We know that the "Great Commission tells us to baptize in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Ghost. In the book of Acts Peter baptizes in the "Name of Jesus."
Peter was never rebuked for baptizing in Jesus name therefore it was not wrong in the eyes of God. So why don't we? Why don't baptist baptize in the name of Jesus? Why do we lift our hand and say the words we say? Why not just say, "We baptize you in the Name of Jesus?"
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
“The Secret of Success”
“Then he answered and spake unto me saying, This is the Word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of host.”
Zechariah 4:6
This is not the world’s way of doing things, but in the end it’s the only one that matters. Opinion polls. Marketing strategies. Ten-year plans. Perk charts. Wiring diagrams.
Those are what make for “success,” according to the shakers-and-makers in this world. In fact, these professional gurus have demonstrated great abilties in developing products that will appeal to their target group according to studies and trends.
Sadly, more and more churches (and Christians) are buying into these strategies these days.
For some reason old-fashioned preaching of the Gospel just doesn’t seem to cut it in our always on the go and short attention crowds and the “It’s all about me” generation.
Yet, such was prophesied as we near the time of Christ’s Return (II Tim. 4:3-4). Even so, we should not be deterred from the truth of Gods word. His Word is changeless. And, His Way of doing things also doesn’t change. It is the true and Holy way.
Look at God’s words to Zerubbabel (and us) once again: “Not by might or power”—not by physical strength, clever persuasion, bombs, bullets, missiles, troop strength, financial resources, etc.
“But by My Spirit”—only that which is God-initiated, God-designed, God-sanctioned and God-anointed will pass through the fires of Judgment; all else will fall to “rust, rot and robbers” (Mt. 6:19-21).
That’s why it’s important for us to remember this when we’re attempting to do anything for the Lord God. Only that which has God’s stamp of approval will succeed when everything else has failed (Mt. 6:33).
So, the question is “What am I attempting for God that is impossible to accomplish without His help?” Or, “If what I’m doing suddenly ceased, would others notice or care—i.e., is it really making any eternal impact and difference at all?”
Tough questions, aren’t they? But questions that must be honestly asked if we’re to ensure our “labor has not been in vain” when we pass from this walk of life (I Cor. 9:27; 15:10, 58; Phil. 2:16; I Thess. 3:5).
Remember my friends, " For we must all stand before the judgment seat of Christ and give an account of the things done in this body wheither they be good or bad." What he we stood before him even today? How would you stand? What words would you hear? What would you have left to throw at the precious feet of Jesus???
May we spend some time today allowing the Holy Spirit to examine what we’re doing and why. Then, may we listen to what He has to say and make whatever changes are necessary to ensure we’re “walking in the Spirit” (Rom. 8:1) and operating in His Strength, not our own.
Zechariah 4:6
This is not the world’s way of doing things, but in the end it’s the only one that matters. Opinion polls. Marketing strategies. Ten-year plans. Perk charts. Wiring diagrams.
Those are what make for “success,” according to the shakers-and-makers in this world. In fact, these professional gurus have demonstrated great abilties in developing products that will appeal to their target group according to studies and trends.
Sadly, more and more churches (and Christians) are buying into these strategies these days.
For some reason old-fashioned preaching of the Gospel just doesn’t seem to cut it in our always on the go and short attention crowds and the “It’s all about me” generation.
Yet, such was prophesied as we near the time of Christ’s Return (II Tim. 4:3-4). Even so, we should not be deterred from the truth of Gods word. His Word is changeless. And, His Way of doing things also doesn’t change. It is the true and Holy way.
Look at God’s words to Zerubbabel (and us) once again: “Not by might or power”—not by physical strength, clever persuasion, bombs, bullets, missiles, troop strength, financial resources, etc.
“But by My Spirit”—only that which is God-initiated, God-designed, God-sanctioned and God-anointed will pass through the fires of Judgment; all else will fall to “rust, rot and robbers” (Mt. 6:19-21).
That’s why it’s important for us to remember this when we’re attempting to do anything for the Lord God. Only that which has God’s stamp of approval will succeed when everything else has failed (Mt. 6:33).
So, the question is “What am I attempting for God that is impossible to accomplish without His help?” Or, “If what I’m doing suddenly ceased, would others notice or care—i.e., is it really making any eternal impact and difference at all?”
