Tag: The Gospel

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Bible Preaching

The Rock & The Name

Stephen Kuntzman | Oct. 5, 2025 | 6:30 pm

Text: Matthew 16:13-20 

(13) When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?  (14)  And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.  (15)  He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?  (16)  And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.  (17)  And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.  (18)  And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.  (19)  And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.  (20)  Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.

1 Corinthians 10:1-4, “(1)  Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;  (2)  And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;  (3)  And did all eat the same spiritual meat;  (4)  And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

The Rock & The Name

Bishop James A. Johnson: “Men often fail in their religious pursuits because they are not convinced of the extraordinariness of Jesus.”

“Whom do men say that I the Son of Man am?”

Apparently, there were many opinions in Jesus’ day regarding His identity: John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.

The world today has no need for men and women who have already ran their race, finished their courses and received their reward.

John, Elijah, Jeremiah, and the prophets – healed the sick, raised the dead, stopped the heavens from raining, brought the rain again

They preached great sermons, performed notable miracles, baptized many.

BUT, they could not make men, women, boys and girls inwardly whole. They were unable to save humanity from their sins.

Only Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God can do that.

I love, honor and respect our Apostolic / Oneness Pentecostal heritage.

I have great esteem for men like Urshan, Ewart, Goss, Haywood, Pugh, Kilgore, Kitchen, Simison, Kuntzman, Jenkins, McFarland, Tenney, etc.

They all served their generation well, but their time has come and gone.

It is now your time to do for this generation what God requires of you.

God has called you to this time and this hour and this day.

Esther 4:14, “For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

This is your time! This is your place! What will you do with it?

The disciples gave Jesus a list of who people believed others Him to be, but Jesus cut through all that and simply asked them, “But whom say ye that I am?”

Who is Jesus to you?

Who is Jesus to you? Is He simply a good man, a healer, a worker of miracles, a teacher of great truths…

Do you see Him as some far off ethereal deity cloud robed and mystery hidden, or can you say like Peter did:

“Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

He is the one the prophets spoke about, wrote about, prayed for, looked to, and rejoiced at His coming.

He is the Messiah, the anointed one, the savior.

He is God manifest in the flesh.

Jesus is The Rock, and properly identifying Jesus through the power of divine revelation brings a blessing into your life:

“Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.”

1 Corinthians 12:3, “Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.”

Revelation comes by the Spirit of God and always agrees with the written Word of God.

1 Timothy 3:16, “And without controversy [undeniable, certain, without dispute] great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.”

1 Timothy 2:5-6, “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;  (6)  Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.”

Matthew 1:20-25

(20) But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.  (21)  And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.  (22)  Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,  (23)  Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.  (24)  Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:  (25)  And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

Jesus then tells Peter who He is: “Thou art Peter [a piece of rock], and upon this rock [a mass of rock] I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” <<Peter = “a piece of rock”[1]  | Upon this rock = “a mass of rock”[2]>>

Peter, I’m not going to build my Church on you, you’re just a little piece of rock, but upon This ROCK, this massive rock of stone – the revelation of who I am – I am going to build My Church.

Jesus – The Rock – The Name, is who this Church is built on:

(10) Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.  (11)  This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.  (12)  Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.[3]

Jesus Christ is The Rock

  • Deuteronomy 32:31, “For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges.”
  • Deuteronomy 32:3-4, “(3) Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God.  (4)  He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.”
  • Psalm 18:2, 31, “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower….For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God?”
  • Psalm 95:1, “O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.
  • Isaiah 28:16, “Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.”
  • Ephesians 2:19-22, “(19) Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;  (20)  And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;  (21)  In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:  (22)  In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.”

Like Paul, when you receive the revelation of The Rock & The Name and realize His power you will be driven by a singular devotion and determination:

“And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified” (1 Cor. 2:1-2).

