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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He Rose, He Reigns4/17/2022 He Rose, He Reigns
Every Victory! Terry R. Baughman “For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:17 NLT). The reign of death was long and pronounced. From the first sin in the Garden of Eden to the sacrifice of Calvary, death held the reign of terror. Reprieve from sin’s curse was afforded in the multitude of sacrifices instituted under the Law of Moses. Innocent animals were slaughtered to atone for the sins of humanity, seeking to stay the consequence of judgment and pushing sins ahead year after year on the Day of Atonement. Delaying the inevitable judgment was a temporary fix and a burdensome responsibility. Paul wrote, “Death reigned from Adam to Moses” (Romans 5:14 NKJ). All of humanity felt the impact of the curse. The Law was only a interim remedy from the weight of sin and its condemnation. Jesus came with a new message. It was the message of the Kingdom! Jesus said, “The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it” (Luke 16:16 NKJ). John the Baptist came on the scene declaring a new day, Messiah is coming and there is hope in His coming Kingdom. While many anticipated a Messiah to come bringing deliverance, most thought He would come with a military force, overthrowing the Romans and reestablishing the throne of David. The Zealots were ready to join forces against their oppressors. Others envisioned fire and judgment falling on their enemies. Jesus did not appear in the way anyone anticipated. He came in humility and in the form of a servant. He taught love and faith, forgiveness and restitution. Even His own disciples questioned how He would gain authority and what their role would be in the future kingdom. James and John picked sides. Peter was ready to use His sword. Judas planned for the increase in finances. Everyone had a different idea of how it would all come to pass. Slowly Jesus revealed that He had not come to overthrow the Romans. He chose a much different path. Matthew wrote, “Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day” (Matthew 16:21 NKJ). That was not what anyone wanted to hear, but it was His plan from the beginning. He was to be, “The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29 NKJ). What appeared to be a tragic miscarriage of justice became the antidote for sin and the solution for the continual problem of sin. By the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ a permanent solution for the atonement of sin was given. Death was buried, the curse was answered, and total victory was purchased for all humanity. The resurrection of Jesus from the grave provided everyone; past, present and future, a hope beyond this life and the continuation of life for eternity. Paul wrote, “Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God” (Romans 6:9–10 NKJ). There’s a new king on the throne. Jesus reigns in a spiritual kingdom that far exceeds any political position or temporal power on this earth. He removed the crown from death and Jesus reigns as “King of Kings and Lord of Lords!” Jesus reigns and grace abounds! “Where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 5:20–21 NKJ). Theme passage: “We thank God for giving us the victory as conquerors through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One” (1 Corinthians 15:57 TPT).
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Death is Buried4/10/2022 Death is Buried
Every Victory! Terry R. Baughman “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4 NKJ). For many the pale of death brings fear and finality to our existence. There is little hope beyond what we can see in this life for most people. Death is universal and comes to all. No one escapes its clutches or evades its grasp. We won't get out of here alive. One out of one die! The greatest thing Jesus promised was everlasting life! John saw Him for who He was, “and the Word was God” (John 1:1 NKJ). He identified Him as the life, “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men” (John 1:4 NKJ). Jesus Himself revealed, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6 NKJ). So it is not an empty promise when it was stated, “Whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 NKJ). Jesus demonstrated His power over death on several occasions. He restored life to the young boy of the widow from Nain. He raised Jarius’ daughter with a simple request, “Little girl, I say to you, arise” (Mark 5:41 NKJ). Then, at the tomb of His friend He boldly commanded, “Lazarus, come forth!” (John 11:43 NKJ). Death had to leave whenever He spoke. However, nothing demonstrated His power over death more than His own resurrection. The sacrificial death of Jesus was part of His plan to bring salvation to the world. He outlined His purpose, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28 NKJ). The crucifixion was not an unexpected outcome or a tragic mistake, rather it was all a part of the plan of redemption. Jesus said, “The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again” (Luke 24:7 NKJ). Just as much as death was inevitable for Jesus, so also was His ultimate resurrection. When Jesus was buried in the borrowed tomb, death went there with Him, but only one came out. Jesus arose victorious over death, hell, and the grave. Death was buried and stays buried. While we are still under the curse of death as human beings, we are also under the provision and promise of everlasting life through Jesus Christ. We do not need to fear death. It is no longer final. Death is just a passage way to everlasting life. It is just a door, a temporary space, a changing room to prepare for eternity. We shall arise. We shall live! Death has no more dominion, no power, no authority. Paul wrote, “Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him” (Romans 6:8–9 NKJ). Our great hope lies beyond the grave. In the resurrection chapter Paul said, “Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?’” (1 Corinthians 15:54–55 NLT). Death is buried in the grave and just like Christ rose from the tomb, we are promised the same resurrection power. Death is done; he is buried and gone. We shall live again … forever! Theme passage: “We thank God for giving us the victory as conquerors through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One” (1 Corinthians 15:57 TPT).
