OUR ULTIMATE VICTORY

OUR ULTIMATE VICTORY

In this life, sometimes it ‘looks like’ we are losing, or it appears that we have lost.  Fact is, nothing could be farther from the truth.  Appearances notwithstanding, right now “we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.” (Romans 8:37)  But in the morning, our ultimate victory shall be manifested.  “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)

Sisters and brothers, be encouraged and stand (by faith) on the promises of God’s Word.

I Corinthians 15:51-58 (NKJV)

⁵¹ Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— ⁵² in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. ⁵³ For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. ⁵⁴ So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”

⁵⁵ “O Death, where is your sting?
O Hades, where is your victory?”

⁵⁶ The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. ⁵⁷ But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

⁵⁸ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

Never EVER give up!  It will be worth it all – when we see Jesus!

Romans 8:8,31,35-39

⁸ For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 

³¹ What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 

³⁵ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? ³⁶ As it is written:

“For Your sake we are killed all day long;
We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”

³⁷ Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. ³⁸ For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, ³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

NOTHING SHALL SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF GOD!

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

WE MAY NEVER KNOW

WE MAY NEVER KNOW

A long time ago, a young, wealthy girl was getting ready for bed.  While saying her prayers, she heard a muffled cry coming through her window.  Although a little frightened, she went over to the window and leaned out.

Another girl about her age was homeless and standing in the alley by the rich girl’s house.  Her heart went out to the homeless girl since it was the dead of winter and the girl had no blanket, only old newspapers as a meager shield from the frigid cold.  Suddenly struck with a brilliant idea, the rich girl called to the other girl and said, “You there, come to my front door please.”

The homeless girl was so startled she could only manage to nod.

As quick as her legs could carry her, the young girl ran down the hall to her mother’s closet, and picked out an old quilt and a beat up pillow.  She walked slowly o the front door so as not to trip over the quilt she carried.

Dropping articles, she opened the door and standing there was the homeless girl, looking quite scared.  The rich girl smiled warmly and handed both articles to the other girl.  Her smile grew wider as she watched true amazement and joy lighting up the other girl’s face.  The rich girl went to bed that night feeling incredibly satisfied.

By mid-morning the next day, a knock came to the door.  The rich girl flew to the door hoping it was the other little girl there.  She opened the large door and looked outside.  It was the other little girl.  Her face looked quite happy, and she smiled.  “I suppose you want these back.”

The rich little girl opened her mouth to say that she could keep them when another idea popped into her head.  “No, I want them back.”

The homeless girl’s face fell.  This was not the answer she had hoped for.  So reluctantly, she laid down the bed coverings and turned to leave when the rich girl yelled, “Wait!  Stay right here.”

She turned in time to see the rich girl running up the stairs and down a long corridor.  Deciding whatever the rich little girl was doing wasn’t worth waiting for she started to turn around and walk away.  As her foot hit the first step, she felt someone tap her on the shoulder, turning she saw the rich little girl, thrusting a new blanket and pillow at her.  “Have these instead,” she said quietly.

These were her own personal bed linens, made of silk and down feathers.

As the two grew older they didn’t see each other much, but they were never far from each other’s minds.  One day, the rich girl, who was now a rich woman got a telephone call from someone.  It was a lawyer requesting to see her.

When she arrived at the office, he told her what had happened.  Forty years ago, when she was nine years old, she had helped a little girl in need.  That girl grew into a middle-class woman with a husband and two children.  She recently passed away and left a little something for her in her will.  “Although,” the lawyer continued, “it's the most peculiar thing.  She left you a pillow and a blanket.”

The rich woman sighed and cried, as she held her old bed linens in her arms.

You see, we don’t have to do the great things in life in order to please our God.  As a matter of fact, Jesus said, “Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:40, NKJV) 

One of my favorite songs by The Winans contains these lyrics:

For we may never know all the people we have touched,
For we may never know all the lives that we have reached;
But we know You know - for our record You do keep

And when the end does finally begin
We will receive a great reward for what we've done.

Be encouraged to keep on keepin’ on!  It will be worth it all when we see Jesus.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

WHY I AM A CHRISTIAN (Part IV)

WHY I AM A CHRISTIAN (Part IV)

I AM A BELIEVER.  Today, I will share one more reason for my decision to become a Christian disciple.  Indeed, there are many.

Reason #4

I have personally witnessed the sovereign hand of God, moving in and around my life.

