It is always a tremendous day in God's house when people submit to believer's baptism. I know there are many different views on baptism, but I hold fast to the belief that it symbolizes the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ---the conquering of death and securing eternal life---which is the basis of our salvation. I also hold fast to the belief that in order to understand the significance of this act, one must have made the decision to accept Christ as their personal Savior and accepted his sacrificial death on the cross to pay their sin debt.
Baptism is also an act of obedience to God's will. It is a public identification as a believer in the person of Jesus Christ. I know there are some believers who haven't taken this step, for whatever reason, and I believe that they are missing out on a tremendous blessing. In Luke 3, we see the public ministry of John the Baptist; a fulfillment of the words of the prophet Elijah--The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord (v.4). John foretold of the coming of Christ (v.15-18) and then in verse 21, we see Jesus submit to baptism. Then watch what happens next: The Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased." (v.22)
Make no mistake; our Heavenly Father is well pleased when we submit to Him and identify publicly with his Son. If you know Christ as your Lord and Savior and you haven't submitted to believer's baptism, there is a beautiful blessing waiting just for you.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
The Majesty of His Creation
I find it interesting that we usually only think about God's creation when we observe some spectacular or unusual feature in nature. Flying into Salt Lake City this week as someone who has spent most of his life in pancake-flat Delaware, I was in complete awe of the Wasatch mountains. To see the rise of these majestic mountains; to observe the great canyons and valleys and then to recognize that they were spoken into existence as just a piece of our Heavenly Creator's work is truly beyond human comprehension.
I've had a few other "majesty" moments in my lifetime--places like Niagara Falls, Diamond Head and the Smokey Mountains--that have made me stop in my tracks in amazement. These moments are reminders that we live in an incredibly beautiful world that is a masterpiece of the Divine Creator. My amazement then shifts to the absurdity of other belief systems that attribute the beauty and splendor of His handiwork to some unexplained scientific phenomenon that occurred by chance.
Yet to take the majesty of His creation for granted or to only recognize it during these "majesty" moments is to rob us of the awesome power of His hand. It diminishes our view of El-elyon--the God Most High (Genesis 14:22). To take time--every day--to pray and reflect on all of the many different aspects of God's creation is the essence of worship.
I am the Lord, who made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself. (Isaiah 44:24)
I've had a few other "majesty" moments in my lifetime--places like Niagara Falls, Diamond Head and the Smokey Mountains--that have made me stop in my tracks in amazement. These moments are reminders that we live in an incredibly beautiful world that is a masterpiece of the Divine Creator. My amazement then shifts to the absurdity of other belief systems that attribute the beauty and splendor of His handiwork to some unexplained scientific phenomenon that occurred by chance.
Yet to take the majesty of His creation for granted or to only recognize it during these "majesty" moments is to rob us of the awesome power of His hand. It diminishes our view of El-elyon--the God Most High (Genesis 14:22). To take time--every day--to pray and reflect on all of the many different aspects of God's creation is the essence of worship.
I am the Lord, who made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself. (Isaiah 44:24)
Sunday, August 22, 2010
The Weapon to Fight Temptation
In our ongoing battle as God's men to fight temptation, we would be wise to observe how Jesus handled Satan's attempt to undermine his earthly mission. In Luke 4, we read about the temptation of Jesus Christ in the wilderness prior to the start of his public ministry. Several key things are worth noting.
First, Satan came after Jesus when he was alone and isolated. After having fasted for 40 days, he was also hungry and probably tired as well. Our enemy knows that we are most vulnerable in any of these states. Secondly, the enemy tries to convince us that God's plan for us isn't really our best option. Twice (vs. 3, 9) he directly challenges Jesus' authority--If you are the Son of God... to tempt him to rely on his own ability rather than on God's provision. Thirdly, the evil one offers the promise of reward without ever disclosing the true cost of disobedience and he's been doing that since the Garden of Eden. He promised Jesus authority over all of the world's kingdoms if he would bow down and worship him (v. 5-7); failing to mention that it was a direct violation of the first Commandment (Exodus 20:2-3).
Jesus fought Satan's temptations by quoting Scripture, which is always our best weapon in fighting the enemy's lies. Our Savior's responses "Man shall not live by bread alone" (v.4), "You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve" (v.8) and "You shall not put the Lord your God to test" (v.12) are wise words to live by. God knows what we need, beyond our physical and temporal needs. We must make God the top priority in our lives and seek to serve Him and not our own selfish desires. And finally, we should never try to distort the truth that God has revealed to us to justify ungodly actions.
First, Satan came after Jesus when he was alone and isolated. After having fasted for 40 days, he was also hungry and probably tired as well. Our enemy knows that we are most vulnerable in any of these states. Secondly, the enemy tries to convince us that God's plan for us isn't really our best option. Twice (vs. 3, 9) he directly challenges Jesus' authority--If you are the Son of God... to tempt him to rely on his own ability rather than on God's provision. Thirdly, the evil one offers the promise of reward without ever disclosing the true cost of disobedience and he's been doing that since the Garden of Eden. He promised Jesus authority over all of the world's kingdoms if he would bow down and worship him (v. 5-7); failing to mention that it was a direct violation of the first Commandment (Exodus 20:2-3).
