And take…the sword of the Spirit, which  is the word of God.   Ephesians 6:17

THE
SPIRIT’S
SWORD

Volume 16, Number 40
02/02/2014

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:


Procrastination

Joe R. Price

Guilty! It is easy to put off needful things. Excuses could be offered, but that is what they would be. I suspect I am not the only one who must fight procrastination. So let’s consider some Bible answers to help us overcome it.

Set a goal. Maybe it is to pray more, to read the Bible daily, to worship more regularly, or a host of other spiritually beneficial activities. Instead of getting lost in the forest for the trees, identify the particular “tree” you need to give attention. In other words, know your objective. Jesus said as much by urging us to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matt. 6:33).

Be decisive. Knowing what to do is not the same as actually doing it. “I made haste, and did not delay to keep Your commandments” (Psa. 119:60). Meet every temptation to delay with an “I will do now, not later” attitude.

There is no time like the present. Today is all you have; do not fret about tomorrow (Matt. 6:27, 34). Looking for a more convenient time to do what is right can hide a lack of resolve for actually doing the right thing (Acts 24:25-26). “Now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2). If you are putting off obeying Christ, now is the time to begin; Delay no longer!

Remember that missed opportunities cannot be reclaimed. Neglect is not a substitute for looking for a “better set of circumstances” before actually doing what is needed. Israel was commanded not to delay their offerings of ripe produce and juices (Exo. 22:29). Delay would mean spoilage and a wasted opportunity. Redeem the time you have because life is full of calamities (Eph. 5:16).

Sometimes procrastination is another word of “lazy”. Refusing to work by always seeing danger and defeat is a sign of laziness (Prov. 22:13; 26:13-16). There is always “a lion in the road” to the lazy person. The procrastinator would rather delay out of fear than get up, go out and slay the lion.

We do not wish to minimize proper planning and preparation. These are important, but, putting off what we know is right in God’s sight is sin (Jas. 4:17). Do what is right today. Tomorrow will bring its own set of troubles that make it easy to put things off again...and again...and again (Jas. 4:13-15). 

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How Do I View A Poor Neighbor?

Steve Wallace

Proverbs 14:20, “The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.  21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.” (KJV)

The question we pose here is a searching one as it differentiates between the views of worldly and spiritually minded people. Verse 20 states without comment a general fact among worldly people. In view of the wise man’s words here we ask, “What would happen to the rich man if he suddenly fell into extreme poverty?” The obvious answer is that he would no longer have the “many friends” he formerly had. They were not really friends. They gave a false impression of being friends. Worldly people find some security in feigning friendship to people of means. This, of course, reveals the reason behind the hatred of the poor. Such views leave out any thought of the afterlife (Ps. 49:6-13; 69:9-12). This is why we describe those who have such feelings for the rich and poor as “worldly.” They pay no heed to the words of our Lord. “…It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

Proverbs 14:21 appeals to spiritually minded people, people who strive to see life through the eyes of their Creator and who seek His favor. God cares about the poor (Ps. 10:14; 35:10). “Neighbor” obviously speaks of a neighbor who is poor. Further, “despiseth” and “hath mercy” (“hath pity,” ASV; “is generous,” ESV) are opposite reactions one might have to such a one. These reactions bring opposite results, sin versus blessings. These opposite reactions to the needs of one’s neighbor are clearly seen in the actions of the Levite and the priest on the one hand, and Samaritan on other in Jesus’ parable of Luke 10:25-37. May we all remember that loving one’s neighbor is part of what is necessary to inherit eternal life (v. 25).

It is likely that, if I despise my poor neighbor, I hold my rich neighbors in high esteem. Our Lord, by contrast, takes great interest in the poor. A right relationship with the Lord clearly depends on our refusing the world’s ways and showing kindness to needy neighbors.

-The Way of Truth and Life (January 19, 2014)

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You can find the complete outline of this sermon plus PowerPoint and MP3 Audio files at BIBLE ANSWERS

The Road to Emmaus

Scripture Reading:  Luke 24:13-21

1. The gospel calls us to walk life’s road with Jesus, Jno. 8:12; 1 Jno. 1:6-7.
2. The day of Christ’s resurrection was a day of doubt, dejection and bewilderment, as well as great joy, anticipation and emotion.
3. Jesus appeared to two disciples on the road that day. What road are you on today? Will you “see” Jesus and be blessed? Heb. 2:9; 12:2

I. THE ROAD OF DOUBT.

  A. Present Expectations had not Materialized, Lk. 24:21, 25, 27; Heb. 6:9-12; Rev. 14:12; 1 Jno. 5:15; 3:22; Gal. 6:9
  B. Although they had Doubts, at Least they Held Jesus to be a Prophet of God, Lk. 24:19, 20-21.
  C. Bewildered over Reports that Jesus is Alive, Lk. 24:22-24; 9:22; 24:7-8; Mk. 16:12; 1 Cor. 6:9-11; Acts 22:16; 19:18-20.

