Fellowship With God Why? by Trevor Bowen

http://insearchoftruth.org/articles/fellowship_with_God.html

Fellowship With God

Why?

Do you want to have fellowship with God? Do you wish to have a meaningful relationship with your Creator and the Designer of the entire universe? I sure do! I greatly look forward to that day, when I get to join that heavenly throng depicted here:

After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.” Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald. Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads. And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!” Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.” (Revelation 4:1-11)

Although there are many wondrous images portrayed in this one view, please focus on the One, Who is the center of this praise. Why were these heavenly beings so rich with their overflowing thanksgiving?
These spiritual creatures return to two different themes in their praise: One, God’s personal worthiness by virtue of His nature, and two, His worthiness because of what He has accomplished. God is the infinite being, unsurpassed in holiness and power. No one can be compared to Him (Psalm 89:6-8). He is the timeless being who “was and is to come” and “lives forever and ever”. The symbolic imagery of jasper, sardius, emerald, lightnings, thunderings, voices, and being surrounded by such pure, powerful creatures all point to His holiness and might. Recognition of His attributes are justified and good, because the praise proclaimed is first true, and second we only injure ourselves to minimize Him. Furthermore, God does not just exist in infinite holiness and power, He has also created! He has created us among all of his glorified hosts. Therefore, life and all the blessings we enjoy from Him likewise worthily demand our hearty praise and thanksgiving.

Why Not?

For a moment, please consider the alternative of fellowship with God. Please consider the possibility of life apart from God. What kind of life would that be? Please consider Peter’s response to a similar predicament:

From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:66-68)

If we were to reject that pure and perfect existence with the Creator of all the universe, how would we possibly improve upon it? Could we fashion better bodies for ourselves? No, He has prepared undying, immortal, incorruptible, and glorious frames for us (I Corinthians 15:35-57)! How could we possibly improve upon His design? ... Could we make a better home for ourselves? No, He has prepared a place without tears, death, sorrow, crying, and pain (Revelation 21:1-5). ... Could we discover a greater source of sustenance and drink? No, He has readied for us “twelve fruits” from the “tree of life” with the “leaves of the tree for the healing of the nations” and free access to the “fountain of the water of life” (Revelation 21:6; 22:1-2). ... Could we search out a greater source of wisdom, experience, and guidance? No, because He is the One Who made “all things”, and He is bringing us to His home, where we will dwell with Him in His infinite light (Revelation 21:1-3; 22:1-2). ... Could we find or fashion a greater source of true love, mercy, compassion, and friendship? No, He has already sacrificed the ultimate, the best of all things - His Son - to draw us to Him (Romans 8:32; John 3:16; 15:13-15; Ephesians 1:3-12). ... How could we possibly improve upon any decision or provision He has prepared for us? What more could we possibly want?
Ahh, therein lies the rub! We have to choose to accept what He has outlined. And, that’s the real problem, is it not? We want to do, what we want to do. We do not want anyone to tell us what to do, no matter how qualified or motivated they may be! This is the wonder of pride and will. It does not matter, if we can really improve upon the provided option or not. We just want to be free of restraint and consequence, to do whatever we will. Moreover, we will injure ourselves in the most tragic way just to prove that we can! ... Can we see the folly of this prideful, self-destruction? Maybe it is by His design and grace, because even here He bestows a gift - a choice. At last, it depends upon us, whether to accept His offering or venture on our own. At the last, He lets us choose what to do. Do we wish to have fellowship with God? Or, will we reject Him and turn to an existence entirely devoid of Him and bereft of all that He is?

How?

Assuming that we desperately want and crave this fellowship with our Most High, Holy, and Majestic Creator, how do we obtain it? How is such a link built and maintained?

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life — the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us — that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full. (I John 1:1-4)

When we seek fellowship with God, we are essentially seeking “eternal life” - not eternal existence, but eternal life. There is a potentially infinite distinction to be made, because we will eternally exist in heaven or hell (Matthew 25:46), but only one could be possibly regarded as true “life”. How does John say we can enjoy fellowship with this source of eternal life?
John shows us a link, a chain, a bridge of fellowship proceeding from God: God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, His apostles and witnesses, and their writings! It is only by reading their writings that our “joy may be full”. It is only through “fellowshipping” their writings, the Scriptures, the Bible that we can have fellowship with these apostles, witnesses, and prophets, who had direct contact and fellowship with our loving Saviour and King. And, it is only through Jesus that we can approach the Father (John 14:6-9; Acts 4:12). Therefore, if we want to have fellowship with God, we must ultimately submit to those ambassadors and the methods that God chose to extend fellowship. Only through following God’s Word can we enjoy fellowship with His apostles, His Son, and thereby God Himself.

Details?