Each one of the redeemed has a powerful personal testimony, whether we know it or not, whether we tell it or not.  With your permission, I would like to share a portion of my own. 

Long before my birth, “prevenient grace” (John and Charles Wesley’s term) was orchestrating the conditions for my existence on the planet.  Godly parents (and grandparents) set the stage for an early encounter with Christ.  Thankfully, I was bathed in fervent prayer and surrounded by Christian virtues.  To wit, nine siblings and I never heard our parents uttering a single word of profanity, and never witnessed them smoking a single cigarette or imbibing a single glass of any alcoholic substance.  In a word, Jesus Christ was the spiritual head of our home and His Word was our constant companion.

I remember two modest plaques hanging on our dining room wall: “In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths” – and another, “There is none other name given among men whereby we must be saved.”  I suppose these scriptures were unofficial Bass family themes.  Our father was an esteemed man of God, a hard-working provider and an exceptional role model.  Our mother meticulously cared for her family and home – cradling us in loving nurture and covering us with daily prayer.  We were never permitted to leave for school without first bowing on our knees before Our Father and being anointed with holy oil.

Thanks to my parents, by the tender age of eight, I had more than sufficient knowledge of the gospel to recognize my personal need for the Savior.  By His grace, I accepted salvation and developed a lifelong relationship with our Lord.

At age fifteen, I was miraculously called into the ministry.  Although I had been saddled with a profound speech impediment, God healed me and empowered me to do something I never imagined I could, to speak boldly before congregations large and small.

On a personal level, I know Jesus Christ as The Great Physician.  I am a cancer survivor.  I am still here by the grace of God.  Beyond any shadow of doubt, our God is great, and greatly to be praised!

Jehovah Jireh has come to my financial rescue more times than I can recall.  I know Him to be “a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)  What a mighty God we serve!

Even when I was a backslider, momentarily turning my back on God, His unconditional love sought me and brought me back into the family fold.  Oh, how He loves you and me!

And now, by the grace of God, I am what I am.  My accomplishments may be modest, but daily I sense His presence and His power; and, I am eternally grateful for an intimate connection with Jesus Christ.  There are no other alternatives for me; there is no other way that I choose to live.  From my heart, I joyously echo the words of the Apostle Peter, “Lord, to whom shall we go?  YOU have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68)

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

WHY I AM A CHRISTIAN (Part III)

WHY I AM A CHRISTIAN (Part III)

I am a believeR.  Today, I will share more of my faith perspective, detailing another specific reason underlying my decision to become a Christian disciple.  Indeed, there are many.

Reason #3

The original disciples personally experienced the teachings and miracles of Jesus Christ; they were eyewitnesses to His resurrection; and, they were willing to experience ostracism, physical suffering and martyrdom as a direct result of their abundant faith in Him.  The lives and testimonies of these men comprise a significant and powerful reason why I am firmly established in the Christian faith.

Consider this: If Jesus had NOT existed, if Jesus had NOT performed miraculous works, or if Jesus had NOT risen from the dead, would these men have been available and willing to suffer such extreme persecution, physical suffering and even death in His name?  I think not.

In the American system of jurisprudence, the most important determiner of guilt or innocence (other than the jury itself) is the witness that is summoned to the bar to offer testimony.  Each witness establishes the credibility (or lack thereof) of the defendant, regarding his/her alleged actions.  Consider the primary witnesses who confirmed and affirmed the teachings, miracles and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Andrew, the brother of Peter, was a fisherman before Jesus called him.  He was crucified and died as a martyr in Achaia, Greece.

Bartholomew lived in Cana of Galilee. This was actually his second name; his first name was Nathanael, whom Jesus called “An Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile.” (John 1:47)  The Armenian Church claims him as its founder.  He died as a martyr in India, flayed alive with knives.

James, the Elder, was the brother of John the Apostle.  Also a fisherman, he preached in Jerusalem and Judea and was beheaded by Herod in AD 44.  He was a member of the Inner Circle and the first of the twelve to become a martyr.

James, the Younger, lived in Galilee and was the brother of the Apostle Jude.  He preached in Palestine and Egypt.  Eventually, he was crucified in Egypt and his body was sawn into pieces.

John, “the beloved disciple” and member of the Inner Circle was the brother of James, the Apostle.  He preached in Asia Minor.  Banished to the Isle of Patmos, he was later freed and died a natural death.  An attempt was made on his life by giving him a chalice of poison, but he died later from natural causes.

