Noteworthy News

(From news of the day)

U.S. 'Miracle' Septuplets: THE JOY OF LIFe

DES MOINES, Iowa (Reuters) - A 29-year-old woman gave birth to four boys and three girls -- the world's only known set of living septuplets -- in what doctors called a "miracle".

All of the babies, born Wednesday, were reported in serious condition seven hours after the births by Caesarean section. One boy who had been judged in critical condition a few hours after being born later improved and his condition was upgraded to serious.

"I would consider this a miracle," said Paula Mahone, one of two obstetricians at Iowa Methodist Medical Center who briefed reporters. "All of the babies are so well developed, so well grown ..."

McCaughey (the mother, jrp) and her husband, Kenny, 27, both staunch Baptists, had rejected suggestions that they abort one or more of the fetuses, calling the pregnancy a gift from God. (as reported by Kara Hildreth)

What a wonderful story! On the same day that the news also reported that parents had been arrested for locking their seven year old in a dog cage, our hearts were lifted by the news of the Iowa septuplets. What a contrast in how people view children as one heard their proud grandfather announcing their births.

The Bible says “children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward.” (Psa. 127:3) The joy new life brings to us is a true gift from our Creator. Child abuse is a tragedy, a reproach to any nation which allows it. The disgrace of our nation is the million-plus annual abortions of its unborn in the name of “personal choice.” A people cannot long survive in such conduct before a righteous God. “Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach (shame or disgrace, jrp) to any people” (Prov. 14:34).

A still greater life free to all is the eternal life found in Christ Jesus our Lord. We must be born again to receive this life. “Most assuredly I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (Jno. 3:3). This new birth is a deliberate action of faith by the believers, since it is he who has the right the become a child of God (Jno. 1:12). The new birth is accomplished through the “washing of water by the word” (Eph. 5:26; Jno. 3:5). Obedience to the word of God purifies the soul, and one is born again (1 Pet. 1:22-23). God’s word commands us to believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (Jno. 8:24; 20:30-31), to repent of our sins (Acts 17:30); to confess our faith in Christ (Rom. 10:9-10), and to be baptized in water for the remission of your sins (Mk. 16:16; Acts 8:35-38; 22:16). The birth of new life is precious, but the new birth of the soul brings eternal life and joy. Have you been born again? -Joe Price

Assignments: Sunday, November 23, 1997

Announcements: Jason Holt

Opening Prayer: Jason Holt / Walt Humphrey

Closing Prayer: Charles Fair / Dan Head

Song Leader: Rusty McGrew / Gary Bass

Scripture: Wesley Holt / Ray Hollister

Lord’s Supper: R. Holt / C. Gardner / J. Price

Bldg. Cleanup (Nov. 29): Haith

T HE SPIRIT’S SWORD

“And take...the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Eph. 6:17)

The Northside church of Christ

Meeting at the North Bellingham Grange Hall · 5201 Northwest Road · Bellingham, WA

Volume I, Number 41 November 23, 1997

WHAT IS THAT IN THY HAND?

Moses did not feel worthy to lead Israel out of Egyptian bondage. Call it fear, call it insecurity, call it what you will, he was having a serious bout of uncertainty, doubt and lack of faith. But his every excuse for not going back to Egypt was answered by God. When he rationalized that "they will not believe me" God asked, "What is that in thy hand?" (Exo. 4:1-2). God has placed many things in our hands. Things that are important and eternal in nature. How we use them says much about our faith in God as well as our ultimate reward.

As a parent, you have a child in your hand. God has placed in your care and keeping an immortal soul. What a precious gift (Psa. 127:3). Children are not burdens. They are not "in the way." They are God's reward. We must rear our children with a desire to honor and obey God in their lives. It has been said that a child may not inherit his parents' talents, but he will absorb their values. What are your children absorbing from you?

You have a name in your hand. That is, you have a reputation that you should value and not ruin through indiscretion (Prov. 22:1; Eccl. 7:1). Once tarnished, a good name is not easily nor quickly reclaimed. "The memory of the righteous is blessed; But the name of the wicked shall rot" (Prov. 10:7). Be careful with your reputation by thinking of the consequences of your actions. You will never regret living by faith.

You have an influence in your hand. Your life touches the lives of others. Your family, your associates at work, your neighbors, your fellow Christians. As salt influences the taste of our food, so should one’s life cause those around him to be better for the experience (Matt. 5:13). With so much evil influences around us, we must all be careful that we do not become the salt that looses its flavor!

