AuthorTerry R Baughman is Lead Pastor for LifeChurch in Gilbert, AZ. See his complete bio at trbaughman.com Archives
April 2024
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Darkness cannot Overcome12/3/2023 Darkness cannot Overcome
Light in the Night! Terry R. Baughman “The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it” (John 1:4-5 NLT). From the first act of Creation, God spoke light into existence and divided the light from the darkness. From that moment there has never been a mixing of the two. Light appears, and darkness is dispelled. Darkness cannot remain where light shines. The Scripture began, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light” (Genesis 1:1-3 NKJ). Into the world of darkness, and a formless, emptiness, God began speaking. John said, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. … All things were made through Him” (John 1:1, 3 NKJ). Light was priority. It was the first thing God spoke into the world. He said, “Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3 NKJ). The sun, moon, and the stars all made their appearance on day four. Before they were created to shine or to reflect light, God made the very essence of light! The original light was the natural light that is displayed in the heavenly bodies. In the Gospel of John we are introduced to another light, the light that came into the world to bring life, “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men” (John 1:4 NKJ). This was the spiritual light that Jesus brought into the world. No wonder the shepherds were astonished when, “An angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them” (Luke 2:9 NKJ). It was a bright star that drew the wisemen from the far East, seeking the One who bore the light. It was Jesus who said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12 NKJ). There is no diminishing of the light, regardless of the intensity of the darkness. The darkness cannot understand the light, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it” (John 1:5 NKJ). The New Life Version stated, “The darkness has never been able to put out the Light,” and the New Century Version said, “The darkness has not overpowered it,” while the New Living Translation declared, “The darkness can never extinguish it.” The Message, called it the Life-Light and explained, “Everything was created through him; nothing—not one thing!— came into being without him. What came into existence was Life, and the Life was Light to live by. The Life-Light blazed out of the darkness; the darkness couldn’t put it out” (John 1:3-5 The Message). Several translations used the phrase, “The darkness has not overcome it.” Darkness is defeated by the Light of Life that Jesus brought into the world. As dark and ominous as the world seems, with the prevalence of evil and wickedness in every corner of the globe, the light still shines. The dark is powerless to prevail against the light which Christ has brought into the world. Through the light of God’s truth and righteousness, evil will be overcome, defeated, and destroyed. Ultimately, death itself will be destroyed. Jesus will bring an end to death and the Light of Life will prevail, “The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. For ‘He has put all things under His feet’” (1 Corinthians 15:26-27 NKJ). Theme passage: “A fountain of life was in him, for his life is light for all humanity. And this Light never fails to shine through darkness—Light that darkness could not overcome! (John 1:4-5 TPT).
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Witness of the Light11/26/2023 Witness of the Light
Light in the Night! Terry R. Baughman “Suddenly a man appeared who was sent from God, a messenger named John. For he came as a witness, to point the way to the Light of Life, and to help everyone believe” (John 1:6–7 TPT). Many self-proclaimed messiahs came before Jesus was born. They all had a military agenda, to overthrow the Roman oppressors. Their view of prophecy was that when Messiah came He would sit upon the throne of David and once again reign as king of Israel. Surely, they would find deliverance from their adversaries, establish an independent rule, and enjoy another era of peace and prosperity that was long in their past. So pervasive was this view of the prophets that even among the disciples there was a question of when the kingdom would be returned to Israel. That was also the last question they asked after His resurrection and before His ascension, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6 NKJ). God’s plan for peace and prosperity was quite different. Indeed, Jesus came to set captives free and deliver the people from bondage, but it was not in the way they imagined. Jesus came to establish another type of Kingdom, a spiritual Kingdom unlike any other. He explained to Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here” (John 18:36 NKJ). John the Baptist had insight from the Spirit as to the role of Jesus, the Messiah. He proclaimed Him to be, “The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29 NKJ). John recognized that Jesus would increase in the course of ministry while John would decrease. John was the forerunner, the one who prepared the way for Messiah. Through John’s preaching of repentance, hearts were convicted of sin and ready to embrace the coming Messiah in faith. Even John’s disciples would be introduced to Jesus and would leave to follow Him. The Apostle John wrote that the baptizer was truly sent from God, not to be the Messiah, but to be a witness of the One who was to come. Jesus was the Light of the world. John recognized that truth and became the “witness of the Light, that all through him might believe.” Jesus was, “the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world” (John 1:7,9 NKJ). The prophet Isaiah predicted the coming of the messenger calling out, “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God” (Isaiah 40:3 NIV). John the Baptist was that messenger who prepared the way and bore witness of the Light. Isaiah also prophesied, “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). Matthew recognized that this was fulfilled in Jesus who began His ministry in Galilee of the Gentiles, preaching, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17 NKJ). We, who have received the light of truth in our lives, now have the privilege and responsibility to also be witnesses of the Light. We know that Jesus, “the perfect Light of Truth was coming into the world,” and His purpose is to, “shine upon everyone” (John 1:9 TPT). Let Him shine, and let us be the witnesses of His glory! Theme passage: “A fountain of life was in him, for his life is light for all humanity. And this Light never fails to shine through darkness—Light that darkness could not overcome! (John 1:4-5 TPT).
