AuthorTerry R Baughman is Lead Pastor for LifeChurch in Gilbert, AZ. See his complete bio at trbaughman.com Archives
December 2019
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Introduced by Prophets12/8/2019  Introduced by Prophets
ADORE HIM! Terry R. Baughman “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). Prophets through the ages predicted the advent of a messiah that would come to bring deliverance and hope to the nation of Israel. From David’s Psalms to the lesser known prophets like Micah and Zechariah, there was an anticipation of a coming event of epic proportion. What they could not know was how accurate their predictions were and yet how few people would be aware of their fulfillment. It was as though the Lord of Glory stepped through the backdoor of His creation and into an obscure stable of Bethlehem where the newborn was laid in a manger. John said, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. … And 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 1:1, 14). The prophets declared the place of His birth, the time of the advent, and the circumstances of His arrival. Micah revealed that He would come to Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). Daniel spoke of the arrival of the Prince in Jerusalem and predicted that He would be suddenly cut off (Daniel 9:25–26). Isaiah prophesied that He would be born of a virgin. His coming would be a sign and He would be called Immanuel, literally, “God with us” (Isaiah 7:14). Zechariah foretold that Messiah would ride triumphantly into the city on the back of a humble donkey (Zechariah 9:9). These and many other prophecies gave a grand introduction to the Savior King that would be born into this world and live to show us the way of salvation. He came to save, and the prophets declared, “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’” (Isaiah 12:2). By the time Jesus was born in Bethlehem scholars of Scripture had many clues as to the Messiah’s purpose and the miracles that they should expect when He came. When John the Baptist send messengers to Jesus asking, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” (Matthew 11:3). Jesus simply instructed them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them” (Matthew 11:4–5). The signs were enough to satisfy John that Jesus was the fulfillment of the multitude of witnesses that came before Him. Many who read from the prophets anticipated the coming of a conquering king rather than a humble servant. What they did not realize was there are two separate advents of the Messiah. His first coming was as a servant, humbly giving Himself to provide salvation for all humanity. (See Philippians 2:5–11.) His second coming is yet ahead when He will return triumphant on the clouds of heaven as King of kings and Lord of lords. Prophets predicted that the coming One would be worthy of worship. Isaiah said His coming would bring joy, “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. Sing to the Lord, for He has done excellent things” (Isaiah 23:4–5). As we look back on the words of prophecy they all point to the birth of Christ and His wonderful plan of redemption. It’s all made clear now, but the star lit path to Bethlehem was not so clearly revealed. We have the benefit of reading the prophets’ introduction and it all becomes clear. Theme passage: “I am covered by your covenant of mercy and love. So I come to your sanctuary with deepest awe to bow in worship and adore you” (Psalm 5:7 The Passion Translation). 12/8 Missions Sunday (New)
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In the Beginning12/1/2019  In the Beginning
ADORE HIM! Terry R. Baughman “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. … And 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 1:1; 14). From Creation to incarnation the story of redemption is revealed. The wonderful narrative of God reveals His eternal goodness and the manifestation of His grace. Both Genesis and John begin with the same phrase, “In the beginning” (Genesis 1:1, John 1:1). Both set the context of their story in the realm of God’s eternal purpose. Nothing else matters before that moment. All that is important to know is just that God is there and that He has a wonderful plan in process. How does your story begin? How should any narrative start? The most obvious answer is, “In the beginning!” So begins the revelation of God’s purpose for Creation and His plan of redemption. Genesis starts with, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). Before there was humanity, there was Divinity. Before there was a Creation, there was a Creator. Before there was a world spoken into existence, there was a thought in the mind of God of what it would become. Before God made humans in His image, there was the knowledge of humanity’s marred image and the awful effects of their rebellion. Before there was transgression, there was also a plan for atonement. Christ was, “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8). In John’s Gospel the story continues, yet he again appeals to the beginning. It was as though we needed to be reminded that there are no mistakes with God. This is not act two of a divine drama. This is not a do over, or version 2.0 with a newly revised program to work out the bugs of the previous plan. John said, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). It was humanity that needed the do over. It was the people who groped in darkness and stumbled in confusion. “And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it” (John 1:5). The prophet Isaiah saw this day when he wrote, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined” (Isaiah 9:2). Jesus is the light of the world. He is the One who shines from the beginning to the end. He is, “The Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last” (Revelation 1:8; 21:6; 22:13), and yet He chose to enter into His Creation as a child to reveal His plan and purpose among the people. That is when, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). Christmas is a reminder of His coming, His humanity, His humility, and His great love. Isaiah declared, “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). No wonder they worshipped Him from the moment of His birth. Jesus is worthy of glory, honor, and praise. That is the reason we sing, and clap, and shout with a voice of victory. Our redeemer has come to bring salvation. We have been restored to God through the birth of the promise, the death of the savior, and the resurrection of the eternal King. “O Come let us adore Him! The Savior, Christ, the Lord!” Theme passage: “I am covered by your covenant of mercy and love. So I come to your sanctuary with deepest awe to bow in worship and adore you” (Psalm 5:7 The Passion Translation).
