The Wednesday Night Group

Baptism?

2010-09-15T23:22:00.004-04:00

Baptism....It only conjures up one image for me and that's someone being dunked in or sprinkled with, water. Tonight's meeting produced many questions about baptism.

We are in the book of Acts. We were looking at Acts 19:1-7, " And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. And he said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" And they said, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit." And he said, "Into what then were you baptized?" They said, "Into John’s baptism." And Paul said, "John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus." On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying. There were about twelve men in all."

These verses lead to many questions.
1. What exactly is baptism?
2. What is the difference between John's baptism and being baptised in Jesus' name?
3. Does baptism have to involve water?
4. What is the baptism of the Holy Spirit?
5. Why the laying on of hands?
6. Is there another word for baptism?

These questions lead to one conclusion, we need to study baptism. So for the next few weeks we will be looking at it. We will look up all the verses that mention baptism and try to draw some conclusions.

I want to try and keep as much denominational doctrine out of the conversation as possible and just let the Scriptures speak. I think this can be very exciting and informative. Obviously I want it to encourage us too.

Stop By, Say Hello

2010-06-20T07:50:00.004-04:00

The one thing I like to tell folks about the Wednesday Night Group (WNG) is that we want them to stop by and visit. I don't care if it's once a week, once a month, or once a year, stop by and say hello!

The WNG is not a club, membership is NOT required. I want people who used to come regularly to feel like they are welcome anytime. Some folks can't make a weekly commitment. THAT'S OKAY! The important thing is to show up, be encouraged, encourage others, hear God's Word, receive prayer cover, or just plain unwind among friends.

I once heard a wonderful sermon that our homes should be an oasis from the outside world. That's how I want everyone to feel about the WNG. I want our gatherings to be an oasis, a place of refreshing.

Paul closes 2 Corinthians like this, "Finally brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."

Be refreshed, be encouraged.

A Part of the Body

2010-03-14T19:34:00.004-04:00

Have you read Knucklehead's blog? (headknuckle.blogspot.com) I guess he felt compelled to write about the Wednesday Night Group. Rudy Baga's comment on the post reads, "Wow! 25 years!! That is something. Must be doing something right. Sounds like the Body of Christ to me."

Yes, it's been over twenty-five years. It's hard to believe. Who would have thought that it would have lasted this long. Just for the record, ever since I've been a part of the group, we have met all year round! We don't take summers off.

Vivian is an original member. She still visits once in a while. Of the current members, Virginia has been a part of the group the longest. They have witnessed a lot of changes.

At one time, the group had to be divided because it was too big. That was back when John, Stephanie, and Joe G. were leading the group. We were a prayer group then a Bible study and now a fellowship group. A lot of folks have kept the fire burning.

Although more than five different churches are represented in the group, we are able to fellowship together. It's not about churches or denominations, it's about iron sharpening iron. It's about fighting the good fight. It's about encouraging one another.

I am thankful for those who still attend on a regular basis. I appreciate your encouragement and prayer support. I am thankful for the past leaders. I am especially thankful to the Lord. I am encouraged by his faithfulness. I hope you are encouraged too.

God Acts

2010-01-28T23:05:00.004-05:00

There have been a lot of Wednesdays between my last post and this one. My best guess is fifteen or sixteen. My promise to myself for 2010 was to write a new post every week. You can see how that has gone.

We started the new year looking at the book of Acts. The book of Acts is a continuation of the book of Luke. It is about the spread of the gospel after Jesus' ascension, the history of the early church.

It turns out that three years with Jesus wasn't enough for the disciples to grasp the kingdom of God. Jesus taught them for forty days after the resurrection. That coupled with the coming of the Holy Spirit gave these men all that they would need to be able to discern the Scriptures (Old Testament) and present the gospel. These "uneducated" men would turn the world upside down!

One thing I would like to note is the presence of Jesus' mother, Mary, in chapter one. She has been a part of God's plan and a witness from the visit by the angel (announcing the birth of Jesus) to the birth of the church (the body of Christ). There was obviously much pain involved but she was truly blessed. She was chosen by the Father, gave birth to the Son, and witnessed the coming of the Holy Spirit.

There is so much more. The book of Acts shows the power of God. These ordinary men did extraordinary things by the power of the Spirit, the same Spirit that indwells you and me. In chapter 3 Peter heals a crippled man. When the people notice, he addresses them. He says, "Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by OUR OWN POWER AND PIETY (emphasis mine) we have made him walk?" It's not just the healing but the power to present the gospel too. A few weeks earlier Peter is denying that he even knows Jesus!

