AuthorTerry R Baughman is Lead Pastor for LifeChurch in Gilbert, AZ. See his complete bio at trbaughman.com Archives
May 2024
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Becoming One5/12/2024 Becoming One
Jesus to the World! Terry R. Baughman “And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me” (John 17:22-23 NKJ). The last evening before His arrest, trial, and crucifixion, Jesus prayed. It was not like the short sample prayer that He gave the disciples, “Our Father which art in heaven,” but the serious and intense prayer of one who knows His time is short and the betrayer is on his way to the Garden type of prayer. It was a whole chapter in the Gospel of John prayer, and it was recorded in John 17. One of the most important things He prayed for was that His followers might become one! Becoming one is a process, not a one-and-done event. Unity develops and character forms in the process of shared experience, during seasons of close association. It took three and a half years for Jesus to teach His disciples what it means to be a follower of Christ. Even then, His last evening of prayer focused on this crucial fact, they still needed prayer! Christ desire for His people to come into the unity of oneness stems from the very essence of God. He is One, and the greatest testimony of God’s presence in the world is that His followers may also be one in Him. The more we can become one with Christ, the more effectively we will represent Jesus to the world. When we become fragmented, disjointed, or self-serving in our Christianity, we no longer reflect the character of God. We fail to display the oneness of God, or the unity of the faith. Paul wrote about the gifts of ministry which were, “to prepare all the holy believers to do their own works of ministry.” He said, “These grace ministries will function until we all attain oneness into the faith, until we all experience the fullness of what it means to know the Son of God, and finally we become one into a perfect man with the full dimensions of spiritual maturity and fully developed into the abundance of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12–13 TPT). In another place, Paul said, “We, being many, are one body in Christ” (Romans 12:5 NKJ). Unity was the catalyst of a powerful response. When unity was present the power of God was manifested. On the Day of Pentecost there were about 120 gathered in an upper room. It was noted that, “They were all with one accord in one place” (Acts 2:1 NKJ). The Holy Spirit was poured out with great witness. All were filled with the Spirit, and when they spilled out onto Solomon’s porch many more came from everywhere to see what the commotion was about. After Peter’s sermon about 3,000 more received the Spirit. Not only were the disciples in that group of those who were baptized by the Spirit, but Mary, the mother of Jesus, and other women were in the room and received the Spirit. Jesus’ mother, and every mother has the opportunity to be in unity with Christ and filled with the Holy Spirit. The Spirit was promised to “sons and daughters” to prophesy. God’s servants, “both men and women,” were promised the same gift. The prophet said, “I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy” (Acts 2:17-18 NIV). Not long after Pentecost believers gathered for a prayer meeting. The Scripture said, “When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 4:31 NKJ). Powerful things happen when we get together for prayer, and join together in a common faith. God’s Spirit is still being poured out whenever people join together in unity. There was a unified message after Pentecost. They preached faith in Jesus, and declared His death, burial, and resurrection. The way we personally identify with the Gospel message is through repentance, baptism in the name of Jesus, and the sign of the indwelling Spirit when the born-again speak in other tongues. This become the unified message of the early church. Paul declared, “By one Spirit we were all baptized into one body … and have all been made to drink into one Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:13 NKJ). Through the Spirit we become one in Christ Jesus! Theme passage: “We are ambassadors of the Anointed One who carry the message of Christ to the world, as though God were tenderly pleading with them directly through our lips. So we tenderly plead with you on Christ’s behalf, ‘Turn back to God and be reconciled to him’” (2 Corinthians 5:20 TPT).