Tough questions, aren’t they? But questions that must be honestly asked if we’re to ensure our “labor has not been in vain” when we pass from this walk of life (I Cor. 9:27; 15:10, 58; Phil. 2:16; I Thess. 3:5).
Remember my friends, " For we must all stand before the judgment seat of Christ and give an account of the things done in this body wheither they be good or bad." What he we stood before him even today? How would you stand? What words would you hear? What would you have left to throw at the precious feet of Jesus???
May we spend some time today allowing the Holy Spirit to examine what we’re doing and why. Then, may we listen to what He has to say and make whatever changes are necessary to ensure we’re “walking in the Spirit” (Rom. 8:1) and operating in His Strength, not our own.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
"Does God Still Care"
Last week we were informed through extensive tests that Clayton's bladder condition has gotten worse instead of better due to the fact his nerve ending were damaged because of his birth defect. Also the test revealed his sphincter muscle does not work at all. Due to this condition the doc told us he will be in a diaper for now on. We have gone from not cathing him at all to now cathing him every three to four hours. My wife and I watch him as he gets frustrated trying to keep up with children his age. We watch him as he tries to play tag but can't because of his lack of mobility. We watch children playing baseball, football and basketball just wishing he would have the chance to shine so bright but knowing he will never get the chance.
Yes they did inform us of the possibities of this at birth, but for the past three years things seemed to be working in his favor. None of the above traits were affecting him. Now it looks as if many of the hard to accept characteristics of children born with Spina Bifida are being seen in the life of my little man.
So why? Does God really care? Is his hand of mercy and grace still extended to my son and family? Who's fault is it? Who's sin and shame caused this frustration and pain?
John 9 teaches us of a boy born blind from birth. Many didnt understand the reason or accept him in his condition, but Christ did. Many blamed this one and that one, but Christ blamed no one. Christ even lets us know the reason for his blindness. Vs.3 "Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him." And it was.....40, 41 "And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also? Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We SEE; therefore your sin remaineth."
You see, "I know God still cares." I know, "His grace will be sufficent in every time of need." I know, "All things will work together for good to them that love God." I just pray that God will use this in a mighty way to reveal his Light just as he did with the blind man. Do I wished Clayton did not have to go through what he will have to go through for what possibly could be the rest of his life. Yes!! Do I pray for God to take this pain away? Absolutely!! Do I get down and frustrated and wish God would not have choosen me? Who wouldn't!!! But God is God and who better to trust in all things than the one who created him just as he is. Just as I have said before Clayton may be handicapped, he may be slow and face surgeries and hardships in the present and future, but he is perfect in the eyes of God. He is just the way God needs him at the moment. Who knows someone may just trust Christ as savior by watching the life of my son. That would be awesome because in the end physical disabilities will all vanish, but spiritual sickness will last throughout all eternity.
Well I guess I'm through revealing my heart. Just help to sometime air things out. Please remember us in prayer. It's a battle through this pilgrims journey, but one day soon we will all be home. "Even so come Lord Jesus."
Yes they did inform us of the possibities of this at birth, but for the past three years things seemed to be working in his favor. None of the above traits were affecting him. Now it looks as if many of the hard to accept characteristics of children born with Spina Bifida are being seen in the life of my little man.
So why? Does God really care? Is his hand of mercy and grace still extended to my son and family? Who's fault is it? Who's sin and shame caused this frustration and pain?
John 9 teaches us of a boy born blind from birth. Many didnt understand the reason or accept him in his condition, but Christ did. Many blamed this one and that one, but Christ blamed no one. Christ even lets us know the reason for his blindness. Vs.3 "Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him." And it was.....40, 41 "And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also? Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We SEE; therefore your sin remaineth."
You see, "I know God still cares." I know, "His grace will be sufficent in every time of need." I know, "All things will work together for good to them that love God." I just pray that God will use this in a mighty way to reveal his Light just as he did with the blind man. Do I wished Clayton did not have to go through what he will have to go through for what possibly could be the rest of his life. Yes!! Do I pray for God to take this pain away? Absolutely!! Do I get down and frustrated and wish God would not have choosen me? Who wouldn't!!! But God is God and who better to trust in all things than the one who created him just as he is. Just as I have said before Clayton may be handicapped, he may be slow and face surgeries and hardships in the present and future, but he is perfect in the eyes of God. He is just the way God needs him at the moment. Who knows someone may just trust Christ as savior by watching the life of my son. That would be awesome because in the end physical disabilities will all vanish, but spiritual sickness will last throughout all eternity.
