There is a Blessing in the Fire

Scripture Reference :
Daniel 3:14-24 (NIV)

Beginning with Daniel 3:14... and Nebuchadnezzar said to them, "Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up? 15 Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?" 16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." 19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual 20 and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. 21 So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. 22 The king's command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, 23 and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace. 24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers "Weren't there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?" They replied, "Certainly, O king."


The events in the book of Daniel is written at a time the Jewish captives of Babylon were in bondage because of their idolatry (see Isaiah 2; 30:19-22; 31:7; Jeremiah 8:19; Ezekiel 5: 1-12; 6:1-10; 14:1-5; 16:15-23; 20:39-40; 22:1-4; 23). Israel was commanded not to make or worship idols, on penalty of death.

Now, with the making of this golden image and the dedication ceremony, three friends find themselves commanded to worship this idol, or die. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego were determined to flee from idolatry. These three remained faithful to God and to His law, even when threatened with the fiery furnace. They obey God’s law even when it is life-threatening. They would rather face the wrath of men than the wrath of God.

The three Hebrews, bound tightly and still in their festive dress, had to be carried to the furnace and then thrown in. The fire was so intensely hot that those charged with the unpleasant task of throwing the men into the fire were consumed by the flames which belched from the furnace. These three men did not stand a “prayer of a chance,” unless their God was able to deliver them. They were cast into the top of the furnace, bound hand and foot.

Something puzzled Nebuchadnezzar, when looking into the furnace he saw not three men, but four. More troubling was that the fourth person in the furnace was not like the other three. The king turned to his high officials, who were looking on. He asked them if there were not three men cast into the fire. They wisely agreed. He called their attention to the fact that four men were now in the fire, and one had a god-like appearance. Whatever that appearance was, he knew it was not human and assumed it to be divine.

When placed in a position where we must either obey God or men, then we must obey God and disobey men. If obedience to one of man’s laws would result in our disobedience to one of God’s laws, we must obey God by disobeying men.

The three friends did not believe that faithfulness to God guarantees freedom from suffering and tribulation. We know from the Scriptures that those who would live godly lives should expect suffering and tribulation (see 2 Timothy 3:12; Hebrews 11 and 12; James 1:2-41 Peter 2:18-25; 41-19).

While these men bore witness to their faith by what they refused to do, God’s power was most dramatically demonstrated in the fire. When Christians suffer well, the world takes note that the faith of the believer is not a fair-weather faith. Suffering is the opportunity for God to bear witness through us.

Lastly, suffering is a beneficial experience because it purifies.

The enemies of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego were shown the folly of their own “faith” and the power of the God of the Jews to preserve and deliver them.

Deliverance comes from God, to the people of God. Deliverance is complete. It will keep us through the fire of tribulation and adversity.

by: B Stevenson and Lillie Jackson

I Am the One

Jesus and the Ten Lepers

Scripture Reference: Luke 17: 11-18 (NIV)

11Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance 13and called out in a loud voice, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!" 14When he saw them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were cleansed. 15One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. 17Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?"


Jesus and his disciples are on the move. Jesus is moving the focus of his ministry south from Galilee, getting closer and closer to the final confrontation in Jerusalem. (“As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.” Luke 9:51 NIV) Here Jesus is traveling in the border area at the southern extremity of the province of Galilee, and at the northern end of the area where the Samaritans lived. Luke reminds us that this took place in a racially-mixed area.

Leprosy in Biblical times was a terrible thing. It was considered incurable, and those diagnosed with leprosy were banished from society. They were treated as outcasts, like many who have AIDS today. They were required to live outside the city in leper camps (read Num 5:2-3) and were to cry out to warn others to keep away from them as they walked the streets (read Lev 13:45-46).Jewish practice prescribed that while lepers might attend synagogue, they must be the first to enter and last to leave, and they must stay in a special compartment to isolate themselves from the other worshippers.

Pastor Collins, characterized leprosy as a deadly, dogging, demoralizing illness. Being just outside of the village would be common, since the lepers probably obtained food from family members or those in the village who took pity on them. They had no land to till, and no livestock to look after, which left them dependent upon others.

The questions were asked, “Have you ever been bound to a place where you could not see Christ? A place where you had not money or food, and were considered low class? A place where people looked at you with disdain, because you were not on their level?” Pastor Collins’ sermon he speaks of the church as a hospital, where the spiritually sick come together and pray with each other seeking Gods’ grace and mercy.

The lepers asked for pity, the phrase "have pity" means to be greatly concerned about someone in need, 'have compassion/mercy/pity' for someone. “As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance, and called out in a loud voice, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!" (Luke 17:12&13 NIV) They didn’t ask for healing but for pity. They asked for whatever Jesus might give them -- food, clothing, shelter, whatever he decided to offer. They knew Jesus' reputation for compassion. But did they really ask for and expect healing? The scripture doesn't indicate so.

