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To Teach

5/29/2016

MEMORIALS THAT MATTER

Terry R. Baughman
“This may be a sign among you when your children ask in time to come, saying, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ Then you shall answer them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord; when it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. And these stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever” (Joshua 4:6–7).
   Instructive moments are not always planned. Children often ask questions, sometimes a lot of questions, in the daily course of life. They may ask, “Why does the moon look like a fingernail?” or “How do cows make milk?” or “Where does electricity come from?” In those moments we are sometimes challenged to give intelligent responses or “google” to find the answers. Science museums or educational displays are often created to pique curiosity and encourage teachable moments.
   The memorial stones that were taken from the Jordan River were intentionally arranged to serve as a visual reminder of a past event. Not only did it serve as a historical marker of the miraculous crossing of the Jordan by the people of Israel, but they also served as a memorial to be shared with the next generation, the children who were born in the land of Canaan in the years to come. It would be a structure to cause children to question their meaning and why they were arranged as an altar. The stones were a memorial of God’s great power and His divine purpose in the people of Israel.
   We might think about these stones of memorial in much the same way as those who stand at Stonehenge and wonder what took place and why were the standing stones so arranged? For centuries questions have been asked about their history and archeology, but no one from antiquity survived to transmit the story of their design. It is important to leave a memorial, but more vital that the reason and the events that inspired its construction be left behind for the generations to come.
   The purpose for memorials are twofold: to remember and to teach. In the activity of life it is easy to forget things that should be remembered. Memorials, special days, traditions, and occasions to observe have a way of bringing events back to mind and causing us to remember. In the process of our observance and family traditions we are also teaching our children and grandchildren the reasons for our faith, the value of our heritage, and the celebration of our nation’s history. We sing songs that celebrate spiritual experience and reinforce our faith. Other songs relate events of our cultural history and inspire national patriotism.
   Whether it is in songs, in pictures, icons of faith, or literature there should be many symbols to serve as memorials and teachable opportunities. Let us always encourage questions and take time to answer to the best of our ability so that there will always be a witness to our faith, an understanding of our spiritual heritage and a lasting legacy of truth in the next generation!

Scripture:
“So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have” (2 Peter 1:12 NIV).

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To Remember

5/22/2016

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MEMORIALS THAT MATTER
Terry R. Baughman

“Then Joshua called the twelve men whom he had appointed from the children of Israel, one man from every tribe; and Joshua said to them: “Cross over before the ark of the Lord your God into the midst of the Jordan, and each one of you take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, that this may be a sign among you …” (Joshua 4:4–6).
   Time has a way of fading our memories and dimming our recollections. Nothing is quite so unsettling as to be unable to recall events and experiences of the past that brought joy and fulfillment into our lives. Perhaps that is why we enjoy collecting pictures and memorabilia from our past to jog our memories and retain the moments in our minds.
   Historians identify geographical locations and erect markers to commemorate notable events from the past. Others create museums or documentaries to preserve the memories of famous people or momentous events for future generations to study and learn, somehow keeping the knowledge of those events relevant.
   It was not always so easy to record history leaving a lasting record of past events. Paper was a later invention and quite expensive when it was produced manually. Photography has only been around since the 1800’s and really good pictures for less than 100 years. Video recordings have less than 50 years of common use among people to preserve their memories and archive their experiences. In antiquity they drew pictures on rocks, etched out their stories on clay tablets and recorded history on scrolls of leather.
   In ancient Israel Joshua was commanded to erect an altar and take stones from the empty river bed to create a memorial of the awesome event of the crossing over Jordan. God miraculously stopped the flood waters and backed up the river so the masses of Israel could enter the Promised Land on dry ground. While it was common to pass along these stories orally from generation to generation as they retold the miraculous account, God knew how easily we forget the blessings of God and how quickly we begin to doubt His power.
   The memorial stones were to be a standing testimony of what had taken place at the river crossing. Every time these twelve stones were seen there was an immediate association with the twelve tribes of Israel and the miracle of the Jordan crossing was brought to mind. It was an opportunity to share the event with others, recalling how the stones were removed from the river bed and placed here as a memorial for all time. The rocks were a visual image that made the story real and impressed the event in the minds of those who heard it for the first time.
   As we approach the time of the year when we are reminded of the sacrifice of others who fought for freedom and gave their lives for a great cause, let us reflect on the memorials of our own experiences. Take time to recall where you were when God first touched your life and remember the answers to prayer when you were blessed by God. Always take time to remember!
Scripture:
“So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have” (2 Peter 1:12 NIV).

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Fully Come and One

5/15/2016

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FIFTY DAYS OF PROMISE
Terry R. Baughman

“When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. … And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:1, 4).

   Preparation for the arrival of a special day is a process that can take days, weeks, or even months. For the Feast of Pentecost in history there were plans for a trip to Jerusalem, gathering the produce of the wheat harvest for the bread of the wave offering, and the provisions for the journey and the celebration with friends and others that would meet around the Temple in this annual observance.

   Pentecost came fifty days after the Passover and in the book of Acts this was an anticipated occasion after the death burial and resurrection of Christ. Since Jesus had ascended in the clouds just a few days prior, the disciples gathered in the upper room in obedience to His instructions and unsure for what they were waiting. This was not just another occurrence of an annual feast and a traditional day of celebration, but they gathered here for another reason. They came to, “Wait for the promise.” They continued in prayers and perhaps the traditional reading of Scriptures that precluded the arrival of Pentecost, but filled with expectation of something to come.

