Question: "What is the baptism of/by/with fire?"

Question: "What is the baptism of/by/with fire?"

Answer: John the Baptist came preaching
repentance and baptizing in the wilderness of
Judea, and he was sent as a herald to announce
the arrival of Jesus, the Son of God ( Matthew
3:1-12 ). He announced, “I indeed baptize you
with water unto repentance, but He who is
coming after me is mightier than I, whose
sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will
baptize you with the Holy Spirit and
fire” ( Matthew 3:11 ).
After Jesus had risen from the dead, He
instructed His apostles to “…wait for the
Promise of the Father which you have heard
from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but
you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not
many days from now” ( Acts 1:4-5 ). This promise
was first fulfilled on the day of Pentecost ( Acts
2:1-4 ), and the baptism of the Spirit joins every
believer to the body of Christ ( 1 Corinthians
12:13 ). But what about the baptism with fire?
Some interpret the baptism of fire as referring
to the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit
was sent from heaven. “And suddenly there
came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing
mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where
they were sitting. Then there appeared to them
divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon
each of them” ( Acts 2:2-3 ). It is important to
note that these were tongues as of fire, not
literal fire.
Some believe that the baptism with fire refers to
the Holy Spirit’s office as the energizer of the
believer’s service, and the purifier of evil within,
because of the exhortation “Do not quench the
Spirit” found in 1Thessalonians 5:19 . The
command to the believer is to not put out the
Spirit’s fire by suppressing His ministry.
A third and more likely interpretation is that the
baptism of fire refers to judgment. In all four
Gospel passages mentioned above, Mark and
John speak of the baptism of the Holy Spirit,
but only Matthew and Luke mention the baptism
with fire. The immediate context of Matthew
and Luke is judgment ( Matthew 3:7-12 ; Luke 3:
7-17 ). The context of Mark and John is not
( Mark 1:1-8 ; John 1:29-34 ). We know that the
Lord Jesus is coming in flaming fire to judge
those who do not know God ( 2 Thessalonians
1:3-10 ; John 5:21-23 ; Revelation 20:11-15 ), but
praise be to God that He will save all that will
come and put their trust in Him ( John 3:16 )!

Question: "Should a new believer be baptise immediately?

Question: "Should a new believer be baptise immediately?"
Answer: In the New Testament, new Christians
were often baptized immediately after
confessing Jesus as Lord. Should churches
continue this practice today? Two issues need
addressed. First, can new believers be baptized
immediately? The biblical answer is a definite
yes.
Three thousand believers were baptized on the
same day they believed when the church began
at Pentecost ( Acts 2:41 ). The Ethiopian with
Philip was baptized the same day he believed
( Acts 8:26–38 ). Paul (then Saul) was baptized
about three days after experiencing Jesus on
the road to Damascus ( Acts 9). Acts 16:15
shows a woman baptized the same day she
believed. Acts 16:33 notes the Philippian jailer
and his family were baptized the night they
believed. The first 3,000 people added to the
church were baptized ( Acts 2:41 ), and Jesus
commanded His followers to baptize other
disciples ( Matthew 28:19 ). Baptism is clearly
something expected of every Christian, whether
or not they are baptized immediately.
The second issue to address, however, is
whether a new believer is required to be
baptized immediately. Some churches argue
against spontaneous baptisms due to past
examples of people being baptized without a
true understanding of the meaning of salvation.
To prevent confusion, these churches offer a
class or other instructional time to help each
person understand these issues prior to
baptism.
Historically, during the third and fourth centuries
the theology of baptism continued to shift in
church practice. Originally, church instruction
took place after baptism. However, as different
heresies started to confront the church,
believers were increasingly given specific
instructions before being baptized. By the fourth
and fifth centuries, several weeks were required
to teach catechism before baptism. Because no
direct command is given in Scripture regarding
the length of time required between a person’s
confession of faith and his baptism, there is
freedom for each church and its leaders to
develop the best practice for their particular
congregation.
Though there is no requirement regarding
immediate baptism, there seems to be a clear
emphasis on closely associating a person’s
confession of faith and baptism. Therefore, a
church would do well to keep the space of time
between a person’s confession of faith and
baptism as short as possible. Further, many
churches do not allow a person to partake in
communion, become an official church member ,
or other important aspects of church life until
after baptism. These factors further add to the
importance of holding baptisms for new
believers in a timely manner.

