Category: Featured Articles

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:20

Our text gives us a promise from the risen Lord Jesus Christ. Many of His soldiers have had to reclaim this promise on the mission field or in a difficult place of service. In times of hardship or opposition, the old man can descend into doubt and wonder, “Where is Jesus?” Whether we acknowledge it or not, Jesus’ promises never fail. Sometimes we fail to recognize the promised eternal presence of our Savior.

What is the most common reason? Probably denying His identity. John 1:11 states that even His own people “knew Him not.” Even when they were in His presence, His person and purpose were not acknowledged. Thus, these people did not enjoy the full blessing of being in the presence of the Son of God. In Matthew 23:37, Jesus even states He would have gathered His people to Himself as a hen gathers her brood under her wings. But they refused. This mentality robs a person of the blessing of Jesus Christ’s presence even when He is present and seeking to reach them.

At times, even believers and faithful laborers fail to recognize His presence. Circumstances, fear of danger, or lack of faith can blind us from recognizing His presence. Mark 6 tells the story of Jesus’ disciples out on the sea at night when a storm arose. The wind blew “contrary” to the effort of travel to the other side of the sea. They no doubt became heavily occupied in rowing and trying to accomplish their assignment. They knew Jesus remained behind on the shore and not in the boat with them. In the challenge of the task before them, they forgot Jesus’ power. He just fed more than five thousand people with the lunch of a lad. So, either Jesus was not on their mind, or they thought that Jesus was too far away to help. The Scripture states that though Jesus was on the shore “He saw them toiling” (Mark 6:48). Jesus does not assign a task and then leave the laborer alone. He comes to them even if He must walk on water. It must have been a great comfort to them to hear Jesus speak and tell them, “Be of good cheer. It is I; be not afraid.” Whatever the task and wherever He calls us, Jesus sees us toiling. He comes to our side bringing cheer and peace. As He promised, He will be with us even to the end of the age. We serve the same Jesus Who walked on water.

Sometimes things do not go the way we plan, or we misunderstand God’s plan. We fail to understand how God’s plan differed from our understanding. In Luke 24, two men headed to a village called Emmaus. As they traveled, they discussed the recent events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus. One expressed his misunderstanding of the mission of Jesus. He thought as many did that Jesus was come to “redeem Israel.” As they journeyed along, Jesus joined them. Their “eyes were holden (restrained) that they should not know Him.” These men did not know they walked in the very company of the resurrected Savior. They focused on the disappointment that their plan was not accomplished to “redeem Israel.” Jesus informed these men of their wrong expectations (vs. 25-26). He pointed them to the Word of God, which foretold the mission of Jesus. The Scriptures of the prophets spoke of the death and the glorification of Jesus Christ. Because they misunderstood the Scripture, they were with Jesus and did not know.

If we are serving Him, we need to know His plan. We will not be disappointed or come to the wrong conclusion about how things happen. We need reminding that He always carries out His plan. God announced His plan back in Genesis 3:15. What if Jesus was not present to inform these men? He is always where His people are laboring and serving to keep us on the right course. Oh, what a comforting fact to know Jesus will not only comfort and protect us, but He will lead us in the right plan.

If Bro. Hurst’s article is an encouragement to you, please email him to let him know. You may also visit ebarnabas.org to make an appointment with him for encouragement.

For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;
Hebrews 6:13-19

The problem of drifting away from God and His commands has existed since the fall of man. In our day we observe the influence of trends and ideas. A practice or teaching arises and becomes popular. Right or wrong, biblical or not, there always seems to be some who fall in ranks and drift away. These instances are observable all the way back to Noah’s day. Believing God and living a godly life was not the popular thing to do. In this age, we have an excellent and preserved Bible. It is accurate; God’s hand is upon it. He has used it to save souls and build lives and churches. Then, along came men claiming they had something better. Slowly but surely men who trusted that we had the Word of God began yielding to the enticing popularity of the new thing. We used to sing from old songbooks, the music that reaches down in the soul and honors God. Then there were those who thought the world’s music was entertaining and attractive to more people. While we remain thankful for modern conveniences, technology, communications, and the comfort of buildings, the principles mentioned above have changed in purpose. In varying degrees, the purpose changed from primarily honoring and worshipping God to pleasing and satisfying the carnal hunger of mankind.

