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Acts 8:25-40 From time to time, I read newsletters from various brotherhood ministries about their efforts at spreading the gospel.  Pictures of believers being baptized are usually included, and as I’ve viewed them, I’m always struck by the absolute wisdom of God in His design for baptism into Christ.  The scriptures teach that a hearing of the gospel, faith in Christ and repentance must precede baptism.  But we’re not talking about that.  The scriptures also teach that baptism into Christ brings forgiveness of sin, a clothing in His righteousness, and the gift of the Holy Spirit.  But we’re not talking about that either. What strikes me is that such a momentous occasion in a person’s life could happen anytime, anywhere.  Baptism into Christ is the exact point at which a person passes from death to life and is transferred from Satan’s darkness into the kingdom of God’s Son.  But all you need for it is enough water for dunking and someone to do it! These pictures show people being baptized in all types of water venues.  Baptisteries; swimming pools; dirty river water; the ocean; creeks; lakes.  One picture showed a baptism in a 50-gallon drum!  When the gospel is proclaimed and a soul is moved to faith, God made it possible to be saved right then and right there!  Just find the water. In our scripture, Philip has been busy preaching the gospel and baptizing folks in Samaria, but through an angel and the Holy Spirit, he is directed to head to the south of Jerusalem on a desert road and encounter a man riding in a chariot.  This man is reading from Isaiah, and Philip asks him whether he is understanding what he’s reading.  The man’s response is classic: “Well, how could I, unless someone guides me?”  Upon that, Philip begins to preach Jesus to him.  As they travel along, it says they came to some water.  At this, the man exclaims: “Look!  Water!  What prevents me from being baptized?”  After affirming his faith, Philip baptized him right then and there. No waiting required.  No special water needed.  No particular place necessary.  No hoopla; no elaborate ceremony.  Just a humble believer and some water - just enough water to be immersed into Christ.  What a beautiful thing!  What a God! ><>  Jeff

Genesis 1:27 Despite the discoveries in microbiology, DNA and elsewhere, many people continue to hold to Darwin’s theory of evolution.  The full title of his book is “The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life.”  If we think carefully about it, even the title of Darwin’s book contains a “poison pill” which sinks his theory in the primordial soup. When creationists and evolutionists have their “discussions,” it is almost always about the “how” of things.  How did we get to have all of the different species of animals, birds, etc., and ultimately humankind.  The creationist maintains all were created by a transcendent, loving and powerful God as given in the Bible.  God created them whole, complete and living. The evolutionist posits some singular event that happened billions of years ago in which the right combination of chemicals and whatever came together to form a “living” cellular structure of some kind.  From that point, through Darwin’s “natural selection,” things evolved from one stage to the next to eventually produce the various species.  This is an incredibly long, slow and drawn out process. But my thought here is not on the “how” of all of this, but the “why.”  Nobody ever seems to address the “why.” Consider “natural selection.”  Supposedly, this is a continual series of random mutations through which the most fit variant is retained and the rest discarded or die off.  Now, we should have some questions at this point.  Even though Darwin calls it “natural selection,” there is nothing to do any selecting.  What would it be?  If there is no mind of any kind to say that this variant is better than that one, why is one “favored” or “chosen” over another?  In fact, what is there to determine that survival is better than extinction?  It’s like standing at night, in the forest, without a map, where a dozen trail heads begin and wondering which one will get you to that cabin with warm blankets and a hot meal.  It’s just pure chance.  In fact, there is nothing at all to say that the cabin is where you want to go!  Hmmm?

