Framed in Greatness: Tim Tebow and the Abortion Debate

Social liberals along with the Evangelical and sports worlds are a buzz about the upcoming Super Bowl ad featuring Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow and his mother. When Tebow’s mother, Pam, was pregnant with Tim she became sick with a potentially life threatening illness and her doctor suggested she get an abortion. Thankfully, Pam, choose life and Tim Tebow was born.

Tim Tebow is arguably the best college football player to enter the NFL draft in recent memory. He won the Heisman Trophy as a sophomore and led the Florida Gators to two National Championship titles in four years. These remarkable accomplishments are bested only by his love for the Lord and his example of integrity, something the sports world desperately needs at this time.

The add promotes life and causes the viewer to imagine what college football would be like had there been no Tim Tebow. Thus the abortion debate is framed in greatness. What other great person have we aborted? Have we aborted the next Billy Graham? Perhaps the next Abraham Lincoln has been terminated before birth. Have we aborted the doctor who would come up with a cure for cancer?

While I understand the “star power” needed to appeal to a mass audience and while I am in full support of such an add promoting life, I also think the framing of the debate in potential greatness by showcasing superstars will only leave us with a “sugar high” that will, at the end of the day, not change many beliefs on the evils of abortion. This potential greatness approach will most likely not provide a lasting connection with most people except to provide a warm cheer of approval. Being a sports star is, after all, extremely rare.

What about the other 99% of the people who are just common everyday normal people? I would not want any mother to reason that just because the chances her child will become a star or that her child would make a world-changing difference is infinitely small that her choice to abort would not make much difference in the world. I desire to take nothing away from the effort in the commercial, I merely want to add to it two solid reasons to choose life that may have a more lasting affect on the masses.

First, the Bible tells us that we shall not murder. The Ten Commandments address the issue clearly. “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13). We are made in the image of God and therefore we have an obligation to treat others with dignity and respect. We are called to protect life out of obedience to God. Breaking God’s law shows our need for a Savior.

Second, the potential of a common life provides ample reason not to abort. One of my favorite movies is the 1946 film It’s A Wonderful Life. The movie struck a cord with many people because George Bailey, played by James Stewart, sees his life go from normal to bad. Mr. Potter, the money hungry antagonist told George, “You’re worth more dead than alive!” This led George to wish he had never been born. Clarence, George’s angel, decides to let George find out what life would have been like if he had never been born. George discovers that his normal everyday common life did amount to a great deal.

When the lesson of the great impact from even the most common person was learned, Clarence proclaimed, “Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?”

The abortion of ANY person will leave an awful hole. Having a baby that will one day become a good friend, a faithful spouse and a dependable father or mother makes that person a “super star” and a great contributor to the world.

Brad Ferguson

So Great a Salvation

“…how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?” Hebrews 2:3

If there was a penalty for neglecting the old covenant declared by angels (Gal. 3:19) then how much more the retribution if we neglect or ignore this great salvation through the new covenant. The old covenant rested on the Law and temporary sacrifices of the blood of animals. The new covenant stands on the grace of God with Christ as the cornerstone. It is sealed by the spotless blood of the Son of God.

This is a great salvation and we are well warned against showing no concern for it. Our salvation is solely the work of God through the sacrifice of Christ. This salvation is so great that if one is not stunned and frozen by its grander then his eyes have never seen it. God’s salvation is without comparison. Never in the halls of history has anyone been able to see with our soul what we see now. This is the work of God. Do not take lightly the blood of the Son of God.

Brad Ferguson

Where is God in Haiti’s Earthquake?

We are all aware of the horrific tragedy in Haiti. The 7.0 earthquake has leveled much of the country. It is the worst earthquake they have seen in at least a century. The news coverage brings the disaster closer to home. Our hearts ache for the people as well they should and we pray for the relief efforts.

Events such as this raise the question, “If God is all powerful and benevolent then how could this happen?” On a global scale we think back to 2001 in the terrorist attack on this country and the fall of the World Trade Center Towers killing nearly 3,000 people. We remember the great tsunami in 2004 which killed 250,000. Now Haiti is facing the possibility of over 100,000 dead as a result of this earthquake. How should Christians answer the question of evil and disaster in the world?

