JOHN THE BAPTIST BEGINS HIS MINISTRY - BAPTISM

 

When I was baptized, back in 1971, I was only a child. My father had brought me up believing that Jesus was my best friend, but I was truly wanting to be obedient to His will, I needed to be BAPTIZED, both in the WATER and in the HOLY SPIRIT (which for me came later in ministry)

"Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance, faith toward God, of the doctrine of BAPTISMS."  1  Hebrews 6:1&2a   (NKJV)

"Notice the word "BAPTISMS" are used in the plural....... we learn that there are different types of BAPTISM. Baptism is from the Greek word: "BAPTIZO", which means to "IMMERSE, SUBMERGE, SATURATE and to be OVERWHELMED" - it involves the WHOLE BODY, transforming from repentance and faith - a total transitional experience,. With this understanding  we can appreciate the significance of each BAPTISM." John Bevere

John the Baptist's WATER BAPTISM was of repentance and later with Jesus. 

WATER BAPTISM

"The washing of Baptism was a cleansing for both Jews and Gentiles - when they confessed their sins and returned to God." Pat & David Alexander

"People from Jerusalem and all Judea, and all over the Jordan Valley went to see John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River."

                                                                   Matthew 3:5&6  (NLT)

This week, Mark and I decided to take our new puppy for his walk in a park for small dogs. She had the time of her life (and so did Mark). As I sat watching them,it reminded me of a special place in the Bible, where John the Baptist began his ministry. The park was called "Jordan Springs", and although it didn't look like desert where John did his first ministry, it brought to mind His prophecy:

 "I BAPTIZE you with water, but here in the crowds is someone you do not recognize. Though His ministry follows mine, I am not worthy to even be His slave and to untie the straps of his sandals." This encounter took place in Bethany, an area East of the Jordan River, where John was baptizing." John 1:27-29  (NLT)

This BAPTISM of IMMERSION in WATER, is one of "belonging". We first become as adopted children into God's family. 

"To all who accepted (received) Him, to those who believed in in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God." John 1:12 (NIV/NLT)

WATER BAPTISM is a "declaration" of repentance and faith. We are not only giving up our sinful nature, but we are starting a new life in Christ. WATER BAPTISM is symbolic of Jesus's death and resurrection. 

"For we died and were buried with Christ BY BAPTISM. Just as Christ was raised from the dead by His glorious power of the Father, now we also may LIVE NEW LIVES." Romans 6:4 (NLT)

"And now this WATER symbolizes BAPTISM that now SAVES YOU also - not the removal of dirt from the body, but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It SAVES YOU by the resurrection of Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 3:21 (NIV)

WATER BAPTISM is our first opportunity, as a child of God, to "HONOUR AND OBEY" Jesus, our Saviour. Every Christian needs to make a decision for themselves to be baptized; it is not something someone does for you. It helps to do a Baptismal Course, so you can truly understand why you are being baptized. 

When I was baptized as a young child, I believed I understood what I was doing. As I grew up, my faith grew. Not a lot changed in my earthly life - I  was still bullied at school and their were many days I felt rejected and unloved.  But my spiritual life was different - I loved reading my Bible and spending time with my Father God and Jesus, but most of all, I had a great desire to share this JOY of knowing Him, with others.  I'll tell you more about that in my next BLOG.

"Water baptism is complete immersion into Christ - a publicly declaring death to our old way of life and a commitment to God's way of life." John Bevere

"So in Christ, we are all children of God through FAITH, for all of you were BAPTIZED into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ."                                                                                          Galatians 3:26&27   (NIV)

"The Holy Bible - New King James Version", 1982, Thomas Nelson

"The Holy Bible - New International Version", 2011, Biblica

"The Holy Bible - New Living Translation", 2015, Tyndale House Publishers

"When I am Baptized." (1989) Nita Dale Milner (Words/Music), The Tuiteles (Children's Voices), Latter Day Saints.

"Baptized in Water"  (2012) Michael Saward (Composer & Singer), Hymn Society of Great Britian.

BEVERE, John (2019), "Foundations - Repentance from Dead Works",                        Messenger International Inc. 

ALEXANDER, Pat & David, "The Lion Handbook to the Bible - 4th Edition", (2009)

Lion Hudson Publishers