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Becoming Weak5/5/2024 Becoming Weak
Jesus to the World! Terry R. Baughman “He answered me, 'My grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness.’ So I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me” (2 Corinthians 12:9 TPT). In the Scripture we often find expressions that seem to be a paradox, an apparent contradiction that ultimately proves to be true. Statements like, “He who is greatest among you shall be your servant,” or “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:11 and Luke 14:11 NKJ). Another prominent paradox is expressed by the Apostle Paul, “When I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10 NKJ). Weakness and strength seem to be in opposition; it is one or the other. However, the teaching of Scripture shows another view, that both can be present at the same time. The tension of polar opposites reveal a greater truth, weakness is not the absence of strength, but the source of greater power. In our utter dependence on God we can tap into the miraculous resource of supernatural strength. As we learn to rely on God for our strength, He becomes our sustainer, provider, and the strong foundation upon whom we can build our lives. In a parable of contrast Jesus taught the value of having the right foundation. One man built upon the sand, while another built upon the rock. Both construction projects may have looked pretty much the same from every appearance. However, when the windstorms and torrential rains came and battered the houses, only one survived the storm. Obviously, it was the one build upon the strong rock. Regardless of our careful construction and how much effort goes into assuring its durability, our foundation in Christ is the most critical element to remaining faithful throughout the storms of life. Faith in Jesus and dependence on Him is essential to a victorious Christ-life. The more we recognize our own inability, the more assurance we have that we can stand strong in Him. In Hebrews chapter eleven, we read a long list of people of faith throughout Scripture. Then, the chapter turns and speaks of those who suffered and died. Some seemed to be defeated by the opposition. However, the writer saw them as victorious, even in their struggles. He said, “… Although weak, their faith imparted power to make them strong! Faith sparked courage within them and they became mighty warriors in battle, pulling armies from another realm into battle array” (Hebrews 11:24 TPT). There is a powerful source of incredible reserves, “pulling armies from another realm,” available through faith, even at our weakest point. Paul tapped into this great truth. He wrote from his own observation, “So I’m not defeated by my weakness, but delighted! For when I feel my weakness and endure mistreatment—when I’m surrounded with troubles on every side and face persecution because of my love for Christ—I am made yet stronger. For my weakness becomes a portal to God’s power” (2 Corinthians 12:10 TPT). A contemporary worship song by Ellysa Smith and UpperRoom reminds us, “It may look like I'm surrounded, but I'm surrounded by You!” The more overwhelmed our situation appears to be, the greater the opportunity to see God’s power at work in our lives. How is it possible to celebrate weaknesses and delight in disappointment? It is only possible when we recognize Jesus is our source of strength, and His unlimited power enables even greater victories as the Lord fights the battle in our behalf. When we recognize our limitations we begin to draw strength from the One who knows no limits. When we follow Him in humility and repentance, we will find Jesus to be more than sufficient for every challenge. Perhaps our greatest strength is in our ability to become weak before Him! Theme passage: “We are ambassadors of the Anointed One who carry the message of Christ to the world, as though God were tenderly pleading with them directly through our lips. So we tenderly plead with you on Christ’s behalf, ‘Turn back to God and be reconciled to him’” (2 Corinthians 5:20 TPT).
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They Worked4/28/2024 They Worked
THE RESURRECTED LIFE! Terry R. Baughman “And the apostles went out announcing the good news everywhere, as the Lord himself consistently worked with them, validating the message they preached with miracle-signs that accompanied them!” (Mark 16:20 TPT). The resurrected life is not one of retirement, relaxation, and reticence; rather, it is a life of purpose, passion, and perseverance. The disciplined life of Christian living is work. Some may object to this declaration by saying, “No, it is not of works,” while quoting the Apostle Paul, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJ). It is correct to say we are not saved by works, but by grace alone. However, good works are a natural outgrowth of the Spirit-filled life. Paul went on to say, “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works” (Ephesians 2:10 NKJ). While we rely solely on the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, the purpose for our salvation and redemption was that we might bear the good fruit of the Spirit, which is, “Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23 NKJ). When we go out in the power of the Spirit we are enabled to more effectively represent Jesus Christ in the world. God has assured us of His presence working with us! It becomes obvious that if He is working with us, we must also be working with Him! The Scripture gives several examples of our involvement with God being action, effort, and work. Paul wrote, “Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers” (1 Corinthians 3:8-9 NKJ). This passage in the KJV said that we are laborers together with God. Paul also said “As God’s servants, we prove ourselves authentic in every way. For example: We have great endurance in hardships and in persecutions. We don’t lose courage in a time of stress and calamity. We’ve been beaten many times, imprisoned, and found ourselves in the midst of riots. We’ve endured many troubles, had sleepless nights, and gone hungry. We have proved ourselves by our lifestyles of purity, by our spiritual insights, by our patience, and by showing kindness, by the Spirit of holiness and by our uncritical love for you. We commend ourselves to you by our truthful teachings, by the power of God working through us, and with the mighty weapons of righteousness— a sword in one hand and a shield in the other” (2 Corinthians 6:4-7 TPT). It was never His intention for us to simply spend our days in fellowship enjoying the blessings of God, but to do the works that He has called us to do. Jesus said, “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:4 NKJ). As much as Jesus came with a purpose to fulfill the work of God, we also have been sent to complete His commission. Jesus told His disciples, “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you” (John 20:21 NKJ). Christ’s expectation of every believer was that, “You shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8 NKJ). The calling of God is to fulfill the works of ministry to which we have been assigned. Paul noted that there is in the church, “some apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,” and then explained their purpose was, “for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-12 NKJ). It is not just ministers and leaders, but every believers’ responsibility to fulfill the work of ministry! Paul instructed his son in the Gospel, “Be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry” (2 Timothy 4:5 NKJ). Whatever our calling, we are to complete the task, work to achieve our goals, and commit every success to the Lord Jesus Christ. He will work with us; we are co-workers with God! Theme passage: “For although he was crucified as a ‘weakling,’ now he lives robed with God’s power. And we also are ‘weak ones’ in our co-crucifixion with him, but now we live in God’s triumphant power together with him” (2 Corinthians 13:4 TPT).
