And take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17
THE
SPIRIT’S
SWORD
Volume 15, Number
09
04/15/2012
Published
by
Mt. Baker
church of Christ
Location:
1860 Mt. Baker HWY
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 30821
Bellingham, WA 98228
(360) 752-2692
Sunday:
Bible Classes..........9:30 AM
Worship..10:30AM; 6:00PM
Wednesday:
Bible Classes.........7:00 PM
All sing last Wednesday
Web sites:
Mt. Baker church
Bible Answers
Editor......Joe R. Price
Elders
Morris Bass
Rick Holt
Deacons
Aaron Bass
Rich Brooks
Mike Finn
Dan Head
In this issue:
Gospel Meeting April 29 - May 4, 2012
Mt.
Baker church
of Christ
Gospel Meeting
Mark Mayberry
(Alvin, Texas)
April 29 – May 4, 2012
Monday-Friday at
7:00 PM
Sunday, April 29th at 9:30 and 10:30 AM; 6:00 PM
Theme: Lessons in Courage
Sunday Class: A Call to Courage
Sunday AM: The Courage of Joshua
Sunday PM: The Courage of David
Monday: The Courage of Asa and Micah
Tuesday: The Courage of Haggai and Zerubabbel
Wednesday: The Courage of Ezra and the People
Thursday: The Courage of Jesus Christ
Friday: The Courage of Disciples
(From I-5 take
Exit # 255 and go East 4.2 miles)
For more information please call (360) 752-2692
A Bad Answer to a Disturbing Question
Greg Gwin
A young Christian college student (at a well known ‘conservative’ college) posted a question on a social media site asking if “going to ‘clubs’ is ok for a Christian to do.” Now, it is somewhat disturbing that a Christian of any age is in doubt about the answer to that question. But what is completely distressing is the response submitted from one of ‘our’ preachers on the same site. Here’s an excerpt of what he said:
“. . . I urge you to stop living under that unbiblical legalism and live more like Jesus. Jesus hung around prostitutes and sinners and partied with tax collectors. Oh the rumors! The church in Corinth was made up in part of ex-swindlers, ex-liars, ex-fornicators, ex-idolaters, ex-homosexuals, ex-thieves, ex-drunkards (1 Cor. 6:9-11). Our churches are by far nice, middle class, white, and "good moral people." Why aren't our churches full of ex-homosexuals, etc.? . . . We can't hang out with sinners but -- at most -- we can stand at a distance and preach at (usually condemn) them. Not a brilliant tactic. Not successful. Not like Jesus. . .
We could comment about several obvious things in this horrendous message. For instance, we could rebuke the blasphemous notion that Jesus ‘hung around prostitutes’ and ‘partied with tax collectors.’ He certainly used every opportunity to teach sinners, including prostitutes and tax collectors, and was thus ‘around’ such people in those teaching moments. But that is a far cry from ‘hanging out’ and ‘partying’ as is suggested in this post.
And, yes, the Corinthian church was made up of ‘ex-swindlers, ex-liars, ex-fornicators, ex-idolaters, ex-homosexuals, ex-thieves, and ex-drunkards.’ The emphasis here is on ‘EX’. They were the ones who were convicted of their sinfulness and repented (1 Cor. 6:9-11). We wonder if they would have even recognized the seriousness of their sinful state if this modern day preacher had been there instead of the apostle Paul.
Also, what about the notion that we should ‘hang out’ with sinners instead of preaching to them or condemning their sins? Because, we’re told, condemning sin is “not a brilliant tactic” and “not successful”. Apparently what Paul told Timothy to do – “reprove, rebuke, exhort” (2 Timothy 4:2) – just won’t work anymore.
The sad thing about this ‘preacher’s’ message is that it is becoming more and more typical of the kind of ‘uncertain sound’ that is emanating from our pulpits. Young people, immature Christians, and all who seek to know and serve the Lord are being done a great disservice by men like this. Unfortunately, it is becoming a regular task to expose their heresy.
-Reprinted from
The Reflector, March 2012
You can find the complete outline of this sermon plus PowerPoint and MP3 Audio files at BIBLE ANSWERS
Why Denominations?
Scripture Reading: 1 Kgs. 12:26-30
1. Repeated
warnings in the Scriptures against man-made religions, Exo. 32:1, 8-10; 1
Kgs. 12:26-33 (30); Gal. 1:8-9; 2 Jno. 9.
2. Denominations the creation of men, Matt. 21:23-25.
I. THE CHURCH OF CHRIST (is not a denomination).
A. Divine
in Ownership, Matt. 16:16-18.
B.
Composed of Individuals (those who are saved), Acts 2:47; Eph. 1:22-23 (Col.
1:18); 4:3-4; Acts 20:28; Eph. 5:23.
C.
Without Universal (earthly) Organization, Heb. 12:22-23; Local churches, 1
Cor. 1:2 (Rom. 16:16).
