Spiritual Reflections: Lessons for Life & Eternity

One Person, One Name, One Way: The New Testament Message of Salvation

2026-03-08T23:25:00.000-05:00

Trevor S Ferguson

March 8, 2026

Acts 2:37-39 KJV

[37] Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

[38] Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

[39] For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

Acts 4:7-12 KJV

[7] And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?

[8] Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,

[9] If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;

[10] Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

[11] This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

[12] Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

INTRODUCTION

Regardless of one’s religious background or philosophical position, every human being embraces a concept of right and wrong. Even those who claim no faith still argue for moral and ethical living, suggesting that deep within the human psyche, there is an acknowledgement of absolute truth. I see this as evidence that God created man with an innate, restless desire to commune with Him. We feel incomplete because we were designed to be completed by a relationship with our Creator.

Unfortunately, in the quest for meaning, many have looked everywhere but the right place. Some have created gods of gold, silver, and wood, or elevated humans and animals to the status of deities. Yet, none of these have the power to save. However, God has not left us without evidence of His existence. Psalm 19:1 tells that the heavens declare His glory, while Romans 1:20 reminds us that His eternal power is clearly seen in the works of His hands, so that man is without excuse!

But God went further than just revealing Himself through nature or the ancient prophets. He stepped into time and space in human form as our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. As we reflect on the message of the early Church, we find a singular, narrow, yet beautiful path to redemption. Based on the foundational truth of Acts 4:12, I want to share three declarations that affirm why salvation is found in only One Person, One Name, and One Way.

EXPOSITION

Declaration #1: Salvation through One Person

The Holy Scriptures teach us with absolute clarity that God is indivisibly One. From the "Shema" of Deuteronomy 6:4—“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD”—to the prophetic declarations of Isaiah, the message is consistent: there is no God beside Him, before Him, or after Him.

The "great mystery of godliness" is that this one true God, the Creator who stretched forth the heavens alone, was manifested in the flesh (1 Timothy 3:16). In the beginning was the Word, and that Word—which was God—became flesh and dwelt among us as Jesus Christ (John 1:1, 14). There is no division of persons in the Godhead. Instead, we see the one true God manifesting as the Father in creation, the Son in redemption, and the Holy Ghost in regeneration. To see Jesus is to see the Father; to know Him is to know the only Saviour of the world.

Declaration #2: Salvation through One Name

If there is only one Person who can save, it follows that there is only one Name that carries the authority of salvation. When the angel spoke to Mary, the command was specific: “Thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).

The name "Jesus" is not merely a label; it is a declaration. It literally means "Jehovah-Saviour" or "Jehovah is Salvation." It incorporates the "I AM" of Exodus into a present-tense reality of deliverance. This is the name that is above every name, the name at which every knee must bow (Philippians 2:9-11). Whether it is the preaching of repentance, the administration of baptism, or the promise of the Holy Ghost, everything in the New Testament economy is done in the name of Jesus. It is the saving name of God.

Declaration #3: Salvation through One Way

Finally, we must look at the "how." In a world that prizes "many paths," the Bible presents a specific pattern for the New Birth. When the seekers on the Day of Pentecost were "pricked in their heart" and asked what they should do, the Apostle Peter did not offer a variety of options. He gave a definitive command:

“Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:38)

This wasn't a one-time suggestion; it was the consistent message of the early Church. We see this same pattern repeated in Samaria, at the house of Cornelius, and in Ephesus. It is a journey of turning from sin (repentance), being buried with Him in water (baptism in Jesus' name), and being filled with His supernatural life (the Holy Ghost).

APPLICATION & CONCLUSION

The good news today is that God is still in the saving business. He is still pouring out His Spirit upon those who call on Him with a sincere heart. If you are reading this and feel that "prick" in your heart—that sense of incompleteness or a desire for truth—know that salvation is available to you right now.

The promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are afar off. Do not let another day pass without responding to His call. Repent of your sins, accept water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, and open your heart to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

God bless you as you walk in the One Way, In Jesus Name!.

NOT BY MIGHT, NOR BY POWER, BUT BY HIS SPIRIT

2024-12-26T10:20:00.000-05:00

Trevor Ferguson

December 26, 2024

Haggai 1:7-15 KJV

[7] Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.

[8] Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, saith the LORD.

[9] Ye looked for much, and, lo, it came to little; and when ye brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith the LORD of hosts. Because of mine house that is waste, and ye run every man unto his own house.

[10] Therefore the heaven over you is stayed from dew, and the earth is stayed from her fruit.

[11] And I called for a drought upon the land, and upon the mountains, and upon the corn, and upon the new wine, and upon the oil, and upon that which the ground bringeth forth, and upon men, and upon cattle, and upon all the labour of the hands.

[12] Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the LORD their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the LORD their God had sent him, and the people did fear before the LORD.

[13] Then spake Haggai the LORD'S messenger in the LORD'S message unto the people, saying, I am with you, saith the LORD.

[14] And the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and did work in the house of the LORD of hosts, their God,

[15] In the four and twentieth day of the sixth month, in the second year of Darius the king.

Zechariah 4:6-10 KJV

[6] Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.

[7] Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it.

[8] Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

[9] The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you.

[10] For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth.

INTRODUCTION

The Old Testament documents the history of the human race and focuses on the experiences of the people of Israel, from the call of Abraham up to the time of the return from the exile Babylon and the re-settling of the Jewish people in Jerusalem. In first Corinthians 10, we are told that these things were written as examples or warnings to us so that we should not fall into the errors of Israel. The passage goes on to warn us to be careful, lest when we think that we are standing strong, we fall. Verse 13 of 1^st Corinthians 10 however provides a reassuring word, reminding us that God has a way of escape for all the challenges or problems that we may face: Let me quote the verse for those who may not be familiar with it: “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it”. We can be assured today that the challenges that we face will not overcome us, but God will provide a way of escape. In Ezekiel 37 and are reminded that regardless of the deadness of our situation, God can give us new life! Ezekiel 37 also reminds us that despite setbacks, defeats and negative experiences, God can restore us to vibrancy and strength. Ezekiel prophesied to the people during the period of Babylonian captivity and as prophesied by Ezekiel, the people were eventually brought out of captivity and resettled in their own land. However, the resettling was not the end of their challenges, the books of Ezra, Nehemiah, Haggai and Zechariah document the challenges faced with settling, rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and rebuilding the temple. Today, we review some passages from the books of Haggai and Zechariah as we seek to learn from experiences and apply these lessons to our current situation. The key verse for focus is from Zechariah 4:6 - “This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.”

EXPOSITION

The Israelites returned from Babylonian captivity around 538 B.C. They planned to build a new temple in Jerusalem, but after building an altar on the original temple site and laying the foundations for the new temple they were ordered to cease the work due to opposition by the other people in the region. They appealed against the decision and after several years the restrictions were lifted and the rebuilding of the temple allowed to proceed. However, even after the barriers were lifted, the people failed to push ahead with the building of the temple, but instead focused on their own houses and other matters. The prophet Haggai confronted the people, challenging them to resume building the temple and assuring them that God was with them and would help them. Zerubbabel, the governor, and Joshua, the high priest, led the people and responded quickly to the message of Haggai. Within three weeks after Haggai gave his first message, they began their work on the temple. Haggai then came with another message, again reassuring them that God was with them.

Zechariah began his prophetic ministry shortly after Haggai and together they encouraged the leaders and the people to complete the building of God’s temple.

With the ongoing encouragement from Haggai and Zechariah the temple was completed eventually completed round about 515 BC, about three years after Haggai and Zechariah began to prophesy. This demonstrated that with encouragement, even the most arduous task can be completed to God’s glory.

Let me share a few lessons gleaned from the passages in Haggai 1 and 2 and Zechariah 4. These lessons are likely to be applicable to your current situation!

Lesson #1: Do not abandon God's work because of problems, opposition, or competing priorities

While we acknowledge that the initial cessation of the building of the temple was because they were ordered to stop, after the restriction had been lifted the people, the people were more focused on building their own homes, rather building God’s temple. The problem was that they had lost their passion for the work of God. Let us ensure that we keep our priorities in the right place, while personal matters are important, these should not be used as an excuse to neglect the work of God. We must balance our time and priorities and keep God’s work in its proper place! All that we have ultimately comes from God and belongs to God. We are merely stewards of God’s property. Let us therefore ensure that we give back to God of our time, our talent and our treasure. Do not abandon God's work because of problems, opposition, or competing priorities!

Lesson # 2: Do not despise small things, or small beginnings

Some of the leaders of Israel may have been disappointed that the new temple would not be as large or magnificent as Solomon’s temple, that had been destroyed some 50 years earlier. We see this in Ezra 3:12, where while the younger people rejoiced at the laying of the foundations of the temple, many of the older persons wept as they remembered the splendor of Solomon’s temple. Some may also have been disappointed that the present structure was a mere foundation and not a finished product and therefore not motivated to work. Zechariah admonished the people in Zechariah 4: 10 "… Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin, ..." (NLT). God is delighted when we work for him, even if we do not have much to give! Remember the widow’s mite! Remember also the boy with the five barley loaves and two fishes. God appreciates our sacrifices, even when they are small and can turn our small offerings into massive blessings.

For you, things may not be as great as previously experienced, the number of persons attending services may not be as large as in former years; other aspects of the worship service may not be a grand as they use to be, and many may be longing for some of the past glories. However, regardless of how small things are today, let us put out every effort and give it our best. God is able to use what we have to achieve great things. If fact, Haggai prophesied in Haggai 2:9 that “the glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former”. God is able to take our little and make it much!

Give it your best and let God multiply your efforts!

Lesson #3: God stands with his people even in times of adversity

A consistent theme from the prophesies of Haggai was that God was with them. Haggai stated in chapter 1:13 and again in chapter 2:4 – “I am with you saith the Lord of Hosts!” This is echoed in several other passages of scripture. Moses remined the Israelites in Deuteronomy 31:8 “… the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” (NKJV)

In Isaiah 43:2, we are reminded: “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee”. In Matthew 28:20 Jesus reminds his disciples: “… lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the age” (NKJV). In John 14:18 Jesus reminded the disciples: “I will not leave you comfortless, I will come to you”. We can be assured today that God is with us and will be with us. Things may not be what we want it to be today, but as the song reminds us “with Christ is the vessel we can smile at the storm”! Let’s go sailing on. God is with us!

Lesson # 4: God can reduce your mountain to mere rubble

In Zechariah 4:7, Zechariah declares: “Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it”. Sometimes we look at our tasks and they seem monumental! We do not know where to start, much more how we will finish. Often, this paralyzes us, and we end up doing nothing. Zechariah is here reminding us that nothing is impossible with God. God can take our mountain and reduce it to mere rubble. David was able to take down Goliath, Samson was able to conquer the Philistines and Gideon was able to defeat the Midianites. There is absolutely nothing too hard for God! Whatever mountain we are facing today, God will reduce is to mere rubble. Let us trust Him to work it out.

Lesson #5: Victory or Success does not come by might, nor by power, but by God's Spirit

This last lesson is the overall theme of today’s message. In Zechariah 4:6, the prophet states: “This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts”! Let us personalize it and apply to our individual lives: “This is the word of the LORD unto me: Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts! Victory will not by our own strength; victory will not be dependent of the number of people in attendance; victory will not be dependent on skill or eloquence of the preacher; victory will not be dependent on the skill of the musicians or the size of the choir! Victory will depend on the extent to which we are plugged in to God, to the extent that we are hearing from him and obeying his voice. David reminds us in Psalm 20:7-8: “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright”. So today, we will not focus on our abilities or lack thereof. We will not focus on numbers or lack thereof. Instead, we will look at our Red Sea and remember the words of Moses Exodus 14:13 ; “… Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.” There was no way that the Israelites themselves could have parted the Red Sea, but with God, Red Seas and just small problems. The scriptures tell us that God sent a great east wind, parted the waters and the Israelites went through on dry land. We serve a God who is great and powerful. There is nothing too hard for him! So let us trust him today. Not by might, no by power, but by my Spirit saith the Lord of Hosts!

APPLICATION & CONCLUSION

The word of God today came to encourage us. Your church may be facing many challenges; as individuals you may also be facing many challenges. But let us arise and build God’s house. We must set our priorities in order and get on with God work. We will not despise small beginnings. We will always remind ourselves that God is with us and that he can turn our mountains into mere rubble. We will always keep in mind that victory is not in our own strength or power but is dependent on the Spirit of God. Let us commit to trusting him today

If you are not yet saved, today is a great day to begin to put your trust in him. Let me remind you that the message of salvation requires repentance, water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ and the infilling of the Holy Ghost. Put you trust is God today! God bless you today in Jesus’ name!

After This Hour

2024-03-29T18:21:00.000-05:00

Trevor S Ferguson

March 29, 2024

John 12:23-27 KJV

[23] And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.

[24] Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.

[25] He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

[26] If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

[27] Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.

Hebrews 12:1-2 KJV

[1] Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

[2] Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

INTRODUCTION

Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection is the most pivotal period in human history! It is through the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross of Calvary that humans today have the hope of salvation. God had determined from the time of Adam’s sin that through the seed of the woman He would bring redemption for man, but to accomplish this there was no simple mechanism. Sin required the penalty of death and justice required that the penalty be paid. One solution rested on the principle of redemption, where a redeemer could pay the price required to liberate someone from enslavement or a binding obligation. In the Old Testament religious system, however, the redeemer was required to be a near kinsman; so, in addition to being willing and able to pay the redemption price, the redeemer needed to be a close relative of the person needing redemption. When this principle was applied to humanity and sin, there was a requirement to have sinless human being who was willing to suffer death on the behalf of all humanity. No human being on earth met these criteria, so God had to devise another plan, thus necessitating the entry of Jesus Christ into the world. God had to robe himself in flesh, enter the human race as a regular baby, fully human and limited by human frailties; endure the normal growth processes, all for the ultimate purpose of laying down his life on the cross, to pay the price of man’s sins. The suffering on the cross was excruciating; but the challenges were not limited to the time on the cross. Jesus knew from He entered the human race, that he came for one purpose, to lay down his life for the sins of mankind! In the gospel of John, John referred to this time as “his hour.” Today I will explore the problem of suffering by examining Jesus’ use of the concept of “his hour.” I will share with us that has we face various test and trials, our focus should not be on the hour of testing, but more on the victory that comes after enduring or overcoming our test and trials. Hence, the title of the message today is: After this hour! There is victory after this hour.

Here at South Camp Road, we are going through an hour of testing! Many of us in our personal lives are going through our personal hours of tests and trials, but God’s word today reminds us that there is victory after this hour!

EXPOSITION

The concept of ‘his hour’ was first introduced in John 2:4 when Jesus responding to his mother’s statement that there was no wine at the wedding stated that his “hour was not yet come.” Commentators assert that this statement suggested it was not yet time for him to begin his public ministry, or not yet time for him to begin working miracles, but here we begin to see this concept emerging. In John 7:30 and John 8:20, again Jesus again refers to “his hour” being not yet come, but this time more clearly referring to a time of adverse experiences associated with His passion. Let us look at these verses for further clarity.

John 7:30 “Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come”.

John 8:20 “These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come”.

In John 12:23 Jesus now states that the hour had come! That the hour had come is again stated in John 13:1 and John 17:1. That the hour had come meant that it was now time for Jesus to go through a period of intense suffering. His willingness to go through with this hour represents a great triumph over the flesh and brought for us the hope of salvation.

No human being likes suffering. In fact, times of expected suffering are viewed with dread and fear. Most people would go to great lengths to avoid pain and suffering. The passage in John 12:23 -27 gives as a picture of how Jesus, in his humanity, struggled with the expected pain and suffering as he anticipated going to the cross. He fully recognized that the price of the cross was his very life, but He was also cognizant that laying down his life would open the door the better things as we see in verse 24 and 25. Look again at what he says:

Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

Therefore, there was a clear benefit to him laying down his life, but that did not make it easy! In verse 27, Jesus posed a question, and provided an answer which serves as key verse for the message today.

Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.

The central thought here is that the hour was necessary and was indeed the whole purpose for which he came! If Jesus were to be delivered from this hour, then the whole purpose of saving humanity would be thwarted! Rather than seeking deliverance from his hour, he sought that God would glorify his name through the sacrifice that he would make on the cross. Ultimately, He endured the cross and brought a great victory for humanity! Hebrews 12:2 relates the final result of him going through this hour:

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

We thank today that Jesus was willing to suffer through his hour of testing and thus bring hope and salvation to humanity! Out of suffering can come great victory! After Crucifixion Friday comes Resurrection Sunday! The disciples on Crucifixion Friday were despondent and scattered in fear; but this was because they did not have a full view of Resurrection Sunday! After this hour of suffering, there is a bright new day filled with hope and great victory!

How does this apply to us and the sufferings we experience today? I would like to share with us four principles that we learn from Jesus enduring his hour. If we apply these principles, it will help us endure our personal hour of testing so that we can experience the victory after this hour.

PRINCIPLE #1: THERE IS A PURPOSE FOR YOUR TEST!

Jesus was not called to go to the cross because of God’s displeasure, or to punish him for sins he had committed. In fact, he knew no sin! 2^nd Corinthians 5:21, tells us: 'For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.' The whole purpose of his hour of testing was to save humanity from sin.

Similarly, Job did not suffer because he had committed great sin, but the purpose of Job’s suffering was to prove to Satan that man could serve God because of God’s intrinsic goodness, and not only for things which he could receive from God. During his time of suffering Job did not know that, but despite his lack of understanding of the purpose of his suffering, Job still held on to his integrity. We too can endure and overcome even if we do not understand the purpose of our test.

In John 9, we meet a man who was born blind. The assumption of many was that the cause of this misfortune was that someone had sinned – either the man or his parents! Jesus however points out that there was a greater purpose for the man’s dilemma. In John 9: 3 we read:

“… Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.”

The man who was born blind to provide an opportunity for the works of God to be manifested in him.

Today the purpose of your suffering may not be made plain to you, but rest assured there is a purpose for your suffering.

PRINCIPLE #2: THERE IS A TIME LIMIT ON YOUR TEST

Most of us have taken tests in various examinations. One common feature for almost all tests is that there is a time limit. Similarly suffering is for a defined time. The word ‘hour’ as used in these passages may be defined as “a certain definite time or season fixed by natural law (Thayer Dictionary in Strong’s Concordance). Job declares in Job 14:14

“… all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.”

Trouble will not last always! It has a set time. Your problems are not permanent. Your change will come! God will show up; It may take long but God will show up. I am always impressed by Job 38! After all the arguments, after all the despair, the scripture simply says: Then the Lord answers Job out of the whirlwind …! God will show up. There is a time limit on your test!

PRINCIPLE #3: YOU HAVE THE CAPACITY TO PASS THE TEST

This principle is based on the passage in 1^st Corinthians 10:13. God always provides a way of escape so that we can overcome in our hour of testing. Look at the text: There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. If God allows it, you can bear it.

Going back to Job, we see that it was God who raised the matter of Job’s faith in the conversation with Satan. If God was not confident that Job as able to endure his period of testing, he would never have allowed Satan to touch him. We also recall the episode when God tested Abraham faith in Genesis 22. While God had asked Abraham to offer his son Isaac, he simultaneously prepared a ram, to be in place when Abraham was ready to make a sacrifice. At that time Abraham was unaware if the ram caught in the thicket, God had already made preparation! There is a way of escape. You may not see it, but it is there! God will not allow you to be tested beyond your capacity. You have the ability to pass this test.

PRINCIPLE #4: AFTER THE TEST COMES THE REWARD.

Finally, today, I want to remind us that after the test, there comes the reward. Let us look at Hebrews 12:2:

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Let us look also at Philippians 2 :8-11:

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Now, let us look at 2^nd Timothy 4:7-8:

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

The rewards are not only for eternity, but also for the present time. Let us look at Mark 10: 29-30:

And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.

After the test comes the reward! Let us endure because our reward is sure.

APPLICATION & CONCLUSION

So, we see today that Jesus struggled with the anticipation of the suffering that he would endure on the cross, but pushed ahead as he realized that his suffering was for a greater purpose. His willingness to endure affliction bought for us the hope of eternal life. We too in our Christian life must endure suffering tests and trials. While the purpose of our sufferings may not be as grand, we can be assured that whatever God allows in our lives has an important purpose. The purpose may not always be plain to us, but we are assured today that all our suffering is for a set time and God will not allow us to be tested beyond our capacity to bear it. We are also reminded that after the test comes the reward, both in this life and in the life to come.

Let us comfort one another with these words. God bless you in Jesus’ name.

DELIVERED AS RECEIVED: CONTINUING STEADFASTLY IN THE APOSTLES’ DOCTRINE

2023-12-31T21:50:00.000-05:00

Trevor Ferguson

December 31, 2023

1^st Corinthians 15:1-4

[1] Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; [2] By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. [3] For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; [4] And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

Acts 22:6-16 KJV

[6] And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me. [7] And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? [8] And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest. [9] And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me. [10] And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do. [11] And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus. [12] And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there, [13] Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him. [14] And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. [15] For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. [16] And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

Acts 9:17-18 NKJV

[17] And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." [18] Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.

INTRODUCTION

Pentecost Sunday commemorates the first outpouring of the Holy Ghost, fifty days after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a very significant day in church history as it marks the formal beginning of the church age and established the basic doctrine taught in the New Testament church, the procedures observed by the apostles and the experiences received by new believers in the early church. The apostles on the day on Pentecost established the standard for New Testament salvation as consisting of repentance, water baptism in the name of Jesus and the infilling of the Holy Ghost. We note also that those who received the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost spoke with tongues as the Spirit gave utterance. These standards set on the day of Pentecost continue to be relevant and applicable to all receiving salvation today. Sadly, a large proportion of Christians today, no longer adhere to these standards, and as such many are left in a precarious state, not having received the full experience of New Testament salvation. We give God thanks today for the Oneness Pentecostal churches which continue to teach and preach as the apostles did, thus ensuring that people everywhere have an opportunity to experience water baptism in the name of Jesus and the infilling of the Holy Ghost.

Some have argued that the experiences of Acts 2 were specific to the Apostles and necessary only to initiate the church age and therefore not required for believers in subsequent periods. We must however refer to Acts 2:39, which clearly teaches that the promised was not limited to that generation, but to all whom the Lord will call. Here is the direct quotation: “For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." – Acts 2:39

Today’s message is premised upon the statement made by Paul in 1^st Corinthians 15:3-4:

“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; [4] And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”

The key clause here is: “I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received.” This statement refers to the oral tradition of the early church where the teachings of Jesus and the Apostles were carefully memorized and handed down from one generation to another to correctly preserve the essential doctrines and occurrences in the early church. In addition to the oral tradition, the teachings of Jesus and the Apostles was later written in manuscripts, which were also carefully copied and handed down through the generations. The gospel message therefore has been accurately preserved and handed down to us today, so that we too can hand it down to the next generation.

EXPOSITION

Let us look at the passages in a bit more detail. In these initial verses of 1^st Corinthians 15, Paul is establishing that the gospel he preached to the Corinthians is the same as the one he himself received when he became a part on the church. Paul takes time to outline the basic gospel message, but he does not give details of the new birth process, because the Corinthians would have already received salvation and the doctrinal dispute at the time was more about the resurrection of Jesus Christ rather than concerning baptism or the infilling of the Holy Ghost. We note also that Paul had already addressed the issues related to the operation of tongues in the church in chapters 12-14 and therefore it was not necessary to clarify this again in chapter 15. To get a clear documentation of the salvation that Paul received, we need therefore to visit the book of Acts and look at the accounts of Paul’s conversion, as given in his own words in Acts 22 and as reported by Luke in Acts 9.