First, we must remember that we live in a fallen world. God created a world in which sin was possible through the freedom He gave man. Adam and Eve lost all innocence when they freely chose wickedness over righteousness; disobedience over obedience. As a result we are all under the curse of sin and death. Not only us, but all creation suffers as a result of sin (Genesis 3:17; Romans 8:20-22). Therefore the problem of evil is a predicament we all face whether we believe in God or not.

This leads to the second truth, the problem of evil and suffering in the world is more difficult without belief in God. God knows what suffering is like. God sent His only Son, Jesus, to suffer and die to pay the penalty of our sin. Our God has compassion on all His creation. This earthquake is a reminder that our life could end without warning. We are just a breath away from tragedy. It could come in the form of a car accident, fire or any number of ways. Jesus said in Luke 13:3-5, “No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” Hebrews 9:27 reminds us, that every one of us will one day die and then we will face judgment. God alone holds the answer to sin, death, destruction and eternal life.

The third truth that will help us in such times is the certainty of God’s plan for the end times. Many earthquakes will rock the world and billions will die during the time of the Tribulation. Then Christ will return and reign on the earth for 1,000 years before we enter the eternal state. Great bliss awaits the child of God.

As we wrestle with the reasons and implications of the earthquake in Haiti, we must be careful to avoid extremes in our thinking. On one extreme, avoid the doctrine that would picture God with His hands under Haiti shaking the ground until the buildings He wanted to fall finally collapsed. Don’t see it as God causing the earthquake to the magnitude that would achieve His desired number of people dead or trapped. This level of fatalistic determinism does not jive with the biblical witness of the character of God. On the other extreme, don’t think that God was taken by surprise and now He must react. It would be error to think He simply looked into the future and knew it was going to happen. The truth is that God in His sovereignty allowed sin to enter the world. This leads to death, destruction and tragedy. Neither this, nor any other disastrous event in the past or future occurs apart from God’s power and control.

So this brings us back to the big question “Where is God?” He is sovereignly in control of all things. We do not live in a runaway out of control world. He is lovingly present in every helping hand. He is graciously reaching to you to come to Christ in repentance and faith. So what can you do? You can pray, give and go to the world with the gift of God.

Chris Tomlin’s song “Forever” comes to mind as a good reminder of God’s faithfulness.

Give thanks to the Lord

Our God and King

His love endures forever

For He is good, He is above all things

His love endures forever

Sing praise, sing praise

With a mighty hand

And an outstretched arm

His love endures forever

For the life that’s been reborn

His love endures forever

Sing praise

Forever God is faithful

Forever God is strong

Forever God is with us

From the rising to the setting sun

His love endures forever

By the grace of God

We will carry on

His love endures forever

Sing praise, sing praise.

Brad Ferguson

The New Hampshire Confession of Faith

This Confession was drawn up by the Rev. John Newton Brown, D. D., of New Hampshire about 1833, and was adopted by the New Hampshire Convention, and widely accepted by Baptists, especially in the Northern and Western States, as a clear and concise statement of their faith, in harmony with the doctrines of older confessions, but expressed in milder form. The text is taken from the Baptist Church Manual, published by the American Baptist Publication Society, Philadelphia.