Question: "What does the Bible say about being a good parent?"

Question: "What does the Bible say about being a good parent?"

Answer: Being a good parent can be a difficult and challenging venture, but at the same time can be the most rewarding and fulfilling thing we ever do. The Bible has a great deal to say about the way we can successfully raise our children to be men and women of God. As a good parent, the first thing we must do is teach them the truth about God's Word.

Along with loving God and being a godly example by committing ourselves to His commands, we need to heed the command of Deuteronomy 6:7-9 regarding teaching our children to do the same. This passage emphasizes the ongoing nature of such instruction. It should be done at all times—at home, on the road, at night, and in the morning. Biblical truth should be the foundation of our homes. By following the principles of these commands, we teach our children that worshiping God should be constant, not reserved for Sunday mornings or nightly prayers.

Although our children learn a great deal through direct teaching, they learn much more by watching us. This is why we must be careful in everything we do. We must first acknowledge our God-given roles. Husbands and wives are to be mutually respectful and submissive to each other (Ephesians 5:21). At the same time, God has established a line of authority to keep order. “Now I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God” (1 Corinthians 11:3). We know that Christ is not inferior to God, just as a wife is not inferior to her husband. God recognizes, however, that without submission to authority, there is no order. The husband's responsibility as the head of the household is to love his wife as he loves his own body, in the same sacrificial way that Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25-29).

In response to this loving leadership, it is not difficult for the wife to submit to her husband's authority (Ephesians 5:24; Colossians 3:18). Her primary responsibility is to love and respect her husband, live in wisdom and purity, and take care of the home (Titus 2:4-5). Women are naturally more nurturing than men because they were designed to be the primary caretakers of their children.

Discipline and instruction are integral parts of being a good parent. Proverbs 13:24 says, “He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.” Children who grow up in undisciplined households feel unwanted and unworthy. They lack direction and self-control, and as they get older they rebel and have little or no respect for any kind of authority, including God's. “Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death” (Proverbs 19:18). At the same time, discipline must be balanced with love, or children may grow up resentful, discouraged, and rebellious (Colossians 3:21). God recognizes that discipline is painful when it is happening (Hebrews 12:11), but if followed by loving instruction, it is remarkably beneficial to the child. “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).

As a good parent, it is important to involve your children in the church family and ministry when they are young. Regularly attend a Bible-believing church (Hebrews 10:25), allow them to see you studying the Word, and also study it with them. Discuss with them the world around them as they see it, and teach them about the glory of God through everyday life. “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6). Being a good parent is all about raising children who will follow your example in obeying and worshipping the Lord.

4 Ways to Deal with Temptation

4 Ways to Deal with Temptation

Everyone faces temptation, but the truth is, very few people know how to deal with it effectively. That shouldn't be the case, and it doesn't have to be the case for believers. Below are some very simple and effective ways to deal with temptation, and if you'll put them into practice, you'll come out a winner.

#1 Fail to Plan and You're Planning to Fail

No one gets up in the morning and prays to fail when faced with temptation, but many people get up each morning and fail to plan for what the Bible says we will all certainly face. So, first and most importantly, you must be prepared.

#2 Seek the Lord Through His Word

When Satan throws temptation your way, if you're not already prepared, it's too late and you'll probably lose the fight. But when you're full of God, there's little room for temptation. Being filled with the Holy Spirit is an absolute necessity for overcoming temptation.

#3 Praying in Tongues

Praying in tongues builds us up on our most holy faith. This is a powerful gift and a great way to counter temptation-we need to use this gift of speaking in tongues to stir ourselves up, or we risk sinking to the bottom. Speaking in tongues also confuses the devil, so next time you're faced with temptation, pray in tongues!

#4 Know Who You Are

When Satan tried to tempt Jesus, he began two of the three temptations with the words, "If thou be the Son of God." Many people have missed this point. The real temptation was Satan's attempt to get Jesus to doubt who He was. Knowing your identity in Christ is one of the greatest defenses you can possibly have against temptation. Jesus answered the devil with "it is written"-this shows that the Word helps you know who you are in Christ and therefore resist temptation.

