Watch and Pray

 

Ephesians 6:18

 

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints,” Ephesians 6:18.

 

One of the most important jobs in aviation happens in the control tower. Although all parties, from the ground crew to the pilot work together to have a successful flight, no one is more important than the person watching out for the aircraft.

 

Have we ever considered Christian warriors as similar to aircraft controllers? We have to be on guard twenty-four hours a day against Satan and his advocates. We must be hypersensitive to the activities of Satan and his sly wolves in sheep clothing tactics. In fact, we must always seek God’s guidance by the Holy Spirit through prayer. Certainly, we can never pray too much or too often for His guidance.

 

Likewise, everything we attempt to do should be saturated in prayer before hand, whether it pertains to personal, family, church, school or governmental matters. And shamefully, we often neglect this great and easily accessed benefit of being God’s children.

 

Additionally, we must pray for others in an effort to intercede in prayer on their behalf—praying for healing, spiritual strength and God’s guidance in their lives. It is our duty and our pleasure to pray for others.

 

We must always watch and pray!

 

 

Reflection

 

Restraining prayer, we cease to fight. Prayer makes the Christian armor bright. And Satan trembles when he sees, the meanest saint upon his knees—Author unknown.

 

Beverly Barnett

 

 

 

31 – January 31 – THIS DAY IN BAPTIST HISTORY PAST

 

 

1777 – DUTCH SCHOLARS AT THE REQUEST OF THE KING ESTABLISH APOSTOLIC SUCCESSION OF BAPTISTS IN THE 19TH CENTURY – Isaac Johannes Dermout was born on January 31, 1777. Mr. Dermout was one of two Dutch scholars, Dr. Anne Ypeij being the other that the king of the Netherlands commissioned to investigate the claim of Dutch Baptists to an apostolic origin. Ypeij was the chaplain to the king and Professor of Theology in Gronigen. The results of their research is found in a book in the Western Theological Seminary in Holland, MI. It is entitled, Geschiedeins der Nederlandsche Hervormde Kerk. It says: “We have now seen that the Baptists who were formerly called Anabaptists, and in later times Mennonites, were the original Waldenses, who have long in the history of the church have received the honor of that origin. On this account the Baptists may be considered as the only Christian community which has stood since the days of the apostles, and as a Christian society which has preserved pure the doctrine of the gospel through all ages…” (The statement continues on pg. 42). Baptists have always taken the position that a Baptist by any other name is never the less a Baptist.
Dr. Greg J. Dixon; adapted from:  Day in Baptist History Vol. I: Cummins Thompson/   pg. 41.

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Glorify [God]

 

kāḇēḏ

 

In light of the wonder and weight of God’s names and titles, we are challenged to truly glorify Him and honor His names. David prayed in Psa_86:12, “I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.” Glorify is kāḇēḏ (H3513), which is also translated “honour” (e.g., Pro_3:9; Pro_4:8) and “heavy,” speaking of His judgment (e.g., Isa_30:27).

 

It is that last translation, in fact, that makes this word interesting. This verb literally means “to be heavy or weighty.” We have all heard the expression that someone’s opinion “carries a lot of weight,” indicating that the person is important or influential. Similarly, when we refer to someone as a “heavyweight,” we mean that they possess power, prominence, or stature. God, therefore, is “heavy,” that is, powerful, and is worthy of honor, glory, respect, and obedience. How, then, can we glorify and honor God?

 

First, by never taking His name in vain (Exo_20:7; Lev_19:12; Deu_5:11). So common is the expression, “Oh, my God!” in our day that we have lost sight of how truly blasphemous it is, and I have heard even many Christians using it. Any such flippant, frivolous, or false statements do not honor God’s holy name. Our speech is to be “seasoned with salt” (Col_4:6), which among other things means “wholesome and palatable.”

 

Second, we honor God by praising His name. Psa_50:23 declares, “Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me.” By recalling and speaking God’s names and attributes, we praise and honor Him. We can thank and praise Him for His sovereignty, providence, holiness, justice, mercy, grace, and so much more. I pray we will address Him using His various names to bring Him further glory.

 

Third, we honor God by living up to His name. To be a “Christian” (Christianos, G5546, “of the party of Christ”) means we bear His name and must live up to it and never do anything to dishonor it. All God’s names, therefore, come into view through Christ, and we are to live up to each as we reflect the Son’s character (cf. Gal_5:22-23).

