Healing Evils

Prelude: In a broken world, many evils try to own us. Is there healing for the evils that have taken us captive? Purpose: Let’s learn about the healing that Jesus brings. Plan: Let’s look at Jesus healing a man possessed by evils in Mark 1:21-28.

Mark 1:21

Then they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath[s] He entered the synagogue and taught.

The word is “sabbaths” (plural) in Greek, indicating that Jesus taught in the synagogue regularly. Sabbath was a sacred time under the Old Covenant and the synagogue was a sacred space for the Jews. Yet, Jesus taught with authority, invading what they believed was their place. The most concerned with protecting that sacred space was someone possessed. We confuse what is sacred to us with what is sacred to God. Let’s exorcise the demons of our own opinions and get back to what is truly sacred.

Mark 1:22

And they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

Jesus did not teach like those who think they have authority, but teach rubbish. Nor was He an ignorant know-it-all pulling bad ideas out of thin air and blaming the Holy Spirit. To have the authority of Jesus, we ought to at least start by teaching what Jesus taught instead of inventing things that have no basis in His doctrines.

Mark 1:23

Now there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit. And he cried out,

A demon attending church? Can it happen today? Does an evil attitude ever crop up at church?

Mark 1:24

saying, “Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!”

The demon yelled, “What business do you have here with us, Jesus? Nazarene! I know what you’re up to! You’re the Holy One of God, and you’ve come to destroy us!” (MSG) Notice the attitude! Notice the “we” and “us!” There are others with the same attitude. Where are these other demons? Should we be shocked to occasionally find similar scenes in churches today? Notice too that the demon recognized Jesus sooner than the disciples and others.

Mark 1:25

But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!”

Not once did Jesus address the man, but spoke directly to the demon.

Do we tear down or build up? Do we cooperate with the kingdom of God, or like demons desire to possess and control others? Do alcohol, drugs, greed, affluence, gluttony, selfishness, envy, jealousy, criticism, lust, covetousness, anger possess us? Is our world filled with evils that want to own and possess us?

Mark 1:26

And when the unclean spirit had convulsed him and cried out with a loud voice, he came out of him.

Jesus did not perform an elaborate ceremony. He simply used his authority and told the demon to be quiet and leave. We all have our demons. The long term solution is often to find the cause, exorcise the demons and change our lives so that they will not come back.

Mark 1:27-28

Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.” 28 And immediately His fame spread throughout all the region around Galilee.

Jesus healed more than any other person in the Bible. People have a higher priority than rules and laws. God is a God of compassion. Jesus healed people and touched them, spoke and used physical means. Not everyone has gifts of healing, yet we all can touch, speak and use physical means. A touch or word can heal or destroy. Are we healers or destroyers?

Healing of a Nation

God healed Israel’s national problems (1 Samuel 6), water sources (2 Kings 2), leaders (2 Kings 20), land (2 Chronicles 7:13-14) and the people (2 Chronicles 30:18-20), if they would humble themselves, pray and turn to God. David sang of God healing all our diseases (Psalm 103:1-3) and broken hearts (Psalm 147:3). Complete healing is body and soul. The source of healing is the cross (Isaiah 53:5). God promised to those who honor God’s name that a new day of righteousness would dawn with healing (Malachi 4:1-2). Jesus healed body, soul and mind (Mark 1:27). He continues healing lives.

Healing since Ancient Times

If God can create, he can also heal the creatures which he created. God reveals himself as our healer throughout the Bible. Possibly the earliest healing in the Bible is when Abraham prayed for Abimelech’s household and God healed them (Genesis 20:17). God promised healing to Israel in Exodus 15:26 in return for their obedience. There is also our responsibility for the healing of those we have injured (Exodus 21:19). Numbers 12 and Deuteronomy 28 reveal that one cause of disease can be sin. And in Deuteronomy 32:39 God reveals himself as healer in a manner that no man can. So, when Jesus healed even what we term today as mental illnesses (Mark 1:28) it was a sign of his divinity. Though he does not always heal immediately, God’s promise of healing has not changed.

