Profile of a Doubter, Part 1: Sarah (Written by my Wife)

Profile of a Doubter, Part 1: Sarah (Written by my Wife)

As I started reading the bible from the beginning again in January, one story still sticking with me is the story of Abram & Sarai, also known as Abraham & Sarah.  I am not going to copy and paste their entire story, but I will sum up a small portion of their lives.  You first learn about their existence in Genesis 11.  By Genesis 12, God first promises He will make Abram into a great nation.  Although they have no children, God continually promises Abram that his "seed" will inherit the land.  At one point, he shows Abram the stars and tells him his descendants will be as numerous as the stars in the sky. 

By Genesis 16, Sarai no longer trusts she is supposed to be included in God's plan to bless Abram with children.  She does not believe God is capable of opening up the womb of an old, barren woman.  In her disbelief and impatience, she goes against the will of God and wants Abram to have a child through her young servant Hagar. 

This could be seen as an act of love for her husband because she wants God's best for her beloved.  Sarai wants to make sure Abram is blessed even if she cannot be the one to help assure this blessing.  However, also because of her great love for Abram, she is also jealous of Hagar's pregnancy.  She abuses Hagar and sends the servant away. (Also because Hagar has begun to despise Sarai as well - we don't know why.  Maybe she never wanted to have a child with an old man, or maybe the opposite: she loved Abram as well.)

Let me stop right here.  This shows that when we go against God's plan for our lives and try to take matters into our own hands, that not only do we suffer, but those that get dragged into our schemes suffer as well.  Yet, God had mercy on Hagar and her son Ishmael, and continually took care of them.  God eventually sent them back home so Ishmael could benefit from being raised by his father.  (Although Ishmael is cursed and told he will be "wild" and "his hand will be against everyone" and the feelings will be mutual - Genesis 16.)

In chapter 17, God appears to Abram and changes his name to Abraham and Sarai to Sarah.  He again renews his promise of many heirs.  When God reestablishes his covenant with Abraham by saying Sarah will have a son, He says they will call him Isaac, which means "he laughs."  Isaac will be the father of many nations.  Abraham initially laughs because he is now 100 years old and Sarah is 90.   When Abraham laughs, I believe his laughter is more out of amusement than of disbelief.  After all, the bible says he fell facedown before the Lord, which shows humility, not arrogant doubt.     

In chapter 18, the Lord and two angels visit Abraham's camp.  He asks Sarah to fix their guests a meal.  The Lord tells Abraham that by this time next year, Sarah will have given birth to a son.  Sarah  has been listening to the conversation.  She also laughs.  The difference in her laughter is that there seems to be more disbelief in her heart than that of her husband. 

Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, “After I have grown old, shall I have pleasure, my lord [husband] being old also?”

And the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Shall I surely bear a child, since I am old?’  Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.”

But Sarah denied it, saying, “I did not laugh,” for she was afraid.

And He said, “No, but you did laugh!”  Genesis 18:12-15

These above verses are what have been sticking with me - how much I am like Sarah.  Evidence can be staring me in the face, and I will still not believe.  The Lord Himself gives signs asked for (in Sarah's case, God appeared in bodily form), and yet I still laugh and say, "Are you sure?" 

Not only did Sarah laugh, but she lied to the Lord and denied her disbelief.  But God knows all and, as you just read, He says, "but you did laugh!"   We may also be afraid of God knowing what is in our heart, but we cannot hide our feelings from God.  Besides, God understands our human nature, so we do not need to be afraid to admit when we have fear or doubt. 

So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us.  Acts 15:8

By Genesis 21, Isaac is born! 

And the Lord visited Sarah as He had said, and the Lord did for Sarah as He had spoken.  For Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. And Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him—whom Sarah bore to him—Isaac...  Now Abraham was one hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. And Sarah said, “God has made me laugh, and all who hear will laugh with me.” She also said, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? For I have borne him a son in his old age.” Genesis 21:1-7 

In spite of Sarah's disrespect in the presence of God, He is faithful and honors His promises. 

