Foolishness or The Power of God?

Foolishness or the power of God, which shall it be?

What is your response to the cross of Calvary?

For every man down deep in his heart must decide,

Will the gospel be believed or denied?

 

Perhaps life’s greatest question, aimed at you and me;

Foolishness or the power of God, which shall it be?

What will we do with the Savior crucified?

Will His blood to our lives be applied?

 

Down through the ages God is longing and reaching

Every time the cross is at the center of our preaching.

Foolishness or the power of God, which shall it be?

A choice that will affect eternity.

 

A wondrous opportunity, the greatest of good news

Some will run to the altar, while others cling to the pews.

One day we’ll hang our heads in shame or rejoice eternally.

Foolishness or the power of God, which shall it be?

 

Written 11-27-09

 

 

1Corinthians  1:18  For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

1Corinthians 1:21  For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

 

Romans 1:16  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

 

Concerning Baptism In Jesus’ Name

If you don’t like long readings, do not read this post. It’s going to be lengthy. Someone recently asked a question on a blog concerning baptism, and this is designed to share the things concerning baptism that I have come to understand through studying the Scripture. I’m by no means a theologian, but I would like to share my thoughts on the subject. Here is the question that was asked.

 

How do you reconcile the words of Jesus Himself in Matthew 28:19 with baptizing a person in Jesus name?  Jesus said in Matthew 28:19, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”

 

This is a great question and one that deserves an answer. Before we look at any other Scriptures, let’s take a closer look at this verse and the verses surrounding it to clarify who Jesus is talking to here.

 

The Great Commission

 

Matthew 28:16  Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.

28:17  And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

28:18  And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

28:19  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

28:20  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

 

Jesus was speaking to his 11 disciples at this time. Judas, who was one of the original twelve had already betrayed the Lord and took his life, reducing the number of apostles from 12 to ll. Jesus tells them in verse 18 that all power is given unto him in heaven and in earth, and using His authority, He gives them a command in verse 19. These were some of the last words spoken by Jesus to His disciples before he ascended to heaven, and many refer to this as The Great Commission.  Jesus mentions in verse 19 that he wants them to teach all nations and baptize them in the “name” which is singular. Father, Son and Holy Ghost are not names but rather titles or ways in which the One true God manifested Himself.  We as humans have different roles or positions that we fill. I am a wife, mother and daughter, but that does not mean I am three persons. I am one person fulfilling different roles or relationships, and I only have one name.  I believe the apostles understood that the “name” that the Lord was referring to was Jesus, and they fulfilled this command of the Lord by baptizing in Jesus’ name.

 

I’d Rather Take The Words of Jesus

 

An argument I have heard brought up over the years by some is that they would rather take the words of Jesus in Matthew 28:19 than the words of Peter in Acts 2:38 when he told the group to whom he was preaching to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

 

The Bible states in II Timothy 3:16 ,“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: “

 

According to this verse, the words of Jesus would not carry any more weight than the words of Peter. Both were equally inspired by God as they spoke.  Jesus gave His apostles a command to teach, and he also gave them authority. Before He went to the cross, He even prayed for those in the future that would come to believe in Him through the teachings of the apostles.

 

 

In John 17 as we read about Jesus praying, we can see that he began praying for his disciples. (verse 6-20) In verse 20, Jesus mentions that He is not just praying for the disciples alone but for them which would come to believe on Him through their words.(the apostles words) John 17:20  Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

 

 

For this reason, I believe it’s important to look closely at what the apostles preached and taught, but before we do this, let’s take a look at what some of the other apostles wrote about Jesus’ last words before he ascended.

 

Mark and Luke’s Accounts

 

Mark 16:14  Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.

16:15  And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

16:16  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

16:17  And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

16:18  They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

16:19  So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.

16:20  And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

 

Here, we see again that Jesus is talking to the eleven disciples. In verse 15, he gives them the commission to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. In the next verse he tells them that he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. Believeth what? The gospel according to verse 15. In the light of verse 16, I find it hard to understand how some can say that baptism is not a part of the plan of salvation.

