What Does Family Really Mean To Us?

It never ceases to amaze me how much family really means to us. Sometimes, it takes some absence to make us realize what we really have or are missing. The old adage often rings true: "absence makes the heart grow fonder;" but, only when there was a fondness to be missed. To me, it has become sweeter through the years to have my family closer to me, and I wonder if there is not a spiritual application to be seen in that. It seems that it is easier to be with family the more that we are with our families. We continue to grow in love toward each other.

It has been the case lately that as I study more about the family of God, I realize that it is much better for the family of God to be together than apart. The Hebrew's author wrote:

"Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:19-25, ESV)

The idea that "closeness" not absence causes the heart to grow fonder may be more appropriate and truthful. 

Consider the following words and phrases from the text highlighted above:

•   “enter” - We enter into the church by the blood of Jesus  who was sacrificed as our High Priest.
•   “draw near” - We are admonished to draw near to Him with a true heart, having been washed (cleansed) by faith and baptism.
•   “hold fast” - Cling to or hold close to the confession of our hope without doubting.
•   “stir up one another” - Provoke one another to greater things like love and good works.
•   “not neglecting to meet together” - This is where those who have entered in, drawn near, holding fast, and stirring one another have the opportunity to finally be close together in an assembly of a family worshipping together.
•   “encouraging one another” - An amazing and needed result of such closeness and assembling together is the wonderful encouragement reciprocated to each other on each occasion we come together.

I have noticed over this last year especially that each time the church comes together, whether at worship services, fellowship meals, church outings, hospital visits, in-home visits, etc., we grow closer and closer with each other and with God as a result of our mutual encouragement and provoking.  When we apply verse 24, verse 25 is never a problem for those who love the Lord and each other.

Consider also 1 John 4:7-12, ESV:

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.  Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.”

May we ever be drawn closer together with one another and to Him who first loved us.

~Wayne Rodgers

Jesus, the Master Teacher

The book of John gives some insight as to the wonderful teaching of Jesus and the reaction of those around Him.  While He taught that His doctrine was from the Father, and He spoke by His authority, notice that chapter records the responses to that authority.

There were “his brethren” that did not believe in Him (John 7:5).

Those who murmured “among the people concerning Him” (7:12) and would not speak openly “of him” (7:13).

Those who marvelled (7:15) at His knowledge of Scripture.

Those who sought to kill Him (7:25).

Those who believed on Him (7:31).

Those who sent officers to capture Him (7:32).

Those who responded: “Of a truth this is the Prophet” (7:40).

Those who responded: “This is the Christ” (7:41).

Those who questioned: “Shall Christ come out of Galilee?” (7:41).

Those who knew the Scripture concerning the Christ (7:42).

Verse 43 shows that “there was a great division among the people because of him.”  Not much has changed today.  There are those who perceive Jesus as a good man, but will not follow Him.  There are those who say, “He was a prophet,” but will not listen to what He says.  There are those who know the Scripture concerning the Christ, and they logically can conclude that Jesus truly IS the Son of God.  Still there are those who would attempt to kill Him again, because Jesus exposes their error, as He did the Pharisees (7:33-34).

The truth is that there is much division, today. 

In this world, we need direction; Jesus is the Way (John 14:6).

In this world, we need knowledge; Jesus is the Truth (John 14:6).

In this world, we need salvation; Jesus is the Life (John 14:6). 

What is our reaction to the Master Teacher?

May it be like the officers who answered: “No one ever spoke like this man!” (John 7:46, ESV).  That should ever draw us to the fact that His words are meaningful to our lives.  May we ever respond properly to the Master Teacher when He calls us to obey His Word.

“The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day. ⁴⁹ For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak. ⁵⁰ And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me” (John 12:48-50, ESV).

MSOP Lectureship Day 2 & 3

http://msop.org

It's been a busy 2 days, but I wanted to try to catch up on the MSOP Lectureship recap.  We have heard tremendous sermons from students preaching in chapel to start each day and ending with seasoned preachers like Dan Winkler & Tom Holland.  

Throughout the day, centered on the theme of what it means to be a New Testament Christian, we have heard numerous Gospel preachers present sermons on:

A New Testament Christian...
 Understands Restoration 
 Forgives Without Grudging
 Honors God In His Home
 Becomes God's Friend
 Trusts The Grace of God
 Worships In spirit and truth
 Loves Young People
 Respects The Authority of Young People
 Understands Prophecy
 Loves The Brotherhood

Dan Winkler's sermon: A New Testament Christian Believes The Simple Plan of Salvation is truly a gem of a lesson, as always.  Follow the link: http://oabs.org/ondemand/msop2013/FHMSOP130401Winkler.asx

Tom Holland's sermon: The Church To Which  A Christian Is Added is a "Holland" masterpiece.  Follow the link:
http://oabs.org/ondemand/msop2013/FHMSOP130402Holland.asx

All the sermons can be found at the following link:
http://oabs.org/archives/lectures/msop2013.htm

These are just a few highlights from the last two days of lectures.  What a spiritual feasting and opportunity for refreshing and spiritual renewal.  May God bless you as you listen to these lessons, as well.

