Keith West
Mark Wattenbarger
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Podcast: Download (Duration: 50:35 — 15.9MB)
A Brief Discourse on Baptism
June 5, 2011
By: Elder Mark Wattenbarger
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?” Romans 6:3
Baptism becomes indelibly linked with the idea of death and resurrection in a deeply spiritual way. As the concept of baptism unfolds in scripture we can learn a great deal about what it is, what is its purpose in our lives, and how it is practiced today.
The physical death of our Lord was shameful, excruciating and symbolized the extreme sacrifice typical of one who is totally committed to serving. Likewise, as Christ died, we are taught to “mortify the deeds of our flesh” and become “transformed by the renewing of our minds.” This transformation takes place long before we enter the water. By studying the events in Matthew chapter 3 we can gain some insight in to the method of baptism as well as the prerequisite state of the heart in each one who submits to baptism.
Early in chapter 3, Matthew writes about the events surrounding the baptism of Jesus. It was notable as many people came to John at the Jordan River to be baptized. He was a person spoken of in prophecy (v. 3) and was therefore a person of importance. We notice, however, from verse 6 that a short phrase can reveal very much. It is in this verse that we learn that these people came “confessing their sins.” The question to ask is, “Why?” Why come confessing sins unless the weight of the sin had settled already in the heart? This one simple phrase seems to clearly reveal the state of their hearts, the felt need for a Savior. If one is burdened with the weight of sin then the need to find a way out of that condemnation becomes acute. Thus, these came from Jerusalem and all Judea confessing their sins. We can reasonably conclude that a change in the heart and in the desire had occurred drawing people to John and the message he preached, “Repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Baptism is not the method for bringing out this change because it has happened already. The feeling of a need to find salvation and redemption from one’s own sinfulness is evidence of being born again. Baptism is a ritual washing which illustrates the physical washing which has already occurred.
We further read, as John speaks later in this chapter, about how John perceives the work which he is doing. In verse 11 John says, “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance…” The word to draw attention to is “unto”. This word means “because of” or “as a result of”. It is exactly the same word translated “for” in Acts 2:38 where Peter says that the people should be baptized in the name of Christ “for the remission of sins”. Because of the remission of sins, brought about by the blood of Christ, they should be baptized. The repentance on the part of people who came to John was the evidence he was speaking of (Matt 3:8) which is put forward as proof positive that these people knew that a Savior is a necessity in their lives. John says that seeking baptism with water is evidence that remission of sins is a past event. He baptized with water because of the remission which had already occurred. This before anyone ever set foot in the river! So John the preacher takes himself out of the way, he is not needed except as the proper administrator for baptism. It is the answer of a good conscience toward God as Peter states and it is not the washing away of the filth of the flesh. That filth of the flesh is washed away by the very hand of God himself!
Adopted by Him, overwhelmed by His grace and the Spirit, baptized by the Holy Ghost and with fire, let each and every one of His children submit to baptism. Let the answer of a good conscience ring through the words and deeds of each child of grace. There is hope for every one seeking a solid place to stand when the world shifts underneath our feet. We are loved by God with a love that never ends and granted entrance to a place of refuge while we yet live. Glory to God Almighty, our Father in heaven! We are encouraged by the example of our precious Lord to come to the baptismal water and acknowledge Him as our master. Let the fruits of repentance be known and may we all rejoice in the symbol of baptism, symbol of that amazing change which is made in each of us, the miracle of new life, new hope and eternal glory secured by Christ our Lord, our Savior, our Redeemer, our Defender and our Friend!