PERGAMOS[4]

Revelation 2:12-17 

(12)  And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; 

  • Pergamos literally means “married with the world.”
  • It refers to a condition and time when satan changed tactics to attack the Church.
  • We all want to be accepted.
  • So, satan stopped persecuting the church and began popularizing it.
  • The church became the “in thing” to join.  And so it became fashionable.
  • But while fashionable it had become impure. Those joining didn’t leave their sinful practices and those already in it became influenced by the world.
  • This led to a condition where the Church would become unfaithful to Christ and married to the world.
  • Jesus is stating here that He is coming with a two-edged to divide the true Church from the false church that is full of compromise and polluted works.

(13)  I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. 

  • Even as popular culture tried to pervert, popularize, and convolute the name of Jesus, the Church held on to the truth of the mighty God in Christ.
  • They still understood:
    • Neither is there salvation in any other…
    • In Him dwelleth all the fullness of the godhead bodily…
    • Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name…
  • God has always had a True Church that has held onto His name.
  • Somewhere and somehow Truth has always been preserved.
  • Even when satan changes tactics, God is always steps ahead preserving and protecting the Church.
  • You see, Truth doesn’t need protecting. Truth is true whether all believe it, or none do.
  • It was Adrian Rodgers who said, “It is better to be divided by truth than to be united in error. It is better to speak the truth that hurts and then heals, than falsehood that comforts and then kills. Let me tell you something, friend, it is not love and it is not friendship if we fail to declare the whole counsel of God. It is better to be hated for telling the truth, than to be loved for telling a lie. It is impossible to find anyone in the Bible who was a power for God who did not have enemies and was not hated. It’s better to stand alone with the truth, than to be wrong with a multitude. It is better to ultimately succeed with the truth than to temporarily succeed with a lie. There is only one Gospel and Paul said, “If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed”.” -Adrian Rodgers, National Religious Broadcasters Convention in 1996
  • The Church in Pergamos had martyrs who had died for Truth – Antipas (thought to be the pastor).

(14)  But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. 

  • It was Balaam who couldn’t curse the Hebrews. So, he encouraged Balac to have his pagan people intermarry with the Hebrews.
  • Thus, the Hebrews brought a curse on themselves when their gentile wives brought false gods, heathen practices, and compromise into their homes.
  • The devil wants you to bring a curse on yourself by allowing a marriage of the holy with the profane in your life.

(15)  So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 

  • The doctrine (deeds) of the Nicolaitans: Corrupts Paul’s teaching concerning grace, and made it a license to sin.
  • They were sensual and unrepentant.
  • They turned the grace of God into lasciviousness.
  • Paul wrote in reponse to them: “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?  God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” (Romans 6:1-2).
  • 2 Corinthians 6:17, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.”
  • According the Joseph Benson, “They allowed the practice of the most abominable lewdness and adulteries, as well as sacrificing to idols; all which they placed among things indifferent, and pleaded for as branches of Christian liberty.”[5]

(16)  Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 

  • REPENT – Jesus here gives to John the very first word of the Gospel that He shared in the beginning – REPENT.
  • It is the only solution for your sin.
  • It is better to fall in humble repentance now than to be broken by God’s judgment.
  • Psalms 103:8-11, “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.  He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.  He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.  For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.”

(17)  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

  • Hidden manna = Divine provision both natural and spiritual.
    • The Bread of Life, the Lord Jesus Christ, is our sustenance.
  • White stone = a sign of purity and innocence.
    • Even in this wicked age of compromise God can keep you pure and declare you innocent.
  • Name recorded in stone = worthy of eternal life.
    • God would not condemn the True Church to Hell because of the failures of their generation.
    • Is your name recorded in the Stone?

If not, you need to enter into The Rock

Isaiah 2:10, “Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty.”

How do you “Enter into the Rock?” How do you get in Jesus? Peter told us on the Day of Pentecost how to do that:

…God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.[6]

Get into Jesus?

Obey the plan of salvation and be born again of water and Spirit.

That is how to enter into the Rock.