What must one do to be saved and enjoy this fellowship with God? What does His Word say? Elsewhere, we have looked at the pattern of conversion in the book of Acts, so here let us summarize the simple steps to conversion:

1. Hear the gospel - Romans 1:16; 10:14-18
2. Believe the gospel - Romans 10:10-11; Hebrews 11:6
3. Repent of sins and past life - Acts 2:37-38; 3:19; 17:30; 26:20
4. Confess Jesus as Lord - Romans 10:9-10; Matthew 10:32-42
5. Be baptized “for the remission of sins” - Acts 2:37-38; I Peter 3:21; Romans 6:1-6

Are you ready to become a Christian? If you need help finding a local church that so teaches and worships, we may be able to help you find one using our contact form.
...
Suggested Song: High Above the Seraphim.
Author: Trevor Bowen
Posted: Wed, 18 Dec 2013 18:04:56 CDT

"THE EPISTLE TO THE COLOSSIANS" The Conversion Of The Colossians (1:21-23) by Mark Copeland

                     "THE EPISTLE TO THE COLOSSIANS"

               The Conversion Of The Colossians (1:21-23)

INTRODUCTION

1. We noticed in the previous lesson that Paul was describing "The
   Pre-Eminent Christ" - Col 1:13-20

2. The last point made by Paul was that Jesus was "The Reconciler Of All
   Things" - Col 1:20

3. As a case in point, Paul reminds the Colossians they too had been
   "reconciled" to God through Jesus Christ - Col 1:21-23

[In this study we will examine "The Conversion Of The Colossians" as 
described in this passage, with a view towards understanding and 
appreciating our own reconciliation with God...]

I. THE CONVERSION OF THE COLOSSIANS (21-23)

   A. BEFORE THEIR CONVERSION...
      1. Paul said they were "alienated and enemies"
         a. The word "alienated" comes from apallotrioo
            {ap-al-lot-ree-o'-o}, which means:
            1) to alienate, estrange
            2) to be shut out from one's fellowship and intimacy
         b. The word "enemies" is from echthros {ech-thros'}, and
            describes that which is:
            1) hated, odious, hateful
            2) hostile, hating, and opposing another;
            3) used of men as at enmity with God by their sin
      2. Why were they this way?
         a. Because in both THOUGHT and DEED they were sinners!
         b. As Paul writes:  "...enemies in your mind by wicked works"

   B. BUT NOW THEY ARE RECONCILED!
      1. How so?  Two things are mentioned in the context...
         a. Earlier, in verse 20, Paul mentions "the blood of His
            cross"
         b. Now, in verses 21-22, Paul says they were reconciled "in
            the body of His flesh through death"
         -- Both of these phrases emphasize that Jesus suffered IN THE
            FLESH, something some people in those days denied - cf. 
            2Jn 1:7; He 2:9,14
      2. Through the offering of Jesus' body and blood, they were now
         reconciled (brought back) to God; they are now presented to God
         as:
         a. "holy" - sanctified, set apart for God's use
         b. "blameless" - without being guilty of anything worthy of
            blame
         c. "irreproachable" - guilty of nothing that can be called into
            to account; unreproveable, unaccused, blameless
      3. Note that this wonderful condition is how GOD viewed them ("in
         His sight")!

   C. THEIR RECONCILIATION TO GOD AND EXALTED CONDITION CONTINUES
      "IF..."
      1. They "continue in the faith"
      2. They remain "grounded and steadfast"
      3. They "are not moved away from the hope of the gospel"

[In "The Conversion Of The Colossians," we have seen...

   1) That they had been grave sinners, enemies and alienated from God
   2) Yet, they had been reconciled to God
      a) Through Jesus' death on the cross
      b) Such so they were now "holy, blameless, and irreproachable in
         His sight"
   3) But their reconciliation appears conditional, dependent upon their
      continued faithfulness and steadfast hope!

Now let's make some...]

II. OBSERVATIONS AND APPLICATIONS

   A. THE COLOSSIANS' CONDITION PRIOR TO RECONCILIATION WAS NOT UNIQUE
      1. True, they had been wicked sinners, enemies, and alienated from
         God
      2. But so were we all! - cf. Ep 2:1-3; Tit 3:3
      3. Anyone who thinks otherwise is ignorant of:
         a. The terribleness of sin
         b. The awesome holiness and justice required of God's character
      4. To better understand how the opposition of sin and God's
         holiness...
         a. Consider what ONE sin will do:  make us as guilty as though
            we have broken the entire law! - cf. Jm 2:10
         b. Consider the price necessary to redeem us from sin - the 
            death of God's Beloved Son!
         c. Contemplate the "words of anguish" uttered by Jesus as He
            bore our sins upon the cross ("My God, My God, why have You
            forsaken Me?") - Mt 27:46

   B. OUR RECONCILIATION WITH GOD IS MADE POSSIBLE ONLY THROUGH JESUS'
      DEATH ON THE CROSS
      1. Good works cannot reconcile us back to God
         a. Such as "church-going", acts of mercy and kindness, etc.
         b. If so, then Cornelius would have been saved by them
            1) For he certainly was a "good man" - cf. Ac 10:1-2
            2) But as recounted by Peter, the angel told Cornelius that
               he still needed to have Peter tell him what to do to be
               saved - cf. Ac 11:13-14
      2. Though "good works" are essential as disciples of Jesus Christ
         (cf. Tit 2:14; 3:1,8,14), the bottom line is this:
         a. We are "justified" (declared "not guilty") by Christ's blood
            - Ro 5:9
         b. Only the "blood of His cross" can cleanse us from sin! 

