Should I Worry About This?

by Larry Rouse
www.cvillechurch.com

Over the years I have carefully noted the circumstances surrounding Christians that fell away from the Lord. Some of these I knew very well, with some even being family members. Most of them started believing and professing things they had ardently opposed in the past. As time passed, some became more aggressive and even denied the plain gospel way of salvation calling it “traditionalism.” These departures caused me great grief and I became determined to help others avoid this terrible “slippery slope.” I often have asked the question: “Why did these departures occur?”

Even though these departures were later characterized by radical doctrinal compromise, I do not know of one individual whose departure came solely from a doctrinal influence. If these individuals had studied and became convinced that these doctrines were true to the scriptures, some of these people would have talked to me with an open Bible. One thing that I found characteristic but puzzling, about my friends, was that they would no longer even talk to me about their change, even though we had good relationships in the past. Again I asked: “What causes a person to act this way?”

The answer that I discovered is the answer the scriptures supply when it describes the “works of the flesh,” which in essence is the arsenal of Satan. All of these people, I strongly believe, lost control of their hearts to issues such as uncontrolled anger, covetousness, unbridled lusts and other temptations. One of the tools Satan used to destroy their faith and allow the flesh to dominate them was the stressful burden of worry.

In the parable of the sower, Jesus describes the unrelenting war that Satan has waged against a living faith, a faith that must be fed by the word of God. The plant that began by the sowing of the powerful seed of God’s word, was made unfruitful by the later choking off of the sustaining word of God. Jesus said: “Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity.” (Luke 8:14)

Jesus taught about taking on unnecessary burdens when He plainly warned: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:34) The Greek word that is translated “worry” in this passage has this root meaning: “to care for, be concerned about,” but also can be used in a bad sense where is denotes to “be anxious, be overly concerned about, be worried about.” (Louw-Nida Lexicon) Paul plainly showed that a living faith can overcome worry when he wrote: “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)

How can we know the difference between the legitimate cares that God wishes us to handle and the burdensome cares that we take on ourselves through a lack of faith? The answer is very simple and very comforting. We need to open our hearts completely to Jesus and let Him sift every thought, priority and goal that is in our hearts and then let Him discard most of them, leaving us with the burdens that we can handle. Do you really trust the Lord? If you do, you can certainly live a worry-free life when you trust God like this. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

Consider some of the needless burdens we bear:

We cannot control, or even know all of the consequences of every possible choice that we face each day. Those men who think they can actually control “what may happen” are either blinded by pride or are simply foolish. The heart of faith simply asks “What does the Lord want me to do?” The burden of possible consequences is left to the God who sees and knows the very number of hairs on my head. “Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29-31)

We cannot control what people think or how they might act. Some have become slaves of men with heavy burdens to bear because they fear “what others might think.” What burden does God give us? He simply wants us to live for Him and let His power and His word speak to others through us. The apostle Paul knew that he had no power over the will of others but there was one thing he could do. “Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.” (1 Corinthians 3:5-6)

What list of unnecessary burdens could you list? Here is a short one to consider:

1. I must not worry about who will be the leader of our country. (Rev 2:26-27)

2. I must not worry about how I will pay the bills. (Heb 13:5-6)

3. I must not worry about my health. (Lk 21:16-18)

4. I must not worry about the well being of my family. (1 Cor 7:32-35)

What happens when a person fails to develop a faith that learns to take the light yoke of Jesus? In time, that faith will break down and that person will seek relief. This was the one characteristic I found in the departure of my friends. Some had become embittered by others and refused to let that burden be the Lord’s. Others had burned themselves out through the pursuit of things that cannot last.

My friends ran to Satan with his false promises and his quick condemnation of the way of God as being “too hard.” The sad truth is that the departure from God’s way leads to a path of real hardship and trouble. Satan wants you to close your eyes and pretend that all is well. Many churches today will encourage you to cast off the commandments of God as “burdensome.”
Which burden will you choose, God’s or Satan’s? Please see clearly the path of a living faith and stand there! “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments.

And His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” (1 John 5:3-4)

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Lead Me to Some Soul Today

by Larry Rouse
www.cvillechurch.com

One of the first thoughts bursting from the heart of a new Christian is how he might personally reach others for the Lord. Words cannot fully express the joy of salvation and the impact that joy has in creating a crystal clear sight of the real condition of this world. Just as our Lord did 2,000 years ago, anyone today can see this world as lost, dying and desperately in need of the gospel of Jesus Christ. “Jesus said to them, My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! 3And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together.” (John 4:34-36)

One of my favorite songs is “Lead Me To Some Soul Today.” This song reflects the thoughts of every Christian who sees these white fields. “Lead me to some soul today; O teach me, Lord, just what to say; Friends of mine are lost in sin, And cannot find their way. Few there are who seem to care, And few there are who pray; Melt my heart and fill my life; Give me one soul today.” How are you doing in this great work of harvest? Is your sight clear to see what this careless world cannot?

