THE HEART OF THE GOSPEL

For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Matthew 25:35-36

As one reads our text for the day. You can quickly see that all six needs that Jesus puts emphasis on, society says they ought to do better, look better, smell better, and act better. In the eyes of the profession of Life Insurance, they are not even considered worthy of their business. To break it down, society states "That's their problem, they need to fix it." 

On the other hand, the High Net Worth clients is preferred by society. For all of us, these six types of people we never want to be. But whatever circumstances lead people to this place, there are people who literally have nothing but misfortune, and who look to the kindness of others to get them by. However, there are some people who exploit that kindness when they don't need help at all.

We do not choose who we belong to when we enter this world. Society has gotten away from a Spiritual foundation, which is required by us as human beings to balance everyday situations. When one reads the Bible, you will find that the word Poor" and "poverty" appear 446 times in 384 separate verses. "Wealth" can be found 1,453 times in 1,273 verses. "Justice," in contrast, appears 1,576 times in the Old and New Testament in 1,379 separate verses.

When we look at the numbers, we must ask ourselves, if the writers of the Bible had to write about our dispensation. What will the numbers be of the poor? Obvious, there is a work to be done by our churches, and our community that few have any     idea of for the poor. “I was an hungred,” Christ says, “and ye gave me meat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me in; naked, and ye clothed me; I was sick, and ye visited me; I was in prison, and ye came unto me.”

What happens to one who is in need of food? Like it or not, after 6 hours, one becomes either angry or hungry. Between the 6-72 hours, the body enters a state called ketosis, as it begins to fast or starve. Beyond 72 hours, your body looks to get energy from other sources and starts to use protein reserves. After 1-2 weeks, without any vitamins or minerals, the body’s immune system starts to shut down along with any ‘unnecessary’ bodily functions. Lastly after 3 weeks - 70 days, the body goes into starvation states that lead to death.

In understanding these things, the time has come for all to work together. At times we may be called upon to give of our means to support the laborer of the servants of God in the harvest field. As time unfolds, and when Jesus is seen coming in the clouds of heaven, we shall all rejoice together in the gathering of the sheaves.

While this is a future reality, there is a work to be done now, that is untouched by the majority of Christendom that Jesus says must be done. The mission of Christ was to heal the sick, encourage the hopeless, bind up the brokenhearted. This work of restoration is to be carried on among the needy, suffering ones of humanity. God calls not only for your benevolence, but our cheerful countenance, our hopeful words, the grasp of our hand. Today He is calling upon you to relieve the afflicted ones nearest you. 

Some of them are sick with nothing but the shirt on their back and hope has departed. As follows of God, we are called to bring back the sunlight in them. There are souls who have lost their courage; all they need is someone to talk to, pray with, and open the Bible with understanding. The Holy Spirit is waiting to use you to make a living impressions upon the heart of some soul today. 

But many of us are ready to question the power of God through the Holy Spirit. The Wycliffe Bible Encyclopedia summarizes the gospel message this way: "The central truth of the gospel is that God has provided a way of salvation for men through the gift of His son to the world. He suffered as a sacrifice for sin, overcame death, and now offers a share in His triumph to all who will accept it. The gospel is good news because it is (the) gift of God, not something that must be earned by penance or by self-improvement." John 3:16; Romans 5:8-11; 2 Corinthians 5:14-19; Titus 2:11-14; Psalms 4:1-4. 

In other words, "The heart of the gospel is redemption, and the essence of redemption is the substitutionary sacrifice of Christ," by C.H. Spurgeon. Secondly, the outgrowth of the gospel is service to others first. According to Ma Kathleen Ford of Bermuda, whose mother instilled in her family, and she stilled in hers. She says, "Unless you go out of your way to help someone, you haven't done anything." 

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:12-14

"This is the kind of medical missionary work to be done. Bring the sunshine of the Sun of Righteousness into the room of the sick and suffering. Teach the inmates and the poor how to cook. “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd,” with temporal and spiritual food."

Over the years, hundreds of people have tried to carry the Gospel to the Poor. There has been as still are campaigns, strategies, and entrepreneurial ventures aimed at helping the poor and needed. As for our modern societies, most of them have evolved into an incredibly wasteful people. "The average consumer wastes worldwide are 10 to 20 times as much food as someone living in the 1970s. According to the National Resources Defense Council, they explain that, “Approximately "40 percent of food in the United States today goes uneaten. That is more than 20 pounds of food per person every month." The problem is hardly limited to the U.S. Some 100 million tons of food is wasted annually in the EU, and if nothing is done it's expected the amount of food waste there will hit 126 million tons each year.

A recently passed law in France will make it illegal for supermarkets to throw away food that is still edible. Starting in July 2016, French supermarkets that otherwise would have tossed out foods at or near their expiration dates—and that sometimes poured bleach on them to discourage dumpster divers from salvaging them—will be obligated to give the items to charity or farms (for animal feed) or face the possibility of fines and even jail time.”

To bring some balance to this, “As nutrition, environmental, and personal finance experts have noted, many food expiration dates are confusing, overly cautious, or both, and the result is that plenty of perfectly edible food (and money) is wasted. It's been estimated that $160 billion worth of food in the U.S. alone is never actually eaten.

Tesco, the largest independent supermarket chain in England and one of the biggest in the world, has launched a pilot initiative at 10 of its stores in the UK that will distribute 30,000 tons of perishable food annually to registered charities. In the past, Tesco had been known to prosecute people as thieves when they took food that was thrown out by its grocery stores. Two other large supermarket brands in the UK, Sainsbury's and Morrisons, have started similar giveaway programs for perishable foods that would otherwise wind up in the trash.” Go to http://time.com/money/3913386/food-waste-feed-hungry/ for more information on food programs. Or you can go to other helplines that is helping the needs of those without by clicking onto https://mswonlineprograms.org/poverty-hunger/ and http://www.our-africa.org/poverty . If your country has a non for profit programs that is helping the needs of humanity, let us know so we can tell the world.  

But what is God method of reaching the needy? "The poverty of the people to whom we are sent is not to prevent us from working for them. Christ came to this earth to walk and work among the poor and suffering. They received the greatest share of His attention.  

What a world this would be, when we stop talking about helping those in need, and do it from the heart! Walking among the poor and suffering, giving them our full attention. Although it's not a lot of people involved in this work in country's around the world, God is working through his special agent, visiting the poor and needy, relieving woes of men, and alleviating suffering with the hope of the gospel. 

