AuthorTerry R Baughman is Lead Pastor for LifeChurch in Gilbert, AZ. See his complete bio at trbaughman.com Archives
March 2024
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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).
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Darkness’ Hour is Over3/3/2024 Darkness’ Hour is Over NO BODY IN THE GRAVE NOW! Terry R. Baughman Then Jesus said, “I am light to the world, and those who embrace me will experience life-giving light, and they will never walk in darkness” (John 8:12 TPT). Jesus made several “self-proclamations” in His earthly ministry, many of which were recorded in the Gospel of John. Among them was this bold statement, “I am the light of the world.” If anyone else had made this profession, he would have been dismissed as a fool, or an arrogant narcissist. Jesus is the only one who could make such a statement with authority. He is the Creator of the world, and with that accomplishment in His resume, it was well within His jurisdiction to proclaim to be the light to the world! Paul said, “In him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him” (Colossians 1:16 NIV). John, in his Revelation wrote, “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being” (Revelation 4:11 NIV). God is the source and beginning of light. In Creation, light sprang forth in obedience to His command, “Let there be light.” The light was challenged with the entrance of sin into the world. Disobedience by the first humans introduced darkness and division from the heavenly light. It has been God’s desire from that moment to restore humanity into relationship with Him that we may again walk in light. That was Christ’s desire and plan. He said, “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness” (John 12:46 NIV). Isaiah declared the day was coming when we might again walk in the light. He predicted, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned” (Isaiah 9:2 NIV). Jesus Christ was the fulfillment of that prophecy. Yet when He came there were those who chose rather to remain in darkness. John recorded, “Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil” (John 3:18 NIV). The clash of eternal conflict did not disappear simply because Jesus came to earth. If anything, the minions of darkness try all the harder to obscure the light of revelation. However, the power of The Deliverer has stripped away the authority the enemy once owned and all who seek the light can find it! The victorious song, There’s no Body in the Grave Now, by Elevation Worship, is our theme for Easter and will be referenced through this season. One phrase references this conflict between darkness and the light boldly proclaiming, “Darkness, your hour is over, Light of the world, mighty to save!” The enemy is defeated and Jesus is victorious. Not only is He, the Light, all who believe in Him has the same promise. Jesus said, “… those who embrace me will experience life-giving light, and they will never walk in darkness” (John 8:12 TPT). No child of God needs to fear the darkness. The light has come and we are surrounded by His brilliance. Peter reminds us, “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9 NIV). The reign of darkness is defeated. Jesus is victorious and the light of His Gospel shines to every corner of the globe declaring, He is Mighty to Save! 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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The Deepest Mysteries2/25/2024 The Deepest Mysteries
GO DEEP! Terry R. Baughman “Things never discovered or heard of before, things beyond our ability to imagine — these are the many things God has in store for all his lovers. But God now unveils these profound realities to us by the Spirit. Yes, he has revealed to us his inmost heart and deepest mysteries through the Holy Spirit, who constantly explores all things” (1 Corinthians 2:9-10 TPT). God delights in sharing His deepest thoughts with those who love Him. While some expound on the deep things of God as though they had some private corner on the revelation of God’s wisdom, in reality God is constantly sharing His mysteries with all who will follow and listen. At a crucial point in the ministry of Jesus, parables became His preferred method of teaching. Through various stories Jesus revealed truths concerning the Kingdom of God. When the disciples asked Him why He taught them in parables, He explained, “It has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given” (Matthew 13:11 NKJ). Those who sought to find fault with Jesus’ teaching were confounded by His simple stories with layers of meaning. They could not determine if He spoke against them, or against the political oppressor, or if there was any threat to His lessons. On the other hand, Christ’s followers received the message, and often Jesus provided a key to understanding. This insider knowledge was because they believed in Jesus, they embraced His mission, and they readily received the insights He shared. God has been in the business of revelation since the beginning. It is His desire to be known by His people, those who love Him. From the garden where Adam and Eve enjoyed fellowship with God, to the burning bush where God called Moses to become a deliverer for the people of Israel out of Egyptian bondage. From the multitude of prophecies and psalms came a high view of God, His power, His everlasting mercy, and eternal presence with His people. One psalmist declared, “No wonder I’m so glad; I can’t keep it in! Lord, I’m shouting with glee over all you’ve done, for all you’ve done for me: what mighty miracles and your power at work—just to name a few! Depths of purpose