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They Went4/21/2024 They Went
THE RESURRECTED LIFE! Terry R. Baughman “And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs” (Mark 16:20 NKJ). The commission to go was consistent throughout the Gospels. After the interim instruction to wait for, “power from on high,” the disciples remembered the greater initiative of the Lord (Luke 24:49 NKJ). They were empowered to fulfill the commission, and engage the authority of the Church. In His final words before the ascension, Jesus promised His followers, “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8 NKJ). The declaration was two-fold: You shall receive power, and you shall be witnesses. This is synonymous with the other instructions from the Gospels. In Matthew the command was, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations”(Matthew 28:19 NKJ). Mark stated that they should, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15 NKJ). Luke wrote, “That repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47 NKJ). In the Gospel of John Jesus spoke to His disciples and said, “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you” (John 20:21 NKJ). Even in the training of the disciples there were times when Jesus sent them out with a mission to heal and to declare the Kingdom of God. On one occasion Jesus sent out seventy-two followers into the surrounding countryside and villages. He said, “When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you. Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you’” (Luke 10:8-9 NIV). After they received the Holy Spirit, it came as no surprise that they should proclaim the message of Jesus and His resurrection from the dead to others. They were empowered by the Spirit and given boldness they had not possessed previously so that they might boldly proclaim the good news to those who had not heard. Mark recorded their passion and motivation to share the Gospel and the way that the Spirit worked with them to accomplish their mission. He said, “The apostles went out announcing the good news everywhere, as the Lord himself consistently worked with them, validating the message they preached with miracle-signs that accompanied them!” (Mark 16:20 TPT). Signs, miracles, and wonders were performed at the hands of the disciples as they were led of the Spirit and enabled to believe for these wonderful works of God. This was what Jesus had prepared them to accomplish. At the beginning of His ministry as recorded by Mark, the people began to respond to the miracles and deliverance that Jesus brought to these new followers. One morning Jesus went out early to pray all alone. The disciples finally found Him and joyfully proclaimed, “‘Everyone is looking for You.’ But He said to them, ‘Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth’” (Mark 1:37-38 NKJ). Jesus showed them that His mission was bigger than notoriety in one town, or popularity in one place, but rather that all may have the opportunity to receive deliverance and hear the message of the Kingdom of God. Mark wrote, “He was preaching in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and casting out demons” (Mark 1:39 NKJ). This was the pattern then, and it continues to the present. God’s desire is greater than our four walls and extends beyond our city limits. Every person has a right to hear the message of Jesus and learn more about Him. We cannot remain content in our community of faith as we celebrate with like-minded believers. We must reach out to the unbeliever and extend a welcome to every community. The next town remains to be our mission and reaching them continues to be our challenge. As they went, let us go! Theme passage: “For although he was crucified as a ‘weakling,’ now he lives robed with God’s power. And we also are ‘weak ones’ in our co-crucifixion with him, but now we live in God’s triumphant power together with him” (2 Corinthians 13:4 TPT).