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Thanks to God11/24/2019  Thanks to God
THE FRUIT OF THE HARVEST Terry R. Baughman “Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:19–20). It is not incidental that Thanksgiving comes in the fall of the year and on the cusp of more severe weather. In times when most people were involved in growing their own food they were more aware of the blessing of harvest. This time of year was an occasion to celebrate the success of another season of growth and increase. So many things can happen in the early stages of agriculture during the times of planting, cultivation, and growth. There can be too little rain or too much. There can be random storms and devastating winds. Insects and varmints can invade and destroy a crop in hours that has taken weeks to produce. Even in times of harvest many things can go wrong and cause the loss of a crop or dashed hopes for a successful growth season. However, when the harvest was safely in the barns, grain stored for future planting, and food on the table there was occasion to rejoice. Isaiah spoke of the joy of harvest when he prophesied the coming of the Messiah. “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined. You have multiplied the nation and increased its joy; They rejoice before You according to the joy of harvest” (Isaiah 9:2-3). When salvation came the was joy likened to the successful harvest. It is a cause for celebration and thanksgiving! While our celebration is unlike those who celebrated the harvest, Thanksgiving is just as meaningful to those who recognize the works of our God. Although the season of Thanksgiving may not be considered a religious holiday one cannot help but reflect on God’s blessings as we consider the many things for which we are grateful. The American tradition of Thanksgiving has become a time for road trips, feasting, football, outdoor sports, and great shopping opportunities. Many look at the holiday as the yearly opportunity to decorate for Christmas, prepare for Black Friday sales event, or to binge eating before they give in to a food-induced coma on the couch. However, the true essence of Thanksgiving is to give glory and honor to God for all of our blessings in life. Others may have a heart of gratitude but unless there is an object of worship our gratitude seems empty and our thanksgiving self-centered. When we are truly grateful we want to express that appreciation to something bigger than we are, to the one who has made it all possible. When we recognize God as our creator, our provider, and the source of every blessing it is only natural that our gratitude be centered on Him. An attribute of the final generation according to the apostle Paul was that they would be unthankful. Of the last days He predicted, “Men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power” (2 Timothy 3:2–5). While we may see some if not all of those characteristics in our culture, let us keep the observance of Thanksgiving as a reminder that there is a God over all who is covering us and keeping us in His care. Let this sincerely be a time of thanksgiving to God for all of His incredible blessings. Theme passage: “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11).
