Brother T. R. Etheridge has been a friend of ours for years. And has been preaching the Word of God for six decades! One night last week in a short Revival Meeting he and his Wife Betty helped prepare a meal for Debbie and me, food accompanied by great fellowship. Memories about serving Jesus!

Today’s Lesson …

Recently I thought a little about the older, faithful Preachers God has brought into my life. And what a help they have been to me, especially in those younger years.

Paul certainly addressed this subject. For example, in 1st Timothy 5:17 he admonished: “Let the elders (preachers, especially pastors) that rule (lead their people) well be counted worthy of DOUBLE HONOUR, especially they who labour in the word (expounding the Scriptures) and doctrine.”

Wow!

The adjective “diplous” means “double” for sure, and is even translated “twofold more” in Matthew 23:15. Its meaning is obvious.

But in today’s religious culture too often the emphasis is on the younger men. (Thank God for them, too!) I’ve noticed Churches nowadays seek younger Pastors, not older ones. No doubt each situation should be considered individually … but I am telling you … we often overlook a lot of wisdom and experience and counsel and love … by automatically ignoring the senior Men of God!

Oh, I fondly remember those who helped me so much. Dr. John V. Ray in college days. Dr. R. C. Henry in the prayer room. Dr. W. A. Criswell as an expositor. Dr. Oliver B. Greene and Dr. Jack A. Green helped me start my library, one that has grown through the years. And so many more …

Do you have an older Preacher in your life?

A former Pastor?

The one who won you to the Lord?

Oh yes, young Preachers, I encourage you to have such a “mentor” in your life. An older seasoned Preacher who can advise you as your grow in your ministry. (Even the President has a “cabinet,” you know.) Elisha had an Elijah, for a while. Timothy had a Paul.

Here’s today’s verse again: “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.”

Do something kind (on “double honor” level) for him today, that older Preacher you love.

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

 

 

Sunrise one morning last month during the Conway, South Carolina Revival … overlooking the Atlantic Ocean! Our motel balcony gave us this beautiful view!

Today’s Lesson …

Yes, Psalm 113:3 suggests: “From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD’S name is to be praised.”

And the verb “to be praised” is “halel” (of “Hallelujah” fame), here set as a (grammatical term) “Pual” stem action word. And in Hebrew a “Pual” verb (the passive of “Piel”) means praise that is ENERGETIC, AGRESSIVE, WHOLE-HEARTED, nothing lukewarm, for sure!

In fact, every sunrise, this verse ought to come to our minds!

A new day, to praise our great God!

The sun that (seems to) rise every day … is also Biblically a Picture (Symbol, Type, Emblem) of our Saviour, our Heavenly Bridegroom!

Psalm 19 says so!

As in its first verse: “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.”

Now, our nearest star comes into focus: “In them (the heavens) hath he (God our Creator) set a tabernacle for the SUN, Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.” Psalm 19:4-6

Jesus, a brilliant Bridegroom!

Jesus, a STRONG Man!

Jesus, a Runner!

Jesus, a Bringer of warmth!

Jesus, coming again!

Yes, Malachi 4:2, still using the “sun” as a Picture of Jesus … hears God say: “Unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings.”

Yes, Christ Jesus is the Sun of Righteousness.

And the Son of God!

And God the Son!

Back to my verb … Hallelujah!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

I have written this Lesson the day after a national Presidential election here in my Country, in America. Really, in my heart, I feel God may be giving us a new day in which to serve Him! In which to defend Israel! In which to view the Bible favorably! In which to help bring freedom around the world!

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

To quote a once famous First Lady, “I am proud to be an American.”

 

Last Friday I was waking through a place called “Rock City.” The trail suddenly became “narrow.” And the following thoughts came to  mind …

Today’s Bible Lesson …

The Christian life is often compared to a “way” of travel, as in the hymn “Marching to Zion.” In fact, in Acts 9:2 it seems that “this way” was a slanderous “nickname” for those collectively following Jesus. And in Acts 22:4 Saul of Tarsus (pre-conversion Paul) said: “And I (Saul) desired of him (the High Priest) letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of THIS WAY, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound (under arrest, in chains) unto Jerusalem.”

Jesus Himself knew that comparatively speaking those who loved Him (and walked in His Way) would always be in the “minority.” He even said so, in His great Sermon on the Mount! “Strait is the gate, and NARROW is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:14

It takes humility (lowliness) to walk through that gate, to pursue that way! “For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved? And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” Luke 18:25-26, where a “needle’s eye” seems to be pretty small, narrow! Rich men, apart from the working of the Holy Spirit, are often BIG in their own eyes, NOT humble, as a general rule.