Jude, also called Thaddeus, was the brother of James the Younger.  He preached in Assyria and then in Persia, where he died from arrow wounds.

Matthew, also called Levi, lived in Capernaum. He was a publican or tax collector.  He wrote the gospel that bears his name and died as a martyr in Ethiopia.

Simon Peter, also known as Cephas, was a fisherman who lived in Bethsaida and Capernaum.  He famously confessed Jesus Christ as the Son of the Living God, yet denied him on crucifixion day.  He did evangelistic and missionary work among the Jews and was crucified upside-down in Rome.

Philip, also a fisherman, came from Bethsaida and preached in Phyrgia.  He was a highly effective missionary who died as a martyr at Hierapolis.

Simon, the Zealot, was one of the little-known followers of Jesus who lived in Galilee.  Tradition says he was crucified as a martyr.

Thomas Didymus lived in Galilee and preached in Parthia, Persia and India.  He suffered martyrdom near Madras, India, at a place now called Mount St. Thomas.

Each of these men had an up-close-and-personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  They lived and traveled with him during 3½ years of public ministry.  They beheld his miracles, the multiplicity of signs and wonders that emanated from Him.  And importantly, they were eyewitnesses of his resurrection, directly seeing Him, conversing with Him, dining with Him and being taught Kingdom principles for forty days.  Then, they actually witnessed His ascension into Heaven.

No level of threat, persecution, pain, or even death was ever able to cause any one of them to recant his faith in The Living Christ.  Their unwavering steadfastness is just another piece in the puzzle of my personal belief.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

WHY I AM A CHRISTIAN (Part II)

WHY I AM A CHRISTIAN (Part II)

I am a believer; and I thought it might be instructive and inspirational to share some personal points of faith, i.e. to delineate my specific reasons for being a lifetime proponent of Christianity.  There are many.

Reason #2

There is substantial evidence supporting the existence of GOD (I cannot see) in everything I can see.

The Psalmist David stated it eloquently and succinctly: “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.” (Psalm 19:1)

It is impossible to objectively view the universe without perceiving traces of intelligent design.  Much of modern science is based on a perspective that is the polar opposite of a divinely created universe.  However, it is much more difficult for me to wrap my brain around concepts like the big bang theory, which was set forth by George Gamow in 1948.  It suggests that the entire universe emerged from a monumental explosion of compressed hot neutrons and has been expanding ever since in all directions at the speed of light.

This theory produces more questions than answers.  Simple logic makes it extremely difficult to imagine that ALL of the material that makes up the 100-billion-plus galaxies in the observable universe, with estimates of up to 400 billion stars in our own galaxy and countless planets, could possibly be contained in one relatively tiny primordial substance and space.

However, if there is any credibility in The Big Bang Theory, I believe it must align with a principle set forth by St. Thomas Aquinas, that our GOD is the first cause.  That is, the universe was created by God – not by some spontaneous and unexplainable event that science ‘supposes’ might have occurred at some point in the far distant past.

While the principle of evolution is accepted as absolute fact in academia, a careful study of the same reveals major missing links in the process which allegedly produced humankind.  When the full picture is known, it is far easier to believe that both the universe and its inhabitants were created, not randomly produced by accidents of nature and genetic selection.

A side-by-side study of the heavens and the human body yields incredible insight and evidence of intelligent design.  The orderly macrocosm of the galaxies (and even our solar system) is divinely duplicated in the MICROCOSM of the atom, which is the basic building block of all elements.  That is, the nucleus of an atom (comprised of neutrons and protons) is situated at the center of orbiting electrons, strangely similar to the way that our planets circle the sun.  It’s intelligent design!

Belinda and I recently experienced The Grand Canyon in Arizona.  Having traveled extensively, we continue to be awestruck by the infinite diversity and phenomenal beauty of our world.  And beyond our world, the Hubble telescope presents panoramic glimpses of the gargantuan spaces and places of God’s created universe.  My very soul sings, “How great Thou art!”

NASA’s New Horizons recently completed a photographic fly-by of Pluto, traveling over 3 billion miles since 2006 to reach the outermost planet in our solar system.  While this feat constitutes a scientific achievement of monumental proportions, it pales in comparison (time-wise and distance-wise) to the post-resurrection ascension of Jesus Christ and to the imminent rapture of His Church.  While it took NASA nine years to propel New Horizons to the edge of our solar system, believers shall be changed from mortal to immortality (instantaneously) and transported to the farthest edge of God’s universe – “in a moment, in a twinkling of an eye.” (I Corinthians 15:52)

There is substantial evidence supporting the existence of GOD (I cannot see) in everything I can see.  And that’s one more reason why I believe.  Stay tuned…more to come on Monday!