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Defeat is Defeated4/3/2022 Defeat is Defeated
Every Victory! Terry R. Baughman “Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?’” (1 Corinthians 15:54-55 NLT). From a young age we are taught that victory is everything and losing is not an option. Competition is ingrained in almost every sporting event. Some may argue that they are only competing with the clock, but the winner is determined by who beat the clock the most, so there is still a competition with other individuals in the sport. There is merit to sportsmanship and playing just for the shear enjoyment of the game, but at the end of the day everyone wants to know the score and, “who won?” Tournaments are determined by winners and losers. Championships are structured to eliminate the inferior teams or players and produce the best of the competition. The Olympics are held to showcase the best in each game, to reward the winners and eliminate the losers. Only one wears the gold, the silver, and the bronze, while everyone else looks on and vows to compete again in the next Olympics, or to give up the opportunity to try again. Paul used the analogy of a race to the spiritual quest in which we are engaged. He said, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever” (1 Corinthians 9:24–25 NIV). In a way we are all in a competition. However, this competition is not to beat anyone or condemn another to be a loser, it is to win the prize of eternal life. This prize is available for all who runs, anyone who pursues the goal, for all who come to Him are promised the prize of everlasting life! Again, Paul said, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14 NIV). Our ultimate victory is the defeat of defeat! What Jesus provided through His death, burial, and resurrection is victory for every believer. His victory assures us of continual success. There is no adversity we cannot overcome, no discouragement that we cannot subdue, no death that can keep us in the grave. His victory promises that defeat will be defeated. Paul wrote of the ultimate culmination of Christ’s victory, “Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death” (1 Corinthians 15:24–26 NIV). The conclusion of the matter has already been declared. The last act will be the destruction of death itself. Death is our final enemy and will be as powerless as it was to prevent the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the garden tomb. A tomb outside of Jerusalem stands empty to this day as a testament of Christ’s victory over death. Every believer who has died in the faith awaits that resurrection morning when the trumpet sounds. “The dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 NKJ). Theme passage: “We thank God for giving us the victory as conquerors through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One” (1 Corinthians 15:57 TPT).
