OVERCOMING DISCOURAGEMENT AND DISSAPOINTMENT

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing... And we exhort you, brothers: warn those who are irresponsible, 

comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 

I Thessalonians 5:11-14

Discouragement is like a brick wall.  It stops the best of us in midstride at the moment of doing wonderful things. The Lord shows us the secrets of success over this darkness. He has raised up great men to show us how they faced their own disappointments, got back on their feet, and returned to active duty. There is too much to do and too little time to do it for us to waste our time looking back. Let's study together God's recommendations to His saints who fall into disillusionment and inaction.

We all get discouraged sometimes. Disappointments are inevitable in our life.  No Christian is exempt from the dark clouds in their lives.  They can debilitate us in our walk with the Lord. Great men of God like David, Job, Jeremiah, Elijah and even Jesus experienced discouragement in their lives.  It can manifest in many ways and be caused by many things.  The way we view and respond to disappointments will determine how we press on and persevere with joy.  God's grace equips us with all that we need to respond adequately.  Disappointment is often the result of our expectations.  We seem to have no choice or control.  

According to Webster's dictionary, the word discouragement means deprivation of confidence, hope, or spirit.  Its antonyms are encouragement, edification, and exhortation.  How can one be deprived of confidence, hope, or spirit?  The answer to this question will enable us to understand how to defeat discouragement.  

A person may be discouraged because of sin and Satan's influence in his life (Matt. 13:39; Acts 10:38). You see, sin causes us to feel guilty and be discouraged for doing such things (Romans 3:19).  This is God's way of helping us deal with sin and pursue the right course of action.  Sadly, many don't take the appropriate course when it comes to their sinful lifestyle.  They choose to ease their conscience through psychotherapy or psychology methods, which often fail to do the right thing. They need to confront and eliminate their sinful behavior.  These psychotherapies can temporarily help to deal with discouragement but eventually cannot provide the right solution (Isaiah 5:20).  The good news is that they can repent and accept God's standards for behavior and have a much happier life (Acts 26:18-20; Hebrews 10:22).

1. Some become discouraged when their coping mechanisms are not strong enough to support the demands of life.  
2. Others lose their focus on what's important in their life (the kingdom of God and His principles of righteousness). 
3. Some refuse to go on because they feel robbed of life's meaning.  
4. Parents can become discouraged because of constant worry over their children.  
5. Illness can be another source of anxiety as well as financial insecurity.  
6. As Elijah said, “It is enough.”  I will be discussing him later in my study.  
7. Some choose to abandon the Lord and pursue false religion or even return to the world.  
8. Many just give up and quit!  

Indeed, disappointments can cause many unwelcome and harmful emotions for us and those around us:  anger, unforgiveness, frustration, bitterness, etc.  It can also cause us to feel hopeless, helpless, weary, depressed, lacking enthusiasm, pessimistic, bored, and half-hearted. Discouragement affects our worship to God since we lack enthusiasm or interest. Our worship becomes a duty and obligation. Our light becomes darkness.  In a few words, there is not much of the Spirit of God in times of discouragement.  It is then that we must approach God's throne for help.  Discouragement is one of the most powerful weapons in Satan's arsenal.

“Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light, but when it is bad, your body is full of darkness. 35 Therefore be careful lest the light in you be darkness. 36 If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly bright, as when a lamp with its rays gives you light.” (Luke 11:34-46)

Indeed, life is hard. We are constantly reminded of disasters, tragedies, heartaches, the failing economy, the decline of moral principles, lawlessness, family struggles, etc.  These troublesome times make us pessimistic rather than optimistic.  Many fixate on things that are tragic and negative. We must learn to see the big picture and be able to be of good cheer.  No matter how bad things might appear, we Christians know that God loves us and will be there for us in our time of need.  I can assure you, this will lift us up during our difficult times.  But we must focus on God Almighty and what He can do for us.  We must learn to be Christians who always rejoice because we have the hope of heaven as our home.  Our God is there to strengthen us in our time of need.  So let us draw nearer to God in prayer, addressing all of our worries, fears, pessimism, and problems to Him alone.  I assure you, He will answer our prayers according to His kindness and mercy.

I.   LEADING CAUSES OF DISCOURAGEMENT: 

• The Heart is Still in the World:

For some, the world tempts them and weighs them down with its music, entertainment, media, coworkers, peer pressure, and many other sinful things that come our way to make us stumble.  The world (those who live according to the flesh) sets “their minds on the things of the flesh” (Romans 8:5).  Indeed, the battle between the flesh and the spirit can cause discouragement since the flesh seems to be always winning.  Weaknesses such as alcohol, drugs, immorality, dishonesty, apathy, and laziness can cause discouragement.

• Pressure to Conform:

Many cannot resist peer pressure. They talk, think, and act like the world.  They refuse to be different. They want to be accepted, included, and belong.  They get discouraged when they feel left out, ignored, and overlooked.  They claim, “but everyone does it.”  They forget why Christians must not do it!  (Romans 12:1; 1 Peter 4:4; Luke 6:23)

• Double-Mindedness:

The world overwhelms many and moves on them.  They neglect to purify their hearts (James 4:8). Their heart is divided. Their loyalty is divided, causing great discouragement and unhappiness. Many return to the old man of sinful habits when they become discouraged.  They behave the same way the Israelites did when they left Egypt (Numbers 21:4; 14:3).  They serve two masters (Matt. 6:24).

• Opposition, Persecutions, Criticism and an Antagonist Environment:  Standing Alone

Some get discouraged when the vast majority (even Christians) oppose, exclude, and persecute them for standing for God and Christ.  So few faithful followers stand with them through difficult times. This can be overwhelming and discouraging, but it should not keep us from taking a stand.  They are a minority who take a stand for Christ and God (God's highest standards of morality and purity). They get discouraged when, more and more, our society puts pressure on them because they will not conform to this world.  

Indeed, in our times, most choose to follow their own path.  Their hearts are their only guide.  This leads them to reject God and His principles of righteousness as their guide.   Likewise, we live in a world of materialism, secularism, skepticism, pessimism, degeneracy, and hypocrisy.  There is often very little encouragement for the furthering of the Gospel.  This was also a problem in the days of Jesus, the apostles, and the early church.  Remember that both Jews and Gentiles were exceedingly sinful (Romans 1:18-32; 2:1,17-24;3:9-10; Eph. 2:1-3).  Their people were ignorant and vile.  The rulers were bigoted and politically motivated.  Their priests were oppressive and unmerciful.  Not to mention, it was the skepticism, traditionalism, and hypocrisy that reigned.  Yet amidst such terrible, troublesome and abominable conditions, Jesus and the apostles began and continued their work. They refused to be discouraged in their efforts.  Persecutions are certain to those who desire to live godly in Christ (2 Timothy 3:12).  Every Christian must be aware of this fact so that he may be able to stand for Christ amid a perverse generation and persuade others to come to the obedience of the Gospel.

• Fear:

Sadly, many are persuaded to back off a little by their friends or family.  They are afraid to be excluded or rejected because of their faith and convictions.  They fear being left out.  When Jesus walked this earth, many feared that they would be excluded by others and would not confess Him, despite the irrefutable evidence.  Some of the rulers would not confess Him for the same reason (John 12:42-43).  Today, many do not confess Christ because of a lack of faith in God (Deut. 31:6; Deut. 1:21, 28; 20; 1 Samuel 17:32; Mark 6:49-50).

• Spiritual Matters:

Some get discouraged when their convictions for the Truth cause them to be in conflict with relatives or friends.  Others get discouraged because of the hypocrisy, carnality, or apostasy of preachers, elders, or other influential Christians.  Spiritual discouragement may result from the church's failure to further the gospel, convert the lost, and edify the members.  Faithfulness to God and His Word is not enough guarantee for one not to become discouraged.  In fact, the more a Christian is involved in the Lord's work (locally), the greater the possibilities of getting discouraged for him.  So often, those who strive to live godly and teach God's Truth are faced with many discouragements. What faithful Christian, teacher, and preacher has not come face to face at one time or another with the question, 'What's the use?'" -- when his efforts to live godly and teach others seem to accomplish nothing and be unappreciated?

