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

THE
SPIRIT’S
SWORD

Volume 24, Number 08
03/27/2022

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:


Conversion to Discipleship
Joe R. Price

20 Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God. 21 Then all who heard were amazed, and said, “Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?” 22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ (Acts 9:20–22, NKJV).

Saul’s conversion from adversary to apostle, persecutor to preacher, was exemplary. His transformation of heart and life demonstrates the change of heart and life to which Christ calls every disciple (Eph. 4:20-24; Rom. 12:1-2; Gal. 2:20).

 

(1) The immediacy of a disciple (v. 20). Saul immediately changed his life of sin against Jesus after being baptized to wash away his sins (Acts 22:16). He began preaching the gospel without delay. One does not become a Christian in phases. It is not a decision to be different, “one of these days.” Salvation in Christ brings an immediate change of faith and conduct (Rom. 6:4-6).

 

(2) The identification of a disciple (v. 21). People recognized the change in Saul. Becoming a Christian means making drastic and dramatic changes in our character and conduct. People will see the difference (Gal. 1:23).

 

(3) The increase of a disciple (v. 22). Saul grew in strength and vigorously preached and lived his faith that Jesus is the Christ. Christians must not shrink back into sin’s destruction, but “press forward toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:14; Col. 2:6-7; 2 Pet. 3:18).

-Sword Tips #2000 (edited)

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God Knows How We Are Made
Michael R. Baggett

“If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee. For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well” (Psalm 139:11-14, KJV).  

 

Psalm 139 should be read in its entirety to understand how God sees the big picture of our lives. Nothing is hidden from God. God was there when we were being formed in the womb. God knows where we’ve been, where we are and where we are going. No one can find a place to hide from Him. He knows thoughts, intentions, your cares, concerns, heartaches and your every need. God can fix us when we are broken because He made us! 

 

The story is told about Henry Ford who was a passenger in one of his new Fords. The car engine started making noises and the car ended up on the side of the road. The man driving Mr. Ford was amused that Mr. Ford got of the car dressed in his suit and business clothes and commenced to exploring under the hood. The driver replied, “That’s a new Ford. Only a trained mechanic can get this engine running right. In a few minutes Mr. Ford had the engine running like it should. The driver asked him, “How did you get to know so much about car engines?” Mr. Ford replied, “I designed this car.” 

 

God has designed both you and me. When we are broken, He can fix us. What is broken in your life today? You know, the biggest thing that causes us to be broken is sin. Sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2). In our helpless state, God sent His Only Begotten Son Jesus Christ to die on a cross for your and my sins (John 3:16; Romans 5:8). Jesus tasted death for each of us and on the third day He arose from the grave overcoming death and soundly defeating Satan’s hold on mankind (Isaiah 25:8; 1 Corinthians 15:56-57; Revelation 1:18). 

 

It is built into man to seek His Creator. God has set the world, meaning eternity, in our hearts (Ecclesiastes 3:11). We have an awareness of “something more.” Even those who never heard of God know by the things created, such as the sun, moon, stars, trees, etc., there must be a Creator and an awareness of many rights and wrongs. (See Psalm 19;1ff; Acts 14:17; Romans 1:18-22). God has made us that we should seek the Lord and feel after Him, and He is not very far from everyone one of us (Acts 17:27). 

 

God knows all about you. Are you seeking to know all about Him? Are you broken today? If you are still in your sins, you are broken in a way that will condemn you soul to torment in a burning Hell. But there is real hope! God sent Jesus to die for you. God can fix your lost condition through Jesus only (John 14:6). But you must come to Him believing in Jesus Christ with all your heart, believing He died for you and arose from the dead; turn from sins in repentance, confess your faith in Jesus Christ, be baptized into Him and live faithfully for Him.

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

Money Perspectives
Joe R. Price

Scripture Reading:  1 Timothy 6:3-10

Our relationship to material possessions can define, strengthen, or destroy our faith, Mark 12:41-44. (Prov. 30:7-9; 1 Tim. 6:6-10)

(1) Realize money can't make you happy.
    -No abiding strength, Prov. 18:10-11; 11:28 (Luke 16:24); Prov. 11:4 (trust in Lord, 1 Tim. 6:17).

(2) Live for the enduring riches, Matt. 6:19-21 (2 Cor. 4:18-5:1; Luke 10:40-42).
    - Live for Christ (with reproaches), His riches are greater, Heb. 11:26; Matt. 5:11-12.

(3) Know that money will pass away, James 5:1-3.
    -Temporary, 1 Tim. 6:7; Ps. 49:16-17; Eccl. 5:15-16; Misuse judged, James 5:4-6.