 

We can also read Luke’s account of Jesus’ last words to his disciples before his ascension.

 

Luk 24:33  And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, (The “they” in this verse is referring to the 2 that were on the road to Emmaus with Jesus. They had just returned and began to share with the disciples the things that had just happened to them.) While these two were speaking with the disciples, Jesus suddenly appears in the midst of them.

 

Luk 24:36  And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

 

Jesus begins to speak to them and give them some instruction.

 

 

 

Luk 24:44  And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.

Luk 24:45  Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,

Luk 24:46  And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:

Luk 24:47  And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Luk 24:48  And ye are witnesses of these things.

Luk 24:49  And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

Luk 24:50  And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.

Luk 24:51  And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.

Luk 24:52  And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:

Luk 24:53  And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.

 

Here in these verses, we can read about Jesus opening the understanding of His disciples. We do not see Jesus mentioning anything here about baptism, but take note of verse 47. Jesus tells his disciples that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name and that this should start in Jerusalem. This will be important later on in this post.

 

Before we go to the book of Acts to see what the apostles preached and to look at actual baptisms, I would like to share some Scriptures that talk about the importance of the name of Jesus.

 

That Wonderful Name

 

 

Act 4:10  Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

Act 4:11  This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

Act 4:12  Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

 

If baptism is a part of the plan of salvation, and there is salvation in the name of Jesus, then doesn’t it make sense that one would be baptized in the saving name?

 

Colossians 3:17  And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

 

We pray for our food in Jesus’ name. We pray for the sick in Jesus’ name. Why would we not want to baptize in His name?

 

Philippians 2:6  Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

2:7  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

2:8  And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

2:9  Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

 

There is no greater name than the name of Jesus. Jesus said in Matthew that all power in heaven and in earth is given unto him. There is power in the name of Jesus! Why not be baptized in His powerful, saving name?

 

The First Sermon On The Birthday Of The Church

 

We looked at the verse in Luke already where Jesus told His disciples that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations beginning at Jerusalem. This is exactly what happened in Acts the 2^nd chapter.

 

As the spirit of God began to be poured out on the day of Pentecost(verses 1-4), a curious crowd began to gather around that wanted to know what was happening. Verses 14-36 record the words that Peter began to preach to them. At the conclusion of his message there were those that were “pricked in their hearts.” They were convicted of their sin. They knew that what Peter was saying was true. They wanted to know what they should do. We can read what Peter tells them in verse 38.

 

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

 

Let’s take a look again at Luke 24:47.

 

And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

 

What were the first words out of Peter’s mouth? Repent! Then he told them to be baptized, and guess whose name they were supposed to use? Jesus! And why were they supposed to be baptized? Peter said it was for the remission of sins. Guess where this message was preached? Jerusalem! It’s all right there, and it’s what Jesus had told them to do in the book of Luke!

 

Remission of Sins

 

Hebrews 9:22  And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

 

In reading this chapter of the book of Hebrews, we can understand that Jesus through shedding His blood became the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Without the shedding of His blood, we could have no remission or forgiveness for our sins. We must have His blood applied to us in order to have remission of sins. Just how do we get His blood applied to us? I believe it happens when we are water baptized in Jesus’ name.

 

In Acts 22, Paul recounts his conversion experience, and in verse 16 tells of the words that Ananias spoke to him concerning baptism.

 

Acts 22:16  And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. Using the Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionary on e-sword(our computer Bible) I see that “wash away” in the Greek means to wash fully or have remitted.

 

Other Baptisms In The Bible

 

Believers in Samaria

 

Act 8:14  Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

Act 8:15  Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

Act 8:16  (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

 

First Gentile Believers

 

Act 10:44  While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

Act 10:45  And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Act 10:46  For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

Act 10:47  Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

Act 10:48  And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. (Jesus is the name of the Lord? –see Acts 2:36, 9:4-5)

 

Believers At Ephesus Rebaptized

 

Act 19:1  And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,

Act 19:2  He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.