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Our Heritage11/19/2023 Our Heritage
Thanksgiving! Terry R. Baughman “For You, O God, have heard my vows; You have given me the heritage of those who fear Your name” (Psalm 61:5 NKJ). A heritage of faith is of great value and should be highly prized. No one has the choice of where they were born, or what their family is like. Some have been born in deplorable conditions and endured great suffering, while others have experienced a loving home and unmatched support through their lives. While we have no choice of our beginnings, many of us have had the opportunity to embrace faith and find a new and welcoming community of believers, that provide that shelter of support and embrace we may not have known previously. Some were born in Christian homes and raised to follow scriptural principles and enjoyed the blessings of the church community from childhood. Others have had no knowledge of God and may have even considered themselves atheists, having never been taught biblical stories, or the simple message of the Gospel. However, it is God’s plan that all people may have the opportunity to know Him and come to faith that will completely transform their lives. Peter said that God is long-suffering, One who keeps His promises, and He is, “Not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9 NKJ). Jesus came to earth to give Himself as a ransom for sin, so that, “Whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 NKJ). He also stated, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10 NKJ). These truths that may be common to us are new to those who have never heard them. It is our desire to transmit the Gospel story in simplicity and in love to those who have never heard, so they too can come into a relationship with Jesus Christ and share in the born-again experience. Some of us were born in homes of faith where the Word of God was read, church attendance was practiced, and many opportunities were given to grow in faith and a personal experience of salvation was encouraged. Some Pentecostals today trace their heritage for seven or eight generations. This is an awesome lineage among families of faith. However, it is just as important that each generation come to a place of believing in Jesus Christ and experiencing the New Birth for themselves. No one inherits the Spirit or becomes a Christian by nativity. All must be born again! Jesus said, “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5 NKJ). Every child of God is a first generation Christian. All must surrender their lives to Christ and choose to follow Him. Whether we have a family lineage or not, we have the opportunity to have, “the heritage of those who fear Your name” (Psalm 61:5 NKJ). Paul became a father in the Gospel to the young man Timothy. However, Paul recognized the value of his upbringing, and those who had helped to shape his life of faith. Paul wrote to Timothy, “I’m filled with joy as I think of your strong faith that was passed down through your family line. It began with your grandmother Lois, who passed it on to your dear mother, Eunice. And it’s clear that you too are following in the footsteps of their godly example” (2 Timothy 1:4–5 TPT). Let us be the beginning of a family that loves God, one who passes on the heritage of faith and becomes one who honors His great name! Theme passage: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 NKJ).
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Practice Peace11/12/2023 Practice Peace
Rejoice in Jesus! Terry R. Baughman “Put into practice the example of all that you have heard from me or seen in my life and the God of peace will be with you in all things” (Philippians 4:9 TPT). Our series concludes with this instruction. Put the example into practice! Being a Christ follower is not a one and done deal. It requires discipline and continual practice. The things that we have heard, studied, and been taught, must be integrated into our lives, and applied in a practical way. Paul wrote to the young Timothy that he should, “Continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:14–15 NIV). We all learn from the example of others and should put those good lessons into practice. When we know the lives of our mentors we are confident to follow their teachings and their example. Paul’s example, and ours’ should be the same, allowing the God of peace to be shown in all that we do. It’s not just one lesson that we’ve learned and passed the quiz, but several life lessons that Paul leaves with us. He tells us to put all these examples into action in our Christian living. Paul demonstrated the principles that he taught and was unapologetic in his request for believers to follow him as he followed Christ. (See 1 Corinthians 11:1 KJV.) In the NIV Paul is quoted, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” The NKJV used the word imitate in the passage, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” In the previous chapter of our text Paul wrote, “Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do” (Philippians 3:17 NIV). These character qualities should be seen in the lives of all believers. That’s for our example, and to be an example to others who seek God’s path. Seek out those who are followers of Jesus, and follow those whose lives reflect His transformation. Sometimes we are reluctant to ask people to follow our lead and practice our example. It could be that we are not confident in our relationship with God, or that we are not being intentional about following biblical teaching. To ask someone to follow our example is not to presume perfection, or, a prideful arrogance, but to pledge integrity in our lifestyle, and a desire to fulfill His leading, and continue in His way. The result of those who put into practice Paul’s example are assured the peace of God will be with them in all things. What greater outcome could we expect or desire than the assurance of the peace of God to fill our lives. In a world of chaos and constant striving, it is a blessed promise to have the assurance of peace in our relationship with God. As we practice the spiritual and scriptural lessons we have learned, we will continue to experience the great peace of God. His peace is that, “peace of God, which transcends all understanding” (Philippians 4:7 NIV). Let us practice for peace! Theme passage: “My beloved ones, don’t ever limit your joy or fail to rejoice in the wonderful experience of knowing our Lord Jesus!” (Philippians 3:1 TPT).