Death, Burial & Resurrection = New Birth:

Colossians 2:8-12, “(8) Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.  (9)  For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.  (10)  And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:  (11)  In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh [repentance] by the circumcision of Christ:  (12)  Buried with him in baptism [water baptism] wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead [Holy Ghost].

When you properly identify The Rock you will operate with the same delegated authority Peter was granted:

“…whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

So, Preach Jesus – Teach Jesus – Live Jesus – Share Jesus – Love Jesus – Praise Jesus

And the gates of hell shall not prevail against you.

No secret council of hell will ever prevail against God’s Church – the gates of hell

Who is Jesus to you?  

You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.

Matthew 16:17-18, “Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

“Thou art Peter” = Petros – “a (piece of) rock.”[7]

You are a small pebble, Peter, I’m not going to build My church on you…

“And upon this Rock” = Petra – “a (mass of) rock.”[8]

But I’m going to build My church on this massive boulder, this Stone hewn out of the mountain, OUR ROCK that’s going to grow and cover the whole earth.

…and establish an eternal Spiritual kingdom that cannot be destroyed.”

[1] Strong’s & John Gill

[2] Ibid.

[3] Acts 4:10-12

[4] Dustin L. Abbott. 2007. Revelation Unveiled. Pages 44-48.

[5] Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments.

[6] Acts 2:36-39

[7] Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries. G4074.

[8] Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries. G4073.

Categories
Bible Teaching

A Generation that Speaks

Apostolic Life Cathedral | 2/2/2025 | 10:00 AM

Text: Isaiah 53:1-12

“(1) Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?  (2)  For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.  (3)  He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.  (4)  Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.  (5)  But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.  (6)  All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.  (7)  He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.  (8)  He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.  (9)  And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.  (10)  Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.  (11)  He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.  (12)  Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”

I want to focus your attention this morning on this question from verse 8:

“He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation?

Who shall declare His generation?

I will teach/preach this morning on this topic:

A Generation That Speaks

Organizations, education centers and businesses are constantly trying to find ways to reach, influence and motivate people.

In fact, much time and money is invested in the field of sociology to study the particular ways that each generation in the last 100 years are similar and different.

This “generational analysis” is of particular interest to the church as well because “unless we learn how to understand, engage, communicate, and connect [with these] different generations, [we]will edge towards irrelevancy and extinction.”[1]

Social analyst and demographer, Mark McCrindle, Has defined these generational demographics. Where do you fit?

