A MOST UNCOMFORTABLE MEETING

     There is a lot of noise filling our airwaves and public places.  That noise stems from the multiple viewpoints being espoused by people from all walks of life.  This noise centers around political speeches, religious thought and beliefs, and social issues.  This noise will grow louder and will not go away.  So we have been placed in a position of deciding how we will deal with it.
     In the days of the early church, there was a lot of noise as well.  This noise was being advanced by a zealot known as Saul who was out to destroy the Lord's church.  This led Saul to a most uncomfortable meeting.  While traveling to Damascus shortly after the stoning of Stephen, Saul was introduced to someone he didn't want to meet.  It was Jesus Himself.  It became pretty obvious to Saul Jesus really had been raised from the dead, and now there was this accountability issue to deal with.
     Interestingly, Jesus did not have Saul cast into prison for the murder of Stephen, but there was something else to be done.  As Jesus instructed Saul what to do, we read of the conversion of one who truly hated the church and all it stood for, only to become a leading voice of God's grace and salvation.
     Many today are heading for this most uncomfortable meeting with Jesus in a much different way.  We can read words of Scripture such as Luke quoting the words of Peter, "we ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29).  We can also read where Luke quotes Paul (formerly Saul) on Mars Hill, "And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent" (Acts 17:30).
     These words cannot be allowed to be weakened.  Either they mean something or they don't.  Either we believe them or we don't. The noise I made reference to at the beginning of this article is largely looking to silence the voice of God by silencing those who claim to follow Him.  There are those who have joined the forces of Satan by advocating this God of love will not punish evil doers who practice things contrary to His word, regardless of what those things are. 
     The good news is this.  The power of God's word cannot be weakened.  Another baptism is in the process of taking place in our jail ministry.  God's word will not return to us void if we stand for what is right. Those who think God's word will not be upheld, either in the church or out, are heading for a time when they must stand before the Lord and give an account.  For them it will be a most uncomfortable meeting.  Rodger

                                         DOING THE RIGHT THING

     It is amazing how one can go through life and never hear a popular saying uttered or a word used in the course of a conversation.  Then once sayings or a word are spoken, it seems you hear it repeatedly from that time on.  One saying that comes to mind is, "It isn't hard to know what the right thing to do is, the hard part is doing it."  That may not be the exact quote but it's close, and you may have heard it spoken in other ways.  But it is true.
     We were all raised, or are being raised, to know the difference between right and wrong.  Our parents were hoping to teach us how to be honest in all things and always seek to do the right thing.  Often times the right thing can be known and still not be done.  For instance, how many of us who are possessors of a driver's license don't know to pull over or off the road when an emergency vehicle is approaching from the rear.  Yet while driving this past week no less than two state patrolman were driving with lights flashing and even a siren blaring, only to have a vehicle refuse to move over and let them pass.  Lives may have been in danger but it mattered not to this particular motorist.
     I have no doubt this motorist knew the right thing to do.  It just wasn't done.  We are much the same way in our walk with the Lord.  Israel was told by God, "And thou shalt do that which is right and good in the sight of the Lord: that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest go in and possess the good land which the Lord sware unto thy fathers" (Deut. 6:18).  When the Lord speaks of doing that which is right and good, the reference is to the commandments that Israel had received from God.  Israel's claim to any land promised by the Lord was based on their obedience to His word.
     With that in mind, how many of us are struggling daily with choices we need to make?  And why are those choices so difficult? For the most part we know what the right thing is to do, we just seem to be having trouble doing it.  We all struggle with the weakness of the flesh in certain areas of life, but the truth is we know what God desires for us and we know what is the right thing to do based on His teachings. 
     Amos spoke of heathen nations who did not know what was right for they were not taught the word of God (Amos 3:10).  If parents are upholding their God given responsibility then children should be learning what God's word says concerning them.  What are the right things to do?  Simply read Philippians 4:8 and you will be given a good list based on divine instruction.  While there may be areas where our knowledge is lacking, we can still learn and grow as we come into contact with that knowledge.
     If we want to pursue after what is right, then our heart must be right with God.  We don't need to live our lives in order to please men.  We should desire to live in such a way so our life is pleasing to God.  That above all else is the right thing to do.  Rodger

