Born Into the Kingdom #2 - Baptism

 Note:  This is the second in the three-part series, “Born Into The Kingdom.”

Last week I started a series on the birth of a disciple into the Kingdom.  We are called to make disciples; that’s the Great Commission.  There are three parts – Repentance, Water Baptism and Holy Spirit Baptism.  This post will deal with Water Baptism.

Acts 8:35-40 (NKJV)
^8:35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. ³⁶ Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?" ³⁷ Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." ³⁸ So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. ³⁹ Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing. ⁴⁰ But Philip was found at Azotus. And passing through, he preached in all the cities till he came to Caesarea.

Baptism is a Clear Acknowledgement

Here’s this Ethiopian eunuch.  He’s a very powerful man.  He’s very high up in the queen of Ethiopia’s court and he has been down to Jerusalem to worship God.  He’s not a follower of Jesus at this point.  He’s been worshipping God in the temple.  As we come across him, he’s reading the Book of Isaiah but not understanding what Isaiah is saying.  This is what he read:

Acts 8:32-33 (NKJV)
^8:32 The place in the Scripture which he read was this: "He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; And as a lamb before its shearer is silent, So He opened not His mouth. ³³ In His humiliation His justice was taken away, And who will declare His generation? For His life is taken from the earth."

This is a prophecy a foretelling of the Jesus’ crucifixion.  The eunuch doesn’t understand to whom Isaiah is referring.  While he’s reading this, Philip catches up to him and the text says he used that scripture to preach Jesus to him.  “Jesus is the man who endured this injustice.

His preaching was effective, and the eunuch began to believe in Jesus.

Acts 8:37b (NKJV)
^8:37 … And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."

That’s a bold statement in those times of Christian persecution.  They had just crucified Jesus and stoned Stephen.  Christians had scattered throughout Judea and Samaria preaching as they went.  Since he had been in Jerusalem, no doubt he’s heard of that, but he believes anyway.

I know a young man who had converted to Christianity from Islam.  I asked him what would happen if his father found out.  His response was, “I believe, so what can I do?”  This is the very similar to the Ethiopian’s response…He boldly proclaimed it.  All of us who are believers in Jesus, can we be as bold in declaring Jesus?  Are we open to saying “I’m a believer,” or are we hesitant to declare Jesus as the Son of God? 

The Ethiopian took one more step to declare it.  He got baptized.  This is what baptism is on one level.  It’s you saying, “I believe that Jesus is the Son of God.”  It’s a clear acknowledgement that you believe!

People are really open about some things, aren’t we?  We wear T-shirts with our team’s name.  Go Monkeys (Taoyuan City’s professional baseball team.) I’m not ashamed.  We support political candidates.  We brag about our favorite brands – I have an iPhone.  Nike – Swoosh.  What about Jesus, though, the Savior of your soul.  The one who died for you.  I understand that sometimes people come against you.

Think of that young Muslim man, it isn’t easy to become a Christian when you’re a Muslim, but he got baptized – That’s a bold statement.  The eunuch made a private statement to Stephen that he believes, but he also wanted to make a public declaration about it.

Acts 8:36 (NKJV)
^8:36 Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?"

What hinders me from being baptized?  What are the requirements?  What needs to be done first?  Philip answers:

Acts 8:37 (NKJV)
^8:37 Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."

“If you believe…” that’s the only requirement.  Then he testified of his faith, “I believe Jesus is the Son of God!”  Often, it seems like people want to add other requirements.  I know people who have believed in Jesus for more than two years who have resisted baptism.  People think that if they get baptized, that there will be more required of them; that it will raise them to a different level of Christianity and commitment, like they’ll have a different job description that’s much harder.  All that baptism really is, is an outward sign of an inward decision.  Asking a new Christian to go public is about them standing up and being counted, saying, “I’m not ashamed of Jesus.”

In some ways baptism is a test.  Jesus wants to know if you’re serious.  If you can’t follow through in this one small thing, what are you going to do about more difficult things.  God sometimes asks for hard things.  He asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac.  He asked him to kill the promise and believe that He would deliver on it regardless.  That’s a little harder than being baptized.

Baptism is a public confession of your faith in Jesus.

