Noteworthy News (Current events in the light of Scripture)

Morning-after pill: It works

Over-the-counter emergency-contraception pills used immediately after unprotected sex could safely help women reduce unwanted pregnancies, according to a British study published in last week's New England Journal of Medicine. Some American doctors agree. "This approach would prevent both induced abortions and unwanted births," Boston University Medical Center's Phillip Stubblefield says in an accompanying editorial.

But the treatment is not yet available in prescription or over-the-counter form in the United States, though a prescription product made by Gynétics is under review by the Food and Drug Administration. For now, doctors can prescribe a combination of widely available oral contraceptives like Ovral or Levlen that--if taken within 72 hours of intercourse--will prevent conception. The use of "the pill" in this way is supported by the FDA and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

The Office of Population Research at Princeton University (888-668-2528; http://opr.princeton.edu/ec) provides information on emergency contraception and a directory of providers who can correctly prescribe the pills.--Stacey Schultz (From, U.S. News Online, 7/10/98)

God has ordained that marriage is the only legitimate relationship in which coitus is honorable (Heb. 13:4; Gal. 5:19; 1 Cor. 6:18). Contraception which does not take new life is a morally neutral matter, left to the discretion of the husband and wife (Rom. 14). Medical advances have made a variety of such methods available.

Abortion is morally reprehensible. The article above reminds us of an important fact to remember. Some of the birth control techniques which are now available (drugs, devices) cause the newly conceived life (fertilized egg) to be rejected by its host. A new life, distinct from its mother and father, is discarded in the name of birth control. This is the taking of new life, not the prevention of new life. The world’s definition of birth control is not always moral. Sometimes “birth control” in fact means “birth denial” - the elimination of new life from the mother’s body so that normal development and birth will not occur. Please be informed and be careful to not discard newly conceived life thinking it is merely “birth control.” -jrp-

New Training Class to Begin Next Sunday, July 19

A training class will begin next Sunday at 5:00 for all boys (4th grade and higher). In it we will learn to participate in public worship, including leading prayer, song leading, scripture reading, public teaching and Lord’s Supper service.

·Assignments: July 12, 1998·

Announcements: Jason Holt

Opening Prayer: Jason Holt / Keith Alsobrook

Closing Prayer: Charles Fair / Jess Bass

Song Leader: Dan Head / Rick Holt

Scripture Reading: Chris Holp / Gary Bass

Lord’s Supper: Ed DeWis. / Ray H. / Bradley Holt

Building Cleanup: Gary & Marie Bass

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. 21 July 12, 1998

Like The Nations Around Us

Joe R. Price

I am increasing amazed at and concerned about the influence of false brethren and false teachers upon the minds and lives of faithful Christians. Like Israel in the days of Samuel who demanded a king (1 Sam. 8), many of God's people have become enamored with the religious teachers among the churches of men. While applauding the "spiritual insights" of blind guides (Matt. 15:14), they routinely reject as outdated, old fashioned sticks in the mud - or worse - those who "contend for the faith." If you think this assessment is overstated, I suggest you are woefully misinformed. The evidence suggests otherwise.

I suspect some of the kings of the nations around Israel may have had some good ideas about how to lead a nation. Do you suppose the Israelite demand for a king started with, "We will only take the good points from them - we can tell the difference between the works of men and the will of God"? If so, they were naive about the influence of error, lacking faith in God and His revelation to them. So are we, if we think we cannot be influenced by the smooth, fair and persuasive speech of false teachers (Rom. 16:18; Col. 2:4). Every "good idea" about spiritual matters must be judiciously exposed to the light of truth, not human wisdom, before it can be rightly regarded as "good" in God's sight (2 Tim. 3:16-17). To what shall we look for guidance, the wisdom of men or the power of God, His gospel (1 Cor. 2:4-5; Rom. 1:16)?

So, should I never read or study any religious material except it be authored by faithful brethren? Must I never listen to the teaching of anyone who is not a New Testament Christian? No, and if that is your conclusion then you have missed my point. The point is that any of us can be influenced by error. Error is deceptive, often appearing to serve righteousness (2 Cor. 11:15). We cannot afford to be fooled. Whatever we study and learn must be strictly compared with and judged by what the scriptures say (Acts 17:11). Keeping our focus on the word of God rather than the opinions of men is the only safe course. Then we will not want to be like the nations around us. "Buy the truth and sell it not." Think on these things.

PREACH JESUS AND NO ONE WILL BE OFFENDED

Keith Greer

"Then His Disciples came and said to Him, Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?" {Matthew 15:12} Many times during the public teaching of Christ, men were "offended." Did Christ change His teaching methods? Content? Style?

Today many are calling for a change in our preaching. "We must preach more positive messages." "Leave these issues alone, they only cause division." "Preach just the essentials of the gospel." Can this advice be followed? The title of this lesson has been suggested by many. Will it work? Let us examine these matters from God's word.