In Mark 14:7, Jesus, in speaking to His disciples makes this comment, "The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me." Why did Jesus make this statement? Is this one of the strongest statements of the biblical mandate to end poverty? Does the Bible say that we can never end poverty or does it support a movement to abolish poverty with the poor taking the lead? To further answer this question, let’s us see what the pen of inspiration has to say on the subject. 

"Take away suffering and need, and we should have no way of understanding the mercy and love of God, no way of knowing the compassionate, sympathetic heavenly Father. Never does the gospel put on an aspect of greater loveliness than when it is brought to the most needy and destitute regions. Then it is that its light shines forth with the clearest radiance and the greatest power. Truth from the Word of God enters the hovel of the peasant; rays from the Sun of Righteousness light up the rude cottage of the poor, bringing gladness to the sick and suffering. Angels of God are there, and the simple faith shown makes the crust of bread and the cup of water a banquet."

"The sin-pardoning Saviour welcomes the poor and ignorant, and gives them to eat of the bread that comes down from heaven. They drink of the water of life. Those who have been loathed and abandoned are through faith and pardon raised to the dignity of sons and daughters of God. Lifted above the world, they sit in heavenly places in Christ. They may have no earthly treasure, but they have found the Pearl of great price." 

Let us study how best we can help those in our neighborhood who take no interest in spiritual things. Start by visiting them, showing interest in their spiritual as well as in their temporal welfare. Invite them to your home, and fellowship with them by sharing good food and things to drink. If they like, read with them from the Bible and explain its truths. These and other things will touch their hearts and lead them to the God of love. 

"The work of gathering in the needy, the oppressed, the suffering, the destitute, is the very work which every church that believes the truth for this time should long since have been doing. We are to show the tender sympathy of the Samaritan, ... feeding the hungry, bringing the poor that are cast out to our homes, gathering from God every day grace and strength that will enable us to reach to the very depths of human misery and help those who cannot possibly help themselves. In doing this work we have a favorable opportunity to set forth Christ the Crucified One."

Lastly, many wonder why their prayers are so lifeless, their faith so feeble and wavering, their Christian experience so dark and uncertain. “Have we not fasted,” they say, “and walked mournfully before the Lord of hosts?” In the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah, the Bible has shown how us how this condition of things may be changed. It says: “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose they bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?” Verses 6, 7. 

This is the recipe that God has prescribed for the faint-hearted, doubting, trembling soul. Let the sorrowful ones, who walk mournfully before the Lord, arise and help someone who needs help, and they shall be at peace. This is the only way how we can have greater faith, and be more fervent in prayer. We all need of the controlling power of the Holy Spirit; and now is the time to pray for it. There is a great variety of work, adapted to different minds and varied capabilities that needs to be done. Let us pray that God will help us, in our own special way, become the HEART OF THE GOSPEL to some today. 

A prayerful moment: Father, help me give back to You, by helping someone in need near me. Amen!

Song of the day: White Heart | We are His hands | Legendas PT

Thank you for your prayers for this ministry, and may the blessings of the Lord rest on you, and your family always. If you have a comment, write to  comments    

Blessings, Blessing, Blessings

Garden Ministry Devotionals are written by Chaplain Kevin J.T. Santucci

Do you have questions that have not been answered and would like to know more about the God of the Universe? We would love to connect with you. Just email us your questions below! If you know of ten persons who need a word of encouragement, forward this email of faith on to them today: https://gardenministry.blogspot.com/  

What's with Your Clothes (Part 2) Do You Need A Garment?

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." 1 Peter 3:12

God has made ample provision that we may stand perfect in His grace, wanting in nothing, and waiting for the appearing of our Lord. But are you ready? Have you made every provision to be covered with His wedding garment? Better still! Why does Christ's righteousness need to be imputed to us? In Matthew 5:20, Jesus says that, if His hearers want to enter into the kingdom of heaven, their righteousness must exceed that of the Pharisees, who were the experts in the Law. This is no difference today. We have a number of people who have become experts of the law outwardly. But inwardly, they are nothing more than dead man’s bones.

Then, in Matthew 5:21–48, He proceeds to radically redefine the law from mere outward conformity, which characterized the “righteousness” of the Pharisees, to an obedience of both outward and inward conformity. He says, “You have heard it said, but I say unto you” to differentiate between the way people heard the law taught from how Jesus is reinterpreting it. Obeying the law is more than simply abstaining from killing, committing adultery, and breaking oaths.

It’s more than just getting angry with your brother, lusting in your heart, or making insincere oaths. At the end of Jesus discourse He says, “If you are going to enter the kingdom of heaven. You must exceed the righteousness of the Pharisees, and that comes from being perfect.” At this point, the natural response is, “But I can’t be perfect,” which is absolutely true.

“It is impossible for man to save himself. Christ's righteousness alone can avail for his salvation, and this is the gift of God. This is the wedding garment in which you may appear as a welcome guest at the marriage supper of the Lamb. Let faith take hold of Christ without delay, and you will be a new creature in Jesus, a light to the world. Christ is called "The Lord our righteousness." And through faith each one should say, "The Lord my righteousness." When faith lays hold upon this gift, the praise of God will be upon our lips, and we shall be able to say, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."

Have you a sense of want in your soul? Do you hunger and thirst after righteousness? Then this is an evidence that Christ has wrought upon your heart, and created this sense of need, in order that He may be sought after to do those things for you through the endowment of His Holy Spirit which it is impossible for you to do for yourself. The Lord specifies no conditions except that you hunger for His mercy, desire His counsel, and long for His love. "Ask!" The asking makes it manifest that you realize your necessity, and if you ask in faith, you will receive.

So are you covered with Christ Righteousness? That garment will never cover deceit, impurity, corruption, hypocrisy, or a relationship with someone while you are married to another, which is adultery. That garment will never cover fornication which is cheap sex, uncleanness, which is a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage; frenzied and joyless grabs for happiness; idolatry which is the worship of trinket gods; magic-show religion which is sorcery.

That garment will never cover hatred, paranoid loneliness; cutthroat competition; all-consuming-yet-never-satisfied wants; a brutal temper; an impotence to love or be loved, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, and envy. That garment will never cover a divided home and divided lives; small-minded and lopsided pursuits; the vicious habit of depersonalizing anyone into a rival; uncontrolled and uncontrollable addictions; ugly behavior to your community like murders, drunkenness, and revelry.