Hebrews 5:11- 6:2 We all like our sweets, our sugary snacks.  Most of us, that is.  And I’ll admit, I’m right there with everybody else.  And the candy industry has made available to us every kind of treat to tickle the taste buds of every palate.  There are milk and dark chocolates of all types, hard candies, jelly beans, gum drops, licorice mix, etc.  This is not to mention all the snack cakes, cookies, donuts... (I’m going to run out of space).  Anyway, you know what I’m talking about. That sugary snack can give us a little boost during the day, but we all know that you can’t “live” on sugary snacks.  They don’t provide the necessary nourishment for good health, growth and energy.  We need our carbs, proteins, vitamins, etc.  And here, again, God has provided us with one of those insightful parallels between the physical and the spiritual.  Let me explain. Many of us have favorite scriptures that we like to go to for a spiritual “boost” during the day.  These might be stuck to the fridge with a magnet or on the side of your coffee mug.  Some folks have a calendar on their desk which has a scripture for every day.  Others read a short lesson from a daily devotional.  These are all good and have their place, BUT they are not sufficient to give you the spiritual growth you need.  They are just “a small “snack” from God’s word. The author of Hebrews had similar thoughts, although he uses milk and not sugar in his comparison: “...you have come to need milk and not solid food.  For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant.  But solid food is for the mature...” Many of his readers had been living on the milk of the word (apparently some were not even doing that!), and subsequently had not grown into maturity.  They could not handle the meat or solid food which he was trying to teach them in his letter. Our little spiritual “boost” for the day is a good thing, but we all need something with more nourishment.  Make some time to get into God’s word.  Read, ponder, ask questions.  Let the Spirit guide you into deeper truths.  Get closer to the Lord. ><>  Jeff

John 12:48-50 When I was in college (back in the day), before there were cell phones, tablets, laptops, etc. (goodness, how did we do it?!), we actually had books and in-person lectures.  Anyway, occasionally a professor would give an “open book” exam.  Now that might sound like an easy exercise, but they were anything but easy.  The professor would always pull together all the material in those chapters so you were frantically searching for answers and trying to write them down in your “blue book.”  It was work and a work out!  But one thing you could never complain about - you always knew from where the test questions would come.  There were no surprises. So it will be when we stand before the Lord on the day of judgment.  There will be no surprises.  That is, Jesus has told us exactly by what criteria we will be judged: “the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day.”  His word, of course, and the additional teaching of the Holy Spirit who was sent later by Jesus (John 14:26) have been set down for us in the scriptures, particularly the New Testament.  They are available in this day and age throughout the world for all people to read, study and follow. The writers of the New Testament pick up Jesus’ theme and exhort their readers to learn the word of Christ and follow His teaching in life.  They warn repeatedly of following myths, fables and teachings of men.  They caution against falling into the trap of believing the lies of the devil.  The only way to avoid these pitfalls is to know the word and apply it faithfully.  The only way to know the word is to read it, learn it, interpret it correctly and receive its teaching. One of the most important teachings of Jesus’ word is that because of the devil’s lies, the human race is lost and cut off from God, and that Jesus has come to provide us a way back.  His word is truly about understanding the realities of life and finding the way home to our Creator, our heavenly Father.  His teachings provide the way of salvation for the soul, peace for the mind, joy for the heart, and an abundant life.  It’s all we need for “life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3). Don’t be surprised on the last day.  It’s an open book exam. ><>  Jeff

Matthew 16:13-17 People still struggle over  the person of Jesus of Nazareth.  Just who is He?  They wrestle within themselves about Him.  They argue with others over Him.  Even some who say they believe in Him don’t seem to be fully convinced.  What say you? Let’s take a look.  He... ...walked on water ...gave sight to the blind ...made a paralytic walk ...healed a woman of a long-standing bleeding problem ...gave lepers a healthy skin ...made the best wine out of fresh water ...stilled the stormy winds ...”out fished” the fishermen with a huge catch on a slow day ...fed 5000 plus with 5 loaves and 2 fish ...raised the dead back to life ...taught the word of God with clarity, depth, and authority like no other ...stood up for the oppressed and the dispirited ...confronted the oppressors and the hypocrites ...confounded all those who tried to trap him with crafty questions about the Law ...claimed to be around before Abraham ...said God was His Father ...forgave sins ...lived in such a way that no one could convict Him of sin ...was crucified by Rome at the insistence of His own people ...was placed in a tomb, but rose to life on the third day ...sent His disciples out with a message of repentance, hope and eternal life Well, that’s a quick glimpse at this Jesus of Nazareth.  What do you think?  Peter said He was “the Christ, the Son of the living God.” What say you?  And what are you going to do about it? ><>  Jeff