"For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified." {1 Corinthians 2:2} What does it mean to preach "Christ crucified?"

Can I preach about His life? What of His birth? "And she will bring forth a Son, and you will call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." {Matthew 1:21} What will my Jewish friends say? Might I offend them if I preach Christ as the only Messiah? Better leave it alone!

Can I preach about His most beloved possession, the church? "...the church of God which He purchased with His own blood." {Acts 20:28} "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it." {Ephesians 5:25} What will my Catholic friends think if I preach about the ONE church? Better leave it alone!

How about the conditions for membership? "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." {Romans 10:17} "...for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins." {John 8:24} "I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish." {Luke 13:3} "...with the mouth confession is made to salvation." {Romans 10:10} "He that believes and is baptized will be saved..." {Mark 16:16} What about my Baptist friends? They believe baptism is not essential to our salvation. Others believe someone else can be baptized for you. This subject is much too controversial. Better leave it alone!

What about our worship services? "Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart." {Ephesians 5:19} What will my brethren say who use the instru­ments in worship? "On the first day of the week let each of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper,..." {1 Corinthians 16:2} What will my religious friends say who pass the "baskets" at every service? "Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread,...." {Acts 20:7} What of my friends who partake the Lord's Supper once a month. All these will cause too much strife. Better leave them alone.

See my problem? What subject in the Bible is not upsetting to somebody? If I am going to endeavor to "preach Christ and Him cruci­fied," I'm going to have to preach the "whole counsel of God." {Acts 20:27} All the truth and nothing but the truth!

What is our main purpose in preaching? To offend men or save their souls? Better offend them now, so they can be saved in eternity!

What Are You Willing To Give Me? Notes

(Scripture Reading: Matthew 26:14-16)

1. Satan is always ready to give us what it takes to turn our allegiance away from

God - cf. Matt. 4:8-10; Matt. 16:26.

2. What are you willing to receive to deliver up Christ?

I. FALSE DOCTRINE? - Gal. 1:6-12; 1 Jno. 4:1-6; Rom. 16:17-18

· Friendships / Family (Matt. 10:37)

· No conflict (Lk. 12:49-51; Jer. 6:14)

II. CONVENIENCE? - Acts 25:25; 1 Pet. 4:12-16

· Physical rest / Mental relaxation - cf. Matt. 26:41 (Jno. 9:4); Heb. 4:9-11; Rev. 14:13

· Time for self - Selfish refusal to sacrifice - cf. Lk. 9:57-58; 14:16-20, 24

III. MATERIALISM? - Matt. 6:19-21

· Greed for material things - Lk. 12:15-21; 1 Tim. 6:6-10

· Stingy giving - Mk. 12:41-44; 1 Tim. 6:17-19 (cf. Mal. 3:8-10)

IV. IMMORALITY (Personal lust)? - 1 Jno. 2:15-17; Jas. 4:1-4.

· Passing pleasures of sin - Heb. 11:25

· Sensualism - Col. 3:5-6; 1 Cor. 6:18

· Immodest dress - 1 Tim. 2:9-10

· Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco - 1 Pet. 4:3-4

V. WITHSTAND STEADFAST IN YOUR FAITH! - 1 Pet. 5:8-9; Jas. 4:7-10

The Tongue (Part 3):

Sound Speech Which Cannot Be Condemned

(Scripture Reading: James 3:8-18)

I. TOWARD GOD:

A. Praise - Heb. 13:15 (extol, thank, honor); Jas. 3:9; Psa. 35:28; Eph. 5:19-20.

B. Prayer - Matt. 6:9-15; Lk. 18:1; 1 Tim. 2:8; 1 Jno. 5:14-15.

II. TOWARD OUR FAMILIES:

A. To Our Children: Train In Righteousness - Eph. 6:4; Heb. 12:7, 11.

B. Children To Your Parents: Honor & Respect - Eph. 6:1; Heb. 12:9.

C. Our Spouses: Respect, Honor & Understanding - 1 Pet. 3:1-2, 7.

III.TOWARD BRETHREN IN CHRIST:

A. Exhort - (cf. Barnabas - son of consolation).

B. Admonish - Rom. 15:14 (Lk. 17:3).

C. Correct Problems - Matt. 5:23-25; Phil. 4:2.

IV. TOWARD OUR NEIGHBORS - Col. 4:6; Tit. 2:7-8 (sound speech).

A. Speak The Gospel To Him - Mk. 16:15; Rom. 10:13-15; 2 Tim. 2:2; 4:1-2.

B. Godly Traits In Our Speech: Honesty - Psa. 15:2; Matt. 5:37; Kindness - Jas. 3:9-12;

Wisdom & Justice - Psa. 37:30 (Psa. 49:3; Prv. 12:18-19).