Perspectives

NewBirth Perspectives

In This Issue Ten Years in Review

NewBirth Celebrates Ten Year Anniversary Anniversary Service

Newly Married Man Determines, Marriage is not for him.

Peace in the Bottom of the Boat Faith Alone?

How did the First Christians Get Saved?

Everybody ought to got to Sunday School

Saturday Night @ 6:00 p.m.

January 11, 2014

NewBirth Church 1229 Springridge Road Clinton, Ms 39056 601-924-9460 www.newbirth.us

NewBirth Celebrates Ten Year Anniversary Ten years ago, January 11, 2004 the very first service was held in a small office space on Northside drive across from Indian Lanes bowling alley. Becky and I with our three sons started on a journey of establishing a new congregation in Clinton. With just the support of many pastors and churches along with friends and family God has blessed in so many ways.

Before the first service a piece of property was chosen on Springridge road and within a year a church building was constructed in a very short time. Again this was made possible with the help of many churches, contractors and trades people across the metro Jackson area.

Through this ten year period various ministries have been a part of what NewBirth focused on.

Church members have been involved in nursing home ministry, substance abuse recovery programs, providing comfort to those in times of struggle along with other ministries that provide such a vital role in our community.

Three years ago the congregation purchased our current building one mile south and enjoy larger building and more parking.

Over these ten years we have found Clinton to be a wonderful and warm community to raise our family and make many faith connections.

The friends we have made and help that has been given has over and over confirmed to us that when we came to Clinton, we came by God’s divine appointment and direction.

Thank you each and every one who has helped us along the way. For those who have not had an opportunity to worship with us yet, please prayerfully considering coming by and visiting with us real soon.

ask the pastor

Question: Pastor, I need your help with a question. What should be first, second, & third in life?

Family, job, God.

There is an order of priority. Each are important and connect to each other. Our devotion to one does not eliminate our responsibility to the other. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33 Dedication to God affirms my responsibility to my family which in turn will connect me to my dedication to my job. Proper priorities helps me do each one of them better.

Do you enjoy reading biblical and spiritual devotional material?

How did the first christians get saved?

I watched a short video clip the other day and the speaker made a statement that seemed quite provocative. I wish I could just post the video here and you could touch this piece of paper and play the video.

“Should it not concern us that the Bible never uses the phrases accept Jesus into your heart or invite Jesus into your life? It is modern evangelism built on sinking sand.” - David Platt (Baptist Pastor) I have wrestled in my own mind how to approach this subject from a Biblical point of view. Not based on a denomination or a particular tradition, but simply what does the Bible show us in regards to how the first Christians got saved.

The simplicity of the answer is obscured by denominations, church history, and controversy.

This has been a point of contention. “How can I be saved?”

The reformation was birthed in the controversy of how one would be saved. The debate still rages today. In reference to religious debate I am reminded of this statement, “A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still.”

Debate rarely changes anyone's belief. This article or magazine is not intended to stir debate.

The purpose is to provoke people to dust off their Bible and study for themselves. “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15) Strip away tradition. Silence the cacophony of voices. Simply open your Bible and find the answer.

How did the apostles initiate the first christians into the new covenant?

Three reasons why there is disagreement on this subject 1. Misapplication of scripture Some people do not understand the basic way the Bible is divided and the audience for which it is intended. Consider this. The Epistles and all the books from Romans through Revelation were all written to people who were saved. Romans does not tell us how they got saved, but we know they were saved. Consider the audience. Many lift wonderful and inspired words from the Epistles to teach people the way into the Kingdom without considering the audience of the book. The Epistles were not written to people who needed to experience initial salvation.

2. Misapplied trust in men and organization

Religious leaders have been conspiring with each other to maintain control and domination over people through history. This manipulation did not start with the Catholics, nor end with them. Religious leaders are still using every method to keep people in line with the traditions they represent. However the question must be answered: who has a greater authority and understanding of Jesus and His original intent?

Why do we not give precedent to the original Apostles that He chose and spent three years training? What the Apostles did in the beginning to establish the church and usher people into the new covenant should be our first lesson.

3. Trusting in writings, revelations and opinions outside of scripture.

No doubt there is the Mormon Bible and the Watch Tower Society that many look to as an alternative path to the Bible. We must recognize that much of orthodoxy is not rooted in scripture.

Denominational Dogma is often rooted in prominent individuals that propagated particular concepts that are in a great way more respected than the scripture is. While reading scripture, people see it through the eyes and interpretation of someone else, rather than letting the Bible interpret itself.