When Jesus told the men to go to the priest to prove that they had been cleansed, it is clear that Jesus had acted to heal them. The request calls for faith; since the men must turn and go to the priests without having first experienced the healing.

There are several points in the lesson of this healing: (1) God's mercy should yield thanksgiving. (2) God works through Jesus. (3) Getting close to God is a matter of trusting him. One who seems far away can really be near. (4) The outsider, the foreigner, is the most sensitive to Jesus in this story. Those who respond to God may not be the ones we expect to respond. (5) God's blessing can be appreciated or underappreciated.

Jesus highlights the last point when he asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?"(Luke 17:17 NIV).The group of lepers were in all probability united by their disease despite deep divisions of ancestry, religion, and history. But the Samaritan was the only one to offer thanks. Life's real blessings are not valued, while things that cannot really bless are assigned worth they do not really possess. Many time our families and friends, and more important, the God of life is underappreciated, taken advantage of or ignored--not necessarily to their detriment, but always to ours.

There is one other lesson in the exchange between Jesus and the Samaritan man. God's grace, even though it is extended to all, does not mean that all gain salvation. "He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God" (John 1:11-12 NIV). Christian friends, can you truly say “I AM THE ONE?” God blesses humanity in a general way, but only the responsive who appreciate what he has done in Christ receive his full blessing and acceptance.

by: B Stevenson

Neighbor Holler Until You Get It

Jericho

Scripture: Mark 10:46-49

In the book of Mark, Jesus was constantly doing something. The Gospel of Mark emphasized the super human power of Jesus. Christ is presented as God’s Son in action. This book tells more of what Jesus did, like filming a movie Mark rushes from one dynamic scene to the next.

In the first twenty verses of chapter one Jesus is baptized, tempted by the devil, and begins His ministry; teaching, cleansing and healing. The second chapter of Mark is filled with many miracles, for example, in verse 25 he rebuked an unclean spirit. Quoting verse 34,“and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.” In chapter 4 Jesus calms a storm. --“And he arose and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, Be Still and the wind ceased and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39 KJV).In Chapter 5 he healed the Geraseme Demoniac, the woman with an issue of blood and raised Jairus’ daughter. All throughout the book of Mark Jesus teaches in parables and performs marvelous works.

Pastor Collins chose the Mark 10:46-49 to frame his message on Sunday, August 16. “Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (that is, the Son of Timaeus), was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” (Mark 10: 46-49 NIV).

The first three gospels of the New Testment gives an accounting of the healing of the blind man on the road leaving Jericho. Bartimaeus, was the blind beggar and son of Timaeus a blind man; which made the case worse, and the cure more wonderful.

Pastor Collins explained Bartimaeus was the son of a blind man going through a generational curse past down by his ancestors. He cried out to the Lord Jesus for mercy; “Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David.” Misery is the object of mercy, his own miserable case he recommends to the compassion of the Jesus, Son of David, of whom it was foretold, that, when he should come to save us, “the eyes of the blind should be opened.” (Isa. 35:5) In coming to Christ for help and healing, we should look to him as the promised Messiah, the Trustee of mercy and grace.

Bartimaeus spoke up for himself; this is what happens to Bartimaeus when he speaks out. He is sternly ordered to be quiet. So what does he do? He cries out even more loudly. "Have mercy on me," he tells Jesus. Through his courage the blind beggar was healed. Bartimaeus faith was so strong that it allows him in the presence of Jesus to step outside social boundaries.

As a beggar and a man with a disability, Bartimaeus shows enormous courage. Pastor Collins instructed the church never to allow your shortcoming to keep us dependent on the charity of others. The blind beggar missed Jesus going in to Jericho, but on the way out of the city even in blindness, Bartimaeus’ faith allows him to see what Jesus is and the power he brings.

Faith is an important part of our existence. Bartimaeus could not see but he could hear and speak. As believers we should know how to pray and how to praise. God does not let everything in our lives breakdown. Satan took the eyes but not the tongue. From this scripture reference for the sermon, we are reminded that God is with us even in our most difficult moments--even with the social outcasts, and the beggars on the roadside.

Christian friends, it is not about where you come from, it’s where we are going. "Be of good comfort, rise, he calls thee; and if he calls thee, he will cure thee." Note, the gracious invitations Christ gives us to come to him, are great encouragements to our hope. And if we shall come to him, we shall have what we come for. Let the guilty, the empty, the tempted, the hungry, the naked, be of good comfort, for Jesus calls them to be pardoned. To be supplied, to be filled, to be clothed, to have all that done for them, which their case calls for.