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Walk in Victory3/27/2022 Walk in Victory
Raised in Power Terry R. Baughman “Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:54-57 NLT). In the most violent and evil culture prevailing prior to worldwide judgment of The Flood, God noted there was a man named Noah who walked with God faithfully. Scripture recorded, “Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God” (Genesis 6:9 NIV). Against the backdrop of his peers there was a sharp contrast between this man and the accepted norm of everyone else. That is the distinction of a transformed life in contemporary culture. Paul challenged believers, “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16 NKJ). When we follow after God it will change our walk. He also wrote, “You once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2 NKJ). After the life-altering encounter with Christ we walk a new path. Paul said, “Those who are in Christ Jesus, … do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit” (Romans 8:1 NKJ). The born-again experience draws us onto a new path, the opportunity to walk in victory! When we are baptized in Jesus we are buried with Him, and just as He arose victorious we are also raised to live a new life, “We have been co-resurrected with him so that we could be empowered to walk in the freshness of new life” (Romans 6:4 TPT). The life Jesus promised was more than recycled experience of the same trouble-ridden existence. He does not condemn us to reincarnation as another life form, to go through another mundane existence in a vain effort to improve our chances. His life is transformative. It is full of glory. The resurrected life is beyond expression. As a result of our faith Peter said, “You rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory” (1 Peter 1:8 NKJ). This Gospel is full of power. It is life-changing. Jesus didn’t just offer an ultimate reward of a heavenly home, though that is also included in the package, He calls us to radical change in the here and now. The life we are promised through the Holy Spirit will make a noticeable change in our direction, our life choices, and our focus. Our whole outlook on life takes on new meaning. We are given a new hope and the opportunity to make a positive impact on those around us. The Spirit-led life is in sharp contrast to a world obsessed with sin, seeking meaning through endless entertainment, with senses dulled by drugs and alcohol. The reality of this new life brings clarity to our minds, and purity in our hearts. His righteousness fills us and gives us more than we deserve and more than we can ever imagine. Experience the new life in Christ. Identify with His death, burial and resurrection. It’s the only way to life and the opportunity to walk in victory! Theme passage: “We were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4 NKJ).
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Promise of the Father3/20/2022 Promise of the Father
Raised in Power Terry R. Baughman “Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things. Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city [m]of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:47–49 NKJ). Jesus left the followers with a promise! Prior to His ascension He assured the disciples and other believers that they would be the recipients of the Father’s promise. It would be a powerful promise, as Jesus declared, “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you” (Acts 1:8 NKJ). The reception of the Spirit was vital for His followers to accomplish the commission with which He charged them. “He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father,” and Jesus declared, “You shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now” (Acts 1:4–5 NKJ). So, the promise of the Father was both a gift and an essential endowment of power. The gift and promise was intended for more than the twelve disciples or the 120 gathered in the Upper Room at Pentecost. This was evidenced in the overflow of the Spirit that filled 3,000 that gathered around Solomon’s porch to witness the dramatic display of the Holy Spirit upon those who were the first recipients of the promise. Acts 2 describes the scene, “Suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:2–4 NKJ). The critics gathered as well as the curious. Some mocked them as drunks and disorderly. Others were amazed and questioned, “Whatever could this mean?” Acts 2:12). Peter provided the response for their questions and observations. He referenced the prophet Joel to explain the phenomenon, “And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh” (Acts 1:17). He also quoted David from the prophecies of the Psalms to declare the resurrection and exaltation of the Lord Jesus Christ, “This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear” (Acts 2:32–33). The Spirit of Pentecost was the Holy Spirit of God, the one Spirit which had been prefaced as the promise of the Father. Peter went on to outline what our response should be to the Gospel story and the revelation of the resurrection. He said, “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). The gift and the promise was for all who attended to the message of truth and responded in faith to this revealed Word. Peter observed, “The promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call” (Acts 2:39). The voice of the Spirit is still calling. The message delivered on the Day of Pentecost reverberates through the centuries to the present. People are still receiving and responding to this powerful promise. Theme passage: “We were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4 NKJ).