             - Ep 1:7; 1Jn 1:7
      3. The crucial question, then, is how can one benefit from the 
         blood of Jesus?
         a. At first, through a penitent faith when we are baptized into
            Christ - Ac 2:38
            1) For in baptism, we are united with Christ in His death - 
               Ro 6:3-8
            2) And in baptism, we are "clothed with" (or "put on")
               Christ - Ga 3:27
            -- So united with Christ and clothed with Him, we enjoy all
               the spiritual blessings to be found by being in Him,
               including "redemption through His blood"! - Ep 1:7
         b. Then, as needed, we have access to the blood of Jesus
            through repentance and prayer - 1Jn 1:9; e.g., Ac 8:22
      4. Only in this way can we be "holy, blameless, and
         irreproachable" in God's sight!

   C. OUR RECONCILIATION IS CONDITIONAL!
      1. Notice again that Paul says "IF INDEED YOU CONTINUE..." - Col 1:23
         a. Once saved (reconciled to God), we can still be lost!
         b. What about "the security of the believer?"
            1) Though the Bible does teach the security of the BELIEVER
            2) It also teaches the insecurity of the UNBELIEVER
            3) And it teaches that a BELIEVER, if not diligent, can
               become an UNBELIEVER! - cf. He 3:12-19; He 4:1-2,11
      2. And so, Paul emphasizes that we must "continue in the faith",
         which involves:
         a. Being "grounded and steadfast" (thus the need for follow-up)
         b. "not moved away from the hope of the gospel," which can
            occur through:
            1) Error or false doctrine - cf. 2Pe 3:17
            2) Temptations to sin - cf. 2Pe 2:20-22
            3) Trials and hardships in life - cf. Re 2:10

CONCLUSION

1. What have we learned from "The Conversion Of The Colossians"?
   a. First, a reminder to those who are Christians...
      1) Of where they once were
      2) Of the blessings they now enjoy in Christ
      3) Of the need to remain faithful to the end
   b. But also, a lesson to those not Christians...
      1) Pointing out where they are right now in their sins, as God
         views them
      2) Revealing where they can be, if they will respond so as to
         benefit from the blessings of Jesus' death on the cross
      3) That being a Christian will require continued steadfastness and
         growth on their part

2. We close with an observation concerning Paul's remark about the
   gospel, which even in his day "was preached to every creature under
   heaven" (Col 1:23)...
   a. In this lesson, I have shared the basics of the gospel to every
      person who receives this lesson
   b. Have you obeyed the gospel?  If not, why not now?  Remember it was
      Jesus who said:

      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. - Mk 16:15-16

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2016

Abhor What is Evil? by Dave Miller, Ph.D.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=11&article=949

Abhor What is Evil?

by	Dave Miller, Ph.D.

Is there any question that America has lost her moral compass as a country? We as a culture and a nation, including many of those who profess to be church-going Christians, have become so diluted in moral, religious, and spiritual knowledge and convictions that “compassion” and “love” have been redefined. “Compassion” now means “tolerance” and acceptance of “diversity.” In other words, we will not take issue with anyone on anything, we will not punish anyone for anything, and we will not condemn or pronounce as unacceptable any behavior—no matter how bizarre, distasteful, or wicked. The sad corollary is that neither do we have a wholesome regard for what is good.
As the Christian moral framework on which the nation was founded has experienced significant erosion, many citizens have embraced the self-contradictory viewpoint that they can appreciate, and even “celebrate,” a host of mutually exclusive religions, ideologies, and behaviors. Homosexuality and killing unborn babies are supported and affirmed, while those who profess a non-Christian religion like Islam are also being welcomed—though Muslims believe abortion is a crime and homosexuals ought to be executed. Polygamy has always been immoral and illegal in American civilization (Miller, 2006; Miller, 2009), yet the Quran teaches that a man may have up to four wives (Miller, 2004, 3[4]:9-R), and the thousands of Muslims that are coming to America obviously are not foregoing their polygamous relationships. The result? Complete social and moral confusion.
The God of the Bible declares: “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (Isaiah 5:20). Regarding those who engage in immoral behavior, Christians are admonished to attempt to “save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh” (Jude 23). All people are called upon to “[a]bhor what is evil. Cling to what is good” (Romans 12:9). Sadly, few these days seem even to know what is good or evil.