                                                      OF WHOSE SPIRIT ARE YOU?    
Much is taught about the Holy Spirit concerning the function, work, and role of the Spirit as it relates to salvation and everyday life.  We are told the importance of growing in the fruit of the Spirit as spoken of by Paul in Galatians 5:22,23.  Though various characteristics are listed the fruit is singular.  This is perhaps more easily understood in view of God.  These characteristics are the sum total of God's character and our God is one, and we are to be one in Him.  We can attain to that oneness by growing in these characteristics in our own life, thus revealing God to others through the life we live.
     We see this lifestyle contrasted earlier in Galatians 5 as Paul admonishes the Galatians in regard to biting and devouring one another (vs. 15).  This ungodly behavior speaks to those who perhaps are gossips and speak about others in hurtful and harmful ways.  This is biting and devouring, for such behavior can only destroy.  Paul then tells the Galatians to walk in the Spirit (vs. 16), which leads one to walk in accordance with the love God shows to us.  If we love others as God loves us, then we will walk in the Spirit and seek what is best for others.
     Other passages of Scripture will teach us about the Spirit and the role He fulfills in our life, but it will always get us back to God and who God is.  When we know who God is then we will know what we are to be, and how that can be brought to completion.  Two of Jesus' disciples who had a problem grasping this reality were James and John.  We may find this hard to believe but these men were just that, men.  They had their times of weakness like us.  So take heart.
     In the life of Jesus as He reached a point to where He was going to Jerusalem, He sent messengers before His face, or His arrival in that village.  The village did not receive Him because "His face was as though He would go to Jerusalem" (Lu. 9:51-53).  When the disciples, James and John, saw this they were overcome with anger.  They said to Jesus, "Lord, wilt Thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?" (Lu. 9:54)  It was here that Jesus revealed the spirit that was in them.
     In verses 55 and 56 Jesus says, "Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.  For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them."  James and John were making a reference back to the days of  Elijah when he confronted the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel, and they were given into his hand by God (1 Kings 18:37-40).  Jehovah was justified in the slaying of the false prophets, but Jesus was letting it be known His purpose was quite different than that of Elijah.
     In making the distinction between the two accounts, Jesus was revealing why He was going to Jerusalem.  He came not to destroy man but to save Him.  When Jesus told James and John they didn't know what manner of spirit they were of, He was letting them know they were not understanding the love of God and therefore were unable to practice it.
     Sometimes we may do exactly what James and John had done if we fail to remember of whose Spirit we are.  It is God who gives us His Spirit and that Spirit indwells us.  Our lives should reflect that spirit in the love we show to others as well as our love and faithfulness unto our heavenly Father.   The question, "Of whose spirit are ye?" helps remind us of who it is we serve and why. Rodger

                          HISTORY REVEALS OUR ENEMY'S IDENTITY     
     Much has been said about history.  The more common sayings center on the repeating characteristic of history.  One of my favorites is, "If we have learned one thing from history, it's that we have learned nothing from history."  This seemingly contradictory statement has been credited to former President John F. Kennedy, though I don't know if it originated with him or if he borrowed it from another source. 
     Regardless, the words are true and they serve to show us again why history has a tendency to repeat itself.  We still haven't truly learned anything from past historical events, even when those events are taken from the annuls of inspired Scripture.  Recently, a major league baseball player was suspended because of a homophobic slur.  While I believe there are better ways to address such issues, what really stands out is the deteriorating right of free speech.
     Speak out today against Christianity or God and that's okay.  Speak out against sinful lifestyles and that's not okay, it is getting to be a crime.  But such is not new.  In Acts 4:18 we read where Peter and John were ordered not to speak any more in the name of Jesus, nor were they to teach about Jesus to others.  What was their response?  Instead of shrinking back in fear they simply said, "Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.  For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard" (vs. 19,20).
     Efforts continued to silence these two men as well as others who would dare to speak in the name of Jesus.  After being arrested again (chapter 5) for preaching Jesus to the people, Peter and John were brought before the council and again ordered to keep silent concerning the name of Jesus.  This time the rest of the apostles were also there.  When the fact they were ordered not to teach in Jesus' name to the people was brought to their attention they responded, "We ought to obey God rather than men" (5:29).
     Throughout history those who desire to live godly lives have been persecuted by one common enemy, Satan.  It was ultimately Satan who was behind the attacks of the Jews upon the apostles.  It is Satan is at the heart of the attacks against godliness today.  The real issue is do we as God's children believe in His power as the apostles did, or are going to allow Satan, God's enemy as well as ours, to win battles upon this earth?
     Satan has already lost the war and he knows it.  So why should we allow him to win any battle?  Remember the battle still belongs to the Lord (! Sam. 17:47; 2 Chron. 20:15).  While there are many forces seeking to do harm to our children, the ultimate enemy is Satan.  It is fallen to this generation to take the stand necessary to defeat Satan and his evil schemes.  May we learn what history keeps telling us.  As we take up the banner of our Lord may we echo the words, "We must obey God rather than men."   And to God be the glory.  Rodger