I don't know for certain how much time passes from when Abram is first promised to be the father of many nations until the time when Isaac is born.  We do know it took him a long time to travel from Ur to Canaan, so it was a bit of a wait.  It may sometimes seem like a long time coming before God fulfills what has been promised to us.  This is where faith plays a major role.  It is sometimes difficult to focus on the big picture of what we know lies ahead.  It is easier to focus on the here and now staring us in the face.  It is hard not to become discouraged while waiting.  We wonder if maybe God changed His mind, or if we were really promised what we thought. Are we being punished?  God can sometimes withhold a blessing until we have our hearts right with Him, but we have to also consider certain circumstances are merely a timing issue.  God goes before us and prepares the way so that by the time we get to where the promised blessing can be fulfilled, it will all easily fall into place. 

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.  Hebrews 10:23

In spite of Sarah's laughter, she is still remembered in history as a woman of great faith.  She is even mentioned in Hebrews 11, also referred to as "The Hall of Faith" chapter.  This shows that an occasional doubt in God's limitless abilities does not have to ruin our relationship with Him.  It is okay to be like Sarah and have doubt and maybe even laugh when we think something is impossible.  The key is to repent of our ignorance and move on.  It is never to late to trust again. We apologize to One who makes all things possible, and rebuild our faith, even if it takes a brick at a time.

By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised.  Hebrews 11:11

Our Statement of Faith

Our Statement of Faith

We believe in one God, who is revealed in three distinct persons, the Father Almighty, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

 We believe that the Father created the heavens and the earth through the living Word

our Lord Jesus Christ. Our Lord Jesus Christ is in subjection to the Father, and is the only begotten Son of God.

He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit

and born of the virgin Mary.

He suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried.

He made atonement for the sins of the world upon the cross and provided redemption for those who make Him their Lord. If we truly repent and turn from our sins, and are born again, as well as hold our faith until the end, we will have eternal life in God's Kingdom.

We believe that He descended to the realm of the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

We believe in the baptism in the Holy Spirit, also known as being filled with the Holy Ghost. We believe that the gifts, as well as the fruits of the Holy Spirit should be present in the life of believers. We believe in speaking in unknown tongues as the Spirit of the Lord directs. We believe that the gift of prophecy should be present within the churches. We believe in divine healing according to God's will.

We believe in sanctification by the power of the Holy Spirit. We believe that without holiness no man shall see the Father. We must allow the Holy Spirit to convict us of our sins and lead us to repentance. If we walk in obedience to God's Word we will be purified by the Spirit. We must be set apart from the world by living a clean life, and rejecting sin, which leads to spiritual death. Christ said that any tree which does not bring forth good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.

We believe in the eminent return of the Lord Jesus Christ to this earth to usher in the fullness of the Kingdom of God. We believe that He will return immediately after the seven year Great Tribulation. The dead in Christ will be resurrected first, then those who are alive and remain will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air as He returns. 

Matt 24:²⁹ “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. ³⁰ Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. ³¹ And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

.

The Golden Rule

Luke 6:²⁷ “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, ²⁸ bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. ²⁹ To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. ³⁰ Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. ³¹ And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.

³² “But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. ³³ And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. ³⁴ And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. ³⁵ But love your enemies, do good, and lend, ^[h]hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. ³⁶ Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.

It is truly as the days of Noah today, and the attributes of Satan are visible in most people’s lives. As Christians, we must go against the grain of our cold society, and let the love and light of our Lord Jesus Christ shine through us. If you have bitterness in your heart toward others, I urge you to let the love of Christ melt away the ice on your heart. Even the roots of bitterness are an open door for the devil to have a stronghold in your life. If you have animosity toward someone, let it go, and let the peace of God rule in your heart and mind. Sometimes, it is better not to speak about a person who stirs up hard feelings. Silence is golden, and will help you forgive the person who has offended you. Christ said to pray for, as well as, bless those who curse and persecute you. Praying for the offender will bring a release in your heart.

We have all heard of the golden rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do to you" but how many of us truly obey it? Would you want someone to cheat you out of your money, or lie to you? Would you want someone to deny you a warm place to stay, or a hot meal, if you were in need? Do you desire to have someone give you the cold shoulder in your home or workplace? The answer of course is no. We all want to be loved and showed kindness from those around us. Regardless, of how others treat you, as Christians, we are to show unconditional love toward all, including the unlovely. You may think this is impossible, but with Christ all things are possible. If God's Holy Spirit dwells within you, you have the power to overcome the evil society, and show forth God's attributes. If the church will reflect Christ to the world, we will save many from Hell. Hypocrisy will destroy your testimony, and push people away from Christ. Be real, and let the good fruit of God's Spirit shine forth in your life.

