Wisdom and Foolishness

Chuckle: A minister was asked by a politician, "What can the government do to help the church?" The minister replied, "Quit making one dollar bills."

Quote: "There is a deep wisdom inaccessible to the wise and prudent but disclosed to babes." --Christopher Bryant

WISDOM AND FOOLISHNESS

"I know very well how foolish the message of the cross sounds to those who are on the road to destruction. But we who are being saved recognize this message as the very power of God. . . So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world's brilliant debaters? God has made them look foolish and has shown their wisdom to be useless nonsense. Since God in his wisdom saw that the world would never find him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save all who believe" (1 Corinthians 1:18, 20-21 NLT).

I feel totally inadequate to even comment on this passage which was penned by the apostle Paul. The message is so abundantly clear that it's a mystery how its central truth is missed, ignored, or discredited by so many in our modern-day world. It seems many have a difficult time recognizing any wisdom greater than their own -- even if described in God's Word.

In the ancient Jewish culture, the minds of the "wise" were made up and their mindset was that the long-awaited Messiah would come as a reigning monarch and would restore the earthly throne of King David, free them from the yoke of rule by other nations, and perform great signs and miracles.

Instead, Jesus came as an humble servant, was executed like a common criminal, was buried in a borrowed tomb, and rose from the dead the third day. The "wise" of that day could not understand God's plan for the redemption of mankind. Jesus came to die as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins and to establish his kingdom in the hearts of those who trust him by faith, not for those who try to earn salvation with good deeds and human wisdom.

We can spend our lifetimes trying to accumulate the wisdom of this world and never achieve the essential for eternal salvation, a personal saving relationship with Jesus Christ. "Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn your back on evil" (Proverbs 3:7 NLT).

Those who are truly wise understand that a personal relationship with Christ demonstrates the greatest wisdom anyone can have. Jesus said, "O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding the truth from those who think themselves so wise and clever, and for revealing it to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way" (Matthew 11:25-26 NLT).

James tells us that wisdom from heaven “is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17 NIV). How do you and I measure up in this test of heavenly wisdom?

Love, Jerry & Dotse

Working Together

Chuckle: “While visiting a police station, a kindergartener pointed to a picture and asked if the photo was of a wanted person. “Yes,” answered a policeman. “Well,” asked the child, “why didn’t you keep him when you took his picture?”

Quote: “See the Gospel Church secure And founded on a Rock! All her promises are sure; Her bulwarks who can shock? –Charles Wesley ‘The Church’

WORKING TOGETHER

“From him (Jesus) the whole body (the church), joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work” (Ephesians 4:16 NIV). “The body (church) is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body” (1 Corinthians 12:12 NIV). (Parentheses Mine)

You probably are familiar with the word “synergy” and “synergism.” Synergy describes this principle, “the function of the whole is greater than the sum of its individual parts.’' For example, you can have all the parts of a clock spread out on a table, but just having all the parts does not make a clock. It becomes a functioning clock only when the cooperating parts are assembled and perform their intended functions as they work together. The clock is greater than the sum of its parts. Synergism also describes different medicines working together to produce the desired healing effect.

The word “synergism” is also used in a Theological sense. “It is the doctrine or belief that the human will cooperates with the Holy Spirit and with God’s grace especially in the act of conversion or regeneration” (salvation). God’s grace, the Holy Spirit’s power, and the faith of the individual are all at work together. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith” (Ephesians 2:8 NIV).

Jesus Christ, the head of the church, desires every born again Christian to be an active member of His universal church through local congregations. There is definitely a Spirit empowered and directed synergy when Christians are working together as a fellowship of believers – the church. The church, consisting of many members, has been commissioned by Christ to do His work here on earth until He returns. A church, with all its members working together in the power of the Holy Spirit, creates a powerful synergy to accomplish much more than the same number of individual Christians going it alone without the church. The Holy Spirit empowers church members and uses their spiritual gifts and interdependency on each other to create spiritual synergy within the church.

If you profess to be a Christian but are not affiliated with a local church, I urge you become involved with a Bible believing congregation and put your God-given skills and spiritual gifts to work as a member of the whole. The same is true for church members who do not actively participate in the five functions of the church: worship, evangelism, discipleship, ministry, and fellowship. The Church is called the Body of Christ in Scripture, with Christ as its head. Like the human body, the church cannot function as Christ intended if its many members are not working together and performing their specific functions within the body.

Love, Jerry & Dotse

Presence (4), God's Reassuring

Chuckle: Another newspaper headline: "Something Went Wrong in Jet Crash, Expert Says." Really? Ya think?