MSOP Lectureship Day 1

We are at the Memphis School of Preaching Lectureship this week, and it has truly been a wonderful day of worship, fellowship, and spiritual renewal.  We are so blessed to be able to be here this year.  The Gulf Breeze church of Christ has taken care of all of our needs so we could be at the Lectureship.  We are ever so blessed to be a part of that wonderful family of Christians on the Gulf Coast of Florida.  

The Day's recap:

David Sain began this morning with an amazing lesson introducing Jesus as "the Object of the Christian's Faith." 

http://oabs.org/ondemand/msop2013/FHMSOP130331SainD.asx

Barry Grider preached during the morning's worship hour a lesson entitled: "Why I Am A Christian."  Brother Grider's lesson was very motivating for me as a Christian and a Gospel preacher being ever reminded of the responsibility to teach the Gospel to a lost and dying world.

Paul Sain preached this evening reminding us and challenging us that A New Testament Christian ... "Contends For The Faith."  This was a powerful lesson from Jude. 

http://oabs.org/ondemand/msop2013/FHMSOP130331SainP.asx

We look forward to a great week at the Lectureship!

Helpful Links:

http://msop.org

Watch the Lectureship live or check out the archives here:

http://oabs.org/archives/lectures/msop2013.htm

Teaching His Truth In Love

In the letter to the Ephesians, the apostle Paul writes of unity based on a platform of seven “ones” (Eph. 4:1-6) and the purpose and length of spiritual gifts (vs. 7-16) for the benefit of the early church in its work.  In verse fifteen, we find a passage coupling the idea of truth and love together.  “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:”

Ephesians 4:15

While the phrase “speaking the truth” is found in the original to be “truthing in love,” it is the opposite of what is found by deceivers lying in wait (v. 14).  “Truthing in love” brings forth the idea that not only what we speak, but how we deal with one another as Christians is important to God.  In verse fifteen, the apostle Paul joins Truth and Love together.  There have been plenty of examples where truth without love & compassion for a soul has been expressed with a harshness that has left the hearer (whether a Christian or not) repelled, revolted, and now “hell-bound” as a result.  On the other hand, there have certainly been instances where because of love (so-called) trying not to hurt one’s feelings, the truth was never stated, taught, preached, or even seen in example.  Both extremes should be avoided and a healthy balance should be sought.  

Near the end of this chapter, Paul writes: “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (v. 29).  Paul continues to admonish his readers with: “and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (v. 32).

In the next chapter, Paul sums up his thoughts and writes: “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love...”  So, not only our speaking, but our walking must be coupled together with love.  We do so for the spiritual maturing of the church, as well to be a “sweet-smelling savour” unto God.

~Wayne Rodgers

100 Days To $100,000

Learn more about Latin America Missions at http://lam.forrestpark.org.

FACING THE MUSIC...

A man deviously joined the orchestra of the emperor of China. For years, he posed as a flute player even though he couldn’t play a note.  Then the emperor requested a solo performance from each of his musicians.  The imposter tried everything to evade the king’s request.  Seeing no way out, on the day he was to perform, he committed suicide, giving rise to the saying, “He refused to face the music.” (Excerpt from Pure Religion: A Study of James by David Bragg.)  

This reminds me of many, today, who refuse to face the facts:

Ephesians 4:4-6 teaches us that…

…There is ONE Body

• This is obviously the church as listed in Ephesians 1:22-23; 5:23.  Christ promised to build His church (Matthew 16:18-19) and accomplished it on the 1^st Pentecost after His resurrection, adding the saved to it (Acts 2:47).

…There is ONE Spirit

• The third member of the Godhead who dwells in the church (1 Corinthians 3:16) giving it life (John 6:63). One Spirit means only one Word and one Doctrine revealed to man through the apostles and inspired writers (2 Peter 1:20-21).

…There is ONE Hope

• The hope of the world is eternal life (Titus 1:2) and salvation through Jesus Christ.  He has promised eternal life (1 John 2:25), and we can have assurance of it by the writing of the apostles (1 John 5:13, 20). 

…There is ONE Lord

• Jesus Christ is Lord of all (Acts 10:36) made such by God (Acts 2:36).  He has been given all authority in heaven and earth (Matthew 28:18).  Paul acknowledged Jesus as Lord (Acts 9:5-6) and then later referred to him as “the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords” (1 Timothy 6:15).

…There is ONE Faith

• While there are many “faiths” in the world in which man believes, there is only one Faith that can and will ever save him.  Faith in Jesus Christ is not someone’s personal faith, but rather a system of faith (Ephesians 2:8; Jude 3) (the Gospel) whereby man may appropriate the grace of God by obedience to the words, commands, etc. of Jesus Christ (Acts 6:7; John 14:15).