Act 19:3  And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism.

Act 19:4  Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

Act 19:5  When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Act 19:6  And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

Act 19:7  And all the men were about twelve.

 

These 12 men here were disciples of John the Baptist. They had already been baptized by John. If as some say, it does not matter how we are baptized, then why did these men allow Paul to rebaptize them in the name of Jesus?

 

 

Without exception, everyone that was baptized in the Bible was baptized in Jesus’ name.  

 

I apologize for such a long post, but I really felt I had to share it. The reason why this is so important to me is that the Bible gives an exhortation in Jude 3 to “earnestly contend for the faith once delivered to the saints.” I believe baptism is part of that faith and that it is effective when it is done the way Christ and the apostle’s taught. I am in no way trying to slam anybody or be judgmental, but I just wanted to share what the Bible has to say on this subject. Aren’t you glad I didn’t delve into historical references on baptism? :-)

 

 

Better Than A Moon Walk!

American Minute with Bill Federer

July 20

“One small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind,” stated Neil
Armstrong, JULY 20, 1969, as he became the first man to walk on the
moon.

He, along with Colonel Aldrin, landed their lunar module, the
“Eagle,” and spent a total of 21 hours and 37 minutes on the moon’s
surface before redocking with the command ship “Columbia.”

Addressing a joint session of Congress, September 16, 1969, Commander
Neil Armstrong stated:

“To those of you who have advocated looking high we owe our sincere
gratitude, for you have granted us the opportunity to see some of the
grandest views of the Creator.”

Years later, April 21, 1972, Astronauts Charles Duke and John Young
also explored the moon’s surface during Apollo 16’s mission to the
rugged highlands of the moon’s Descartes region.

On June 22, 1996, Astronaut Charles Duke spoke of this experience at
a Prayer Rally during the State’s Republican Convention in Lila
Cockrell Theatre, San Antonio, Texas:

“I used to say I could live ten thousand years and never have an
experience as thrilling as walking on the moon.

But the excitement and satisfaction of that walk doesn’t begin to
compare with my walk with Jesus, a walk that lasts forever.”

 

I Want It All!

“For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God”  Acts 20:27

A pastor friend of my husbands shared the following letter which he received from a man in his church. I really appreciate the spirit of this letter.  The Bible makes mention in the book of Romans of “the goodness and severity of God”. I believe if we are really going to live the way God wants us to live, we need to have an understanding of both.  God is not only a God of love, but He is also a God of justice and judgment.  I’m thankful to have known some ministers that like the apostle Paul have not been negligent or fearful to declare all the counsel of God. May the Lord raise up more  men like this in these last days.

Dear Pastor,

Preach to me no more sermons on God’s love, unless it is accompanied by a message of His holiness.  Preach to me no more sermons of His amazing grace without mentioning from what His grace saves me.  Preach to me no more sermons of my Lord’s mercy except it be contrasted with what He would otherwise be just and righteous to do.

I cannot understand this God of love without hearing of His many other characteristics.  My God is wonderfully complex, but He has been reduced to a god of mere sentiment and romance, which god has no power to save.  Explain to me the wrathful God of the Old Testament.  Acquaint me with His jealousy; why is His Name Jealous?  When God says He “hates,” tell me what is it He despises?  Show me His anger in full that I might know the object of this anger and avoid it in my own life.  Don’t down play and trivialize His anger, I know He doesn’t change.

Show me the horrors of hell that I might truly prize my salvation and seek to share Him with others.  Teach me to be hopeful of Judgment Day but to share with those whom are lost they should greatly fear it.  Declare God’s holy commandments that I might have a portrait of His purity and holiness and conversely, that I might know what sin is.  Proclaim to me my sin—that I lie, that I cheat, that I hate and covet.  Tell me of my helplessness to keep said commandments that you might impress upon me my dire need of a Savior.