  1. The Builders generation describes those born before 1946.
    1. This generation built much of the society we know today.
    1. This generation has also displayed their resilience through some tough times: starting life after a Depression, hearing stories of World War I from their parents and living through World War II.
    1. Today, we refer to them at “Senior Citizens,” but weren’t always seniors. They are the generation that built our suburbs, institutions, and infrastructure, and continue to build in their own ways to this day.
    1. They uphold much of the values, principles and commitments that built our society.
    1. They are also a very understanding and adaptable generation, who appreciate the younger generations who have grown up in a world so different from the one in which they were born.
  2. The Baby Boomers were born between 1946 and 1964.
    1. They get their generational label from the baby boom that occurred post-World War II (the fertility rate was 3.5 babies per woman)
    1. This increase in population resulted in a boom in the economy, housing, construction, and infrastructure to accommodate this population that was almost doubling in their early years.
    1. This empowered generation shaped society and the social context.
    1. They pushed back on political decisions, participated in protests, saw the rise of feminism, and had a desire for equality. They were the social justice warriors of their time.
    1. Whether good or bad, the Baby Boomers brought about massive cultural, social, and economic change, and continue to have impact our society today.
    1. Their high net-worth has helped build our economy and lend a hand to the next generation – “the bank of mom and dad.”
  3. Generation X was born between 1965 and 1979.
    1. This generation sings the tunes of anti-establishment and have a mindset of pushing back on authority figures.
    1. Until COVID-19, Generation X benefited from a time of economic prosperity and property ownership. As a result, they experienced and embraced small business and entrepreneurial opportunities.
    1. Generation X have done well through this era, despite their early angst and now they are doing things differently to the generations that went before them.
  4. Generation Y, or Millennials, were born between 1980 and 1994.
    1. They have been known for their love of smashed avocado, specialty coffee and travelling abroad.
    1. Because of accelerating house prices and flat wages growth many in this generation have been locked out of buying their own homes.
    1. There are events, experiences, and political drama that molds each generation, and for the Millennials, this all occurred on September 11, 2001.
    1. When 9/11 took place they were in their formative years and much of the next decade defined and shaped their global outlook.
    1. Millennials get a lot of negative press, but like Generation X, they are gaining stability that comes with maturity. Today, this generation are entering the parent and family life stage as they move into their 30s and 40s.
  5. Generation Z describes those born between 1995 and 2009.
    1. Shaped in a COVID-19 era, this generation has experienced economic and social upsets, and they have adapted and become more conservative as a result.
    1. This also means they are more resilient, focused on education and recognise the importance of it in their foundational years. They know that in a competitive environment, they need to up-skill and retrain, and can’t just rely on job-for-life for stability.
    1. Lifelong learning is their mindset.
    1. This generation is conscious that they need to work hard to achieve the things they want in their life, and this mindset goes against some of the stereotypes of young people.
    1. Generation Z volunteer at a higher rate and are more likely to work for a non-profit than any prior generation.
    1. They focus on values, fulfilment and making a difference with their life. That matters more than just what they can earn. But at the same time, they’re financially conservative.
    1. They are diligently saving for a home, they want a place of their own.
  6. Generation Alpha were born between 2010 and 2024.
    1. The start of something new, Generation Alpha are the start of something new. This Alpha cohort is the first generation to be fully born in the 21st Century and to be shaped in this new era.
    1. The year they began being born (2010), Instagram launched, and the iPad became available, which says a lot about how technology has shaped them.
    1. COVID-19, increasing globalization, connectivity and empowerment also says a lot about them.
    1. We need to recognize that it’s a whole new landscape in which they have been born into and which is shaping them.[2]

Mark McCrindle writes, “When we look at the times and technologies that shaped us, it helps us to understand ourselves and how we are different to others. Hopefully, that then helps to bridge gaps rather than point out those gaps. Because until we can understand the difference, have warmth across that difference, see the reasons for it and the context of why we’re seeing those different behaviors or responses, we’re just going to point the finger rather than appreciate the strengths of other generations. Understanding always precedes empathy, and empathy is essential for community and cohesion among people of different generations.”[3]

The point is, every generation has a voice, influence and effect on the times and culture around them. Sometimes, that voice can be heard loudly, and other times it is silent.

  • A generation can either “speak truth to power,” as the Quakers did when they spoke out against the injustice of their time, or as the non-violent demonstrations espoused by Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement did in theirs.
  • A generation can also stay silent, “Silence is Consent.” World War II witnessed the silence of some in Europe, and even in the USA, and that silence made them complicit in the Holocaust where 6 million Jews were exterminated.
    • Albert Einstein, “If I Were to Remain Silent, I’d Be Guilty of Complicity.”
    • Martin Luther King, Jr.
      • “There comes a time when silence is betrayal.”
      • “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
      • “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”

A Generation That Speaks

The silence was deafening the day Jesus stumbled under the burden of the roughhewn cross beam, bloodied, bruised and edging closer to His death at Calvary.

700 years before that fateful day, Isaiah posed the prophetic question, “He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation?”

This is no mere idle question, no futile query taking up space on the pages of the Holy Writ.

In that generation, “It is said that before anyone was punished for a capital crime, proclamation was made before him by a crier in these words, ‘Whosoever knows anything about his innocence, let him come and make it known.’”[4]

And nobody spoke up. Yes, noise filled the streets, but no one shouted the innocence of Jesus.

