We hear the phrase ‘fake news’ repeatedly, lately. Here is another whopper. A fuzzy bunny that delivers eggs. Chocolate eggs! Who knew, right? Now trust me I have absolutely nothing against these two necessary food groups. Both my goto dishes when I need comforting. Also, celebrating the coming of spring, with flowers and jellybeans, in itself, is harmless enough. But, let us make a commitment to the truth, to tell the truth, to stand for and upon the truth. The resurrection of Jesus the Messiah from the grave, three days after He was brutally tortured, beaten, hung on a cruel cross, stabbed in the side and buried, is the single most important event in the entire history of the world. His horrifying death, which seemed to be the end of a great ministry, a great movement, was actually the defining moment, the greatest pivotal event ever. God, who is all powerful, all knowing and in all places, left the glory of heaven, became a man, and lived among His own creation as His own creation. If that’s not impressive enough, “…..(He) who knew NO sin, (became) sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2Corinthians5:21 This is a remarkable truth. Why would anyone want to muddle it up with silly stories that confuse and belittle the greatest, most important, eternal, life giving truth? Because they either oppose the truth of God or are ignorant to the facts of the resurrection of Jesus. Either way, they believe fake news. The resurrection of Jesus happened exactly as the Bible teaches. He arose on the morning of the third day, rolled away the stone covering the tomb, and later appeared to His faithful followers. Over the next 40 days he continued to appear to, eat with and talk with His followers. His body never saw decay. “Therefore, let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and through Him, everyone who believes is freed from all things…”Acts13:38 Only through faith in the resurrection of Jesus can a man be saved, purified and enter into eternal life. The resurrection of Christ, God’s greatest work is not to be trifled with. There is another resurrection that we must mention. It is our personal raising from the dead, in a spiritual sense, at our baptism. Romans 6:4 “…we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead…so we too might walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:13 “…. Present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead…” When we were baptized into Christ, we were crucified, dead and buried, spiritually. When we rose out of the water we were spiritually “raised” or resurrected similar to the resurrection of Christ. This is how God sees it, our first resurrection !! There remains yet another resurrection to mention. 1Corinthians 15:41-58 speaks of the resurrection of our decayed physical bodies (in the grave) at the end of the world, the day that the “last trumpet shall sound”. The mortal body will be buried in the earth, “sown” (:42). It will be “raised” imperishable. This second resurrection sees our physical bodies transformed or “changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye” (:52). We will be given a new, immortal bodies with which to live in the presence of almighty Good for eternity. We are not afraid of death. We welcome the end of life on this earth which is the beginning of life in the glory of HIs presence. “Where O death is your victory???” (:55) It is not. Thanks be to God who gives us victory over death and the hope of resurrection, eternal salvation in His presence. The resurrection of Jesus ordained this process for all those who love God and have faith in Christ. Therefore, be immovable, stand firm in the truth. Happy resurrection day!
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Don’t let this title confuse you nor enrage you. The word used here to describe our Lord has it’s beginnings in Latin and Greek referring to one born a “free man” (liberated) and, “free form restraint, generous” (liberally). Both uses of the above title accurately represent the ministry of Jesus and therefore our work in His Kingdom. The meaning of the word ‘liberal’ is varied and has changed dramatically over the years, especially recently. It is a good word, Biblically speaking. For example, Romans 12:8 , “…he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.” NASB 1955. Most other versions use the word “….with generosity”. The context here is that as christians, we are the body of Christ. We are the individual parts which make up the entire body. This concept is also taught in 1 Corinthians 12. Each part of the body has its own function, purpose or as stated here in Romans, a “gift”. Each gift is to be used for the glory of God, and the one gifted with the ability to “give” should do so liberally or generously. I can cite many examples of brethren who have this gift and who are generous in their giving, for the good of the Kingdom of God. God has blessed the church with people who have this gift and are willing to employ it. If you attend the assembly regularly, you certainly have been made aware of the needs of hurting saints. When asked for help, hopefully you will consider giving, with liberality. Proverbs 22:9 “….He who is generous will be blessed…”. The word ‘liberal’ or ‘generous’ used in Romans12:8 (haplotes) can also mean “singleness or simplicity”, ie; singleness of mind. One who has this gift has a one track mind toward giving, as in helping supply the needs of others. He is open handed, ready and willing to give it all in order to minister to the needs of others, as his work in building the church. Proverbs 11:25, “the generous man will be prosperous, and he who waters will himself be watered.” Being liberal in our giving, having a sincere heart toward helping others, giving our all in the work of His church will not only supply the “needs of the saints” but will result in many “…glorifying God”. Read all of 2 Corinthians 9. You will conclude that giving with liberality is an act of the grace of God, and this grace is a great gift, an “indescribable gift”. Jesus was a giver. He gave generously. He gave all of Himself, His very life, so that we could become children of God. He poured out His Spirit upon us when we were converted, with liberality. Because of His reckless and extravagant love, we were born again to be “free” men, men of Liberty. Let us follow His example and give with liberality.