When I first became a Christian, I was blessed to be associated with a young man of great faith. Immediately after my baptism I was placed in a class he was teaching on evangelism. That class met three times each week and every student was expected to memorize 10 passages of scripture before the next week. We practiced together how to teach the lost. Within two weeks I was off and running. That semester a good friend obeyed the gospel. Within a few months my brother took the great step of putting the Lord on in baptism. These first steps led me to a life of talking with others with the goal of getting hearts opened around the word of God.

How can we today accomplish having more Christians involved in this great work? The answer is found in the ministry of Christ and that answer may disturb you.

Jesus had just encountered a man who was possessed by such a great number of demons that when Jesus asked the name of the demon they replied: “My name is Legion; for we are many” (Mark 5:9). The people of that area knew this man as one who “had his dwelling among the tombs; and no one could bind him, not even with chains, because he had often been bound with shackles and chains. And the chains had been pulled apart by him, and the shackles broken in pieces; neither could anyone tame him. And always, night and day, he was in the mountains and in the tombs, crying out and cutting himself with stones” (Mark 5:3-5). Jesus has mercy on this man and cast out the demons that afterwards went into a nearby heard of swine who immediately ran into the water and drowned.

The people of this area, having heard these things, immediately went to Jesus and begged Him to leave. They did this because they did not know Jesus and now they feared Him (Mark 5:17). How was Jesus ever going to reach this community?

The formerly demon-possessed man, was now “in his right mind” and very thankful to our Lord. This man seemed to have no future here, having a reputation that surely would keep him from having any significant relationship. He naturally began to beg that Jesus would let him into the same boat that He was departing on. Jesus had a plan for this man, a plan that you or I would have thought ridiculous and unworkable. Jesus instructed him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you. (Mark 5:19)” Did this man not need further instruction? How would he be effective without special classes on speaking, overcoming objections and the many other possible challenges that such a work might bring? How could a man with this little ability and with such a bad reputation accomplish anything?

Who would hear this man? “And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled (Mark 5:20).” Did these men need to hear more than this new convert could give? They did, and when Jesus returned He had an audience that was ready to hear Him. “So it was, when Jesus returned, that the multitude welcomed Him, for they were all waiting for Him (Luke 8:40).”

There are some disturbing conclusions for us to draw from this account. First, the driving force behind one who is effective in evangelism is the realization of “what great things the Lord has done for you.” A genuine understanding of that will melt the heart, put our bodies in motion and give us a message that will be effective. When these things are lacking in a Christian, you can rest assured that his heart is not filled with the joy and love of what Christ has done for him. One of the hard lessons I have learned over the years is that most of those who have their names on the church roles have become cold and stale. They are like the tongue-tied preacher who, while trying to quote Matthew 20:16 which reads “many are called, but few chosen,” instead said “many are cold, but few frozen.” Sadly, I have discovered that there is no point in even mentioning evangelism to these people. They need to be converted themselves!

How about you? Do you have a clear view of what the Lord has done for you? It is time to get to work. By the way, remember to pray for more laborers!

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Heroes Wanted

by Mark E. Larson
www.cvillechurch.com

There is a short supply of heroes these days. It’s no wonder then why so many young people are uninspired and unmotivated to become Christians. There are few good role models for them to look to for the encouragement they need. As a result, they look to super-hero characters produced by Hollywood and rock star idols who will fill the void.

If you are thinking that you cannot be a hero, think again! To be a hero, one does not have to achieve extraordinary works or perform amazing acts that will impress and dazzle. If you have a big heart, if you truly care about others, then you can be a hero by committing yourself to do what is right no matter what the cost may be. As Christians, we should be able to point to our own lives as examples worthy of imitation (1 Cor. 11:1).

Every Christian is meant to be a hero! Christians must rise to the challenge to do God’s will each day. There will be trials, temptations, and tribulations involved in living the Christian life (1 Pet. 1:7; Eph. 6:13; Acts 14:22). Therefore, to be Christians we need faith and courage and the resolve to never give up. We are all called to be heroes!

