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

THE
SPIRIT’S
SWORD

Volume XI, Number 22 April 27 2008

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

Web sites:
Mt. Baker church
Bible Answers

Editor......Joe R. Price


Elders
Morris Bass
Rick Holt
Joe Price

Deacons
Aaron Bass
Rich Brooks
Mike Finn
John Hague
Dan Head



 

In this issue:


Gospel Meeting

Mt. Baker  church of Christ
Gospel Meeting

April 27–May 2, 2008

Evangelist
Brett Hogland
(Lubbock, Texas)

Bible lessons nightly, Mon-Fri at 7:00 PM
Sunday, April 27 at 9:30 & 10:30 AM; 6:00 PM     

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

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Building Bible Character
Joe R. Price

Colossians 3:1-17 gives us the building blocks we need in order to develop Christ-like character. This passage teaches us how to build Bible character.

When one is baptized into Christ he is “raised with Christ” by the power of God from the death of sin into newness of life (Col. 3:1; 2:12; Rom. 6:4). To build Bible character, once a person has become a Christian, he must (1) Seek things that are above, Col. 3:1; (2) Set his mind on heavenly things, Col. 3:2; and (3) Sustain a faithful life with Christ, Col. 3:3.

A new approach to sin is necessary in order to build a new character in Christ: sin must be put to death (Col. 3:5-11). We cannot continue to live in past sins and expect God to bless us. We must cease sin, whether it is the sensual desires of the flesh (3:5-7) or the attitudes and actions that hurt others (3:8-9); we must put off the old man of sin and put on the new man that is like Christ (3:10-11).

A new heart is necessary in order to develop this new approach to sin (Col. 3:12-15). Just as in Proverbs 23:7, the gospel teaches, “a good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things” (Matt. 12:35). Only as we put on a new heart will we also put off sin. Character building involves rebuilding our heart so that we think and feel and act like Christ.

A new message must dwell in one’s heart to truly build a new heart (Col. 3:16). The word of Christ must be implanted deeply within one’s heart in order to build a character that is like Christ (Jas. 1:21-25).

A new authority must be respected and honored in all we say and do in order to let the word of Christ dwell in our heart. “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Col. 3:17).

Building Bible character will help us choose to have new conduct in all of our relationships with others (Col. 3:18-4:2).

Here then, are the building blocks of Bible character: The authority of Christ expressed in the word of Christ, along with a new heart that forms a new approach toward sin and righteousness in our life. When the authority of Christ is respected and His word is obeyed in all things, the heart is renewed after the image of Christ and sin will be consistently and consciously put away from one’s life. Stated another way, as we grow and mature in Christ we will be building godly character that pleases God.

The Faithful
Endurance of Bible Character

Possessing Bible character is a sign of strength, not weakness. It is the inner strength of faith that stands fast in the face of adversity, trial and temptation. The apostle Paul assures us that when a Christian’s faith is tested and he patiently endures, “approved character” results (Rom. 5:3-4).

When your faith is put to the test at school, at home or on the job, remember these words from the wise man Solomon: “The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them” (Prov. 11:3).

Building Bible Character, 2-3

Character is who you are when nobody is watching! (Hebrews 4:13)

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A Gospel Meeting
Joe R. Price

Assembling ourselves together (Hebrews 10:25)
 

Gather to hear God’s word (Acts 10:33)

Opportunity to grow in grace and knowledge (2 Peter 3:18)

Saving power of the gospel (Romans 1:16)

Preaching the word (2 Timothy 4:2)

Edifying the saints through the gospel of Christ (Acts 20:32)

Looking unto Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2)
 

Minding the things of the Spirit (Romans 8:5)

Exposing the works of darkness (Ephesians 5:11)

Endurance unto eternal salvation (Hebrews 10:36-39)

Take time to be holy (1 Peter 1:13-17)

Interceding in prayer (1 Timothy 2:1)

Now is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2)

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations (Matthew 28:19)

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God's Plan of Salvation
Joe R. Price

The gospel: It doesn’t belong to man. It wasn’t created by men. It was given by revelation of Jesus Christ and preached by his apostles (Gal. 1:11-12). We have it today (Heb. 1:1-2; 2 Tim. 3:16-17).

The gospel of Christ contains God’s plan of salvation. “Plan” means an arrangement has been given, a model to follow has been revealed. “Salvation” indicates what the plan accomplishes; the salvation of sinners. The plan is God’s; He arranged it, provided it and commands it of all men everywhere (Acts 17:30).

God’s plan of salvation is discussed in Romans 6:17-18: “But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness”. It is a form (model) of teaching to be followed. God’s plan of salvation is:

Hear the gospel: “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)

Believe in Jesus Christ: “…if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” (John 8:24)

Confess your faith: “…with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:10)

Repent of your sins: “I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:5)

Be baptized: “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” (Acts 22:16)

Be faithful to Christ: “And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.” (Hebrews 5:9)

Hear, believe and obey Jesus today to be saved from your sins! (Acts 2:40-41, 47)

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Created by Chuck Sibbing.  04/27/2008

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