Healing Prayer

An important part of Jesus’ ministry two thousand years ago was to heal all kinds of illness and disease (Matthew 4:23; Mark 1:21-28). He later ordained twelve to preach and heal (Mark 3:14-15). Healing was connected to Jesus' appointment of preaching the gospel, healing broken hearts, proclaiming deliverance for those captive to sin, recovery of sight and freedom for the oppressed (Luke 4:16-21). Some in the church have a special gift of healing, but not everyone (1 Corinthians 12:9, 28-30). James 5:14-16 gave special instructions regarding healing in the church. The elders, which in the context referred to local church leaders, would anoint the sick with oil. James’ instructions did not preclude using other elements in healing. Jesus used mud at least once. It is the prayer of faith that saves the sick not the elements used.

Postlude: Salvation and healing are often the same word in Greek and Hebrew. What possesses us? Is it fear, ego, gossip, alcohol, drugs, greed, materialism, gluttony, selfishness, envy, jealousy, criticism, lust, covetousness, anger or some other evil? Jesus calls us to be healed, saved from this evil world and its desire to own us. Let’s come to Jesus and be healed. He alone can save us.

Power of Fasting

Prelude: There is a powerful secret that every Christian needs to know, especially in troubled times. Purpose: Let’s learn about the right and wrong use of fasting. Plan: Let’s see what the inspired Word of God says about it.

Exodus 34:27-28

27 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write these words, for according to the tenor of these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel.” 28 So he was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights; he neither ate bread nor drank water. And He wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments.

Forty days of total fast would be suicide for us. This is a record of a miracle whereby God sustained Moses while on the mount.

Ezra 8:21-23

21 Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions. 22 For I was ashamed to request of the king an escort of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy on the road, because we had spoken to the king, saying, “The hand of our God is upon all those for good who seek Him, but His power and His wrath are against all those who forsake Him.” 23 So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer.

A great lesson of this passage is that we fast to “humble ourselves.” Their purpose was to entreat God, and God answered their prayer.

Isaiah 58:3-10

3 ‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and You have not seen? Why have we afflicted our souls, and You take no notice?’ “In fact, in the day of your fast you find pleasure, And exploit all your laborers. 4 Indeed you fast for strife and debate, And to strike with the fist of wickedness. You will not fast as you do this day, To make your voice heard on high. 5 Is it a fast that I have chosen, A day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush, And to spread out sackcloth and ashes? Would you call this a fast, And an acceptable day to the Lord?

6 “Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens, To let the oppressed go free, And that you break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him, And not hide yourself from your own flesh? 8 Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. 9 Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’ “If you take away the yoke from your midst, The pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, 10 If you extend your soul to the hungry And satisfy the afflicted soul, Then your light shall dawn in the darkness, And your darkness shall be as the noonday.

Fasting is not for indulging selfish pleasures, exploiting poor workers, contention, strife, or fistfighting. Fasting ought to free us from wickedness, remove burdens, free the oppressed, break yokes, feed the hungry, care for the poor, clothe the naked, look after our families, destroy slavery, stop fingerpointing, eradicate wicked talk, and help the afflicted. Fasting involves turning to God and changing our hearts.

Joel 2:12-13

12 “Now, therefore,” says the Lord, “Turn to Me with all your heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.” 13 So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the Lord your God, For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm.

Fasting is not party time for vegans and vegetarians. It’s a time for wholehearted turning to God, for weeping and mourning for our own sins and the sins of the world.

Matthew 6:16-18

16 “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

Notice Jesus’ said, WHEN not IF you fast. Christians fast, not to be a spiritual showoff, but something private between us and God.

Matthew 4:2

And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry.

This does not say that Jesus was thirsty. Did He drink and only avoid solid foods?

Matthew 9:15

15 And Jesus said to them, “Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.

Notice that Jesus said, after His departure, His disciples, the friends of the bridegroom WILL fast.

Matthew 17:19-21

19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it [the demon] out?” 20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. 21 However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”

We may face a mountainous problem of evil. Faith reinforced by prayer and fasting will move it.

Luke 2:36-37

36 Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; 37 and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.

Here was a devout woman, serving God with fastings and prayer.

Acts 13:1-3

1 Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.

The church of God in Antioch fasted and prayed. They served God in this manner and the Holy Spirit spoke. What will God do for us?

Whether one fasts completely for a day, or for several days consuming only water or juice, or semi-fasts with one main meal and two light snacks, the time should be devoted more to prayer than meal preparation. Jesus said that His followers WOULD fast. As always, check with your doctor if you have any health concerns.

