THE
SPIRIT’S
SWORD 

Volume VII, Number 26
December 07, 2003

Published by

Mt. Baker
church of Christ
 Bellingham, WA
(1860 Mt. Baker HWY)
(360) 752-2692

Sunday:
Bible Classes..........9:30 AM
Worship.........10:30 & 6:00
Wednesday:
Bible Classes..........7:00 PM

Web sites:
 www.bibleanswer.com/mtbaker
www.bibleanswer.com
Editor.............Joe R. Price

"And take...the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Eph. 6:17)

In this issue:

Was Cornelius Saved Before Baptism?
Joe R. Price

We received this statement via e-mail last week (response follows):

>> “Baptism is not necessary for salvation. Cornelius was saved before he was baptized.” <<

        Would you please supply the verse that says Cornelius was saved before he was baptized?  A careful study of the word of God will show that Cornelius and every other sinner must be baptized in order to be saved in Christ (Gal. 3:27).

        For instance, we know that Jesus said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16).  So, we are sure that in order for us to be saved we must “believe” and be “baptized”, right?  Was Cornelius saved by not obeying the command of Jesus to be baptized?

        We know that the apostle Peter, inspired by the Spirit of God, told sinners to “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38), and that “those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them” (Acts 2:41).  So, for sinners to have remission of sins they must “repent” and “be baptized”, right?  If Cornelius had remission of sins we are sure he also had to follow this inspired instruction, correct?  Or, could he reject this word (Acts 2:41) and still be saved?

        We know that Saul was told to “Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16).  What if Saul did not arise and be baptized:  would his sins have been washed away?  Are you sure Cornelius’ sins were washed away before and without arising and being baptized?

        We know the apostle Peter said “baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Pet. 3:21).  Now, since baptism saves by the power of the resurrected Christ, what leads you to believe that Cornelius was saved without that power?

        And finally, please notice that Peter said no one should “forbid the water” and prevent Cornelius from being baptized (Acts 10:47).  Indeed, Cornelius was “commanded...to be baptized in the name of the Lord” (Acts 10:48).  Do you believe that a sinner like Cornelius can be saved by not obeying the commandment of the Lord (which is an expression of one’s love for Christ, John 14:15)?

        I ask you to closely compare your statement, “Cornelius was saved before he was baptized” with what the Bible says about the necessity of baptism to see that it is necessary because Jesus commanded it (Mark 16:16), because “remission of sins” is received through it (Acts 2:38), because sins are washed away through this act of faith (Acts 22:16) and because the Scripture plainly says “baptism doth also now save us” (1 Pet. 3:21).

Top

Young Man, Marry A Model
Morris Hafley

Yes, that’s right, if you want to have a happy marriage marry a model. Now before you jump to conclusions because of this title let me tell you quickly that I am not talking about the Hollywood cover girl model. I am talking about the instructions given to the youthful king Lemuel by his mother in Proverbs 31:10-31.

When in my youth I remember reading these 21 verses and thinking every girl should read this because it is about girls and for girls. Then as I grew a little older, still in my teens, a favorite Bible class teacher had us memorize this passage. Then I began to realize that this scripture wasn’t just for women. I saw in these verses characteristics that I needed to look for in a young lady. Before this the only qualifications a girl had to have was that she be popular and pretty. I don’t have to tell you what a lasting relationship you can build on popular and pretty. Statistics prove that you are playing with dynamite when those are the only characteristics you look for. In this chapter, Proverbs 31, I saw the real worth of this one whose “price is far above rubies.”

He shows us her energy. She is up and going before the dawn. She doesn’t love sleep. She takes care of her husband and her children and all her domestic duties then she is free to take care of the business outside her home. In her business she is not slothful. She not only can give instructions as to how something is to be done she is willing to do it herself. Her work is not drudgery but a joy. It is more fun to work with someone who whistles while they work. More work gets done too.

Also, there is wisdom in her work. She is organized. Her God is directing her hands. Her hands are constantly caring for and sharing with others less fortunate than herself. She knows too well it is more blessed to give than receive (Acts 20:35). She is selfLESS.

Her husband and her children remember to praise her. Many times today mom is forgotten. We become spoiled because she is always there, always doing. I remember hearing that “Man may work from sun to sun, but woman’s work is never done.” Not much has changed has it? She is usually the first one up and unless there’s a ball game on she’s the last to sleep. How nice a “thank you sweetheart” would be ever so often.

Don’t try to reward her with a tombstone or with sweet sounding words as she is laid to rest. Young man, marry a model, and be one yourself.

-Woodmont Beacon, 12.7.03

Top

You can find the complete outline of this sermon at BIBLE ANSWERS

"All Things Delivered to the Son"

Scripture Reading:  John 5:16-30

1.  Son submitted Himself to the Father’s will – Jno. 14:28; 6:38 (Phil. 2:6-7).
2.  Matt. 11:27; Jno. 3:35 – Our faith is strengthened & our hearts emboldened as we ponder the things that God delivered to His Son, Jesus.

I.  ALL THINGS NECESSARY…

  A.  To Execute His work as Savior of the World – Gal. 4:4 (Matt. 1:21).
  B.  To Execute His Work as “the Prophet” from God – Acts 3:22-26.
  C.  To Execute His Work as High Priest over the House of God – Heb. 5:4-6.
  D.  To Execute His Work as King of His Kingdom–Lk. 1:31-33; Mk. 9:1.

