“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8)
The price of salvation is far greater than our finite minds can imagine. The Bible states that we are sinners, that there is none righteous. We are by nature the children of wrath. We were ungodly, walking according to the course of this world. We were helpless.
But God in His great love for us sent His one and only Son to be sacrificed on a cross, shedding His precious blood that we could be saved by His grace through our faith in Him.
We are not saved by following a good example. Paul was a wonderful Christian following his conversion but the example he left is too low because he had sins and imperfections. Jesus had no imperfections and no sin. Consequently, His example is too high for us to reach. No one has ever been able to attain perfection. Nowhere in the Bible is it stated that following a good example will save us from hell.
Only by the grace of God, paid for by the blood of Jesus, can man be saved. Salvation is a gift that must be received by faith. Have you received your gift?
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Friday, December 30, 2016
Wait on the Lord
“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” (Psalm 27:14)
In this day of microwave ovens, instant pudding and “drive-thru” fast food service no one wants to wait for anything. “A watched pot never boils,” we say.
The Psalmist David gave us a difficult assignment when he said, “Wait on the Lord.” In this day of shallow Christianity we run ahead of God with our plans for instantaneous success and then pray, asking God to bless our plans. We don’t like to wait on God in our day.
My father was assisting me in a revival in my first church. He observed me witnessing to the lost. When the opportunity came, without scolding me, he said, “When we are sharing the gospel we can’t always see instant success. We need to wait on God and allow time for the Holy Spirit to do His work of conviction in that person.”
Waiting on the Lord is not to be confused with disobedience, laziness or slothfulness. We must continue to share the Gospel and pray, but remember; the Holy Spirit is the one who convicts and converts.
In this day of microwave ovens, instant pudding and “drive-thru” fast food service no one wants to wait for anything. “A watched pot never boils,” we say.
The Psalmist David gave us a difficult assignment when he said, “Wait on the Lord.” In this day of shallow Christianity we run ahead of God with our plans for instantaneous success and then pray, asking God to bless our plans. We don’t like to wait on God in our day.
My father was assisting me in a revival in my first church. He observed me witnessing to the lost. When the opportunity came, without scolding me, he said, “When we are sharing the gospel we can’t always see instant success. We need to wait on God and allow time for the Holy Spirit to do His work of conviction in that person.”
Waiting on the Lord is not to be confused with disobedience, laziness or slothfulness. We must continue to share the Gospel and pray, but remember; the Holy Spirit is the one who convicts and converts.
Thursday, December 29, 2016
Spend Time Alone with God
“And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, He went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.” (Mark 1:35)
The sun was not up and the rooster had not crowed when Jesus went out to spend some time talking with His Heavenly Father.
Early morning is a good time to spend in prayer before the demands of the day start claiming one’s attention. Jesus did not always jump out of bed and immediately start healing sick people, raising the dead and doing evangelism, even though the needs were there in the early morning. He took time to pray.
When I was a young pastor I felt like I had to “hit the ground running,” every morning and try to get the world saved before bed time and start the next day the same way. Then I began to hear old, seasoned, wise and mature pastors say that if they had their ministry to do over they would spend more time in prayer with God and Bible study and less time trying to keep the machinery of the church functioning and being at the hospital early in the morning prior to everyone’s surgery. Pastors need time with the Lord. Otherwise they are ministering in the energy of the flesh. Insist that your pastor take time to be alone with God reading the word of God and praying.
If early morning praying and devotion is good for the pastor, then it’s good for the non-pastors as well. None of has a better plan than Jesus had.
The sun was not up and the rooster had not crowed when Jesus went out to spend some time talking with His Heavenly Father.
Early morning is a good time to spend in prayer before the demands of the day start claiming one’s attention. Jesus did not always jump out of bed and immediately start healing sick people, raising the dead and doing evangelism, even though the needs were there in the early morning. He took time to pray.
When I was a young pastor I felt like I had to “hit the ground running,” every morning and try to get the world saved before bed time and start the next day the same way. Then I began to hear old, seasoned, wise and mature pastors say that if they had their ministry to do over they would spend more time in prayer with God and Bible study and less time trying to keep the machinery of the church functioning and being at the hospital early in the morning prior to everyone’s surgery. Pastors need time with the Lord. Otherwise they are ministering in the energy of the flesh. Insist that your pastor take time to be alone with God reading the word of God and praying.
If early morning praying and devotion is good for the pastor, then it’s good for the non-pastors as well. None of has a better plan than Jesus had.
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
Standing on the Promises
“…there hath not failed one word of all His good promise, which He promised…”
(I Kings 8:56)
These words were part of the prayer of Solomon as he prayed his prayer at the dedication of the temple in Jerusalem. When we search the scriptures looking for the promises which God has made, we find our text to be true. God has never broken a promise.
When we near the end of the Bible we find these words: “And this is the promise that He hath promised us, even eternal life.” (I John 2:25)
Are you going through a difficult time, perhaps a financial struggle, a lingering illness or some other? Remember God’s promise to His children, “…I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13:5) An old hymn states, “I’m standing on the promises of God.”
Read God’s word. Look for His promises. Someone said, “You can’t stand on the promises if you don’t know what they are.”
(I Kings 8:56)
These words were part of the prayer of Solomon as he prayed his prayer at the dedication of the temple in Jerusalem. When we search the scriptures looking for the promises which God has made, we find our text to be true. God has never broken a promise.
When we near the end of the Bible we find these words: “And this is the promise that He hath promised us, even eternal life.” (I John 2:25)
Are you going through a difficult time, perhaps a financial struggle, a lingering illness or some other? Remember God’s promise to His children, “…I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13:5) An old hymn states, “I’m standing on the promises of God.”
Read God’s word. Look for His promises. Someone said, “You can’t stand on the promises if you don’t know what they are.”
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
When the Wise Men Visited Jesus
“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.” (Matthew 2:10)
If you are familiar with the Christmas story you are probably familiar with the visit of the wise men. Their visit was perhaps two years after Jesus’ birth. Their visit was not in the stable but in a house.
I want to point out five things in their visit:
How are your visits with Jesus? They should be frequent and meaningful.
If you are familiar with the Christmas story you are probably familiar with the visit of the wise men. Their visit was perhaps two years after Jesus’ birth. Their visit was not in the stable but in a house.
I want to point out five things in their visit:
- First, when they saw the star they rejoiced. The star would direct them to Jesus. We Christians have the privilege of guiding people to Jesus. The light of our lives should encourage others and gladden their hearts.
- Second, they fell down and worshiped Him. They did not worship Mary, or the star or the house, however meager or fine it may have been. They worshiped Him. It is important that we focus the attention of worship on Jesus, not outstanding Christian entertainers, nor the church building.
- Third, when they opened their treasures they did not exchange gifts. They gave their gifts to him.
- Fourth, they gave appropriate gifts to Jesus: Gold for a king, frankincense for God and myrrh for one destined to die.
- Finally, when they left, they went back another way. When we have a visit with our Savior, whether it’s in the building where our church meets or in the privacy of our homes, we ought to leave different from what we were when we came.
How are your visits with Jesus? They should be frequent and meaningful.
Monday, December 26, 2016
After Christmas
“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”
(Luke 2:52)
Jesus was man but He was also God. He was as much man as He was God and He was as much God as He was man. He was not half man and half God; He was the God/man.
When He got tired, sleepy, hungry, thirsty, felt pain and wept it tells us of His manhood. When He calmed the stormy sea by speaking to it, “Peace, be still,” we see His divine nature. He was the God who healed the palsied man and who healed the nobleman’s son. Only God could restore life to three people: the son of the widow woman of Nain, Jairus’ daughter and Lazarus, brother of Mary and Martha.
As a human child, the son of man, He set the example for children everywhere in every generation to be in subjection to their parents. As the Son of God, He increased in favor with God and man.
On the cross He suffered as a man. Three days later He arose from the grave in the power of God. He kept increasing in favor with God and man.
Let’s celebrate Christmas, but let us also remember He is no longer a baby in a manger. He is God made flesh, living a sinless life among us, dying on a cross for us and raised from the grave, victorious over death.
(Luke 2:52)
Jesus was man but He was also God. He was as much man as He was God and He was as much God as He was man. He was not half man and half God; He was the God/man.
When He got tired, sleepy, hungry, thirsty, felt pain and wept it tells us of His manhood. When He calmed the stormy sea by speaking to it, “Peace, be still,” we see His divine nature. He was the God who healed the palsied man and who healed the nobleman’s son. Only God could restore life to three people: the son of the widow woman of Nain, Jairus’ daughter and Lazarus, brother of Mary and Martha.
As a human child, the son of man, He set the example for children everywhere in every generation to be in subjection to their parents. As the Son of God, He increased in favor with God and man.
On the cross He suffered as a man. Three days later He arose from the grave in the power of God. He kept increasing in favor with God and man.
Let’s celebrate Christmas, but let us also remember He is no longer a baby in a manger. He is God made flesh, living a sinless life among us, dying on a cross for us and raised from the grave, victorious over death.
Sunday, December 25, 2016
Let the Celebration Begin
“And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.’” (Luke 2: 10-11)
For hundreds of years God’s prophets had been telling of a coming king. Micah had told of His birthplace. Isaiah had prophesied of His names. Jeremiah had told of the slaughter of the innocent children by Herod in his effort to kill this newborn king. The prophet Hosea told of His coming out of Egypt.
The angel is joined by a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
He was finally here. The king had arrived. “Born this day,” the angel said. Let the celebration begin. It’s Christmas Day!!! Christ is born. And let the celebration of Jesus never end. Evil men tried to end the celebration by nailing Him to a cross and killing him. But three days later the celebration broke loose all over again: celebration that cannot be contained. Let us celebrate Jesus over and over and over again!
For hundreds of years God’s prophets had been telling of a coming king. Micah had told of His birthplace. Isaiah had prophesied of His names. Jeremiah had told of the slaughter of the innocent children by Herod in his effort to kill this newborn king. The prophet Hosea told of His coming out of Egypt.
The angel is joined by a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
He was finally here. The king had arrived. “Born this day,” the angel said. Let the celebration begin. It’s Christmas Day!!! Christ is born. And let the celebration of Jesus never end. Evil men tried to end the celebration by nailing Him to a cross and killing him. But three days later the celebration broke loose all over again: celebration that cannot be contained. Let us celebrate Jesus over and over and over again!
Saturday, December 24, 2016
The Night Shift
“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.” (Luke 2:8-9)
That’s what shepherds do. They shepherd sheep, sometimes theirs, and other times sheep belonging to someone else. But Jesus is the “Chief Shepherd.” The Chief Shepherd said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them and they follow me.” (John 10:27) He was also the “Good Shepherd,” who gives His life for the sheep. David said in the beautiful twenty-third Psalm, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want…”
It was fitting that our Lord’s first visitors upon arriving on earth would be lowly shepherds. It would be this kind of people who would be attracted to Jesus both then and now.
Jesus said in His first sermon, “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3)
That’s what shepherds do. They shepherd sheep, sometimes theirs, and other times sheep belonging to someone else. But Jesus is the “Chief Shepherd.” The Chief Shepherd said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them and they follow me.” (John 10:27) He was also the “Good Shepherd,” who gives His life for the sheep. David said in the beautiful twenty-third Psalm, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want…”
It was fitting that our Lord’s first visitors upon arriving on earth would be lowly shepherds. It would be this kind of people who would be attracted to Jesus both then and now.
Jesus said in His first sermon, “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3)
Celebrate and worship the coming of the Messiah!
Auburn Baptist Church
Saturday, December 24 at 5:00 pm
Sunday, December 25 at 11:00 am
Celebrate the birth of the Christ-child with us!
Friday, December 23, 2016
No Room for Jesus?