Published: 2011-06-05 by MW
Halting Opinions
March 13, 2011
By: Elder Mark Wattenbarger
And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt [pasach] ye between two opinions? If the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word. 1 Ki 18:21
And they took the bullock which was given them, and they dressed it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, O Baal, hear us. But there was no voice, nor any that answered. And they leaped [pasach] upon the altar which was made. 1 Ki 18:26
pasach – Hebrew word meaning to leap and dance, to hesitate or lurch as a lame man would while walking
Elijah is sent to rebuke the people and force them to see the wild dance they are doing and their frantic attempts to balance worldliness with worship of Jehovah. This is further illustrated when the writer of 1 Kings uses the same word picture to describe the way in which the prophets of Baal dance to call upon their god as Elijah uses to describe how the people are trying to worship both Jehovah and Baal. The Israelites, like men today, tried to please the world while at the same time hoping to please God. Trying to blend a desire to please men with the worship of God is something He will not tolerate. God’s people needed to be reminded that “the friendship of the world is enmity with God.” (James 4:4)
The northern kingdom of Israel had fallen so low that idol worship was the official religion. King Ahab began his reign approximately 56 years after Jeroboam had first instituted idol worship in the kingdom of Israel (1 Ki 12:28). Ahab officially instituted the worship of Baal under the heavy influence of his wife (1 Ki 18:4). Perhaps to curry favor, or at least to keep from losing one’s life, the people tried to play both sides. In public, Baal was the god of the kingdom and by choice the Israelites offered sacrifice to this idol. Perhaps they tried to honor Jehovah in their private homes in an attempt to assuage the guilt.
Having set the scene for the prophets of Baal and the people, (1 Ki 18:19, 22-23, 24) Elijah truly offers the people the opportunity to see the powerlessness of Baal and the awesome power of Jehovah. No fire came to the offering to Baal, no sound from the heaven, no word of the god, absolutely nothing but the wild, gyrating, lurching dance of the false prophets was heard or seen for an entire day.
The dramatic scene of fire coming from heaven, licking up the water with which the offering had been drenched (I Ki 18:33-35, 38) and consuming the dust around the altar must have been the powerful shock and awe needed to awaken the people of Israel to their wickedness. No doubt could exist that God had worked an amazing miracle. And the people, troubled by the show of God’s power, answered with proper reverence and fear (1 Ki 18:39)
So what can we learn from this event from thousands of years ago? Sometimes in life, the drama of a decision point, such as in 1 Kings 18, is needed to arrest our attention and stop us in our careening path. God is a jealous God (Exo 20:2-3) and demands obedience. But just as in Israel almost 3,000 years ago, men seek to serve the public god while still serving Jehovah. Our attention seems to be constantly drawn in multiple directions and the wisdom of the world is to try to please all parties and serve both the world and God. The Hebrew word pasach, describing the lurching, hesitating walk of a lame man, is an apt picture of this untenable dual life God’s child sometimes tries to lead.
Ever hear anyone say, “It is easier to ask forgiveness than permission?” The men of the world tell us that we can serve God and the gods of the world. They try to teach us that our public life and our private life can be kept separate and that it doesn’t matter what we do Monday through Friday as long as we are in the pew on Sunday with a repentant heart.
However, brethren, we have been sanctified for something better! God has called us to a higher purpose, a more full life. We must be holy as He is holy. We are called on to do what is right, to serve God with our whole life, public and private. We cannot careen wildly from one extreme to another, honoring God this time and then (just this once) satisfying the world and our own desires.
The strength that we need can be found in the hope that fills our hearts, the Spirit of God which dwells in us. God graciously gives us the tools and the ability that we need to carry on and do what God has asked of us (Phil 2:13). God’s people are always God’s people, all the time and everywhere.
As a result, our whole life, public and private, should be a reflection of God’s love for us and should be our way of showing our love for Him. What we do in our day to day lives should be just as honoring to God as what we do on our Sundays. We will only find unhappiness and discontent, and often an inexplicable anger, when we try to serve both the public god and the true God.
So let us set our affections on things above and live a complete life dedicated to our loving Father whose grace and mercy abounds toward us. Oh, God, help us understand that every aspect of our lives should be to honor and glorify your name and please grant us the strength to walk worthy of the vocation with which we have been called. Praise God, for His mercy endures forever!
