Noteworthy News

(Current events in the light of Scripture)

100,000 People Gather To Hear Mary Message

A crowd of 100,000 people gathered in Conyers, Ga., this week to hear a message from the Virgin Mary given by a woman who claims to have had visits from Mary since 1990.

“If you are worried about the future, put not your attention to these matters,” homemaker Nancy Fowler read from handwritten notes to a rapt audience Tuesday. “The future holds no concern to those who truly seek God and love him and remain in his favor.”

Fowler delivered messages from Mary on the 13th of each month from October 1990 to May 1994. After that date, she announced there would be a public message from the Virgin Mary just once a year -- on Oct. 13.

Fowler announced last year that Tuesday's public message would be the last.

“My crowning words are to be holy, to be witnesses, and to walk in my faith,” Fowler told the crowd. “I love you all, my dear children.”

Local Catholic officials have not endorsed Fowler's visions.-- Religion News Service

Commentary (Joe Price)

The Bible says that God speaks to us today in His Son Jesus Christ (Heb. 1:2). Millions of people seek messages from the dead instead of reading the living word of God (Heb. 4:12)! The Bible never gives Mary the role of Mediatrix which Catholicism affords her, nor should mankind expect messages from her such as was offered in Georgia earlier this month. Man’s fascination with mystical experiences, rather than the inspired apostolic message recorded in scripture, will always cause many to accept the fakery and fables of men instead of the genuine truth of God (2 Tim. 4:2-4; 3:16-17; 1 Cor. 14:37; 1 Thess. 2:13). Truth-seekers will hear and believe the message of Jesus Christ which is contained in His New Testament, not the deceptions of men which offer false hope! (Acts 17:11-12; 2 Thess. 2:10-15)

Assignments for October 25, 1998

Announcements

Rick Holt

Opening Prayer

Rick Holt / Ed DeWispeleare

Closing Prayer

Aaron Bass / Morris Bass

Song Leader

Clarence Gardner / Dan Head

Scripture Reading

Jess Bass / Shane Bass

Lord’s Supper

Charles Fair / Chris Holp / Philip Price

Building Cleanup

Jess & Connie 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. 36 October 25, 1998

Does God Ever Get Angry?

Justin Monts

Recently, I was asked the question, "Do you believe God ever gets angry?" Although I was surprised at first at the question posed, I then responded, "well, inasmuch as we read about the wrath of God coming upon the sons of disobedience we can know that, yes, God does indeed get angry."

Having been asked this, though, I later thought about how it is easy for us to emphasize the love, compassion, and mercy of God so much that we lose sight of the fact that He is also referred to as a God of indignation and wrath. Moses declared to the Israelites, "Take heed to yourselves, lest you forget the covenant of the Lord your God which He made with you, and make for yourselves a carved image in the form of anything which the Lord your God has forbidden you. For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God" (Deut. 4:23-24). The God whom we serve is a consuming fire and one who is angered over the unfaithfulness of His people. The Scriptures plainly state He will come "in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Thess. 1:8). While it is certainly true that He is long-suffering, patient, kind, and gentle, let's not forget He will also inflict righteous judgment.

Consider these other passages that speak of God's wrath: 'O house of David! Thus says the Lord: "Execute judgment in the morning; and deliver him who is plundered out of the hand of the oppressor, lest My fury go forth like fire and burn so that no one can quench it, because of the evil of your doings" (Jer. 21:12 ).

"Who can stand before His indignation? And who can endure the fierceness of His anger? His fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by Him" (Nahum 1:6).

Perhaps more sermons are needed on the righteous judgment of God. The object of God's wrath is sin and all unrighteousness (Rom. 1:18). Knowing that this is what provokes our Creator to displeasure, we must live a life characterized by righteousness, holiness, and purity. A fitting sense of reverence and godly fear must be instilled (1 Pet. 1:17; Heb. 12:28-29). Such is essential if we want to abide in the fellowship and favor of the Almighty.

HE MAGNIFIED HIMSELF AGAINST THE LORD

Joe R. Price

_Israel had many enemies during their occupation of the land of promise. One particularly troublesome enemy of the people of God were the Moabites. Early in the history of Israel we find Moab trying to obstruct the progress of God's people (Num. 22-24). King Balak tried to enlist Balaam's support against Israel, but the Spirit of God used Balaam to bless Israel while speaking forth His prophetic judgments against Moab (Num. 24:17).

Throughout the history of Israel God's prophets continued to make it clear that God would bring His judgment upon the sins of Moab. Amos (2:1-3), Isaiah (15; 16:6-14), Zephaniah (2:8-10) and Ezekiel (25:8-11) all have something to say about Moab's sin and God's vengeance against it. The most complete discussion of God's judgment against Moab is given in the 48th chapter of Jeremiah. What God had to say against Moab may seem far removed from us, however, we can learn valuable lessons from what God spoke against Moab (Rom. 15:4).

Moab had a fundamental problem which revealed itself in many specif­ic ways. The prophet stated the problem in this way, "for he magnified himself against the Lord" (Jer. 48:26, 42). To magnify is to enlarge or make great. Moab, situated in a strategically secure region, became taken with himself and refused to acknowledge God. How pathetic is the man or nation that exalts himself before the Almighty! Such an attitude of disregard and contempt surely leads to the multiplying of sin. As we reflect upon Moab's sins against the Lord we will do well to examine ourselves to avoid magnifying ourselves against Him (2 Cor. 13:5).