Quote: “With God's help, good cheer permits us to rise above the depressing present or difficult circumstances. It is a process of positive reassurance and reinforcement. It is sunshine when clouds block the light.” --Marvin J. Ashton

GOD'S REASSURING PRESENCE

If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me," even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like day, for darkness is as light to you. (Psalm 139:11-12 NIV).

The last three lessons have dealt with God's Universal Presence, Guiding Presence, and Strengthening Presence from Psalm 139. Today's verses refer back to the psalmist's inability to find a place on earth where he would be hidden from God's presence. But they go far beyond that -- they also provide him the reassurance that God is with him to provide strength, encouragement, and comfort no matter where the psalmist might go or the circumstances he might experience. Hebrews 13:5 quotes Deuteronomy 31:6 where God says, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." The writer goes on: "So we can say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? (vs. 6).

"Assurance" is a term with an exceptionally rich spiritual meaning. It signifies the joyous, unwavering confidence of an intelligent faith; the security and comfort coming from a complete and fearless trust in God. The words of Scripture teach that we have assurance that we have experienced complete freedom from the power of evil and from consequent judgment for our sins. This is made possible through God's grace and the atoning blood sacrifice of Jesus.

No matter how crazy the world may become around you. No matter how helpless you may feel to do anything about it, as a child of the King you can be assured of God's presence and power in every situation. You should take great comfort from this truth. You can experience the fullness of Christ daily -- a sense of security, freedom and eternal life regardless of circumstances in your life.

God wants you to know that He will never leave you and will never forsake you! Let's rejoice in these reassuring promises.

Love, Jerry & Dotse

Presence (3), God's Strengthening

Chuckle: "On his first safari, an American smugly said to the guide, "I know that carrying a torch will keep the lions away." "That's true," the guide replied. "But it depends on how fast you carry the torch."

Good Quote: “God does not take away trials or carry us over them, but strengthens us through them.” --Edward Bouverie Pusey

GOD'S STRENGTHENING PRESENCE

". . . your strength will support me" (Psalm 139:10b NLT). "Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand" (Isaiah 41:10 NLT).

In the past two lessons, we have dealt with God's universal presence and His guiding presence. I cannot begin this lesson about God's strengthening presence without quoting the apostle Paul in Philippians 4:13: "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Here, Paul is saying he can do everything God asks him to do because God gives him the needed strength.

Without God's strength being released in our lives, when in conflict with sin, we are like an infantry foot-soldier facing a tank. We are not equipped to win the battle. But when we trust in the power of the living God at work in us, we can say and do anything God asks of us and do so with confidence and authority. It's like equipping that infantry solder with a shoulder-fired anti-tank missile. We can turn and begin to live as God intended us to live -- with complete dependence on His strength.

Just listen to some additional Scripture verses that speak of God's strengthening presence. "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his spirit in your inner being" (Ephesians 3:16 NIV). "May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God the Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word" (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 NIV). "My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word" (Psalm 119:28 NIV).

Our lives are often cluttered with rule books, but we seldom get instructions on how to follow the rules. But God is different. He not only gives us His rules and guidelines, but remains with us each day and gives us understanding and strength to help us live according to those rules. All we must do is listen to God's instructions and rely on His strength to help us follow them.

Soldiers of Christ, arise.

And put your armour on.

Strong in the strength which God supplies

Of his eternal son.

Charles Wesley, Hymns and Sacred Poems

Love, Jerry & Dotse

Presence (2), God's Guiding

Chuckle: I was so depressed last night thinking about the economy, government, healthcare, real estate prices, the stock market, the federal deficit, Iraq, Afghanistan, global warming, my savings, Social Security, credit card debt, I called the Suicide Hotline. I got a call center in Pakistan... told them I was suicidal. They got all excited and asked if I could drive a truck. . . .!!

Great Quote: "I have so much to do that I must spend the first three hours of each day in prayer." --Martin Luther

GOD'S GUIDING PRESENCE

"If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me" (Psalm 139:9-10 NLT).

In our last lesson, we considered God's omnipresence -- universal presence. God's Spirit is everywhere in His creation all the time. Once we accept this amazing attribute of Almighty God, it stands to reason that His ever-present Spirit is capable of guiding us and showing us His way through the troubles and difficulties of our daily lives.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend upon your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths. Don't be impressed with your own wisdom" (Proverbs 3:5-7 NLT).

Many of us Christians try to work through the challenges that beset us by relying upon our own strength and reasoning. Then when we fail miserably in solving the problem or in making the right decision, in desperation, we turn to God for His instruction and guidance. I must admit to having this problem from time to time. The first question many of us ask when facing difficult decisions is, "how am "I" going to get out of this mess?" But the first question we ask should be directed to God: "Lord, I don't know how to handle this; will you please give me your wisdom and guidance to help me deal with this situation?"

