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

THE
SPIRIT’S
SWORD

Volume 22, Number 01
12/01/2019

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

In this issue:

• Walk in the Spirit
• Is Belief in God Reasonable? By Heath Rogers
• Sermon Outlines:
  • Looking for Jesus
  • God is Looking for You
• Noteworthy News: Hectic Holidays

Walk in the Spirit
Joe R. Price

“I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.” (Gal. 5:16-17)

Each one chooses to live spiritually, or to fulfill fleshly lusts. Just as Jesus said we cannot serve two masters, even so the apostle teaches we cannot walk (live) in the Spirit and after the flesh at the same time. These are opposite tendencies that produce opposite fruit. The works of the flesh keep its bearer out of the kingdom of heaven, while the fruit of the Spirit demonstrates kingdom citizenship leading to everlasting life (Gal. 5:19-23; 6:7-8).

To “walk in the Spirit” means to live in the gospel the Holy Spirit has revealed to the world (Gal. 3:1-5; 5:18, 25). We bear the “fruit of the Spirit” when we “walk in the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22-23).

To walk in the Spirit one willingly subjects himself to “the things of the Spirit,” that is, the truth He has revealed (Rom. 8:5-8). By letting the word of Christ to dwell richly in us we obey the command to be “filled with the Spirit” (Col. 3:16; Eph. 5:18). We are not walking in the Spirit when the word of the gospel is not guiding our lives (Matt. 7:21-23; Jas. 1:21-25).

Let us heartily renew our minds to conform to the will of God instead of remaining like the world (Rom. 12:2). By doing so our lives will be dramatically changed and different from how we lived before we were in Christ and walking in the Spirit (1 Pet. 4:1-4; Gal. 3:26-27). May we diligently “crucify the flesh with the passions and the lusts thereof” by living in complete submission to the gospel of Christ (Gal. 5:24, 16).

Use the Spirit’s word as you make life’s daily decisions. Your decisions impact your soul’s salvation as well as your life here and now. Remember, Christians have been called to walk in the Spirit, not after the flesh.

Is Belief in God Reasonable?
Heath Rogers

How does one know that God exists? We know that faith comes by hearing the word of God (Rom. 10:17), but is there any evidence outside of the Bible that can help man believe?

Cause and Effect. We all understand there can be no effect without a cause. Something has to be behind the things that we see and experience. Where did the universe come from? There are only three ways that we can account for the existence of our universe. The first is the theory that the universe is eternal – that it has always been here. We know this is not a realistic explanation, for matter is not eternal. Science has proven that the universe is “winding down,” which indicates that it had a beginning. The second explanation is that the universe created itself. However, there is no known natural process by which matter spontaneously creates itself. Nothing comes from nothing. The third explanation is that the universe was created by some force outside of itself. This is the only alternative that reasonably explains our existence. Something was in existence before this physical universe that was greater than the universe and caused it to come into existence.

Design Demands A Designer. The universe is full of examples of intelligent design. The sun exerts its gravitational pull upon all the planets in such a way that everything in our solar system is kept in balance. Scientists can accurately predict events in our solar system because they have discovered the pattern by which it functions. The earth is the perfect distance from the sun, and rotates at the perfect speed, to sustain life. If we were closer to the sun, we would burn up. If we were further away, we would freeze. The earth rotates at a fixed tilt of 23 degrees, which gives us our seasons. The moon is at just the right size and distance from the earth to affect the tides, which keep the oceans from becoming stagnant.

Your car is made up of many different parts which work together. No one would argue that a car created itself or suddenly appeared out of nowhere. It was obviously designed and manufactured by intelligent people. The human body is made up of millions of interrelated parts which depend upon one another in order to function properly. Any auto mechanic can look at the human body and appreciate the fact that it was designed and created by someone.

There is perhaps no greater question than whether or not one believes in God. If one chooses not to believe in God, he will have no authority outside of himself (he will live however he wants to live). However, if one believes that God exists, he will have a reason to live in accordance with that belief, recognizing that he is accountable to God as his creator and judge. What do you believe?

-Knollwood Reminder

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

Looking for Jesus
Joe R. Price

Scripture Reading: Luke 2:41-50

1. Those who earnestly seek God find Him (Acts 17:24-28).
2. Seek God in truth, loyal heart, and willing mind, 1 Chron. 28:9.
3. People still look for Jesus (Jno. 7:34-36).
4.Are you looking for Jesus? Why are you looking for Jesus? Have you found Him?

I. THE WISE MEN LOOKED FOR JESUS, Matt. 2:1-11.

A. To Worship the Newborn King, 2:1-2 (Psa. 2:10-12); Jno. 4:24.
B. They Found Jesus Where Men Would Least Expect to Find a King, Matt. 2:4-6 (Mic. 5:2); cf. Zech. 9:9; Jno. 1:4-17.