Heroes Are Brave

Heroism is not limited to great feats or incredible acts of courage, contrary to popular belief. Heroism goes far beyond that occasional act of bravery, like saving someone from a burning building or rescuing a child from drowning. Heroism is seen also in everyday life. Children love to listen to the Bible stories of the heroic acts of people such as David who slew Goliath or Daniel who faced the lion’s den. Yet, do they remember what kind of lives these people lived? Do they remember that David was a man after God’s own heart? Do they remember the devotion of Daniel to pray to God three times a day?

Heroes are those who gather the courage to serve the Lord everyday, no matter how challenging it may be. True heroes are not heroes occasionally, but are constantly doing their best to be brave when enduring the trials of life (e.g., 2 Cor. 4:7-10). Instead of turning your back on your troubles, you bravely face them by your faith in God. You, for example, commit yourself to resolve your marital conflicts, dedicate yourself to helping your troubled teenage son or daughter, and determine to work extra hard to provide for your family in times of financial hardship. When confronted with temptations at every corner, you muster the courage, in God, to stand for what is right in a world of sin. Like heroes, all Christians are to be brave without exception (1 Cor. 16:13; Phil. 1:27-28).

Heroes Seek Justice.

How many times have you seen a movie advertised that portrays the action hero as an avenger seeking “payback” for all the injustices committed against him? Far too often, those who exact revenge upon the guilty are elevated as “heroes” for us to admire. Yet, true heroes seek justice, not revenge (Rom. 12:17-19; 13:4).

Heroes are those who pursue justice in a proactive way. A hero works hard for the rights of others, especially for those who are weak, destitute, and afflicted (Jas. 1:27; cf. Isa. 1:17; Prov. 31:9). There is nothing noble about well wishing: “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled” which is unaccompanied by action (Jas. 2:14-17). To be a hero, one must be willing to put himself “on the line” for the rights of others. When a brother is unfairly accused, when the blabbermouth attempts to spread his gossip, or when a bully is preying upon the weak at school, you may have an opportunity to be a hero! Compassion for others will motivate you to be a hero, to pursue justice for those in need (Mat. 23:23).

Heroes Are Persistent.

Many people are quitters and pessimists, who give up easily at the first sign of conflict or challenge, much like the people of Israel who lacked faith when before an obstacle (Ex. 14:10-12; Num. 13:31-33). Many make lofty goals, like to “build a tower,” only to quit when the going gets tough (Lk. 14:28-30). Indeed, one amazing act of courage does not make a person a true hero when he does not follow through with what he started.

A hero refuses to quit until “mission accomplished.” The apostles of Christ were true heroes for their persistence to teach the gospel in a world that persecuted them greatly (Acts 5:40-42). Parents are heroes too when they refuse to give up on their children, doing their best to train them in the way of the Lord. Every Christian can be a hero by his persistence in the battle against sin, by refusing to surrender to the devil and his ways (1 Pet. 5:8-9). We can be heroes everyday by continuing to do good unto others no matter what response they give or result may come from it (Lk. 6:27-31; Gal. 6:7-10).

Heroes Have Integrity.

Many people will compromise their own beliefs in order “to survive,” to get by or get ahead in life. Many will do foolish things like King Saul, who violated the command of God in hope to “gain the victory” (1 Sam. 13:8-13). People lie, cheat, and steal, or set aside their moral values and convictions so they may “succeed” in life and gain the approval of men. The world is constantly enticing us to give in to sensual pleasures at the cost of what is most important and valuable (1 Jn. 2:16; cf. Mt. 16:26).

In contrast, heroes are committed to what they believe in no matter what. “For we can do nothing against the truth, but only for the truth” (2 Cor. 13:8). Those that have real integrity not only believe in the truth, but live by the truth (3 Jn. 2-4). By putting our trust in God, we will have the courage and strength we need to maintain our integrity for the Lord (1 Pet. 4:19): To go against friends or family, if necessary, in order to do what is right (Mat 10:37); To refuse to give in to the pleasures of sin (Heb. 11:24-26); To not yield to pressures of the world to conform to its standard (Rom 12:2); To never trade what we believe in for the approval of others! (Jn. 12:42-43; cf. Gal. 1:10).

Heroes Selflessly Serve Others.

Many refuse to help without first asking the question: “What’s in it for me?” Unfortunately, “heroism” these days are often motivated by less than noble purposes: Fortune, fame, recognition, praises of men, politics, and other selfish causes (Mt. 6:2).

True heroes will selflessly make personal sacrifices. A hero does not ask if it is convenient or what he can personally gain by helping others. A sacrificial love compels him to act (Jn. 15:13). All Christians will have to give up something in order to do what is right to help others in need (1 Jn. 3:16-18). It may be your time, money, a career, maybe even the dreams you had for your life. Most of all, it will demand that you give up your sins that stand in the way of fulfilling your duty to act on behalf of others.