The Bible says, “The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12. We may conceal our sins from the eyes of men, but we can hide nothing from the Omnipotence - all-powerful God; Omniscience - all-knowing God; and the Omnipresence - all-present God. It is high time for the youth and the little children be taught to choose for themselves that royal robe woven in heaven’s loom—the “fine linen, clean and white,” which all the holy ones of earth will wear. This robe of righteousness, which is Christ’s own spotless character, is freely offered to every human being. But all who receive it will receive and wear it here.

Today there is someone saying, “Decisions must be made, and now I have a choice. I need your wisdom Lord; I need to hear your voice. I’m facing challenges, and the walls are closing in. I'm crying out to you, my one true, Faithful friend.

Hear my prayer oh Lord; I need you in my life. I cry to you Oh, lord. Please lead me to the light. Show me the way, Oh lord, and cleanse me from my sin. I need you Father. I need you once again. I need you today. I ask for forgiveness, I need you once again.

Is this your prayer today? Do you have on God’s clean robe of righteousness? Have you washed your clothes in the blood of the Lamb? If not, why not? Today God and all heaven are working for your good. “Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe:" Romans 3:22-23. “The conditions upon which you may come to God are, not that you shall be holy, but that you shall ask Him to cleanse you from all sin, and purify you from all iniquity. Then why wait longer? Why not take God at His Word, and say, "Here, Lord, I give myself to Thee, 'Tis all that I can do."

A prayerful moment: Today I come to thee my God. Please cleanse me, and clothe me in every way according to your will. Amen!

Song of the day: I Need You Once Again - The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, I'll Say Yes

Thank you for your prayers for this ministry, and may the blessings of the Lord rest on you, and your family always. If you have a comment, write to  comments      

Blessings, Blessing, Blessings

Garden Ministry Devotionals are written by Chaplain Kevin J.T. Santucci

Do you have questions that have not been answered and would like to know more about the God of the Universe? We would love to connect with you. Just email us your questions below! If you know of ten persons who need a word of encouragement, forward this email of faith on to them today: https://gardenministry.blogspot.com/  

What's with Your Clothes (Part 1)

But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung or rubbish, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: Philippians 3:7-9

Out in the country of Iran, there lives a man known as the world’s dirtiest man. It is claimed that this man smokes animal feces and hasn't bathed in 60 years. It is hard to believe that, but some people in our world today really don’t like getting a bath for weeks. "When asked to eat clean food, or drink clean water, he gets mad," according to the report. This Iranian man named Amou Haji who lives in a village in southern Iran according to Odd News by Evan Bleier claims that he hasn’t washed in 60 years because he thinks that cleanliness will bring him sickness. The previous recorded report of the dirtiest man in the world was 66-year-old Indian man Kailash Singh, who went over 38 years without bathing. The most amazing thing about people who live like this is that their skins, and clothes, are so dirty, that they don't even see it themselves. This is because it is a norm for them. But there is Hope!

The Bible says, "And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints." Revelation 19:8. The parable of the wedding garment Matthew 22:1-14 opens before us a lesson of the highest consequence.... By the wedding garment in the parable is represented the pure, spotless character which Christ’s true followers will possess.... The fine linen, says the Scripture, “is the righteousness of saints.” It is the righteousness of Christ, His own unblemished character that through faith is imparted to all who receive Him as their personal Saviour.

Clothing has always been the attire of mankind since the white robe of innocence worn by our first parents in the holy Eden was removed from them. The Holy Book reminds us that before sin was introduced into the world, they lived in perfect conformity to the will of God.... During those days, they wore a beautiful soft light. This soft light rob was the light of God, that enshrouded the holy pair. But when sin entered, they severed their connection with God, and the light that had encircled them departed. Naked and ashamed, they tried to supply the place of the heavenly garments by sewing together fig leaves for a covering.

Although millions have tried the same, sadly they have not come to the understanding that they cannot provide a robe of righteousness for themselves, for the prophet says, “All our righteousness are as filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). There is nothing in us from which we can clothe the soul so that its nakedness shall not appear. We can only receive the robe of righteousness woven in the loom of heaven, even the spotless robe of Christ’s righteousness in God’s designed way. Remember, the Gospel is the good news that God uses to restore broken lives by pointing them to the living Saviour. Why not take out some time today, and read about the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ.

Today he is able to save to the uttermost them that draw near unto God through him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for us. If you are feeling down, or confused, He is there for you. Whether you are looking for a new church home, or in a time of personal crisis, He lives to make intercession for you. Friends, it is my prayer and hope these messages help to make a positive change in your life, as it does mine.

A prayerful moment: Lord, help me be willing to surrender my filthy garment to thee. In Jesus name Amen! 

Song of the day: Micah stampley-Holiness

Thank you for your prayers for this ministry, and may the blessings of the Lord rest on you, and your families always. If you have a comment, write to  comments 

Blessings, Blessing, Blessings

Garden Ministry Devotionals are written by Chaplain Kevin J.T. Santucci

Do you have questions that have not been answered? Would you like to know more about the God of the Universe? Then contact us at Garden Ministry. We would love to connect with you. Email us your questions today!

If you know of ten persons who need a word of encouragement, forward this to them today: https://gardenministry.blogspot.com/  

SETBACKS TO SETUPS

I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. Psalms 34:4 

Have you ever wondered why we, as humans go through dark moments in our lives? To be honest, who, in their right mind lives in the expatiation of going through trials or tribulations? No one! So why does God allow trials or tribulations to come our way? Better still, how should we react under them? In John 5:1-11, is the parable of the vine and the branches. In these texts we see the out working of salvation. When we look at verse 6, of the same chapter, we see that salvation is conditional.  On the other hand, those who turn back from God are crucifying Jesus afresh. Hebrews 6:4-6

The work of pruning and purifying to fit God’s children for heaven, is a great work, and will cost us much suffering and trial. In the flesh, humans detest any form of hardship. This is because our will is not subject to the will of Christ. Romans 8:7. Yet, if we would be saved, we must go through the furnace of deep trials till the fires have consumed the dross (sin) out of our lives. God allows dark moments in our lives so it can purify and help us reflect the image of God. Isaiah 43:2-3

To those who follow their own inclinations and are governed by appearances, are not good judges of what God is doing. They are filled with discontent. They see failure where there is indeed triumph, a great loss where there is gain; and, like Jacob, they are ready to exclaim, “All these things are against me,” Genesis 42:36. But little do they realize that the very things whereof they complain about are all working together for their good.

