Jesus, Lessons for Life 1
Welcome. In the coming posts we will examine the three to three and one-half years of Jesus’ ministry on earth. He did a lot of teaching during that brief time. More importantly, the four books of the Gospel share a lot with us about what Christ did and said.
Our focus will be to learn key principles or lessons from his actions and words during his ministry. He is our role model, our reference point for life’s many questions. We will follow his actions and teaching sequentially, as they occurred over these brief years.
What was the first act by Jesus in his ministry? What did he do first? What initiated His ministry?
He was baptized, and this was by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. John was reluctant, as he thought he should be baptized by the Savior, not the other way around. With Jesus’ gentle persuasion, John consented.
Matt 3:13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.
14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”
15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.
16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him.
17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” [1]
This is a beautiful passage.
- God actually spoke in such a way that gave validation to Jesus' authority in beginning his ministry
- The Holy Spirit of God was witnessed descending and resting upon Christ
These two miraculous elements accompanied the Savior's obedience in baptism. That is why we are baptized; to demonstrate our obedience to the Lord whom we have accepted in our hearts.
The doctrine of baptism differs across the many Christian denominations and churches. We will not go into all of that here. Please go back and reference our past blog posts by clicking on the key word “baptism” for a refresher on our previous studies and discussions.
The point to be made now is simply that the decision for baptism is important.
- Our Savior made that decision, as a young adult preparing for his ministry. Jesus was baptized.
- So, regardless of the endless debates, we can take His lesson to heart and realize that baptism is an important step for each of us in our walk with Christ.
Key Lesson — Baptism is important.
New believers then should be encouraged to follow the model of Christ in this behavior and to be baptized.
Blessings,
Larry
[1] Mark 1:9-11 and Luke 3:21-23
| The Local Church
Our local church is very important – a true blessing for all believers. Unfortunately, there are still countries where people are not allowed to meet openly in a local church. That is sad, as attendance in church is something that all of us need.
There are two formal ordinances which the local church is responsible for:
- Baptism
- Communion – The Lord’s Supper
We have been talking about baptism in several postings. Let’s now talk a little about The Lord’s Supper. This is for us Christians a wonderful and truly important part of worship. Later, we will talk about other reasons why attendance at a local church is important for new believers. At this moment, let’s talk about its importance as the place where we can participate in the Lord’s Supper.
First, let’s think about the original Lord’s Supper communion event, when Jesus initiated this communion at the last supper with his disciples.
Lk 22:15 And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” 17 After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. 18 For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.
At this very special last meal with his disciples, he explained the significance of each of the elements of the Lord’s Supper, the bread (representing his body) and the wine (representing his blood) and He instructed them to “do this in remembrance” of him.
Paul, in relaying this wonderful event to other peoples in other places, such as Corinth, reminds us of something very special in Jesus’ words.
1Co 11:23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
Paul assures us that this communion of the Lord’s Supper is in remembrance of Jesus, proclaiming his death “until he comes.” Each time we celebrate communion in our worship, we are reflecting, but also anticipating:
- Reflection – remembering our Lord and how he died to pay for our sins
- Anticipating – looking forward to when he will return for us
Each time you are preparing to take communion, focus on preparing your heart for this wonderful pair of purposes – the debt He paid for you and the life you should live now while waiting for his return.
Next post – more on the local church…
Blessings,
Larry | Blessings of Baptism
As we continue our discussion, here are a few more elements relative to baptism.
Forgiveness of sins
Peter was encouraging people in the very early days of the church to accept Christ, and be baptized.
Ac 2:38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.
Paul, in his own defense, relays his encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus, and how Ananias explained the event to Paul. As a part of that explanation, Ananias instructed Paul to be baptized in order to wash his sins away.
Ac 22:16 And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.’
Union with Christ
Gal 3:26 You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
Baptism signifies a transforming identification with Christ. Paul refers to it here. Paul is not suggesting people are saved through baptism. No one is saved by baptism. Baptism provides an outward sign of the union that already exists through faith.
To be "clothed with Christ" means to become like Christ.
Receiving the Holy Spirit
Ac 2:38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
(Remember – We mentioned in the post on November 11, 2009 that there are cases recorded in Acts where people received the Holy Spirit before baptism – Acts 10:44.)
Membership in the body of Christ – the church
1Co 12:12 The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
In this letter to the people of the church in Corinth, Paul is speaking of the church, referring to the church as the body of Christ. He states that we were all baptized into that one body/church.
Many wonderful elements of our faith are connected to baptism.
Next time—we will talk about the importance of the local church in helping you in your walk with Jesus.
Bendiciones,
Larry | More on Baptism
Welcome back. We will continue with some additional facts about baptism.
Baptism actually was practiced before the time of Jesus. Ceremonial cleansing with water was important to the Jewish religion and culture in many circumstances.
Scholars now agree that the definition of baptism is “to dip” or “to immerse.”
Additionally, scholars agree that the baptism by John the Baptist in the Jordon river and the baptism later by the apostles was by immersion. (It is also interesting to note that it appears that Jesus did not baptize; his apostles did.)
Baptism symbolizes the death, burial and resurrection of Christ.
Ro 6:3 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
Next time – Some of the Blessings From Baptism
Blessings,
Larry | Baptism Much has been said and debated about baptism over the 2000 year history of the church. In our initial conversation here, we will simply point out a few facts as presented in scripture.
In our last posting, we mentioned this scripture from Matthew.
Mat. 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Just prior to Jesus’ ascension into heaven following his death and resurrection, He gave us the command in Mat. 28:19 to take the Gospel Truth to all nations (the Great Commission); this involves baptism. Christ left no doubt that baptism was to be a part of making disciples.
Some debate occurs around whether baptism is essential to salvation. In this blog we have worked to clarify that it is through our faith and acceptance in Christ as Lord that we are saved. However, when people who have accepted Christ as Lord ask, “Should I be baptized?” I like to refer them to a question that is useful for examining such questions – “What did Jesus do?” Whenever a question is raised about Christian life and practices, the best source we have for answers is in the life and teachings of Jesus.
Matt 3:13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. 16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
The answer is simple, Jesus was baptized. This was done by John the Baptist. The significance of John’s baptism was different. It focused on repentance from sin, in preparation for Christ. Our baptism is a public confession of our sin, however it is combined with obedience in giving ourselves to Christ to walk in newness of life, as the Gospel instructs us.
As a new believer, you should have no reluctance to obey Christ in baptism in your local church. Truthfully, it is a remarkable experience for a new believer.
Next time, we will continue with a few more scriptures related to baptism.
Blessings and thanks,
Larry | | |
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