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

WHY I AM A CHRISTIAN (Part I)

WHY I AM A CHRISTIAN (Part I)

Some years ago, I read a startling anti-religious statement by James Harvey Johnson.  It was written while he was part of a group known as The Thinkers Club.  Here’s what Mr. Johnson penned:

“Religious beliefs are against common sense.  There are no angels, devils, heavens, hells, or miracles.  These superstitious beliefs are promoted for the purpose of making gullible people believe that by paying money to the priest-class, they will be favored by one of the gods.  There is nothing that is supernatural – there is nothing that is contrary to natural law.”

Incredible, isn’t it?  Nevertheless, his thinking is not atypical of contemporary thinkers who seek to characterize Almighty God as humanistic, fundamentally flawed, or even non-existent.  According to the Apostle John, the “spirit of antichrist…is now already in the world.” (I John 4:3, NKJV)  As a result of such satanic influences, far too many have great difficulty believing in the God of the Bible.

Allow me to begin today’s discourse with an interesting illustration about faith.  First remember this.  Anything that is TRUE does not rise or fall because WE DO or DO NOT accept or understand it. 

For example, when European explorers first traveled to Australia, they encountered a unique animal.  In fact, its very existence went against everything they knew about animal life.  They discovered an egg-laying mammal (and mammals don’t typically lay eggs), living much of the time in water, with a broad and flat tail, with webbed feet and with a snout that resembled a duck’s bill.  This animal SEEMED to be like a fish, and at the same time like a bird, and at the same time like a land-dwelling mammal.  The European explorers named it “PLATYPUS.” 

When they returned home and told of their discovery, the scientific community only laughed, even though several of the eyewitnesses enjoyed excellent reputations.  So when the explorers returned to Australia, they returned with what they considered to be irrefutable proof, the hide of a dead platypus.  Nevertheless, some still refused to believe.

Unfortunately, many people mirror the sentiments of Benjamin Disraeli, who famously said “I make it a rule only to believe in what I can UNDERSTAND.”  But if one believes only in that which can be fully understood, then (by extension) one must have a VERY BIG HEAD and a VERY SMALL FAITH!

I am a believer; so I thought it might be instructive and inspirational to share some personal points of faith, i.e. to delineate my specific reasons for being a lifetime proponent of Christianity.  There are many:

Reason #1

Although Christianity is based upon faith, it is a reasonable faith.

Quite often, the true believer is accused of ‘assassinating the brain’ – just because s/he believes wholeheartedly in the inspiration of the Bible, in miracles, or in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Many make the unwise assumption that Christian beliefs are based on sheer ignorance, that faith in something above-and-beyond is absolutely blind and unintelligent.

In reality, the truth is just the opposite.  The Christian faith is an intelligent faith.  It never consists of a mindless act that is unrelated to reality.  The Bible encourages believers and unbelievers alike to use their minds when investigating the merits of Christianity.  Although God wants us to covenant with Him by faith, He has no issues or problems with our ‘proving’ Him.

There is abundant evidence for this conclusion.  Jesus said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all YOUR MIND.” (Matthew 22:37)  To wit, Christianity is not mindless.  The Apostle Paul wrote, “I speak as to wise men: JUDGE FOR YOURSELVES what I say.” (I Corinthians 10:15)  Likewise, he wrote to the Church of Thessalonica, “PROVE ALL THINGS, hold fast that which is good.” (I Thessalonians 5:21)

‘Thou shalt not THINK’ was NEVER listed among The Ten Commandments!  One of the reasons why I am a Christian is because OUR GOD (as revealed in the scriptures) is a profoundly intelligent God, who encourages His followers to be HIGHLY intelligent people.  Stay tuned…more to come tomorrow!

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

TEN REASONS WHY YOU CANNOT GIVE UP

Ten Reasons Why You cannot Give Up

This morning, I read an interesting article by Seun Emmanuel Alaofin, a young writer and motivational speaker.  I thought it would be nice to share “Ten Reasons Why You Cannot Give Up” with you.

REASON 1:  You have already started.  There is no need in stopping half way.  I am sure that stopping half way will not bring back all the time you have invested toward achieving your goal.