REFERENCES

Miller, Dave (2004), “Polygamy and the Quran,” Reason & Revelation, 3[4]:9-R, March, [On-line], URL: http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=8&article=4029.
Miller, Dave (2006), “The Next Domino: Polygamy,” [On-line], URL: http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=7&article=4809.
Miller, Dave (2009), “Sexual Depravity Continues to Expand,” [On-line], URL: http://www.apologeticspress.org/articles/240099.

Baby Dolls, Beauty Pageants, and the Sexualization of Children by Eric Lyons, M.Min.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=7&article=1610

Baby Dolls, Beauty Pageants, and the Sexualization of Children

by	Eric Lyons, M.Min.

There is a right way to rear children, and there is a wrong way. Abraham chose the right way. He commanded his children to “keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice” (Genesis 18:19, emp. added). Some 2,000 years later, the inspired apostle Paul made sure to tell the Ephesians to bring their children up “in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4, emp. added). The Lord’s way is the right way (Psalm 119:75). The right way includes diligently teaching young people to be (among other things) sensible, modest, discreet, and chaste (Titus 2:4-8; 1 Peter 3:1-5). It also includes warning today’s youth of the dangerous works of the flesh, including the impure, lewd, sensual things that tend to stir up ungodly passions (Galatians 5:19-21; Romans 13:13).
Sadly, the instruction of children in the ways “of the Lord” has diminished significantly in America, and yes, even in the Lord’s Church. Consequently, as the ways of the Lord are forgotten, many are promoting and partaking in the heartbreaking sexualization of children. Though many adults in this country will condemn (and rightly so) pedophilia, child pornography, etc., many of these same individuals have contributed to the sexualizing of children. It may start very young when parents purchase their four-year-old daughters baby dolls that look more like the seductress harlot described in Proverbs 7 than an innocent little bundle of joy. Some of the Bratz Babyz manufactured by MGA Entertainment, for example, sell dolls wearing midriff tops, mini skirts, tiny bikinis, and sparkly panties. The dolls are painted to look more like a seductive, grown woman—with large, glossy lips, and long, painted eyelashes. One manufacturing company a few years ago went so far as to make a “Pole Dance” doll. So outrageous was this product that even The Huffington Post ran a story titled “The 7 Most Inappropriate Products for Children” (2010). Number one on the list was the “Pole Dance” doll, which had on it’s box keywords such as “Flash,” and “Up and Down”—words that The Huffington Post said “sound like they were written by the happiest pedophile in playland.”
What seems to be contributing even more to the sexualization of children in America are the clothes that retail stores are selling—that parents are purchasing. Livescience.com published a story in 2011 about a study regarding children’s clothing (toddlers to pre-teen children) from 15 national retail stores. The researchers found that of the 5,666 items of clothing that were reviewed, “31 percent had sexualizing features” (i.e., “they revealed or emphasized a sexualized body part such as the chest or buttocks and…had sexy characteristics such as slinky material;” Pappas, 2011, emp. added). Add to this the skin-tight, short shorts that retailers sell and that parents buy, and the problem is compounded. Parents, you might be contributing to the sexualizing of your own children (1) if your daughter’s shirts are longer than her shorts, (2) if your daughter’s shorts are tighter and shorter than a pair of boxer briefs, or (3) if the pockets of your daughter’s shorts hang lower than the shorts themselves.
Some parents have even taken this a step further, by entering their young, innocent daughters (some as young as three years old) into beauty pageants that reward young girls for dressing and acting like anything but the modest and discreet girls the Lord desires parents to rear (Titus 2:4-8; 1 Peter 3:1-5). Some mothers and fathers accessorize their five- and six-year-old daughters with spray tans, hair extensions, and fake eyelashes and fingernails. Some even remove the hair from their prepubescent bodies, followed by a layer of make-up that might give Dolly Parton a run for her money. It is as if the parents are trying to turn their daughters into the previously mentioned, sexualized Bratz Babyz dolls. Promoting this behavior is the exact opposite of teaching the important value to young ladies that “charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised” (Proverbs 31:30).
These little girls, who in many ways are made to look more like grown women, are then paraded in front of an audience like eye candy. They are asked to sing and dance and take people’s breath away. I recently saw a clip of a talk show where one woman was critical of the pageants, saying, “You said it’s not sexualizing the kids…and there is nothing mature about the performance. Yet one of the little ones is shaking her backside, shaking her booty, and she said so.” One mother’s sad defense: “What does that have to do [with anything]? That’s having fun” (emp. added). Another defensive mother added: “If people are looking at a child in a sexy way, then there’s something wrong with them” (“Toddlers…,” 2011). Perhaps, but when a mother intentionally makes her five-year-old look, act, talk, flirt, and dance like a harlot, we should not be surprised that some men will find this satisfying to their sexual senses. In fact, one woman responded to the show on-line, saying, “When you dress a child up like a [prostitute], have her act like one, shaking her [bottom], etc., you are just asking for trouble. Every pedophile out there is watching getting their [thrills] at your child’s expense” (“Toddlers…,” 2011).
Only the naïve or the immoral will not admit to the obvious sexualization of children in America. It is so obvious that even liberal organizations such as The Huffington Post and Livescience.com recognize it. Question: Are you submitting to the Lord’s will to rear sensible, humble, modest, and discreet children who are letting their “Christian lights” shine? Are you teaching about the sinfulness and danger of impure, lewd, sensual things that tend to stir up ungodly passions? Or, are you working hand in hand with Satan in the sexualizing of children by what you purchase and allow your own kids to wear?

