Are You Convinced?

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:37-39 NIV)

With all of the negative, depressive, and oppressive media reports we see and hear on a daily basis, it’s difficult to understand how we could be convinced of anything good. Every day–rumors of unrest and violence all over the world–Afghanistan, Pakistan, all over the land from the middle to the far corners of the world–we seldom hear good news.

How we function as children of The Most High should not be predicated upon “world news” but by The Word of God–the Good News–that no matter what happens here on earth, nothing–absolutely nothing shall separate us from the love of God.

And one of the things we need to stop doing is bashing where we live–in America. Instead of complaining about the negative events–we should be praying for God to fill all with His wisdom and love–so we can live in peace. When we rise up against authority–whether we like the authority or not–we put ourselves in a position to not receive God’s blessings because of our disobedience.  That’s right–it is disobedient to rise up against authority (unless the authority is totally ungodly).

I see constant denigrating remarks about the President by people who claim to be Christians. Their remarks cause me to wonder if indeed they are followers of Jesus Christ. That is not to say they should agree with everything the President does, but it does mean we should not stoop to name-calling and cartoon caricatures that are demeaning. When other countries see our lack of respect for elected leadership, they sit back and laugh at all of us–waiting for disaster that is bound to happen.

So, since it is obvious the President is not hearing or listening to God–let’s pray for him.

Since no one in Congress is doing their job--we need to pray that people will elect those who will.

Since those sitting on the Supreme Court have lost sight of their purpose as it pertains to upholding laws–not changing them, we need to pray for them–that they’ll repent and hear God.

Since there are people who think they have a right to take lives–indiscriminately, we need to pray for them.

Since there are people who think they are superior to others–we need to pray for them.

Since there are people who live in total submission to those who have enticed them with evil, we need to pray for them.

Since there are people with idiotic notions about family, education, and raising children–we need to pray for them.

Since there are people on this planet who think everything should be given to them–we need to pray for them.

There are so many things we need to pray about and people who need prayer–direct instruction from God–and if we were praying, we wouldn’t have time to denigrate others–in any way.

Nevertheless, we know these things are happening and no matter what–whether people stop hating or not, stop killing or not, stop being foolish or not, nothing–absolutely nothing shall separate those who truly love God from His presence or His love.

I am convinced–especially since I know the end of the story–in the end we who Believe God, win–and while we wait for the victory of ascending to heaven, we can live this life, knowing we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us.

Are you convinced? If not, get into The Word and know–not just believe, but know He is our risen Savior and we can do all things well through Him.

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By Faith, Not Foolishness!

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is the what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.” (Hebrews 11:1-3 NIV)

Many people have varying opinions about what faith is and how it should operate in our lives, but this particular passage of scripture reminds us how God defines faith. Having faith is being confident about those things we hope to see and the assurance about what we do not see.

By faith, we sit on chairs we did not see built, expecting them to support us without collapsing.

By faith, we live in our houses made from the wood of trees we did not grow and most of us–unless we built from the ground up–did not see the framework built, the foundation poured, or the roof installed, yet we expect the house to withstand the elements and we rest with assurance that it will keep us safe–every time we go to sleep.

By faith, we eat food in restaurants we did not cook, expecting not to become ill and the food will nourish us.

By faith, we walk outside expecting to breathe in oxygen, even though we cannot see it–we never challenge it is there.

By faith, we start up cars–expecting them to get us from one point to the other and we have no idea whether the car was built correctly or even if those responsible for inspecting the finished product, even knew how to do their jobs. We keep buying cars and driving them with assurance–until there is a mechanical problem.

By faith, we buy produce and other products from supermarkets–expecting them to be good even though we did not have a hand in growing anything or manufacturing anything we purchase.

By faith, we bring children into an uncertain world–confident that we will see them survive and thrive beyond the uncertainties and we do what we can–without being able to see into the future–to make sure they have a good life.

By faith, we teach our children to be careful when crossing streets, confident that when we have taught them, they will not foolishly walk in front of moving traffic.

By faith, when we know that all the utilities have been paid, we turn on water and light switches without checking to see if the pipes and wires are working. We simply expect them to be.