The Bible teaches, "No cross, no crown! But how can one be strong in the Lord without trials? In the line of godly growth, “Never”! To have strength, we must have exercise. To have strong faith, we must be placed in circumstances where our faith will be tried. To have purification, we must have fire. When you look at the apostle Paul, just before his martyrdom, he exhorted Timothy and us who live in this dispensation to be a partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God. 2 Timothy 1:8

According to theme text today, it is through much tribulation, we are to enter the kingdom. Psalms 34:1-22. Consider Jesus our Saviour. He was tried in every possible way, yet overcame triumphantly through the power of our Heavenly Father. Isaiah 53:1-12. Today, it is our privilege to be strong in the strength of God under all circumstances, and to glory in the cross of Christ.

The very trial and tribulation which test your faith most severely today, is not sent by God, but allowed by Him. Although it may seem that God has forsaken you during the trial, they are design to lead us nearer to Him. By surrendering our lives to Him by faith, and prayer, we can lay all our burdens at his feet today. By doing this, we receive peace in exchange.

When you surrender yourself entirely to God in all circumstances, you are rewarded by a victory of inner joy now.  As you review your past history with a clear mind, you will notice in times of great perplexity and burdens, God was there seeking to lead you into the light. 

Today our heavenly Father stands by our side, bending over us with unutterable love. He even allows us to be afflicted for your good. WHAT A WONDERFUL GOD! We seldom view Jesus as he is, and are never so ready to receive his help as He longs to help us. "What a victory we gain when we learn to follow the opening providences of God with a grateful heart." In closing, let us answer these seven questions.

1.     Do you love the Lord?

2.     Are you determine to live with an eye single to his glory?

3.     Will you follow him in sickness or health, in abundance or want, good times or bad times?

4.     Have you fully died to self today?

5.     Have you stopped quivering (tremble, shake) at every touch, or when someone challenges you?

6.     Are you slow to retaliate when someone speaks to you for your own good?

7.     Do you long for heaven, or are you satisfied with the things of this earth?

If you can say YES to all seven questions, then you have overcome your setbacks, and are now on the road of your setups. 

Prayer for the day: "Lord let self be crucified in Jesus name Amen."

Song of the day: STAY WITH GOD – By Judith Gayle

Why not tune in to our newest ministry. It’s called, (YOU AND THE WORD). You can see it on Facebook live this evening from 7 o’clock, Eastern Standard Time, or 8 o’clock in Bermuda. YOU AND THE WORD is an open Bible study that comes to you on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays evenings.

Thank you for your prayers for this ministry, and may the blessings of the Lord rest on you, and your family always. If you have a comment, write to  comments  

Blessings, Blessing, Blessings

Garden Ministry Devotionals are written by Chaplain Kevin J.T. Santucci

Do you have questions that have not been answered and would like to know more about the God of the Universe? We would love to connect with you. Just email us your questions below! If you know of ten persons who need a word of encouragement, forward this email of faith on to them today: https://gardenministry.blogspot.com/  

Success Is Not The Result of Chance

Dear friends,

Over a number of weeks as I have observed, God has been speaking to all people around the world. The big question today is, “Not that He has been speaking, but has He been speaking to you?

Infect, just a few days ago as I was studying 1 Samuel 2:30. The Lord said to me, "You need to give a word of encouragement to my people from me." These are those words. "In acquiring the wisdom of the Babylonians, Daniel and his companions were far more successful than their fellow students; but their learning did not come by chance. They obtained their knowledge by the faithful use of their powers, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

They realized that in order to stand as representatives of true religion amid the false religions of heathenism, they must have clearness of intellect and must perfect a Christian character. And God Himself was their teacher. Constantly praying, conscientiously studying, keeping in touch with the Unseen, they walked with God as did Enoch.

True success in any line of work is not the result of chance or accident or destiny. It is the outworking of God’s providences, the reward of faith and discretion, of virtue and perseverance. Fine mental qualities and a high moral tone are not the result of accident. God gives opportunities; but success depends upon the use made of them.

While God was working in Daniel and his companions “to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13), they were working out their own salvation. Herein is revealed the outworking of the divine principle of cooperation, without which no true success can be attained. Human effort avails nothing without divine power; and without human endeavor, divine effort is with many of no avail. To make God’s grace our own, we must act our part. His grace is given to work in us to will and to do, but never as a substitute for our effort.

As the Lord cooperated with Daniel and his fellows, so He will cooperate with all who strive to do His will today. And by the impartation of His Spirit He will strengthen every true purpose, every noble resolution. Those who walk in the path of obedience will encounter many hindrances. Note MANY!

Strong, subtle influences may bind them to the world; but the Lord is able to render futile every agency that works for the defeat of His chosen ones; in His strength they may overcome every temptation, and conquer every difficulty." This is the word of the Lord.

Friends, let us get back to the big question of which I started todays devotional. Is Jesus the center of your joy? Is He the heart of your contentment, and the hope for all you do? To those of you who are going through a season of trials, and tribulations. Have you lost your direction? If you have, then reach out to Jesus today, and let Him be your compass. Always remember that success is not the result of chance but intentional commitment. Keep your head up my fellow colleagues, because God is with you. 

Song of the day: Richard Smallwood - Jesus, You are the Center of my Joy

Thank you for your prayers for this ministry, and may the blessings of the Lord rest on you, and your family always. If you have a comment, write to  comments     

Blessings, Blessing, Blessings

Garden Ministry Devotionals are written by Chaplain Kevin J.T. Santucci

Do you have questions that have not been answered and would like to know more about the God of the Universe? We would love to connect with you. Just email us your questions below! If you know of ten persons who need a word of encouragement, forward this email of faith on to them today: https://gardenministry.blogspot.com/  

From Rasta to Role Model

Marketplace Ministry

With a high level of needs in our society these days. Governments and leaders alike are seeking answers from people within the Seventh-day Adventist Church. At a time when people are seeking for a higher educational, and professional way of life. Others are just living from day to day without a purpose. But God is looking for man and woman who are willing to be led by Him into a marketplace ministry. What is a marketplace ministry? Marketplace ministry typically refers to evangelism targets such as the secular workplace as opposed to the church, or specialized venues.

Marketplace Ministry refers to ministry that focuses on piratical ways of helping people. While the original use of the term is primarily evangelical in nature. Simply put, it is helping the Community through practical ways that cause them to cry out, what must I do to be saved.

Marketplace ministry is critical. Through it you can interact with many people who will never lighten the door of a church. Through marketplace ministry you enter onto the turf of the un-churched. At the same time they are relaxed, and not on their guard like they would be if you forced them into a church setting.