Not one voice was lifted to cry out, “He is Innocent.”

Silence from the crowd that was surely dotted with faces of those He had healed, delivered, comforted and taught.

SILENCE!

Jesus may have been referencing this custom when he said to Caiaphas, “I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing. Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.”[5]

No one spoke for Him.

No one spoke up about His impeccable life.

Everyone present on the road to Calvary and at Calvary was guilty of silent complicity on that day, Roman, Jew, man, woman, citizen, visitor, disciples, scribes, Pharisees.

Philip declared the generation of Jesus to the Ethiopian:

“(26) And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.  (27)  And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,  (28)  Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.  (29)  Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.  (30)  And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?  (31)  And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.  (32)  The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:  (33)  In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.  (34)  And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?  (35)  Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.”[6]

Paul declared His generation on a hilltop in Athens, and identified all believers as His offspring:

“(22) Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.  (23)  For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.  (24)  God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;  (25)  Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;  (26)  And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;  (27)  That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:  (28)  For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.  (29)  Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device.  (30)  And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:  (31)  Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.”[7]

The Lord Jesus Christ, in His role of sonship will judge the world in righteousness one day:

John 5:21-23  For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.  (22)  For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:  (23)  That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.

We are His generation:

  • Isaiah wrote, “…who shall declare his generation?” Then he added, “…He shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days…”
    • We are that seed, the Children of God, a generation of men and women born of the Spirit.
  • “A seed shall serve Him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation.”[8]
  • 1 Peter 2:9-10, “(9) But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:  (10)  Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.”

He speaks for us and declares for us what no one did for Him:

  • “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us” (Romans 8:32-34).
  • Hebrews 7:25, “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.”
  • “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:1-2).
    • Advocate = Helper, Adviser, Counselor who pleads our case.
    • Propitiation = Jesus is the atoning sacrifice for our sins. He puts us at one, reconciles us, declares us innocent.

Jesus is A Generation That Speaks and He declares for all that will receive Him:

Innocent – Innocent – Innocent

[1] Mark McCrindle. (2024). How generational analysis is helpful. Accessed: Feb. 1, 2025. https://mccrindle.com.au/article/topic/demographics/the-generations-defined/.

[2] Ibid.

[3] Ibid.

[4] Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible. Isaiah 53:8.

[5] John 18:20-21

[6] Acts 8:26-39

[7] Acts 17:22-31 

[8] Psalm 22:30

Categories
Bible Teaching

The Heart of the Gospel

Apostolic Life Cathedral | 11/3/2024 | 10:00 AM
Categories
Bible Teaching

Communion

Apostolic Life Cathedral | 1/2/2024 | 7:00 PM

1 Corinthians 11:23-26

(23)  For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:

(24)  And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

(25)  After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

(26)  For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.

“…this do in remembrance of me”

What is “this”? Communion

Communion is Partnership, Joint Participation, Distribution, Fellowship.[1] It is “an embodiment and proof of fellowship.”[2]

  • “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread” (1 Corinthians 10:16-17).
  • 2 Corinthians 6:14, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?”
  • The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. The second epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi, a city of Macedonia, by Titus and Lucas” (2 Corinthians 13:14).

Luke 22:14-20, “And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.  (15)  And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:  (16)  For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.  (17)  And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:  (18)  For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.  (19)  And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.  (20)  Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.”

Notice:

  • v. 15, “With desire I have desired” = I have been looking forward to this.
  • v. 19, Jesus declared, “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst….I am that bread of life.”[3]
  • v. 20, The Old Testament began with shed blood, the New Testament began with shed blood.
    • “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission” (Heb. 9:22).
    • Blood shed for remission – forgiveness

Matthew 26:26-30, “And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.  (27)  And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;  (28)  For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.  (29)  But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.  (30)  And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.”