1 Timothy 6:6-10 Money has been the ruin of many people.  Well, that is, the love of it and craving for it.  We have read of many who ended up destitute or in prison because of greed and the desire for more and more wealth.  But Paul’s warnings in his letter to Timothy go beyond financial ruin.  He says that because of this craving for financial wealth many have “wandered away from the faith.”  Three things relative to money come to mind which can make it so dangerous. First, money can give a person a sense of power.  With money, I can begin to think that I can control what happens in my life.  I can begin to “wheel and deal” and try to impress people.  I could buy a company and run it the way I want.  I can hire and fire at will.  I can control other people.  I can control my future.  Power! Money can also give a person the feeling of freedom.  I am no longer tied to a budget.  I don’t have to be careful about spending.  I am free from having to be dependent: on relatives, on banks, on friends, on keeping a job.  I can get that new car, buy that diamond ring, take that vacation to exotic places.  Freedom! Perhaps the most dangerous feeling which money can give a person is security.  With money, I am free from worry about financial matters.  There is no trouble paying bills, having food on the table and making loan payments.  As long as I have enough money, I can feel confident about my situation and my future.  Security! These are the things about which Paul is warning his readers.  To have such views of money only cause us to want more, and consequently money becomes the god to which I look for power, freedom, and security.  Yet, the word of god teaches us that all power belongs to Christ, and He empowers His people.  The word teaches that freedom only exists when a person is free in Christ.  The word teaches that we are dependent upon the Lord for the very breath we take, and that God has promised to take care of His own. Beware!  The love of money is a deadly snare. Find your power, your freedom and your security in the Lord Jesus Christ. ><>  Jeff

John 1:32-46 A lone traveler was moving rapidly along the dusty road.  It was obvious that his mission was urgent for he was half running and half walking, passing by all others who were going in his direction, even those riding donkeys.  His greetings were short, if they came at all, as he brushed by others on the road. Andrew was hurrying to find his brother Simon.  His heart was pounding, his throat was dry, and his body wet from sweat; but he wasn’t about to stop for rest or water.  This was a day about which they had both talked and imagined.  It was a day for which Israel had dreamed for hundreds of years.  The dream had become reality.  The Messiah was here, on earth - in their lifetime! Andrew burst into the house panting.  “Simon!  Simon! We’ve found Messiah!” “Found who?” replied Simon who was standing in the middle of the room eating a piece of fish.  “Is something wrong?  You look terrible.  Here, have some water.” “No, nothing’s wrong.  In fact, everything’s right,” shot back Andrew between gulps of water.  “We’ve found Him!” “Found who?” “Messiah.” “Really?  And I hauled two boat loads of fish while you were away.  Has the sun finally baked your brain?” “No, truly.  John the baptizer has witnessed to us.  He saw the Spirit of God descend upon Him when he baptized Him.”  Andrew was still breathing heavily as he talked. Simon paused for a moment.  “What’s his name?” “It’s Jesus.  Of Nazareth.” “Are you sure about all this?” Simon’s voice took on a more serious tone. “Yes.  Yes, I am.  Come with me.  We know where He is staying, and He’s invited us to come.” “Very well.  Let’s go.  You can introduce me to this Jesus of Nazareth.  We’ll see if He has anything worthwhile to say.” ><>  Jeff