This is part one of a two-part monthly article. Please save any judgment till you have read both. Discussion is encouraged at that time as the intention of this ministry is to promote unity in a world of great division. Jesus is a conservative. The root meaning of this word is to preserve, to protect or to save. Jesus came to seek and save the souls of lost. He left us to do the same, to leave the 99 and go save or conserve, the one lost sheep. Acts chapter 4:12 says that there is “salvation in no one else… no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Jesus came to save the sinner, the wicked, the rebellious and the immoral. Recall the prostitute, the adulteress at the well, the greedy tax gather, and the hard hearted Pharisee. Jesus came to save individual people. He also came to conserve families, to restore the fathers back to the sons and the sons back to the fathers. Families are also preserved by conserving the marriage between husband and wife. Scripture recognizes the great importance of the traditional Godly family where Godly marriage is held in high regard. Where children are taught to worship and serve the Lord . God also wills nations to be saved or preserved. “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves and pray seek my face, turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2Chr.7:4 God’s will is to preserve the nations of the earth. He requires the nation to be humble and pray and seek his face, which takes faith and obedience. Jesus also came to save preserve and protect His church. He taught a clear leadership structure and principles intended to save and conserve his kingdom . These original doctrines of salvation, worship, holiness, and leader ship, are timeless. They are as relevant now as they were in the first century. The new testament is filled with encouragement and teachings on how to be the unified kingdom of God, based upon love for one another, thereby conserving the unshakable kingdom of God since the day of Pentecost. Jesus is always right.Remember George Bailey, the guy who loved his neighbors and whose desires and dreams kept being interrupted by the needs of other people? A classic Christmas movie. Then there is Ebenezer Scrooge, the cold hearted miser, who loved only one thing, his money. Both stories can teach a Godly, life principle. A satisfied life, a life of contentment and joy is found in Jesus! This is one reason why Jesus came to live among men. He came to show man how to live a joyful, wonderful life. "...I came so that they would have life and have it abundantly." (John 10:10) Jesus is the giver of life. John 1:3 says, "Through Him all things were made, without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life and that life was the light of men...". Only Jesus is the giver and sustainer of life. "I am the way, and the truth and the life." (John 14:6). He only can change a life and bring real Godly blessings to life. Our prayer for you this year is to live life to the fullest, to experience an abundant life. Whatever your situation, you have an opportunity to live like the "richest man in the world", when you seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. The blessings of heaven, the Godly blessings are the eternal treasure that matter. The amount of gold you die with means absolutely nothing. The lives you touch with the love of Christ, out of giving of yourself from the heart are priceless and remembered in heaven. Let us follow the "good shepherd" and live a life full of wonder.
“Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”(Luke2:1) What possessed foreign academics to travel hundreds of miles west to the troubled, Roman city of Jerusalem, in order to pay honor and respect to a new born, baby king no one had even heard of? Why were they ready and willing to bow before this baby, lowing themselves to the ground, even kissing the earth before the child, as an act submission and reverence to the one they believed to be far greater than they? Simply remarkable. This band of learned men, philosophers and cosmologists, traveled a great distance to worship this unknown king. Simply put, men of science, acting by faith. Simply counterintuitive. Here we find another example of the power of the sovereign God. When men, whether wise or simple, recognize God, consider His will and come to a desire to know His Messiah, the result is worship; pure, contrite, venerated worship, in spirit and truth. His kingly reign is so powerful, so influential that the greatest of world leaders to the humblest of paupers have given everything to worship Him. Make certain that this is what you do, from your heart. Worship Him. And not just on one special day or month each year. Worship Him every day of the rest of your life. Worship Jesus from your heart, wherever you are and whenever you think about Him. Jesus is our entire life. This may seem remarkable or counterintuitive, even absurd. However, all of heaven knows Him and worships Him (see Revelation4-5) and if we want to be with Him there, in eternal life, then worship must begin now! He alone is worthy, He alone rules the nations, for His kingdom is superior over all others. “My kingdom is not of this world.” (John 18:36) His kingdom, which is His church, is a different kind of kingdom. Matthew 13 gives us seven unique characteristics of the kingdom of Christ. 1. The subjects of His kingdom exist alongside those who are not part of His kingdom in hopes they will become believers before the judgement. 2. His kingdom begins very small but quickly impacts the entire world. 3. The world will be transformed by the effects of His kingdom, from within itself. 4. Nothing is greater in value. 5. It is worth giving up all worldy things to obtain HIs kingdom. 6. His kingdom is exclusive to those who obey yet available for any who wish to obey. 7. Disciples in His kingdom enjoy wonderful blessings in heaven and on the earth. The kingdom of Christ is all powerful, yet full of peace, Holy yet full of grace, righteous yet full of love. It seems the wise men understood this and did all they could to worship the new born King. Will you?
“Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia,
having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, the tried to enter...but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them...... During the night Paul had a vision of a man from Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”” Acts 16:6-10. Do you find it interesting that Paul’s desire to preach in Asia was stopped by the Holy Spirit? “....but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them...” It is obvious that God is at work with those who want to serve Him, and that He is involved with the ministry of making disciples. I cannot, here, address why God did not want Paul to preach in Asia. I do know, however, that God wanted Paul to preach and that He directed Paul to Macedonia. May God’s will be done! The Lord wants all of us to be involved in preaching the Gospel to the nations, and He continues to direct those efforts according to His Holy will. Which brings us to the connection between the Dominican Republic and Costa Rico. This past month Missions Camp was held at DCSC. For the past few years God has been using His Spirit to prepare the hearts of His servants in DR and CR and in local churches in Georgetown, South Carolina and the Chicago area. This camp brought all these congregations together for fellowship, the praising of God, and to hear the preaching of missions minded sermons. Together, this group made commitments to fund raise for the next year, in order to fully support Juan DeLeon and his family to move from Dominican to Costa Rico, and start a new church!! The group committed to raise over 45,000$. Praise the Lord!! But we do not want to stop there. We want to continue to help fund the planting of this new church in an area that has only one New Testament congregation for a population of over 6 million people. The need is great, the people are in place, and the Spirit of our Lord Jesus is moving. Please consider becoming a part of this mission work above and beyond what you already do. “We are HIs workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works...”. This is a great work and has the full support of the Camp board of directors. Please consider participating in a mission trip to Costa Rico at the end of January 2022. It is our desire to establish churches in the beautiful, mountainous regions of Costa Rico and help multitudes come to know the love , joy and peace only found through Jesus the Christ. Only those who are Connected IN Christ Jesus, through faith in His work of grace, to the Father in Heaven, will be with Him for eternity. “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Phil 3:20 Isaiah 30:9-11 “For this is a rebellious people, false sons, Sons who refuse to listen To the instruction of the LORD;They say to the seers, “Stop seeing visions!” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us the truth! Speak to us pleasant words; prophesy illusions....Get out of the way; turn off the road, let us hear no more about the Holy One of Israel !” How can this be? How can we, a people who have been set free from the shackles of sin and death through the suffering of Jesus on the cross, become blind to the truth of the will of God? The devil does everything possible to darken the truth, distort the word of God and deceive the innocent because he exalts himself and craves to be worshiped. “He takes his seat in the temple of God displaying himself as being God.” He is a fraud, a liar and a cheat. You may think I am describing many inside “the beltway” Washington,DC. I do agree there is a correlation, however, the activity of satan does not stop there. We as the church must be diligent in protecting our faith, our devotion and our love toward the Father. Just because you were baptized into Christ does not mean you cannot be influenced by the enemy and fall away. Once saved always saved doctrine is another lie from hell. So what are some things we can do to protect ourselves from the “activity of satan”? First, Isaiah encourages us to desire the instruction of the Lord. Actually, that is where wisdom is found! I want to learn more about Jesus and the will of God, every day! Then, allow the word of God to pierce the soul. Don’t simply look for “pleasant words”, smooth words, words that make you feel good. Desire words that reveal truth, words that challenge and drive you to be more like Christ. Lastly, you can never have enough Jesus! He is the Holy One of Israel. Jesus must be your whole life! Stay in the “way”, which is His “way”. Hear from Him, hear about Him and speak to Him. Don’t be like the rebellious who reject Him and walk in a cloud of darkness groping for some light. Make Jesus your entire life! He deserves all of you, all the time, for all time.Congratulations Graduates!!! You have accomplished one of your first great milestones in life! You have worked hard in school over these past 12 (or 16) years and now you commence a new stage of life. Sadly, the end of this experience was cut off abruptly and for the ‘Class of 2020’ things look very different than it did for most other graduating classes. However, you are resilient enough to create new opportunities and experiences that will reveal your character for years to come. Don’t give up. Don’t give out nor give in. Makes something good out of this challenging situation and shine brightly for the sake of those losing hope. The older generation is depending upon you to help make this world, this nation and the kingdom of God free, prosperous and just. Hold fast to Jesus and His word for it is there you will find not only the truth, but righteousness and good as well. May you find comfort and peace IN Him and may you always delight in His presence.
