Jump Start # 4085

Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do in word of deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Throwback Thursday: an article written from the past

Baptism: Indian Style

James Mathes (1808-1892) was one of Indiana’s most productive and famous gospel preachers. He peached primarily in the Bedford, Gosport and Bloomington areas. He edited a paper entitled The Christian Record, for a period of 40 years.

Near the close of his life, he wrote his life story “for the use of his children when he is no more.”

The following section comes from Mathes’ autobiography:

“At this time (1821) the Indians were very plenty all over the country. The Delawares had sold their lands, and were preparing to go west, into what was then Arkansas Territory (now Kansas) where the government had given them lands in exchange for their lands in Indiana. We saw them almost every day, and sometimes dozens  at a time would come to our camp to get something to eat, or to shoot at a mark.  They were very friendly and harmless and I believe as a general thing very honest. In the fall of 1821, the large body of the nation (Delaware) with their principal chief whose name was “Silk Amos” on their way to Kansas encamped at the mouth of Indian Creek about a half mile above where Gosport now stands. Here they remained to hunt and rest for some two weeks. Their camp was only about a mile from ours, and we frequently visited each other.

One day while my father and I with several other whites were on a friendly visit to the Indian camp, the young chief “Silk Amos” proposed by signs, that we should wrestle. We were about the same size and age. I consented and in the presence of the multitude I threw him down every contest, until I had thrown him some six or eight times, without getting a single fall myself. Then his father, the old chief, proposed to my father that we should run a footrace. To this my father consented, and so informed me, and requested me to run. This I did not like so well, as I felt pretty certain that he could out run me. I had heard the other Indians speak of him, as the champion racer of the nation. I had run with several of their fast men, and had out run one of the best of them, but I rather dreaded this man. However, I consented to run with him as I was accustomed to foot racing, and could out run any one that I knew of. The day for the race was set some time ahead that the Indians might get in from their hunting excursions.

The day came, and several thousand Indians were present, and all the whites of the neighborhood who could to see the race, were on hand. The race course was two parallel paths 120 yards in length running parallel with White River, and near the north banks from the mouth of Indian Creek east and in sight of the bluff on which Gosport now stands. All things being in readiness, at the drop of the hat we started, he getting a little head at the start.

All that vast dusky crowd were silent as the grave, till we had run over half the distance, when I passed him, and even lost sight of him from my side. And I turned my head to look for him when he suddenly stopped and gave up the race. At this moment, that stable crowd, sent up the most unearthly shout that I ever heard, and which was head at our camp, for miles around. I had outrun this celebrated young chief and was therefore the lion for the time being. I was at once surrounded by the Indians who with their hands made a close inspections of all my limbs, and muscles; then taking me upon their shoulders they carried me in triumph around their camp.

The same afternoon, I was chosen to be a chief of the Delaware nations, and a committee went up to our camp to notify me of the fact and invite me down to the Indian camp to be adopted into the tribe. And as an inducement, the committee made me the following proposition: “If you will go with us and be our chief, we will make you much rich. You may select a tract of land and make your own. We will give you heap money and heap squaws.”

But this proposition I did not accept of course. And two other committees were sent up to confer with me, before they gave it up. I inquired of them what the ceremony of adoption was among them, and was informed that it consisted of the following acts:

1. The person to be adopted must declare his intention of renouncing the pale face, and of becoming an Indian.

2. He is taken down into the river, or some other place were there is much water and immersed. In this he puts off the pale face, and puts on the Indian character. He goes down into the water a pale face, but comes up an Indian. This ceremony with its significance has no doubt been borrowed from Christianity through the teaching of some of the early missionaries.” (Life of Elder James Madison Mathes, written by himself. Manuscript pg. 24-26).

It is very apparent that these Indians of well over a hundred and seventy years ago, understood some concepts about baptism that many today have denied.

Baptism requires much water. Bible baptism is an immersion or a burial (Rom 6:4 “Therefore we have been buried with him through baptism into his death”; Acts 8:38 “and he ordered the chariot to stop; and they both went down into the water.”)

Baptism is the transition from the old life in the new life. A believer repents and determines to end their sinful ways. They are baptized t wash away those sins (Acts 2:38, 22:16). They are raised or resurrected to a new person (Rom 6:4b “as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life”). One goes down into the water a sinner and comes up out of the water a Christian.

Baptism is necessary for entrance into Christ (Gal 3;27 “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ”). Without baptism one is not in Christ.