If you are saved, have seen the light, praise God! Listen to Luke 13:24. “Strive to enter in at the strait (narrow) gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.”

Yet all this being said …

I would still like to revel in the fact that we have a “whosoever will” Gospel to preach!

The “door” to the Old Testament Tabernacle was WIDE! Almost disproportionately so! Thirty feet wide, twenty cubits! And the whole eastern side of the Tabernacle was only seventy-five feet wide, fifty cubits! Fellowship with God was encouraged, obviously!

And Jesus’ Death?

It was for not an exclusive few … but the whole world! “And He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the WHOLE WORLD.” At least John thought so, 1st John 2:2.

In one sense “narrow.”

In another sense, “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37

This I am saying … if you are IN … worship God from the bottom of your heart!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

 

If this Lesson has been a special blessing to you in any way, or an encouragement, text me with a short message to that effect … at 770-844-7627, my cell number. I would love hearing from someone today, one of our readers.

 

Pastor Tim Fluty of the Garrison Creek Baptist Church near Connersville, Indiana

The brief Text Message arrived late last night. From the Pastor where I preached last week in Revival Meeting … near the city of Connersville, Indiana.

It briefly read: “Three souls saved this morning. Revival fires still burning!”

Needless to say, my heart was thrilled.

I am reminded of Paul’s divinely inspired words in Romans 10:13. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Or the answer to that ages old question (“What must I do to be saved?”) as recorded in Acts 16:31. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.”

Or, maybe better yet, Jesus’ Words in John 5:24. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”

The “key” word in each of the cited Verses involves FAITH.

Here’s an even fuller statement, set of instructions: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:9-10

It encourages me just knowing that God worked again yesterday (as He does every day) saving souls and encouraging His people.

Hallelujah!

Oh yes, “TO GOD BE THE GLORY!”

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

By the way, here’s maybe the most important question you will ever be asked …  ARE YOU SAVED?

 

 

Debbie and I one year visited a lovely North Carolina Park called “Grandfather Mountain!” But I chose this photo to especially show you the rocks (in the foreground) and trees (in the background). Keep reading and you will understand why …

Today’s Bible thought …

Years ago I saw a used book about trees, specifically trees in the Bible. Then again a few weeks (or was it months) ago I saw a book about trees in general, the benefit they are to society, critically so. And just a few days ago I remembered these three pictures.

Yes, once in Jesus’ Day a (blind) man our Lord healed actually described men as “trees!” (Until Jesus touched him again, that is!) “And he looked up, and said, I see MEN AS TREES, walking.” Mark 8:24, word for word, from the King James Version. Men compared to, likened to trees!

Now I am remembering Psalm 1, that beautiful description of the godly man who “meditates” in the Word, day and night! The Holy Spirit says of him … “And he shall be LIKE A TREE planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Psalm 1:3, Wow! This applies to ladies, too.

And now the idea of wind and trees? Yes, once the Holy Spirit (symbolized as “wind,” a soft “breeze”) indicated to David the right time to attack an enemy! How? By gently “going” (“blowing”) in the tops of some nearby mulberry trees! This is meticulously recorded in 2nd Samuel 5:23. “When thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the MULBERRY TREES, that then thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the LORD go out before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines.” The “sound of a going,” a thrust of wind! Trees cooperating with the Spirit of God! So should we, for sure!

This tree, on a mountain top in North Carolina, has been so influenced by the prevailing winds that it has grown with all its limbs yielding to the power of those breezes! That’s submission!

Again I remind you of our Lesson topic: “Men as trees!”

But Psalm 92 is even more detailed! “The righteous shall flourish like the PALM TREE: he shall grow like a CEDAR in Lebanon. Those that be PLANTED in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; to shew that the Lord is upright: he is my rock.” Psalm 92:12-15, if you want to know the exact verses.

This massive oak is literally growing out of rock! Jesus is our Rock!

And Jesus (in His Preaching) used “trees” as object Lessons often. “Even so every good TREE bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt TREE bringeth forth evil fruit. A good TREE cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt TREE bring forth good fruit.” A whole book could be written about this theme, “Spiritual Lessons trees can teach us!” I just used our Lord’s Words from Matthew 7:17-18.

My goal today … I eagerly want us all to begin seeing TREES as “object lessons,” revealing their Creator’s Power and Glory and Truth. One reason being … trees are nearly everywhere … constant reminders of spiritual realities!

Yes … Trees!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

By the way, whole books have already been written about the many lessons trees can share with us Christians. Phillip Keller’s little volume entitled “As a Tree Grows” comes to mind. It’s good, too.