THE SAME SPIRIT THAT HEALED THE CRIPPLE AND GAVE PETER THE POWER TO PREACH DWELLS IN US!! That should encourage all of us!!

Abide In Him, He Will Complete His Work

2009-09-30T23:52:00.005-04:00

I knew when we looked at John 15 that Gene would really add a lot to our conversation. Gene is always encouraging us to abide in in Jesus. I would venture to say that this may be his life verse. (I could be wrong.) He encourages us to remain connected to Jesus through the Word of God and prayer.

How important is it that we remain (abide) in Him? John 15:5 says, "..apart from me you can do nothing." Let me repeat, NOTHING! Any good that man claims apart from Jesus is dung.

Another verse that Gene encourages us with is Philippians 1:6, "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."

We are God's work. Imagine that. All that we are, have, and do, is the work of God! That blows me away!

Back to John 15, verses four and five says, "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."

Sometimes in order to produce more fruit, we need to be pruned. That can be painful at times. I'm sure in your life as well as in mine, we can look back at difficult times and see the hand of God. Also in the midst of these times we can find comfort knowing that it is the work of the Lord.

Gene is constantly encouraging us to abide in Christ. Gene also reminds us that we are the work of God and He will complete His work. I'm encouraged, I hope you are too.

Boneheads?

2009-09-05T06:24:00.008-04:00

John 13:36-14:14 (The Message) says, "Simon Peter asked, "Master, just where are you going?" Jesus answered, "You can't now follow me where I'm going. You will follow later."

"Master," said Peter, "why can't I follow now? I'll lay down my life for you!"

"Really? You'll lay down your life for me? The truth is that before the rooster crows, you'll deny me three times."

"Don't let this throw you. You trust God, don't you? Trust me. There is plenty of room for you in my Father's home. If that weren't so, would I have told you that I'm on my way to get a room ready for you? And if I'm on my way to get your room ready, I'll come back and get you so you can live where I live. And you already know the road I'm taking."

Thomas said, "Master, we have no idea where you're going. How do you expect us to know the road?"

Jesus said, "I am the Road, also the Truth, also the Life. No one gets to the Father apart from me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him. You've even seen him!"

Philip said, "Master, show us the Father; then we'll be content."

"You've been with me all this time, Philip, and you still don't understand? To see me is to see the Father. So how can you ask, 'Where is the Father?' Don't you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you aren't mere words. I don't just make them up on my own. The Father who resides in me crafts each word into a divine act.

"Believe me: I am in my Father and my Father is in me. If you can't believe that, believe what you see—these works. The person who trusts me will not only do what I'm doing but even greater things, because I, on my way to the Father, am giving you the same work to do that I've been doing. You can count on it. From now on, whatever you request along the lines of who I am and what I am doing, I'll do it. That's how the Father will be seen for who he is in the Son. I mean it. Whatever you request in this way, I'll do."

We looked at these passages this past Wednesday. I am thankful that we can look at these passages in hindsight. I can only imagine if I had been present with Jesus and the disciples that I would have been just as confused as they were.

First, Peter says he will follow Jesus to where He is going and give his life if necessary for Jesus' sake. Jesus says Peter will not only NOT give his life but will deny that he even knows Him. Peter didn't realize the limits of his own will. He was acting on his own "power" not the Power that comes from weakness (2 Corinthians 12:10).

Next we see Thomas. Jesus says that He will be preparing a place for them and come back for them. He says they know where He is going and they know the way. Thomas said, "Master, we have no idea where you're going. How do you expect us to know the road?" Jesus explains that He is the Road (the Way).

Many teachers and philosophers have come and gone. They want their followers to be lead by their teachings or philosophies. Not Jesus. He says , "Follow Me." We not only follow what He taught but we have to have a relationship with Him because He is ALIVE! HE IS THE WAY! (Read "A Jesus Manifesto" by Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola.)

Finally Jesus says that if they know Him they know the Father and have seen the Father. Phillip then says, "Master, show us the Father; then we'll be content."

At this point we all laugh and think these guys are boneheads! We can only do that because we have the advantage of hindsight through the Scriptures, not to mention, the Holy Spirit. I'm sure we would be the boneheads if we were present there that day.

All these "boneheads" eventually do give their lives for Jesus' sake. Eventually they do find their way to where Jesus was going. Now they not only see the Father but live in His house.

Press on and be encouraged.

Testimony

2009-07-04T01:30:00.014-04:00

I can't stop thinking about our last meeting! What an evening! Every week I am becoming more encouraged by what I see. I see us drawing closer together. I see us eager to draw closer to the Lord.