Declaration of Faith

1. Of the Scriptures We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction (1); that it has God for its author, salvation for its end (2), and truth without any mixture of error for its matter (3); that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us (4); and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union (5), and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tried (6).
2. Of the True God We believe that there is one, and only one, living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, whose name is JEHOVAH, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of Heaven and earth (7); inexpressibly glorious in holiness (8), and worthy of all possible honor, confidence, and love (9); that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost (10); equal in every divine perfection (11), and executing distinct and harmonious offices in the great work of redemption (12).
3. Of the Fall of Man We believe that man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker (13); but by voluntary transgression fell from that holy and happy state (14); in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners (15), not by constraint, but choice (16); being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God, positively inclined to evil; and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin (17), without defense or excuse (18).
4. Of the Way of Salvation We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace (19), through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God (20); who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon him our nature, yet without sin (21); honored the divine law by his personal obedience (22), and by his death made a full atonement for our sins (23); that having risen from the death, he is now enthroned in heaven (24); and uniting in his wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfections, he is every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all- sufficient Saviour (25).
5. Of Justification We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ (26) secures to such as believe in him is Justification (27); that Justification includes the pardon of sin (28), and the promise of eternal life on principles of righteousness (29); that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer’s blood (30); by virtue of which faith his perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us of God (31); that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every other blessing needful for time and eternity (32).
6. Of the Freeness of Salvation We believe that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the gospel (33); that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial, penitent, and obedient faith (34); and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the gospel (35); which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation (36).
7. Of Grace in Regeneration We believe that, in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again (37); that regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind (38); that it is effected in a manner above our comprehension by the power of the Holy Spirit, in connection with divine truth (39), so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the gospel (40); and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance, and faith, and newness of life (41).
8. Of Repentance and Faith We believe that Repentance and Faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God (42); whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger, and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ (43), we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy (44); at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our Prophet, Priest, and King, and relying on him alone as the only and all-sufficient Saviour (45).
9. Of God’s Purpose of Grace We believe that Election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which he graciously regenerates, sanctifies, and saves sinners (46); that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in connection with the end (47); that it is a most glorious display of God’s sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy, and unchangeable (48); that it utterly excludes boasting, and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of his free mercy (49); that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree (50); that it may be ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe the gospel (51); that it is the foundation of Christian assurance (52); and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence (53).
10. Of Sanctification We believe that Sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of his holiness (54); that it is a progressive work (55); that it is begun in regeneration (56); and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer and Comforter, in the continual use of the appointed means–especially the Word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer (57).
11. Of the Perseverance of Saints We believe that such only are real believers as endure unto the end (58); that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors (59); that a special Providence watches over their welfare (60); and they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation (61).
12. Of the Harmony of the Law and the Gospel We believe that the Law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of his moral government (62); that it is holy, just, and good (63); and that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts arises entirely from their love of sin (64); to deliver them from which, and to restore them through a Mediator to unfeigned obedience to the holy Law, is one great end of the Gospel, and of the means of grace connected with the establishment of the visible Church (65).
13. Of a Gospel Church We believe that a visible Church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers (66), associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel (67); observing the ordinances of Christ (68); governed by his laws (69), and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by his Word (70); that its only scriptural officers are Bishops, or Pastors, and Deacons (71), whose qualifications, claims, and duties are defined in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus.
14. Of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper We believe that Christian Baptism is the immersion in water of a believer (72), into the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost (73); to show forth, in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, with its effect in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life (74); that it is prerequisite to the privileges of a Church relation; and to the Lord’s Supper (75), in which the members of the Church, by the sacred use of bread and wine, are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ (76); preceded always by solemn self- examination (77).
15. Of the Christian Sabbath We believe that the first day of the week is the Lord’s Day, or Christian Sabbath (78); and is to be kept sacred to religious purposes (79), by abstaining from all secular labor and sinful recreations (80); by the devout observance of all the means of grace, both private (81) and public (82); and by preparation for that rest that remaineth for the people of God (83).
16. Of Civil Government We believe that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interests and good order of human society (84); and that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed (85); except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ (86) who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the Prince of the kings of the earth (87).
17. Of the Righteous and the Wicked We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked (88); that such only as through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified by the Spirit of our God, are truly righteous in his esteem (89); while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are in his sight wicked, and under the curse (90); and this distinction holds among men both in and after death (91). 18. Of the World to Come We believe that the end of the world is approaching (92); that at the last day Christ will descend from heaven (93), and raise the dead from the grave to final retribution (94); that a solemn separation will then take place (95); that the wicked will be adjudged to endless punishment, and the righteous to endless joy (96); and that this judgment will fix forever the final state of men in heaven or hell, on principles of righteousness (97).
18. Of the World to Come We believe that the end of the world is approaching; that at the last day Christ will descend from heaven, and raise the dead from the grave to final retribution; that a solemn separation will then take place; that the wicked will be adjudged to endless punishment, and the righteous to endless joy; and that this judgment will fix forever the final state of men in heaven or hell, or principles of righteousness.