and layers of meaning saturate everything you do. Such amazing mysteries are found within every miracle that nearly everyone seems to miss. Those with no discernment can never really discover the deep and glorious secrets hidden in your ways” (Psalm 92:4-6 TPT). Peter explained the source of these insights, “Prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21 NIV). Jesus revealed that when He returned in the Spirit, greater insight would be achieved. He said, “When the truth-giving Spirit comes, he will unveil the reality of every truth within you. He won’t speak on his own, but only what he hears from the Father, and he will reveal prophetically to you what is to come” (John 16:13 TPT). The reality of His pure revelation is yet to be fully realized. Paul wrote, “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, … God has revealed to us by his Spirit” (1 Corinthians 2:9-10 NIV). The understanding we receive through the Spirit is the unveiling of “profound realities.” Jesus has “revealed to us his inmost heart and deepest mysteries through the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 2:10 TPT). As much as we can receive, at the capacity we can understand, God delights in revealing the infinite depths of His thoughts and plans. There is so much more in store for the follower of Christ as we explore the deep things of God. Yet, in Job we read, “How great is God—beyond our understanding!” (Job 36:26 NIV). We continue to explore the expansion of His revealed purpose and seek to know more of His mysteries, and God is pleased in our quest. Theme passage: “Then, by constantly using your faith, the life of Christ will be released deep inside you, and the resting place of his love will become the very source and root of your life” (Ephesians 3:17 TPT).
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The Deep Kindness of His Love2/18/2024 The Deep Kindness of His Love
GO DEEP! Terry R. Baughman “My deep need calls out to the deep kindness of your love. Your waterfall of weeping sent waves of sorrow over my soul, carrying me away, cascading over me like a thundering cataract” (Psalms 42:7 TPT). Considering the vastness of God's love, Frederick Martin Lehman (in 1917) wrote, “Could we with ink the ocean fill, and were the skies of parchment made; were every stalk on earth a quill, and every man a scribe by trade; to write the love of God above would drain the ocean dry; nor could the scroll contain the whole, Though stretched from sky to sky. O love of God, how rich and pure! How measureless and strong! It shall forevermore endure -- the saints’ and angels’ song.” In effort to begin to comprehend God's love we resort to poetry to capture the essence of its greatness. We turn to the Psalms in order to find voice and adequate terms to express the majesty of God’s kindness toward us. David wrote, “Your righteousness is unmovable, just like the mighty mountains. Your judgments are as full of wisdom as the oceans are full of water. Your tender care and kindness leave no one forgotten, not a man or even a mouse. O God, how extravagant is your cherishing love! All mankind can find a hiding place under the shadow of your wings” (Psalm 36:6-7 TPT). There is room for all under His covering. His cherishing love is extravagant. A contemporary songwriter said, “There's no end to Your love, You’re with us, … There's nothing in this world, that could take You away, You’re with us!” (Written by Reuben Morgan & Dylan Thomas, Hillsong). Nothing demonstrates God’s love like His response to our great need. The wretchedness of our condition fails to diminish God's great love. In spite of our unworthiness, His grace is plenteous. John Newton penned the song, “Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now I'm found. Was blind, but now I see.” This former slave-trader, overwhelmed with his sinful life, found God’s grace to be far beyond expectation, and God’s favor to be faithful to meet his need. It seems God delights in demonstrating His great love to humanity. The most sinful individual, the most impossible situation, the most flagrant of offenders, God reaches out for them all to love them to the place of salvation. He draws them to the cross, forgives their sin, and showers them with grace. There is no way we can comprehend that kind of love, or explain the far-reaches of His redeeming grace. Love is a powerful force for good, and God is love! While we were still in our sins, Christ died for us that we might be saved. (See Romans 5:8.) John said it best, “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 NKJ). Our great need draws the response of God. There is something about the despair of the afflicted that attracts the compassion and care of the Savior. In the midst of ministry Jesus saw the tremendous need of humanity. Matthew said, “When He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd” (Matthew 9:36 NKJ). Or as the Psalmist said, “My deep need calls out to the deep kindness of your love.” When we approach God in humility we will find an abundance of grace. Scripture states, “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6 NKJ). Recognizing our need is the first step to redemption. When we come face to face with our failure, we find the grace to repent and be reconciled to God. John said, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 NKJ). God will meet us in love when we call out to Him in our deep need. We will find deep kindness in Him! Theme passage: “Then, by constantly using your faith, the life of Christ will be released deep inside you, and the resting place of his love will become the very source and root of your life” (Ephesians 3:17 TPT).
