And take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17
THE Volume XII, Number 12 March 29, 2009 Published by
Mt. Baker
Location:
Sunday:
Web sites: Elders Morris Bass Rick Holt Joe Price
Deacons
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In this issue:
Gospel Meeting April 26-May 01, 2009 Invites you to our GOSPEL MEETING with Evangelist Steven j. wallace (Sunnyside & Yakima, WA) April 26–May 01, 2009
Monday-Friday: 7:00 PM
(From I-5 take Exit # 255 and go East 4.2 miles)
The Voice of God…The Voice
of History THE VOICE OF GOD JESUS CHRIST SAID HE WOULD BUILD HIS CHURCH. "I will build my church..." Matt. 16:18. THE SCRIPTURES DECLARE HE BUILT ONLY ONE.
"There is one body..."
Eph. 4:4.
DIVINE PROPHECY AND INSPIRED
HISTORY AFFIRM THAT THE CHURCH THE VOICE OF HISTORY
THE RECORD OF THE PAST
19 CENTURIES REVEALS THESE FACTS
From: The One True Church by James Cope
Church Mourns Death of a
Prominent Member THE CHURCH was saddened to learn of the death this past week of one of its most prominent members, “Someone Else.” “Someone’s” passing creates a vacancy that will be difficult to fill. “Else” has been with us for so many years. “Somebody” did far more than a normal person’s share of the work. Whenever there was a job to do, a class to teach, or a meeting to attend, one name was on everyone’s list; Let “Someone Else” do it. It was common knowledge that “Someone Else” was among the largest givers in the church. Whenever there was a financial need, everyone just assumed that “Someone Else” would make a difference. “Someone Else” was a wonderful person – sometimes appearing superhuman, but a person can only do so much. Were the truth known, everyone expected too much of “Someone Else.” Now “Someone Else” is gone. We wonder what we are going to do. “Someone Else” left a wonderful example to follow, but who is going to do the things “Someone Else” did? When you are asked to help, remember that we can no longer depend on “Someone Else.” You can find the complete outline of this sermon at BIBLE ANSWERS The Messiah on the Heart Scripture Reading: Matthew 12:33-37 I. OUR HEART IS REVEALED BY OUR WORDS AND DEEDS, 12:33-37. A. A
Tree is known by its Fruit, Prov. 23:7 (Identity and acceptability). II. REJECTED SIGNS – EVIL HEARTS, Matt. 12:38-42. A. How We React to the Miraculous Signs of Jesus Shows our Heart, 12:38 (16:1, 4); Jno. 10:24-25; 11:45-47; 12:37-41. III. BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU PUT INTO YOUR HEART, 12:43-45. A. The Possibility of Apostasy is Real, 2 Pet. 2:20-22; Heb. 10:26-27. IV. OUR RELATION WITH JESUS MUST BE SET ABOVE EVERY OTHER, 12:46-50. A. Relationship with Jesus is Formed and Kept by Doing the Will of God, 12:48-50 (Matt. 10:36-37).
Conclusion
NOTEWORTHY NEWS
Tired of Religion? Keith Alsobrook told me about the message he saw the other day on the marquee at the Word of Life Church in Lynden. It read: “If you’re tired of religion you’ll love it here!” I suppose that says several things about the Word of Life Church as well as those who may be “tired of religion”. We ought to be tired of some religion. The religions of men are powerless to bring sinners to God. That not only includes the false “world religions” like Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, etc., but also the false churches of men that dot the religious landscape. We are tired of the denominations created by men, dividing and separating by their creeds and confessions. Such division is abhorrent to Christ (Jno. 17:20-21; 1 Cor. 1:10). By what authority does the “Word of Life Church” exist? Without the authority of Christ, whatever type of religion it is offering is futile (Matt. 16:18; Col. 3:17). We ought to be tired of hypocrisy in religion. The Pharisees and scribes were religious, but their religion was empty because they “say and did not do” (Matt. 23:3). We must not be Christians who say yet fail to do. Let us redouble our efforts to say and do God’s will. We ought not to be tired of pure religion. You see, not all religion is bad, the Word of Life sign notwithstanding. There is “pure and undefiled religion” that pleases God (Jas. 1:26-27). A bridled tongue, a helping hand and a holy life are among the “religion” that God approves. Being “tired of religion” may mean one does not like the New Testament pattern that establishes pure religion. If so, one must learn to please God, not self (Gal. 1:10). Created by Chuck Sibbing. 03/28/2009 The Spirit's Sword is a free,
weekly publication of the Mt. Baker church of Christ, Bellingham, WA |