“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you. Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” 1 Peter 1 v3-5 AKJV
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Being saved is the most awesome of life, the assurance of our Holy Father making a way for us to be part of the family of God. More is to the life of a Christian as we live out that life, and for the purposes of God and in an abundant life.
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In the book of Mathew is written…
“I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worth to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:” Mathew 3 v11 AKJV
and following that came Jesus to him…
“Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him,
Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness.
Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Mathew 3 v11, 13-17 AKJV
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Today, I share some of my own walk because this day will stand out for some as yet another lasting memory for the blessed of who the Lord has brought to our paths.
In life, my Christianity as a child was set as the foundation for me to fall back on in many ways. I, unlike a lot of others was blessed to have had those experiences. As I grew into an adult, life came on and some challenges came which led me into some decisions that didn’t work out so well in many of the circumstances. The good part of that is that the decision to once again have the life with God, and live out his blessing in faith I stepped in to life (by kneeling) again.
The fullness of that came with a measure of faith that only God could have known that I needed, and he gave it to me. How did I know? Because his Spirit lifted me, and he walked with me at a measure unexplainable through the parts of life that helped, and encouraged, and empowered when no one else or nothing else could. As you might know, that instilled great joy in my life, great assurance in my faith, and he still lives on today. I am so very, very thankful for all that he has done for me and those who he has given me to live and be a part of my life, and those whom I have ever crossed paths with.
The reason for sharing that today. A special one to me is being baptized with the water and my hope for him, and my faith for him, is to know that God will bless him in the same measure and even more, with the learning coming from the paths that God chooses for him.
There is much discussion on the baptism, water and Spirit and I love them all. At times, symbolism is used as a word of description, at times membership is used as a word of description, at times as confirmation, at times rites, and much more and all of significance to the measure of the ones using them. All is good.
I like to think of the baptism of Jesus, by John, and how “the Spirit of God descended like a dove” and how “the voice from heaven” said “this is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” and hope for all that have been baptized with water and Spirit hear those words one day even now and as we cross over.
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“His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter into the joy of thy lord.” Mathew 25 v23 AKJV
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As Jesus taught he used the above verse in helping us know to be about the right work of his purposes and the rewards and joy would come. As scripture continues there is so much more.
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In the book of Acts it is written of this…
“But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them, only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.” Acts 8 v12-17
and the word continues… In the book of Mathew it is written…
“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying,
All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.
Amen” Mathew 28 v17-20 AKJV
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In Ephesians Paul summarized a lot in the following verses…
“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” Ephesians 4 v1-7 AKJV
and in the book of Romans …
“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man a measure of faith.” Romans 12 v3 AKJV
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One of the greatest things ever shared with me in words was to understand that true humility is to realize how good the joy of the Lord is, in knowing him and being a part of the family of God. His measure of faith given to us is truly enough to carry us through.
To share in this day, the baptism, and the fellowship with many that shared in fellowship of Three Crosses Christian Fellowship was truly a great day. Ways have been expanded for many into different fellowships and some have been molded in more of the Lords uses. I am so thankful he continues his work on all of us.
Lord, I thank you. Lord, this day is yours. Amen
May 4
Threecrosses 