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The Call of the Deep2/11/2024 The Call of the Deep
GO DEEP! Terry R. Baughman “Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls; All Your waves and billows have gone over me. The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, And in the night His song shall be with me—A prayer to the God of my life” (Psalms 42:7-8 NKJ). God's desire for relationship with humanity brings His active involvement and presence into our lives. Likewise God has instilled within us a longing for connection to the spiritual. So much so, there is a natural void in our souls when we have no relationship with him. The psalmist revealed there was a deep need within, a longing for the presence of God, in our hearts. In the same text from The Passion Translation, He said, “My deep need calls out to the deep kindness of your love. Your waterfall of weeping sent waves of sorrow over my soul, carrying me away, cascading over me like a thundering cataract” (Psalm 42:7 TPT). This reciprocal longing for connection with the Almighty, led God to create everything that we see. He took personal attention to the creation of the first man and woman (Adam and Eve), with the intention that He might have someone with which to communicate and to enjoy time together. It is apparent from the text of Genesis that God walked with them, communicating with them in their evening walks. After the first sin, when their eyes were open to their nakedness, they hid from the face of God, and were shamed by the purity of His voice. Relationship was broken and trust was destroyed. Though these first humans were separated from this sacred scene they had once enjoyed, there remained the deep desire for communion with God. Blaise Pascal, a philosopher and theologian, observed that man, “tries in vain to fill with everything around him, seeking in things that are not there the help he cannot find in those that are, though none can help, since this infinite abyss can be filled only with an infinite and immutable object; in other words by God himself” (Pensees, by Blaise Pascal). This thought has often been quoted as the “God-shaped hole within the heart.” Search where we may, there is nothing on earth that can adequately fill the longing for God, but God Himself. There is no relationship on earth that can replace the spiritual communion we can have in His Spirit. God created us for relationship and we can enjoy many relationships with others, but none will take the place of the One who is the “infinite and immutable.” Christ’s answer for the aching separation of sin was the provision of a sacrifice. In the Garden, a lamb was slain to provide clothing for the outcasts from the paradise of God. God clothed them and covered them with the skins and wool of the sacrifice. A principle was established and blood sacrifices were offered in abundance throughout the Old Testament, and the wrath of God was appeased by the atoning blood of the lamb. All this blood, all these sacrifices, provided atonement year after year as sins were pushed ahead in the anticipation of a perfect lamb in the fulness of time. John the Baptist saw the fulfillment of the promise when He proclaimed Jesus to be, “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29 NKJ). Looking back at Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary, Peter stated that we were redeemed, “with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:19 NKJ). Jesus provided the atonement that saves us from our sins, but also restores a relationship with God! Paul wrote, “Look at you now! Everything is new! Although you were once distant and far away from God, now you have been brought delightfully close to him through the sacred blood of Jesus—you have actually been united to Christ! Our reconciling “Peace” is Jesus!” (Ephesians 2:13-14 TPT). We can daily celebrate our reconciliation. Constantly, we can rejoice in the restoration of our relationship. Join the singers of Korah’s clan and continue the chorus, “All through the day Yahweh has commanded his endless love to pour over me. Through the night I sing his songs and my praises to the living God” (Psalm 42:8 TPT). The deep calls us still. Theme passage: “Then, by constantly using your faith, the life of Christ will be released deep inside you, and the resting place of his love will become the very source and root of your life” (Ephesians 3:17 TPT).
