Maintaining Faith in Times of Trouble

What is Faith?

Hebrews 11:1-3: Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of ‍things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by ‍the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of ‍things that are visible.

By defining faith (Gk. pistis) as “assurance” and “conviction,” the author indicates that biblical faith is not a vague hope grounded in imaginary, wishful thinking. Instead, faith is a settled confidence that something in the future—something that is not yet seen but has been promised by God—will actually come to pass because God will bring it about.

“Maintaining faith” assumes one has faith.

What constitutes saving faith?

Jesus told Nicodemus “You must be born again.”

Our natural birth is of the flesh the new birth is of the Spirit.

We are brought to faith by understanding certain facts:

1) All have sinned

2) The penalty for our sin is death

3) Jesus died to pay the penalty of our sin

4) Jesus calls us to come to salvation

5) Repentance should be our response

6) Jesus promises: All that ‍the Father gives me will come to me, and ‍whoever comes to me I will never cast out.

How can we know we have saving faith?

But to all who did receive him, ‍who believed in his name, ‍he gave the right ‍to become ‍children of God,

“For ‍God so loved ‍the world, ‍that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not ‍perish but have eternal life.” Remember the promise in 6) above.

Leon Morris can say, “Faith, for John, is an activity which takes men right out of themselves and makes them one with Christ.” He understands the Greek phrase πιστεύω εἰς to be a significant indication that New Testament faith is not just intellectual assent but includes a “moral element of personal trust.”

Saving faith causes the believer to be more aware than ever before of sin. A person who has such faith cannot sin and get away with it. The indwelling Holy Spirit convicts of sin, righteousness and judgement. Such conviction causes the believer to be uncomfortable with sin in their life as well as in the lives of others.

At the same time we still have all the bad memories and habits of the past that pull us away from faith. We also have an active enemy who works to make us ineffective in our faith.

The new birth gives us new resources that have to be used to be effective.

There is a definite change in the life of the believer beginning on the inside. The Holy Spirit begins his work in the believer.

“In him you also, when you heard ‍the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, ‍were sealed with the ‍promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is ‍the guarantee‍ of our ‍inheritance until ‍we acquire ‍possession of it, ‍to the praise of his glory.

We have the assurance of the Bible. John wrote: “but these are written so that you may ‍believe that Jesus is the Christ, ‍the Son of God, and that by believing ‍you may have life ‍in his name.”

We have weapons given by God. Read Ephesians 6:10-18; 2 Corinthians 6:1-10 and Hebrews 4:10. Weapons are only good if they are used.

The Bible is the source of faith. The Spirit works with the word to give us the ability to live a life of faith. “Let me ask you only this: ‍Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by ‍hearing with faith? 3 Are you so foolish? ‍Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by‍ the flesh? 4 ‍Did you suffer‍ so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? 5 Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and ‍works miracles among you do so ‍by works of the law, or by hearing with faith— 6 just as ‍Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”?

God gives us angels who minister to us. (Gen. 19:16; 28:12; 32:1, 2; Judg. 6:11; 13:3; Ps. 34:7; 91:11; 103:20, 21; Dan. 3:28; 6:22; 10:11 and Matt. 18:10) Peter was taken from prison by an angel. Phillip received directions from an angel. Cornelius was given precise instructions by an angel. Paul was given confidence by the words of an angel.

God gives us people to encourage us. In fact we are urged in scripture to encourage our fellow believers: “And we urge you, brothers, admonish ‍the idle, ‍encourage the fainthearted, ‍help the weak, ‍be patient with them all.”

Why Do Believers Have Trouble?

Jesus said we would: “I have said these things to you, that ‍in me you may have peace. ‍In the world you will have ‍tribulation. But ‍take heart; ‍I have overcome the world.”

Paul said: “all who desire to ‍live a godly life in Christ Jesus ‍will be persecuted,”

Everything in life serves a godly purpose. Romans 8:28 should be memorized: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together ‍for good, for ‍those who are called according to his purpose”

When a believer confronts trouble several things should be taken into consideration: 1) Everyone has problems; 2) Jesus has overcome the world; 3) All things work together for good; 4) We really deserve death and hell everything is uphill from there.

The Book of Job tells us about a man who got what he did not deserve. He was blameless and upright yet he lost everything including his wealth, health, children and the support of his wife. His friends failed him in his time of need. He understood that everything came to him from God and did not understand what he had done to bring this disaster on himself.

“Why me?” is a fairly common reaction when trouble comes to people of faith. Job had that reaction and expressed it in chapter 19 verses 1-24. However, he immediately spoke his faith in the face of his troubles in chapter 19 verses 25-27. At the same time he was overwhelmed by the troubles that came his way.

Job seems never to have known anything about spiritual warfare that was going on around him. He only knew that God is sovereign and though he resented God’s treatment of him he knew that God is just and will ultimately vindicate him.

His friends took the common, human, response. If Job would just identify his sin and repent of it then God would stop the suffering.

