Biddeford Church of Christ

With the subject of evangelism on my mind, I came to a place in the book of Colossians that spoke loudly to me, and I wonder if it will you as well.  As chapter 3 closes out, Paul, with the Holy Spirit guiding him, talks about things like the Christian home (husbands, wives, and children vv18-21), Christian slaves (v22), and as chapter 4 begins, masters (4:1).  Then, there is this appeal, “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving….”  Therein is a lesson in and of itself.  Prayer that seeks out God and realizes the blessings of which they have is mighty indeed.  These are efforts put forth by the redeemed, those who have and are putting off that old person and putting on the new (Colossians 3:1-11).  These seem to be more about us and not so much about them; that is, until the next verse.

“Walk-in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.”

                                                                                                                                    Colossians 4:5

These words may sound familiar, for Paul says something similar in Ephesians 5:15.  In both cases, the appeal encourages awareness and purposeful action.  Here, the church in Colosse is to be intentional in their conduct with those outside the church.  The ETRV says, “Be wise in the way you act with those who are not believers.”  Why?  We may get some insight into this from Paul’s exhortation to Titus to show “yourself to be a pattern of good works” so that no “one who is an opponent maybe be ashamed, having nothing evil to say to you” (Titus 2:8).  Our behavior in the workplace, in our neighborhoods, and in our homes speaks volumes to those around us.  As one person writes, “Deal with them on the strictest principles of integrity, so that they may not have occasion to reproach the religion which you profess.”  We do this to redeem the time; that is, we see these as opportunities to influence the world around us for the cause of Christ.  With that in mind, Paul refers to one of our greatest assets, our words.

“Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt….”

                                                                                                                                    Colossians 4:6

Once again, the simplicity of the ETRV, “When you talk, you should always be kind and wise.”  Another translation uses the word “pleasant” in place of grace.  I am reminded of his messages to the church in Ephesus, that the intent of their words would be for “necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29).  One person describes it as words that are “kindly, winning pleasantness which makes the talk of a good and thoughtful man attractive.”  The use of salt adds further depth to the speech of the Christian, towards those outside of God’s grace, for it is “the savor of fresh and lively spiritual wisdom and earnestness,” void of the often-corrupt words of our broken world.

We offer to them something different, and we do so in part through our speech.  You see, it is through our actions, especially our conversation, that people today will recognize that there is something different about us.  It may cause someone to inquire why we are different from the world they so readily see each day.  It is then that God, working through us, may open a door as we are asked the question from those outside, “Why?”  It is then that we can begin to share with them “the hope that is in” us “with meekness and fear” (1st Peter 3:15).  Help us, Lord, to be ever vigilant in our endeavor to draw others to You.

Dennis

Soon, our Sunday morning bible class will start once again and we will pick up where we left off in our study of Willard Tate’s book, Learning to Love.  Study booklets have been updated and new books for those who need them have been purchased.  Those will be on the back counter by the bulleting board.  If your family already has a book, please do not take a new one for there are only a few available.  We left off in chapter three entitled Experiencing God’s Love.  If you have the chance, I encourage you to read up to chapter 3 to refresh your mind and get us ready for some discussion time in class.  The first class will be a review of what we covered up to this point.

But above all these things put on love…

                                                                                                                        Colossians 3:14

So, why learn to love?  Listen to how the ETRV translates the above verse, “Together with these things, the most important part of your new life is to love each other.  Love is what holds everything together in perfect unity.”   Love is so crucial!  Notice, it is understood to be above the other virtues just mentioned.  Things like mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering, even the often-challenging act of forgiveness.  You might be thinking, “Aren’t those things love?”  I would suggest that those things are the result of love, not love itself.  Paul said, “Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.”  He would encourage the church in Ephesus to be “grounded in love” (Ephesians 3:17).  That word “grounded” means to fix firmly.  1^st John, so rich with thoughts about our love for one another, puts is simply, “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” (1^st John 4:11). 

As Christian, we are exhorted to pursue this idea of putting “to death your members which are on the earth” (Colossians 3:5) and “put off” (3:8) those things which the old man would do: that person who died with Christ.  At the same time, we seek to “put on the man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him” (3:10).  This is our quest!  This is our goal!  To be a reflection of Jesus our Lord and Savior.