Once I have a grasp of the abomination of sin, then and only then, show me my Savior!  When I fully comprehend the depth and breadth of my personal sin, my original sin, my self-righteousness and my unbelief, then the Gospel will really be Good News!  When I realize my nakedness before God, my utter bankruptcy with respect to sin, I might esteem my deliverance utterly.  Pastor, teach me the meaning of repentance, that I might truly be forgiven.  Show me true humility that I might know its semblance.

Declare to me the offense of the cross and expound upon its meaning.  Tell me, Pastor, why does it offend?  Don’t merely tell me this is God’s love; help me to see His perfect justice in this Event.  Describe for me also the representation of His holiness and righteousness at Calvary.  Explain to me that this is what I have escaped through a life laid down for Christ; that this is the hell I deserved and instead Jesus took the punishment.  Tell me that on that day, He became sin for sinners.

Then permit me to see by example how to live for this beautiful Savior.  Help me to see in you the life of the redeemed.  Show me your love for the lost; teach me likewise how to pour out my heart for them.

Then finally, tell me of God’s wonderful love for me.  Then I think I will really understand “how great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!”  Then I know I will understand.  Then I will be truly in His loving grip.

- Anonymous

Reaping Season!

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.  Psalm 126:5,6

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.  Galatians 6:9

 

It has been evident the past few weeks at our church that we have entered into a reaping season. ( a harvest of souls!) There have been many weeks of outreach, witnessing, inviting people to church, teaching Bible studies and prayer, and I believe God is honoring the effort that is going forth. Today was a day of great joy as Bhobhi(pronounced “Bobbie”) was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of her sins. Bhobhi is one of the ladies in the Bible study that I have been privileged to teach on Tuesday afternoons. I am so excited about what God is doing in her life! Since the beginning of the month we’ve been seeing an increase of new visitors coming through our doors, many seeking God in the altars and some of them being filled with the baptism of the Holy Ghost. I give God all the glory and praise! We had a wonderful altar service today in children’s church too. Even though this is geared toward children, we have seen adults respond too and come forward and pray in the altar. One of the ladies from our church brought her mother with her today. Her mom understands some English, but speaks mostly in Spanish. At the close of the lesson in kid’s church she came forward and was praying. God really touched her, and she told her daughter later that she really felt the presence of God. At the same time, the granddaughter of this lady(her name is Sasha)was praying too. Sasha is only 5 or 6, and she has prayed up front before, but today there was a marked difference. It was beautiful and priceless to see this little girl with uplifted hands and tears streaming down her face as she worshipped God. She was very close to receiving the Holy Ghost, and I don’t think it will be long before God fills her to overflowing.

Below are some pictures from the baptism. I’m overjoyed and appreciative of what God is doing and am believing Him for even greater things. Thank you, Jesus!

Bhobhi, preparing for baptism.

Ready to go under.

Down she goes in the lovely name of Jesus!

Rejoicing!

Real Relevance

I am posting this article that my husband wrote which is on our church website. This is good food for thought.

 

Real Relevance

 

On Thursday evenings I’ve been teaching on a biblical subject that does not get a whole lot of pulpit time, by-and-large, in churches across America.  It’s a series on the subject of Holiness, Modesty and Separation from the World.  I’ve had visitors to our church remark just how difficult it is to find someone who walks the walk, rather than just talks the talk.  Frankly, it should not be that way in the Church.  I trust that they got a different impression from the good people at Cornerstone Pentecostal.

 

Somehow the doctrines of Holiness, Modesty and Separation from the World—which were once prominent in many church movements—have fallen away over time to the point where congregations of a mere 40 years ago would not recognize that they had any ties to their modern-day counterparts.  Some of the older folks in these congregations grieve inwardly, but have acquiesced to the onslaught of “progressives” and the latest quest for “relevance.”

