Noteworthy News

(Current events in the light of Scripture)

REAL SUFFERING AND HUNGER

[Reported by Jim McDonald, P. O. Box 155032, Lufkin, TX 75915-5032; (409) 637-0229]

“El Nino,” which has affected our weather pattern in the States, bringing great floods to California, has had a major impact in the Philippines. There it has been droughts. Some say it has been seven months since any real rain has fallen in their regions. Newspaper clippings substantiate the distress and suffering that has befallen people in El Nino’s wake.

The drought is evident almost everywhere. I observed the brown, parched land from both mountain top and plains. Coconut and banana trees are suffering and the present crop is said to be greatly inferior to normal ones. In some quarters “green” blinders were put on the carabaos: they refused to eat the parched grass but the blinders “trick” them to think the grass is green.

Our brethren are among the poorest of Filipinos. Everywhere we went the story was the same: many brethren survive by eating once a day. Some add to their diets by eating young, green bananas. Others hazard their lives by eating wild yam, a poisonous root that can be prepared and eaten only after three days of elaborate procedures. Philippine Papers tell of 50 or more deaths which have resulted from folk eating the improperly prepared yam. News of the death on an aged preacher from that food reached us on the eve of our departure from Mindanao for Manila, April 20th. The stoic philosophy of those who risk their lives eating the poisonous yam is “Better to die on a full stomach than on an empty one.”

It is nearly impossible to accurately determine how many churches are in desperate need. There are likely 100-125 in north and south Cotabato and the areas around Davao City and General Santos City (southern Mindanao)....In all, I believe that at least 250 churches could accurately be described as in critical need.

Getting help to these brethren is the number one problem. I write these words having prayed much about how to safely and scripturally get help to the suffering Filipino saints. Even now I ponder on what would be the best course to pursue--conscious only of this one great truth, our brethren are needy (just as Jerusalem saints were needy), brotherly love and care demands that we neglect not their need. I am willing to return, at my own, personal expense, to deliver the resources to needy brethren there, provided that some other brother will volunteer to accompany me to see that those funds are delivered to ones for whom they are intended in as equal and fair and scriptural a measure as can be done. Even if I do not go, I can (and will) supply names of responsible men who will see that relief is given to those who need it. Your gift will be acknowledged by the brethren by them signing a statement of what they received.

When you sit down to your abundant meal today will you think about many of your Filipino brethren who will only eat once? (Jam. 2:14-17; 1 Jno. 3:17-18; Rom. 12:10; Jno. 13:35)

(PHILIPPINE REPORT, Number 5, May, 1998)

ASSIGNMENTS - SUNDAY, MAY 24, 1998

Announcements: Rusty McGrew

Opening Prayer: Rusty McGrew / Ray Hollister

Closing Prayer: Rick Holt / Jason Holt

Song Leader: Gary Bass / Rick Holt

Scripture: Wesley Holt / Jeremy Price

Lord’s Supper: Charles Fair/ Terry Haith / Ed Dewisp.

Building Cleanup: Dan & Roberta Head

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:// www.davisinet.com/northsidecofc

Volume II, No. 14 May 24, 1998

Only Let Your Conduct Be Worthy

of the Gospel of christ

With these words the apostle Paul exhorts us, as he did the Philippian brethren, to make sure that our lives are in harmony with the honor and attributes of the gospel of Christ (Phil. 1:27). Personal inventory of our faithfulness to Christ is always proper (2 Cor. 13:5). The “light of the world” and the “salt of the earth” must be exemplary in word and deed (Matt. 5:13-16; Eph. 4:1).

Do our words reflect reverence, wisdom and kindness? (Eph. 4:29; 1 Pet. 3:10) If others would describe our speech as harsh, rude, abusive, profane, worldly and/or irreverent, we certainly have not set a godly example which reflects the honor of Christ and His gospel. Remember, brethren, that by our words we shall either be justified or condemned (Matt. 12:37).