Our Eastern Orthodox brothers and sisters may be more diligent in this regard, fasting a vegan day twice a week. The western Roman church is a little lazier, fasting only once a week and avoiding basically only meat. We western Protestants are perhaps the laziest of all. Some may fast only during Lent. Some never fast and may have never heard it preached.

Postlude: Fasting rightly used, is a powerful weapon, a secret which God expects us to keep private and not brag about. Fasting is a powerful mystery that coupled with prayer is a turn to God, which God blesses mightily. Let’s use this powerful tool and turn to God.

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

God's Call (Part 2)

Prelude: What is our call to? What does the call of some early disciples teach us about our call from God? Purpose: We will learn that our call is first and foremost to a change of heart, to believe. Plan: We will look at the call of Simon, Andrew, James and John in Mark 1:14-20.

The Gospel

Mark 1:14-15 14 Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

Early writers, who were closest to the source, claim that Mark, one of the seventy sent out on a short-term mission trip, wrote down this work. So wrote Papias (who spoke with many disciples of the Apostles), Irenæus, Clement of Alexandria, Eusebius, the unknown author of the Muratorian Fragment, Tertullian, Jerome and Tatian. They record that Mark was written before Peter’s death.

Some modern scholars are doubters and do not believe the witness of early church fathers. Internal evidence is consistent with and confirms the traditional view. Anciently, chronology was not as important as a lesson structure and so like much ancient literature, some parts of Mark may be out of time order. Mark is the shortest of the gospels. It moves at high speed with a sense of urgency, not an urgency of fear, but of the immanence of the reign of God.

The Kingdom of God

The word reign is sometimes preferred to kingdom, because kingdom carries with it connotations of a small elite class that abuses and makes capital of the majority. Such “royalty” is totally foreign to the sovereignty of God. This world’s political terms fail us. We enter that reign of God when we do God’s will (Matthew 7:21) and it grows as people come to God.

The Time is Fulfilled

“The time has come!” (NIV) It is fulfilled or simply put, “Time’s up!” (MSG). God’s reign is not just for the afterlife. The time for God’s rule is both now and future. The mustard seed and leaven indicate a reign that grows. If it grows, it exists now as well as in the future. The words repent and believe relate to something present with us now. As young lads called up for war, the disciples immediately left their nets. The time has come!

At Hand

The kingdom of God is near, both future and now, both here and almost here. Our hearts change and we trust God's sovereignty. We become citizens of heaven before we get there. We come under God’s reign as we learn to trust that loving, saving authority. How then do we get there? Jesus is the way to heaven. He is our gateway. Jesus confronts us with a kingdom decision, this world’s empty promises and useless entertainment or the promise of an exciting eternal life.

Repentance

Jonah ran away (Jonah 3), initially refusing his calling, but preached repentance to Nineveh, modern day Mosul in Northern Iraq. Unlike a stubborn, modern nation, this ancient Assyrian city repented. They even fasted. Are we willing to repent as Nineveh did?

Repentance is not penance. Penance is restitution. Penal institutions make criminals pay their debt to society. They do not change hearts. No deeds can pay for our sins. John the Baptist knew that fruits were not repentance itself but rather results of it (Matthew 3:8). We don’t earn grace, but do good deeds in gratitude for grace freely given by God.

Religion

A fad today claims that religion is wrong. This interprets the Bible by whim rather than serious study. Let’s not blame the Holy Spirit for our ignorance, and ignore His inspiration throughout Christian history. The kingdom of God is all about “true religion” (James 1:26-27). The religion of Jesus Christ and human tradition are sometimes different things (Galatians 1:13-14). Jesus taught “true religion,” “religion of the heart.” His religion, His kingdom is a “participation of the divine nature.”

(Wesley, John. ed. by Thomas Jackson. Sermons on Several Occasions, The Way to the Kingdom, Sermon 7. 1872. Grand Rapids, MI: Christian Classics Ethereal Library)

Repentance is a change of heart resulting in good works. When hearts are void of repentance, then all ceremonies become empty religion. Ceremonies are not wrong. Jesus instituted the bread and wine, a ceremony. Even that is empty religion if not accompanied by a change of heart. That is why the first public words from Jesus were about the reign of God and repentance.