It seems we need to reset our anchor. An anchor not solidly set on an immovable object or principle tends to drift under pressure. In our text, we see that the Christian possesses a hope produced by God Who cannot lie. This hope, according to verse nineteen, is an anchor to our soul. We need to set our hope in God and His promises and position ourselves on a steadfast, immovable anchor.

God made a seemingly impossible promise to Abraham. At seventy-five years of age, even in his day, fulfillment of this promise would be humanly impossible. God promised Abram he would become a great nation, yet he fathered no children. God told Abraham to leave his land and go to an unknown destination. Abraham believed God–not the possible doubts and questions of the human mind. God swore to him by “two immutable things” (v.18): the immutability of His counsel and the impossibility for God to lie. Because Abraham anchored not in the place of his nephew Lot, he was blessed. God counted him righteous because he simply believed God. Because Lot anchored elsewhere, he lost his wife and his testimony in the judgment of God.

Jesus established principles and standards while He was on earth for how and what He expected of His church. He also stated that not one jot or tittle of His Word would pass. So why do some think we can adjust and conform more to the world and be successful? It is an indescribable blessing that we are permitted as Abraham to believe God and simply become a child of His kingdom. His promise will not change, and our soul is anchored in an immoveable promise, not drifting with the tides of the contemporary values. Thank God for a secure Anchor of our soul. We may be out of style or unpopular by some standards, but our anchorage in Jesus puts us in the right place when He comes for us.

If Bro. Hurst’s article is an encouragement to you, please email him to let him know. You may also visit ebarnabas.org to make an appointment with him for encouragement.

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
Acts 4:13

Jesus Christ chose fisherman to follow and learn of Him. They would carry on the message Jesus brought from Heaven to all mankind. Jesus spent three years training the twelve apostles. The men in this text were known as the “inner circle.” With their closeness and increased involvement in the training and work, they got to see many miracles performed by Jesus. They heard the best and most powerful preaching and teaching. These experiences alone would be better than any education from an institution of learning.

Jesus returned to the right side of the Father in Heaven (2:33). Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost is recorded in Acts 2. The Lord used his preaching to bring three thousand souls to salvation. In chapter three, Peter and the rest of the apostles preached strong messages to the people about Jesus and their rejection of Him as Savior.

Chapter three records Peter and John going into the temple. There they heard the invalid man’s call for alms. They replied that they had no silver or gold. But they claimed the power Jesus gave to the twelve and commanded the lame man to rise and walk. Peter helped the man to his feet, and the lame man left walking and leaping (not limping) and happy. The rest of chapter three and the start of chapter four speaks of the stir building among the people. Peter declared the power for this miracle came from the One they rejected and crucified. The religious crowd became offended over this. As a result of this preaching, five thousand men believed.

In chapter four, the preaching and exalting of Jesus stirred the religious authority and rulers and threatened their following. “Being grieved they laid hold of the men until the next day.” In verse six, the authorities confronted them. They asked the men by what power or authority they healed the invalid. They answered with another presentation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Verse twelve narrows the message down to a clear point: no salvation exists except through the Person of Jesus Christ. Thankfully the message is still good today. This message came from a man “filled with the Holy Ghost.”

This long trial in the record of Peter and John, who stood examined by religious and political men, reveals to this writer some of the same viewpoints and challenges we encounter today. The authorities perceived Peter and John as “unlearned and ignorant.” This misperception might have stemmed from Peter and John’s lack of temple education and hearing the real voices of religion. This elite crowd recognized no credentials. They only deemed the relationship to this One illegitimate, a Nazarite followed by simple fishermen into the “false” teaching. As Bible believers today, we seem “unlearned and ignorant” to the world and religious crowd. The god of this world has blinded their eyes to the truth. As Jesus commanded Peter, we must “be filled with the Spirit.” When filled with the Spirit, we can stand boldly and proclaim the precious Gospel like Peter and John. Even if questioned or rejected by the unsaved people of the world, we can prevail.