God does not take Job to task for all that he said, in fact, God calls his words “right” in chapter 42 verse 7.

How we React to Trouble Reflects on Our Maturity

In scripture we are told specifically how to react. Romans 5:1-5; 1 Peter 1:6-9 and James 1:2-4

James and Paul are both direct in urging rejoicing in trouble, or suffering.

Paul first shows that by faith we have peace with God, grace to stand and hope of the glory of God.

James, on the other hand, dives right in with “Count it all joy, my brothers.”

Both speak words of encouragement to those who are suffering. Paul lists the positive outcome of suffering: “we ‍rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering ‍produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and ‍hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love ‍has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”

Peter adds to Paul by saying that trials refine our faith like the furnace refines gold. He adds the concept that our faith is more precious than gold because gold will perish but our faith endures forever. Later Peter gives us assurance that God’s power grants us everything that pertains to life and godliness.

Joni Eareckson-Tada, who is a quadriplegic, was part of a Billy Graham Crusade many years ago. She sat in her wheelchair and told her story. If I remember correctly, she ended with these verses. “So we do not lose heart. ‍Though our outer self‍ is wasting away, ‍our inner self ‍is being renewed day by day. 17 For ‍this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 ‍as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”

On a recent radio program she quoted from Colossians 3. “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek ‍the things that are above, where Christ is, ‍seated at the right hand of God. 2 ‍Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For ‍you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ ‍who is your‍ life ‍appears, then you also will appear with him ‍in glory.”

We have a responsibility to:

1) Listen to God daily – remember where faith comes from.

2) Talk to God often – He is not offended by our talk (but the devil is).

3) Praise God for his grace and goodness and listen to godly music.

4) Fellowship with other believers – refuse to withdraw.

5) Tell others about our faith – even when we do not feel it.

Personal observations on the Great Commission Task Force Report adopted at SBC 2010

The following is a compilation of quotes from the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force final report (that, I understand, was adopted by an estimated 3-1 margin at SBC 2010) These quotes contain every reference to associations in the report.

In studying the report I see a renewed emphasis on the autonomy of the local church and support for the local church. This is a much needed emphasis.

I see recognition of all gifts, including giving to the local association, as Great Commission Giving. This strengthens, and could be seen as encouraging, flexibility in giving by the local church. I do not believe that, in itself is a bad thing.

I see recognition that: ” we realize that we cannot direct individual Christians, local churches, associations or state conventions to take any particular or specific action.”

I see an encouragement of individuals, families, churches and associations to participate in direct mission efforts such as helping a nearby church or going to a far away place to do missions. Acts 1:8 at work.

I see an encouragement of local churches and their pastors, as well as associations and state conventions to provide training for and promotion of church planting and evangelism.

I am encouraged, in that we are located in an under served and under reached area of our nation, that emphasis is placed on supporting outreach and strengthening in such areas.

I see nothing in the report that recommends restructuring the governing bodies of associations.

I see nothing in the report that calls for dropping funding for associations.

Until specific actions are taken to implement the GCRTF recommendations we do not have any basis to make changes in our structure, policies or practices other than changes based on our understanding of God’s will for Central New York Baptist Association.

Quotes from GCRTF report:

Page 4:

State conventions are developing new ways of reaching North America, and local associations are devising new ways of linking churches together for ministry.

Page 6

All of our Baptist work beyond the local church must exist solely to serve the local church in this mission. This is true for every Baptist association, state convention, and the Southern Baptist Convention

Page 8

We will recognize the total of all monies channeled through the causes of the Southern Baptist Convention, the state conventions, and associations as Great Commission Giving.

Page 9

We call upon all Southern Baptists to celebrate every dollar given by faithful Southern Baptists as part of Great Commission Giving, including designated gifts given to any Baptist association, state convention, and to the causes of the Southern Baptist Convention.

Page 17

We hold to an ecclesiology that honors and affirms both autonomy and cooperation.

The Great Commission Resurgence Task Force is well aware of this, and we realize that we cannot direct individual Christians, local churches, associations or state conventions to take any particular or specific action.

Page 18

Under “Challenges for Individual Christians”

Participate in a North American or international mission trip sponsored by your church or association at least once every four years.

Page 19

Under “Challenges for Individual Families”

Spend a family vacation participating in a local church or association sponsored mission trip.

Under “Challenges for Local Churches and Pastors”

Become knowledgeable of the mission field of your specific region, identifying the various people groups and developing a strategy to penetrate the lostness in your region. Be intentional in working with your local association, state convention and NAMB in pursuing this task.

Page 21

Under “Challenges for Local Churches and Pastors”

Get involved in a regular church planting program at some level of your congregation’s capability. This can include specific partnerships with another church, your association, state convention or NAMB.

Plan at least one evangelism training course annually for your church members; consider inviting members of other churches in your association to participate, especially smaller churches.