…which is the bond of perfection.

                                                                                                                        Colossians 3:14

Okay, back to our need to learn to love.  What does Paul mean by the above thought concerning love?  The Greek word used here means that which binds together; a band, bond.  By extension is means uniting principle.  We are familiar with the love chapter of the bible, aren’t we?  Paul’s words that stand out to me in that chapter are, “but have not love” (1^st Corinthians 13:1, 2, 3).  The things I have done over the years, gestures of outward kindness, driven by guilt or obligation, are nothing of true value if love is not their source. 

Therein is the challenge for me at least, and the reason for my need to grow in my understanding of God’s love.  Sometimes I struggle with those things listed in v12, kindness, humility, longsuffering, forgiveness.  Could it be that the struggle is not with them alone, but with my understanding of love?  Maybe I have learned some things over the years that fight against what God calls me to do.  The only way past it is to earnestly seek to know His love, a love that is not simply for the world, but for me.  Help me Lord to understand Your love so that it can live through me and be offered to others.

Dennis

This past Monday, I had a procedure at the hospital, and while in the “room,” the nurse that was preparing me to receive the medication to put me to sleep asked me, “What do you do for work?”  Can anyone say open door?  Well, I told her what I do and also the address of the church building.  It turns out that she lives close to our building and then expressed her appreciation for the words on our sign out front.  I expressed my gratitude for her kind words, invited her to visit, and went off to sleep.           

When it comes to evangelism, sometimes it is our work that causes someone to think and inquire about why we do what we do.  So, how we involve ourselves in our communities can impact and create opportunities to share Christ with others. For example, on Thursday of this past week, I met with two people looking to locate a facility that can accommodate a community service project called Window Dressers.  It provides storm windows for those unable to afford them.  Assisting in such a way is a chance to give our facility greater visibility and serve the community.

            If there is one thing this last year and a half has done, it has brought much of our community service efforts to a halt.   Annual car wash, Thanksgiving baskets, food for the pantry, even service towards one another are just a few examples.  It is time we start refocusing and remembering that our efforts do not go unnoticed.  The idea of serving the community and one another caused me to think of what Jesus taught during His ministry here on earth.  With a multitude of people before Him, he said,

“You are the light of the world.  A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.

Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand,

and it gives light to all who are in the house.”

                                                                                                                        Matthew 5:14-15           

Just how important are you to God’s great plan?  What He reveals here answers that very question, at least in part.  Jesus had just got done telling His followers that they were “the salt of the earth” (5:13).  Salt was an essential part of their lives, used in preserving food.  If that were not enough, now He tells them they are “the light of the world.”  Sirach wrote, “There is nothing more useful than salt and sunshine.”  Just how important is our light?  Paul would tell the Christians in Philippi that they were to “shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15).  In reality, we are not the source of that light but rather a reflection of His light.  Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.  He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12).  Like the moon that reflects the sun, giving light in times of darkness, we to reflect the Son in an often dark and dreary world.  That is what we are meant to be!  We are that grand city on a hill.  One person writes, “There is no greater light for God than the church that is filling its mission in the community.”  As God works in and through each of us individually and collectively, we are to be that beacon in this dark world.

Let your light so shine before men that they may see

your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

                                                                                                                        Matthew 5:16           

As His disciples, Jesus encourages us to shine brightly!  How?  In part, it is through our good works, something we have been “created in Christ Jesus” to do, for we are “His workmanship” (Ephesians 2:10).  Doing good works for the cause of Christ presents the opportunity to point people toward God and His saving grace. Paul said that in “whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1st Corinthians 10:31).  He would encourage the church in Colosse that in “whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17).  It is all about Him!  Pointing People to God is our objective.           

It is true, everyone needs to hear the gospel, and it is wonderful to learn how we can be more effective in evangelizing, that is, sharing the hope of Christ.  Sometimes though, before that can happen, we need to get their attention.  One way for that to happen is through good works. It is allowing God to work through us so we can shine His light in this world.  Lord, use us to be Your beacon of goodness to all those around us.

