August 1, 1999
"Bishop" "Overseer"
Guess who wrote this...
Presbuteros, "an elder," is another term for the same person as bishop or
overseer. See Acts 20:17 with verse Acts 20:28. The term "elder"
indicates the mature spiritual experience and understanding of those so described; the
term "bishop," or "overseer," indicates the character of the work
undertaken. According to the Divine will and appointment, as in the NT, there were
to be "bishops" in every local church, Acts 14:23; 20:17; Phil. 1:1; Titus
1:5; Jas. 5:14. Where the singular is used, the passage is describing what a
"bishop" should be, 1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:7. [bold and italics added, srf] Sound
like a gospel preacher you may know? Maybe you heard someone preach this?
This quotation is from Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, a work
of W. E. Vine (1873-1949) and first published in 1939! Good stuff! He wasn't right on
every comment he wrote in his dictionary, but he was right on this one! Check him out by
reading the scriptures adduced as evidence.
You don't have a Vine's? Well, it's a good book to own. Cost about $15 or less. Or, if you
have internet service, it's free! Go to the church's web site and click on
"Links," and then on "Vine's Expository Dictionary." Only good if you
use it!
Since we are studying about elders, thought you might find this quote from Vine's
particularly interesting.
"Elders" same as "bishops"; plurality in each church; meaning of terms
-- not peculiar "Church of Christ" ideas, are they?! srf
Two Debates On The Deity of Christ
Amarillo, Texas - August 2, 3, 5, 6, 1999 7:00 pm each
evening at the Crockett Middle School. Lufkin, Texas - August 23, 24, 26, 27,
1999 7:30 pm each evening at the 4th & Groesbeck church building.
The first two nights of each debate:
"RESOLVED: The Scriptures teach that Jesus, while on earth in the flesh, had and
used both human and divine attributes." David D. Bonner Affirms
Jeffrey S. Asher Denies
The last two nights of each debate:
"RESOLVED: The Scriptures teach that Jesus, while on earth in the flesh, had both
human and divine attributes but never used any of His divine attributes." Jeffrey
S. Asher Affirms
David D. Bonner Denies
What about Debating?
"Synonyms: discuss argue debate dispute contend These verbs mean to
talk with others in an effort to reach agreement, to ascertain truth, or to convince . . .
Debate involves formal, often public argument." American Heritage Dictionary The
rules governing the form ("formal") of the discussion may be different, but
Jesus certainly engaged in "public argument"! See Jn. 8:12,13,14, and throughout
the chapter: "Jesus spoke . . . The Pharisees therefore said . . . Jesus answered
and said . . ." etc. So did Apollos: "he powerfully confuted the Jews in
public" Ac. 18:28. And Paul's "custom" was to go to the
synagogue and "reason ["argue" NRSV] with them from the Scriptures,
explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise again . . ."
Ac. 17:2-3. srf
Vicente Ramirez, whom we support in Brownsville, Texas, underwent prostate cancer
surgery last Wednesday. It was radical prostate surgery, very painful, but he is doing
well. Address: P. O. Box 1251, Brownsville, TX, 78520; Phone: (956) 541-4469 . . . Gregg
Hutson's mother continues to have trouble following her surgery and was confined to
bed several days last week . . . Phyllis Tuttle is due for more tests this week. .
. Dorothy Ottersbach's condition deteriorated last week. She was not able to be out
of bed all week . . . Linda Ottersbach has been undergoing tests and is due for
outpatient surgery Wednesday . . . Ingrid Huddleston has underwent some tests that
have been inconclusive. She is due for more and has also been referred to an
endocrinologist . . . Elaine Cannon continues to struggle with whatever it is that
is making it difficult for her to get out and around. She had thought it was a recurrence
of the muscle disease she has suffered from for years, but now thinks it may be something
else . . . Judy Ruddle's uncle, Paul Wooten, is not doing well after his
brain surgery to remove cancer. Judy and her family requests we remember him in our
prayers . . . Deanna Porterfield's father underwent a heart catheterization Friday.
80% blockage was found in a branch artery. Nothing will be done at present since it is a
branch artery . . . A bilingual gospel meeting is scheduled at Lang Road Church of Christ
August 5-8, Thursday-Sunday. Thursday through Saturday two men, Wayne Partain and Bill
H. Reeves, will alternate preaching in English and Spanish. For further information,
see announcement in foyer . . . In our continuing effort to work with our young men in
preaching the gospel, David Osteen will be speaking this evening . . . Dickie
Tullos is in Room 114 at Sunrise Care and Rehabilitation on Will Clayton. A fifteen
minute visit to say "hello" would mean something to her . . . Our meetings for
2000 are tentatively planned for February 6-11 with Joe Fitch and August
4-6 with Chuck Durham. If there is a problem with these dates, please
inform the elders today . . . Did you intend to help with the rides for Zelma Bobbitt
but forgot to sign up? Why not make it a point to do so today? . . . Gospel Meeting,
August 1-6, 701 N. Pruett St., Baytown, Speaker: Ron Halbrook.
-- August --
If you are a song leader, but know you will be unavailable, please
notify Jim Crain. If you are scheduled to serve in any other capacity but cannot serve as
scheduled, please notify Gregg Hutson.
SCHEDULED TO SERVE
Wednesday, Aug 4
Song Leader: Craig Ottersbach
Sunday AM, Aug 8
Announcements: Bill Faulkner
Song Leader: Dwight Osteen
First Prayer: Robert Rice
Lord's Table:
Bread: John Lowrance
Fruit of the Vine: Rocky Rodriguez
Contribution: Verlan Wilson
Assistant: Mark Schindler
Closing Prayer: Jim Porterfield
Sunday PM, Aug 8
Song Leader: Craig Ottersbach
First Prayer: Dwight Osteen
Lord's Table:
Bread: David Osteen
Fruit of the Vine: Mark Ary
Contribution: Jeff Bogs
Closing Prayer: Jay Lietka