Published: 2011-03-13 by MW
If The Foundations Be Destroyed
January 16, 2011
By: Elder Mark Wattenbarger
In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain? Psa 11:1
In Psalm 11, David, the sweet Psalmist of Israel, was inspired to direct his thoughts towards the source of his trust. In no uncertain terms, David writes of his unshakable trust in God.
There is no better place to put one’s trust than in the great I AM! If our trust is in the LORD, then how dare anyone tell us to run and hide in our homes or places of refuge? Had David been incensed, perhaps insulted that someone suggested his trust was not well placed? How cunning the enemy: when he cannot overthrow us, he resorts to making us doubt and fear, and leading us to mistrust our precious Lord.
“For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart. If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” Psa 11:2-3
David goes on to describe the art of the enemy. The wicked are ready to attack, having prepared to ambush God’s little sheep, ready to stealthily destroy those who trust in God, those “upright in heart.” And then David poses the question which arrested my attention, ‘What are we (the righteous) to do if the foundations (of trust and belief in the power and justice of God) are destroyed?’ This question is left standing alone, providing a pause for reflection and emphasis.
There are different manifestations of this question being asked in all corners of this country. The center does not seem to be holding and men and women with no regard for God’s truth and God’s justice are rising up to take positions of influence. They tell us that the quaint notion of absolute truth that we cling to is naïve and laughable. We must leave our outdated notions of right and wrong behind as a child leaves behind childhood toys. “Grow up,” they say, “and if you can’t grow up then leave things to the adults!”
Have we heard something like this before? The words may be different but the trumpet call of the enemy attack is unmistakable. Flee, we are told, and go hide in your little churches and leave the rest of us alone while we get real work done.
Despairing and hopeless we face the attacks of the enemy, never knowing if we shall ever again see the day when God and His word are honored as they once were. Fight we must, but perhaps we think the battle is surely lost. But then, we ask, are we the only ones defending the foundations of truth? Do we have the strength on our own to stand against the enemy? But then we recall the words of verse 1, “In the LORD put I my trust.”
There is no need to fear, little child! The great God of heaven and of earth is pleased to defend the foundations which he alone laid without any counsel from us. And so David takes up this theme beginning in verse 4:
The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD’S throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men. Psa 11:4
God is still in “his holy temple” in heaven, sitting in righteous judgment over men. What comfort this thought should bring to God’s children. It comforted David in the midst of being tempted to mistrust God. “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” Prov. 15:3. He sees the inner character of men and is able to dispense judgment perfectly in all places at all times. So when the foundations of truth are attacked we should all be willing with David to put our trust in the Lord Jehovah.
There will be trials in the lives of God’s people and David keeps a balanced view as he concludes this psalm. The Lord himself gave us comfort for our trials. “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.
“The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth. Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup.” Psa 11:5-6
But while the righteous are tried and refined like silver, the wicked are hated. They will get justice from the hand of the Almighty Judge of the Universe. God himself shall stand in defense of the foundations of truth when the enemy attacks. Should we fear lest the foundations be destroyed? The wicked that attack truth and wait to ambush the upright in heart shall get perfect justice for their wicked deeds. Have no fear little child for God is in his holy temple upon his heavenly throne!
For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright. Psa 11:7
Finally, David re-emphasizes why he has found the Lord to be so trustworthy. It is an essential part of God’s nature to defend what he loves. To leave the righteous without defense would be to deny himself and that cannot be! God, who beholds the evil and the good, sees in us not only the image in which we are created (Gen 1:26) but the image of His dear son which we will be conformed to (Rom 8:29). God loves those whom he gave to Christ and nothing can separate them from that love which Christ has for his children (Rom 8:35).
If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? Trust in the Lord! He has reigned, He doth still reign, and He will yet reign forever upon His heavenly throne. Shall the wicked triumph in their designs? Nay, little child, but God shall mete out judgment upon them which is their due for evil deeds.
Psalm 11 should comfort us in troubled days. Does the enemy whisper to us to flee the field and hide in our chambers? There is no reason for despair, for the Captain of our Salvation rides before us, whose judgment is just and whose mercy is sweet to the sin-sick soul. Fresh courage, my brothers, because, “The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.” Psa 46:7.