Dennis

I have been giving a lot of thought lately concerning the gospel of Christ thanks to our conversation in our life group meetings about evangelism.  As I prepared to write this article, various verses which speak of it came to mind.  Paul would say it is “the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes” (Romans1:16).  The beauty of the gospel is seen further on as Paul says, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things” (Romans 10:15).  So why then ask a question like, “Is it worth it?”  Eternal life (1^st John 5:13)!  Forgiveness (Psalm 86:5)!  A home prepared for us (John 14:2-3)!  A resurrected body (1^st Corinthians 15:51-52)!  That is but a small portion of the benefits of being in Christ, which would seem to make the question I asked rather ridiculous…right?  As I ponder these thoughts, something Jesus taught during His ministry came to mind.  It is found in Luke 14:25-33.

If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother,

wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also…

                                                                                                                                    Luke 14:26           

Similar words are spoken in Matthew 10:37-39, but that appears to be just to the twelve who came to be known as the apostles (Matthew 10:1-2, 37).  This time though, Jesus is talking to a “great multitude” (Luke 14:25).  As always, we must wrestle with this word hate.   The word has two levels if you will.  It is true that it can mean to literally hate something; that is, detest it.  That notion would conflict with other teachings given by Jesus.  This word can also mean to love less, esteem less.  Why would Jesus ask for such a thing?  One person writes, “He asks for nothing less than the heart, and that cannot be given by halves.”  The cost of discipleship is not foreign to Jesus’s teaching.  Just a few chapters before someone came to Jesus and said, “Lord, I will follow Youi wherever You go” (Luke 9:57).  Most know how this ended, with Jesus saying, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62).  Not only does He exhort any possible disciple to prioritize Him over family, but also over themselves.  There is a cross to bear as a disciple (Luke 14:27).  One person said it this way, “If home and his cause came ever into collision, home and all belonging to it must gently be put aside, and everything must be sacrificed to the cause.”  Is it worth it?

In the verses that follow, Jesus brings forth two examples in order to help makes His point: first there is the building of a tower and the other a king faced with war.  Both seek to help the disciple to understand that there is a cost to giving oneself over to Christ.  Is it worth it?  Well, I guess it depends on what value you place on those things which were listed above: eternal life, forgiveness, an eternal home, a resurrected body (and there is so much more).

So why do I say this, for it seems to take the wind out of the sails so to speak concerning the gospel.  Or does it?  I have always been challenged by this next verse found in Hebrews 10:32, 34.  We read, “But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with suffering…for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven.”  They had counted the cost and had determined, “It is worth it.”

In various countries, this teaching is every bit real.  To choose Christ and abide in His ways would often result in facing adversity.  Could it be that such problems are coming to visit us here in the United States?  Maybe.  Nonetheless, it is important to be exhorted by our Savior to prioritize Him in all of our life.  Help me Lord to always put You first.  In so doing, I will be better able to love those around me the way You want me to.

Dennis

I find myself almost compelled to take last week’s lesson further and talk a little about the battle between the old man and the new man.  Concerning the struggle, I do not want to suggest that it is for salvation that we fight, for our confidence rest in the security of Christ Jesus.  There is tremendous comfort in knowing that “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have been passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2nd Corinthians 5:17).  That said, I often find someone in the mirror looking back at me, revealing that change is needed.  My quest now is His likeness in every area of my life. So, I ask you to indulge me, but once again, I share some thoughts about the battle of transformation.

But you have not so learned Christ if indeed you have heard Him and

have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus.

                                                                                                                                    Ephesians 4:20            

As he encourages these new Gentile and Jewish Christians, he does so by reminding them that the gospel they had learned concerning Christ is “incompatible” with the futile walk of the unbelieving Gentiles.  It reminds me of what Paul says to the church in Rome, “that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin” (Romans 6:6).  In Christ, the sin that once shackled us, we now have been freed.  Once again, Paul’s words cry out, “For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace” (Romans 6:14).  Their new Master, Jesus Christ, replaces their old master of selfish and unrestrained lives. Thus, their endeavors in life have changed as well.