Not only are they more comfortable, but due to your relationship with them, you can have a more positive influence on them. They trust you. They feel you. “Much of the suffering in the world is caused because of want of food, want of clothes, but it is caused even more because of the want of love. Many people are hungry not for bread only, they are hungry for love. Many people are not naked for a piece of clothes, they are naked without human dignity that has been stolen from them.” The late Mother Teresa

The world in which we live is filled with an epidemic of crime.

“We hardly are able to open the newspaper or turn on the television without being confronted by the most horrible evils of our days. As Christians, we stand aghast as we see the corruption that prevails in our society. It is not only violence, corruption, and political strife which make this world a dangerous place in which to live, but poverty and human suffering come dangerously close to our own doors.”

The big question most churches and broad’s have these days is if the pastor is not preaching, and the Bible instructor is not giving Bible studies or seminar, no one is. But what type of ministry did Jesus do that cause people to run to him? It was called Marketplace Ministry.

As our Example to marketplace ministry, “Our Lord Jesus Christ came to this world as the unwearied servant of man's necessity. He "took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses," that He might minister to every need of humanity. Matthew 8:17. The burden of disease and wretchedness and sin He came to remove. It was His mission to bring to men complete restoration; He came to give them health and peace and perfection of character.

Varied were the circumstances and needs of those who besought His aid, and none who came to Him went away unhelped. From Him flowed a stream of healing power, and in body and mind and soul men were made whole.

The Saviour's work was not restricted to any time or place. His compassion knew no limit. On so large a scale did He conduct His work of healing and teaching that there was no building in Palestine large enough to receive the multitudes that thronged to Him. On the green hill slopes of Galilee, in the thoroughfares of travel, by the seashore, in the synagogues, and in every other place where the sick could be brought to Him, was to be found His hospital. In every city, every town, every village, through which He passed, He laid His hands upon the afflicted ones and healed them. Wherever there were hearts ready to receive His message, He comforted them with the assurance of their heavenly Father's love. All day He ministered to those who came to Him; in the evening He gave attention to such as through the day must toil to earn a pittance for the support of their families.

Jesus carried the awful weight of responsibility for the salvation of men. He knew that unless there was a decided change in the principles and purposes of the human race, all would be lost. This was the burden of His soul, and none could appreciate the weight that rested upon Him.” The Ministry of Healing Chapter 1  

Looking at marketplace ministry in the 21^st century, many Christians instead of running to it, are running from it. But not for Chaplain Kevin Santucci, He finds joy in ministering to people where they are.

To read more, (please see link below)

http://www.adventistreview.org/church-news/story5057-from-rasta-to-role-model

Song of the Day: 

Thank you for your prayers for this ministry, and may the blessings of the Lord rest on you, and your family always. If you have a comment, write to  comments    

Blessings, Blessing, Blessings

Garden Ministry Devotionals are written by Chaplain Dr. Kevin J.T. Santucci

Do you have questions that have not been answered and would like to know more about the God of the Universe? We would love to connect with you. Just email us your questions below! If you know of ten persons who need a word of encouragement, forward this email of faith on to them today: https://gardenministry.blogspot.com/

Baptism Is it Really Necessary?

Today I'll love to ask you a few questions. Suppose you could survey the people who live in the hundred homes nearest to your own house on the subject of Christian baptism. What kind of answer would you get in response to this question: “How should a person be baptized in order to meet the Bible requirements of salvation?”

It is likely that you would get a dozen different answers, and possibly even a hundred. Some would say that they don’t believe it is necessary to be baptized at all to be saved. Others would answer that true baptism is to go forward three times completely under the water. Some would contend that a few drops of sprinkled water on the head would constitute a valid baptism, while others would insist on pouring the water over the candidate. A few would strongly hold that a proper baptism consists of a single immersion backwards into the water. Somehow, the subject of baptism has spawned a plethora of ideas on how it should be administered, and to whom. Yet, all believe that their method is based on the one book of authority—the Bible. How could this confusion of conviction result from reading the same book?

One man in Hollywood, California, insisted on being immersed in a huge tank full of rose petals. And if you think that’s bizarre, consider the two latest incidents involving men of the cloth. One preacher gathered his new converts in a Baltimore Street and turned the fire hose on them, declaring them now baptized. Another minister met a lady in the grocery store who wanted to be baptized, and he sprinkled her right there on the spot—with a bottle of Coca-Cola.

In spite of all claims to the contrary, it is obvious that all of these people had made a very shallow study of the Word of God concerning this subject. Their radical modes of seeking salvation were based largely on pagan tradition or ignorance of the Scriptures. We, however, are not interested in such human inventions. It is in the testimony of the Bible alone that we find the real truth about the meaning and method of true baptism.

Two Requirements for Heaven

We first turn to the teaching of the Master Himself as He defined the terms for entrance into His Kingdom. “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” John 3:5. This statement is probably the most definitive and assertive that Christ ever made on any subject. His words are too clear to be misunderstood—that there are two absolute requirements for entrance into heaven. Every one of us must pass through these two experiences in order to be saved.

But what did Jesus mean by that statement to Nicodemus? What does it mean to be born of the Spirit? And what does it mean to be born of the water? The context of the conversation with the rich Pharisee leaves no doubt as to what the Master meant by those words. In verse 3 He described the spiritual birth in a very simple way: “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” So to be “born of the Spirit” clearly refers to conversion. Then Jesus continued in verses 7 and 8 to describe the mysterious, silent work of the Spirit in its transforming mission.

Now we will show that being born of water refers to baptism. These two things are often closely tied together in the Scriptures. Conversion is the powerful inward change, and baptism is the outward physical sign that the change has taken place. Notice how Christ repeated the two conditions for salvation on another occasion, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Mark 16:16

This believing unto salvation is the equivalent of being born of the Spirit, and it is coupled with baptism in the same way Jesus did it while talking to Nicodemus. It is faith in the saving merits of the cross that produces the miraculous change that baptism by water symbolizes.

Someone, at this point, might argue that because of the thief on the cross, baptism could not be one of the strict requirements of salvation laid down by our Lord. Did Jesus not promise that vile criminal a place in the kingdom? And he was certainly not baptized!