 

Scriptures for Study: Read the verses mentioned in today’s study and meditate on how you can better honor and glorify God.

 

 

 

30 – January 30 – THIS DAY IN BAPTIST HISTORY PAST

 

30 – January 30 – THIS DAY IN BAPTIST HISTORY PASTThe first church in Tennessee

 

 

1806 – A BAPTIST CHURCH WAS THE FIRST CHURCH OF ANY KIND IN THE STATE OF TENNESSEE – Tidence Lane died on January 30, 1806. He was born near Baltimore, MD on August 31, 1724. His Anglican father Richard was an ardent opponent of the Baptists. The message of the Separate Baptists had a great effect on Tidence after the family moved to North Carolina.  He married Esther Bibber in May 1743 and heard Shubal Stearns preach, fell under conviction and was gloriously saved. In 1758 his younger brother Dutton was saved and both boys were called to preach.  His father was so irate that he pursued the youngest brother with the intent to kill him. Tidence and Esther had nine children, seven of them sons. Pressures, from the British Governor William Tryon against the Baptists, caused Tidence to turn toward Tennessee where the gospel had never been declared. His was the first church of any denomination organized in the State of Tenn. In 1779. he was the first Moderator of the First Association in the state, organized on October 21, 1786, 10 years before Tenn. was admitted into the Union. Lane’s success was so great that by 1790 Tenn. had 18 churches, 21 preachers and 889 members.

 

Dr. Greg J. Dixon; adapted from:  Day in Baptist History Vol. I: Cummins Thompson/   pg. 40.

 

 

 

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Peter’s Love for Jesus

 

John 21:15-17

 

 

“He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep,” John 21:17.

 

 

Pastors, at times, need the same admonishment that Jesus gave to Peter. As a whole, pastors strive to feed the flock every time they teach or preach. But, are they guilty of viewing the flock as merely church members instead of the lambs and sheep of Jesus and themselves as the undershepherd of Jesus? From time to time we need a reminder of the importance of teaching and preaching relevant, Holy Spirit inspired messages to Jesus’ sheep.

 

Most pastors, like Peter, love Jesus but do they really LOVE Jesus. There is a difference. Pastors like other believers can become cold and indifferent. Their love of Jesus can wane and become stagnant. And, like Peter, they need occasional reminding that they are prone to sin and failure and that the path to rekindling is always open.

 

Early in the morning, still damp from his swim to shore, Peter must truthfully answer Jesus’ question, “Lovest thou me?” His answer was in his actions. It was after that encounter with Jesus that Peter became one of the strongest, most steadfast and influential of all the disciples.

 

 

 

REFLECTION

 

Pastors, do not be discouraged, see the importance of your position and then feed His sheep and His lambs!

 

Beverly Barnett

 

 

Father

 

’aḇ

 

No examination of the names and titles of God would be complete without considering the title of Father. The Hebrew ’aḇ (H1), which “apparently is derived from such baby sounds as abab,” appears almost 1,200 times in the OT. We should also note that ’aḇ (H2) is the Aramaic form, the basis for the NT usage of abba (G5) that appears three times (Mar_14:36; Rom_8:15; Gal_4:6). Obviously, ’aḇ refers to a biological father (Gen_2:24), but it also refers to the head of a household (Gen_24:40), a grandfather (Gen_28:13), an ancestor (Gen_10:21), or even a patron of a class (Gen_4:20). What does such fatherhood indicate when we think of God as our Father? Let us consider five applications.

 

First, our Fatherbegets us. He gives us life. “Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us?” (Mal_2:10). Spiritually then, through Christ, we are “born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible” (1Pe_1:23). Having thus been “born of God,” we know God (1Jn_4:7), love God (1Jn_5:1), overcome the world (1Jn_5:4), and guard our behavior (1Jn_5:18, “keepeth” is tēreō [G5083], “keep an eye on, watch over, observe attentively, guard protectively”), and do not habitually commit sin (1Jn_3:9).

 

Second, our Fatherteaches us. We are to “hear the instruction of [our] father” and learn doctrine, wisdom, and God’s law from Him (Pro_1:8; Pro_4:1-4; Pro_5:1). From where do we get our spiritual Father’s instruction? From His Word alone.