Jesus said, "But when he, the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth" (John 16:13 NIV). Here, Jesus is saying the Holy Spirit will guide us into the truth about Himself. However, the Spirit also helps us to discern right from wrong -- if we practice patient persistence in seeking His guidance. To reap the benefits of God's guiding presence, we must seek God's will in everything we do.

An aircraft pilot was following a major highway and observing the traffic below. He saw one driver attempting to pass a large truck, but because of oncoming traffic, over and over again, he was forced to retreat. The pilot, being able to see several miles down the highway, thought to himself, "If I could only talk to the driver, I could tell him when and where to pass."

God, of course, is the ultimate Pilot and his perfect knowledge is exactly what we need to guide our lives. Prayer is how we talk to God, and when we learn to listen to his responses, we will find the guidance we seek. --Illustrations for Biblical Preaching, Edited by Michael P. Green

Love, Jerry & Dotse

Presence (1), God's Universal

Chuckle: His wife's graveside service was just finished when there was a tremendous bolt of lightning followed by loud clap of thunder. The old man calmly said to the pastor, "Well, she has arrived!"

Quote: “Meditation is one of the most secret, most sacred doors through which we pass into the presence of the Lord.” --David Oman McKay

GOD IS EVERYWHERE

I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! (Psalm 139:7 NLT).

As a child, I remember being quite pleased with my ability to hide from my parents, especially when I didn't want to be caught doing something wrong. I knew that if they couldn't see me or hear me, I could pretty much do what I wanted without fear of being held accountable. Of course, I was quite often amazed at how adept my parents were at seeing through my angelic veneer and knowing by looking at me that I had been up to no good. Perhaps it was that pesky guilty look which I couldn't control.

If we have difficulty hiding from our parents or others, how much more futile it is to think we can hide from God. The universal presence of God is wonderful news for those who know Him and love Him, and we take comfort in knowing He is always with us to help us deal with life's difficulties. But for those who live in a state of disobedience to God, His presence can be seen as a threat to their independence and freedom to do anything their unregenerate minds might conceive. Whether we like it or not, God's Word is replete with references to the omnipresence of God in the person of His Holy Spirit. When you think about it, a god that is not omnipresent isn't God at all.

The Holy Spirit of God may be found everywhere. However, it's one thing to say God is everywhere at one time; and another all together to say God is everywhere all the time. His Spirit brings God's presence to every part of creation all the time. We should remember that the Spirit is not a creation of God, but rather His divine presence within which human beings always exist. The Spirit is God's presence in His world and He is aware of everything that happens in the world.

The Bible tells us that not only does the Holy Spirit exist everywhere, and He even resides within us if we belong to God through faith in Jesus Christ. We are also told that He will convict us of our sin, woo us to Himself by His love, and remind us of all the teachings of Jesus. "When he (the Spirit) comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness" (John 16:8 NIV). "the Holy Spirit will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have said to you" (John 14:26 NIV). I pray that you take comfort from knowing that God's presence is always with you no matter where you are or what you are doing.

Love, Jerry & Dotse

Religious Christians

Chuckle: "When I was in the seventh grade, I once made an F plus on an English paper. F plus!! I failed alright, but obviously, I was good at it!"

Quote: "Let us beware of becoming so broadminded that we are unable to enter the narrow gate." --William Arthur Ward

RELIGIOUS CHRISTIANS

"The disciples were called Christians (Christ-ones) first at Antioch" (Acts 11:26 NIV). "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world" (James 1:27 NIV).

As a Christian, do you consider yourself religious? To be religious is to practice our Christian faith by carefully showing a strong adherence to the tenets of our faith -- living out each day what we say we believe. This includes both authentic worship of our Lord as well as acts of service and ministry to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of others. To claim to be a Christian without being religious is a contradiction.

Why is it important that we think about this? Well, I continue to read about people who want to be identified as Christians but without being labeled as "religious." To be identified as religious has taken on a negative connotation in the minds of some people. They see Christians as mean-spirited, judgmental, critical, condemning, and with a battle mentality of "them" and "us." And they want to be seen as more tolerant, loving, caring, and understanding of others who do not share our beliefs.

In an effort to be seen as tolerant and politically correct, some "Christians" are becoming more accepting of adulterous relationships, the homosexual lifestyle, same sex marriages, abortions, and other behaviors that are contrary to the teachings of God's Word. They have a hard time dealing with the truth that sin is sin, no matter how we try sugar-coat it or try to make it into an acceptable lifestyle. In the political realm, some want to be "Christian" without being labeled as part of the Religious Right. But politics aside, to claim to be a Christian without being religious and living by the teachings of God's Word is to not be Christian at all.