(Wesley, John. ed. by Thomas Jackson. Sermons on Several Occasions, Preface, First Series, Consisting of Fifty-Three Discourses and Sermon 3, Awake, Thou That Sleepest. 1872. Grand Rapids, MI: Christian Classics Ethereal Library)

Positive Change

The phrase “repent of sins” is not to be found in the Gospels. Jesus did not use it in this negative sense of turning away FROM sin, but positively in turning TO the Gospel. Repentance comes from two Greek words, “meta” meaning after or beyond or even outside, and “nous” meaning thought or reason. So “metanoia” or repentance is a life-changing afterthought, rethinking after we have sinned. What did Jesus ask us to think about? He asked us to “REPENT AND BELIEVE” the Gospel, to change our minds, rethink in a positive direction. That positive direction is belief in the Gospel.

Thoughtful Belief

Is belief mindless? In Greek it is an intellectual evaluation, to be persuaded and have confidence in the Gospel. Religious faith is not divorced from intellect. We are to love God with all our minds (Matthew 22:37) including a belief that is thought through deeply, not mindlessly rushed into. None of us has all knowledge, so all human belief is faith based upon best available knowledge. Belief in the Gospel is a reasonable, intellectual conclusion.

(Friberg. Analytical Lexicon of the Greek New Testament. 2005. Trafford Publishing. http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/belief/)

Fishing

Mark 1:16-20 16 And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 17 Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 They immediately left their nets and followed Him. 19 When He had gone a little farther from there, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the boat mending their nets. 20 And immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after Him.

An Old Testament metaphor of God fishing for people pictured his call to divine judgment for society's evils. Jesus called professional fishermen Simon, Andrew, James and John to become fishers of men. The call to repentance is a decision we cannot ignore. We either decide for salvation or judgment. The fishermen sensed the urgency. All other responsibilities pale into insignificance by comparison.

Ichthys

The fish bumper stickers are called an ichthys, from the Greek word for fish. It symbolizes being a fish caught by God and the good fish who will be chosen for eternity with God from the parable in Matthew 13. Ichthus is also a string of Greek abbreviations: Ι (from the Greek word for Jesus) + Χ (Christ) + Θ (God) + Ϋ (Son) + Σ (Savior). The fish symbol is one of Christianity's oldest and was used as a secret sign identifying Christian homes during centuries of persecution.

Postlude: Like early disciples we are called to a change of mind, to belief in the kingdom of God, which is already here reigning in the hearts of men.

Readings:

Jonah 3:1-5, 10 “So the people of Nineveh believed God, proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest to the least of them.”

Psalm 62:5-12 “In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, And my refuge, is in God.”

1 Corinthians 7:29-31 “But this I say, brethren, the time is short … the form of this world is passing away.”

God's Call

Prelude: God can interrupt us via an epiphany, a theophany, or a revelation to call us. Goal: Let’s learn about God’s call. Plan: Let’s look at Jesus calling Philip and Nathaniel in John 1:43-51.

Philip

John 1:43-45 The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him, “Follow Me.” 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”

Philip is included in three lists of Apostles in Matthew, Mark and Luke. John recorded three incidents involving Philip (John 6:5-7; 12:21-23; 14:8-9), bread to feed a multitude, a foreigner’s wish to see Jesus, and Philip’s desire to see the Father. Philip was one of the eleven remaining Apostles (Acts 1:13). His mission field may have stretched from Greece to Syria.

Jesus had a simple message for Philip, “Follow me!” Why would Christians follow traditions that neither Jesus nor the Apostles recorded and fail to follow Jesus? He gave a simple and profound definition of essential Christianity, “Follow me!”

Miriam and Aaron failed to see God and spoke against Moses (Numbers 12:1-9). David refused to lift his hand against God’s anointed (1 Samuel 26:22-24). Ananias and Sapphira ignored that God sees all and lied (Acts 5:1-10). People killed Jesus and many prophets, not acknowledging God (1 Thessalonians 2:14-16). Philip saw God in Jesus (John 1:43-51). Have we found the Son of God?

Nathaniel

John 1:46-51 And Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!” 48 Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” 49 Nathanael answered and said to Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” 50 Jesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” 51 And He said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”

Nathaniel was born at Cana in Galilee, where Jesus turned water to wine. Nathanael seems to be the first name of the Apostle Bartholomew. Bartholomew means the son of Talmay, son of a plowman.

The world’s oldest national church, the Armenian Apostolic Church, claims Bartholomew and Thaddeus as its co-founders. Bartholomew may have been martyred there, after also preaching widely across other parts of the region.

