WHAT DID LAZARUS’ SISTER DO THAT WAS SO RIGHT?

William Andrew Dillard

Mary, the sister of Lazarus also had a sister named Martha. Mary was a common name in Biblical times. Consequently, that name appears often. What most people remember about Mary the sister of Lazarus is that she chose to sit at Jesus feet and learn of heavenly things rather than concern herself with food preparation. That choice brought rebuke from Martha, but praise from Jesus.
A more notable deed that Mary did is also recorded in the gospels. Near to the time of Jesus’ betrayal and subsequent crucifixion, He visited the home of Lazarus, Martha, and Mary as He had done several times before. On this occasion, Mary brought out a box of very expensive ointment and anointed the body of Jesus. Again, there was criticism. Some of the apostles wondered why the waste when the ointment could have brought a handsome price in the market place and the money given to the poor. But again, Jesus upheld her actions, knowing her true motive. She had anointed Jesus body for burial, something no one else had done or even thought about.
Because Mary put Jesus above earthly things and chose to learn of Him, she was given spiritual insight, and she comprehended things others had not. Therefore she was enabled to provide special service and honor to Jesus and that was so right!
Mary’s opportunity was not singularly hers. Others were there. Others had followed Jesus. Others had heard Him speak of being crucified. But it was Mary who understood and did what she could.
It is much the same way today. Everyone has access to a Bible. Everyone can be saved. Everyone can gain much spiritual insight into the things of God if they dedicate themselves to gaining it.
Moreover, one can be sure that even the best of deeds done from a pure heart will suffer criticism. Sometimes that comes from those who consider themselves to be close followers of Jesus. However, it is what God approves that is important.
Mary and her deeds were incorporated into the Word of God, and every generation since has knowledge of her. She was a shinning example, and while she enjoys heavenly rest, those wonderful deeds still multiply and follow her to God’s glory and her eternal reward.
One day the same will be true of all of God’s people who put Jesus first in their life. This will make the Judgment Seat of Christ a most rich and rewarding event for all such disciples, and that is so right!

Secret Disciples

 

John 19:38-42

 

“Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury,” John 19:40.

 

 

Jesus had many disciples; some of them, because of fear, were afraid to be seen with the others. But when they were needed, they gathered courage and stepped up to the task, while the other disciples slipped into silence. Joseph of Arimathaea and Nicodemus were not well-known but nevertheless were important disciples.

 

Joseph, a wealthy man and honorable counselor, went to Pilate and begged to bury the body of Jesus. Nicodemus joined Joseph, and together they took the body of Jesus and prepared it for burial. The body was washed, wrapped in linen and spices of myrrh and aloes were tucked into the folds of the cloth.

 

At some burials a bed of spices was formed and the body was laid on top. We do not know if this is what Nicodemus did with the hundred pounds of spices or not, the Bible does not say. We do know that Jesus was not embalmed and before He could be He had arisen.

 

In the end, Joseph and Nicodemus found a place of service for our Lord. Yes, even secret disciples can be used by God.

 

 

 

REFLECTION

 

In closed countries there are many secret disciples. Thankfully, in America we have religious freedom—for now.

 

Beverly Barnett

 

 

03 – January 03 – THIS DAY IN BAPTIST HISTORY PAST

 

 

 

He was a Pastor and Diplomat

 

1894 – Rev. Charles Journeycake died having been born Dec. 16, 1817. The following words  are inscribed on the white marble monument in the old cemetery at Lightning Creek that marks his burial spot: “A kind and loving father and a friend to the needy; he died as he lived, a pure and upright man, after many years’ faithful in the ministry and as chief advisor for his people, the Delawares.” He was the son of a full blooded Delaware Indian father and a Caucasian mother named Sally who spoke English and several Indian dialects. She was an expert interpreter and when a Methodist mission was started among the Wyandottes Sally interpreted. Sally was gloriously saved through the influence of this ministry and Charles was then saved in 1833 and became the first Delaware to be baptized. Soon both of his parents were baptized and they became the nucleus of a Baptist church among the Delawares. In a few years Journeycake began preaching to his own people and to the Wyandotte, Seneca and Ottawa tribes. He was ultimately elected as the principal chief of his tribe and became an influential negotiator with the U.S. Gov. In all he made twenty-four trips to Washington, D.C. He was not ordained until he was 55, but only then at the insistence of his people. The church he pastored among the Delawares had more than 100 members. They dedicated a new building on Sep. 22, 1872. Journeycake continued to preach revivals and from 1871 through 1880 he baptized 266.
Dr. Greg J. Dixon, Adapted from: This Day in Baptist History Vol. I: Cummins Thompson /, pp. 04-05.

