Rev. Kenneth Fellenbaum

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Milford, Connecticut, United States

Bible Verse of the Day

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Adding GOODNESS to Your Faith

The first quality that the Apostle Peter said that we should add to our faith is “goodness.” What exactly is “goodness”? The NIV Study Bible defines “goodness” as “excellence expressed in deeds – virtue in action.” God’s goodness is connected in Scripture with his glory: “Our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness” (2 Peter 1:3). When Moses requested, “Show me your glory,” the Lord said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass by in front of you, and I will proclaim my name… I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion” (Exodus 33:18-19). God’s glory and his goodness is shown to us by his acts of mercy. People also demonstrate their goodness through acts of love. How would you know if a person were good unless it were shown through deeds. “Goodness” really is virtue in action. Mother Teresa’s work with the poor and needy in India was an excellent example of what goodness consists of.

Secondly, who possesses this quality? The Apostle Paul, writing to the Ephesians, stated, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)” (Eph 5:8-9). The contrast is drawn by Paul between the “light” and “darkness.” Children of light used to be part of the darkness (sin) but now are to demonstrate the fruit of light which is “goodness.” Instead of “being as bad as we can be” (i.e., Dennis Rodman), Believers are to shine as children of light by depicting “goodness.” Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Thirdly, we might ask, where does the goodness come from that people of faith are supposed to share? Paul answers this by saying that goodness is a fruit or by-product of the Holy Spirit: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galations 5:22-23). Christian character and these virtues are produced by the Holy Spirit. People cannot make these virtues part of their lives without the Spirit being present. If we “live by the Spirit and keep in step with the Spirit,” (verse 25) goodness will be part of our faith.

Fourthly, how much “goodness” is enough? Paul wrote of the Christians in Rome, “I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another” (Romans 15:14). Can others say of us that we are full of goodness, or do we have some room to grow? Remember that Peter said that we should possess this quality “in increasing measure” (2 Peter 1:8). Jesus Christ was and is known for his goodness. He showed this through his many acts of love to those who were sick and afflicted, hungry and needy. His death on the cross for the sins of the world provided the way for forgiveness of sins. As his followers we should portray goodness – “virtue in action” – along with our spoken witness.

Friday, September 6, 2013

The Church & Missions

The first missionary journey originated at Antioch. Luke describes how it came about in Acts 13: "In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off" (vs. 1-3). 

Let us look at this account through the eyes of a reporter. We will attempt to answer who, how, where, what and why. First of all, who was involved? The names of five men are given -- three are people we know little of and there was also Barnabas and Saul. Together these men were the Church's preachers and teachers. Note that the most experienced were called and sent.

Secondly, how did the first missionary trip come about? During a worship service, they were directed by the Holy Spirit to go. The Lord Jesus Christ had given the Great Commission to his disciples. Now the Spirit was prompting the Church into action. The Church, after praying and fasting, ordained and released them to this new service. 

Thirdly, where did they go? The missionaries first departed to the Island of Cyprus (in the Eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea). In Acts 4:36 we are told that Cyprus was the home of Barnabas. A natural place for anyone to begin sharing the Gospel is his home or former home. The missionaries arrived on the eastern end of the island and traveled across the whole island to the western side. They went from one large city, Salamis, to the capital city of Paphos. They spoke in synagogues (places of worship and instruction) and in the center of government. 

Fourthly, what did they do? Barnabas and Paul "proclaimed the Word of God." Our message today is the same that they preached. Whether they were speaking in a Jewish synagogue or before the Proconsul (Government), they presented "the Word of God." When they were doing this, they encountered opposition from a Jewish sorcerer who was an attendant to the Proconsul. The Apostle Paul spoke very directly to the sorcerer and he became temporarily blinded (see vs. 9-11). It is interesting that something similar had occurred to Saul himself on the road to Damascus. Saul, of course, became a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, but nothing is recorded of Elymas, the sorcerer, beyond the blinding. When the Proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was amazed at the teaching of the Lord (v. 12).

Lastly, we might ask why the missionaries went on this trip. Why did they leave an established church that was experiencing rapid growth to go somewhere with no churches at all? They were called and sent for that precise reason -- so that those who had never heard would have the opportunity to respond to the Gospel. The message of salvation from self and sin unto eternal life is for all people. (See Matt. 28:19 & 20; Mark 16:15). Those who have heard are obligated to those who have never heard (see Romans 1:14). Some are called to go and others should send them with prayer and financial support.

Saturday, June 15, 2013

The Early Church’s Message



On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came and filled all the believers who were present in the Upper Room. The group then went to the temple courts where Peter stood up with the Eleven. He raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say” (Acts 2:14). He declared that what was happening was the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy regarding the outpouring of the Spirit in the last days. Then he said, “Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him” (Acts 2:22-24).

After he made several references to the patriarch David’s statements about Messiah, Peter concluded with this pointed application, “’Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.’ When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’ Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.’ With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, ‘Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.’ Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day” (Acts 2:36-41).