Matthew 10:32-33 (NKJV)
^10:32 "Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. ³³ But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.

Finally, baptism doesn’t save; Faith in Jesus is what saves you.  Baptism is just you saying, “I have faith in Jesus.”  Public confession is the nature of Baptism.  It is something pursued by someone who believes. 

Baptism Follows a Biblical Pattern

The eunuch’s heart was open to God.  “Here’s water, what stops me from being baptized.”  How would he know about baptism unless Philip told him.  It must have been part of his teaching on Jesus.  It should be part of our teaching, too.

So, as a result of Philip’s preaching, the eunuch got saved and made a private statement of faith.  He was also ready to make a public one.  The old man is gone, and a new one takes his place.

Ephesians 4:22-24 (NKJV)

that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

There is symbolism to baptism as well.  We are identifying with Jesus. Being lowered into the water symbolizes Jesus on the cross.  Being under the water reflects Jesus’ burial, and finally, as you emerge from the water the symbolism is that of Jesus’ resurrection.

Romans 6:4-5 (NKJV)
^6:4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. ⁵ For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection,

That s the symbolism of baptism.  There is a distinct pattern in the Bible about this.  Hear the Word of God, repent and get saved (Believe) and get baptized.  People got baptized in the beginning of the church.  All believers in that time were baptized, often on the same night they got saved.  In fact, the early church was founded on baptism. 

        The Beginning of the Church

Acts 2:41 (NKJV)
^2:41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.

        Philip Preaching in Samaria

Acts 8:12 (NKJV)
^8:12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.

        Cornelius’ Household

Acts 10:47-48 (NKJV)
^10:47 "Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" ⁴⁸ And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.

        Lydia’s Household in Philippi

Acts 16:15 (NKJV)
^16:15 And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay." So she persuaded us.

        Philippian Jailer Later in That Same Chapter

Acts 16:33 (NKJV)
^16:33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized.

All of these baptisms took place on the day they believed and received Jesus.  There wasn’t a lot of agonizing over it.  They believed and they got baptized.  There’s no reason why any Christian shouldn’t get baptized.  Baptism opens you up to all that God has for you.  Once you go record for Jesus, He goes on record for you.

Matthew 10:32 (NKJV)

"Therefore, whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven.

The Dynamic of Faith

There must be a personal breakthrough in faith, because many excuses will surface: 

1)  The excuse of family and friends – I want them all to be here.  Baptism isn’t about a family photo; it’s about an audience of one. 

2)  The excuse that, “I don’t have it all together, yet.  That completely misses the point.  Baptism isn’t about you being spiritually perfect.  If that was the case no one would ever be baptized.  Baptism is about a decision you make…to begin.   

3)  It’s meant to reflect the life you want to live, not the life you’ve already lived.

Jesus could have asked us to do anything, and it would have been His rightful place to do so.  All He asks is that when we put our faith in His salvation that we go public!

We need to have faith.  If Jesus commands me, then I’ll follow, “Just say the word, and I’ll do what you command, Lord.”

The Bible is clear about baptism.  We need to go on record before God and others that we are with Jesus!

Note:  The final post in this series will be on the Holy Spirit Baptism.

Join the Hall of Fame of Faith

 I recently noticed something in Hebrews Chapter 11 that I hadn’t noticed before.  Hebrews 11, called the “Hall of Fame of Faith,” demonstrates a progression of faith.  Our salvation is a process that we work through until we get to Heaven.  This time; our lives is the time that God is perfecting or completing us.  In Heaven we will be completed.

In this post, I want to look at Hebrews 11 and study the progression from sinner to saint, beginning with this passage:

Hebrews 11:1-3 (NKJV)
^11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. ² For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. ³ By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

The Steps to Pleasing God

Hebrews 11 is about the patriarchs and matriarchs of our faith, but there’s more here than meets the eye.  Because there are examples of their faith but there is also a pattern for the perfection (or completion) of our own faith.

It’s my intention with this post that we will learn how to “obtain a good testimony” like them.  These were people who pleased God.

Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV)
^11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

So, the question is this; Do you have faith that pleases God?  Let’s look at the steps to that kind of faith:

Step One – Giving

Hebrews 11:4 (NKJV)
^11:4 By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.