Does our clothing befit those who profess godliness? (1 Tim. 2:9-10; 1 Pet. 3:3-4) With summer weather approaching, we have again arrived at the time of year when less clothing is the norm, not the exception. But for the Christian, it should be different. Modesty knows no season - it is always in style to the Christian (man or woman) who intends to bring honor to the gospel by his or her choice of attire.

Does your recreational activities show your devotion to God? (1 Tim. 4:7-8) We look forward to summer vacations, sports and relaxation. But let us not forget that Christians never take a vacation from serving and worshipping God (Matt. 6:33; Lk. 9:23). If we do not remember God in all of our plans, how can we convince ourselves (or others) that Christ is the “first love” of our life (cf. Rev. 2:4-5)?

Do we “stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel?” (Phil. 1:27) When we are unity in Christ through His gospel we honor Him, and He will honor us (Phil. 1:28). -Joe Price

EMOTIONALISM IN WORSHIP

Larry Ray Hafley

Humans are creatures of emotion. Emotion is part of all we do. It affects our judgment. It causes us to act, react, and interact in certain ways. Emotion is a cause. It is an effect. It is a response. It colors every phase and facet of our being.

In religion, as in all other areas, emotion plays a part. Sin is interlaced and intertwined with emotion from beginning to end (Gen. 3:6; Psa. 32; 51; Matt. 26:75; Lk. 15:5-7, 9, 10, 20-24). Jesus' life exhibited emotion (Mk. 3:5; Jn. 11:35). So also did Paul's. Certain of his emotional responses were "negative," or sad; others were "positive," or happy (2 Cor. 1:8; 7:5-7). Of course, "rejoicing" is generally recognized as an emotional reaction. While emotion plays a part in it, rejoicing is not necessarily limited to cheerful feelings (Acts 8:39; 16:34; Phil. 4:4-9).

Liberal theology is recognized for its misuse of emotion in religion. "Seepy-weepy" eyes are supposed to indicate great compassion and deep spirituality. However, conservative religionists, as typified by Pentecostalism, also are well known for their exhibitions of emotionalism in worship. From traditional "holy-rollerism" to "holy laughter," from shouting to shaking (all of which is allegedly produced "by the Holy Ghost"), charismatic Christendom has both invoked and evoked emotionalism. Indeed, without excited, emotional demonstrations, there would be little to mark and distinguish Pentecostalism. Take away fright, and you cannot have a "horror movie." Take away their fanatical frenzy of emotional ecstasy, and you cannot have Pentecostalism.

Be assured that righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit involve and include emotions, but the emotions related and connected thereto are not the essence, the heart and soul, of true and pure religion (Rom. 14:17; 15:1-3, 5-7; Jas. 1:27; 1 Jn. 3:7). As our dear brother J. L. Long said, "Every baptism is immersion, but not all immersion is Bible baptism." Likewise, all rejoicing in righteousness inherently involves one's emotions, but not all expressions of emotion are righteous rejoicings.

Worship, An Emotional Experience

Worship is an emotional experience. Who will deny it? Worshiping man, though, like the salesman, wants to "sell the sizzle." It is the "felt experience," the deep and intense emotions, that are offered to God. Surely God will see and accept them, for they are from the heart. The emotion becomes the center, the sacrifice, the "sizzle," if you will, that God is supposed to buy. As proof thereof, note this excerpt from Dave

Miller's, Piloting The Strait, 52, 53:

"Care must be taken to refrain from justifying religious practice by confusing spirituality with mere physical or emotional sensation....(Some) equate emotion and feeling with being spiritual. The changes in worship which they advocate are targeted at stimulating emotions and making worshippers feel their religion. These emotional sensations are then mistaken for spirituality....

"For example, Lynn Anderson (evangelist, Fifth and Highland church, Abilene, TX--LRH) cites a(n)...assembly in which a 'communion trio' sang to the congregation and thereby 'helped us to express emotions for which the congregation knew no song.' 'The congregation sat profoundly moved with uplifted faces as tears flowed....' Apparently, shedding tears is...proof that the activity is...spiritual, and scriptural....

