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Remember to Rejoice

7/30/2017

MID-YEAR RENEWAL
Terry R. Baughman

“You meet him who rejoices and does righteousness, Who remembers You in Your ways” (Isaiah 64:5).
One of the outstanding attributes of Christ followers is having an attitude of gladness. Contrary to some misconceptions that Christians are long-faced mourners with a dour and sour attitude, a joyful spirit and a contented countenance are more likely to be the demeanor of devoted disciples.

The purpose in the ministry of Jesus was outlined in His reading from Isaiah when Jesus visited the synagogue in Nazareth. He read from the prescribed passages of Isaiah 61 and declared, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21).

In the continuation of the prophet’s passage He predicted that the Messiah would come, “To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness” (Isaiah 61:3). Again he wrote, “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, My soul shall be joyful in my God” (Isaiah 61:10). In the text above the prophet Isaiah declared that God will meet with those who rejoice and those who seek to follow Him in righteous conduct, those who remember the ways of God.

After we have grown accustomed to the Christian walk and the fresh and new experience that was once so thrilling has become common and routine, we must remember to rejoice. Recall the joy that came with the liberation from sin. Remember the load that lifted at an altar of repentance when the joy of sins forgiven replaced the burden of condemnation. He exchanged the “spirit of heaviness” for a garment of praise and clothed us with “the garments of salvation.”

Even when circumstances are difficult and adversity assails we are reminded to rejoice in God. The prophet Habakkuk painted a dreary picture of times of famine and want, “Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls.” All was dismal and bleak yet he concluded with a positive declaration, “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation” (Habakkuk 3:17–18). When everything looks hopeless, Remember to Rejoice!

After the return of the exiles of Judah there was a reading of the Law before the congregation. When the people heard the Word of the Lord they were overcome with their failures and discouraged with their shortcomings. Nehemiah instructed the people, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). God did not give us His word to discourage us, but to offer us hope, help, and healing. He is our hope and as we rejoice in Him we will find strength.

Paul admonished his readers multiple times to, “Rejoice!” To the Thessalonians he charged, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18), and to the Philippians emphasized, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4).
Remember to Rejoice!

Scripture:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4).

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Remember His Resurrection

7/23/2017

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MID-YEAR RENEWAL
Terry R. Baughman

“Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel” (2 Timothy 2:8).
The cornerstone of the Gospel is the absolute certainty of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Without the resurrection, the message of Christianity becomes just another religion, just another volume of philosophy, or an alternate view for the meaning of our existence. Without the validity of the resurrection there is no Gospel and there is no life-giving promise. All that is left are empty words and futility.

Paul went to great lengths to collect the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He devoted a chapter in his letter to the Corinthian believers to establish credibility for the outrageous claims of the early Church, that Jesus rose from the grave and He lives! Paul declared a gospel that saves and continued with a listing of all those who were eyewitnesses of the resurrected Jesus, “He was seen by Cephas [Peter], then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, .… After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time” (1 Corinthians 15:5–8).

The reason that Paul was so thorough in his defense of the resurrection was the fact of its supreme importance to the gospel message, “But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty.” He went on to say, “And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!” (1 Corinthians 15:13–14, 17).

The redemptive quality inherent in the Gospel of Jesus Christ is realized in the reality of His resurrection. Paul also wrote, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). Paul preached a Gospel of power firmly anchored in the fact of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Perhaps that is why he wrote so possessively as he reminded Timothy of the resurrection according to “my gospel.” (See the text above.)

The miracle of the resurrection caused all of the disciples to reflect on the words of Jesus recalling His claims that He would rise again from the dead. Each of the Synoptic gospels record the self-fulfilling prophecy of Jesus, “He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again” (Mark 8:31, also Matthew 16:21, Luke 9:22). In spite of this, the angels at the empty tomb had to remind the disciples of these words, “Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’ And they remembered His words” (Luke 24:6–8).

This was the message the apostles proclaimed everywhere they went.“And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 4:33). The resurrection is the power of the Gospel. Be renewed in the Spirit as you remember His resurrection!

Scripture:
“But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20).

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Remember His Words

7/16/2017

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MID-YEAR RENEWAL
Terry R. Baughman

“Therefore, when He had risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this to them; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said” (John 2:22).

Even if someone could tell you the future, their words might not make sense. In the context of veiled sequence it is difficult to clearly see the importance of the words spoken. However, in time, the events that unfold will reveal the details in the portrait of the present. As Paul wrote, “Now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known” (1 Corinthians 13:12).

What is veiled in the obscurity of the future will surely be revealed when we stand in the light of past experience. As we look back, prophecies are framed in their proper context. Disconnected events now joined help define the intrinsic details as they are highlighted in the beauty of His revealed Word.

Jude, the brother of Jesus, wrote that we should, “remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Jude 17). Looking back and recalling the conversations of Jesus and the Apostles brought more understanding to believers. As the Gospel writers remembered their experiences with Jesus, the fragments of the parables and memorable words of encouragement united in a grand narrative of inspiration. As they recorded the numerous miracles, dramatic signs, sermons and teaching, the words of Jesus melded into an everlasting message of hope.