Why is giving the first step to faith?  Because our giving speaks about whether or not we have the basics of faith.  It’s about trusting God for His promises.  There are a number of promises about giving - (Malachi 3:10)   These are promises you can see - (Matthew 6:25-34)!  You can see whether God provides or not, but there are other promises that you can’t see, like salvation.  We are promised Eternal Life if we believe.  But if we don’t trust God for provision, which we can see, how can we trust Him for salvation, which we can’t see.

Giving isn’t just God’s method to provide for His church.  It’s also His method of teaching you to trust Him.

Step Two – Agreeing with God

Hebrews 11:5 (NKJV)
^11:5 By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, "and was not found, because God had taken him"; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

Enoch pleased God.  What was it that pleased God?  His faith, but his faith was shown in his agreement with God – He walked with God (Genesis 5:22).  In order to walk with together in the same direction you have to be in agreement.  Enoch was in agreement with God and walked in His ways.  He applied God’s will to his life, so God took him.  This is a picture of the Rapture.  If we agree with Jesus and walk in His ways; if we live His will for our lives, we will be called up with Him (1 Thessalonica 4:16-17).  Are you ready to be called up into Heaven?

Step Three – Answering God’s Call

Hebrews 11:7 (NKJV)
^11:7 By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

God called on Noah to build an ark to preserve mankind.  God had a plan for all of mankind, man’s redemption, so he called on Noah to preserve mankind in preparation for the redeemer to come. Noah answered that call and built an ark.  In faith!  It had never rained until then (Genesis 6:5-22)!

Step Four – Following God’s Will

Hebrews 11:8 (NKJV)
^11:8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.

God had a plan for Abraham’s life (Genesis 12:1-4), and he called him to leave his father’s house and his nation and follow God to a place that God would show him.  Abraham followed because of His faith.  He believed God for the promise that God had given him and followed.  God has a promise for you.  He has a plan for your life.  

Step Five – Believing God for the Promise, No Matter What

Hebrews 11:17-19 (NKJV)
^11:17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, ¹⁸ of whom it was said, "In Isaac your seed shall be called," ¹⁹ concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense.

Not only did Abraham follow God, not sure of where He was going, he was sure of the promise.  He knew that God would deliver the promise, even if God had to do a miracle to complete it.  When he was tested, he offered up Isaac, the son that was the beginning of the promise God made to Abraham, because he was sure that God would keep His word even if He had to raise Isaac from the dead (Genesis 22:3-19).  

Hebrews 11:13 (NKJV)
^11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

All of these people had the kind of faith that pleases God.  You can see the progression.  You start by trusting God for the things you can see and progress to the kind of faith that makes God proud.  Hebrews 11:6 say “God is not ashamed to be called their God!”

Faith in Action

 James 2:20 tells us that “Faith without works is dead.”  It’s not just about believing God, it also about taking the actions of your faith.  All of these not only believed but demonstrated their faith in their actions.  I want to look at some others who acted out their faith.

Action One – Stepping Out of the World

Hebrews 11:24-27 (NKJV)
^11:24 By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, ²⁵ choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, ²⁶ esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. ²⁷ By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible.

Moses was raised as the grandson of Pharaoh.  He was a future King of Egypt, but he gave it all up.  He stepped out of the world and into God’s will.  Egypt is the symbol of our lives before salvation, when we were still in slavery to sin and oppression.  It’s like living in the world and outside of God’s will.  Moses left all that behind to be in the will of God.

If we want to see Christ’s reward, then we also need to leave the world behind and live the life that will bring us the reward.

Action Two – Trusting God Through Trials and Afflictions

Hebrews 11:32-34 (NKJV)
^11:32 And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: ³³ who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, ³⁴ quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

The Christian life isn't all peaches and cream, as my mother would say.  There are going to be trials and afflictions; there will be attacks and assaults, but this scripture tells us that God can deliver us.  God can turn assaults and attacks into victories, but there has to be a step into action; believing God and stepping out knowing that God will bring you through.  It’s not about not being afraid, it’s about facing that fear and going forward trusting in God, anyway.  How often are we paralyzed by fear in assaults and not able to move forward because of it.