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They Waited4/14/2024 They Waited
THE RESURRECTED LIFE! Terry R. Baughman “And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, ‘which,’ He said, ‘you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now’” (Acts 1:4-5 NKJ). The Commission Jesus gave was to GO, but also came with a clause, Wait! The imperative was undeniable, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing …” and teaching (Matthew 28:19-20 NKJ). Mark stressed the urgency, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15 NKJ). However, it was Luke who included the clause, “but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49 NKJ). He also said, “that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem,” but the stipulation was to wait for the promise of the Father. (See Luke 24:47 NKJ.) Sometimes we get so focused on the vision, that we fail to fulfill the mission. We seek the end result without adequate preparation and patience to find divine direction. God has a plan for world-wide expansion. He desires to save the world much more than any of us. He loves people more than we do. The Scripture makes it clear, we must have His Holy Spirit before we will ever be able to accomplish His purpose. Sometimes, we just have to wait… Jesus couldn’t have been clearer, “I will send the fulfillment of the Father’s promise to you, so stay here in the city until you are clothed with the mighty power of heaven” (Luke 24:49 TPT). Before His ascension, Jesus said, “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8 NKJ). The empowering of the Spirit was (and is) essential to the fulfillment of the commission. We have that promise from God! The baptism of the Spirit is not an optional blessing or a spare tire, if we happen to need it sometime, rather the Holy Spirit is essential to the born-again experience and the all-important empowerment for evangelism. Jesus instructed Nicodemus, “You must be born again!” (John 3:7 NKJ). The same imperative is ours by extension. In the flesh we will never be adequate for the task. Jesus said, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit” (John 3:6 NKJ). Only through the birth of the Spirit will we be able to fulfill the mission to which we have been called. As great as the mission is, the need to be filled with the Spirit is even greater. So vital was the New Birth, the entire mission was placed on hold for ten days. The Apostles and many believers prayed and waited in the upper room in Jerusalem. It was on the Jewish feast day of Pentecost that the miraculous event took place. Luke wrote, “When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting…. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:1-2,4 NKJ). The promise was given, the Holy Spirit was poured out on the believers who were waiting! 120 were gathered in the upper room, and as they spilled out onto Solomon’s porch in the courtyard near the Temple thousands gathered to see and hear what the commotion was. After being filled with the Spirit, Peter and the apostles declared the arrival of the Promise. Jesus had returned in the Spirit to fill their lives and equip them to fulfill His commission. Today is the same! We are taught to turn our lives to God and expect the baptism of His Spirit. When we experience the New Birth we find the power to fulfill His mission and our calling. Nothing is impossible through the power of the Spirit. Seek Him, and wait to be filled to overflowing! Theme passage: “For although he was crucified as a ‘weakling,’ now he lives robed with God’s power. And we also are ‘weak ones’ in our co-crucifixion with him, but now we live in God’s triumphant power together with him” (2 Corinthians 13:4 TPT).
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They Worshipped4/7/2024 They Worshipped
THE RESURRECTED LIFE! Terry R. Baughman “The eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted” (Matthew 28:16-17 NKJ). What do you do with a risen King? There was no protocols, no established required response to welcome royalty returning from the grave. This had never happened before! Considering His claims and the prophecies fulfilled, the resurrection became a powerful testament of His Deity. Only the One who held the keys of death, hell, and the grave could break the bondage of the tomb and come out alive forevermore. Through the ministry of Jesus several (at least three) were resurrected to life. The widow’s son from Nain was restored to his mother in the middle of a funeral procession. Jarius’s twelve year old daughter was raised from her death bed and reunited with her family. The mourners were dismissed and the final arrangements were discarded. A desperate messenger was seemingly ignored when he brought word of the fatal illness of Lazarus. Jesus waited a few days before leading His disciples to Bethany. By the time they arrived Lazarus had been dead four days and was sealed in his tomb. Nevertheless, Jesus commanded the stone to be removed and commanded Lazarus to rise up and walk out of the tomb. Many came to believe in Jesus after the resurrection of Lazarus. John noted that, “The chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also, because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus” (John 12:10-11 NKJ). Consider the irony; how do you put to death one who has already been raised to life? How do you threaten one with death who is proclaimed to be “the resurrection and the life”? Jesus said, “He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live” (John 11:25 NKJ). Even at the death of Jesus on the cross, resurrection life ignited in graves as deceased believers were seen alive and walking into Jerusalem. Matthew