 

1. 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:21; 1 Sam. 23:2; Acts 1:16; 3:21; John 10:35; Luke 16:29-31; Psa. 119:11; Rom. 3:1-2

2. 2 Tim. 3:15; 1 Pet. 1:10-12; Acts 11:14; Rom. 1:16; Mark 16:16; John 5:38-39

3. Prov. 30:5-6; John 17:17; Rev. 22:18-19; Rom. 3:4

4. Rom. 2:12; John 12:47-48; 1 Cor. 4:3-4; Luke 10:10-16; 12:47-48

5. Phil. 3:16; Eph. 4:3-6; Phil. 2:1-2; 1 Cor. 1:10; 1 Pet. 4:11

6. 1 John 4:1; Isa. 8:20; 1 Thess. 5:21; 2 Cor. 8:5; Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:6; Jude 3:5; Eph. 6:17; Psa. 119:59-60; Phil. 1:9-11

7. John 4:24; Psa. 147:5; 83:18; Heb. 3:4; Rom. 1:20; Jer. 10:10

8. Exod. 15:11; Isa. 6:3; 1 Pet. 1:15-16; Rev. 4:6-8

9. Mark 12:30; Rev. 4:11; Matt. 10:37; Jer. 2:12-13

10. Matt. 28:19; John 15:26; 1 Cor. 12:4-6; 1 John 5:7

11. John 10:30; 5:17; 14:23; 17:5, 10; Acts 5:3-4; 1 Cor. 2:10-11; Phil. 2:5-6

12. Eph. 2:18; 2 Cor. 13:14; Rev. 1:4-5; comp. 2, 7

13. Gen. 1:27, 31; Eccl. 7:29; Acts 16:26; Gen. 2:16

14. Gen. 3:6-24; Rom. 5:12

15. Rom. 5:19; John 3:6; Psa. 51:5; Rom. 5:15-19; 8:7

16. Isa. 53:6; Gen. 6:12; Rom. 3:9-18

17. Eph. 2:1-3; Rom. 1:18, 32; 2:1-16; Gal. 3:10; Matt. 20:15

18. Ezek. 18:19-20; Rom. 1:20; 3:19; Gal. 3:22

19. Eph. 2:5; Matt. 18:11; 1 John 4:10; 1 Cor. 3:5-7; Acts 15:11

20. John 3:16; 1:1-14; Heb. 4:14; 12:24

21. Phil. 2:6-7; Heb. 2:9, 14; 2 Cor. 5:21

22. Isa. 42:21; Phil. 2:8; Gal. 4:4-5; Rom. 3:21

23. Isa. 53:4-5; Matt. 20:28; Rom. 4:25; 3:21-26; 1 John 4:10; 2:2; 1 Cor. 15:1-3; Heb. 9:13-15

24. Heb. 1:8, 3; 8:1; Col. 3:1-4

25. Heb. 7:25; Col. 2:9; Heb. 2:18; 7:26; Psa. 89:19; Psa. 14

26. John 1:16; Eph. 3:8

27. Acts 13:39; Isa. 3:11-12; Rom. 8:1

28. Rom. 5:9; Zech. 13:1; Matt. 9:6; Acts 10:43

29. Rom. 5:17; Titus 3:5-6; 1 Pet. 3:7; 1 John 2:25; Rom. 5:21

30. Rom. 4:4-5; 5:21; 6:28; Phil. 3:7-9

31. Rom. 5:19; 3:24-26; 4:23-25; 1 John 2:12

32. Rom. 5:1-3, 11; 1 Cor. 1:30-31; Matt. 6:33; 1 Tim. 4:8

33. Isa. 55:1; Rev. 22:17; Luke 14:17

34. Rom. 16:26; Mark 1:15; Rom. 1:15-17

35. John 5:40; Matt. 23:37; Rom. 9:32; Prov. 1:24; Acts 13:46

36. John 3:19; Matt. 11:20; Luke 19:27; 2 Thess. 1:8

