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

THE
SPIRIT’S
SWORD

Volume 17, Number 43
05/03/2015

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:


We Must be in Harmony with what was

Preached and Received in the First Century

 

"But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:8-9)

 

THE NATURE OF THE WORD OF GOD

 

BIBLE (NT Apostles and Prophets)       LDS Apostles and Prophets

 

ALL TRUTH                                        x NOT ALL TRUTH

   John 16:12-13                                      2 Nephi 29:3, 10

 

† ADEQUATE (sufficient)                        x INADEQUATE (insufficient)

    2 Timothy 3:16-17                                 2 Nephi 28:29; 29:6

 

INCORRUPTIBLE                                 x CORRUPTIBLE

    1 Pet. 1:22-25; 2 Jno. 2; 1 Tim. 4:1          1 Nephi 13:28

 

ONCE FOR ALL DELIVERED                 x GOD STILL REVEALING

    Jude 3                                                 (Articles of Faith 1:9)

 

FULL AND FINAL AUTHORITY              x LIVING PROPHET MORE               
    Jno. 13:20; Heb. 1:1-2; 1 Cor. 14:37         VITAL THAN STANDARD

                                                               WORKS (Pres. Ezra Benson)

 

UNDERSTANDABLE                            x BIBLE IS DIFFICULT, BUT

    Ephesians 3:3-5; John 8:31-32               THE BOOK OF  MORMON IS OTHERWISE

                                                              (Apostle Bruce R. McConkie)


                                         -----------------


"I say to the whole world, receive the truth, no matter who presents it to you. Take up the Bible, compare the religion of the Latter-day Saints with it, and see if it will pass the test." (Brigham Young,
 Journal of Discourses, XVI:46, May 18, 1873)

 

When we put Mormonism to the test we find that...

 

BIBLE Doctrine and Mormon Doctrine are NOT the Same!

Top
 


Why You Should Become a Christian
Joe R. Price

The gospel plan of salvation is clear. The sinner must believe in Jesus to be saved (Jno. 8:24). He must confess his faith (Rom. 10:9-10). He must repent of his sins (Acts 17:30). He must be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). If someone asked you, “Why should I become a Christian?”, how would you reply? Here are a few reasons. If you are not a Christian, we ask you to examine your heart and life to know you should become a Christian now.

1) To be forgiven of your sins. Sin is the violation of God’s law either by committing acts which are opposed to His will, or omitting from one’s life conduct which He commands (1 Jno. 3:4; 5:17; Jas. 4:17). This includes violating one’s conscience, although the conscience cannot be your guide in deciding what is and is not sinful (Rom. 14:23; Acts 23:1). Every morally accountable adult has sinned against God (Rom. 3:23). Until you become Christian you are not freed from your sins. It is a weight that encumbers you and brings you under the just penalty of spiritual death (Rom. 6:23). But, Jesus said “I will give you rest....you will find rest for your souls” (Matt. 11:28-30). Rest from the pain and penalty of sin is obtained by the blood of Jesus (Eph. 1:7; 1 Pet. 1:18-19). He died to heal your sin and give you eternal life (1 Pet. 2:24; Rom. 5:8-11).

2) To have the proper direction to your life. In a world where people are constantly seeking the newest viewpoint on life (which never bring complete satisfaction and fulfillment), Jesus Christ offers direction to your life that is enriching, enduring and joyful (Jno. 16:22; Phil. 4:4-7). Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me” (Jno. 14:6).  The guidance of truth from Jesus leads to the throne of God. In John 8:12 He said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” By becoming a Christian you choose to follow the true light that gives you spiritual life (read Jno. 1:4-5, 9). You choose to no longer walk in darkness when you choose to be a Christian.

3) Present spiritual blessings are obtained by becoming a Christian. We speak of the blessings of brotherhood in the family of God. Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time--houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions--and in the age to come, eternal life” (Mk. 10:29-30). Untold blessings are yours in the family of God. The blessings of encouragement, exhortation, teaching, prayer, support, rebuke, love - all these and more belong to the child of God. The Christian lives a sharing, caring life. He does not seclude himself from his brothers and sisters. Christians should have the attitude that “what is mine is yours”, gladly sharing without thought of return (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32, 34-35). Whatever you give up to become a Christian you will receive blessings many times over again (with persecution), and finally, eternal life.

4) To escape the penalty of sin. Judgment is coming (2 Cor. 5:10; Rev. 20:12-15). If your deeds are evil you will be judged by God's word and condemned (Rom. 2:6-10). God commands you to repent and escape wrath (Acts 17:30-31; Rom. 2:4-5). God wants to save you. Will you obey and be saved today? 