Plan at least one North American or international mission trip a year and/or encourage members to participate in mission trips sponsored by a local association.

Pages 22-23

Challenges for Local Associations

Enthusiastically embrace the missional vision and core values of the SBC allowing them to guide your work and set your priorities.

Adopt the Baptist Faith & Message 2000 as your confessional basis of association and adopt some shared core values and priorities that characterize the cooperating churches of your association.

Organize quarterly associational prayer meetings for the conversion of the lost and the planting of sound churches in the underserved and unreached areas of North America and around the globe.

Work with state conventions and the SBC to set aside January of every year as a month of prayer for the conversion of unreached people groups around the globe.

Plan at least one annual foreign mission trip and one annual North

American mission trip and encourage all the churches in the association to participate, especially smaller churches.

Develop associational collections of evangelism and discipleship resources and regularly inform the churches about the availability of such resources.

Work with cooperating churches to plant at least one new church a year in an underserved area within or near to the association.

Work with cooperating churches to plan at least one mercy ministry focused outreach event every year.

Page 24

Under “Challenges for State Conventions”

Work with local associations and local churches to plan regional evangelism and discipleship training events on at least a semiannual basis.

Page 25

Under “Challenges for the Seminaries”

Cooperate with local associations, state conventions, NAMB and the IMB in planning and hosting church planting training that puts international missions and church planting in the life blood of all the students our churches entrust to your care.

Our Trip to Peru - September 2010

Departed, Tuesday, September 21 – Returned September 29-30Our team consisted of: Waylen & Cherlyn Bray, Ed Hart, Vincent McKever and Harold Wimbley. We arrived at Lima and did not find any one with a sign looking for us. After an hour of waiting and trying several phone numbers two nice people (Robert and Sonia) approached us and asked if we were looking for someone working with ReapSouth. We said yes. The entire hour they had been patiently waiting for a group of people who looked like Americans who might be on a mission trip. WE FAILED the “look like” test! Thoughts: *We changed dollars to Sols at the airport about 2.72 S to $1. Can be as high as 3 – 1. Look for a vender who advertises “no commission”.*After working with Robert and Sonia (translators) for a couple days we asked them if they would be interested in being part of our team. They were eager to join up and said they would be available if given enough notice. After talking with Arnold Austin – the missionary who debriefed us – he made a note to be sure Robert is assigned to Pastors Wayne and Rick in November.

Then we found a van to take our expanded crew to the Soyuz bus station. We grabbed a little food at the station and boarded the bus. The cost of the bus to Ica was 28 S (one way) or about $10. The on-board entertainment was two horror films about giant snakes. We arrived at Ica, took two taxis (about 8 S for each) to Pastor Wilfredo´s home. We got there at 1:30 AM. He was faithfully waiting for us. Thought:*The following is solid contact for Pastor Wilfredo after getting to Ica. Wilfredo Pardo HernandezCalle: Madre Selva No. 165 Urbanization, San Isidro, ICARing the doorbell and wait.Telephone 056-214254*If the flight is in the daytime it would likely be best to overnight in Lima, especially if Lima arrival time is after 2 PM.*Bathroom attendants seem to routinely charge 50 centamos and will provide a small amount of paper. Best to carry your own paper.

Wednesday

We had very productive meetings with Pastor. We asked about the possibility of Wilfredo coming to the USA and found that he was denied a visa on his first interview. We agreed to find out from our state department what we should do to make his visa available. He has his passport.I (Waylen) proposed that we have not been including Wilfredo in our planning process and therefore have not had the advantage of his knowledge of the culture and the people in our target area. Ed stated that we had had unanimous agreement on the vision trip that we should focus on Llauta and since then we have been diverted to Laramate with little positive results. After discussion we determined to recommend to our CNYBA team that we focus on Llauta with only side trips to Laramate, Huac-Huas and Ocana.

Wilfredo stated that this year had been very bad for him. Background: He had been sent to Ica with a sponsoring church in Lima. That church originally supported him with 900 S a month. A new senior pastor came to the Lima church and he told Wilfredo that he was not to go back to the mountains but instead should focus all his energy on the Ica church. Then the Lima church reduced his support and when it became obvious he was still going to the mountains cut him off entirely. Since then he has been bi-vocational. He works as a laborer and in other areas of building maintenance. This year Raquel had problems with her pregnancy and he could not leave her. She delivered by c-section in June and soon had an infection. That was coupled to depression that Wilfredo was experiencing due to the lack of moral and financial support.