37. John 3:3, 6-7; 1 Cor. 1:14; Rev. 8:7-9; 21:27

38. 2 Cor. 5:17; Ezek. 36:26; Deut. 30:6; Rom. 2:28-29; 5:5; 1 John 4:7

39. John 3:8; 1:13; James 1:16-18; 1 Cor. 1:30; Phil. 2:13

40. 1 Pet. 1:22-25; 1 John 5:1; Eph. 4:20-24; Col. 3:9-11

41. Eph. 5:9; Rom. 8:9; Gal. 5:16-23; Eph. 3:14-21; Matt. 3:8-10; 7:20; 1 John 5:4, 18

42. Mark 1:15; Acts 11:18; Eph. 2:8; 1 John 5:1

43. John 16:8; Acts 2:37-38; 16:30-31

44. Luke 18:13; 15:18-21; James 4:7-10; 2 Cor. 7:11; Rom. 10:12-13; Psa. 51

45. Rom. 10:9-11; Acts 3:22-23: Heb. 4:14; Psa. 2:6; Heb. 1:8; 8:25; 2 Tim. 1:12

46. 2 Tim. 1:8-9; Eph. 1:3-14; 1 Pet. 1:1-2; Rom. 11:5-6; John 15:15; 1 John 4:19; Hos. 12:9

47. 2 Thess. 2:13-14; Acts 13:48; John 10:16; Matt. 20:16; Acts 15:14

48. Exod. 33:18-19; Matt. 20:15; Eph. 1:11; Rom. 9:23-24: Jer. 31:3; Rom. 11:28-29; James 1:17-18; 2 Tim. 1:9; Rom. 11:32-36

49. 1 Cor. 4:7; 1:26-31; Rom. 3:27; 4:16; Col. 3:12; 1 Cor. 3:5-7; 15:10; 1 Pet. 5:10; Acts 1:24; 1 Thess. 2:13; 1 Pet. 2:9; Luke 18:7; John 15:16; Eph. 1:16; 1 Thess. 2:12

50. 2 Tim. 2:10; 1 Cor. 9:22; Rom. 8:28-30; John 6:37-40; 2 Pet. 1:10

51. 1 Thess. 1:4-10

52. Rom. 8:28-30; Isa. 42:16; Rom. 11:29

53. 2 Pet. 1:10-11; Phil. 3:12; Heb. 6:11

54. 1 Thess. 4:3; 5:23; 2 Cor. 7:1; 13:9; Eph. 1:4

55. Prov. 4:18; 2 Cor. 3:18; Heb. 6:1; 2 Pet. 1:5-8; Phil. 3:12-16

56. John 2:29; Rom. 8:5; John 3:6; Phil. 1:9-11; Eph. 1:13-14

57. Phil. 2:12-13; Eph. 4:11-12; 1 Pet. 2:2; 2 Pet. 3:18; 2 Cor. 13:5; Luke 11:35; 9:23; Matt. 26:41; Eph. 6:18; 4:30

58. John 8:31; 1 John 2:27-28; 3:9; 5:18

59. 1 John 2:19; John 13:18; Matt. 13:20-21; John 6:66-69; Job 17:9

60. Rom. 8:28; Matt. 6:30-33; Jer. 32:40; Psa. 121:3; 91:11-12

61. Phil. 1:6; 2:12-13; Jude 24-25; Heb. 1:14; 2 Kings 6:16; Heb. 13:5; 1 John 4:4

62. Rom. 3:31; Matt. 5:17; Luke 16:17; Rom. 3:20; 4:15

63. Rom. 7:12, 7, 14, 22; Gal. 3:21; Psa. 119

64. Rom. 8:7-8; Josh. 24:19; Jer. 13:23; John 6:44; 5:44

65. Rom. 8:2, 4; 10:4; 1 Tim. 1:5; Heb. 8:10; Jude 20-21; Heb. 12:14; Matt. 16:17-18; 1 Cor. 12:28

66. 1 Cor. 1:1-13; Matt. 18:17; Acts 5:11; 8:1; 11:31; 1 Cor. 4:17; 14:23; 3 John 9; 1 Tim. 3:5