Jesus fought Satan's temptations by quoting Scripture, which is always our best weapon in fighting the enemy's lies. Our Savior's responses "Man shall not live by bread alone" (v.4), "You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve" (v.8) and "You shall not put the Lord your God to test" (v.12) are wise words to live by. God knows what we need, beyond our physical and temporal needs. We must make God the top priority in our lives and seek to serve Him and not our own selfish desires. And finally, we should never try to distort the truth that God has revealed to us to justify ungodly actions.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Search the Scriptures
Since we know that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge of the Holy One is insight (Proverbs 10:9), how are we as God's men to proceed in building on that knowledge? How can we discern godly truth from worldly lies? How can we be sure that the things we've heard presented as Biblical truth are really part of God's revealed will?
Acts 17:11 provides us with a practical and time-honored method. Upon arriving in the Jewish synagogue in Berea, Paul and Silas found a body of believers who eagerly received the preaching of the Word, but it didn't stop there. This passage tells us that they searched the Scriptures to see if what was being preached was actually true in accordance with God's Word. As a result of their effort to study and examine, Luke records that the Bereans were more noble than their counterparts in Thessalonica, who likely weren't as diligent in reading Scripture.
Many sayings that have been incorrectly linked to the Bible, (i.e. "God helps those who help themselves") can be refuted by following the Berean example. Luke encourages searching the Scriptures as a pattern for all believers to follow; knowing that God's Word can be rightly understood as doctrine. By claiming the promises of James 1:5, Proverbs 2:6 and Romans 11:33, we can enjoy the richness of wisdom in understanding God's Word. Eager and diligent searching of the Scriptures with dependence on God for help is all that is required.
Acts 17:11 provides us with a practical and time-honored method. Upon arriving in the Jewish synagogue in Berea, Paul and Silas found a body of believers who eagerly received the preaching of the Word, but it didn't stop there. This passage tells us that they searched the Scriptures to see if what was being preached was actually true in accordance with God's Word. As a result of their effort to study and examine, Luke records that the Bereans were more noble than their counterparts in Thessalonica, who likely weren't as diligent in reading Scripture.
Many sayings that have been incorrectly linked to the Bible, (i.e. "God helps those who help themselves") can be refuted by following the Berean example. Luke encourages searching the Scriptures as a pattern for all believers to follow; knowing that God's Word can be rightly understood as doctrine. By claiming the promises of James 1:5, Proverbs 2:6 and Romans 11:33, we can enjoy the richness of wisdom in understanding God's Word. Eager and diligent searching of the Scriptures with dependence on God for help is all that is required.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
The Beginning of Wisdom
Most of us would probably rank wisdom pretty high on the scale of importance. We all seek wisdom in some form before we make big decisions. We'd all probably like to think that we are wise. Or maybe we hide in fear for thinking that we really aren't very wise.
By definition, wisdom is the quality or state of being wise; knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action, sagacity (the mental ability to understand and discriminate between relations), discernment or insight (dictionary.com). By definition, wisdom implies knowing truth from lies and using it to make sound decisions and take necessary action.
This definition drives home the truth of Proverbs 10:9---The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. Wisdom begins when we recognize that because God is truth, he is the One we must seek to discern truth from lies. It is through the wisdom our Lord provides in his Word that we can make the right decisions and take the right actions. Proverbs 13:9 tells us that God created the heavens and the earth through his wisdom. Proverbs 28:26 reminds us that relying on our own instincts over godly wisdom is a foolish move. Colossians 2:23 assures us that worldly wisdom will always drive us to satisfy our sinful desires.
We need never fear asking for wisdom because of the promise of James 1:5---if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who give generously to all without reproach and it will be given him.
By definition, wisdom is the quality or state of being wise; knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action, sagacity (the mental ability to understand and discriminate between relations), discernment or insight (dictionary.com). By definition, wisdom implies knowing truth from lies and using it to make sound decisions and take necessary action.
This definition drives home the truth of Proverbs 10:9---The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. Wisdom begins when we recognize that because God is truth, he is the One we must seek to discern truth from lies. It is through the wisdom our Lord provides in his Word that we can make the right decisions and take the right actions. Proverbs 13:9 tells us that God created the heavens and the earth through his wisdom. Proverbs 28:26 reminds us that relying on our own instincts over godly wisdom is a foolish move. Colossians 2:23 assures us that worldly wisdom will always drive us to satisfy our sinful desires.
We need never fear asking for wisdom because of the promise of James 1:5---if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who give generously to all without reproach and it will be given him.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Celebrating My Birthday
Yes, today is my birthday and thanks to Facebook, I get more birthday wishes than I could have ever imagined. I've passed all the milestone birthdays that people generally celebrate (without wishing they were at 29 and holding!) so it really isn't a big deal to me. But it does make me think about my real birthday--June 2, 1998--the day I was born-again.