Philip invited Nathaniel to come and see. It was a life-changing epiphany. Nathaniel realized that Jesus is the Son of God. We encounter God everyday, but most people ignore Him. God-moments are when worldly noises fade, and the only sound left is the still, quiet voice of God.

Nathaniel’s initial reaction was disbelief. We too may scoff. Philip did not try to argue with Nathanael, but invited him to come and see. People experience Jesus and come to faith. Will people find Jesus among us?

Jesus and his disciples did not make altar calls. They were popularized in the 1800’s, can be manipulative and misused to promote men more than Jesus. What did Jesus' disciples do? They often issued a simple invitation to come and see what Jesus was doing.

Many churches focus on a Gospel lesson each week, obeying Jesus’ directive to “Follow me.” While the whole Bible is good, the most important thing is to follow Jesus.

Postlude: God calls us in the middle of everyday life. It may be via a simple invitation to “Come and see.” As we recognize Jesus, He invites us, ”Follow me!” What is our answer?

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Readings

1 Samuel 3:1-10 when the Lord calls, do we answer, “Speak, for Your servant hears”?

Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!

1 Corinthians 6:12-20 Flee sexual immorality.

Poetic Summary

Philip, a man from Bethsaida
Came to Jesus, our Provider
He found Nathanael and told him
We found Him of whom it’s written
-
Jesus of Nazareth I share
Can anything good come from there!
Philip said to just come and see
Nathanael showed no falsity
-
Jesus saw him under a tree
He saw Jesus’ divinity
Of his belief he had spoken
And would soon see heaven open

Jesus' Baptism

Prelude: Why did Jesus get baptized? Purpose: What can we learn from Jesus’ baptism? Plan: Let’s look at what the Father, Son and Holy Spirit did at Jesus’ baptism in Mark 1:4-11.

Baptism with the Holy Spirit

Mark 1:8 I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.

John only baptized the body, but Jesus baptizes the soul. A valid Christian baptism uses words commanded by Jesus, “baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). We ask for the Holy Spirit to come as we lay on hands in prayer (Acts 8:17; Acts 9:17; Acts 9:17).

Jesus Baptized

Mark 1:9 It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan.

If Jesus was sinless, why did he take part in John’s baptism of repentance? Jesus elsewhere explained that it was to “fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15 NIV, ESV, NASB, KJV). Jesus humbly cooperated with John’s ministry. He was not too proud or arrogant to be baptized. He reveals that childlike spirit of submission to John’s baptism, though He had nothing to repent of.

Descending Upon Him

Mark 1:10 And immediately, coming up from the water, He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove.

At what moment did the Holy Spirit come upon Jesus? The word “immediately” means at once or soon.

What does “coming up from the water” prove? As a student of baptistic theology I often heard the argument that this verse “proves” that Jesus was immersed. Well, that’s a false assumption. The mode of baptism is NOT clearly stated. The words “coming up” are from a word meaning that He “mounted” from the water. That can also describe going up a river bank from ankle deep water. One ancient picture shows just that, John pouring water over Jesus’ head from a seashell as they stood in ankle deep water. But even that may just be guesswork.

Baptize literally means “to dip” but is used in the Bible in several nonliteral ways like passing through the Red Sea dry shod (1 Corinthians 10:2), washing dishes (Mark 7:4), overwhelmed with suffering (Mark 10:38-39), ceremonial washings by sprinkling (Hebrews 9:9-14), and an outpouring or large bestowal (Matthew 3:11).

If God did not inspire a clear and obvious description of Jesus’ mode of baptism, what business do we have in doing so? Let’s be honest with the Scriptures. It seems like God is not as concerned about the mode as the fact of baptism.

The heavens parting or opening is more literally “torn open” (NIV, ESV) or “rent asunder” (ASV), a much more dramatic scene than the KJV portrays.

Why did the Spirit descend upon Jesus, when He was already conceived by the Spirit (Matthew 1:20) and filled with the Spirit (Luke 4:1)? The Holy Spirit confirmed Jesus, descending like a harmless, gentle dove. The Holy Spirit treats us with the same gentleness when He descends upon our lives.

This is also an anointing, and a sending with a proclamation. “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound” (Isaiah 61:1).