“And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7)
Mary and Joseph had gone to Bethlehem on official business mandated by the decree from Caesar Augustus. While they were there it was time for the baby to be born.
Notice that Mary brought forth her “firstborn” son, which would indicate there would be more children to follow. If Jesus had been the only child born to Mary the Bible would have said, “She brought forth a son.” Mary had at least six additional children after giving birth to Jesus.
If we had been planning this event and telling this story we would have had an “advance planning and preparation committee,” of the most noble dignitaries assigned the task of finding the nicest suite in the finest hotel in Bethlehem for Mary and Joseph to stay in while in Bethlehem, and the very best bassinet in which the Son of God would be placed. But, with no room in the inn, Jesus was born in a stable.
We blame the innkeeper for not providing room for Jesus. True, the innkeeper did not take down the “No Vacancy” sign but he did not know who this Child was. You have heard the story many times perhaps, but have you made room in your heart, your life, your home, your schedule for Jesus? Or, is the “No Vacancy” sign still on the door of your heart?
Mary and Joseph had gone to Bethlehem on official business mandated by the decree from Caesar Augustus. While they were there it was time for the baby to be born.
Notice that Mary brought forth her “firstborn” son, which would indicate there would be more children to follow. If Jesus had been the only child born to Mary the Bible would have said, “She brought forth a son.” Mary had at least six additional children after giving birth to Jesus.
If we had been planning this event and telling this story we would have had an “advance planning and preparation committee,” of the most noble dignitaries assigned the task of finding the nicest suite in the finest hotel in Bethlehem for Mary and Joseph to stay in while in Bethlehem, and the very best bassinet in which the Son of God would be placed. But, with no room in the inn, Jesus was born in a stable.
We blame the innkeeper for not providing room for Jesus. True, the innkeeper did not take down the “No Vacancy” sign but he did not know who this Child was. You have heard the story many times perhaps, but have you made room in your heart, your life, your home, your schedule for Jesus? Or, is the “No Vacancy” sign still on the door of your heart?
Celebrate and worship the coming of the Messiah!
Auburn Baptist Church
Saturday, December 24 at 5:00 pm
Sunday, December 25 at 11:00 am
Celebrate the birth of the Christ-child with us!
Thursday, December 22, 2016
Finding God
“...and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” (Matthew 1:23)
Man needed the presence of God in his life. In his search for God, man bowed down to golden calves, to logs that had been carved to resemble their concept of God and had even bowed down to the sun, moon and stars. In Athens they had an idol with the words engraved, “To the unknown god.”
When God worked the miracle of the birth of His Son, the Son would be called “Emmanuel,” which being interpreted is, “God with us.” Emmanuel is the one John the apostle called, “the Word.” The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. One translation says, “He pitched His tent among us.”
Man is still searching for the presence of God in the abundance of things, pleasures, sports, sex, drugs, alcohol, houses, lands and business ventures. Only when man turns to Jesus will he find God.
Man needed the presence of God in his life. In his search for God, man bowed down to golden calves, to logs that had been carved to resemble their concept of God and had even bowed down to the sun, moon and stars. In Athens they had an idol with the words engraved, “To the unknown god.”
When God worked the miracle of the birth of His Son, the Son would be called “Emmanuel,” which being interpreted is, “God with us.” Emmanuel is the one John the apostle called, “the Word.” The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. One translation says, “He pitched His tent among us.”
Man is still searching for the presence of God in the abundance of things, pleasures, sports, sex, drugs, alcohol, houses, lands and business ventures. Only when man turns to Jesus will he find God.
Celebrate and worship the coming of the Messiah!
Auburn Baptist Church
Saturday, December 24 at 5:00 pm
Sunday, December 25 at 11:00 am
Celebrate the birth of the Christ-child with us!
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
A Miracle Among Miracles
“And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call His name JESUS.” (Luke 1:31)
If you have been following my Blog for the past few days you know that I strongly believe the miracle of the virgin birth of Christ. However, the path of the miracle of the virgin birth has its beginning in the miracle of the virgin conceiving a child without having relations with a man. The virgin conception and the virgin birth are two parts of the same miracle.
God worked a miracle in the conception and birth of Jesus. He also works a miracle every time He saves a soul from hell. A lost sinner needs the miracle of the new Birth to have his life changed and become a child of God.
If you have been following my Blog for the past few days you know that I strongly believe the miracle of the virgin birth of Christ. However, the path of the miracle of the virgin birth has its beginning in the miracle of the virgin conceiving a child without having relations with a man. The virgin conception and the virgin birth are two parts of the same miracle.
God worked a miracle in the conception and birth of Jesus. He also works a miracle every time He saves a soul from hell. A lost sinner needs the miracle of the new Birth to have his life changed and become a child of God.
Celebrate and worship the coming of the Messiah!
Auburn Baptist Church
Saturday, December 24 at 5:00 pm
Sunday, December 25 at 11:00 am
Celebrate the birth of the Christ-child with us!
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
God With Us
“Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, ‘Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel,’ which being interpreted is, God with us.”
(Matthew 1:22-23)
One of the major fundamentals of the faith is the virgin birth of Christ. Not everyone believes that doctrine, however. Not long ago out of a poll of 700 preachers, a Washington D.C. minister said, “So far as we liberal clergymen are concerned, it makes no difference whether Christ was born of a virgin or not. We don’t even bother to form an opinion on the subject.”
Matthew said it was a fulfillment of Biblical prophecy. Luke declares that Gabriel the angel was sent to Nazareth to a virgin. His message was that she would have a son. She responded, “How can this be seeing I am a virgin.”
If Jesus’ father were Joseph or some other earthly man then Christmas becomes a joke or a farce and the biblical writers and the characters in the story are liars. But we know they spoke the truth. Jesus is the virgin-born Son of God! Any statement or belief to the contrary that denies the virgin birth is an insult to Mary, Joseph, the Biblical writers and to Jesus Himself.
(Matthew 1:22-23)
One of the major fundamentals of the faith is the virgin birth of Christ. Not everyone believes that doctrine, however. Not long ago out of a poll of 700 preachers, a Washington D.C. minister said, “So far as we liberal clergymen are concerned, it makes no difference whether Christ was born of a virgin or not. We don’t even bother to form an opinion on the subject.”
Matthew said it was a fulfillment of Biblical prophecy. Luke declares that Gabriel the angel was sent to Nazareth to a virgin. His message was that she would have a son. She responded, “How can this be seeing I am a virgin.”
If Jesus’ father were Joseph or some other earthly man then Christmas becomes a joke or a farce and the biblical writers and the characters in the story are liars. But we know they spoke the truth. Jesus is the virgin-born Son of God! Any statement or belief to the contrary that denies the virgin birth is an insult to Mary, Joseph, the Biblical writers and to Jesus Himself.
Monday, December 19, 2016
Preparations for Christmas
“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)
In getting ready for Christmas there has to be much planning and preparation. There is the getting the ingredients for baking. There are the days and nights of shopping for gifts. There is the mailing of Christmas cards. Just getting ready for Christmas is part of the excitement and celebration.
There was much preparation for the first Christmas, also. The visit of the angel Gabriel to Zacharias and Elisabeth, his visit to Mary and his announcement to her, followed by his visit to Joseph, telling Joseph of God’s plan for him.
Ah, the visit to Joseph. “Fear not to take Mary to be your wife. She is going to give birth to God’s Son. You will call His name Jesus.”
The name, “Jesus” was a common name in that country in those days. It is the equivalent of the Old Testament name, “Joshua.” The name Joshua means deliverer or Savior. One thinks of the name Jesus from Philippians 2:9-10 which says, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him and given Him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
In getting ready for Christmas there has to be much planning and preparation. There is the getting the ingredients for baking. There are the days and nights of shopping for gifts. There is the mailing of Christmas cards. Just getting ready for Christmas is part of the excitement and celebration.
There was much preparation for the first Christmas, also. The visit of the angel Gabriel to Zacharias and Elisabeth, his visit to Mary and his announcement to her, followed by his visit to Joseph, telling Joseph of God’s plan for him.
Ah, the visit to Joseph. “Fear not to take Mary to be your wife. She is going to give birth to God’s Son. You will call His name Jesus.”
The name, “Jesus” was a common name in that country in those days. It is the equivalent of the Old Testament name, “Joshua.” The name Joshua means deliverer or Savior. One thinks of the name Jesus from Philippians 2:9-10 which says, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him and given Him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Sunday, December 18, 2016
Have Faith in God
“Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.’” (Matthew 1:20-21)
Joseph could have given Mary a writing of divorcement and put her from him without an embarrassing scene. Or he could have done nothing and let the community bring charges of adultery against Mary and the possibility of stoning.
Joseph loved Mary and being a just man, he was also honorable. God had chosen this good, just man to be the husband of Mary just as He had chosen Mary to be the mother of the Christ child.
In a vision, the angel of God explained to Joseph what was taking place. He was told to put away his fears, and take Mary to be his wife. In that statement from the angel, Joseph must have understood that not only would he assume the responsibilities of being Mary’s husband, but also would assume the responsibilities of serving as the earthly father of this “miracle child,” feeding, clothing, housing, protecting and educating Him.
When we submit ourselves and our circumstances into God’s hands He will work it out. Joseph is an excellent example of a person with faith in God.
Joseph could have given Mary a writing of divorcement and put her from him without an embarrassing scene. Or he could have done nothing and let the community bring charges of adultery against Mary and the possibility of stoning.
Joseph loved Mary and being a just man, he was also honorable. God had chosen this good, just man to be the husband of Mary just as He had chosen Mary to be the mother of the Christ child.
In a vision, the angel of God explained to Joseph what was taking place. He was told to put away his fears, and take Mary to be his wife. In that statement from the angel, Joseph must have understood that not only would he assume the responsibilities of being Mary’s husband, but also would assume the responsibilities of serving as the earthly father of this “miracle child,” feeding, clothing, housing, protecting and educating Him.
When we submit ourselves and our circumstances into God’s hands He will work it out. Joseph is an excellent example of a person with faith in God.
Saturday, December 17, 2016
It Was Like This…
“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as His mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.” (Matthew 1:18)
The Biblical writers, when writing about and making reference to the birth of Jesus, all agree that God chose a virgin girl to be the “vehicle” to bring His Son into the world. Each writer makes it plain that Joseph in no way contributed to the Savior’s birth.
Even the prophets agreed. Read Isaiah’s prophecy. “Therefore the LORD himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14) That which Matthew is about to write is a fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy, made more than seven-hundred years before Christ was born.
Mary was not married to Joseph but was committed to him by “espousal,” a binding engagement. It was not like some modern engagements where the couple lives together before marriage. There was no conjugal relationship between Joseph and Mary. That is why Joseph could truthfully testify that Mary’s child was not his. Matthew states that, “Joseph knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son…” (Matthew 1:25)
The Biblical writers, when writing about and making reference to the birth of Jesus, all agree that God chose a virgin girl to be the “vehicle” to bring His Son into the world. Each writer makes it plain that Joseph in no way contributed to the Savior’s birth.
Even the prophets agreed. Read Isaiah’s prophecy. “Therefore the LORD himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14) That which Matthew is about to write is a fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy, made more than seven-hundred years before Christ was born.
Mary was not married to Joseph but was committed to him by “espousal,” a binding engagement. It was not like some modern engagements where the couple lives together before marriage. There was no conjugal relationship between Joseph and Mary. That is why Joseph could truthfully testify that Mary’s child was not his. Matthew states that, “Joseph knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son…” (Matthew 1:25)
Friday, December 16, 2016
Celebrate Jesus!
Celebrate and worship the coming of the Messiah!
Auburn Baptist Church
Saturday, December 24 at 5:00 pm
Sunday, December 25 at 11:00 am
Celebrate the birth of the Christ-child with us!