  • Life is in the Blood = His Life was shed for many to forgive sins.
  • v. 29, Future event
  • v. 30, One reason I like hymns? Jesus and His Disciples sang them.
    • Psalm 113-118 were the hymns/psalms which they sang/chanted in observance of Passover.
      • Psalms 117:1-2, “(1) O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.  (2)  For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.

Albert Barne’s Notes on the Bible (Matt. 26.26-30)

Jesus took bread – That is, the unleavened bread which they used at the celebration of the Passover, made into thin cakes, easily broken and distributed.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:17, “For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.”
  • Humility = unleavened bread (no sin, and not puffed up)

And blessed it – Or sought a blessing on it; or “gave thanks” to God for it. The word rendered “blessed” not unfrequently means “to give thanks.” Compare Luke 9:16 and John 6:11. It is also to be remarked that some manuscripts have the word rendered “gave thanks,” instead of the one translated “blessed.” It appears from the writings of Philo and the Rabbis that the Jews were never accustomed to eat without giving thanks to God and seeking his blessing. This was especially the case in both the bread and the wine used at the Passover.

  • Jesus, the Messiah – Anointed One – blessed, or anointed, the bread.
  • Are you thankful? The first step to thankfulness is thoughtfulness.

And brake it – This “breaking” of the bread represented the sufferings of Jesus about to take place – his body “broken” or wounded for sin. Hence, Paul 1 Cor. 11:24 adds, “This is my body which is broken for you;” that is, which is about to be broken for you by death, or wounded, pierced, bruised, to make atonement for your sins.

  • His body was broken, suffered, wounded, bruised, broken, beaten, battered for our sins.

And gave it to the disciples – You are the beneficiary of a loving and giving God. There is no greed in Him.

  • John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
  • This Gospel is for anyone who is willing – “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Rev. 22:17).

This is my body – This represents my body. This broken bread shows the manner in which my body will be broken; or this will serve to recall my dying sufferings to your remembrance.

For this is my blood – This “represents” my blood, as the bread does my body.

Luke and Paul vary the expression, adding what Matthew and Mark have omitted. “This cup is the new testament in my blood.”

Which is shed for many for the remission of sins – In order that sins may be remitted, or forgiven. That is, this is the appointed way by which God will pardon transgressions. That blood alone effectively pardons sin:

  1. Because it is “the life” of Jesus, the “blood” being used by the sacred writers as representing “life itself,” or as containing the elements of life, Gen. 9:4; Lev. 17:14. It was forbidden, therefore, to eat blood, because it contained the life, or was the life, of the animal. When, therefore, Jesus says that his blood was shed for many, it is the same as saying that His life was given for many. See the notes at Rom. 3:25.
  2. His life was given for sinners, or he died in the place of sinners as their substitute. By his death on the cross, the death or punishment due to them in hell may be removed and their souls be saved. He endured so much suffering, bore so much agony, that God was pleased to accept it in the place of the eternal torments of all the redeemed.

2 Cor. 5:21, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

Jesus was not just a substitutionary sin offering for you and I, and He certainly did not become a sinful person on the cross.

But, He became the Sin-Bearer for all of humanity: you, and I, and all that have lived, are living, and shall ever live.

“He has made Him to be sin for us!”

Love kept Jesus on the path to Calvary, love us individually, love for the world entirely, and love for His Bride completely (Revelation 1:4-8):

 (4)  John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;

(5)  And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

(6)  And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

(7)  Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

(8)  I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

Matthew 26:29, “But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

  • There is a wedding day coming – The Marriage Supper of the Lamb – when Jesus will sit down with His Bride and drink the fruit of the vine again.
  • 2 Corinthians 11:2, “For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.”
  • Isaiah 54:5, “For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.”
  • The Lord Jesus Christ is Your Creator and your Redeemer, and one day we – The Bride – will be called to a marriage and supper, Revelation 19:6-9:

(6) And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.  (7)  Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.  (8)  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.  (9)  And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

This is why we obey the Lord’s ordinance of communion: every time we partake of communion we do so as a token of faith in His Death, Burial, Resurrection, Ascension, and in His Return for His Bride.