In the beginning, the Holy Spirit hovered over the waters (Genesis 1:2), filled Bezalel to build the tabernacle (Exodus 31:2-4; 35:30-32), carried prophets along to preach (2 Peter 1:21), incarnated the Son of Mary, (Matthew 1:18-20; Luke 1:41), confirmed Jesus at His baptism (Mark 1:4-11), led Him into the wilderness (Luke 4:1), is as a gift to baptized Christians and empowers the church to speak the word boldly (Acts 2:38; 4:31).

Following Jesus and a life baptized in the Holy Spirit (Mark 1:4-11) includes "baptism" of suffering like Jesus experienced, a different way of life (Mark 1:4-11), the way of the cross, living sacrificially.

The Nicene Creed reminds us that the Holy Spirit is 1) “the Lord” because God is Spirit (John 4:24) and holy (Psalm 99:9). The Holy Spirit is 2) “the… Giver of Life” (John 6:63). 3) “who proceeds from the Father and the Son.” The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of the Father and the Spirit of the Son. The Father sends the Spirit (John 14:26) and Jesus sends the Holy Spirit from the Father (John 15:26). 4) “who… is worshipped and glorified.” We baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19), the third person of the Trinity (John 14:26). 5) “who Spoke through the Prophets.” (2 Peter 1:21). This reminds us that the Old and New Testaments are both inspired by God.

My Beloved Son

Mark 1:11 Then a voice came from heaven, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Interesting translations are “you bring me great joy” (NLT) and “in you I take great delight.” (NET). In the same way God loves us, not for what we have done, which is not worth bragging about, but God loves us for who we are in Him.

Postlude: The Holy Spirit gently descends on us in loving embrace to let us know that God is also well pleased with us, pleased to call us his children and a special treasure forever.

Remember Your Baptism

Address:

Brothers and sisters in Christ: Through the Mystery of Baptism we are initiated into Christ's holy Church. We are incorporated into God's mighty acts of salvation and given new birth through water and the Spirit. All this is God's gift, offered to us without price.

Remembrance:

Let us remember the covenant declared at our baptism, acknowledge what God is doing for us, and remember our commitment to Christ's holy Church.

Address and Response:

Do you, as Christ's body, the Church, remember both your rejection of sin and your commitment to Christ? We do.

Will you continue to nurture one another in the Christian faith and life and care for each other?

With God's help we will proclaim the good news and live according to the example of Christ. We will surround each other with a community of love and forgiveness, that each may grow in trust of God, and be found faithful in service to others. We will pray for each other, that each may be true disciples who walk in the way that leads to life.

Professing the Christian faith:

Do you believe in God the Father?

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

Do you believe in Jesus Christ?

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, [who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, is seated at the right hand of the Father, and will come again to judge the living and the dead.]

Do you believe in the Holy Spirit?

I believe in the Holy Spirit, [the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.]

Remembrance not Rebaptism

(This is a remembrance not an act of rebaptism.)

The Holy Spirit works within you, having been born through water and the Spirit, you can now live as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Remember your baptism and be thankful. Amen.

Appropriate ways persons may use the water include: a) Touching the water and making the sign of the cross on their own foreheads; b) Scooping up the water and letting it fall back into the font; c) Scooping it over their heads, or hands, or to refresh their faces. d) Or, a deacon, the pastor, or other assistants may use an asperges, evergreen branch or other means to sprinkle small amounts of water toward the congregation. This parallels sprinkling with hyssop for purification (Exodus 12:22; Psalm 51:7) and sprinkling as a sign of renewal (Ezekiel 36:25 –26).

Commendation:

May the God of all grace, who has called us to eternal glory in Christ, establish you and strengthen you that you may live in grace and peace.

Readings:

Genesis 1:1-5; Psalm 29; Acts 19:1-7

Heathen Believers (The Magi)

Intro: Do some Christians disbelieve God? Goal: Let’s see how non-Christians can put some long-time believers to shame. Plan: Let’s look at the failure of many believers and the faith of novices in Matthew 2:1-12.

The Herods

Matthew 2:1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem

The Herods were cruel military experts who enforced Roman rule and imposed excessive taxes which led to unbearable poverty, and with emperor worship, frequent revolts by zealots. The kingdom of God, while not of this world, was understood as a political threat by the disciples, Jewish leaders and the Romans.

