Weekly Words of Encouragement 12-15-09

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19:10
Luke 19.10 was the text verse in Sunday evening’s sermon…afterward my youth minister and I began to discuss what “was” lost (not only the salvation of creation) in the fall of man. We came up with several points which would make a great sermon one day. However I was just thinking this morning on these thoughts. Mankind lost Friendship, Fellowship and a Future with God, all of which (and more) Jesus Christ (the Son of man) came to restore.
 Friendship – Jesus Christ said: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13) Jesus Christ gave His life for His friends, which is His creation.
 Fellowship – This is different than friendship, fellowship is a sweet time when even words are not needed, but one just enjoying walking with the Lord. During the busy workday, the fast moving shopping sprees for last minute Christmas items – we can have fellowship with Christ. A time when He directs our steps and guides our way.
 Future – Everlasting life – Jesus Christ came to give back eternal life unto man. It was lost through disobedience in the Garden, but gained through the death, burial and resurrection in another garden outside Jerusalem.
All of this typifies what we should really be looking for this time of year – It is not what we can or have gained, but what Christ has given that makes this time so special. He came to seek and to save that which was lost. We lost more than life, yet the Lord came to restore each one, should we partake in the Heavenly gift.
It is all about giving. We see the example in what and how Christ gave. Therefore as our example in faith and practice we should consider the same. How special is it for us to give of our:
 Time – There will be someone today, that will need just a simple moment of your time. Maybe it will be an ear, a shoulder or just an understating heart, either way, this we can give.
We can give our
 Thoughts – Thoughtfulness goes a long way, from opening a door for someone, letting them in the lane on the highway, asking if someone needs help carrying bags to the car. We assume we have not the time, but when look past ourselves, thoughtfulness will overshadow the time we think we need.
Finally, this time of year it is good to give our:
 Testimony – There had to be a time in your life that you came to the realization of the separation from God. That is one of the things that was lost in the fall of man. At that moment the gift of salvation is made available through repentance and faith in the Jesus Christ our Lord; the mediator between man and Father. It is Christ that came to seek and to save…Your testimony of salvation can and will do more good to those around than you can ever imagine. Just someone hearing how your were saved…how you came to that moment in life when you knew you must pay the price for your sins, but a Savoir step in…Through prayer, confession to Christ, believing in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you were glorious saved. Share your testimony this Christmas time, it may be the best gift you have ever given…It will certainly be the best gift ever received.
I hope and pray you all have a wonderful day.

Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church

Weekly Words of Encouragement 12-8-09

Good Morning All,
One year ago today, my Dad and I were on a plane heading to Vietnam; 40 years to the day of him losing his right leg to a landmine. Today makes 41 years later. Who would have thought when a young man was shipped to a foreign land that he would come home over a year later changed, not only on the inside, but the outside as well?

No one really knows why the Lord allows what He does, nor do we know when He will bring life changing events our way. This we do know, that without faith, it is impossible to please Him. Believe it or not, life changing events occur on a daily basis; marriages, business growth/decline, pregnancies, salvation, new jobs, no job, the loss of a child, parent, family member or friend etc. All of these things occur in peoples life every day, every hour and every minute. We just do not see them as ‘life changing’ events because they are not directly changing our life, at least not at that moment. But time will have her toll, should the Lord allow, that day will come when our life will drastically change, whether it be an event, circumstance or blessing.

That is where ‘faith’ comes into play… The Bible defines ‘faith’ as the “the substance of things hope for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11.1). Within each and every situation we enter into, we must remember two things: 1) the Lord has allowed this to happen 2) If the Lord brought us to this point, He will bring us through this point. Faith, my friend, has no boundaries, barriers or battles untested. It (faith) has stood the test of time, it has walked the narrow road and risen to victory.

Faith is not hope, but trust…Faith is a wish, but dependence…Faith is not thought, but knowing that whatever the outcome may be, as long as you trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, one way of another it will work out; either to the benefit of yourself or others. Friend, faith will see you through.

Have a wonderful day.

Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church