There are so many things we do by faith (not feelings–for feelings are fickle) without even thing about it, but when it comes to the things of God–our faith–confidence in Him–wavers because we listen to the naysayers and doubt.

Jesus said, “When we pray, we must believe we receive” that for which we have asked so if we have received, why ask for it again? Faith–to receive what we have asked for is demonstrated in our thanksgiving until it manifests itself–not in constantly asking for the same thing.

On the other hand, those who deliberately do dumb things and expect God to save them are not acting in faith, but foolishly. We can expect God to save us from situations we did not create or know about, but to do things foolishly in anticipation of Him being a magician–is foolish.

Now–is the time–we must have faith in God with complete confidence that all He has promised–He will provide and all we have to do is–believe it will come to pass.

Living Wisely!

“Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” (Ephesians 5:15-17 NIV).

How do we live wisely–understanding what the Lord’s will is?

The first thing we must do is to seek God’s wisdom in all things and we can find His will in His Word–His Word is His Will for us and how we live.

After admonishing the church at Ephesus to live as children of the light–doing all things that can be openly examined and scrutinized without shame or fear, Paul continues with instructions based upon the Word and their circumstances. He reminds them that once upon a time–they walked in darkness–not knowing truth and doing all sorts of things that were too shameful to even discuss. Now, he tells them–find out what pleases The Lord and live accordingly.

Those words–“and find out what pleases The Lord” (Ephesians 5:10) speak volumes to us today. If we’re going to live wisely, doing what pleases The Lord, we must know what it is that pleases Him. The only way we can discover that is to read His Word and get understanding.

Notice what Paul doesn’t say–live to please self or others. There’s a reason he doesn’t say that. If we learn to live to please God, in all things–He will give us favor with others and therefore–they will be pleased. However, we cannot attempt to please man (our fleshly desires) and think that God will be pleased with us–especially if what we do is in opposition to His Word.

The Word never tells us to be politically correct in order not to offend others with truth. The Word tells us to be bold and very courageous in promoting the Gospel. If people are offended by Truth, it is because Truth exposes their lifestyle that opposes God. In other words–Truth pulls the cover off those things that people think they do in secret or in dark places where they cannot be seen.

Being politically correct–sugar-coating truth or exchanging truth for a lie–has become the blueprint the enemy uses to cause many to fall away from living according to The Word. This is foolishness, not wisdom. And because of the foolishness, we see changes in just about everything, made to accommodate the ungodly. Changes in school curriculum that expose young children to lifestyles that are in opposition to God. Changes in how those in authority seek to please people in ungodliness more than they do about upholding righteousness. Changes in how churches abdicate their responsibilities and duties to God in order to win favor with the masses who are on a path going directly to hell. All these changes–allowing evil to reign–unchecked–is the reason we see so much violence and killing. The prince of the air–is amassing an army that is willing to defy God no matter what the consequences are and foolish people are being led by the nose–into the lake of fire. 

That is not living wisely. If what we do in private cannot stand the test of microscopic examination, we shouldn’t do it for surely, we will be exposed by the light of Truth and all things done is darkness, will eventually be exposed by the light.

Now is not the time to back away from God’s Will; now is the time to endeavor to seek His Will on a daily basis and live as wise people, not foolish ones.

Understanding Our Ministry Purpose!

” (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors, and teachers to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:9-13 NIV)

Christ, Himself gave gifts to men and women to function in the roles of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers–all promoting The Word and how to live a Godly life–so that all in the Body of Christ will know what they are to do and how they are to live.  Christ did not set up denominations or religions to divide those who Believe Him, but to bring all who believe into unity–one purpose–teaching all, what God said in preparation for His return.

The ministry gifts–given to those chosen to function in those offices are accompanied with the Spiritual gifts as noted in I Corinthians 12:7-11 (a separate lesson coming soon). All of the spiritual gifts are given as Holy Spirit chooses to those He chooses–not as we desire. Many have been given the gifts of healing and manipulated the gift to bring attention to self and have been exposed for the deception. We are not give gifts to exploit people, but to provide purpose for what we do, magnifying God in all we do–so He gets the glory, not us.