We asked about why he had not baptized anyone in the mountains. He said he was not positive the people were true believers. Teaching for future trips should focus on baptism and church development. We discussed the need to strengthen “El Huerta” (the Ica church) while, at the same time, establishing the work in the mountains. We discussed ideas of VBS and Outreach teams for Ica as well as work teams to finish the repair work on the church building. They have done a beautiful job of tile on the floor downstairs and with paint and “fix up”.In order to maintain our presence in Llauta Pastor Wilfredo suggested he would seek out a student at the seminary who is self-employed and ask him to go to Llauta for 2 weeks each month under Wilfredo’s supervision. On our part, we will look for rental property in Llauta paying a year in advance so as not to lose it between trips. Wilfredo said it would be better to have him occasionally and another person regularly for extended stays but not a pastor on the scene until the work is established. A pastor on the scene would do everything and the people would not learn to function as a church.We had a nice lunch at McGrills (9 people 119 S) and then went to Tottus for some shopping. I bought a showerhead for the room Cherlyn and I are staying in. We rested some in the afternoon and then returned to McGrills for dessert – except for Robert, Sonia and Vincent who had a meal.

Thursday

Wilfredo was unable to go with us to Llauta since a woman who was to help Raquel failed to appear. I (Waylen) believe he would have gone if we insisted but we did not.

Wilfredo had engaged a van to take us to Llauta at a cost of 250 S. We left at 8:30 AM and arrived in Palpa at 10:30 AM where we bought some water and used bathrooms. About halfway to Llauta the driver stopped for lunch saying he had not eaten breakfast. We arrived in Llauta at 1:30 PM. We arranged for rooms at the Hostel owned by the village at a cost of 10 S per person per night. The driver promised (3 times) to return on Saturday between 12 and 1 PM to take us back to Ica.

We did a walking tour of Llauta and arranged to meet the doctor at the health center on Friday at 8 AM and to visit the Kindergarten at 9 AM. There is now 3-4 places to eat at in Llauta. That is likely a result of construction crews building the new plaza and a new school building.

Julio Ramos came to me to ask for a bible. On our last meeting he ridiculed the tract and witness I made to him. I had left my spare Spanish Bible in Ica. (Upon return to Ica I gave the bible to Pastor Wilfredo who was a little skeptical of Julio since he had been at the first encounter. He agreed to take it to Julio)

Friday

We went to the Salud (Health Center) and met with Dr. Jorge Gallarao Navarrete and Nurse Hermelinda Tivas Flores. The doctor began by saying that we had brought medicines last year expecting nothing in return. Then he produced a notebook with page after page of names, medicines and signatures (or thumbprints) representing the supplies we had given them. I probably did not respond appropriately, as I was overwhelmed with emotion. We discussed the ambulance and saw there was a need for two more new tires with tubes. There is also a need for fuel as the local government is not supplying the amount promised and needed. *We purchased tires and tubes in Ica for Wilfredo to send up by taxi.Then Hermalinda took over the discussion with a plan she has prepared and presented (along with the doctor) to the government. The plan is to involve education for mothers on nutrition for children birth through 3 years old. She presented it to us in print for our consideration. Hermalinda is a believer and is passionate about the problem of malnutrition among the little ones of the Llauta district. According to her report there are 104 between the age of birth and 3 with 49 being in Llauta central and the others are identified in Carhuacucho (24) and Pucara (31).

We then went to the Kindergarten to meet with Elsa, the teacher and sang, “Jesus Love Me”, in Spanish and looked over her situation. She has a lovely new space for the children but needs a stone fence/wall along the street about 50-60 ft to protect the children. She needs the girl’s bathroom to be finished (tile and paint) and a small storage shed.

Ed, Vincent, Harold and Robert went to meet with Theresa (secondary principal) and got a list of items the school needs. They need computers, sneakers, sweat suits and sports equipment. They have one volleyball for the entire school. They have the ability to install computers.At some point Ed committed to come back to Llauta for the close of school party December 15, to play “Papa Noel” and I will do a talk on Nicholas and link him to a generous heart stirred by Jesus to give gifts to those in need.I (Waylen) and Sonia met with Neilo, the Director of the schools and we agreed he would get in communication with me by email. The school needs some help with refurbishing a playground. Manual labor can be done by parents but they will need help with cost of basketball goals and concrete surface. I asked about the shrine to Saint Martin and Neilo said it will “disappear”. They would like assistance with English language classes and materials. (videos of practical matters such as employment and working in the fields, and dictionaries, etc). He would like help with buying refreshments for the Christmas party.We spent the afternoon looking at potential rental properties. We found rooms with a common bath (used by others as well) that could be rented for 30 S a month each and two rooms (more space – but same bath) could be had for 100 S. There is a house being constructed (part of a row of houses sharing the same outside walls) for the purpose of being rented but price is not set as yet. There is a municipality owned building but no one was available to discuss renting it. Saul Bendezu showed us around. His daughter, Nilda Bendezu, owned some of the property. Ed and I agreed to follow up in December and perhaps make a decision if we are empowered to by the CNYBA team to do so.

