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

Godly Living Blesses Others Around Us

Having an opportunity to travel over the past couple of weeks has made me realize even more that there are so many who are blessed by the lives of Christians around them.  So many stories have been told of those who have been blessed by obeying the Gospel, choosing to live Godly lives, and showing forth a great example to others.  There is no doubt that the Christian life blesses.  But, many have taken for granted the impact that Christians have on others.  With the admonition to “be ye holy, for I am holy” as found in 1 Peter 1:15-16 and the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus explained that the scope of our holiness affects others, we easily see that we are not an island to ourselves.  Our lives affect others.

• Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted?  It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.  Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.  Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matthew 5:13-16).

Our lives should bless others emotionally, benevolently, and spiritually.  We have opportunity by our teaching, our example, and our means to help and bless those around us.

Emotionally, we have opportunity by our example to show others how the Christian life sets the stage for how we are to react to life’s daily grind and circumstances.  Events that happen in our lives are met with reactions that the world may find strange.  While in stages of grief at the loss of a loved one who was faithful to God, we are still able to find reason to rejoice (Revelation 14:13).  This is foreign to the world’s view of death, which offers no real comfort.  For we know that God continues to bless the child of God who serves faithfully (Revelation 2:10).  The faithful Christian knows that even in the trials of life he can find reason to rejoice (James 1:2ff).  Those around us may see how we react in these difficult times and learn from our examples.  However, we are also afforded opportunities to help and comfort those who are dealing with the discouragement of life’s tragedies and difficulties.  The apostle Paul wrote:

• “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

These verses show how God blesses us, but will also be the source of blessing that we would bestow to others.  God, in fact, uses us to bless others in their difficult times.

Benevolently, we are taught to be proactive in blessing those around us.  Paul makes clear that we have the responsibility to be helpful to those in need.  “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in do season we shall reap, if we faint not.  As we therefore have opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:9-10).  Here is a way that not just by example, but also by our very hands and even by financial means we may benefit those around us.  Paul reminded the church at Philippi that “my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).  It is natural then for us having been so richly blessed to turn and help those around us who are in need.  So many have been converted to Christ through benevolent works of the church by both the individual and the church collectively.  This naturally leads us to the greatest blessing of all.

Spiritually, we have the great commission that guides our efforts as children of the Most High God.  The Son of God came into this world to “seek and save that which is lost” (Luke 10:10).  Jesus prepared His apostles prior to His ascension with direction and goals:

• Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 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 (Matthew 28:19-20).
• And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned (Mark 16:15-16).
• Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained (John 20:23).
• And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem (Luke 24:47).

We continue that work at ever opportunity attempting to teach our family, our neighbors, our co-workers, etc.  Seeking those who are lost so that we may teach them the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  This takes a conscious effort on our part as God’s children to teach God’s power to salvation (Romans 1:16) to those who are spiritually separated from God because of their sins. 

While our example is paramount in blessing others by our Holy living, our teaching the Lord’s Way is tantamount in giving direction for others to live Holy lives.  May God continue to bless us so that others may be blessed, as well.

Wayne Rodgers

article published in The Gospel Journal, Feb. 2012

Hacked Accounts

Facebook and Twitter have both recently had a series of hackers who by their very intent will take over one’s account and post whatever they want.  

On Facebook, it has been a series of nude photos to tempt people to look at pornography.  On Twitter, it seems their intent was to advertise some product.  Evidently, in technical terms concerning the twitter hack, it is called a phishing scam.  It seems that it is quite effective to get one’s attention by causing concern about the privacy and security of their computer files and personal information.  Then, as with some scams, the intent was to lure one in to look at the advertising of a product.

This seems all too familiar!  This is exactly how Satan works to tempt us.  The devil has his own “phishing scam.”

“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren” (James 1:13-16).

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” (1 Peter 5:8).

Our attention may be diverted from our faithful walk to look upon something evil.  We must keep our desires pure so that we are not drawn to such evil (Matthew 5:8; Philippians 4:8).  If lusts (desires) conceive, sin is its by-product and ultimately results in our spiritual death and separation from God (Romans 6:23). 

Just as we must be careful to keep your social accounts secure, we must keep our hearts secure from the devious and deceitful temptations of the devil.  For He is the father of lies (John 8:44).