We can stand firmly for our Christian beliefs without being mean-spirited and judgmental. But to compromise our beliefs for the sake of political correctness is to deny who we are in Jesus Christ. Jesus warns us that when we stand for Him, without compromise, we will be criticized, marginalized, and otherwise persecuted. "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering . . . If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name (Christian)" (1 Peter 4:12, 14, 16 NIV).

So, the question for us is, how can we stand firm in Christian beliefs while presenting the gospel message in a loving, caring, and Jesus-like way -- in a way that makes Christianity attractive to people who are searching for meaning in life? "And if you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But you must do this in a gentle and respectful way" (1 Peter 3:15b-16a NLT). I believe God would have us demonstrate that having Christ as our Savior and Lord has transformed our lives and has a positive impact on the way we think, speak, and act.

 

Love, Jerry & Dotse

Prayers and Wives

Chuckle: "You shouldn't criticize your wife's judgment -- look who she married."

Quote: "Marriage is not finding the person whom you can live with, but finding that person you cannot live without." --Howard Hendricks

PRAYERS AND WIVES (Loving husbands make loving fathers)

". . ., you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat her with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker (physically) than you are, but she is your equal partner in God's gift of new life. If you don't treat her as you should, your prayers will not be heard" (I Peter 3:7 NLT).

If you are a husband, I hope you see your wife as the God-given treasure that she is and treat her accordingly. In Scripture, there are numerous passages that teach husbands to treat their wives with love, honor, respect and kindness. "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church, and gave himself for her . . . Husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself . . . , and each wife must respect her husband" (Ephesians 5:25, 28, 33 NIV).

At the time of this writing by the apostles Peter and Paul, women were often treated as property and were mistreated and abused. 2000 years later, we still hear of husbands mistreating their wives in horrible and cruel ways. The number of battered and abused wives is staggering in our society. Christian husbands have a responsibility not only to our wives but to God to treat our wives with love and respect. You should be sensitive to her needs, and relate to her with courtesy, kindness, consideration, insight, and tact. Otherwise, God will not hear your prayers.

Let's address this concept with this question: Have you ever tried to pray when you have treated your wife unkindly and were angry with her? While in such a state of mind, I suspect praying is the last thing you feel like doing. But if you try to pray, you probably feel as if your prayers are bouncing off the ceiling and going nowhere. If you don't feel like praying, it's not surprising that God doesn't feel like listening. For our worship through prayer to be acceptable to God, we must live in harmonious relationships with others, especially our wives. Life is short and the years husbands and wives have together are extremely precious. Let's treat our wives in such a way that we will not experience regret and guilt later on.

Thomas Carlyle paid many pathetic post-mortem tributes to his deceased wife, whom he sometimes neglected in life. In his diary there is what has been called the saddest sentence in English literature. Carlyle wrote: "Oh, that I had you yet for five minutes by my side that I might tell you all."

Although this message has been primarily for husbands, you wives are not off the hook. Scripture teaches that wives are to love and respect their husbands, as well. In a home where both the husband and wife genuinely love each other, value each other as God's special gifts, and treat each other with respect, children can grow up with an understanding of wholesome husband and wife relationships.

Love, Jerry & Dotse

Prayer: Keep on Knocking

Chuckle: Preacher: "Jimmy, do you say your prayers at night?" Little Jimmy: "Yes, Sir." Preacher: "Do you say your prayers in the morning, too?" Jimmy: "No, Sir. I ain't scared in the daytime!"

Quote: "Prayer is not conquering God's reluctance, but taking hold of God's willingness." --Phillip brooks

KEEP ON KNOCKING

"Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking (seeking) and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened" (Matthew 7:7 NLT).

During his discourse in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5-7), Jesus instructs us on the need for persistence in our prayers. We are never to stop asking, seeking, and knocking at the door of God's throne of grace. Disciples are followers and learners of Christ, and, as such, we are to be constantly allowing him to teach us and help us grow into spiritual maturity. There are three truths from this verse that we should never forget.

1. We are Christ's disciples. As such, we should be perpetually committed to Him with an insatiable desire to learn from Him. This means we are willing to adjust everything else in our lives in order to please Him and grow stronger in Him. Nothing should take precedence over our desire to become more like Him each day.

2. Christ wants kingdom commitment. The overall theme of the Sermon on the Mount is God's kingdom. "Seek first his (God's) kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things (physical needs) will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:33 NIV). Sometimes we may commit ourselves to our church, our Bible study class, or to a project to help others. These are well and good, but God wants us to seek him first and commit ourselves to a personal love relationship with him. Once such a relationship is established, God knows our faithfulness in service to Him and others will follow because of the condition of our hearts. To commit to his work without a commitment to Him and His kingdom results in drudgery, but commitment to Him first makes our service pure joy.