This passage is a very important one because it sets forth what the early church’s message was and what people needed to do to be saved and become part of the church. Let’s go back and look at the points that Peter made to them. First of all, there was the call to repent. People needed to repent of their sins and for their part in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. While they had been part of the conspiracy of the Jewish leadership to have him crucified, Scripture makes it clear that his death on the cross was all part of God’s plan of salvation. Our sins, the New Testament states, were part of the reason that Jesus died on the cross (see 1 John 4:10). Since everyone has sinned, everyone needs to repent.

Secondly, through his address he affirmed who Jesus was—the Christ or Messiah and what he did—die on the cross. He also emphasized the fact of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. These things were all part of what his followers believed and they shared their faith to others in witness. Christians believe this and much more about the person of Jesus Christ. We are saved by believing in our hearts and confessing with our mouths (see Romans 10:9-10).

Thirdly, Peter called upon them to be baptized. John the Baptist, the forerunner to Messiah, had begun his ministry by challenging the people of Israel to repent of their sins and be baptized (see Mark 1:4). To this message the Church would add faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection. Baptism is the outward sign of what has spiritually occurred in our hearts. We also identify with him and with all others who have accepted him as Saviour and Lord. This is the bottom line, so to speak, of what you need to do in order to be saved and join the church. Repent of sins, believe the Gospel, and be baptized. Have you done this?

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

The Spirit and Vision


The day of Pentecost occurs the 50th day after the Sabbath of Passover week; thus the first day of the week. The disciples of Jesus were all together in Jerusalem after his ascension following the Lord's instructions not to leave the city and to wait for "the gift promised by the Father." Jesus told them, "In a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 1:5).

Then “Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues (languages) as the Spirit enabled them” (Acts 2:2-4).

The disciples spilled out of the house and into the city streets where a crowd witnessed the miracle of Pentecost. Peter stood up with the rest of the disciples and addressed the crowd. He started by quoting the prophet Joel: “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams” (Joel 2:28, Acts 2:17).

Throughout the Scriptures God has revealed himself to people in dreams and visions. Joseph and Daniel are examples of this as were Paul and John. The “dreams and visions” came through the Spirit of God as he revealed himself to them. Whether this occurred while asleep or awake, the important thing to note is that it’s God’s Spirit that was speaking. It’s the Spirit providing the vision or revelation.

“Where there is no vision, the people perish.” This is a familiar statement found in Proverbs 29:18 (KJV). A modern language translation states it this way: “Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint” (NIV).

In a previous presidential election campaign, George H. W. Bush referred to “the vision thing.” Critical to all leaders is the ability to communicate a vision and inspire people. Spiritual leaders receive a vision from God and share it with the people. They then provide the leadership necessary to realize the goal(s). Vision is essential – without vision we flounder on the sea and wander in the desert. With vision we are able to chart a course to lead us through our situations and into a blessed state.

No one ever had a greater vision then Jesus Christ. He instructed his followers to proclaim the Good News of the Gospel to all nations, “And repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his (Jesus) name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem”(Luke 24:47).

God is still speaking today. Are we listening to his voice and responding to his vision? He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the Churches” (Rev. 3:22).

Saturday, March 23, 2013

From Triumph to Trial

One of the greatest days in the Church calendar in addition to Christmas and Easter is Palm Sunday. This is the day we celebrate Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem. There were crowds of cheering people and he was accompanied by his admiring disciples. Christ's popularity was never higher. He had just raised Lazarus from the dead and there were many people in Jerusalem from Galilee who had seen the miracles and heard him teach. However, by Friday, things had radically changed. Jesus was betrayed by Judas, deserted by his followers, experienced the mockery of a trial, jeered by a crowd and finally put to death on a cross between two criminals. What happened--what went wrong to change things? Who was responsible for this reversal and why did it turn out this way?

We have already recounted the events of two thousand years ago. Let us look at the various people involved and then lastly, explain why this happened. Considering the possibilities of who was responsible for things going from triumph to trial, let us examine the biblical account in Matthew 26. Someone might suggest as is often the case when a leader falls from grace that he did something to cause this. This was not the reality with Jesus Christ. We might ask if one of his staff of followers did something. Judas to be sure played a major role by going to the Jewish authorities and offering to betray Christ for money. The Jewish religious leaders--the establishment--also played a major part. Apparently, their problem with Jesus was fueled by their jealousy and suspicion of him because of his popularity with the people. They were clearly threatened by this and were also at variance with him on his teaching. Jesus frequently corrected what had been corrupted by man down through the centuries on such things as the Sabbath. He emphasized "the spirit" and not "the letter" of the law, which is legalism.

