Noteworthy News

(Current events in the light of Scripture)

Senate Passes UN Funding Bill With Abortion Proviso

WASHINGTON, DC (CWNews.com) - The US Senate voted on Tuesday to approve a State Department funding bill that pays back dues to the United Nations, but also includes a ban on giving US funds to organizations that promote or provide abortions overseas.

President Bill Clinton said he would immediately veto the bill because it contained the abortion provision, even though it would scuttle UN funding for another year. The US has been assessed $926 million in unpaid dues that cover several years. Congressional Republicans urged Clinton to sign the bill as approved because it contains several important reforms of the State Department and foreign operations, and might be the only way to provide UN funding in this election year.

Supporters of the abortion ban warned Clinton that if he vetoes this bill, they will attach the same amendment to his request for $18 billion for the International Monetary Fund that he has made a cornerstone of his foreign policy this year. (CATHOLIC INFORMATION NETWORK, Internet Web Site, accessed 4/30/98)

President Clinton is playing politics with the lives of the world’s unborn children. Just as Herod’s slaughter of the Bethlehem babies caused weeping, so the blood of millions of innocent children cries out to the Lord (Matt. 2:17-18). Abortion is a disgrace to our nation and to the world. Over one million unborn children are murdered each year in the United States alone! Will we raise our voices in opposition? Or, shall we silently stand on the other side and watch this violent, outrageous treatment of our children continue (read Obadiah 10-11)?!

The Bible makes no distinction between the unborn child and the child who has been born. John (the Baptist), before he was born, was a “babe” (brephos) in Elizabeth’s womb (Lk. 1:41, 44). When Mary gave birth to Jesus she wrapped “the babe” (brephos) in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger (Lk. 2:12, 16). The same word refers to both an unborn child and a newborn child. Should we sanction the elimination of unwanted newborn children? No indeed, for that would be murder! Then, neither should we allow the elimination of unwanted unborn children!

There will always be people who want an “unwanted” child, and who would gladly adopt that child into their family if only given the chance. But, the politicians and social reformists, being more interested in “public opinion” or social engineering than in what is right in the eyes of God, continue to enact and/or oppose laws which would freely provide this opportunity (not to mention giving the unborn child the right to live!).

Watch closely to see whether our President is more interested in political victory or in the lives of the unborn. And, know that God is watching him (and us), and will avenge the blood of the innocent. -joe-

WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS: Ladena Polansky and her children, Chris, Eddy and Beth have identified with us, and we are happy to have them! Their address is: Daniel & Ladena Polansky, 1905 E Section ST Mount Vernon, WA 98274. Phone: (360) 428-5912.

Congratulations Aaron & Ruby! Their new address is: 1085 Mobile LN, Ferndale, WA 98248; Phone: 380-5415.

Joe Price is holding a gospel meeting this week with the Westside church in Ft. Worth, TX. He will be home Saturday, May 9.

Assignments for Sunday, May 3: Please see Rick Holt.

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

Visit our Web Site on the Internet: http://members.tripod.com/~northsidecofc/index.html

Volume II, Number 12 May 3, 1998

A BAD HEART HAS A GOOD MEMORY

by Greg Gwin

Someone has properly observed that those with a bad heart seem to always have a good memory. They have a quick ability to recall every slight or offense that they have ever suffered. And, they are likely to do this anytime they experience a minor frustration.

Typically this happens when someone is trying to help, instruct or correct them. Their reaction is to call up the memory of something that may have happened months or years earlier. In doing this they attempt to disarm any criticism of themselves by pointing an accusing finger at others.

The elder brother of the prodigal son is a good Bible example of this sort of conduct (Luke 15:25-32). He could not bring himself to be happy for the restoration of his lost brother. Instead, he brooded over what he viewed as inequities in the way the father had treated him. "And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: but as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf." (Luke 15:29,30) Do you know anyone like him? Have you ever seen someone react the same way? His bad heart had an excellent memory of all that his younger brother had done -- but no ability to see his own faults.

We are not suggesting that anyone "look the other way" in regard to sins that others may commit. But, we are pointing out that the Scriptures command us to be "kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving" (Eph. 4:32). True love will motivate us to "suffer long" and not be "easily provoked" (1 Cor. 13:4-7). And concerning our own faults, we are instructed to be easily entreated (James 3:17), and humble (1 Peter 5:5).

Christian, how's your heart?

Biblical Principles of Unity (Part 16):

Efforts to Defend Unity in Doctrinal Diversity

by: Joe R. Price

Judging Motives vs. Judging Actions

In contrast to making motive assessments in order to determine fellowship, the Bible says we must make objective comparisons of what men teach with the revealed word - what the apostles taught (cf. 1 Jno. 4:1, 6). Nothing is found in this passage about the teacher’s motives or attitudes. Instead, the teacher’s teaching is put to the test of apostolic doctrine (v. 6). Subjective qualifications and conclusions about determining fellowship are not in harmony with what the objective standard of truth says on this matter. (See The Spirit’s Sword, 4/26/98). The Bible teaches us to test doctrine - not motives (the heart) - when determining fellowship with others (2 John 9-11). That is what the Bereans were commended for doing in Acts 17:11. God will commend us, too, when we follow their worthy example.

Be of the Same Mind Toward One Another (1 Cor. 1:10)

Brethren who are advocating ongoing fellowship in spite of doctrinal differences Our preacher friend who believes that we can “agree to disagree” on at least some issues of the revealed faith summarize the “qualification” of determining whether a person is living by faith so as to have fellowship with him is this manner (remember, according to this view, fellowship may be maintained in spite of doctrinal differences if the issue in question is an individual matter, if the Scriptures are not very clear on it, and if one is sincerely “living by faith”):

If it is an individual matter and one which experience has shown is not so clear and those folks in question are apparently living by faith, then we should be able to continue in fellowship indefinitely (agree to disagree). Humility, forbearance, and the doctrine of salvation by grace demands that we allow room for disagreement over various issues. This is part of what 1 Cor 1.10 is talking about when it says we are “to be of the same mind toward one another”.

