And take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17

THE
SPIRIT’S
SWORD

Volume 15, Number 09
04/15/2012

Published by
Mt. Baker
church of Christ

Location:
1860 Mt. Baker HWY
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 30821
Bellingham, WA 98228
(360) 752-2692

Sunday:
Bible Classes..........9:30 AM
Worship..10:30AM; 6:00PM

Wednesday:
Bible Classes.........7:00 PM
All sing last Wednesday

Web sites:
Mt. Baker church
Bible Answers

Editor......Joe R. Price

Elders
Morris Bass
Rick Holt

Deacons
Aaron Bass
Rich Brooks
Mike Finn
Dan Head

In this issue:

• Gospel Meeting April 29 - May 4, 2012

  A Bad Answer to a Disturbing Question (By: Greg Gwin)

  Sermon Outlines:

  • Why Denominations?
  • Flee from Idolatry

  Noteworthy News: Respecting Stay-at-Home Moms

Gospel Meeting April 29 - May 4, 2012

Mt. Baker church of Christ
Gospel Meeting

Mark Mayberry

(Alvin, Texas)

April 29 – May 4, 2012

Monday-Friday at 7:00 PM
Sunday, April 29^th at 9:30 and 10:30 AM; 6:00 PM

Theme: Lessons in Courage

Sunday Class: A Call to Courage

Sunday AM: The Courage of Joshua

Sunday PM: The Courage of David

Monday: The Courage of Asa and Micah

Tuesday: The Courage of Haggai and Zerubabbel

Wednesday: The Courage of Ezra and the People

Thursday: The Courage of Jesus Christ

Friday: The Courage of Disciples

(From I-5 take Exit # 255 and go East 4.2 miles)
For more information please call (360) 752-2692

A Bad Answer to a Disturbing Question
Greg Gwin

A young Christian college student (at a well known ‘conservative’ college) posted a question on a social media site asking if “going to ‘clubs’ is ok for a Christian to do.” Now, it is somewhat disturbing that a Christian of any age is in doubt about the answer to that question. But what is completely distressing is the response submitted from one of ‘our’ preachers on the same site. Here’s an excerpt of what he said:

“. . . I urge you to stop living under that unbiblical legalism and live more like Jesus. Jesus hung around prostitutes and sinners and partied with tax collectors. Oh the rumors! The church in Corinth was made up in part of ex-swindlers, ex-liars, ex-fornicators, ex-idolaters, ex-homosexuals, ex-thieves, ex-drunkards (1 Cor. 6:9-11). Our churches are by far nice, middle class, white, and "good moral people." Why aren't our churches full of ex-homosexuals, etc.? . . . We can't hang out with sinners but -- at most -- we can stand at a distance and preach at (usually condemn) them. Not a brilliant tactic. Not successful. Not like Jesus. . .

We could comment about several obvious things in this horrendous message. For instance, we could rebuke the blasphemous notion that Jesus ‘hung around prostitutes’ and ‘partied with tax collectors.’ He certainly used every opportunity to teach sinners, including prostitutes and tax collectors, and was thus ‘around’ such people in those teaching moments. But that is a far cry from ‘hanging out’ and ‘partying’ as is suggested in this post.

And, yes, the Corinthian church was made up of ‘ex-swindlers, ex-liars, ex-fornicators, ex-idolaters, ex-homosexuals, ex-thieves, and ex-drunkards.’ The emphasis here is on ‘EX’. They were the ones who were convicted of their sinfulness and repented (1 Cor. 6:9-11). We wonder if they would have even recognized the seriousness of their sinful state if this modern day preacher had been there instead of the apostle Paul.

Also, what about the notion that we should ‘hang out’ with sinners instead of preaching to them or condemning their sins? Because, we’re told, condemning sin is “not a brilliant tactic” and “not successful”. Apparently what Paul told Timothy to do – “reprove, rebuke, exhort” (2 Timothy 4:2) – just won’t work anymore.

The sad thing about this ‘preacher’s’ message is that it is becoming more and more typical of the kind of ‘uncertain sound’ that is emanating from our pulpits. Young people, immature Christians, and all who seek to know and serve the Lord are being done a great disservice by men like this. Unfortunately, it is becoming a regular task to expose their heresy.

-Reprinted from
The Reflector, March 2012

You can find the complete outline of this sermon plus PowerPoint and MP3 Audio files at BIBLE ANSWERS

Why Denominations?

Scripture Reading: 1 Kgs. 12:26-30

1. Repeated warnings in the Scriptures against man-made religions, Exo. 32:1, 8-10; 1 Kgs. 12:26-33 (30); Gal. 1:8-9; 2 Jno. 9.
2. Denominations the creation of men, Matt. 21:23-25.

I. THE CHURCH OF CHRIST (is not a denomination).

A. Divine in Ownership, Matt. 16:16-18.
B. Composed of Individuals (those who are saved), Acts 2:47; Eph. 1:22-23 (Col. 1:18); 4:3-4; Acts 20:28; Eph. 5:23.
C. Without Universal (earthly) Organization, Heb. 12:22-23; Local churches, 1 Cor. 1:2 (Rom. 16:16).

