The story of John the Baptist comes from Matthew 3, Mark 1, and Luke 3 of the New Testament.
Before Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ began his ministry on earth, John the Baptist had been preparing the people for the coming Messiah. He challenged them to repent, turn away from sin, and be baptized. But when Jesus appeared, coming to John to be baptized, John told him, "I need to be baptized by you." He wondered why Jesus needed to be baptized. Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness."
John agreed and baptized Jesus. As Jesus rose out of the water, heaven opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in the form of a dove. A voice from heaven said, "This is my son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."
By asking to be baptized, Jesus was confessing sin on behalf of the people and identifying with those who were repenting. He also set an example for his followers. Most importantly, Jesus was announcing the beginning of his earthly ministry.
John devoted his entire life preparing for the arrival of Jesus, but John resisted His first request. He felt inadequate for the task. Are you worthy of the Lord? Are you ready to accept Him into your life? Time is running out for your decision, friends. The time is soon upon us.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
Jonah and the Whale
The story of Jonah and the Whale, one of the oddest accounts in the Bible, originally comes from the book of Kings, but is also mentioned in Matthew 12 and Luke 11 in the New Testament.
God spoke to Jonah, son of Amittai, telling him to preach repentance to the people of Nineveh. Jonah was upset at this command because Nineveh known for its wickedness and was the capital of the Assyrian empire, one of Israel's fiercest enemies.
Jonah did the opposite of what he God had commanded. He booked a ship to Tarshish, in the opposite direction from Nineveh. You might imagine that the Lord was upset at this and sent a violent storm that threatened to destroy the ship. Jonah realized that he was to blame for the storm and told the crew to throw him overboard. When they tried rowing to shore instead, the waves only got higher. Fearing the wrath of God, the sailors finally tossed Jonah into the sea, and the water immediately grew calm.
Jonah was swallowed by a giant whale sent by God. In the belly of the whale, Jonah repented and prayed to God. He praised God, ending by saying, "Salvation comes from the Lord." (Jonah 2:9)
On the third day God commanded the whale to release Jonah onto dry land. This time he obeyed God, walking through Nineveh proclaiming that in forty days the city would be destroyed. The Ninevites heeded Jonah's warning and repented. God, in turn, had compassion on them and spared their lives.
In this story God expressed concern even about the wicked. He commands all within His creation to follow his plan. The whale is much like the tomb where Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ lay following the crucifixion, only to rise from the dead into the glory of the kingdom of heaven on the third day. Jonah thought he knew better than his Creator. This foolish notion almost cost him his life. God had the power to destroy him - with so little effort - it would have taken just a moment and minimal effort - Jonah was lucky that God offered so many warnings and so many chances to come back to his beliefs in Him. Others may not be so lucky to have such a patient and forgiving Creator. They must heed the warnings.
God spoke to Jonah, son of Amittai, telling him to preach repentance to the people of Nineveh. Jonah was upset at this command because Nineveh known for its wickedness and was the capital of the Assyrian empire, one of Israel's fiercest enemies.
Jonah did the opposite of what he God had commanded. He booked a ship to Tarshish, in the opposite direction from Nineveh. You might imagine that the Lord was upset at this and sent a violent storm that threatened to destroy the ship. Jonah realized that he was to blame for the storm and told the crew to throw him overboard. When they tried rowing to shore instead, the waves only got higher. Fearing the wrath of God, the sailors finally tossed Jonah into the sea, and the water immediately grew calm.
Jonah was swallowed by a giant whale sent by God. In the belly of the whale, Jonah repented and prayed to God. He praised God, ending by saying, "Salvation comes from the Lord." (Jonah 2:9)
On the third day God commanded the whale to release Jonah onto dry land. This time he obeyed God, walking through Nineveh proclaiming that in forty days the city would be destroyed. The Ninevites heeded Jonah's warning and repented. God, in turn, had compassion on them and spared their lives.
In this story God expressed concern even about the wicked. He commands all within His creation to follow his plan. The whale is much like the tomb where Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ lay following the crucifixion, only to rise from the dead into the glory of the kingdom of heaven on the third day. Jonah thought he knew better than his Creator. This foolish notion almost cost him his life. God had the power to destroy him - with so little effort - it would have taken just a moment and minimal effort - Jonah was lucky that God offered so many warnings and so many chances to come back to his beliefs in Him. Others may not be so lucky to have such a patient and forgiving Creator. They must heed the warnings.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Daniel in the Den of Lions
The book of Daniel includes the story of Daniel in the den of lions.