We had a guest who wanted prayer for himself and his daughter. Bernard is a former Jehovah's Witness (JW). His daughter, Jasmine, is suffering from sickle cell anemia. (http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Sca/SCA_WhatIs.html)

Jasmine became a Christian through the witness of a nurse. Bernard came to faith through Jasmine's witness. He had been a JW his whole life. Both have suffered rejection from family members and the congregation.

Bernard's testimony really encouraged me. Even though life is difficult for him, he remains faithful. Jasmine also remains strong even in this time of suffering. How can we not be encouraged through their testimony?

We have been looking at 2 Corinthians. Paul talks a great deal about what he's had to endure and the comfort he's found.

2 Corinthians 1:3-10, " Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.
For we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again."

2 Corinthians 11:24-28, " Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches."

One of the definitions for testimony in the Cassel Compact Dictionary is, " evidence, proof, comfirmation." A testimony can keep you going at a time when the journey is getting difficult. This journey is not easy folks! It's hard! That's why we need each other! That's why we need to hear testimonies! They are evidence of God's work! They are proof of His faithfulness! They confirm His Word! They keep us focused on the finish line! They keep us going!!

Bernard came to us for a blessing and ends up being a blessing to us! Continue to pray for Bernard and Jasmine.
Let's be encouraged by their testimony and the Word of God.

Walnut Springs Home

2009-05-25T23:53:00.010-04:00

The following was written by a friend on her blog, "Walnut Springs Home". The first sentence in the last paragraph really touched me. "I fear that I have been for too long a foolish Galatian, and that my journey has been in far too great a measure by the flesh and not by the Spirit." It caused me to reflect on my walk and encouraged me to stay the course. Enjoy.

The Mystery, in me and out of me.
Christ in me, I in Christ. Both are truths for those who have called upon his name, laid down their lives, to take on His.

"....this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." Col 1:27

"....And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” I Cor 1:30

It is indeed a mystery, the depths of which will be explored for the remaining days He gives this one. I have been "in Christ" for 30 years now, and yet I am but a babe in knowing and understanding even a bit of what it means to be in Christ and that He is in me. Thinking on it lately is changing my heart, awakening my spirit ...which has been lazy. I want to welcome the Holy Spirit to move in my life. I love the Word... it's riches are truly what is awakening my spirit, as "faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." (Rom 10:17)

"Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? " Gal. 3:2

I fear that I have been for too long a foolish Galatian, and that my journey has been in far too great a measure by the flesh and not by the Spirit. This is sin and requires a turning and I am grateful that the Lord has been merciful to show it as it is. When He is in, then He should also be out: displayed in my life in service for His Glory. As I hear His Word and walk this road, allowing His Spirit to have His way, I will be made into His image for His Glory. Christ in me the hope of Glory.

I have linked to "Walnut Springs Home" if you would like to read more. Be encouraged.

Suffering

2009-04-27T23:44:00.004-04:00

Suffering and persecution! Will it ever go away? Not in this life and definitely not for the Christian. If that scares you, I'm sorry, it shouldn't. If it causes you to despair than you're not alone. Even Paul despaired according to 2 Corinthians 1:8.

In Acts 5 Peter and some other apostles were whipped. They rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus. Paul writes of all he suffered in 2 Corinthians chapter 11. Hebrews chapter 11 (known as the faith chapter) mentions all kind of people who suffered for their faith before Jesus' birth.

I know it's hard to see people that we love suffering physically. We don't see the point. Let me ask, is God some kind of sadist that likes to see others suffer? Just because we don't understand doesn't mean there isn't a purpose.

Paul refers to it in 2 Corinthians chapter 1. Read verses 4 and 9. There are two good reasons.

Let me close with this thought. Wouldn't knowing the truth about suffering make it a little more bearable? Do you see the importance of knowing God's Word, the Scriptures? Read 1 Peter 4:12, 13. He tells us not to be surprised by suffering. He also tells us not to act as though something strange is happening.

When we suffer we are in good company. When your time to suffer comes, and it will, be ready, armed with the Word of God. Be encouraged.

The Woman At The Well

2009-03-28T23:35:00.007-04:00

The Samaritan woman at the well, found in John 4: 7-43, is one of the most popular women in the Bible. Her encounter with Jesus was life changing. It also is a source of encouragement for us.

First Jesus offers her "living water" in spite of her nationality. Jesus was a Jew and she was a Samaritan. Verse 9 says, "For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans". The fact that Jesus was even talking to her was amazing.

Second, He knows her history. She has had five husbands and the man she was currently living with was not her husband. Again this didn't stop Jesus from offering her the water that will become "a spring of water welling up to eternal life." He didn't tell her to change her lifestyle. I am going to assume that the changes came later. As we grow in our faith, the Holy Spirit will convict us of sin and the need for repentance.