Ecclesiastes 12:11 To kick off the new year, here’s more of the sayings and quotes I’ve collected from time to time.  Read, reflect, learn and enjoy! >                    If you dwell in the past, you lose an eye.  If you forget the past, you lose both eyes. – Ancient Near Eastern proverb >                    Life is very much about how you handle Plan B. >                    “I love coaching, but anybody can coach.  My wife has just one husband, and my children have just one father.” – Danny Ainge, when he resigned as coach of the Phoenix Suns just six weeks into the 1999 season >                    You have never met a nobody. >                    Most human beings have an absolute and infinite capacity for taking things for granted.     – Aldous Huxley >                    Everybody wants to save the earth.  Nobody wants to help mom do the dishes.                    – P. J. O’Rourke >                    If you think you are too small to make a difference, try spending the night in a closed room with a mosquito. – African saying >                    God loves you as you are, but loves you too much to leave you that way. >                    If you lack the courage to start, you are already done. >                                                                                            God will not be trifled with; He is Lord.         – Andree Seu ><>  Jeff

1 Peter 2:9 It feels strange to me to think of myself as holy.  What about you?  Nevertheless, Peter tells his readers that Christians are “a holy nation” and a people who are God’s own possession.  Perhaps it’s because the world has twisted the meaning of the word “holy” so much and misused it that we shy away from using it. Certainly it’s true that “holy” can mean pure and undefiled by sinful living.  God calls His people to “be holy yourselves also in all your behavior” (1 Peter 1:14-16).  The meaning here is not to participate in the evils of the world.  Christians strive to achieve such a standard, and devoted disciples are diligent to apply the word in their lives to try to become like their Master Jesus.  The world often makes fun of people trying to live in this manner by using such words as “You think you’re better than everybody else” and “a holier than thou attitude.”  Little do they realize that Christians, more than any other people on earth, realize how far short of God’s holy standard they fall. The world also uses the word “holy” in reference to a particular group of people (a pastor, priest, monk, rabbi, etc.) who are total devotees to a certain religion.  “He’s a holy man” is often said of such individuals.  But God never intended for any of His church to be considered holier than any of the others.  New Testament teaching is clear on this.  Jesus Himself forbids that His followers should use such titles as “Rabbi,” “Father,” or “Teacher” since Christ is Lord over all of His followers and all Christians are to see themselves as His servants and to become servants to others (Matthew 23:8-12). As Peter uses the word in our text, “holy” means separated from the world unto God for His service and glory.  It is from the same Greek word from which we get saint and sanctification.  Every Christian is set apart from the world for God’s purposes.  “He is holy.”  “She is a saint.”  There are no ranks nor classes of people within the church, just differing responsibilities.  Nobody is holier than someone else because of what they do. Christians are a holy people unto the Lord.  Let us see ourselves in that light.  “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” ><>  Jeff

Mark 1:14-15 During this holiday season, some people still go caroling.  This used to be a much more widespread tradition, but it has fallen into disuse.  There are, no doubt, many reasons for this.  People are just too busy.  People get their carols over the radio, on CD’s and various music outlets.  People just aren’t interested in Christmas carols anymore.  Traditional carols have been replaced with other kinds of “carols.”  It’s like a lot of things these days - things have changed. One thing which has not changed and never will change is the need for the world to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ, the good news of the grace of God.  People still need to hear of the love God has for them as seen in the death of Jesus on His cross and His resurrection from the dead.  They need to hear that they can avail themselves of Jesus’ triumph over sin and the grave through faith, repentance and baptism.  They need to hear of the promised, even guaranteed, hope of eternal life and future glory.  Just as Jesus did, and later the apostles and the early church, we, in our time, need to be telling the gospel story.  We need to be “gospeling,” if you will. On many counts, I am convinced that we have made this more difficult than it is.  We have let our fears deter us by anticipating all of the negative responses.  “What if someone makes fun of me?”  “What if they ask me a question I can’t answer?”  “What if I get tongue-tied or don’t remember what to say?”  We think we have to “preach” a whole gospel sermon.  We think we have to convert somebody on the spot.  We think...  We think...  We think too much! Just let the Holy Spirit guide you and be open to the people around you.  Here’s a couple of examples.  When someone starts talking of aches and illnesses, just mention your hope about one day having a “new body.”  When someone asks the proverbial “What do you know for sure?”, respond with, “Well, Jesus is alive from the dead.”  Just be ready and see where it goes.  Let God work. It is our privilege and should be our joy to spread the good news of salvation.  It is part of what we “signed on” to do as Christians who have been redeemed by the blood.  Let’s be gospeling. ><>  Jeff