It is then that one must remember that many before us have traveled that same road of discouragement and disappointment.  Think of Jeremiah, who encountered extraordinary disappointments and discouragements (Jer. 9:2).  Yet, he stood tall and was faithful to God even to the last. Amid opposition, trials, and weary years, he longed to leave.  Jesus and the apostles are also examples of those who faced discouragements.  There is no sin in feeling discouraged at times.  And while one might feel he is losing courage and confidence, it may be because of real problems.  The real and hopeless issues of life are too broad to pretend that nothing is ever bad for heartaches and tears.

• Physical Affliction:

Fatigue, loss of sleep, illness, and even some medicines can cause us to feel discouraged.  The truth is that we must learn to focus on what we have, what we can do instead of on what we cannot do (2 Cor. 4:16, 12:7-12; Prov. 18:14).  Paul said, “there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! 8 Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. 9 And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:7-9).  What was Paul's conclusion?  “10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.”  So, “tribulation brings about perseverance;4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope.”  (Romans 5:3-4)

• Unsolved Problems:

Some refuse to find the solution for every problem through the Scriptures.  They reject the Scriptural solution.  They would rather fight, sue, and go to court, divorce, or divide the church.  Few want to do things God's way (the Scriptural solution).  For example, if a brother has something against you (Matt. 5:23-24), go to him (Matt. 18:15).  He sins against you; go to him.  This is the Lord's way, the right way.

“16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”  (2 Tim. 3:16-17)  

Our problems in the home, the church, and the world must be resolved with the Scriptures.  Some prefer not to solve their problems and instead are contentious trouble makers and stir up controversy, causing misery.  They complain saying, "They hurt my feelings," “they mistreated me,” or “they were very unfair to me.”  But at the same time, they don't seek the solution to their problem, as stated in Matthew 5:23-24; 18:15-17.  Instead, they choose to get discouraged and quit.  The Bible has the solution to all of life's problems.  Take heed!

• Decreased interest Because of The Perception of Failure:  

When things are going our way (interest and enthusiasm are high and growing), we feel elated and very happy.  But when our expectations are not met, our interest and enthusiasm lags and decreases. Some will ask, “what's the use?”  What they don't realize is that Jesus, the Son of God, experienced discouragement and disappointment because of the lack of interest shown by those He was teaching. When He began His ministry, large crowds followed Him, but they considered His teachings as being “too hard,” so they abandoned Him and lost interest.  Only a handful of His hearers remained at the end of His three years of ministry. Our Lord did not quit or allow His discouragement to control Him.  Instead, He continued His ministry to bring it to fruition because He loved the souls of mankind.  He knew one soul was worth more than all the riches of this world (Matt. 16:26).  

Many get discouraged when their personal work is not fruitful, and no one seems to be interested.  

• Is it our fault, perhaps?  
• Do you continue in your studies more eagerly so that you may be a more effective teacher, perhaps?  
• Do you have the proper attitude when you approach your hearers?  
• Do you try your best to work at it?  
• Or do you just quit and give up altogether?  

Remember that our work in the Lord is never in vain (1 Cor. 15:58), and we must do it with all long-suffering, in season and out of season (1 Timothy 4:2).  Likewise, keep in mind that God is the one who gives the increase, though you're planting the seed (1 Cor. 3:6).  We cannot force the seed to sprout.  Why not simply sow the seed, cultivate it, and water it that it may grow effectively?  God's Word never returns to Him void.  It will always accomplish what God wants it to be (Isa. 55:11).  So let us not grow weary because “in due time we will reap”  (Gal. 6:9).

• Cares of This Life:

 “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap.”  (Luke 21:34)

Jesus replaced the cares of this life with its dissipation (carousing), drunkenness!  All the worries of this life like materialism, debt, ambitions, evil desire can destroy us (1 Timothy 6:9).  In other words, our lifestyle: wanting more and more and better and better and never being satisfied with what we have.  We tend to put our personal desires before the Truth (John 11:47-50; Matt. 12:22-24).  Why not get busy in the Lord's business, spreading the gospel, helping others?!  Think about that!

II.   GREAT MEN OF GOD THAT HAVE OVERCOME DISCOURAGEMENT:

Consider some great examples of discouragement and disappointment that some great men of God had to endure, and let us see what we can learn from them.

• Joseph:

Joseph's discouragement and disappointment could have brought about very real emotions. Discouragement affects the heart (Proverbs 13:12). It can result in bitterness, a hardness of heart, callousness, and an unforgiving spirit.

In Genesis 42:21, we read of Joseph's anguish of heart.  His soul was anguished.  Throughout the Scriptures, we read of anguished souls.  Jesus was the most excellent example, as He prepared to die on the cross for our sins.  And though we can trust God amid our discouragements and disappointments, that does not prevent us from experiencing anguish.

Throughout Joseph's disappointments, he never complained.  That is remarkable!  He was a man of quiet and mature character.  He trusted in His God, knowing that He was in control.  We must have this heart when we are discouraged and disappointed.  We must realize that our disappointments serve a purpose in our lives.

Though Joseph experienced profound disappointment in his relationship with his brothers, he focused on honoring God in every circumstance of his life (Genesis 39:2-3; 39:21-23).  In Genesis 39:6-13, Joseph:

1. Resisted the temptations of Potiphar's wife because he was unwilling to sin against God.  
2. He trusted in God even though he was beaten with disappointment. 
3. He trusted God at every turn.  
4. Joseph chose not to worry about that which he could not control.  
5. Though he experienced disappointment, he didn't become absorbed with life's worries: those things that were beyond his control.  
6. He acknowledged that no matter what might happen, God was going to be glorified through him.  
7. He likewise bloomed in every situation.  He chose to bloom where he was planted.  Even in prison, he trusted in God in the hope that “all things work together for good to those who love God” (Romans 8:28).

You see, Joseph’s disappointments carried out God’s providential plan to save both him and his family.  God used disappointment to change Joseph's character.  Remember, Joseph's brothers did not appreciate his attitude.  As a young man, Joseph's conduct was not the best.  Remember, he “tattled” on his brothers and boasted about his position and dreams.  It looks like he lacked humility, wisdom, and sensitivity.  You see, pride and insensitivity produce jealousy and hatred in others.  And as God looked upon Joseph, He knew he could mold and shape him into a great man of God and used him in a mighty way.  Joseph's disappointments resulted in him becoming humble and sensitive to others. What is the lesson here?  That we must learn to lose before we can win.  That we must trust in God no matter our disappointments.  That we must stay on the right course and allow God to work in our lives.  We must learn to train ourselves to rejoice when we are disappointed and appreciate the disguised blessings that come with it.  We must learn not to see our disappointments as disappointments but rather as an opportunity to bloom wherever we are found and to fulfill God's will in our lives.  We cannot do that without being humble.

God can use disappointments to shape our character but also to change our circumstances.  Joseph's events in life led him in the right direction, into the arms of God.  God saved many lives by using Joseph, a man who trusted in God through many disappointments.  

• Moses:

Moses was overwhelmed and discouraged because he had been given great responsibility for God's people.  All they wanted to do was complain.  Moses was at his wit's end!  He was so discouraged at one point that he wanted God to end his life if nothing changed (Numbers 11:11).

Some in Moses' shoes would have given up and walked away or taken their own life.  But Moses did not do this!  He instead went to God in prayer when he felt overwhelmed (Numbers 11:16).  We can rest assured that if we pray to God, He will provide relief.  In Moses' case, God allowed 70 men to share Moses' responsibility.  We must learn to share some of the responsibilities with others when we feel overwhelmed and have more than we can handle.

• David:

When David was still a young man (a shepherd), the army of Israel was afraid.  He came to the battlefield, not as a participant, but to visit his brothers and bring a report to his father.  While he was there, he heard the mockery and the insults of Goliath. He began to wonder why no one was answering.  Sadly, the entire army was acting cowardly (1 Samuel 17:11, 24).  But David was not afraid!  He dared to go after this giant alone.  He trusted in His God rather than his military strength or tactics (1 Samuel 17:37, 45-46).  And though he used his sling, he still trusted in God!

