8:12). Third, our Lord claimed to provide spiritual protection by proclaiming, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep" (John 10:7) Christ showed himself to be one in whom we can have confidence by saying, "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep" (John 10:10). Fifth, Jesus revealed that he is the one who provides meaning for life by stating, "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live" (John 11:25). Sixth, our Redeemer showed how he provides a place of comfort by proclaiming, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh to the Father, but by me" (john 14:6) Seventh, Jesus revealed that he can sustain his followers by saying, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman" (John 15:11). Salvation can only be received in the name of Christ and it is conditional upon a proper understanding of his nature in the flesh. As Christ said, "I said unto you, that ye shall die in your sins; for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins" John 8:24). May all of us learn to better appreciate Jesus the "I am." See You In Bible Class Sunday,
TAFT TALK MAKING MUSIC GIRLS DEVOTIONAL TEEN DEVOTIONAL Much Love,
FAMILY NEWS OUR SICK/HOMEBOUND WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS SERVICE GROUP ASSIGNMENTS Services Group #2, please turn in your assignment cards from last week. SERVICE GROUP #3 POTLUCK THANK YOU SYMPATHY =========================== BRIDAL SHOWER MEMORIAL OUR RECORD
Plan Now to Attend Our with guest speaker Theme: Saturday - 6:30 Singing / 7:00 Preaching Sunday - Regular Times
WHY YOU SHOULD NOT BE BAPTIZED All who respect the Bible as God’s authoritative word understand that it is essential to obey God’s commands. Baptism is one of those commands that must be obeyed by sinful humanity. However; it is just as important to know why you are being baptized as it is to obey the command. I Peter 3:15 teaches this by saying, "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear." It is essential that we have Biblical reasons for the commands we obey. Following are some unacceptable reasons to be baptized. First, you should not be baptized because it is the teaching of the church. It is wrong to ask, "What does the church teach about baptism?" The church is not out standard for such things. Instead we should ask, "What does the Bible teach about baptism?" May we never forget that the scriptures are our only authority in religion. Paul would write, "All scripture is given inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good words" (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Second, you should not be baptized because you think it is a meritorious act to earn salvation. Titus 3:5 reminds us; "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost." We must keep in mind that the plan of salvation was totally designed and delivered by God, and it is our humble privilege to submit to it - there is no right for us to boast in this respect (Eph. 2:8-10). Third, you should not be baptized because there is power in the water. Baptism’s power to save is not found in the elements of water but rather in the blood of Christ (Eph. 1:7). From the brazen serpent (Num. 21), to Naaman the leper (2 Kings 5), to the man born blind (John 9), the power of healing always resided in God’s mercy and man’s compliance. Fourth, you should not be baptized because it will make you immune to sin. It is false to believe that baptism is some type of miraculous vaccination from troubles, trials, and temptations. Even one of the greatest missionaries of all time recognized that everyday there was the potential for sin in his life: "But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway" (1 Cor. 9:27), See You in Bible Class Sunday,
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