How were the first converts to Christianity ushered into the new covenant?

The only book that answers this question is the book that bridges the Gospels to the Epistles.

The Gospels tell the story of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. The Epistles are letters written to those who were saved by the gospel.

The Book of Acts is the genesis of the Church. It shows us how the Apostles obeyed the great commission and records the methods, message and means by which Jews and Gentiles were saved by the Gospel preached. It describes and details what the Apostles were told and what these new believers did to be saved.

The first time the Gospel was preached was in Acts chapter two. Peter preached a convicting message of the Lordship of Jesus Christ and his crucifixion.

“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

(Acts 2:36) The response to this declaration of Jesus was emphatic and sincere.

“Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37)

The first time after the great commission, Peter and the rest of the Apostles stood and declared the process by which they would enter into the New Covenant.

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” Acts 2:38 & 39 Notice. They were not enrolled in a class. They were not entreated to walk an aisle, repeat a prayer, sign a card or make a profession of faith.

How did the first Christians get saved? If you are one that desires to understand, study the examples when the Bible explains in detail what happened. You will find the pattern laid out in Acts 2:38 was the template followed over and over.

The question then is asked, What should Christians do today?

Trust in a preacher? A denomination? A religious organization? Perhaps trusting and following the pattern demonstrated and taught by the Apostles?

Isn’t scripture a more valid and authentic way to go?

Prayerfully study Acts 2, 8, 10 and 19. There is a commonality in each of these. Compare these accounts with Jesus and what He taught in John 3:1-5. Consider the Baptism of Jesus and what transpired in that account.

Hint. Water and Spirit “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5) You see this pattern in the salvation instructions and obedience in the first Christians.

Water and Spirit.

The Baptism of Jesus Water & spirit baptism and an utterance from heaven. We see an empowerment began at that point, as He began to walk into His season of destiny. At his baptism, water and spirit baptism, he began the work he came to do. This is the pattern and precedent. The instructions given by the apostles follow this pattern.

To Verify Examine Acts 2, 8, 10, 19

The Baptism of Jesus Water & spirit baptism and an utterance from heaven. We see an empowerment began at that point, as He began to walk into His season of destiny. At his baptism, water and spirit baptism, he began the work he

Peace Found in the Bottom of the Boat

In scripture we see a story of Jesus and his disciples. The Lord had told his disciples, "Let us go to the other side of the sea." So they got in the boat. But something happened that caused them to forget what the Lord had said.

"And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full."

Here is the interesting part. " And JESUS was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?

And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?" Mark 4:37-40 They found peace in the bottom of the boat.

How could Jesus sleep in the middle of this storm? I propose to you because he had peace.

He was not busy looking at what was happening on the surface of the ship. He was at peace in a dark cozy spot in the bottom of the boat sleeping on a pillow.

I propose to you something simple, yet profound.

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27 You ready for it?

Not only do we have peace, but also we have HIS PEACE. The same peace demonstrated in this story, is the peace that is available to every one of us. So what was their problem? The problem was that when they should have been resting, they were fretting. They were so caught up in what they saw; they forgot what they KNEW. They knew what Jesus had said. They knew Jesus was in the bottom of the boat.

Where Jesus is, is where we need to be.

There is peace found in the bottom of the boat.

The problem is we are not comfortable dwelling in the dark secret places of our boat. When a boat leaks, you know where the water goes? To the bottom of the boat. When we try to retreat and find rest in our storms we are confronted with the results of leaks in our lives.

When we are looking for peace we are confronted with our problems that are on the inside. We are more comfortable out worrying about the storms, than dealing with what is inside our hull.

What saps our faith?

Lack of prayer, bible reading, hearing and obeying the Word of God? I propose to you that these are simply products of a deeper problem.

The problem is we do not have a clean

conscience. The turmoil within hinders us from being at peace. This problem is complicated even more when we have storms, we should be able to seek shelter in the bottom of the boat, we have no shelter. We are left to be blown about and tossed because the storm is waging within and without.

We can have PEACE in the bottom of the boat.

When you have peace in the bottom of the boat, it can speak peace to the storms on the surface.

In the scripture Jesus speaks of a personal peace. " And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you." Matt 10:13 I believe we have a personal peace. Picture a pool of water. When it is at peace, you can see a reflection. It acts as a mirror. You can also see the bottom of the pool. When something disturbs that pool, all you can see is the disturbance. I believe this is how God convicts us, leads us and even chastens us. It is found in this place of peace. It is inner peace.