As we continue this series on “Why Don’t You Believe?”, we have here another possible obstacle as to why some loose their faith in the Lord. Going away to college can be exciting, daunting, frightening and very frustrating all at the same time. Beginning college while living at home or on campus has many challenges, more than simply the demands of higher education. These trials, which a believer most likely will face, can seem overwhelming, for that is their design. Satan will attack and disrupt the life of God’s children anywhere and anyway possible. The college campus is no exception, rather it’s a crucial part of his evil plan. The faith of christian college students will be tested and tried by those once trusted to guide and mould in truth and righteousness. Professors, teachers, counselors, and administrators in large part are being used to dissuade the faithful from their stand in Christ to a worldly view, resulting in lost or rejected faith. I categorize these emissaries of darkness into three groups. First are the “Know it All’s, or the teachers who are never wrong. It’s their way or the highway. Write the answer they want or you will fail. All other opinions and positions, even evidence based, matter not. They are god. Next you will encounter the “Think it All’s”. These are the world view philosophers who hold secularism, humanism, atheism and any other “ism’s” as god. Your faith in the invisible creator is, to them, childish and nothing more than fantasy. They will never take a believer seriously. 1Corinthians 1:19 “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the cleverness of the clever I will set aside.” Lastly, and just as devious, are the “Do it All’s”. Those who proclaim that college is the time for you to “really live it up!”. To “try new things”. This is the “eat drink and be merry” crowd, who lack in self control and excel in selfishness. They will pressure you into letting loose, having fun and experience unbridled freedom. Ego is their god. These temptations and trials are very real, but God has blessed you with His power and guidance to overcome these stumbling blocks. I encourage you to “Talk”, and keep “Talking” throughout these next 4 years. First, Talk with God. Pray, at all times. Read His word and devote yourself to spending time with Him. He will lead and guide with the greatest power known to mankind, His Holy Spirit. Secondly, Talk with your Parents. They love you and want the best for you. Include them in your life, your adventures, your struggles and victories. They truly care about you. Thirdly, Talk with your Preacher or other church leader. Share difficulties. Seek Biblical guidance. Share confrontations and gain Biblical perspective. Lastly, Talk with recent college grads who have remained faithful to the Lord. Find out how they dealt with situations. Know you are not alone in this stage of life. Many have done this before you and may have great advice. The church loves you and prays for your steadfastness in the Lord. Remember, an education is precious and highly valued, but keeping your name written in the book of life pales in comparison. “Don’t Stop Believing” The Pew Research center reports that over the past 10 years the number of atheists in
America has more than doubled. This brings to mind John 4:35, “....the fields... are white for harvest.” Every generation, every age, every culture needs the gospel preached, for it is the truth, the way and the life for all men. All men will die, and then comes the judgment. We continue this series discussing reasons why people do not believe Jesus nor in Jesus. Our desire is that all people would believe Jesus, and are born again, added to His kingdom, and that they would live according to His word for His glory, in order to know the grace and peace of God. However, many refuse to love Him today just as many rejected Him when He lived among men. John 6:66 “many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore.” So we wonder, why is it that most “do not believe”? One possibility is that most men only believe in what they can see. Last month’s article, sub titled “Houdini or Holy Spirit”, discussed the challenges with believing in miracles, such as; water turning into wine, oceans parting, donkeys talking, sick being healed, and of course the dead rising. Miracles present a true obstacle to faith, but can be reasonably answered. The text of this article discloses a problem all ages must deal with. We will call them the “complicated questions”. Not that they do not deserve a response, but that they are difficult to believe without a correct and full understanding of who Jesus is. Questions like: If God’s creation was so good, why is there so much evil?” or “What about evolution and dinosaurs?”or “Why would a loving Good send so many to hell?”