In 605 B.C., when the Babylonians conquered Israel, they took many young men into captivity, one of whom was Daniel. He lived in the pagan kingdom of Babylon in captivity until his 80s. Through obedience to God, his Creator, and an impecible reputation of honesty and hard work, Daniel had succeeded in becoming a political administrator, much to the jealous dismay of the other government officials.
The other politicians tricked King Darius into passing a decree that anyone who prayed to another god or man besides the king during the next 30 days would be thrown into a lions' den. Daniel knew this but still went home, knelt down, faced Jerusalem, and prayed to his Creator. The other administrators informed the king. King Darius loved Daniel but was forced to have Daniel thrown into the lions' den.
The king ran to see Daniel the next morning. Daniel told him, "My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, O king." (Daniel 6:22) The king was greatly relieved, and Daniel was brought out of the den unharmed.
King Darius had the other politicians, their wives, and their children all thrown into the lions' den, where they were immediately eaten. Then the king issued another decree ordering the people to pray to Daniel's God.
Daniel's story is much like that of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is unbending in his faith, despite the threat of death. When he is put in the den under circumstances much like Jesus' trial before Pilate, he faces what appears to be guaranteed death. The Creator watches over him, however, and he is released from the den much like Jesus emerges from the tomb during the resurrection. Are you at the mouth of the lions' den yourself, trying to maintain your faith? Hopefully this story will be an inspiration to you.
In 605 B.C., when the Babylonians conquered Israel, they took many young men into captivity, one of whom was Daniel. He lived in the pagan kingdom of Babylon in captivity until his 80s. Through obedience to God, his Creator, and an impecible reputation of honesty and hard work, Daniel had succeeded in becoming a political administrator, much to the jealous dismay of the other government officials.
The other politicians tricked King Darius into passing a decree that anyone who prayed to another god or man besides the king during the next 30 days would be thrown into a lions' den. Daniel knew this but still went home, knelt down, faced Jerusalem, and prayed to his Creator. The other administrators informed the king. King Darius loved Daniel but was forced to have Daniel thrown into the lions' den.
The king ran to see Daniel the next morning. Daniel told him, "My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, O king." (Daniel 6:22) The king was greatly relieved, and Daniel was brought out of the den unharmed.
King Darius had the other politicians, their wives, and their children all thrown into the lions' den, where they were immediately eaten. Then the king issued another decree ordering the people to pray to Daniel's God.
Daniel's story is much like that of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is unbending in his faith, despite the threat of death. When he is put in the den under circumstances much like Jesus' trial before Pilate, he faces what appears to be guaranteed death. The Creator watches over him, however, and he is released from the den much like Jesus emerges from the tomb during the resurrection. Are you at the mouth of the lions' den yourself, trying to maintain your faith? Hopefully this story will be an inspiration to you.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
The third book of Daniel includes the motivating story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
About 600 BC , King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon attacked Jerusalem and took many of the Israelites captive. Four of the young men were given new names in captivity: Daniel was called Belteshazzar, Hananiah was called Shadrach, Mishael was called Meshach, and Azariah was called Abednego.
All four were very bright and became well liked by King Nebuchadnezzar, who made them part of his most trusted council. Daniel helped interpret one of Nebuchadnezzar's troubling dreams, earling him a high position over Babylon, including the land'w wise men. Per his request, the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego as Daniel's administrators.
King Nebuchadnezzar built a giant golden statue and commanded his people to bow and worship it whenever they heard the sound of his musical herald, or else they would be thrown into a massive furnace. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to worship this false god, so they were reported to the king. The were sent before the king, who tried to force them to deny their one and only God.
They answered, "If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of your hand. But if not, be it known to you, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up."
The king was furious and ordered Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to be bound and cast into the flames. The soldiers who cast them into the furnace were killed by the heat. King Nebuchadnezzar looked into the furnace, amazed, and said, "But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods."
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego walked from the furnace unharmed, with no signs of the heat on their bodies or clothing. King Nebuchadnezzar was amazed and declared, "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants, who trusted in him, and set aside the king's command, and yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any god except their own God." He then declared that all of the Israelites were free to worship as they chose.
Even threatened with what appeared to be certain death, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego would not compromise their belief in their Creator - must we have our hands placed to the fire - perhaps our entire bodies cast into the fire - to stand up for our beliefs? When we face seemingly insurmountable obstacles in life, we too must say, "Whether God rescues me or not, I will stand for him. I will not compromise my faith, and I will not deny my Lord."