Let us look first at Acts 22. Here Luke records Paul’s first defense as he spoke to the Jews and Roman soldiers. He had been taken by the Jews on an accusation that he brought a gentile into the temple and would have probably been killed by the Jews, had he not been rescued by the Roman soldiers. Paul used this opportunity to share his testimony with both the Jews and Romans gathered at this hearing. He recounted how he was a Jew, born in Tarsus and previously persecuted the church. He recounted how while on his way to Damascus to arrest the early Christians he had an encounter with Jesus which changed his life.

While on his journey he was struck by a bright light and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutes thou me? Paul responded: Who art thou Lord? The response that Paul heard is critical to our understanding of the Godhead. Paul, a monotheistic Jew, recognizing that he had been struck by a light from heaven, asked who art thou Lord, and received the answer, I am Jesus! One can only imagine how shocked Paul was! This encounter provides strong evidence for the resurrection and deity of Jesus Christ, i.e., Jesus Christ is the manifestation of God in the flesh, rose from the dead, ascended into heaven, and now has dominion in heaven and in the earth.

Going back to the text, we see in verse 10 that when Paul asked what he should do, he was instructed to make his way to Damascus and there he would be told what he should do. We note here the critical role of human messengers in bringing the gospel message. Paul could have been told then and there what he needed to do in order to be saved, but the Lord instead gave him instructions to go to Damascus and sent Ananias to instruct Paul on the message of salvation. It is important to note also that if the Lord Jesus was concerned that the disciples would give Paul the wrong message, He would not have entrusted Ananias to bring the message to Paul. Note also that when Cornelius prayed and needed instructions for salvation, He sent Peter to him. It is clear therefore that God had great confidence in the message of salvation preached by the disciples.

Now what was the message of salvation Paul received? Let us look at verses 12-16 of Acts 22:

“[12] And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there, [13] Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him. [14] And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. [15] For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. [16] And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”

We can supplement this with details from the original account of this experience in Acts 9, reading verses 17 and 18:

“[17] And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. [18] And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.”

So, from these two passages we see clearly that the message of salvation Paul received was baptism in the name of Jesus and the infilling of the Holy Ghost! We acknowledge that neither of these accounts mentioned speaking in tongues, but that can be resolved by referring to 1^st Corinthians 14:17, where Paul indicated that he spoke with often. Further evidence is provided in Acts 19, where Paul asked the disciples of John at Ephesus if they had received the Holy Ghost when they believed. After learning that they had only received John’s baptism, he instructed them to be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus and laid hands on them to receive the Holy Ghost. When Paul had laid his hands on them, they received the Holy Ghost, spoke with tongues, and prophesied. It is clear that Paul was in no way surprised that the disciples of John at Ephesus spoke with tongues when they received the Holy Ghost. No doubt he had the same experienced with he was baptized in Jesus’ name as instructed by Ananias.

We see then that Paul received the message of salvation which included baptism in Jesus’ name and the infilling of the Holy Ghost, which was accompanied by speaking in tongues. He preached this same message to the disciples of John at Ephesus and given his statement in 1^st Corinthians 15 was careful to deliver the message carefully, just as he had received it. Today we continue that tradition, carefully delivering the message of salvation, just as we have received it.

Many today can know hundreds of people who can testify that they went to a Pentecostal altar, sought for and received the Holy Ghost. Across Jamaica, several thousands can testify of this experience! Across the globe, millions can testify to this experience! We can say like Peter, in 2^nd Peter 1:16 – we have not followed cunningly devised fables - but we are eyewitnesses of the power of God and the outpouring of the Holy Ghost.

The baptism of the Holy Ghost is not a made-up experience, baptism in the name of Jesus in not a new teaching! This is the standard message of New Testament salvation, established on the day of Pentecost, preached by all the Apostles, preached by Paul as he expanded the reach of the church and carefully handed down to the next generation of believers. We acknowledge that other baptismal formulas were introduced in subsequent centuries but claims to equivalence are at best on shaky grounds. The only message of salvation preached in the New Testament church was baptism in the name of Jesus and the infilling of the Holy Ghost. Most biblical scholars acknowledge that the proper interpretation on Matthew 28:19 requires a Christological formula and therefore the disciples correctly followed Jesus’ command by baptizing in the name of Jesus. We are therefore confident the message of salvation was correctly taught and carefully handed down by the Apostles and leaders of the early church. This same message has been canonized in the Bible and is available to all who will read and follow its instructions.

APPLICATION & CONCLUSION

So, we conclude that the message of salvation received and delivered by Paul and the apostles is the same message received and delivered in the Oneness Pentecostal church today – i.e., repentance, water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ and the baptism of the Holy Ghost, accompanied by speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. As Paul was careful to deliver the message exactly as received, let us carefully pass this on to all believers, and especially to the next generation. I implore all within the hearing of my voice to accept this message of salvation. If you have not yet had this wonderful experience, today is the best day to do so, repent of your sins, ask for baptism in the name of Jesus and God will fill you with his precious Holy Ghost.

THE GOOD NEWS OF SALVATION

2023-12-24T21:39:00.000-05:00

Trevor Ferguson

December 24, 2023

Matthew 1:18-25 KJV

[18] Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

[19] Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.

[20] But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

[21] And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

[22] Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

[23] Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

[24] Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:

[25] And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

Luke 2:6-11 KJV

[6] And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

[7] And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

[8] And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

[9] And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

[10] And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

[11] For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

INTRODUCTION

Christmas is celebrated all over the world, and in many countries, it is the biggest holiday of the year. All over the world, people pause to celebrate this ‘most wonderful time of the year’. Christmas is universally regarded as a happy time. It’s a time to connect with family and friends, a time to share gifts, a time to enjoy meals together, a time to remember the less fortunate, a time for worship, and a time for fellowship. For many, however, Christmas is seen mainly as a time for merry making, a time to attend parties, a time for dancing, a time to imbibe alcoholic beverages, and a time ‘just having a good time’. In all these festivities, many miss the true reason for the joy associated with Christmas.

The essence of the joy of Christmas is that Christmas brings good news, good news of great joy. But what is this good news? Luke 2:10-11 summarizes this well. Look at what it says: “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord”. So then, Christmas is good news to all people, because Jesus was born!

Let’s pause to point out though that the birth of Jesus was no ordinary birth. Matthew 1:23 tells us that he would be born of a virgin and that his name would be Emmanuel, meaning God with us. Now, Matthew places great emphasis on the virgin birth. Note that verse 18 states that while Joseph and Mary were engaged, she was found with child “before they came together”. Verse 25 also states that Joseph “knew her not” till she had brought forth her firstborn son. The New Living Translation makes this even clearer stating in verse 18: “But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit”. Verse 25 states that: “he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born”. The emphasis on the virgin birth was to point out that Jesus was the Son of God, conceived through the power of the Holy Ghost for the purpose of bringing salvation to all mankind.

Jesus was born to save! This is clearly stated in Matthew 1:21 and Luke 2:11. Let us look at what these verses tell us again. Matthew 1:21 “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins”. Luke 2:11 “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord”. So then, Christmas is all about the good news of salvation!

Today I want to use this opportunity to remind us of a few key points of the doctrine of salvation.

EXPOSITION

POINT #1: ALL HUMAN BEINGS ARE IN NEED OF SALVATION!

Salvation may be defined as “the deliverance from the power and effects of sin”. We need deliverance from sin because sin enslaves us, and ultimately, leads to death. Death here speaks to spiritual death (i.e., separation from God), physical death, (i.e., separation of body from spirit), and eternal death (i.e., total and final separation from God).

The bible emphatically states that all men are sinners. Since the fall, all humanity inherited Adams fallen state, and as such we have a penalty of death hanging over our heads. There is no exception to this fallen state. Romans 3:23 tells us that “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God”. Romans 6:23 further states: “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Paul also states in Romans that both Jews and Gentiles are guilty before God and that all must face God in judgment. He further declares that ignorance of God’s law will not serve as an excuse, because God has revealed Himself in His creation of the world. Romans 1:20 states: “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse”. Psalm 19 states that “the heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament showeth His handiwork”. From this we see that there is clear evidence for God in his creation and all men have had opportunity to seek after God. Given God’s self-revelation in nature, all men stand guilty before God, and all are deserving of the penalty of death!

Death, however, is not what God desires for man! On the contrary, God desires to have fellowship with man! The fall of man was counter to God’s ultimate plan and therefore He had to devise a way to bring man back to Himself. God had to devise a source of salvation and a way of salvation.

POINT #2: JESUS CHRIST IS THE SOURCE OF SALVATION

Jesus was God’s plan for salvation from the beginning of time. In Genesis 3:15, we see that at the same time that God was pronouncing judgment upon the serpent and the woman, He gave the promise of a redeemer. He stated that the seed of the woman would crush the head of the serpent and so procure redemption for Adam’s fallen race. Jesus’ birth was in fulfillment of this first great Messianic prophecy. He was the seed of the woman! According to Luke 1:35, it was the Holy Ghost which overshadowed Mary and caused the child to be conceived in her womb. As such, Jesus had both a human nature and a Divine nature. As such, he could therefore be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, and being without sin, he could be our redeemer. Jesus, the Son of God, was born to give us access to salvation. He is the source of our salvation.

POINT #3: JESUS IS THE WAY OF SALVATION

While the Christmas story focuses on the birth of Jesus Christ, this was only the initial step in God’s plan for salvation. Given that the penalty for sin was death, someone had to pay the price for our salvation. In order for this price to be paid, blood had to shed. Hebrews 9:22 states “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission”. Thankfully, God had a way the to bring this to pass without our individual deaths. John 3:16 tells us that God gave his son to pay the price for our sins: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life”. Isaiah 53:5 states: “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed”. Jesus, therefore, became the substitutionary sacrifice for human sin. It is through His death, burial, and resurrection that He purchased our salvation and now gives us access to the throne of God.

Let me point out that Jesus is the only way to salvation. Jesus himself declared that He is the way the truth and the life, no one comes to the father except through him (John 14:6). The scriptures clearly show that there is only one way to God and that way is through Jesus Christ. Therefore, all of us who seek salvation must come through Jesus Christ!

POINT #4: JESUS IS THE ONLY NAME FOR SALVATION

In Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah declared, “Behold a virgin shall conceive and shall bear a son and shall call his name Immanuel”. Isaiah further declares in Isaiah 9:6, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given … and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting father and the prince of peace. Matthew 1: 21 states: “And she shall bring forth a son and thou shall call his name Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins.” Note the emphasis on “his name” in these three verses.

The name Jesus literally means Jehovah-Saviour, or Jehovah is Salvation. It incorporates all that the name Jehovah denotes and adds to it the attribute of salvation. Therefore, Jesus is the saving name of God; salvation comes through Jesus’ name! Acts 4:12 states: “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.” Repentance and remission of sins is preached in the name of Jesus (Luke 24:47). Baptism is correctly administered in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38). The Holy Ghost comes in the name of Jesus (John 14:26). Healing occurs in Jesus’ name (Mark 16:17-18; Acts 4:10). Deliverance comes in Jesus’ name (Luke 4:18).

In Philippians 2:9-11, Paul describes the name of Jesus as “a name which is above every name”: “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Jesus is therefore the greatest revelation of the name of God. Salvation comes only through the name of Jesus!

APPLICATION & CONCLUSION

Having therefore established that all are in need of salvation and that the way of salvation is through Jesus Christ, let me remind us of the basic message of salvation in the New Testament as stated in Acts 2:38 “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost”. Let me encourage all today to accept this wonderful plan of salvation today. This is a free gift offered to all. It’s the best Christmas gift you could ever get. Accept him today!

Deliberate Delay, Days of Silence, But – It’s Not Too Late for Your Miracle

2022-06-19T13:16:00.000-05:00

Trevor S Ferguson

June 19, 2022

John 11:1-7, 14-23 KJV

[1] Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.

[2] (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)

[3] Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.

[4] When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.

[5] Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.

[6] When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.

[7] Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judæa again.

…

[14] Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.

[15] And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.

[16] Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellow disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.

[17] Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already.

[18] Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off:

[19] And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.

[20] Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.

[21] Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

[22] But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.

[23] Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.

INTRODUCTION

Crises occur frequently in human life. From time to time, we find ourselves in situations that require urgent attention and urgent intervention. Examples of crises include severe sickness, death, financial problems, interpersonal conflicts, emotional upheavals, and similar things. In times of crisis, quick and immediate action is essential. Inaction or delayed action can lead of death or a severe worsening of the condition. Very often in crisis situations external help is needed. We turn to sources or individuals we believe have the capacity to help. We go to the doctor if there is a sickness; when the sickness is particularly acute, we go to the emergency room, where doctors and nurses are specifically trained to deal with crises. In times of financial crises, we may go to a bank or to a person known to have adequate resources. For emotional crises we seek a counselor or pastor. For spiritual crises, we seek a pastor or other minister. Failure to help in a time of crisis, is consider among the worse of human vices. Even mean people will often try to help in crisis situations.

What then do you do, when you are faced with a crisis and help is not forthcoming, even though the person you have asked for help has the capacity to help? This dilemma is illustrated in the passage today and provide some important lessons for our Christian journey. While the passage is well known, and often the base text of sermons, we often focus on the miracle, without sufficient attention to the events that preceded the miracle. Today we want to take some time to look at this passage. As we reflect, we will recognize the despite deliberate delays and days of silence, God will still show up and work miracles in our lives.

EXPOSITION

The events of John 11 take place in the final weeks or months of Jesus’ earthly ministry. The raising of Lazarus is considered by many as the last great miracle of Jesus’ public ministry and was the event that final lead the chief priests and the Pharisees to make the decision that he should be put to death.

Lazarus was from the town of Bethany and was the brother of Mary and Martha. Jesus often stayed at the home of Mary and Martha when he was in Bethany. As indicated in verses 3 and 5, Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus.

Now Lazarus was sick. At that time Jesus was staying in the region of Perea, beyond Jordan, because the Jews in Judea and sought capture him (see chapter 10:39). Mary and Martha, being close friends with Jesus, knew where he was staying, so the sent messengers to him. Note the message “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.” Jesus then said: “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” It is not clear if this message was sent back to Mary and Martha or if Jesus was speaking to his disciples. Regardless of to whom the message was directed this was the only response Jesus gave to the crisis for two whole days. We would have expected a more direct response and immediate action on Jesus’ part. Something like – Don’t worry, I am leaving right now to come and attend to him; or, he will not die, I will come and heal him; or Go on your way, I will speak to word and he will be healed right now! Instead, we have deliberate delay! Verse 6 tells us that Jesus abode two more days in the place where he was.

Let’s take some time to look at this issue of DELIBERATE DELAY.

Jesus knew Lazarus was sick, Jesus knew he would die. In fact, it is believed that Lazarus died the same day that the messengers came to Jesus. Jesus was fully aware of this. Note that the messengers did not come back to update Jesus on Lazarus’ passing, but Jesus stated in verse 14: Lazarus is dead. Look at verse 15: “And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.” He was fully aware of his death, fully aware of the grief of Martha and Mary, but did nothing. Why didn’t Jesus’ act?

Two reasons: PURPOSE and TIMING!

God will not act outside of his purpose and God will not act outside of his timing! The resurrection of Lazarus was intended in God’s purpose to be his crowning, most significant miracle. The next major miracle was going to be the resurrection of Jesus himself. A healing of Lazarus would not have fulfilled God’s purpose! We note the while Jesus had previously raised persons from the dead – specifically Jairus’ daughter and the son of the widow of Nain, both these miracles would have taken place on the day of their death. Jairus’s daughter was freshly dead – still on her bed when Jesus went in and raised her from the dead. The widow of Nain’s son was raised while they were on the way to the burial. Given that the Jews usually buried people on the same day they died, this resurrection also to place on the day of death. It is quite possible that the Jews would argue that they were not really dead, but in a coma or some other unconscious state. Thus, they could try to explain away the miracle or claim it was only a healing.

The resurrection of Lazarus would need to leave no doubt! In order for the resurrection to occur he had to die. In order to leave no doubt, he needed to be buried and in the grave for long enough that there would be no doubt as to the resurrection. Four days were necessary as some Jews believed the soul hovered over the body for three days. To remove these possible sceptics – four days would be necessary. So then, we see the critical importance of purpose and timing in God’s plan. We can’t rush God. We must wait on his purpose and timing. It is not that he is not good; it’s not that he doesn’t love us! Fulfilling his purpose and working in his time is critical for God’s divine will to be accomplished.

Let’s turn to the MATTER OF SILENCE.

It’s one thing for God to not act when we seek him. It’s another thing all together when he does not speak to us! Let us assume for a moment that he did indeed send the message to Mary and Martha that the sickness was not unto death, but for the glory of God. The messengers get back and give that message, but Lazarus dies the same day! And Jesus says nothing! Lazarus is buried, no word from Jesus; Day 1 passes, no word from Jesus; Day two passes, no word from Jesus; Day 3 passes, still no word from Jesus! Can you imagine the pain and anguish for Mary and Martha? They must have felt like David in Psalm 22: Listen to what he says, reading from the New Living Translation:

“[1] My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help? [2] Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer. Every night I lift my voice, but I find no relief.”

David’s dilemma continues in vs 4-8

[4] Our ancestors trusted in you, and you rescued them. [5] They cried out to you and were saved. They trusted in you and were never disgraced. [6] But I am a worm and not a man. I am scorned and despised by all! [7] Everyone who sees me mocks me. They sneer and shake their heads, saying, [8] “Is this the one who relies on the LORD? Then let the LORD save him! If the LORD loves him so much, let the LORD rescue him!” Psalm 22:4-8 NLT

Our pain is magnified when we look at others and it seems they are getting help and we recall the stories of our fathers of God’s mighty deliverance, yet nothing is happening for us! We note though verse 24:

“For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard.”

Today, I want to remind somebody that God has heard your cry and he will answer in due time. He will not remain silent forever. He will show up and answer you! We also recall the story of Job! For 37 chapters Job suffers, and God is silent! Listen to Job in chapter 23:

[3] Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat! [4] I would order my cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.

…

[8] Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him:

[9] On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him:

[10] But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

God did answer Job. Job 38:1 states: Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind! God did not provide all the answers and explanations Job sought, but clearly established his sovereignty and his power, which Job was able to accept. Despite the days of silence God will show up! He showed up for Job. He showed up for David. He showed up for Martha and Mary. He was four days late in Martha’s timing, but he was at the perfect hour in God’s timing. IT’S NOT TOO LATE FOR YOUR MIRACLE!

Martha said to Jesus in verse 21-22: “Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.

Even now! Despite the delay, despite the silence, despite the despair, despite the tears - even now God can still act in your situation! Lazarus was dead, he was buried, his body had begun to decay, but these apparently irreversible situations would not prevent God from acting. Even now he still had the power to intervene.

Jesus word to Martha in verse 23 challenged her faith and challenges our faith today

Your dead situation is not too far gone for God to intervene! You may think it’s over; you may think there is no hope, you may have stopped trying all together, but think again. God can still intervene and change your situation. Jesus declared, I am the resurrection and the life, he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. In that he has power over death, there is no situation in which he cannot act. Lift your faith, believe on him. It’s not too late for your miracle.

I challenge you today to put your faith in him. Put your crisis in his hands. Trust his purpose and trust his timing. Don’t give up. He will come through for you.

CONCLUSION

Today we have been reminded that God cares about our crises. He loves us but works according to his purpose and his perfect time. Despite apparent delays and long periods of silence, he is working things out for our good. He will come through for us. It’s not too late for our miracle! God bless you, In Jesus Name.

Trusting God in Difficult Seasons

2022-05-23T07:17:00.000-05:00

Trevor S Ferguson

May 23, 2021

Isaiah 43:1-7, 18-25

[1] But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.

[2] When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

[3] For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.

[4] Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.

[5] Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west;

[6] I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;

[7] Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.

[18] Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.

[19] Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

[20] The beast of the field shall honour me, the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen.

[21] This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.

[22] But thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob; but thou hast been weary of me, O Israel.

[23] Thou hast not brought me the small cattle of thy burnt offerings; neither hast thou honoured me with thy sacrifices. I have not caused thee to serve with an offering, nor wearied thee with incense.

[24] Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy sacrifices: but thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities.

[25] I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.

INTRODUCTION

All of us as human beings have experienced seasons when life and circumstances seem to be extremely difficult. For some, these are short periods of time, interrupting an otherwise pleasant life, but for others, these difficult seasons seem to be prolonged and unending. We understand and accept that life is cyclical and has both good and bad seasons as we recall that Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven”. The writer of Ecclesiastes goes on to emphasize in verses 2-4 “A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.” We see also in Job 14:1-2 “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.” We must therefore accept that troubles, problems, difficult seasons, and such circumstances are regular occurrences in human life and therefore we must find ways to survive and overcome in these seasons.

Difficult seasons may come in many forms. On the temporal side, these include severe sickness, the death of a loved one, financial problems, interpersonal conflicts, emotional upheavals, and various other similar situations. Difficult seasons also occur in our spiritual lives. These include church related conflicts, prolonged seasons of silence (when it seems like we just can’t hear from God), unanswered prayers, unfruitful ministries, persecution, spiritual burnout, and other varied situations. Many of us face these difficult seasons feeling distressed, alone, and frustrated. Human help often fails and at times are filled with platitudes that do not address our real problems. The usual responses will come - pray more, fast more, have faith – but for many, we have already prayed, we have already fasted, we have mustered up all the faith we can find. What then does one do?

The prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 43 offers us some words of encouragement regarding how we approach these difficult situations. It is not quite the quick deliverance that some of us seek, but more an assurance of God’s abiding presence in these difficult seasons. Yes, He is our Jehovah Shammah. He is with us - a very present help in times of trouble. Today we want to take a closer look at this passage, as we seek to better understand how to endure and overcome in our difficult seasons.

EXPOSITION

Isaiah is considered by most biblical scholars as the foremost of the major prophets and is sometimes called the prince of prophets. His ministry is believed to span over 60 years, during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. Isaiah 43 belongs to a group of prophesies where Isaiah offers words of comfort and assurance to the people of Israel. It is generally accepted that these prophecies speak futuristically to Israel’s captivity in Babylon but revealed by God to Isaiah almost 200 years before their actual occurrence. Given this context of a prolonged season of difficulty, this passage is particularly applicable to the topic we are addressing today.

The passage begins with a reaffirmation of God’s paternal relationship with Israel. God declared that He was the one that created and formed Israel, He had redeemed them, and they are His. Today, we acknowledge God as our creator and our redeemer. We are His. If He was willing to lay down his life for us and purchase our salvation with his own blood, there is nothing good that He will not do for us. Romans 8:32 reminds us: “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” Given that we belong to God, and he will freely give us all things, we can face our difficult seasons, knowing that we have a God who cares about us and will work out all things for our good.

Verse 2 of Isaiah 43, can be considered the focus text for today’s message: “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” Let us look at some lessons from this verse.

Firstly, I want us to consider the phrases “When thou passest through the waters …” and “when thou walkest through the fire …” We note the prophet says “when” and not “if”. This implies that we will pass through the waters, we will walk through the fire! So, the first point of emphasis today is that: Difficult seasons are part of human and Christian existence; therefore, we should expect it and prepare for it.

Some of us have been schooled to believe that as Christians we are covered and protected by God and therefore, we will not experience difficulties in life. However, it is critical that we become mature as Christians and accept that trials and difficulties are part of the journey. We cannot be naïve, or we will be easy prey for the devil. We must develop strategies to cope with these difficulties rather than hide our heads in the sand and pray or hope that they will not occur. Peter warns us that we must be sober and vigilant because we have an adversary, the devil, who is roaming about seeking whom he may devour (1^st Peter 5:8). So then, the first strategy in dealing with and overcoming our difficulty seasons is to expect it and prepare for it.

Let us use a simple illustration. If we are planning to visit a cold country in the winter, we buy warm clothes. Similarly, since we know that we will come under spiritual attacks from the enemy, we must build our spiritual armour.

The second key phrase in these verses is “I will be with thee”! God did not promise that he will help us avoid the water and the fire, but He promised that he will be with us! He will come in the water with us. He will come in the fire with us. The waters shall not overflow us. We will not drown. We will still be able to stand in the water. The fire will not burn us or consume us. We see this exemplified with the three Hebrews boys, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3. Nebuchadnezzar expected that once thrown in the fire the Hebrew boys would be burned to ashes, but God took the heat out of the fire and was there walking with them in the fire! Similarly, when Daniel was cast in the lion’s den, God shut the mouth of the lions and Daniel was able to rest comfortably in the lion’s den. God can take the venom out of your difficult situation and give you the power to survive and thrive. So, the second point of emphasis today is that God stands with His people on difficult seasons - He will never leave us or abandon us!

Moses reminded the Israelites in Deuteronomy 31:6: “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” Psalm 46:1-3 is equally emphatic: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.” The psalm closes with the instruction: Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. We can rest assured that regardless of how difficult or dark or situation appears to be, God is there with us and he will give us the strength to overcome.

The third point of emphasis today is that God is able to transform difficult seasons into seasons of joy, peace and plenty. Verse 19 of our text say: “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” So, while we recognize that we will have wilderness experiences, and that, of necessity, we will walk through some deserts, God wants to reassure us that these need not be just painful, unpleasant experiences. He can transform our situations. He will make a way in the wilderness; He will prepare rivers in our desert. Note again, the use of the word ‘in’. The way is made in the wilderness! The river is created in the desert. So let us not be hasty in our expectation of deliverance. Deliverance will come, but we must spend some time in the wilderness; we must spend some time in the desert.

The wilderness and desert experiences are sometimes used by God to prepare us for the work to be accomplished. Moses spent 40 years in the wilderness, tending Jethro’s flock, possibly because he needed to spend 40 years in the wilderness leading Israel to the promised land!

But God will not leave us by ourselves in these situations. When Israel passed through the wilderness, God fed them with manna and brought water out of the rocks. He will step into our situations and make a way, even when there seems to be no way!

The fourth point of emphasis is that God expects us to continue to worship in our difficult seasons. Let us look at verse 22-24:

“But thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob; but thou hast been weary of me, O Israel. Thou hast not brought me the small cattle of thy burnt offerings; neither hast thou honoured me with thy sacrifices. I have not caused thee to serve with an offering, nor wearied thee with incense. Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy sacrifices: but thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities.”

Many of us fail to continue in our worship and adoration to God in the difficult seasons. Instead, we grumble and complain. Just as Israel did. However, 1^st Corinthians 10 reminds us that God was not pleased with Israel’s attitude in the wilderness, and this resulted in many of them being overthrown in the wilderness. Let us say like David in Psalm 34:1 “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” God is always worthy to be praised. Note also that Job’s first act after he heard of the calamity that had befallen his children was to bow his head and worship! Let us therefore learn to praise God even in our difficult situations. This will cause God to open doors and make ways for us. He will sustain us in the wilderness and eventually we will come into God’s promised land, filled with abundance and all God’s blessings. Israel eventually made it to Canaan. Judah was eventually delivered from Babylonian captivity; God eventually answered Job. We too will eventually make it out of our difficult seasons. The night is long but is eventually followed by daybreak. Winter in long, but eventually spring and summer comes. Your difficult season will not last forever. God is with you and will bring you out! You can trust Him; you can trust His word. Trouble won’t last always. What do you do? Praise God during your difficult season. He will give you strength, he will sustain you. He will make a way!

CONCLUSION

So then, we have seen today that God promised to be with us when we walk through the waters and when we walk through the fires of this life. He also promised that He will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. However, He expects that we continue to worship even in difficult seasons. Let us commit to trusting God in our difficult seasons. He has promised to be with us and will eventually lead us out. His words are true. Let us continue to trust Him. God bless you, In Jesus Name.

Pentecost Revisited: The Holy Ghost is Still Available to All!

2021-05-23T14:19:00.000-05:00

Trevor S Ferguson

May 23, 2021

Acts 2:1-8, 14-18, 37-39 (KJV)
1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?

14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:
15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.
16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:

37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

INTRODUCTION

Today is recognized in the Christian calendar as Pentecost Sunday. In current Christian tradition, Pentecost is celebrated on the fiftieth day after Easter Sunday and commemorates the outpouring of the Holy Ghost, which occurred on the Day of Pentecost, fifty days after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Jewish tradition Pentecost was one of three major Jewish Festivals, called the Feast of Weeks, Feast of Harvest or the Day of the First Fruits. This was celebrated fifty days after the Passover and commemorated the beginning of the wheat harvest. Some have also associated the feast of Pentecost with the giving of the law at Sinai. The feast of Pentecost was first mentioned in Exodus 23 and additional details given in Leviticus 23. All Jewish males were required to gather in the sanctuary on the day of Pentecost. This requirement for gathering of all males occurred only two other times in the Jewish calendar, i.e., the feast of the Passover and the Feast of Tabernacles. Given this requirement, devout Jews from every nation would gather in Jerusalem for the Day of Pentecost.

Today we revisit the events on the first Christian Pentecost, to remind ourselves of the significance of this day and reflect on lessons to be learned from this first Pentecost. We emphasize today that the Holy Ghost is still available to all!

EXPOSITION

The bible tells us the Jesus was seen on earth for forty days after his resurrection and that prior to his ascension, recorded in Luke 24 and Acts 1, he commanded the that his disciples should wait on the promise of the father, before beginning their ministry as witnesses of him (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4). Acts 1:4-5 and verse 8 are summarizes Jesus’ instructions prior to his ascension.

“And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.” (Acts 1:4-5)

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

These verses clearly show that the Holy Ghost was promised by Jesus and was required for ministry.

The apostles along with other disciples, totalling approximately 120 believers, acted in obedience to Jesus’ instruction, found an upper room in Jerusalem and waited in prayer and supplication for the fulfilment of Jesus’ promise. The day of Pentecost proved to be this momentous occasion! The details are all recorded in Act 2. The world would be changed forever by the events of Pentecost. Luke’s record is clear and powerful. Let’s look again to Act 2:1-4.

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

This account demonstrates to power of God to intervene in world affairs. While the disciples were probably expecting something spectacular, this must have blown them away! In the midst of a quiet prayer meeting, Jesus shows up and changes things forever!

First there was the sound – a mighty rushing wind. Then there was the vision – cloven tongues like fire. Then there was the experience – the infilling of the Holy Ghost; the Spirit of God taking residence in the heart of the believers. After that it was impossible to remain silent! The Bible says they began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them ability to speak.

The choice of day was Divine! Right there to witness everything were Jews from virtually every nation with varied languages. They probably heard the sound of the wind, and then heard the noise resulting from the exuberant expressions of joy from the disciples, new filled with the Holy Ghost. The people were amazed, asking one another, how is it that these Galileans were now suddenly able to speak multiple languages. Of course, there were also doubters, suggesting that the marvelous event they were witnessing was due to a state of drunkenness.

Peter was quick to set the record straight. This experience had nothing to do with drunkenness; given the early time, only persons with severe alcoholism would have had an opportunity to get drunk so early. Peter however clarified that this was instead the fulfilment of Joel’s prophesy.

And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. (Acts 2:17-18 KJV).

Peter went on to complete his sermon showing that what they were witnessing, was a direct result of Jesus’ ministry. Although the Jews had crucified and killed Jesus Christ, God had raised him from the dead, consistent with David’s prophesy that the Christ would not remain in the grave, nor would his body be allowed to decay. Peter and the rest of the apostles were living witnesses of these things. Jesus of Nazareth, the same Jesus who was crucified, is risen from the dead and was now Lord and Christ.

Acts 2:37 tells us that after Peter’s message a great conviction fell upon the people, who then asked what should be done in response to this revelation. Peter then gave what has become, for many, the key verse of New Testament salvation.

Acts 2:38 presents the first stated doctrine of salvation in the church age and reflects the teaching and practice of all the apostles and members in the early church.

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

Let me emphasize this. The message of salvation taught by Peter, the 11 Apostles, Paul, and all the leaders of the early church was repentance, water baptism in the name of Jesus and the infilling of the Holy Ghost! This was not a mistake or misrepresentation of the instructions Jesus gave. It fulfils all the commands in Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16: 15-18 and Luke 24:46-49. The precedence from church history is extremely clear. The early church baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and expected all believers to receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost. I encourage all Christians to read the passages carefully and act accordingly.

I would like to bring this message to a close by emphasizing three key points (take home messages) to be noted from Acts 2:

Point #1: The Baptism of Holy Ghost was a definite and distinctive experience.

There is no still birth! When someone receives the Holy Ghost, they will know that something special has happened and will be able to pinpoint the day and time it happened. (For me: February 23, 1986; night service, Beulah Pentecostal Temple). Galatians 4:6 tells us that God send forth the Spirit of his Son in our hearts crying Abba Father. Just as in the natural when we expect to hear a baby cry at birth as a sign of new life, when someone receives the Holy Ghost, we expect to hear a cry as a sign of this new birth.

The sign observed in the book of Acts is speaking in tongues. Several passages in expressly states that that the people spoke with tongues when they received the Holy Ghost. We see this in Acts 2:4; Acts 10:44-46 and Acts 19:6. Speaking tongues or glossolalia as termed by some, involves speaking a language that the believer has never learnt. It is not gibberish or incoherent syllables. It is an actual language, which may be known or unknown, or as Paul describes it in 1^st Corinthians 13, this may be the tongues of men or of angels.

Note also that speaking in tongues is not just for special situations where people need to hear the gospel in their own language. In fact, on the day of Pentecost all the Jews understood the Jewish language. There was no language barrier between Peter and the household of Cornelius, neither was there a language barrier between Paul and the men at Ephesus. Tongues therefore are a sign both to the believer and the onlooker as a supernatural act of God to verify the infilling with his Spirit.

Point #2: All believers in Jesus Christ should receive the Holy Ghost.

All 120 believers on the Day of Pentecost received the Holy Ghost. There was an unusual emphasis on the word all in Acts 2. In fact, the word all occurs 15 times in 13 of the 47 verses in Acts 2. I will just reference a few

Acts 2:1 – ALL with one accord in one place.

Acts 2:4 – ALL filled with the Holy Ghost.

Acts 2:32 – … whereof we are ALL witnesses.

Acts 2:36 – Let ALL the house of Israel know assuredly …

Acts 2:38 uses similar terminology – repent and be baptized ever one of you …

There is a deliberate emphasis on ensuring that this was not a limited opportunity offering, but all those who desire to receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost can have it.

Point #3: The Promise of the Holy Ghost is Still Available Today

Acts 2:39 is a critical verse here: “For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” The promise is extended to as many as the Lord shall call. If God called you, then the Holy Ghost is promised to you!

What then do you to do to receive the Holy Ghost? There are only two absolute requirements – repentance and faith. God will not come to dwell in a vessel marred by sin. We must repent. Repentance refers to a godly sorrow for sin, recognizing that we have sinned, asking God for forgiveness and pledging to live righteously, thereafter. Secondly, if we come to God, we must believe in Him – Hebrews 11:6.

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

If we truly believe by faith and repent of our sins God will come in and fill us with the Holy Ghost – any day and any time. The promise is still available to you today!

APPLICATION & CONCLUSION

On this Pentecost Sunday, we have revisited the events of the first Pentecost and the marvelous events that heralded the beginning church age. Just as God stepped in on the first Pentecost, he can step into your life right now. Open your heart and let him come in.

We have also been reminded that the Holy Ghost is available to all believers. If you have not yet received the Holy Ghost, right now is a good time. Repent of all your sins. Believe God with all your heart. Come expecting a blessing. God is ready and willing to pour out His Spirit in you!!

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURES:

Matthew 28:19-20 (KJV)
¹⁹ Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
²⁰ Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Mark 16:15-18 (KJV)
¹⁵ And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
¹⁶ He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
¹⁷ And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
¹⁸ They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Luke 24:46-49 (KJV)
⁴⁶ And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
⁴⁷ And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
⁴⁸ And ye are witnesses of these things.
⁴⁹ And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

John 5:43 (KJV)
⁴³ I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.

John 14:26 (KJV)

²⁶ But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

The Price of Our Salvation

2021-04-03T07:27:00.000-05:00

Trevor Ferguson

April 3, 2021

Matthew 27:45-46

Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.

And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

See link below:

THE PRICE OF OUR SALVATION

PURSUING YOUR PURPOSE DURING THE PANDEMIC

2021-01-02T09:37:00.000-05:00

Trevor Ferguson

January 2, 2021

(Originally delivered May 31, 2020)

Jeremiah 29:1-14 (KJV)

1 Now these are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem unto the residue of the elders which were carried away captives, and to the priests, and to the prophets, and to all the people whom Nebuchadnezzar had carried away captive from Jerusalem to Babylon;

2 (After that Jeconiah the king, and the queen, and the eunuchs, the princes of Judah and Jerusalem, and the carpenters, and the smiths, were departed from Jerusalem;)

3By the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan, and Gemariah the son of Hilkiah, (whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent unto Babylon to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon) saying,

4 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, unto all that are carried away captives, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem unto Babylon;

5 Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them;

6 Take ye wives, and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons, and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; that ye may be increased there, and not diminished.

7 And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.

8 For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed.

9 For they prophesy falsely unto you in my name: I have not sent them, saith the LORD.

10 For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place.

11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.

13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

14 And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.

INTRODUCTION

The COVID-19 crisis has produced unprecedented change in the life of almost every person in the world. Never in our lifetime have we seen such massive change in such a short space of time. Almost every country is affected, with most countries having implemented some type of shutdown. In just six months, there have been over six million cases and almost 370 thousand deaths. Global travel has come to an almost complete standstill and nobody knows what the future holds! Countries are now trying to reopen, some cautiously and some not so cautiously, at all. There are fears of a second wave, which many believe could be worse than the first. There is still no widely available effective treatment and little chance of a vaccine becoming available before year end.

The crisis is here, and the end is not in sight!

So, what do you do during a pandemic? Do you become paralyzed by fear and do nothing? Do you hide in your home and hope the virus never come to your house? Do you act as if the virus does not exist, and carry on just as you were doing before? Do you try to convince yourself that the virus will be gone soon, and you will just get back to your old life?

The fact is that none of these approaches are likely to be effective! We will have to adjust to a new normal! We need a realistic response, built on clear biblical principles, that acknowledges the crisis, but is not based on fear or reckless abandon. Today we reflect on the passage from Jeremiah 29, where Jeremiah wrote to the elders in Babylon, providing them with guidelines for the Jewish people living in Babylonian captivity. I believe that the principles then can be applied to today's COVID-19 crisis and will suggest a path for us to Pursue Our Purpose During the Pandemic.

EXPOSITION

Let us take a few moments to put this scripture in context. Jeremiah was one of the major Old Testament prophets and prophesied during the period prior to, and during the early phases of the Jewish exile in Babylon. Jeremiah prophesied concern the judgment of Judah and Jerusalem, but was also a voice of hope, proclaiming God’s plan for the restoration of his people. In the passage in Jeremiah 29, Jeremiah writes to about three thousand Jews who were carried away in the early phase of the exile in Babylon. These included elders, priests, prophets, as well as members of the kings’ household. Jeremiah had previously prophesied in Jeremiah 25:11 that the captivity would last seventy years, but false prophets among the exiles had begun to prophesy that the captivity would be short, and the people would soon return to Jerusalem. Jeremiah sought to correct this false expectation and provided guidelines as to how they should operate in while in captivity. Verses 5-7 provide clear guidelines:

“Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them; Take ye wives, and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons, and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; that ye may be increased there, and not diminished. And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.”

In some ways then, we can liken the COVID-19 crisis to the situation faced by the Jews in captivity. They had experienced sudden and drastic change in their life circumstances; the future was very uncertain and there was no clear end in sight. Certainly then, we can learn something from what God said to them through Jeremiah at that time. I will use the instructions of Jeremiah as a guide to suggest an approach to the current crisis with four action points

Action point #1: Pause to Ponder and to Pray

Whenever there is a crisis, we must pause to see what God is saying to us. Firstly, we have to ask ourselves if we have departed from the path that God desires for us? Is God trying to get our attention? Human beings have a way of ignoring God when things are good. We feel self-sufficient and believe we can do anything and see no need for God. But when we get in trouble, our first tendency is to call on God. When we look in the Psalms, we see several passages stating that persons cried unto the Lord in times of distress. This can be summarized from Psalm 120:1: “In my distress I called on the Lord, and he heard me”. Psalm 107 chronicles the story of Israel and their various experiences. Many times, Israel went astray and found themselves in problems, but the Psalmist recounts on several occasions:

“Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses”. Again, we can summarize this from Psalm 107: 11-13:

“Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High: Therefore he brought down their heart with labour; they fell down, and there was none to help. Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses.”

C. S. Lewis puts it this way “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” So, when we see unprecedented events, whether in our individual lives, or globally as in this current crisis, our first activity should be to pause and ponder what God is saying to us. It is also important that we pray and seek his face. In 2^nd Chronicles 7:13-14 the word of God promises that if we pray, seek his face, turn from our wicked ways, he will hear from heaven and heal our lands.

“If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

Let us pause to ponder and to pray, so that God may hear from heaven and heal our land.

Action Point #2: Press on with Possibly Activities

This action point is based on our focus text Jeremiah 29:5-6:

Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them; Take ye wives, and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons, and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; that ye may be increased there, and not diminished.

The verses say to us that we need to get on with our lives, despite the confines and limitations of our circumstances. We must acknowledge the crisis and the limitation of the COVID Pandemic, but we cannot allow ourselves to become paralyzed by fear. We should not be reckless and behave as if nothing has happened, but we must continue to lead full lives, adjusting to the circumstances we face. So, we put on our mask, we maintain our physical distancing, we wash our hands and cover our coughs, but we must keep going. If we can’t come out to the sanctuary, we attend church online, we can’t go to the classroom, we do our schooling online, we can’t go out to work, we work from home, we can’t go out to exercise, we exercise at home, can’t link up with friends, we link up online. In short, we adjust to our circumstances and keep on living.

We find some examples of this in the early church as well – persecuted by the Jews, the apostles left Jerusalem and went everywhere preaching the gospel; Paul was imprisoned and could no longer go on his missionary journeys – he wrote letters to the churches. These letters continue to instruct us today! So, what do you do when limited by life’s circumstances? We press on with possible activities.

Action Point #3: Peruse the Scriptures

As we press on with our activities, we must take time to study the word of God, so that we can understand the times and therefore know what to do. Often, the word of God has clear answers to some of the questions we have in these times. In Jeremiah’s time, false prophets had begun to prophesy regarding the exile and proclaiming that the exile would end soon and they would return to Israel within a few years, but Jeremiah had already prophesied that Israel would be in Babylon for seventy years. If they were clearly reading the scriptures and listening to the word of God, they would have had a much better understanding as to what to do.

Today, the scriptures continue to provide guidance. I will just mention two passages which provides some context with regards to the times.

Firstly, Matthew 24:4-8

^“And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.

Secondly, Luke 21: 25-28

^“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

Time will not allow us to look in any more details on these passages but let us be reminded that it is time that we begin again to study the endtimes!

Action Point #4: Personalize God’s Promises and Purse God’s Plan

For this action point we reflect on verse 11 of Jeremiah 29.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

The NIV rendition says it well:

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

I want to reassure someone today that God’s plans are for your good! You may not understand the place you are in right now, but God did not bring you this far to leave you. The troubles you are experiencing now is for a set time! COVID is for a set time! You will get out of this crisis and God will prosper you. So, we acknowledge the troubles of today, but lift up your heads, tomorrow comes; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Let us say like David said in Psalm 42:11:

“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.”

Let us personalize the promises of God and pursue his plans for us. His plans are for our good. He will prosper us, He will deliver us, He will save us and ultimately, he will take us to live with Him in heaven. We can lift up our heads, with great hope. The COVID crisis will not conquer us. God will come through for us and will give us joy and peace.

Trust him today!

APPLICATION & CONCLUSION

The word of God today reminded us that we can still pursue our purpose, despite the current pandemic. While we must acknowledge its limitations, we can press on with current activities and pursue God’s plan for our lives. Let us continue to trust him today

If you have not yet started your salvation journey, you need to do so today. It is dangerous to live in these uncertain times without the assurance of God’s presence in your life. I implore you to put your trust in Jesus Christ today. Repent if your sins, accept water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ and ask God to fill you with his precious Holy Spirit. It is the best decision you could ever make and will give you the assurance of a home in heaven when Jesus comes back. God bless you today. In Jesus name.

JESUS: THE SON OF GOD

2020-12-26T09:20:00.000-05:00

Trevor S Ferguson

December 26, 2020

Luke 1:26-38 (KJV)

26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.
38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

INTRODUCTION

As part of the Christmas tradition, many persons take time out at this time of the year to reflect upon the birth of Jesus. There are numerous songs celebrating His birth, and many persons participate in dramas and exhibitions involving the nativity scene. While the celebration is ubiquitous, deep, quality refection is rare! Many persons are comfortable dealing with the superficial meaning of the Christmas story, but are unwilling to tackle some of the greater issues raised by birth of Jesus Christ, or to apply their lives to God, in manner consistent with what Jesus’ coming into the world requires.

Today, I want us to take some time to reflect deeply on the birth of Jesus Christ, particularly on the virgin birth and its significance in recognizing who Jesus Christ is.

EXPOSITION

Details surrounding the conception of Jesus Christ are given in the gospels of Matthew and Luke. Luke provides greater detail, but both accounts are complementary. Many believe that Luke interviewed Mary, so that the account in Luke can be considered a firsthand report. We will look critically at these reports as we outline three fundamental facts regarding the birth of Jesus.

FACT #1: JESUS WAS CONCEIVED IN THE WOMB OF A VIRGIN

Both Matthew and Luke unequivocally state that at the time of Jesus’ conception Mary was still a virgin. Let us look at Luke 1:26-27 and Matthew 1:18.

“And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.” Luke 1:26-27 (KJV)

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.” Matthew 1:18 (KJV)

Note that Luke uses the word virgin twice in as he introduces Mary. He clearly wanted it to be known that at the time of the angel’s visit Mary was still a virgin. The word used for virgin here is the Greek parthenos, which almost commentators agree, that in this context, refers to a young woman who had never had sexual relations. Matthew states that while Mary was engaged to Joseph, she was found with child before they came together. Again, clearly emphasizing that at the time of conception Mary was still a virgin.

Mary’s question to the angel Gabriel in Luke 1: 34 is further evidence to the fact that she was still a virgin – her question was: “How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?” We note that both the New International Version (NIV) and the New Living Translation (NLT) uses the term “I am a virgin” in the translation of this verse. So, Mary herself affirms her virginity at the time of the angelic visitation.

Matthew goes on to say, in verse 23, that Jesus’s birth was to be a fulfilment of Isaiah 7:14 which stated: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” He further added that the name Emmanuel means, God with us, pointing to the fact that this child to be born would be the Son of God.

We therefore see that the Bible clearly and emphatically teach that Jesus was conceived in the womb of a virgin, without the agency of a human sperm. While this may appear impossible to some, if we accept that God created man (the first Adam) from the dust of the earth and breathe into him the breath of life, it is quite possible that God could also create a human being in the womb of Mary, without the need of a human male agent. The angel Gabriel also stated unequivocally that with God, nothing shall be impossible. We therefore affirm the virgin birth as a critical component of God’s salvation plan, ensuring that Jesus Christ had a sinless humanity, and as such was able to bring redemption, through his substitutionary sacrifice on the cross at Calvary.

FACT #2: THE SOURCE OF JESUS’ CONCEPTION WAS THE POWER OF THE HOLY GHOST

If Jesus was not conceived through the normal reproductive channels, i.e., through the fertilization of an ovum with a man’s sperm, how then was Jesus conceived? The Bible does not provide the mechanistic details, but clearly states the source of the conception. In responding to Mary’s question, the angel Gabriel stated that: The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee … (Luke 1:35 (KJV). Matthew 1:18 states that Mary was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

Both passages together clearly indicate that the source of the conception was the power of the Holy Ghost. We note that the Holy Ghost here refers to the operations of God in the earth, therefore the source of Jesus’ conception was God himself.

FACT #3: JESUS WAS MORE THAN A MAN – HE IS THE SON OF GOD

The implication of the two preceding facts, that Jesus was conceived in the womb or a virgin and that the agent of the conception was the power of the Holy Ghost is that Jesus was more than a man, He is indeed the Son of God. The angel Gabriel is explicit in his statement in Luke 1:35 “… therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” Note that the NKJV renders this "therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Holy One is a title used for God himself, therefore this verse again affirms that this child was God manifested in flesh. This is consistent with Matthew’s statement in Matthew 1:23 “… they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” Further support comes from Isaiah’s prophesy in Isaiah 9:6 “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

These passages provide strong affirmation that this child to be born had all the attributes of deity and was the manifestation of God in flesh. Given that nature of his conception and the passages concerning his deity, we see that Jesus has a dual nature, i.e., He was fully man and fully God. He was fully man in that he had a full human nature, he had all the attributes of man – he had a human mind, spirit, soul and body. He was fully God in that he had all the fullness of the Godhead resident in His human body, as stated in Colossians 2:9.

We will not be able to adequate explain how Jesus held these two natures. 1^st Timothy 3:16 tells us that this is a great mystery “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.”

That Jesus was God manifested in flesh is further supported by John 1:1, and 14 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Hebrews 1: 1-3, gives an instructive description of who Jesus Christ is:

“God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;”

These passages clearly show that Jesus Christ is more than just a man. He is Son of God, i.e., God manifested in flesh. We note that the bible does not present Jesus as the second person in a trinity, but manifestation of God robed in flesh. We therefore uphold that God is absolutely and indivisibly one. He has revealed or manifested himself to man as the Father in creation, the son in redemption and the Holy Ghost in the church, but all these manifestations represent the One and self-same God.

Recognizing Jesus as the Son of God is critical if we are to apply the birth of Christ to our lives. As God and Saviour, He has the power to cleanse us from sin and apply the righteousness of God to us, bringing us back into reconciliation with God.

A question to all today is - Who do you say Jesus is? This question was asked by Jesus of his disciples in Matthew 16:13-16.

“When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

This same question is being asked of you today. Like Peter I invite you to strongly affirm. Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God!

Let me point out that an examination of Jesus’ life and influence provides strong evidence for his sonship. While here on earth, Jesus impacted the lives of all the people he came in contact with - sick were healed, dead were raised, poor had gospel preached unto them. Even at his death, a Roman centurion overseeing the crucifixion of Jesus confessed “truly this was the Son of God”. Jesus continues to impact the world today, transforming lives, baptizing people with the Holy Ghost, healing the sick, and even raising the dead.

Let me declare once again, Jesus is the Son of God

APPLICATION & CONCLUSION

Today we have shown from scriptures that Jesus Christ was born of a virgin, conceived through the power of the Holy Ghost, and is indeed the son of God. What is your response to this revelation?

I invite you today to “Come taste and see that the Lord is good”. Christmas is more than just an opportunity to celebrate; you must apply Jesus’ birth to your life and experience His love in a real way.

Jesus will change and transform your life like no one else can. He will give you peace that passes all human understanding. He will give you joy which many have described as being ‘joy unspeakable and full of glory’. Come, taste, and see that Jesus Christ is good. God bless you, in Jesus name!

2020-02-29T10:35:00.000-05:00

REFLECTIONS ON THE CHURCH: BUILT ON THE ROCK, ANCHORED BY OBEDIENCE, RESISTANT TO PERSECUTION

Trevor S Ferguson

February 29, 2020

Matthew 16:13-18 (KJV)
[13] When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
[14] And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
[15] He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
[16] And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
[17] And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
[18] And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Matthew 7:24-27 KJV

[24] Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

[25] And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

[26] And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:

[27] And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

Acts 8:1-4 (KJV)
[1] And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
[2] And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.
[3] As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.
[4] Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

INTRODUCTION

The church of Jesus Christ is the vehicle through which God has purposed to bring salvation to all humanity. Through the church, God desires to reconcile mankind to God and prepare a people who will become the bride of Christ, thus fulfilling God’s purpose in creating man.

Although the church is not specifically mentioned in the Old Testament, it was always part of the plan of God. In Ephesians 1:4, Paul writes that God had chosen us (that is the members of the church) before the foundation of the world. It is through the church that God has opened up the door of salvation to all men, thus breaking down the middle wall of partition the divided Jews and Gentiles.

If this vehicle called the church is to accomplish its grand purpose, it must have the capacity to withstand that harsh the realities of the world and the oppressive actions of the devil. Today, I want to reflect on some of these properties, which I believe will be instructive to us as believers and will help to ensure that we remain part of this wonderful body. I will focus on three main points:

The church is built upon the rock of revelation of God in Jesus Christ
Members of the church remain anchored to the rock only to the extent that we walk in obedience to Jesus Christ
The church of God is resistant to persecution (and as such will accomplish God’s purpose in preparing a people for his name).

EXPOSITION

Let us look at each of these in turn

Reflection #1: The church is built upon the rock of the revelation of God in Jesus Christ

Matthew 16:13-18 records two important statements. Firstly, Peter’s confession of Jesus Christ as the Messiah and the Son of God, and secondly, Jesus’ declaration concerning building the church upon a rock. Verses 16 and 18 contain the key statements:

Vs. 16: “And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

Vs. 18 “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

While some have argued that the rock mentioned in this verse refers to Peter and his centrality in the establishment of the church, I believe that the more appropriate interpretation focuses on Peter’s confession of Jesus Christ as the Messiah and Son of God. In fact, no one can come to God except he or she recognizes Jesus Christ as the son of God. Jesus himself declared in John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” It is the recognition and confession of Jesus Christ as the Messiah, that forms the first step in the process of salvation, and which became a great stumbling block for the Jews. In John 8:24, Jesus told the multitude – “if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins”. Note here that the ‘he’ is in italics, so Jesus’ words were - “if ye believe not that I am” – a clear reference to his deity. This affirms that recognition of the deity of Jesus Christ is a fundamental component of salvation.

It is important also to recognize that Jesus Christ was actually “God in man”, i.e. he had a dual nature; being fully God and fully man. In 2^nd Corinthians 5:19 Paul tells us that “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself”. He further states in 1^st Timothy 3:16:

“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.”

Colossians 2:8-9 further admonishes us:

“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”

Thus, the divine nature of Jesus Christ is central to our understanding of who he is and his offer of salvation.

While some have struggled to accept the divinity of Jesus Christ, others have had difficulty accepting is humanity. John warns against such teaching in 1^st John 4:2-3:

“Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God …”

So then, correct understanding of God and his manifestation as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is central to the Christian faith. Peter’s proclamation in Matthew 16:16 “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” acknowledges both the humanity and deity of Jesus Christ. He was the Messiah – the one promised by God who would deliver Israel; but not only was he the Messiah, he was the son of God, hence divine. This then becomes the rock upon which Christ would build his church. Let us continue to recognize and declare that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God and that through him all humanity has the hope of salvation.

Reflection #2: Individual church members, local congregations and organizations remain anchored to the rock only to the extent that we walk in obedience to Jesus Christ

Many persons today will make a confession of faith in Jesus Christ but fail to walk in obedience to his words. Others seek to bank on the security in the vehicle called the church and fail to realize that individual responsibility and accountability are also central to salvation. I would like to remind us today, that confession without obedience is inadequate, and cannot result in a lasting relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus established this principle with his first major sermon – the sermon on the mount in Matt 5-7. As he closes the sermon in Matthew 7:24 – 25, he admonished the multitude: “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock”.

Those who heard and obeyed were likened to the man who built his house on the rock. This house was strong and resilient. It could withstand the wind, the rain and the flood.

On the contrary, the man who failed to obey was likened unto a foolish man. The foolish man’s house is built of the sand and was unable to withstand the elements – “the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it” (Matthew 7:27).

James echoed these teachings of Jesus in his letter to the church. In James 1:22 he admonishes us – “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves”.

Jesus again emphasized the importance of obedience to the word in the gospel of John.

John 14:21 tells us “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him”. Furthermore, John 15:10 says: “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love”. So, again we see that obedience to God’s word is essential if we are to continue in a meaningful relationship with him. As members of the church of God, let us commit to walking in obedience to God’s word, because only through obedience can we remain anchored to the rock.

Reflection #3: The Church of God is Resistant to Persecution

Jesus first declaration concerning the church includes that the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. The interpretation of this statement is also a point of debate. Some emphasize the churches ability to withstand the oppressive attacks of the powers of hell (i.e. the devil and his angels), while others emphasize the offensive acts of the church through evangelism in pushing against the gates of hell and pulling persons out of Satan’s grasp and into a salvation. Both positions are in fact true. Satan’s forces have not been able and will not be able to stop the evangelistic efforts of the church and neither will his evil acts of oppression stop believers from serving the true and living God. The history of the church gives testimony to this. From the day of Pentecost, we see the great power of the gospel message to snatch men and women from Satan’s grasp with three thousand souls being added to the church. Throughout Acts and the epistles, we see the rapid and massive spread of the church so that within a single generation the Christian message had spread and taken root throughout the Roman empire and beyond.

With such rapid spread the devil began to turn on the heat of oppression. In Acts 4, Peter and John are brought before the Sanhedrin to answer charges following the healing of the lame man. They were eventually let go but were commanded not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. Peter and John’s response is instructive:

“But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19-20).

In Acts 5, the apostles are again imprisoned, but the angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and let them out. In Acts 6, Stephen is accused of blasphemy and brought before the Sanhedrin. Acts 7 records Stephen’s defense before the Sandhedrin and thereafter being stoned to death as the first martyr of the church. Acts 8: 1-4 records the more widespread persecution of the church but countered that “they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word”.

The rest of Acts and sections of the epistles records how much the Apostles were persecuted for preaching the gospel, but how much they persisted despite strenuous opposition. This was no easy or simple task; they faced persecution and oppression wherever they went but kept on teaching and preaching. Paul writes in 2^nd Corinthians 4:8-11:

“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

Finally, Hebrews 11:32 – 40 contains a passage which focuses mainly on the Old Testament saints and martyrs, but is still very instructive to us, and reminds us that the devil and his persecutory strategies, cannot stop the people of God:

³²And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: ³³Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, ³⁴Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
³⁵ Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: ³⁶And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
³⁷ They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; ³⁸(Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
³⁹And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: ⁴⁰God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

So down here we may suffer, down here we will face persecution, down here we will face oppression! We may be sick naked and distressed! But one of these days, if we hold to God’s unchanging hands, we will join with the saints of all ages in a great gathering in the air. I don’t know about you, but I am planning to be there! We shall gather around the throne of God, singing the song of the ages! It will be joy unspeakable and full of glory! No man can stop the church of God! The devil cannot stop the church of God! The church is built on a firm foundation, with the apostles and prophets and Jesus Christ himself as the chief cornerstone!

CONCLUSION

As your theme says, “The Church is still unstoppable, unbreakable and unconsumable!”.

It is built upon the rock of the revelation of God in Christ, anchored to the rock by obedience to the word of God and is resistant to persecution, oppression and opposition. Let us pledge to do our part in preserving this powerful life changing organism. God bless you, in Jesus name!

PREACH THE WORD: Pointers from Paul for End-time Evangelism

2018-07-02T02:24:00.000-05:00

Trevor Ferguson

July 1, 2018

1^st Timothy 4:1-2
¹ Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
²Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

2^nd Timothy 3:1-5
¹This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
²For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
³Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
⁴Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
⁵Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

2^nd Timothy 4:1-5
¹I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
²Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
³For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
⁴And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
⁵But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

**Message delivered for opening session at bethel United Church of Jesus Christ (Apostolic) Convocation 2018**

INTRODUCTION

The theme for this year’s convocation calls on us to examine our approach to evangelism in the end-time and discover how we can operate in the miraculous power of God. For today’s message, I will focus on the broad principles of end-time evangelism and our approach to preaching the gospel in the end-time.

Now, some may ask, what do we mean by the end-time?

The end-time refers to the period preceding the return of Jesus Christ, when he will come to take his church out of the world and execute judgment up mankind. The bible refers to this period as the “last days” or “latter times”, in several Old and New Testament passages, while in the book of Daniel, this period is referred to as the “time of the end”. For us today the end-time refers to the period of time from the present to the time of Christ’s return; but in a broader context the end-time can refer to the period of time spanning the entire church age (from Pentecost to the return of Jesus Christ). Indeed, the Apostles expected Christ to return within their life time, and in every generation since then, believers have actively looked for the coming of Christ in their days.

We note that the theme presupposes that we are living in the end-time and that the return of Jesus Christ will be sometime soon, so this can be taken as given. It is important to note that 'soon' does not denote a specific or maximum number of days or years but suggest that Jesus could come at any time in the near future, including today! However, as Peter points out, a day with the Lord is like a thousand years and a thousand years as one day, therefore no one has the authority to put a date on the timing of Christ's return. In fact, the scriptures clearly teach that no one knows the day, or the hour in which the Lord will return, not even the angels in heaven. Therefore, we will actively look or watch for Christ’s return at any time during our life time; but we must also understand that that it is quite possible that his return may take longer than we think.

The major responsibility for the church in the end-time is to preach the gospel message. The passage of focus for this year's convocation, instructs us to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature; in short, we are commanded to evangelize. The question posed indirectly by the theme is how do we approach evangelism in the end-time? Do we need special methods? Do we need new methods? How do we structure our evangelistic strategies in the end-time?

As I reflected on the theme, I was directed to book of 2nd Timothy and Paul's charge to Timothy, his son in the gospel, with regards to his ministry in the end-time. Now Paul is regarded by many as the greatest evangelist of all times; in less than three decades he evangelized all of Asia Minor and significant parts of Europe! He raised up great churches and his ministry was accompanied by miracles of healing, raising of the dead and casting out devils. He was operating in the miraculous. Clearly if we want to learn evangelism, we must listen to Paul. So today I would like to share with you what I would like to call "Pointers from Paul for End-time Evangelism"

The text comes to us from 1^st Timothy 4: 1-2, 2^nd Timothy 3:1-5 & 2^nd Timothy 4: 1-5

The message can be summed up in three words "PREACH THE WORD!", which I will use as the main theme or take-home message today. If you remember nothing else today, don’t forget: PREACH THE WORD!

EXPOSITION

For the rest of our deliberations today, I want us to focus on three main points highlighting the context in which we evangelize in the end-time, the content of the end-time evangelistic message and our attitude and approach to end-time evangelism.

Point #1: People in the end-time will not like sound doctrine

This relates to the background or context within which we evangelize. The scriptures in 1^st Timothy 4:1-2, 2^nd Timothy 3:1-5 and 2nd Timothy 4: 3-4 illustrates this well. 1^st Timothy 4 tells us that in the end-time there will be great apostasy. Many will abandon true biblical faith and will instead will follow after seducing, deceptive spirits, and doctrines or teachings of demonic origin! This is happening today! Not only are we seeing strange teachings being promoted by many, but we also see persons who openly worship Satan!

In 2^nd Timothy 3, Paul outlines for Timothy at least 18 characteristics of people in the end-time. It is important to note these, so that we understand the people to whom we must minister. People will be: 1) lovers of their own selves, 2) covetous [i.e. lovers of money], 3) boasters, 4) proud, 5) blasphemers [abusive, slanderers], 6) disobedient to parents, 7) unthankful [ungrateful], 8) unholy, 9) without natural affection [i.e. without love], 10) trucebreakers [unforgiving, merciless], 11) false accusers [slanderers], 12) incontinent [i.e. without self-control], 13) fierce [brutal, cruel], 14) despisers of those that are good, 15) traitors [betrayers], 16) heady [rash, reckless], 17) high minded [i.e. conceited, puffed up with pride], 18) lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.

When we understand that these are the types of persons to whom we must evangelize, we realize the end-time evangelism is no small feat. People will not be easily won over; We can’t just go around having church as usual, sing a few songs, preach half-prepared sermons, and expect people will respond in large numbers. That won’t work! We have to get back to the power and presence of God, so that the anointing can break the yolk; We must break through the powers of darkness, so that the light of the glorious gospel to shine through! We need the power and the presence of God!

How do we get there? This brings us to point #2

Point #2 The end-time evangelist must preach the word!

This was most likely Paul’s final word to the church, his final charge to Timothy. He knew that death was near, and he had one final charge for his son. From the deep recesses of his inner being and calling on God as his witness, he wrote his final charge, summarized in three words: PREACH THE WORD! We note the use of the word ‘therefore’ in verse 1 of 2^nd Timothy 4. This suggest that we must look at the preceding text. We have just looked at 2 Timothy 3:1-5, so we know that this speaks to our response in a context of a depraved, apostate world.

So, how do you evangelize in this fierce, self-loving, pleasure seeking, apostate world? PREACH THE WORD! We note also that verses 16 - 17 of chapter 3 also provide additional rationale for Paul’s charge. Listen to what Paul says:

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Note therefore, that if we are to preach the word, we must be familiar with the word! Listen also to Paul’s word to Timothy in 2^nd Timothy 2:15:

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

We further emphasize that the word of God is powerful and effective. This is illustrated in Hebrews 4:12:

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

It is clear therefore that the word of God has the power to penetrate human thought and to convict mankind of sin. Our words may have some power, but they are impotent when compared to the word of God. If we are going to effectively evangelise in the end-time, we must PREACH THE WORD.

I would also like to make some secondary points that follows on the charge to preach the word; we want to look at when to preach, what to preach and how to preach.

Point 2 (a) The end-time evangelist must be ready to preach at all times. Paul charges Timothy to be instant, to be prepared and ready to preach at all times, whether the conditions are favourable or unfavourable, whether the people are willing to hear or hostile; the end-time preacher must be bold, thick-shinned, broad-backed, not easily discouraged.

Point 2 (b) The end-time preacher must correct, rebuke and encourage. This speaks to the content of the message. The end-time preacher must correct misinformation or error; he must rebuke sin and false teachers and their teaching; he must encourage those are seeking after God, he must encourage those that are growing in Christ, he must encourage the weak and feeble minded. The content of the end-time message must be bible-based, comprehensive and complete.

Point 2 (c) The end-time preacher must exercise great patience and provide careful instruction. This speaks to the issue of how to preach. Our attitude and posture while we preach is equally important as our content; because if we have good content and bad attitude we will not be successful. Paul says we should exercise great patience (long suffering). People will often take some time to respond to the gospel message. We must patiently wait as we continue to proclaim the word and pray for Divine revelation.

The end-time preacher must also provide careful instruction. Isaiah 28:10 says
“… precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:” We need to ensure that the word is presented in a logical, sequential manner that everyone can understand. We cannot presume that people are familiar with complex doctrinal issues, but we must take them through step by step.

Point #3 The end-time evangelist must be vigilant and prepared for all facets of ministry

This second section of Paul’s charge to Timothy now turns the focuses on the preacher. It is important to recognise that the attitude and mindset of the preacher is critical to the effectiveness of the message. So, as we look at verse 5 of 2^nd Timothy 4, I would like to emphasize four subpoints pertaining to the end-time preacher. These are self-explanatory, so I will just let them speak for themselves.

Point 3 (a) The end-time evangelist must keep a clear mind, being sober and vigilant at all times

Point 3 (b) The end-time evangelist must be prepared to endure hardship and should not be afraid to suffer for the gospel

Point 3 (c) The end-time evangelist must consistently evangelize both within the local church community and where necessary as an itinerant preacher

Point 3 (d) The end-time evangelist must discharge all the duties of his/her ministry

If we put these into practice, I firmly believe that we will see great success, we will see miracles, signs and wonders, and the name of Jesus will be magnified.

LIVE THE WORD

Now some may say that I am not a preacher and therefore, this word does not apply to me. That is far from the truth. This word applies to you! The preacher or evangelist is not limited to those who preach behind a pulpit, but all of us are preachers and evangelists in one way or another. In all our interactions with family, friends, co-workers, fellow students or the people in our communities, we must preach the word, and more importantly we must LIVE THE WORD! In this sense we become, as Paul said to the Corinthians, living epistles or walking sermons, seen and read by all. This applies to each and every Christian. Just as the preacher must preach, every Christian must live!

So, the we can extend the sermon theme; We have already declared that the end-time evangelist must PREACH THE WORD; Now we can add, every Christian must LIVE THE WORD!

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

In conclusion therefore, as we open Convocation 2018, we have shown that we are living in the last days, a period characterized by self-love, self-indulgence and apostacy, the end-time evangelist must:

Preach the Word
Be ready to preach at all times
Correct, rebuke and encourage
Exercise great patience and provide careful instruction
Be vigilant and prepared for all facets of ministry
Keep a clear mind, being sober and vigilant at all times
Be prepared to endure hardship and should not be afraid to suffer for the gospel
Consistently evangelize both within the local church community and where necessary as an itinerant preacher
The end-time evangelist must discharge all the duties of his/her ministry

Every Christian must LIVE THE WORD

God bless you all, as we put these words into practice. In Jesus Name!

I See Jesus – Lessons on Spiritual Vision from the Life of Stephen

2017-11-11T10:22:00.001-05:00

Trevor S Ferguson

November 11, 2017

Acts 6:1-10 (KJV)
¹ And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
² Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.
³ Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
⁴ But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
⁵ And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:
⁶ Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
⁷ And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
⁸ And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
⁹ Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.
¹⁰ And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.

Acts 7:54-60 (KJV)
⁵⁴ When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.
⁵⁵ But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
⁵⁶ And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
⁵⁷ Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,
⁵⁸ And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.
⁵⁹ And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
⁶⁰ And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

INTRODUCTION

The ability to see is probably the most important of our five senses. One source suggests that we perceive 80% of all sensory impressions by our sight. While the eyes can compensate for loss of many aspects other senses, it is difficult for the other senses to compensate for loss of vision.

As is the case with physical vision, spiritual vision is critical to our Christian life. Spiritual vision in this context refers to our ability to see the things of God, and the way in which we interpret the things happening to us and the things happening around us, in relation to God and his actions. What we see, and how we view our situations and circumstances, will have profound effects on our outlook, our attitudes, and our levels of effectiveness.

Many Christians have poor spiritual vision. We often fail to see the hand of God in our circumstances, and at other times misinterpret the situation, concluding that God has given up on us, or that he has forsaken us. The situation is probably best illustrated with the case Elisha’s servant in 2^nd Kings 6. He saw with his physical eyes, all the armies of Syria which had come to capture Elisha, but could not see that the mountains were filled with horses and chariots of fire around Elisha. Naturally therefore, he was full of fear, thinking that they would be captured and perhaps killed by the Syrians. It was not until Elisha had prayed for God to open his spiritual eyes that he saw the horses and chariots of fire. Now that he had correct spiritual vision, his perspectives changed.

In a similar way, many of us a troubled and perplexed by the circumstances we have faced, or are currently facing in our lives. Poor spiritual vision causes us to live in fear and to adopt a negative and defeatist attitude. As a result, we are ill equipped to deal with the struggles of the Christian life and as such find little joy in serving God. Today, I want to encourage our hearts and share with us some insights from the life of Stephen, who in his moment of greatest crisis, saw Jesus standing on the right hand of God. This spiritual vision helped him to face martyrdom with amazing peace and Christian grace, to the extent of praying for his attackers, even in the face of death! I believe that reflections of the life of Stephen will therefore produce practical insights that can guide us in our walk with Christ and in our ministry endeavors.

EXPOSITION

Let us get to the lessons to be learnt from this text. After reflecting on this passage of scripture for some time and seeking God’s insight into the passage, I have summarized my reflections into five lessons. These will serve as our focus today.

Lesson #1: You are not too anointed to serve tables. (In fact, this could be stated in the reverse - you do need to be anointed to serve tables!)

Stephen was one of the seven deacons chosen in Acts 6, when murmuring arose between the Grecian and Hebrew Christians. The problem was that the Grecian widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. The problem was brought to the attention of the apostles, who sought to correct this by appointing seven men, commonly known as the seven deacons, who were to give oversight to the distribution of food. The apostles themselves would focus on the ministry of the word and to prayer.

It is important to note the qualifications that the apostles listed in choosing these seven deacons. They were to be honest men, full of the Holy Ghost and full of wisdom. Stephen was additionally described as being full faith and of the Holy Ghost. Note also that their task was not to be in pulpit ministry, or to become well known, but to simply ensure that all the persons were fairly attended to during the sharing of meals. The point I would like to bring across is that although many of us may have a great level of anointing we should never consider ourselves as being too anointed to do the menial tasks in the church. Whatever we are asked to do let us do it as unto God. Regardless of what God has done through us in the past, or the number of spiritual gifts we possess we must be willing to respond to the call of God or to the recommendation of our leaders, and be willing to do the simple and non-glamourous task. If we can’t be faithful in the little things, we have in effect disqualified ourselves for the big things. We are not too anointed to serve tables.

Lesson #2: Use your gifts, fulfil your ministry

This second lesson speaks to those of us who are often afraid to step up in ministry, despite that fact that they have been anointed and called of God. We see in verse 8, that Stephen did great wonders and miracles among the people. Again, the statement is prefixed by stating that he was full of faith and of power. We note that Stephens only appointment at that point was in the administrative role as supervisor over the distribution of meals. This however did not stop him from participating fully in ministry.

The bible does not provide full details with regards to the context under which Stephen operated, what we know is that he was able, he was willing, he was available, and God used him. There are many people today, who have the anointing of God on their lives, but are afraid and unwilling to make themselves available to God. Some may contend that they are not appointed as ministers and therefore are unwilling to make themselves available. Today God is challenging you to come out from under the shadows, allow the anointing that God has placed on your life to come to the fore and watch God work. He will accomplish great things through you if you will make yourself available to Him! Use your gift; fulfil your ministry!

Lesson #3: Study the word, defend the faith

For persons who have been involved in ministry for some time, it is well known that once you step up and step out for God, you will face opposition. Stephen had to face that opposition head on. As soon as God started to work through him, the opposition arose. The scripture said that members of the synagogue of the Libertines, the Cyrenians and the Alexandrians began to dispute with Stephen. They stirred up the people, possibly bribing some to tell lies against Stephen and eventually had him arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin. They thought they had him, but God was with him. The scripture says that when they looked upon him and saw his face, his face shone like that of an angel.

Stephens defense before that Sanhedrin was a lesson in Jewish history and stunning defense of the Christian faith. He took them step by step from God’s call of Abraham, through the influence of Joseph in delivering his family from famine, and the call of Moses in delivering the people from Egypt. He describes the setting up of the tabernacle in the wilderness and the eventual building of the temple by Solomon. He ends with the way Israel persecuted the prophets and laid the charge for the crucifixion of Jesus, squarely and the feet of the Jews. Of course, this made the Jews furious and eventually to him being stoned to death.

The point being made here is that Stephen had a tremendous command of the old testament scripture and was able to give a stout defense of the faith, based on his knowledge of the word of God. In a similar way, we must study the word of God so that we can defend the things that we believe. Note that this is not just my saying but is a requirement of the word of God. Peter charged us in 1^st Peter 3: 15 “… be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you …”

Paul also charges us in 2^nd Timothy 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” It is critical that we put this in practice today. Few people have a good understanding of the things that we believe and what makes us different from other churches. If we do not take this seriously, the Pentecostal movement will begin to morph into something that is indistinguishable for the myriad church groups in operation today. Stephen died for truth, let us live and defend this truth or as Jude instructs us: “… earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” Study the word. Defend the faith!

Lesson #4: Jesus stands with us in times of great opposition or adversity

This lesson is critical to the concept of spiritual vision outlined earlier. The word that struck me is that while the Jews were angry and gnashing their teeth at Stephen, he looked straight up into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing on the right hand of God. In the midst of this great opposition Stephen saw Jesus! The Jews were angry, but Stephen saw Jesus! Death might have been near, but Stephen saw Jesus! There was very little he could do to save himself, but Stephen saw Jesus!

What did this mean for Stephen? Firstly, it was an affirmation of his faith, the gospel he was speaking about was real, and not a figment of his imagination. Jesus was real, Jesus was alive, Jesus was in heaven and Jesus was in a position of prominence and power. With this vision of Jesus, the fury of the Jews did not matter, because Jesus was greater than the Jews and Stephen was on Jesus’ side. Secondly, it was an assurance of a heavenly home for Stephen. The Jews might have been in a rush to usher his life out, but Jesus was waiting to welcome him home!

Child of God, we do not need to fear death! As Paul remind us in 2^nd Corinthians 5:8 “… to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” So regardless of what men may want to do to us, we are safe in the arms of Jesus.

For us today, we need to know that as Jesus stood for Stephen, Jesus stands with us in times of great adversity and opposition. The problem is that often we do not see him. Why is this so? We usually focus on the problem and not on Jesus. But look at vs 55-56 again, while the Jews were angry and gnashing their teeth at him, Stephen looked steadfastly into heaven! Stephen saw Jesus because he looked for him! The song writer reminds us: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace.”

Can you see Jesus today? Can you see him in the midst of your problems? Can you feel his presence in the midst of your pain? Look steadfastly up into heaven. As another song writer says: there is life for a look at the crucified one, there is life at this moment for thee … look, look, look and live! There is life at this moment for you. The writer to the Hebrews also advises us that “… unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” If we look, we will see him! If we see him our perspectives will change. Turn your eyes upon Jesus!

Lesson #5: Even in apparent defeat, our faith can have profound, long lasting effects

This last lesson is also important because sometimes our focus on earthly and immediate results causes us to misinterpret the effects of events and circumstances in our lives. Some may have concluded that Stephen’s life ended in defeat, because he paid the ultimate price for his faith. Contrary to what many of us would have expected, Jesus did not step in and destroy the Jews in Stephen’s defense. But in the broader scheme of things, Stephen’s death achieved much for the early church, and we today may still be reaping the benefits. It is heartwarming to note how similar to Jesus Stephen had become, so that like Jesus he prayed for forgiveness for his attackers even as his own life was being ushered out.

Additionally, a brief note in verse 58, points us to an important observer at the stoning of Stephen – the scripture says they laid their clothes at a young man’s feet whose name was Saul. Many believe that the testimony and martyrdom of Stephen had a profound effect on Saul, who later was to become the Apostle Paul. While Stephen was going out, God was paving the heart of a young man who had the training and passion to take this gospel to the whole world. We note also that at Jesus’ death on the cross, many thought that this was the end of the ministry of Jesus – here we are today, two thousand years later, celebrating Jesus. Do not be despondent because things did not work you the way you expected. God is working out all things for our good.

CONCLUSION

So today, we have been challenged by the life of Stephen, to recognize that we are not too anointed to serve in the simple tasks; we need to use our gifts and fulfil our ministry; we must study the word and defend the faith; we must recognize that Jesus stands with us in times of great opposition and adversity and that even in apparent defeat our faith can have profound and long-lasting effects. I challenge everyone reading this blog, to apply these principles to your life. This will serve to strengthen our individual lives and will strengthen the church as we seek to impact the world for the cause of Christ.

If you are not yet saved, you have a great witness before you today. I implore you to put your trust in the God that Stephen so eloquently defended. As he stood for Stephen, he will stand for you too. Put your trust in Him today. God bless you! In Jesus name!

The Multiplication Principle for Blessings and Miracles (Faith Requires Action)

2017-03-04T06:56:00.000-05:00

Trevor S Ferguson

March 4, 2017

2 Kings 4:1-7 (KJV)
¹Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen.
²And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil.
³Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few.
⁴And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full.
⁵So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out.
⁶And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed.
⁷Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest.

John 6:8-11 (KJV)
⁸One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him,
⁹There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?
¹⁰And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.
¹¹And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.

John 2:3-5 (KJV)
³And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.
⁴Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.
⁵His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.

INTRODUCTION

Most people desire to experience the miracles and blessings of God, but often times we struggle to find these experiences and instead live our lives with pain, distress and suffering. This problem is somewhat counterintuitive, because not only do we want to receive God’s blessings, but it is God’s desire to bless us abundantly. If we want to be blessed and God wants to bless us, why then is there a disconnect?

The problem is that many persons who are seeking God’s blessings have the wrong mind-set and use a wrong approach. We have been led to believe in a certain type of passive faith. With this kind of faith, we don’t have to do anything to receive our miracles! All that is required is that we just pray and leave it to Jesus, or just ‘name it and claim it’, but beyond that little action is required. A careful study of the scriptures however will reveal that miracles are not usually associated with passive faith. Indeed, most miracles are preceded by, or accompanied by significant action on the part of the recipient. We see this in the Old Testament miracles associated with Elijah and Elisha as well as in the miracles of Jesus himself.

Today, I want to share with you what I will call ‘The Multiplication Principle for Blessings and Miracles’. The central tenet of this message is that we need to do something in order to experience the miracles of God. Expressed in other terms this is to say – Faith Requires Action!

Let me take a minute to highlight the mathematical properties of multiplication. Now, multiplication is one of the basic mathematical functions, the others being addition, subtraction and division. An important property of multiplication is that any number multiplied by zero is still zero; so for multiplication to work we have to start with something. If we start at zero, regardless how large the multiplier is, we will still remain at zero. Therefore, where the multiplication principle is applied we must start with something before we can get anything or reach anywhere. Most miracles and blessings usually operate on a multiplication principle.

EXPOSITION

Let us look at the text. The lead passage today – 2^nd Kings 4:1-7 – relates the story of the miraculous intervention of God, through the prophet Elisha, in addressing the plight of the widowed wife of a prophet, whose sons were about to be taken away to serve as slaves, to pay off debt left by her husband. She therefore went to Elisha, who was now the head of the school of prophets, to seek his help and advice.

Elisha first asks, what shall I do for thee? The tone of this first question suggest that Elisha did not have an immediate answer. He did not possess the resources to pay the woman’s debt, and had no legal grounds to prevent the creditors from taking her sons. So then, his initial response, like that of the woman’s, was one of bewilderment. Before he could finish that thought however, the Spirit of God began to intervene. He switches tone suddenly and ask a very important question – what do you have in your house? This is a question that every miracle seeker needs to ask today, because the answer to our problems is often sitting right there in our houses!

The woman responded – the only thing I have is a small pot of oil. This was most likely a small bottle of olive oil, to be used for anointing. Elisha’s next response continues the new tone, as his inspiration continues to flow. His unspoken words, were probably Great! That’s enough – I now have something to work with! Something God can multiply! He therefore says to her – go borrow, vessels from thy neighbours, empty vessels, borrow not a few – get as many as you can. When you are done, shut yourself in your house and start pouring into the vessels and put aside the vessels that are full.

Note that up to this point he has not told her how this is going to solve her problems; he has given her some instructions and will only advise her of the next steps when she has faithfully completed these tasks.

The woman and her sons act in obedience; they gathered as many vessels as they could and the began pouring. As they acted in obedience the miracle began to unfold. They poured into one bottle until it was full, but discovered that the source bottle still had the same amount of oil; they filled the second bottle and behold the same thing happened; they poured another, and another and another and the oil kept flowing until they had filled all the bottles they had. Then the oil stopped flowing – our miracles are limited only by the extent of our faith.

Now fully aware that God was at work, the woman went back to the Elisha, who now advises her sell the oil, pay off her debt and live off the rest. God had not only addressed her most pressing needs, but he had also addressed her ongoing needs – ensuring provision for the day to day needs of life.

Now what can we learn from this encounter? How is this applicable to the church as Alleppo? Firstly, I want to return to the multiplication principle. This is hinged on the question: What do you have in your house? God will take what we have and multiply it supernaturally to meet our needs! This could be anything: it may be a talent – we may be good at art, or singing, or science or math – God can use these inherent talents and turn them into great blessings. We may have a plot of land, or inherited as small house form a parent or grandparent – God can take that and turn it into a source of blessing! We may be good at speaking or selling – God can take that and make it a source of blessings – where we serve as motivational speakers or sales representatives. Whatever we have, regardless of how little it may be – God can apply the multiplication principle and turn it into somethings great. Remember however that zero multiplied by anything is still zero – we cannot just come to God empty handed. Use what you have. God will make it great.

It is important to realize that this is not the only scripture that demonstrates the multiplication principle. Jesus’ feeding of the five thousand and four thousand also demonstrates the principle. We also see this is the account of the prophet Elijah and the widow of Zarephath in 1^st Kings 17. In the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus took the five barley loaves and two small fishes and multiplied it to feed five thousand, and the disciples picked up twelve baskets of left overs. In the feeding of the four thousand, Jesus took the seven loaves and a few fishes and multiplied it to feed four thousand, and the disciples picked up seven baskets of left overs. In the account of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath, Elijah asked the woman to bake him a cake, but the woman had only a handful of meal and a small cruse of oil enough to make only a single meal, but in obedience to the words of Elijah, she baked him the cake first and the morsel of meal and cruse of oil lasted the entire duration of the famine!

The second major principle demonstrated by this miracle is the principle of obedience. In order for us to receive our miracle from God we must be willing to do what he tells us to do! What we are told may not immediately make sense to us, but if we follow in obedience God will bring great things to pass. In the account of the prophet’s widow, she was told to borrow containers from her neighbours and poor oil from a small container. This, on the surface, looks impossible and nonsensical. On top of that he did not explain to her how this exercise would solve her problems. Despite this however she acted in obedience to the word of the prophet and received a mighty miracle from God. The principle of obedience is also highlighted in the other miracles we have looked at so far. In the feeding of the five thousand and the four thousand the disciples acted in obedience to Jesus’ words – make the people sit down, begin to distribute the food. The widow of Zarephath had to obey Elijah’s word – bake me a cake first! For her there were clear risks involved. She had only enough for one meal, if she gave first to Elijah and the miracle did not occur she would have nothing left. But she believed the word of the prophet and acted in faith. She received her miracle!

One of the best examples of the principle of obedience however is the miracle at the feast of Cana in Galilee, where Jesus turned water into wine. Note that this was Jesus’ first miracle, so the people had no track record to rely on. It was simply a matter of trusting that something miraculous will happen. The scripture says when the people wanted wine, Mary reported the problem to Jesus. Here again his initial response is not reassuring, but Mary calmly said to the people – whatever he says unto you do it! Jesus then told them to fill the water pots with water and the to draw from the water pots and give to the governor of the feast. Up to this point all we have is obedience. He did not explain that he was going to turn the water into wine! He did not let them taste the water so that they could see that it had turned into wine. We are not even sure if the colour of the water had changed. But when they acted in obedience the miracle happened!

Somebody is looking to God today for a miracle – God is saying to you – Whatever I have said unto you do it! Somebody is seeking God’s blessings – whatever he says unto you do it! Alleppo is seeking God for a refreshing – whatever he says unto you, do it!

Now some may be countering – God has not told me to do anything! Maybe it’s just that you are not listening! My suggestion is start by doing what is written in his word. If we live by the principles in the revealed word of God we will begin to see God’s blessings. As we draw closer to God he will begin to speak to us – through visions, dreams, or inspired ideas. He will speak to us through our pastors, men and women of God, friends, relatives and even strangers. When he begins to speak to us then we must act in faith! Remember that faith requires action and miracles often use the multiplication principle. When we begin to act, God will multiply our efforts and the little that we have and turn it into something great! It is time for a refreshing, it is time to see the hand of God at work, it is time for your miracle, it is time for your blessing!

CONCLUSION

I close by summarizing a basic three steps process for receiving your miracle. (1) Have faith in God – Believe that God can do it; Believe that he will do it for you! (2) Obey his word – Act in faith – Do what he tells you to do; do what you can do! (3) Wait patiently on God – sometimes the answer is delayed, but God will come through in time.

It is time for your miracle, let God multiply your efforts as you act in faith!

Seven Characteristics of True Worshippers

2016-10-29T19:08:00.000-05:00

Trevor S Ferguson

October 29, 2016

Micah 6:6-8 (KJV)
⁶ Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before the high God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old?
⁷ Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
⁸He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

James 1:22, 26-27 (KJV)
²²But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

²⁶ If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.
²⁷Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

INTRODUCTION

On any given Sunday morning, thousands of persons gather in churches across the world with the general intent to worship God. In addition, several others gather on Saturday mornings with similar intent, and many persons gather at various times during the weekdays in prayer meetings, bible study, youth services and various other church related activities. A major concern however, is that many of the persons who attend these various services are not demonstrating characteristics of true worshippers. Firstly, many have not had the full experience of New Testament salvation, including baptism in the name of Jesus and the infilling of the Holy Ghost, and therefore, though sincere in their worship, fall short of what is required by God. Secondly, among those of us who have experienced full salvation, very often our attitudes and actions fall short of that expected of true worshippers. The prophet Micah saw a similar problem in Israel in the 8^th century BC. Israel had become prosperous, but corrupt. Although they continued to attend prescribed services in the temple, their sacrifices had become empty rituals. Needless to say, God was displeased. James, writing in the first century AD, sought to address similar attitudes, which began to creep into the early church, during a period when the church faced pressures from both without and within.

The writings of Micah and James are clearly instructive to the today. If we put these principles in practice we will avoid many of the traps that leads to false, hypocritical worship and prepare ourselves for the eminent return of Jesus Christ. Today I will use the text from Micah and James to share with us seven characteristics of true worshippers. These characteristics are not to be considered complete or exhaustive, but will serve as a solid foundation as we seek to ensure that those us who take the time to gather in church services, will not be hearers only, but will in fact be doers of the word who offer true worship.

EXPOSITION

Characteristic #1: True worshippers act justly – i.e. we must be fair and honest in our dealings with others (Micah 6:8)

According to the Holman Bible Dictionary, justice has two major aspects. Firstly, justice is “the standard by which penalties are assigned for breaking the obligations of the society”, and, secondly, justice “is the standard by which the advantages of social life are handed out, including material goods, rights of participation, opportunities, and liberties.” Justice is therefore a standard for both punishment and benefits, although most persons think of justice mainly in its relation to punishment for wrong. For the Christian, we need to ensure that all ours actions stand up to the principles of justice. We must seek to do the right thing, and to do it all the time. Goods and services must be fairly distributed, giving to each person their due, and not abusing our positions of authority or privilege. This means giving a fair day’s work for a fair days pay, keeping our end of a contract and delivering goods and services on time. Honesty and integrity are also closely aligned with the principle of justice. If we are unable to do something we should say so, rather than making a promise or commitment for something we know we cannot fulfil.

Living justly also means that we are going to say no to back-door deals, and bargains that bypass proper procedures. This includes tax evasion, failing to pay appropriate duties on imported goods and breeches of intellectual property rights. The Christian is expected to live at a higher standard than the world. We can’t expect to exploit others, or be dishonest in our dealings, then turn up for worship and expect that God will find our worship acceptable!

Characteristic #2: True worshippers love mercy – i.e. we show genuine compassion and kindness to others (Micah 6:8)

Mercy in this context has been defined as “one’s consideration of the condition and needs of his fellowman” (Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary). The act of mercy is performed by one in a position of strength for another who is weak or disadvantaged. The Christian then should show genuine compassion and kindness towards others. This means lending a helping hand to the sick and needy, giving to the poor and dispossessed, as well as helping those who are spiritually week, or those who have fallen and are in need of help. Too often we are cold, disconnected and unfeeling. Like the priest and Levite on the road to Samaria – many of us can walk by people in genuine need and we hurry on to carry out or religious duties.

God is saying to us today – take a step back and look around us – there are many people dying and in desperate need of help. We can’t just pass them by! We must take the time to stop and help!! True worshippers show compassion and concern for others.

Characteristic #3: True worshippers care for those who cannot care for themselves – i.e. we show benevolent love and care to people in need (James 1: 27)

This characteristic is based on James 1:27 which tells us that persons who practice true religion will visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction. In the patriarchal first century society, orphans and widows were particularly vulnerable because men were usually the only breadwinners. Persons who practiced true religion would ensure that this special category of vulnerable persons were cared for. It is noteworthy that the word used in this verse for visit is derived from the same root as the word for bishop. This implies that the care to be offered was not only material or monetary support but pastoral-like like care – ministering to their hurts, comforting them in their pain, understanding their struggles, as well as helping with their financial needs. True worshippers cannot neglect the care of those who are most vulnerable in our communities.

Characteristic #4: True worshippers walk humbly – i.e. we humble ourselves daily before God in fear and reverence (Micah 6:8)

Humility can be defined as “the personal quality of being free from arrogance and pride and having an accurate estimate of one’s worth”, (Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary).

There is no place for haughtiness and self-righteousness in the church of God, yet today many Christians think of themselves as being overly important and that because of their acts of righteousness they are indispensable. The true worshipper, continues to recognize that we are unworthy of the mercy and grace that has been bestowed on us, and that if God should mark all our sins we would have no place in the kingdom of God.

Take note that James also reminds us that God resisteth the proud, but gives grace to the humble and also admonishes us to humble ourselves in the sight of God and he will lift us up. True worshippers walk humbly!

Characteristic #5: True worshippers are doers of the word and not hearers only (James 1:22)

Many churches are filled with persons who come to hear and to be stirred or even entertained by the word of God, but not many of the hearers go home and put what they have heard into practice. Many persons study the word or God and are intellectually stimulated by it, but fail to convert that interest or stimulation into practice. James reminds us that it is pointless to be only a hearer and not a doer of the word. The man that is a hearer and not a doer continues in his sin, but the doer of the word is blessed in his deeds. Let us also remember also the admonition of Samuel to Saul: To obey is better than sacrifice and to harken than the fat of rams. No amount of good deeds can take the place of true obedience. True worshippers are doers of the word!

Characteristic #6: True worshippers control their tongue (James 1:26)

James devotes almost an entire chapter (James 3) to dealing with the issue of the tongue, demonstration how important this aspect of our Christian walk is. The essence of his argument is that if we claim to be righteous but don’t control our tongue, we are just fooling ourselves. Numerous lives have been destroyed by an unrestrained tongue, as professing Christians spread gossip, lash out in anger, engage in harsh and unnecessary criticism, spend time murmuring and complaining, and passing judgment on others. As Christians let us remember to use our speech to encourage and uplift others rather that criticizing and tearing down. Let us all learn to control our anger and be always governed by the words of Proverbs 15:1 “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” The true worshipper controls his tongue!

Characteristic #7: True worshippers avoid all aspects of worldliness (James 1:27)

Worldliness may be defined as a way of living that is based on or governed by the principles, drives and philosophies of the world system. The world system is dominated by materialism, power and pleasure and is in constant antagonism with the kingdom of God. The worldly person adopts and accept the principles of the world system as normal, and accepts the pursuit of worldly pleasures as normal. Worldliness is the opposite of godliness; therefore, a true worshipper cannot embrace worldliness.

A true Christian cannot have as his main drive the pursuit of material possessions – You cannot serve God and mammon. God must have preeminence! Serve God. Use money (for righteous purposes).

True worshippers must choose carefully the places we go and the activities we participate in. We cannot be in church one Sunday and be parading almost naked on the streets, the next Sunday. This cannot be acceptable to God.

Finally, as true worshipper must take care of the way we dress and adorn ourselves. Our outward appearance should reflect our inward holiness, and should be guided by the principles of the word of God, rather than by the standards of the world. True worshippers keep themselves from being polluted by the world!

CONCLUSION

So today we have reflected on the characteristics of true worshippers. We have shown that the true worshipper acts justly, loves mercy, cares for those who cannot care for themselves, walks humbly, is a doer of the word, controls his/her tongue, and avoids all aspects of worldliness. This list is neither complete nor exhaustive, but is a great foundation on which to build. Additionally, we are being reminded that in order to be true worshippers, we must accept full New Testament salvation, through repentance, water baptism in the name of Jesus and the infilling of the Holy Ghost. I implore everyone within the hearing of my voice to practice true worship. Only then, can we be assured of salvation and be on our way to heaven.

The Certainty of the Resurrection

2016-03-28T06:45:00.000-05:00

Trevor S Ferguson

March 28, 2016

1st Corinthians 15:1-8 (KJV)

¹Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

²By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

³For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

⁴And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

⁵And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:

⁶After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.

⁷After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.

⁸And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

Summary: The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a fact, established in history, and is supported by evidence from reliable eye witnesses. The presence and operations of the Holy Ghost in the church continues to give evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the future resurrection of the saints.

INTRODUCTION

It is very important that all believers have a clear understanding of the fundamental tenets of the Christian faith. It is also very important that persons who are not yet believers be exposed to a clear documentation of the principles of Christianity. Most of us are aware of the Christian basic teachings concerning the death burial and resurrection of Jesus. Most of us also accept these teachings as being true, but few have critically analyzed them.

Now why is critical analysis necessary? The world we live in is becoming increasing antagonistic to the accepted teaching of the Christian faith and sooner or later some of us will be challenged to provide an argument in support of the veracity of our faith. Indeed Peter, instructs us in 1^st Peter 3:15 that we should always be ready to give and answer to every man that ask us to give a reason for the hope we have.

The introduction to the gospel account of Luke provides a context for the discourse today and emphasizes the importance of us being certain of our faith. Look at what Luke says (from the NIV):

¹Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, ²just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. ³Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, ⁴so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. Luke 1:1-4 (NIV)

Let me highlight a few points from this passage:

(1) The tenets of the Christian faith as recorded in the scriptures are based on the account of eye witnesses of the events.

(2) Luke had carefully investigated the accounts of these eye witnesses to verify that they were in fact true.

(3) Believers need to be sure of the things that we believe. In order to be sure we must carefully examine the facts concerning the things that we believe and come up with a conclusion that can stand up to both theological and philosophical scrutiny.

Today we will reflect on the resurrection of Jesus Christ and analyze the evidence upon which we can declare that the resurrection is a historical fact, and upon which we can hang our faith and remain confident in the God of our salvation.

EXPOSITION

The book of first Corinthians is one of the earliest books of the New Testament and was written sometime around AD 55 or 56. In chapter 15 Paul reiterates the fundamental tenets of the Christian faith and provides an extensive discussion on the doctrine of the resurrection. In verses 3-4, Paul restates the essentials of the gospel message, i.e., Christ died for our sins, according to the scriptures; and that he was buried and that he rose again, according to the scriptures.

The use of the term “according to the scriptures” here refer to the Old Testament prophesies concerning the passion of Christ. For example Isaiah 53:8-10 says “He was taken from prison and from judgment … he was cut off out of the land of the living, … he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; … he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin …” Similarly Psalm 16:10 said concerning Christ “For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.” Scholars have identified more than 80 Old Testament prophesies that were fulfilled in Jesus’s death burial and resurrection. These prophesies and their fulfilment provide convincing evidence that that Jesus is the Messiah and truly the Son of God.

The focus of Paul’s argument in 1^st Corinthians 15 however is the resurrection. Apparently, there were some in the Corinthian church who were disputing the resurrection of the dead. This chapter was geared at correcting these misconceptions. I will share with us four points in support of the certainty of the resurrection. Three of these are derived from the arguments of Paul in 1^st Corinthians 15 and the forth is from prophesies of Jesus and John concerning the Holy Ghost.

POINT #1: The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a fact supported by credible and reliable eye witnesses.

Verses 5-8 provides a list of eye witness who saw the risen Saviour. This list includes Peter, James, the Apostles, 500 persons, many of whom were alive at the time of Paul’s writing, and lastly by Paul himself. Let’s look briefly at these witnesses and why their evidence should be considered reliable.

Peter had denied Christ during the passion and was quite disillusioned. In fact, he had given up on Jesus and returned to his old occupation as a fisherman. It would require a very compelling experience for him to give up his fishing career for a second time and follow a Jesus who by all accounts had failed in his mission. This compelling experience was seeing, sitting with, and eating with the resurrected Jesus.

James was the half-brother of Jesus and before the crucifixion did not believe in Jesus. However after the crucifixion we see James as an active member and leader of the earlier church. Again it was the experience of seeing the resurrected Jesus that caused this transformation.

Paul too was a non-believer! He converted to Christianity after a miraculous encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. If Paul had not seen the resurrected Jesus, he would most likely have continued as a persecutor if the church.

Little is known about the 500 brethren, but the fact that many were still alive and could refute or corroborate Paul’s claim, gives credence to his statements.

POINT #2: The resurrection of Jesus Christ is theologically essential. Without the resurrection there is no basis for the Christian faith.

Paul argues that if there is no resurrection, then Christ is not risen. If Christ is not risen, our preaching in in vain and our faith is in vain, we are found to be false witnesses of God and we are still in sin. If we as Christians do not have the hope of the resurrection, then we are of all men most miserable! In verse 20 however Paul declares again that now Christ is risen has become the firstfruits of them that slept. In that he rose from the dead, we have a hope that those who die in Christ will one day also rise from the dead and live with Christ forever.

POINT #3: The resurrection of the dead is philosophically plausible

In verse 36, Paul compares the resurrection the dead to that of a seed which is sown and cannot come to life unless it dies, but if it dies it will bear again. This is similar to the teaching of Jesus in John 12:24 where he states that “… Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.” Paul also raises the issue of the plausibility of the resurrection in his address to king Aggripa in Acts 26:8 when he ask the question - Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead? Here both Paul and Jesus are suggesting that one should not be perturbed with the concept of the resurrection, it is a natural extension of the concept of birth and death and a natural extension of the concept of sowing and reaping. If we believe that God created the world out of nothing; if we believe that God is omnipotent, then raising the dead is no big thing for God. We can therefore conclude that the resurrection is plausible. The fact that most of us have not seen it does not mean it does not exist!

POINT #4: The presence and manifestations of the Holy Ghost in the church is evidence for the resurrection in today's world

I would like to premise this on two statements from the gospels: John 16:7 and Matthew 3:11.

John 16:7 says “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.”

In Matthew 3:11, John the Baptist in speaking about the coming Messiah says “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:”

It is clear from these and other scriptures that Jesus is the giver of the Holy Ghost. In the upper room discourse from John 13 -17, Jesus clearly spoke of his impending death, but promised that he would be back. Note that he spoke of two ways in which he would come back. In John 14:1-3, he speaks of his return in the end of time when he would take his followers with him to his father’s house – i.e. heaven. Prior to that however he would return as the Holy Ghost. Look at this this excerpt from John 14:16-19

¹⁶And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; ¹⁷Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. ¹⁸I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. ¹⁹Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.

Based on this passage, it is clear that the coming of the Holy Ghost was contingent on Jesus being alive. Therefore if we see the operation of the Holy Ghost in the church today, this is clear evidence that Jesus is alive.

Now ladies and gentlemen, the baptism of the Holy Ghost is a specific event, accompanied by observable phenomena as see in the book of Acts. A detailed study of the book of Acts will show that when believers receive the Holy Ghost they begin to speak in tongues as the spirit empowers them. This is a specific observable phenomenon, and hundreds in the church today can testify that they have received this experience.

Let me point out that dead men don’t send gifts, so if Jesus promised to send the Holy Ghost and the Holy Ghost came, we must also conclude that Jesus is alive! This is the reason we are gathered here on this Resurrection Sunday. We know, we are assured, we are convinced that Jesus is alive!

We accept the statements in the bible by faith. We accept the historical records of the church by faith. But we add to that our personal experience. Paul spoke of the witness of the apostles, the witness, of Peter and the witness of James, but more than all, he spoke of his personal testimony, his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. Similarly today, we accept the evidence of scripture and the testimony of others, but we have had our own experience, and can testify that Jesus is alive!

CONCLUSION

So then, now that we have shown conclusively that Jesus is alive and active in the church, what should we do?

For the saints the admonition of Paul in 1^st Corinthians 15:58 is most appropriate: “… be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

For those that are not yet saved, I give you the same answer that Peter gave to the Jews of the day of Pentecost: “… Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

God bless you today. In Jesus name!

The Person and Purpose of Christmas

2016-01-02T07:00:00.001-05:00

Trevor S Ferguson

January 2, 2016

Matthew 1:18-21 (KJV)
¹⁸Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
¹⁹Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
²⁰But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
²¹And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Romans 6:1-2 (KJV)
¹What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
²God forbid.

Summary statement: Christmas is all about Jesus Christ and His ability to save people from sin!

INTRODUCTION

Although Christmas is celebrated all over the world, most Christmas celebrations fail to focus on Jesus Christ or to consider the real meaning of the Christmas season. For many, Christmas is all about giving and receiving of gifts or a time for fun and festivity. For those who take time out to reflect on Jesus Christ, the reflections are sometimes superficial, with a focus on a baby in a manger, or the fact the Mary and Joseph could find no room in the inn. Other reflections include the challenges faced by Mary and Joseph in light of Mary’s unusual (and for many, unbelievable) pregnancy. Others may speak of the wonder of the angelic visit to the shepherds in announcing the birth of Christ and marvel at the wise men from the east as they followed a star to find the place where Jesus was born. In addition, we sometimes speak of the unbelief and redemption of Zacharias, or the pronouncements of Simeon and Anna when Jesus was presented at the temple.

One topic that is not often discussed in our discourse on the Christmas story is that of human sin. I would like to suggest however that, when we think about it, this was the main reason for Jesus coming into this world. Another topic that is not often addressed is the true identity of the baby in the manger – i.e. that this was the Great God and Creator of the Universe who had enveloped himself in a robe of flesh and came to dwell with humankind, so that he could deliver us from the power and devastating effects of sin.

Today, I want to challenge our minds to reflect more deeply on the person and the purpose of Christmas, as I bring to your remembrance that Christmas is all about Jesus Christ and his ability to save people from sin. I want to challenge those who are not yet saved to make an appropriate response to God’s precious gift to you this Christmas by accepting His generous offer of salvation. I would also like to remind you that there is a gift available to all today, which is more precious than any gift you might have received this Christmas and that this gift is the gift of the Holy Ghost.

EXPOSITION

Let us first look at the PERSON of Christmas.

Matthew in his account of the gospel of Jesus Christ is careful to establish the true identity Jesus Christ. He begins with a listing of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, tracing Jesus’s descent from Abraham, through 42 generations, until we come to Joseph, who was legally the father of Jesus. Matthew’s genealogy proved that Jesus was Jew, a descendant of Abraham and more specifically a descendant of David. As such, he had legal rights to the Davidic throne and was fully qualified to be Israel’s Messiah. In verses 18-23, he further shows that Jesus was not only the son of David, but was in fact the Son of God. He first declares in verse 18 that Mary was “found with child of the Holy Ghost”; in other words, Mary was pregnant, but this was not a ‘normal’ pregnancy, because the source of her pregnancy was the Holy Ghost. Of course, this was difficult to believe and Joseph had problems accepting this. But while he struggled with this problem, contemplating to divorce her privately, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him and confirmed the words Mary had spoken to him – Mary was still a virgin, “that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost”. He further instructed him that he should call his name JESUS.

Let me hasten to point out that this name Jesus was no ordinary name. The name Jesus is derived from the Greek equivalent to the Hebrew name Joshua, which literally means Jehovah-Saviour or Jehovah is Salvation. It incorporates all that the name Jehovah denotes and adds to it the attribute of salvation. We know that the name Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew equivalent of the verb “to be” and therefore means the Self-existing One, the “I AM”, who always was, now is and always will be! Therefore Jesus is the Self-Existing One, the Great Creator, who has now become our Saviour!

It is noteworthy that the two Joshua’s of the Old Testament foreshadowed the saving power of Jesus Christ. The first Joshua was Israel's captain on the occasion of their first settlement in the Land of Canaan after their bondage in Egypt. After succeeding Moses Joshua led Israel from victory to victory and so brought them into the Promised Land

The second Joshua was Israel's high priest at their second settlement in the land after the bondage in Babylon. Thus both were thus associated with great deliverances; but neither these great men had given the full rest of true salvation to the people of God as stated in Hebrews 4:8; They were only able to procure for them political freedom and a land they could call their own. Salvation from Egypt and from Babylon were only types of the great salvation from sin which was to come through the Christ of God.

Before dealing with the salvation that Jesus wrought for us, let us look at the second name mentioned for the Messiah in Matthew 1. Verse 23 tells us that this son which was to be born of Mary was in fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophesy which had declared that this son to be born (of a virgin) was “Emmanuel”, that is “God with us”! Thus Jesus was the Jehovah God of the Old Testament patriarchs who had now come to dwell with us. This is the PERSON of Christmas. He is our Emmanuel! He is God with us!

Let us turn now to the PURPOSE of His coming. This is explicitly stated in the last clause of verse 21 “… for he shall save his people from their sin”. Herein lies that challenge – the basic problem of humanity is sin, but most persons are not willing to admit it! We inherited the sinful nature from Adam, and without Divine intervention are destined to keep on sinning! The scriptures clearly declares that “there is none righteous, no not one” (Romans 3:10) and that “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). As a result without God, all humanity stand condemned under the curse of sin and is destined for both physical death and spiritual death. The great news at Christmas time therefore is that Jesus came to deliver mankind from sin! If he had come to deliver Israel from Roman oppression and set up an earthly kingdom, we, especially the Gentiles, would still be “without hope and without God in the world”! Jesus came however, not just to deliver from earthly oppression, but to deliver from the power and effects of sin. He came to save us.

Listen to these verses say about him:

Psalm 130:7-8 (NIV): ⁷O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. ⁸He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.

John 3:16-18 (KJV) ¹⁶For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. ¹⁷For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. ¹⁸He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Luke 19:9-10 (KJV) ⁹And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. ¹⁰For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

It is abundantly clear, the purpose of Christmas is to recognize that Jesus was born, with the purpose to bring salvation to lost humanity, to save his people from their sin! Such a recognition requires a response: As Paul asked in Romans 6:1, the question is being asked today: What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin? This is a question that requires and answer from one and all. If you recognize that the great God of heaven, came down to earth, was born as a babe, subjected himself to all the limitations of fallen humanity, including the indignity of being born in a manger and being crucified on a cross, all this, so that He could bring salvation to you and to me, what is the appropriate response? I declare to you that there is only one appropriate response to this revelation – that is to accept the free gift of salvation offered to one and all.

What is so amazing is that Jesus, having had to pay a high price to purchase our salvation, now offers it to us freely. The prophet Isaiah invites us, “… come, buy wine and milk, without money and without price”; he further challenge us: “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon”. Isaiah 55:7 (KJV). This offer of salvation is available to one and all today!

CONCLUSION

We have declared today that Christmas is all about Jesus Christ and His ability to save mankind from sin and that this offer of salvation is available to one and all! If you are not yet saved, now is the acceptable time! The message of salvation is the same as that preached on the day of Pentecost – Repent of you sins, accept water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ and seek for the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Only by doing so would we fully acknowledge the person and then purpose of Christmas!

I challenge you to make that decision today, In Jesus name.

Jesus Is The Only Way To Truly Abundant Life

2015-08-13T23:24:00.000-05:00

Trevor S Ferguson

August 13, 2015

John 10:1-10 (KJV)
¹Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
²But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
³To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
⁴And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
⁵And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
⁶This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.
⁷Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
⁸All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.
⁹I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
¹⁰The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

INTRODUCTION

The word abundant means “existing or available in large quantities”; in other words, plentiful, copious, rich, or overflowing. When applied to life this means a life that is full and overflowing, a life that is rich in meaning and purpose, a life that is full of love, joy and peace, a life of happiness and laughter, a life with ample or adequate supply of the things needed for this life, but more than all, a life that is prepared for eternity. Today I want to declare to one and all that Jesus is the only One that can give this abundant life!

EXPOSITION

A look at the terminology used in some of the more modern Bible translations helps us see some of the components of this abundant life. The Amplified Bible renders this concept of abundant life as “life to the full, till it overflows”; The New Living Translation describes it as “a rich and satisfying life”; The Message Translation renders it as “real and eternal life, more and better than ever dreamed of”, and the NIV describes it as “having life to the full”. Whichever translation you use, it is clear that this life that Jesus promises is far removed from the dull, meaningless and empty life that many people are experiencing today. Indeed, for many persons today, life painful and distressing; many are without hope, depressed and struggling to find some purpose in their life.

This problem has been compounded by some who profess to have solutions to life’s problems, but many of these solutions are rooted in materialism, hedonism and escapism. The materialists suggest that if we accumulate enough money, wealth and material possession we will have everything we want and a very happy life. Nothing could be further from the truth! The hedonists on the other hand suggest that the pursuit of pleasure is the most important goal in life and therefore seeks to remove all moral and social restraints so that one can freely pursue the pleasure he seeks. This also is a deceptive lie. Hedonism often results in sexual promiscuity and lewdness, indulgence in parties and reveling, all in search of this elusive happiness. Most persons end up disillusioned. Many contract diseases sexually transmitted diseases, which ruins health and threatens life. Escapism involves the “habitual diversion of the mind to purely imaginative activity or entertainment as an escape from reality or routine. This again involves parties and drugs - cigarettes, marijuana, alcohol, and hard drugs such and cocaine and heroin. The aim here is to forget about the stresses of life, but it merely covers or postpone the problems, often ending with complete implosion, with psychological or physical breakdown, and may result in death from physical illness or suicide.

Another problem is that there are deceptive religious leaders, who offers offer all types of solace, if one joins his or her religious group. The religious leaders are often materialistic in their views and preach a prosperity gospel. In reality however the majority of their members find this prosperity elusive, while some of these leaders live lavish lives, often at the expense of their members.

The passage in St John 10 seeks to set the record straight as to how one may obtain truly abundant life. Jesus uses an allegory involving the shepherd, sheep and sheepfold to illustrate that there is only one way to enter into eternal life and that any other attempt should be seen for its falsehood, in the same way as we can see through the falsehood of thieves and robbers. He starts by making the declaration that the only true entrance to the sheepfold is through the door. Anyone who enters by any other means should be immediately recognized as a thief or robber. The true shepherd makes an open and honest entrance through the door. The sheep recognizes the true shepherd, knows his voice and will follow him. The true shepherd knows his own sheep by name, leads them, i.e. he goes before them and they follow him into good pasture.

Many of the people did not understand the allegory so Jesus had to explain it again. Verse 7-10 contains the explanation.

⁷Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. ⁸All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. ⁹I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. ¹⁰The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

This says to us that Jesus himself is the door. Verse 9-10 tells us that this door is the door to salvation, eternity and abundance!

Let us look first at the door to salvation. Jesus says “I am the door by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved”. This conveys the same message as St. John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” No one can come to God but through Jesus Christ – He is the only way to salvation. If one tries to access salvation though some other way Jesus likens them to a thief or robber.

The bible standard for salvation is through repentance, water baptism and the infilling of the Holy Ghost. Today God has set an open door to salvation for someone reading this blog. You may have tried some other ways, and came upon closed doors or false entrances, but God has set an open door before you today. Walk through that door and receive Jesus as Lord and Saviour. Repent, ask for baptism in Jesus name; believe him to receive the baptism of Holy Ghost

Let me point out that the door to salvation is also the door to eternity. This life is only a temporary phase of our existence. We all must live forever somewhere. When we exit this life to enter into eternity we will be faced with only two doors – a door to heaven and a door to hell. The door to hell is broad and wide open, anyone can enter, because there are no entry requirements and no standards. The door to heaven however is open only to those who had accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. It requires acceptance and identification with Jesus Christ and living a holy, godly and sober life. This door to salvation and eternity is open everyone, but requires conformity to the word of God. We can’t create our own religion or our own gospel and expect to make it into heaven. I implore you today, to check what you have been taught to see if it is in line with what the bible teaches. If not you need to find a church where you can receive the bible standard of salvation.

Let me point out also, that this door to salvation is not focused only on eternity, but Jesus gives us a truly abundant life right now. Jesus himself said in Mark 10:29-30

"I tell you the truth … no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields--and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life.”

The passage in Matthew 6:31-33 is also instructive:

“… Do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

We see then that Jesus promises a truly abundant life to those who put their trust in him. The abundant life that Jesus promises is realistic, but full and overflowing. He promises adequate supplies for our daily needs, earthly possessions to ensure our comfort, and family and friends to meet our emotional needs. This abundant life intricately linked to promise of eternal life with Christ, and in fact forms the basis on which we can enjoy life here on earth. This, by any standard, is better than the emptiness of materialism or the blatant falsehood and deception of hedonism and escapism. Let us call these by what Jesus called them, they are thieves and robbers – with intent to steal, kill and destroy. Let us not be caught in this web of deception!

CONCLUSION

So today I declare to you that the only way to a truly abundant life is through Jesus Christ. Anything else or anyone else is merely a deception or façade and will ultimately lead only to destruction. Let us therefore put our trust in Jesus Christ, accept his free gift of salvation, through repentance, water baptism in the name of Jesus, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost. Thereafter we should live a godly and sober life, as we await the soon return of Jesus Christ. Only then can we be assured of a truly abundant life here on earth and a hope for eternal life in heaven with Jesus Christ.

Be Still: God is with us!

2015-07-18T08:03:00.000-05:00

Trevor S Ferguson

July 18, 2015

Mark 4:35-39
³⁵And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.
³⁶And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.
³⁷And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
³⁸And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
³⁹And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

Psalm 46:1-3, 10-11
¹God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
²Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
³Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.

¹⁰Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
¹¹The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.

INTRODUCTION

Life is characterized by predictable periodic changes in natural environment. We can predictably expect that there will be morning and evening, sunrise and sunset, days, weeks, months, seasons and years. The order is set, so that morning always comes before evening, night follows day, sunrise follows sunset. The days of the week follow natural order, the seasons of the year also follow in their order – spring, summer, autumn, winter. We can count on this order. Similarly, in the human body there are predictable and progressive developments throughout the life cycle. Given a stable environment a baby will grow through the various stages from childhood to adulthood and the body will function efficiently enabling us to perform the various activities of daily living. This predictability in nature and in our bodies allows up to make plans as we go from day to day, and even for the course of our life. When life follows its expected course most of us are happy and comfortable.

From time to time however, unexpected and unpredictable events crop up in our lives, and seemingly turn our lives upside down. All of us in Jamaica are familiar with tropical storms and hurricanes. Every so often, these monster storms invade our shores, threaten life and property, destabilizing our lives, sometimes for weeks. We often worry about other natural events such as earthquakes, which have the capacity to be even more destructive than hurricanes. Then there are other events such as fire and floods, and even an unexpected shower of rain which may steer our lives off course. In the human body, our greatest fear is sickness, which often strikes unexpectedly. Added to that are the various accidents (motor vehicles, planes etc.) that can cause sudden death.

For most of us, we are at our best when life is comfortable and predictable! But what do we do when the storms of life strike unexpectedly? What so we do when life suddenly goes off course, and we are seemingly powerless to make corrections? Many of us become flustered, distressed and depressed. We live in fear that we may not make it through the storm! As a result our blood pressures go up, we experience headaches and pain, and we find ourselves unable to sleep at nights. Needless to say our fear only makes matters worse.

Often in these situations we find it difficult to pray and we keep asking God – Why? Why? Some of us begin to question the goodness of God, as we reason that if God was working on our behalf we would not be experiencing such turbulence in our lives!

I believe that many of us today are going through various storms, and may be wondering how we are going to get through it. Indeed, as a church we are currently going through our own storm, and many are worried because we not in control of the situation. The word of God to us today, however, is a word of encouragement. Despite the turbulence of the times, God is saying to us - Be Still! I am with you! Be not dismayed, I will not leave you! I will be your refuge and your fortress. I will be a present help, in this your time of trouble. I will ride with you through the storm and at the appropriate time, I will calm the storm. Be still, God is with us!

EXPOSITION

Let us look at the text in some more detail. The passage in Mark 4 illustrates the common reactions that we display in times of storm, and the power of God calm the storm. Psalm 46 is a song of praise, declaring the power of God to keep us and protect us we wade through the various threats and uncertainties that crop us in this life. Mark tells us that after Jesus had taught the people from a ship on the Sea of Galilee, they set out in the evening to cross over to the other side of the lake. Jesus (in his humanity) was weary after a day of teaching and went in the hinder part of the ship and fell asleep. Now the Sea of Galilee, also called Lake Tiberias is a landlocked body of water; it is approximately 7 miles wide and 13 miles long, and located deep in the Jordan valley. The lake is surrounded by mountains and its geographic properties often results in sudden windstorms. These storms result in turbulence and great waves which cause sailing to become extremely dangerous.

While the disciples were on their journey, one of these great windstorms developed, with waves battering the ship, and filling it with water. They were in imminent danger as the boat could capsize or sink, either of which would result in certain death. While all of this was happening Jesus was still asleep in the back of the ship! The disciples therefore went to wake him, asking – “Carest thou not the we perish?”

I am sure that some of us can identify with situations like this. Our lives seems to be turned upside down, we feel like we are in the throngs of death and somehow we can’t seem to hear from God! Job had a similar experience. In the midst of his great affliction Job declares:

^“Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat! … Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him: On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him:” (Job 23:3, 8-9)

What do we do in such situations? Job himself has some answers. In Job 19:25-26, while still in his suffering he declares:

“For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:”

Today we can be assured that the presence of storms does not suggest the absence of God, or that God is not on our side. It does not suggest that God does not care, or that he will sit back and let us perish. Jesus is in the ship! He will get up, speak to the winds and the waves and restore calm to our lives.

Brothers and sisters, let me remind us that in this life we are not exempt from the storms; but we are assured today, that Christ is in the vessel. With Christ in the vessel we can smile at the storm.

Psalm 46 is a powerful and assuring psalm. This psalm can give us comfort and confidence when we face the storms, tests, and trial of this life. Look again at verses 1-3

^“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.”

I like how this is rendered in the Message translation:

“God is a safe place to hide, ready to help when we need him. We stand fearless at the cliff-edge of doom, courageous in seastorm and earthquake, Before the rush and roar of oceans, the tremors that shift mountains. Jacob-wrestling God fights for us, GOD of angel armies protects us.”

The word of God today is that when we are in trouble we can hide and rest in God. Everything around may be in chaos and confusion, but God gives us peace in the midst of all this. It does not matter how big the problems are. God is bigger than our problems and he has the power to speak into the situation.

So what do we do in the storm? Verse 11 has the perfect solution – Be still and know that God is God! We can relax in calm confidence. Everybody else may be getting flustered but we can stay calm. How is it that we can be calm despite the turbulence? This calmness comes from the confidence that we have in our God. Because he is God, he has control over the Universe. Because we are his children He has our lives worked out for us. He will come and save us before it is too late. He will speak to the wind and calm the storms.

Let me stretch your faith a little further, for sometimes we see deliverance only if things worked out the way that we desired. We need to get to the point where we trust God so much that even if God does not deliver, we accept his Sovereign will and remain unshaken in our faith! Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego modeled this in their response to Nebuchadnezzar:

“O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.”

Job also says it well: “And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God”

Our confidence in God is not limited to situations where he does what we desire, but we are so confident that even if things do not work out the way we expected, our faith will not be shaken. God is God, and whatever God does is well done.

So while the storms rage and the tempest blow, we will be still, because we know that God is with us. The Lord of host is with us. The God of Jacob is our refuge!

APPLICATION/CONCLUSION

I challenge us today to lift our faith and rest in calm confidence in God. Though we pass through the storm, God is with us. Though we pass through the fire we shall not be burned. Let us trust in God completely. Be still, God is with us!

Ambassadors and the Ministry of Reconciliation

2015-04-18T10:05:00.001-05:00

Trevor S Ferguson

April 18, 2015

** This message was delivered at the opening ceremony for the 45^th Annual Convocation of the Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ (Apostolic) on April 6, 2015.

2^nd Corinthians 5:18-20

¹⁸ And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
¹⁹ To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
²⁰ Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

INTRODUCTION

It is with a spirit of humility that I stand today in this the 45^th annual convocation of the Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ. God has called us together in another “General Assembly” as we reflect on the theme “Ambassadors of Christ: Manifesting Kingdom Authority and Power.

I would like to make some preliminary comments on the importance of this convocation or “general assembly”, because I think that sometimes we miss out on what God desires to do through us, because our focus is off target.

In the Old Testament Jewish system there were seven prescribed feasts or annual convocations. These were: (1) The Passover; (2) The Feast of Unleavened Bread; (3) The Feasts of the First Fruits; (4) The Feast of Pentecost; (5) The Feast of Trumpets; (6) The Day of Atonement; and (7) The Feast of Tabernacles. For at least three of these feasts, it was specifically required that the entire nation (specifically, all the men) appeared before God in a general assembly; these were for the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Pentecost and the Feast of Tabernacles. Now, one may ask, what was the purpose for these convocations? Why should an entire nation gather before God in a general assembly? A careful study of these feasts will provide some answers.

The first reason was commemoration. Several of these feasts (e.g. the Passover and the Feast of Tabernacles) marked significant events in the history of the Jewish nation, and the celebrations served as a reminder, so that they would not forget what God has done for them. The second reason was thanksgiving. The Feast of first fruits and the Feast of Pentecost celebrated the beginning of the barley harvest and the beginning of the wheat harvest and were days of joy and thanksgiving. It was important that the people pause to give thanks to God! The third reason for the general assembly was purification and atonement. All Israel came before God on the Day of Atonement in a day of fasting and sacrifice. On this day the high priest offered up a sacrifice for all the sins of the people. It was an occasion to make things right with God.

I suggest to all of us, that as we are gathered in this holy convocation we keep these purposes in mind. We are here to celebrate and commemorate. We commemorate the death burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as is appropriate in this Easter season. We celebrate the institution of this organization, the Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ (Apostolic), and the significant role it has played in the saving of souls and serving as an embassy for the kingdom of God. We give thanks to God for souls saved, lives that have been transformed, miracles, healings and deliverance. We give thanks to God for leaders past and present – Bishops Dunn, Watson, Penman, Thompson, Brown and Hewitt. We give thanks for all the workers who have made the work of the ministry possible and for all the blessings we have received over these 45 years. And finally we draw close to God in purification and atonement. It is folly to come and celebrate, if our lives are not right with God! It is selfish to only participate in the celebration, when there are several persons in our midst who are in need of salvation. Let us participate therefore in the prayer sessions, the altar service, and the children’s sessions, so that while we secure or own salvation we help as many as possible also find their way back to God.

Let us turn now to the theme for this year’s convocation. I would like to use as the subject for today’s message “Ambassadors and the Ministry of Reconciliation”. Let us read again for emphasis, three verses from our text – 2^nd Corinthians 5:18-20

¹⁸And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; ¹⁹To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. ²⁰Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

As we read through these verses, it is clear that the emphasis is on the ministry of reconciliation. We are ambassadors for Christ, but the focus is not on the position of the ambassador, it is not on the ambassador’s privileges or authority, but rather it is on the purpose, mission or ministry of the ambassador, which is reconciliation. Therefore today, we will talk about the ambassador and the position and privileges of the ambassador, but our focus is on the ministry of reconciliation. How can we as ambassadors assist in reconciling men to God?

EXPOSITION

Let us look then on the position of an ambassador. Who is an ambassador? According to the Webster’s Dictionary, an ambassador is a diplomatic agent of the highest rank, accredited to a foreign government or sovereign, as the resident representative of his or her own government or sovereign. From this we can see that the ambassador is a high ranking officer; he or she is the representative of their home country to a foreign government; and lives in the foreign country for the period of assignment. The roles of the ambassador includes the following: (1) representing the head of state or government of his home country; (2) relays policy positions from the home country to the foreign country; (3) negotiate trade and security arrangements between the two countries; (4) protect the citizens of the his home country who are living in the foreign country to which he is assigned; (5) manage the embassy of the home country and its staff. The ambassador must be a person of impeccable character and must have the full confidence of the head of state whom he represents. The ambassador must be intimately familiar with the policies of his government and must communicate those policies even if it is different from his personal opinion. The ambassador must be acceptable to the foreign government and must become familiar with the people and culture of the country to which he is assigned. The appointment of the ambassador is for a limited time and may be recalled by his home country if diplomatic relationships between the countries have been terminated.

What can we learn from these roles and responsibilities? As Christian ambassadors we are representatives of our head of state, who is Jesus Christ. Philippians 3:20 (NIV) tells us that “… our citizenship is in heaven”, therefore we are strangers or foreigners here on earth. Verse 17 of 2^nd Corinthians 5 tells us that when we come to Christ we are a new creation. We are born again, born into a new country and a new kingdom. We serve a new master and are governed by a new constitution. As such our citizenship is in the kingdom of heaven, our sovereign is our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ and we are governed by the word of God. However, we have been appointed as ambassadors on earth, and represent the cause of Christ to the people on earth. As such we are required to live on earth, to become familiar with the culture and practices here on earth, so that we can effectively communicate the policies of heaven to the people here or earth. But, not only do we communicate the policies of heaven, we must actively negotiate – i.e. persuade the people on earth to accept the policies of heaven and so become a part of the kingdom of God. Additionally we must protect or look out for the other citizens of heaven here on earth and must manage the embassies of heaven – i.e. our churches.

Let’s turn now to the ministry of reconciliation. The Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary defines reconciliation as the “bringing together of two parties that are estranged or in dispute”, similarly, the Webster’s dictionary defines reconciliation as “the act of causing two people or groups to become friendly again after an argument or disagreement”. Reconciliation in the theological context, speaks to bringing man back into harmonious relationship with God.

The advent of sin brought enmity between God and man so that the relationship between God and man was broken and man was destined for eternal death. Note that in this relationship, man was the offender. It was man that sinned and created the separation. Under normal circumstances it would necessitate that man would approach God in penitence and as such seek to restore the relationship. The amazing thing about this message of reconciliation is that God is the reconciler! God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself. The great God of heaven, robed himself in flesh, came to earth as the man Christ Jesus, suffered all the perils of human existence, subjected himself to death on the cross of Calvary, before rising again in victory over death. Through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, he obtained pardon for all humanity and opened the door of salvation to one and all. Whosoever therefore accepts Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior becomes a new creation and becomes a part of the kingdom of heaven. This restores right relationships with God, thus accomplishing reconciliation.

The second amazing thing is that the reconciled now becomes agents of the reconciler. Note the sequence of events in verse 18 - God has reconciled us unto himself, and then gives to us the ministry of reconciliation. This ministry of reconciliation speaks to the responsibility, or the task of bringing others back into harmonious relationship with God. This is slightly different from the “word of reconciliation” which essentially refers to the gospel message that we preach. God was in Christ … not imputing their trespasses unto them (verse 19); God made Jesus Christ to be sin for us … that we might be made the righteousness of God in him (verse 21).

It is on the foundation of this ministry and message of reconciliation that we are made ambassadors! We were not made ambassadors so that we could profile here on earth! We were not made ambassadors so that we could become immune to the stresses and trials of the people on earth. We were not made ambassadors so that we could access the riches of heaven. We were made ambassadors so that we could communicate the message of reconciliation to all the people here on earth.

Let me point out as well that unlike earthly ambassadors we have not been granted diplomatic immunity. So while we teach and preach we have to be careful, and respect the laws of the land, or at least be prepared to face the consequences. The absence of diplomatic immunity however does not absolve us from the responsibility to preach and teach this message. Paul instructed Timothy to the preach the word; be instant in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke with all longsuffering and doctrine … It is noteworthy that Paul wrote this while serving as a prisoner in Rome. He had to face the consequences of the message he preached, but this did not stop him or stop the message. Earlier in Ephesians 6:20 Paul described himself as an ambassador in bonds – he did not have the pleasure of diplomatic immunity, but that did not stop the message then, and it will not stop it now.

APPLICATION AND CONCLUSION

Having said all of this, what is it that we ought to do in order to ensure that we fulfil our mandate as ambassadors with a ministry of reconciliation? I will propose a five-point action plan that I believe will assist us in fulfilling this mandate.

Action Point #1: Draw close to our sovereign – As ambassadors we must become intimately familiar with the principles and policies of heaven. God must have the full confidence in us so that he can fully trust us as ambassadors. Many Christians today are lacking in their understanding of God and his word, and many cannot be trusted. We will say one thing today and a sing a totally different song next week. If we desire to be true and effective ambassadors, let us draw close to God.

Action Point #2: Develop a better understanding of the people to whom we are assigned – We recall that ambassadors are required to live in the country in which they are assigned. One reason for this is that they become familiar with the people and their culture. They must be able to speak the people’s language. Some of us as Christians do not understand the sinner. We do not understand their culture and we don’t speak their language. But if we are to be effective ambassadors this must change. Paul again provides us with a moving example in 1^st Corinthians 9:19-22

¹⁹For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. ²⁰And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; ²¹To them that are without law, as without law, … that I might gain them that are without law. ²²To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

Just as Paul was willing to adjust his strategies to suit the persons to whom he ministered; in a similar way, we need to adjust our strategies to effectively communicate to the persons we seek to reconcile to God.

Action Point #3: Enlarge the embassy staff – A frequent shortcoming among us in ministry, is that we try to do too much with too few people. This results in spiritual burnout and many of our workers end up frustrated. If we are to be effective ambassadors, we must have adequate embassy staff, to ensure that the work of the ministry can be done efficiently. Jesus himself said that the harvest is plentiful but the labourers are few. Let us pray to the Lord of the harvest to send forth labourers. Right now I am placing a public notice – WANTED: LABOURERS FOR HEAVEN’S EMBASSIES! Apply immediately through your pastor. No qualified applicant will be rejected.

Action Point #4: Develop negotiation and persuasion skills – Another challenge that we face in this ministry of reconciliation, is that we sometimes conclude that we have fulfilled our responsibility once we have delivered the message. A close look at verse 20 reveals that the ministry of the ambassador goes beyond simply relaying the message. The text in the New King James version says this well – “… as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God.” Our responsibility goes beyond sharing the message, its more than opening the church doors and keeping service. There is a need for us to develop a clear strategy that will persuade the reluctant sinner to come to God. As skilled ambassadors we not only share the message, but we skillfully negotiate so that we can close the deal.

Action Point #5: CLOSE THE DEAL! For people in sales and marketing closing the deal, is the ultimate aim of each client encounter. In the church however many pay scant regard to this vital part of the ministry. We often get the people to church, have them stay and listen to the message but many will leave without making a decision. The skilful ambassador closes the deal. What I mean is that we will not be satisfied until our prospects makes the decision to accept Jesus Christ in baptism and receives the gift of the Holy Ghost. This means that we must put great emphasis on our altar services – allowing adequate time and getting everyone to participate. We must have good visitor follow up programmes where we can encourage, answer questions to allay doubts and fears and ultimately lead persons to a decision to follow Christ. Only then will we have completed our task as ministers of reconciliation.

Final Word … So in this 45^th Annual Convocation we are being challenged as ambassadors of Christ to fully embrace the ministry of reconciliation. There is a world out there that urgently needs to be reconciled to God. Let us fulfill our mandate as ministers of reconciliation.

Resolute, Unconditional, Unshakable Faith

2015-03-07T12:12:00.000-05:00

Trevor S Ferguson

March 7, 2015

Daniel 3:16-18 (KJV)
¹⁶ Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.
¹⁷ If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.
¹⁸ But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

INTRODUCTION

Christianity today has become excessively centered on the potential blessings of a life affiliated with Jesus Christ. Preachers quote extensively from scriptures which promise blessings and prosperity with little focus on the need for real faith, commitment and sacrifice. The driving force behind this is that while many people want to benefit from Christianity, few are willing to put off the things of the world or to endure the hardships involved in a real spiritual battle.

Today, many are concerned about the next generation, and generations to come - if the Lord tarries. Will the young people of today maintain the doctrine, standards and principles of a bible believing church? Or will they morph into a worldly, self-indulging church, such as the church in Laodicea, as described by John in Revelation? I believe that God will always have a true bible believing church! Despite the fact that some may fall away and depart from the faith, God’s word is sure. His Spirit will continue to be poured out in the last days and His Spirit is will lead believers into all truth. While I can speak with confidence for the corporate church, for the individual Christian our survival depends on the depth of our faith. Will we stand in the face of grave testing and trials or will we give in, give up and deny the faith?

Today, I want to share with you from the scriptures, to encourage your hearts to seek after God so that you may develop what I describe as resolute, unconditional and unshakable faith. Such faith was demonstrated by Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the passage from Daniel 3 and can be developed in our youth (and older adults) today.

EXPOSITION

Let’s look at the text, so that we may understand the context and glean the essential principles required to develop such faith.

The book of Daniel is set in the time of Babylonian captivity for the Jews. These were Jews from the Southern Kingdom of Judah, consisting of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. The Northern Kingdom had previously gone into captivity under Assyria. Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, brought the best of the Jews to Babylon, to train them for service in his kingdom. Among them were Daniel (Belteshazzar), Hananiah (Shadrach), Mishael (Meshach) and Azariah (Abednego).

Daniel and his three friends first stood out when they refused to eat the king’s meat and drink the wine provided because this violated their religious beliefs. They spoke to the person in charge and got permission to eat a diet more aligned to the principles of the Jewish faith.

We next see Daniel and his three friends when they sought God to reveal unto them the dream that Nebuchadnezzar had forgotten and to give them also the interpretation of the dream. When Daniel was able to reveal and interpret the dream to Nebuchadnezzar, he was promoted to being the chief of the governors and wise men of Babylon. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were also promoted to high positions in the province of Babylon.

The story in Daniel 3 records how these three Hebrew boys (as they are often called) stood up to the king of a great empire and received a mighty deliverance from the burning furnace. When we reflect on this story, we often speak of the mighty hand of God in delivering His people. While this is a great point to emphasize, a deeper look at the story reveals the characteristics of true faith, which we will need more and more as the world becomes more secular and distant from God.

To summarize the story, Nebuchadnezzar made a great golden image, about 100 feet tall, and gathered all his officials together for the dedication of the image. As part of the dedication ceremony all the persons present were to fall down and worship the image after the playing of a band of musical instruments. Failure to comply with the kings orders would result in the ‘offenders’ being cast in a burning fiery furnace.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, in obedience to the first commandment refused to bow down to the image and their refusal was reported to the king. Nebuchadnezzar was furious, but offered them a second chance to bow down to the image. They refused. Their response to the king is instructive. Let’s look at their response again using the New Living Translation:

“O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”

For Shadrach Meshach and Abednego this was a clear confession of faith in their God and a decision to stand up for what is right, even if it would cost them their lives. This is the kind of faith that we need in the church today. This is the kind of faith that will empower the next generation.

I would like to expound a bit on three characteristics of their faith.

(1) THEIR FAITH WAS RESOLUTE

The word resolute means to be marked by a firm determination. It comes from the word resolve, which means to make a definite, firm and serious decision. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had evaluated the situation and had made a decision as to how they would respond. The decision was firm and final.

A problem in the church today is that we attempt to serve God through feelings and emotions rather than through with our minds. Faith is not a feeling it is a decision. I often define faith as ‘believing enough to act’. Action requires a decision. The scripture says that “he that cometh to God, must believe that He is …” The bible begins with a declaration that God is – “In the beginning God …” Every human being has to choose to accept or reject that God is! I choose to believe! When faced with test or challenges to our faith me must make a choice. We must be resolute; we must make a firm decision to stand for God and act in accordance with that decision.

(2) THEIR FAITH WAS UNCONDITIONAL

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had full confidence that God was able to deliver, but were also cognizant of the fact that God was sovereign and the decision of whether to deliver or not to deliver was completely in His hands. Their faith however was based on the wisdom and sovereignty of God and not on whether He was going to deliver. They were fully prepared and trusted God to such an extent that they would not bow – even if God did not choose to deliver. This is in contrast to the situation today where many people are willing to walk out on God, if He does not deliver on their expectation.

So what do you do when you don’t get the job you expected, or when you are thirty years old and still single, or per chance, you mother was sick and God has not shown up to heal? Is your faith dependent on what God can do for you? Or are you willing to serve God unconditionally?

I admonish all of us today to refocus our faith on who God is and not on what He can do for us. God owes none of us anything. Whatever he chooses to give to us we accept with a heart of gratitude, but we cannot continue to approach God as if we are entitled to everything we ask for. Let us trust God unconditionally.

(3) THEIR FAITH WAS UNSHAKABLE

The power of king Nebuchadnezzar did not shake their faith; the threat of a burning fiery furnace did not shake their faith. They did not change their minds when death stared them in the face. Their faith was unshakable.

Today we also need to have unshakable faith. Our position and conviction cannot change when we have to speak to the boss at our workplace, or if we have to face national leaders or even the Prime Minister. We cannot give up on our principles and standards when threatened with the loss of a job or being passed over for a promotion or if we are threatened with imprisonment or even death.

Our faith must be able to stand the test of time, the arguments of philosophers, gainsayers and atheists.

Our faith must stand when things don’t work out as expected. Persons have had to deal with the unexpected death of a child, or husband, or wife. Yes, you might have prayed and begged God to change the situation, but even if the worse happens, God is still God.

Remember that God may not keep you out of the fire – but he will walk with you in the fire. When Nebuchadnezzar looked in the fire expecting to see the three Hebrew boys being burnt to death, instead he saw four men, alive, loose and walking around in the fire. God will stand with you in your most severe test. He will give you grace that you may be able to bear it. Isaiah 43:2 says it well:

“When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.”

You can have unshakable faith. God will walk with you.

CONCLUSION

In closing I would like us to look the closing verses Hebrews 11, which presents a realist view on the life of faith:

³² And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: ³³ Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, ³⁴ Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. ³⁵ Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
³⁶ And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: ³⁷ They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; ³⁸ (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. ³⁹ And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: ⁴⁰ God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

This passage tells us that some people of faith received great deliverance and achieved great feats, but others were tortured and killed for their faith.