. Jesus encountered complicated questions such as these. As recorded in John 6:41, Jesus continues with a conversation about how a christian believes and behaves. He said in :47, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life.” This is a comparison of the heavenly manna that fed all Israel for 40 years to His own body that would save all mankind who believed in Him. He concluded with the warning that we must eat of His flesh, “...the bread also which I will give for the life of the world is My flesh.” A very complicated teaching, resulted in this question, “How can this man give us His flesh to eat?” Please understand the Bible does not advocate cannibalism. Thats disgusting! However, Jesus continues, “He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” (:54) No wonder why many said, “This is a difficult statement; who can listen to it?” and, “As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore.” Here is a clear case of people losing their faith in Jesus, those who at one time were walking with Him! Why do you not believe? Sometimes because the questions are too complicated. Four questions arise from reading verse :53. Jesus is giving us a command, with these words, “Unless you...”, a special condition that we chose to obey or reject. One may ask, “What if I don’t ?” Next He says, “...you have no life in yourselves.” Wait! Am I not alive? I feel alive, I act alive! How am I not alive? Thirdly He says if I do this yucky thing I will have “eternal life”. I thought all good people go to heaven? And lastly, a “last day..”. Are you saying all things will come to an end? Isn’t that some sort of conspiracy theory? Yes, these are complicated questions. No wonder many of Jesus’ disciples lost their faith, and sadly “withdrew” from Him. They blame unanswered, difficult and problematic questions. However, consider that the sovereign God of creation understands all things, especially your heart. Your questions that seem to not have a reasonable answer, do not invalidate the existence of God. He has “...chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise....so that no man may boast before God.” Develop a mature belief in Him, believe with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, and these things will be revealed to you. Simply listen to Him. Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” I used to believe in only things that were observable. I actually boasted that ,”Unless I can see it, I don’t believe it.” What hubris. Many, today, proclaim in the same “visible” faith. The thing believed must be obvious, recognizable, measurable and reasonable or have a rationale explanation according to the physical processes we currently understand. Basically, “I need to see it to believe it.” That is why magic tricks are so popular and appreciated. On one level, the “prestige” or punch line of the trick, grabs our attention and entertains. The rabbit pulled from the hat. The flower that turns into a dove and flies away. The lovely assistant that gets cut in half. The man who disappears, all amaze and amuse. Then, on another level, we know it couldn’t have really happened, so we wonder, “How did He do that?” Go back stage and the trick is reasonably explained. Pulleys, trap doors, wires, mirrors, sometimes even twins are used to create the illusion. Behind every good trick is a well designed system of rationale, observable, explainable physical actions. At first the eye sees something that seems to defy natural, familiar physics. But, backstage we can observe the many reasonably designed steps that, when put together in perfect timing, create the appearance that something supernatural has occurred. Thus, we have pure entertainment, nothing more.
Jesus challenged His critics, “..because I speak the truth, you do not believe Me.” John8:45. He only spoke truth, from the word of God, but they would not hear of it because they hated Him so vehemently. They attacked Him and demanded an explanation for the things He was teaching. He responded, "I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father's name, these testify of Me. John10:25. Again in verse 38, “But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, (the miracles) that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.” The Bible records many bonafide miracles, things that are supernatural and defy all reasoning based upon natural processes. I remember being a skeptic, not believing that burning bushes, talking donkeys, parted oceans, fire from the sky, multiplied bread, water into wine, sickness healed, the dead rising and the like were actual, real occurrences. “That’s impossible, would never really happen.” The better, more scientific explanation is that ,”Biblical miracles are nothing more than literary illustrations, not to be taken as factual.” Therefore, the Bible is not to be taken as factual, it’s merely a fairytale. This reasoning holds merit if one does not recognize who Jesus truly is. Another interaction with His critics was over His teaching about forgiveness of sins. As they held contempt for Him, He said, “Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, and walk’? “But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—He then said to the paralytic, “Get up, pick up your bed and go home.” And he got up and went home.” Not a magic trick. No backstage. Not a fairytale. Not a literary illustration. No illusion. This is record of a real miracle, performed by the one who created, from nothing, all things. Let’s see Houdini do that. |
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