Today we need to remember that God is with us!  So when we feel discouraged, let us not forget that we are not standing alone.  God is with us as He has promised it (Heb. 13:5).  He will never leave us!  With God, there is no need to fear since we are standing with Him (Romans 8:31, 35-39).  So let us not be discouraged or lose heart.  Let us stand with courage, knowing that God is with us as He was with David.  Through Him, we will gain victory!

• Joshua:

When Joshua was fighting against the small city of Ai, he expected an easy win.  To his surprise, it did not happen.  He starts blaming God for their defeat.  Does that sound familiar when we are disappointed and discouraged because things go wrong?  But, what we refuse to acknowledge is that there is something else to blame.  Joshua found this out when he prayed to God.  God told him the real problem (Joshua 7:10-12).  So what kept them from defeating Ai?  Sin!  As soon as they took care of the sin, they were able to defeat Ai.  So let us not blame God when troubling times strike us.  Instead, let us acknowledge that God is there to help us succeed so that we may rejoice in Him.  Sin in our life is often the cause of our problems, and we need to take care of it.

• Elijah:

A unique and successful man of God in many ways.  He found himself (unexpectedly) floundering in a big well of discouragement.  When he killed all the false prophets of Baal, he found himself in trouble.  When Jezebel was after him, he felt alone and discouraged (1 Kings 19:4).  

His troubles began when a new king, Ahab, ascended to Israel's throne (1 Kings 16:30).  This king was a corrupt ruler.  He had a wife, Jezebel, who was very wicked.  “Ahab did more to provoke the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him.”  (1 Kings 16:33)

Discouragement often begins when there is a change in the power structure, a change that seems to conflict with our principles of righteousness.  Every change in the power structure can result in frustration that one must cope with it.  Discouragement is in the wind when you feel like you have done your very best, and yet it seems like the world is just passing you by.

While Ahab and Jezebel were on the throne, they made new rules for the kingdom of Israel and its religion, changing everything, even the elders' job.  They were murdering all those who stood up to them (Naboth, for example, who wouldn't sell Jezebel his vineyard).  Anyone who would stand up to them in God's name would have to have enormous courage.  No half-hearted person would do!

Indeed, Elijah was one of the greatest men who ever walked this earth.  When Elijah told Ahab and Jezebel that it would not rain in Israel until they repented of their wicked ways, Ahab didn't like it, especially when it came true.  Jezebel put a price on the prophet's head.  Elijah hid and was fed at first by ravens in the wilderness.  Then he was hosted in the home of a poor widow in Zarephath.

After three years in the wilderness, God told Elijah to show himself one more time to Ahab so that rain could come to the parched land of Israel.  Ahab accused Elijah of bringing all this trouble upon Israel (1 Kings 18:18).  Isn't it something how defensive people lay blame on others who are trying to find a solution for their problems?  Sometimes they are covering up their sin!  They unjustly and unfairly accuse us all because one dares to tell it like it is.  That in itself is plenty cause for discouragement and disappointment!

When Elijah went to the people, he did not beat around the bush.  He said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” And the people did not answer him a word (1 Kings 18:21).  There is no political double talk here! He simply said:  we have been compromising our morals long enough.

In response to Elijah’s demand, the people did not say a word.  Maybe they were afraid.  Perhaps they believed their opinions did not count since they had been silenced for so long.  Sadly, this pattern is seen in the church at times.  Those often in authority silence members so that they lose their voices.  When they feel silenced, and with no hope for change, they feel helpless and become discouraged.  

How do you suppose Elijah felt when he asked the assembled congregation for a decision, and all he got was silence?  When he asked for action and all he got were blank stares?  Whatever his reaction was, it did not stop him (1 Kings 18:22).  Elijah proposed a contest:  he set up two altars on Mount Carmel, two sacrificial bulls, and wood for two fires.  He let each group perform their rituals but without lifting a match.  Let's see whose altar the true and living God chooses to set aflame!

The fire of the LORD fell upon Elijah's altar and consumed the sacrifice, the wood, and everything. The people fell on their faces and worshiped God.  The crowd then fell on the 450 false prophets with swords, killing them.  You see, it was a success for Elijah.  The people came around, and shortly it began to rain in the land after a 3-year drought.

Elijah runs away to Beersheba and asks to die when he should have been rejoicing as the faithful prophet he was.  He brought the people of Israel back to God!  So what does he do instead?  He sat under a tree and, deeply discouraged, said, “It is enough, O Lord, Take my life... !”

He ran away when Ahab told Jezebel about the killing of her false priests.  She sent a message to Elijah, saying that he would be killed. But think for a moment.  There was a price on his head for the previous three years that did not break his spirit.  So what is the difference now?

First, Elijah had gone through some traumatic events.

1. He stood up to the King, face to face, making his case clearly.  
2. He gathered the people and presented the case before them.  
3. He challenged them to claim their identity and dignity as followers of the true and living God.
4. And after all was said and done, he got no response for his efforts.  

I am sure Elijah's feelings were hurting!  How many times have you felt like Elijah, thinking you were standing alone with your problems and no one seemed to care?  And though he felt this way, he was not alone because God was right there with him (1 Kings 19:15).

Second, Elijah's other traumatic events:

1. The great contest.
2. The fireball from heaven.
3. The massacre of the priests.  

Don't you think that was plenty of trauma to handle?  It has to be processed and might short circuit our emotions.  Stress plus adrenaline!!

Elijah was overworked and worried and overcome by fear and fatigue. That would be enough to bring on depression and discouragement. Don't you think?  Wait, that's not all!  Elijah seems to have gotten a bit “stuck on himself,” too.  He said, “I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away"  (1 Kings 19:14).  Me, me, all alone, only me!

The truth is, he was not alone.  God was with him.  It was evident to everyone except for Elijah himself. Furthermore, there were 100 others hidden in the caves of Samaria thanks to Obadiah, an officer of high rank in the court of Ahab (1 Kings 18:3). Toward the end of chapter 19, we find out that God knew of 7,000 others that shared His cause:  “18 Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.”  (1 Kings 19:18)  Isn't that remarkable!!

Elijah had miscalculated big time when he thought he was the only faithful one left.  He was 7,000 times mistaken.  Never deceive yourself, believing you are doing all on your own. It gets lonely, standing up for righteousness.  When God is working along with us, we've got all the help we need.  And though His help is invisible, you can rest assured that His help is real!  Let us learn from Elijah to take it one day at a time, keep pressing on, stay involved in the Lord's work even when things seem too hard.  It is not the right moment to run away when righteousness is at stake.  Let us join the fabric of the faithful, and don't try to do it all on your own.  You don't have to.  We are in this together.  We are part of God's kingdom.

So, let's not allow pessimism and discouragement to defeat us.  I know it is tempting to fall prey to discouragement and pessimism like Elijah did.  It is easy to be a pessimist rather than an optimist in a culture full of so much darkness and unbelief.  Likewise, it is easier to feel depressed, discouraged, and pessimistic when divisiveness, apathy, indifference, compromise with sin, or religious error seem to reign. Modern mass media is not off the hook either.  They appear to be focused on the despicable, glorifying all kinds of lawlessness, belittling, and ridiculing the righteous.  Let us not run away in fear like Elijah, feeling sorry for ourselves.  Instead, let us be courageous, trusting in our God, and getting busy in His vineyard.  

Even though many things are not what they should be, there is still hope in the Lord and His Gospel to change and mold the hearts of men.    There are still many precious and faithful souls who have not bowed down to Baal (the wickedness of the world).  Let this be our motivator when we are tempted to be discouraged and tempted to be a pessimist.  Perhaps this was a crash course for Elijah and us to rid ourselves of discouragement and disappointment.  Elijah needed to listen to that “still, small voice” to get his life back on track. Therefore, let us take courage and take a stand and take it one day at a time without running away; leaving some empty spaces in our day, for the Lord's "still, small voice" of wise counsel, to give us a word of encouragement that we might not drown in self-pity, but continue living for God in all holiness and righteousness.

Good cheer is something we must exercise and train ourselves in.  If we perish for serving God, then so be it.  But let us never surrender to discouragement or depression over negative circumstances that are beyond our control.  Remember, we are not alone, and all is not lost!!