It’s true that we have no record of the thief being baptized, for he certainly had no opportunity to do so after accepting Jesus as his Lord and Saviour. He could not come down from the cross where he was being executed by the Roman authorities. Had he been able to descend from that cross, he would have done many things. He would have turned from his life of crime, made restitution for all he had stolen, and walked in full conformity to truth he now understood. But since it was physically impossible to do any of those things, the obedient life of Jesus was imputed to him. That is why God could accept him and Jesus could give him such a glorious assurance of salvation. The baptism of Jesus was credited to him—an act that would have been required of the thief had he been able to fulfill it.

By the way, the same transaction would take place today if the circumstances were similar. Suppose a man should approach me this very day, requesting baptism. His desire is so urgent and compelling that he begs me to do it immediately. We get in my car to drive to a nearby lake where there is a convenient place to conduct the service. But on the way to the lake, there is a terrible accident. My passenger is killed in that accident. Would he be lost because he had not yet been immersed with his Lord? Of course not. He had made the decision and was in the process of obeying the Lord when he died. God never requires the impossible from anyone. However, based on what we have learned from the lips of Jesus, one can confidently conclude that if a person has the opportunity to be baptized and refuses to be, that man cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.

How Many Modes of Baptism does the Bible Teach?

Are there many acceptable modes of being baptized? Not according to the apostle Paul. He wrote: “One Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Ephesians 4:5. Even though there are numerous counterfeit faiths, gods, and baptisms, there is only one that is true. How can we determine the genuine amidst all the claims of modern religionists?

The answer lies in the Word of God, and in the actual symbolism of the act. In other words, the mode of baptism is dictated by the meaning of baptism. Look carefully at Paul’s description of the beautiful ceremony and what it actually represents: “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life…knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.” Romans 6:4-6.

Do you understand the significance of what Paul is saying? There has been a death of the old life of sin, which is identified as the “old man.” Now that body of evil must be properly disposed of, and Paul says baptism is the occasion for “burying” that crucified nature. By going into the water to conduct a spiritual funeral and to celebrate the new life which has been begotten in the candidate through the Holy Spirit, Paul says we are also memorializing the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Himself. What a meaningful act on the part of newly converted believers! They are giving public witness to the inward transformation that has taken place in their life and are symbolically walking forth into the joys of a new life of obedience and victory.

Let me ask you something. How could one ideally symbolize this entire experience of death to sin, burial with Jesus, and rising to a new life? Think about it for a moment. There is no more perfect way to represent all those steps than to have the eyes closed, breath suspended, hands folded, and to be lowered gently beneath the water.

Does this not also explain the reason for such a finely detailed account of the baptism of Jesus? Even though He had been filled with the Spirit while still in His mother’s womb, Jesus urged John to baptize Him anyway. He said: “Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness.” Matthew 3:15

Notice how the ceremony was carried out there in the Jordan River. “And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in the Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him.” Mark 1:9, 10

Contrary to the distorted depictions of the Hollywood movie version, the scene unfolded in the Jordan River and not nearby on the bank. The specific words are very important here. Mark describes their “coming up out of the water” after the baptism. Jesus was totally immersed in the water in order to “fulfill all righteousness” and to set a perfect example for His followers ever afterward.

Did His disciples continue this heaven-appointed way of baptizing their candidates after Jesus went back to heaven? In Acts 8, we read how the faithful Philip dealt with the Ethiopian eunuch in the desert. An angel commanded Philip to travel south into the Gaza desert, where the prominent government leader was sitting in a chariot. There the Spirit told Philip to join the Ethiopian treasurer, who was reading from the book of Isaiah. When the man confessed that he did not understand what he was reading, Philip began to preach to him about Jesus, who fulfilled the messianic prophecy of the submissive Lamb.

Then we have this interesting conversation, recorded for us by Luke. “And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still; and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.” Acts 8:36-39

It almost seems that the Spirit of God anticipated the uncertainty that some would feel about the manner of baptism, and therefore He moved upon Luke to repeat the words: “they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch.” Here we have positive evidence that the early church practiced total immersion, just as John and Jesus had so clearly demonstrated for them. In fact, in all the inspired accounts of apostolic evangelism and church activities, we have no indication that this practice ever varied from the pattern established by the two cousins at the Jordan.

Sometimes it was difficult for John the Baptist to carry out his special ministry because of the scarcity of water in that dry area. We are told that “John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.” John 3:23. Again, the Bible includes this interesting bit of inspired information to show us that there is only one proper way to wash away sin and enter the body of Christ. John could not take a jug of water and fulfill his appointed ministry by sprinkling or pouring. He was compelled to remain in cities along the Jordan River where there was sufficient water for total immersion. The people had to come to him in order to have their old sinful lives “buried” in the waters of baptism.

But now let’s look at the strongest possible evidence of Christ’s position on this subject. In every instance where Jesus referred to baptism, He used the Greek word “baptizo” from which we derive our English word. Scholars and language experts have traced the history of that word through two thousand years of usage. They discovered that every possible branch of learning and communication has used it, and never once deviated from it’s original root meaning of burial or being totally covered up. Dr. Conant summarizes the conclusions of the researchers who did the exhaustive study. Concerning the word “baptizo,” he said: “In all, the word has retained its ground meaning without change. From the earliest age of Greek literature down to its close, a period of nearly 2,000 years, not an example has been found in which the word has any other meaning. There is no instance in which it signifies making a partial application of water by affusion or sprinkling, or to cleanse or purify, apart from the literal act of immersion as a means of cleansing or purifying.”

It is extremely significant that our Lord chose to use that word “baptizo” for baptize. There were other Greek words that could have been used which signify either sprinkling or immersion, but Christ did not ever employ such terms in describing baptism. He always used the only word which reflected the full symbolism of that solemn ceremony—death, burial, and resurrection.

Who Qualifies for Baptism According To The Bible?

In the light of this information, can we now determine who is an eligible candidate for Christian baptism? The Bible lays down three pre-conditions for anyone contemplating this step. Jesus said, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19, 20

Since baptism is the outward witness of conversion, it is immediately clear why Jesus commanded that all should be taught before qualifying for that sacred rite. Without an understanding of the plan of salvation, none could participate in its bountiful provisions. Christ stipulated that every candidate should be instructed in His basic doctrines before entering the water of baptism. They would need to fully understand the meaning of what they were doing.

He further emphasized the urgency of this preparation work when He said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.” Mark 16:16. No sins could be forgiven and no conversion effected without personal faith on the part of the candidate. Otherwise the physical act of baptism would be an empty mechanical ritual. The inspired Peter, on the day of Pentecost, gave support to the words of Jesus by adding a third prerequisite for baptism. He said, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.” Acts 2:38

Now the picture is pulling into sharp focus. All the elements of accepting Jesus and being born again must be present before any person is spiritually prepared for baptism. Instruction, faith, repentance, and true conversion will always precede the public renouncing of the old life of sinful bondage.