But note this:  The nine gifts listed, cooperatively work in groups of three–faith, healing and miracles; prophecy, speaking in tongues and interpretation, wisdom, knowledge and discernment–all working together for the same purpose, but through different individuals. For anyone to claim they operate in all nine of the spiritual gifts–on their own–I would question the validity of that claim based upon the scriptures and discount anything else they had to say.

This is why it is important for all Believers to know and understand The Word. It is not enough to know what is said without having understanding of what is said and why. It is because so many have gone out–proclaiming and declaring things that God did not say, that we have so much confusion in the Body of Christ today. We must read, study, mediate upon The Word, gaining understanding before we attempt to tell anyone else, anything.

One of the reasons people attempt to manipulate the gift given is because they do not understand their purpose in ministry. They proclaim they have been called by God (when actually some have been called by people) and spend little to no time, preparing to function in the calling they claim. When God calls us–He equips us to do the work He has called us to do–naturally, supernaturally, and spiritually. He inspires us to study, directs us to where we can find information to clarify our roles and in understanding His Word. He speaks to us when we allow ourselves to hear Him, guiding us every step of the way.

When He anoints us to do something out of the ordinary, it is the supernatural gifting and operation of Holy Spirit in control, not us and all we have to do is submit to His leading and by this submission, people will know–whether we are called by God or we have allowed men/women to influence our decision to get into ministry.

Doing the work of ministry is not always a pleasant task, but it is a necessary task and when we do it to the glory of God, we know it is worthwhile.

Before we go out into the world of unsuspecting people trying to make our name for ourselves, let’s seek God and obtain understanding the purpose of the ministry gifts and then allow Him to fill us  to overflowing to function in the gifts, He gives!

A Prayer For All Times!

“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love surpasses knowledge–that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:14-19 NIV)

How wonderful to have examples of prayers by those touched by experience with Jesus!

I am convinced that when we have had an experience with Jesus–our faith in Him is magnified to see beyond the natural and the immediate–having compassion upon all who will come to know Him and intercede on their behalf.

Notice that nothing in this short prayer has anything to do with asking for “individual” pleas. This is Paul praying–interceding on behalf of those in Ephesus–and this prayer is worthy of being prayed today–for all Believers–all over the world.

We can pray for every family–asking God to comfort the hearts of those who have lost loved ones and for direction and instruction and providing an experience with Jesus–so all will come to know the grace that has been given to us.

We can pray that God’s love will fill hearts to overflowing so everyone we meet will know who we are and our relationship with Christ--without us having to say one word.

We can pray that a desire for knowing what God has said will fill hearts and minds so all will understand that knowledge of Him is better than any other knowledge because with the knowledge of Him–we understand the importance of love.

We can pray that all who have been brought into right relationship with God will be sustained by His love and know by faith that no matter what happens in this world, we are never alone because He is always with us.

We can pray that all who have been saved–accepted the work on the cross and have come to Jesus–will share their testimony with others–becoming true witnesses of His mercy and grace.

We can pray that God’s love and mercy will strengthen every believer as He empowers them with His Spirit to do all things and to do them well to His glory.

We can pray that through the witness of every Believer, no one will be able to stand before the Father on That Day and say, they have never heard of the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ.

We can pray for world peace as world leaders open their hearts and become receptive to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and will allow The Word to penetrate their inner beings and become saved–determined to lead by direction of Holy Spirit so all of God’s people  can live in peace.

We can pray for an end to violence and hatred so the killing will stop and love will fill the voids in the hearts of those who do not yet know The Lord.

When we pray as those who came before us prayed, all the things we need and desire will be part of the response of our prayers–because our focus has not been us–but others.

Thank You, Lord for allowing us to see beyond the words on the page of our Bibles and to see You directing our steps as we await Your return. Hallelujah, Jesus! Nobody like You in all the world!

Saved and Knowledgeable of The Truth!

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (I Timothy 2:1-4 NIV)

Those of us who are saved–by the blood of The Lamb–and know Truth–as God said it–know what we are to do–in all situations.

