THIS THING CALLED LOVE–GO DEEPER STILL…

Posted on October 28, 2014 by randscallawayffm
(The Story of Jesus)

Jesus does not let us get away with nominal abiding by the law. No, his intent is for us to understand why obeying goes deeper into into this thing called love and respect for God and each other, especially in marriage.

“You know the next commandment pretty well, too: ‘Don’t go to bed with another’s spouse.’ But don’t think you’ve preserved your virtue simply by staying our of bed. Your HEART can be corrupted by lust even quicker than your body. Those leering looks you think nobody notices–they also corrupt.” Matthew 5, Msg

“Let’s not pretend this is easier than it really is. If you want to live a morally pure life, here’s what you have to do: You have to blind your right eye the moment you catch it is a lustful leer. You have to choose to live one-eyed or else be dumped on a moral trash pile. And you have to chop off your right hand the moment you notice it raised threateningly. better a bloody stump than your entire being discarded for good in the dump.” Matthew 5, Msg

“Remember the Scripture that says, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him do it legally, giving her divorce papers and her legal rights’? Too many of you are using that as a cover for selfishness and whim, pretending to be righteous just because you are ‘legal’. Please, no more pretending. If you divorce your wife, you’re responsible for making her an adulteress (unless she has already made herself that by sexual promiscuity). And if you marry such a divorced adulteress, you’re automatically an adulterer yourself. You can’t use legal cover to ask a moral failure.” Matthew 5, Msg

Society has affected the church more than the church has affected society. Today, there are just as many divorces within God’s church as there are in the world. Deep love of your spouse goes beyond the attraction of “falling in love”, dating, marrying, then going on about your days living for self. If you choose to marry, you choose to lay down your own interests for that person to love, respect and cherish until the day you both no longer abide on this earth. And even then, you look forward to an eternity of living together with God the Father! You look past their human faults with mercy and grace because you have just as many and compliment their strengths. When you pray for, live for and focus on your spouse, your head, heart and soul cannot physically, emotionally, and spiritually leer at someone else. There is no time or desire to leer and imagine life with another person.

Mm…was Jesus thinking of us, too when he taught on the mountain that day? I think so.

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Yep, the good and bad…

Dear Heavenly Father, These words are basic, simple, hard for some facts and full of Truth. We try to get around these words today with “but, she said, and he said,” or “I just fell out of love”…what foolishness those words must be to You, the Father of deep, abiding forever, sacrificial kind of love! We repent of our shortcomings as Your church in this area of life here. Help us to help others struggling in marriage find their way back to each other by finding their way back to You. In Jesus Name, Amen
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WORDS KILL OR GIVE LIFE!

Posted on October 27, 2014 by randscallawayffm

(The Story of Jesus)

Words flood out of our mouths easier than toothpaste comes out of a half used tube and even harder to put them back into our brains…like putting toothpaste back into the tube. Impossible.

That’s why all of us need to pause and really think before we speak. We have all heard, or least read, (because I have written it many times or used in a sermon), the THINK method. It is what to think about in the “pause before you speak” time. T-Is what I’m about to say the Truth, H-Is what am about to say going to be helpful to this person, I-Is what I’m about to say going to inspire this person in front of me?, N-Is what I’m about to say even necessary to say? Will it build them up or tear them down?, and K-Is what I’m about to say going to be kind, full of love and grace for this person.

It also matters where your heart is when you say it. Are the words coming forth in a Spirit of love? Paul wrote about this in his letters. It also matters about the body posture you have when you say it. Many times our words are misinterpreted, just by the tone of voice and our posture. There is a whole study on this very thing. If you are standing with arms are crossed, you look as if you are not going to listen to what they have to say, for example, and will look very authoritative in your approach. On the other hand, if you sit down, eye to eye, on the same level, with love in your heart, your body posture will reveal what your words want to convey in a more acceptable, gracious way.

The way we respond to others is most times not what we really mean to say. When someone gives you a compliment, such as “that outfit looks so good on you”, and you respond with, “this old thing? I got it cheap”, you have told that person that their opinion is worthless to you. A simple “why, thank you!” would have encouraged the one who gave you the compliment.

I think about all this and more as Jesus begins his teachings on the mountain to all of us. He begins to explain God’s Law in full detail with examples we cannot turn away from and think they are not for us. For example:

“You’re familiar with the command to the ancients, ‘Do not murder.’ I’m telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder. Carelessly call a brother ‘idiot!’ and you just might find yourself hauled into court. Thoughtlessly yell ‘stupid!’ at a sister and you are on the brink of hellfire. The simple moral fact is that words kill.” Matthew 5, Msg

Lord, make us more gracious!