Saturday

We got up, packed up and vacated our rooms. After settling the bill we took our luggage to the square where we waited in bright sunlight. Hung out and visited with those who were available. At 10:45 we asked to use the loudspeaker to announce a meeting in the square. Robert made the announcement. Many people were away from the village at a Fiesta in Carhuacucho and others were in the fields. There were also those who go away to one of the cities on the weekend, About 10 adults and 12-14 children gathered with us. We sang some songs and the gospel was presented. When 2 PM came and no van we bought a phone card and called Pastor Wilfredo. He asked us to call back so he could call the van agency. Upon connecting with them they said the driver did not tell them about the appointment. They could not contact Laramate because of some problem with the landline. We told him that if we did not call him back we had found a way.

About 3 PM a mixto arrived but only had room for five. Harold looked in and said they did not have room for more than three. The driver said we should not worry as there was a bus coming along in about a half-hour. We moved our luggage to the bus stop and waited. The bus arrived and had plenty of room in the back for us and our luggage. The cost was 20 S each to Ica. Compared to the van we saved 110 S by taking the bus. 3:20-5:30 PM to Palpa and 5:30-7:45 PM to Ica. Robert explained where the seminary building was and the driver took a side trip and dropped us at the door.

Sunday

We went to church – Waylen preached in the AM. Took everyone to lunch a McGrill’s 13 people – 215 S.Back to church in the PM – Ed preachedPlaza del Sol food court for dinner – individual choice and dutch treat.

Monday

Met with Pastor for debriefing. Asked Wilfredo if our late arrival was a problem to him. He assured us it did not matter when we arrived. Also asked him about how he felt about the meeting we had on Wednesday and he said he had no problem with it. He was encouraged.We discussed the matter of recommending a focus on Llauta and everyone thought that what they had seen on the trip pointed in that direction. We discussed the fact that anyone who felt a need to go to Laramate certainly had the freedom to do so. This is not an all or nothing matter. We just believe housing in Llauta would allow us higher exposure there and the freedom to take a taxi to any of the other villages for a day or two would not be out of the plan. We recognize that two year’s focus on Laramate has not produced an ongoing group meeting much less a church.Wilfredo was asked about how positive the seminary students seemed to feel about the ministry in the villages. He said some have shown some interest but there has been no follow through. He will talk further with them and take one, or more, up to see what they think after a visit. If such a person is committed to go up they could accompany the November and December teams. If housing is rented in December Pastor Wilfredo would hold the key and monitor any use of the space between trips from the US.I asked if some of the believers in Ica could accompany teams to Llauta. Wilfredo said that would be a good thing when it can be done. We could meet with locals in Ica and pray together about the work.We will need to get some budget figure for locals going to or staying in Llauta fairly soon. Pastor Wilfredo asked if we could continue to use the hostel in Llauta and we said we could but costs will be much smaller if we just rented on an annual basis.We asked if it was possible to travel to Llauta in the rainy season. Wilfredo said yes of course many people do it all the time there just needs to be some flexibility on either end as a mudslide could close the road but it was never more than a few hours – up to a day – before the road is cleared again. So there needs to be a day on each end of the trip to allow for such incidents between November and March.Wilfredo pointed out that whoever goes as an outreach person must know that they are enlisted to start the work and we will be looking for a local pastor as the work develops. I pointed out that we need to help to strengthen the Ica church. I read “Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes.” Isaiah 54:2. We need to do bible clubs, music concerts, revivals etc as well as witness in the neighborhood. With a strong stake our tent can be larger.Ed asked if it would be possible to do some teaching at the seminary to help train people for mountain outreach. I pointed out that we are not trying to interfere with the seminary but add to its offerings. Ed asked about the schedule for the seminary. Most classes are two weeks in length a few are one week (evenings I think)I asked if the other pastors involved in the seminary would support such a plan. Wilfredo said he would have to talk with them. I asked if Ed and I could meet with some of them when we came back in December. Wilfredo said “Yes”.Wilfredo said that sometimes we have a vision not knowing the reality. We must be able to see the reality and then make plans.I stated that Dr. Jorge had said that we brought medicines without expecting anything in return. We need to keep it clear that we come to bring the gospel with no strings attached. Our material assistance must follow the pattern laid down by Jesus – doing for the least does for him – and by James in that faith without works is dead. We must work with the Health Dept., the schools and the local government without entering into any conflicts that may exist between them.We assured Wilfredo that he is an important part of our team. We asked him to speak up when he saw that we were on the wrong path.

In the afternoon we went to the Goodyear store and purchased tires and tubes that Wilfredo will pick up later to take to Llauta. Then we went to the Health Ministry to present a list of needed medicines given us by Dr. Jorge. I told Miriam that we had 500 S to spend and she took the list, eliminated the ones she did not have and created a list that cost 514.22 S with my permission. We took them back for Wilfredo to take up to Llauta next week.