• Jeremiah:

Jeremiah was well acquainted with discouragement and sorrow in his life.  He is known as the “weeping prophet.”  He was given the responsibility of preaching to God's people just before the Babylonian invasion.  His message of repentance and God's judgment upon them was not well received by God's people.  Despite his pleas and cries for their repentance, they did not heed or turn from their wicked ways. 

The prophet Jeremiah was overwhelmed with discouragement and despair. He began to curse the day he was born and wondered why he did not die before birth inside the womb. This is what he says: “Why did I ever come forth from the womb to look on trouble and sorrow so that my days have been spent in shame?” (Jeremiah 20:18).  Do you think this is an exaggeration? Not at all! We read in chapter 20 that the chief officer had him beaten (the Law allowed 40 lashes) then placed him in stocks. Possibly, he was tortured with such a device that caused his body to bend double. 

Imagine this happening after he was beaten!  Why did he suffer this? Was he guilty of any crime? Absolutely not! He had simply declared the Word of God. He did what was right, but in return, what he received was punishment. His once-trusted friends mocked him, throwing his own words back at him, calling him the name that God by prophecy had given to Pashur, the priest, Magor-Missabib, meaning "terror on every side.”  That hurt him, no?  His prayers were full of loneliness and complaints: “O LORD, Thou hast deceived me and I was deceived; Thou hast overcome me and prevailed. I have become a laughingstock all day long; everyone mocks me.... for me the word of the LORD has resulted in reproach and derision all day long.” (Jeremiah 20:7-8)

His constant loneliness and rejection caused him to be discouraged.  Jeremiah was emotionally spent, even to the point of doubting God (Jeremiah 15:18), but God was not done with him.  He felt alone, useless, and discouraged, lacking faith (Jeremiah 15:19). 

From his life, we can find comfort in knowing that even great prophets of God, like Jeremiah, experienced rejection, discouragement, and disappointment as they walked with the Lord.  This is a normal part of growing spiritually.

We can surely see a discouraged man in despair and anguish. Have you ever felt this way when you were tried, tested and low, feeling as low as you can get, sunk in the mud?  Yet Jeremiah obeyed because of his great faith, humbleness, compassion, courage, and perseverance.  He remained faithful even when he stood alone (like Noah, Joseph, Daniel, and many others) amid so much turmoil.  He rose above discouragement!

• Paul:

Paul, who always said to rejoice (Philippians 4:4), must have been discouraged when he said he had "become the scum of the world, the dregs of all things" (1 Cor. 4:13).  Jesus told Paul to take courage when he was in prison.  "But on the night immediately following, the Lord stood at his side and said, 'Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also.'" (Acts 23:11)

He learned to see the positive side of everything, all the good things that could come from imprisonment (Philippians 1:12).  Paul trusted in God despite his antagonistic environment and the circumstances he found himself in.  He knew God was with him (Acts 27:25).  Paul always knew how to listen to the voice of God (Acts 27:23, 24).  Indeed, he received a lot of encouragement to keep his spirits up. He trusted in the Word of God.  That helped him to be encouraged (Acts 27:33-36).

III.   WHAT NOT TO DO WHEN DISCOURAGED AND DISAPPOINTED:

• Don't Quit Attending Church:

Some neglect to attend all the meetings of the church.  They say, "I am going to stop coming only for a time to reexamine my life, and then I will be back."  But Hebrews 10:25 says, "not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another... "   "On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread."  (Acts 20:7)

They don't realize that they are forsaking the assembly altogether. They are failing to participate in the Lord's Supper and failing to contribute (1 Corinthians 16:2).  Have you ever noticed how some make up the contribution they didn't give for the time they neglected to come? Sometimes it has been for two or more years.  Likewise, they neglect to sing and worship God in songs, "teaching and exhorting each other"  (Ephesians 5:19).  They are not nurturing their soul with the Word of God, so their souls grow weaker for lack of nourishment.

• Don't Blame Others:

Why not be honest and blame yourself?  Because the real problem lies within you!  It is your fault for your loss of interest and faith. "You are the man!"  (2 Samuel 12:7)  Blaming others is a very common tactic many use to cope with discouragement and disappointment.  Others blame God for everything, even their discouragement, apathy, and disappointment.  In the Bible, we have many examples of great men who underwent disappointments and got discouraged but never blamed God. One of them is Job.  Blaming others sometimes works (Acts 6:1-5) but worsens the circumstances most of the time (2 Kings 6:30-31).

For their discouragement, they blame someone who:

1. Doesn't greet them.
2. Didn't visit them when they were supposed to. 
3. Hurt their feelings.
4. Didn't care about them, 
5. Did not miss them when they didn't come. 
6. Preached an offensive sermon.
7. Is too boring (preachers, song leaders, Bible class teachers), and 
8. Does not please them.

The tragic thing is that they plunge back into the world.  Their attitude is a negative one.  They say, "What's the use?"  "I might as well eat, drink and be merry."  The danger with this negative attitude of heart is that it will be much harder for them to repent and return to the Lord.  God sees it as "The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire."  (2 Peter 2:22)

IV.   WHAT TO DO WHEN DISCOURAGED AND DISAPPOINTED:

Discouragement and disappointment demand our immediate attention.  “Neither God nor man can use a discouraged person.”  Indeed, this is a true statement.  Discouragement and disappointment affect our faith and render us unprofitable.  It can infect others.  It is one of the weapons in Satan's arsenal.  He will try at all costs to deceive us and devour us if we let him (2 Cor. 2:11).  So we must understand that discouragement and disappointment are one of his devices, but if we take action before it is too late, we can have victory.  We cannot allow him to drag us down.

In times of discouragement, God will be there to help us.  But we must determine not to remain discouraged or disappointed.  Consider what to do when dealing with discouragement and the lack of encouragement.

• Determine Not to Remain Discouraged:  

We need to determine that we will not stay down. We must use mental discipline.  The Bible speaks a lot of physical discipline and self-control.  It also encourages us to use mental discipline (Proverbs 23:7; 2 Cor. 10:5). So we must determine that we are not going to be discouraged.  God has given us His will and His Word so that we can overcome discouragement and disappointment. 

• Insist on Finding the Good in Every Circumstance: 

This is crucial to defeating discouragement.  David said, “It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.”  (Psalm 119:7)  Sometimes affliction in our life causes us to turn our hearts back to the Word of God.  

• Set Realistic Goals:  

Setting achievable goals helps deal with discouragement and disappointment.  Often, those who become discouraged and disappointed find out that they have set their goals so high that they will never reach them.  On the other hand, if you set your goals too low, knowing in your heart, you can do more, discouragement and disappointment may still set it in.  So don't set your goals too high or too low.  God knows our hearts and abilities, and He can make us become more than we can imagine.  One passage of Scripture that might help us to set realistic goals is found in Matt. 25. We read about a five talent man, a two talent man, and one talent man.  All three had abilities.   Let us follow Him both diligently and faithfully and become more excellent servants of God.  This should help us and comfort us in setting realistic goals that we can achieve.  So if we use our abilities in the Lord's service, this will bless us and bring comfort to us (Mark 14:3).  

• Cultivating a Positive Outlook on Life Helps Us with Discouragement:  

Some Christians’ outlook on life is so pessimistic, gloomy, and doom that they allow themselves to feel discouraged and disappointed all the time.  They forget to acknowledge that they are serving a living God who is all-knowing, all-powerful.  He has promised us He will make all things work together for our good.  So how in the world can a Christian go around with a pessimist attitude?!  As children of God, we need to be more optimistic.  Our outlook determines our outcome. 

• Observe God's Dealings with His Children and Be Thankful:  

That is, count your many blessings and see what the Lord has done for you.  When we observe how God has dealt with us, it should encourage us.  When you think about how much mercy and love God has bestowed on us His children, it will help us not be discouraged and lose heart.  God stands on all His promises, and He will not forsake us (Psalm 37:25, John 10:29).  So observing how God has never failed us should help us to overcome discouragement in our life.   