 

The post 03 – January 03 – THIS DAY IN BAPTIST HISTORY PAST appeared first on The Trumpet Online.

 

 

 

WHAT THE BIBLE TEACHES ABOUT SCRIPTURAL BAPTISM

Matthew 28:19, 20

There are two ordinances in the church. An ordinance is an established rite or ceremony and has the effect of being a law. Many ceremonies and ordinances are held by the religious world. There is at least one denomination that has over 300. Jesus instituted two: baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Matt. 28:19,20; 26:26-29; I Cor. 11:26). Both of these ordinances point back to His death and forward to His life and resurrection. One thing that is very interesting to me is, many cannot get past the word “go” and include the baptism and teaching with the going. These words came directly from the lips of Jesus, the one that was crucified and His declaration was – “go and proclaim the gospel, baptise the believers, teach them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” None can be baptised that have not been told about the sacrifice of the Savior. Salvation without baptism is incomplete obedience. HERE IS WHAT THE BIBLE TEACHES CONCERNING BAPTISM.

I.  FIRST, IT IS AN IMMERSION IN WATER.

    1. Three modes practiced today: (1) IMMERSION, (2) sprinkling, (3) pouring. Which is the scriptural mode?
    2. The meaning of the word baptize is: immersion, dip, plunge, submerge.
    3. John baptized where there was much water (John 3:23; Matt. 3:1-12). John baptized Jesus and He “went up straightway out of the water” (Matt. 3:16).
    4. Figures of speech used in reference to baptism mean immersion (Rom. 6:1-6; Col. 2:12).
    5. Sprinkling and pouring do not fit the symbols, and destroy the figures.
    6. Some objections noticed:
         a. John could not have immersed all who came to him (Matt. 3:5).
         b. John could not have had time to baptize all who came to him. John refused some (Matt. 3:7,8). How much longer does it take to immerse than to sprinkle?
        c. John baptized with water (John 1:33).
        d. It is claimed that infants were baptized, therefore could not be by immersion (Matt. 19:14 is used). Nothing is said about baptism in this scripture. Jesus used children to teach a spiritual truth (Matt. 18:3; Mark 10:13,16). Advocates of infant baptism cite the case of Cornelius (Acts 10), and the jailor and his household (Acts 16:31-33). In all these cases the subjects baptized were old enough to hear the Word, believe and receive the Holy Spirit.
        e. All infant baptism arguments fail when the scriptures are examined.
        f. Not enough water in Jerusalem to immerse all who came on day of Pentecost (Acts 2:41, 42). There was plenty of water for immersion at: upper pool (II Kings 18:17); lower pool (Isaiah 22:9); Pool of Hezekiah (II Kings 20:20) was 240 feet long and 144 feet wide; Pool of Bethseda (John 5:2); Pool of Siloam (John 9:7); plus many fountains and pools mentioned in Nehemiah 2:14; 3:15.
        g. There was not time enough to baptize all in one day. How long did Peter preach? Two hours? He began at 9 a.m. (Acts 2:15) and probably ended by 11 a.m. There were at least twelve to do the baptizing. How long does it take to baptize one person? Allow one minute, and it would take four hours and ten minutes to baptize those who came on Pentecost. It is ridiculous to reject plain Bible statements.

II. THE ELEMENTS OF SCRIPTURAL BAPTISM.

    1. A proper subject – a believer (Acts 2:41, 42). John refused some (Matt. 3:7-10).
    2. Scriptural authority – a New Testament church (Matt. 28:19, 20; Madrk 13:34; I Tim 3:15). John received authority from God (John 1:6, 33). Jesus gave authority to the Apostles (John 4:1). Jesus gave authority to the church (Matt. 28:19, 20). Apollos baptized without authority (Acts 19).
    3. A scriptural design declares death and resurrection (Rom. 6:4,5). Is an act of righteousness (Matt 3:15).
    4. A scriptural mide – immersion (Matt. 3:16; Acts 8:38).

III. BAPTISM’S MESSAGE.

    1. Declares one to be a child of God (Rom. 6:4, 5; John 1:31).
    2. Expresses symbolically that one is dead to sin and alive to righteousness.
    3. Symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. In essence it is a picture of the gospel (I Peter 3:21; I Cor. 15:1-4).
    4. All who hear it and see the message pictured in baptism should be reminded that Christ died for our sins and lives to make intercession for us (Heb. 7:25).
  

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