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Buried with Christ3/13/2022 Buried with Christ
Raised in Power Terry R. Baughman “Buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.” (Colossians 2:12 NKJ). The simple explanation of the Gospel is that it is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ applied to our lives. It is good news that Jesus Christ provided a way of salvation to free us from the grip of sin and bring us into a right relationship with God. For that reason the gospel is frequently related as good news. In the application of the Gospel, identification with Christ is front and center. In repentance we are identified with His death. Our grace-inspired initiative to turn away from sin and surrender our lives to God is a sign of death to the old desires of the flesh and a commitment to follow Jesus and become His disciple. Our identification continues in our obedience to water baptism, “In the Name of Jesus Christ!” Baptism is a most meaningful experience, especially when identified with the burial of Jesus. The blood of Jesus Christ was shed on the cross for our sins, and our identity with Him in baptism provides remission of our sins as we acknowledge the blood of Jesus Christ and its personal atonement for us. Luke recorded his version of the commission when Jesus said, “Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47 NKJ). Luke’s narrative continues in the Book of Acts where he quoted Peter on the Day of Pentecost giving the command, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38 NKJ). There is an apparent connection of remission with baptism in the name of Jesus. Faith is essential to all our spiritual experience, but obedience to the Word is evidence of our faith in Christ. When we come to faith we will embrace the teaching of the Scripture and follow in obedience to the words of Christ. The personal identity with Christ is a powerful expression of the Gospel. After identifying with His death (through repentance) and burial (through baptism) then comes the identity with His authority. We are to rise in newness of life! The resurrection of Jesus Christ gives us life and is promised to those who put their trust in Him. The Holy Spirit is the resurrection power that fills our lives. Faith in Christ is inspired and enabled by grace. Paul said, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8 NKJ). That grace leads us to repentance. (See Romans 2:4.) Grace enables a willing heart to obey the invitation to baptism and surrenders to the path of discipleship. We are buried with Him that we might live with Him. We are identified with His death so that we might experience His resurrection. There’s nothing like it. God has given us His life-giving power. Paul wrote of the power of the resurrection when he said, “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:54–57 NKJ). We are victorious in Christ. We were buried with Him, and now we live the victorious life through Him! Theme passage: “We were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4 NKJ).
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Sown in Weakness3/6/2022 Sown in Weakness
Raised in Power Terry R. Baughman “So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body” (1 Corinthians 15:42–44 NIV). Before a resurrection there must be a death. Before a new beginning must be an ending. Even the Good News began with a tragic story. In the midst of the narrative one must trust the Author and the Finisher to plan the plot and write the conclusion of the sacred drama. The Cross of Christ is the symbol of suffering as well as the celebration of victory over sin and death. Jesus humbled Himself to the role of a servant as He surrendered to death and poured out His life. (See Philippians 2:7–8.) Jesus saw the ultimate positive outcome of such a humiliating death and willingly submitted to its painful suffering. The writer of Hebrews said, “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1 NIV). The joy of the cross was not its pain, but rather the victory that would be achieved by His sacrifice. He knows the end from the beginning and the conclusion of every story. The Gospel is more than a tale of sorrow and the ability to prevail and rise above the suffering; it is a story of redemption from the curse of sin, of the power of the blood of Christ to cleanse from every iniquity, and the hope of everlasting life given to all who put their trust in Jesus. The Gospel is the good news of salvation for the lost world and the promise of a born again experience. Christ’s promise is more than life hereafter, it is the promise of new life in the here and now! The Gospel of Jesus Christ is not just a historical tale, it is a reality to every believer who finds the source of power in a message of sacrifice. It is more than believing that Jesus died, was buried, and in three days He rose again to life. It is a tale of application. We too are challenged to follow in His steps. We identify with Christ in every way. We die to sin as we repent of our error and surrender our lives to follow the Master. Our baptism is a personal identification with the burial of Jesus as we call on His name in baptism. We rise to walk in new life through the power of the resurrection as we receive His Holy Spirit! Recognizing our sins and our failure is an important step to being reconciled to God. Luke said, “Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47 NKJ). That was also the conclusion of Peter’s message on the Day of Pentecost, “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 NKJ). Strength comes from weakness, and forgiveness follows repentance. Paul wrote about the resurrection power and likened the process to a seed that is sown in the ground. As the seed dies new life springs forth and the miracle of growth stems from the burial of a dry seed. Our bodies are sown unto a more glorious eternal resurrection, “The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. … it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power” (1 Corinthians 15:42–43 NKJ). Theme passage: “We were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4 NKJ).