• Use Difficult Times to Strengthen Your Faith:  

It is a fact that we all will have difficult times in our life.  We will use them to destroy or weaken our faith, or on the other hand, they will strengthen our faith.  Think of Paul and Job, who faced difficult times throughout their lives but did not let their difficulties overwhelm them (Job 14:1; 2 Tim. 2:3). Therefore, as soldiers of Christ is His army, let us endure hardship, learn, grow from them, and grow in our faith.

• Resist the Devil:  

As I said earlier, discouragement and disappointment are some of Satan's wiles.  So let us learn to resist him (James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:9).  We are to resist Satan by being steadfast in our faith.  Through God's Word, we have the assurance that if we resist the devil in whatever he throws at us, he will flee from us. It should encourage us to know that our brethren are experiencing the same difficulties and do not allow Satan to discourage them.  If they can overcome their discouragement, we can too.

• Avoid Self-Pity at All Cost:  

This is where we get into trouble so many times.  It is essential to understand that discouragement and disappointment are universal and that our brethren have experienced the same things that we are (1 Peter 5:9).  So when you start thinking and feeling sorry for yourself, thinking you have it so bad, think of what our Lord Jesus had to endure for you and me on this earth, all of His sufferings (Hebrews 12:1).

• Get Involved in The Lord's Work So That You Can Overcome Discouragement: 

It is no surprise that Satan overwhelms us at times simply because we are too stagnant and idle, making it easier for him.  Get involved in His work and be about His business, and don't be idle.  The more work we do for God, the more focused we will be on Him, and the fewer times we will be discouraged (Acts 26:20).

• Encourage Others:  

This is another good way to defeat discouragement.  It helps a lot!  Encouragement is the best weapon to combat discouragement.  So encourage one another and learn to be more like Barnabas. He was a great encourager to the apostles.  His name literally means son of encouragement (Acts 4:36).  Another great example is Timothy (1 Thess. 3:1-3).  He encouraged the Thessalonians tremendously to remain faithful to God through their many afflictions.  So let us be encouragers like Timothy and Barnabas.

• Make Prayer a Daily Habit:  

Surrender yourself to prayers.  Let us make prayer a daily habit so that we can thoroughly overcome discouragement (Luke 18:1).  We lose heart when we don't pray the way we ought to.  And that is exactly what discouragement is, losing heart.  I assure you that if you pray and study the Word of God when you are discouraged, you will not lose heart either.  I have noticed this in my life.  So pray, pray, and don’t faint.  Take it to the feet of Jesus.  He will rescue you.  Remember that Jesus spent a lot of time in prayer, and we should too.  In fact, Jesus advised His apostles to do the same.

• Escape The Past:  

Take heed to what Paul said, "Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead."  (Philippians 3:13)

Paul is urging us not to hang on to the past.  We must put our past behind us and not allow it to drag us down.  Likewise, we must be continually growing and reaching forward to the goal set before us, heaven.  

As Christians, we must be hungering and thirsting for righteousness always (Matt. 5:6).  We live by every Word that proceeds from the mouth of God (Matt. 4:4).  We need to esteem God's Word more than our earthly needs (Job 23:12).  When one is pressing forward,

1. He will devote himself to learning more and more about God's will and ways.  
2. He will do his best to follow Christ's footsteps.
3. He will faithfully strive to please God and not himself.  
4. He will have a strong desire for his goal, heaven.  Nothing will impede him from this goal.  

So let us always look forward to heaven and keep pressing on to reach heaven and not allow our past to discourage us and rob us of our goal. 

• Nurture a Patient Spirit Within Yourself with The Emphasis on Yourself!  

As we grow in Christ, we must realize that this is a process that will not happen in 1 or 2 days. It is a lifetime commitment of devotion to the Lord.  So don't become discouraged, thinking that you're not growing as fast as you should.  Remember that as long as you’re striving hard to grow, that is all that matters to God from you.  So try to be patient with yourself and with others as well.  It will leave no room for discouragement and disappointment (1 Thess. 5:14; Ezra 10:13).

• Take Life One Day at a Time (Matt. 6:34): 

 Often we allow ourselves to be discouraged and disappointed because we are constantly thinking about tomorrow.  The Bible tells us to redeem the time for the days are evil (Eph. 5:16).  It is vital to grasp this to focus on what really matters.  Today we have enough problems to distract us, so let us not drag in tomorrow's problems.

• Study Your Bible to Find Encouragement (Lam. 3:22; Micah 7:8; 2 Thess. 6:16-17):  

It is healthy food for our souls.  Have Bible studies in your homes, even if there are no visitors.  Go more frequently to gospel meetings to be edified and be with brethren of the same precious faith. "From the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint.  Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”  (Psalm 62:1)

• Surround Yourself with Positive and Godly People:  

When Job was undergoing moments of grief and loss, his friends offered prayers and comfort.  They also tried to convince Job that the reason for his suffering was sin.  In their efforts to try to help Job, they ended up pulling him away from God.  Can this be us at times?  The advice of our friends or family may take us further from the Lord.  On the other hand, what really helps and edifies us is the company of positive and godly people when we are low or discouraged (2 Cor. 7:6).  It is such a blessing to have the company of those who love the Lord are bound to frequently pray and love the Word of God with all their heart.  This is priceless and of great help to the faint-hearted.  It can be a well of strength, comfort, and refreshment to the weary soul.

CONCLUSION:

Discouragement and disappointment are a reality that every Christian must deal with and embrace. With God's help, we can overcome both.  We can choose to mope, groan, and laze around, or we can opt to be positive and seek God for help.  

Jesus is our perfect example of conduct and attitudes.  We must imitate Him (1 Cor. 11:1).  While Jesus was here on earth, He also had to face discouragement but did not give up.  He recognized that the key to His circumstances was in Him, not in the obstacles.  And He faced it!  Discouragement is a condition of the mind and not of one’s circumstances.  Happiness does not depend on our circumstances but on us.  Keeping a good spirit is the solution to discouragement.  Jesus saw things from God's viewpoint, and that viewpoint is not discouraging.  He urged His disciples to have the same perspective.  In John 4:35, He told them to "lift up your eyes."  So, no matter what happens in our lives, everything will turn out positively and well if we are faithful in doing God's will.  All things will work out for good to all faithful Christians (Romans 8:28).  Jesus kept working when He found obstacles in every direction.  He always tried to find the solution to all His obstacles.  Nothing was left for Him to do but to die.  He went to the cross, willingly and confidently.

Learn to deal with your emotions (anger, resentment, frustration, bitterness, hopelessness, and depression).  They can cause many unwanted and harmful things.  Don't blame others for your discouragement and disappointment.  Don't allow room for the spirit of blame in your life. Understand why you are discouraged.  Discouragement does not depend on others but on us (Phil. 4:11).  Learn to see things from God's viewpoint and in light of eternity.  How will it look in view of heaven or hell on Judgment Day?  Remember that we must cast all of our anxieties on Him in times of discouragement and disappointment because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).

Though things may not turn out the way we have planned or would have wanted them to be, look to Jesus, and follow His example.  You may feel so discouraged and disappointed that you want to quit or give up, look to Jesus, and follow His example.  Keep doing your best to reach your goal, heaven, and keep doing God's will with all your might.  So pray and pray and do not faint. Pray like Jesus always did.  When faced with discouragement and disappointments, pray and don't give up (1 Thess. 5:17).

Our Lord Jesus will be there in times of discouragement and disappointments to calm us.  Take courage, knowing that our God is with us.  Even amid discouragement and threats, we can still be examples of holiness and righteousness.  So do not despair. Know that our God and our brethren can help us through our difficult times.  Do not let discouragement, disappointment, doubt, and worry, pull you away from God.  It is very dangerous to let yourself be discouraged because of problems.  So, when the world says give up, God whispers, try it one more time and don't give up, I am with you.  Why not trust in God and pray to Him?  He can see us through anything.  He is our Rock that will lift us up when we are down.  We can confidently “pant” for Him as a deer pants for the cool refreshing water.  Therefore, do not be weary in well-doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not (Gal. 6:9)

May we rest in the Lord's unfailing love when overtaken by discouragement.  May we turn the eyes of our hearts to our tender and loving Savior who does not break the reed that is already bruised.  And may we be sustained by God's strength to overcome our distresses.