Job 37:1-13 ‘Tis the season.  No, I’m not talking about Christmas; I’m talking about winter and snow.  We have had a few days with flurries and even some blowing snow, but no accumulation.  Snow is similar to many things we encounter in life: we either like it, or we don’t.  We can admire its beauty, or we can growl because we don’t like to drive in it.  We can marvel at its quieting effect, or we can grouch because we had to cancel our big event because of it.  However, kids in school will never grouch if they have a “snow day!” With all of our scientific knowledge and meteorological expertise, it’s easy to forget that God is the One behind the snow.  We watch maps with cold fronts, jet streams, low pressure areas and warm air masses and think it all just happens by natural forces.  It’s just the weather.  Elihu, one of Job’s visitors, would dispute such a position (see our text).  Elihu speaks of some of the majesty, wonder and power of God as seen in thunderstorms and cold, snowy weather.  In highly picturesque language, he describes the thundering of the voice of the Lord and the ice forming by His breath.  He commands the snow to “Fall on the earth,” and for the clouds laden with moisture to move about the sky.  God is clearly in charge of the elements. Elihu also speaks of God’s purposes in unleashing the rain and snow: “Whether for correction, or for His world, or for lovingkindness, He causes it to happen” (v 13).  The word correction here literally means “the rod.”  It would seem that God uses storms to either bless or discipline and correct those affected by them.  In Job 38:22-23, we read of storehouses of snow and hail reserved for the “day of war and battle.” “For the world” (NKJV & ESV: land) would indicate that rain and snow are necessary for the good of the ground, water for vegetation and animal life.  Lovingkindness would show God’s faithfulness to His people in blessing them with needed water for drinking, crops, etc. Let’s remember that “The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains” (Psalm 24:1).  He uses all things to accomplish His will. ><>  Jeff

John 15:5 It was a very special Saturday.  It was Mom & Dad’s anniversary.  Eight-year-old Casey had heard his parents talking about how they were going out for dinner that evening, but Casey wanted to give Mom and Dad an extra special surprise this morning for breakfast.  He wanted to make them pancakes.  So Casey tip-toed down the steps to the kitchen.  He had watched Dad make pancakes before (Dad always made the pancakes) so he was pretty sure he knew how to do it.  Using the step-stool, he got the mix and the mixing bowl.  The griddle was on the counter so he plugged it in and set the temperature according to the instructions on the box.  So far, so good. But Casey knocked over the measuring cup while pouring the mix, and it went all over the counter and onto the floor.  In getting the milk, he made a trail of mix from the counter to the refrigerator.  He spilled the milk while pouring from the gallon container, and it ran off the counter and onto the floor, also.  Casey walked through this mess when he went to get the eggs.  The first egg just splattered against the bowl and onto the counter.  The second egg didn’t fare much better.  He tried to wipe up the mess but only succeeded in getting it all over himself.  When Casey went to get off of the stool to get more eggs, he slipped in the goo and plopped right down in the middle of the sticky mess.  Big tears began to fill his eyes.  He had so badly wanted to surprise Mom and Dad, but now it didn’t look like he would be able to make them pancakes after all. Then he saw Dad standing in the doorway.  Dad came over, picked him up and gave him one of the biggest hugs he had ever given Casey, getting himself all messy in the process.  “Come on,” he said, “let’s make some pancakes.” Two things to learn from our little story.  1) This is exactly how a Christian father should handle such a situation.  Not to go ballistic over the mess, but to see the good that was being attempted.  2) This is exactly what happens with us when we try to do things without God’s help.  We make a mess of it, and He has to come and help us clean it up.  Jesus did that a long time ago.  He still does. ><>  Jeff