 

There is a new “emerging church” (let’s leave that lower-cased, shall we), that wishes to go to great pains to try to appear “relevant” to our post-modern society.  They tell us that doctrine is not relevant. Yet Paul wrote to the young minister, Timothy to continue in the doctrine, and in doing this he would save both himself, and those who hear him (I Timothy 4:16).  Peter, Paul, John and Jude all made doctrine out to be vital—how then could it not be relevant? This emerging church tells us that holiness is quaint, and that modesty is so very, very yesterday—yet these things are dealt with repeatedly by the Apostles as essential.  “Follow…holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord,” the writer of Hebrews said (Hebrews 12:14). This emerging church is bent on replacing old meaningful songs and hymns with shallow pablum that teaches nothing.  My Bible still encourages us to be “teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.”  Yet many of these new 7-11 songs (seven words repeated eleven times ) instruct no one and have little meaning. Many of them are downright unbiblical—not just shallow.

 

So—what is so relevant about churches that teach no doctrine, sing shallow songs, exhibit no holiness and are, in almost every respect, indistinguishable from the non-Christian world around them.  My answer?  Nothing.  There is nothing relevant about them.  Without doctrine—there is no gospel (I Peter 1:25).  Without doctrine people are lost in their sins—and sins have consequences (Romans 6:23).  Of course, they downplay all sin as well.  Here is the venue: shallow “expressions of worship,” changing “Pastor Jones” to “Pastor Bob,” replacing the pulpit with a stool and a spotlight, replacing dressing up in your “Sunday best” with the rumpled look and a scruffy four-day old beard, talking instead of preaching the Word, lattes instead of altar calls and weeping in the altar—and it all leaves people with a sense that they’ve “done something good,” yet with the uncomfortable feeling that there’s something more to it than this.  I fail to see the relevance.

 

To me preaching about sin is real relevance because “all have sinned” (Romans 3:23; 5:12).  Preaching the gospel (the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ) is real relevance, because we all are in need of a Savior!  Preaching repentance from sins is relevant because Jesus said, “except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:5).  Preaching baptism in Jesus’ name (Acts 2:38; 8:16; 10:48; 19:5 and 22:16) is real relevance because “there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).  Preaching about the blood of Jesus Christ is relevant because “without the shedding of blood, there is no remission [of sins]” (Hebrews 9:22).  Preaching holiness is relevant because without holiness “no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).

 

There is nothing so relevant as meeting people at their greatest need with this unchangeable, unalterable message!   Not everyone is aware of their need of a Savior; and not everyone desires to be saved from their sin and its’ consequence—yet their need remains. Cornerstone Pentecostal Church intends to continue preaching this old-fashioned message—because it’s the only thing that works. That, my friend, is real relevance.

Lord, Please Heal Me Of My Procrastination…………

tomorrow.

A few days ago, it was one of those dark and dreary mornings. My daughter didn’t feel like doing any school work, and I didn’t feel like doing much of nothing either. She was laying across my bed when I blurted out this statement.

“Lord, please heal me of my procrastination…………….tomorrow.

The strange thing about procrastination is that it assumes there will always be a later time or a tomorrow to accomplish something. Not knowing when our time on earth will be up, we just don’t have that guarantee. I can certainly understand putting off unpleasant or frustrating tasks, like housecleaning, sorting through old mail, etc., because I do my share of it.  There is an instance of procrastination however, that I read about in the Bible that doesn’t make much sense to me.

Exodus 8:8  Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, Intreat the LORD, that he may take away the frogs from me, and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may do sacrifice unto the LORD.

8:9  And Moses said unto Pharaoh, Glory over me: when shall I intreat for thee, and for thy servants, and for thy people, to destroy the frogs from thee and thy houses, that they may remain in the river only?

And he said, To morrow. And he said, Be it according to thy word: that thou mayest know that there is none like unto the LORD our God.