The following is a beautiful Psalm for the discouraged.  God cares and can help us overcome doubt and discouragement.  He will give us the strength to overcome our discouragement and disappointments.  He will command His lovingkindness on us to heal our hearts.

Why Are You Cast Down, O My Soul?  (Psalm 42)

42 As a deer pants for flowing streams,

    so pants my soul for you, O God.

2 My soul thirsts for God,

    for the living God.

When shall I come and appear before God?

3 My tears have been my food

    day and night,

while they say to me all the day long,

    “Where is your God?”

4 These things I remember,

    as I pour out my soul:

how I would go with the throng

    and lead them in procession to the house of God

with glad shouts and songs of praise,

    a multitude keeping festival.

5 Why are you cast down, O my soul,

    and why are you in turmoil within me?

Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,

    my salvation 6 and my God.

My soul is cast down within me;

    therefore I remember you

from the land of Jordan and of Hermon,

    from Mount Mizar.

7 Deep calls to deep

    at the roar of your waterfalls;

all your breakers and your waves

    have gone over me.

8 By day the Lord commands his steadfast love,

    and at night his song is with me,

    a prayer to the God of my life.

9 I say to God, my rock:

    “Why have you forgotten me?

Why do I go mourning

    because of the oppression of the enemy?”

10 As with a deadly wound in my bones,

    my adversaries taunt me,

while they say to me all the day long,

    “Where is your God?”

11 Why are you cast down, O my soul,

    and why are you in turmoil within me?

Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,

    my salvation and my God.

Luci

BAPTISM WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT

"When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.  And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them.  And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance."  

Acts 2:1-4

October 31st is just around the corner, and movies about ghosts and goblins are flooding the marketplace. Halloween is really a blast from our past pagan superstitions. It is not just the children who thrill to the prospect of disembodied spirits floating down the hallways. A lot of us mature folks struggle to escape the carnal chill up our spine of imagining a spirit in the room, even the Bible's Holy Spirit. In our times, we have paganized the Gospel teaching and struggle to understand the promise that John the Baptist taught of a baptism of the Holy Spirit. What was it really? Does the Holy Spirit haunt the churches today? Let us set aside our pagan prejudices and consider what the Bible actually says about this first-century marvel.

There is significant confusion about the baptism with the Holy Spirit among evangelical churches. The confusion is a direct result of failing to search the Scriptures well and rightly handle the Word of Truth.  They believe that baptism with the Holy Spirit “is a needed and promised experience for every believer.”  They claim that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is still taking place today. Of course, they believe to have personally experienced it.  However, their description of personal experience does not match what is recorded in the New Testament when it actually occurred.  The question at stake is, does the New Testament teach that such a baptism is promised to every believer?  Does every believer need it?  To whom was this Holy Spirit baptism promised?

Let’s begin our study by addressing the issue of to whom the Holy Spirit baptism was promised.  We must understand the inspired words of John the Baptist.

“As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”  (Matthew 3:11)

In Matthew 3:11, John is speaking mainly to the Jews who were coming to him to be baptized.  You see, the Jews had to repent and be baptized, confessing their sins to be forgiven (Matthew 3:2,5,6; Mark 1:4).

John baptized in the Jordan River.  He baptized (immersed) them in water.  “23 John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptized.”  (John 3:23)  The One coming after John who was going to baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire was evidently Jesus Christ.  The baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire would come from Him.

Before I go any further, I would like to discuss the baptism of fire.  I want to stress this since many have wrongly connected the baptism of fire with the baptism of the Holy Spirit.  They connect this with the events that occurred on the day of Pentecost, as recorded in Acts 2.  

I.   BAPTISM OF FIRE:

“3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them.”  (Acts 2:3)

In Acts 2:3, we are told that tongues like (or as) of fire appeared to the apostles and rested on (sat upon)  each of them (the apostles).  It does not say “tongues of fire” but rather “tongues as of fire.” There is a big difference between fire and something that is like fire.  You see, the tongues that rested on the apostles were not fire.  They were “as of fire.”  

According to some, the phrase “divided tongues as of fire” refers to the baptism of fire.  This error is evident when you examine the context of Matthew 3:10-12, where we see a contrast between the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the baptism of fire.  

“10 Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 11 “I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”  (Matthew 3:10-12)

Here, John speaks of two different baptisms:  Baptism of the Holy Spirit and a separate and distinct baptism of fire.  There is no evidence that both baptisms were to occur at the same time. Nowhere in Matthew  3:11 or the parallel statement in Luke 3:16 do we see this happening.  We must understand this. 

In Acts 1:4-5, our Lord Jesus Christ repeated “the Promise of the Father” that He had spoken of earlier to the apostles. He instructed them saying, 

"And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, 'you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.' 15 In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120)."'  (Acts 1:15)

“When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.”  (Acts 2:1-4)

Although there were 120 disciples gathered, Acts 1:15, Jesus had “given orders to the apostles whom He had chosen” in verse 2, renewing the promise of the baptism of the Holy Spirit in verse 5 to them. He further told the apostles that they would be “My witnesses” in verse 8. When we arrive at the beginning of Acts 2, it is the witnesses who receive the power of the Holy Spirit, speak with other tongues, and testify in verses 14 and 32, where Peter says, “we are all witnesses.”   Acts 1:5, “but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now,” does not mention anything about a baptism of fire.  It does not say, “you will be baptized with fire not many days from now." Neither John nor Christ ever promised a baptism of fire to the apostles.

Other Bible students suggest that the baptism of fire refers to the severe trials all Christians have to endure.  Peter does mention a “fiery trial” that Christians have to endure in I Peter 4:12.  There is no doubt that the early church endured severe trials. Jesus called His own suffering a baptism when speaking to the sons of Zebedee, Mark 10:38. However, going back to Matthew 3:11, there is no indication  that the “fire” here is the “fiery trial.” In verse 10, the fire burns up the trees that do not bear good fruit (also 7:19).  In verse 12, Jesus explains that He will use unquenchable fire to burn the chaff after He gathers the good wheat into His barn. Throughout Matthew, Jesus uses the figure of unquenchable fire to describe His judgment of those that He rejects. Notice Matthew 5:22; 13:42; 18:8; 25:41; Mark 9:44.

My next question, did Jesus promise a baptism of fire to purify His people?

Some like to quote Malachi 3:2-3 to prove the baptism of fire was for all the disciples.  They apply the baptism of fire to the preaching of Jesus to purify and refine the people “like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap." But Malachai 3:1-2 is speaking of John, “Behold, I am going to send My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me...  For He is like a refiner’s fire.”  These verses refer to the ministry of John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus Christ.

So, when John stated, “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire,” was he speaking of everyone?  Some argue that the pronoun “you” means all people who would hear him, that is, John promised that Jesus was going to baptize everyone with the baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire. But look again at Mark 1:8, “but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” There is no mention of the word “fire” at all.  If John had spoken of only one baptism, with the Holy Spirit and fire, then Mark would have made mention of both.  In Mark 1:8, the omission of fire proves that John was speaking of two different baptisms.  John said, 

“ I baptize you with water.” (Matt. 3:11)  

John did not baptize everyone in water (since many like the Pharisees and Sadducees rejected the baptism of John (Luke 7:30).  Nor did Jesus baptize everyone with the Holy Spirit and fire. “But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?”  (Matthew 3:7)

Furthermore, John the Baptist was not addressing the apostles.  When Jesus repeated the promise of the baptism with the Holy Spirit to the apostles, Acts 1:5, He did not say anything about a baptism of fire.  John did not speak only to those who were baptized but to everyone who would come to hear Jesus.  He rebuked the Pharisees and Sadducees, verse 7, and demanded of them fruits of repentance, verse 9, then he warned them that they should not trust in their physical relationship with Abraham, verse 9, and then he spoke to them about God's judgment, verse 10.  Matthew 3:11 is the verse under consideration.  In verse 11, John is referring to two classes of people and two baptisms.  Some that would be baptized with the Holy Spirit and some that would be baptized with fire.  The pronoun “you” here is not universal since it does not refer to all the world.  You see, John is not declaring that all the world, everyone, will be baptized with the Holy Spirit or with fire, but rather he is using the pronoun “you” in an indefinite way, meaning that among those in that group, some will be baptized with the Holy Spirit and some will be baptized with fire.