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Plenty to Share11/17/2019  Plenty to Share
THE FRUIT OF THE HARVEST Terry R. Baughman “Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share” (1 Timothy 6:18). The horn of plenty is a well known symbol for Thanksgiving. The variety of fruits and vegetables spilling out of a fluted basket depicts an abundant harvest of plentiful produce to share with others. From the first Thanksgiving when settlers shared the game and harvest with the indigenous people there was a sense of community and reflection as they gathered around and shared their feasts as friends. There is something truly special when we gather around the table to eat with friends or family, and especially during a season of Thanksgiving. Blessings are meant to be shared. The increase we have received from our labors is not solely for us to enjoy but to share with others. That is where true joy comes from. In one of Jesus teaching stories he spoke of a successful landowner who enjoyed a bumper crop. However, the foolish man chose to build bigger and greater storehouses to contain his blessings for himself saying, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry” (Luke 12:18). What the man did not know was that death was imminent and all his blessings would be left behind for others to take. The indication of the story was that a wise man would share from his abundance knowing that we are in certain of the length of our life and we would never regret sharing our blessings and enjoying our success with others. Whether it is natural growth, financial increase, or spiritual blessings, all things are given to us for responsible stewardship and the opportunity to share. Jesus instructed his followers, “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8). Jesus taught much about giving and stewardship. He said, “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you” (Luke 6:38). In the same measure we share with others we will be rewarded. If we use a thimble when sharing with others, that is how much we can expect in return. However, if we use a barrel to share our blessings, we will be blessed with barrels full. The Lord challenged the people through the prophet to put God to the test. He said, “Try Me now in this,” and see, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it” (Malachi 3:10). We should not hesitate to distribute to the needs of others. For the promise of return is seen throughout the Scripture. The preacher said, “Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days” (Ecclesiastes 11:1). Though the blessings may not come in the same fashion as we give them, in unseen ways and many days the reward will be seen. Sharing affects our worship and the sacrifice of praise bring pleasure to God. The Word said, “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (Hebrews 13:15–16). We have been given plenty; now let us share! Theme passage: “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11).
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Seed to Sow11/10/2019  Seed to Sow
THE FRUIT OF THE HARVEST Terry R. Baughman “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, …, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how. For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come” (Mark 4:26–29). The power is within the fruit of the harvest to reproduce a bountiful return. It is not only a consumable product, but it is also sustainable. There is sufficient increase in nature to provide for food and such an abundance to also lay aside a portion for the next harvest. Every farming family understands the importance of producing enough to provide food for the family, enough to sell or barter to provide for more immediate needs, and enough to lay in store to provide for the next planting season insuring a future harvest that will continue to sustain their livelihood. We hear a lot about sustainability in current events. Sometimes it is reduced to media shaming for simply living in a consumer centric culture. We have enjoyed such abundance and prosperity in the west that we lose sight of the source of some of the things that we enjoy. Profit driven entrepreneurs are more inspired by the current bottomline of their business, rather than concern themselves whether there will be enough raw materials to sustain their growth and longevity. The further removed we are from the facts of farming the more difficult it is to understand the economics of sustainability. In the past when everyone was nearer to the process of planting, growth cycles, harvesting, and laying aside seed for future planting there was an awareness of the simple science of sustainability. If there is no seed reserved to plant in the future field, there will be no future harvest. Saving seed alone is not enough, but it must be reinvested into the ground in the favorable season so that it may die, and sprout, and grow into another harvest. Saving the seed is insufficient to guarantee abundance for the future. The purpose of the seed is not simply to be saved in the storehouse, but to be invested in the field when the season of planting has arrived. It is possible that we have become more obsessed with saving the seed than expanding the fields and increasing tomorrow’s yield. We cannot simply repeat our ritualistic performance as a religious routine; we must dilate our vision to see opportunities, broaden our outreach in casting the seed, and eagerly, “look on the fields” in anticipation of a bountiful harvest. Jesus spoke of His burial and resurrection with the illustration of a seed dying in the ground. He said, “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain” (John 12:24). This is also a principle of harvest. When we sow the seed, we give up the control of the portion we have planted. It is buried, covered in dirt, out of sight. We must have faith in the process, faith in the power of the seed, and trust in the participation of God for the growth beyond our efforts and control. We plant and water, but God alone gives power to the seed to germinate into a plant of new growth. The results of the harvest are out of our hands when we yield the seed into God’s hands. The harvest is assured. God is faithful. Invest with confidence trusting in the Lord of the Harvest. Simply sow the seed. Theme passage: “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11).