Well I guess I'm through revealing my heart. Just help to sometime air things out. Please remember us in prayer. It's a battle through this pilgrims journey, but one day soon we will all be home. "Even so come Lord Jesus."
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
"He is a Great God"
“Come unto Me, all you that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28
Never has there been a simpler, more blessed invitation than this one. If we received a handwritten, special-delivery invitation today from the President we’d sit down dumbfounded, and go even if we don't care for the man.
Yet, the God of the universe has invited us to “Come unto Him,” even though He knows everything about us (Ps. 139).
Every evil thought we’ve ever had (or will have). Every sinful deed we’ve ever done (or will do). Every unloving, critical word we’ve ever spoken (or will speak).
But, He still says “Come unto Me.” The question is “Will we, like the prodigal son, arise and go” (Lk. 15:18a)?
The next question is “Who, then, is invited and what should he/she wear?” The answer is in the verse. The answer is before our very eyes. "Whosoever will may come” is implied and understood in the direct command “Come.” And, the proper attire is “Just as you are.”
Look at those words again. “All you that labor and are heavy-laden.”
It’s the picture of someone who’s been out working in the fields all day long. Their clothes are dirty and soaked in perspiration. They’re far from the desired smell of most. And, the Master knows the journey is a long one so He drives up on His wagon. . .stops with His Mercy and Grace and says to us, bent low by the burden of sin, “Come on. Hop aboard. I’ll give you Rest.” Praise the Lord!!! Did those words “And I will give you rest” sound inviting to you? In this hectic, hurry-up world we know little of this thing called “rest” anymore. From the time we get up in the morning until we collapse in exhaustion late at night we’re “go, go, go. . .hurry up and wait. . .grab a bite on the run. . .catch your breath if you can. . .and hang on for the ride.”
But, in the midst of it all, we can still have His “one-of-a-kind, indescribable Peace” (Jn. 14:27; Phil. 4:7) But there is a secret only the studier learns. So what is it? Quite simply to “take Jesus’ yoke upon us and learn of Him” (Mt. 11:29a). Why not thank Him right now?
Matthew 11:28
Never has there been a simpler, more blessed invitation than this one. If we received a handwritten, special-delivery invitation today from the President we’d sit down dumbfounded, and go even if we don't care for the man.
Yet, the God of the universe has invited us to “Come unto Him,” even though He knows everything about us (Ps. 139).
Every evil thought we’ve ever had (or will have). Every sinful deed we’ve ever done (or will do). Every unloving, critical word we’ve ever spoken (or will speak).
But, He still says “Come unto Me.” The question is “Will we, like the prodigal son, arise and go” (Lk. 15:18a)?
The next question is “Who, then, is invited and what should he/she wear?” The answer is in the verse. The answer is before our very eyes. "Whosoever will may come” is implied and understood in the direct command “Come.” And, the proper attire is “Just as you are.”
Look at those words again. “All you that labor and are heavy-laden.”
It’s the picture of someone who’s been out working in the fields all day long. Their clothes are dirty and soaked in perspiration. They’re far from the desired smell of most. And, the Master knows the journey is a long one so He drives up on His wagon. . .stops with His Mercy and Grace and says to us, bent low by the burden of sin, “Come on. Hop aboard. I’ll give you Rest.” Praise the Lord!!! Did those words “And I will give you rest” sound inviting to you? In this hectic, hurry-up world we know little of this thing called “rest” anymore. From the time we get up in the morning until we collapse in exhaustion late at night we’re “go, go, go. . .hurry up and wait. . .grab a bite on the run. . .catch your breath if you can. . .and hang on for the ride.”
But, in the midst of it all, we can still have His “one-of-a-kind, indescribable Peace” (Jn. 14:27; Phil. 4:7) But there is a secret only the studier learns. So what is it? Quite simply to “take Jesus’ yoke upon us and learn of Him” (Mt. 11:29a). Why not thank Him right now?
Monday, January 4, 2010
When to Call Upon the Lord
“When to Call Upon the Lord”
“Offer unto God thanksgiving and pay thy vows unto the most High: And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver thee and thou shalt glorify Me.”