The authorities perceived one thing which could not be questioned. They understood these men had “been with Jesus.” By their boldness in preaching, the message of Jesus Christ and their strong convictions of the truth, no doubt remained that they had been with Jesus Christ. We may or may not have credentials the world expects or stand in the famous, higher levels of the religious world. But may God help us to live and proclaim the truth leaving no doubt WE HAVE BEEN WITH JESUS CHRIST. As with the leaders who sought the disciples, the world still recognizes a difference in the ones who have been with Jesus Christ.

God, help us to allow men to recognize Your presence in our lives that You may draw them to Yourself. Help us be faithful in the Word of God and prayer so faithfully that the presence of God shows on us.

If Bro. Hurst’s article is an encouragement to you, please email him to let him know. You may also visit ebarnabas.org to make an appointment with him for encouragement.

2 Corinthians 9:10-12
Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness; Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;

The concern of God for the ultimate need of mankind is great enough that He gave His only Son to bring sinners to reconciliation with Himself through Jesus Christ. Only Christ can meet this need; only the triune God should receive the glory.

As born again Christians, we should share the same value of reaching souls of men to point them to the Savior, the only One able to save them. A possible pitfall and tragic direction lie in some religious movements. They seem to hold a genuine burden for the needs of men. But to grow in number or recognition, they try to fulfill the work in ways other than God’s way, becoming like the lost to reach the sinner. This behavior leads to false security. Is our goal to meet the need of man through our own means and programs? Or is our goal to bring glory to God by meeting the needs of mankind?

These problematic approaches bring glory to man. The glory belongs to God and not to man. Our ultimate goal should be to bring glory to God by reaching mankind’s need for God. One author stated: “Increase of grace makes for an increase of thanksgiving to the glory of God.” To the saved soul, he or she will give thanksgiving to God instead of glory to man.

If we set our purpose and goal to bring glory to God, it will not diminish our hunger and desire to reach as many souls as possible. Instead, the desire increases to bring further glory to God. This goal not only honors God but also produces more lasting and genuine fruit. After all, it is God’s work, and He knows the best way. In fact, His way is the only way of salvation. His knowledge and plan far exceed ours and that of the world.

If Bro. Hurst’s article is an encouragement to you, please email him to let him know. You may also visit ebarnabas.org to make an appointment with him for encouragement.

Proverbs 23:23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

In these days many try to eliminate the truth and absolutes. God works with truth, and it is not relative. God is true and not adjustable or relative. Truth has been revealed to mankind in the Person of Jesus Christ (John 1:14; 14:6) and in the written Word of God (John 8:31-32). We are advised in our text to “Buy the truth and sell it not” (Proverbs 23:23).

Of course, this does not mean that we purchase the truth with money or riches. Too valuable to be obtained with any physical or worldly means, the truth is found in the person and the relationship of the Person of God. It is available to whosoever. There is no other supply nor substitute. It will never change or fail. The Person of God changes not, nor does His truth. Customs and societies change and sometimes try to change God’s Word, but the earth will pass away and still God’s Word will not change “one jot or one tittle.”

1. The truth about salvation was established before the foundation of the world.
   1. Jesus Christ paid the awful price because He was the only TRUE sacrifice to satisfy a just God’s payment for sin.
   2. Because Jesus was “The Way the Truth and the Life” we trust the Person and the Word to be saved from sin.
   3. This truth is so valuable:
      1. It cost the suffering and life of the Son of God.
      2. Many who have experienced this truth gave their lives rather than deny it.
      3. Many have tried to change it by changing the message or distorting it, but it remains the same.
      4. Many have denied it and now suffer eternally in Hell.
      5. Many have embraced it and have a sweet fellowship with the Way, the Truth, and the Life and have assurance of eternal bliss in the presence of Jesus Christ in heaven.
2. Keep it at all cost “sell it not.”
   1. There is no object or pleasure on earth worth sacrificing the Truth of God.
   2. There is no wealth worth straying from the truth.
   3. No plan or work which leads astray from the truth is worth forsaking or straying from the truth.
   4. There is no suffering worth forsaking the truth, even death.
3. Application of the truth: (Also wisdom and instruction, and understanding)
   1. Wisdom:
      Romans 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
      1 Corinthians 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
   2. Instruction: How to apply the truth
      2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
   3. Understanding:
      2 Timothy 2:7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.
      1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

Let us earnestly stand for and preach and live only for the Truth of the Word of God.