Action Three – Living Out God’s Will

Hebrews 11:38-40 (NKJV)
^11:38 of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. ³⁹ And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, ⁴⁰ God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.

The problem is that we don’t always see what God is doing.  We don’t see all that God sees, or all that He’s doing in us.  That’s why we so often complain about circumstances, instead of looking for what God might be using those circumstances to bring about in us, through our response to those circumstances.  We need to learn to trust that what God is doing is to perfect or complete us.

1 Peter 5:10 (NKJV)
^5:10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.

Suffering is how God works in us.  Where is character built?  In adversity or blessing?  God is preparing us for His promise.  He has to complete us according to that promise.  If people in Heaven are just the same as in the world, then what’s the difference?  Why all the suffering and struggle to remain the same.  Th fact is that life in the world is the way we are changed and made new for life in Heaven. 

A Recap

Steps to faith!

Step 1 – Giving:

Step 2 – Agreeing with God!

Step 3 – Answering God’s call!

Step 4 – Following God’s will!

Step 5 – Believing God for the Promise!

Faith in Action!

Action 1 – Stepping out of the world!

Action 2 – Trusting God through trials and afflictions –

Action 3 – Living out God’s will!

 

Faith: Get Out of the Boat!

Today, I want to post on life.  I want to look at an event in the lives of the disciples, and I want to apply it to our own lives.  Most of us are Christians, but I wonder if you really understand about faith.  All Christians believe in Jesus, but we all have a past and the baggage that goes with that.  Maybe some of you were involved with the traditional Taiwanese religion, and you’re hanging on to some of the old beliefs, and old practices.  Perhaps others are looking at Jesus in the wrong way.  I want to post on some of those things, today.  So, Let’s start with our text:

Mark 6:45-51 (NKJV)
^6:45 Immediately He made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while He sent the multitude away. ⁴⁶ And when He had sent them away, He departed to the mountain to pray. ⁴⁷ Now when evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea; and He was alone on the land. ⁴⁸ Then He saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them. Now about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by. ⁴⁹ And when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out; ⁵⁰ for they all saw Him and were troubled. But immediately He talked with them and said to them, "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid." ⁵¹ Then He went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased. And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled.

They Thought He Was a Ghost

We have this tendency to blame all the bad things that happen to us on You-know-who – That Stinking Devil!  But do you know, a lot of times the troubles we face are just life.  Life isn’t always Peaches and ice cream.  Life has problems and troubles of its own!

Matthew 6:34 (NKJV)
^6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

In our text, we see the apostles – They’re in a boat.  They’re out on the sea and a big storm blows up.  It’s life or death for them, the Bible says they’re straining at rowing.  They’re struggling against the waves and wind and they are frightened!

Imagine what it’s like out there – Waves coming over the sides of the boat – The wind makes it hard to steer the boat – and they’re rowing, they’ve been rowing for hours.  Jesus sent them in the early evening and now it’s the fourth watch – about three in the morning.  They’re exhausted and I’m sure they’re feeling like they’re going to die.

Then Jesus walks out to the boat.  Look at what it says:

Mark 6:49 (NKJV)
^6:49 And when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out;

Jesus comes to them and they don’t recognize Him.  This is a time of great trouble, that can’t be Jesus.  Do you ever think that?  We always think that Jesus would only do good for us, that if He’s involved there won’t be trouble.  The problem is that Jesus doesn’t always ask for the easy things. 

In the Old Testament, Jesus was the “Angel of the Lord”.  He was the one that was going to destroy Sodom.  He was the one who commanded Abraham to sacrifice Isaac.  He was the one who wrestled with Jacob.

In times of trouble we don’t always recognize Jesus.  We’re focused on the trouble and our faith disappears.  Look at this:

Matthew 14:28-30 (NKJV)
^14:28 And Peter answered Him and said, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." ²⁹ So He said, "Come." And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!"

