Noteworthy News

(Current events in the light of Scripture)

Sri Lanka says 62 killed in operation

January 1, 1999

Web posted at: 4:49 AM EST (0949 GMT)

COLOMBO, Jan 1 (Reuters) - Sri Lanka said on Friday 62 people, most of them Tamil Tiger rebels, had been killed in the east of the country during an operation by government troops.

The Defense Ministry said in a statement that troops backed by artillery fire had conducted a limited operation on December 31 in Pulipanchikal in the eastern Batticaloa district.

The statement quoted a rebel transmission monitored by troops as saying that 58 rebels were killed and 18 wounded in the confrontation.

The statement also said four soldiers were killed and eight received minor wounds during the operation.

There was no immediate comment on the confrontation from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, who have been fighting for a separate homeland for minority Tamils in Sri Lanka's north and east since 1983.

COMMENTARY (Joe R. Price)

Wars and rumors of war. Some use them to predict the second coming of Christ. From their misuse of Matthew 24 (which gives sign of the destruction of Jerusalem to the disciples of Christ so they could escape the devastation - a prophecy which was fulfilled in 70 AD), men have often speculated His return. The approaching of a new millennium will no doubt produce similar false prophets who will say, “Look, here is the Christ.” “Do not believe it.” (Matt. 24:23)

Most of us do not even know where Sri Lanka is. Nevertheless, life is being lost - wars continue. Let us pray for peace among men in 1999 and beyond. Let it be a peace which comes from knowing Christ and living in His truth (Phil. 4:4-8). And, let it begin with me. (Rom. 12:18)

Assignments

January 3, 1999

Announcements: Morris Bass

Opening Prayer: Morris B / Willie G

Closing Prayer: Loren P / Shane B

Song Leader: Dan Head / Clarence G

Scripture Reading: Jess Bass / Chris Holp

L. Supper: Ed D / Gary B / Philip P

Building Cleanup: Jess and Connie Bass

That Which Every Member Supplies

Joe R. Price

The church is composed of Christians who have been given talents and abilities by the Lord (cf. Matt. 25:15). The Northside church is no exception. Brethren are growing in their knowledge of God’s word and using it in their lives. We have brethren who do admirable jobs teaching Bible classes, preaching, song leading and helping with the other aspects of our worship as well as the White Rock, BC congregation. The women of the church are to be commended for your interest in and care for the needs of the saints and others. We have been very blessed by our Lord.

There is another area of talent we should utilize. In this church we have salespeople, retired folks, homemak­ers, manag­ers, engineers and other profes­sionals. Why do we have these particular talents in this church at this time? While we cannot answer that for sure, we can say that having been so blessed with talent, we bear a corresponding responsi­bility to be using them in God's work (Rom. 12:3-8; 2 Cor. 8:12). We must be putting our talents to work for the cause of Christ, or we will give account for our neglect in the day of judgment (Rom. 14:12).

Looking over the capabilities present in this church, it becomes obvious that many of the occupations represented involve a good deal of contact with the public. If fact, that contact is crucial in many cases. If we have the talent to deal with the public about secular matters, will not the Lord expect us to use that talent in spiritual matters? We should be talking to others about the gospel and trying to save them! We have managerial skills in this church. That implies organization and the ability to help others accomplish their tasks efficiently. Could not this same ability be used to enhance the productivity and efficiency of the local church in its classes, in its effort to construct a building, etc.? We can and we must be putting our talents to good use.

These are just two examples of the abilities which exist here to help us see the connec­tion between the capabilities we use every day and our use of those same endowments to increase the body of Christ (Eph. 4:16).

Where does this congregation plan to be in one year? Five years? Ten years? Are we planning for lukewarmness by squandering our opportu­nities to use the talents we have been given (Rev. 3:15-18)? Are we content with mediocrity when there is a lost world that needs saving in Christ? Will we use our talents to increase the vitality and effectiveness of the Lord's cause in Bellingham and this region? The decision is yours and mine. Let each of us think on these things and use what God has given us to His honor and glory.

THE ROLE OF GODLY WOMEN Notes

(Scripture Reading: Titus 2:1-5)

What can godly women do? Many good & important ways you can positively

affect lives of many. GODLY WOMEN WILL:

I. BEFIT THE SOUND DOCTRINE - Tit. 2:1.

A. Godliness & Good Works Are The Adornments Of The Christian Woman

-1 Tim. 2:9-10; 1 Pet. 3:3-6 (Titus 2:10); Prov. 31:25.

II. BE TEACHERS WHO STRENGTHEN OTHERS - 2:3.

A. By Exercising Self-Control - 2:3.

B. Teachers Of That Which Is Good - v. 3; Acts 9:36, 39; 2 Tim. 1:5.

III. STRENGTHEN THE CHURCH.

A. As You Live Godly & Teach Truth, The Church Grows - Rom. 16:1-2; 1 Tim.

1:5; 3:15; cf. Tit. 2:1.

B. Helpers Of Brethren - Rom. 12:13; cf. Rom. 16:2; 1 Tim. 5:10.

C. Your Godliness Helps The Church Obtain Qualified Leadership - 1 Tim. 3:11.

IV. STRENGTHEN THE FAMILY - Tit. 2:4-5.

A. Love Your Husband & Children - v. 4.

B. Be Guardian Of The Home - 2:5; 1 Tim. 5:14; Prov. 31:27 (v. 12ff); Eph. 5:22.

C. Be In Subjection To Husband - v. 5; Eph. 5:22.

V. STRENGTHEN THE WORLD - Tit. 2:5.

-(Examples & influence - 1 Tim. 5:14-15; Matt. 5:13-16)

JESUS OF NAZARETH: HIS MIRACLES (Part 7)

(Scripture Reading: John 11:38-45)

I. WHY DID JESUS WORK MIRACLES?

A. Evidence Of Messiahship - Matt. 11:3-6; 8:16-17; 12:22-28; Jno. 10:24-25,37-38.

B. Produce Faith In Him - Jno. 5:36-37; 11:39-45; Acts 2:22; 10:38; Jno. 20:30-31.

II. EFFECTS HIS MIRACLES HAD - Acts 10:38 (Isa. 61:1).

A. They Show His Glory - Jno. 2:11 (1:14); Matt. 15:30-31.

B. They Show (Establish) His Authority To Forgive Sins - Mk. 2:4-12.

C. They Show His Power Over Satan - Matt. 12:25-29; 1 Jno. 3:8; Matt. 11:28.

D. They Show God’s Mercy & Compassion - Matt. 14:14; Mk. 5:18-19; 1 Pet. 2:24.

Conclusion

Jno. 11:45-47; 12:37-38 - Let His miracles effect your faith & life!