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The Word of the Deep2/4/2024 The Word of the Deep
GO DEEP! Terry R. Baughman “Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven. Your faithfulness endures to all generations; You established the earth, and it abides” (Psalms 119:89-90 NKJ). Deep sea divers experience incredible pressure as they descend into deeper waters. Divers cannot go more than 130 feet deep without great risk to their health and wellbeing. Swimmers can feel that increase of pressure even at depths of ten feet, so how much more intense is it to go further into deep water? In June of 2023, OceanGate launched a submergible capsule, named the Titan, into the Atlantic Ocean with five male passengers. Each had paid large sums of money to be passengers to witness firsthand the wreckage of the great Titanic, on the ocean floor over 12,000 feet below the surface. The sub had completed several dives in 2021 and 2022 before the fateful final dive for the Titan. Somewhere in transit to the wreckage, a catastrophic failure of the hull of the tiny capsule caused a massive implosion killing all who were aboard. The wreckage of the submergible was finally located about 1600 feet from the hull of the Titanic. The pressure increases in our lives as we seek new depths in our spiritual experience. We must prepare ourselves for the onslaught of the enemy of our souls, as we draw closer to His purposes. However, we can be assured, the power within us is greater than the pressure around us. God’s Spirit equalizes the oppression and empowers us to prevail against all external forces. John said, “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4 NKJ). Jesus gives us more grace as we humbly seek Him. (See James 4:17.) We need not fear any outside pressure when we are fully surrounded by His arms of protection. Paul observed that, “Where sin abounded, grace abounded much more” (Romans 5:20 NKJ). He will not allow us to be crushed, He surrounds us with His protection. Holiness is protection, separation is a shield. His name is a strong tower we can run to and be saved. The Word of God is forever. It is established in heaven and there is no end to its reach. The text in The Passion translation said, “Standing firm in the heavens and fastened to eternity is the Word of God. Your faithfulness flows from one generation to the next …” (Psalms 119:89 TPT). The Word of God is unsearchable. We might say it is “un-google-able,” or unknowable. It is deep, inexhaustible, and unexplainable. Then why read or study it? We find that the more we explore, the more we find in His Word. There is just no limit to its depths. The prophet said, “The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable” (Isaiah 40:28 NKJ). The New Living Translation said, “No one can measure the depths of his understanding.” The Passion Translation wrote, “His intelligence is unlimited; he is never puzzled over what to do!” Keep exploring; just know that we will never know it all! God is so deep we will never reach His limits. There will always be more to experience, more to know, and explore. Paul exclaimed, “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!” (Romans 11:33-34 NKJ). The Word IS God. John wrote, “In the Beginning was the Word … and the Word was God,” then he continued, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:1; 14 NKJ). It is impossible to separate God from the Word. He is the living Word. He is One. This Word is Forever settled in Heaven. He is not subject to revisionist history, political correction or liberal cancellation. If anything needs adjustment, it is our interpretation or understanding. The Word is revealed to us progressively. We move from, “faith to faith.” Paul reminded us, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17 NKJ). When He speaks, everything becomes clearer. The deep does not elevate us, it exalts Him. Understanding brings humility and resists pride. The Word, living in our hearts, insulates us from external pressure and enables us to dive deeper in Him. Let us experience the Word of the deep. Theme passage: “Then, by constantly using your faith, the life of Christ will be released deep inside you, and the resting place of his love will become the very source and root of your life” (Ephesians 3:17 TPT).
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Life in the Water1/28/2024 Life in the Water
GO DEEP! Terry R. Baughman “Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will live” (Ezekiel 47:9 NIV). Jesus often taught in parables, especially when those who opposed Him lurked about just waiting to catch Him in His words, or snare Him by some trickery in the questions they posed. When Jesus told stories and related the parable to real-life situations, those who believed in Him, understood His implications, while others were left with more questions. When the disciples asked Jesus why He spoke in parables, He said, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them” (Matthew 13:11 NIV). In the final parable in Matthew 13, concerning the Kingdom of Heaven, Jesus used the example of fishermen throwing out a large net, which they drew up through the water resulting in a huge catch of fish. All were kept in the net and taken to the shore where they were sorted, the good were separated from those who were not good for food, or too small, or some other water species. It was apparent the story of the dragnet was about more than a successful fishing trip. This was an illustration of what it was like in the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus had called the disciples from the beginning to become, “fishers of men!” When Jesus came to find Peter and Andrew, “They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.” Then, “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people” (Matthew 4:18-19 NIV). They immediately abandoned their nets and followed Him. The contents of the net produced “all kinds” according to the biblical text. Interestingly, it didn’t say “all kinds of fish,” and even the Greek word used for kinds is also used for tribes or nationalities. These fish were an allegory of the end-time ingathering of all races and ethnicities of people brought into the Kingdom of God. We are taught to bring in all kinds and let God do the sorting at the final judgment. Only God knows the heart and identifies those who have truly chosen to follow Him. Habakkuk, the prophet, used the same imagery, of fish representing human beings. He asked God, “Why do You make men like fish of the sea, Like creeping things that have no ruler over them?” (Habakkuk 1:14 NKJ). So, it is not a stretch to see the abundance of fish in the waters of Ezekiel to be synonymous with the incredible harvest of souls anticipated in the final days of this dispensation. The river of living water that began in the Temple and flowed to the Jordan, and down to the sea contained, “Swarms of living creatures.” The prophet recognized that, “creatures will live wherever the river flows.” Because of the healing, life-giving properties of water, an abundance of life results. The fruitfulness of final harvest will far exceed our wildest imagination. All who are touched by the Spirit, all who come to the waters for cleansing through the powerful name of Jesus, will find life! Where the river flows there will be new life. Jesus promised that, “Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47 NKJ). Where the Gospel is preached, repentance is embraced, and baptism is practiced, the power of the Spirit brings everlasting life. Jesus spoke of the Spirit when He said, “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water” (John 7:38 NKJ). The waters of baptism and the river of the Spirit bring life to the barren and lifeless soul. Where God is, resurrections take place, the rejected are restored, and healing comes to the hopeless. There is healing in this water. Step in and experience the refreshing of restoration! Ezekiel said, “There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will live” (Ezekiel 47:9 NIV). There is life in the water and all who come into its flow will live! Theme passage: “Then, by constantly using your faith, the life of Christ will be released deep inside you, and the resting place of his love will become the very source and root of your life” (Ephesians 3:17 TPT).