Ref: http://jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/7598-herod-i

Magi were influential learned men of Babylon, priests, physicians, alchemists and astrologers. The Jewish captivity in Babylon and later diaspora influenced their knowledge. The visiting Magi may have come from Persia, Babylon, Arabia, or India. 500 years after the captivity, God used this national tragedy to bring people to Jesus.

The wise men perhaps still worshipped Persian gods and were possibly later baptized into the church by Thomas while on his way to India. Why did pagans show more belief than followers of God? Neither Herod nor the Jews were interested. What is our reaction to the birth of Jesus?

Ref: Friberg, Timothy, Barbara Friberg, and Neva F. Miller. Analytical Lexicon to the Greek New Testament. Baker's Greek New Testament Library. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2000. BibleWorks, v.3; Louw-Nida, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, 1989, United Bible Societies; Herodotus; The Magi and the Star; britannica.com

What if large numbers of our people were exiled from their lands? This is the history of English prisoners, native populations of the new world and African slaves. The captivity was probably the Jews’ first major contact with the Magi. Descendants of this group of pagan scholars honored Jesus’ birth.

The Worship

Matthew 2:2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

The Magi said they came to worship Jesus, reserved only for God (Matthew 4:10). Later a leper, a synagogue leader, the disciples, a gentile woman and Zebedee’s wife worshiped Jesus (Matthew 8:2; 9:18; 14:33; 15:25; 20:20; 28:9, 17). He was God with us.

Worship says to God “you are worthy” above all others. We do not place our faith in governments, corporations, military might or money, but in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Worship should change us. Do we only focus on the visible or experience our invisible God and worship him?

How can we bring pagans to Christ? Let God do it. God revealed His purpose in a manner that they would understand, a star. There is no language of condemnation, but rather a gentle leading to the place of Christ’s birth even using elements of their own faith.

The Politics

Matthew 2:3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

When the wise men inquired about worshipping Jesus they naively believed that others would want to. Herod had already brutally murdered many other potential rivals. Jewish leaders had profited from an uneasy peace with Rome and Herod. The kingdom of heaven and its Messiah were a political threat all around.

Only about 42,000 out of a million Jews returned to Jerusalem from Babylon. Unlike their relatives in Jerusalem the diaspora had peace and protection for a thousand years. As Jews intermingled with Babylonians, the Hebrew Scriptures would influence them. The powerful Magi were influenced by ideas of a Messiah.

The Gifts

Matthew 2:11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

There could have been as many as twelve wise men according to eastern tradition. Gold was a royal gift. Frankincense and myrrh are aromatic herbs. Priests used frankincense. Myrrh was used to anoint the dead. The gifts may have been symbolic of Christ as king, high priest and suffering Savior.

Ref: itmonline.org; biomedcentral.com; worldagroforestrycentre.org

Pagan dignitaries recognized Christ and brought gifts. Herod did not, but plotted to kill Him. The powerful often only care for power. Things were about to change. Non-Jews would be embraced by God. When God asks us to change, we can choose fear or bring a gift to the Messiah.

The Departure

Matthew 2:12 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.

The wise men all came from one country, not several. They were not kings. Psalm 72:11 does not apply to them. Nativity scenes often montage two events, the stable scene and the Magi’s later visit in a house. The important lesson is that pagans recognized Jesus when believers did not.

Christians ought to be humble, knowing we are called the foolish and weak things of this world (1 Corinthians 1:27). The sons of this world are often shrewder than the sons of light (Luke 16:7-9). Faith excludes boasting (Romans 3:27) except in the cross (Galatians 6:14).

Outro: Non-Christians sometimes offer God greater honor than believers. God can work through non-Christian religions to bring people to himself. If leaders of a pagan religion offered great honor to Christ, how much more ought we Christians!

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Readings

Isaiah 60:1-6 They shall bring gold and incense, And they shall proclaim the praises of the Lord.

Psalm 72:1-14 The kings of Tarshish and of the isles Will bring presents; The kings of Sheba and Seba Will offer gifts.

Ephesians 3:1-12 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel

Matthew 2:1-12 in Rhyme
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Wise men came to Jerusalem
They were asking in unison
Where is He born, King of the Jews?
For His star foretold the good news
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And we have come to worship Him
But this troubled Herod the king
To Judea's town Bethlehem
They followed the star before them
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And when they came into the house
They saw the Child with Joseph’s spouse
And they fell down and worshiped Him
Gold, frankincense, and myrrh gave Him