We pray–not just for what we as individuals want, but for those in leadership at every level–heads of households, heads of local communities, heads of state governments and national governments, and world leaders–for all in authority–we pray that they will lead with Godly wisdom at all times–considering the needs of all people.

We intercede on behalf of those who do not know Truth that they will be brought into the marvelous light of Truth and know our Risen Savior as we do and will choose to live a life, pleasing to God. When we intercede for others–our focus is not on us, but them and while we’re interceding for them–there may be others who are interceding for us and God is glorified in our efforts to consider others.

We give thanks on a daily basis for all God has done for us, all He is doing for us and all He will do for us–not just for things, but knowledge, wisdom, grace, and mercy. We thank Him for healing broken bodies and spirits. We thank Him for peace–in our homes and all over the world. We thank Him for the use of our limbs, for pouring wisdom into the minds of scientists everywhere so they will find cures for all manner of illnesses so all can live–a quality life.

When we discover the benefit of prayer–expecting God’s response–believing He will answer–in His own timing–we can navigate life with the assurance that no matter what things look like, God will take of us. In the midst of the storms of life, when it seems like nothing is going right for us, we must remember that we are never alone–and God knows all about our trials and since He has purposed for us a life that will glorify Him, we can rest assured–His plans will come to pass.

No matter what our situations or how long it takes for our loved ones to accept the work on the Cross, if we continue to believe God for their salvation, He will do it and the experience with Him, will put them on the right path–where knowledge of God will become the focus of their attention and they will live a life, abundantly blessed.

Father, in the name of Jesus,

I thank You for us enough to come down to earth, experience life as we know it and not sin, and sacrifice Yourself for us.

I thank You for grace, mercy, and Truth so we might know how to live, pleasing You.

I pray that You will speak to the hearts of every person in leadership of any kind, all over the world–providing them Wisdom from above and direction and instructions so all may live a peaceful life.

I pray that every Believer will continue to seek You in all things, continually desiring more of You–wisdom, grace, and mercy so we may share the knowledge with others.

I pray that every preacher, teacher, evangelist, prophet, pastor–by whatever title they use–will seek You and what it is You desire for them to speak to Your people.

I pray that in every building or place of worship–enclosed or outdoors–that Your Spirit will fall fresh and Your anointing will enable all to do Your Will in all situations.

I stand against the works of the enemy who will influence hatred and violence and living in opposition to You.

I pray all Believers will become so full of You they will stand on Your Word, no matter what the enemy attempts to do to discourage them. I declare boldness and courage shall be their badges of honor wherever they go, exercising wisdom in all things, to Your glory.

All this I believe and praise You for doing, In Jesus’ name, I declare it is done.

Amen!

Guarding What We Have With Care!

“Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and in so doing have departed from the faith. Grace be with you all.” (1 Timothy 6:20, 21 NIV).

Within the context of the instructions given to Timothy regarding how he was to conduct himself within the church, we find those instructions relevant to everyone who is in leadership, now.

Though many may argue that the bible is “simply a book of myths,” those who know Truth, know better. And as such, we can always go back to the bible–for instructions in our daily living, understanding that what God inspired others to write-no matter when it was written–is still good for us, today.

An interesting conversation occurred yesterday when someone said to me, they didn’t finish reading a certain book years ago because of the book’s doctrine. Since I was familiar with the book, I couldn’t understand the reference, but was able to determine that the person meant, “they didn’t want to be indoctrinated” by what was being disclosed in the book. It struck me when it was said and I responded that perhaps, that’s why many people won’t read the bible–fear of indoctrination to a sound belief system.

I know many could argue why the bible is outdated, but they could not argue that with me. I don’t argue over what’s in the bible because of my relationship with God. I know and understand the bible is a summary of historical events, demonstrating God’s love for mankind from the beginning, and is sound–for the day in which we live. If all understood the context of events noted in the bible and what happened and what was said, when–we’d understand that careful study of where we are today, is depicted in the bible–a history that covers about 3500 hundred years of man’s behavior and God’s response.

