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

THE
SPIRIT’S
SWORD

Volume 21, Number 16
03/10/2019

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
Rich Brooks

Deacons
Aaron Bass
Shane Bass
Mike Finn
Dan Head


 

In this issue:


An "Affirming" Church
Joe R. Price

Perhaps you have seen a sign posted at a church in your community that says, “An Affirming Church.” Often, rainbow colors are affixed to it. These churches may identify with either Protestant, Catholic, or Orthodox denominations. (Fourteen churches in Whatcom, County WA are listed on the Affirming Church Directory at gaychurch.org. For a point of reference, 70 affirming churches in Seattle, WA are on their list.)

What is an “affirming church?” We will let those who use it define it for us:

“We define the word ‘affirming’ as meaning the church does not view homosexuality in and of itself as a sin, and therefore they would welcome and treat a homosexual person no differently than any other person who walked through their church doors seeking Christ. We also believe that a fully affirming congregation allows ALL people the ability (as much as denominational polity allows) to be involved in all aspects of the life of the community. Sometimes ‘affirming’ churches are also known as ‘gay friendly’ or ‘welcoming’ churches” (What do we mean by “Affirming?”, Affirming Church Directory™).

We wish to be clear. We “treat a homosexual person no differently than any other person who walked through their church doors seeking Christ.” It is a prejudicial slur to imply otherwise. The very fact such a person is “seeking Christ” means they have not yet found Christ. Such a person need to hear, believe and obey the gospel to be saved from sin and death. The gospel has that power, and we heartily welcome everyone with such an interest and motivation.

We also wish to make it clear that objecting to homosexuality on Biblical grounds does not make us part of a “homophobic clergy who appeal to the Bible to justify their prejudices” (Jerry Maneker, Some Talking Points on Christianity and Homosexuality, gaychurch.org). Whether it is homosexual sin, heterosexual sin, or every other kind of sin, we object to all sin because sin brings death – not life – into the world and into people’s lives (Ezek. 18:20; Rom. 5:12). That is why we object to homosexuality.

God, through His prophets, pleaded with men and women to “Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,” says the Lord God. “Therefore turn and live!” (Ezek. 18:31-32

We affirm the Bible reveals God’s will about homosexuality and a church’s responsibility toward those who practice it. God’s power has made available to us “all things that pertain to life and godliness” in the holy Scriptures (2 Pet. 1:3-4; 2 Tim. 3:15-17). We confidently affirm the Bible is inspired of God. It establishes our faith and assures our hope (Heb. 1:1-2; Rom. 10:17; 1 Cor. 14:37; Jno. 12:48-50). We will follow it

We affirm the Bible teaches:

1. All have sinned, and sin results in eternal death (Rom. 3:23; 6:23). All of us need salvation from our sins to escape eternal death, including LGBTQ sinners. This we affirm.

2. Homosexuality is sin, and therefore, results in eternal death (Rom. 1:24-27; 1 Tim. 1:10; Jude 7). It is a sin that abandons God’s natural order for fleshly lusts. Deceptively, homosexuality cloaks sinful, unnatural lust as “love” and derides those who use God’s word to challenge its legitimacy. This we affirm.

3. Love does not affirm sin, since sin leads to death (1 Jno. 5:2-3). Therefore, love does not affirm homosexuality as good. John wrote, “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments” (v. 2). God hates sin; therefore, we cannot love sin and please God (Psa. 11:5; 119:128). “You who love the Lord, hate evil” (Psa. 97:10). Loving the Lord and souls damaged by sin compels us to hate sin, including the sin of homosexuality. This we affirm.

4. God loves sinners; therefore, God loves homosexuals (Jno. 3:16). This does not mean God approves of and affirms homosexuality. It means the Father sent His Son “as the Savior of the world” to save sinners, including homosexual sinners (1 Jno. 4:14). All who believe in Him “should not perish but have everlasting life.” Sinners who believe in Jesus have the right to become children of God, including homosexual sinners (Jno. 1:12). This we affirm.

5. Jesus died to save sinners, therefore, Jesus died to save homosexuals (Rom. 5:6-11). Christ died for the ungodly, for sinners – for us. That includes homosexual sinners. By His blood we are justified and saved from wrath. Refusing this truth will not change it. Doing so only insures eternal punishment instead of glory when Christ returns (2 Thess. 1:8-10). This we affirm.

6. God commands all sinners everywhere to repent (Acts 17:30-31). That includes the sin of homosexuality. Judgment Day is coming, and God wants us all to be ready. This we affirm.

7. God does not hold in fellowship those who do not practice truth (walk in the light) (1 Jno. 1:5-10; 2 Jno. 9). This we affirm.

8. Christians cannot have fellowship with those who continue to practice sin (Eph. 5:11; 2 Jno. 10-11). To do so forfeits our fellowship with God. Nothing is worth that – nothing. This we affirm.

9. Churches cannot accept those who continue practicing sin without destroying the very nature of the church and its fellowship with Christ (Eph. 5:25-27; 1 Cor. 5:11-13; 2 Cor. 6:14-18; Rev. 2:20-23). Sin and righteousness do not co-exist. The gospel calls sinners to come out of sin and be holy, including LGBTQ sinners. This we affirm.

10. The gospel has the power to convert sinners of every sort, including homosexuals (Acts 18:8; 1 Cor. 6:9-11; Eph. 4:20-24). The gospel has the power to purify one’s sinful corruption and deceitful lusts, producing a new life of righteousness and holiness. This we affirm.

11. Sinners affirming sinners in their sin does not bring them closer to God (Rom. 12:1-2). Converts to Christ present their bodies as living sacrifices to God. Homosexual sinners can do this (1 Cor. 6:9-11). This is our plea to you. This we affirm.