This is the same event as in our text, but Matthew gives us this other detail.  Peter sees that it’s Jesus and decides to walk out to Him.  While he’s focused on Jesus, he walks on the water, but the Bible says that the wind was boisterous.  When he began to listen to the wind, he began to focus on that.  He’s distracted by the problems – the wind and waves – and he begins to sink.  Jesus is right there, right in front of him and yet he focuses on the wind!  He focuses on the storm and the danger!

Do you think it’s interesting that He left them to struggle for so long?  They had traveled about four miles, that’s about halfway across.  He left them in the middle of it all until then.  Then He goes to them and says, “It is I!  Be of good cheer!” “Here I am!  Don’t worry!” “It’s okay, I’m here, I’ll save you!” and then Peter gets out of the boat. “Now that You’re here, I don’t have to be afraid.”  Then the wind frightens him again, and he begins to sink.  What does Jesus do?  He immediately saves him:

Matthew 14:31a (NKJV)
^14:31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him…

How many of us are like that?  In the middle of the storms of life, Jesus shows up.  At first, we’re relieved, “I can do it!  Jesus is here!” but the problems are still just as intense and we’re distracted by that, and what happens?  We lose faith again.

Here’s a hard truth for you.  Sometimes, the troubles in your life are orchestrated by God!  Remember, Jesus sent them out in the boat, to get to the other side.  We think Jesus is there to answer prayer and give us what we want.  You have to remember that it’s Jesus Christ, not Jesus Claus.  Sometimes, you have to go through some difficult things, in order to be prepared to live God’s Will for your life.  This is true in my own life.  I went through some things before I got saved.  I lived through a few storms – the storm of depression and self-loathing – The storm of alcoholism, loneliness, and pain – The storm of Muscular Dystrophy!

I didn’t see Jesus in any of those things!  I was floundering like a ship in a storm.  I was tired and exhausted.  I was straining at rowing, and I didn’t recognize that Jesus was involved, but He saved me!  He pulled me out of those storms.  If I hadn’t gone through them, I would have never seen my need.  I would have thought I didn’t need Him – that I could handle it on my own!  It was the struggle that kindled my faith!

A Call to Faith and a Call to Action

I asked this earlier, but I want to focus on it a little more.  Why did Jesus wait?  Why didn’t He come sooner?  I already said that sometimes we have to face some things in order to be ready to be used for His purposes, but I think Jesus was giving them and us another lesson, as well.

Look at the situation – This is a violent and dangerous storm.  They see Jesus walking on the water and think He’s a ghost.  I think they saw an omen in that, “There’s a ghost – That means we’re going to die!”  Then Jesus says, “It is I, be of good cheer!”  This is a call to faith, “It’s me, don’t worry!” but it’s also a call to action – “Don’t let your fear deceive you!”  What is it that stops you from stepping out in faith?  What keeps you from jumping wholeheartedly into the Will of God?

These men in this boat are terrified!  They’re seeing ghosts, but Peter rises up in faith, “Call me and I’ll come to you!”  This guy is getting out of the boat to walk on water!  He’s got faith!  He’s taking the action of that faith!

This is where we stop!  We believe – “I believe in Jesus!”  If you do, then get out of the boat.  Get out of that safe, comfortable place.  Get out of the boat!  “Well, I don’t know about that!”

I used to go rock climbing – way up high – Big, big rocks!  I didn’t hesitate, I fastened on my gear and I just jumped off, bounding down the rock!  I completely trusted my gear, I had faith, I put it into action.  How many are willing to walk onto an airplane and fly places?  You have faith in the pilot, faith in aerodynamics.  You’re not afraid to fly.  You say you believe in Jesus.  You say you have faith.  So, why hesitate to give yourself completely to Him?

Peter got out of the boat and walked through the storm, but faith is interesting.  Sometimes, we have great faith, but it can waver.  We can temporarily lose faith.  Peter’s doing something that no one but Jesus has ever done – He’s walking on water – but right in the middle of it, he loses faith.

Has that ever happened to you?  You’ve answered God’s call.  You’re doing what he’s asked you to do, but suddenly you find yourself thinking I can’t do this.  I want to confess to you, that there were times in my ministry when I thought, “I’m not having any impact!”  There were times when I thought the church would have been better off if I’d left. 

“There’s no response!”

“People don’t want to come!”