We learn how God expects us to honor Him and honor parents as well as one another–still relevant today. We learn how we are conduct ourselves with one another–with integrity. We learn what happens to people who do not honor God and those He has chosen. We learn how we are to respond to those who are different and respect them for who they are. We learn about politics and leadership, taxes, and love relationships–culminating in marriage as part of His plan to see mankind continually perpetuated by new births. We learn how much He loves us through His death on the cross, His resurrection, and His ascension with the promise of His return. We learn how to operate in the gifts and power He has given us through Holy Spirit. We learn to love the unlovable and to pray for our enemies. And everything we learn now, is referenced in the bible–that “book of myths” by which so many have used–to gain wealth and assist others.

All of this–and more–Paul was reminding Timothy of as he started leading a church--to stay the course and guard what he had been taught, never allowing the foolishness of demonic teachings to become part of what he taught others.

Unfortunately, since many do not understand how Holy Spirit operates in our lives, they have succumbed to demonic teaching–all those things that are opposed to God’s plans for mankind–and they think they are teaching truth. They are not teaching God’s Truth and since we have no truth to teach, what is being taught is a lie and we know that Satan is the father of all liars. We cannot allow demonic teachings to keep us from our destination–an eternity with God. 

With all of our getting, we must get wisdom–and true wisdom only comes from above–not below. We must guard the wisdom given from God with great care and allow Him to direct us in all things.

Will Your Work Stand The Test?

“By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work.” (1 Corinthians 3:10-13 NIV)

In a number of places across the country, storms are a challenge to daily living. People end up watching their hard-earned livelihoods, homes, and other property–destroyed by wind and rain. However, even in the midst of the destruction, some buildings remain, untouched, as though it had been moved until the storm finished its destruction.

Companies–who miss laying a solid foundation for functioning and surviving–cease to exist in the midst of economic storms–and people lose their jobs, homes, and families disintegrate as consumer prices rise and many are left standing as though zombies, wondering what just happened.

Families–who try to exist and survive without a firm foundation of love and respect–end up scattered like the wind blowing birdseed–landing where they may, not knowing how to continue for they have no foundation on which to build.

Everything that survives the test of time and trial does so because of having a solid foundation and the church is no different. The foundation in the church is Jesus Christ and if anyone attempts to build on any other foundation–they place themselves in position to be tested and most won’t withstand the test. But this test–is not about wind and rain–it is about judgment from on high. If our foundation is Jesus Christ–then everything we do–should be according to The Word and not our own thoughts and desires.

Some people–have taken the above-referenced passage of scripture to mean that buildings used for worship services should not contain costly stone, gold or silver.  But if that were true, they also should not use hay, straw, or wood. The metaphor used is not about what the building is made of, but what’s being done within the building. If our bodies are temple where the Holy Spirit dwells, what are we doing to them? All Believers are the Body of Christ–but what are we doing to demonstrate that our foundation is Jesus Christ?

I hate to belabor a point made many times, by many people–but when I see people who proclaim to be Christians and yet live in opposition to God’s Word--I question the foundation of their proclamation–it cannot be Jesus Christ.

If we truly belong to Him, then we listen to what He says, understand what He says, and obey what He says. That is–if our foundation is Jesus Christ–we will not allow another to mislead and deceive us by trying to convince us otherwise. God’s Word never changes, while man’s fickleness is constantly changing–which is why the laws of the land are always changing to pacify those who choose not to live according to God’s Word. For if we lived according to God’s Word–there would be no need for laws and all would live in peace.

But the key to establishing a solid foundation about anything is in the ability of the leader to inspire and motivate others to build with care–that on which they profess to stand. Will your work stand the test? If not, perhaps, it’s time to tear down the existing foundation of beliefs and rebuild on solid ground with faith in Jesus Christ–who never fails or disappoints.

Follow Godly Wisdom, Not Human Folly and Foolishness!

“Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age,you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness,” and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile. So then, no more boasting about human leaders!” All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future–all are yours, and you are of Christ and Christ is of God.” (1 Corinthians 3: 18-23 NIV)

One of the most devastating things that could ever happen to people is to give leaders so much credit for being more than they are that they foolishly follow their example, rather than God’s.

