Heb. 6:2 instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.

All saints and all souls day. This is the time that people remember their dead. I remember my son because it is just about this time that it happened. (Six years ago, he got sick of TB meningitis, got paralyzed and eventually died after two months)

So many participate in the pagan Halloween practice – Trick or treat (no biblical).

Thousands of Filipinos flock the cemetery to visit and pay respect for their dead.

Q. Why is there such a fascination to know more about the life beyond this life?

Many would like to unveil the mystery the spiritual world.

Why are we talking about death?

Tension: Your view of eternity will determine how you live today.

3 competing views of life after death:

1. Annihilationism – when you’re dead you’re dead (You can live any way you want)

2. Re-incarnation – better luck next time. If you did not perform well in this life, then you can come back in another life form i.e. dog, tree, mouse, mosquito, etc.

3. Resurrection – there is life after death. All the dead will rise up (not like zombies) and will either eternally live with God in heaven or will be eternally be condemned.

The resurrection of Christ is at the center of Christian faith!

What do we know about death and eternity?

1. Life is short.

Psalm 90:10 – The length of our days is seventy years— or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.

-        What are we living for?

-        Most of the things that we pursue are temporal in nature.

-        We need to fix our eyes on eternal things.

2. Death is certain.

Heb. 9:27 Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment,

Heb. 9:28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

We are all destined to die.

According to the latest statistics the mortality rate is still 100%. Everybody will die.

What will happen in the judgment is determined by how you treated Christ in your lifetime. Why? Because our sin separates us from a holy God.

But there is good news: Jesus died to pay the penalty for our sins and He didn’t stay dead. He rose up again to save us. Those who call upon the Lord will be saved. If you ask Him, he will forgive your sins. If you are saved, then your name will be written in the Lamb’s Book of life. Nothing can blot it out from there. And the angels in heaven will rejoice.

3. We will all face judgment.

The thought of being judged by somebody can be sobering/ scary. Can you imagine if God will be the one judging you?

John 5:28 “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice

John 5:29 and come out—those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned.

What will take place in the judgment? (Separation of sinners and righteous)

1. Great white throne judgment – many Christian scholars believe that this is for the unbelievers; judged by works but we know that works cannot save us. We are saved by grace not by works. Those whose names are not found in the Lamb’s book of life will be thrown in the lake of fire.

Rev. 20:12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.

Rev. 20:15 If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

2. Judgment seat of Christ – only for believers

2Cor. 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Your eternal destination is not determined in the judgment seat of Christ. It was already determined while you were on earth and you put your faith in Christ.

What is being judged there? Good works, not salvation. This is the time when God will give rewards to Christians for the works they have done while on earth. Salvation has been given when we put our faith in Christ (while on earth). This is the time when rewards will be given.

1Cor. 3:12 If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw,

1Cor. 3:13 his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work.

1Cor. 3:14 If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward.

1Cor. 3:15 If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.

-        The day will bring it to light.

-        Fire will test the quality of each man’s work.

Will you receive a reward?

Don’t build your life on material things (sticks) but on things that endure to the end (costly stones). Our words, actions, and motives as Christians will be judged.

MAINPOINT: YOUR VIEW OF ETERNITY WILL DETERMINE HOW YOU LIVE.

Last week, we talked about repentance from dead works and putting our faith in God.

Repentance is a relationship. Turning away from an old master and turning to a new master.

As part of hygiene, we were taught to wash our hands before eating. Taking a bath is a normal routine for us. Filipinos are fond of taking a bath. I heard of foreigners who prefer to hire Filipinos as employees because we are a clean race. We normally take a bath twice a day.

Transition: What do the Jews believe about baptism and laying on of hands?

Old testament practice:

Numbers 19: 19b-20 – The person being cleansed must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and that evening he will be clean. But if a person who is unclean does not purify himself, he must be cut off from the community, because he has defiled the sanctuary of the Lord.

No “baptism” word in the old testament, but a Law on washing and cleansing.

Who or what needs washing & cleansing? It’s done ceremonially! No man can come in the sanctuary of the Lord unless he is clean.

Objects: utensils, things in the temple (dedicated to God), clothes of an unclean person

People:  Levitical priests (Aaron’s sons) – for consecration before entering the tent of meeting or altar so that they will not die

- To cleanse those who touched unclean animals or dead things

Bathsheba – was bathing when David saw her to have purification after menstrual cycle (2 Sam. 11)

Naaman – In 2 Kings 5, the prophet Elisha told him to wash in the Jordan to have cleansing.

Wrong Understanding of Baptism:

1. “Pouring”

Baptism comes from the Greek word “baptizo” which means “immersion”.

The first mention of Baptism in the bible was during the time of John the Baptist wherein he would baptize a repentant sinner in the Jordan river.

Pouring is done only when there is no water available.

As Filipinos, we are familiar with infant baptism. Binyag or kumpil which meant that a baby being baptized is being welcomed into the Christian world and whose original sin will be cleansed.

2. “Cleanses sin”

Baptism does not save you and will not save you. We are saved by trusting in what Christ did on the cross. He died as a payment for our sins. Our act of doing baptism cannot add to what Jesus did. His work on the cross is complete. “It is finished.”

