May 8, 2022 . . .

In Matthew 20:20-28, we learn of a special request made to Jesus by the mother of James and John. We can all appreciate that a mother typically wants what’s best for her children. In this case, she wants Jesus to give the seats on his right and left to her sons when he comes into his kingdom. Jesus quickly tells her, “Ye know not what ye ask,” and that it was not up to him to choose. Jesus came to serve. If we are to follow his example then that is what we are to do.  It was a mother’s request, not one of her sons. They would likely love those seats in his kingdom, but it would be God’s decision. Even though they tell him that they are able to drink of the cup that he will drink of, he reminds them that his Father will be the one to give that position. What about ME?? Do we say these words thinking that we are deserving of a special seat in heaven? Do we serve others as we should? Do we truly live like Jesus? Do we focus on what we need, instead of what others need? Do we want more for our children, forgetting that Jesus surely wants more for them? You have to deny yourself daily and that’s not easy. We have to be willing to take up our cross and follow Jesus (Luke 9:23).  We have to learn to SERVE and teach our children that, “When Christ is glorified, I am satisfied.” Then we won’t have to ask for a special seat in heaven, there will be a great one waiting for us.

April 24, 2022 . . .

Christ Is Risen! If these words were not true, then our faith is in vain. Read I Corinthians 15:14-20 where Paul lets the believers know that the gospel he takes to the world is true and that the consequences of it not being true would be unacceptable. When we see how the disciples suffered and were persecuted for the truth they were telling, we know that they did not suffer in vain. Great harm came to them because of their faith in the resurrected Christ. They would not likely die for a lie. As witnesses of the resurrection, the early disciples became martyrs for Christ in order to bring others into the faith. If Christ had not risen it would mean that God did not accept his sacrifice for our sins. With no resurrection there is no savior and so, because Jesus lived, we live. When you look at a gravestone, you will see “a date-a dash-a date”. The “dash” represents the life that we have lived between the two dates. What is your “dash” going to say about you? Friends, do not hesitate to be a “believer” in the resurrected Christ. He died, was buried, and rose again FOR YOU to have everlasting life (John 3:16)!

April 17, 2022 . . . .

Please read I Corinthians 15:1-4 where Paul tells us in a nutshell about the gospel and our Christian faith. He declares it and reminds the church in Corinth of what they need to know. Remember, there was no “Bible” in those days, but these letters written to the various churches were the beginning of what we share today. It was important that Jesus be buried.  As foretold in Isaiah 53:5-9, He would be wounded, as a lamb to the slaughter, judged, die for our sins, and be buried with the rich. Jesus was laid in a tomb hewn in stone, as was the custom of the rich, given by a good and just man, Joseph of Arimathaea (Luke 23:50-56). It amazes us how God fulfills His plan through human decisions. Without the burial of Jesus, He would not have risen from the dead. Jesus is the first fruits of the Resurrection . . . to be raised and to never die again. And, He has given us the same opportunity. Praise the Lord! It really is “THE BEST NEWS EVER!”

April 10, 2022 . . . . .

During this Easter season, we are reminded of a sorrowful yet glorious time in the Christian year. The sorrow of seeing our Christ on the cross is not easy, but it is necessary for the glory to come. Read these passages to hear the last words of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ: Luke 23:34, 43, & 46, John 19:26, 27, 28, & 30, Matthew 27:46. What do you hear? Jesus asks God to forgive “them”. Friend, we are ALL are “them”. You hear Him tell the “believer” that hangs beside Him that today he will be with Him in paradise. You will hear Him ask God, “Why have you forsaken me?” You will hear the human side of Jesus when He tells His disciple to care for His mother, when He “thirsts”, and when He says “It is finished” and “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit” then bows His head and dies. Yes, these words that we hear pull at our heart and often bring us to tears. Yet, because of His sacrifice for us on the cross, we have an open door to heaven where He will greet us someday with happiness and eternal joy. It wasn’t easy, but He was ready to die for us. Are you ready to die? As a believer, remember what wonderful life awaits you on the other side.  Praise God!!

April 3, 2022 . . . .

Growing up in Christ #4 . . . I John 2:12-14 . . .  In the first epistle of John, he speaks to the Christ-followers to help them see their growth in their faith. He refers to them as little children, young men, and fathers, giving them advice and nurturing their maturity in Jesus Christ. A church needs a mix of all ages, both in their spirit journey and their physical journey. John himself shows a maturity in his three epistles that he did not have in his early time of following Christ. How do we grow in Christ? First, we need to be born again. Then, realize that it takes time to grow in faith. In the beginning, we may be like a child; living by emotions, selfishness, needing self-control, like “baby Christians”.  Next, we need the nourishment found in reading and studying the Bible daily, feeding our spirit. Finally, we need to work at our walk with Jesus Christ, exercising our faith through service, leadership, discipline, and carrying out whatever we can to help others to grown in their faith. Are you a spiritual child? Are you working on spiritual growth and maturity? It takes steps to progress, grow, and mature in your faith.  Read what John has to say to us.  Remember, our goal is to become more like Jesus, more Christ-like.

March 27, 2022 . . . .

Growing up in Christ #3 . . . .

