2 The Spirit's Sword

March 16, 1997 Northside church of Christ · 5201 NW RD · Bellingham, WA Volume 1.5

The Spirit's Sword

“We Won’t Lie and Cheat”

_While announcing his administration's plans to provide "freedom, happiness and life" to his country, this newly elected official said, "We won't lie and cheat."

Certainly, lying and cheating will bring tyranny, sorrow and death and not "freedom, happiness and life" to a nation. Character is important. "The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them" (Prov. 11:3). "By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked" (Prov. 11:11). "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn" (Prov. 29:2).

There are principles of honor and honesty which, when employed by prudent men, can open the doors of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." In the past, our country has been blessed to have men of valor and virtue in places of power. When great and good men govern, a nation will prosper. When rotten and reprobate men rule, it will perish (Jer. 29).

Are you curious? Would you like to know which leader it was that said, "We will not lie and cheat"? Do you wonder if he followed through on his promise and led his people to achieve "freedom, happiness and life"? The year was 1933. His name was Adolf Hitler. -Larry Ray Hafley

Gospel Meeting

with Gary Johnsen preaching

the Gospel of Christ!

March 16-21, 1997

Monday - Friday at 7:00 p. m.

Everyone Welcome!

Assignments: Sunday, March 16

Announcements: Rick Holt

Opening Prayer: Rick Holt / Rusty McGrew

Closing Prayer: David Frahm / Charles Fair

Song Leader: Rusty McGrew / Tim Beckley

Scripture: Cary Clemenson / Jason Holt

Lord’s Supper: Walt H. / Shane B. / Aaron B.

Building Cleanup (Mar. 22): Price

· Sick or out of town: Dan Torres had knee surgery Friday...Loren Parker, Debbie Price, Jason Holt.

· Women’s class - 10:00 Friday - McGrews.

SERVICE SCHEDULE

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

Wednesday: 7:00 PM

Jesus Will Return!

_Some folks think they can predict the return of Jesus from heaven. They have assigned many different dates for His return, predicted in association with many different events, all of which have failed.

We simply cannot know when the Lord will come again. Since His return will be “as a thief in the night” it is pointless for us to predict when it will happen (1 Thess. 5:2; 2 Pet. 3:10). Who knows when a thief will break in? If you know that, you would wait for him and prevent his theft (Matt. 24:43). So it is with the return of the Son of man. Therefore, we are taught to be watchful and ready always (Matt. 24:42-44; 25:1-13).

The Lord will come as life on earth continues its daily routine. There will not be an “early warning system” to alert mankind of His return. “When they are saying, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall in no wise escape” (1 Ths. 5:3). God has already alerted us through His gospel that Jesus will return. “... this Jesus, who was received up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye beheld him going into heaven” (Acts 1:11). Therefore, we must be prepared for his return by living faithful lives (Matt. 24:45-51; 1 Ths. 5:4-11).

The return of Jesus to judge all men has been confirmed by His resurrection from the dead. “inasmuch as he hath appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness b the man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead” (Acts 17:31). Jesus overcame death and will return to raise all men, judge our deeds according to truth, reward the faithful and punish the wicked (Matt. 25:31-46; Rev. 20:12-15). Are you ready? -jrp