James 2:14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

Who do you say that He is?

Who do you say that He is?  

Who was this babe born over two thousand years ago in Bethlehem of Judea? Many claim that he was a prophet, a great teacher, or just a good man. However, who do you say that He is?

Christ said that before Abraham was, I AM. Christ declared himself to be the Great I AM (Yahweh), by making this statement.

Then the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”  John 8:57-58    

The prophet Isaiah wrote that the future Messiah would be called, the Mighty God and Everlasting Father!

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.  Isaiah 9:6-7

 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”  Matthew 1:23

John chapter one, as well as Colossians one, reveal that Christ is indeed God, the creator of all things visible and invisible. He is the image of the invisible God. All things were created through him and for him.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.  John 1:1-5 & 10-14

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.  Colossians 1:15-18 

Let us remember that Christmas is not about the mythical Santa Claus or reindeer. Jesus is the reason for the season. God left his throne in glory and became a man and humbled himself to the death on the cross, to provide redemption for fallen mankind. God Bless!

Christmas is a beautiful time of the year! (Written by my wife)

Christmas is a beautiful time of the year! (Written by my wife)
Note: All numbers in parenthesis represent scripture references that are listed at the end.

Christmas is a beautiful time of the year as we remember that Jesus left a world more perfect than we can ever imagine to live in a dusty, primitive, violent world. While you sing the worshipful songs and hear the story of Jesus’ miraculous birth to a virgin (1), please remember the story does not stop there. 

Jesus was born for the sole purpose of giving up His life thirty-three years later. Jesus gave up His throne surrounded by angels (2) for a life where His authority was rarely recognized.

He came to this cruel and heartless world in the form of pure innocence and humility (3). He knew He would never fully be accepted by His peers (4), and that even those who claimed to love Him would desert Him in the end (5). He knew not just the emotional sorrows He would face, but the physical as well. He would willingly endure excruciating torture (6). (The word excruciating exists because of the severe pain suffered during crucifixion.)

Yes, He also knew He would be raised from the dead three days after His death (7), but He did not endure long hours of agony just to glorify Himself. He allowed Himself to be beaten raw and pierced through to die a slow death just for you and me! (8) His blood on the cross is the only reason you and I have the option of spending eternity with Him in paradise. (9) He paid for our sins by hanging in humiliation on a cross with wood splinters buried into an already raw and bloodied back, a crown of literal thorns causing blood to burn his eyes as it dripped down His face. (10) 

It is His glorious face we must seek today! (11) Do not throw away His precious gift bought with a terror we could never endure. Repent of your sins and strive to live a life of holiness so that you can someday see the beautiful face of Jesus and His Father who allowed His son to be ripped from His side for more than three decades. (12)

This Christmas, when you see the nativity sets of the shepherds and wise men kneeling at the manager of the baby Jesus, think of how much more magnificent it will be to bow at the throne of the living God! (13) When you sing, “O, come let us adore Him,” take a moment and thank Him with all your heart for choosing the path of pain and sorrow just so we can have an eternal life of peace and joy! (14)

Scriptures:
1) "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us." Matthew 1:23
2) I saw the Lord sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing on His right hand and His left. II Chronicles 18:18
3) And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Luke 2:16
4) But first He must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation. Luke 17:25
5) But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled." Then all the disciples deserted him and fled. Matthew 26:56
6) He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. Scoured, beaten, bruised. Isiah 53:3-4
7) "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.' " Luke 24:5-7
8) After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, "I thirst!" He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. John 19:28, 30
9) For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. Matthew 26:28
10) So then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him. And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe. Then they said, "Hail, King of the Jews!" And they struck Him with their hands. John 19:1-3
11) For He says: "In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you." Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. II Corinthians 6:2
12) But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled. Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began. Acts 3:18-21
13) For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height-- to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Ephesians 3:14-21
14) And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." Revelation 21:4-5