“I’m not inspiring anyone!”

That was me listening to the wind.  That was me struggling with my faith.  That was fear and doubt – the very opposite of faith.  I started to sink into depression and discouragement, my faith at that point was very small.  When I came to Taiwan, I was brimming with faith.  I was out of the boat; I was walking on the water!  I was focused on Jesus, but then the wind became boisterous. And I drifted.  I cried out and Jesus lifted me up.

Matthew 14:31 (NKJV)
^14:31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"

“Why did you doubt?”  In the presence of Jesus, why is there doubt?  Here’s the second hard truth:  I’m not the only one who struggles with faith.  Some people haven’t really grown in faith.  They’re stuck at “I believe in Jesus,” faith.  They have never stepped into the “get out of the boat” type of faith.

You Have to Try it to Have Faith

As Peter is in the middle of the storm – as they are fighting the wind and the waves, he’s probably not thinking, “I can walk on the water.”  When he sees Jesus, he trusts Him.  He believes that Jesus can command him to walk to Jesus.  He’s not walking on the water; he’s walking on the command to come.  He knows that the power to do the impossible resides in Christ’s words.

I knew I could stay and fight another day, because I knew Jesus had the power to do the impossible through me.  The power that I have is only the power to obey. 

So, think about your own life.  What storms are you fighting through?  What is that thing in your life that seems as impossible as walking on water?  What is that thing that you NEED God to do?  Jesus is there in that storm you’re facing!  He’s comforting you, but He’s also calling you to action.

Do you know how best to develop faith?  Do something.  Peter says – Call to me and I’ll come to you.  In order to walk on water, he had to get out of the boat.  If you want to have faith, try doing what God is calling you to do.  I know – you’re afraid.  It’s easier and safer to stay in the boat, but you can't overcome in fear.  Fear rules your life.  Fear stops your momentum.  

Some people think Jesus can’t do anything in their life.  They’re right!  The impossible will always be out of their reach until that moment when they get out of the boat!  You need a miracle?  Then get out of the boat!  You need to take action, to see God work a miracle.  Peter walked on water – a powerful miracle.  The others didn’t have a miracle, because they didn’t trust enough to get out of the boat. 

Where are you, today?  In the boat or walking on the water?

Preparing for a Move of God

I've been talking to a lot of people, lately, who've been interested in a move of God in their lives.  God does move.  But the question for the day is, “How can we prepare for a move of God.” 

There is an old story about two farmers.  Both of them are struggling to keep crops growing in the middle of a drought.  Both of them were in dire need of a miracle.  Their crops were failing.  They were looking for a move of God. So they did the only thing they could do, they prayed that God would bring rain.  Then one of them sat back and waited for God to move and the other went out and prepared his fields for rain. 

We can prepare for God to move.  Of course, this illustration is talking about faith.  We all have great faith, right?  We are all full of faith, right.  I knew it.  But faith isn't about just believing.  It isn't just about intellectual thought.  It is about faith in action. 

There are things we can do that will initiate a move on God’s part.  So today I want to post on preparing for a move of God from this portion of scripture:

Acts 10:29-33 (NKJV)
^10:29 Therefore I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. I ask, then, for what reason have you sent for me?" ³⁰ So Cornelius said, "Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, ³¹ and said, 'Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your alms are remembered in the sight of God. ³² Send therefore to Joppa and call Simon here, whose surname is Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea. When he comes, he will speak to you.' ³³ So I sent to you immediately, and you have done well to come. Now therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God."

The Actions of Faith

So, here we have Cornelius, he’s a centurion.  That means he’s a Roman commander of 100 troops.  He’s not a Jew, but the Bible tells us that he fears God.  I’m talking here about reverence and respect.  He’s a Roman leader that believes God.

Acts 10:1-2 (NKJV)
^10:1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, ² a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always.

He doesn't live like a Jew.  He’s not following all the Jewish laws about food, for one thing.  He lives like a Roman.  He’s a Gentile.  Interestingly, God gave him a vision, of an angel.  The angel told him to send for Peter in Joppa.  So he did as the angel commanded.  Peter came to him even though there’s a Jewish law that says that Jews don’t mix with Gentiles.  Look at what Peter says when he arrives at Cornelius’ house:

Acts 10:27-28 (NKJV)
^10:27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found many who had come together. ²⁸ Then he said to them, "You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean.