GO DEEPER…WITH WORDS AND GRACIOUS ACTIONS
“This is how I want you to conduct yourself in these matters. If you enter your place of worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God.” Matthew 5, Msg

AND THAT’S NOT ALL…
“Or say you’re out on the street and an old enemy accosts you. Don’t lose a minute. Make the first move; make things right with him. After all, if you leave the first move to him, knowing his track record, you’re likely to end up in court, maybe even jail. If that happens, you won’t get out without a stiff fine.” Matthew 5, Msg

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Dear Heavenly Father, There is so much to learn! We must grow in grace and graciousness. We must repent as we think deeper about our words, our posture, our Spirit and our graciousness to others. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit as we grow in grace, working out our own salvation, as we love you back and love others as you love us. Help us, Lord to think before we speak. In Jesus Name, Amen

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FLIPPING HOUSES, FLIPPING THINKING

Posted on October 26, 2014 by randscallawayffm

I greatly enjoy the “reality” shows where they come in and totally remodeled a home with all the latest conveniences and decor. They tear it down to the foundation. When they do, that’s where the trouble lies…in the foundation of the home’soriginal build. You can almost hear the troubling, in the minor key, music as the drama sets in and the remodelers come to the homeowners with the bad news of “We have to build up the foundation so that it is “up to code” and your house is safe. The owners cry over budget because it is blown, but the repairs are made and the results are a beautiful, safe home to move in and take up residence.

Mm, that is similar to what Jesus has come to tell the religious and everyone else…I have come to rebuild what you think about God’s Law, not destroy it. I have come to build up lives as they relate to God’s Law, His Scriptures so that you will understand greatly God’s intent. You have a crack in the foundation of your understanding and living out God’s commands! They had ventured so far from the original Scriptures by adding their own rules and regulations, that the Scripture was not lived out as God intended. It was used more for personal power brokering. But misinterpretations can be fixed. The news will sting a bit to those living for themselves but it has to be done. Hear the Word…

“Don’t suppose for a minute that I have come to demolish the Scriptures–either God’s Law or the Prophets. I’m not here to demolish but to complete. I am going to put it all together, pull it all together in a vast panorama. God’s Law is more real and lasting than the stars in the sky and the ground at your feet. Long after the stars burn out and earth wears out, God’s Law will be alive and working.” Matthew 5, Msg

“Trivialize even the smallest item in God’s Law and you will only have trivialized yourself. But take it seriously, show the way for others, and you will find honor in the kingdom. Unless you do far better than the Pharisees in the matters of right living, you won’t know the first thing about entering the kingdom.” Matthew 5, Msg

Jesus, our Lord, completes the Scriptures and boils it down to simple, understandable terms for everyone.
1. Take it seriously, without trivializing the details.
2. Show the way for others.

Another way that Jesus brings it down to our level of thinking throughout his time on earth helping everyone to understand:
Love God with all that is within you.
Love others like God loves you. Seriously.
Self is laid aside.

Jesus begins to “preach” the Scriptures in the following passages in Matthew 5. There is so much to learn as we focus our attention on the intent of God’s Law for ourselves, that we will take it on, one bite at a time!

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Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for Your Word, for Your Son who came to earth to help us understand Your Word more and for allowing us to live in a place where we can read freely and talk about You. I am grateful this morning. Truly grateful. Help me now to live what I know and understand. YOU complete me. In Jesus Name, Amen

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“LET ME TELL YOU WHY YOU ARE HERE”

Posted on October 25, 2014 by randscallawayffm

(The Story of Jesus)

So many are wondering, even agonizing at times, to know what God’s will is for them. I’ve gone through this and it is more simple than you think. When young adults, even seminary students, would come to my office for guidance, asking “What is God’s will for me?” My first question was always…have you read His Word to you lately? Many times they were seeking God’s will from every source around them in this world without reading and seeing with understanding what Jesus says to all of us.

For those wondering? Here it is:

“Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.”

“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in this world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand–SHINE! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5, Msg

Have you accepted Jesus Christ as Savior AND trust Him as Lord of your life?
Do you love Him with all your heart, mind and soul? Do you love others like He loves you?
Are you light for others in dark places so that they may see Jesus in you?
Are you telling others about how they can be saved and be light, too?