Top
 


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

The Cheerful Giver

Scripture Reading:  2 Corinthians 9:6-15

I. ...SOWS BOUNTIFULLY, 2 Cor. 9:6.

  A. Heart-Generated Generosity.
  B. Why? Psa. 112:9; Acts 14:17; Acts 3:19; Eph. 1:3; 2 Pet. 1:3; 2 Cor. 9:6.

II. ...GIVES PURPOSEFULLY, 2 Cor. 9:7.

  A. Purposeful Giving involves a Deliberate Decision Coupled with Genuine Openness of Heart. 2 Cor. 9:11; 8:1-5; 1 Cor. 16:2.
  B. Gladness (joy, cheerfully), 2 Cor. 9:7.

III. ...TRUSTS GOD COMPLETELY TO SUPPLY HIS/HER ABILITY TO GIVE, 2 Cor. 9:8-10 (Prov. 11:25).

  A. God is Gracious and Able to Increase Our Ability to Give, 9:10; Matt. 14:17-18.
  B. Trust God to Supply Our Needs, Mk. 12:41-44; Phil. 4:11-12.

IV. ...GIVES THANKFULLY, 2 Cor. 9:11.

  A. Our Ability to Give Comes from God, cf. 1 Chron. 29:13-15.
  B. Thankful to Share in the Service of the Lord, 2 Cor. 8:4.

V. ...SHOWS HIS/HER OBEDIENCE TO THE GOSPEL, 2 Cor. 9:12-13.

  A. Individuals and Local Church (context), 2 Cor. 9:12; 11:8.

VI. ...PRODUCES THANKSGIVING TO GOD, 2 Cor. 9:10-15.

  A. Thanks for Giver by the Recipient, 9:11.
  B. Thanks to God by both the Giver and the Recipient, 9:11, 12.
  C. Our Reaction to Godly Giving Should Never be Ungodly, cf. Jas. 2:1-3.

Top


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

In the Beginning

Scripture Reading:  Psalm 148:1-5

I. IN THE BEGINNING, GOD WAS ALREADY THERE, Gen. 1:1; Jno. 1:1.

  A. Eternal God, Exo. 3:14-15; Jno. 8:58; Prov. 8:22-26.
  B. Eternal God has an Eternal Plan He Fulfilled in His Son, Eph. 1:3-5, 11; 3:8-11.

II. IN THE BEGINNING, GOD CREATED THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH.

  A. The Beginning of the Material Universe, Acts 4:24; 14:15; 17:24; Prov. 8:27-31; Jer. 51:15; Rev. 3:14; Psa. 33:6-9; Heb. 11:3.
  B. From Beginning to End, Creation took Six Days, Gen. 1:31-2:1; Exo. 20:11.
  C. Life on Earth was Fully Developed, Gen. 1:31-2:2.

III. IN THE BEGINNING, GOD CREATED MALE AND FEMALE, Gen. 1:26-28.

  A. Adam and Eve were Real People.
  B. Gender Identity was Clearly Established in the Beginning, 1 Cor. 11:11-12.
  C. Marriage was for Male and Female in the Beginning, Gen. 2:18, 24-25 (1:28); Mark 10:6; Heb. 13:4.

IV. IN THE BEGINNING, ALL WAS VERY GOOD, Gen. 1:31.

  A. There was No Sin, Gen. 2:16-17.
  B. Sin Destroyed their Life with God, Gen. 3:8, 11, 19, 22-24.
  C. Deliverance (from Sin's Death) and Life Would Come through the Seed of Woman, Gen. 3:15 (Isa. 7:14; 9:6; Gal. 4:4).

Conclusion
1. In the beginning also implies an end, 1 Cor. 15:23-24.
2. Are you ready for that day to come?

Top


SWORD TIPS

The Purpose of the Commandment
Joe R. Price

Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith. (1 Timothy 1:5)

Love is the purpose of God’s commandments; love for God and love for others. It is sad and so wrong when people think the necessity of obedience minimizes one’s love for God.

Jesus said, “if you love Me, keep My commandments”; and again, “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in My love” (John 14:15; 15:10).

The commandments of God produce good things in your life when you obey them in faith.

First, obeying God comes from a “pure heart” toward God. Obedience is not rote performance; it is the deliberate expression of love’s purity.

Secondly, obedience shows a good conscience toward God. When it is trained by God’s truth, your conscience will commend you when you obey God.

Thirdly, obeying God’s commands is the action of sincere faith. Love God today by keeping His commandments – not as a burden you must bear, but as the full expression of your faith in Him (1 John 5:3).

Sword Tips #41

Top
 


Created by Chuck Sibbing, last updated.  05/04/2015

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