3. Christ wants us to persist in asking, seeking, and knocking. In the same way, we eventually react favorably to the requests of a persistent child, God honors our persistence with Him. "Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up" (Luke 18:1 NIV). Jesus assures us that we will be rewarded for our persistence. Continue to ask God for more knowledge, patience, wisdom, love, and understanding. He will give them to you.

Asking suggests dependence; seeking suggests yearning; knocking suggests persistence. When we ask, seek, and knock, as believers, we must keep in mind that we should only pray for those things consistent with Christ's character. If we keep this in mind, we will not pray selfishly, but with God's will and the good of His kingdom in uppermost in our minds.

Love, Jerry & Dotse

Prayer, Our Spiritual Breath

Chuckle: A lady stopped for speeding was asked to show her driver’s license. She replied, “Yesterday you took my license, now you expect me to show it to you!”

Quote: "For the Christian, praying should be like breathing. Just as breathing is the response of physical life to the presence of air, so prayer should be the response of spiritual life to the presence of God." –Unknown source

PRAYER: OUR SPIRITUAL BREATH

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 NIV).

In the same way that we continually breathe physically, God would have us to continually breathe spiritually through prayer. Prayer is not just a spiritual exercise, or keeping up appearances before others, or a shot in the dark -- hoping God may hear. No, prayer is conversing with your Heavenly Father in the same way you might talk with your earthly father. Your prayers are meant for His ears only and reveal the very essence of your being -- the deepest recesses of your heart.

Our joyfulness, prayerfulness, and thankfulness should be continuous and should not ebb and flow with changing circumstances in our lives. You breathe physically through every situation, good or bad, and do not stop breathing when you have a physical crisis. No, your oxygen flow becomes even more critical during difficult times. Likewise, we need spiritual breath at all times. Obeying the instructions in our passage -- be joyful, keep on praying, and be thankful -- often goes against our natural inclinations. However, when we make a conscious decision to do what God says in reference to prayer, we will find it much easier to be joyful and thankful.

Obviously, we cannot spend all our time on our knees in prayer, but it is possible for us to have a prayerful attitude at all times. It happens when your walk with your Lord becomes so close and intimate that you sense his presence with you every second of every day. His Holy Spirit's presence becomes an extension of you own -- like you becoming one with him. Once we reach this kind of relationship with God, it makes good sense that we converse with him continually.

Prayer can become as normal as breathing when we acknowledge our dependence on God, realizing his presence within us, and determine to obey him fully. Praying will then become natural, frequent, short, and spontaneous. One way to describe this concept is "breath prayers." As you think about your Lord during your daily activities, and as you breathe, you can use your inhalations as reminders to hear God speak to you and your exhalations as reminders to speak to God concerning the desires of your heart. For example: As you exhale, praise God for his boundless love; and as you inhale, hear him say, "I love you and am with you always." In other words your physical breathing can remind you to breathe spiritually.

One final thought: A continuous prayerful attitude should not replace regular times of prayer and meditation on God's Word, but be an outgrowth of regular times with God.

Love, Jerry & Dotse

Depraved Generation

Chuckle: "Two lawyers walked into the office one Monday morning, talking about their weekends. "I got a dog for my kids this weekend," said one. The other replied, "Good trade."

Quote: "You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person." Unknown Author

A DEPRAVED GENERATION

"The human heart is most deceitful and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? But I know! I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve" (Jeremiah 17:9-10 NLT). "Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, . . ." (Philippians 2:14-15 NIV).

The word "depraved" means totally wicked. It describes the condition of the human heart without the transforming work of the Holy Spirit through faith in the atoning blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ. When used in a Biblical sense, it implies that there is absolutely nothing we can do, in our own strength, to make ourselves less depraved. Most of us would agree that we live among people of a depraved generation. When I read the paper or hear the news, I'm amazed and appalled by the utter wickedness within the human heart. We sometimes forget how evil the world really is.

Paul admonished the Christians at Philippi to be different and "shine like stars in a universe" (Philippians 2:15 NIV), while living in an otherwise evil generation of people. Paul's words remind me of the prayer of Jesus to his Father: "My prayer is not that you take them (his followers) out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one . . . As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world" (John 17:15-18 NIV). God does not want us to blend in with the world, but he wants us to stand out as different even while we remain in the world as his messengers and ambassadors.

Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, says we are to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world to those around us. He goes on to say a light should be put on a stand so that its light can shine for all. "In the same way, let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16 NIV).