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Fixed Thoughts11/5/2023 Fixed Thoughts Rejoice in Jesus! Terry R. Baughman “Keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always” (Philippians 4:8 TPT). Paul gave wise guidance on channeling our thoughts on positive qualities and thereby avoiding the pitfalls of rambling damaging mind games. This text in the New King James version is time-tested and helpful. Paul said, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8 NKJ). However, the same text in The Passion Translation begins with a challenge to our will to always control our thoughts in this positive direction, “Keep your thoughts continually fixed ….” This indicates that we have the ability to develop a discipline for our minds. These passages provide an answer to those who maintain that they cannot control their thoughts. While we cannot stop thinking, we can replace negative images and impure thoughts with wholesome substitutes. Reading God’s Word, or positive spiritual devotions can help fill our minds with a healthy alternative thoughts. Christian music and uplifting programs can also improve the tenor of our thought life. On the basis of the previous verse (Philippians 4:7), we understand that the peace of God will set parameters for our hearts and minds. Understanding the Spirit’s guidance and assistance, it is entirely possible to maintain fixed boundaries for the fields of our imagination and the containment of our roaming thoughts. As we keep our thought continually fixed on godly characteristics we will find it even easier to maintain control of our minds. Review the substance of our thought pantry. Open the door to the vast array of healthy ingredients to a more fulfilling and joyful existence. Here are some samples of the inventory from which to choose:
These thoughts and the resulting actions will produce a wellspring of praise to God and be a continuing reflection of the glory of God in our lives. We are instructed to meditate or think on all of these things. As we fix our thoughts on these positive qualities, we will continue to experience the peaceful presence of God as we praise Him in our lives. Theme passage: “My beloved ones, don’t ever limit your joy or fail to rejoice in the wonderful experience of knowing our Lord Jesus!” (Philippians 3:1 TPT).
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Sharing His Suffering8/7/2022 Sharing His Suffering
Knowing Jesus Terry R. Baughman “We share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Romans 8:17–18 NIV). In our efforts to share the Good News we often neglect to tell of the suffering and persecution that may be associated with the Christian life. It’s true that in the larger picture of eternity any suffering is not worth mentioning and any persecution just lets us know we are on the path of right living. However, it may come as a shock to new followers of Christ that not everyone is thrilled about our decision to believer in Jesus. The call of discipleship and our commitment to Christ causes changes in our lives that we never expected. Yet, we are so thrilled with our new found freedom from sin and the transforming experience of the Holy Spirit that we seldom have second thoughts, and enthusiastically embrace the changes that Jesus brings into our lives. Jesus said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23 NKJ). It’s a new way of living and we delight in the new direction of His path. Along the way we learn that, “All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12 NKJ), but we, like the disciples, may also find joy in suffering. After the healing of the lame man near the Beautiful Gate of the Temple, Peter and John were arrested, interrogated, and beaten. Yet they went their way, “rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name” (Acts 5:41 NKJ). They did not retreat in fear and intimidation. Rather, “daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ” (Acts 5:42 NKJ). They embraced the suffering for a righteous cause and continued following Jesus. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus pronounced a blessing on His followers who suffered persecution. He said, “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:11-12 NKJ). Knowing Jesus is to know suffering. We are not greater than our Lord and not immune to persecution. It is to be expected. Suffering and persecution are not afflictions we seek after with some twisted view of pleasure, but rather the result of living a life devoted to the cause of Christ and willingly accepting the consequences that we may face. Peter wrote of suffering later in his life as he reflected on both the pain and the joyful results of these experiences. He said, “Do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:12 NKJ). The joy of suffering is to see the end result, the glory that shall be when we are in the presence of Jesus for eternity. With that understanding, all the trials endured throughout life are not worth mentioning. As Paul said, “Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18 NIV). Theme passage: “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:10–11 NIV).