After the resurrection of Jesus many things He had said suddenly made sense. “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up,” Jesus stated (John 2:19). Another time He said, “For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:40). The miracle of the resurrection brought understanding and increased their faith in all the words Jesus had spoken. (See the text above.)

Before the disciples were aware that the resurrection had taken place Cleopas and another disciple walked the road to Emmaus. They were joined by another who seemed not to have known about the recent events in Jerusalem. They shared stories of the shameful treatment of Jesus and the sorrow of their loss. They did not recognize who He was until He blessed and broke the bread in their evening meal. As their eyes were opened He vanished from the room. Recalling the words He spoke they said, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32). There is a quickening in our spirits and a warmth in our hearts when we hear His words and remember His promises.

In a brief statement it was said of the disciples, “They remembered His words” (Luke 24:8). There is power and authority in His words. Remember, He is the One who spoke worlds into existence; the One who created all things. His words are life-giving. Peter recognized this truth. Even when the tide of popularity drove others away from Jesus, those closest to Him refused to leave. Jesus asked them, “Do you also want to go away?” Peter answered, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:67-68).
Remember His Words … and live!

Scripture:
“But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Jude 17).

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Remember His Grace

7/9/2017

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MID-YEAR RENEWAL
Terry R. Baughman

“Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands—that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:11–13).

Part of the majestic work of grace is the understanding of where we once were without God. Paul writes to the Church in Ephesus to remember where you have come from. Remember that you were Gentiles, without Christ, strangers without hope, without a promise, and without God, but remember what happened. Those who “were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” That was the result of the action of grace.

In the verses previous to this text Paul explained how the change occurred, “God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love … made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), … that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace” (Ephesians 2:4–5,7). He further emphasized the involvement of grace in our redemption, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8–9).

Through the passage of time we are tempted to take some of the credit for our transformation. We may speak of our consecrations as though we somehow merited the special favor of God by our exemplary efforts. We may recount our spiritual disciplines, how much we fast, how many hours we pray, or what personal sacrifices we make in our commitment to God, suggesting that we were so good God had to honor us with His presence. The stark truth is we were nothing without God. We had no one to recommend us. There was nothing we could do to earn His favor or require His attention. Paul stated in another letter, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Salvation was entirely God’s idea and purely the initiative of His grace. Very simply, “He loved us” (Ephesians 2:4).

Remember His grace. When we are tempted to justify our actions and excuse our transgressions, remember the pit where He found us, the hopelessness of our future without Him. Remember His forgiveness and the refreshing of His presence that brought peace into our chaos.

John Newton captured the overwhelming beauty of grace in the words of the classic hymn, “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I’m found. I was blind, but now I see.” It will do us well to sing the song and remember the incredible redemption we have experienced in His incredible gift of grace. “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15).

Scripture:
“Then they remembered that God was their rock, And the Most High God their Redeemer” (Psalm 78:35).

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Remember Repentance

7/2/2017

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MID-YEAR RENEWAL
Terry R. Baughman

“Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.” (Revelation 2:4–5).

Prior to, and in response to, any great move of the Spirit there will be the conditioning of repentance. When seeking for a renewal of spiritual visitation there must be a change of heart to prepare us for the presence of God. Sin drives a wedge of separation between us and God. The division allows impure motives and carnal actions to fill our lives further alienating us from His Divine anointing. The only thing that can remove the obstruction is heartfelt repentance and a return to our spiritual foundations.

The Church in Ephesus had many admirable qualities. They were busy with good works. They were diligent and patient. They hated evil and resisted false doctrine. They were amazingly resilient and untiring in their defense of the name of the Lord. The one thing noted in which they were failing was their love. They had forsaken their first love and engaged in routine spiritual disciplines without their prior passion for Christ.

Remember and repent was the directive of the Spirit, “Remember from where you have fallen.” Sometime the most effective assessment of our present condition is to remember our past spiritual experiences. Remember the commitments made and the power of the Holy Spirit’s operation. Remember and repent. Return to the foundation, “Do the first works.” Renew the passion of first experience. Rebuild the resolutions made in a time of spiritual brokenness with a heart desiring all God has for us. What God has done in the past He will do again.

Repentance comes before renewal. Every great move of the Spirit has been precipitated by a new wave of consecration. Whenever people call out to God in humility He will hear. The Lord spoke to Solomon and said, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; … And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting,” David prayed (Psalm 139:23–24). The Psalmist knew something about repentance and how to gain the favor of God. At one of the lowest points in his life he prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit” (Psalm 51:10–12). Heartfelt repentance will always access the presence and power of God.

Remember and repent! This is our first priority for spiritual renewal.

Scripture:
“I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite” (Isaiah 57:15 NIV).

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Remember to Rejoice

Remember His Resurrection

Remember His Words

Remember His Grace

Remember Repentance

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