(4) Be content with what you have, Luke 12:13-19 (Eccl. 5:10).
    -Learn contentment with faith in the Lord to provide, Matt. 6:25-34; Phil. 4:11-13.

(5) Put people above money, 1 Tim. 6:18-19; 1 John 3:17-18.
    -Generous without thought of return, Prov. 11:24-26; Eccl. 11:1-2; Luke 6:30-35.

(6) Devote money to right causes, John 12:1-8. (To Lord and others, 1 Cor. 16:1-2; Acts 4:34-37; Luke 10:33-35).

(7) Maintain character above acquiring, Prov. 13:7. (Eccl. 5:11-14; Mark 10:17-22; 1 Tim. 6:17).

Conclusion
Matt. 16:26; Psalm 49:5-12; Col. 1:12-14

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

 

The Christian's Influence
Joe R. Price

Scripture Reading:  Philippians 2:11-18

1. A Christian has experienced a conversion, Rom. 6:3-4; 2 Cor. 5:17 (Col. 2:6-7).
2. Are to grow is our influence, Phil. 2:14-16.
3. Things that build a solid influence for good.

I. BE HONEST IN CHARACTER.

  A. Honesty is a Principle, Phil. 4:8. 2 Cor. 8:18-21; Acts 6:3; 1 Pet. 2:11-12
  B. Always be Truthful, Eph. 4:25; Prov. 6:16-19; Matt. 12:34-35.

II. BE PURE IN SPEECH, 1 Pet. 3:10.

  A. Abandon Profane Hearts and Speech, Eph. 4:29; 5:4; Col. 4:6. James 3:5; Titus 2:7-8.

III. BE PURE IN CONDUCT.

  A. Maintain Purity of the Church, Eph. 5:25-27. Phil. 1:27; Titus 2:11-12; James 4:8; 1 John 3:3 (1 Tim. 5:22)

IV. BE KIND AND CARING, Eph. 4:32; 1 Cor. 13:4.

  A. Kindness Shows Sincerity towards Others, 1 Pet. 1:22; Rom. 12:9. Gal. 4:16; 2 Tim. 2:24-26

V. BE LOYAL TO THE TRUTH OF GOD.

  A. Good Influence is Established When We Live Our Convictions.
    1. Daniel, Dan. 1:8-9, 14-16, 17-20; Apostles, Acts 4:17-21; 5:29 (26).
    2. Live your faith or lose influence, Luke 14:34-35.
    3. Stand fast, 1 Cor. 16:13; Trust God, Rom. 8:31, 35-37.

Conclusion
Live worthy of the gospel and your influence is helping others, Phil. 2:14-16.

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NOTEWORTHY NEWS
(Current events in the light of Scripture)

Can You Define Man and Woman?
Joe R. Price

It is not transphobic to cite facts about transgenderism, even though that charge is made against anyone who speaks up with facts to oppose it. Let’s review some facts about one current transgender athlete, Lia Thomas.

Fact: Thomas was born a biological male who now identifies as a female.

Fact: Thomas started hormone replacement therapy in 2019 and started competing in women’s intercollegiate swimming events after the required period.

Fact: Hormone replacement therapy does not turn a male (man) into a female (woman).

Fact: Thomas shattered women’s swimming records this season, becoming the Ivy League 2022 Champion in the 500, 200, and 100-yard freestyle events.

Fact: Many believe Thomas has an unfair advantage in competing against women (due to Thomas’s height, more extended reach, larger muscle structure, greater lung capacity, etc.) (How an Ivy League swimmer…, cnn.com).

Fact: Transgenderism devalues the unique differences and distinct roles God gave men and women (Gen. 1:26-27; 2:18-25; 3:16-19; Eph. 5:22-33). Men are not mothers, and women are not fathers. Acknowledging fundamental biological facts is not hate; it’s just science. It is how we have been “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14).

Many accomplished people have trouble defining man and woman these days. Supreme Court nominee Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson illustrates this problem. She refused to define the word “woman” in her confirmation hearing this week. Here’s the exchange: “Can you provide a definition for the word ‘woman?’" the senator asked. “Can I provide a definition? No,” Jackson responded. “I can’t.” “You can’t?” Blackburn asked. “Not in this context, I’m not a biologist,” the judge replied (politico.com).

Defining man and woman is not a political football with a legal “context.” It is biological truth from creation. Transgenderism denies God, science, and common sense.

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Created by Chuck Sibbing, last updated.  03/27/2022

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