If you answered YES to these questions, then no matter your vocation, situation or circumstance you are being and doing God’s will for you!! If you are a preacher, a mom at home caring for her family, teacher, bicycle repair person, chef, military person, engineer tech, president of a local something, or leader of this or that, or the person behind the scenes who sets the stage and cleans up afterward…if you said YES to all of the above questions, then you are in the will of our Father in Heaven!

We will be leaders and followers and do a lot of different “works” while on this journey. The main focus are these Jesus driven questions for each of us to consider, ponder, and use to evaluate ourselves daily. Peace is released when we focus on the “main thing”, the “why” we are here.

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Dear Heavenly Father, We spend too much time thinking about and seeking your “will” for each of us while on this journey and lose precious time doing what you told us to do…be salt and light…now! We repent. We will focus. We will follow Your lead no matter where You take us. For you are Lord and Savior. We love you with all our heart, mind and soul. We love others like you love us…even when it hurts. No matter what “job” we have at present, we will be light where there is darkness, not to blind others so their eyes automatically shut, but to gently leak light into a dark room so they may see You better as their eyes adjust to Your Presence. In Jesus Name, Amen

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BE BLESSED!

Posted on October 24, 2014 by randscallawayffm
(The Story of Jesus)

We teach our kids with the word “if” and “when” more than we realize! When you clean your room, we will go to the park. If you do not, we can’t go. When you finish the veggies on your plate, you can have dessert! If you put your bike away in the garage, daddy won’t run over it when he backs out of the driveway. As parents we are teaching consequences of our actions as well as life lessons for the good our kids. Where did we learn to teach this way? Maybe from the Master Teacher, Himself?

Jesus has drawn a huge crowd by now in this ministry, so he goes up the mountain to form a natural auditorium so everyone can hear his encouraging teaching of blessings beginning with the word “when” and using “when” throughout his lesson for us!

“When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him.” Matthew 5, Msg

Question: Am I committed enough to climb with him to where he is and listen to his every word of guidance? Or am I staying safely tucked into the valley? Mm, back to the word. Just a thought to ponder…as I seek to be blessed.

“Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:

‘You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.’

‘You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.’

‘You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are–no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.’

‘You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.’

‘You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full’, you find yourselves cared for.’

‘You’re blessed when you get your inside world–your mind and heart–put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.’

‘You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.’

‘You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. the persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.’

‘Not only that–count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens–give a cheer, even!–for though they don’t like it, I DO! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.'” Matthew 5, Msg

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Dear Heavenly Father, With every blessing expressed in Your Word this morning draws up emotion from the depths of my heart causing a greater attitude of praise and gratitude for what You have brought me through! Thank you for encouraging us with “when” so that we know how blessed we really are. You are with us with every step we take on this brief journey here on earth. Thank you, Lord. Continue to bless us in these ways as we see to follow you because of our deep love for you. I am content and very blessed!
In Jesus Name, Amen
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COME WITH ME!

Posted on October 23, 2014 by randscallawayffm
(The Story of Jesus)

I have always loved reading and imagining that day on the beach when the Savior of the world walked over to the brothers, Simon Peter and Andrew with a new mission, using the same skills that had as fishermen. It is amazing to me how God uses EVERYTHING in our previous lives for the next best thing He wants us to experience with Him. Listen and imagine with me, as we read Matthew 4, as Jesus walks the beach gathering His friend-disciples for the mission that would save the world.

“Walking along the beach of Lake Galilee, Jesus saw two brothers: Simon (later called Peter) and Andrew. They were fishing, throwing their nets into the lake. It was their regular work. Jesus said to them, ‘Come with me. I’ll make a new kind of fisherman out of you. I’ll show you how to catch men and women instead of perch and bass.’ They didn’t ask questions, but simply dropped their nets and followed.” Matthew 4, Msg

Jesus had begun preaching before this “calling” of his guys. Had the called heard his sermons and knew Who He was? He also had fasted for days, alone with His Father in Heaven, before this particular task of asking a few good people to nurture and train. I imagine God and Jesus talking this over in the dessert. So, when the time came, Jesus knew exactly who to ask because we learn He didn’t do anything without asking the Father first. (“I do only what the Father tells me to do”, various passages in John).

He chose people who would take over where he would leave off after completing the mission God gave to Him. So, this choosing was important. His choices would probably not be on the interview list of today’s most high ranking world leaders, either. But Jesus chose well. He chose willing servants with all kinds of personalities to join his team that would help him change the world! See, I told you there is so much to thing about in this passage.