Human experience and what is “apparently” so determines nothing when it comes to the truth of God and pleasing Him in our lives, including whether the Scriptures are clear on any given topic. For instance, the Mormon “experience” says that the New Testament is not a clear testimony of Jesus Christ, therefore we need the Book of Mormon! Will our brethren accept this application of their reasoning? How long before fellowship is extended to Mormons? Why is our experience (on whether a Bible subject is clear) is right, and the Mormon experience (on whether a Bible subject is clear) wrong? Be consistent, my dear brethren! Give up this rationale which is based upon human wisdom and not upon the word of God (1 Cor. 1:20-30).

Brethren who wish to broaden the bounds of fellowship consistently appeal to subjective reasoning to establish their basis for fellowship. The use of subjective reasoning to establish fellowship is not approved by the authority of God’s word (Col. 3:17). The New Testament of Jesus Christ is silent when it comes to the three “basic qualifications” for fellowship which some brethren have adopted and are now advocating among us.

The above use of 1 Corinthians 1:10 is truly amazing! In that passage, Christians are exhorted to “speak the same thing.” Yet, the quotation above shows that some brethren are using it to demand that we allow room for disagreement! So, being of the same mind means agreeing to disagree! Then why didn’t Paul say so in verses 12-13? If unity in doctrinal diversity is a valid concept, the inspired apostle should have said: “Remove your contentions by agreeing to disagree on who you should call yourself after! Go ahead and say, ‘I am of Paul’ or ‘I am of Apollos’ or ‘I am of Cephas’ or ‘I am of Christ!’ Just be sure you agree to disagree -- then you will be of the same mind!” Incredible! Who can believe it? This is what we are expected to believe 1 Corinthians 1:10 teaches about unity?! This is a perversion of the Scriptures and a different gospel which removes one from the grace of Christ! (2 Pet. 3:16; Gal. 1:6-9)

But, trying to defend the indefensible, brethren tell us it is promoting “sinful division” to not have fellowship with sincere brethren differ over doctrinal matters:

“However, arrogance, impatience and the doctrine of salvation by works causes brethren to be contentious and divide up over arbitrarily chosen issues. “But if you bite and devour one another, take care lest you be consumed by one another” (Gal 5.15).”

Over what subjects are we being accused of arbitrary contention and division? Divorce and remarriage (Matt. 19:4-9)? The “one covenant” doctrine (Heb. 8:6-13; 9:15-18)? Instrumental music in worship (Eph. 5:19)? Baptism for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38)? Having “no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even reprov(ing) them” (Eph. 5:11)? Like David of old, we shall continue to say, “Is there not a cause?!” (1 Sam. 17:29)

Does this brother, who advocates unity in doctrinal diversity, mean arbitrary issues like, “I am of Paul, I am of Apollos, I am of Cephas, and I am of Christ”? If the Corinthians could not “agree to disagree” over that part of the revealed truth, neither should we “agree to disagree” over the other truth which God has revealed. To arrive at unity requires diligent faith, humility, meekness, long-suffering and forbearance (Eph. 4:1-3). But, it can be achieved and maintained (Jno. 17:20-21; 1 Cor. 1:10).

Indeed, we must abhor the biting and devouring of one another (Gal. 5:15). Also notice Galatians 5:13-14, which warns us not to use our liberty in Christ as an occasion for the flesh. When we are servants of each other we express love for our neighbor as ourselves. Wanting to see and trying to help our brethren live in the truth of God is a part of this love. Therefore, we should try to restore them when they fall into sin, not continue as if all is well (Gal. 6:1-2; 1 Cor. 5:1-2, 4-7). This includes the matter of unlawful divorce and remarriage as well as all other false teaching (Jude 3-4; 2 Tim. 2:24-26; 1 Jno. 4:1).

Humility and Fighting False Doctrine

One brother has offered a rebuke for such teaching. He says:

...if you focus all of your attention on the passages that teach us to fight false doctrine and withdraw from false teachers, while ignoring the many hundreds of passages that teach us to “cloth ourselves with humility toward one another” and which teach us that we are saved by grace, etc., then it is easy to “prove” your position. The problem is, by ignoring most of the NT, one can then define “false teacher” as “anyone who disagrees with me on anything”, and then go to battle against everyone. Then you will find yourself fighting the wrong “enemy”.

How many passages of Scripture does it take to establish the truth on any subject? We should never get into the business of comparing how many times God speaks on one subject versus another, and then upon that basis decide their importance. “The entirety of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever” (Psa. 119:160).

We are not interested in “proving” a position, but in learning, teaching and obeying truth. “My position” or “your position” does not make anything right or wrong. Only when we agree with God’s word are we assured of His blessing. We do not define false teacher as “anyone who disagrees with me on anything.” We define it as the Bible defines it, namely, as one who “goes beyond the doctrine of Christ” which has been revealed through His apostles and prophets (2 Jno. 9; 1 Jno. 4:1, 6; Gal. 1:6-9; 2:5).

The enemy we fight is the father of lies, the devil. He knows how to package his lies so that they look like the truth (2 Cor. 11:13-15). We cannot afford to be ignorant of his devices (2 Cor. 2:11). The weapons of our spiritual warfare are “mighty before God” to the “casting down of arguments and...bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:3-5). And, let it be noted that God will punish all disobedience (2 Cor. 10:6). This is not the language of divisive partisanship, but “the words of truth and reason” (Acts 26:25).

(to be continued)