I will attempt to explain something the Lord showed me recently. I saw a large body of water.

I looked into the water that was very, very deep. I saw a large rock in the deep of this water, and I knew that there was a cave found inside. I went into the water and went to the depths to this rock. I found that in this rock was a cave, where it was dry. It formed an air pocket in the depths of this water. In this place was an area big enough to sleep and rest.

No matter what happened on the surface, nothing could disturb the peace found in this deep place of rest.

We can access this place of deep-seated peace.

His peace. It would be nice if when we Get the Holy Ghost all things became rosy. We all have the pressure of problems. Sadly I have imitated the disciples instead of Christ in most storms of my life.

The key to having personal peace in the midst of personal problems is to follow your knows. Not your eyes or your ears or even your feelings.

Follow your Knows. Follow what you know. I KNOW God is going to take us to the other side.

Don’t rest in your five senses.

When we will quit living and looking on the surface, we will find that peace in the bottom of the boat. Clean out your boat. Cease to do those things that offend your conscience. Cease from sin. Quit disturbing the peace with willful acts and ignoring the prodding of the spirit.

Reminds me of this old song.

There is peace, in the midst of the storm tossed night,

Newly Married Man Determines, Marriage is not

This is Seth Adam Smith and his wife, Kim. They’ve been married a year and a half, and Seth just realized: marriage is not for him.

He realized it’s MUCH more than that. This is a recent entry from his blog. It’s well worth reading.

Marriage Isn’t For You Having been married only a year and a half, I’ve recently come to the conclusion that marriage isn’t for me.

Now before you start making assumptions, keep reading.

I met my wife in high school when we were 15 years old. We were friends for ten years until… until we decided no longer wanted to be just friends. :) I strongly recommend that best friends fall in love. Good times will be had by all.

Nevertheless, falling in love with my best friend did not prevent me from having certain fears and anxieties about getting married. The nearer Kim and I approached the decision to marry, the more I was filled with a paralyzing fear. Was I ready?

Was I making the right choice? Was Kim the right person to marry? Would she make me happy?

Then, one fateful night, I shared these thoughts and concerns with my dad.

Perhaps each of us have moments in our lives when it feels like time slows down or the air becomes still and everything around us seems to draw in, marking that moment as one we will never forget.

My dad giving his response to my concerns was such a moment for me. With a knowing smile he said, “Seth, you’re being totally selfish. So I’m going to make this really simple: marriage isn’t for you. You don’t marry to make yourself happy, you marry to make someone else happy. More than that, your marriage isn’t for yourself, you’re marrying for a family. Not just for the in-laws and all of that nonsense, but for your future children.

Who do you want to help you raise them? Who do you want to influence them? Marriage isn’t for you. It’s not about you. Marriage is about the person you married.”

It was in that very moment that I knew that Kim was the right person person to marry. I realized that I wanted to make her happy; to see her

smile every day, to make her laugh every day. I wanted to be a part of her family, and my family wanted her to be a part of ours. And thinking back on all the times I had seen her play with my nieces, I knew that she was the one with whom I wanted to build our own family.

My father’s advice was both shocking and revelatory. It went against the grain of today’s “Walmart philosophy”, which is if it doesn’t make you happy, you can take it back and get a new one.

No, a true marriage (and true love) is never about you. It’s about the person you love—their wants, their needs, their hopes, and their dreams.

Selfishness demands, “What’s in it for me?”, while Love asks, “What can I give?”

Some time ago, my wife showed me what it means to love selflessly. For many months, my heart had been hardening with a mixture of fear and resentment. Then, after the pressure had built up to where neither of us could stand it, emotions erupted. I was callous. I was selfish.

But instead of matching my selfishness, Kim did something beyond wonderful—she showed an outpouring of love. Laying aside all of the pain and aguish I had caused her, she lovingly took me in her arms and soothed my soul.

I realized that I had forgotten my dad’s advice.

While Kim’s side of the marriage had been to love me, my side of the marriage had become all about me. This awful realization brought me to tears, and I promised my wife that I would try to be better.

To all who are reading this article—married, almost married, single, or even the sworn bachelor or bachelorette—I want you to know that marriage isn’t for you. No true relationship of love is for you. Love is about the person you love.

And, paradoxically, the more you truly love that person, the more love you receive. And not just from your significant other, but from their friends and their family and thousands of others you never would have met had your love remained self-centered.

Truly, love and marriage isn’t for you. It’s for others.