When we blend in with the depraved crowd, we hide the light of Christ that has been entrusted to us. Here are some ways we hide our light: (1) by being quiet when we should speak, (2) going along with the sinful ways of the crowd, (3) denying Jesus, the true Light, (4) letting sin dim our light, (5) not explaining our light to others, or (6) ignoring the needs of others.

Let's face it, a Christian has influence, either positive or negative. We must not hide from the world but let our influence count for Christ in such a way that God will get the glory for all the good we do. We should be a beacon of truth -- and not allow our light of Christ be hidden from the rest of the world.

Love, Jerry & Dotse

Christians are Baptized, Part 3

Chuckle: In a Veterinarian's waiting room, a sign read: "Be back in 5 minutes. Sit! Stay!"

Good Quote: "Baptism is not an option for believers. It is included in Christ's Great Commission." --Wade Armstrong.

BAPTISM DEMONSTRATES OUR FAITH:

Jesus said, "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven." (Matthew 10:32 NIV).

This is the final message of my three-part series on baptism. We find in Acts 2:41 that “Those who accepted Peter’s message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.” The new believers publicly demonstrated their faith by being baptized.

In the early church, and today, when a person is baptized, he/she is demonstrating his/her relationship to our risen Lord. By following our Lord in believer's baptism, you are saying to others, "I'm humbling myself and publicly displaying my faith no matter what others may say or do."

We're advertising our relationship to Christ when we experience believer's baptism. We are showing how God's love reached down from a bloody cross, how Christ arose from the dead that first Easter morning, and how God changed our lives by His grace through our faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. After we have received Christ, we are baptized ". . . in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit," as Jesus commanded in Matthew 28:19 NIV.

"We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. The man who says, 'I know him" but does not do what he commands is a liar and the truth is not in him'" (I John 2:3-4 NIV).

Baptism tells the story of our salvation. “It tells the story of death to an old way of life and resurrection to a new way of life. Baptism is our way of breaking with the old world and stepping forth into a new life-style under God." -- James T. Draper

What joy there is in obedience -- doing what God has commanded us. Have you experienced the joy of salvation by being born again spiritually, and have you obeyed His command by being baptized as a public expression/symbol of your faith? I pray you have and that you are experiencing His joy and His peace that transcends all understanding.

Love, Jerry & Dotse

Christians are Baptized, Part 2

Chuckle: When my grandson Billy and I entered our vacation cabin, we kept the lights off until we were inside to keep from attracting pesky insects. Still, a few fireflies followed us in. Noticing them before I did, Billy whispered, "It's no use, Grandpa. The mosquitoes are coming after us with flashlights."

Quote: “The truth of Scripture is you should be baptized as a confession of faith as soon as possible after conversion.” --O.S. Hawkins

BAPTISM EXPLAINS OUR SALVATION

". . . that Christ died for our sins . . was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures" (I Corinthians 15:3-4 NIV).

Baptism explains how God saves us. That's the good news/gospel - the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. When we are baptized, we are picturing what Christ did to grant us forgiveness of sin and eternal life. That's why the when is so important. We are baptized when we can say "I've trusted Christ to forgive me and save me."

Baptism has no meaning if we do it before we receive salvation through faith. That's why there is no mention of infant baptism in the New Testament. This is not to criticize or condemn those who practice infant baptism. I'm sure these are meaningful experiences to those involved. However, the baptism of the New Testament is always believer's baptism that pictures Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection by which we are saved.

How we are to be baptized is clear in Scripture. The very word, "Baptize," means to plunge, immerse, dip, submerge, or put under. But some don't think it's important to be immersed. However, how we are baptized is important because it pictures our faith - our own death to sin, burial of that former way of life, and our resurrection to a new life in Christ. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come" (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV).

Logistically, it is a more convenient to baptize in other ways, however, the picture in Scripture is always immersion. If we say it's not important how we are baptized, we are saying that the instructions in God's Word are not important.

Romans 6:4 says, "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." Baptism is a beautiful picture of what Jesus did for us as well as what happened to us when we received Christ as Savior and Lord -- when we were born again by the Holy Spirit.

Love, Jerry & Dotse

Christians are Baptized, Part 1

Chuckle: Students were asked what they would change about their moms. One little girl answered: "I'd make my Mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me."

Quote: “Baptism is our public break with the world. It is the public expression of our commitment to Jesus Christ.” –James T. Draper

CHRISTIANS ARE IDENTIFIED BY BAPTISM

Jesus said, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:19-20 NIV).

These words of Jesus were among His last here on earth and are eternally significant. This "Great Commission" is our marching orders as Christians. That's what the church is to be about - bringing people to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ – making disciples. In essence, Jesus said, "As they place their faith in me, baptize them and teach them." Then He promised to be with us to the very end. In the next three lessons, we will examine baptism, one part important part of the "Great Commission." Jesus said we are to baptize those who have become believers/followers.