If Bro. Hurst’s article is an encouragement to you, please email him to let him know. You may also visit ebarnabas.org to make an appointment with him for encouragement.

John 3:16; 2 Peter 3:9

God crowned His creation by giving life to the first human being and naming him Adam. Even in a perfect environment, Adam failed God by disobeying a simple command. Adam plunged the whole human race into a condemned state before our Creator by passing along a nature prone to sin. Additionally, one of Adam’s sons was a murderer. Humankind neglected our Creator so much that God saved only one family when He restarted the human race: Noah’s family.

God used some great and godly people through history. We read about them in the Word of God. We learn of men like Abraham, a friend of God; David, a man after God’s own heart; and the heroes of the faith who challenge us in the Book of Hebrews. Even these men and women fought the common problem of mankind. They sinned and needed the grace of God.

On a darker side, God recorded names that bring evil to our minds, like Ahab and Jezebel, and Judas, who betrayed our Lord. Many others in history, both ancient and current, could fit this frame: Hitler, Saddam Hussein, and many others who shocked society with their wickedness. Though these crimes and criminals are famous, we still share the common trait that we all have sinned and justly deserve God’s wrath.

One other commonality we have with every human of the past, present or future is that God loves every one of us. It is God’s will that every man’s sin is covered by the shed blood of God the Son. He loved every one of us enough to send His Son to pay our debt. As we go into the fields of humanity witnessing for our Lord, some seem to be enemies to God and us. However, we need to realize they are loved by God, the One Who loves and saves us. God is not willing that they perish and spend eternity in Hell.

What a thought to consider: There has never been a human being that God did not love and has not given His Son to save. Such amazing grace from a holy and loving God!

If Bro. Hurst’s article is an encouragement to you, please email him to let him know. You may also visit ebarnabas.org to make an appointment with him for encouragement.

The Church in Antioch was growing, and growth brought with it some growing pains. Some of the congregation needed special attention. Gradually, the many needs began to drain the time and apostolic work of the apostles.

The church decided to appoint some men and call them deacons (servants). These men would need to be good, strong, spiritual men. They considered the prospects. According to the listing in our text, the first name that came to mind was Stephen’s. This man was not just active in church and recognized by all the congregation, but he was not ignored in the synagogue either. He was “a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost.” No doubt the other men were godly also, but they do not receive the same comment as Stephen. This man exhibited faith and power. He is an excellent example for us to follow today.

Stephen must have been known for his heavy involvement in the Lord’s work and good spirit. He was the first named as those seven men who would have the responsibility for this duty. He was a man “full of faith and of the Holy Ghost.” The basic requirement of the seven was to have an honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom. Stephen was noted to stand above those requirements. We do not know about his physical condition or his talents. We do know from the text that he was close to God and was a servant to God.

The church and apostles selected Stephen. He received a special gift to do “miracles and wonders.” In the synagogue, “they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake” (6:10). As usual, when God’s messenger preaches the truth, the world and unbelievers get upset. The people stirred. The religious crowd arrested Stephen and took him to the council. His preaching about Jesus and the Old Testament prophets contradicted the religious people. Their wrath became so heated the Bible says that they “gnashed on him with their teeth.” Stephen never said that he could be wrong or that this was just his opinion. It was the inerrant Word of God. He considered no apology. “They saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.”

Stephen did not appeal the charges to the hierarchy. He turned to his Lord, and he saw the One that he preached about “standing on the right hand of God.” God’s servant was under attack, and it drew the attention of God and His Son. Jesus rose from His seat on the right hand of God. He stood noticing His servant’s mistreatment. (7:56) Still, we see no self-pity or wrath. Stephen followed the example of his Lord and Savior. He pled for God’s mercy on his executioners and asked God to receive his spirit. No doubt that day Stephen met his Savior that he loved so much and was blessed in His presence.