How Big is your God?
“For with God nothing shall be impossible.” (Luke 1:37)
By His miraculous power God created the heaven and the earth, a feat impossible for men but not impossible for God. He opened a way through the Red Sea through which the Israelites were saved from the Egyptian army.
The Jordan River was overflowing its banks. God stopped the flow of the river so Israel could walk across, defeat Jericho and begin to claim the land God had promised to them.
Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was suffering from leprosy. God healed Naaman. Following his healing, his skin was like that of a little child.
God brought man into existence from the dust of the earth, without father or mother. He brought woman into existence a second way, from the rib of the man. Their children came into being a third way, in the same way you and I came into existence. Why should anyone think it strange or impossible for God to use a fourth way for a child to be born? For God to work the miracle of a virgin giving birth to His Son should not seem out of the realm of the miraculous. With God, nothing shall be impossible.
If you will receive the Lord Jesus Christ by faith to be your Savior He will forgive all your sins and guarantee you a home in heaven because with God, nothing is impossible.
By His miraculous power God created the heaven and the earth, a feat impossible for men but not impossible for God. He opened a way through the Red Sea through which the Israelites were saved from the Egyptian army.
The Jordan River was overflowing its banks. God stopped the flow of the river so Israel could walk across, defeat Jericho and begin to claim the land God had promised to them.
Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was suffering from leprosy. God healed Naaman. Following his healing, his skin was like that of a little child.
God brought man into existence from the dust of the earth, without father or mother. He brought woman into existence a second way, from the rib of the man. Their children came into being a third way, in the same way you and I came into existence. Why should anyone think it strange or impossible for God to use a fourth way for a child to be born? For God to work the miracle of a virgin giving birth to His Son should not seem out of the realm of the miraculous. With God, nothing shall be impossible.
If you will receive the Lord Jesus Christ by faith to be your Savior He will forgive all your sins and guarantee you a home in heaven because with God, nothing is impossible.
Thursday, December 15, 2016
You Shall call His Name JESUS
“And the angel said unto her, ‘Fear not, Mary: for thou has found favor with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call His name JESUS.’” (Luke 1:30-31)
The angel Gabriel had already spoken the words, “fear not,” to Zacharias, the old priest who would be the father of John. In our text he tells Mary to, “Fear not.” While they did not worship Gabriel, both Zacharias and Mary had a holy reverence in the presence of this heavenly being. How different from the unholy irreverence shown today by many so-called worshipers in the presence of, not just a heavenly being, but in the presence of the Christ we say we are worshiping.
The angel’s announcement to Mary was ten-fold. First, she had found grace with God. Secondly, she would conceive a child. Third, she would bring forth a Son. Fourth, she would call Him Jesus. Fifth, this Son would be great. Sixth, He would be called the Son of the Highest. Seventh, the Lord God would give unto Him the throne of His father David. Eighth, He would reign over the house of Jacob forever. Ninth, of His kingdom there shall be no end. Finally, because the power of the Highest would overshadow her, the child would be called the Son of God.
I would say at this point, “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!”
The angel Gabriel had already spoken the words, “fear not,” to Zacharias, the old priest who would be the father of John. In our text he tells Mary to, “Fear not.” While they did not worship Gabriel, both Zacharias and Mary had a holy reverence in the presence of this heavenly being. How different from the unholy irreverence shown today by many so-called worshipers in the presence of, not just a heavenly being, but in the presence of the Christ we say we are worshiping.
The angel’s announcement to Mary was ten-fold. First, she had found grace with God. Secondly, she would conceive a child. Third, she would bring forth a Son. Fourth, she would call Him Jesus. Fifth, this Son would be great. Sixth, He would be called the Son of the Highest. Seventh, the Lord God would give unto Him the throne of His father David. Eighth, He would reign over the house of Jacob forever. Ninth, of His kingdom there shall be no end. Finally, because the power of the Highest would overshadow her, the child would be called the Son of God.
I would say at this point, “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!”
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
The Miracle Working God
“And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.” (Luke 1:26-27)
If someone has trouble believing in the miracle of the virgin birth of Jesus, may I remind you that if one believes in God he already believes in miracles. If one does not believe in the miracle working God nothing anyone can say will convince him of the miracle of the virgin birth of Christ.
Neither Gabriel, nor Mary nor Joseph initiated the miracle of Jesus’ birth. God planned it, put it in operation and brought it to pass. Only in this way would Christ be God’s only begotten Son. Only He would be qualified to be the perfect sacrifice for man. Only He would be the worthy object of faith; that in believing in Him man would not perish but have everlasting life. No lesser person than God’s Son could bear the sins of the world on Himself and bring salvation to all who would believe.
If someone has trouble believing in the miracle of the virgin birth of Jesus, may I remind you that if one believes in God he already believes in miracles. If one does not believe in the miracle working God nothing anyone can say will convince him of the miracle of the virgin birth of Christ.
Neither Gabriel, nor Mary nor Joseph initiated the miracle of Jesus’ birth. God planned it, put it in operation and brought it to pass. Only in this way would Christ be God’s only begotten Son. Only He would be qualified to be the perfect sacrifice for man. Only He would be the worthy object of faith; that in believing in Him man would not perish but have everlasting life. No lesser person than God’s Son could bear the sins of the world on Himself and bring salvation to all who would believe.
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Celebrate Jesus!
Celebrate and worship the coming of the Messiah!
Auburn Baptist Church
Saturday, December 24 at 5:00 pm
Sunday, December 25 at 11:00 am
Celebrate the birth of the Christ-child with us!
Gabriel, in the Presence of God and Man
“And the angel answering said unto him, ‘I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to show thee these glad tidings.’” (Luke 1:19)
In addition to Zacharias and Elisabeth, another major character in the story of Jesus is Gabriel, the angel of God. He brought the announcement to the old priest and his aged wife that they would be the proud parents of John, the forerunner of the Messiah.
We see Gabriel the first time in the book of Daniel when he is sent from God to give understanding to the prophet concerning two visions. We see him here and again when he makes the announcement to Mary. Though unnamed, he is probably the angel sent from God to speak to Joseph about taking Mary to be his wife, recorded in Matthew 1:20-21.
He calls himself Gabriel, that stands in the presence of God. That’s an excellent place to stand if you are going to serve the Lord. God could depend on Gabriel. If we are to be dependable, faithful servants of the Lord, with a message of hope for mankind, we must consistently stand in the presence of God. We take our stand there through the reading and study of the Bible, through prayer and through living a life well pleasing to Him.
Celebrate Jesus this Christmas. Stand in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.
In addition to Zacharias and Elisabeth, another major character in the story of Jesus is Gabriel, the angel of God. He brought the announcement to the old priest and his aged wife that they would be the proud parents of John, the forerunner of the Messiah.
We see Gabriel the first time in the book of Daniel when he is sent from God to give understanding to the prophet concerning two visions. We see him here and again when he makes the announcement to Mary. Though unnamed, he is probably the angel sent from God to speak to Joseph about taking Mary to be his wife, recorded in Matthew 1:20-21.
He calls himself Gabriel, that stands in the presence of God. That’s an excellent place to stand if you are going to serve the Lord. God could depend on Gabriel. If we are to be dependable, faithful servants of the Lord, with a message of hope for mankind, we must consistently stand in the presence of God. We take our stand there through the reading and study of the Bible, through prayer and through living a life well pleasing to Him.
Celebrate Jesus this Christmas. Stand in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Monday, December 12, 2016
Take Your Burden to the Lord
But the angel said unto him, ‘Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.’” ( Luke 1:13)
One of the old songs says, “Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart every word: tell me the story most precious, sweetest that ever was heard.”
In telling the story of Jesus many characters stand out, among them are Zacharias and his wife, Elisabeth. He was a priest and she was of the daughters of Aaron. They were a childless, elderly couple.
The angel Gabriel appeared to the old priest and said, “Fear not Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard.” Apparently they had longed for a child and had prayed that God would grant them one. Their son, John, would be the forerunner of Jesus, the Messiah. He would baptize Jesus in a little more than thirty years from Gabriel’s announcement.
When we pray we can lay our fears to rest, leaving the answer in the hands of God. Do you have a burden, a fear, a problem that is causing you great concern? Take it to Jesus in prayer.
One of the old songs says, “Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart every word: tell me the story most precious, sweetest that ever was heard.”
In telling the story of Jesus many characters stand out, among them are Zacharias and his wife, Elisabeth. He was a priest and she was of the daughters of Aaron. They were a childless, elderly couple.
The angel Gabriel appeared to the old priest and said, “Fear not Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard.” Apparently they had longed for a child and had prayed that God would grant them one. Their son, John, would be the forerunner of Jesus, the Messiah. He would baptize Jesus in a little more than thirty years from Gabriel’s announcement.
When we pray we can lay our fears to rest, leaving the answer in the hands of God. Do you have a burden, a fear, a problem that is causing you great concern? Take it to Jesus in prayer.
Sunday, December 11, 2016
Celebrate Jesus
“He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not.” (John 1:10)
The creator of the universe burst in on history and pitched His tent with man. “The Ancient of Days,” He is called in Daniel. He has no beginning of days or end of life. His footprints were on the shores of the Sea of Galilee until the relentless waves and tides washed them away. But, the world could not deny that He had been there. He had also been on the mountains teaching the multitudes.
He went into the cities and villages where He healed the sick, gave sight to the blind and made the lame to walk. It was there that they took up stones to cast at Him. He made the trees, even the tree out of which they made a cross on which they nailed Him, crucifying Him as a common criminal.
After being placed in the tomb of one who knew Him, three days later He arose triumphant over death, hell and the grave.
Celebrate Jesus with other of His followers this Christmas.
The creator of the universe burst in on history and pitched His tent with man. “The Ancient of Days,” He is called in Daniel. He has no beginning of days or end of life. His footprints were on the shores of the Sea of Galilee until the relentless waves and tides washed them away. But, the world could not deny that He had been there. He had also been on the mountains teaching the multitudes.
He went into the cities and villages where He healed the sick, gave sight to the blind and made the lame to walk. It was there that they took up stones to cast at Him. He made the trees, even the tree out of which they made a cross on which they nailed Him, crucifying Him as a common criminal.
After being placed in the tomb of one who knew Him, three days later He arose triumphant over death, hell and the grave.
Celebrate Jesus with other of His followers this Christmas.
Saturday, December 10, 2016
God Became One of Us
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us…” (John 1:14)
This is one of the richest and most significant verses in the Bible. The Word was made flesh. God became one of us. He rubbed elbows with mankind.
In John 1:1 and 2 there are four phrases, each of which could be followed by our text to add clarity. For example, the first phrase in verse one says, “In the beginning was the Word.” When followed immediately by verse fourteen would read, “In the beginning was the Word …and the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.”
The next phrase in verse one followed by our text would read, “The Word was with God… and the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.” The third phrase in verse one is, “And the Word was God…and the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us”
Finally, verse two when followed immediately by our text says, “The same was in the beginning with God…and the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.”
At this Christmas season let us celebrate Jesus, God who became flesh, living among us and who gave His life that we might live.
This is one of the richest and most significant verses in the Bible. The Word was made flesh. God became one of us. He rubbed elbows with mankind.
In John 1:1 and 2 there are four phrases, each of which could be followed by our text to add clarity. For example, the first phrase in verse one says, “In the beginning was the Word.” When followed immediately by verse fourteen would read, “In the beginning was the Word …and the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.”
The next phrase in verse one followed by our text would read, “The Word was with God… and the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.” The third phrase in verse one is, “And the Word was God…and the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us”
Finally, verse two when followed immediately by our text says, “The same was in the beginning with God…and the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.”
At this Christmas season let us celebrate Jesus, God who became flesh, living among us and who gave His life that we might live.