You have an opportunity in your hand. Just as the wealthy master gave his servants portions of money according to their ability, God has placed in our hands many opportunities to use the abilities He has given us. The chance to speak a kind word, to help a stranger, to support the weak, to restore the fallen, to teach the lost - these and many more are the opportunities before us. Do not grow weary in well-doing. Use your opportunities to glorify God (Gal. 6:9-10; 1 Cor. 10:31).

-Joe Price

In Everything Give Thanks

“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

- 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Although Thanksgiving Day is but a man’s holiday, it reminds us of something we should never forget: We should be continually thankful to God. It is His will that we have grateful hearts for that which we receive, and generous hearts that we might in turn give to those who have need (Acts 20:35). Here are just a few things for which every Christian can be thankful.

· Our Savior’s victory over sin and death: “but thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor. 15:57)

· The revelation of truth: “At that season Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou didst hide these things from the wise and understanding, and didst reveal them unto babes....” (Matt. 11:25)

· Our food: “For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it be received with thanksgiving....” (1 Tim. 4:4).

· Our brethren: “I thank my God upon all my remembrance of you....” (Phil. 1:3).

· Creation and life: “For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse: because that, knowing God, they glorified him not as God, neither gave thanks; but became vain in their reasonings, and their senseless heart was darkened.” (Rom. 1:20-21)

· All things: “giving thanks always for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father....” (Eph. 5:20)

· God’s grace: “while they themselves also, with supplication on your behalf, long after you by reason of the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.” (2 Cor. 9:14-15)

· The call of salvation: “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to the which also ye were called in one body; and be ye thankful.” (Col. 3:15)

· Christ’s authority: “And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Col. 3:17)

To this list we could add our homes and families, our jobs, our health, our neighbors, our country, the promises of God, ad infinitum. We are truly a blessed people! How tragic if we forget to be thankful!

THE DISCIPLES Notes

WERE CALLED "CHRISTIANS"

{Scripture Reading: Acts 11:19-26}

I. A CHOICE IS MADE TO WEAR THIS NAME - Acts 26:28 (Josh. 24:15).

A. It Is An Informed Choice - Eph. 4:17-21; Acts 19:8; 26:25.

B. It Should Be An Immediate Choice - Acts 16:30-33.

C. It Must Be An Enduring Choice - Rev. 2:10 (cf. Heb. 6:4-6).

II. A CHANGE OCCURS IN THOSE WHO WEAR THIS NAME-Acts 11:20-26.

A. A Conversion Takes Place.

B. Repentance Must Occur - Acts 11:18; Rom. 6:2; Acts 26:20;

Rev. 9:20-21(Lk. 11:32; Jonah 3:8-10).

III. A CHALLENGE IS ACCEPTED WHEN WE TAKE THIS NAME

- 1 Pet. 4:12-18.

A. The Challenge To Be Identified W/ (Participate In) The

Sufferings Of Christ - 4:12-16 (Matt. 5:10-12).

B. The Challenge To Be Judged Worthy Of Our Name - 4:17-18.

Conclusion - In word and deed, let us truly be Christians! - Lk. 6:40

BUILDING CHARACTER: HUMILITY

{Scripture Reading: Phil. 2:1-8}

1. Micah 6:8 - God requires humility - 1 Pet. 3:8; 5:5-6; Eph. 4:1-2.

2. The challenge of humility: At the very moment we see ourselves achieving humility we are tempted with pride about our humility.

I. THE MIND OF HUMILITYÞCHRIST - Matt. 11:29; Phil. 2:5-8.

A. No Selfish Ambition - 2:3 (Christ - 2:6-7).

B. No Conceit - 2:3 (Christ - 2:6) - Overhigh estimation of oneself - cf. Rom. 12:16, 3.

C. Esteem Others Better Than Ourselves - 2:3 (X - 2:7; 2 Cor. 8:9).

D. Look To The Interests Of Others - 2:4 (Christ - 2:8).

II. THE ACTION OF HUMILITYÞWORSHIPFUL SERVICE - Micah 6:6-8.

A. The Worship Of God Demands It - Lk. 18:9-14 (cf. Psa. 95:6).

B. The Service Of Man Requires It - Jno. 13:12-17.

III. THE REWARD OF HUMILITYÞEXALTED BY GOD - 1 Peter 5:6.

A. The Humble Person:

1. Is regarded by God - Isa. 66:2.

2. Possesses the kingdom of God - Matt. 5:3; 18:1-4.

3. Obtains grace from God - Jas. 4:6 (1 Pet. 5:5).

4. Is lifted up by God - Jas. 4:10.

5. Is remembered & avenged by God - Psa. 9:11-12.

6. Is honored - Prov. 15:33.