What a challenge to us Christians today! We have more Bible than Stephen had available. He just believed and absorbed what he had. He put the record of God’s dealing with the prophets in his heart. He completely accepted God’s message in his heart. He lived a life “full of faith and of the Holy Ghost.” Oh, that we would follow the example of Stephen by absorbing the Word of God and being filled with the Spirit. We may not look like angels, but the world can see much more of Jesus Christ in us if we speak in His power and behave in His manner. The world may hate us too, but our Savior is equally concerned about us as he was Stephen. That is all that counts.

If Bro. Hurst’s article is an encouragement to you, please email him to let him know. You may also visit ebarnabas.org to make an appointment with him for encouragement.

Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
1 Corinthians 3:5-15

Our text begins with a concern for divisions in the church at Corinth. Divisions in the congregation about who should lead hindered the growth of the believers. Even so, today divisions will hinder the growth of any church. In verse nine the Word states, “We are laborers together.” Some will sow the seed; some will reap the harvest. Together we can be successful in building the believers into a healthy and growing church. For the sake of space here, I will try to be brief, but I want to remind us of some elements in building a body of believers called the church.

I. Plan for the building.
The Owner chooses the plan. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus said, “I will build MY church…” He speaks not of brick and mortar. He talks of an organism called the CHURCH, and it is made up of saved souls of humanity. He is the Master Architect. Before anything else was ever built or even materials or examples created, He planned and spoke the whole world into existence with all the elements necessary, including the occupants. He provided all the power sources, lighting, and resources for a sustained food supply and even made the occupants in a manner that they could be material for a body that would glorify Him, serving Him and one another. With these factors considered, we have only one Architect to consider which is Jesus Christ.

II. Personnel for the building.
God built a nation in the Old Testament. They went through some tough times and strayed from Him, but they are still being built. When the “fullness of time” came, Jesus Christ redeemed the sinners that would be His church. He started with twelve men, mostly fishermen, and has been building on HIS church ever since. Jesus left us a plan: the Word of God. He appointed apostles, pastors, and teachers to deliver His plan and to build His church. The laborers are those who have been saved and are growing (being built up) in the Lord Jesus Christ.

III. Process of the building.
Paul reminded the church at Corinth “…we are laborers together with God.” (1 Corinthians 3:9) We labor one with another, and we all labor with God. This building process requires unity and some “master builders” as the Apostle Paul. God’s plan is still the same: His church evangelizing and BUILDING His church. The plan resource remains the same: the Word of God. The foundation is laid on the Person of Jesus Christ and His teachings to the apostles. (1 Corinthians 3:11-12; Ephesians 2:20) God cares about HOW we build His church. Since the believers are the “lively stones…built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ,” we need to be separated from worldliness and separated unto Jesus Christ. Our labor and purpose should be to glorify Jesus Christ. The methods need to be biblical. The material we consume should be clean and in line with the Word of God. Popularity is not the goal, but instead to glorify Jesus and provide truth. It is what sets mankind free from sin and pleases our Lord. He did not send us to entertain, but to preach the truth.

IV. Prospect of the building.
That blessed day when the building is complete, Jesus will present to Himself a “…glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” (Ephesians 5:27) The workers who labored willingly according to the will of God will receive rewards from our Chief Architect and Captain of the building. We should be building in a manner that Jesus will be able to say, “Well done thou good and faithful servant.” Let us put our efforts and labor together as one with a heart of love for Jesus Christ and get the building done.

If Bro. Hurst’s article is an encouragement to you, please email him to let him know. You may also visit ebarnabas.org to make an appointment with him for encouragement.

If Bro. Hurst’s article is an encouragement to you, please email him to let him know. You may also visit ebarnabas.org to make an appointment with him for encouragement.

 

In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed. Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate, And the Lord have removed men far away, and there be a great forsaking in the midst of the land.