Friday, December 9, 2016
Contest on Mount Carmel
“And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, ‘How long halt ye between two opinions? If the LORD be God, follow Him: but of Baal, then follow him.’ And the people answered him not a word.” (I Kings 18:21)
The Bible says that a double minded man is unstable in all his ways. When it came to following the True God or following a false god these people could not make a straight up-and-down decision. There are people today who sing, “I have decided to follow Jesus, I have decided to follow Jesus, I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back,” on Sunday morning and then before the week is over they look and act no different than the rest of the world.
The idolaters on Mount Carmel wanted to have it both ways. They wanted to follow Baal, the false god and the one and only True God. If God cannot have all your heart, He will have none of it.
I have talked to men about turning from sin and to Christ only to hear them say, “I’ll decide sometime.” They fail to realize that postponement is a decision, and a very dangerous one, I might add.
As a result of their indecision on Mount Carmel four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and four hundred false prophets of Israel lost their lives.
What are you waiting on? Why are you halting between the Lord Jesus Christ and the false gods of Satan? Turn to Jesus now with no hesitation.
The Bible says that a double minded man is unstable in all his ways. When it came to following the True God or following a false god these people could not make a straight up-and-down decision. There are people today who sing, “I have decided to follow Jesus, I have decided to follow Jesus, I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back,” on Sunday morning and then before the week is over they look and act no different than the rest of the world.
The idolaters on Mount Carmel wanted to have it both ways. They wanted to follow Baal, the false god and the one and only True God. If God cannot have all your heart, He will have none of it.
I have talked to men about turning from sin and to Christ only to hear them say, “I’ll decide sometime.” They fail to realize that postponement is a decision, and a very dangerous one, I might add.
As a result of their indecision on Mount Carmel four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and four hundred false prophets of Israel lost their lives.
What are you waiting on? Why are you halting between the Lord Jesus Christ and the false gods of Satan? Turn to Jesus now with no hesitation.
Thursday, December 8, 2016
An Excellent Question
“Where is He that is born King of the Jews?” (Matthew 2:2)
One of the greatest questions ever asked is in our text. It is comparable to Pilate’s question, “What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?” (Mathew 27:22) It is ranked with the Philippian jailer’s question, “What must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30)
It was a good, honest question asked by the wise men when they came to Jerusalem looking for Jesus. It is still a good question.
He is no longer in the manger or on the cross or in the tomb. He is ascended into heaven and is seated at the right side of God the Father where, as our High Priest, He is making intercession for those that have received Him as their Savior. And He desires to be with us in our sorrow, our troubles and our daily lives.
Perhaps He is standing at the door of your heart, knocking, waiting for you to open the door and invite Him in. Where is He? Have you made room for this King of Kings and Lord of Lords? Don’t push Him aside. Let Him have control of your life.
One of the greatest questions ever asked is in our text. It is comparable to Pilate’s question, “What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?” (Mathew 27:22) It is ranked with the Philippian jailer’s question, “What must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30)
It was a good, honest question asked by the wise men when they came to Jerusalem looking for Jesus. It is still a good question.
He is no longer in the manger or on the cross or in the tomb. He is ascended into heaven and is seated at the right side of God the Father where, as our High Priest, He is making intercession for those that have received Him as their Savior. And He desires to be with us in our sorrow, our troubles and our daily lives.
Perhaps He is standing at the door of your heart, knocking, waiting for you to open the door and invite Him in. Where is He? Have you made room for this King of Kings and Lord of Lords? Don’t push Him aside. Let Him have control of your life.
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
Remember
“Remember Lot’s wife.” (Luke 17:32)
One of the greatest disasters recorded in the Bible is God’s judgment on the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. The cities were overcome with sin. The Bible says that angels hastened Lot and his family out of the city and to not look back. But with all the smoke billowing up behind them, Lott’s wife could not resist the temptation to look back and turned into a pillar of salt. Our Lord uses this to remind folks not to look back when Christ comes in glory.
One of the greatest disasters not recorded in the Bible is the attack on Pearl Harbor. I remember as a little boy the song, “Let’s not forget Pearl Harbor.” It was on this day seventy-five years ago that Japanese war planes bombed and strafed the ships anchored and moored at Pearl Harbor. More that 2,300 United States service men lost their lives that day.
President Roosevelt addressed congress the next day and declared, “This day shall go down in infamy.” The United States declared war on Japan and entered World War II and vowed to always be ready.
These seventy-five years later may we not forget those members of our military who have given their all in defense of our freedom. And on this day, as every day, we shall remember the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God who died on the cross of Calvary outside the city of Jerusalem to pay our sin debt and to give us eternal life. Remember.
One of the greatest disasters recorded in the Bible is God’s judgment on the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. The cities were overcome with sin. The Bible says that angels hastened Lot and his family out of the city and to not look back. But with all the smoke billowing up behind them, Lott’s wife could not resist the temptation to look back and turned into a pillar of salt. Our Lord uses this to remind folks not to look back when Christ comes in glory.
One of the greatest disasters not recorded in the Bible is the attack on Pearl Harbor. I remember as a little boy the song, “Let’s not forget Pearl Harbor.” It was on this day seventy-five years ago that Japanese war planes bombed and strafed the ships anchored and moored at Pearl Harbor. More that 2,300 United States service men lost their lives that day.
President Roosevelt addressed congress the next day and declared, “This day shall go down in infamy.” The United States declared war on Japan and entered World War II and vowed to always be ready.
These seventy-five years later may we not forget those members of our military who have given their all in defense of our freedom. And on this day, as every day, we shall remember the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God who died on the cross of Calvary outside the city of Jerusalem to pay our sin debt and to give us eternal life. Remember.
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Where Are You?
“And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, ‘Where art thou?’”
(Genesis 3:9)
The almighty God who is everywhere, and knowing everything, yes the God who knows the numbers of the hairs on our heads, knew where Adam was.
Adam, with his wife, Eve had just eaten of the forbidden tree in the midst of the Garden of Eden. Now they were hiding from God. Most assuredly God knew Adam’s location. He always knows where we are. The question was for Adam. It was intended to make Adam know he was lost: a lost sinner.
In the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-24, the son wasted everything in a far country. He began to be in want and consequently, this Jewish boy went to work for a gentile hog farmer. Shortly afterward, the Bible says the boy came to himself. It was after he came to himself that he headed home and received a “welcome home” from his father.
God wanted Adam to “come to himself.” It is only after we come to ourselves and see our condition that we will acknowledge that we need Jesus and His salvation. Do you know where you are today? When will you come to yourself and turn from sin to the Savior?
(Genesis 3:9)
The almighty God who is everywhere, and knowing everything, yes the God who knows the numbers of the hairs on our heads, knew where Adam was.
Adam, with his wife, Eve had just eaten of the forbidden tree in the midst of the Garden of Eden. Now they were hiding from God. Most assuredly God knew Adam’s location. He always knows where we are. The question was for Adam. It was intended to make Adam know he was lost: a lost sinner.
In the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-24, the son wasted everything in a far country. He began to be in want and consequently, this Jewish boy went to work for a gentile hog farmer. Shortly afterward, the Bible says the boy came to himself. It was after he came to himself that he headed home and received a “welcome home” from his father.
God wanted Adam to “come to himself.” It is only after we come to ourselves and see our condition that we will acknowledge that we need Jesus and His salvation. Do you know where you are today? When will you come to yourself and turn from sin to the Savior?
Monday, December 5, 2016
Grow in Grace
“…grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen.” (II Peter 3:18)
I have known a few individuals that did not grow. I knew a young man who was about sixteen years of age. His skin was almost as white as the paper you hold in your hand, a result of not being able to go out in the sunlight. He had to wear diapers. He could not walk. His parents loved him but he would never be self supporting. How heart broken his parents must have been when they took him to the doctor for his first annual check-up and to hear the doctor say, “he will never grow and mature. He will always be dependent on you.”
God must surely be disappointed with the stagnant, non-growth of us Christians. We still feed on the milk of the word, not having graduated to the meat of the Word after all these years. He provides all the sustenance necessary for spiritual growth but too many have no appetite for spiritual food. Too many of us have no desire to exercise our faith nor any of our spiritual gifts.
Get in his word and ask Him to help you grow as a Christian. You’ll be a better person for it.
I have known a few individuals that did not grow. I knew a young man who was about sixteen years of age. His skin was almost as white as the paper you hold in your hand, a result of not being able to go out in the sunlight. He had to wear diapers. He could not walk. His parents loved him but he would never be self supporting. How heart broken his parents must have been when they took him to the doctor for his first annual check-up and to hear the doctor say, “he will never grow and mature. He will always be dependent on you.”
God must surely be disappointed with the stagnant, non-growth of us Christians. We still feed on the milk of the word, not having graduated to the meat of the Word after all these years. He provides all the sustenance necessary for spiritual growth but too many have no appetite for spiritual food. Too many of us have no desire to exercise our faith nor any of our spiritual gifts.
Get in his word and ask Him to help you grow as a Christian. You’ll be a better person for it.
Sunday, December 4, 2016
Oh, Come Let Us Adore Him
“But thou, Bethlehem Ephrathah, thought thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall He come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” (Micah 5:2)
More than seven-hundred years before Christ was born, Micah, the prophet of God, let the world know where the King of the Jews would be born.
The census decree from Caesar Augustus seven-hundred years after Micah made his prophecy brought Mary and Joseph all the way from Nazareth to Bethlehem where Christ was born, fulfilling the prophecy of Micah.
It is amazing that when the Magi came to Jerusalem to see the new born king, Herod called the priests and scribes together and demanded of them where Christ should be born. They quoted our text as written seven-hundred years before as their answer to Herod.
Let there be no doubt: every prophecy about Jesus has been fulfilled in His first coming or will be fulfilled in His second coming.
“Oh, come let us adore Him, Oh come, let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.”
More than seven-hundred years before Christ was born, Micah, the prophet of God, let the world know where the King of the Jews would be born.
The census decree from Caesar Augustus seven-hundred years after Micah made his prophecy brought Mary and Joseph all the way from Nazareth to Bethlehem where Christ was born, fulfilling the prophecy of Micah.
It is amazing that when the Magi came to Jerusalem to see the new born king, Herod called the priests and scribes together and demanded of them where Christ should be born. They quoted our text as written seven-hundred years before as their answer to Herod.
Let there be no doubt: every prophecy about Jesus has been fulfilled in His first coming or will be fulfilled in His second coming.
“Oh, come let us adore Him, Oh come, let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.”
Saturday, December 3, 2016
Pray Without Ceasing
“…but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.” (Acts 12:5)
Living the Christian life was never promised to be painless and without its problems. Herod Agrippa I, grandson of Herod the Great, had just killed James the brother of John with the sword. His next intended target was Simon Peter, whom Herod had placed in jail. But, the church of Jerusalem prayed for him without ceasing and as a result of their prayers, Peter was miraculously released from jail.
One of the saddest commentaries on the church today is that we don’t pray. Too often pastors half jokingly say that they could conduct prayer meeting in a telephone booth. The reason there is a crowd in some places is not because of prayer time, it is because of extra programs, meals, pizza and games.
The greatest resource in the church today is prayer. I fear it is the most neglected of all our resources. We must not neglect to pray for our missionaries, pastors and faithful workers among the membership.
I see in Paul’s epistles the request for his readers to pray for him. I say with Paul, “Brethren, pray for me.”
Living the Christian life was never promised to be painless and without its problems. Herod Agrippa I, grandson of Herod the Great, had just killed James the brother of John with the sword. His next intended target was Simon Peter, whom Herod had placed in jail. But, the church of Jerusalem prayed for him without ceasing and as a result of their prayers, Peter was miraculously released from jail.