Temptation will come, but it's hard for the devil to deceive you when your mind is stayed on Christ. Satan can only work with what you give him, so don't give him any space in your mind. The Word is powerful--use it. Jesus countered every temptation of the devil with the Word.

Allow us to help you gain the victory with Andrew's in-depth teaching on dealing with temptation by visiting the link below.

FALLING

FALLING

(A FRIEND STORY)

When I was a child we played a game in which we would each stand straight as a board and then try to fall backward into the strong arms of an adult who was waiting to catch us. It’s strange, but no matter how many times I’d seen it done or tried to do it myself, it was still difficult to keep from bending my knees or doing something else at the last split second to try to break my fall. Not chickening out took a certain “letting go” that went contrary to my natural reasoning and reflexes. It took complete trust in the one who was catching me.

In the Christian life we often use the expression “leaning on Jesus,” or, as the old hymn goes, “leaning on the everlasting arms.” The picture is of one leaning on Jesus for support while passing through life’s difficulties. I’ve done a lot of “leaning” in my life. And I have found Jesus to be strong and stable, full of strength and comfort. I leaned hard on Him through several long and difficult years when my husband battled a life-threatening illness. I leaned harder still when I walked the difficult road of cancer myself. But there was never a time that He wasn’t there to lean on. Even when the road was too difficult for me, He lifted me up and carried me.

There recently came another time in my life that was so difficult it left me despairing again. The night had closed so dark around me that I couldn’t see Jesus or feel His presence. I knew He was there, somewhere, but why did He now seem distant from me? I pictured myself reaching out, grasping at air, searching for His love and strength. Then, in answer to my deepest prayer, I heard His tender voice tell me, “The reason you haven’t been able to see or reach Me is that I’m not in front of you. I’m right behind you. My strong arms are around you, holding you from behind. All you have to do is lay your head back on My shoulder and rest. Don’t reach. Don’t struggle. Don’t try so hard to find My presence. Just lean back and rest in My everlasting arms.”

The peace that filled my heart was so complete that it entered every fiber of my being. During the difficult months that followed, I leaned on Jesus like never before. It’s hard to explain, but it became a different type of leaning, somehow more complete.

Then my circumstances became more difficult still. I developed a chronic, debilitating condition, and at times pain took its toll. It was during this low time, when I had no strength of my own, that I heard Jesus’ gentle voice again, telling me, “Fall back! Just trust Me completely and fall back into My arms—like the game you played as a child.”

The experience seemed very real as it played out in slow motion in my mind. I felt myself standing in the middle of a blustery storm, atop a mountain of woes. I spread my arms wide open, leaned back, and fell with total abandonment, total surrender, total trust. Slowly I fell out of the realm of trouble and storm and into Jesus! I felt the soft landing envelop me with love. I found myself floating in a beautiful, dark stillness, dotted by tiny stars. I would call it space, but this place was not empty. It was alive, and the very nature of it filled me with courage and faith.

I felt it lift me up, up, up, high above the mountains. I felt the fresh, cool wind blow in my face. Riding on the wings of the wind, I was flying! I thought of the verse, “Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles” (Isaiah 40:31). I felt joy return to me, and my spirit receive new strength. It was refreshing and exhilarating!

Then I heard His voice speak again. “This is your place of freedom. When your body is held captive on a bed of suffering, let your spirit fly. Just fall. Fall on Me. Let yourself go and fall.”

Suddenly “leaning” took on a whole new meaning. In falling I learned to completely let go and fall—not onto but into the everlasting arms. What a wonderful experience!
Science with all its knowledge and experience hasn’t come up with a pill for true inner peace that transcends any circumstances. There is no magic potion for a soul lost in hopelessness, no tonic for a spirit crushed under the weight of an unbearable burden.

I have been there, and I have found that peace. Though my outward condition remains unchanged, inwardly I have been healed—healed of an inner pain more difficult to bear than pain itself. I am free!

—

Romans 10:9 ESV / Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Romans 5:12 ESV / Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—

Luke 14:23 ESV / And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled.

Onyedikachi Kingsley Ogbonna

HOW MUCH DOES A PRAYER WEIGH?

HOW MUCH DOES A PRAYER WEIGH?

How much does a prayer weigh? The only man I ever knew who tried to weigh one still does not know.