Published: 2011-01-16 by MW
The Profitability of Sound Doctrine
November 7, 2010
By: Elder Mark Wattenbarger
This week, let us look at a common theme in both the 1st and 2nd letters which Paul wrote to Timothy. When we look into these letters, we can see a seasoned minister of the gospel teaching a younger minister to stick to the gospel for the good of the sheep of God’s fold. Paul teaches Timothy that truth triumphs over treachery every time.
A bit of history is useful to set the context for these letters. Both letters were possibly written between A.D. 62 and A.D. 67. Paul wrote the first from Macedonia (1 Tim 1:3) and the second a few years later possibly from Rome during Paul’s second imprisonment. From this historical setting we can see with what love, generosity of spirit and even urgency Paul would have written down encouragement and his hard won wisdom in the service of his Master.
One common theme in both letters is the false teachers and loose morals which were already arising among the believers at Ephesus, Colossae and other places (cf 1 Cor 5:1, 2). I say already, for a mere 30 or so years have passed since the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Already some men undertook the teaching of “the law” (which appears to be the fixed and established moral code established by God, based on the context) for the sake of honor among men and not with attention to its life changing effects in the lives of God’s children (1 Tim 5,6). How eye opening to see how quickly men will turn God’s word away from its intended purpose to serve their own ends!
Paul felt obliged to warn Timothy to avoid such vanity and keep studying the word of God. For Paul, by experience, knows that the doctrine of God and the truth of Christ are uplifting and had a form of salvation. Paul was trying to help Timothy and those who would hear him. The wisdom of God was under attack from vain men with their worldly wisdom and Paul teaches Timothy to field just one weapon against this attack: God’s truth (1 Tim 4:16).
And thus the pinnacle feature of these two letters is the mighty encouragement which Paul leaves for Timothy and for us today: keep the faith (2 Tim 4:7). Paul encourages in Timothy a love for and a trust in God’s holy word. Listen to the wonderful encouragement of the seasoned disciple.
Paul knows his end is near (2 Tim 4:6). This faithful minister, scourged, whipped, shipwrecked and often in fear of his life (2 Cor 11:23-28) tells his beloved son in the ministry that his life will also be one of hardship (2 Tim 2:3), but the God of mercy who has preserved Paul will do no less for Timothy. Paul encourages Timothy to teach and to trust in the truth of God and Jesus Christ.
Paul makes it a point to instruct Timothy to teach. This encouragement takes on two forms. One is to teach faithful men who will teach others what Paul taught Timothy (2 Tim 2:1, 2). From prison in Rome, Paul reminds Timothy to keep teaching so that the truth brings light to those in darkness (2 Tim 1:10b). What fortitude in the midst of persecution! May we all value the word of God so much that our concern will be for the perpetual teaching of God’s holy word.
In addition, Paul addresses another aspect of teaching and instructs Timothy to gently teach those who are opposed to truth (2 Tim 2:24). Paul is training Timothy that teaching the truth with meekness and patience is a soft word which can turn away wrath. With God’s sovereign blessing, repentance and deliverance is the result of preaching the truth. (2 Tim 2:24-26).
Finally, Paul links the power of God to the power of God’s word together so completely that we are made to understand that God and His inspired word are worthy of all our trust, all our faith, all our hope (2 Tim 1:7-10). “[B]e thou a partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God….” Be ready, says Paul, to preach the word at any time, being assured that it is useful and profitable for enlightening the minds of God’s children to withstand all the assaults of false teachers, of the devil and of worldly scheming (2 Tim 3:16, 4:2). More than anything else God’s word is a perfect antiseptic to prevent error from getting into our thoughts, a sterilizer to thoroughly clean our minds and cast down misunderstanding and worldly systems of thought and schemes which would remove God from His place of proper preeminence (2 Cor 10:5).