About 600 BC , King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon attacked Jerusalem and took many of the Israelites captive. Four of the young men were given new names in captivity: Daniel was called Belteshazzar, Hananiah was called Shadrach, Mishael was called Meshach, and Azariah was called Abednego.
All four were very bright and became well liked by King Nebuchadnezzar, who made them part of his most trusted council. Daniel helped interpret one of Nebuchadnezzar's troubling dreams, earling him a high position over Babylon, including the land'w wise men. Per his request, the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego as Daniel's administrators.
King Nebuchadnezzar built a giant golden statue and commanded his people to bow and worship it whenever they heard the sound of his musical herald, or else they would be thrown into a massive furnace. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to worship this false god, so they were reported to the king. The were sent before the king, who tried to force them to deny their one and only God.
They answered, "If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of your hand. But if not, be it known to you, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up."
The king was furious and ordered Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to be bound and cast into the flames. The soldiers who cast them into the furnace were killed by the heat. King Nebuchadnezzar looked into the furnace, amazed, and said, "But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods."
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego walked from the furnace unharmed, with no signs of the heat on their bodies or clothing. King Nebuchadnezzar was amazed and declared, "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants, who trusted in him, and set aside the king's command, and yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any god except their own God." He then declared that all of the Israelites were free to worship as they chose.
Even threatened with what appeared to be certain death, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego would not compromise their belief in their Creator - must we have our hands placed to the fire - perhaps our entire bodies cast into the fire - to stand up for our beliefs? When we face seemingly insurmountable obstacles in life, we too must say, "Whether God rescues me or not, I will stand for him. I will not compromise my faith, and I will not deny my Lord."
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
The Christmas Story of the Birth of Jesus
The story of the birth of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ comes to us from several places in the New Testament, including Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2.
Mary was living in Nazareth, engaged to be married to a Jewish carpenter named Joseph. One night an angel came and informed her that conceive a son as a virgin by the Holy Spirit and name the child Jesus. At first Mary was afraid and asked, "How will this be?" The angel explained that the child would be God's own Son. Mary believed the angel and was pleased that she would carry the son of God as fulfillment of the prophesy of Isaiah.
While still engaged, Mary became pregnant through the Holy Spiritl. God sent an angel to Joseph in a dream to explain the plan with Mary and reassure him that their pending marriage was the will of God. When Joseph awoke from his dream, he obeyed God and took Mary as his wife.
Caesar Augustus called for a census, forcing everyone in the Roman Empire to go to their town of birth to register. Joseph, as a descendant of David, was required to take Mary to Bethlehem to register. While in Bethlehem, Mary gave birth to Jesus in a stable, wrapped Him in cloths, and placed him in a manger.
An angel appeared to the shepherds in the fields, announcing that Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ had been born in Bethlehem. They visited the young family to give praise to the newly born Messiah, and then began to spread the word throughout the neighboring towns. The three Magi from the east followed the brightest star ever seen in the sky, signifying the birth of the Savior, and brought with them gifts of gold, incense, and myrrh. Along the way, they came across King Herod and told him of the miracle birth. Herod told them that he wanted to worship the child as well, but actually began plotting the death of Jesus.
In the story of the birth of Jesus, the Creator used his almighty power to bring to life a plan to change the world - A plan that would become his greatest accomplishment - There were some ready to accept this life - To accept The Word in the form of this Creation - But there were also those who were far from ready - Those who would stop at nothing to thrwart the Creator's efforts at every turn - But as the story would play out over time the Creator's will would be done.
Mary was living in Nazareth, engaged to be married to a Jewish carpenter named Joseph. One night an angel came and informed her that conceive a son as a virgin by the Holy Spirit and name the child Jesus. At first Mary was afraid and asked, "How will this be?" The angel explained that the child would be God's own Son. Mary believed the angel and was pleased that she would carry the son of God as fulfillment of the prophesy of Isaiah.
While still engaged, Mary became pregnant through the Holy Spiritl. God sent an angel to Joseph in a dream to explain the plan with Mary and reassure him that their pending marriage was the will of God. When Joseph awoke from his dream, he obeyed God and took Mary as his wife.
Caesar Augustus called for a census, forcing everyone in the Roman Empire to go to their town of birth to register. Joseph, as a descendant of David, was required to take Mary to Bethlehem to register. While in Bethlehem, Mary gave birth to Jesus in a stable, wrapped Him in cloths, and placed him in a manger.