                                           WHO CAN BE BAPTIZED?
     When studying the subject of baptism, many will delve into innumerable sources available from many writers and scholars.  When coming to a conclusion on the matter it is not uncommon for one to settle on a viewpoint that seems most logical as well as one they can agree with.  Unfortunately, what they decide upon is not the written word of God.
     Most people will recognize that baptism is necessary, though they will not agree on how baptism is to be administered.  In line with that thinking it is also called into question who can be baptized.  Because of the many denominational ideas and teachings concerning baptism, sprinkling and pouring have become very popular modes of baptism, which has led to the baptizing of infants as well as adults.  When we understand that baptism is a burial as we discussed in last week's article it should become a bit clearer as to who can be baptized in accordance with God's teaching on the subject.
     Jesus said, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved"  (Mk. 16:16).  When the eunuch asked Philip what hindered him from being baptized Philip responded, "If thou believest with all thine heart thou mayest" (Acts 8:36,37).  What the eunuch believed is that Jesus is the Son of God (vs. 37).  This and other passages relate to us that one must believe in Jesus in order to be baptized.  An infant is incapable of this.
     When Peter began to proclaim to the Jews in Jerusalem what they must do to be saved, he told them to, "repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38). We are told that God desires all men to come to repentance (2 Pet. 3:9).  To repent is to turn from one thing and go to another.  In this case it is to cease from sin and turn to God.  An infant is incapable of this.
     We are also required to confess that Jesus is Lord as well as the Son of God, and that He died for our sins (Jn. 3:16; Ro. 5:8, 10:9).  This confession must be made with the mouth (Ro. 10:10).  An infant is incapable of this.
     Infants are said to be born into sin but the Scriptures teach no such thing. It is not a sin to be born and prior to birth one cannot do good or evil (Ro. 9:11).  To be born in sin is to be born into a sinful world which is the meaning of the psalmist (51:5). Infants are born pure until such time as they grow to know and understand what sin really is.  That will come at various times in the life of each child.
     Since baptism is a burial and is essential for salvation, then one must be able to hear what the word of God says about sin, believe that word, repent of the wrongs one has committed in life, and confess a need for the saving blood of Christ which is contacted in the watery grave of baptism (Mt. 26:28; Acts 2:38; Col. 2:11,12; Ro. 6:3,4).  All of this is the result of faith which is produced in the heart of the hearer as the gospel is proclaimed (Ro. 1:16,17).  An infant cannot have this faith for it lacks the ability to comprehend these basic truths.  Since Scripture cannot contradict itself, passages that deal with whole households being saved can only mean those of a household who qualify for baptism through obedience to the gospel.
     God's truth is pure and is most precious.  May we diligently strive to uphold this truth in our lives as we share it with others.  Rodger