II. HIS PARENTS LOOKED FOR JESUS, Lk. 2:41-50.

A. They Looked Among their Family and Friends, 2:43-45. 2 Tim. 1:5 (3:14-15); Prov. 2:1-6; Matt. 10:34-37.
B. In Familiar Places, 2:45; Gal. 1:13-16; Col. 2:8, 20-23.
C. Found Jesus Doing His Father’s Business, 2:49; cf. Matt. 7:21; Jno. 8:29, 54-55.

III. EVEN THOSE WITH SELFISH INTERESTS LOOK FOR JESUS, Jno. 6:22-26.

A. Cannot Find Jesus when we Operate on Selfish Purposes and/or False Teachings, cf. Jno. 6:14-15 (26); Matt. 7:21-23; Jas. 4:1-10; Heb. 11:6.

Conclusion
1. Seek Jesus; you will find Him, Matt. 7:7-8.
2. You will find Jesus in His holy word of truth (preached so lost souls 17:30-31; Col. 1:28; Jno. 1:14. (Jno. 1:35-41)

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

God is Looking for You
Joe R. Price

Scripture Reading: Luke 15:1-10

1. God is a God who seeks out men and women of faith to serve His purposes on earth. God is seeking sinners (Lk. 15; 1 Tim. 2:3-4).
2. Consider some of those whom God seeks.

I. GOD SEEKS THOSE WHO WILL STAND IN THE GAP BETWEEN GOOD AND EVIL, Ezek. 22:30.

A. God Seeks for Those Who Will Speak Truth in a World of Error, Isa. 5:20; Eph. 4:15.
B. God Seeks for Those Who Will Live Righteously in a World of Moral Defilement, Matt. 6:33; 1 Pet. 1:13-16; 4:1-4.
C. God Seeks for Those Who Will Act on Behalf of His People When They Are in Spiritual Danger Due to Sin; Psa. 106:19-31.

II. GOD SEEKS HIS SHEEP AND THEIR WELFARE, Ezek. 34:11-16 (31), 23-24; Jno. 10:10-11, 16, 25-27.

A. God Delivers His Sheep from Spiritual Danger, Ezek. 34:12; Matt. 18:10-14.
B. God Feeds His Sheep, Ezek. 34:13-15.
C. God Judges those Who Oppress His Sheep, Ezek. 34:16-17; Matt. 23:15, 16, 23-24.

III. GOD SEEKS TRUE WORSHIPERS, Jno. 4:22-24.

A. True Worshipers Come before God with a Right Heart (Spirit), Psa. 9:1-2; Lk. 18:9-14.
B. True Worshipers Come before God with God-Appointed Service (Truth), Jno. 4:20-22.
C. Applications for Us, Matt. 6:5 (Isa. 1:10-17; Mal. 1:12-13; 1 Pet. 2:5, 9, 11; Matt. 7:22-23; Acts 23:1; Phil. 3:6). Worship must be with hearts of piety (spirit) and our actions must follow the “pattern of sound words” (truth).

NOTEWORTHY NEWS
(Current events in the light of Scripture)

Hectic Holidays
Joe R. Price

Long lines. Heavy traffic. Winter weather. All these (and more) can combine to bring a feeling of frantic frenzy as the holiday season approaches. They can also contribute to Christians having less than godly attitudes, charitable words, and kind actions. Here are a few reminders we believe will help us navigate the season with grace and a godly influence. (And, they are also valid qualities to have as we navigate life in view of eternity.)

Plan ahead. Waiting until the last minute to buy groceries, shop for a gift, or do a good deed for others usually brings its own set of challenges. Don’t wait until the last minute is good advice, not only for the holidays, but also for getting ready for the Lord’s return. Being unprepared, the foolish virgins were unable to enter the wedding feast (Matt. 25:1-13). Thinking we will can take care of our spiritual lives at the last minute is very foolish (see Jas. 4:13-17). Plan now to enter heaven. Get ready, today (Acts 22:16; 2 Cor. 6:2).

Exercise patience. Anxiety (which can happen because we are unprepared) contributes to being impatience, harsh with our words, and rash with our reactions. Expect the unexpected, anticipate delays and troubles – not only during the holidays, but throughout your life. Self-control is needed to retain holiness when provoked. Love is not rude and is not provoked (1 Cor. 13:5). Longsuffering and forbearance help us not to retaliate when cut off in a parking lot – or when sinned against (Col. 3:12-13). Patience is the quality of endurance when mistreated, when provoked, and even persecuted. Patience works to mature our faith when we are tested (Jas. 1:3-5).

Consider others. Others have deadlines, appointments, and somewhere to be, too. They face similar demands in life that you face. Being unselfish helps us remember to treat others like we want to be treated (Matt. 7:12). More than that, considering others reminds us they also need to be saved. Let us help save them (not hinder them) by our holy conduct and godly influence (1 Pet. 2:11-12).

The Spirit's Sword is a free, weekly publication of the Mt. Baker church of Christ, Bellingham, WA
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