“A short distance down the beach they came upon another pair of brothers, James and John, Zebedee’s sons. These two were sitting in a boat with their father, Zebedee, mending their fishnets. Jesus made the same offer to them, and they were just as quick to follow, abandoning boat and father.”

Jesus calls them, two by two, into the arc of his mission.

TRUTH DECLARED!
“From there he went all over Galilee. He used synagogues for meeting places and taught people the truth of God. God’s kingdom was his theme–that beginning right now they were under God’s government, a good government! He also healed people of their diseases and of the bad effects of their bad lives.”

TRUTH SPREADS…
“Word got around the entire Roman province of Syria. People brought anybody with an ailment, whether mental, emotional, or physical. Jesus healed them, one and all. More and more people came, the momentum gathering. Besides those from Galilee, crowds came from the ‘Ten Towns’ across the lake, others up from Jerusalem and Judea, still others from across the Jordan.”

What an honor to be asked to join Jesus on a mission! Guess what, he still says, “Come with me”. Are willing to drop your “nets” of stuff of this world and simply follow where He goes? I am.

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Dear Heavenly Father, Thank Your for Your Word that reminds us, brings into the focus, the gentle, “Come with me” message and mission of our lives. No matter what work we happen to be doing, help us to come with You as we do it until You tell us to do something else…with You. In Jesus Name, Amen
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THE SON COMES UP!

Posted on October 22, 2014 by randscallawayffm

(The Story of Jesus)
Isaiah said it would happen and it did. Of course, God told the prophet what to announce about his Son.

“When Jesus got word that John had been arrested, he returned to Galilee. He moved from his hometown, Nazareth, to the lakeside village Capernaum, nestled at the base of the Zebulun and Naphtali hills. This move completed Isaiah’s sermon:

‘Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, road to the sea, over Jordan, Galilee, crossroads for the nations.
People sitting out their lives in the dark saw a huge light;
Sitting in that dark, dark country of death, they watched the sun come up.’

“This Isiah-prophesied sermon came to life in Galilee the moment Jesus stared preaching. He picked up where John left off:
‘Change your life. God’s kingdom is here.’ Matthew 4, Msg

The Son is up! The Light has come, cutting through the darkness with all power and strength, as a humble servant. The dichotomy of thinking stops us to meditate on this man/God, Jesus the Christ.

And I’m singing…for there ARE thousands of reasons to worship our Lord! And that many ways to change my own life.

[Chorus]
Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I’ll worship Your holy name

The sun comes up, it’s a new day dawning
It’s time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass, and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes

[Chorus]
Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I’ll worship Your holy name

You’re rich in love, and You’re slow to anger
Your name is great, and Your heart is kind
For all Your goodness I will keep on singing
Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find

Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I’ll worship Your holy name

And on that day when my strength is failing
The end draws near and my time has come
Still my soul will sing Your praise unending
Ten thousand years and then forevermore

Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I’ll worship Your holy name

Jesus, I’ll worship Your holy name
Lord, I’ll worship Your holy name

Sing like never before
O my soul
I’ll worship Your holy name
Jesus, I’ll worship Your holy name
I’ll worship Your holy name

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Dear Heavenly Father, Hallowed is Your Name. May Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our needs as You see them. And forgive us our sin as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptations but deliver us from all evil. For You have all power. To You be the glory forever and ever, Amen. In Jesus Name, Amen

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BEFORE DOING ANYTHING…FOCUS!

Posted on October 21, 2014 by randscallawayffm

(The Story of Jesus)

We are created to dream, to plan, to have the mind to focus on things as they are and things to come. We have been given gifts, talents and certain abilities along the way to hone, sharpen and use to accomplish whatever lies before us. Jesus had all this and more and Power. He was God and man. He had everything at his disposal and what did he do before beginning his public ministry, his mission given by God to bring salvation, the Way back to God in relationship? He stopped everything and got alone with God.

Jesus laid everything down and went into the dessert to fast for forty days and nights. Let’s understand the depth of this act of obedience and denial of mere food. The Holy Spirit led him into The Test. Before doing anything of any value, he focused on the mission ahead, knowing what he had to do from the beginning to the end. Then The Test. He went into battle with Satan, who Jesus knew well, the one who loves to destroy our focus on God and HIs mission. Jesus was there when Satan fell from heaven! He knew his enemy well. We also are tested, not by God, but by the evil one, as well, for he loves for us to lose our focus on the Almighty. To know your enemy is to defeat him!