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Resurrection Power7/31/2022 Resurrection Power
Knowing Jesus Terry R. Baughman “And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all” (Acts 4:33 NKJ). Paul’s quest was to know Christ in the power of His resurrection, as written in the epistle to the Philippians. This letter was written while he was imprisoned in Rome. During this time of incarceration he wrote several letters to churches where he had traveled and ministered. At this point in his life he began to reflect what it meant to be “in Christ” and to really “know” Him. Paul had already written to the Corinthian church concerning the resurrection from the dead. He established the validity of Christ’s resurrection attested by more than five hundred witnesses. He revealed that he himself had been a late witness of the resurrection through visions when he was caught up into the third heaven! He wrote with authority about the power of the resurrection, “The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power” (1 Corinthians 15:42–43 NKJ). The resurrection is powerful. It is the cornerstone of the Christian faith and the evidence of our testimony of the Gospel. The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of all our experience. Paul said, “But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty” (1 Corinthians 15:13–14 NKJ). He viewed the validity of the resurrection as an essential doctrine of the New Testament Church. From the beginning of the Book of Acts the power of their message was seen as they declared the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This was the very thing the religious leaders feared would happen. Not that Jesus would actually rise, but that his disciples would steal the body and then claim He had risen. They knew enough of the teachings of Jesus that this was the expected outcome. Guards were placed at the tomb to prevent anyone from taking the body of Jesus. Of course, the guards were powerless against the actual resurrection. Nothing could prevent the grave from yielding to the voice of the Spirit as Jesus returned to life and vacated the borrowed tomb. So what was Paul’s intention as he wrote about knowing Christ in the, “power of His resurrection?” He had written much and experienced the power of God throughout his ministry. Yet, in these final years his desire was to discard his own attempts to attain righteousness. He called these efforts rubbish. Now, as he neared the end, his only desire was, “that I may gain Christ and be found in Him” (Philippians 3:8–9 NKJ). By this time he is passed ego, no longer seeking to be known of men, and has no other ambition than just to be found in Him. Time has a way of refining our focus and sharpening our goals. Things that once were sought to bring personal satisfaction through our acclaim or attainment of success are no longer the object of our desire. All that matters is to simply know Him! As death looms ever nearer we become more aware of the absolute importance of the message of the resurrection and the hope that lies within us. Paul said that we, “wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us” (Romans 8:23 NLT). The resurrection power gives us authority now and a bright hope for the future. Theme passage: “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:10–11 NIV).
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Connecting with God7/24/2022 Connecting with God
Knowing Jesus Terry R. Baughman “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28–29 NIV). God is present with us. He is not a far away, distant God, who has no care for humanity. He is very much immanent, with us in our humanity. That was the blessing of the incarnation. The Almighty God became flesh, taking on the limitations of humanity while still remaining the Omnipresent God. As the prophet Isaiah said, “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14 NKJ). Translated from Hebrew, that name is “God with us!” God has always desired to be with us. Since the beginning of Creation God made a way to connect with humanity and for us to be able to connect with Him. Even though sin entered the Garden of Eden through humanity’s disobedience, God already had a plan of redemption and initiated the remedy for sin so that we might again enjoy fellowship with God. Jesus came with a singular plan, “to seek and save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10 NKJ). God was in Christ to bring reconciliation between lost sinners and a Holy God. It is not God’s desire “that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9 NKJ). The invitation is open; the opportunity is extended, “Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life” (Revelation 22:17 NLT). It all comes back to the individual response. If God is willing and extending His hand in welcome, it remains the choice of each individual to complete the connection. He is seen in Revelation as the One standing on the outside awaiting an answer to His knock. Jesus said, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20 NKJ). Christ is the perfect gentleman. He will never force His way into your life. He will not take away your choice and your free will. It is up to you to respond to His invitation. Those who make the choice to follow Christ will find rest for their souls. Our burdens of oppression, our weariness of life can all be lifted and lightened when we take on the yoke of connection with God. While some see the yoke as further oppression and a load of responsibility, it is quite the opposite. Jesus said, “My yoke is easy and the burden is light.” When we share the yoke with the Savior we find that He bears the load and lifts our spirits. A connection with God does not bring more oppression, but rest and relief. We find that the more we share our pain with Him, the better we feel and the lighter our load. The things we have carried for years can be lifted in a moment. The burdens of our sin can be removed and a spring can return to our steps. Why wouldn’t we want to experience His grace and walk in His favor? Through this series we will come to know Christ in a better way. He has great plans for us and His love is unfailing. A great relationship with God begins with the answer of His knock and the opening of our heart’s door to receive everything He has for us! Jesus says, “Come, follow me.” Theme passage: “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:10–11 NIV).
