Articles by Kevin Baird

“And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.”

Matthew 11:12 NKJV

I have to be reminded on a fairly regular basis that violence is an attribute of life in the Kingdom. I am not suggesting this violence is fleshly or carnal (2 Corinthians 10:4), but rather the acquisition of certain promises will demand a spiritual fight. Contending faith is a faith that is willing to wrestle for the plan or promise of God and refuses to accept defeat. Unfortunately, the world does it’s best to condition me to accept fear and defeat. Equally unfortunate are the times I succumb to its lies and relentlessness. I need reminding in this pandemic that whether it be my health, my job, my personal disposition, my peace, my joy, or my hope; it will be expected that I arise and contend for my promise.

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“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

Galatians 6:9-10 NKJV

I am processing the news that we are being asked to “stay in place” another 30 days. I am an introvert by nature and seclusion is not normally a personal hardship for me, but the realization of a month in confinement is making me claustrophobic as I think about it. I know, there are things I can do that will stretch my legs and move about, but I have that “caged animal” feeling going on inside of me right now. That said, I am a part of a nation that is going through a pandemic. I understand that this virus is simply inconvenient for many, but a death sentence for some. I am continually reminding myself that Christ asks me to prefer my neighbor, live selflessly, and as Paul said, “do good”. For in doing good and practicing endurance, this season will change, and a harvest will be reaped.

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“The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

John 3:8 NKJV

There should always be a few head-scratching verses in the Bible which make you stop and ponder. This passage stuck in one of the most familiar chapters in all the Scripture has been one of those verses for me. I mean, who doesn’t know John 3:16? For many of us we memorized that verse in a Sunday School class too many years ago to remember. However, long before you get to that sixteenth verse, you must pass through verse eight.

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“For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me, and what I dreaded has happened to me.”

Job 3:25 NKJV

The story of Job has some complexities associated with it. A righteous person is enduring much suffering and pain. It opens the can of why bad things befall the believer. It is obvious in the book that God is pleased with Job as the conversation is recorded between the Lord and Satan. Yet, Job faces unparalleled adversity and suffering.

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“Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”

James 2:17

I have recently read two great books from the same author (Matthew Bates) entitled, “Salvation by Allegiance Alone”, and “Gospel Allegiance”. Both books are definite recommendations, especially if we find ourselves in an extended lock-down period and looking for some spiritual download. This pandemic post will not be able to do a review of the books, but they are the springboard to some of the thoughts that are running around my brain today.

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