Psalm 50:14-15
We shouldn’t wait until this time to do so, but neither should we hesitate to do so when it comes.
“Call upon Me in the day of trouble.”
Someone once cautioned the saints of God of only having “foxhole faith,” i.e., treating Him as a “God in a jam” and forgetting all about Him when things are going good. Likewise, we should also guard against never praying and just assuming He’ll always automatically “supply all of our needs according to His riches in Glory by Christ Jesus” because He promised to do so (Phil. 4:19).
The Heavenly Father loves it when we “offer unto Him thanksgiving and pay our vows unto the most High.” Truly in everything we should give thanks for this is His will for us in Christ Jesus. (I Thess. 5:18).
Yet, there are times when everything begins falling apart. It matters not if we’re regular in church, giving a tithe and offering, visiting the sick, helping the poor, etc. We enter into one of those “soggy seasons of life” (Eccl. 3:1-8) where “our tears have been our food day and night” (Ps. 42:3). Or, like Job, even though we’re spiritually mature, upright, fear God and avoid evil (Job 1:1), we still enter into a “dark night of the soul” and inwardly feel destroyed, “Man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward” (Job. 5:7).
It’s during these difficult days of “Fiery Trials” that we must call upon the Lord and know He will deliver us. And, in the process we must also “Glorify Him” in both words and deeds as others watch our suffering and struggles—knowing “all things work together for good to them who love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28).
When you feel like throwing up your hands, throw them up to God. God likes to see His people shut up to this—that there is no hope but in prayer. In prayer lies the Church’s power against the world.
But, the power for this comes from “unceasing prayer” (I Thess. 5:17) as we “humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord, submit ourselves to God by drawing near to Him and resist the devil in every way” (James 4:6-8).
None of us are immune to perplexity or finding ourselves at “Wit’s End Corner.” But, even there we know what to do: “Cry out to the Lord” (Ps. 107:28a) and know He’ll hear our cry and bring us out of our distresses as He makes the storms calm, so that the waves are still (Ps. 107:28b-29). Thank You, Lord, and thank you reader for your prayers. I need them.
“Offer unto God thanksgiving and pay thy vows unto the most High: And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver thee and thou shalt glorify Me.”
Psalm 50:14-15
We shouldn’t wait until this time to do so, but neither should we hesitate to do so when it comes.
“Call upon Me in the day of trouble.”
Someone once cautioned the saints of God of only having “foxhole faith,” i.e., treating Him as a “God in a jam” and forgetting all about Him when things are going good. Likewise, we should also guard against never praying and just assuming He’ll always automatically “supply all of our needs according to His riches in Glory by Christ Jesus” because He promised to do so (Phil. 4:19).
The Heavenly Father loves it when we “offer unto Him thanksgiving and pay our vows unto the most High.” Truly in everything we should give thanks for this is His will for us in Christ Jesus. (I Thess. 5:18).
Yet, there are times when everything begins falling apart. It matters not if we’re regular in church, giving a tithe and offering, visiting the sick, helping the poor, etc. We enter into one of those “soggy seasons of life” (Eccl. 3:1-8) where “our tears have been our food day and night” (Ps. 42:3). Or, like Job, even though we’re spiritually mature, upright, fear God and avoid evil (Job 1:1), we still enter into a “dark night of the soul” and inwardly feel destroyed, “Man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward” (Job. 5:7).
It’s during these difficult days of “Fiery Trials” that we must call upon the Lord and know He will deliver us. And, in the process we must also “Glorify Him” in both words and deeds as others watch our suffering and struggles—knowing “all things work together for good to them who love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28).
When you feel like throwing up your hands, throw them up to God. God likes to see His people shut up to this—that there is no hope but in prayer. In prayer lies the Church’s power against the world.
But, the power for this comes from “unceasing prayer” (I Thess. 5:17) as we “humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord, submit ourselves to God by drawing near to Him and resist the devil in every way” (James 4:6-8).
None of us are immune to perplexity or finding ourselves at “Wit’s End Corner.” But, even there we know what to do: “Cry out to the Lord” (Ps. 107:28a) and know He’ll hear our cry and bring us out of our distresses as He makes the storms calm, so that the waves are still (Ps. 107:28b-29). Thank You, Lord, and thank you reader for your prayers. I need them.
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