"But the Bible simply does not teach that stimulating the emotions is God-honoring or proof of the Spirit's presence. God does not call upon us to refurbish worship so that people are not 'feeling emotionally left out....If it takes a trio singing to the congregation during the Lord's Supper for the people to affirm, 'Surely the Lord was in this place today'...those people have been conditioned to confuse emotion and newness with spirituality. I suppose if the trio had not sung, the Lord would not have been in that place that day! I suppose the observance of the Lord's Supper for centuries without trios has prevented the Lord from being present!"

Yes, one sincerely may weep at the table of the Lord. He also may weep while sternly rebuking and sharply reproving "enemies of the cross of Christ" (Phil. 3:18). When the former tears are seen as genuine but the latter ones are regarded with suspicion, it is time to examine ourselves, for one may be as genuine or as counterfeit as the other.

"He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God" (Mic. 6:8)? "The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit" (Psa. 34:18). "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise" (Psa. 51:17). "Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire" (Heb. 12:28, 29).

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A SIMPLE TRUTH ABOUT HAPPINESS Notes

(Scripture Reading: Psalm 34:1-16)

-God wants our lives to be happy: Eccl. 2:24; 3:12-13, 22; 9:7-9.

I. THE KEY TO HAPPINESS:

A. Happiness Is Not The Product Of Our Circumstances, But Of Our Decision.

B. To Be Happy, We Must Fear Of The Lord - 1 Pet. 3:9-11 (Psa. 34:11-12); Eccl. 12:13.

II. OVERCOMING OBSTACLES TO HAPPINESS.

A. Comparing Ourselves With Others - 2 Cor. 8:1-5.

B. Images Of Perfection (flawlessness) - Phil. 3:12-16.

C. The “Missing Tile” Syndrome - cf. Num. 11:4-6; Matt. 6:25-27, 34.

III. DECIDING TO LIVE A HAPPY LIFE.

A. First, Realize That Happiness Is The By-product Of Something Else - 1 Pet. 3:10-11.

B. Reverence & Love The Lord & Serve Others - Lk. 10:25-28.

C. Be Thankful - Psa. 107:21-22; Col. 3:15, 17.

D. Be Genuine.....Live Your Faith! - Phil. 4:4-9 (Gal. 2:20).

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PSYCHOLOGY & THE BIBLE: REDEFINING TRUTH

(Scripture Reading: Colossians 3:1-4)

-Issue at stake: Is there ultimate truth or must we rely on human wisdom (Jno. 17:17; 2 Pet. 1:3)!

I. THE REDEFINITION OF FAITH - Heb. 11:1; Rom. 10:17.

A. Man-Centered Rather Than God-Centered Christianity - Col. 3:1-3.

-(“Felt needs” and “the whole man” concepts - cf. Lk. 9:23; Gal. 2:20).

B. Redefining Sin - 1 Jn. 3:4; Matt. 7:23; Jas. 4:17; Rom. 14:23; Isa. 59:1-2; Rom. 3:23; 6:23.

1. Robert Schuller: Sin is "any act or thought that robs myself or another human being

of his or her self-esteem."

2. Brethren are creating an atmosphere in which we cannot challenge & expose sin & error,

& openly fight it without the charge of “legalism,” “divisive,” “creedalism!”

C. Redefining Salvation - Rom. 6:23; Mk. 16:15-16; Acts 2:38; 22:16 (a self-esteem issue).

D. Redefining Worship - Jno. 4:23-24; 1 Cor. 14:33, 40 (Emotion-based & driven).

E. Redefining Hell - Matt. 25:30, 41, 46; Mk. 9:47-48; Rev. 21:8.

-Robert Schuller: Hell is "the loss of pride." Bible: Matt. 25:30, 41, 46; Mk. 9:47-48; Rev. 21:8.