wrote, “The graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many” (Matthew 27:52-53 NKJ). That should have been a good indication of what was to come! Jesus predicted His own resurrection. He explained to the disciples, “that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again” (Mark 8:31 NKJ). He also taught, “as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:40 NKJ). The grave was not permanent, but temporary. He didn’t need to own a tomb, a borrowed one worked just fine. The grave could not hold Him; death did not stop Him. Shred the death certificate, get a refund from the mourners, retract the obituary, because Jesus is no longer dead. The tomb is empty! After the resurrection of Jesus there should have been no doubt of His deity. He was worthy of worship. The triumphant King who rode into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey was now clothed in resplendent glory. The plan of redemption was completed and the Savior lives forever. Disciples met Jesus in the prearranged location. When He arrived on the mountain the disciples worshipped Him. Their teaching forbade worship of men or angels, but revelation was now evident that Jesus was indeed the Messiah, the Lord of Glory with them. Yet, there were some disciples who entertained lingering doubts. Jesus had been with them for three years. He ate with them, slept with them. He was so … human. Yet, He had performed incredible, impossible miracles. This revelation came more slowly to some. Jesus WAS God AND man! And, He was worthy of worship! Let us come to the same conclusion today! Theme passage: “For although he was crucified as a ‘weakling,’ now he lives robed with God’s power. And we also are ‘weak ones’ in our co-crucifixion with him, but now we live in God’s triumphant power together with him” (2 Corinthians 13:4 TPT).
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The Cross is Life3/31/2024 The Cross is Life
NO BODY IN THE GRAVE NOW! Terry R. Baughman “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2 NKJ). The cross stood as a symbol of shame, a deserved punishment for violent criminals. It was the favored execution method for slaves and non-citizens of the Roman empire. The victims were sometimes left hanging on display as a graphic warning to others, serving as a deterrent for similar crimes. Jesus was certainly not a violent man, rather He was known as the Prince of Peace. He was neither a threat to the Roman armies nor plotting to stage a military coup against the ruling authorities. He was only a threat to religious hypocrisy as He shined the light of truth on the traditions of men and spoke in opposition to the purveyors of false prophecy. He was innocent of every crime and without guilt in every accusation. His greatest offense was found in the accusation of blasphemy. They said He deserved death, “because You, being a Man, make Yourself God” (John 10:33 NKJ). Yet, even that statement was absolutely true. He was God in flesh. John said, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14 NKJ). Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor over Judea, was anxious to appease the crowd as he struggled to see what the problem was with Jesus. By his own admission he stated, “I find no fault in Him at all” (John 18:38 NKJ). However, the people in opposition to Jesus were so filled with rage they agitated the crowd to call for His crucifixion. Ultimately, Pilate had the servants bring out a basin of water with which to wash his hands of the matter, and then surrendered Jesus to the religious leaders who were bent on His destruction. Though there was plenty of guilt to go around for all those who sought the execution of Jesus, it was also in the plan of God to provide a sacrifice for sin and to fulfill His purpose in coming to this world. He came to redeem humanity of their sins. Jesus said, “The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10 NKJ). Jesus tried to prepare His disciples for the event that would take His life. He taught them, “That the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again” (Mark 8:31 NKJ). Only in days to come would they recall these statements and fully understand that Jesus was preparing them for this bitter disappointment. Now we look back at the Cross with mixed feelings of sorrow and satisfaction. We recoil in anguish at the tragedy of this brutal method of punishment, but we rejoice in the salvation that was provided us through His sinless sacrifice. His joy was our salvation, so we may also rejoice in the crucifixion because of the redemptive outcome of His passion. To us the empty Cross stands as a symbol of salvation through His victorious resurrection. In our Easter theme song by Elevation Worship, the second verse says, “Behold the love, His dying plea, Behold the grace of Calvary, That rugged cross, Soon to be the emblem of a risen King.” The Cross has become an icon of life to those He has redeemed. Its symbol means so much more than death, cruelty, suffering, and pain. It now stands as a bold witness of deliverance from sin and the multitude of changed lives, transformed by the Spirit of the resurrection. The song, There’s no Body in the Grave Now, continues with this theme of salvation, “There's only one name that saves, His name is Jesus, … No enemy can hold You down, 'Cause there's nobody in the grave now. One head gets to wear that crown, 'Cause there's nobody in the grave now!” Today, we celebrate life. Our Cross is vacant. The tomb is empty. Jesus lives, He reigns forever, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The Cross is Life! Theme passage: “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay” (Matthew 28:5-6 NIV).