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The Reward2/27/2022 The Reward
RELEASE — equipped to serve Terry R. Baughman “The greatest one among you will live as one called to serve others without honor. The greatest honor and authority is reserved for the one who has a servant heart. The leaders who are served are the most important in your eyes, but in the kingdom, it is the servants who lead” (Luke 22:26–27 TPT). Aggressive and domineering leaders are often recognized for their leadership qualities. They may be respected for their decisive and assertive measures taken to execute their authority, however that respect may spring more from fear than from admiration. Fear is a poor model for leadership. Tyrants and dictators use fear and intimidation to rule, but that should not be identified as qualities to pursue in leadership, either in business or in ministry settings. Fear is closely akin to hate and at some point hate becomes stronger and those who lead in fear are rejected and replaced. Jesus spoke about the patterns of leadership so prevalent in the world, He said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Mark 10:42 NIV). Jesus took the leadership model and turned it upside down. The greatest is the least, and the servant becomes the leader. Jesus said, “The greatest honor and authority is reserved for the one who has a servant heart” (Luke 22:26 TPT). Servant leadership is rewarded in the Kingdom of God. His ways are much higher than ours. (See Isaiah 55:9.) Jesus taught that humility is the way to promotion, “Remember this: everyone with a lofty opinion of who he is and who seeks to raise himself up will be publicly humbled. And everyone with a modest opinion of who he is and chooses to humble himself will be raised up before all” (Luke 14:11 TPT). The principle of Scripture is clear, “‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time” (1 Peter 5:5–6 NIV). Seeking to serve in the Kingdom is the best way to find fulfillment in our personal lives, and it is the way to experience growth and promotion in God’s Kingdom. The premium reward is reserved for those who give of themselves in the service of others. While some seek the places of prominence for the acclaim and accolades, Jesus gave value to those who placed others first and sought to give them the best. That is the preferred pattern according to His teaching. Jesus said, “The path to promotion comes by having the heart of a bond-slave who serves everyone” (Mark 10:44 TPT). What really matters is the ultimate outcome when we shall all stand before the Lord at the end of days. Judgment will be passed and rewards will be given. Nothing will be said about who had the largest congregation, or who gave the most to missions. There is no indication that we will be rewarded for offices held, awards received, or recognition for the greatest number of followers on social media. Primarily, there is one statement Jesus reserves for those who have learned His leadership methods. He will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:21 NIV). Theme passage: “Their calling is to nurture and prepare all the holy believers to do their own works of ministry, and as they do this they will enlarge and build up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12 TPT).
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The Sacrifice2/20/2022 The Sacrifice
RELEASE — equipped to serve Terry R. Baughman “For the greatest love of all is a love that sacrifices all. And this great love is demonstrated when a person sacrifices his life for his friends” (John 15:13 TPT). The greatest gift is self-sacrifice. When we are willing to do without or give up something that is valuable to us so that another may receive the benefit or the blessing, that is a true act of love and the picture of sacrifice. The ultimate depiction of love is to care enough to give of ourselves so that others may experience joy, blessing, and grace. Jesus said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34 NIV). He reiterated the concept on numerous occasions. (See John 15:12, 17; 1 John 3:11, 4:7, 11–12.) He must have truly meant it, Love one another! When we love enough, we love enough to care and to give to others. The ministry of Jesus was an example to His followers. They learned to love like Christ. They saw His willingness to sacrifice comfort for other’s healing, rest for their recovery, and His very life for the salvation of the world. The road of discipleship is marked by ruts carved in the dirt by a heavy cross. The timbers chaff on the shoulder of the one bearing the load. But the words of the Savior ring clearly, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23 NIV). Yes, daily discipleship. Not just Sunday and Wednesday; not just special events, Easter, and Christmas … daily. The cross is our companion, our course corrector, and our constant reminder of the commitment to His purpose. We are being equipped for greater discipleship and to help us help others along the path. Our willingness to serve comes out in our many ways as we reflect the Spirit of Jesus in our conversation, our character, and our conduct. Some sacrifices are not difficult. It’s easy to cast off loneliness for connection and rejection for embrace. It may not be so easy to rid ourselves of carnality and lustful thoughts, but if we can see the value of the outcome we are much more willing to try. Whatever we give up we find a greater reward to take its place. The gift of Christ promises to bring, “righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17 NIV). Jesus made it clear that the reward in the kingdom will far exceed the extent of the sacrifice. He said, “Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life” (Matthew 19:29 NIV). Even in the face of persecution or in the depravation of loss, Jesus said, “Rejoice!” “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven” (Luke 6:23 NIV). Walking with Jesus makes sacrifice a natural response as we learn to love others. It’s an endorsement of His calling imprinted on our hearts. It’s the seal of His Spirit living within. The proof and the preparation is revealed in our service. Paul said, “Then you will be God’s servant, fully mature and perfectly prepared to fulfill any assignment God gives you” (2 Timothy 3:17 TPT). Theme passage: “Their calling is to nurture and prepare all the holy believers to do their own works of ministry, and as they do this they will enlarge and build up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12 TPT).