   The believers gathered with a common purpose. It was noted that they were “all with one accord in one place.” They were together. Not just physically together, but with purpose. There is great strength in unity. Together they waited. Together they prayed. They were together for a divine purpose.

   The day finally came. In the early morning there was an awareness that this was the day, “The Day of Pentecost had fully come.” This was also the day of God’s promise. There was an unusual visitation of God’s presence. “And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:2-4).

   “And suddenly.” That is usually the way God appears. You may find yourself waiting for some time when suddenly the answer comes, a prayer is answered, the phone rings, or there is a knock at the door. When God moves things begin to happen.

   The Day of Pentecost, so important in Jewish history, was forever changed that day when the Spirit was poured out on believers. Now it can never be observed as just a feast day or a celebration of the wheat harvest. The day takes on a whole new significance as the life changing experience of the Holy Spirit is celebrated year after year.

   It’s not just an event in history. The Holy Spirit is promised and is present for every believer today. On the Day of Pentecost or any other day the gift of Pentecost is available to everyone who comes to Jesus in faith.

   What are you waiting for? The promise is for you! Keep believing. Keep praying. Stay focused on the promise of God. Unite with other believers. Join with the church of Jesus and celebrate the coming of the Spirit. Pentecost has fully come and we are one.

Scripture:
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses” (Acts 1:8).

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A Believing Mother

5/8/2016

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FIFTY DAYS OF PROMISE
Terry R. Baughman

“Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey. And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying .… These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers” (Acts 1:14).

   Mothers believe in their sons when all others refuse to do so. Regardless of reputation, accusations, or incarceration, mothers look beyond themselves and see the heart of the child and are connected with the special bond of motherhood. They see the inherent good that may presently be latent within their offspring, when others may only see the results of their errant behavior.

   In spite of the charges levied against Jesus, Mary believed in Him. It is unknown when the news of his arrest was brought to her or when she arrived at the trial. It was a rush to judgment in a late night hearing. Early in the morning the trial before Pilate was assembled and the gathering crowd was incited to action. There was so much violence and turmoil it was impossible to get too close. The Gospels record the events and mention some of the women who stood at a distance observing in horror the events leading up to the crucifixion. (See Matthew 27:55–56; Mark 13:40–41; Luke 23:49.)

   John alone records the intimate moment at the cross where Mary, the mother of Jesus, wept at the sight of the suffering of her son. “When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, ‘Woman, behold your son!’ Then He said to the disciple, ‘Behold your mother!’ And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home” (John 19:26–27).

   Mary’s faith in the destiny of her son sustained her in the days of suffering and grief. From the beginning
she remembered the words of the angel that announced her miraculous conception, “You will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end” (Luke 1:31–33). From the birth of Jesus and the appearance of shepherds and wisemen to the prophetic utterances by Anna and Simeon in the Temple at His dedication, Mary etched their words in her memory. “But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.” “His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him” (Luke 2:19; 33).

   Though it was difficult to see at the time of His death, Mary continued to believe in the purpose of her son. She rejoiced in His resurrection and accepted the fact that He would again depart in the ascension. Mary, the mother of Jesus, was among the worshippers, the disciples, and the participants in the upper room prayer watch awaiting the promise Jesus said would come. This believing mother was present and was filled with the Holy Spirit when the Day of Pentecost arrived.

Scripture:
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses” (Acts 1:8).

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Beginning at Jerusalem

5/1/2016

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FIFTY DAYS OF PROMISE
Terry R. Baughman

“And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things. Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:47–49).

   Anything of great significance has a starting point. Looking back it may be difficult to visualize how great movements began or how simple inventions became universal products. Everything has a beginning.

   The first scratchy transmissions of voice in Alexander Graham Bell’s experiments were the beginning of telephone communications. We can hardly imagine a world without the ability to call nearly anywhere on the globe and hold a clear conversation instantly. Simple experiments in voice transmissions created the beginning of a universal telecommunications network.

   Our nation was established 240 years ago when 56 delegates of the original thirteen British colonies in the new world met in the second continental congress in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They agreed to separate from Britain and sign a Declaration of Independence forming the foundation of the United States of America. That was just the beginning of a nation that would come to eclipse the power and influence of the British Empire. It is doubtful that the original signers of the document realized the importance of the moment and the far reaching effect of their valiant declaration.

   When Jesus met with twelve followers and spoke of worldwide influence it was equally difficult for them to imagine the implication of these discussions. He spoke parables to the crowds and explained them to disciples. Jesus performed miracles and taught about the Kingdom of God. He challenged His followers to, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). Little did they realize the vastness of the world and the multiplied millions that would inhabit the nations. Their talks around the campfire and their written records of Christ’s teaching would survive to form the foundation of the greatest movement ever established.

   Jesus predicted that, “repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47). Jerusalem would be the epicenter of evangelism, the birthplace of the church, and the place from which the Good News would be proclaimed to the world.

   The promise of the Holy Spirit was essential to the success of the church and the empowerment of every believer. That is why Jesus made it clear that they must remain in Jerusalem until they received the, “power from on high” (Luke 24:49).

   God is omniscient, there is no limit to God’s knowledge. Within the experience first given on the Day of Pentecost was all the power and operation needed for the vast outreach of the church in all the world which we now witness. Jesus initiated the movement, trained the leadership, and transformed men and women by the power of His Spirit to become all that is needed for world changers in our generation.

   And just to think, it all began in Jerusalem!

Scripture:
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses” (Acts 1:8).

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To Teach

To Remember

Fully Come and One

A Believing Mother

Beginning at Jerusalem

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