Romans 12:5, “So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.”

Communion = Partnership, Participation, Fellowship

1 Corinthians 10:16-18, “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?  (17)  For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.  (18)  Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar.”

  • We join in a partnership with one another each time we receive communion.
  • It is a fellowship with our Lord Jesus Christ, and fellowship with all participants of the Lord’s Supper.
  • “…we being many are one bread…” = Publicly we are show that we are one with the Bread of Life and with every believer that has ever lived.
  • The ordinance of communion reveals to us, and others, that we are part of the society called “The Body of Christ.”
  • It is the proof of our fellowship.
  • So, every time we participate in the fellowship of communion we partner in the Holy Spirit with Jesus, the twelve, and all those ever after.
  • When you take communion you are not just sharing that moment with those physically present now, but you are also participating with all those who have gone on before and all  those who choose to partner in communion in the future…until the Lord comes for His Bride, the Church, the Body of Christ.

1 Corinthinas 11:23-32

(23)  For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:  (24)  And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.  (25)  After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 

In Remembrance of Me

(26)  For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come. 

  • Past – Present – Future
  • Throughout all ages since that first communion until now and into tomorrow…

(27)  Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 

  • Unworthily, not unworthy, means “irreverently,” or “in an unworthy manner.[4]

(28)  But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.  (29)  For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.  (30)  For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.  (31)  For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.  (32)  But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

Ephesians 2:4-7, “(4) But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,  (5)  Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)  (6)  And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:  (7)  That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.”

  • Heavenly Places…

Hebrews 12:1-2, “(1) Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,  (2)  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

1 Corinthians 11:26, “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.”

A word or two regarding: “…not discerning the Lord’s body.”

1 Corinthians 11:28-32, “(28)  But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.  (29)  For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.  (30)  For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.  (31)  For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.  (32)  But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

Paul’s Two Fears:

  1. False doctrine deceiving the church – 2 Corinthians 11:3, “But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.”
    1. 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12, “…because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.  (11)  And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:  (12)  That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”
  2. Division in the Church – 2 Corinthians 12:20-21,”For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults: And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.”
    1. John 13:34-35, “(34) A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.  (35)  By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

Both are signs of a lack of love:

  1. No love for truth.
  2. No love for others

Both bring uncleanness to the Body and pervert it from within.

“…heap teachers having itchy ears…” – Echo chamber

Balaam said that Israel would destroy herself from within

Paul’s two fears for the church were not external enemies, but internal issues.

1 Peter 1:22-23, “(22) Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:  (23)  Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.”

[1] Communion. Koinonia (G2842). Strong’s & Thayer’s.

[2] Communion. Koinonia (G2842). Thayer’s.

[3] John 6:35, 48

[4] Unworthily. Anaxios (G371). Strong’s.

Categories
Bible Teaching

The Gospel According to Moses – Harold Hoffman

Here is another fantastic five-part series taught by Pastor Harold Hoffman (First Church Sterling Heights) – The Gospel According to Moses:

Categories
Bible Teaching

The Miraculous Word

Apostolic Life Cathedral | 6/6/2023 | 7:00 PM

Text: Acts 10:34-48

(34)  Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

(35)  But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

(36)  The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

(37)  That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;

(38)  How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

(39)  And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:

(40)  Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;

(41)  Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

(42)  And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.

(43)  To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

(44)  While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

(45)  And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

(46)  For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

(47)  Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

(48)  And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

The Miraculous Word

Bishop Harper made a statement, while teaching the Sunday Morning Adult Bible Class, that has remained on my mind and that I am going to teach on tonight. He said,

The secret of the followers of Jesus is that that they brought to Jesus the sick, the lame and the bound. Then those people were healed and delivered. This is also the secret of the church – bring them to Jesus.[1]

It is still true that word of mouth will either grow or destroy a business.