                                   IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT BAPTISM

    Peter wrote to his brothers and sisters in Christ that his second letter as well as his first was stirring their pure minds by way of remembrance (2 Pet. 3:1).  Simply put, the brethren needed to be reminded on some basic truths and Peter used the letters to accomplish that purpose.  Today, we still need to be reminded of the pure and simple truth of God's word to help keep our hearts and minds pure before God.
     This became increasingly evident to me through recent conversations I have had with people.  Many people hold that the Scripture is the word of God.  Yet when it comes to reading to what God has written, they most often will reject His word.  This is true in many subjects that relate to our worship, but the most common rejection of His word comes in relation to baptism.
     I am not sure why people are so adamant in their opposition to baptism, other than Satan has deceived their hearts through the teachings of men.  Jesus even chastised those of His day for, "teaching for doctrines the commandments of men" (Mt. 15:9).  In the 3rd verse of Matthew 15 Jesus asked why they transgress the commandment of God by their tradition.  Yet man does that today and doesn't seem to care.
     It was Jesus who commanded baptism take place (Mt. 28:19; Mk. 16:15,16).  When Peter preached to the Jews on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2, he told them to repent and be baptized for the remission (forgiveness) of sins in the name of Jesus Christ (vs. 38).  This is what Jesus commanded.  If one states that baptism is not essential for salvation then the word of God has been rejected.  Too many passages relate the baptismal experience to salvation (Acts 22:16; Gal. 3:26,27; 1 Pet. 3:21). 
     It is also important to understand how baptism is to take place.  Baptism is a burial (Ro. 6:3,4; Col. 2:11,12).  When one has been sprinkled or had water poured upon the forehead no baptism has taken place.  The Greek language is a very specific language in that words will describe the action.  The word for baptism means immersion or burial.  The words for sprinkling and pouring are completely different, and neither of those words are ever used in connection with salvation.  These are simply traditions of men and nothing more.
     In the New Testament Scriptures baptism is always a burial for that is what the word implies.  Philip went down into the water with the eunuch.  If sprinkling or pouring was sufficient, Philip would not have needed to accompany the eunuch into the water but it became necessary for the burial required (Acts 8:35-39).  Anyone reading or hearing the word describing baptism would have known immediately what was being said and what action was required for salvation to be obtained. Also take note that Philip preached to the eunuch Jesus.  When preaching Jesus baptism must be addressed.  That is the gospel.
     Baptism is a burial from which we are resurrected.  Those who were first called Christians in Antioch (Acts 11:26) had this new birth in common.  Next week we will speak more as to who can be baptized.  Rodger

                                             SEEKING THE LORD
     The act of seeking is a part of every individual.  From the earliest age when we gain the ability to hunt we begin to seek after objects of value.  Watch an infant as they develop and there is that ability to hunt for their thumb or the mother's breast.  As they grow older they begin to look for other things necessary for their well being or usefulness.  The importance of the objects sought will grow as the person grows from childhood into adulthood.
     More important than seeking and finding material things is the need for God.  At some point everyone comes to understand their need for God.  The level of God's importance in the individual's life will dictate how diligently the search for God is conducted.  Many will acknowledge a need to have a relationship with God but their search is based on their own standard.  When they feel comfortable and think they have reached a level of comfort of how God is allowed to fit into their life, they stop searching.
     Ceasing from searching for anything is natural to a point.  If we are searching for an object that can be touched and handled, it is obvious the search for that object need not continue once it is found.  This is where our search for God is different.  God cannot be handled or touched (Jn. 4:24).  Yet He can be found.  So the question becomes, "How real is God to us and how diligently are we willing to search for Him?"
     The psalmist says "I sought the Lord and He heard me..(34:4).  When seeking the Lord it becomes important to understand what it really means to do so.  In Deuteronomy Israel was told, "But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find Him, if thou seek Him with all thy heart and with all thy soul (4:29).  Then is the exhortation, "seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near (Is. 55:6).  In New Testament Scripture we read, "That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after Him, and find Him, though He be not far from every one of us" (Acts 17:27).
     The basic meaning of all of these Scriptures as well as others tells us the meaning of seeking the Lord is to seek Him according to truth, His truth.  One Scripture quoted most often is, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness: and all these things will be added unto you" (Mt. 6:33).  When we seek His righteousness we must seek after His truth.  If we want the Lord to hear us we must seek Him according to the way He has set forth. 
     The Lord has promised those who diligently seek Him will find Him (Lu. 11:10), and upon finding Him our search must continue as we then seek to grow in our knowledge of Him, and correctly apply that new knowledge to our daily walk.  To know God is to know His truth, and that knowledge is revealed to us as we seek Him in His word.   Rodger