Good morning! I hope your week is off to a great start.
Yesterday was the annual observance of Palm Sunday. In the original account from scripture we find that many people came to see Jesus that day for a variety of reasons. Some were curious, as they had heard all of the talk about this man named Jesus. Others were there with an agenda, hoping that Jesus would become the political leader who would remove them from Roman governance. Others who came had no idea who Jesus was and still others came hoping to find fault with him.
Unfortunately many people in all world today are represented by this crowd. Seeing Jesus not for who He truly is, but instead trying to make him who they want him to be. The reality of Jesus is this:
John 1:1 (NASB)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
If Jesus is not who the Bible says He is....then our faith is in vain. If Jesus was just a good man, a teacher, a martyr the his work on the cross would to atoning and complete. It is the reality of Jesus that makes our relationship to him, such a powerful thing. It also means that when we try to shape him to our own way of thinking, we diminish the role in our lives that is rightfully his.
This week take some time to ponder the reality of who Jesus truly is and what his death, burial and resurrection ultimately mean to you.
Until next Monday, may God's richest blessings be yours this week.
Carl
Yesterday was the annual observance of Palm Sunday. In the original account from scripture we find that many people came to see Jesus that day for a variety of reasons. Some were curious, as they had heard all of the talk about this man named Jesus. Others were there with an agenda, hoping that Jesus would become the political leader who would remove them from Roman governance. Others who came had no idea who Jesus was and still others came hoping to find fault with him.
Unfortunately many people in all world today are represented by this crowd. Seeing Jesus not for who He truly is, but instead trying to make him who they want him to be. The reality of Jesus is this:
John 1:1 (NASB)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
If Jesus is not who the Bible says He is....then our faith is in vain. If Jesus was just a good man, a teacher, a martyr the his work on the cross would to atoning and complete. It is the reality of Jesus that makes our relationship to him, such a powerful thing. It also means that when we try to shape him to our own way of thinking, we diminish the role in our lives that is rightfully his.
This week take some time to ponder the reality of who Jesus truly is and what his death, burial and resurrection ultimately mean to you.
Until next Monday, may God's richest blessings be yours this week.
Carl
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THE DEFINITION AND PURPOSE OF WATER BAPTISM BY STEVE FINNELL
What is the definition and the purpose of water baptism under the New Covenant?
THE DEFINITION?
Baptism as defined in the Scriptures.
Acts 8:36 And, as they went on their way they came to a certain water; and the eunuch said, Look, here is water; what is there to hinder me from being immersed? (Ref: The Better Version of The New Testament by Chester Estes)
The definition of baptism is to be immersed in water.
Acts 8:36 As they went along the road they came to some water;and the eunuch said, "Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?" (Ref: NASB)
The definition of water baptism under the New Covenant is immersion in water.
Romans 6:4 We were, therefore, buried with him by immersion into that death; that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, thus we also should walk in newness of life. (Ref: TBVOTNT by Chester Estes)
In water baptism, believers in Christ are buried by immersion in water. This symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.
Romans 6:4 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. (Ref: NASB)
To be buried through baptism makes it clear that water baptism is immersion. Men cannot be buried under a sprinkle or by having water poured over them.
Colossians 2:12 Having been buried with him by immersion, by which also you were raised up with him, through the belief of the strong working of God, who raised him from the dead. (Ref: TBVOTNT by Chester Estes)
Water baptism is a burial by immersion.
Colossians 2:12 having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. (Ref: NASB)
Baptism is a burial by immersion.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF WATER BAPTISM?
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Let each one of you repent and be immersed, in the name of Jesus Christ, in order to the remission of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Ref: The Better Version Of The New Testament by Chester Estes)
One purpose of water baptism is in order to have sin forgiven.
Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Ref: NASB)
A reason to be baptized in water is so your sins may be forgiven.
Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as have been immersed into Christ, have put on Christ. (Ref: TBVOTNT by Chester Estes)
One purpose of water baptism is to put on Christ.
Galatians 3:27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. (Ref: NASB)
A purpose for water baptism is so men can be clothed with Christ.
Mark 16:16 He who has believed, and has been immersed, will be saved..... (Ref: TBVOTNT by Chester Estes)
A purpose of water baptism is in order to be saved.
Mark 16:16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved.... (Ref: NASB)
One reason to be baptized in water is so that you may be saved from the punishment of your sins.
YES, WATER BAPTISM (IMMERSION IN WATER) IS ESSENTIAL TO BE SAVED.
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