Fighting Without, Fears Within

Articles

Larry Hafley
04/20/25 - God's Love

FIGHTING WITHOUT, FEARS WITHIN

Larry Hafley

Paul faced the internal trouble and infernal trauma of fightings without and fears within (2 Cor. 7:5). We all have. We all do. We all will. Therefore, the next time you are tempted to feel as though you are the “only one” who suffers in this way, remember, you are not alone. Though it will not help solve your problems, others suffer, too.

Consider Lot. His soul was grieved by the ungodliness that enveloped him (2 Pet. 2:8). Consider Joseph. Oh, what tortures of mind and torments of heart did that young man endure. Injustice, indeed! Not until we consider Job do we see such agony and undeserved suffering (Gen. 39, 40). Whatever your pain, your curse, does it exceed that of those beloved brethren? Then, consider Jesus (Heb. 12:2; 1 Pet. 2:22-24; 4:1).

This is not to deny nor diminish your ills. They are real. Whether self inflicted or not, they hurt; they frighten; they intimidate; they make you hesitant, indecisive, ashamed. They are 21^st century demons that often defy exorcism. We know. We care. We want to bear and to share your burdens, but we cannot do so, at least, not fully, not completely.

Know this, though, the Lord knows, he cares, and he can bear and share your weight of woe. Remember the old song, “Does Jesus Care?” “O, yes, He cares, I know he cares. His heart is touch with my grief; When the days are weary, The long nights dreary, I know my Savior cares.” What we must do, then, is to cast all our care upon him, “for he careth for you” (1 Pet. 5:7).

This is perhaps our greatest failing. We fail to cast our fears upon him. He will not lift them without our consent. He stands at the door and knocks, but he does not open (Rev. 3:20). That is our duty. He has knocked oft before, but a lack of faith and self pity may have dulled our ears to his approach and appeal. Let us cast off the doubts that threaten to drown us in mental misery and simply open the door. He stands there, and, “if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” That is the divine promise.

Yes, there are fightings without, but there is also a faithful Father without--”I stand at the door and knock.” Yes, there are fears within, but there is also a loving, living Lord within those who keep his word (Jn. 14:21-23). The question is not, “Hast thou fightings and fears?” The question is, “Hast thou faith?” Without that faith, the fightings rage, the fears increase. With that faith, the door is opened, the world is overcome, and the music of faith vanquishes our foes and soothes our fears

(1 Jn. 5:4, 5).

"THE BAPTISM OF JOHN VERSUS THE BAPTISM OF CHRIST"

Jarrod M. Jacobs

When we read the book of Mark, it begins by introducing us to John the Immerser, or John the Baptist. This man who prepared the way for Christ (1:3). Among other things, we read about John baptizing people in the wilderness and specifically baptizing folks in the Jordan river (1:4-5). This was not the only place he baptized folks, but this was one area, and this is where he baptized Jesus (1:9-10).

Later, when we read about John's baptism, we read where folks were told basically that John's baptism was not valid, and they needed to be baptized in the name of Christ (Acts 19:5). Why the difference? If John's baptism was valid in Mark 1, John 3, and other places, why is it treated as invalid in Acts 19? What difference is there between John's baptism and Christ's?

While at first glance, there seems to be little to no difference. Both baptisms are immersion. Both baptisms are for those who are seeking "remission of sins." What difference is there between these acts? Notice, I said at first glance there seems to be no difference. When we study, we see several differences between these acts.

In John's baptism, we see:

John told men to confess their sins (Matt. 3:6).
John told them to believe in "the One to come" (Acts 19:4).
This baptism added none to the church (No church existed then!).
There is no connection with Christ's blood.
John's baptism is described as "a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins" (Mk. 1:4).

In contrast, Christ's baptism:

Was "for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38) - not an act looking forward to something that had not yet come.
Puts one "in Christ" (Gal. 3:27; Rom. 6:3).
Adds us to his church (Acts 2:47; I Cor. 12:13).
Is connected with the blood of Christ (Rom. 6:3-6; Matt. 26:28; Acts 2:38).
Saves us (I Pet. 3:21; Col. 2:12-13).

John's baptism served its purpose, but its purpose has ended. Now, we are to be baptized in Christ's baptism -- that baptism which allows us to experience the cleansing effect of His blood, adds us to His church, washes us from sin, and enables us to be called "Christian."

Have you been baptized? If not, what is stopping you? Contact me, and let's make sure you are right in the sight of God.