Third, He points out that one day all (regardless of heritage) "true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for such the Father seeks to worship him". Paul says in Romans 10:12, "For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and bestows his riches upon all who call upon him".

The woman leaves her water jar and goes back to the city and tells the people what took place. They go to where Jesus is. Verses 39-42 says, "Many Samaritans from the city believed in him because of the woman's testimony, "He told me all that I ever did." So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them; and he stayed there two more days. And many more believed because of his word. They said to the woman, "It is no longer because of your words that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world." She is doing the work of an evangelist!

Jesus meets us where we are. It doesn't matter your sex, lifestyle, or heritage. He is seeking true worshipers. The lifestyle changes will happen. You cannot follow Jesus and not be changed! There is so much more to be gleaned from these verses. I hope you are encouraged.

Life Verses

2009-03-10T07:12:00.003-04:00

The group doesn't look the same as it did last year at this time. Some folks have left and new ones are joining. What I like is that the new members have jumped right into the mix and are contributing. The important thing is that the Lord has remained a part of the group and He is blessing us.

Last week we started looking at group members' "life verses", Scriptures that encourage us in our walk or are the foundation of our faith.

Kelli started off with Joel 2:25 and Isaiah 41:10. Joel talks about restoring the years that the locusts have eaten. Kelli says that she sees that as God restoring what was lost before salvation. At some point a believer looks back and thinks about what things could have been like if they had come to faith earlier in life.
God redeems that time.

Isaiah 41:10 encourages us to not be frightened or discouraged. In those times God strengthens us. He says he will uphold us. I hope that encourages you.

Virginia shared Psalm 34. It starts out with praise to the Lord. The Lord delivers us from our fears. Psalm 34:8 is a well known verse of the Bible. It says, "Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him." You could probably spend weeks in this Scripture. David goes on to talk about staying away from evil. He talks about how God can see and hear us. The Lord is near to those who are brokenhearted and crushed in spirit. Also in keeping with Kelli's verse in Joel, Psalm 34:22 says, The Lord redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned."

I hope these words encourage you. They certainly do me. I'm looking forward to hearing other "life verses". Be encouraged.

Know The Word

2009-02-18T23:45:00.005-05:00

The group is continuing to move forward. We have spent the last few weeks in 2 Peter. There's some really good stuff there.

Tonight we looked at 2 Peter chapter two. it is a warning against false prophets.

The Message says, "God is especially incensed against these "teachers" who live by lust, addicted to a filthy existence. They despise interference from true authority, preferring to indulge in self-rule. Insolent egotists, they don't hesitate to speak evil against the most splendid of creatures. Even angels, their superiors in every way, wouldn't think of throwing their weight around like that, trying to slander others before God.
These people are nothing but brute beasts, born in the wild, predators on the prowl. In the very act of bringing down others with their ignorant blasphemies, they themselves will be brought down, losers in the end. Their evil will boomerang on them. They're so despicable and addicted to pleasure that they indulge in wild parties, carousing in broad daylight. They're obsessed with adultery, compulsive in sin, seducing every vulnerable soul they come upon. Their specialty is greed and they're experts at it. Dead souls!"

How do we avoid these false teachers? Again from The Message, 2 Timothy chapter three, "There's nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every part of Scripture is God breathed and useful one way or another - showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us."

WE NEED TO KNOW THE WORD!!! We also need to hold each other accountable and to stay in prayer. Let me encourage you to do just that.

It's A Paradox

2009-01-22T23:13:00.005-05:00

I think the Lord has answered our prayers big time! The group has really started off on the right foot for the new year.

My wife and I came home from vacation to a message on our answering machine. It was a couple that we had talked to at a Christmas party in 2007. They expressed interest in joining the group. Now they've been to a few meetings and it seems like they have always been a part of us. What a blessing they are.

We have another man who we had not seen in a long time show up at a meeting. He has really blessed us too. I always enjoy when folks show up and jump right in.

It also appears that the "veterans" of the group have renewed energy. The conversations have been challenging and most of all encouraging. I think that the few weeks off at the end of last year did a world of good.

Our direction is starting to come into focus. The Lord is encouraging us to draw closer to Him. In drawing closer to Him a bond is starting to form in the group. We are no longer content with head knowlege of God, we want a relationship with Him.

This past week we talked about being more than religious. God doesn't just want a part of our lives, He wants the whole thing! Matthew 10: 37-39, " “If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it."

"But if you give up your life for me, you will find it." In giving up our lives for Him we find life in Him. It's a paradox, it's truth, and it's encouraging.