67. Acts 2:41-42; 2 Cor. 8:5; Acts 2:47; 1 Cor. 5:12-13

68. 1 Cor. 11:2; 2 Thess. 3:6; Rom. 16:17-20; 1 Cor. 11:23; Matt. 18:15-20; 1 Cor 5:6; 2 Cor. 2:7; 1 Cor. 4:17

69. Matt. 28:20; John 14:15; 15:12; 1 John 4:21; John 14:21; 1 Thess. 4.2; 2 John 6; Gal. 6:2; all the Epistles

70. Eph. 4:7; 1 Cor. 14:12; Phil. 1:27; 1 Cor. 12:14

71. Phil. 1:1; Acts 14:23; 15:22; 1 Tim. 3; Titus 1

72. Acts 8:36-39; Matt. 3:5-6; John 3:22-23; 4:1-2; Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 8:12; 16:32-34; 18:8

73. Matt. 28:19; Acts 10:47-48; Gal. 3:27-28

74. Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:12; 1 Pet. 3:20-21; Acts 22:16

75. Acts 2:41-42; Matt. 28:19-20; Acts and Epistles

76. 1 Cor. 11:26; Matt. 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:14-20

77. 1 Cor. 11:28; 5:1, 8; 10:3-32; 11:17-32; John 6:26-71

78. Acts 20:7; Gen. 2:3; Col. 2:16-17; Mark 2:27; John 20:19; 1 Cor. 16:1- 2

79. Exod. 20:8; Rev. 1:10; Psa. 118:24

80. Isa. 58:13-14; 56:2-8

81. Psa. 119:15

82. Heb. 10:24-25; Acts 11:26; 13:44; Lev. 19:30; Exod. 46:3; Luke 4:16; Acts 17:2, 3; Psa. 26:8; 87:3

83. Heb. 4:3-11

84. Rom. 13:1-7; Deut. 16:18; 1 Sam. 23:3; Exod. 18:23; Jer. 30:21

85. Matt. 22:21; Titus 3:1; 1 Pet. 2:13; 1 Tim. 2:1-8

86. Acts 5:29; Matt. 10:28; Dan. 3:15-18; 6:7-10; Acts 4:18-20

87. Matt. 23:10; Rom. 14:4; Rev. 19:16; Psa. 72:11; Psa. 2; Rom. 14:9-13

88. Mal. 3:18; Prov. 12:26; Isa. 5:20; Gen. 18:23; Jer. 15:19; Acts 10:34- 35; Rom. 6:16

89. Rom. 1:17; 7:6; 1 John 2:29; 3:7; Rom. 6:18, 22; 1 Cor. 11:32; Prov. 11:31; 1 Pet. 4:17-18

90. 1 John 5:19; Gal. 3:10; John 3:36; Isa. 57:21; Psa. 10:4; Isa 55:6-7

91. Prov. 14:32; Luke 16:25; John 8:21-24; Prov. 10:24; Luke 12:4-5; 9:23- 26; John 12:25-26; Eccl. 3:17; Matt. 7:13-14

92. 1 Pet. 4:7; 1 Cor. 7:29-31; Heb. 1:10-12; Matt. 24:35; 1 John 2:17; Matt. 28:20; 13:39-40; 2 Pet. 3:3-13