Once he thought he did. That was when he owned a little grocery store on New York’s West Side. It was the week before Christmas of 1918 when a tired-looking woman came into the store and asked him for enough food to make a Christmas dinner for her children. He asked her how much she could afford to spend.

“My husband was killed in the war,” the woman answered. “I have nothing to offer but a little prayer.”

The man confesses that he was not very sentimental in those days. A grocery store could not be run like a breadline.

“Write it down,” he said with a huff, and turned to attend to other customers.

To his surprise, the woman pulled a piece of paper from her pocket, unfolded it, and handed it to him over the counter. “I did that during the night, while sitting up with my sick baby.”

The grocer took the paper before he could recover from his surprise, and then regretted having done so. What would he do with it? What could he say?

Then an idea came to him. Without even reading the prayer, he placed the paper on one side of his old-fashioned weight scales and said, “We shall see how much food this is worth.”

To his astonishment, the scale would not go down when he put a loaf of bread on the other side. And it still didn’t go down as he added more food—anything he could lay his hands on quickly, because people were watching him. His face turned redder the more embarrassed and flustered he became.

Finally he said, “Well, that’s all the scales will hold. Here’s a bag.” And he turned away.

With a little sob, the woman took the bag and started packing the food, only stopping to dry her eyes on her sleeve from time to time. The grocer tried not to look, but he had given her a big bag and couldn’t help but see that it wasn’t quite full. Without another word, he tossed a large cheese down the counter. Had he let down his defenses enough to actually look at the woman, he would have been rewarded with a timid smile and look of deepest gratitude.

When the woman had gone, the grocer examined his scales, which had worked fine for the previous customer. He never figured out how or when it had happened, but they were broken.

The grocer had never seen that woman before, and he never saw her again. But for the rest of his life he remembered her better than any other woman that ever came into his shop, and he always kept that slip of paper with her simple prayer: “Please, Lord, give us this day our daily bread.”

—

Psalm 34:17-20 ESV / When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.

Philippians 4:19 ESV / And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV / But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Onyedikachi Kingsley Ogbonna

GOD’S DELAYS ARE NOT DENIALS

GOD’S DELAYS ARE NOT DENIALS

Question: I’ve been told that prayer is a sure thing—that when I pray, God will answer. Why then do some of my prayers seem to go unanswered?

Answer: Each of us has experienced disappointment when things didn’t work out the way we wanted them to, and if we had prayed for that outcome that didn’t happen, we were doubly disappointed—first because we didn’t get what we wanted, and second because it seemed God had failed us.

Even when there are obvious, logical reasons why something didn’t go our way, we wonder why God didn’t make it happen anyway. After all, if He’s God, He can do anything, and if He loves us as much as the Bible says He does, why didn’t He? At times like that, it’s easy to hold it against God for not answering prayer.

Of course, it’s not right to question God in that accusing sort of way, as though we know better than He does. It is good to ask Him where things went wrong, however, because that will help get better results next time.

The first thing to bear in mind is that God never fails to do what’s best for everyone involved, and He never goes back on the promises He has given in the Bible. We, on the other hand, can and do fail sometimes. Also, because He’s given us free will, God is often limited in how He can answer our prayers by the choices we or others make.

When prayers seem to go unanswered, some good questions to ask yourself are:
· Was my request motivated by unselfish love and concern for everyone involved?
· Did I believe and claim promises from God’s Word?
· Did I put feet to my faith by doing all I could to bring about the desired result?
· Was God unable to do what I asked because of the choices of others?
· Was it perhaps not yet God’s time to answer, or not His plan for me?
· Is it possible that God’s “other” answer will prove better in the long run?

God’s Delays Are Not Denials
God always answers our prayers, but not always right away or in just the way we expect Him to. Sometimes He says yes, sometimes He says no, and sometimes He says wait. There are a number of factors that affect the process, including you and your situation, God and His will, and the situations of others involved. You don’t control the outcome completely, others don’t control it completely, and God has specifically limited Himself not to control it completely, which is, of course, one reason why prayers don’t always get answered right away. But when the conditions are right for the result God knows is best, He will answer. So never doubt for a moment that God is going to answer. Trust Him and thank Him for the answer—even if you don’t see it immediately!

—

John 15:7 ESV / If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

John 6:44 ESV / No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.

Luke 18:1 ESV / And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.

Onyedikachi Kingsley Ogbonna