AFTER THE WATER AND THE BLESSINGS COMES THE TEST
“Next Jesus was taken into the wild by the Spirit for the Test. The Devil was ready to give it. Jesus prepared for the Test by fasting forty days and forty nights. That left him of course, in a state of extreme hunger, which the Devil took advantage of in the first test: ‘Since you are God’s Son, speak the word that will turn these stones into loaves of bread.'” Matthew 4, Msg

FOCUS ON GOD’S WORD
“Jesus answered by quoting Deuteronomy: ‘It takes more than bread to stay alive. It takes a steady stream of words from God’s mouth.'” Matthew 4, Msg

“For the second test the Devil took him to the Holy City. He sat him on top of the Temple and said, ‘Since you are God’s Son, jump.’ The Devil goaded him by quoting Psalm 91: “he has placed you in the care of angels. They will catch you so that you won’t so much as stub your toe on a stone.'”

FOCUS OFF SELF POWER, THINKING YOU CAN TEST GOD!
“Jesus countered with another citation from Deuteronomy: ‘Don’t you dare test the Lord your God.'” Matthew 4, Msg

“For the third test, the Devil took him on the peak of a huge mountain. He gestured expansively, pointing out all the earth’s kingdoms, how glorious they all were. Then he said, ‘They’re yours–lock, stock, and barrel. Just go down on your knees and worship me, and they’re yours.'”

FOCUS ON GOD ALONE IN WORSHIP! STUFF DOESN’T MATTER!
Jesus’ refusal was curt: ‘Beat it, Satan!’ He backed his rebuke with a third quotation from Deuteronomy: ‘Worship the Lord Your God, and only him. Serve him with absolute single-heartedness.'”

“The Test was over. The Devil left. And in his place, angels! Angels came and took care of Jesus’ needs.” Matthew 4, Msg

WOW! How many tests does Satan throw at us, using everything of this world that he can, to get us to lose our focus of God and the clarity of His mission for us? How about every day? Be alert! Jesus reminds us, “Greater is HE that is in YOU, than he that is in the world!” FOCUS! Do whatever you have to do to keep your eyes on Jesus! Satan is dumb and has only one method that he uses over and over again…distraction from God! And we seem to fall for it often. So it works for him enough that he keeps using it.

For today…Can we all shout, “BEAT IT, SATAN!”? Focus on the One who loves you most and has Your best interest at Heart.

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Dear Heavenly Father, To get up early and focus on You before starting each day is so valuable to me. It has become a pleasure, a sheer delight to read Your Word, lay down the thoughts of stuff of this life, and worship You alone in this quiet corner of our bedroom. Thank you for listening to me and then speaking to my heart. I love our relationship! Go with us now and give us Your power to resist whatever evil throws at us to distract us from You for this day.
In Jesus Name, Amen

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THE DECLARATION

Posted on October 20, 2014 by randscallawayffm

When kids ask what does it mean to be baptized, I relate the act of obedience to exuberant players running onto the field of play, declaring individually what team they are on, shouting praises of their coach, ready to work as a team to defeat the opposing team. When we come to be baptized we declare our true team colors of love, trust, obedience, gentleness, patience, goodness, forgiveness, mercy and grace to now be a part of our lives as was given to us through Jesus Christ and His sacrifice.

We declare we now live for God and for others and less for ourselves. We declare to the world, we are saved by the grace of Jesus Christ and we now live for Him. The “Coach” calls the plays and we are called to fulfill what He has planned…for He has our best interest at heart! We declare we are His! And He is ours. Forever!

“Jesus then appeared, arriving at the Jordan River from Galilee. He wanted John to baptize him. John objected, ‘I’m the one who needs to be baptized, not you!’ Matthew 3, Msg

“But Jesus insisted. ‘Do it. God’s work, putting things right all these centuries, is coming together right now in this baptism.’ So John did it.” Matthew 3, Msg

“The moment Jesus came up out of the baptismal waters, the skies opened up and he saw God’s Spirit–it looked like a dove–descending and landing on him. And along with the Spirit, a voice: ‘This is my Son, chosen and marked by my love, delight of my life.'”
Matthew 3, Msg

AND we are baptized because Jesus was baptized to signal the beginning of His mission from God to seek and to save lost people of the world. Forever.

We are saved when we truly repent (not just regret) our sins and ask forgiveness in the Name of Jesus Christ, who died for our sins. We are baptized as a public declaration that repentance took place in our lives, being “washed by the blood of the Lamb”, then brought up out of the waters remembering his resurrection and victory over death!