Matt. 3:15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.

-        Jesus did it not to be cleansed but as a proof of righteousness. With his baptism, he identified with humanity’s sin and failure becoming our substitute.

3.  “Baptismal Formula”

Acts 10:48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.

- Some people think we need to baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. While some do it “in Jesus name”.

What Baptism is:

1. Baptism of Repentance

Mark 1:4 And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

John’s baptism – altar call; public declaration (show picture)

-        Modern preachers do the contemporary altar call to ask people if they want to make Jesus as Lord.

-        John’s baptism is a baptism of repentance. It was a form of altar call and a public declaration that they are believers.

2.  Newness in Life

Rom. 6:3 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?

Rom. 6:4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

We identify with the death, burial and resurrection of Christ in baptism.

3.  Baptism of the Holy Spirit

Acts 2:38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2:39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

-  The Holy Spirit fills us with good things in order to be a blessing to other people.

Baptism is a declaration that we belong to Christ.

ON LAYING ON OF HANDS:

1. To ORDAIN & COMMISSION SPIRITUAL LEADERS

2. To minister the BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

3. To impart SPIRITUAL GIFTS

(Joshua from Moses; Timothy from elders; Acts 6)

4. To impart FAMILY BLESSING.

Fathers – have a special role in the releasing of the blessing for the children

Hands should be used to bless and not to hurt.

- Hands are not used to discipline but the rod.

5. To minister HEALING.

Praying for sick people. Authority of believer.

MAINPOINT: SINCE WE BELONG TO CHRIST, WE MUST BE A BLESSING TO OTHERS.

Heb. 5:11 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn.

Heb. 5:12 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!

Heb. 5:13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness.

Heb. 5:14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

We are called to grow in our relationship with God and not to remain like babes. How does one measure maturity?

Myth of Time – It’s not the length of time of church attendance that measures one’s maturity. There are people who are one year old in their relationship with God who are more mature than some Christians who may be in church for 10 years. Time simply cannot measure maturity.

Myth of Association – Maturity does not happen when you hang out with mature Christians. It cannot be transferred by osmosis. Even if you are close to the bishop, pastor or small group leader, it doesn’t make you mature.

Myth of Knowledge – Some people think that the more they know about the bible, the more mature and close to God they are. The bible says “knowledge puffs up”. Sometimes, it actually just brings more pride. It’s not about how much bible you know but how much of the bible you actually do that determines one’s maturity.

We are called to go on towards maturity.

There is a difference between growing old and growing up. All people (without exception even with all the cosmetics and botox) grow old but many still act like kids. Some choose to grow up.

Here’s the bottomline: It’s time to grow up.

All over Metro Manila, we see the different areas where the fierce floods had destroyed property – cars, houses, etc.

Several of the Victory churches cancelled their services last Saturday and Sunday. Others including us decided to do a worship and prayer service. We decided to postpone our new series preaching and instead minister encouragement and comfort to the people.

Here was the sermon I shared during the Sunday services (Sept. 27):

Mark 4:35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.”

Mark 4:36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him.

Mark 4:37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped.

Mark 4:38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

Mark 4:39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

Mark 4:40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

Mark 4:41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

How can we survive the storms of life?

Notice that Jesus said, “Let us go over to the other side.” It is important to note that his intention is to go to the other side and not in the middle of the lake and drown. If he says something, he will definitely fulfill it even if there are obstacles. Also he said,” Let us go. . “ and not just “Go”. His intent was to go with his disciples and not just to leave them.

Lessons from the story:

1.  Storms will come.

Storm came in the life of Jesus as well. He and the disciples found themselves in the middle of a strong storm out on the lake.

Storms are part of life. Here in the Philippines, storms will hit whether we like it or not. The question is’ “Are we prepared for it?”

1Pet. 4:12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.

But even with the promises of God, we can still experience disappointments. Endurance and faith in God are the keys.

Hebrews 6:19 “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure”

There are some people here today in whose life a storm is raging. For some it is financial. For others it is a health issue. Still others are being swamped in the area of relationships.

Just like the disciples, you may ask “Lord, don’t you care if I drown? Are you aware of what I am going through?”

A storm does not mean that God does not love you or is punishing you or is angry at you.

2.  Jesus is with us in the storm.

If you are going through a storm, one person you want in your boat is Jesus.

The problem of the disciples was not that Jesus wasn’t with them. He was with them but he was asleep. It was the only recorded verse where we see Jesus sleeping.

Other passages indicated that even late at night or early in the morning, Jesus is awake. In fact, he rebuked the disciples one time for sleeping instead of praying.

It seemed odd that Jesus would be sleeping in a storm. It seemed like He doesn’t care or He is too tired. We all have been in situations like this. You are in the middle of a crisis and it seems like God is off somewhere taking a nap. You get a silent treatment to your prayers. He does not seem to respond to your needs.

But could the real reason be that: He is at peace because he is in charge.

Mark 5:36 “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”

After he rebukes the storm, he rebukes his disciples. He asks them two questions: “Why are you so afraid?” and “Do you still have no faith?”.