Nowhere in history do find a mere human being so incapable of erring that we can look at them and say, “That’s a person worth following,” and be telling the truth.

No, the only person worth following is Jesus Christ–the Son of God–who has the wisdom of God and leads us to the Father when we follow Him.

If we lack true wisdom–about anything–family, current events, sin, education, political agendas–anything–it is all found in His Word and in our hearts when we seek God for His wisdom.

We don’t have to guess or speculate about anything–we simply ask and He provides us with direction and instruction.

When we think we are wiser than God, we fall and some never rise again. We have entire civilizations that used to be and are no longer because they failed to understand, their wisdom was not comparable to God’s wisdom.

We are in a day and time in which we need the Wisdom of God more than ever. We see on a daily basis that many in leadership positions or positions of authority are acting upon their own wisdom which is foolishness and if we obey man over God, we can only get the appropriate consequence–failure.

This is not to say that I am wiser than anyone else, but I know when I need answers, who to seek. Even when I don’t hear Him clearly, He knows how to get my attention so I can correct any wrongs and keep moving forward with Him as my guide. I am wise enough to know–without Him–I have no wisdom, but I’d rather be thought a fool–following Him, than to be known as the foolish–following man.

Not everyone will be able to understand the underlying message of The Word and that is as God intended. His Word, inspired by Him and written by those who had a heart to Him, is intended for those who have a heart to obey Him. No mystery to the method, just heart–to hear and obey–and then reap the benefits of obedience, rather than the penalties for disobedience.

We have a choice to make and we must make it soon if we are ever to see America rise upon the fray of common arrogance and political correctness when it comes to making decisions and laws regarding all the people. If we love God and love one another, we will not fall into the pit–straying from God’s path–by following the foolishness of human folly.

United For The Cause!

“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” (I Coriinthians 1:10 NIV).

This appeal from Paul to all church leaders–was in response to those who thought they had a claim of superiority over others–simply because of who the leader was. For whatever reason–then as now–people tend to think that if they belong to a certain church or denomination that they have bragging rights and feel superior to any other Believers.

The truth of the matter is–if ALL claim to be Believers in the Work on the Cross, in salvation, repentance, spreading The Word and LIVING according to The Word–then NONE are superior or inferior. ALL are equal in the sight of God since He has no respect of persons.

People who have worship services on Sunday have no more access to God than those who have worship services on Saturday or any other day of the week–we all have equal access to God through the Son, Jesus Christ.

How a person is baptized is a matter between them and God, but if we look at the Scriptures and desire to be like Christ, who was submerged when baptized, then we would have to know, submersion is  the acceptable baptismal method. But this is not to argue, sprinkling or submersion–the act of baptism is supposed to symbolic of our “being buried with Him (to sin), and rising again (to live for Him)” to do the good works He said we would do. If we cannot do the works–ignited by love–for God and others–our baptism means nothing.

I can perfectly understand Paul’s response to the church at Corinth–it doesn’t matter who does the baptism or under what banner–it is the BAPTISM itself that matters–not who did it. If a person’s heart is not right–it won’t matter who does the baptizing. Some have gone into the water a dry devil and come up a wet one–there is no change of heart and so there can be no change of action.

Since none–but Jesus–has ever died for us–why do we pay so much attention to people in leadership positions? They have no heaven or hell for us. Their opinion of us–matters not–especially those who simply love to have authority over others, but have no relationship with God and it is evident in how they conduct themselves in their various churches. Having authority over people does not make them gods–it usually means God’s favor–but more often it means, someone has erred in judgment by putting a godless person over others. We know this happens because we see the results every day when they are reported in the media. Why can’t we choose leaders by praying until God shows us who is to lead?

Okay, that’s a topic by itself and I will explore it, but the important thing for all BELIEVERS is that we are saying what God says–in total agreement–without any division. When the Body of Christ (everyone who proclaims to be believe in Him) unites in thought, purpose and deed, we will indeed change the world for the better.

Until then, let’s not get caught up in people–who lead–but in the Leader we follow–Jesus Christ and learn to be united for the cause–encouraging everyone to live according to The Word of God!