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Food to Eat11/3/2019  Food to Eat
THE FRUIT OF THE HARVEST Terry R. Baughman “Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk of the flock?” (1 Corinthians 9:7). God provided an abundance in His creation. Vegetation abounds through out the flora. Grain is harvested for bread, meal, and a wide variety of food products. Rice is plentiful in many areas of the world and provides a staple for meals in some of the most impoverished regions of the globe. A large variety of fruit is plentiful with a diversity of trees and vines. Vegetables grow in abundance where the weather is suitable and the produce is harvested and shipped to distant places. A visit to the local produce market will reveal the production of farms from many locations. It is no wonder that the horn of plenty is often used as a symbol of thanksgiving and the season of harvest. The fruit of the harvest provides food to eat. It is what sustains life and provides vital nutrients to the wellbeing of humanity. Those who labor in the production of food enjoy the fruit of their labor and then sell or trade from the abundance to provide for all their needs. Fruitfulness is so common in agriculture that no wonder Jesus had harsh words for the fig tree that was barren. In all of nature, fruitfulness is expected. A harvest comes every season and the tree or vine’s purpose is to produce fruit. The fruitless tree dried up and died after the Lord spoke against it. His Word has power to bring life and His curse results in death. Jesus came to speak life and fruitfulness in our lives. Not only do we live by the fruitfulness of a natural harvest, we also find spiritual sustenance in the power of His voice speaking life. Isaiah declared the Word of the Lord, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:9–11). The Word goes forth with power just like the inherent power of the biosphere. As much as the world exists in the beautiful balance of nature providing all living things with such extravagance, so also God will provide for every spiritual need and blessing to all those who look to Him. Another prophet predicted a famine on the land. He indicated that there would come a time of famine, however, it would not be a lack of food or drink, but for hearing of the Word of the Lord. The Lord said, “I will send a famine on the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord” (Amos 8:11). May we be attentive to the Word of the Lord and ready to receive His food to eat. It is powerful, enduring, and full of promise. Prosper in its provision and grow in its truth. Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst” (John 6:35). Theme passage: “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11).
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Accompanying Signs10/27/2019  Accompanying Signs
MIRACLES IN THE MAKING Terry R. Baughman “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 The Passion Translation). The signs following salvation are an incredible authentication of the power in the Gospel message. Undeniable miracles, the gift of the Spirit speaking in other tongues, physical healings, spiritual deliverance, and conflict resolution may all be witness to the presence and power of God working in the lives of believers. Prayers are answered and faith grows exponentially. When miracles happen it is natural to share the good news with everyone in our circle of friends. The word spreads, others with curiosity come to see and hear what incredible things are happening. It is been said that we do not seek after signs, but we do seek the powerful witness of God’s Spirit and power working within. When God performs miracles we understand that is His work and His alone. It is beyond human ability to manufacture or manipulate. When the sign is undeniably supernatural there is a tremendous witness of God’s presence working in our midst. Miracles, signs, and wonders lead others to believe, causing many more to experience the salvation message. Faith is the essential ingredient in our relationship with God. The writer of Hebrews said that, “He who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). We know that, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). When the Word is preached and the accompanying signs are seen, faith arises in the hearts of those who have heard it and witnessed the miracle. Faith produces more faith and others are filled with His Holy Spirit. The Spirit working in us and through us is God’s way of affirming our testimony and spreading His message. We should expect the accompanying signs and miracles as we obediently share the story of Jesus. We are not working alone. We are not responsible to produce faith or save anyone. It is God who works with us and it is His power that is mighty to save, transform, heal, and deliver. Paul said, “We are God’s fellow workers” (1 Corinthians 3:9), and, “If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31). We are not working on our own strength or dependent on our own abilities. God is with us and with Him, “All things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). Followers of Jesus have seen incredible miracles take place from biblical days in the Book of Acts to the local Pentecostal churches in our cities. We pray in faith knowing that Jesus is able to do anything we ask. We trust in Him to do what only He can and we simply speak His Word. It is as though Jesus was right there waiting for us to ask and ready to do amazing things in response to our requests. Jesus said, “If you ask anything in My name, I will do it” (John 14:14). We have an assurance that Jesus is with us and His supernatural signs will accompany us. Whatever the challenge or obstacle, those who come believing in Christ and expressing faith in Him will receive what He has promised. It’s time to trust Him! Theme passage: “How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord …, God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit?” (Hebrews 2:3–4).