II. THE ROAD OF FAITH, Lk. 24:25-27.

  A. The Signs and Words of Jesus: Powerful Evidence for Faith, 24:19; 2 Pet. 1:16.
  B. The Prophets spoke of Jesus Christ, Lk. 24:25-27; 1 Pet. 1:10-11; Jno. 12:37, 41; Acts 8:30-37.
  C. Jesus can be Recognized for Who He Is, Lk. 24:30-31; Matt. 11:28.

III. THE ROAD OF ACTION, Lk. 24:28-35.

  A. A Moment of Hospitality, 24:28-30; Heb. 13:1-2.
  B. The stirring of Fervor and Emotion, Lk. 24:31-32; Psa. 19:10.
  C. Immediately Acted to Spread the News, Lk. 24:33-35; Acts 8:4; Jas. 1:21-25.

Conclusion
1. The hope and joy of our salvation is inseparably linked to the resurrection of Jesus! 1 Cor. 15:19
2. Walk the road of life with faith in the risen Savior, leave doubt behind and put your faith into action by serving others.

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You can find the complete outline of this sermon plus PowerPoint and MP3 Audio files at BIBLE ANSWERS

The Christian's Stewardship

Scripture Reading:  Romans 12:3-8

1. Steward: “primarily denotes the manager of a household or estate (Vine). He is entrusted with the goods and affairs of another.
2. Oversees and administers the affairs of his Master for Master’s benefit. He is answerable to his Master.
3. We must see ourselves as stewards, for God has appointed us over His goods.

I. THE MASTER HAS MADE US STEWARDS, Matt. 25:14-15.
  A. Stewards in God’s House:
    1. Apostles, 1 Cor. 4:1 (Eph. 3:1-4, 8).
    2. Elders, Tit. 1:7 (Heb. 13:17).
    3. Gospel preachers, 1 Cor. 9:16-17.
    4. Every Christian, 1 Pet. 4:10; Rom. 12:3-8.
  B. As Stewards of God’s Blessings We Are…, Mk. 13:34; Eph. 2:10; Matt. 24:15-17.

II. THE STEWARD’S RESPONSIBILITY IS TO BE FAITHFUL, 1 Cor. 4:1-3; Lk. 16:10, 12.
  A. Our Master Judges our Faithfulness, 2 Tim. 2:21-22; Matt. 24:45-46, 20-21.
  B. Can the Lord Depend on You? Jno. 4:24; Gal. 6:10; Eph. 5:15-16; Rom. 6:19.

III. THE STEWARD’S CHARACTER, 1 Cor. 4:2; Matt. 24:45-49.
  A. Good Steward is Dispensing, 1 Pet. 4:10.
  B. Wise Steward is Discriminating, Lk. 12:42-46; Jas. 4:17.
  C. An Unjust Steward is Wasteful, Lk. 16:1.

IV. THE RECKONING DAY, 1 Cor. 4:5; Matt. 25:19.
  A. Our Aim is to Please Our Master, 2 Cor. 5:9; 1 Cor. 4:3-4; Lk. 16:13.
  B. Judgment Day is Coming When an Accounting will be Given, 2 Cor.5:10; Rom. 14:12; Matt. 24:44-51.

Conclusion
 How does the Master judge your stewardship: Good and faithful, or wicked and lazy? Be a good steward, 1 Pet. 4:10.

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NOTEWORTHY NEWS
(Current events in the light of Scripture)

Disney Channel Promotes LGBT Agenda
Joe R. Price

Parents, be advised that the Disney Channel is not friendly to families that honor God’s standard of morality. If your children watch this channel they are being exposed to the LGBT agenda. Last Sunday’s program, “Good Luck Charlie” (in its last season) included a lesbian couple as the “two moms” of Taylor, Charlie’s friend (“Disney Channel debuts its first openly gay characters: ‘Taylor has two moms’”).

This was first reported by TV Guide Magazine last June:

 But Disney Channel understands the groundbreaking nature of featuring a same-sex couple on one of its sitcoms and took extra care in crafting the episode. “This particular storyline was developed under the consultancy of child development experts and community advisors,” a Disney Channel spokesperson says. “Like all Disney Channel programming, it was developed to be relevant to kids and families around the world and to reflect themes of diversity and inclusiveness.”

 Disney Channel already tested the waters last year with its on-air social outreach campaign “Make Your Mark.” In one segment, a teen with two moms was featured, a move that was called a “big step forward” by GLAAD. (“Exclusive: Disney Channel Breaks New Ground with Good Luck Charlie Episode”, TV Guide)

There was a time when “Disney” was synonymous with wholesome, family entertainment. That time has long since past.

Christians cannot afford to wear blinders to avoid the real and present danger of immorality’s invasion into homes and hearts. The entertainment industry continues to lead the way in making sin commonplace and acceptable. Do not be fooled by claims of “diversity and inclusiveness”; God-fearing people are not included (nor do they wish to be!). God made families with a dad and a mom (Eph. 6:2). That remains relevant to families around the world and reflects God’s order for the home and morality. 

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Created by Chuck Sibbing, last updated.  02/03/2014

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