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Violence meets the Prince of Peace3/24/2024 Violence meets the Prince of Peace
NO BODY IN THE GRAVE NOW! Terry R. Baughman “John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!’” (John 1:29 NKJ). John the Baptist had an usual insight with Jesus. Not only did they share the experience of supernatural birth, they were related. John was only six months older than Jesus! John’s mother, Elisabeth, was much older and had never had children. However, God made a promise to her husband, Zacharias, while he served in the Temple they they would have a child. As a sign of this miracle Zacharias was unable to speak until John was born and dedicated. He named him by writing on a tablet, “His name is John” (Luke 1:63 NKJ). Six months after Elisabeth had conceived, her young niece, Mary, received a visit from the angel Gabriel, who announced God’s plan for her. She had been chosen to bear the anointed One, Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It was too much for her to comprehend and she sought to understand how it could be possible for a virgin to conceive. One of the signs given to her was that her aunt, Elisabeth was also expecting her first child, even though she was beyond the age for child-bearing. God’s plan of redemption involved more than two cousins bringing a message of salvation and deliverance to all humanity, but it also required the miraculous participation of two godly women, Elisabeth and Mary, to bear these two men of destiny into the world. John the Baptist, so named because of his message and practice of baptizing believers in the waters of the Jordan river, became the messenger, or the forerunner, of the coming Messiah. He understood his own calling, “I must decrease,” as well as the destiny laid upon the shoulders of his cousin, “He must increase” (John 3:30 NKJ). After declaring Jesus to be “The Lamb of God,” he stated, “After me comes a Man who is preferred before me, for He was before me” (John 1:30 NKJ). The prophet Isaiah said, “The government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6 NKJ). The attributes of the coming Messiah concluded with, “Prince of Peace.” He went on to say, “Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end” (Isaiah 9:7 NKJ). However, the Prince of Peace was met with violence. Jesus came with such hope and promise, bringing Good News to the world. John said, “He entered into the world he created, yet the world was unaware. He came to the people he created — to those who should have received him, but they did not recognize him” (John 1:10-11 TPT). Jesus wept over the city of Jerusalem just prior to His final visit, and cried out, “If only you could recognize that this day peace is within your reach! But you cannot see it” (Luke 19:43 TPT). The Peacemaker had come, but only to be rejected, mistreated, and put to death. They did not perceive their hour of visitation had come from on high. Isaiah predicted, “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5 NKJ). Our peace cost Him punishment. He was beaten, bloodied, and bullied, yet He refused to speak out in His own defense. He did not rationalize or justify His actions. He did not return anger and rebuke for His mistreatment. He surrendered with peace so that we might have peace. Another verse from our Easter theme song, There’s no Body in the Grave Now, by Elevation Worship says, “Behold the Lamb, Upon the cross, Who takes away the sins of all. Forgiveness flows, From hands and feet, As violence meets the Prince of Peace, Behold the King.” While violence is all around us, and peace become every more illusive, there is a peace available to every child of God, “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7 NKJ). Theme passage: “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay” (Matthew 28:5-6 NIV).