So, there are two actions of faith taking place here: 

1)      Cornelius sent for Peter based on the angel’s word.

2)      Peter broke Jewish law to answer the call and go.

You can say that both of these men prepared for God’s move.  In the illustration only one farmer prepared for God’s move.  What I want to look at today isn't their faith.  Obviously, both of them had faith.  What I want to look at today is preparation. 

Cornelius, by the way he lived, prepared for God to move.  Let’s examine that; let’s look at what the angel said to Cornelius.

Acts 10:31 (NKJV)
^10:31 and said, 'Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your alms are remembered in the sight of God.

This is the angel speaking to Cornelius and he says, “Your prayers have been heard…”  God has heard the prayers and is answering them.  Then he says, “Your alms have been remembered.” So this wasn't a chance thing here.  God moved because of Cornelius’ preparation. 

First, Cornelius prayed and fasted:  Acts 10:20 says, “Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house.”

Second, Cornelius gave alms, in verse thirty-one it says, “And your alms are remembered in the sight of God.”  So fasting and prayer, and the giving of alms was the way that Cornelius prepared to see God move.  Both of these are an act of faith. 

Have you ever fasted?  Fasting is an act of denial.  You go without eating because you believe God will respond to your fast.  It takes faith to fast.  I can’t even begin to tell you how many times people have told me that fasting is bad for my health, but I’m still here, still in relatively good health,  and I have fasted many, many times.  In fact, I fast at least one day per week. 

Fasting and prayer goes hand in hand.  If you fast without prayer what you’re really doing is just not eating.  Fasting and praying together are the actions of faith. 

It also takes faith to give.  We always think we have to hold on to our money, in order to have more of it.  Time and time again, though, financial advisers recommend giving.  Look at this quote from a book entitled The Power of Giving: 

With so many challenges to cope with, you may ask yourself, “Why should I expend any effort in giving?” or “I’m already scrambling to deal with all the demands and pressures on me.  How will I find time and resources to give more?” or “No one gives to me, why should I give to others?”

In this chapter we hope to show that no matter what your circumstances in life, you have the ability to give.  As well, giving is good for you.  it provides the following benefits:
 

• It can make a positive difference to others.

• There are emotional, physical, even financial benefits to you.

• It can help you to achieve your full potential.

• It can bring you more meaning, fulfillment and happiness. 

This is a secular book.  These authors are financial men and fund raisers.  The book is about how giving benefits both those who receive and those who give. 

So, if we examine what motivated God to move in Cornelius’ house it's prayer and fasting, and giving that the angel mentioned that God noticed.  Both are acts of faith.  Those acts show an openness to a move of God.

How are These Things a Preparation?

Why is it that we can look at fasting and prayer, and giving as a preparation for a move of God?  To answer that let’s look at them individually.    Let’s begin with prayer:

James 5:16 (NKJV)
^5:16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

So, James tells us that the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.  Let’s break all of that down by looking at the definitions of those words.

• Effective – producing a decisive or desired effect.
• Fervent – marked by great intensity of feeling (impassioned)
• Avails – to be of use or advantage:  HELP:  BENEFIT

You can produce the desired effect by praying with great intensity.  This is what Cornelius did, he prayed AND fasted; that fasting, that denial of self is what gave the prayer great intensity.  Throughout the Bible there are stories of men who have fasted and seen God move.  Daniel fasted for clarity of the vision of the end times that he had.  The early Christians fasted and prayed for Paul and Barnabus on their first mission trip.  King Darius, (another non-Christian like Cornelius) fasted and prayed so the lions wouldn't eat Daniel.  Saul of Tarsus, King Ahab, the people of Ninevah, they all fasted and God moved in every case.

When we’re passionate about something we’re willing to do whatever it takes, to make it happen.  If you want to succeed in business you have to be passionate enough to overcome all the hurdles of life to get there.   If you want your business to be successful there is always something you have to work through.  The thing that really helps you is how much passion you have about what you’re doing.  If you passionately believe in it, then you will do whatever you need to do to see it happen.  You won’t be complaining that you have to get up in the morning and go to work.  You won’t be upset about having to work a lot of hours.  You won’t mind the sacrifices you have to make to have it happen. 