“…that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which

grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts…”

                                                                                                                                    Ephesians 4:22            

This idea of Christians actively involved in their transformation is found many times in the scriptures.  Peter urges his readers that they engage in “laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking” (1st Peter 2:1).  James says something similar, “Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness….”  Few would argue the fact that faith in Christ includes the often-arduous task of personal transformation.  A real-life battle where our fleshly side (old man) battles with the Spirit within (new man).  I believe it is a battle only because we need to “put off” that old man so often.  I know this battle all too well.  If left there, hope would seem so distant.  But there is more to learn.

“…and be renewed in the Spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new

man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.”

                                                                                                                                    Ephesians 4:23-24            

The battle is not on me alone; that is, I need not fight it by myself.  This word “renewed” brings forth the idea of renovating, that is, to reform.  But it is something that is being done through you by God.  As one person put it, “the renewal here urged is not ‘self-renewal’ but that which is worked in the believer by God’s renewing power.”  I indeed assume some level of responsibility because God calls me to “put on the new man.”  That said, it appears that I choose transformation, and God empowers me to accomplish it.           

So, what is the point of all this?  For me, it is simple yet challenging.  The message that called me so many years ago still speaks to me now.  This message reminds me of the amazing grace provided through Christ. Yet, that same message of hope also reveals to me that change is needed.  So often, that is where the battle is most fierce.  Thank You, Lord, for providing the truth and power to change.  Now Lord, increase my faith so change can take place.

Dennis

I would like to begin with a question that I had to ask myself, “Has the pandemic effected your walk with Christ in any negative fashion?”  Clearly, the fact that we as a body have spent far less time together speaks to the challenges we were confronted with.  For me, the fact is, it has impacted me in many ways, some of which I may not be fully aware of yet.  Less time in the word.  Decrease in prayer time.  Less serving others and the list can go on.  For me, if I am not intentionally engaged in the transformation process, it usually means I am unwittingly being conformed by the world around me.  Our ability to effectively move forward might be helped by our willingness to honestly and thoughtfully answer such questions.

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk

worthy of the calling with which you were called.

                                                                                                                                    Ephesians 4:1           

As the apostle Paul seeks to encourage the church in Ephesus, he does so by reminding them of something amazing; that is, “that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 3:10).  What an honor and opportunity!  It makes sense then that he prays that the church receive strength from God (3:16), that their faith be focused (3:17) and that they would deepen their understanding of Christ’s love (3:19).  For through Him and because of Him the church is able to bring glory to God (3:21).  Thus, we walk with purpose “worthy of the calling” (4:1), seeking “seeking unity of the Spirit in the bound of peace” (4:3).  Unity is part of the church’s quest here in this realm.  It’s not about me, it is about us. Thus, we seek to grow in His likeness, knowing that each of us offer some essential element that helps provide for the work of the whole (4:16).  If there is anything this past year has taught me, it is how much I need all of you. 

This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer

walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind…

                                                                                                            Ephesians 4:17           

It is here that I grasp anew the importance of us being together and working together and growing together. At the core of this letter is the reality, “…that He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation” (Ephesians 2:14).  Christ has made both Jews and Gentiles one!  As one, yet individuals in Christ, they are exhorted to walk in a certain fashion, avoiding the “futility” of the unbelieving world.  That word is fascinating, for it carries the idea of being transient; that is, lasting only a short time.  It brings with it the idea of depravity, which is moral corruption, wickedness.  Oh, how relevant the scripture is some 2000 years later.  The unbelieving world pushed them and pushes us now.  Conform!  Schools, business, neighborhoods, all being challenged to conform.  Paul would write to Timothy these words, “And from such people turn away” (2^nd Timothy 3:5).  Why?  2^nd Corinthians 15:33 says it simple in the ETRV, “Don’t be fooled: ‘Bad friends will ruin good habits.’” 

The truth is, we are not exempt from such pressure, just as those were in the early church. For the last year or so, I have felt that pressure, have you?  So, like the church in Ephesus, we are exhorted to pay close attention to our walk, because my walk is not just about me, it is about us.  It is about our purpose as the Body of Christ.  So, let’s help each other to walk worthy of the marvelous grace that has been given to us.  Let’s walk aware that the world around us seeks to conform us.  Let’s walk to bring Him glory.