First, Baptism is a Mark of identification with Christ. Jesus identified with us by His baptism by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13-17). He had travelled (walked) from Nazareth (60 miles) to where John was baptizing. When he arrived John said to Jesus, "I should be baptized by you." John had been baptizing repentant sinners - symbolizing their repentance. Jesus had no sin - so John thought He didn't qualify to be baptized. Jesus said, "Let it be so now; . . to fulfill all righteousness." (Matthew. 3:15). Jesus was telling John that he had a purpose in being baptized.

Jesus' testimony is found in Luke 3:21 NIV: "When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: 'you are my Son, whom I love; and with you I am well pleased.'" This is the only time in the New Testament where all three members of the Triune Godhead were present and interacting. The Son was baptized - the Holy Spirit descended - God the Father spoke. God was saying baptism is very important for believers.

Second, we identify with Christ in baptism. In Acts 18:8 NIV, ". . and many of the Corinthians who heard (Paul) believed and were baptized." Believe and then be baptized – this is always the order - receive Christ then be baptized – become a Christian then be baptized. Baptism is a fundamental personal confession of our faith in Christ. Jesus began his ministry by being baptized, and ended it by telling us to be baptized. You may ask, "But Jerry, is baptism really necessary for salvation - to go to heaven?" No, you are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Eph. 2:8-9).

There are two extreme positions on baptism; those who believe baptism is necessary for salvation - and those who believe baptism is insignificant and it doesn't really matter if, how, when, or where, it is done. My personal interpretation of Scripture is that baptism is not essential for salvation, but is essential as an act of obedience and discipleship - taking your relationship with Jesus seriously. It's a public testimony of your identity with Christ. Baptism is a deeply personal, meaningful, and spiritual experience for the Christian. Its importance should never be minimized. The Bible says every born again believer should be baptized. Perhaps that's why John wrote in I John 2:6, "Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus walked." Do as Jesus did.

Love, Jerry & Dotse

Christians Have Been Born Again (2)

Chuckle: After her first week of school, a little girl said to her mother, I'm wasting my time. "I can't read, I can't write and they won't let me talk!"

Good Quote: “Salvation is the work of God for man; it is not the work of man for God.” --Lewis Sperry Chafer

CHRISTIANS HAVE BEEN BORN AGAIN, Part 2

Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again" (John 3:3 NIV).

Let's continue our study of Jesus' words: "You must be born again" (John 3:7). The first mark of a Christian is a genuine spiritual birth into God's kingdom/family. Unless you have met Jesus Christ in the sense that he has made you alive spiritually as your physical birth made you alive physically, the Bible says you are spiritually dead. It takes a miracle to impart spiritual life. "God made us alive even when we were dead in our transgressions, and raised us up with Christ" (Ephesians 2:4 NIV). God raised Jesus from physical death and the same Holy Spirit raises us from spiritual death.

"A little girl had poor eyesight from birth. After surgery to restore her sight, she went outside and looked up. She said, "what has happened to the sky?" Nothing, her parents said. "The moon and stars have always been there - you just couldn't see them."

After the new birth, being born again, you see things differently; the world, the Bible. We begin to see things as God sees them. So, once we become aware of our need to be born spiritually, how does God bring this new birth about? He does it by his grace and our faith. God always initiates spiritual birth and He started the whole process when, out of His love:

    1. He sent Jesus Christ to experience an agonizing death on a cruel cross as the ultimate atoning sacrifice for our sins. People have to learn the truth that Christ died to pay the penalty for their sins, and rose again on the third day to be their Savior and Lord.

    2. His Spirit convicts people of their sins and convinces them of their need to be born again. He makes me aware that I'm a sinner -- I need a Savior -- Christ died for me -- He wants to change me. I remember vividly the day I said "yes" to Jesus and asked him to come into my life to be my Savior and Lord. God initiates it. God produces it. God transforms our hearts when we, by simple repentance and faith, place our trust in Jesus Christ. Johnnie Cash tells the story of his spiritual birth.

"A few years ago, I was hooked on drugs. I dreaded to wake up in the morning. I had no peace or happiness in my life. Then one day in my helplessness I turned my life completely over to God. Now I can't wait to get up in the morning to study my Bible. Sometimes the words from Scripture just leap into my heart. This does not mean all my problems have been solved, or that I have reached any state of perfection. However, my life has been turned around. I have been born again."

Being born again is the most astounding, miraculous, and indispensable characteristic of a Christian. You cannot be a Christian without it.

Love, Jerry & Dotse

Christians Have Been Born Again (1)

Chuckle: A friend relayed to me something his boss told him prior to his getting married. He said, "look for a girl with biscuit dough on her axe handle!"