Source/Original http://sethadamsmith.com/

Everybody ought to go to Sunday School!

Church is important and should be a priority.

A little song I remember from my childhood learning in Sunday School.

A little birdy with the yellow bill, hopped up on my windowsill, cocked his little head and said, "Wake up little sleepy head." Everybody ought to go to Sunday School.

Church is important and should be a priority.

We all do what is important to us. There are circumstances that hinder all of us... our ox gets in the ditch... However if the ox is in the ditch two or three times out of the month, time to get a new ox or fill in the ditch.

I do believe those who can go, that don't go to church... there is a problem. Bitterness, offense, doubt, carnality, self or laziness could play a part in it.

Many people I have seen that can't go to church... go to football games, grocery store, fishing... but church time...

Oh my back, my foot, my ...

As we get older and sickness... everyone knows where their heart is, because their body was in church when it was younger, healthier and able.

Church going is like prayer and bible reading. We do it by choice, preparation and discipline. Show me someone who does not go to church, I will show you someone who is not praying consistently or reading their bible either. These three things go together like eggs, bacon and biscuits.

life to never be without trouble... because that is the only way they will live for him.

Maybe, just maybe if people could learn how to live for God after the storm passes and keep living for him when good times come and remain faithful they might find, trouble does not come as often or as severe. And when trouble comes, it don't come to us when we are wrapped up in the world, but we are already wrapped up in Jesus... and it does not hinder or harm us at all.

The Wealth found only in Faithfulness There is an equity that builds. An accumulation of virtue that grows. There is a growing portfolio of faith that a faithful child of God gains. When faithfulness to prayer, the word of God and the fellowship found in the Church house there is a richness that life can not steal from you.

It is the parable of the wise man building his house on a rock. Those that hear and obey the word of God, they and their house survive and are able to thrive when it passes.

There are some that would bluster at some of this written and say, “i don’t need church, I can get what I need watching church on TV or reading my Bible at home.” I would like you to consider that as important church is for you, you are important to others. You are cheating yourself and others by not participating in the wonderful benefits of corporate worship.

I had heard that a local church a few years ago here in Clinton did a survey and 85% did not go to church on any regular basis.

I have seen faithful people make it to church when they were in pain, broke and the weather was terrible.

How could that be? One reason is people have lost an understanding of the message of the little Sunday School Song.

I have seen many others who could not come when money was right, sun was shining and all was well.

They went to the lake or slept late, because church was not a priority.

In a previous generation Husbands went church with their wives. Then we came upon a generation where mothers went with their kids. Finally we found a time when parents sent the kids to church.

It is no wonder we now live in a day when very few even make the effort.

I remember relating this to a dear sister who was very faithful as mentioned above and she said, "There have been times when I had to press my way, I said in my heart, "If I can just make it to church I will feel better." And she said, "You know, I always did feel better because there is relief, refreshing and healing in prayer and worship with my church family."

Sadly, some view God like they view church. He is the emergency hatch, panic button and they come running, crying and desperate for help when tragedy strikes.

They are wanting relief. God help me.

When God helps them, they revert to the very same patterns and lifestyle that set them up for trouble.

Rather than wanting deliverance, they were just looking for relief.

God will help all who call on His name. Trouble humbles us and helps us see our need for him. The greatest thing God could do for some is allow their

Great effort will be made for ballgames, hunting, fishing and other entertainment, but in the preparation of life for the kids is so neglected that even the parents don’t know what is right. It’s no wonder kids in this generation are so often hopeless.

Your the answer to your family. Mother, Father, Aunt, Uncle, Grandparent, quit pointing on the weakness of others and demonstrate some personal strength and mettle and get yourself and those you love to church this Sunday and next sunday. In fact make a commitment for the next six months, I am going no matter what. I would be willing to guarantee you, in six months there will be a noticeable difference in your life that you will not want to stop.

Let me encourage you this day. If you were in Church last week, keep it up. If not, tighten up.

I was glad when they said unto me, "Let us go into the house of the Lord."

Faith Alone?

The nature of faith is a favorite discussion for Christians to have. Faith is the genesis of everything good that happens in our life. I would like to challenge your thinking.

The challenge is faith and it’s function is not always understood and often what people believe about faith is not a true definition or attribute. With that being said, I am going to start this by provoking you with a statement.

Faith alone is insufficient.

Without a doubt many Christians believe in this concept of "Faith Alone.”

Did you know that there is only one scripture in your Bible where the words “faith” and “alone” are found together?

"Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." James 2:17 It's no wonder that Martin Luther, father of this doctrine of “faith alone”, wanted to remove the book of James from the Bible. After all, the book was the loudest and most vocal critic of Luther’s new and evolving doctrine. Faith alone is now the point of agreement with most of evangelical Christianity.

There is an element of beauty in the Faith Alone doctrine. It was formed in reaction to the accumulated errors of the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church had departed from scripture. In their teaching, salvation was obtained by unscriptural means. Much of this false doctrine focused on an unbiblical place called Purgatory.

Through many exhaustive and expensive tasks, one could pay their way and shorten their stay in this place of torment. The Catholic Church is still trafficking in this mythological place. It was stated the other day that time in Purgatory could be shortened for those who follow the Pope on Twitter.1 In contrast of great deception, this singular point of faith for salvation was short, sweet, and simple. It was beautiful, in fact. However, it is a dangerous beauty. It is closer to the truth than Catholic errors, but still insufficient to be a true Biblical doctrine.

The Parables of Jesus Ponder with me the parables of Jesus.

Christians believe the parables provide a great summary of what it means to be like Jesus and live for him.

The Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25:31-46) - One group is saved and the other is lost because of what they did and did not do.

The Wise and Foolish Builders (Matthew 7:24) - The difference was obedience to the words of Jesus.

The ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-12) - Those who were not prepared, not only were barred from going with Jesus but he denied knowing them.

Jesus never taught that faith alone was sufficient for salvation. Instead, He emphasized the necessity of obedience.

You cannot separate faith and obedience, because ultimately faith is obedience.

So Why All the Confusion?

The Faith and Works Discussion The Word of God never contradicts itself simply our understanding is lacking.

epistles were written. Every epistle was written to people who were already saved. These were not tracts or “how to guides” for sinners, rather they were admonitions, explanations, and doctrinal teachings to the saved. So when you see a discussion about faith, it is not telling people what to do to be saved. It is teaching those who have already been saved the nature of faith.

If one can accept that simple fact, it brings us to a very important question. How did the first Christians get saved? What did the Apostles tell them to do when asked, "What do I need to do to be saved?" Read Acts 2:36-39 We have specific examples of what that sounded and looked like.

However, because people don't understand what Biblical faith is, they ignore this discussion of what was done, because they out of hand dismiss it as being unimportant Christian history.

The New Testament was written by Jews to a Jewish church culture. Today, most believers read the New Testament without considering the audience to which it was written. Therefore, there is much misunderstanding. When works are minimized in the Epistles, it is not an argument against obedience.

The Apostle Paul, the writer of much of the New Testament, we find what he asked and did with new believers. Surely the writer of Ephesians did not disagree with himself in how he initiated people into the kingdom when he was in Ephesus. Acts 19:1-5

Why is the vital requirement of obedience not taught today? The importance of faith has been magnified, and the vital component of obedience has been minimized.

Jesus, in the book of Revelations, while addressing the seven churches, makes a very declarative statement to each one of them.

Faith as taught by Jesus and His apostles was obedience.

Read Hebrews 11, where the writer communicates what these Old Testament believers did by faith.

“By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark.

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed.” Hebrews 11: 7 - 8 Faith is celebrated in the Bible because of what they did in obedience, not simply what they believed.

In Romans 10, some call the Roman road, look at how Paul differentiated those who believed.

"But they have not all obeyed the gospel."

Romans 10:16 Faith does not and cannot exist without obedience.

Because faith actualized is obedience.

Most misunderstanding of the faith discussion is a failure to recognize who the audience to which the

Does Jesus look at your works?

"I know thy works.."

What follows this declarative statement is warning and praise. Jesus warns if they do not repent, He will remove their candlestick, blot out their name, fight against them with His Word and spew them out of his mouth. Jesus commended them or rebuked them based on what they were doing, not simply what they believed. He warned them, if you don’t stop, I will judge you.

Faith alone?

"Faith without works is dead being alone."

Pray earnestly and open your Bibles. Let us grow in faith, knowledge and the work of God.

References 1 - http://www.cbsnews.com/ 8301-202_162-57594227/vatican-get-time-off-inpurgatory-by-following-pope-on-twitter/

Why My English Teacher Wanted To Be Baptized In Jesus Name!