He is hoping that his faithfulness in the past will cause you to trust him in the future.

Is. 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

ILLUSTRATION:

When we ride the roller coaster, we look forward to the thrill that we’ll get out of the ride. We are not really scared because of the harness and the safety measures that are in place. But what if before riding the roller coaster, you read assign that says “WARNING: There is a 50% chance that this roller coaster might breakdown during your ride due to worn-out parts!” Will you still go for the ride? The reason why you are thrilled riding in the first place is because of the confidence and security that your ride will be safe.

We are actually riding the roller coaster of our lives. Jesus is our harness and our security. And no matter how bumpy the ride will be – with all the ups, downs, twists, turns, flips, dips; you can be confident because the One holding you is reliable and trustworthy. In fact, we can let go of our hands!

3. Jesus will calm the storm.

Storms are temporary. At His perfect timing, He will speak to the elements of the storm “Quiet! Be still!” We need to be patient and just see the deliverance of God.

1Pet. 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer,

4.  Jesus reveals himself in a storm.

Mark 4:41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

The disciples have seen miracles in the past- healing of the sick, casting out of evil spirits, etc.  But the disciples saw the Creator and Lord that even the wind and waves will obey Him.

In the gospels, the disciples keep coming to new revelations of who Jesus is in the context of some crisis. Abraham knew God as Jehovah Jireh as he was going up Mt. Moriah. Noah met God as a giver of new life in the storms and flood. Daniel met the tamer of lions in the lion’s den. This is also true in our lives. Expect to know God deeper in a crisis.

MAINPOINT:  TRUST THAT JESUS WILL CALM THE STORMS OF LIFE.

If you don’t understand God’s hand, trust his heart.

I am posting the outline of the message that I used last Sunday. Thanks to our missions guys: Pastors Michael Paderes, Jonathan Bocobo and Jun Escosar for passionately working on the details of this sermon.

Definition:

Pas•sion – a strong and barely uncontrollable emotion; obsession; fervor; enthusiasm; eagerness

I have many passions in life. As you can see in my blog, I write about my faith in God, my family and about finances. Other things that I am passionate about are food and fitness. Can I make a confession? The reason why I exercise is not really to look good or be slim but so that I can eat good “stuff”. I sometimes find myself checking the calories that I burned in order to find out how much food I can take in.

Filipinos are a passionate people.  We are a very emotional and spontaneous culture.  Filipinos are most passionate about basketball, Manny Pacqiao, picture taking, videoke, shopping, etal.

Transition: If as a people, we get excited about the things mentioned, have you ever considered what God is most passionate about?  What excites Him?  What moves Him?  What commands His attention?

This sermon is focused on the heart and passion of God.

“God’s ultimate passion is His glory,” (John Piper) and He is most glorified when nations are discipled.

Psalm 24:1 “The earth is the LORD’S, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;”

This is the starting point of World Missions.

Let me just clarify one thing: All the earth belongs to Jesus Christ.

The world does not belong to the devil, media, terrorists or tyrants.  The earth and all who live in it belong to Jesus Christ alone.

Mission is personal to God.

Rev 5:9b “and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.”

• By His own blood, Jesus has purchased every person, every tribe, every language, every nation.

What are you willing to give up to get something that is close to your heart?

God is most passionate about the nations because He created it for His purposes and He purchased it with His blood.  No other god, power, force can lay claim to the earth.  There are almost 7 billion (by April 2010) people in the world today, Jesus Christ died for every one of them.  He purchased the over 16,000 people groups, estimated 7,000 languages in the world, and 195 countries.

- How could God not be passionate about the nations when He created them, owns them, and purchased them with His own blood?

God wants every nation to be reached.  Not some, not most, but every nation.

(Ps 67:2) “that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.”

(Mt 24:14) “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”

(Lk 24:47) “and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations,”

(Rev 7:9) “After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb.”

World missions is not just another church program or activity.

• It is the passion of God, heart of Christianity and the reason the Church exists on the earth – to make disciples of all nations.

If God’s heart burns for the nations, what does the world look like today?

7 billion people

-        2.1 billion Christians (only .7 are Bible believing, the rest nominal)

-        2.1 billion non-Christians within reach

-        2.8 billion non-Christians unreached

If the world was made up of 10 people…

-        1 true Christian

-        2 nominal Christians

-        3 non-Christians within reach

-        4 non-Christians unreached

Let’s look at where the harvest is…

If the World was a Village of 100 people

-        1 is from Oceana

-        5 is from North America

-        9 is from Latin America

-        12 is from Europe

-        13 is from Africa,

-        60 would be from Asia

MAINPOINT: GOD’S ULTIMATE PASSION IS TO DISCIPLE NATIONS.

Revelation 1:6 “and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.”

God has made the Church “a kingdom” and “priests.”  Kingdom refers to our role in extending God’s rulership over all the earth.  Our priestly duty is to stand in the gap as ministers of reconciliation until every nation is brought back to Christ.

John 4:34,35 “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.   Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.”

Like Jesus, our will is to do the will of Him Who sent us.  Our passion must be His passion – to make disciples of all nations.  When that happens, every nation becomes a harvest field, and will be redeemed back to Christ.