Good Quote: "The best way to control our thoughts is to offer the mind to God in complete surrender." --A. W. Tozer

CHRISTIANS HAVE BEEN BORN AGAIN, Part 1

Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again" (John 3:3 NIV). I encourage you to read John 3:1-8, 14-16.

You may remember how President Jimmy Carter created quite a stir in the media when he declared himself a born again Christian. There are Certain characteristics that identify people as authentic Christians. The first of these is that they have been born again. Nicodemus was a religious leader in Israel, but needed spiritual birth. He was a Pharisee, the most devout, and a member of the ruling 70 member Jewish Sanhedrin. Jesus said to this man, who was morally good, you must be born again. You have been born once physically -- you need to be born spiritually.

It is essential that each of us understand what Jesus means by "spiritual birth." Our eternal destiny depends upon it. Jesus is clear, "You must be born again." You must have a spiritual birth to enter heaven. With spiritual birth and nothing else you can know God and enter heaven. With everything else and no spiritual birth you cannot.

Spiritual birth is as necessary for spiritual life as physical birth is to physical life. We know each of us has been born physically because we have physical life. Jesus said in verses 5-6, "No one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water (flesh) and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh but the Spirit gives birth to spirit." You know you have been born physically because you're alive. You will know you have been born spiritually because you are spiritually alive! You have spiritual inclinations - spiritual desires - spiritual interests.

Nicodemus said, "I don't understand - How can this be?" Even physical birth is a mystery, but spiritual birth is even more so. Someone else must birth us physically but God births us spiritually. A professor told a group of freshmen: "don't ever believe anything you don't understand." This is bad advice. There are many things I don't understand, but I believe them. I don't understand how a black cow can eat green grass and give white milk, but I know it happens.

It is beyond our understanding but God can birth a sinner into an eternal relationship with himself. Jesus was saying to Nicodemus, "it takes a miracle." It takes the supernatural to bring a sinner into a saving relationship with God. This new birth is necessary because "You were dead in your trespasses and sins" (Ephesians 2:1 NIV) before you met Jesus. The physically dead, are lifeless -- no response. People who have not been born again are spiritually dead -- no spiritual response. Have you been born spiritually? Have you had two births? To be born into God's kingdom, a person must see his/her need of God. This is necessary to know God, receive forgiveness, and to experience heaven. (To be continued)

Love, Jerry & Dotse

Generosity Always Returns

Chuckle: What do you call 40 men watching the Super Bowl on TV? The Dallas Cowboys!"

Ponder this: “Love is not getting, but giving, not a wild dream of pleasure, and madness of desire— ... it is goodness, and honor, and peace and pure living.” --Henry van Dyke

GENEROSITY ALWAYS RETURNS

"Give generously, for your gifts will return to you later. Divide your gifts among many, for you do not know what risks might lie ahead" (Ecclesiastes 11:1-2 NLT).

The disastrous earthquake in Haiti a few years back brought untold death and suffering to the Haitian people. The television images of corpses in the streets and helpless victims touched the hearts of people all over the world. People gave generously of their means and many gave themselves by traveling to Haiti to help in any way they could. Some still do. God's Word teaches us to be generous to the point of personal sacrifice when we see someone in need. I am both proud and thankful that Americans and others around the globe responded to the people of Haiti in such amazing ways.

I have heard it said that when you give something away, it will always come back to you in some form. This is a paradox that makes ultimate sense to a Christian. It is a principle that God planned for His children from the beginning. Give and it will be given to you. In the same way that a moisture laden cloud releases its rain, a Christian will be so full of God's grace that he or she will joyfully and generously release and share his or her blessings.

In our passage, Solomon summarizes that life involves both risk and opportunity. He seems to be saying that by giving to others, we are preparing for uncertain risks which may come later to us. This makes sense if we accept the premise that as we give, much will be given to us in return. We must grasp the opportunity to give when it comes while we have the ability and resources to do so. By doing so, we are showing a spirit of trust and adventure. We trust the goodness of God and the truths of His Word and enjoy the adventure of seeing lives blessed by our generosity. As we give to others, we can be assured that blessings will return to us. Also, God has a way of multiplying our generosity. As you give to help someone, that person will in turn help someone else, and the cycle continues.

I'm reminded of the words of Jesus: "If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving -- large or small -- it will be used to measure what is given back to you" (Luke 6:38 NLT). As we treat others with generosity, graciousness, and compassion, these qualities will come back to us in full measure.

A well-known philanthropist was asked, "How is it that you give away so much, and yet have so much left?" "I suppose it's like this," he replied. "I shovel out, and God shovels in, and he has a bigger shovel than I do!"

Love, Jerry & Dotse