The Deep Things Of God

The Deep Things of God

By

Bishop Melvin L. Maughmer, Jr.

My Heart: - Several months ago a friend of mine I grew up with contacted me. His name is Bishop Neal Smith from Akron, Ohio. During our conversation and several conversations, we have had since literally re-connecting in over 30 years he stated something, and I know he may not even realize what he spoke in my life. He made a comment and invited me to be a part of a Council of Bishops that were available when needed to help instruct and encourage those that were coming along and deposit into them what we had to offer that would help them on their journey.

My prayer is and has always been that I am an instrument God can use that will cause other people to come to know the deep things of God. I want a successful ministry. Not one that is pleasing to man but will glorify God.

Now hear me and especially those that desire to Pastor, preach, are young in the ministry, pastorate, desire to stand behind the sacred pulpit or are looking for a title like Bishop. The world’s idea of a successful ministry is one that fills a stadium with people, sells countless books, cd’s, and has a television spot in prime time. However, God’s idea of a successful ministry, is one that according to Ephesians 3:19 fills you with the fullness of God, “that you may be filled with all the fullness of God”.

Mahalia Jackson had a song called “If I can help Somebody” some of the lyrics were “If I can help somebody, as I pass along - If I can cheer somebody, with a word or song

If I can show somebody, that he's travelling wrong - Then my living shall not be in vain.

If I can do my duty, as a good man ought - If I can bring back beauty, to a world up wrought

If I can spread love's message, as the Master taught - Then my living shall not be in vain”.

PRAYER:

SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 2:1-11 says “And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God”.

OPENING: - Now that things are getting back to a form of normalcy, people are gathering in greater numbers, mask are coming off, people are beginning to go to sporting events, concerts, church and on vacation. Because things are moving in a so-called direction of normalcy people are making all kinds of plans. Going back into the office to work verses staying home. Kids being able to get vaccinated and schools being open in full swing this fall even my wife and I are looking forward to getting back on a cruise ship sometime in the not-so-distant future. Even though we are looking forward to being able to cruise again in the natural my deepest desire spiritually is to develop even a deeper relationship, deeper faith and deeper understanding of God and affect others to develop a deeper relationship and understanding of God.

There is a longing in my spirit and a desire to ensure I do no harm to the Word of God or to any induvial as I teach God’s unadulterated Word. I remember my father saying many times as I was coming up “A Lawyer’s mistake is in jail, A Doctor’s mistake is in the grave, but a Preacher mistake is in Hell”. It is with sincerity and compassion that I present this lesson unlike probably any other lesson I taught. The Bible says in Ezra 7:10 “For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments”.