Moab's trust in his riches reflected the enlarged view he had of himself (Jer. 48:7). The love of money will ever continue to be the root of many evils (1 Tim. 6:10). Money is a method of exchange which enables the trading of the goods and services which sustain and enhance life. Money, in and of itself, is not evil. Being poor does not make one righteous, and being wealthy does not make one a sinner. It is one's attitude of heart toward money that causes the unrighteous use and sinful preemi­nence of wealth in the lives of men and women. God's judgment against Moab stands as a historical reminder to be rich toward God (Matt. 6:19-21; 1 Tim. 6:17-19).

God also judged Moab for complacency and indifference (Jer. 48:11-12). Moab's relative geographic isolation had shielded it from the full destructive force of invading armies. The nation had lived in ease and was now "settled on his lees" (v.11). Moab's ease resulted in pride and indifference. Zephaniah rendered a similar judgment against the men of Jerusalem (Zeph. 1:12). Likewise, the advantages of our country tend to cause a complacent pride within us. We seem so secure from outside oppres­sion. Our ease of life is renown throughout the world. But have we allowed the way we view our blessings to become the eventual cause of our condemnation? As Christians, if we are "at ease in Zion," we too will come under God's wrath (Amos 6:1-6). We must be vigilant, never sleeping, always abounding in the work of the Lord (Rom. 12:11; 1 Thess. 5: 1-11; 1 Cor. 15:58).

Although Moab trusted in the might of his army, God's destroyer would reduce him to calamity (Jer. 48:14-18). Moab's trust was mis­placed. Instead of honoring God, he depended upon the power of men. We can become far too trusting in our own power and ability. Faith in God renders such trust useless. Faith looks to God for strength, for security, for sustenance. Isaiah rebuked the faithless of Israel when he said, "Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help, and rely on horses, and trust in chariots because they are many, and in horsemen because they are very strong, but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek Jehovah!" (Isa. 31:1). We ought to be placing our trust in the power and presence of God (Heb. 13:5-6; Rom. 8:37).

Moab's pride caused him to mock the people of God (Jer. 48:26-31). Zephaniah equated Moab's pride with magnifying themselves against God (Zeph. 2:10). Imagine that! Sinful man arrogantly elevating himself above the Holy One! Yet, that is exactly what pride does. More than lifting one up above his fellows, it exalts man above God. We must cast away every semblance of pride toward man and God (Jas. 4:6-7; 1 Pet. 5:5-6).

Certainly Moab's idolatry was another way he magnified himself against the Lord (Jer. 48:35). The worship of man-made gods has always been deplorable to the only true God. Idolatry has not gone out of fashion since the days of Moab. If we elevate anything to a degree of honor in our lives higher than God, we become idolaters (Col. 3:5). If God does not have first place in your life, you too are an idolater.

In spite of God's judgment against Moab, He still extended mercy in the form of the coming Christ (Jer. 48:47). We can be eternally thankful that God has been merciful toward us (Eph. 2:4-6). Sin enlarges man before God, yet God's mercy is held out to all in Christ Jesus. God will judge our sin. Will we learn from Moab and repent?

Stones (continued) Notes

(Scripture Reading: Ephesians 2:19-22)

I. THE MESSIAH.

II. THE KINGDOM OF GOD - Dan. 2:24-35, 44-45 .

A. Its Invincibility & Durability - cf. Dan. 7:14, 18; Heb. 12:28.

B. Its Vastness (filled the earth) - All men, everywhere - Isa. 2:2-4.

C. Our Citizenship Is In Heaven - Phil. 3:20.

D. Why Would Its Citizens Immigrate To Foreign Kingdoms? - Col. 1:13

III. CHRISTIANS - 1 Pet. 2:4-5, 9-10 .

A. Each Christian Has A Place Where He Fits In The House Of God - Eph. 2:21-22.

B. Must Not Defile The Temple (House) Of God - 1 Cor. 3:16-17, 21; 6:18-20.

What Doth Hinder Me To Be Baptized?

(Scripture Reading: Acts 8:34-39)

I. FIRST, ACCEPT THAT WATER BAPTISM IS NECESSARY FOR YOUR SALVATION.

A. It Is God’s Command To You To Be Saved By Christ From Your Sins -Mk. 16:15-16;

Acts 2:37-38; Acts 22:16; 1 Pet. 3:21.

II. WHY SOME PEOPLE ARE HINDERED FROM BEING BAPTIZED.

A. A Lack Of Faith In Christ - Acts 18:8; Lk. 7:29-30.

B. A Lack Of Knowledge - Acts 19:1-5; 8:33-34; 17:11-12.

C. An Unwillingness To Do What They Know Is Right - Jno. 12:42-43; Acts 24:25.

D. Some Refuse To Repent Of Their Sins - Rom. 2:5; Acts 2:38.

III. THINGS WHICH SHOULD NOT HINDER YOU FROM BEING BAPTIZED:

A. The Sinfulness Of Your Past - 1 Tim. 1:12-16; 1 Cor. 6:9-11.

B. The Reaction Of Others - 1 Pet. 3:13-14.

C. A Fear Of Failure - Phil. 3:12-14; 4:13.

Conclusion: Acts 2:40-41 - Will you receive the word of the gospel and be saved?