Dennis

Are you at all like me?  There are times that the situations of life begin to dominate my mind, often it results in me losing sight of my future.  Okay, so what is my future?  Our future?  Your future?  Well, if you are in Christ, there is a lot to say about your future, more about that in a moment.  Without question, the last year or so has been difficult for so many with the pandemic, job issues, health issues, family issues and the list goes on.  Inflation is being projected, gas prices going up, let alone that our society is changing at such a rapid pace.  The drumbeat of life’s adversities can consume the mind, robbing us of hope, peace, and anticipation. What anticipation you ask?  It is that which I desire to share with you this day.   In the face of all we encounter, it would benefit us to always anticipate what awaits us as believers.  If you have been following my meditation for the last few days, you know where I am going.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to

His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the

resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead… (1st Peter 1:3)           

Peter says that God is “blessed” or as the ETRV translates it, “praise.”  Psalm 34:1, “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.”  Habakkuk 3:17-18, “Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls– Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.”  When was the last time you genuinely praised God?  Especially when faced with adversity.  That is the setting in which Peter shares these thoughts.  There will be times when believers will face “various trials that the genuineness of your faith…may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1st Peter 1:6-7).  It would seem the point here by Peter is to not lose sight of the prize.  Through the giving of His Son and our faith in His sacrifice and resurrection, we have been given “a living hope.”  Hope here means expectation, trust, confidence.  In what?  Let’s continue.

…to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away,

reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith

for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  (1st Peter 1:4-5)

Okay, so let’s talk about anticipation.  I am going to show my age, but I can remember the Heinz ketchup ad from 1970’s.  The ad closes with someone saying, “Sorry you had to wait.”  The response was, “I’m not.”  People don’t like waiting for anything it would seem.  But when you understand what you are waiting for, it makes it easier.   I like the ETRV translation, “Now we wait to receive the blessings God has for his children.”  Peter wants his readers to look forward with anticipation of what is down the road.  And what is down the road is worth waiting!   As heirs (Romans 8:17; Ephesians 1:14) we have an inheritance that awaits us all who are in Christ.  Jesus told His disciples just prior to His death that “In My Father’s house are many mansions” and that He must go to “prepare a place for you” (John 14:1-4).  Those early Christians who faced such incredible adversity, were convinced that they had “a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven” (Hebrews 10:32-36).  Something that Peter says is “incorruptible…undefiled and does not fade away.”  Their hope was not only in His redemptive work for sinful man now, but also in what awaits them later.

It is true, life can be overwhelming and frustrating at times.  You can feel like throwing your hands up in the air and say, “What is the sense of all this?”  When seemingly trapped in the cycle we call life, it can be difficult to see beyond the now.  That is why we would benefit from a little faith driven anticipation.  See with our faith what God says to be true and that awaits us.  Realize that this is all temporary and the real eternity is just around the corner.  May God strengthen us to keep our eyes on the prize.

Dennis

When it comes to the subject of faith driven water baptism and its role in God’s redemptive plan, a bible verse is often quoted to suggest it plays no role in salvation.  That text is Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”  I find great comfort in these two verses, for it reveals that my hope rests securely in that amazing gift given to sinful man which is Jesus Christ.  The use of these verses to suggest the idea that water baptism is not a necessary act of faith in God’s redemptive plan centers around the words “not of works.”  Although this is not the text I wish to focus on today, it does bring forth a question I wish to consider.  What is meant by works?  Some understand it to mean it as a “work of merit.”  Thus, because one is baptized God is obligated to save.  As though somehow through the obedient act, one earns their salvation.  It then becomes imperative to answer this question, “Is the act of water baptism a work of merit or an act of faith?”

Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized

in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins… (Acts 2:38)

So many questions, I can understand the turmoil in all this.  So, let’s re-frame these questions with one more question, “How Lord, because of Your wonderful gift of grace found in Jesus Christ, do I respond to Your invitation to save me?”  Once again, as I was watching the TV this past week, another Franklin Graham advertisement came on encouraging people to place their trust in Jesus.  In that ad, the need for repentance; that is, the necessary change of mind and direction, away from sin, was stressed and the fact that God will help one accomplish it.  We can’t get around it, when it comes to salvation there is some level of involvement we contribute.  But does obedience, also known as an act of faith, necessitate merit?  Was it grace that healed the blind man in John 9:7, or was it that he listened to Jesus by going to wash in the pool of Siloam?  Prior to Jesus healing the man with the withered hand in Luke 6, He invited the man to “Arise and stand here” (Luke 6:8).  What healed him?  What caused the walls to fall in Jericho?  What caused God’s people to win the battle in Exodus 17:8-16?  Was it because the rod remained lifted or because God brought them victory?  Over and over again, faith is seen not merely a conviction, but a thought that is accompanied by an action that places confidence in God’s promise.

So, where does this bring us?  It is the words all those who believe in Christ want to be confident in; that is, the remission (i.e., forgiveness) of sins.  Salvation!  Peter invitation to the crowd on Pentecost was to “repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sin.”  By the authority and work of Christ, forgiveness is possible.  I think of 1st Peter 3:21, “There is also an anti-type which now saves us-baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ…”  In days past, I would use this verse to prove baptism’s essentialness in God’s plan of salvation, to the point of neglecting was it has any effect in the first place.  The difference is in the power of Christ’s resurrection!  It is His work that makes repentance and water baptism a life changer.  It is why Paul would say, “I thank God-through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 7:25).  It is why he said, “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1^st Corinthians 15:57).  Acts of faith do not save in and of themselves.  It is only because of Christ that they matter!

What if water baptism was seen through the lens, like repentance, as an invitation?  God inviting sinful man to come and receive the abundance of His grace found only in Christ Jesus.  What if the act is simply a sign of someone who fully trust that God will fulfill His promise to forgive?  What if water baptism was simply viewed as nothing other than an act of faith?  Taking God at His word.  No merit!  No earning!  Just someone incapable of paying the debt of their sin and accepting the invitation to find grace in Christ.  Truth be told, Jesus is the One that did all the work necessary.

Dennis

The lesson today will come from Acts 2:38, with the focus on the subject of baptism.  It is necessary to be reminded of several things as we try and filter through the problem areas concerning this biblical teaching.  A few weeks ago, you may remember that I talked about the Jewish audience that were present on that special day of Pentecost. These Jews were not theologians with access to commentaries and other literature, but ordinary Jews. After Peter’s sermon which caused them to see Jesus, the man they crucified, as both “Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36), they were “cut to the heart” (Acts 2:37) and asked a simple question. The question was, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”  Peter gives them a simple answer, but before we consider it once again, it would be helpful to understand more background of these Jewish believers.

For instance, do you know what a mikveh is?  It was a Jewish tradition of immersion in water to purify themselves for various reasons.  Jerusalem would have had multiple locations where one could participate in this ritual.  So, in their mind, to associate purification with the act of water baptism was simple.  These same Jews would have been familiar on some level with the teaching of John the Baptist.  In Matthew 3:11, we read, “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”  What I am getting at is this, the Jews who heard the response of Peter to their question, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…” would undoubtedly understand it as water baptism.

He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. (Matthew 3:11)

Okay, then what about the latter part of Matthew 3:11?  Is that not providing evidence that the baptism of the Holy Spirit will replace water baptism?  Okay, remember, I am an ordinary man, and so I look for a simple answer.  Consider what I said in that previous lesson: that Peter (along with the other apostles) had received the Holy Spirit, which would guide them into all truth (Acts 2:3; John 14:26; 16:13).  So, Peter’s response that they needed to baptism was the truth, right?  Some may argue that it does not say that it is water baptism, which is true.  So how can I be sure that it is?

I go to the story of Philip and the eunuch in Acts 8.  First, who is Philip?  Back in chapter 6, we see him as one of a handful of men chosen to serve the church who were “full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom” (Acts 8:3, 5).   We know that “an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip” (Acts 8:26, guiding him to the Ethiopian eunuch chariot.)  With permission given, “Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him” (Acts 8:35).  What did he teach?  Of course, he spoke of what Isaiah prophesied about (Isaiah 53:7-8); that is, the sacrifice of Christ.  Nothing could be more important!  But is that all?  No!  He must have talked about water baptism as well.  What did he teach?