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Too Deep to Swim1/21/2024 “He measured off another thousand cubits and told me to wade across the stream again; the water was up to my knees. He measured off another thousand cubits and made me wade across the stream again, and the water was up to my waist. He measured off another thousand; it was now a river over my head, which I was unable to swim across. It was a deep swollen river—a river no one could cross” (Ezekiel 47:4-5 TPT).
In an unusual vision, the prophet Ezekiel saw waters trickling from beneath the threshold of the temple. The insignificant stream of water flowed from the south side of the altar, out of the temple, and beyond the eastern gate. The shining man of the vision led the prophet to follow the stream outside the walls of the city. After about a third of a mile the water had become ankle deep. While another walk of the same distance, brought him to water that was up to his knees. By the time they had walked a mile, the stream had become quite deep, rising up to his waist. Then after another short walk, the stream had become a river so deep that it could not be navigated, so wide it was impossible to swim across. Through this visual, the prophet revealed something of the purpose of God and the fulfillment of His plan. Those things that appear to be small, seemingly insignificant moves of God, and minor miracles, are just the beginning of something great and powerful, revealing what God is doing in the world. Flowing water is refreshing, a sign of life, with cleansing properties. All these attributes are also true of the Spirit of God. Could we apply the vision of Ezekiel to God’s promise to Joel? He said, “And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions. And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days” (Joel 2:28-29 NKJ). Jesus certainly used the parallel between the living water and the Spirit when He loudly addressed the crowd assembled in Jerusalem on the last day of the feast. He said, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” John explained, “By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive” (John 7:37-39 NIV). Jesus promised that “rivers of living water” would flow from those who were so filled by His Spirit. There are such incredible promises awaiting for those who are filled with the Holy Spirit and surrendered to His flow. We live in anticipation of a greater outpouring of the Spirit than has ever been witnessed before. To the present, we have just gotten our feet wet. Perhaps the stream of His provision has been sufficient to splash around in, but a little further down the stream it’s enough to wade in and rises quickly to the point we cannot stroll casually in the current, but must surrender to the tide of its momentum. We have yet to see the fullness of Joel’s prophecy, “I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh!” We can only imagine what it will be like. When we are in over our heads with Spirit baptisms, overwhelmed with the abundance of New Birth experiences, and miracles are happening beyond our understanding, we will know we are seeing the fulfillment of these prophecies. What God has planned is greater than our capacity to manage, plan, or control. The ultimate destination of Ezekiel’s vision was to return to the banks of the river of life, flowing through the land toward the sea. The river brought healing and renewal. The dying were revived and the dead sea was refreshed. Where the fish could not have lived, now there was an abundance of fresh life-giving water, and he said, “Everything will live wherever the river goes” (Ezekiel 47:9 NKJ). We cannot underestimate the power of the Spirit to perform God’s will. Where the Spirit is, there is life and liberty! When the Spirit is embraced, when our worship is God-centered and intentional, and we align ourselves with God’s purpose, anything is possible. When we step out from the banks and can no longer touch the bottom, we will be swept along in the perfect flow of spiritual renewal. When it’s too wide to swim surrender to the current and experience the depths of His power! Theme passage: “Then, by constantly using your faith, the life of Christ will be released deep inside you, and the resting place of his love will become the very source and root of your life” (Ephesians 3:17 TPT). |