93. Acts 1:11; Rev. 1:7; Heb. 9:28; Acts 3:21; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; 5:1-11

94. Acts 24:15; 1 Cor. 15:12-59; Luke 14:14; Dan. 12:2; John 5:28-29; 6:40; 11:25-26; 2 Tim. 1:10; Acts 10:42

95. Matt. 13:49, 37-43; 24:30-31; 25:31-33

96. Matt. 25:35-41; Rev. 22:11; 1 Cor. 6:9-10; Mark 9:43-48; 2 Pet. 2:9; Jude 7; Phil. 3:19; Rom. 6:32; 2 Cor. 5:10-11; John 4:36; 2 Cor. 4:18

97. Rom. 3:5-6; 2 Thess. 1:6-12; Heb. 6:1-2; 1 Cor. 4:5; Acts 17:31; Rom. 2:2-16; Rev. 20:11-12; 1 John 2:28; 4:17

The Value of Discouragement

It is normal to be discouraged for various reasons. Someone says an unkind word to us. We see barrenness when we expect to find fruit. Discouragement is a fact of life. However, you do not have to allow discouragement to become a persistent crushing weight.

To permit obstacles to linger is actually a display of pride. To wallow in discouragement reveals that you are so shocked in unbelief that you said something wrong or made the wrong decision or are not good at something you thought you were good at. You just simply can’t believe it. When the reality hits in the form of discouragement you get buried by it.

Trade this pride for trust in the Almighty God. In 2 Corinthians 12:9 Paul states, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” Paul boasts in his weakness because he knows that through it Christ will shine forth.

God doesn’t use strength, He uses weakness. Your weakness is a highway to display the glory of God.

When someone discourages you, thank God for it. He has just revealed an area in your life by which He will glorify Himself. That area must be refined by fire. Take the words or events that have discouraged you. Consider the source then learn from it. Give it to God so He can make something beautiful come out of it.

The alarm should sound if you never receive discouragement. Beware of constant accolades.  While it is of great value to see the fruit of God’s work in your life, you must nevertheless resist the temptation to receive even an ounce of credit. If this is your temptation, God will not stop until that part of you is utterly destroyed. He uses discouragement to save your life from pride.

Learn to view the words of sour people, the certainty of broken dreams and the force of unrealized vision as instruments of your sanctification in the sovereign hand of God. Remember the words of the early 17^th century clergyman and poet George Herbert, “Good and quickly seldom meet.”

Do not let pride keep you in the pit of discouragement. Rather, use it as your resurrection to His purposes.

Brad Ferguson

Does He Feel at Home in Your Heart?

One of my favorite devotion books is Word Studies in the Greek New Testament, volume 3 by Kenneth S. Wuest. I wanted to share a recent devotion from his book that was quit eye-opening to me.

Paul prays in Ephesians 3:17, “…so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith – that you, being rooted and grounded in love…” Paul wants Christ to dwell in the hearts of all Christians. The word “dwell” is from a Greek word made up of two words, one meaning “to live in a home,” and the other, literally meaning “down.”

Paul prays that our Lord might live in our hearts as His home. He is already in us; therefore Paul’s thought must be that He feel at home in our hearts. The tense speaks of finality, the word for “down” speaking of permanency. The full translation is, “That Christ may finally settle down and feel completely at home in your hearts.”

It is one thing to be in a person’s home, another thing to feel completely at home there. Our Lord condescends to live in the heart of a sinner saved by grace. What an honor to have such a guest in our hearts. Do we make Him feel at home? Does He have free access to all parts of our heart life, or is He shut out from this thing or that?

Is He Lord of our lives, the invited guest to occupy the throne room of our hearts? Many have tried to make Jesus Lord of their lives, and have failed because they have tried in their own strength. No man calls Jesus Lord except by the Holy Spirit.

That is why Paul prays that we might be strengthened with might by His Spirit in order that Christ might finally settle down and feel completely at home in our hearts. The secret of the Lordship of Jesus is a desire that the Holy Spirit make Him Lord of our lives, and a trust in the Spirit to accomplish that for us.

Kenneth Wuest

Missed Miracles

Can you imagine telling God “no” when He wants you to be part of a miracle? Yet every time He gently places the desire in your heart to commune with Him in prayer and devotion and we don’t follow in obedience; it is like saying “no” to a miracle.

