Bulletin

Home Email About Us Services Articles Bulletin From God's Word Area Events Announcements Calendar Prayer Requests Plan of Salvation Audio Sermon Library Photographs	A Time of War March 30, 2003 It was bound to happen; only a matter of months since Islamic terrorists violated our nation's security, and yet an antiwar movement is growing. Since the 1960s, our nation's media elite has shown disdain and contempt for American institutions, especially for the American military. These opinion leaders were temporarily silenced by the nation's outrage at the World Trade Center attack, but have steadily attempted to undermine the national resolve to seek justice through military action. Is war ever desirable? In one sense, no Christian needs to even reflect to answer. Our Lord is "the Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6). Violence is never, in itself, preferable to peace: "for God is not a God of confusion but of peace," as the Apostle Paul noted. (1 Corinthians 14:33) Sometimes, however, sinful men thrust violence into human affairs, and integrity requires the use of force to oppose the force of injustice. Violence is justified in preventing injustice, and violence is required in rendering justice in extreme situations: "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image." (Genesis 9:6) War, while always regrettable, is often admirable and sometimes demanded by honor and integrity. God authorized human government "to punish those who do evil." (1 Peter 2:14) One aspect of faith commended among God's people is that they "became mighty in war." (Hebrews 11:34) Beyond the clear right of the United States to use military action in self-defense, she has an obligation to protect the innocent. Twice in the last century America went to war in Europe to deliver nations, notably France and Germany, from oppression. Ridding Iraq of its evil dictator is a moral goal, as was freeing Germany from the grasp of Hitler. Christians, and indeed all men of good will, should support the liberation of the Iraqi people from this cruel tyrant. [Doug Post]
	"Accept Jesus as Your Personal Savior" The phrase is abused by those in denominations. With it, they suggest that such is the totality of one's responsibility in order to receive salvation. It is synonymous with the idea of the "faith only" doctrine of Christendom.Yet, it is biblical to the core. Observe. "Accept." Jesus says, "He who rejects me...has one who judges him..." (Jn. 12:48). We accept Jesus when we humbly receive the implanted word (Js.1:21). 1 Timothy 1:15 says, "It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all." We must accept Jesus' will as well as the assertions it makes. The question is, "Have we fully accepted Jesus at the point of faith?" No! He commands us to repent (Lk.13:3-5; Ac.2:38) and be baptized (Mk.16:16; Ac.2:38). Refuse those commands and you have not accepted Jesus. Can we take only part of Him and be whole? "Accept Jesus As Your...Savior." For such did He come into the world. Before His birth, Joseph was told concerning Him, "you shall call His name Jesus, for it is He who will save His people from their sins" (Mt.1:21). Jesus is identified as the Savior throughout the epistles. 2 Timothy 1:5 and Titus 3:5 both say, "He saved us" by His mercy, purpose, and grace. Salvation is the common need (Rm.3:10) and there is no other way but Jesus to meet it (Ac.4:12). We cannot stop at accepting who Jesus is, but we must further accept what Jesus has done. "Accept Jesus As Your Personal Savior." The Bible teaches that Jesus' redemptive work at Calvary was for the whole world (Jn.3:16; 1 Jn.2:2). Yet, will the whole world be saved? No! In fact, most will not be saved (Mt.7:13-14). Even some religious folk will be lost (Mt.7:21-23). Therefore, accepting Jesus must be done at the personal level! I must act upon the saving knowledge of Jesus. As I will be held personally accountable for my life (2 Cor.5:10), I cannot blame my parents, children, friends, people at church, people in the world, or even my mate for my disobedience. In my own mind, I must accept what the Bible says about Jesus and do what Jesus says do. Nobody can do that for me (Rom.10:9). The baggage surrounding the phrase is most unfortunate. The facts, as presented here, must be understood. It is not as our religious neighbors teach, and yet it is true that each of us – while we have breath in the body and the prospect of heaven--accept Jesus as our personal Savior! [Doug]
	Ten Thoughts to Start the Day (From Psalms 116 and 118) Jim Moffett 1. This is the day the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. 2. I will praise thee; thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation. 3. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear; what can man do unto me? 4. The Lord is my strength and song, and is become my salvation. 5. I love the Lord, he hath heard my voice and my supplications. 6. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live. 7. I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living. 8. I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people. 9. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. 10. Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee.