As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” Acts 8:26 (NIV)
Baptism is a public declaration that you have decided to follow Jesus. If you feel a nudge to be baptized, go with it. Rarely would someone want to be baptized just because it’s “fun.” However, if you’re shipwrecked in the middle of the ocean, I’d recommend waiting until you get back to land. (That’s just a personal opinion)
Teach us to number our days,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12
I’ve heard of a few rich people claiming they need to pay taxes, but I’ve never heard of someone who was willing to give up everything to be poor for thirty-three years. What kind of love would do that? If we are honest, we’ll admit it’s not the kind of love we have ever seen. It would be easier for man to say they would die for someone than give up his riches knowing full well he would eventually be rejected and killed.
Most of the time, men are willing to do something unselfish when they believe they will be rewarded. But Jesus loved us so much, he gave up everything so WE could be rewarded. That’s ultimate love!
This notes for this sermon were based on 2 Corinthians 4:6-18.
Let’s face it! We can do everything we believe is right and just, and still life is not going to go our way. This is an imperfect world. In fact, like the Apostle Paul, we may face opposition because we ARE doing the right thing. We may get knocked down, taunted and feel pressure from all sides.
Life isn’t going to be easy. We may feel that way when we center on ourselves, but God has a bigger picture. We can praise Him because his plan extends far beyond our sight. It will all come together in the end, but don’t expect smooth sailing in the meantime.
“We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18
Thank you to Jim Lyon of Madison Park Church of God for this sermon.
The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah a second time, while he was still shut up in the court of the guard: “Thus says the Lord who made the earth, the Lord who formed it to establish it—the Lord is his name: Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. Jeremiah 33:1-3 ESV
It amazes me that Jeremiah heard the Lord even while in prison. Jeremiah wasn’t known to be a cheery guy. We know him as the weeping prophet. He carried messages that didn’t make anyone feel great about themselves. The people made it clear they didn’t like what he said and punished him several times, including throwing him in jail.
But God was there with him even in prison. When we call out to the Lord, he will answer. That doesn’t mean he will always answer in the way we would like, but it will be the best answer for us. Call to him today, and he will answer!
Cartoon of a growling dog and guy. The boy says, “Hey! Have you forgotten who feeds you?”
This cartoon is based on Psalm 104:24-30.
My wife got a rude surprise the other day. She wanted to put our dog up for the night, but the pooch didn’t want anything to do with it. Perhaps she was guarding one of her bones, or she just didn’t want to move. Whatever reason, she bit my wife. I had fallen asleep. I awoke to a very angry voice cry, “Bad dog!” Unfortunately, our dog literally bit the hand that fed her.
Psalm 104 paints a beautiful picture of how the Lord provides for us. It says that every creature depends on God for survival. Sometimes, people forget that is just as true for them as it is for the sparrow.
Today, let’s think about all the good and perfect gifts the Lord provides for us.
Cartoon of two fighting men. They have numerous speach balloons between them. The illustration is based on 2 Timothy 2:14.
“Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.”
As a guy, I have a problem. I like to argue once in a while. It may be because I disagree with someone. Or it could be just because I like to ruffle someone’s feathers. It’s especially tempting to do when I know someone has strong opinions and has a temper.
The verse reminded me that arguing does have consequences. Words can not only hurt, but ruin someone. The next time I’m tempted to argue, I need to remind myself how little value this activity brings.
Cartoon of a surprised boy and a celebrating girl. The girl says, “All my needs for today have been met. Let’s give God a shout-out.”
This cartoon is based on Philippians 4:19.
Have you ever stopped to realize how many of our needs have been met? It gets so easy to think about all the things we don’t have and want. There is no doubt people are struggling to make ends meet. There are big needs in this world.
At the same time, many of us DO have all our needs met by God. We have a tendency to forget that and to focus on our next obsession. When that happens, take some time to realize how God has taken care of you. Then you can focus on how can use you to supply the needs of others worse off.
Let’s give a shout-out to the Lord today!
Cartoon of two guys. One has lipstick on his face. The other says, “You mean all you did was tell the truth? And she kissed you?” The cartoon is based on Proverbs 24:26.
It’s refreshing when someone tells the truth. That isn’t emphasized today. Even in Solomon’s time, a truthful answer was hard to come by.
When you’re faced with a situation where you are tempted to hide the truth, think about how refreshing the truth can be.
Cartoon of people at a group study. A man says, “The opinions I will express at this Bible study are my own. They do not necessarily reflect those of our church, the pastor or my wife.”
I based this cartoon on Ephesians 4:15