Immediately we can see that infants do not qualify for this unique ceremony. It is impossible for a baby to meet the conditions laid down in these Scriptures. An infant cannot be taughtand it is too young to be aware of sin or to repent. Therefore, we must conclude that all the ritualistic sprinkling of water on gurgling infants at christening ceremonies has absolutely nothing to do with Bible baptism. We can dedicate tiny newborns to God and pray for them and for their parents, but it should never be a substitute for Bible baptism.

Most people do not realize that even the Catholic Church baptized by immersion until the tenth or eleventh century. I’ve seen the ancient cathedrals in the East with large baptistries to accommodate several people at the same time. Those facilities gradually fell into disuse as the shift was made to receive every member of the family into fellowship of the church. Because tiny babies could not safely be put under the water, they were exposed first to maximum dousing, then ample pouring, then liberal sprinkling, and finally a touch of wetness between the eyes. Like many other divine ordinances, this one suffered and died slowly under the relentless pressures of cultural compromise and convenience. The pagan custom of sprinkling not only pervaded the Catholic and Orthodox traditions, but passed finally into the various Protestant persuasions as well.

Several years ago while living in Bangalore, India, I was aroused from my bed early one morning by a loud and persistent knock on my door. My caller that day was a stranger to me, but his urgent appeal arrested my attention and sent me scurrying to get dressed. He desperately needed a minister, and I was the only one he could locate. He was an Indian Christian whose next-door neighbors had lost their little baby during the night. “Now” he told me, as we hurried to his house, “the pastor of my neighbor’s church will not have anything to do with the family or the funeral arrangements, because for some reason they had failed to have the baby sprinkled as an infant. I want you to visit them and offer comfort and encouragement.”

I found the devastated family almost in a daze. The father was trying to construct a casket for the child from some rough boards. The grieving mother was weeping as she clutched the dead baby in her arms. As I helped the father finish the handmade coffin, he explained in more detail what his own pastor had told him about the baby. Because they had neglected to have an official baptism for their child, it was now supposedly doomed to a fiery punishment in hell, and the pastor would neither officiate at the funeral nor grant them a consecrated place of burial in the cemetery.

After we had placed the little body in the box, I gathered the family in a circle and conducted the most unusual funeral service of my life. After sharing words of comfort, I assured them that their failure to have a few drops of water sprinkled on their baby would have nothing to do with its salvation. In my outrage at the actions of their pastor, I made the statement that the little infant had much more assurance of salvation than the priest who had refused to be present that day.

Afterwards I took the box and the family in my van to a spot of “unconsecrated ground” where we laid the little baby to rest. What a pagan concept it is that man can sanctify the very ground that God cursed in the beginning because of sin! Such are the extremes to which empty traditions will carry people.

Is God Particular About the Mode Of Baptism?

There are many in the world today that sincerely feel that it is a moot point as to whether one is sprinkled, poured, or immersed in baptism. “What difference does it make? It’s only symbolic anyway,” they contend. “God is not that particular about the way we do it.” But we should carefully consider the question of how particular God really is. There are many dramatic stories in the Bible that prove that God is indeed very particular about His commandments. Consider, for example, how many of the 600,000 Hebrews who left Egypt actually entered the Promised Land. Or perhaps we should note how many did not reach their destination. The Bible reveals that 599,998 died before they could cross the river into their promised possession. Caleb and Joshua were the only survivors of the wilderness trek to complete the total journey from Egypt to Canaan, and the Scriptures say that it was only because “they followed the Lord fully.”

But let’s consider for a moment whether the symbolic nature of the practice makes the mode of baptism irrelevant. We cannot deny that there is a deep spiritual meaning attached to each stage of the physical event of being gently lowered beneath the water. But is there not a similar foreshadowing of spiritual truth in the communion bread and wine? In fact, that service points to the very same events in the life of Jesus that baptism commemorates. Yet how many of us would condone the blasphemy being practiced by a contemporary underground church of young people who have substituted Coca-Cola and hamburger for the elements Jesus offered His disciples on that Thursday night? No matter that it all merely represented something; we believe it is vitally important to utilize the very same symbols that our Lord used when He introduced the service. Then why should we not feel the urgency to maintain the same symbolic form that Jesus used when He introduced baptism at the Jordan River long, long ago?

There is yet another text of the Bible which lends powerful support to the chain of evidence already presented. Paul wrote, “Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.” Colossians 2:12. The recurrence of that word “buried” is a striking common denominator among the descriptive phrases about baptism in the New Testament. In order to represent the various aspects of what Jesus did for us, baptism must include a symbol of death, burial, and resurrection. Those are the major events connected with the atonement, and not one mode of baptism except immersion even approaches the required symbolic elements.

Why should anyone reject the only form of baptism that incorporates every feature of the plan of salvation, when Jesus Himself gave a practical demonstration of it as our perfect example? It must be emphasized again that there is no magical or miraculous change in the life of a person at the moment of baptism. The death of that old man of sin must precede the funeral service and burial. Even the proper form of administering the ordinance does not guarantee the slightest change in the life of the candidate. That change must take place before the testimony of it can be truthfully expressed. The very worst sinner could be coerced into the baptistry and immersed 50 times with absolutely no effect. He would go down a dry sinner and come up a wet sinner. Unfortunately, religious leaders and pastors long have buried large numbers of people alive before they had met the requirements of being dead to sin.

Sometimes people ask if being immersed in baptism will bring them relief from satanic attack and make their daily life more pleasant and comfortable. I wish it were possible to give assurance that it would remove obstacles and resolve all problems, but that is not what the Bible portrays. Immediately after His baptism Jesus was driven into the wilderness where He experienced the awful encounter with Satan. It may well be that every newly baptized Christian will have to suffer similar struggles with the powers of darkness. The devil is enraged by the total commitment of those who choose to be baptized.

Is it intimidating to know that these harassing attacks may increase upon those who follow Jesus fully? Indeed, it should not be a frightening prospect to a single person, because special spiritual resources are bestowed upon each one who accepts the covenant of baptism. Every candidate walks out of the water in the strength of a new relationship that guarantees protection against all attacks of the enemy. The power that existed only in promises begins to flow into the daily life experience of these fresh young Christians.