Today most of us will not have to face death as we choose to walk in faith, but we still have to make some serious choices. We may have to choose between being ordinary versus wealth and popularity, between standards of holiness or conformity to worldliness or we may have to choose whether to continue trusting God or giving up when life does not seem to be working out.

Today we have a great example as to the stance to take. We must trust God. We must remain resolute in our faith. We must have unconditional faith and our faith must be unshakable. When we demonstrate such faith the devil will not be able to overcome us and we too will become heroes of the faith. Such faith will definitely empower the next generation.

Let us therefore resolve to have resolute, unconditional and unshakable faith!!

God’s Grace is Sufficient to Save and Sufficient to Keep

2015-02-28T06:14:00.001-05:00

Trevor S Ferguson

February 28, 2015

Romans 5:15-20 (KJV)
¹⁵But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. ¹⁶And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. ¹⁷For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) ¹⁸Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. ¹⁹For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. ²⁰Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:

Titus 2:11-13 (KJV)
¹¹For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, ¹²Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; ¹³Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

INTRODUCTION

The Universal Need for Salvation

All human beings need salvation! Whether we are rich or poor, powerful or ordinary, black or white, man, woman, boy or girl – We all need salvation! We make this statement based on the fact that the bible clearly teaches that all human beings are born with a sinful nature and do commit sin. One does not need to teach a child to lie or to be disobedient to parents; but a child faced with a particular set of challenges, will respond, almost as with base instincts, and resort to sinful acts.

This sinful nature is a direct result of the sin of Adam and Eve, which has resulted in the sinful nature being passed on to all human beings. The end result of sin is death. Spiritual death and physical death. As it was in the Garden of Eden, where the sin of Adam and Eve resulted in spiritual death (i.e. separation from God) and eventually lead physical death, sin today continues to produce death. Indeed, every human being had a death penalty hung over their head. Paul tells us in Romans 3:23 that “all have sinned” and he follows up in Romans 6:23, telling us that “the wages of sin is death”.

Without specific intervention, human beings face a bleak future. We have inherited a sinful nature and have a penalty of death hanging over our heads. We therefore need a Saviour, we need an Advocate, One who will plead our case and obtain for us a pardon for our sins. Fortunately, God has not just left us to suffer in our sins, but in every generation has provided a way through which mankind may obtain pardon from sin. The specific process by which we receive salvation varies according the period of time in human history. These periods are often referred to dispensations.

Seven Dispensations

Theologians of describe seven dispensations: These include:

(1) Dispensation of Innocence in the Garden of Eden

(2) Dispensation of Conscience – which covers the period from the fall of Adam to the Flood in Noah’s time

(3) Dispensation of Human Government – from Noah, until the confusion of tongues at Babel

(4) Dispensation of Promise – From Abraham, to the giving of the law under Modes

(5) Dispensation of the Law – From Moses, to the crucifixion of Christ

(6) Dispensation of Grace – the present dispensation – from the resurrection of Christ and institution of the church until the second coming of Christ

(7) Dispensation of the Kingdom – during the millennial reign of Christ

Each of these dispensations ended or will end in judgment. We should note that the five dispensations which have passed, ended with the penalty of death still hanging on over the next generation. Paul sums this up in Romans 5:14 when he declares that death reigned from Adam to Moses, i.e. the dispensation of Innocence to Dispensation of the Law. None of the previous mechanisms had the power to cleanse man from sin. With the advent of Jesus Christ, however, God ushered in a new dispensation, which was infused with the power to break the curse of death. This he accomplished through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Dispensation of Grace

This current dispensation is called the Dispensation of Grace, because God now makes available to all mankind the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ. The well known passage in John 3:16 capture this well:

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

If we put our trust in Jesus Christ, God’s grace is sufficient to save us from all sin and is able to keep us until the day the Jesus Christ returns for his church.

Grace is able to save

Let us take some time to get a better understanding of what God’s grace means for us. What really is GRACE?

Grace is commonly defined as the unmerited favour of God. In the Greek language, the word for "grace" is “charis”. It means a gracious favour or benefit bestowed. Grace is God’s free gift of salvation to man. It is God’s work in man. Grace expresses the fact that salvation is an undeserved, unearned blessing, that God bestows on man freely.

The wonderful thing about God’s grace is that is more than just a pardon for sin. It is more than just mercy. Mercy speaks to the withholding of just punishment, but grace goes way beyond that. Not only are we granted pardon from sin, not only is just penalty withheld, but God takes us out of our sinful state, forgives us of our sins, makes us a part of the family of God, with all the rights and privileges of sonship and places us to sit in heavenly places with Christ Jesus. Listen to what Paul says in Ephesians 2: 4-8:

⁴But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, ⁵Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) ⁶ And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: ⁷That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. ⁸For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Grace then, is God’s solution to the sin problem! No wonder this grace is described as AMAZING!

Let’s put this in perspectives: Just as it was with Adam, by one man sin entered the world and death by sin, so also by one man, i.e. Jesus Christ, many (all humanity) now have access to the free gift of God’s grace and therefore access to salvation and the hope of eternal life.

One may ask: Are there limits to God’s grace? Can anyone or everyone be saved?

What if I have committed some terrible sin? Is the grace of God able to cover all my sin?

Can the grace of God save a murderer? A thief? A terrorist? An adulterer? A fornicator? A homosexual? What are the boundaries of God’s grace? Will God’s grace run out on some people?

Let us look at what vs. 20 of Romans 5 says:

“Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:”

Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound! The greater the sin the greater the supply of grace. God’s grace is sufficient, enough, abundant, overflowing. It can never run out. Where sin is abundant, grace is super abundant! There is no limit to God’s grace. God’s grace is sufficient to save every sinner today, and indeed every sinner that will come into this world. God’s grace is sufficient to save!

Grace is able to keep

I want us to note however that God’s grace extends beyond bringing us to salvation. Titus 2:11-13 tells us that God’s grace teaches us to, deny ungodliness, deny worldly lust, live soberly, live righteously, live godly lives in this world and to look for our blessed hope, i.e. the appearing of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ. God’s grace is also sufficient to help us as we live this Christian life and is able to keep us until Christ returns

Philippians 1:6 tells us that “… He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” God did not bring us this far to leave us. He will stand with us. He will give us grace to make it through to the end. God’s word to Paul in 2^nd Corinthians 12:9 is also instructive to us today: “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”

Somebody today may be going through great struggles, but God wants you to know that his grace is sufficient. He may not always take away your struggles but he will stand with you and help you overcome. His grace is sufficient to keep you!

CONCLUSION

God has made undeserved favour available to all mankind. This brings to us the opportunity of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Through his grace we can live righteous lives as we await His glorious return.

Today if you have not yet received the grace of God, the opportunity is available to you right now. It does not matter how deep you are in sin, the word tells us that where sin abounds God’s grace much more abounds. If you are a backslider, or have fallen from you steadfastness, God’s grace is available to you as well. Today you can be restored to a right relationship with God.

For those who are walking steadfastly with Jesus, let me admonish you to grow in grace as we look for the appearing of our Saviour. God’s grace is abundantly available. His grace is sufficient to save and sufficient to keep!

Too Good, But Still True: God has Visited and Redeemed His People!

2014-12-29T10:36:00.000-05:00

Trevor S Ferguson

December 29, 2014

Luke 1:68-75 (KJV)
⁶⁸ Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, ⁶⁹And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; ⁷⁰As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: ⁷¹That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; ⁷²To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; ⁷³The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, ⁷⁴That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, ⁷⁵In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.

INTRODUCTION

Life on earth seems to be dominated by bad news!

Shortly after creation, Adam and Eve sinned and ended up being cast out of the Garden of Eden. Their sin resulted in the curse of sin being passed on to all humanity. By the time we get to Genesis chapter 4, we find the Cain has killed his brother Abel, and with that act, bringing murder and shame into the first family. The generations after Adam fell deeper and deeper into sin, until God had to bring judgment in the form of the great flood. The flood wiped out all humanity, except for Noah and his household, who were saved in the ark.

After this God called Abraham and established the nation of Israel. Israel was to be a nation of priest and a holy nation, which would represent God here on earth, but Israel failed miserably and ended up in captivity – first, the Northern kingdom under the Assyrians and then the Southern Kingdom under the Babylonians. By the time of the New Testament the kingdom of Israel was under Roman rule, with a king (Herod) imposed upon them by the Roman authorities. Israel was badly in need of spiritual and political deliverance!

In today’s society, news media are again dominated by bad news – lead stories on radio, television and news papers are often tales or murder, motor vehicle accidents, plane crashes, financial crises and political scandals. Rarely do we find good news in the headlines. As a result of this pervasive negativity, good news is often hard to believe!

From the spiritual perspective, man has become so used to sin and its repercussions that it is hard for many to believe that God will actually save from sin and bring about redemption for their souls. Even among the religious, we sometimes find that good news is thought to be too good to be true.

The story of Zacharias and the birth of John the Baptist, gives us an example of how one priest was transformed from a doubter to a prophet and proclaimer of the good news. Today, I believe that God wants to transform persons here who find it difficult to accept the good news of salvation. I declare to you that while this salvation may sound too good to be true, it is indeed true. God has visited and redeemed his people and the door of salvation is open to you today.

EXPOSITION

Let us look at the story in bit more detail.

Luke begins the account of the gospel with the appearance of the angel Gabriel to Zacharias. Zacharias was one of the priests in Israel and along with his wife Elizabeth was described as being righteous and blameless before God, but they had no children and were now quite old. It was Zacharias’ turn to offer incense before God and therefore he went in to the Holy place of the temple, while the others waited outside. While in the Holy Place the angel Gabriel appeared to Zacharias. When Zacharias saw him he was he was troubled and fearful. The angel however told him that he had no need to be fearful because his prayers were answered and his wife Elizabeth would bear him a son. The angel went on to tell him that the child should be named John.

This first revelation must have been surprising for Zacharias, but what comes next was even more shocking! Not only was he to have a son, but this son would be great in the sight of the Lord and he was to receive the Holy Ghost even while he was in the womb. Add to that, this son would walk in the spirit and power of Elijah, turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and to prepare the way for the coming Messiah!

All this probably sounded too good to be true, so Zacharias became suspicious. He began to habour doubts and therefore rather than responding in faith he demanded that the angel provide proof that he was indeed an angel and that what he had said was indeed true. Zacharias was afflicted with the plague of doubt that is afflicting so many people in the world today. People find it difficult to take God at his word, but seek to ask God to back up His word signs. People with true faith will however take God at His word and act upon it!

Let me point out that God is not well pleased with doubters. Jesus chided the Pharisees and Sadducees in Matthew 16: 4 – “A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas.” Similarly, in speaking to Thomas after the resurrection Jesus said to him that because he had seen he now believed, but blessed are those who have not seen but still believed.

Let’s get back to the story. The angel did give Zacharias a sign, but not the type of sign he was looking for; he was struck dumb and would not be able to speak until the words of the prophesy had been fulfilled. After being struck dumb Zacharias now believed but was unable to express his new faith; nevertheless his life was changed forever. When he exited the temple he made signs to the people to indicate what had happened – presumably he could still write, so he may have written out what had happened to him in the temple. When the days of his assignment were accomplished he went home and soon thereafter his wife Elizabeth conceived. Nothing else is said of Zacharias until the birth of his son.

When the baby was eight days old he was circumcised and relatives gathered for the naming of the baby. Elizabeth’s relatives wanted to name the baby Zacharias, after his father, but Elizabeth wanted him to be named John – presumably Zacharias had told her the name that the angel had given him. Amidst the protest of the relatives they eventually made signs to his father to enquire what he should be called. Zacharias asked for a writing tablet and wrote – His name is John! With this act Zacharias confirmed his faith in what the angel had declared. He had moved from being a doubter to a man of faith! His mouth was loosed, he began praising God and being filled with the Holy Ghost he began to prophesy concerning the redemption of God’s people!

APPLICATION

This prophesy of Zacharias encapsulates the essence of the Christmas message – Listen again to the prophesy as given in the New Living Translation

“Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and redeemed his people. He has sent us a mighty Savior from the royal line of his servant David, just as he promised through his holy prophets long ago. Now we will be saved from our enemies and from all who hate us. He has been merciful to our ancestors by remembering his sacred covenant— the covenant he swore with an oath to our ancestor Abraham. We have been rescued from our enemies so we can serve God without fear, in holiness and righteousness for as long as we live.

God has visited and redeemed his people! God has visited and redeemed his people! He has sent us a mighty Saviour. We now have the opportunity to be saved from sin and from our enemies. God will show us mercy and has given us the opportunity to serve him without fear all the days of our lives!

This prophesy echoes some of the message spoken by Isaiah several centuries before:

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

This promise of salvation is available to all today. This is the essence of the message of Christmas. The great God of heaven came to earth in the form of a baby; lived on earth like a regular human being; embarked on an earthly ministry at about thirty years old. Preached the gospel for a period of three years. Performed miracles, healed the sick, raised the dead, opened the eyes of the blind, and delivered men and women from oppression.

But his ministry was not limited to that brief period round about AD 30/33. He was lead to the cross, crucified, died, but rose again on the third day! After his resurrection he met with his disciples, commissioned them to preach the gospel to the world and then ascended up into heaven.

But that was still not the end of the story – Approximately 10 days after his ascension, while the disciples prayed in the upper room on the day of Pentecost, He came back to us I the form of the Holy Spirit. Luke puts it this way:

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

This was God coming to dwell with us. This was our Emmanuel! This was God with us and God in us!!

Peter further declared that this promise is extended to all who will believe in all generations - For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. (Acts 2:39)

The message of Salvation and the power of the Holy Ghost spread like wild fire! The apostles faithfully carried out the great commission and in their generation the gospel spread throughout Judea, into Samaria and throughout Europe, Asia Minor and possibly parts of Africa. Where ever the apostles went they carried the message of salvation and the power of the Holy Ghost.

After the death of the Apostles there was great opposition to the faith and erroneous doctrines were introduced in the church, to the extent that the original apostolic message of repentance, water baptism in Jesus name and the infilling of the Holy Ghost was swept underground. Nevertheless God raised up reformers who challenged the status quo and eventually leading to the full reemergence of the Apostolic doctrine. Notable occurrences included the outpouring of the Holy Ghost under the ministry of Charles Perham in 1901 and the great Holy Ghost revival at Asuza Street from 1906-1909 under William J. Seymour. Since then God has continued to pour out his Spirit publicly to all who will ask him. He continues to visit and redeem his people. He has left the door of salvation wide open so that whosoever will may come right in.

CONCLUSION

Today we have shared with you the basic gospel message. This is good news and it is true! Regardless of how deep you might have gone in sin, the door of salvation remains open to you. It may sound too good to be true, I can guarantee you today. This is true. This is real!

Today you can receive forgiveness of all your sins and receive the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ. You can receive water baptism and the baptism of the Holy Ghost.

The same child who was born in a manger has now become your Saviour. Put your trust in him today. The story may seem too fanciful, too wonderful, or simply unbelievable but we stand as witnesses today. It is true.

Lay aside your doubts; lay aside your fears; break free from skepticism. Just believe! I challenge you today – Put your trust in this great saviour. He will never let you down. Come taste and see that the Lord is good. God bless you today!

Positioned for Purpose

2014-12-26T13:01:00.002-05:00

Trevor S Ferguson

December 26, 2014

Esther 4:13-14 (KJV)
13 Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews.
14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

INTRODUCTION

The road we travel in life is sometimes complex and convoluted. Many times we find ourselves in places that we would rather not be, as we experience various misfortunes and setbacks. Many people today find themselves displaced from their usual circumstances, e.g. home, work place, school, church, country or residence. In these situations people often wonder how they ended up in these various positions and often end up depressed and distressed.

Such displacement may be unfavourable or favourable, being in a lesser or better position than we had been in previously. However whether one finds himself/herself in a favourable or unfavourable position the displacement often leaves us lonely and uncomfortable in the strange environment. Let me add that it is not only displacement that leads to such discomfort. Sometimes we are very much in our usual position and may be wondering why we have not had an opportunity to move on. Why do we have to stay in lowly places when everybody else seems to be moving on to higher places or greener pastures?

Today I want to share a word of encouragement from the word of God. I believe that for each of us God has placed us in our particular positions in order to accomplish His Divine purpose. You have been positioned for purpose! Don’t rush to move on your own accord. An inappropriate move may thwart God’s purpose for your life.

The text comes from the story of Esther and how God used her position as a Jewish queen in the kingdom of Persia to bring about deliverance for all Jews in the Persian Empire. I declare to you today that your current position, indeed, your current displacement, has been divinely orchestrated by God to bring about his purpose. Allow him to open your eyes that you may see what He has assigned for you to do, because you have been positioned for His purpose.

EXPOSITION

Let’s look at the text and its context. The story of Esther is set in the Persian Empire among the Jews that had chosen to remain in Persia after the initial decree of Cyrus which allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem. Among the Jews in Persia was an orphan – Hadassah. We do not know the circumstances of the death of her parents, but she had a cousin Mordecai, who took her as his own daughter and cared for her. The scripture describes her as being fair and beautiful. This Hadassah is known to us as Esther.

Here was Esther, displaced and orphaned; but in even in her unfortunate circumstances, God was working out a plan. He was getting her in the right place to accomplish His purpose. Mordecai, Esther’s adopted father worked at the king’s palace in Shusan. As such he became aware of a ‘beauty’ contest to find a queen to replace Vashti who had been deposed because she failed to comply with King Ahasuerus’ request to parade her beauty before his friends. We are not sure what motivated Mordecai to enter Esther into the contest to find a new queen, but somehow God allowed it because He had a greater purpose. The scripture tells us that Esther found favour with Hegai who was the person in charge of preparing the young women to meet with the king and that also Esther found favour with the king and was made queen instead of Vashti.

Now nested in the midst of this story of selecting the queen is a little side story that could easily have been overlooked. While sitting in the king’s gate, Mordecai overheard of a plot to kill the king, and told Esther about it. Esther submitted a formal report to the king and included in the report that Mordecai was the person that had uncovered the plot. The king investigated the report, verified the plot and had the conspirators hanged. Nothing was done for Mordecai at the time, but again, this was not by accident, because this little encounter was to turn up again at a critical time.

A word to all of us – Do the right thing all the time and don’t worry if you are not appropriately recognized or rewarded. God will work it out in due time. It’s in the records!

Now after this the king promoted a certain Haman as prime minister in Persia. Haman however was an evil man. He was thought to be a descendant of Agag, king of the Amalekites who were ancient enemies of Israel. This was the same Agag, whom Saul had spared, despite being told to completely destroy the Amalekites! Let us be careful because when we disobey God it can have longstanding consequences across several generations.

Haman had all the people bow down to him as he passed by but Mordecai refused to do so, as to him this was a form of idolatry. Haman was very angry with Mordecai’s stance and plotted to kill all the Jews in the Persian Empire. He obtained a decree from the king to enact the annihilation of the Jews on the 13^th day of the month of Adar and sent notices throughout all the kingdom of Persia to this inform them of this plan. When Mordecai heard of the plan he was in great distress, tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, then went into the city with a loud and bitter cry. There was great mourning and weeping among the Jews, but this was accompanied by fasting as they called upon and anticipated deliverance by the power of God.

When Esther heard of Mordecai’s actions she sent messengers to him to enquire as to the reasons for his grief. He sent her a copy of the decree and charged her to go in unto the king and make supplication to him on behalf of the Jews. Note that all this time Esther’s identity as a Jew was unknown to the king. Esther’s initial response was one of fear. She reminded Mordecai that the law in Persia required that anyone man or woman, who went into the kings inner court without being invited by the king would be put to death, save and except if the king held out his golden sceptre to grant the person entry. Mordecai’s response is the subject of today’s discourse: “For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

Let’s look at this verse in some more detail. What can we gather from Mordecai’s words?

(1) IT IS TIME TO SPEAK UP!

In times of crises we cannot afford to remain silent. Though we may appear protected because of our position, we cannot afford to protect our own interest when the lives of our people are at stake!

(2) IT IS TIME TO DECLARE OUR IDENTITY!

In order for Esther to advocate for the Jews she must declare her identity. Her arguments would be weak and ineffective except that she puts it in the context that she was a Jew, the Jews were her people and the decree would also require her to be put to death. For some people especially when working in high offices, or in the school setting our Christian identity in not known to our peers or co-workers and even more frequently though people may know that we are Christians they may not know that we are Pentecostals. While I do not suggest that we walk around with placards declaring our identity we must be careful to declare who we are and what we believe whenever the occasion is appropriate. Declaring our identity is a testimony of our faith and can be used by God to lead someone to him.

(3) REGARDLESS OF OUR ACTION OR INACTION, GOD WILL STILL BRING DELIVERANCE TO HIS PEOPLE!

Note the word’s of Mordecai here – If you hold your peace, enlargement and deliverance of the Jews will arise from another place! God will work something out. When he could not find anyone inside the city to deliver Israel from the Syrians he used four lepers outside the city gate! God will find some way to deliver his people, by why not let Him use you!

(4) OUR PRESENT POSITION WAS DESIGNED BY GOD TO BRING ABOUT HIS PURPOSE!

While Esther, and even Mordecai, might have been unaware of the plan of God when she was been elevated to the position of queen in Persia it is clear that the hand of God was at work! Mordecai’s statement is written as a question, but as the sequence of events unfolds we see that this was more of a declaration in faith. You are come to the kingdom for this time! Your position was divinely ordained by God, enacted in the heavens, scheduled in time and place. You are in the right place at the right time. Don’t be afraid. Let God use you to accomplish his will!

While the passage today has focused on Esther and her position of prominence, I want to take a little time to broaden the scope so that we may realize that it is not only positions of prominence that are ordained by God! We are very familiar with similar stories about Joseph – how God sent him ahead to preserve a posterity for the Jews in Egypt and of Moses – how God preserved him as a Jew in Pharaoh’s palace, brought up as a prince in Egypt in order to deliver the Jews from Egypt (note also that there came a time when Moses had to declare / who his identity). We also recall Nehemiah whose position again in Persia was used to secure the building of the walls of Jerusalem.

I want us to recall however that it’s not only the people in prominence who are positioned by God. Mordecai as a servant in this story was equally, if not more important than Esther in securing deliverance for the Jews. In fact I believe that Mordecai is one of the unsung heroes of the bible - when we look in the last chapter of Esther, we he that he was promoted to the position of prime minster in Persia and served his people well. The parallel that I want to highlight however is that of the little servant girl in 2^nd Kings 5. This Jewish girl was also positioned for purpose. It was her testimony to the miraculous power on God through his prophet Elisha that led to Naaman being healed of his leprosy. Similar narratives include David who was sent on a simple errand to bring food for his brothers but ending up as the one to slay Goliath; and Gideon, threshing wheat in a winepress, totally out of place but was called of God to deliver Israel from the Midianites.

APPLICATION/CONCLUSION

The word of God to us today is that we have been positioned for Divine purpose. Our present position whether lofty or lowly was designed by God to accomplish his purpose. Some of us have been displaced – moved out of our comfort zone and away from familiar territory. But it is not by accident. God has a plan and a purpose for your current position!

I have always held dear the words of Psalm 37:23 “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord and he delighteth in his way”. I believe that once you are walking in the will of God every step of your way is important and has Divine purpose. I have often said that the route is as important as the destination because the people and issues that we meet along the way are extremely important. Note that Mordecai’s simple act of reporting a conspiracy against the king turned out to be a critical part of the saving of the Jews. Every step, every action is important. Do the right thing all the time!

So today whatever position you find yourself in, seek to find God’s purpose. If it is not clear to you now, the walk in God’s will, obey his words, do the right thing. You have been positioned for purpose. God will reveal that purpose in good time.