An angel appeared to the shepherds in the fields, announcing that Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ had been born in Bethlehem. They visited the young family to give praise to the newly born Messiah, and then began to spread the word throughout the neighboring towns. The three Magi from the east followed the brightest star ever seen in the sky, signifying the birth of the Savior, and brought with them gifts of gold, incense, and myrrh. Along the way, they came across King Herod and told him of the miracle birth. Herod told them that he wanted to worship the child as well, but actually began plotting the death of Jesus.
In the story of the birth of Jesus, the Creator used his almighty power to bring to life a plan to change the world - A plan that would become his greatest accomplishment - There were some ready to accept this life - To accept The Word in the form of this Creation - But there were also those who were far from ready - Those who would stop at nothing to thrwart the Creator's efforts at every turn - But as the story would play out over time the Creator's will would be done.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
David and Goliath
The story of David and Goliath, from the first book of Samuel, is a favorite of many.
The Philistine and Israelite armies faced each other in war on opposite sides of a steep valley. An armored Philistine giant named Goliath, who stood over nine feet tall, came out each day for forty days, mocking and challenging the Israelites to fight, but they were all terrified to meet his challenge.
One day a boy named David was sent to the battle front by his father to bring back news of his brothers. While there, David heard Goliath's boastful challenge and volunteered to fight him. The other Israelites tried to dissuade him, but he insisted on fighting the giant.
Dressed only in a tunic and carrying a shepherd's staff, David took only his slingshot and a pouch full of stones as a weapon against the giant. Goliath taunted him, but David called out, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied."
As Goliath approached, David slung a stone that smashed the giant's forehead, causing him to fall face-down on the ground. David then killed Goliath with his own sword and cut off his head. The Philistines saw the dead giant and fled. The Israelites pursued and conquered them.
David's faith allowed him to look at the giant from a unique perspective. Goliath was a mortal man defying God. When we are right in our cause when battling a formidable foe, God will fight for us. David took such action against Goliath, and had complete faith in God. He wished only to carry through the will of his Creator. He was obedient - willing to sacrifice everything that he had for the Lord. He knew that only the wishes of God were important - everything else shrunk to nothing in comparison.
The Philistine and Israelite armies faced each other in war on opposite sides of a steep valley. An armored Philistine giant named Goliath, who stood over nine feet tall, came out each day for forty days, mocking and challenging the Israelites to fight, but they were all terrified to meet his challenge.
One day a boy named David was sent to the battle front by his father to bring back news of his brothers. While there, David heard Goliath's boastful challenge and volunteered to fight him. The other Israelites tried to dissuade him, but he insisted on fighting the giant.
Dressed only in a tunic and carrying a shepherd's staff, David took only his slingshot and a pouch full of stones as a weapon against the giant. Goliath taunted him, but David called out, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied."
As Goliath approached, David slung a stone that smashed the giant's forehead, causing him to fall face-down on the ground. David then killed Goliath with his own sword and cut off his head. The Philistines saw the dead giant and fled. The Israelites pursued and conquered them.
David's faith allowed him to look at the giant from a unique perspective. Goliath was a mortal man defying God. When we are right in our cause when battling a formidable foe, God will fight for us. David took such action against Goliath, and had complete faith in God. He wished only to carry through the will of his Creator. He was obedient - willing to sacrifice everything that he had for the Lord. He knew that only the wishes of God were important - everything else shrunk to nothing in comparison.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Thou Shalt Not Kill
Today’s sermon is about the ultimate commandment: Thou Shalt Not Kill. The one that we are supposed to accept without reservation. Thou Shalt Not Kill. Of course not. To kill is to destroy God’s creation. To kill is to break the extreme commandment.
But then the Satin Strangler comes along . . .
If you are a Salvation Sermons member, then select READ MORE. If you are not a member, please visit our REGISTRATION PAGE to learn how you can contribute to our cause and share in the message of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
One of my first sermons as a young minister was about “coveting.” That is how far we had gotten as a God-fearing community. COVETING. But before I could catch up on coveting the wives of others, adultery was already rampant. Coveting became blasé. Why stop at coveting when you can go straight for the taking? Half of all marriages end in divorce – none of them because of coveting.
With our struggles over the nine other commandments, we rarely even turn to the big one. But today that is the topic – Thou Shalt Not Kill. The one that rears its ugly head with greater frequency and intensity everywhere we turn. The news is now filled with tales of murder – even right here in our backyard. We see it on television – we read it in the newspapers – we absorb it through the internet and download it onto our iPhones.