REFERENCES

Pappas, Stephanie (2011), “30% of Girls Clothing is Sexualized in Major Sales Trent,” Livescience.com, May 20, http://www.livescience.com/14249-girls-clothing-sexualized.html.
“The 7 Most Inappropriate Products for Children” (2010), March 12, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/09/14/the-7-most-inappropriate_n_286223.html.
“Toddlers & Tiaras’ Moms Defend Child Beauty Pageants” (2011), Anderson Live, October 19, http://www.andersoncooper.com/2011/10/18/toddlers-and-tiaras-tlc-moms-defend-child-beauty-pageants/.

Acts 18 & 19 – A Different Baptism by Ben Fronczek

http://granvillenychurchofchrist.org/?p=221

Acts 18 & 19 – A Different Baptism

A Different Baptism

Read: Acts 18:23-26

In the last sermon we talked about Aquila and Priscilla and their encounter in Ephesus with a man from Alexandria named Apollos.

In this lesson I would like to consider a couple more things in this text that I did not have time to talk about last time. First of all I would like to talk a little about Apollos himself.

From the text we know that he was from Alexandria, which was a great city in north Africa.  It was also the capital of Egypt. Alexandria was not only a center of learning, at one time it was home of one of the greatest libraries of the ancient world.

Historians also tells us that almost a third of the population were Hellenistic Jews. In verse 24 we read that Apollos was a learned man. He was obviously educated. We also read that he had a thorough knowledge of the Scripture (which is referring to the writings of the OT). We also read that he was an eloquent and powerful speaker. Probably what most would consider a scholar.  So, he was not only well educated, and smart, and could speak well, we also read that he knew something about Jesus and presented what he knew to his fellow Jews in the local synagogue here in Ephesus.

Exactly what he knew and what he preached, we don’t know. But we do know Apollos only knew about the Baptism of John the Baptist, so his message and full understanding of the Gospel message was incomplete if not erroneous.

Jesus had instructed His disciples in Matthew 28  “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”  (So this is where Apollos fell short)

In Marks Gospel account of this in vss. 16 15-16 he records Jesus also saying, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” So this is a very, very important matter

So how much was Apollos’ teaching lacking? We don’t know. We only know that Acts 18 indicates that the Baptism of John was not enough. Even though he was smart, eloquent, and sincerely wanted to serve God, his message and understanding concerning baptism was incomplete. Therefore we read that Priscilla and Aquila quietly invite him over to their home to teach him a little bit more.

Now what I finds interesting is the fact that the author of Acts, Luke, continues on and shares with us another similar story in the following verses in Acts 19. Now you have to remember, Luke did not divide his letter into chapters and verses, rather this was done by translators of the original texts later on. So there was no pause between the story we just read about Apollos and the one we I about to read in Acts 19.

Read: Acts 19:1-7  ” While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples  and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when  you believed?”  They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 

So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?”     “John’s baptism,” they replied.

Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.”  On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.  There were about twelve men in all.”

Do you see the similarity? In both accounts Luke is letting us know that we are dealing with devout disciples. Yet in both stories Luke stresses the fact that they had only received the baptism of John the Baptist.

Thought devout,  their full understanding and knowledge of what Jesus wanted done was incomplete. And when they learn of their short coming, there is no hesitation. They are baptized and hence receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

In both stories we see intelligent capable disciples, who continued to hungered and thirsted for truth, and who were humble enough to heed the instruction they received. We should have such a spirit!

A commentator by the name of Kent wrote, “The entire Book of Acts depicts the transition from Judaism to Christianity. It is not surprising, therefore, to find imperfect forms of faith during those epochal days.”

Yet these men were still very teachable. They did not say like I’ve heard more than once, “Oh wait I have to go back and ask my minister about this,” even though they can read the word for themselves.

So what’s the big deal, isn’t one baptism as good as another?

Wasn’t John the Baptist also sent from God?

Obviously there was a difference. These people would not have had to be re-baptized if John’s  baptism was sufficient.

So what’s the real deal about baptism any way?

Even though Baptism in both cases involved plunging  a person under water, the reason or purpose in each instance is different.

We are told here, that John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance, a preparation for the coming kingdom, in preparation for the coming Messiah Jesus, and what He was about to offer.  Read Matthew 3:1-6             “In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:

   “A voice of one calling in the wilderness,   ‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
   make straight paths for him.’”

John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.  People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan.  Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.”