Pharaoh and the Egyptians had this terrible plague of frogs in their land. Pharaoh calls for Moses and Aaron, because he knows that their God is responsible for this plague, and tells them to ask the Lord to take this plague away.  Moses responds with(my own paraphrase)”Okay, when would you like me to ask the Lord to remove the frogs from your houses and send them back to the river?” I think if I were Pharaoh, I would have screamed, “Duh, RIGHT NOW!”  What does Pharoah say? To morrow. Why put up with those lousy frogs for one more night? Maybe Pharaoh didn’t want Moses to think that him and his people were really that bad off, so he said tomorrow to seem not too desperate. I’m not really sure what to think.

I think it’s normal for all of us to procrastinate some, but I believe the Bible speaks of certain things that should not be put off until the later time.

2Corinthians 6:2

 

(AMP)  For He says, In the time of favor (of an assured welcome) I have listened to and heeded your call, and I have helped you on the day of deliverance (the day of salvation). Behold, now is truly the time for a gracious welcome and acceptance [of you from God]; behold, now is the day of salvation! [Isa. 49:8.]

 

The best time to consider and tend to the state of our eternal souls is always today. We don’t have the promise that we will have tomorrow to do this, although it is so easy to live as though we do.

Act 24:24  And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.

Act 24:25  And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.

Felix and his wife had opportunity to hear Paul preach concerning Jesus Christ, but at the conclusion of  his reasoning, Felix informs Paul that he will call for him again when he has a convenient season. I wonder if he ever had another convenient season to hear Paul or to apply the gospel to his life. The Bible does not record this happening.

Luke 12:16  And he(Jesus) spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:

12:17  And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?

12:18  And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.

12:19  And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.

12:20  But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

Luk 12:21  So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

In this parable that Jesus told, we see a man that is very industrious, working hard to make sure that he has ample storage for the abundant fruit that his land has brought forth. He decides to build bigger barns to assure that he has more room for his plentiful crop. He feels assured that with all this surplus, he will be well taken care of for years and has nothing to worry about. The problem is that he has procrastinated concerning the need of his soul and where he stands with God, and he doesn’t realize that time has run out for him. All that he has labored so hard for will now go to someone else, and what will he say when he stands before God?

I believe that once we have received Biblical salvation, there is another area in which God would like us to cease from procrastinating and that is in our efforts to reach out and share the gospel with others.

John 4:34  Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

4:35  Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

Sometimes we think of evangelism as being part of an outdoor crusade or going with a group from our church on Saturday to pass out flyers for a few hours, and reaching out to people can involve these things. However, we shouldn’t feel that we can put off our outreach efforts just because we’re involved weekly or occasionally in an organized outreach effort. If we pray and ask God to lead us, there are opportunites every day for us to be a witness to somebody. What about our neighbors, co-workers, schoolmates, grocery store checkers, bank tellers, relatives that do not know God and people we meet as we go about our daily business? Jesus said in Acts 1:8 that after we received the Holy Ghost, we would receive power to be His witnesses. I once heard a preacher say that we need to develop a mindset that wherever we go, we are a witness. I am His witness while I grocery shop. I going out to witness while I do my banking, etc. (The Lord knows I need some work in this area, and I’m glad He’s talking to me about it.)

I really don’t know how to end this post other than saying that I don’t want to be a procrastinator when it comes to doing the things that are important to God. May God help us that are striving to live for Him to order our priorities with Him in mind.

Because The Roses Smell So Good Today….

I thought I would do a reprint of a post I did last year.

 

This is the time of year when I love walking out our front door and unto the porch.  “Why?”  you may wonder.  As soon as I step out the door, I can smell the wonderful fragrance from the roses in our front yard.  It is a sweet and wonderful scent.  Isn’t it funny how smells sometimes trigger memories?  Often when I smell roses, my mind goes back to some little dolls I had as a girl.  These dolls were only about 3 inches tall and came in little heart shaped plastic bottles.  There were several varieties of these dolls called LiddleKiddles and each one smelled like a flower.  They were named after the flower whose fragrance they emitted.  We had Apple Blossom, Rosebud and Honeysuckle, but I remember that my favorite was Rosebud.  There are certain roses that smell exactly as I remember my little Rosebud smelling.