The Satin Strangler is the ultimate example – a woman who strangles men for her amusement. Some say she is insane – possessed by Satan himself. Others protest that she is a victim of society seeking an outlet for her suffering. I read with horror as the first news reports came out. Men were killed by this disciple of the devil – strangled and strewn asunder. Sons, brothers, and fathers. Family members and friends. MURDERED.
And how does society react? Do we rise up as one to shame this disciple of the devil? Take a look at the media’s response for your answer. You do not have to search for very long. She is everywhere – on all of our televisions, on every news stand – but as a villain? NO. The Satin Strangler is held up before us as a modern day superheroine.
Perhaps today’s sermon is too late. What should we do? First we have to look inside ourselves. We are the media consumers. We are the targets for such stories. We consume murder in mass quantities. The supply has to keep up with the demand, after all. When we turn on our televisions and browsers and podcasts, we say “yes” to what they represent. We say “yes” to the Satin Strangler – “yes” to strangling – “yes” to murder. We say “no” to the Commandments of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Have we come so far that we now say “no” even to the commandment that was once accepted without reservation? Thou Shalt Not Kill.
We have to take action as a community and say “no” to murder. Say “yes” to the Commandments. Tell yourselves. Then tell your family and friends. Then tell the world.
Readers of this article may also be interested in purchasing the following items:
t-shirt: “Say ‘Yes’ to the Commandments” – $12 plus shipping
t-shirt: “Say ‘No’ to the Satin Strangler” – $22 plus shipping
t-shirt: “No Salvation for Stranglers” – $22 plus shipping
Mouse pad: “Ask Me about Salvation Sermons” – $20 plus shipping
Mug: “Just Don’t Do It – SalvationSermons.blogspot.com” – $9 plus shipping
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This is post #24 in The Satin Strangler Blogs (TSSB).
But then the Satin Strangler comes along . . .
If you are a Salvation Sermons member, then select READ MORE. If you are not a member, please visit our REGISTRATION PAGE to learn how you can contribute to our cause and share in the message of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
One of my first sermons as a young minister was about “coveting.” That is how far we had gotten as a God-fearing community. COVETING. But before I could catch up on coveting the wives of others, adultery was already rampant. Coveting became blasé. Why stop at coveting when you can go straight for the taking? Half of all marriages end in divorce – none of them because of coveting.
With our struggles over the nine other commandments, we rarely even turn to the big one. But today that is the topic – Thou Shalt Not Kill. The one that rears its ugly head with greater frequency and intensity everywhere we turn. The news is now filled with tales of murder – even right here in our backyard. We see it on television – we read it in the newspapers – we absorb it through the internet and download it onto our iPhones.
The Satin Strangler is the ultimate example – a woman who strangles men for her amusement. Some say she is insane – possessed by Satan himself. Others protest that she is a victim of society seeking an outlet for her suffering. I read with horror as the first news reports came out. Men were killed by this disciple of the devil – strangled and strewn asunder. Sons, brothers, and fathers. Family members and friends. MURDERED.
And how does society react? Do we rise up as one to shame this disciple of the devil? Take a look at the media’s response for your answer. You do not have to search for very long. She is everywhere – on all of our televisions, on every news stand – but as a villain? NO. The Satin Strangler is held up before us as a modern day superheroine.
Perhaps today’s sermon is too late. What should we do? First we have to look inside ourselves. We are the media consumers. We are the targets for such stories. We consume murder in mass quantities. The supply has to keep up with the demand, after all. When we turn on our televisions and browsers and podcasts, we say “yes” to what they represent. We say “yes” to the Satin Strangler – “yes” to strangling – “yes” to murder. We say “no” to the Commandments of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Have we come so far that we now say “no” even to the commandment that was once accepted without reservation? Thou Shalt Not Kill.
We have to take action as a community and say “no” to murder. Say “yes” to the Commandments. Tell yourselves. Then tell your family and friends. Then tell the world.
Readers of this article may also be interested in purchasing the following items:
t-shirt: “Say ‘Yes’ to the Commandments” – $12 plus shipping
t-shirt: “Say ‘No’ to the Satin Strangler” – $22 plus shipping
t-shirt: “No Salvation for Stranglers” – $22 plus shipping
Mouse pad: “Ask Me about Salvation Sermons” – $20 plus shipping
Mug: “Just Don’t Do It – SalvationSermons.blogspot.com” – $9 plus shipping
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This is post #24 in The Satin Strangler Blogs (TSSB).
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