He Wholly Followed the Lord
Joshua 14:6-8. PRAY.
We have had a very busy and active week. There were some wonderful answers to prayer this week. Our 34th anniversary meeting was outstanding. We also received word this week that our beloved Missionary in Mindanao went home to be with the Lord. As I pondered the passing of Brother Cresencio, I had about three different sermon thoughts. He was a great inspiration to me. I might develop a message on “The Mighty Man” for that is what Brother Baldemor was. He was also “A Good Soldier of Jesus Christ.” I want to preach on that too but for now, I want to think on the theme “He Wholly Followed the Lord.” The words in our text are the words of Caleb. When I returned from my trip to the Philippines in ’94, you may have heard me say how Cresencio Baldemor reminded me of Caleb. Back then, I was about 50 and he was pushing 70 I think. He had the stamina of a man half his age. There is a great spiritual hole left in Mindanao today because of the departure of Elder Cresencio Baldemor. Consider 4 points.
He had confidence in the word of God. Josh.14:6.
- Cresencio never begged for money as many do.
A. We often hear from foreign fellows fishing for finances.
- Cresencio saw needs & prayed, then asked others to pray with him about it.
A. See “Our Missionaries” link on website & his monthly newsletters.
He had faith when most others doubted. Josh.14:7-9.
- Cresencio stayed with the truth when others went where money led.
- Cresencio started preaching points where God led trusting God to supply.
He had a spiritual strength that helped him do his job. Josh.14:10-11.
1. Cresencio is in my Philippine Journal in “Traveling for God”.
He had a heart to fight even the hardest of enemies. Josh.14:12-15.
- Cresencio was a spiritual giant that the world underestimated.
- Cresencio will receive great rewards at the Judgment Seat of Christ.
Conclusion: When it comes to living for God, the first thing you need to know is that God is holy and you are a sinner. We all deserve hell not heaven. Once you realize this and Christ is revealed to you as the only one who can save you, God will enable and lead you to repent and believe the gospel. As a believer, you have a home in heaven and may claim the promises of God according to the biblical order of things. Believers ought to follow the Lord in biblical immersion and start serving Him in a local New Testament Congregation of the Lord. Come and go with us and we will do you good. AMEN.