Tuesday

We took taxis to Soyuz bus station bought tickets to Lima and took the ride. Movies were worse. Took taxis to Santa Cruz Hotel and checked in. 1 room for 3 men and one room for Cherlyn and I. $20 for each person for the night.I contacted Austin Arnold, the missionary assigned to debrief us by Mike Weaver. We walked to Kennedy Park to have dinner and meet with Arnold. We reported on our trip and the plan to involve the local people and the Ica church. I also pointed out our intention to establish a rental unit as our base in Llauta. Arnold said that we are on the cutting edge. The IMB has passed down directions to utilize such a plan. I told him we are continuing to supply medicines and tires for the ambulance.He seemed pleased with all that we had done and our plan for the future. I told him we had arranged to keep Robert and Sonia as part of our team and he seemed to think that was a good plan.

Wednesday

We checked out of the hotel and Sonia joined us to help us shop for some gifts.Hotel provided a van for trip to airport $30.Checked in at airport flew to Bogota and spent part of the night in a hotel provided by Avianca due to a problem with our connecting flight.ThursdayFlew to JFKPicked up our car and drove to Stamford.

To the Ends of the Earth 100915

Isaiah 60

Twenty-one years ago I was told that all of Isaiah 60 applied to my ministry and that of this church. The person who told me that was Jack Taylor who was speaking in a conference in New London, CT. Over the years I had come to greatly appreciate Brother Taylor’s ministry so I kept the note he wrote for many years. I am sure it is in one of my old bibles – somewhere. It has always been my desire that this church, and any ministry I am part of, should reflect the message of Acts 1:8. The gospel is not just for a few – it is for all people of all ages. The first disciples were told that they would begin in Jerusalem, go out into Judea, on to Samaria and then to the ends of the earth. Isaiah 60 speaks of people from many nations blessing Israel. Applied to us it speaks of the blessings of many nations coming to us to strengthen the ministry here.

I. It is easy to slip back into a “me only” mentality.

A. When first saved it is pretty much about “ME”.

B. Missions becomes something we give to and others do.

C. Vision is self-centered.

II. Jesus told his disciples they would be empowered - Acts 1:8

A. To witness.

B. Where they were.

C. To whomever they met.

III. The gospel is for all people. Matthew 28:18-20

A. All have sinned.

B. All are condemned.

C. All who receive and believe become children of God.

We must remember that we have been called to reach out with the gospel. Our friends and family need to know Christ. Our neighbors and those we work with need to know Christ. We need to learn what it takes to open the hearts and minds around us to the gospel. We know the gospel is God’s will but we have not got a good grasp of God’s way of sharing the gospel. I will close with a story about a person who came to Christ over a period of time. Let’s learn from it.

By Bob Wood

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I first heard Sharon’s name (not her real name) as a prayer request. We were praying for lost persons in our circle of influence. A lady in our Sunday School class who worked with Sharon requested prayer for her. Sharon had no church background and was antagonistic toward Christianity.

Sharon’s first contact with our church was a Sunday School party. She came with her friend who was praying for her. Isn’t it interesting how people who won’t come to church will come to a party? At a simple party with food and board games Sharon’s perception of Christians began to change. Later she told me, “I was surprised. You guys didn’t have two heads and seemed to have fun.”

Sharon’s next contact with our church was months later; she sent her kids to VBS. Sharon’s third contact with was about a year later when she came with her friend to a Sunday morning worship service. After a few months of worship attendance, Sharon began attending our Sunday School class with her friend.

Finally, about two years after we began praying, Sharon’s friend shared the gospel with her and she accepted Jesus. She soon made a public profession of faith and was baptized. By the way, the next summer she was helping to teach VBS and hosted a backyard Bible club at her home.

What was the door to Christ and His church for Sharon? Was it Sunday School? Yes! Was it worship? Yes! Was it VBS? Yes! Most of all, it was a Christian friend who prayed for her, invited her to church events, and shared the good news of Jesus with her. Sunday School and worship can and should be partners in evangelism.

We are His Workmanship

Ephesians 2:4-10

But‍ God, being ‍rich in mercy, ‍because of the great love with which he loved us, even ‍when we were dead in our trespasses, ‍made us alive together with Christ—‍by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and ‍seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable ‍riches of his grace in ‍kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For ‍by grace you have been saved ‍through faith. And this is ‍not your own doing; ‍it is the gift of God, not a result of works, ‍so that no one may boast. For ‍we are his workmanship, ‍created in Christ Jesus ‍for good works, ‍which God prepared beforehand, ‍that we should walk in them.