Isaiah 6:1-12

In chapters one through five of Isaiah, he reveals that the people of God were living some very ungodly lives. As a man of good standing, if not already called as a prophet, Isaiah points out the severe offenses to God’s holiness. Many of the practices mentioned here are prevalent in today’s society. In chapter one verse four, he states, “Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.” These conditions would be like us in our society bemoaning the wickedness of our nation. Indeed, the atmosphere would not entice a man to seek out a ministry of preaching or prophecying. However, God does not always send us to places where the people are seeking someone to tell them about God and His Word.

In chapter 6, we find Isaiah in the temple. The house of God is a good place to escape the world’s oppression of sin and corruption. Isaiah saw a view of God like no one else mentioned in the Bible. God manifested Himself at other times, but none like this one. God was on His throne high and lifted up. “His “train filled the temple.” Seraphim attended Him and cried, “Holy, holy, holy.” They worshipped the triune God Who is thrice holy. “God’s glory filled the whole earth.” God’s voice was so powerful that the doorposts moved as an earthquake would move them. “The house filled with smoke.” Smoke represented the God of heaven Who has all power in heaven and earth. He is absolutely holy. He is above and attended by the heavenly hosts. His voice resounds above all others. Consider that we serve the same God that Isaiah did. He still has that immense power and holiness. He remains concerned for those outside the “temple” in sin.

The manifestation brought Isaiah to conviction. He was keenly aware of his sins and the sins of his people. This same God provided cleansing for those sinful lips. How blessed we are that our sins are not cleansed by coal but by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. God made clear that He wanted someone to go for Himself. Isaiah responded, “Here am I; send me.” Is it possible that we are so short of laborers because we have not truly experienced the Holy God as Isaiah did? The prophet did not ask where he should go. He simply said, “Send me,” and then asked, “How long?” God does not mention furlough time but to stay until there is no one else to hear.

Isaiah got a big view of God and realized his sinful condition. He received cleansing. Then, He heard a clear call of God and surrendered before knowing where he was to go or how long he was to stay. His need was not to build a large congregation but to sound the Word as long as there was mankind to hear. God help us to follow the example of this old prophet.

Bro. Elwood Hurst has recently taken on the role of Missionary Mentor. He will be writing a monthly article for us to encourage and challenge our missions family. This is his first such article. If it is an encouragement to you, please email him to let him know. You may also visit ebarnabas.org to make an appointment with him for encouragement.

BE FILLED

Ephesians 5:18 “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;”

The reference above is a direct command and a simple one. But it seems frequently misunderstood.  We are in no way to exalt the Holy Spirit above the Lord Jesus Christ, but He is a vital part of our relationship to our God and Savior. Without the filling of the Spirit of God, we cannot expect the fruit that God intends us to bear in our ministry.

In Luke 24:49b, Jesus told the disciples to “…But tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” Jesus states to the same people in Acts 1:8 that they will be witnesses, “…after the Holy Ghost is come upon you.” We realize that this is primarily referring to the Pentecostal event of the birth of the church. But, the truth still holds that we must be filled by the Spirit of God to be effective in the ministry of bearing witness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Often, we think we can go on our own until time to deliver a message, witness to a person, or participate in an event. It is good to pray as we begin that work and seek the leading of the Spirit of God. However, we may miss that state of being “filled with the Spirit” if that is the only seeking of the Spirit we have done. That filling involves a process of our turning lose the control of the fleshly nature and surrendering to the control of the Holy Spirit. As with the alcohol drinker, he ingests several drinks before the evidence of the control is known. We need to take action to have the Spirit “filling” us.

1. In being filled, we must fill our hearts with the Word of God and allow its instructions to take hold of our hearts and lives.
2. As the Word of God washes away more and more of the fleshly controlled parts of our lives, the control of the Spirit is more and more evident.
3. We need to spend our time praying and asking God as David did to search us for the unclean areas in our lives. As God reveals those things to us, we must confess and forsake them.
4. The more His Word controls our lives, the more we will be an effective witness and servant of our Lord and the more people will see God in us.

The Spirit of God indwells all who are saved. We long to be the vessel that He not only lives in but is revealed through to others by our witness and light in the world. Could we substitute programs, education, and other preparations for time on our knees and in the Book that God would be more known in our lives instead of our nature and ideas?