II. WHY HAVE DENOMINATIONS?

A. "There are Many Ways to God."
-Scripture: Only One Way to God, Jno. 14:6; Matt. 7:13-14; Jer. 6:16; Psa. 119:30.
B. "They Allow You to Express Yourself."
-Scripture: Sacrifice yourself, Lk. 9:23; Gal. 2:20.
C. Unity in Diversity: "The Only Realistic Unity that can Exist." 1 Pet. 4:11.
-Scripture: Unity in Oneness, Eph. 4:3; 1 Cor. 1:10, 13.
a. One body: One church, Matt. 16:18.
b. One Spirit, one Lord and one Father: One Godhead, Jno. 10:30.
c. One hope of our calling: One approved way of life, Eph. 4:1.
d. One faith: One gospel, one teaching, Rom. 16:25-26.
e. One baptism: Way of salvation (not many), Mk 16:16.

Concl. Jesus and His apostles taught unity without denominations, Jno. 17:20-21; 1 Cor. 1:10; Eph. 4:3.

You can find the complete outline of this sermon plus PowerPoint and MP3 Audio files at BIBLE ANSWERS

Flee from Idolatry

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:14-22

1. Idolatry is still alive and well in this world.
2. Jesus was tempted with idolatry and so are we, Matt. 4:8-10.
3. Cannot have fellowship with idols and Lord at the same time, 1 Cor. 10:14-22.

I. IDOLATRY: MORE COMMON THAN WE THINK.

A. Definition: Service to and Worship of that which takes the Place of the Living God in One’s Life; Exo. 20:1-5; Psa. 115:8.
B. Development of Idolatry, Rom. 1:18-25.

II. IDOLATRY BEGINS IN THE HEART, PRODUCING IDOLATROUS ACTIONS IN LIFE. Isa. 44:18-20

A. Not Just Homage to a Graven Image, 2 Tim. 3:1-5.
B. Test for Idolatry: Does it have 1^st place in your life? Does it put God and Christ 2^nd (or lower)? Deut. 6:13; Matt. 4:10; 22:37-38
1. Self, Lk. 9:23 (2 Tim. 3:2).
2. Another person, Matt. 10:37.
3. Time, Eph. 5:16.
4. Money, 1 Tim. 6:10.
5. Goals, Matt. 6:33.
6. It is all-consuming?
7. Beware - “Be Aware!” 1 Jno. 5:21

III. ELEMENTS OF IDOLATRY.

A. The Flesh, Gal. 5:20; 1 Cor. 10:7; Tit. 3:3.
B. Stubbornness of Heart, 1 Sam. 15:22-23.
C. Covetousness, Col. 3:5 (Eph. 5:5); Lk. 12:15; 1 Tim. 6:6-10 (Job 1:21).
D. Enslavement, Gal. 4:8-9.

Conclusion

1. When God’s people practice idolatry they become a derision to the nations, Exo. 32:25.
2. Flee idolatry, 1 Cor. 10:14; 1 Jno. 5:21.

NOTEWORTHY NEWS
(Current events in the light of Scripture)

Respecting Stay-at-Home Moms
Joe R. Price

It has been going on for decades, if not longer, so it was bound to find its way into the politics of these United States. Not that this was the first time stay-at-home moms have been disrespected by politicians, pundits and cultural elitists who see something "old fashioned" about mothers staying at home to raise their children.

When Democratic strategist Hilary Rosen commented in a TV interview that Ann Romney (wife of candidate Mitt Romney) “has actually never worked a day in her life," a firestorm erupted. Rosen later apologized as politicians distanced themselves from her remark. (Mrs. Romney was a stay-at-home mother of five sons who now has 16 grandchildren.)

Being a mother is hard work that none should deny. The mother who stays at home when her children are growing up deserves to be honored for her work. Her constant presence provides stability and strength to her children (Prov. 31:25-27). Her presence contributes immeasurably to the moral and spiritual development of her offspring. She "watches over the ways of her household" to bring stability and dependability to the lives of her children during their most formative period. Her value cannot be overstated (Prov. 31:27).

Mothers who choose to stay at home while their children are growing up make sacrifices to do so. We know there are situations beyond the control of some who must work outside the home. Yet, we must not fear to commend and encourage young parents to see the great value of motherhood in a world that values many other things before doing the work only a mother can do (1 Tim. 5:14; Tit. 2:4-5). The family is under attack by Satan. Christian parents must make wise choices that help them teach the next generation the way of the Lord (Eph. 6:4). Do not let the world and worldly thinkers shape the values and decisions in your family.

The Spirit's Sword is a free, weekly publication of the Mt. Baker church of Christ, Bellingham, WA
Send all questions, comments and subscriptions to the editor at: ssword@bibleanswer.com