Noteworthy News

(Current events in the light of Scripture)

Married, with conflicts
Seven in 10 couples disagree about financial issues.

These are the most common conflicts.

(From USA Today Website)

Assignments

December 27, 1998

Announcements: Gary Bass

Opening Prayer: Gary B. / Willie G.

Closing Prayer: Jess B. / Morris B.

Song Leader: Rusty Mc / Dan Head

Scripture Reading: Jason H. / Shane B.

L. Supper: Rick H / Loren P / Philip P

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 Sites: http://www.davisinet.com/northsidecofc

http://members.tripod.com/joerprice/

Volume II, No. 45 December 27, 1998

A BEAUTIFUL LIFE!

Greg Gwin

A family from the former Soviet Union recently immigrated to our town, and many of the members of the church here were instrumental in helping them get established in their new apartment. The generosity was impressive, and the new family was overwhelmed. They did their best to express their appreciation -- as they would say in Russian, “Spa-CE-ba!” (thank you!)

When my wife and I carried them a few groceries to help stock their pantry, Meri, the wife and mother of the family, wanted some help with the instructions for preparing the various items. Cindy explained . . .add this to boiling water, wait 5 minutes, and eat . . . put this in the microwave, heat for 2 minutes, ready to eat . . . mix with water, let stand for 10 minutes, and eat . . . etc. After several of these instructions were explained, Meri interrupted: “American women never cook! What a beautiful life!!” We couldn't help but laugh. But with a little reflection, we were humbled. From the perspective of recent immigrants, our lives are truly blessed. We have an abundance of everything. And not only do we have this abundance, it is all made easy for us. Even the preparing of food is simple for us compared to others. We have ease and comforts that other people in the world can only dream of. We should be grateful.

At this special time of the year, which is set aside for giving thanks, let's be sure to remember all the wonderful things we have. And let's not forget to thank God who gives “every good gift and every perfect gift” (James 1:17). Don't limit your thankfulness to a single day of the year, but thank Him constantly for the beautiful life we enjoy. “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20). And, let's busy ourselves by using these blessings in His service to His honor and glory.

Can We Understand Christ’s Marriage Law?

Baptism MDR

R om. 6:3-4; Gal. 3:27; What ? Matt. 19:4-6; 1 Cor. 7:10-11;

1 Peter 3:21 Hebrews 13:4

Matt. 28:18-19; Mk. 16:16 Gen. 2:24; Heb. 13:4;

Acts 8:36-37; 18:8 Matthew 19:9

Mk. 16:16; Acts 22:16 Rom. 7:2-3; 1 Cor. 7:39;

1 Peter 3:21 Matt. 5:31-32; 19:9; Heb. 13:4

Acts 2:37-38; Col. 2:12 Matt. 19:9; Rom. 7:2-3; 1 Cor. 7:10-15

Acts 2:37-38, 40; 8:36-37; Matt. 19:9; Rom. 7:2-3;

Rom. 10:9-10; Acts 22:16 1 Cor. 7:25-28

________________________

Some Calvinists say baptism verses Some brethren say MDR verses

are “more difficult” & “less clear” are “more difficult” & “less clear”

We Can Understand The Doctrine Of Christ!

We Don’t Need A Creed To Determine Who Is Sound....

The Bible Tells Us That!

(Gal. 1:6-9; 2 Jno. 9-11; 2 Tim. 3:16-4:4; 2 Cor. 13:5)

All Things Are Mine In ‘99 Notes

(Scripture Reading: 1 Cor. 3:18-23)

1 Cor. 1:18-23 - All things are created & sustained for the benefit of Christians.

I. THE WORD OF GOD IS OURS - 3:18-20.

A. Divine Revelation “Belongs” To The Humble - 1 Cor. 1:18-31.

B. We Judge All Things On The Basis Of God’s Word, Not Human Wisdom - Phil. 1:9-11.

II. ALL THINGS ARE YOURS - 3:21-22; cf. Rom. 8:28.

A. Preachers & Teachers - 3:22. cf. 1 Tim. 4:4, 11, 16; 2 Cor. 12:14-16.

-What will you teach & expect to be preached in ‘99?

B. The World - Lk. 16:8-10 (Matt. 6:19-21). Where will your treasures be in ‘99?

C. Life & Death - Phil. 1:19-24; Gal. 2:20; Phil. 1:21, 23. How will you live (or die) in ‘99?

D. Things Present & Things To Come - cf. Phil. 4:11-13; 1:12-18; 3:20-21; Jas. 4:15.

III. EVERYTHING SERVES THE CHRISTIAN BECAUSE OF HIS RELATIONSHIP

TO CHRIST - 3:23.

A. You Must Belong To Christ - Gal. 3:26-29.

B. It Is Precisely Because We Are Christ’s That All Things Are Ours! - Eph. 1:3

C. Christ Is God’s - 3:23. Will you belong to God in 1999?

Jesus Of Nazareth: His Parables (# 6)

(Scripture Reading: Matthew 13:10-17)

1. His mission: Call sinners to repentance & salvation - Lk. 5:32; 19:10; Matt. 11:28-30.

2. Accomplished by the word He taught - Mk. 1:38; Jno. 12:49-50; Acts 10:36-37.

I. DEFINITION OF PARABLES.

A. “Lit., Denotes A Placing Beside...it signifies a placing of one thing beside another

with a view to comparison.” (Vine).

B. Jesus Did Not Invent The Use Of Parables - 2 Sam. 12:1-4.

II. THE PURPOSE OF JESUS’ USE OF PARABLES.

A. To Teach/Reveal Spiritual Lessons.

B. He Did Not Use Parables To Intentionally Hide Truth From Certain People

-Matt. 13:10-11; cf. Mk. 4:11-12.

C. What Does Jesus Mean By “To Them It Is Not Given?” - Matt. 13:11-17

III. THE RESULTS OF PARABLES - Mk. 4:11-12.

A. A Two-fold Effect Of Parables: Enlighten & Conceal.

IV. THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER.

A. Typical Of All The Parables - Mk. 4:13.

B. Reasons Why This Parable Is Vital To Understanding The Parables Of Jesus.

1. It teaches the value of listening - Mk. 4:3, 9, 15, 16, 18, 20; Lk. 8:18.

2. It teaches the need to remove prejudices & preconceived notions to learn truth - Lk. 8:15.

3. It teaches the need to remove every obstacle which hinders spiritual productivity - Lk. 8:13-14