Author: B. Stevenson

When there is Agony in your Garden

Scripture Reference: Matt 26: 36-41

36Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." 37He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me." 39Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." 40Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter. 41"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." (NIV)


In this scripture Jesus’ agonies in Gethsemane were characterized by sorrow, suffering and submission. He was sorrowful because of the toll that sin had taken on the human race; he suffered because he accepted the guilt of all humanity; his submission to the Father’s will meant that unity of the Godhead would be temporarily disrupted. Gethsemane provided a quiet place where Jesus and His disciples could pray and meditate.

Peter, James and John, the three chosen for the more intimate view of Christ's agony, had previously enjoyed a closer proximity than the others at the raising of Jairus' daughter, and upon the mount of transfiguration. Those three disciples were best prepared to suffer with Christ, who have by faith beheld his glory. “He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with Him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled.” (Matt26:37 NIV). Gethsemane means the “olive press,” The Garden of Gethsemane included and olive grove. The association of Gethsemane with the process of crushing the olives in order to obtain the oil reflects the excruciating, agony which Jesus experienced there.

In Pastor Collins’ sermon he proclaimed that Jesus came to deal with the sin in our lives. He did not come to give us luxury but, He came to give us salvation. Strength comes from suffering or experiencing a breaking down, the more we suffer the more we lean and depend on God. Complete change is between the believer and God. Just as the olives are crushed to produce oil, when God crush us He sees something new in us.

There are many fair weather Christians, our thermometer goes from hot and fiery to cold and dark. This you can tell by our appearance. When Life is good, when we have money, when everything is good at home, we come to church smiling. Satan knows both our weaknesses and our strengths. And he often tests us in our strength to make us fall. Where we are strongest we are often over-confident and unprepared and let our guard down. Just as Peter was passionately loyal to his Master, but he was unprepared for the test that was to come. Peter declared to him, "Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away." Peter replied, "Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will." I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times."( Matthew 26:33-34 NIV)

When things are not good we take it out on God and the church. Believers should never allow circumstance to prevent us from receiving a manifestation. What do we do when there is pain in our garden? Are we too busy looking at the miracles instead of the mission? We cannot help someone in their weakness and failure until we have suffered similar trial and shame. "Because he (Jesus) himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” (Hebrews 2:18 NIV).

God will bring you through; He will pick you up and turn you around.

Do you know Him?

Have you Tried Him?

Isn’t He alright?

Author: B Stevenson

Thank God for Another Chance!

Scripture Reference: Psalms 51:1-3 and 7-11

The spirit was high Sunday August 2, as Pastor Collins read from the book of Psalms 51: 1-3 and 7-11, anchoring his sermon. This scripture is a Prayer For Spiritual Cleansing. This is one of the greatest passages in the entire Bible concerning confession and forgiveness. It was written after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba and subsequently has her husband Uriah killed in battle (ll Samuel 11:2-12:14). David’s repentance included: (1) a godly sorrow for his sin (ll Cor. 7:10-11); (2) verbal confession; (3) a turning from sin, a renouncing; (4) forgiveness; (5) restoration to God’s favor; (6) rejoicing in salvation; and, (7) a willingness to testify to others about the grace of God.

Pastor Collins’ sermon conveyed a picture of David as being “a man after God’s own heart.” “And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own Heart, which shall fulfil all my will”. ( Acts 13:22 KJV) The question was asked… How can David be called a man after God’s heart; why not Enoch or Jude? David had too much blood on his hands! So much so that God would not allow him to build the temple. Remember, David was a warrior, murderer, and an adulterer. “David said to Solomon: "My son, I had it in my heart to build a house for the Name of the Lord my God. But this word of the Lord came to me: 'You have shed much blood and have fought many wars. You are not to build a house for my Name, because you have shed much blood on the earth in my sight.” (l Chronicles 22:7-8 NIV)

David crossed the line; he broke God’s law going beyond the limit; but being convicted of his sin, David poured out his soul to God in prayer -- praying for mercy and grace. Pastor Collins' illustration was that of God having two hands -- one sorrow, and one mercy. God chastise with one hand, and with the other never complaining, He gives us grace. Mercy is God holding back what we deserve. Grace is God giving what we do not deserve. I am what I am only by grace.

In the church today many believers tend to think that the act of adultery is the only sin. We often overlook and excuse how we murder character with lies, jealousy and deceit; and how we commit fraud, cheat and steal. However the true believer longs to have the whole debt of his sins blotted out, and every stain cleansed; Pastor Collins explained that once saved we are never unsaved no matter what you have done.

We are all sinners and on the strength of our lives deserve nothing but God's judgment. We have nothing to offer, nothing to plead, nothing with which to buy His favor. David’s request of God was to ”blot out all my iniquities,” (Ps 51:9 KJV). In his sermon, Pastor Collins put it this way… “God takes us, washes and cleanse us whiter than snow!” “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” (Rom 3:23 KJV) God through His grace and mercy erases the lines that we as captives to sin have crossed and gives us a new line.