Roger

September, 1995

Jump Start # 4082

Acts 10:4 “And fixing his gaze on him and being much alarmed, he said, ‘What is it, Lord?’ And he said to him, ‘Your prayers and alms have ascended as a memorial before God.’”

NOTE: Monday is a holiday. There will be no Jump Start that day.

Our verse today comes from the story of Cornelius. Specifically, it is a conversation between Cornelius and an angel. Four remarkable things unfold here. First, Cornelius has a vision from Heaven. Second, an angel appears. An angel speaks to Cornelius and third, he reveals that his prayers have been heard by God. Fourth, and, in the midst of all of this, Peter is encountering a vision which will change his heart about Gentile people. Peter must overcome major prejudices and God helps him through that journey.

What is interesting in the Cornelius story is that he is pictured as a very good and religious person. He is generous. He prays. He fears God. And, then like a cherry on top of a cake, he has a vision, an angel speaks to him and he is assured that his prayers have been heard in Heaven. Most in our times would say that man is saved. There is nothing more that he could do. Yet, that’s not the flow of the Bible. Cornelius is told to send for Peter. Peter preaches words whereby he will be saved. Just praying doesn’t save one. Seeing a vision doesn’t save. Having an angel appear and even speaking to you does not save you. One, like each of us, must respond to the preached Gospel of Jesus Christ. Faith in the message is the starting point.

Within our verse, the words of the angel, we find the idea of a “memorial.” The prayers of Cornelius has ascended as a memorial before God. How fitting to give this some thought as we are heading into Memorial Day weekend. For many of us, Memorial Day is a day off of work. It’s cookouts, picnics, car races, putting out the flag and having some fun. Memorial Day is a time to remember those who served our country and gave their lives. Many young people have gone off to war and several never made it back home. We have our freedoms here because brave men and women stood up to the call to defend and protect those principles.

Spiritually, we think of the Lord’s Supper as a memorial. Do this in memory of Me, is what Jesus said. Every Sunday, we think about that cross, that blood, and the freedom granted to us from the death clutches of Satan.

But, here in our verse, the prayers of Cornelius ascended as a memorial. Most of the English translations use the word “memorial” in this passage. We usually don’t think about prayers being a memorial. We’d use words like, “pleading,” “thanksgiving,” “praise,” “seeking forgiveness.” But, here it’s “memorial.”

I don’t know what was running through the mind and heart of Cornelius, but here are some thoughts about prayers being a memorial.

First, God has been so good to us. He has. He has blessed us, forgiven us, helped us and been there for us. Even someone like Cornelius could attest to that. Being a Roman centurion, the Lord has kept him safe and alive. Acknowledging that, speaking that, thanking that helps us realize that had it not been for the Lord, we would not be where we are.

Second, memorials are intended to honor another person. We shouldn’t use a memorial to make us seem great. It is the soldier who gave his life, it is the parents that showed us the Lord, it is the Lord that has gifted us and blessed us that we remember, honor and thank. Cornelius did that in his prayer.

There is a block wall around the courthouse in Spencer, Indiana that has names of men and women who served in the armed forces from that county. My sweet dad’s name is among them. I remember looking at that with him and he telling of so many of the names that he knew. Memories. Precious memories.

Cornelius’ prayer was a memorial to God.

Third, much too often the greatest words that we can think of are “Thank You.” But those words do not seem to be enough for all that one has done for another. Thank you to parents for all that they have done. Most never know all the things that they did. How many prayers that they said for us and how they had sacrificed for us. Thank you is just not enough for a group of believers that have accepted us, encouraged us, taught us and included us. And, thank you, just doesn’t seem enough for all that the Lord has done for us.

One way we strengthen our Thank You to the Lord is by living like the Lord. Allowing the Scriptures to shape our hearts and our character. Becoming gentle and kind. Being a person of forgiveness. Dropping the rocks of judgment and embracing one another in love.

Thank you’s to the Lord become empty when we hurry off to a selfish, worldly life. Cornelius called for Peter. Cornelius listened to Peter. Cornelius obeyed the Gospel call and was baptized. What happened after that? We are not told, but we have a good guess. Cornelius became a pillar in a congregation. He led others to the Lord. He became a fountain of encouragement and hope to others. Why do we think that? Because Cornelius was a memorial to the Lord.

This Memorial Day, think about all the Lord has done for you. Were it not for the Lord…

Roger