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The Gift2/13/2022 The Gift
RELEASE — equipped to serve Terry R. Baughman “The path to promotion comes by having the heart of a bond-slave who serves everyone. For even the Son of Man did not come expecting to be served by everyone, but to serve everyone, and to give his life as the ransom price for the salvation of many” (Mark 10:44–45 TPT). The greatest gift was given by Jesus Christ. John said, “God so loved the world that He gave…” (John 3:16). God gave Himself, and Jesus came to give. He came with purpose; not to be served, but to serve, not to receive, but to give His life as a ransom for sin and give us salvation instead of condemnation. The greatest gift is God’s gift of salvation. The provision of eternal life exceeds our greatest expectation. God has provided an avenue for change and the hope of new life in Christ. He has given us the gift of reconciliation and the promise of transformation. The good news He has provided is a path to renewal, radical regeneration from sin unto salvation. We have come to follow Christ and live by His example. However, we cannot provide salvation because Jesus has already done that, so what are we to do. Our approach is to show the power of Jesus in our lives becoming His disciples. As we live to serve, we live out the gospel. We become an illustration of the power of His salvation. We show His love and reveal His purpose. Mark said, “The path to promotion comes by having the heart of a bond-slave who serves everyone” (Mark 10:44 TPT). To follow Christ’s example is to adopt the servant’s heart and look for ways to, “serve everyone.” The path to promotion is not a road to fame or fortune. The promotion that comes from above is measured quite differently. The greatest becomes a servant. The least likely finds advancement in the kingdom, as the humble is exalted and the slave takes the lead. While the one who does not seek promotion finds it traveling the backroads of availability, the one who drives the expressway of convenience on the paths of least resistance never finds the ultimate destination they desire. God’s ways are far above ours and His gifts are perfect. James said, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17 NKJ). We are a gift to the world. This is not an arrogant statement of self-exaltation. Rather, it is a realization of God’s purpose in those who follow Him. As Christ-followers we are here to serve. Following the lead of our Lord we understand that God has a greater purpose for us than merely to learn of Him; we must serve like Him. We were not saved because of our goodness or our abilities, but solely by His grace. Our gift to the world is just an extension of that grace. Any good thing we can accomplish is only through the mercy of God. Talents and abilities may be used for God’s purpose as long as we continually recognize the source of those skills and the purpose for which we have received them. In the parable of the talents it was made clear that they are not to hide or save, but rather to invest in humanity and seek the incredible return on investment that God will bless. The reward came to those who wisely invested at the conclusion when the master said, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things” (Matthew 25:21 NKJ). When we seek to serve and give our best in service to God, we can expect the blessing of the Lord and hear His words of welcome. Theme passage: “Their calling is to nurture and prepare all the holy believers to do their own works of ministry, and as they do this they will enlarge and build up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12 TPT). |