Ms. DeGroote, as she wished to be called, was from France and she taught my senior year English class at South Bend Central High. She was 63 and referred to herself as a spinster. We had more creative names for her. Most of the students dreaded her classes. We were taught diction and enunciation with a heavy French accent. It seemed to make learning to speak proper English an impossibility with her as the instructor. By much effort I received the only A in her class both semesters.

My class was filled with Catholic students. South Bend, Indiana still is a predominately Catholic town. Its claim to fame is the University of Notre Dame. I was the only non-Catholic in the class.

Ms. DeGroote was a stern woman who tolerated no-nonsense in any of her classes. I was highly confined in her restrictive and controlled environment.

When Adams was called on, he went to the chalkboard and almost got his correct. Ms. DeGroote had sat at his empty desk and corrected his paper while he was at the board. When he finished, I heard “Ballestero!”

“I would like you to go to the board and diagram my sentence, and I will correct my own paper,” I said to Ms. DeGroote.

She said, “Read me your sentence.”

“It’s a Bible verse, if that’s OK,” I ventured.

She nodded and I read my Scripture.

Matthew 28:19 (KJV) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: “Go ye therefore (comma)” I said.

During the course, we had many weeks of conjugation and diagramming sentences. Somehow the nerd in me found those subjects easy and interesting. No, that is not normal, but it happened nevertheless. (I knew I was a nerd and not a geek, because geeks make more money than nerds.)

One day Ms. DeGroote said, “Now students, tomorrow I want you to bring to class a sentence or sentences that you have diagrammed. You may go to the board and diagram your sentence, and I will correct your paper. Or, I will go to the board and diagram your sentence while you correct the paper.

For the life of me, I could not think of a sentence to diagram. Especially since the whole class would see.

Then it dawned on me. What better sentence in the world to diagram! I went home, picked up my Bible, and copied Mt. 28:19 down. I proceeded to diagram the verse. This just had to be right.

The next day couldn’t come soon enough. I was ready for class. When 3rd period English finally arrived I knew I would be the second one called on.

Everything in the class was by alphabet. Even our seating was arranged that way. I set behind Adams.

We were all called by our last names.

Ms. DeGroote prefaced her work with a (you) in front of the word “Go”.

When I read the verse aloud, I paused on the word “name,” while I waited for her to catch up.

“Of the Father,” I said.

“Now, here we have a prepositional phrase modifying the word name. At this point we do not know yet what the name of the person is, but we do know by this prepositional phrase, that whoever this person is, they are a Father,” she said.

She then drew the appropriate lines on her diagram.

“Of the Son,” I continued.

“Now we know, that this person is both a Father and a Son, but we still don’t have a name.”

“Ms. DeGroote,” a girl named Williams called out with her hand in the air. “Aren’t Father and Son names?”

“They’re just descriptive titles. They tell us something about the name, but they don’t tell us His name, they are only titles.” was her answer.

She again drew the second prepositional phrase on the board.

Ms DeGroote looked at her writing on the board.

Then she turned back to me with her arms wide in surrender. With a heavy French accent, my Catholic English teacher said, “I guess I need to be baptized in Jesus name!”

“Yes!” I said as I pulled my upraised clinched fist down from my chin area. The other 30 students in the class clapped. I did a modest jig in the class aisle myself.

Have you been baptized in Jesus name?

Acts 2:38 (KJV) Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 4:12 (KJV) Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under of heaven The Goodness the given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Lord has allowed me

to labor in His Vineyard for over 53 years as pastor and evangelist.

“Of the Holy Ghost.” I continued.

After the 3rd prepositional phrase was in place, my teacher looked carefully at the diagram on the board from end to end. She shook her head. “All we know here is that whoever this person is, they are a Father, a Son, and they are the Holy Ghost! But we still don’t know what the name is.”

“Martyn,” she said looking at me carefully, “What is the name?”

I had been waiting for this moment. I stood, and gently said, “Jesus is the name!”

Martyn Ballestero

a place of faith, hope & love

THE

NEWS FROM NEW BIRTH

would you be interested in a Non Denominational Bible Study?

All that will be needed is a Bible.

The purpose is to search the Scriptures for the answers it holds for us, all in a casual environment. Coffee and tea will be provided.

Questions explored and Answered from a Biblical point of view.

SUNDAY

Sunday School 10:00 a.m.

Sunday Worship 11:00 a.m.

WEDNESDAY

Worship & The Word 7:00 p.m.

Children’s Church 1229 Springridge Road Clinton, Mississippi 39056 601-924-9460 2 Miles South of I-20 2 Blocks South of McRaven Road

Visit Our Website

www.newbirth.us