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Christ Makes Free7/17/2022 Christ Makes Free
Passion for Liberty Terry R. Baughman “The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:2 NKJ). Laws of nature are not created by humans or set in order by our discovery. Rather, the laws of nature are consistent results or relationship of elements observable in nature. When an apple fell from the tree, Sir Isaac Newton deduced that there was a law of gravity at work in nature. Whenever we drop something we know that it will fall downward because gravity is present. Many other facts of science or principles of physics have been discovered and determined to be dependable outcomes of natural occurrences. This is the understanding we can get from Paul’s writing in Romans concerning the law of the Spirit of life, and the law of sin and death. Paul observed that there is the law of sin and death working in each person. Left alone people will go on in sin and will degenerate in into depravity. It is, “the law of sin and death working in our members.” Paul said, “For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were aroused by the law were at work in our members to bear fruit to death” (Romans 7:5 NKJ). He spoke of the struggle we all face as we seek to subdue the flesh and experience the freedom that comes in the Spirit. He discerned that sin was at work in our bodies and the end result would lead to death. James concurred when he wrote, “When desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death” (James 1:15 NKJ). A sinful nature produces more sin. Regardless of our good intentions and new resolutions we find that we still are failing and returning to sin that we promised we would abandon. It seems that we are powerless to resist sin and overcome its fetters. Jesus came to set captives free! One of the greatest outcomes of His redemptive plan was to liberate us from the bondage of sin and death. He came to fulfill the law and remove the curse of sin. He made an end of death and grants liberty in the Spirit. The law of sin is still there, but the power of redemption is greater. John said, “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4 NKJ). One of the greatest analogies of these principles is found in the law of gravity versus the law of flight. It is still amazing how those great jumbo jets seem to defy gravity and sail up into the skies like a bird. If the power of the engines can give the plane enough thrust, and if the wings can adjust to provide upward lift, flight takes over and gravity gives up its claim. Gravity is still there. If the engines failed or the wings were damaged gravity would become greater than the law of flight and the proud bird would plummet to the earth. In a similar fashion the law of sin is like gravity constantly pulling us down and seeking to destroy our lives. While the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus working within us provides victory and overcoming power, if we cease walking in the Spirit and rising above sin, we will feel the power of sin and death begin to draw us downward and lead to destruction. Arise in flight of victory over sin and death! Claim the promises of God to every believer. Let us be filled with the Spirit and purpose to walk in the Spirit the rest of our days! Remember Christ makes us free! Theme passage: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed” (Luke 4:18 NKJ).
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Victory over Oppression7/10/2022 Victory over Oppression
Passion for Liberty Terry R. Baughman “He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them-- he remains faithful forever. He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous” (Psalm 146:6–8 NIV). The Psalmist builds a case on the fact that our God is the Creator of heaven and earth, and yet He is concerned about our every need. On the basis of His incredible strength and power, He is completely able to bring about the deliverance for our restoration. We have a relationship with the one who has all authority over creation and everything in it! He remains faithful forever! The history of His faithfulness is seen from Creation to the present. There is no alteration of His commitment. He remains faithful … but, the focus shifts to the future with the final word, …forever! His steadfast dependability endures into the future without ceasing. We can count on God's mercy, His truth, and His righteousness to endure forever, as this fact is often repeated in the text. (41 times in the Psalms.) Jeremiah wrote, “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22–23 NKJ). God is the defender of the defenseless. He sees the plight of those who are oppressed and is compassionate toward their injustice. He takes pity on those who are suffering and plans answers to their prayers and a defense for their cause. He is concerned about those who are hungry and makes provision for them. God is on our side! From the prophets to the Gospels the attributes of the Lord are proclaimed. He sets free the prisoners, restoring sight to the blind, and liberating those who have been oppressed and pushed down. When John the Baptist sent his followers to Jesus to inquire whether or not He was the Messiah, Jesus responded with a testimony of His actions, “Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them” (Luke 7:22 NKJ). John knew the passage from Isaiah, “In that day the deaf shall hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity and out of darkness. The humble also shall increase their joy in the Lord, And the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel” (Isaiah 29:18–19 NKJ). Christ came to lift the burdens of the oppressed and liberate the captives. Sometimes our greatest oppression is the bondage of our own negative opinion of our value in God’s sight. Jesus proved that you have intrinsic value, worthy of His sacrifice on Calvary. He came to free us and restore us to righteousness. Rejoice in that truth and in His liberty! Theme passage: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed” (Luke 4:18 NKJ). |