In the Gospel of Luke ch. 3 it says that John came preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.  I like the way the NLT put it, “Then John went from place to place on both sides of the Jordan River, preaching that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven.”

In other word John was out there preaching, ‘Get your act together, the prophesied Messiah is coming.’

I’ve heard that phrase, ‘baptism of repentance’ ever since I first became a Christian. But really what     does it mean. Repentance is the key word. So what constitutes repentance here?

It is not just saying that we are sorry for our sins.

It is more than just feeling bad about the choices we have made. It is an admission of a wrongful life.

It is turning away from one thing in order to embrace something new.  It’s turning from your way to God and His way!

John lets his audience know that if one is not willing to give up his own selfish, misguided path, he cannot experience the joyful life of the kingdom to come.    Read Luke 3:7-16  “John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? ⁸ Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. ⁹The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”

“What should we do then?” the crowd asked.

John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”

Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?”       “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them.

Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?”                                                                    He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.” The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah.  John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

When we come to the point in our lives when we realize that our self directed steps have worn us down and we feel hollow, the Lord invites us to change direction and come to Him. But the life He invites us to only comes through death to self. We have to stop living for our self. We have to die to our selfish, self centered ways, and choose Him and His way. For, He is the way, the truth and His, is the only way to real life, life to the full, life in the Kingdom, and true forgiveness.

And those us who like those Pharisees refuse His call to die to self will not experience kingdom life, even if we are baptized. If we are unwilling to die to our own self interests, we will never find life; or at least the kind of life God wants us to have. In other words, we have to put Him first before self.

So John called his listeners to bear fruit, demonstrating their repentance. He told the tax collectors to be honest and the soldier to live with integrity and contentment. While this may sound like simple external changes, they are radical changes of one’s heart and direction of life. If one does this they no longer live for self. We surrender our own kingdoms to embrace and infinitely larger kingdom.

Preaching repentance did not stop with John.  It was also the very message of our Lord Jesus. While at a dinner party with tax collectors and sinners, the Pharisees and teachers of the Law started complaining to Jesus disciples about what Jesus was doing there. Jesus then told them in Luke 5:31 “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.  I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

If we will not give up our own selfish, self centered behavior, and unless we die to those things  we won’t be fit for the kingdom of God. In Luke 9 23-25, Jesus said,  “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.  For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?  If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”   So we need to die to self.

In light of this; Repentance therefore leads to baptism.  It’s where we die to self.  John the Baptist saw baptism as a sign of one’s willingness to turn away from the fruitless life of self-worship in preparation of the arrival of Jesus and a new life in God’s kingdom.

Jesus offered a baptism of ever-greater power. 

Baptism is a sign of our faith and willingness to take seriously the call to deny self, and repent, and it is also a sign that we are willing to take up our cross and follow Jesus and die. We hear the Gospel. With great remorse and growing excitement we repent of that life away from God, and then we walk with our Lord into that watery grave and die.

We who trust in the redemptive work of Jesus, who are willing to turn away from a life of self-direction, are cleansed of sin after we die to self in the grave represented by baptism. But that is not all!  When we are Baptized in the name of Jesus, we are now ready to receive the Holy Spirit of God who will live inside us and direct our steps in our new walk.

Now Baptism is not a mindless ritual through which we magically receive salvation. It is an intentional walk into death upon repentance, where we by faith encounter the blood of Jesus, which give us new life. In Roman 6 Paul tells us that Baptism is a participation in the death burial and resurrection of Jesus

In Colossians 2 we are told that in the waters of Baptism Jesus performs a spiritual circumcision on us. In the OT, circumcision was a mark or sign on the man’s body that he was a Jew, a descendant of Abraham.  The Christian’s baptism is not like the circumcision the sons of Abraham had to go through, but rather it is a spiritual circumcision that Jesus personally performs on all of us, both men and women. It’s not only a mark or seal which identifies us as God’s own and initiates us into God’s family and kingdom, it also cleanses us and removes that sinful part of us.

Read Colossians 2:9-13  ” For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form,  and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.  In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.  When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature,God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins”

With Jesus graciously providing us with a new life, pure and sanctified, the Holy Spirit then come in and begins guide us in new our live. He gradually guides us and transforms us into the image of Christ when we learn to die to self  and  try to keep in step with Him.

That’s why Aquila and Priscilla were so compelled to pull Apollos aside and teach Him about the Christian’s baptism. And I believe that’s why Luke mentions Paul’s encounter with the disciples in Ephesus in Acts 19. Because even though these were good and faithful men, it was not enough. Aquila, Priscilla and Paul knew how important the Christian’s Baptism is and just had to speak up.

And today we also have many erroneous ideas about baptism going around. The first time I was baptized I was baptized as a infant. After reading scripture I realized as a baby, I had nothing to repent of. I did not choose to deny self and follow Jesus. I did not make any kind of personal commitment to Jesus. As a matter of fact I wasn’t even buried in a grave of water like they were in that first century. Someone dipped their finger in holy water and made the sign of the cross on my forehead. I knew I had to be re-baptized like these individual here in Acts.