Now, as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said,

“See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?”

                                                                            Acts 8:36            

This eunuch was returning from worshiping in Jerusalem (Acts 8:27).  Although no info is available as to whether he was a proselyte, it is clear he had committed himself to the Jewish faith on some level.  It is reasonable that he knew of, if not himself, partook in, the Jewish ritual of purification.  So, Philip is asked a question by an eager disciple who has just come to understand the hope that is in Christ, “See, here is water.  What hinders me from being baptized?”  Guided by the Holy Spirit, full of wisdom, now is the time to bring clarity.  He answers, “If you believe with all your heart, you may” (Acts 8:37).  The eunuch responds, “I believe that Jesus is the Son of God” (Acts 2:37).  What happened next, you already know.  The eunuch stopped the chariot, and he and Philip went down into the water, and the eunuch submitted to water baptism.

Being filled with the Holy Spirit and entrusted with the gospel, Philip preaches the truth about Christ and God’s redemption through His sacrifice.  What was included was the need for water baptism.  One final observation concerning the story of the eunuch.  After he was baptized in water “he went on his way rejoicing” (Acts 8:39).  Something happened at the moment, during that event called baptism, that resulted in him rejoicing.  It all points to Christ and the salvation that is found in Him.

Dennis

Are you at all like me?  There are times that the situations of life begin to dominate my mind, often it results in me losing sight of my future.  Okay, so what is my future?  Our future?  Your future?  Well, if you are in Christ, there is a lot to say about your future, more about that in a moment.  Without question, the last year or so has been difficult for so many with the pandemic, job issues, health issues, family issues and the list goes on.  Inflation is being projected, gas prices going up, let alone that our society is changing at such a rapid pace.  The drumbeat of life’s adversities can consume the mind, robbing us of hope, peace, and anticipation. What anticipation you ask?  It is that which I desire to share with you this day.   In the face of all we encounter, it would benefit us to always anticipate what awaits us as believers.  If you have been following my meditation for the last few days, you know where I am going.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead… (1^st Peter 1:3)

            Peter says that God is “blessed” or as the ETRV translates it, “praise.”  Psalm 34:1, “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.”  Habakkuk 3:17-18, “Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls– Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.”  When was the last time you genuinely praised God?  Especially when faced with adversity.  That is the setting in which Peter shares these thoughts.  There will be times when believers will face “various trials that the genuineness of your faith…may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1^st Peter 1:6-7).  It would seem the point here by Peter is to not lose sight of the prize.  Through the giving of His Son and our faith in His sacrifice and resurrection, we have been given “a living hope.”  Hope here means expectation, trust, confidence.  In what?  Let’s continue.

…to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  (1^st Peter 1:4-5)

Okay, so let’s talk about anticipation.  I am going to show my age, but I can remember the Heinz ketchup ad from 1970’s.  The ad closes with someone saying, “Sorry you had to wait.”  The response was, “I’m not.”  People don’t like waiting for anything it would seem.  But when you understand what you are waiting for, it makes it easier.   I like the ETRV translation, “Now we wait to receive the blessings God has for his children.”  Peter wants his readers to look forward with anticipation of what is down the road.  And what is down the road is worth waiting!   As heirs (Romans 8:17; Ephesians 1:14) we have an inheritance that awaits us all who are in Christ.  Jesus told His disciples just prior to His death that “In My Father’s house are many mansions” and that He must go to “prepare a place for you” (John 14:1-4).  Those early Christians who faced such incredible adversity, were convinced that they had “a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven” (Hebrews 10:32-36).  Something that Peter says is “incorruptible…undefiled and does not fade away.”  Their hope was not only in His redemptive work for sinful man now, but also in what awaits them later.

It is true, life can be overwhelming and frustrating at times.  You can feel like throwing your hands up in the air and say, “What is the sense of all this?”  When seemingly trapped in the cycle we call life, it can be difficult to see beyond the now.  That is why we would benefit from a little faith driven anticipation.  See with our faith what God says to be true and that awaits us.  Realize that this is all temporary and the real eternity is just around the corner.  May God strengthen us to keep our eyes on the prize.

Dennis