One of the saddest commentaries on the church today is that we don’t pray. Too often pastors half jokingly say that they could conduct prayer meeting in a telephone booth. The reason there is a crowd in some places is not because of prayer time, it is because of extra programs, meals, pizza and games.
The greatest resource in the church today is prayer. I fear it is the most neglected of all our resources. We must not neglect to pray for our missionaries, pastors and faithful workers among the membership.
I see in Paul’s epistles the request for his readers to pray for him. I say with Paul, “Brethren, pray for me.”
Friday, December 2, 2016
Your Heart’s Desire
“Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved.”(Romans 10:1)
Paul referred to himself as the chief of sinners. But, he came to know Christ Jesus as his Savior. His life had been radically changed. Those things he had counted as gain, he now counted as loss for Christ. We that have read his epistles and the references to him in the Acts of the Apostles call the apostle Paul perhaps the greatest Christian that ever lived.
Paul set the example for having a passion for lost souls. He expressed this passion as being his heart’s desire.
What is our heart’s desire for other people? Is it that they will treat us more kindly? Is it that they will have the same political views that we have? Is our heart’s desire for others anywhere near Paul’s heart’s desire for the salvation of his kindred?
Let us take seriously the Great Commission Christ gave to us to share with others the Good News of salvation.
Paul referred to himself as the chief of sinners. But, he came to know Christ Jesus as his Savior. His life had been radically changed. Those things he had counted as gain, he now counted as loss for Christ. We that have read his epistles and the references to him in the Acts of the Apostles call the apostle Paul perhaps the greatest Christian that ever lived.
Paul set the example for having a passion for lost souls. He expressed this passion as being his heart’s desire.
What is our heart’s desire for other people? Is it that they will treat us more kindly? Is it that they will have the same political views that we have? Is our heart’s desire for others anywhere near Paul’s heart’s desire for the salvation of his kindred?
Let us take seriously the Great Commission Christ gave to us to share with others the Good News of salvation.
Thursday, December 1, 2016
Cultivate Your Gift
“Neglect not the gift that is in thee…” (I Timothy4:14)
What is the Spiritual gift which God has given you? A number of gifts are listed in the New Testament. Among the gifts for today are ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, ruling, showing mercy, helps, evangelism and pastoral ministry. There were other first century gifts that ended with the apostolic age.
God has gifted all Christians with something they can do for the Lord in the church today. As Paul told his young Christian friend, Timothy, don’t neglect the gift God has given you. If God has given you the gift of teaching His word in a Sunday school class, with God’s help be the best you can be. Perhaps someone is a gifted truck driver: use that gift to bring children and others to church.
Ask Jesus to show you what it is you can do for Him and ask Him to fill you with His Spirit to use that gift for His glory and the edification of the church. We should not expect others without our gift to attempt to do in the church what the Lord has gifted us to do.
What is the Spiritual gift which God has given you? A number of gifts are listed in the New Testament. Among the gifts for today are ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, ruling, showing mercy, helps, evangelism and pastoral ministry. There were other first century gifts that ended with the apostolic age.
God has gifted all Christians with something they can do for the Lord in the church today. As Paul told his young Christian friend, Timothy, don’t neglect the gift God has given you. If God has given you the gift of teaching His word in a Sunday school class, with God’s help be the best you can be. Perhaps someone is a gifted truck driver: use that gift to bring children and others to church.
Ask Jesus to show you what it is you can do for Him and ask Him to fill you with His Spirit to use that gift for His glory and the edification of the church. We should not expect others without our gift to attempt to do in the church what the Lord has gifted us to do.
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
A Faithful Saying
“This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners: of whom I am chief.” (I Timothy 1:15)
Most of us have heard lies. In fact we have heard some “whoppers.” To be perfectly honest, most of us have told one sometime. Too often, man’s speech is very undependable.
One saying we can all depend on is in this verse of scripture: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” He never came to give us a holiday: He came to save sinners. He never came to help merchants get in the black or to help the economy. He came to save sinners. He never came to make us feel good about ourselves; He came to save sinners. He never came to take sides in political campaigns; He came to save sinners.
He is not one among many who came to save sinners: He is the only One who came to save sinners and He is the only one who is able to save sinners. Has He saved you? Is He your Savior?
Most of us have heard lies. In fact we have heard some “whoppers.” To be perfectly honest, most of us have told one sometime. Too often, man’s speech is very undependable.
One saying we can all depend on is in this verse of scripture: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” He never came to give us a holiday: He came to save sinners. He never came to help merchants get in the black or to help the economy. He came to save sinners. He never came to make us feel good about ourselves; He came to save sinners. He never came to take sides in political campaigns; He came to save sinners.
He is not one among many who came to save sinners: He is the only One who came to save sinners and He is the only one who is able to save sinners. Has He saved you? Is He your Savior?
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Commit All to Him
“…I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.” II Timothy 1:12)
God had appointed the Apostle Paul to be a preacher, an apostle and a teacher of the Gentiles. As a result of fulfilling that assignment he went through much suffering and bodily affliction.
But, Paul knew the Lord. He had committed his soul and his eternal safekeeping to the Lord Jesus. He was firmly convinced that the Lord would keep what the old apostle had committed to Him. It was as though he had made a deposit of his total being into the bank of heaven for eternal safekeeping.
I trusted the Lord a long time ago and committed my eternal destiny to Him. You and I cannot keep ourselves saved any more than we can save ourselves. But the Christ who saves us is able to keep us safe.
Commit your soul to Him for salvation now and for eternity.
God had appointed the Apostle Paul to be a preacher, an apostle and a teacher of the Gentiles. As a result of fulfilling that assignment he went through much suffering and bodily affliction.
But, Paul knew the Lord. He had committed his soul and his eternal safekeeping to the Lord Jesus. He was firmly convinced that the Lord would keep what the old apostle had committed to Him. It was as though he had made a deposit of his total being into the bank of heaven for eternal safekeeping.
I trusted the Lord a long time ago and committed my eternal destiny to Him. You and I cannot keep ourselves saved any more than we can save ourselves. But the Christ who saves us is able to keep us safe.
Commit your soul to Him for salvation now and for eternity.
Monday, November 28, 2016
Teach Us
“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”
(Psalm 90:12)
He is a wise man who knows his life on earth is short. He is wiser still if he applies his heart unto wisdom and uses his time wisely. The Bible says, “Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” (Proverbs 27:1)
The request in our text is that God would teach us to number our days. God answers the request throughout His written word.
We are reminded over and over in His word of the brevity of life. He tells us how we are to live. He tells husbands and wives how to get along. Life is too short to spend it quarreling. He tells us how to rear our children so that they will be productive adults one day. He tells us of the choice of two ways and the destination at the end of each way. He tells us of the Christians’ daily walk, of how to live by faith, trusting Him.
(Psalm 90:12)
He is a wise man who knows his life on earth is short. He is wiser still if he applies his heart unto wisdom and uses his time wisely. The Bible says, “Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” (Proverbs 27:1)
The request in our text is that God would teach us to number our days. God answers the request throughout His written word.
We are reminded over and over in His word of the brevity of life. He tells us how we are to live. He tells husbands and wives how to get along. Life is too short to spend it quarreling. He tells us how to rear our children so that they will be productive adults one day. He tells us of the choice of two ways and the destination at the end of each way. He tells us of the Christians’ daily walk, of how to live by faith, trusting Him.
Sunday, November 27, 2016
Seventy or Eighty
“The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.” (Psalm 90:10)
God is eternal, without beginning of days or end of life. But that cannot be said of mankind. We are temporary; just seventy or eighty years. We look at the daily obituaries and our hearts break over infant and toddler deaths. Then we see the few that go beyond the seventy or eighty years and rejoice that their families had them that long.
Many years ago I was having a conversation with a man who had just turned ninety. A tear trickled down his cheek as he said, “It seems like yesterday that I played on the little cabin floor. I don’t know where it’s all gone.” In a few months I preached his funeral message.
Life is soon cut off. When Pharaoh asked Jacob his age he responded, “My days are one hundred and thirty years. Few and evil have the days of my life been…” (Genesis 47:9)
Make preparation for death. Even the Son of God, the Lord Jesus died. But, He lives and is alive forever, and can give you eternal life if you will receive Him by faith.
God is eternal, without beginning of days or end of life. But that cannot be said of mankind. We are temporary; just seventy or eighty years. We look at the daily obituaries and our hearts break over infant and toddler deaths. Then we see the few that go beyond the seventy or eighty years and rejoice that their families had them that long.
Many years ago I was having a conversation with a man who had just turned ninety. A tear trickled down his cheek as he said, “It seems like yesterday that I played on the little cabin floor. I don’t know where it’s all gone.” In a few months I preached his funeral message.
Life is soon cut off. When Pharaoh asked Jacob his age he responded, “My days are one hundred and thirty years. Few and evil have the days of my life been…” (Genesis 47:9)
Make preparation for death. Even the Son of God, the Lord Jesus died. But, He lives and is alive forever, and can give you eternal life if you will receive Him by faith.
Saturday, November 26, 2016
Our Eternal God
“Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.” (Psalm 90:2)
When there was nothing; when all was empty space; when there was no earth, no mountains and no oceans even then there was God.
Before there were calendars, clocks, watches, sun-dials or hour glasses filled with sand, before there were trees whose growth rings one might count to determine their ages there was God.
One might step into the middle of a time-line of any length or step into the time-line anywhere toward either end and there you would find God.
As far back in eternity past you may travel, God is making preparation to speak the earth and the universe into existence and set man in the midst. Even then He knew you and made preparation for your presence with Him. He loves you and desires you to receive His free gift of eternal life in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
When there was nothing; when all was empty space; when there was no earth, no mountains and no oceans even then there was God.
Before there were calendars, clocks, watches, sun-dials or hour glasses filled with sand, before there were trees whose growth rings one might count to determine their ages there was God.
One might step into the middle of a time-line of any length or step into the time-line anywhere toward either end and there you would find God.
As far back in eternity past you may travel, God is making preparation to speak the earth and the universe into existence and set man in the midst. Even then He knew you and made preparation for your presence with Him. He loves you and desires you to receive His free gift of eternal life in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Friday, November 25, 2016
Be Thankful Every Day
“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5:20)
Yesterday was Thanksgiving, a day set aside annually in which we are encouraged to express our thanks to God for His bountiful goodness to us. Today, the day after the designated day is also a good day to give thanks. In fact, there is not a day when we should not be thankful, be it the day before, the day of or the day after Thanksgiving.
Two verses before our text we are told to be filled with the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 5:18) Verse nineteen strongly indicates that as a result of that filling we are to sing songs of joy. Our text says a Spirit filled person is not only a singing person, but he is also a thankful person. We have no less reason to be thankful today than we had yesterday.
A Spirit filled person will find many reasons to give thanks to God every day. Thank Him for the Cross, for the blood of Christ, for the empty tomb, and His daily intercession for us. Thank Him for heaven, the forever home of the redeemed.
Yesterday was Thanksgiving, a day set aside annually in which we are encouraged to express our thanks to God for His bountiful goodness to us. Today, the day after the designated day is also a good day to give thanks. In fact, there is not a day when we should not be thankful, be it the day before, the day of or the day after Thanksgiving.
Two verses before our text we are told to be filled with the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 5:18) Verse nineteen strongly indicates that as a result of that filling we are to sing songs of joy. Our text says a Spirit filled person is not only a singing person, but he is also a thankful person. We have no less reason to be thankful today than we had yesterday.
A Spirit filled person will find many reasons to give thanks to God every day. Thank Him for the Cross, for the blood of Christ, for the empty tomb, and His daily intercession for us. Thank Him for heaven, the forever home of the redeemed.
Thursday, November 24, 2016
Enter into His Gates with Thanksgiving
Psalm 100
A Psalm of praise
Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
Serve the LORD with gladness: come before His presence with singing.