 

Third, our Fatherdisciplines us. As an earthly father corrects his child because of love (Pro_3:12; Deu_8:5), so God our Father “chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. . . . for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?” (Heb_12:6-7; cf. 2Sa_7:14). Yes, discipline is painful, but it brings us back to obedience.

 

Fourth, our Fatherprovides for us. Why do we worry about clothing, food, and other basic needs of life? Our “Father knoweth that [we] have need of these things” and He will provide them when we seek Him (Luk_12:28-31; cf. Mat_6:9-11).

 

Fifth, our Fathergives us aname. As one’s family name is a precious thing, God has given us names that should be precious to us. Each of us is a “saint” (Php_4:21), a “Christian” (1Pe_4:16), and a believer (Act_5:14). Let us live up to those names’ lofty standards.

 

Scriptures for Study: How do we become children of God (Gal_3:26)? What proves we are children of God (1Jn_3:10; 1Jn_5:2)?

 

 

 

29 – January 29 – THIS DAY IN BAPTIST HISTORY PAST

 

 

Lucy Hutchinson

Not many noble are called

Pg. 39 – COL. AND LUCY HUTCHINSON – NOBEL BAPTISTS IN ENGLA ND STAND FOR LIBERTY AND BAPTIST PRINCIPLES – Lucy Hutchinson was born on January 29, 1620 in the Tower of London where her father, Sir Allen Apsley was governor. Before she was grown she received Christ as Savior and gave herself to Him in wholehearted service. She married Col. John Hutchinson and then he was appointed governor of Nottingham and its castle. They exerted great influence for English liberty. John was born in 1616 and had a large estate. When the civil war broke, out five soldiers were carried to the castle, and Lucy cared for them by binding up their bleeding limbs. The Hutchinsons were Presbyterians, and became converted as Baptists upon the birth of their first child, when they began to examine the scriptures concerning infant baptism. While assisting the wounded in the castle Lucy found some notes that Baptist soldiers had left from their Bible study and prayer meeting. They convinced her of believer’s baptism. George Fox, who founded the Society of the Friends, found Col. John his chief protector when Fox was a prisoner at Nottingham. The Scripture doesn’t say, “not any, but, not many noble are called. Dr. Greg J. Dixon; adapted from:  Day in Baptist History Vol. I: Cummins Thompson/   pg. 39.

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Names of God – Other ’Ēl Compounds

 

There are many other compounds of ’Ēl, each of which reveals to us a little more of God’s nature and work. Let us note some (but still not all) of them today and marvel even more in who God is. There is Mighty God, or even Heroic God (’Ēl-Gibbôr, H1368, Isa_10:21), God of Knowledge (’Ēl-Dē‘āh, H1844, 1Sa_2:3), God of Glory (’Ēl-Kāḇôḏ, H3519, Psa_29:3), the Everlasting God (’Ēl-‘Ôlām, H5769, Gen_21:33), the God of Seeing (’Ēl-Ro’iy, H7210, Gen_16:13), and even the Jealous God (’Ēl-Qannā’, H7067, Exo_20:5; Deu_4:24; Deu_5:9; Deu_6:15; Jos_24:19; Nah_1:2).

 

Illustrating “that there is none other God but one” (1Co_8:4) and that any other “god” is a false one, we discover that He is the Living God (’Ēl-Chay, H2416, Jos_3:10; 1Sa_17:26; 1Sa_17:36; 2Ki_19:4; 2Ki_19:16; Psa_42:2; Psa_84:2; Isa_37:4; Jer_10:10; Jer_23:36; Dan_6:20; Dan_6:26; Hos_1:10) and the One God (’Ēl-’Echād, H259; Mal_2:10).

 

Deeper, many ’Ēl compounds illustrate God’s personal relationship with believers. He is the God of Bethel (Ēl-Bēyṯ-‘ēl, H1008; Gen_31:13; Gen_35:7), demonstrating that He comes to where we are. He is God My Rock (’Ēl- Sela‘iy, H5553; Psa_42:9), picturing the security and refuge we find in Him. Also, God is My Strength and Power or even God Is My Fortress(’Ēl-Mā‘ûzziy [and] Chayil, H4581 and H2428, 2Sa_22:33), assuring us that He is with us in battle.