Some teach that we are save (free from sin) by faith in Jesus some time before we are Baptized. And then they are baptized some time later because it’s the right thing to do. They think they are saved when they first accept Jesus into their heart. I think I see a problem with that after reading out text.

Right here in Acts we read about a number of individuals called DISCIPLES, who probably loved Jesus very, very much,  one of whom is preaching Jesus, yet they had to be corrected. Why? Because even though they knew Jesus, and loved Him, and were devout believers who had already been baptized, that baptism was not right or good enough.

I truly believe there are a lot of disciples out there like these men who are good and faithful, even regular church attendees who were not baptized with a proper or clear understanding of what they were doing. Maybe they weren’t properly taught, or didn’t understand what they were doing. Believe me when I tell you that I do not doubt anyone’s faith in Jesus or sincerity. Yet is issue of baptism has become a stumbling block and has led to division in Christendom.

So what are we to do? I think these stories are here for a reason. I believe the Lord is showing us by example that we have an obligation to address this issue with the love, and the concern that Aquila, Priscilla, and Paul had.

I believe it’s OK to ask someone, even in the church when and how they became a Christian, even about their baptism. But I believe it should always be in a spirit of love, concern and humility.  And if you find that someone is in error, ask them in a loving way if you could share your view with them because you have seen or learned something little different in the scriptures that just may interest them.

Maybe after hearing this today you may realize that you were taught differently, your own baptism may not be in line with what we talked about in this lesson. I think it is a good thing to reflect on why we were baptized, and take time to compare what we did to what we find in scripture.  Ask yourself if you really did it for the right reason. Did I repent and turn to God? Did I do it specifically to have Jesus remove my sin and perform a spiritual circumcisionon me?

Question? Do you want to take that chance and gamble that God will accept your baptism if you didn’t do it for the right reason, or if you did not do it in the same manner as they did in the New Testament?  Isn’t it better to be safe than sorry?   Many years ago, after I started carefully studying this subject in my Bible, (even before I became an active member of any church), I realized much like Apollos and these other men that I needed to be re-baptized. After studying God’s word, and learned these truths,  I felt so much better for doing it for the right reasons and in the manner.

My encouragement this week is to make a serious study of this subject. And don’t let yourself get caught up on old traditions, or what other people tell you.  It’s all right there in there in you Bible.

The Only Instrument God Commands Us To Use, Is Our VOICE by Alfred Shannon Jr.

https://biblicalproof.wordpress.com/2011/03/page/3/

The Only Instrument God Commands Us To Use, Is Our VOICE

Instrumental music is beautiful to listen to, and soothes the soul, yet God spoke nothing of its use in the New Testament Church. If we dare speak where God spoke not, then let the music play. However, if we believe God’s silence is to be reverenced, and adhered to, then let us obey His silence. If we believe to speak where the bible speaks, and to be silent where the bible is silent, then let us prove it by silencing the instruments, and allowing our voices to praise the Lord. The only instrument God commands us to use, is our VOICE in praise to Him.

Eph 5:19; Col 3:16; Ps 95:1,2; Ps 100:2; 1 Pet 4:11; Rev 22:18,19; Nu 22:18; Deut 4:2; 5:32; 12:32; 28:14; Prov 30:6; Eccl 3:14

God is love by Roy Davison

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/godislove.html

God is love
“God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him” (1 John 4:16). “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love” (1 John 4:8).

Love is an innate characteristic of God. Love is His nature. We must learn to love; we must grow in love. God is love.

This may not be reversed. That God is love does not mean that love is God. This misconception reduces God to the personification of a virtue. John also says, “God is light” (1 John 1:5). This does not mean that light is God.

'God is love' defines His nature.

In John's first letter he emphasizes God's love for us and how we should respond.

God showed His love by sending His Son.

“In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:9, 10).

“God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us” (1 John 3:16).

“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)” (Ephesians 2:4, 5).

Nothing external can separate us from God's love: “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38, 39).

“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1).

God's love comforts us and gives us confidence to have a close relationship with Him: “We have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us” (1 John 4:16-19).

“We love Him because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

God deserves our utmost love. Jesus said, “'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the first and great commandment” (Matthew 22:37, 38).

Paul refers to “haters of God” in Romans 1:30.

God has demonstrated His love. He deserves our love. He inspires our love. Yet, each person chooses either to love or to hate God. A neutral attitude to God is not possible. God punishes those who hate Him and blesses those who love Him (Exodus 20:5, 6).

Why would anyone hate God? Because he has more love for something else. “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world - the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life - is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:15-17).

When we accept the loving grace of God by being baptized, God's Spirit is poured out on us: “But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:4-7).

Through the Spirit, the love of God is poured out in our hearts: “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:5).

We receive the gift of the Holy Spirit when we are baptized: “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38).