Know ye that the LORD He is God:
it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people,
and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.
For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations.
Have a wonderful,
Christ-filled day of Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
Give Thanks unto the Lord
“Oh give thanks unto the LORD; call upon His name: make known His deeds among the people.” (Psalm 105:1)
The sunrise is predictable. Every morning an old red rooster crows and he thinks that his crowing caused the sun to rise.
Suppose that some morning the sun never came up. T.V. and radio stations would be reporting numerous phone calls from people wanting to know why the sun had not come up. Perhaps someone might even check the old red rooster.
Folks would go to bed at the end of that day, confident the sun would come up tomorrow. But tomorrow was just like today. World counsels would be called into session. Their final conclusions: “We have no power over the sun to cause it to rise or set. This is beyond our understanding or ability. There must be a power greater than us about which we know nothing.”
On the third day prayer meetings are being conducted in church houses, cathedrals, palaces, mud huts and in caves. People confess sins. They repent. They make promises to keep their old promises.
Then early the fourth morning there is a lavender hue in the eastern sky. The sun is coming up. Neighbors are calling neighbors to tell them the sun is coming up. It is a “breaking news” announcement on the early morning T.V. shows. The sun is coming up and people are beginning the day with thanksgiving to God for the sunrise.
The sunrise is predictable. Every morning an old red rooster crows and he thinks that his crowing caused the sun to rise.
Suppose that some morning the sun never came up. T.V. and radio stations would be reporting numerous phone calls from people wanting to know why the sun had not come up. Perhaps someone might even check the old red rooster.
Folks would go to bed at the end of that day, confident the sun would come up tomorrow. But tomorrow was just like today. World counsels would be called into session. Their final conclusions: “We have no power over the sun to cause it to rise or set. This is beyond our understanding or ability. There must be a power greater than us about which we know nothing.”
On the third day prayer meetings are being conducted in church houses, cathedrals, palaces, mud huts and in caves. People confess sins. They repent. They make promises to keep their old promises.
Then early the fourth morning there is a lavender hue in the eastern sky. The sun is coming up. Neighbors are calling neighbors to tell them the sun is coming up. It is a “breaking news” announcement on the early morning T.V. shows. The sun is coming up and people are beginning the day with thanksgiving to God for the sunrise.
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
God’s Unspeakable Gift
“Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.” (II Corinthians 9:15)
Perhaps you and a friend were looking at the same beautiful sunset when you attempted to describe it. Finally you exclaimed, “It’s indescribable!” Or you heard a song that said how you felt about your Savior. But you did not have the words to describe the song or the Savior. It is unspeakable.
That is where the Apostle Paul is in his thanks to God for the unspeakable gift of salvation in His Son Jesus Christ. There aren’t enough letters in all the alphabets of all the world’s languages to put the right words and adjectives together to describe the gift of God’s Son to mankind.
We raise our voices in unison to say simply, “Thank you, God.”
Perhaps you and a friend were looking at the same beautiful sunset when you attempted to describe it. Finally you exclaimed, “It’s indescribable!” Or you heard a song that said how you felt about your Savior. But you did not have the words to describe the song or the Savior. It is unspeakable.
That is where the Apostle Paul is in his thanks to God for the unspeakable gift of salvation in His Son Jesus Christ. There aren’t enough letters in all the alphabets of all the world’s languages to put the right words and adjectives together to describe the gift of God’s Son to mankind.
We raise our voices in unison to say simply, “Thank you, God.”
Monday, November 21, 2016
Giving Thanks in Everything
“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
(I Thessalonians 5:18)
The inspired writer is not instructing us to be thankful “for” everything, but to give thanks “in” everything. For instance, if you are taking a walk, trip over a limb on the trail, fall and break your arm, you are not expected to thank God for your injury. But, if you are right handed and it is your left arm that was injured, be thankful. And be thankful you were able to seek medical personnel who could take care of it. You should be thankful that God was there to protect you from further injuries.
Certainly, we should not sit on the sidelines and be thankful “for” floods, tornados, earthquakes and other disasters. But “in” them we should be thankful that there are people who can come to the rescue of people in those situations. In those situations we should be thankful if we have the strength, ability, finances and “know how” to be of help.
In every problem, every circumstance, every situation give thanks. You do not know what tomorrow may bring, but God knows. Be thankful that He has not left you alone to work things out all by yourself.
(I Thessalonians 5:18)
The inspired writer is not instructing us to be thankful “for” everything, but to give thanks “in” everything. For instance, if you are taking a walk, trip over a limb on the trail, fall and break your arm, you are not expected to thank God for your injury. But, if you are right handed and it is your left arm that was injured, be thankful. And be thankful you were able to seek medical personnel who could take care of it. You should be thankful that God was there to protect you from further injuries.
Certainly, we should not sit on the sidelines and be thankful “for” floods, tornados, earthquakes and other disasters. But “in” them we should be thankful that there are people who can come to the rescue of people in those situations. In those situations we should be thankful if we have the strength, ability, finances and “know how” to be of help.
In every problem, every circumstance, every situation give thanks. You do not know what tomorrow may bring, but God knows. Be thankful that He has not left you alone to work things out all by yourself.
Sunday, November 20, 2016
Be Thankful to God
“Because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful…” (Romans 1:21)
From the very beginning of mankind on earth thanklessness has been one of the many sins of which man is guilty. As I read descriptions of mankind in His last days on earth, I discover that mankind will still be unthankful. “For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers disobedient to parents, UNTHANKFUL, unholy, without natural affection…”(II Timothy 3:2-3)
Presidents of the U.S. have made bold attempts to get us to express “thanks” to our maker by declaring days and times of Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving must be an “attitude of gratitude” from the heart. Declaring a day does not necessarily mean we are thankful.
During this Thanksgiving season let us be thankful unto God our maker and sustainer for all the many benefits bestowed on us individually and nationally.
From the very beginning of mankind on earth thanklessness has been one of the many sins of which man is guilty. As I read descriptions of mankind in His last days on earth, I discover that mankind will still be unthankful. “For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers disobedient to parents, UNTHANKFUL, unholy, without natural affection…”(II Timothy 3:2-3)
Presidents of the U.S. have made bold attempts to get us to express “thanks” to our maker by declaring days and times of Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving must be an “attitude of gratitude” from the heart. Declaring a day does not necessarily mean we are thankful.
During this Thanksgiving season let us be thankful unto God our maker and sustainer for all the many benefits bestowed on us individually and nationally.
Saturday, November 19, 2016
Seek Ye First…
“But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” (Matthew 6:33-34)
The people of our day work feverishly, laying up money for retirement, investing in this and that fund, anxiously wondering if there will be funds to see us through to the end. Such thinking stops us from doing the work God has bidden us to do.
A little poem says, “Said the sparrow to the robin, ‘friend, I would really like to know, what makes these anxious human beings rush about and worry so?’”
Replied the robin to the sparrow, "Well, I think that it must be, that they have no heavenly Father, such as cares for you and me."
The people of our day work feverishly, laying up money for retirement, investing in this and that fund, anxiously wondering if there will be funds to see us through to the end. Such thinking stops us from doing the work God has bidden us to do.
A little poem says, “Said the sparrow to the robin, ‘friend, I would really like to know, what makes these anxious human beings rush about and worry so?’”
Replied the robin to the sparrow, "Well, I think that it must be, that they have no heavenly Father, such as cares for you and me."
Friday, November 18, 2016
An Obscure Prayer by an Obscure Man
“And Jabez was more honorable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, ‘Because I bare him with sorrow.’ And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, ‘Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it might not grieve me!’ And God granted him that which he requested.” (I Chronicles 4:9-10)
I have not read the little book, “The Prayer of Jabez,” so if I say something here that the author said in the book, I apologize. Here are just a few short points about prayer gleaned from these two verses from God’s Word.
For Jabez to pray as he did and his prayer to be answered indicates that he had faith in God. The Bible says, “But without faith it is impossible to please God; for he that cometh to Him must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6) We must have faith when we pray. An old quartet song says, “prayer without faith is like a boat without an oar”
I have not read the little book, “The Prayer of Jabez,” so if I say something here that the author said in the book, I apologize. Here are just a few short points about prayer gleaned from these two verses from God’s Word.
- The prayer of Jabez is short, just thirty-three words in length. Prayer does not have to be long.
- The prayer of Jabez is specific, with five requests. We need to be specific when we pray.
- Jabez took time to pray.
- Jabez came boldly to God. The Bible says, “Let us come boldly to the throne of grace.” (Hebrews 4:16) Boldly does not mean arrogantly.
- His prayer reminds us that even “nobodies” can pray. He is not mentioned anywhere else in the Bible. Are you a “Nobody” in the eyes of others? You can pray.
- His prayer was answered. “And God granted him that which he requested.”
For Jabez to pray as he did and his prayer to be answered indicates that he had faith in God. The Bible says, “But without faith it is impossible to please God; for he that cometh to Him must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6) We must have faith when we pray. An old quartet song says, “prayer without faith is like a boat without an oar”
Thursday, November 17, 2016
Bring Someone to Jesus
“And he brought him to Jesus.” (John 1:42)
It doesn’t take a seminary or college degree and it doesn’t take a person with name recognition to bring a person to Jesus.
The word, “he” in this verse is referring to Andrew, Simon’s brother. The word, “him” is referring to Simon, better known to most as “Simon Peter.” Both Andrew and Simon were as common as grass beside the road. They were fishermen. They were just plain, ordinary, hard working young men.
Andrew had heard John the Baptist speak and refer to Jesus as the, “Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.” The first thing he wanted to do after meeting Jesus is the first thing we wanted to do after meeting Him; that is, to bring someone else to meet Him.
After Simon met Jesus he was never the same. He was chosen by the Lord to be in the inner circle with the brothers, James and John. On the evening before the crucifixion Peter denied that he knew Jesus. But Jesus forgave and restored him. Peter wrote two outstanding epistles which are huge blessings to Christians today: all because “he” brought “him” to Jesus.
Is there someone you love that you may bring to Jesus? It will change his/her life.
It doesn’t take a seminary or college degree and it doesn’t take a person with name recognition to bring a person to Jesus.
The word, “he” in this verse is referring to Andrew, Simon’s brother. The word, “him” is referring to Simon, better known to most as “Simon Peter.” Both Andrew and Simon were as common as grass beside the road. They were fishermen. They were just plain, ordinary, hard working young men.
Andrew had heard John the Baptist speak and refer to Jesus as the, “Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.” The first thing he wanted to do after meeting Jesus is the first thing we wanted to do after meeting Him; that is, to bring someone else to meet Him.
After Simon met Jesus he was never the same. He was chosen by the Lord to be in the inner circle with the brothers, James and John. On the evening before the crucifixion Peter denied that he knew Jesus. But Jesus forgave and restored him. Peter wrote two outstanding epistles which are huge blessings to Christians today: all because “he” brought “him” to Jesus.
Is there someone you love that you may bring to Jesus? It will change his/her life.
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Be Ready for the Lord’s Return
“Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the son of man cometh.” (Matthew 24:44)
Just as certainly as the Lord Jesus came into this world the first time, just that certainly He is coming back to raise the dead in resurrection power and snatch away the church in the rapture. Three hundred and eighteen times in the New Testament we are told He is returning.
To “be ready” as the text implores, one must first “get ready.” To be ready to go on a trip one must get ready. Getting ready for His return requires two things: Repentance from sin and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
He has not told us when He is returning, just that He is returning. We must be ready or be left behind to face the terrible “great tribulation” that will come on earth following His return. He is giving mankind the opportunity to get ready, but no one knows when that door of opportunity will close. Are you ready?