Consider even the smallest call of God to study and pray as an act of His amazing grace. Imagine if He did not call you to prayer? Your heart would become hard and cold. What if He did not call you to devotions early in the morning? The cares and worries of the world would steal your joy and peace. If He never called you to serve Him, your passion for other things would rise and encroach upon every ounce of your strength.

The desire for study, devotion and prayer is not a longing of our fallen nature. It is beautifully conceived by the Holy Spirit. Treat every desire to be with God as a special gift to you from the King of kings. Do not neglect it. Instead, be stunned and swept off your feet that He would want to spend time with you.

Thank God for calling you by His side and never ignore His calm voice summoning you to sit with Him. It could be one of the greatest missed miracles of your life. 

Brad Ferguson

Three Essential Truths to Remember When Suffering

“…who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” Titus 2:14

Every Christian is God’s possession. He purchased us at a very high price – His only Son. Therefore, He has made us and placed us in His special custody above all other creatures. He made us in His own image. Yet when suffering we tend to loose that focus.

When you are suffering remember these three essential yet simple truths. First, you are the object of God’s affections. He wraps you in the fullness of His presence. Never doubt, not even for a moment, that He has abandoned you. He has not. His faithful love surrounds you.  

Second, you are under His protective care. No temptation, trial, tribulation or thorn can approach you without being permitted by God. He is sovereignly in control of every person and circumstance in your life. He will guard and defend you so that you will not be crushed.  

Third, you are the recipient of all His resources.  He will supply you with the needed faith and grace to sustain you while in the valley.

Seasons of suffering can be darker than you ever imagined. They can be extended times of fear, abandonment and loneliness. No matter how turbulent and life changing the waters of suffering are, always hold tightly to our good Shepherd.

Kenneth Wuest said, “God in His wisdom plans the test, and limits the temptation. God in His love sends the test, and permits the temptation. God in His grace meets the test, and overcomes the temptation. In His wisdom He plans and limits.”

Brad Ferguson

Honduras Mission Trip

I recently returned from a mission trip to Tegucigalpa, Honduras with several members of the church. It was amazing to see how God worked. We were able to do some work on a new church plant in Cerro Grande. I was able to preach 5 times in 4 locations. In all, over 75 people gave their heart to Christ.

One of the highlights of the trip was that I was asked to preach a baptism service for 14 new Christians from the new church plant in Cerro Grande. The entire service was outside and everyone stood for the music, preaching and the baptism.

There was no place in Cerro Grande with enough water to baptise. So the church sent a bus to pick the people up and we did the baptism in a town called Valle de Angelos.

This is Pastor Adolfo who has become a very good friend. It is amazing that even though we speak different languages God has brought us together and developed such a close relationship. I truly thank God for Adolfo.

Everyone who was baptised.

This is Estaphanie Michelle. She is a precious little girl who my family sponsors. My children pray for her every night. What a joy to get to meet her.

Me and bunch of kids from the Day Care. I had fun playing soccer with them. They are really good.

The Market in Tegucigalpa.

A wonderful lady who used her home to prepare lunch while we were in Cerro Grande working on building the new church.

Some kids in Cerro Grande.

The people don’t have much at all. What a joy to share the love and salvation of Christ with them.

On Tuesday night I preached in Cerro Grande. The church building is not yet built so we set out chairs and had the service outside. It was completely dark except for two light bulbs over the people. It was cold and the wind was blowing hard. I preached using the light from my flashlight. There were about 70 people in attendance and God saved 4.

I also preached at a private school in Tegucigalpa. This was amazing. We had two sessions of students with a total of between 500 and 600 present. I presented the Gospel and over 70 were saved. One of the administrators told me as she fought back her tears that of the students who came forward in the second session, one was a Mormon and the other was a Jehovah’s Witness. God is so good!

This is Felix and me. Felix was my translator in 2007 and again in 2009. I have grown to love him dearly in the Lord. He did an outstanding job! We got to the point where we could just about finish each other’s sentences.

Tegucigalpa, Honduras

The City.

The city of Tegucigalpa.