In Matthew 3:10 and 12, John is explicitly speaking of two classes of people.  Likewise, he is speaking of the separation of those who were good and evil (fruitful and unfruitful trees).  That is, those who would be saved and those who would suffer eternal punishment.   That eternal punishment would thus be a baptism of fire (Matt. 3:10-12; Luke 3:9, 17; Revelation 20:14-15).  Verse 11 portrays two baptisms to show blessings for the righteous ones and punishment for the unrighteous ones.  That simple!

So what is the fire?

Our context shows that the fire will be God's instrument of punishment on that Final Day.   Matthew 3:10, “10 The axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”  Here, it is evident that he is talking about the judgment of the unrighteous.  In verse 10, John explains what would happen with those who did not bear good fruit worthy of repentance.  They will be cut down and thrown into the fire.  Verse 12 goes on to say, “12 His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear His threshing floor; and He will gather His wheat into the barn, but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” 

Notice that the word “fire” appears three times in Matthew 3:10-12.  Without any doubt, verses 10 and 12 is referring to the coming punishment of the unrighteous.  Therefore, it is unreasonable to affirm that the word “fire” mentioned in verse 11, between verses 10 and 12, is talking about something else.  Verse 12 answers the question, when is the baptism with fire administered?  It refers to the Final Day, Judgement Day when our Lord “will thoroughly clear His threshing floor.” That is, He will make a final separation between the righteous and unrighteous.  There are other Scriptures that teach the same Truth (Matthew 10:28; 13:41-43; 25:35-46; 2 Thess. 1:7-9; Rev. 12:14, 15; 20:11-15; 21:8).

Therefore, after reading Matthew 3:11, without taking into account other Scriptures, it would be possible to conclude that both baptisms should be administered at the same time, but John is referring to the future without indicating the time of fulfillment of both these baptisms.

II.  BAPTISM WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT:

“As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”  (Matthew 3:11)  

“16 John answered and said to them all, “As for me, I baptize you with water; but One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to untie the thong of His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”  (Luke 3:16)

• The Promise of John the Baptist:

John never commanded any one to be baptized with the Holy Spirit.  Why?  Because the baptism of the Holy Spirit was never a command but rather a promise.  However, the baptism mentioned in Matthew 28:19 was a commandment for everybody: “baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”  

John never said that those who would be baptized with the Holy Spirit were to be purified or cleansed from original sin.  No verse in the New Testament speaks of original sin; much less does there exist any Scripture that speaks of a baptism with the Holy Spirit as a remedy for sin.  Nor did John ever promise that all believers would be baptized with the Holy Spirit and speak in tongues to prove it.

You see, John did promise that Christ “will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” (Matt. 3:11) The fire here, as I mentioned earlier, is eternal punishment, Matt. 3:12.  There is no other Scripture that can explain this baptism of fire better.  John never said who would be baptized with the Holy Spirit. For one to grasp this better, he would have to study diligently the Scriptures that deal with this subject.  We must let the Bible explain itself on this issue.  There is no other way!

• The Promise of Jesus to His Apostles:  "Wait for what the Father had promised."

“Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, “Which,” He said, “you heard of from Me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”   (Acts 1:4-5)

Jesus instructed His apostles to wait in a specific place, that is, Jerusalem, verse 4.  They were to receive "what the Father had promised." there, verse 4.  That promise was:

• Baptism with the Holy Spirit, verse 5.  
• They will receive power, Acts 1:8.  
• They will be Jesus' witnesses to the world, Acts 1:8.  

All the apostles indeed received the promise of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost with power and did bear witness to the risen Christ (Acts 1:26; 2:1-4; 7, 14, 32, 37, 42-43).  

• As promised by Jesus in John 14:26, the Holy Spirit taught the apostles all things and brought to their remembrance all things that Jesus had said to them earlier.  
• The Holy Spirit testified of Jesus with the Spirit of Truth as promised by Jesus in John 15:26.  
• The Holy Spirit indeed bore witness of Jesus as promised in John 15:27.  
• He guided the apostles into all the Truth as promised by Jesus in John 16:13-14.  
• The Holy Spirit came upon all the twelve apostles revealing the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ (The New Testament).  

All these promises were only given to the apostles and no one else, no other Christian.  Period!

Now in Acts 2:1-4, we read, 

“When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.”

Here in this text, the word “all” does not mean all 120 disciples but rather the 12 apostles.  The antecedent of the word “all” is the last word of Acts 1:26, “26 And they drew lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.”  

The rest of chapter 2 confirms the following conclusion:

1. They were all Galileans who were speaking in tongues, languages, Acts 2:7 (the apostles were Galileans).
2. The apostles were preaching, Acts 2:14.
3. There is no evidence at all that all 120 disciples that were gathered were baptized with the Holy Spirit.
4. In Acts 1:5, Jesus applied the promise of John to the apostles by saying, “not many days from now.”   This is exactly what happened ten days later when the Holy Spirit came upon all the twelve apostles on the day of Pentecost.

In Acts chapters 10 and 11, Luke describes for us the baptism of Cornelius and his household with the Holy Spirit.  The apostle Peter explains this in Acts 11:15-17, 

“15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as He did upon us at the beginning. 16 And I remembered the word of the Lord, how He used to say, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 Therefore if God gave to them the same gift as He gave to us also after believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?” 

Stand in the way of what?  Well, why not read Acts 10:47-48 to get the answer?  

“47 Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.”

Obviously, this passage is referring to the baptism in water of Cornelius and his household.  The baptism with the Holy Spirit of Cornelius and his household assured Peter and the other Jewish brethren that now God also wanted the Gentiles to hear the Gospel of grace of His Son.  In Acts 11:18,

we read, 

“18 When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.” 

This passage clearly explains God's purpose in baptizing the Gentiles with the Holy Spirit.  Luke describes for us how the Lord showed Peter that now He “shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.”  (Acts 10:34-35)  God opened the door in this way to all the Gentiles (all nations, all those who were not Jews).  The baptism of Cornelius and his household with the Holy Spirit was necessary or vital to assure or convince the Jews of this great change.  When the Jewish brethren learned that God had granted Cornelius the same gift of salvation as He did to the apostles, they “glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.” (Acts 11:8)  Isn't this remarkable!!!

Therefore, there are only two cases or examples (the apostles and the house of Cornelius)  recorded in the New Testament regarding baptism with the Holy Spirit.  We must speak where the Bible speaks and be silent where the Bible is silent.  “11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God.” (1 Peter 4:11)  Period!

When the apostles were baptized with the Holy Spirit, what did they say or do?

• Was it an ecstatic experience? 
• Did they begin to shout repeatedly, “Glory to God!” and “Hallelujah?”  
• Did they make a lot of loud noises?
• Did they bounce and jump?  
• Did they fall on the floor and go into convulsions?
• Did they speak with exaggerated emotion about their experience?  
• Did they describe the sensation of the power?  
• Did they say it was a unique experience that could only be felt but cannot be described?  

I am asking all these questions because this is the concept many have when they speak of the baptism with the Holy Spirit.

Also, it would be good to ask if the apostles ever pointed out that the purpose of the baptism with the Holy Spirit was to remove original sin.

In Acts 2:36, when the apostles concluded saying that God had made Jesus both Lord and Christ, the people, the Jews, that were listening asked, “what shall we do?”  Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins... “  (Acts 2:38)

IV.   WATER BAPTISM:

Some argue that water baptism is not essential for salvation.  They see it as non-essential and unnecessary.  Others agree with the statement above and claim that it is necessary only for church membership.  So is water baptism vital for salvation, or is it conditional for salvation?  The answer is a big "YES." One must be baptized to enter the kingdom of heaven (the kingdom of righteousness) regardless of his view about the subject.  If one is baptized with the wrong purpose in mind, it is not in accord or harmony with the will of God, and it is not valid.  To do the will of God, one must detach himself from all emotions, prejudices, preconceptions and follow with open and honest hearts the plain and simple teaching on this subject.