Just as certainly as the Lord Jesus came into this world the first time, just that certainly He is coming back to raise the dead in resurrection power and snatch away the church in the rapture. Three hundred and eighteen times in the New Testament we are told He is returning.
To “be ready” as the text implores, one must first “get ready.” To be ready to go on a trip one must get ready. Getting ready for His return requires two things: Repentance from sin and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
He has not told us when He is returning, just that He is returning. We must be ready or be left behind to face the terrible “great tribulation” that will come on earth following His return. He is giving mankind the opportunity to get ready, but no one knows when that door of opportunity will close. Are you ready?
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
The Simplicity of Biblical Salvation
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on Him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” (John 5:24)
In our text Jesus is speaking to the Jews when they accosted Him for healing a man on the Sabbath day. Notice several things found in our text about simple salvation.
I encourage you to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and receive everlasting life now.
In our text Jesus is speaking to the Jews when they accosted Him for healing a man on the Sabbath day. Notice several things found in our text about simple salvation.
- First, we find that the authority for salvation is the word of Jesus: “I say unto you.”
- Notice also the simplicity of salvation: Faith in God who sent Jesus into the world.
- We also see the wonder of salvation. For those who believe His word and put their faith in Him, salvation becomes a present reality. The word “hath” is in the present tense. When one turns in faith to Jesus he HAS, right then, everlasting life.
- Notice what faith brings the believer: “Everlasting Life.” How long is everlasting? There is no end to everlasting.
- Notice also the absence of condemnation: “Shall not come into condemnation.” Shall Not is emphatic. The Bible says, “He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:18)
- Finally, notice the transformation from death to life.
I encourage you to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and receive everlasting life now.
Monday, November 14, 2016
Let Jesus Give You a New Heart
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:19)
The writer is speaking of the seat of the emotions; not that fist sized muscle in the center of your chest.
Jesus said, “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness and blasphemies. (Matthew 15:19) Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit the writer of the Proverbs said, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)
Ezekiel prophesied of the day when man would receive a new heart, not like the transplant Christian Barnard performed in December, 1967, but a new heart, new emotions, new motives, new life, with old things passing away and all things becoming new. It would not be a sinful heart.
The Great Physician, the Lord Jesus Christ, performs this heart surgery when a person surrenders his/her life to Christ. This is the only way to eradicate the sinful heart disease that all mankind is born with. Turn to Jesus for a radical change from the inside out.
The writer is speaking of the seat of the emotions; not that fist sized muscle in the center of your chest.
Jesus said, “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness and blasphemies. (Matthew 15:19) Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit the writer of the Proverbs said, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)
Ezekiel prophesied of the day when man would receive a new heart, not like the transplant Christian Barnard performed in December, 1967, but a new heart, new emotions, new motives, new life, with old things passing away and all things becoming new. It would not be a sinful heart.
The Great Physician, the Lord Jesus Christ, performs this heart surgery when a person surrenders his/her life to Christ. This is the only way to eradicate the sinful heart disease that all mankind is born with. Turn to Jesus for a radical change from the inside out.
Sunday, November 13, 2016
Only One Way to Heaven
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
There are numerous ways from my house to Nashville, Tennessee. I may take Interstate sixty-five or I may take US 31W. I may go through Springfield, Tennessee or Portland and Gallatin. I may walk, ride a bicycle, ride a train or take a helicopter and go as the crow flies.
But, there is only one way to heaven. Jesus said, “I am the way…no man cometh unto the Father but by me.” (John 14:6) He did not say, “I am one of the ways.” In His Sermon on the Mount He tells us there is only one gate and one way.
One may think that his way is as good as God’s way but he will discover at the end that his way led to hell and not to heaven. The Bible says, “There is a way that seems right unto a man but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25)
If I were you I would not wait. I would take the only way to heaven; that way is through Jesus Christ.
There are numerous ways from my house to Nashville, Tennessee. I may take Interstate sixty-five or I may take US 31W. I may go through Springfield, Tennessee or Portland and Gallatin. I may walk, ride a bicycle, ride a train or take a helicopter and go as the crow flies.
But, there is only one way to heaven. Jesus said, “I am the way…no man cometh unto the Father but by me.” (John 14:6) He did not say, “I am one of the ways.” In His Sermon on the Mount He tells us there is only one gate and one way.
One may think that his way is as good as God’s way but he will discover at the end that his way led to hell and not to heaven. The Bible says, “There is a way that seems right unto a man but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25)
If I were you I would not wait. I would take the only way to heaven; that way is through Jesus Christ.
Saturday, November 12, 2016
They Had Been With Jesus
“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13)
Peter and John had a boldness that defied explanation. They had just been confronted by the religious authorities and had given them their testimony about Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.
The authorities knew these men were not educated in the things of God nor were they trained. But they knew that these two men had been with Jesus.
The more time we spend with Jesus the greater difference He makes in our lives and the more it shows. If we spend little or no time with Him that also shows.
Years ago I often heard a man on a gospel radio program say at the end of his broadcast, “Walk with the King today, and be a blessing.”
Peter and John had a boldness that defied explanation. They had just been confronted by the religious authorities and had given them their testimony about Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.
The authorities knew these men were not educated in the things of God nor were they trained. But they knew that these two men had been with Jesus.
The more time we spend with Jesus the greater difference He makes in our lives and the more it shows. If we spend little or no time with Him that also shows.
Years ago I often heard a man on a gospel radio program say at the end of his broadcast, “Walk with the King today, and be a blessing.”
Friday, November 11, 2016
In the Beginning God Created
“Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” (Hebrews 11:3)
God asked the old patriarch, Job, “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?” (Job 38:4) That’s a good question for those who deny the Biblical account of creation and cling to so called, “scientific evolution.”
The Bible says, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)
If someone has trouble accepting the first ten words of the Bible he is likely to have trouble with the rest of it.
God spoke the universe into existence. Eternal, omnipotent, omniscient God stood upon nothing and held nothing in his hand. There was no material out of which to fashion the earth. “And God said,” is recorded ten times in the first chapter of Genesis. He spoke it into existence.
Take what the Bible says by simple faith. Faith is not a “blind leap in the dark,” as some have said. Faith rests upon the foundation of God and His precious word. You will discover a peace and joy that many people do not have.
God asked the old patriarch, Job, “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?” (Job 38:4) That’s a good question for those who deny the Biblical account of creation and cling to so called, “scientific evolution.”
The Bible says, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)
If someone has trouble accepting the first ten words of the Bible he is likely to have trouble with the rest of it.
God spoke the universe into existence. Eternal, omnipotent, omniscient God stood upon nothing and held nothing in his hand. There was no material out of which to fashion the earth. “And God said,” is recorded ten times in the first chapter of Genesis. He spoke it into existence.
Take what the Bible says by simple faith. Faith is not a “blind leap in the dark,” as some have said. Faith rests upon the foundation of God and His precious word. You will discover a peace and joy that many people do not have.
Thursday, November 10, 2016
Faithfulness: A Requirement for Stewards
“Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” (I Corinthians 4:2)
A steward is someone who watches after and cares for the goods of others. A bank acts as a steward over your money when you make a deposit into your account.
Often we think of a “stewardship” sermon as a message on money, tithing our incomes and giving our money to the Lord through the local church. The writer of our text, however, is telling us that he is a steward, or an overseer, of the mysteries of God. Being a steward of the mysteries of God, he sees the responsibility of being found faithful.
The Lord Jesus entrusted the church with the stewardship of the Great Commission, of going into the world with the Gospel of salvation. We have been given the stewardship of our time, the stewardship of our children and the stewardship as citizens of our country. Let us be found faithful in every area of stewardship.
A steward is someone who watches after and cares for the goods of others. A bank acts as a steward over your money when you make a deposit into your account.
Often we think of a “stewardship” sermon as a message on money, tithing our incomes and giving our money to the Lord through the local church. The writer of our text, however, is telling us that he is a steward, or an overseer, of the mysteries of God. Being a steward of the mysteries of God, he sees the responsibility of being found faithful.
The Lord Jesus entrusted the church with the stewardship of the Great Commission, of going into the world with the Gospel of salvation. We have been given the stewardship of our time, the stewardship of our children and the stewardship as citizens of our country. Let us be found faithful in every area of stewardship.
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
What shall we do with Jesus?
“…What shall I do then with Jesus who is called Christ?” (Matthew 27:22)
Following a local option election on whether or not our city would be “wet” or “dry,” my preacher father, who had taken a very active part with the anti-liquor group said, “I’m afraid the devil is laughing at us pastors. If we had spent as much time and effort presenting the gospel of Jesus Christ and trying to get folks saved as we did in trying to get them sober we would have accomplished both, salvation and sobriety.”
Pilate’s question to the multitude is valid for us today. Millions upon millions of dollars, much time and much labor have been spent to save the population from big, corrupt government. But, during that time what did we Christians do with Jesus and His purpose for coming into the world?
It is a question we should ask before we undertake any project, large or small, whether at the court house or the church house. “What shall we do with Jesus?” There are many worthy projects, such as the local option election mentioned above. But, if a project puts Jesus on a shelf or stands Him in a useless corner, we need to re-think the project.
Following a local option election on whether or not our city would be “wet” or “dry,” my preacher father, who had taken a very active part with the anti-liquor group said, “I’m afraid the devil is laughing at us pastors. If we had spent as much time and effort presenting the gospel of Jesus Christ and trying to get folks saved as we did in trying to get them sober we would have accomplished both, salvation and sobriety.”
Pilate’s question to the multitude is valid for us today. Millions upon millions of dollars, much time and much labor have been spent to save the population from big, corrupt government. But, during that time what did we Christians do with Jesus and His purpose for coming into the world?
It is a question we should ask before we undertake any project, large or small, whether at the court house or the church house. “What shall we do with Jesus?” There are many worthy projects, such as the local option election mentioned above. But, if a project puts Jesus on a shelf or stands Him in a useless corner, we need to re-think the project.
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
You have a Choice
“…Choose you this day…” (Joshua 24:15)
Today is Election Day. You should go to the polls and vote. Voting is both a freedom and a responsibility. Pray before you go. Your choice for president of the United States is important to the future of this country.
Make a wrong choice at the polls and you will regret it for a few brief years. If you fail to choose Jesus Christ the Son of God to be your Savior, Lord and Master of your life you will regret it for eternity. Repent, turn to Him and receive Him by faith before death comes and it is eternally too late. Only God knows when the “grim reaper” will come to your door.
Joshua challenged the people to choose “this day” whom they would serve. You must make your choice today because yesterday is gone forever, there is no guarantee of tomorrow and today is all you have.
Today is Election Day. You should go to the polls and vote. Voting is both a freedom and a responsibility. Pray before you go. Your choice for president of the United States is important to the future of this country.
Make a wrong choice at the polls and you will regret it for a few brief years. If you fail to choose Jesus Christ the Son of God to be your Savior, Lord and Master of your life you will regret it for eternity. Repent, turn to Him and receive Him by faith before death comes and it is eternally too late. Only God knows when the “grim reaper” will come to your door.
Joshua challenged the people to choose “this day” whom they would serve. You must make your choice today because yesterday is gone forever, there is no guarantee of tomorrow and today is all you have.
Monday, November 7, 2016
Tomorrow is Election Day
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” (I Timothy 2:1-2)
Unless you have been living in seclusion as a hermit or you have been living in a cave you know that tomorrow, Tuesday, November the eighth, is Election Day for choosing a president of the United States of America.
God’s word demands that we pray for all people who are in authority. Those in authority would be the current president and whoever succeeds him in office. It would include senators and representatives, Supreme Court justices, police officers, sheriffs, their deputies and other office holders.
Did you know that not voting does not relieve you of the above responsibility? Did you know also that parliamentary law says that if you abstain from voting that your vote is cast with the majority?