 

Deeper still, in a redemptive sense, He is the God Who Formed Me (’Ēl-Chûl, H2342, Deu_32:18), showing us He is our true Father. Also, He is God Our Savior (’Ēl- Yāša‘, H3467, Psa_106:19-21), declaring that He alone is the Deliverer, as He delivered His people from Egypt—a truth they forgot when they made and worshipped the golden calf.

 

So from the first occurrence of ’Ēl (Gen_14:18) to the last (Mal_2:10), God gives us glimpses into who He is and what He does. He is, indeed, the “God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible” (Deu_10:17). “Great” is gāḏôl (H1419), which “emphasizes the importance, size, and significance of something or someone.” Does that not truly sum up who He is?

 

Scriptures for Study: Read some of (or all) the verses mentioned in today’s study and marvel in your God (Exo_6:7, and some 180 other occurrences of those words).

 

 

 

 

God of Truth

 

’Ēl-’Emûnâ

 

Few words captivate and consume this writer more than the word truth (grace is another). Sadly, however, few words are under more attack than this one. We live in an age of unprecedented relativism, where truth is “up for grabs,” is different for each person, and changes according to circumstances.

 

In stark contrast, God is the God of truth. As Moses sings, “He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he” (Deu_32:4). The psalmist echoes in a messianic prophecy, “Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth” (Psa_31:5; cf. Luk_23:46). And the prophet Isaiah repeats, “That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth” (Isa_65:16).

 

Truth is a translation of ’emeṯ (H571, or ’emûnāh, H530, ), which has at its root the ideas of firmness and certainty and includes such concepts as truth, rightness, and faithfulness. Also inherent in the word is the idea of faith, which in biblical usage “is an assurance, a certainty, in contrast with modern concepts of faith as something possible, hopefully true, but not certain.”

 

It is extremely significant that the Septuagint translates this Hebrew word with the Greek alētheia in some 100 instances. As one Greek authority defines it: “Etymologically alētheia means nonconcealment. It thus denotes what is seen, indicated, expressed, or disclosed, i.e., a thing as it really is, not as it is concealed or falsified. Alētheia is the real state of affairs.” The fundamental concept of truth is that it is absolute and certain, is incontrovertible, irrefutable, unarguable, and unchanging. If something is true, it is always true and can never be untrue, no matter what the circumstances.

 

This name greatly helps us understand who God is. He is the God of certainty, firmness, and assurance. He never changes and is absolutely dependable. Again, Jesus Christ is “the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Heb_13:8, ). As we rejoice in the certainties of the God of truth, let our desire in turn be the pursuit of absolute truth in all things and in every area of life.

 

Scriptures for Study: What does Joh_14:6 declare? In Joh_16:13, what is one ministry of the Holy Spirit? In Joh_17:17; Joh_17:19, what is a result of truth?

 

 

 

THIS DAY IN BAPTIST HISTORY PAST

 

 

 

He was the leader of the Separates

 

1745 – THE SEPARATE BAPTISTS WERE FOUNDED BY SHUBAL STEARNS WHO WAS A CONVERT OF GEORGE WHITEFIELD Shubal Stearns was born on January 28, 1706. In 1745 he joined the ‘New Lights’ and preached as a ‘New Light Congregationalist’. He was a convert of George Whitefield the English Anglican Evangelist. Many of his converts became Baptists as they began to study the scriptures and became convinced of believer’s baptism by water immersion. Stearns was one who became the leader of the Separate Baptists; Isaac Backus was another, he became known as “The Apostle of Liberty”, and Daniel Marshall was the other who became the founder of the Baptist effort in Georgia. Shubal was baptized in 1751 and ordained on May 20. In 1755 he moved to Sandy Creek, N.C. where he organized a Baptist church and saw a great out pouring of God’s Spirit and in a short time they had over six hundred members. His assistants were his brother-in-law Daniel Marshall and Joseph Breed. Shubal traveled continually and they not only saw the lost saved but a host of young men called to preach. Some of them were John Dillahunty, Philip Mulkey, Joseph and William Murphy, James Read, Nathaniel Power, and James Turner. Churches flourished in Virginia and the Carolinas and the Sandy Creek Association was formed. Stearns was lovingly revered as the “Old Father.” He died on Nov. 20, 1771.
Dr. Greg J. Dixon; adapted from:  Day in Baptist History Vol. I: Cummins Thompson/   pg. 37.

 

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