…There is ONE Baptism

• There had been other baptisms in past times: Unto Moses (1 Corinthians 10:1-3); John’s baptism (Acts 19:1-5); Of suffering (Matthew 20:22-23); Of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11) fulfilled in Acts 2, 10.  There will be a baptism in the future of fire (judgment, Matthew 3:10-12).  But, at the time of Paul’s writing (approximately 62 A.D.), there was but one baptism: Jesus commanded it (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16); It is in water and for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 8:36-39; 22:16); It is a burial (Colossians 2:12; Romans 6:3-4); and it is for salvation (1 Peter 3:20-21).

…There is ONE God, Father of all

• One God, the Creator (Father) who is the basis for all unity “above all, and through all, and in you all” (Ephesians 4:6).  He must be known and acknowledged as “the only true God” (John 17:3).  He is the God of the Jews and the Gentiles (all of mankind) (Romans 3:29-30). “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever.” (1 Timothy 1:17).

There is also coming a day that we must each face.  Try as one may, there is no way to escape it.  “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).  Each must appear before “the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10).  While the facts above are certain as evidenced by Scripture, we must believe them and practice them.

God has for all a plan of redemption that includes the above-mentioned verses from Ephesians.  May we ever be obedient and proclaim it wherever we go, motivated by the fact that we must face the music!

~Wayne Rodgers 

Do We Receive The Baptism Of The Holy Spirit Today?

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John each record the words of John the Baptizer who states: “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:” (Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:31-34).  While showing his humility, John shows the superiority of Christ, the Son of God and His work to come.  Our study will deal with the phrase “he shall baptize with you with Holy Ghost” and answer the question: Do we receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit Today?

John was baptizing in the Jordan River.  “Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan” (Matthew 3:5).  The Pharisees and Sadducees come out to see John’s baptism (3:7). He gives predictions concerning the baptisms of Christ that were to come. Predictions are seen more clearly in their unfolding and as more information is revealed.  For instance, John, clearly upset with the Pharisees on this occasion of baptizing many, refers to Jesus’ baptism of fire and then refers to the chaff that is burned up after the harvest time.  As more teaching is revealed, Jesus makes clear this references the Judgment Day to come.  As pertaining to the baptism of the Holy Spirit, let us notice the unfolding events and revelation of Scripture.

What Scripture Reveals of the Nature of Holy Spirit Baptism

We should notice in each of the Gospel records, John the baptizer mentions Jesus’ promise to baptize with the Holy Spirit.  This predicted baptism was a promise, not a command. 

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 (Luke 24:49, emp. W.R.).

And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence (Acts 1:4)

What Scripture Reveals of the Who & Why of Holy Spirit Baptism

Among the audience there were also Jews who were penitent unlike the Pharisees and Sadducees.  This promised baptism was to be administered by Christ to His apostles.  He promised to send the Comforter, the Holy Spirit to them from the Father.

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you (John 14:26).

But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning (John 15:26-27).

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come (John 16:13).

Jesus spoke these words to His apostles, giving them hope and comfort as He was soon to die and then return to the Father.  This continues to reveal the predictive promise of the baptism of the Holy Spirit to come upon the apostles.  The apostles would receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit to teach them, give them remembrance, and guide them into all truth.  After His resurrection, Jesus is again with His apostles and would indicate they were the ones to receive this promised baptism.

And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained (John 20:22-23).

The apostles would receive this baptism for the purpose of remitting sins.  They would accomplish this by preaching the message of remission of sins, the Gospel.

And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things (Luke 24:46-48).

What Scripture Reveals of the Where & When of Holy Spirit Baptism

Luke recorded in the Gospel record as well as the book of Acts more unveiling of the predictive promise of the Holy Spirit baptism. 

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 (Luke 24:49).

And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence (Acts 1:4).

“Not many days hence” would be found in Jerusalem and after Matthias was “numbered with the eleven” (Acts 1:26).  Chapter two of Acts opens with the following scene:

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance (Acts 2:1-4).

The apostles were baptized with the Holy Spirit and given the ability to speak other languages, preaching the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, i.e., the remission of sins (Acts 2:38).  This promised baptism administered by Jesus Christ himself was given to the apostles for their work of preaching the Gospel before the complete revealed word was written (1 Corinthians 13) so that “every creature” could be saved by their belief and baptism (Mark 16:15-16).  Once that message was completely revealed, the purpose of the baptism of the Holy Spirit would be fulfilled.  The Baptism of the Holy Spirit was not promised to us today; however, we have the “apostles’ doctrine” (Acts 2:42), and we must be obedient to it.  

Wayne Rodgers

published in THE GOSPEL JOURNAL, July 2012