When one teaches the necessity of baptism, he is usually accused of teaching “water salvation.” What they don't want to acknowledge is that the Bible does indeed affirm water baptism for salvation.  Take, for instance, what the Bible says about Noah and his family.  “Eight souls were saved by water.”  (1 Peter 3:20)  My question is, was this water salvation?  What about Naaman in 2 Kings 5:10,14 who “dipped himself seven times in the Jordan.”?  He had to do this before God could cleanse him of his leprosy.  When Naaman followed God's command, submitting to it, his cleansing obviously  involved “water salvation.”

Moreover, the Scriptures tell us that God “saved Israel” from the hands of the Egyptian army when He parted the Red Sea so that they could walk on dry land in the midst of the sea (Exodus 14:29-30). Was that water salvation?  Did the water save them? Of course not!  These were just examples of conditional salvation.  God used these as examples to demonstrate that water saved certain men from destruction.  The only reality here is that God used these examples to demonstrate how vital water is to salvation, i.e., “water baptism.”

Though some would agree that baptism is vital, they still claim that the baptism of the New Testament was not water baptism.   Peter asked in Acts 10:47-48, 

“Can any man forbid the water, that these should not be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.”

  

You see, this baptism in the name of the Lord is baptism in water.  Again, on the day of Pentecost, Peter told the Jews who were guilty of the blood of Jesus to “repent and be baptized... “ (Acts 2:38). Again, baptism “in the name of Jesus Christ” is baptism in water for the remission of sins.  Another example is the Ethiopian who, after learning the Truth about Jesus and while he was driving his chariot down the road, said to Philip, “Behold, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?”  (Acts 8:36).  Verse 38 says that both (Philip and the eunuch) went down into the water, and he (Philip) baptized him.

The apostle Peter describes baptism as an antitype of the water salvation that saved Noah and his family, 1 Peter 3:20-21.  Peter affirmed that baptism now saves us and cleanses our evil conscience (from the stain of sin) for a good conscience. Hebrews 10:22 speaks of how our hearts are cleansed of an evil conscience in relation to the washing of our bodies with pure water.  Yes, this is the “one baptism,” water baptism, of the Gospel of Christ for the remission of sins!!

John the Baptist preached a baptism of repentance and forgiveness of sins in the wilderness (Mark 1:4).  This baptism opened the door and later replaced it with the baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, water baptism.  And though many knew the baptism of John after Christ's death, they still were commanded to be baptized “in the name of Jesus Christ” for the remission of sins.  Forgiveness of sins resulting from John's baptism was primarily established upon the death of Christ.  They were forgiven as promised.  Without the shedding of Jesus' blood, John's baptism would have been worthless.  Thus baptism for the forgiveness of sins depended upon the death of Christ.  The one baptism Ephesians 4:5 speaks of is based completely upon the death of Christ.  

In Mark 16:16, we read, 

“He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.”

 

The word “and” is conjunctive here, joining two other words. The word “believed” is joined to baptism (baptized).  The word “and” not only joins faith and baptism, but it also joins both of these acts that lead to salvation.  So if baptism is not vital to salvation, then neither is believing essential to salvation.  Faith and baptism together produce salvation.

So, according to Mark 16:16 and many others Scriptures, baptism is as important as faith to our salvation!  In Acts 2:38, we see again the conjunctive “and.”  In this case, the word “and” joins another important act in relation to baptism.  Peter commanded the believers to repent and be baptized.  Forgiveness of sins resulted from Peter's command.  Therefore, repentance is attached to baptism for salvation.  Baptism is as important as repentance and forgiveness of sin.  Period!

Remember what Ananias told Paul in Acts 22:16?  “Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.’”

The above Scripture does not advocate faith alone since one cannot be saved based on faith alone.  Jesus plainly stated that just “calling upon the name of the Lord” was not enough.  Jesus said,

“21 Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.”  (Matthew 7:21) 

The Lord is very explicit here about what it means to call upon His name.  It demands believing and obedience.  This is exactly what Paul did in Acts 22:10-16.  He believed, obeyed, and was baptized (cf. Mark 16:16).  Thus according to Acts 22:10-16, there is a process that begins with teaching to believe and ends with immersion in water (baptism).  This is calling upon the name of the Lord (cp. Acts 2:21 with 2:38).  So baptism in water is crucial to have sins washed away.

We have other Scriptures (Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12, Matt. 28:19-20; John 3:3-5; Acts 3:19; 8:12, 13,26-37;9:18; 10:47-48; 16:14-15, 30-33; 18:8 and 1 Cor. 12:13) that place significant emphasis on water baptism (immersion) as an act for the penitent believer to be united in Christ's death and have freedom from sin.  All this results from one obeying the “form of teaching” to which one is committed (Romans 6:17-18).

In Romans 6:3-4, Paul stresses that after believing the details of the gospel, the believer then practices a “form” of those details when he is baptized.  It is simple!  And as Paul stated in Romans 6:3-4, the penitent believer dies to sin.  Just as Christ was buried, so is the believer “buried” in baptism (no sprinkling or pouring here!!).  And just as Christ was “raised from the dead,” so we are also raised to walk in newness of life as “new creatures” from the waters of baptism.  You see Jesus shed His blood when He died, and so baptism buries us into the likeness of the death of Christ, Romans 6:4. Today this is the ONLY baptism that saves.  

In Galatians 3:26-27, we read, 

“For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”

 

Here again, we see faith and baptism conjoining.  Salvation is then the result of both (faith and baptism), though the thought is the same but stated differently.  Faith and baptism are vital conditions for one to “put on Christ,” i.e., become a Christian.

In Hebrews 9:14, we read, 

“14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”

 

Here, again we learn that Christ's blood cleanses the conscience as 1 Peter 1:22 states it.  Peter states that “obedience to the truth purified your souls.”  That we may have a good and cleaned conscience, 3:21.  The truth is simple in that the blood of Christ saves the penitent believer through his obedience to the Truth in baptism.

My fervent prayer is that I may help the reader to understand God's simple Truth concerning the only baptism that saves as commanded by the Lord Himself.

CONCLUSION:

When the apostles were baptized with the Holy Spirit, they preached the gospel of Christ (Matt. 28:19), quoting many Scriptures with the purpose of convincing the Jews of their sin (John 16:8). They pointed out what they should do to be forgiven of their sins.  This was what the apostles of Christ actually did when they were indeed baptized with the Holy Spirit.  

Years later (circa 62 A.D.) Paul told the Ephesians, “one Lord, one faith, one baptism.”  The baptism of John was of short length or duration.  Very few people received the baptism with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2, 10, 11 records and nails down the only two cases of this kind of baptism).  Therefore, the only baptism that should be of great importance today is the baptism with water for the forgiveness of sins.  This is the only baptism acceptable and authorized by God in Ephesians 4:5.

The baptism with the Holy Spirit was only promised to the apostles and not to all the penitent believers.  The purpose of the baptism with the Holy Spirit promised to the apostles was to equip them for their commission work.  The baptism with the Holy Spirit was not a commandment but rather a promise.  It had nothing to do with the so-called “original sin” or any supposed “second work of grace.”

The baptism with the Holy Spirit is not a blessing for today.  Ever since before the close of the first century, there has always been only "one baptism”  (Ephesians 4:5).  The Great Commission baptism administered by men, i.e., water baptism, is that  "one baptism," and it was to continue to the end of time according to Matthew 28:19, 20.

Therefore, the only baptism that Jesus has authorized began on the day of Pentecost, 33 A.D., Acts 2:38-41.  It is authorized by Jesus' authority, Mark 16:16; Matt 28:18-19.  It is only by immersion, Romans 6:3-4; Col. 2:12.  It is preceded by faith in God and His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, Mark 16:16; Acts 8:36.  It is preceded by repentance, Acts 2:38.  It is preceded by confessing faith in Christ, Acts 8:36-37.  It is for the forgiveness of sins, Acts 2:28; 22:16.  It is freely offered to all believing penitents, Matt. 28:18-19; Mark 16:16.  It clothes us with Christ, Galatians 3:27.  And it is the only one that is acceptable and valid today by God, Acts 10:48; Eph. 4:4.

May the Lord bless us as we strive to do His will.

Luci