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Appointed Miracles10/20/2019  Appointed Miracles
MIRACLES IN THE MAKING Terry R. Baughman “Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues” (1 Corinthians 12:27-28). Few would disagree with the appointment of ministers in the church, like teachers and preachers. Not all embrace the contemporary positions of apostles or prophets, but all should recognize their importance to the foundation of the church. Paul saw all these offices as contributing individuals that comprise the body of Christ presently. This is what the church looks like in all generations. Continuing in that list of members of the body there are miracles, gifts of healings, helping members, administrators, and the spiritual gift of tongues. While some select individual members at will, the evident intention is that all members are required to present a unified body and fulfill God’s purpose for the church in this world. A body is completed by all members working together. If any part is missing there is dysfunction and the inability to properly perform its duties. In cohesive unity there is fluidity, utility, and purpose. It should be obvious that all ministries are essential in the church. It should likewise be evident that miracles healing and spiritual gifts are necessary components in the Church of Jesus Christ. While we want to value every facet of the body of Christ, our emphasis here are the spiritual elements. These are things that have been sorely lacking in the church for many centuries. Apostolic doctrine has been restored within the last two centuries. The baptism of the Holy Spirit has been broadly proclaimed and embraced since the time of the Azusa Street revival at the beginning of the 20th Century. Water Baptism in the name of Jesus Christ has been restored in the church for over 100 years. Now it is time to see the restoration of other spiritual elements: miracles, signs, and wonders! These all belong in the church! The work of the Spirit is a normal demonstration of Christ working among us. He is the miracle worker. Paul explained that, “The manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: … to one is given the word of wisdom …, to another the word of knowledge …, to another faith …, to another gifts of healings …, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues” (1 Corinthians 12:7–10). Each is gifted and enabled by the Spirit. It’s all by given by Divine appointment and is operated by the work of the Spirit. Every part supplies something that is needed. If anything is missing, everything is affected. Some of our past challenges and the lack of our success in previous decades can no doubt be contributed to the absence of the spiritual gifts working in our midst. It is now time for undeniable miracles. It is time for God-given prophecies. It is time for supernatural healings. It is time for the operation of the gifts of the Spirit in our prayer sessions and public gatherings. It is time to recognize our appointed destiny and embrace the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit! God has appointed it. It’s time to embrace it. Miracles are in the making! Theme passage: “How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord …, God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit?” (Hebrews 2:3–4).