I Corinthians 12:12-13 . . . In Paul’s letter of support to the church in Corinth, he explains the next step after baptism. That step is for the people to recognize their spirit baptism as becoming one body in Christ with many members called the church. Throughout the world, the church in its greatest sense is one body and every member is important. There are several passages that you can read in the Bible that confirm this including: Corinthians 1:1, Galatians 1:1-2, Ephesians 1:1, Philippians 1:1, Colossians 1:1, and Thessalonians 1:1. Paul writes letters to support the local groups of people in the churches. A local church is a group of Christ followers who have come together for worship and to help make their relationship stronger with Christ. In Acts 2 we see the beginning of the church, how it grew every day as the apostles baptized and continued in the doctrine of fellowship, prayers, and the breaking of bread (communion).  Friends, here is food for thought . . . TV sermons may give you Biblical lessons, but they don’t give you hugs, taking of communion, and the type of personal spiritual support that we all need. Galatians 6:1-2 tells us to help those who are overtaken in a fault to restore their faith and to “bear one another’s burdens”. The church is not an “it” . . . but is an “us”. Jesus gave us the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20. If you are ready to become a part of Christ’s family you can join the church through baptism, by transfer of membership, or by statement of faith. The time is NOW. Are you ready?

March 20, 2022 . . . . 

Growing up in Christ #2 . . . .

As Baptists, we believe in following the Word of God as found in the Holy Bible. In the New Testament, there are many stories of early Christians turning to Christ and then being baptized. Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River to set an example for us. He did not need to be saved as He is the Holy Son of God. For us, though, it is an act that we need to complete to show that we have turned our life over to God. It is a Spiritual Baptism that takes place in our heart.  Baptism is not for the remission of sins, but is symbolic of our commitment to turn over our life to walk with Jesus. Scripture is filled with examples of baptism and there are many benefits of baptism. 1.) In Mark 1:9-11Jesus is baptized to give us an example of what we need to do and to begin His ministry. 2.) Early Christians were also baptized when they accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. See the story of Cornelius in Acts 10. After listening to Peter and receiving the Holy Spirit, they were all baptized showing that they were identified with Jesus Christ.  In Acts 16:25-34 we see the story of the prison guard turning his life over to Christ and then being baptized. In Acts 8:26-40 we find the story of the eunuch who turned to Jesus Christ after Philip reminded him of Old Testament prophecy, and then being immediately baptized. Baptism is not the beginning of our life with Christ, but belief in Jesus Christ as our Savior is the prerequisite. 3.) Matthew 28:18-20 Fulfillment of the great commission. 4.) Colossians 2:11 Being symbolically sealed in the covenant with God. Baptism says, “I have been saved and am in God’s family. 5.) Romans 6:1-11 Baptism by emersion is symbolic of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We die to the old man and are born again in a life to the new. So, as we read the Word, we believe that baptism is by emersion if we follow in the way of the early Christians and as Christ showed us. It's the next step after we leave our old life and is a symbol of the new life that we have already accepted through Jesus Christ.

March 13, 2022 . . . .

Growing Up in Christ #1…. In Ephesians 2:1-10 Paul reminds us that we ALL have sinned, fallen out of God’s grace, and walked according to the ways of this world. However, once again we see a “But God” moment that, by His great love for us, renews us and brings us back to Him through the gift of Jesus Christ. We cannot save ourselves. Our spiritual life begins with Jesus Christ as we are “born again” into a faithful follower and servant of our Lord.  Don’t be confused. Baptism does not save you, but it is a sign of maturity and it identifies us. Like babies, we inevitably grow into adults. As spiritual beings, our spiritual needs grow also. Since Genesis, mankind has made excuses and blamed others for our sins. It’s a part of our “human” nature. Physically, we may be born in sin, but we are “still-born” spiritually. The sinner’s prayer, cleaning up our habits, and just “doing good” does not save us.  It is the Holy Spirit that makes us new spiritually. Have you been truly “born again” and grown up yet?

February 27, 2022 . . . .

In the Old Testament, the first chapter of Daniel, verses 1-8, we see how Daniel responded when he and other young men were brought to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar after his victory in conquering Judah. The king only wanted the most perfect men so that he could transform them for three years into the culture of Babylon, thereby enslaving them as eunuchs to follow Babylonian ways and serve the king. Verse 8, “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself” with the meat and wine that was offered. He stayed strong in his commitment to God to follow the ways that God had given His people.  Though he could have faced severe punishment and even death, Daniel did not bend. Even later in his life at the age of 85, Daniel continued to worship God in defiance of a decree that landed him in the lion’s den. And we know that God protected Daniel for his faithfulness. It’s a magnificent story of Daniel’s lifelong commitment to God. How do we respond when faced with the pitfalls and temptations of life today? When our minds are spinning, we need to stay firm in our commitment to God. Serving God is not just a one-time event . . . it is a lifetime. No matter how earthly focus may change, as Christians, our focus should ultimately stay on Jesus Christ and His kingdom. Remember, in everything that happens, God is in control. Build lifetime habits NOW. Then, you will know how to respond when faced with the trials that life will undoubtable send your way and let Jesus Christ be your foundation.

February 20, 2022 . . . . .

In the Old Testament, Leviticus, Chapter 18, has several verses in which God tells Moses His expectations for the people’s conduct, in particular their sexual conduct. He makes it clear what is not acceptable. In today’s world, many people have ignored those expectations and come to accept that which is unacceptable according to God. Was God saying these things only to the Israelites or do they also apply to us today? As followers of the New Testament, we are told to love our neighbor as ourselves in Mark 12:31. But, then in Romans Chapter 1, Paul writes that there are several things we should understand which are considered ungodliness and unrighteousness and that can invoke the wrath of God. There are two sides to God, one that loves the faithful and one that punishes sin. Romans 3:23 reminds us that “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” That is why He sent Jesus Christ to us. I Corinthians 6:9-11 reminds us that, as sinners, we can be washed, sanctified, and justified by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. Our world has made us believe our sins are not our fault, but are the fault of other’s influence on us. How do I stop sinning? The answer is Jesus Christ who can fix whatever we are doing wrong. Confess to God and ask Him to help you. Pray that God helps you love Him more than the addictions with which you are struggling. Be honest with yourself, pray for each other, and confess your sins. Say to God the words in Psalm 51:10 “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” And then follow through with what you know He would have you do.