Shouldn't the same be true of the things you need God to move in, in your life?  Don’t we go to God for the things we really need God to move in?  Do you REALLY want God to move in your finances?  Do you REALLY want to see friends and family saved?  Do you PASSIONATELY want God to move?  If so, then you need to be fervent, passionate, intense about seeing God move, and He will move. 

Let’s look at giving, now, as a means to prepare for God to move:

Mark 12:41-42 (NKJV)
^12:41 Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. ⁴² Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans.

Look at this story of the widow.  Jesus is sitting by the treasury; He’s watching people give.  He’s looking at their giving as a way of seeing their fervency.  He sees the Pharisees give out of their abundance.  They rich and they give large amounts.  The widow gives a very small amount, but there is something special about her giving. 

Mark 12:43-44 (NKJV)
^12:43 So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; ⁴⁴ for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood."

She gave it all…there is no doubt about her passion.  The others gave greater amounts, but it was what they could afford.  The widow gave in faith.  She gave without thought for what would happen in the future.  God sees that.  We’re still reading about her two thousand years later.  He giving is a remembrance before God.  Do you remember where you've seen that before?

Acts 10:31 (NKJV)
^10:31 and said, 'Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your alms are remembered in the sight of God.

That’s what the angel said to Cornelius.  The widow and Cornelius have something in common, they’re both fervent about their giving and it touches God. 

God is touched when we give in faith:

Genesis 4:2-5 (NKJV)
^4:2 Then she bore again, this time his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. ³ And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the Lord. ⁴ Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering, ⁵ but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell.

The difference between Cain and Abel’s giving was faith.  Cain gave out of abundance.  He came with leftovers.  Abel gave in faith; he gave the firstborn.  If you give with fervency like the widow, like Abel then God will move.

What is Preparation for a Move of God?

God moves powerfully in Cornelius’ life.  Look what happens:

God instructs Cornelius in what to do.  He tells for Cornelius to send for Peter in Joppa.  At the same time He’s preparing Peter to respond.  God has to overcome some things in Peter’s life so that he can respond to God’s call here.  First, there’s the food issue.  Cornelius is a Gentile and he eats like a Gentile, Peter can’t do that.  God has to work it out.  He does that with a vision – “Rise Peter, slay and eat.” 

The second thing that must be overcome is that Peter and Cornelius don’t know each other. These people show up at his house and tell him that Cornelius wants to see him.  Peter isn't supposed to visit the home of non-Jews.  It’s a matter of Jewish law.   God has moved to prepare Peter and Cornelius so that He can respond to Cornelius’ prayer. 

Now, look at what happens when Peter arrives at Cornelius’ house:

Acts 10:44-48 (NKJV)
^10:44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. ⁴⁵ And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. ⁴⁶ For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, ⁴⁷ "Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" ⁴⁸ And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.

Cornelius’ whole household is saved, and then the Holy Ghost fell.  This is a powerful move of God.  This is the first time the Holy Ghost has fallen on a Gentile. This is a powerful move of God.  So what was the preparation?  Prayer Giving and obedience.  Cornelius had to be obedient to what God told him.  Peter had to obediently respond to God’s call.  We can’t downplay obedience, here. God moves through obedience. 

Do you remember the widow of Zarephath?  She’s facing ruin and God responds by giving her an instruction that results in God’s provision for her.  If we obey God’s message then we will see His response to our prayers, too. 

If you’re like me you’re looking at this New Year and you’re saying, “God I need you to move in this specific area of my life.”  But you can’t just say, “God I need you to move,” you need to prepare for a move of God; prepare your field for rain.  Pray and fast with passion and fervency, so that God will make your prayer effective.  Give with faith so that your giving touches God.  Be obedient to God’s instruction, do what God calls you to do and God will be able to move.  If you leave out a part of that you tie God’s hands.  He’s trying to move but you’re not listening.  Open your heart and prepare for God’s move and watch what God will do.