On that day, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. I was attending the funeral of a friend's father and Pastor Gary Hayden shared the Gospel during the service and extended an invitation to allow Christ into my heart. The God-sized hole in my heart that I poured so many other things into was finally filled.
My life changed that day, but in reality God had been working on me for years. I was like millions of others who believed in God but didn't know Jesus. I stumbled around through life, convincing myself that I was basically a good person and rationalizing that my sins weren't the really bad ones and God would accept me based on my own distorted standards. Looking back, I can remember hearing the Gospel but refusing to accept the truth that I needed to be born-again. I know that other believers prayed for my salvation. I know that God put people in my path and worked events in my life to bring me to my spiritual birthday. I know that the angels in Heaven rejoiced that day as one more lost soul came home to the Father.
No matter how old you are, the day you accepted Jesus Christ and became birthed into the family of God is a day worth celebrating. Remember it. Rejoice in it. And go share it with someone who needs a birthday of their own.
On that day, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. I was attending the funeral of a friend's father and Pastor Gary Hayden shared the Gospel during the service and extended an invitation to allow Christ into my heart. The God-sized hole in my heart that I poured so many other things into was finally filled.
My life changed that day, but in reality God had been working on me for years. I was like millions of others who believed in God but didn't know Jesus. I stumbled around through life, convincing myself that I was basically a good person and rationalizing that my sins weren't the really bad ones and God would accept me based on my own distorted standards. Looking back, I can remember hearing the Gospel but refusing to accept the truth that I needed to be born-again. I know that other believers prayed for my salvation. I know that God put people in my path and worked events in my life to bring me to my spiritual birthday. I know that the angels in Heaven rejoiced that day as one more lost soul came home to the Father.
No matter how old you are, the day you accepted Jesus Christ and became birthed into the family of God is a day worth celebrating. Remember it. Rejoice in it. And go share it with someone who needs a birthday of their own.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
One Thing I Do
We as people are often defined in terms of what we do. When you meet someone at a social gathering, the question, "so what do you do for a living" or "where do you work" often comes up quickly. Our identity or other people's perception of us is largely shaped by the answers to these questions, yet many of us probably haven't given much thought to having a well-defined personal life mission statement.
The apostle Paul didn't have this problem. As a Pharisee and a diligent Bible scholar, he had credentials that would impress anyone. But notice how his changed life from knowing Christ shaped his statement: But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13-14).
In his personal life mission statement, Paul makes it clear that he isn't a jack-of-all-trades or someone looking to multitask. We see that he refuses to rest on his laurels or be bound by past mistakes. He acknowledges that moving forward is difficult and arduous. He recognizes that his goal requires perseverance and effort. He knows the prize of the upward call of God far surpasses anything else he could do in terms of eternal value and significance.
How we finish the statement: "This one thing I do..." says a lot about where God fits into our lives and whether or not we are great at the Great Commandment (Mark 12:30-31). So how would you finish that statement?
The apostle Paul didn't have this problem. As a Pharisee and a diligent Bible scholar, he had credentials that would impress anyone. But notice how his changed life from knowing Christ shaped his statement: But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13-14).
In his personal life mission statement, Paul makes it clear that he isn't a jack-of-all-trades or someone looking to multitask. We see that he refuses to rest on his laurels or be bound by past mistakes. He acknowledges that moving forward is difficult and arduous. He recognizes that his goal requires perseverance and effort. He knows the prize of the upward call of God far surpasses anything else he could do in terms of eternal value and significance.
How we finish the statement: "This one thing I do..." says a lot about where God fits into our lives and whether or not we are great at the Great Commandment (Mark 12:30-31). So how would you finish that statement?
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Just Do It
Unless you've been asleep for the last 30 plus years, you've undoubtedly heard the saying Nike made famous: Just Do It! Untold millions of dollars and countless celebrity endorsements have centered around this widely successful ad campaign. The message is to go out and make something happen (wearing your Nike apparel, of course!). I'm a big fan of the Nike slogan and it isn't just because I like their shoes and shirts.
James 1:22 tells us to be doers of the Word and not just hearers. For the Bible to have any real positive impact in our lives, we must allow it to take root. James uses the analogy of looking at oneself in the mirror and seeing imperfections. A doer will take notice and make necessary changes, while the hearer quickly forgets and goes about his way without any change taking place (v.23-24). We have everything to gain by being doers---but the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing (v.25).
As God's men, we have the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit to illuminate God's truth as revealed in His Word. Knowing the truth, we can be hearers or doers. Just do it!
James 1:22 tells us to be doers of the Word and not just hearers. For the Bible to have any real positive impact in our lives, we must allow it to take root. James uses the analogy of looking at oneself in the mirror and seeing imperfections. A doer will take notice and make necessary changes, while the hearer quickly forgets and goes about his way without any change taking place (v.23-24). We have everything to gain by being doers---but the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing (v.25).
As God's men, we have the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit to illuminate God's truth as revealed in His Word. Knowing the truth, we can be hearers or doers. Just do it!
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