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

The Judgment Day (Part 1)
Joe R. Price

Scripture Reading:  Revelation 20:11-15

1. Wild speculations and false predictions have always swirled around the truth about the Lord’s return and the day of judgment, 2 Thess. 2:1-3; 2 Tim. 2:18.
2. Christians have been fully armed with the truth about “the times and the seasons” so we are prepared when the Lord comes, 1 Thess. 5:1-2.

I. EVENTS OF THE DAY OF JUDGMENT.

  A. Resurrection of all the Dead, Jno. 5:28-29 (Acts 24:15).
  B. The Judge Will Appear, Matt. 25:31; 1 Thess. 4:16; 2 Thess. 1:7-8; Rev. 20:11 (4:9-11; 5:11-14); 2 Cor. 5:10.
  C. All People will be Gathered and Stand before God, Matt. 25:32; Rev. 20:12 (2 Cor. 5:10).
  D. The Earth and its Works Burned Up, 2 Pet. 3:7, 10.
  E. Books will be Opened, Rev. 20:12 (Jno. 12:48-50).
  F. Each Person will be Judged by the Same Divine Standard, Rev. 20:12; 2 Cor. 5:10; Matt. 25:19; Rom. 14:11-12; Matt. 7:22-23.
    1. Heart (motives), 1 Cor. 4:5 (Rom. 2:16).
    2. Words, Matt. 12:36-37.
    3. Deeds, 2 Cor. 5:10 (Rev. 20:12-13).
  G. Each Person Will Receive their Just Reward, Rom. 2:5-11.
  H. Eternal Sentence will be Pronounced and Executed, Matt. 25:31-34, 41, 46.
    1. Eternal life, Matt. 25:46 (21); 2 Thess. 1:10.
    2. Eternal punishment, Matt. 25:46 (30); Rev. 21:8; 2 Thess. 1:8-9; Matt 13:42 (Mk. 9:43-48).

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

The Judgment Day (Part 2)
Joe R. Price

Scripture Reading:  2 Peter 3:10-14

Review Part 1.

I. HOW THE JUDGMENT DAY MUST AFFECT US. 2 Pet. 3:11-14.

  A. Examine, Repent and Obey God Now, 2 Cor. 5:10; 13:5; Acts 17:30-31 (2 Cor. 6:2).
    1. Don’t try to hide or deny your sin, 1 Tim. 5:24 (Rom. 2:16).
    2. All is laid bare before God; now and at judgment, Heb. 4:13.
  B. Live a Godly Life of Faith, 2 Pet. 3:14 (11-12).
    1. Do not live hypocritically, Rom. 2:1-3.
    2. Not negligent/apathetic, Heb. 4:1, 11; 3:14.
    3. Serve the Master’s will with whole heart, Matt. 24:45-51; 25:19-30; 2 Cor. 5:9-11.
  C. Be Patient and Wait on the Lord, Jas. 5:7-11.
    1. Vengeance belongs to the Lord and He will fully and justly repay, Rom. 12:17-21; 2 Thess. 1:4-8.
    2. Wait for the blessing that will certainly come, 1 Pet. 1:3-5.
    3. Stay faithful, 1 Pet. 1:6-9; Rev. 14:12-13.

Conclusion
1. Judgment delayed is not judgment escaped, 2 Pet. 3:7-9. No one will escape judgment day.
2. Will you tremble, yet remain lost in your sin (like Felix)? Or, will you heed to call to repent (like the men of Nineveh)?
3. Repent and obey the gospel now.
4. If you do not, on Judgment Day you fall into the hands of the living God, Matt. 10:28; Heb. 10:31; 12:29.

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NOTEWORTHY NEWS
(Current events in the light of Scripture)

Fact Checking
Joe R. Price

The global explosion of fake news has YouTube concerned its platform is being used to spread falsehoods. “YouTube is bringing out a feature which flashes up fact-checking information cards when people search for topics which attract hoaxes and conspiracy theories” (“YouTube has started showing fact-check cards debunking conspiracy theories and hoaxes,” Isobel Asher Hamilton  businessinsider.com). This effort to curb misinformation is being tested in India, with plans to eventually roll it out globally.

The Bible warns against false prophets, commanding us to examine what we are taught: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 Jno. 4:1). Not every Bible teaching is to be believed. Every Bible teaching is to be tested by “what does the Scripture say?” (Rom. 4:3; 1 Jno. 4:6)

To do this testing objectively and accurately requires that we know the Scriptures and that we have the wisdom to “judge righteous judgment” as we use them (Jno. 7:24; Phil. 1:9-10). Jesus challenged people to correctly judge the evidence that He is the Christ by saying, “Yes, and why, even of yourselves, do you not judge what is right?” (Lk. 12:57) Testing the spirits “whether they are of God” requires something very different from saying, “Well, that is not what we’ve always done,” or, “That’s not the way I see it” (Prov. 14:12; Jer. 10:23). We must get out God’s book and search the Scriptures thoroughly to find out if what we are told to believe is from God, or from the wisdom and will of men (Acts 17:11-12; 2 Tim. 2:15).

This requires us to have a correct relationship with truth. We must “abide in His word” – not have a mere casual acquaintance with it (Jno. 8:31-32). It has been said, “A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.” It is also true that “knowledge puffs up” (1 Cor. 8:1). We must combine humility with a knowledge of God’s word to uphold truth and refuse error. 

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Created by Chuck Sibbing, last updated.  03/15/2019

The Spirit's Sword is a free, weekly publication of the Mt. Baker church of Christ, Bellingham, WA
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