I encourage you to vote for the candidates, especially President and Vice-President, whom you believe to have the nearest Biblical views on abortion, same sex marriage and the many other important issues.
Unless you have been living in seclusion as a hermit or you have been living in a cave you know that tomorrow, Tuesday, November the eighth, is Election Day for choosing a president of the United States of America.
God’s word demands that we pray for all people who are in authority. Those in authority would be the current president and whoever succeeds him in office. It would include senators and representatives, Supreme Court justices, police officers, sheriffs, their deputies and other office holders.
Did you know that not voting does not relieve you of the above responsibility? Did you know also that parliamentary law says that if you abstain from voting that your vote is cast with the majority?
I encourage you to vote for the candidates, especially President and Vice-President, whom you believe to have the nearest Biblical views on abortion, same sex marriage and the many other important issues.
Sunday, November 6, 2016
By the Rivers of Babylon
“By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.” (Psalm 137:1)
This is a picture of what happens when a nation or an individual turns their backs on God and refuse to turn back to Him and away from their sins.
Individuals, churches, homes and nations cannot ignore God and His word and not pay the consequences.
This is a picture of what happens when a nation or an individual turns their backs on God and refuse to turn back to Him and away from their sins.
- Sin captivates its participants. Judah had been taken as captives to Babylon, just as Jeremiah the prophet had warned.
- Sin stills us. They sat down. They had no motivation to rejoice. When we are out of the will of God there is no reason to rejoice until we turn around.
- Sin brings bitter tears and sad memories. They wept when they remembered Zion, another word for the holy city of Jerusalem. Do you remember the days and nights of living for the Lord and enjoying the peace that passes all understanding?
- Sin silences our music. Once happy, singing and playing their harps, now they have hung their harps upon the willow trees of Babylon. Their music is silenced. That’s what sin does. Our reason for singing is gone when we sin and do not repent.
- Sin on the part of God’s people brings mockery from the devil’s crowd. “Sing us one of the songs of Zion,” the Babylonians said to the backslidden Jews who were paying a tremendous price for their folly. “How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land?”
Individuals, churches, homes and nations cannot ignore God and His word and not pay the consequences.
Saturday, November 5, 2016
Give to God as He Has Given to You
“But who am I, and what are my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? For all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.”
(I Chronicles 29:14)
King David of Israel and father of Solomon had prepared material for the building of the temple to be finished by Solomon after David’s death. Much more material and labor were needed. The king asked the people, “And who then is willing to consecrate his service to the LORD? (I Chronicles 29:5) The Bible says they gave willingly.
When we are challenged to give an abundant offering to the Lord through the church and we meet the challenge we should give all praise to the Lord.
David acknowledged that everything they gave came from the Lord. You and I would have nothing to give to the Lord on Sunday morning if God had not first blessed us out of His abundance. Let us give to Him as He has given to us.
Friday, November 4, 2016
A Word from the Lord
“…Is there any word from the Lord?” (Jeremiah 37:17)
The setting for our text is Jeremiah had been imprisoned for prophesying the seventy year captivity of Jerusalem and Judah by the Chaldeans. The charge against Jeremiah was treason. He had been brought out of jail and was standing before king Zedekiah of Judah when he was asked is there a word from the Lord.
It’s a very good question if folks will listen to and heed the answers.
There is a word from the Lord concerning sin, the forgiveness of sin and how to be saved and go to heaven. There is a word from the Lord on how to live the Christian life, about loving the Lord with all our being and loving our neighbor as ourselves. There is a word on the home, how husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the church and how the wife is to be submissive to her husband as the church is to be submissive to Christ. There is a word about raising children so they turn out right. There is a word from the Lord on every issue of life.
Jeremiah did not change the word upon being released from prison and standing before the king. He repeated the word that had gotten him thrown in jail in the first place. God’s word never changes to satisfy man’s ways.
Thursday, November 3, 2016
Be Still
“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10)
It is very seldom that we sense the presence of God in our endless religious activity. We meet ourselves coming back from one meeting after another. We beat our drums and cymbals trying to manufacture the presence of God.
The prophets of Baal danced and cried aloud to be heard. They cut themselves with lancets and knives and their blood ran out and onto their altar. Elijah mocked them for their frenzy.
God is not attracted to a frenzy nor to beating a blister on our musical instruments. When Elijah was hiding in a cave from Jezebel God spoke to him, not in the wind, or an earthquake or a fire, but in a still small voice.
Why not just be still once in a while and know that God is God? Give God time and space to work. It was after Moses implored the people to, “stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord,” (Exodus 14:13) that God parted the waters of the Red Sea and the people walked across on dry land.
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
We Need Patience
“For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” (Hebrews 10:36)
When a farmer plants corn in the spring of the year it will take a few days for the seed to germinate and then to “spike” through as a young plant. He anticipates a harvest in the fall.
Suppose he impatiently uncovers a few grains of freshly planted corn every day. Then if some of that unearthed corn did sprout, suppose he pulls up the plants and examines the roots every day. There will be no harvest.
Likewise, the Christian life requires patience. When we pray we must wait patiently for God to answer. When we witness to a lost person we must wait patiently for the “seed to germinate.” I have known of wives who have prayed for their husbands to be saved. Years after that Godly wife was taken to heaven her husband turned to Christ for salvation. She had been patient in her prayers, in her witness and in her Christian life. God rewarded her patience with the salvation of her husband.
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
Are You a Child of God?
“…For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:26)
Everyone is a creation of God, but not everyone is a child of God. This verse is addressed to Christians who had then, and who have now, strayed away from the simple gospel of grace and faith to the erroneous gospel of law and good deeds. It is not addressed to the unsaved except in the sense to tell them that they can not become Christians by any other way than faith in Jesus Christ. It is written to the churches of Galatia and therefore to all the saved in all churches then and now.
When a person is saved by the grace of God through faith in Christ Jesus he becomes a new creature. He is a changed person. Praise God for the simplicity of Biblical salvation.
I encourage you that if you think you are a child of God and a candidate for heaven because you were created by God or because you are, “keeping the law,” that you change your thinking and place your faith in Christ Jesus.
Monday, October 31, 2016
Thankfully Remembering
“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.” (Philippians 1:3)
We frequently see this verse of scripture on greeting cards and notes exchanged between Christians.
The Philippian jailer and his household probably made up part of the church of Philippi. Paul probably remembered the jailer’s conversion and the hospitality he showed Paul and Silas.
Lydia, the seller of purple, from the city of Thyatira, was the first convert at Philippi. When Paul and Silas left their friend, the jailer, they went to Lydia’s house. She was probably part of the Philippian church along with her household.
Then there was the damsel possessed with a spirit of divination. She was saved and was likely a part of that church.
Oh, how sweet are the memories of a Spirit filled church made up of Spirit filled, Godly people. No wonder Paul said in this letter, “I thank by God upon every remembrance of you.”
Sunday, October 30, 2016
The Household of Faith
“And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.” (Acts 16:34)
It should come as no surprise that this newly saved, born again Christian would invite these two men into his house and that they would accept his invitation. After all, these men were all members of the family of God: Paul, Silas, the jailer and the members of the jailer’s household. There is a bond of love among the members of the family of God.
He fed them. He knew first hand what jail-house food was. These brothers were welcome at his table and were invited to eat his food. The Bible says, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10)
He rejoiced, and rightly so. He had just gotten saved. There is no better reason to rejoice. He and his household had a new found faith, new found friends and a new family.
Saturday, October 29, 2016
The Privilege of Obeying Christ
“…and was baptized, he and all his straightway (immediately)” (Acts 16:33)
Missionaries in a remote area were experiencing a time of phenomenal success, seeing old and young alike being saved. The missionaries decided they should start a required new converts’ class which would be mandatory before one could be baptized. When the missionaries learned about a teenage girl who had not signed up for the class they asked one of the villagers who had been saved about her. “She must take the class or we cannot baptize her,” they said. The villager replied, “She’s the one who shared the gospel with all of us and led us to saving faith in Christ.”
The jailer in our story was baptized upon his verbal profession of faith in Christ and verified his experience of faith by following the Lord in baptism. It is very similar to the profession of faith and baptism of the Ethiopian Eunuch in Acts chapter eight.
I am an old man. I professed faith in Christ as an eight year old boy and was baptized shortly thereafter. If I and the group of all ages of people who where baptized with me on that Sunday afternoon had needed to take a class and pass some imposed test I might not have been baptized yet.
Baptism does not save. But it is the first act of obedience for a new believer. Who are we to deny someone the privilege of obeying Christ?
Friday, October 28, 2016
Washing Stripes
“And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes…” (Acts 16:33)
The jailer had just been shaken from his midnight sleep and from his lethargy concerning his lost condition. He had been told by Paul and Silas to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and he would be saved. He had seen the unjust and harsh stripes laid on the backs of these two servants of the Lord. Without coercion or hesitation he washed their stripes.
We live in a cruel world where evil men do evil things, laying many stripes on innocent people. These hurting people all need caring people to go to them from Christ and figuratively or literally wash the stripes of the hurting and wounded.
Perhaps the jailer remembered the pain of lashes laid on his back sometime earlier. Whether or not he had experienced similar stripes, he knew washing stripes was what he must do.
If we look around we can find someone suffering from stripes that need our attention. Has the Lord sent you to “wash the stripes” of someone?
Thursday, October 27, 2016
The World’s Greatest Question
“…Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” (Acts 16:30-31)
This is the world’s most important question. How it is answered will determine one’s eternal destiny. Many answers have been suggested. For instance, one suggestion is, “Bow down to the sun, moon and stars.” Another suggestion is, “Be a good neighbor, a good parent, join a church and be baptized.” Some have even suggested, “It doesn’t matter as long as you believe something, are sincere in what you believe, and do the best you can.” But, none of these is the Biblical answer for one’s search for salvation.
Paul and Silas were precise and agreed on their answer. What they told the Philippian jailer is the correct Biblical answer. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ,” lines up with John 3:16 which says, “Whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Jesus was precise when He said, “I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh to the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)
They further agreed that their answer was the right answer to everyone in the jailer’s house. It is the correct answer to all who ask, “What must I do to be saved?”
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
God’s Better Plan
“And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. (Acts 16:27)
Swords are designed to maim, kill or inflict pain. In this story we have a man who is seriously thinking of taking his life with his own sword. His sword was to be used to defend himself or to persuade prisoners under his watch to stay in line or to risk losing their lives.
The jailer supposed that the prisoners had fled. He knew that the Roman officials would take his life if the prisoners had escaped. He had gone so far as to draw out his sword and was prepared to fall on it, taking his own life. If he had fallen on his sword he would have died as a lost man. But God had a much better plan. God’s servant used the “Sword of the Spirit,” the Bible, to tell the jailer about how to be saved. This sword, instead of taking the jailer’s life, gave him eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.
When it looks like all hope is gone and you “suppose” that there is no way out of your situation, God has a plan that will work if you trust Him and wait for Him to work His plan.
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Don’t Always Expect an Earthquake
“And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.”(Acts 16:26)
The scene is a jail in Philippi. The time is midnight. Two servants of the Lord Jesus are incarcerated in the inner prison with their feet securely fastened in stocks. The two servants, Paul and Silas are praying and singing.
An earthquake shakes the prison and all the doors fly open and all the shackles are loosed. You and I as Christians can always expect trouble; Jesus said so. But we cannot always expect an earthquake to change our situation. Yes, sometimes God sends an earthquake. But, I remind you that Paul, one of the men in this story, would die in Rome at the hands of an executioner with no earthquake to deliver him.
You may go through some trials without God’s miraculous intervention. But He promises to see you through it and to never leave you nor forsake you. Just prior to his execution in the Roman prison Paul said, “At my first answer no man stood with me…notwithstanding the Lord stood with me…” (II Timothy 4:16, 17)
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