Baptism – The Declaration

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Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you! Thank you, Jesus, for Your example of being baptized, though You had no sin to repent! You began your public ministry with this declaration and Your Father heard and responded with affirmation! What beauty of your love and grace is expressed in the ordinance of baptism! Thank you, Lord! We are Yours. And You are mine. Thank you for the Cleansing! Be our wisdom, insight and understanding as we live this life in Your abundant way.
In Jesus Name, Amen

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IT’S NOT THE WATER, BUT THE FIRE IGNITED IN US!

Posted on October 19, 2014 by randscallawayffm
IT’S NOT THE WATER, BUT THE FIRE IGNITED IN US!
(The Story of Jesus)

There is always a preshow entertainer that “warms up the crowd” before the main attraction hits the stage. The preshow act knows that he/she is not the main attraction, but the one who comes before, to get the audience ready to accept the main presenter, hence the name “preshow act”.

John was the precursor to the greatest act (of sacrifice) of all…Jesus the Christ! And John knew it and proclaimed it! But before Jesus publicly came to John to be baptized, we get to know this John, who prepared the way for our Lord, who “set the stage” to tell the religious of the time that what he was doing was NOT merely a popular performance to be watched, (and mocked and criticized!), but that this was a time to get ready, to change, to transform from the inside out. It was NOT the water that does this! Water is merely a declaration of commitment, of being cleansed by the world’s ways of thinking, as well as our propensity to keep sinning. John brings focus, not to himself, but to the One who will come after him. Listen in to John, “the Baptizer’s”, message. Warning: He is not politically correct…and we love that! Simple and direct…Truth.

“While Jesus was living in the Galilean hills, John, called ‘the Baptizer,’ was preaching in the desert country of Judea. His message was simple and austere, like his desert surroundings: ‘Change your life. God’s kingdom is here.'” Matthew 3, Msg

“John and his message were authorized by Isaiah’s prophecy: ‘Thunder in the desert! Prepare for God’s arrival! Make the road smooth and straight!'”

“John dressed in a camel-hair habit tied at the waist by a leather strap. He lived on a diet of locusts and wild field honey. People poured out of Jerusalem, Judea, and the Jordanian countryside to hear and see him in action. There at the Jordan River those who came to confess their sins were baptized into a changed life.”

“When John realized that a lot of Pharisees and Sadducees were showing up for a baptismal experience because it was becoming the popular thing to do, he exploded: ‘Brood of snakes! What do you think you’re doing slithering down here to the river? Do you think a little water on your snakeskins is going to make any difference? It’s your life that must change, not your skin! And don’t think you can pull rank by claiming Abraham as father. Being a descendant of Abraham is neither here not there. Descendants of Abraham are a dime a dozen. What counts is your life. Is it green and blossoming? Because if it’s deadwood, it goes on the fire.” Still Matthew 3, Msg…

“‘I’m baptizing you here in the river, turning your old life in for a kingdom life. The real action comes next: The main character in this drama–compared to him I’m a mere stagehand–will ignite the kingdom life within you, a fire within you, the Holy Spirit within you, changing you from the inside out. He’s going to clean house–make a clean sweep of your lives. He’ll place everything true in its proper place before God; everything false he’ll put out with the trash to be burned.'” Matthew 3, Msg

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Dear Heavenly Father, Wow, your servant John! We are in awe of his integrity and boldness to declare Your simple Truth as the Person of Jesus Christ! May we remember that You speak through us and we need not be afraid to speak up when You direct us. You will give us the words at the right time and place if we are fully focused on You, too! Ignite Your fire in our souls, once again, dear Lord. In Jesus Name! Amen!

And I’m singing…

This world can be cold and bitter
Feels like we’re in the dead of winter
Waiting on something better
But am I really gonna hide forever?

Over and over again
I hear Your voice in my head
Let Your light shine, let Your light shine for all to see

(Chorus)
Start a fire in my soul
Fan the flame and make it grow
So there’s no doubt or denying
Let it burn so brightly
That everyone around can see
That it’s You, that it’s You that we need
Start a fire in me

You only need a spark to start a whole blaze
It only takes a little faith
Let it start right here in this city
So these old walls will never be the same

Over and over again
I hear Your voice in my head
They need to know
I need to go
Spirit wont you fall on my heart now

(Chorus)

You are the fire You are the flame
You are the light†on the darkest day
We have the hope†we bear Your name
We carry the news that You have come to save
Only You can save

(By Unspoken)

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