II. FATHER GAVE THE SON THINGS…

  A.  That Man Could Not Give – Rom. 11:33-36 (1 Cor. 2:5).
  B.  That Only the Son of God Could Receive – Col. 1:14-20; Jno. 1:1-3, 18; 10:30 (cf. 17:5).
  C.  That Enable the Salvation of Sinners – Matt. 11:28-30; 2 Tim. 1:10.

III.  THINGS DELIVERED TO THE SON INCLUDE:  (Eph. 1:10)

  A.  Grace – Jno. 1:14-18; 14:6; 2 Tim. 1:9-10; Tit. 2:11.
  B.  Truth – Jno. 1:14, 17-18; 14:6; 8:31-32.
  C.  Honor – Jno. 5:23; 1 Jno. 2:23; Jno. 5:16-20; 17:4-5; Phil. 2:9-11.
  D.  Life – Jno. 5:26, 21 (11:25-26; 14:6).
    1.  Spiritual life – Jno. 5:21; 25-26 (Eph. 2:5).
    2.  Physical life (resurr.)–Jno. 5:28-29 (1Co.15:21-22)
  E.  Judgment – Jno. 5:22, 27, 29; 9:39; Matt. 25:31-32 (Acts 17:31).
  F.  Word of God – Jno. 1:1, 14; 8:26-28; Matt. 11:27; Jno. 12:50 (Matt. 7:21).
  G.  All Authority – Matt. 28:18; Jno. 17:1-2; Psa. 110:1-7; Heb. 8:1-2; Matt. 17:5; Jno. 5:27, 30; 12:48.

Top

You can find the complete outline of this sermon at BIBLE ANSWERS

Journeys of the Apostle Paul - #6
(Paul's Second Preaching Journey)

Scripture Reading:  Acts 16:25-34

1.  Paul’s deep concern for the churches prompts a return trip Acts 15:36 (2 Cor. 11:28).
2.  This trip was 3-4 years long (~A.D. 51-53).

I.  THE PURPOSE OF THE TRIP – Acts 15:36.

  A.  To See How the Brethren Were Doing – 15:41 (16:4-5, 40; 15:36; 16:6, 10; 17:3, 13).

II.  THE TRIP.

  A.  His Companions–Acts 15:36-40; 16:1-3, 8-10
    -Sharp contention – Acts 15:37-39.
  B.  The Journey – 15:41-18:22.

III.  SOME ITEMS OF IMPORTANCE:

  A.  Persuasive Preaching – 16:32; 17:2-4, 22-31; 18:5-8, 11.
  B.  Progress in Spite of Problems.
    1.  Paul fell sick (16:6; Gal.4:13-15; 1Co. 16:1).
    2.  Imprisoned in Philippi (16:16-34).
    3.  Left alone – 1 Ths. 3:1-6 (18:5).
  C.  Notable Conversions.

IV.   LESSONS FOR US.

    ·   Christians can disagree over matters of judgment without sinning/disrupting work, 15:36-39.
·   Requires sacrifice to become “all things to all men”, 16:3 (1 Cor. 9:22).
·   God calls us to the work of the gospel, 16:9-10.
·   Trust the Lord when tried (Rom. 8:28), 16:22-25; 18:9-11.
·   “What must I do to be saved?”  16:30-34.
·   Doing God’s will doesn’t mean we are not entitled to justice – 16:35-40.
·   Kingdom of God & kingdoms of men are not the same nature, 17:7-9; 18:12-17 (Jno. 18:36).
·   Man can still know the unknown God (He is “not far from each one of us”) – 17:23-28.
·   Always remember the Lord’s will in our plans – 18:21 (Jas. 4:15).

Top

NOTEWORTHY NEWS
(Current events in the light of Scripture)

'Alcohol Shrinks the Brain'
Joe R. Price 

That was the headline Friday in newspapers and on news web sites.  While we have all heard the reports saying that red wine helps prevent heart disease (although it is the ingredients of the grape, not the alcohol, that is beneficial to heart health); some have also said that a glass or two of wine a day will help reduce your chances of a stroke.

Now, new medical research says that is not the case.  In fact, “the study conducted by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health shows that a link may exist between low to moderate alcohol consumption and a decrease in brain size of middle-aged adults” (Ivanhoe Newswire, Dec. 5, 2003).  [Brain atrophy may be linked to lower cognition and reduced extremity function (The American Heart Association Press Release, Dec. 4, 2003, http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2003-12/aha-mau120303.php)].

The Bible has always said, Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise” (Prov. 20:1).  The inspired man of wisdom warned, “Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it swirls around smoothly; at the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like a viper.  Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart will utter perverse things” (Prov. 23:31-33).  Now, modern medical research is catching up with the Bible.  God’s word says that the sipping of wine, as well as the alcoholic consumption that causes drunkenness, is sin (“drinking parties” or “banquetings,” KJV, 1 Pet. 4:1-3).

Who wants to deliberately cause their brain to shrink and reduce their ability to think and reason?  Any takers?  (I for one need all the brain cells I can get!)  Don’t convince and console yourself that a glass of wine a day does no harm.  If you want to be wise (and not become a pea brain), refuse the wine when it sparkles in the cup!  (Prov. 20:1; 23:31)

Top

Created by Chuck Sibbing.  12/06/2003

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