Thank God for Another Chance! It is the blood of Jesus that makes us clean, only God can create a clean heart; " therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Cor 5:17 NIV).

Author: B. Stevenson

God Has the Last Word

Scripture Reference: 1 Peter 5: 6-11

Sunday, July 26…Pastor Collins began his message by singing the refrain for a familiar hymn written by Annie Hawks in 1872. It goes something like this… “I need Thee, oh, I need Thee; Every hour I need Thee; Oh, bless me now, my Savior, I come to Thee”

In his message, Pastor Collins proclaimed that our total existence is dependent--on God, every hour, minute and second. All hope and faith is reliance in Him.

Pastor Collins explained how the church attempts to deal with church work, using antitypes or symbols of salvation. Forgetting the real reason of what Christ’s death, burial and resurrection symbolizes. In 1 Peter 3:21, Peter writes of baptism as being used as an antitype of salvation. In reality, baptism does not refer to water at all, but rather to the ark in which Noah and his family found their salvation through the water. Baptism is therefore a symbol of having been rescued by God through our voluntary entrance into the ark of His salvation. That said, the physical act of baptism is not the important thing, but rather what baptism represents -- our death unto sin and our resurrection unto newness of life.

We as Christians should understand that there is no growth in just going to church. However, allowing the word of God to control us and direct our lives is how we realize growth. Above all, be clothed in humility, God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6 NIV)

Our biggest problem is self, what we let occupy of minds. We should always remember that as well as God knows us, Satan also knows us too, and he will attack us at our weakest moments. The scripture directs us to be sober, and be vigilant, in faith. Pastor Collins simply explained it as being “self defiant”; thinking rationally, and not being foolish in our pursuits.

Take appropriate steps to make certain that we do not stumble. “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” (Eph 6:13-15 NIV)

Friends, God made us who we are. God gives us what we need. And, by God’s grace we are saved. Cast all your cares and stand firm in faith. “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” (Psalms 1:3 KJV)

Pastor Collins concluded his sermon with a quote from Civilla D. Martin’s hymn – God will Take Care of You. “Be not dismayed whatever betide God will take care of you, Beneath His wings of love abide, God will take care of you.” The message in Martin’s hymn is reinforced by Isaiah 41:10(NIV) So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Always remember, God Has the Last Word.

Scripture Readings: 1 Peter 5:6-11 (NIV)
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Author: B. Stevenson

Convicted to Stand in the Midst of Crises

Elijah Prays for the Drought

Scripture Reference: 1 Kings 17:1-3

Sunday July 19, the afternoon service was charged with the spirit, when Pastor Collins, delivered the message “Convicted to Stand in the Midst of Crises.” Here are some of the highlights from Pastor Collins’ sermon.

The word “convicted” is usually associated with someone being found guilty of a crime which could lead to a prison sentence. However in Pastor Collins’ sermon, he associated the term with Christians who are “convicted” to please God; that is, those who can be called friends of God. Men and women chosen to work through a difficult or painful situation, and are convicted to take a stand in the midst of their crises, convicted to take action that must be taken to avoid a complete disaster.

God looks for people who are convicted to take a stand when something very important for the future is about to take place.

The Bible scriptures are replete with examples of those convicted to carry the message and live for God. For example: The Apostle Paul said, “For I am convinced (convicted) that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord Romans 8:38-39 NIV

Moses was convicted to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt and to carry God’s message to Israel. Here is what Exodus 19:3-8 NIV tells us. “Then Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain and said, "This is what you are to say to the house of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel. You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites. So Moses went back and summoned the elders of the people and set before them all the words the LORD had commanded him to speak. 8 The people all responded together, We will do everything the LORD has said. So Moses brought their answer back to the LORD.”

Other examples include Jacob, David, and Abraham, who were all chosen by God to carry a message and fulfill a promise.

Pastor Collins, relayed the events in the book of I Kings how Elijah warned Ahab the ruler of Israel of a drought. Elijah had already acquired a reputation which seemed to have had an effect on Ahab, especially causing Ahab to take the prophecy of the drought seriously.

Elijah was the man whom God raised up at this critical time, when the worship of Baal threatened the very existence of worshiping the Lord in Israel. Elijah was convicted to be a voice to the prophets. Convicted, Elijah prayed for rain, and there was rain. Convicted, Elijah never stopped praising God, and God’s promises were fulfilled.

Christian friends, ask yourselves…Are you a “Friend of God”? God gave us His best -- His only son to die that we may live. So I ask… Are you convicted? When was the last time you walked and talked with God? Have you been found guilty of praising the living God?

Think About It!

Author: B. Stevenson