2 The Proclaimer

Feb. 16, 1997 Northside church of Christ · 5201 NW AVE · Bellingham, WA Volume 1.1

The spirit’s sword

I Am Not Ashamed

The gospel of Christ is powerful. It has the power to penetrate the heart and thoughts of man, exposing sin and transforming the mind (Heb. 4:12; Rom. 12:1-2). As the “sword of the Spirit” it has the capability of defeating Satan’s efforts to ensnare us and destroy our souls (Eph. 6:17). By it sinners are saved (Rom. 1:16-17; Mk. 16:15-16).

What is your attitude toward the gospel? It is one thing to affirm our allegiance to it when among friends, but how do we react when among foes? Peter’s denial of Jesus stands as a warning to us whenever we are tempted to remain silent when we should speak up for the gospel (Matt. 26:69-75). When you are at work and your buddies start telling vulgar jokes, do you listen in, joining in with the laughter, or do you register your protest by not participating? When your school mates urge you to join them in activities which violate the word of God, are you ready to obey the truth regardless of what your friends say (1 Cor. 15:33)? When false doctrine is being taught and souls are being swayed away from the truth, do you resist the false teacher or admit compromise for the sake of peace (Jude 3; Gal. 2:5)? Just how serious are we about the power of the gospel in our lives?

The apostle Paul did more that SAY he was not ashamed of the gospel (Rom. 1:16). His life proved it. He abandoned a promising future in the Jewish religion for the sake of the gospel (Phil. 3:5-7). He was repeatedly persecuted, imprisoned, beaten, harassed and eventually killed for his faith (2 Cor. 11:23-28; 2 Tim. 4:6). Are you ready to be “faithful unto death” (Rev. 2:10)?

Jesus was not ashamed to die on the cross for your sins (Heb. 12:2). If you are ashamed of His gospel He will be ashamed of you when He returns (Mk. 8:38). Avoid that most terrible outcome! -Joe Price

· Sick ones: Pray for Sheri Stark, Mackie DeWispelaere and Marietta Ashton.

· Welcome home Willie and Connie Golightly!

· Men’s Business Meeting--Feb.23, 5:00 PM

· Men’s Bible class, Tuesday, 7:00 PM at Gary Bass’s. Women’s Bible class Friday 10:00 AM at Robert McGrew’s.

· GOSPEL MEETING with Gary Johnsen of Chandler, Arizona only one month away!

· Joe and Debbie Price thank everyone for all the kindness shown them since arriving two weeks ago. Your help and support has made our transition much easier.

ASSIGNMENTS: SUNDAY, FEB. 16

Announcements: Rick Holt

Opening Prayer: Rick Holt / Rusty McGrew

Closing Prayer: Shane Bass / Ed DeWis.

Song Leader: Rusty McGrew / Tim Beckley

Scripture: Charles Fair / Ed DeWispelaere

Lord’s Supper: Terry H., Aaron B., Morris B.

Building Cleaning (Feb. 22): The Heads

SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday: 9:30 & 10:30 AM; 6:00 PM

Wednesday: 7:00 PM

One Body

_The Bible affirms, “...and he put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all” (Eph. 1:22-23). Even an casual reading of this passage makes several clear points:

(1) All things are subject to Christ (He has been given “all authority,” Matt. 28:18).

(2) Christ is head over the church.

(3) The church of Christ is the body of Christ.

(4) The body of Christ is the fulness of Christ.

One might think these Biblical points are beyond dispute, but they are not. Some refuse to acknowledge the full and final authority of Christ in the affairs of men. Religious modernism, found in most religious seminaries today, rejects the fact of the miracles of Jesus. Many do not believe in the virgin birth of Christ, his bodily resurrection or a literal hell. Such an one has rejected the authority of Christ and His word (Heb. 1:1-2)!

Those who honor the pope of Roman Catholicism have removed Christ from His headship over His church. No man was ever given the place of head over the saved of God. Not so obvious but just as erroneous are the creeds and councils of men which attempt to redefine Christianity for their specific goals. Such make void the commands of God (Matt. 15:7-9).

Having identified the church as the body of Christ, the Bible assures us there is “one body,” not thousands (Eph. 4:4). Man has no right or power to build a church. Christ has already done that (Matt. 16:18). He will save His church and men must enter His church by obeying His terms of pardon - faith, repentance, confession of faith, baptism (Eph. 5:23; Mk. 16:16; Rom. 10:9-10; Acts 2:37-41, 47). -Joe Price