Through both letters to Timothy, Paul encourages and warns Timothy to stick to the word, trusting in God and the scripture to be his guard and constant defense in all seasons. God and his word will endure when all else in the world turns to dust (Luke 21:33). May Paul’s encouragement to Timothy be instructive to us so that we too may learn to trust in God and in God’s word as a foundation upon which to build our lives (Matt 7:24-25).
Published: 2010-11-07 by MW
The Lord’s Truth Defender
October 2, 2010
By: Elder Mark Wattenbarger
This week, we read Jeremiah 7-20. This portion of scripture contains a chronicle of Judah’s idolatry and the punishment of Babylonian exile which God would send upon Israel (7:1-10:25), Judah would be condemned for breaking God’s covenant (11:1-13:27), Jeremiah’s prayers would be unable to avert judgment (14:1-17:27), and God’s complete control over events would be told in the parable of the potter (18:1-20:18).
This book contains a lot of Jeremiah’s personal history, private impressions and the outpouring of his heart in prayer to God. As we focus on this perhaps you will find encouragement to contend for the truth and hold on to your professions of faith. Let’s zero in on Jeremiah’s cry to God and God’s response and behold again the mercy and grace of God.
First, we look at Jeremiah’s mournful cry in verses 15-18 of chapter 15. Listen to the man’s anguish! We learn that Jeremiah has been rebuked and mocked for doing as God commanded. Crying out to the only source of refuge in this trying time, he reminds God that for Him he has suffered these things (v 15). Have you faced something similar? Few of us have been beaten or threatened with death as Jeremiah, but perhaps you have been mocked for trying to do the right thing. Has anyone ever laughed at you for desiring to tell the truth? Have you been mocked for telling the truth about salvation by grace? How about someone looking at you in disbelief as you describe God’s mercy and grace, that it is free and God needs nothing from us (Eph 2:8-9)?
When we do right, what God has defined as objectively “Right”, it sometimes causes others to scorn us and seek other counsel. Hasn’t this been true in your life? Jeremiah describes just this in his own life. He never took part with the mockers and scorners, never rejoiced as they did and turn away from God’s counsel. He was alone and was isolated for his stand (v 17). He describes this life as an “incurable wound” and the pain is ongoing, unceasing. Jeremiah suffers for what is right, over and over again, and why, says he, must it be thus with me (v 18)? How difficult and troubling can it be to do what is right? To go against all your peers, your friends, even your family, or perhaps your closest adviser, perhaps even your spouse, to do right and speak the truth can be one of the most difficult things we face (Luke 14:28).
But oh the depths of the mercies and wisdom of God! What grace he displays in providing for those who do what is right!
Look at God’s response to Jeremiah, the words our Heavenly Father says to the man who stands against the tide and does what is right. God tells Jeremiah he will provide for him and bring him again before Himself (v 19). What grace for God Almighty to say to us, ‘You keep telling the truth, I’m standing right here with you’. Wow! What better comfort or greater encouragement could we possibly ask for?
Further, God says to Jeremiah “let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them”. Let the mockers return acknowledging the truth and do not go unto them, where they are sitting, in derision of the truth (see Jeremiah’s lament earlier in verse 18 to get the prophet’s perspective).
Finally, God teaches Jeremiah, and us, that when we stand on the foundation of truth He will be our strength. He describes how He will make Jeremiah a brass wall and no one can defeat him (v 20a). But notice the ever present reminder (v 20b). God is our strength, He is our Rock. Our Father in Heaven is our deliverer and redeemer in the times of strife when we struggle to do what is right and tell the truth. The wicked and the terrible are no match for God and thus cannot stand up to Jeremiah when he stands with God.
Let us be encouraged by these words, brethren! Let us go boldly forward and proclaim the truth of God, asking God for help along the way. It may be difficult and we may suffer for doing right. However, God has said he stands with those who stand with Him. Always remember our greatest advocate and greatest friend will never forsake us when we do what is right. He will strengthen us and give us help when we stand for the truth (Phil 4:13).
Published: 2010-10-02 by MW