Part of the pride of humanity is the concept of being a self-made man, being the master of your fate. Self-help and self-effort is often praised without thinking about the consequences. What “self” made of man is a disaster. All have sinned – the wages of sin is death – is what “self-made” and “self-help” leads to. Our only hope is grace through faith that is the gift of God. We are his workmanship. God warned Israel (more than 3500 years ago) of this. “Beware ‍lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’ You shall remember the LORD your God, for ‍it is he who gives you power to get wealth, ‍that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day. And if you forget the LORD your God and go after other gods and serve them and worship them, ‍I solemnly warn you today that you shall surely perish. Like the nations that the LORD makes to perish before you, ‍so shall you perish, because you would not obey the voice of the LORD your God. Deuteronomy 8:17-20

I. Ephesians 2:10 says we are His workmanship.

A. Not by our works. Paul wrote to Titus the following words: “For ‍we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when ‍the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, ‍not because of works done by us in righteousness, but ‍according to his own mercy, by ‍the washing of regeneration and ‍renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he ‍poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that ‍being justified by his grace we might become ‍heirs ‍according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:3-7

B. We can’t boast of our salvation. Paul wrote to the Roman Christians concerning our being justified by grace and he wrote: “Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith.” Romans 3:27

C. God does the work. The church at Philippi was told, “And I am sure of this, that he who began ‍a good work in you ‍will bring it to completion at ‍the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6 The church at Thessalonica was give an even stronger promise, “Now may ‍the God of peace himself ‍sanctify you completely, and may your ‍whole ‍spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at ‍the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 ‍He who calls you is faithful; ‍he will surely do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

II. We are created in Christ Jesus

A. God’s gift is eternal life – in Christ Jesus. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23

B. In him we become God’s righteousness. You see our righteousness will not serve. Isaiah cried out to God: “We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment.” Isaiah 64:6 Paul wrote to the church at Corinth concerning this truth, “And because of him‍ you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us ‍wisdom from God, ‍righteousness and ‍sanctification and ‍redemption, so that, as it is written, ‍“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 and “For our sake he made him to be sin ‍who knew no sin, so that in him we might become ‍the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

C. Remember, there is no condemnation – in Christ Jesus. Paul wrote the Romans, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of ‍the Spirit of life ‍has set you‍ free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death” Romans 8:1-2

III. We were created in Christ Jesus for good works.

A. Remember Ephesians 2:9 tells us that good works do not save us.

B. Instead good works grow out of our faith or belief. James wrote: “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith ‍but does not have works? Can that faith save him? ‍If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good‍ is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” James 2:14-17

C. Jesus said that a tree is recognized by its fruit. Because we are created in Christ Jesus for good works we are to bear good fruit. Paul commended the Colossians “And so, ‍from the day we heard, ‍we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that ‍you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all ‍spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as ‍to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, ‍fully pleasing to him, ‍bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” Colossians 1:10

We are naturally helpless in spiritual matters. We were born dead in trespasses and sins. A person who is spiritually dead cannot make spiritual decisions nor do anything that is acceptable to God. God, in Christ Jesus or Lord, made us alive. He did the work in us and enabled us to obey him and do the work he has called us to. We should take pride in our God and all he has does through us. We should never take pride in our work. It is only his work through us that bears eternal fruit.

In Him – Redemption

Ephesians 1:7-10

“In Him” is a wonderful thought. God brought many things into this world “in Him”. In us – that is “in mankind” – is the nature of Adam and Eve. Sin came into the world through Adam and death through sin and death passed to all men. Yet “in Him” we have so much more given to us. Much more than we can imagine, Today we will look at the redemption we have “in Him”. First, why do we need to be redeemed? Second, How were we redeemed? And, Third, what does redemption do for us?

Why do we need to be redeemed?

First of all, we were born in sin. Psalm 51:5, “Behold, I was brought

forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.” This does not have anything to do with David’s mother or with the act of conception being sin. When King David wrote these words he was overwhelmed with the consciousness of his own sin. As he looked back on his life he realized that he had a sin nature from the beginning. In the same way, we too are born with a sin nature that separates us from salvation.

Very early in life we chose to sin. In Romans 5, Paul explains that even though sin came into the world through one man, causing death to spread to all men, death ruled even over those who did not sin as Adam did. No matter who we are we are subject to the facts: Romans 3:23, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” and Romans 6:23a, “the wages of sin is death,”

Before coming to Christ a person is dead in sin. Ephesians 2:1-3, “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body‍ and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.”

We are obviously in need of redemption. Praise God, in him we have redemption.

How were we redeemed?

Theologians speak of a covenant of redemption. This covenant within the Godhead among the Father, Son and Holy Spirit whereby each member of the Godhead participated in our salvation.

We were redeemed by God the Father sending Jesus. Ephesians 2:4-5, “But‍ God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—“.

We were redeemed by Jesus’ obedience even to death. Philippians 2:5-8, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,‍ 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant,‍ being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” The Son agreed to this covenant and submitted himself to take our sins in his own body and die our death for us.

We were redeemed by Holy Spirit’s calling and converting. 1 Corinthians 12:13a, “For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body”. Jesus said he would send the comforter who would convict the world of sin, righteousness and judgement. This convicting is essential to a person coming to faith. Holy Spirit works in us before salvation to convince us of our sin and draw us to the goodness of God causing us to want salvation. Then he brings us into the body in salvation. Praise God – we needed redemption and God planned before the world was created to bring his people to salvation.

What does this redemption do for us?