II. WHY HAVE DENOMINATIONS?
A. "There
are Many Ways to God."
-Scripture: Only One Way to God, Jno. 14:6; Matt. 7:13-14; Jer. 6:16; Psa.
119:30.
B.
"They Allow You to Express Yourself."
-Scripture: Sacrifice yourself, Lk. 9:23; Gal. 2:20.
C.
Unity in Diversity: "The Only Realistic Unity that can Exist." 1 Pet. 4:11.
-Scripture: Unity in Oneness, Eph. 4:3; 1 Cor. 1:10, 13.
a.
One body: One church, Matt. 16:18.
b.
One Spirit, one Lord and one Father: One Godhead, Jno. 10:30.
c.
One hope of our calling: One approved way of life, Eph. 4:1.
d.
One faith: One gospel, one teaching, Rom. 16:25-26.
e.
One baptism: Way of salvation (not many), Mk 16:16.
Concl. Jesus and His apostles taught unity without denominations, Jno. 17:20-21; 1 Cor. 1:10; Eph. 4:3.
You can find the complete outline of this sermon plus PowerPoint and MP3 Audio files at BIBLE ANSWERS
Flee from Idolatry
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:14-22
1. Idolatry is
still alive and well in this world.
2. Jesus was tempted with idolatry and so are we, Matt. 4:8-10.
3. Cannot have fellowship with idols and Lord at the same time, 1 Cor.
10:14-22.
I. IDOLATRY: MORE COMMON THAN WE THINK.
A.
Definition: Service to and Worship of that which takes the Place of the
Living God in One’s Life; Exo. 20:1-5; Psa. 115:8.
B.
Development of Idolatry, Rom. 1:18-25.
II. IDOLATRY BEGINS IN THE HEART, PRODUCING IDOLATROUS ACTIONS IN LIFE. Isa. 44:18-20
A. Not
Just Homage to a Graven Image, 2 Tim. 3:1-5.
B.
Test for Idolatry: Does it have 1st place in your life? Does it
put God and Christ 2nd (or lower)? Deut. 6:13; Matt. 4:10;
22:37-38
1.
Self, Lk. 9:23 (2 Tim. 3:2).
2.
Another person, Matt. 10:37.
3.
Time, Eph. 5:16.
4.
Money, 1 Tim. 6:10.
5.
Goals, Matt. 6:33.
6.
It is all-consuming?
7.
Beware - “Be Aware!” 1 Jno. 5:21
III. ELEMENTS OF IDOLATRY.
A. The
Flesh, Gal. 5:20; 1 Cor. 10:7; Tit. 3:3.
B.
Stubbornness of Heart, 1 Sam. 15:22-23.
C.
Covetousness, Col. 3:5 (Eph. 5:5); Lk. 12:15; 1 Tim. 6:6-10 (Job 1:21).
D.
Enslavement, Gal. 4:8-9.
Conclusion
1. When
God’s people practice idolatry they become a derision to the nations, Exo.
32:25.
2. Flee idolatry, 1 Cor. 10:14; 1 Jno. 5:21.
NOTEWORTHY NEWS
(Current events in the light of Scripture)
Respecting Stay-at-Home Moms
It has been going on for decades, if not longer, so it was bound to find its way into the politics of these United States. Not that this was the first time stay-at-home moms have been disrespected by politicians, pundits and cultural elitists who see something "old fashioned" about mothers staying at home to raise their children.
When Democratic strategist Hilary Rosen commented in a TV interview that Ann Romney (wife of candidate Mitt Romney) “has actually never worked a day in her life," a firestorm erupted. Rosen later apologized as politicians distanced themselves from her remark. (Mrs. Romney was a stay-at-home mother of five sons who now has 16 grandchildren.)
Being a mother is hard work that none should deny. The mother who stays at home when her children are growing up deserves to be honored for her work. Her constant presence provides stability and strength to her children (Prov. 31:25-27). Her presence contributes immeasurably to the moral and spiritual development of her offspring. She "watches over the ways of her household" to bring stability and dependability to the lives of her children during their most formative period. Her value cannot be overstated (Prov. 31:27).
Mothers who
choose to stay at home while their children are growing up make sacrifices
to do so. We know there are situations beyond the control of some who must
work outside the home. Yet, we must not fear to commend and encourage young
parents to see the great value of motherhood in a world that values many
other things before doing the work only a mother can do (1 Tim. 5:14; Tit.
2:4-5). The family is under attack by Satan. Christian parents must make
wise choices that help them teach the next generation the way of the Lord
(Eph. 6:4). Do not let the world and worldly thinkers shape the values and
decisions in your family.
Created by Chuck Sibbing. 04/16/2012
The Spirit's Sword is a free,
weekly publication of the Mt. Baker church of Christ, Bellingham, WA
Send all questions, comments and subscriptions to the editor at:
ssword@bibleanswer.com