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Signs of Salvation10/13/2019  Signs of Salvation
MIRACLES IN THE MAKING Terry R. Baughman “While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God” (Acts 10:44-46). The Day of Pentecost in Acts 2 was just the beginning of a worldwide movement and spiritual outpouring of epic proportions. Everywhere believers went there were more conversions and more new birth experiences. The Good News spread throughout the region and then to other nations. This was the result Jesus expected when He 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). Peter, who was vested with with spiritual authority holding the keys of the kingdom, was instrumental in opening the door of salvation both on the Day of Pentecost, and in Samaria, and to the Gentiles in Cornelius’ household. When asked by new believers on the day of Pentecost, “What shall we do?” He responded, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:37–38). Philip preached the same message in Samaria (Acts 8) and they responded in faith and were baptized. The Scripture noted that they had not yet received the Spirit. When Peter and John arrived from Jerusalem they begin to pray for them that they might receive the Holy Ghost. The disciples laid hands on them in prayer and they begin to speak in tongues as the Spirit was poured out in their lives. When Peter was called to preach to the Gentiles gathered at Cornelius’ house he preached the same message that he had preached at the beginning. They should have expected the same results, but they were astonished when they begin to hear these Gentiles speak in tongues. The sign and evidence of this New Birth experience of salvation is found in this statement, “The gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God” (Acts 10:45-46). The miraculous and significant sign of speaking with the other tongues is central and essential to the experience. In time to come Paul and Barnabas went on missionary travels proclaiming the wonderful works of God, Jesus Christ and his resurrection, and the promise of his Holy Spirit. They did not seem to garner much response in the synagogues and among the Jews, but it seemed everywhere they preached to the Gentiles there was a ready response to their message. Not all of the Jewish believers embraced the idea of Gentiles receiving the Holy Spirit and sharing in this wonderful new relationship with God like they had. Cultural prejudice and ethnic bias caused many to oppose the ministry of Paul and Barnabas among the Gentiles. They traveled to Jerusalem to give account for their ministry and share the good news of what had happened as they preached to the Gentiles (Acts 15). Paul reported that Gentiles were being saved! He said, “We believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they.” (Acts 15:11). They could have debated doctrine and shared their personal views all day long, but Paul begin sharing some of the miraculous things they had witnessed as they fulfilled God's call, “The multitude kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul declaring how many miracles and wonders God had worked through them among the Gentiles” (Acts 15:12). The miracle of salvation never becomes old. There is excitement and rejoicing whenever a sinner comes home in the new birth is experienced. Jew or Gentile, all receive salvation that Jesus Christ has provided. This is a miracle in the making! Theme passage: “How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord …, God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit?” (Hebrews 2:3–4).
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Signs Following Faith10/5/2019  Signs Following Faith
MIRACLES IN THE MAKING Terry R. Baughman “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover” (Mark 16:17–18). Preaching the Word of God inspires faith! It is life-giving and transformative. Not only does the Word inspire our hearts and illuminate our understanding, it also renews our spirit and ignites faith in God for miracles, signs, and wonders. Mark recorded a simple conjunction between faith and what will be a natural response to it, “And these signs will follow those who believe.” He declared deliverance from demonic oppression, gifts of the Spirit, power over personal danger, and miracles of healing would begin to happen when believers experience salvation. When people respond to the Gospel message miracles begin to occur in their lives. As Paul said, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). When the Word goes forth with the Spirit’s anointing the response is powerful and the results are phenomenal. Salvation is the greatest miracle and most notable result. Mark declared, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16). Our greatest admiration should be in response to the witness of a soul being saved and a life transformed. When Philip preached the message of Jesus Christ in Samaria there were amazing miracles of healing and deliverance, “For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed” (Acts 8:7). Their response of faith caused many to be baptized and prepared to receive the Holy Spirit when Peter and John came from Jerusalem. That is when Simon, the sorcerer, was more amazed with the visible demonstration of miracles and tongues than with the transformation of the Spirit. He was rebuffed for his desire to purchase the power rather than to receive the New Birth experience by faith. These miracles were not intended to be sensational results just to provoke admiration or to bring attention to the recipient, but to lead them to full salvation along with the others who witnessed these events. The demonstration of signs alone do not necessarily cause people to believe. They may be impressed, awed, or even curious to know more, but still unbelieving. Jesus performed many signs and miracles, yet there were many people who saw the signs who remained skeptical and unconvinced of His Deity. John observed, “Although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him, that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke: ‘Lord, who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?’” (John 12:37–38 and quoting Isaiah 53:1). There must be more than signs. Faith must be born in the heart of the hearer to turn from sin and seek the Savior. The power of the Spirit will be revealed in the New Birth experience. As Peter explained, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). As believers we can confidently expect miraculous signs of the Spirit’s work and engage the supernatural in our witness. Pray expectantly. Speak confidently. Live purposefully. Anything is possible and everything is available, “These signs will follow those who believe!” Theme passage: “How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord …, God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit?” (Hebrews 2:3–4). |
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