REASON 2:  You are almost there.  Typically, problems don’t show up until you are almost there.  Remember, it is painful to NOT achieve something you knew that you could, something that is almost within reach.

REASON 3:  You are stronger than your current problems.  Your problems are not there to intimidate you, but to challenge you to get better and move higher.  Your current challenge that looks like your number one enemy is actually a friend in disguise, trying to bring out the best in you.

REASON 4:  You believed you could do it in the first place, which was why you started.  You believed you could achieve it, which was why you put all that effort into it.  Why have you now decided to betray the strong belief you had in yourself?

REASON 5:  Before now, you focused on the benefits at the finish line.  Don’t you still want them?

REASON 6:  Yesterday’s problems are today’s success stories.  You will be highly gratified in the future – telling everyone how you were able to prevail and succeed.

REASON 7:  The problem you are facing now will give you the experience you need to get to the next level.  People who learn from their problems are able to cope better during the next phase of life.

REASON 8:  Your problem and your promotion are directly proportional.  In other words, the bigger your problem is, the greater your promotion will be.  The more you run from your problem, the more you lower your promotion possibilities.  It's up to you to decide; be wise.

REASON 9:  Most likely, you were tired of your previous state of affairs, which was why you decided to try something different.  Are you willing to travel backwards, or are you determined to move ahead?

REASON 10:  You have a BIG GOD who is ready, willing and able to support you.  He knows the beginning and he knows the ending.  He created you to experience abundant life and He believes in you.  GOD has given you power and authority over everything – including yourself and including your problems – so you have no reason to allow problems to dominate or discourage you.

The late Joe Gladys, my high school football coach, had a penchant for sharing inspirational power phrases.  One of his favorites was “A winner never quits, and a quitter never wins!”  So when you are tempted to throw in the towel, always remember this: It’s too soon to quit.  Hang in there because it’s not over…until GOD says it’s over!

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT BY PASTOR WAYNE M. BASS***

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT BY PASTOR WAYNE M. BASS

On May 26, 2014, I published an open letter to the Church of God in Christ detailing my disappointment in its overall state of organizational and spiritual affairs.  Although I remain confident that there are significant numbers within her ranks who are persons of Christ-like character and convictions, there is an ongoing need for revival, renewal and systemic change. 

OUR GOD is sovereign.  And He is raising up courageous, committed, prophetic voices that must align with others (already situated within her ranks) to declare the whole counsel of God, without fear, hesitation, or compromise.

SUBSEQUENT TO considerable prayer, reflection and consultation, I NOW RETURN TO MEMBERSHIP AND MINISTRY IN the CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST, which is the CHURCH of my natural and spiritual nativity. 

Having accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior 55 years ago – and the call to ministry 48 years ago in the Church of God in Christ – I dearly love this organization and her people.  That has never changed; that will never change.  To be sure, you are a substantial component of my spiritual heritage and familial legacy, and thus an integral part of my life.

In closing, I am making this announcement publicly because I want to have integrity and to avoid ‘discreetly entering the side door’ after such a visible exit.  I have no expectation or need for any personal accommodation, other than to be positioned where I can effectively proclaim Kingdom truth.  Others have departed-and-returned with varying degrees of organizational grace – and I pray that I may be a recipient of divine and human favor.  Thank you for prayerful support.

A BLESSED MAN/WOMAN

A BLESSED MAN/WOMAN

In an age where “blessings” are defined in largely material terms, the Word of God speaks clearly to us:

Psalm 1 (NKJV)

1 Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
    Nor stands in the path of sinners,
    Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
² But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
    And in His law he meditates day and night.
³ He shall be like a tree
    Planted by the rivers of water,
    That brings forth its fruit in its season,
    Whose leaf also shall not wither;
    And whatever he does shall prosper.

⁴ The ungodly are not so,
    But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
⁵ Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment,
    Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

⁶ For the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
    But the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Psalm 15 (NKJV)

¹  Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle?
    Who may dwell in Your holy hill?

² He who walks uprightly,
    And works righteousness,
    And speaks the truth in his heart;
³ He who does not backbite with his tongue,
    Nor does evil to his neighbor,
    Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend;
⁴ In whose eyes a vile person is despised,
    But he honors those who fear the Lord;
    He who swears to his own hurt and does not change;
⁵ He who does not put out his money at usury,
    Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent.

    He who does these things shall never be moved.

As biblically defined, are you blessed?

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!