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Mighty to Save3/17/2024 Mighty to Save
NO BODY IN THE GRAVE NOW! Terry R. Baughman “Who is this, robed in splendor, striding forward in the greatness of his strength? ‘It is I, proclaiming victory, mighty to save’” (Isaiah 63:1 NIV). The Prophet Isaiah received incredible insight into the uniqueness of the Lord God. Multiple times he referenced the oneness of God and His absolute solidarity. God’s own words given to Isaiah declared, “There is no other God besides Me, A just God and a Savior; There is none besides Me” (Isaiah 45:21 NKJ). While others may try to present other options, other religions, or other avenues of salvation, the truth remains as the Lord spoke, “I am the First and I am the Last; Besides Me there is no God” (Isaiah 44:6 NKJ). Isaiah identified the Lord as the only Savior. The Word of the Lord said, “For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior” (43:3), and, “I, even I, am the Lord, And besides Me there is no savior” (43:11). He said, “There is no other God besides Me, A just God and a Savior; There is none besides Me” (45:21), “I, the Lord, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob” (49:26; 60:16 NKJ). Yet, Isaiah predicted that the One God of Israel would also be revealed in a future time to bring salvation to the world. He prophesied that, “The virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14; see Matthew 1:21-23). The child that was born to Mary was a fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy, “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6 NKJ). Peering into the future, Isaiah could reveal, “Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; ‘For Yah, the Lord, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation.’ Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. And in that day you will say: ‘Praise the Lord, call upon His name; Declare His deeds among the peoples, Make mention that His name is exalted’” (Isaiah 12:2-4 NKJ). It was no coincidence that when Jesus met the Samaritan woman by the well He said, “The water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14 NKJ). Jesus was that living fountain of water issuing from the wells of salvation. John recorded, “Jesus stood and cried out, saying, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water’” (John 7:37-38 NKJ). Jesus came and poured out His Spirit that all may experience salvation. He is not another Savior, but the revealed invisible God of Israel, the One who came, “to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10 NKJ). Without contradiction Jesus could declare, “I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore” (Revelation 1:17-18 NKJ). Four times in the Book of Revelation Jesus is quoted to be “the First and the Last” (Revelation 1:11, 17; 2:8; 22:13). Only the name of Jesus brings salvation. Peter preached about the power of the resurrected Jesus when He said, “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12 NKJ). Jesus is the One who is mighty to save. In our Easter theme song from Elevation Worship, There’s no Body in the Grave Now, the chorus of the song exalts Jesus as the, “Light of the world, Lamb that was slain, Lion who rose, Mighty to save!” Jesus declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6 NKJ). He is the Door. He is the access to life. He is the only Savior of the World! Because He lives, we have hope! Theme passage: “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay” (Matthew 28:5-6 NIV).
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Fullness of God3/10/2024 Fullness of God
NO BODY IN THE GRAVE NOW! Terry R. Baughman “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power” (Colossians 2:9-10 NKJ). Jesus Christ was revealed to be, “God manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory” (1 Timothy 3:16 NKJ). This understanding came after the fact, after His life, His crucifixion, and His powerful resurrection. It took a little longer for those who lived with Him to come to that understanding. Those who received miracles in their life were certainly more receptive to the idea that Jesus was certainly sent from God. Others admired His teaching and applauded His insights in spiritual matters. While there were some who flatly denied the possibility that He was from God. A Nazarene from the Galilee, and without formal training in the rabbinic schools, how could He possibly be a prophet, a teacher, or much less the long-awaited Messiah. In spite of rejection or acclaim, He fulfilled the prophecies and performed the miracles that attested the truth of His mission. John revealed that, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14 NKJ). John continued, “Of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:16-17 NKJ). Jesus was indeed the fullness of God revealed to all humanity. The unbelievers were the so-called religious leaders. They saw Jesus as a threat to the established order of which they were accustomed. They could not comprehend His message or embrace His Deity. John said, “He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name” (John 1:11-12 NKJ). Revelation came to those who believed and embraced His truth. As incredible as it seems, those who opposed Him were eventually permitted to prevail against Jesus. Paul wrote of this revelation of Jesus to be, “the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory” (1 Corinthians 2:7-9 NKJ). Yet, Jesus had come with the plan to give Himself as a ransom for the sins of the world. (See 1 Timothy 2:6.) Jesus secretly revealed to His disciples that, “The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day” (Luke 9:22 NKJ). There was always hope for the resurrection. Even as Jesus predicted His death, there was a promise that He would be raised the third day. As believers followed Jesus and saw His miracles they surely must have been even more encouraged, as Jesus demonstrated His power over death by raising others to life! The widow’s son from Nain, the young daughter of Jairus, and the resurrection of His friend, Lazarus, were all proofs of His authority over our final enemy. It should have been no surprise when followers visited the tomb on the morning of the third day to find it empty and the stone rolled away! In our Elevation Worship theme song for Easter, There’s no Body in the Grave Now, a portion of the song declares, “The fullness of God, Won’t be kept in a grave!” Jesus was the fullness of God in flesh, and He could neither be bound by death nor trapped in the tomb. Because of His resurrection, we have hope. It is the power of the name of Jesus! The song continues, “There’s only one name that saves, His name is Jesus, … No enemy can hold You down, ‘Cause there’s nobody in the grave now, One head gets to wear that crown, ‘Cause there’s nobody in the grave now!” Theme passage: “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay” (Matthew 28:5-6 NIV). |