Redemption frees us from bondage. Romans 6:17-23, “But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, 18 and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. 19 I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification.

“20 When you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? The end of those things is death. 22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” We were slaves to sin but are made free to become bond servants of Jesus Christ bound to him by his love and our love for him.

Redemption gives us a new allegiance. Colossians 1:11-14, “May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, 12 giving thanks‍ to the Father, who has qualified you‍ to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” When a believer comes to faith in Christ the kingdom of darkness is no longer home. The believer is transferred to the kingdom of the beloved Son of God.

Redemption makes us children of God. John 1:12-13, “to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” He has caused the believer to be born again – becoming a part of the family of God.

Paul wrote the Corinthians, “He (God) is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, whom God made our wisdom and our righteousness and sanctification and redemption.” We should praise God that we do not have to earn wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption because it is impossible for us to do so. We are redeemed by the blood of the lamb of God. And that redemption is not by our works done in righteousness but by his own mercy. Praise God!

Blessed in the Beloved

Ephesians 1:1-6 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,

To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful‍ in Christ Jesus:

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us‍ for adoption through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. *

Most Christians never stop to consider how we are blessed and what God has done for us. In this article we will consider this blessed condition and come to better understand why we should bless the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who has blessed us with EVERY spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. What a wonderful thought that we have been blessed by the Creator of the universe. We should “bless” him in return. He has given us joy we should seek to be a joy to him as well. In his book, Desiring God, John Piper coined a phrase, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.” Ephesians gives us lots of reasons to be satisfied in God and we should rejoice in them.

First, only in Ephesians we see the phrase: “. . . in heavenly places”.

He has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing. Ephesians 1:3b Note that Paul tells us we are blessed – not we will be blessed – in Christ. In fact Paul goes on the say that God has seated us with him heavenly places. Ephesians 2:6 Most Christians believe that we will be seated with him in heaven but this passage is very clear that we are already seated with him – not we will be!

The church becomes his object lesson in heavenly places. Ephesians 3:8-13 “To me, (Paul speakingn) though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in‍ God who created all things, 10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. 13 So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.” God uses the church to teach the rulers and authorities in heavenly places the many-faceted wisdom of God. I once thought the angels (and demons) must be mystified at the treatment of man in salvation. Now I see that one of our purposes is to serve as an object lesson of the wisdom of God. Our salvation is part of God’s eternal purpose.

Heavenly places are the place of our warfare. Ephesians 6:10-12 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”

As much as it may seem that people are our enemies. Or, as Pogo put, “We have met the enemy . . . and he is us.” Our true enemy is the thief that comes only to steal kill and destroy. It is our adversary who prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. With the armor of God in place and the sword of the Spirit in hand we can “stand firm” no matter how evil the day may be.

Remember, he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world.

Like Israel we are now the “Israel of God” Galatians 3:7 “. . . it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham.” Those who have come to Christ in faith are the true people of God. If you are a believer you are blessed in the Beloved. In Christ we are blessed. Romans 8:1-2 “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.‍ 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you‍ free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” “No Condemnation” what a blessed thought! Our accuser comes around reminding us of all we have done wrong and our Advocate says we are not under condemnation because he has taken our sin in his own body on the tree. He nailed it to the cross. He buried it in the grave and left it there. As Corrie ten Boom said, (and I paraphrase) “God cast our sins in the deepest part of the sea and put a “no fishing” sign over it.” We have been delivered.

We are blessed! 1 Corinthians 1:30 “He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, whom God made our wisdom and our righteousness and sanctification and redemption.” We are not just saved and seated in heaven we are gifted with everything we need – wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption. Why do we still turn to our own meager resources when the resources of the Creator of the universe are available to us?

We are eternally blessed. 2 Timothy 1:9 (God) “saved us and called us to‍ a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,”. What an amazing thought “before the ages began” he gave us his grace. In fact, John tells us in Revelation 13:8 that our names were written “before the foundation of the world in the book of life.” You see God is not bound by time in any way. He knows the end from the beginning. Praise his holy name – we have been blessed!

He adopted us in love to the praise of his glory.

He brought us to adoption – not slavery to fear. Romans 8:15 “For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’” We are adopted into the family of God by the power of God and we can never be disinherited. He gave us his word! He adopted us in love. 1 John 4:16-19 “So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. 17 By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.” We can come to our father and receive blessing after blessing because of his love for us.

He guarantees our inheritance. Ephesians 1:11-14 “In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee‍ of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it,‍ to the praise of his glory.” The Holy Spirit seals us guaranteeing our spiritual life. It is in Him! We are blessed – in the Beloved!

It is so easy to fall into complicated discussions about predestination and election and miss the great blessing of God. He blesses his people with a secure blessing. We need to call on all people to come to the blessed God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He alone can save and the lost world should be pointed to him alone. He has blessed us in the Beloved!

*All quotes are from The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001, Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.