Not too long one of my favorite local restaurants failed their Cabell-Huntington Health Department restaurant inspections.

Their priority violations, reported in the Herald-Dispatch[2] and on social media, listed that they were “associated with foodborne illness.”[3]

Now, I’m not going to get into what all that means, but I definitely have not been back.

In fact, they corrected all the violations quickly, but still, I have not been back.

That negative report is stuck in my mind.

I’ve been needing a pair of shoes that give good foot and ankle support.

My wife heard about a particular brand of shoes that everyone is raving about, and she, being the wonderful wife she is took me out on Friday night and bought me a pair.

And, now, I’m telling you, those shoes are fantastic.

It’s the same thing in the Church, we tend to focus on the negative or positive reports that are broadcast about a local house of worship.

I’d like to say that every congregation, every pastor, every saint receives rave reviews.

I’d like to believe that I personally have never acted in some way that would result in a failed spiritual inspection.

We all, I’m sure, want to be the first place people in the tristate think about when they need a safe place to heal, hear the Word, be loved, trust and to find victory.

How did the fame of Jesus spread? There was no television, internet, radio. It was word-of-mouth:

Matthew 4:24, “And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.”

It is noteworthy that the people who heard about Jesus brought the needy to Him to receive their deliverance:

Mark 1:32-34, “And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils. And all the city was gathered together at the door. And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.”

Acts 10:34-48, “….(38) how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him….”

Yes, but how does this message to Cornelius begin?

Acts 10:34-35, “ Then Peter opened his mouth, and said [here comes the miraculous word], Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.”

He is telling the Good News of Jesus Christ to people who are hungry and in need.

The result is a miraculous display of God’s salvation.

Maybe you went to school when they still required you to memorize that great poem The New Colossus, written by Emma Lazarus in 1883 and placed at the bottom of the Statue of Liberty:[4]

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,

With conquering limbs astride from land to land;

Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand

A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame

Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name

Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand

Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command

The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.

“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she

With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!“

Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”[5]

We, the Church, are to go and share The Miraculous Word of the Gospel, and when we do…when we bring them to Jesus…they are healed, delivered, saved, reborn and renewed.

You see The Miraculous Word is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Church needs to be out in the open broadcasting The Miraculous Word:

In his book, The Every Day Church, Missionary Allan Calhoun writes, “We Belong in the Open.”[6]

Mark 16:15-20 (KJV), “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.”

The focus of our understanding of these scriptures is based on two parts: “these signs” and “believe”. Because “I believe,” “these signs” should be demonstrated in the Church. I believe, so where are the miracles?

Two other phrases in this passage are often entirely missed: “go ye” and “follow them.” It is a physical impossibility to “follow” something that is stationary.

Considering myself a believer is not enough to release the ministry of the miraculous; the catalyst that releases the potential is “go ye.”

The Miraculous Word was shared by the early Church and the same miracles – even greater works – of Jesus continued through apostles. The Acts of the Holy Ghost working through the Apostles, Acts 5:12-16:

(12)  And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch.

(13)  And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.

(14)  And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)

(15)  Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.

(16)  There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

If you want to see that response in our day, then you who believe need to go and share The Miraculous Word of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and you’ll witness what they witnessed.

[1] Edwin S. Harper. “Authority to Forgive” paraphrase. Sunday, June 4, 2023, 10:00 AM, ALC.

[2] Herald-Dispatch. (9/11/2022). Cabell County restaurant inspections. Accessed: https://www.herald-dispatch.com/features_entertainment/cabell-county-restaurant-inspections/article_f2eb2a07-d8fa-5e22-b5e4-b351997cf6a2.html

[3] Ibid.

[4] Emma Lazarus. (11/2/1883). The New Colossus. Accessed: https://www.nps.gov/stli/learn/historyculture/colossus.htm

[5] Mathew 11:28

[6] Allan Calhoun (2011). TheEvery Day Church. Self-published. p. 44-46