If being a hero sounds too costly then consider Jesus who selflessly gave far more than we will ever have to give. Jesus denied Himself to become a man and allowed Himself to be put to death on the cross for our sins. There is no greater hero that will inspire us more to be heroes than Jesus Christ! “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (Phil. 2:3-8, NKJV).

Heroes are most desperately wanted. Will you step up to be the “hero” that the Lord has called you to be?

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The Right Baptism

by Edward O. Bragwell, Sr.


"And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Acts 19:1-5).

One thing should be clear from this text -- just any baptism will not do. The Ephesians had been baptized, but they needed to be baptized again. They had been baptized unto John's baptism -- a baptism that was no longer in effect. It was not the baptism of the great commission. It was a baptism preparing the Jews for the coming of the Christ. By the time the Ephesians were baptized the Christ had come, died, was buried, and had risen from the dead. He had given the baptism of the great commission. The Ephesians needed to submit to that baptism -- baptism "in the name of the Lord Jesus." One must be baptized to be saved (1 Pet. 3:21), but he needs to be sure that he is rightly baptized.

The Right Authority

The second baptism that the Ephesians received was "in the name of the Lord Jesus" or by His authority. "In the name of" suggests authority. If a policeman says, "I arrest you in the name of the law," he is invoking the authority of the law. When Jesus gave the great commission he declared that he had all authority and commanded that people be baptized in order to saved (Matt. 28:18-28; Mark 16:15-16)

Bible baptism is not by church authority. No New Testament congregation ever voted on anyone before he could be baptized. It is not by preacher authority. No one is specially "ordained" to "administer baptism." If one wants to be baptized in the middle of the night, he has the authority of Christ to do so. No church needs to assemble and vote on him. He does not have to find an "ordained minister" and ask if he can be baptized. One can be baptized anytime, by anyone and anywhere there is enough water to do it. He has all the authority that he needs in the word of God.

The Right Element

Baptism "in the name of the Lord Jesus" is not baptism in the Holy Spirit. In Acts 8, after the Samaritans were baptized, Peter and John went down to lay hands on them to miraculously impart the Holy Spirit to them. In explaining why this was necessary, Luke writes "For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus." (Acts 8:16). They had been "baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus," but the Holy Spirit had not fallen on them. If baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus had been Holy Spirit baptism, then it could not have been said that "as yet he (Holy Spirit) was fallen upon one of them." When one was baptized in the Holy Spirit, he fell on them (Acts 10:44; 11:15).

Baptism "in the name of the Lord" is water baptism. Notice the connection between "water" and being "baptized in the name of the Lord." "Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord" (Acts 10:47-48).

The Right Purpose

The purpose or objective of "baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus" is "the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38). It is to submit to the authority of Christ (Matt. 28:18-20). It is not to please any person on earth. It is not to get into any denomination. There were no denominations in New Testament times. It is not to show that one has been saved, but in order to be saved (Mark 16:16; 1 Pet. 3:21). As result of being baptized, one is saved and added to the one body -- the church (Acts 2:47; 1 Cor. 12:13).

The Right Action

Not only is the right baptism in water, it is immersion in water. It is immersion by definition. It is a transliteration of the Greek, baptizo: "to dip repeatedly, to immerse, to submerge (used of vessels sunk)" (Thayer). It is immersion by description. It is describe twice as being "buried" in baptism (Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:12). It is immersion by demonstration. Two outstanding New Testament examples demonstrate that baptism is an immersion. Notice the Ethiopian eunuch's baptism: "And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing" (Acts 8:36-39). The fact that they both went down into the water indicates immersion rather than sprinkling or pouring. Also, "John also was baptizing in Aenon near to salem, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized" (John 3:23). It does not take "much water" to sprinkle or pour.

The Right Preparation

Baptism alone will not bring the remission of sins. It must be preceded by the right preparation. Before being baptized, one must be taught the word of God and have faith produced in his heart (Mark 16:15,16; Rom. 10:17). One must also repent of his sins (Acts 2:38) and confess his faith in Christ (Acts 8:37; Rom. 10:10). After one has met these prerequisites he is prepared to be baptized. Babies and very young children are not prepared to be baptized. They have no sins of which to repent. They have no need for forgiveness. They are not capable of having faith produced by hearing the word of God. Hence, they have no need to be baptized.

What about your baptism? Is it like the one you read about in the New Testament? If not, you need to consider being baptized correctly.

You can read more of Ed Bragwell's writings at:

http://edssermonsandthings.com/

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