The love of God is poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who is given to us. Because we have experienced God's love, we want to love Him and others the way He loves us.

He who loves God must love his brother also.

“And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment” (1 John 3:23).

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we 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 seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us” (1 John 4:7-12).

Paul told the Thessalonians: “But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another” (1 Thessalonians 4:9).

“This is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another” (1 John 3:11).

People ought to recognize us as followers of Christ because of our love for one another. Jesus tells His followers: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34, 35).
It is not enough to say we love our brethren. True love gives practical assistance where needed: “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:16-18).

“If someone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also” (1 John 4:20, 21).

He who loves God keeps His commandments.

Jesus says: “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you” (John 15:12-14).

“Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, 'I know Him,' and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked” (1 John 2:3-6).

Some misuse the statement, “If we love one another, God abides in us” (1 John 4:12) to claim that what we teach or how we worship is not important as long as we love one another. But John explains: “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments” (1 John 5:2, 3). “This is love, that we walk according to His commandments” (2 John 6).

If our teaching and worship are not according to the word of the Lord, we are liars when we say we love God and we are liars when we say we love the brethren, according to the Apostle John.

What have we learned about God's love and our response?

“God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him” (1 John 4:16). “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love” (1 John 4:8).

God showed His love by sending His Son. We love Him because He first loved us. He who loves God must love his brother also. He who loves God keeps His commandments.

“Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God” (2 Thessalonians 3:5). “Keep yourselves in the love of God” (Jude 21).

“Be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you” (2 Corinthians 13:11). “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen” (2 Corinthians 13:14).

Roy Davison

The Scripture quotations in this article are from
The New King James Version. ©1979,1980,1982,
Thomas Nelson Inc., Publishers unless indicated otherwise.
Permission for reference use has been granted.

Published in The Old Paths Archive
(http://www.oldpaths.com)

One rough day by Gary Rose

Yes, it has; and yes I made it too. "How about you". Yesterday, I started to wash my house to remove the algae on the north side (always the worst side). I tried something new (to me); I used a solution of bleach, water and my normal "glossy" detergent. Well, I had problems using it and managed to wreck a favorite pair of shorts in the process. Worse, the heat really got to me, enough so that I had to ask my Linda for help to come indoors. Not a good day!

Today is much better. I felt OK and took my dog for a long walk and chatted with neighbors along my route. On the return trip, I met one of them who I had not previously met (and his little dog, too). We chatted for awhile and then I noticed he had a sock on one foot and the other one was bare. I pointed to the foot with the sock and said something like: Is your foot OK? He answered and said: I don't have a leg.

That floored me. I apologized for my insensitivity  and we went from there to become friends. Somehow, the trip down the hill was slower, but fine. I felt better.

Then, as I perused my pictures, I saw this one of a dog being given a bath and I realized something. No matter how bad things things seem to be, they always could be worse.

 

 Consider this passage from the book of Mark...

 Mark, Chapter 9 (World English Bible)

 ¹⁴ Coming to the disciples, he saw a great multitude around them, and scribes questioning them.
  ¹⁵ Immediately all the multitude, when they saw him, were greatly amazed, and running to him, greeted him.
  ¹⁶ He asked the scribes, “What are you asking them?” 

  ¹⁷ One of the multitude answered, “Teacher, I brought to you my son, who has a mute spirit;
  ¹⁸ and wherever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams at the mouth, and grinds his teeth, and wastes away. I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they weren’t able.” 

  ¹⁹ He answered him, “Unbelieving generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to me.” 

  ²⁰ They brought him to him, and when he saw him, immediately the spirit convulsed him, and he fell on the ground, wallowing and foaming at the mouth. 

  ²¹ He asked his father, “How long has it been since this has come to him?” 

He said, “From childhood.
  ²² Often it has cast him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us, and help us.” 
  ²³ Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” 

  ²⁴ Immediately the father of the child cried out with tears, “I believe. Help my unbelief!” 

  ²⁵ When Jesus saw that a multitude came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to him, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again!” 

  ²⁶ After crying out and convulsing him greatly, it came out of him. The boy became like one dead, so much that most of them said, “He is dead.”
  ²⁷ But Jesus took him by the hand, and raised him up; and he arose. 

  ²⁸ When he had come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we cast it out?”
  ²⁹ He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing, except by prayer and fasting.”
 

This passage made me think: Imagine what it must have been like for the boy?

You think you have problems, Gary? I should listen to my own words: Everyday above ground is a good day; even the bad ones. 

Then I remembered this Helen Keller quote...

 

“I cried because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet”

One last, haunting question comes to my mind and its a "duesy": Gary, are you learning yet? I hope so. Life can be very good no matter what the circumstances.

Well, I'm done- but no, just one more passage to think about for today...

 

Philippians, Chapter 4 (WEB) 

 ⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, “Rejoice!”
  ⁵ Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
  ⁶ In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

 

PS. I hope you like the new Bible font- its called Eagle Lake