 

The other day as I was standing outside breathing in that fantastic rose scent, a thought came to my mind.  What smells good to God?  I don’t know if God dropped that question in my mind or if I’m just weird.  I’ll let you decide.  Then I thought of the term “sweet savour” that I remember reading before in the Bible.  I decided to look up this term in e-sword, and I found 44 references to it.  In the Old Testament, it’s always mentioned in reference to some kind of offering or sacrifice being given to the Lord.  In the New Testament, this term is only mentioned one time in 2 Corinthians 2:15.

 

2Corinthians 2:15  For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:

 

To make it a little easier to understand, here is the verse preceding this one and a few after it in the English Standard Version of the Bible.

 

2Co 2:14  But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.

2Co 2:15  For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing,

2Co 2:16  to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?

2Co 2:17  For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ. (bold emphasis mine)

 

 

Under the Old Testament law, the sacrifices that were offered to God according to His specifications were sweet and pleasing to Him.  I believe in The New Testament  church age that we’re living in, that as the born again church, we become living sacrifices (Romans 12:1,2)to God through which He desires to spread “the fragrance of the knowledge of him.”     This fragrance is the very aroma of Christ, and to those that receive the fragrance of this knowledge, I believe it will not only give spiritual life here but eternal life in the ages to come.

 

Maybe God was using those roses to remind me once again of my mission in life.  Dear Lord, please use me to spread your wonderful life giving aroma!

 

Edit:  Here’s a link to some Liddle Kiddles.

 

http://dollreference.com/kiddles_kologne.html

When Was The Last Time

Thursday night, we had a very good Bible study dealing with afflicting ourselves and being willing to pay the price to bring others to Jesus. I want to have a greater burden and desire to share the gospel, and while I was thinking on these things, I felt inspired to write this. May God raise up more intercessors in these last days.

When was the last time you wept for a soul

As tears from your eyes did freely flow

With agony over one’s lost condition

Of eternity without God, perdition?

 

If to win one to God is your noble goal

When was the last time you wept for a soul?

Before this great gospel we can share

We must take some time to wrestle in prayer.

 

Have you witnessed, it seems, to no avail?

Perhaps you’re lacking this thing called travail.

When was the last time you wept for a soul

With heart wrenching sobs you could scarcely control?

 

Ever take time to wonder why

Your spirit just seems so lifeless and dry?

Over this question, you may want to mull.

“When was the last time you wept for a soul?”

 

4-9-09

 

 

Psalm 126:5  Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!

126:6  He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.

 

 

James 4:9  Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.

4:10  Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

 

2Chronicles 7:14  if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

 

Romans 8:26  Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

 

“Let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God.”

Bob Pierce

Another Great Easter Lesson/Recipe For Kids

Resurrection Rolls

 

Each item represents how Jesus’ body was prepared for burial.

Ingredients:

Large Marshmallows

Melted Butter

Sugar/Cinnamon mixture

Cans of Crescent Rolls

1. Open can of crescent rolls and separate into triangles. The rolls

represent the linen wrapping used in covering the dead.

2. Dip and roll one marshmallow – representing Jesus’ body – into melted

butter. The butter represents the oils used in anointing the dead body.

3. Roll the marshmallow in the sugar/cinnamon mixture. The mixture

represents the spices used in burials.

4. Place the marshmallow in the center of the crescent triangle. Fold and

pinch the edges tight. Put each crescent-wrapped marshmallow on a

slightly greased cookie sheet. To make clean-up easier, line cookie sheet

with aluminum foil before slightly greasing.

5. Bake the rolls as directed on the package. The oven represents the

tomb.

When cooked, the marshmallow melts leaving only the puffed crescent

roll.

This demonstrates how Jesus rose from the dead. All that remained in the

empty tomb were the linen wrappings.