Additionally, there were the two trumped-up charges that involved the temple and his messiahship and divinity. On the first point, Jesus had said, "Destroy this temple, and I will raise it up again in three days" (John 2:19). The context of this quote reveals that Jesus was speaking about his body and the resurrection and not the temple which was the focal point of Judaism. When he was asked if he were the Christ, the Son of the Living God, Jesus replied, "Yes, it is as you say" (Matthew 26:63-64). A key issue that still separates Jews and Christians is not so much whether Jesus is the Messiah but that Christ could be human and divine. The prophecy in Isaiah 9 indicates that this indeed is true. (See v. 6-7).

Looking for other people who also bear some responsibility, we would have to point out the crowds who were led to call out, "Crucify him!" when given the opportunity to choose between Jesus and Barabbas. The rulers at the time also deserve mention. Pilate, the Governor, and Herod, the Tetrarch over Galilee, could have seen that he received justice but each did not. Jesus was crucified by Roman soldiers because only the Romans had authority to execute someone. No doubt the soldiers would say that they were "just carrying out orders."

All of the above played a part in Jesus' death. But according to the New Testament, the real reason that Jesus went to the cross was to make atonement for the sins of the world (See Acts 2:23, 1 John 2:2 & Romans 3:25). This means that your sins and my sins put Jesus on the cross. He gave his live to be our Saviour. This is ultimately the reason that things happened as they did during Holy Week.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Praying as Jesus Taught Us

In this column we will follow two strands of thought: namely, the Kingdom of God and prayer. Our text will be the familiar but always inspiring words of Jesus on prayer from the Sermon on the Mount. In the first couple verses, Jesus offers some introductory comments to guide our thinking and practice on prayer. “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him” (Matthew 6:5-8). If we take this instruction to heart it will help us not to “pray” the wrong way and to approach the throne of God properly which will result in effective and powerful prayer.

Next Jesus offered an example of prayer, “This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one’” (Matthew 6:9-13). This prayer is popularly known as “the Lord’s Prayer.” It can be prayed as such, although we should be careful to pray with meaning and not just recite it. Properly understood, I believe what the Lord taught us was a pattern of prayer. If prayed this way you can pray the Lord’s Prayer in minutes or hours.

Note that Jesus taught us to begin with the salutation “Our Father.” God is the Father of all who have become His children through faith in His Son (see John 1:12). We cannot really pray this with confidence until we know for certain that He is our Heavenly Father. Do you know Him? Analyzing the body of the prayer, we see that it evenly divides into two sections. Part one deals with God’s concerns and Part two involves our needs. When we pray we should remember this order and put God’s things first and ourselves second (too often it is the opposite). We are to pray for God’s Name to be sacred. His Kingdom to come (presently and future), and His will to be done (in our lives and others). We can ask for our daily sustenance, forgiveness from sins and relief from temptation.

Lastly, do not overlook the important matter of forgiveness that Jesus repeated and elaborated upon. The reason that forgiveness is so critical is that if we do not forgive others we will not be forgiven—which means our prayers will go unanswered.

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Remember...Don't Forget

In Deuteronomy 25:17-19, the Scriptures state: "Remember what the Amalekites did to you along the way when you came out of Egypt. When you were weary and worn out, they met you on your journey and attacked all who were lagging behind; they had no fear of God. When the Lord your God gives you rest from all the enemies around you in the land he is giving you to possess as an inheritance, you shall blot out the name of Amalek from under heaven. Do not forget!" First, I want to make a couple of observations about this text. A) This is the Lord speaking--not some human being. B) What is called for is national retribution and not personal revenge. Exodus 17:8 describes what actually happened. The Amalekites were Bedouin people who attacked the rear of the Israelites and those who were "lagging behind"' the rest. It was probably the old, the young and the weakest. Therefore, God wanted these people who had shown no mercy to receive the punishment that was due them. Many years later God would charge Saul, Israel's first king, with the responsibility of carrying out this order (see 1 Samuel 15:2-3). Even though five hundred years had gone by, God's command stood. He wanted Saul and the Israelites to carryout His orders. Second, having explained the context of this text, [a text out of context, someone said, is a pretext.] I want to use these words, "Remember, don't forget" and share some thoughts for the New Year. Some examples of things that people should "remember and not forget" are: The Jewish people and the Holocaust, Blacks and slavery, Americans and our heritage, families and their ancestry, etc. People who become successful should remember from where they have come and those who have helped them along the way. Some other things that we should "remember and not forget" at the beginning of the New Year are: unfinished business from the past year, lessons to be learned, new resolutions... Third, I want to end by noting an appropriate text: 2 Peter 1:5-7: "For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love." These seven qualities are supposed to be part of our faith or Christian life--and we should be "possessing these qualities in increasing measure" (v. 8). The Apostle Peter wrote that if we are growing in these qualities, "The will keep up from being ineffective and unproductive in our knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" (v. 8). Peter goes on to warn, "but if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins" (v. 9). Some might argue that people could not forget something like their salvation, but if this were the case, Peter would not have written this under inspiration. As we enter and progress through the New Year, let us resolve to grow and develop these qualities in our lives. "Remember, do not forget" or you will be "ineffective and unproductive" along with being "nearsighted, blind, and forgetful."