Paul wrote: “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way of escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13. What an amazing assurance we have in that promise! No child of God will be left to fight the battle alone. All the confederacies of Satan may be arrayed against us, but they cannot contrive a strategy that will separate us from the angelic legions that are assigned to defend us. God assumes the responsibility for creating an escape route by which we can elude the cleverest snare that Satan can design.

Is Rebaptism Ever Right According To The Bible?

There is another aspect of this subject that should be explored, and it has to do with rebaptism. Is it a denial of the original commitment if a person chooses to enter the water of baptism a second time, or perhaps even more? For what reason, if any, would it be important or even necessary to be baptized again? Does the Bible provide an answer to these questions? It does indeed. The very same inquiries apparently were raised in the early apostolic church, and Acts 19:1-5 explains how Paul dealt with it in Ephesus. “And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Observe carefully that John had already baptized these Christians at Ephesus. Not only was it a legitimate baptism, but also they had accepted Christ as the Messiah from John’s careful instruction. But under Paul’s questioning, they confessed to a lack of knowledge regarding the Holy Spirit. The message that Paul shared with them on this subject was of such a nature that they felt it necessary to be baptized again. With this Bible example before us, let’s consider possible reasons for modern disciples choosing to be baptized again. Obviously if one discovers that his first baptism was not in harmony with the example of Jesus, he should submit to the proper form in order to fulfill “all righteousness”. Sprinkling, for example, although performed under the name of baptism, could never meet the required symbolism of death and burial. This means that babies, regardless of the sincerity of their parents or godparents, must be considered unbaptized until they take the step after their own spiritual awakening at a responsible age. Sometimes it is difficult for sprinkled adults to grasp the idea that they have never really been baptized at all and should arrange for a true immersion baptism as soon as possible.

I once asked a man if he had ever been baptized. His reply was, “I don’t know, but I’ll ask my mother and let you know.” There can be no doubt that this man needed to be baptized again, regardless of what his mother said. Sometimes people tell me that they were baptized in their early years before they had really entered into the new birth experience. Thus, it had been merely a formal ritual done to please some friend or family member. Such persons, after entering a true conversion, should follow the meaningful burial-baptism to commemorate the death of sin in their lives.

What about the Christian who slips away from the faith and reverts to his former life of sin? It is without question that public apostasy, marked by open disobedience to God’s law, should be just as openly renounced by a renewal of the baptism experience. The personal witness of a turning around in the lifestyle is one of the important aspects of being baptized.

Another reason that some might feel the need for rebaptism is related to the experience of the Ephesian believers. Apparently they believed that the greater light of truth shared with them by Paul was of such a life-changing nature that they felt it necessary to be baptized again. Many may feel the same today as they learn new biblical teachings that revolutionize their way of believing and worshiping God. Some indeed discover that their previous Christian walk, though sincere, was actually violating some very important principles of Scripture. None should feel that they are denying their earlier experience by choosing to wash the past clean through a renewing of the baptismal experience.

With such an irrefutable array of reasons for making the decision for baptism and church membership, why do so many people hold back and procrastinate in taking the step? For many years, I have listened to excuses offered for not going all the way with Jesus, and particularly for not yielding the life in baptism. One of the most common expressions I’ve heard is this: “I’m afraid I can’t hold out, and I don’t want to be a hypocrite.” Surely, this cannot be a valid argument for anyone who has met the prerequisites of faith, repentance, and conversion. Such a person is very aware of the weakness of the flesh and the impossibility of measuring up to God’s standard in human strength. Everything depends upon prayer and a constant, intimate relationship with Jesus.

Is it possible for that prayer and faith life to weaken, plunging us into defeat? Of course, we can choose to neglect those spiritual exercises at any or every moment of our lives. Should that possibility discourage us from dedicating our lives in baptism? Not at all. Only if we are making plans to live for self would we be fearful of making those solemn baptismal vows of eternal faithfulness. But the truly con-veiled step out by faith in that public commitment, trusting fully in God’s power to uphold them. They recognize the possibility of stumbling as they grow stronger day by day, but they know the loving Jesus will be there to pick them up, forgive, and surround them with encouragement if they make a mistake. Those who are too fearful and faithless to begin the Christian journey are simply confirming their spiritual unpreparedness for the baptism experience. Let them wait until their faith is more firmly fixed upon Jesus than upon self.

How then can people really be sure that they are ready for baptism? Should they wait until they feel absolutely certain they will never make a mistake? Definitely not. In fact, feeling has nothing to do with their readiness. But they must be perfectly settled in their innermost soul that Christ has performed the new birth miracle in their lives. They must be able to comfortably put their own name into the beautiful messianic promise of Isaiah 53. Each proper candidate for baptism should be able to read verse 5 like this: But he was wounded for my transgressions, he was bruised for my iniquities: the chastisement of my peace was upon him, and with his stripes, I am healed.

Some may be reading these words right now who have been lingering long over the decision to follow Jesus into the watery grave of baptism. Have you been afraid of disappointing your Saviour by some possible misstep or failure? Turn this very moment from such groundless, self-centered fears. Your walk with Jesus does not depend on your ability to overcome temptation and human weakness. If you think in terms of what you are able to do, you may remain in the twilight zone of indecision forever. You must focus every thought upon the strength and power of the One who invites you to be His friend forever. It is the unfailing nature of His promises that can give you perfect trust in living the Christian life.

Even the Philippian jailer was so moved by conviction and faith in God that he insisted on being baptized in the middle of the night with all his family. Paul, though a prisoner himself, performed the baptism for the eager new converts.

Ananias expressed the same urgency in his appeal to the newly converted Saul. He said, “And now why tarriest thou? Arise and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” Acts 22:16

Is that the appeal that the Holy Spirit is pressing upon your heart this very moment? You love the Lord, and recognize that He has died for your sins. By faith, you have accepted His atoning death in your behalf. The transforming grace of Jesus has brought peace and assurance into your life for the first time. If all this is true, you need to make the most important decision of your life. The Spirit inquires, “Why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized.”

Song of the day: Oakwood University Aeolians - Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing 

Thank you for your prayers for this ministry, and may the blessings of the Lord rest on you, and your family always. If you have a comment, write to  comments     

Blessings, Blessing, Blessings

Garden Ministry Devotionals are written by Chaplain Dr. Kevin J.T. Santucci

Do you have questions that have not been answered and would like to know more about the God of the Universe? We would love to connect with you. Just email us your questions below! If you know of ten persons who need a word of encouragement, forward this email of faith on to them today: https://gardenministry.blogspot.com/