Recently I was listening with about a quarter of an ear to a new Christmas CD. Suddenly my ears perked up and I said to myself, "What did they just sing?" I found the lyrics folder and read the following. What challenging and convicting words!
I'll pass these on to you to meditate on this Christmas.
Have a blessed Christmas.
"While You Were Sleeping" by Casting Crowns
Oh little town of Bethlehem
Looks like another silent night
Above your deep and dreamless sleep
A giant star lights up the sky
And while you're lying in the dark
There shines an everlasting light
For the King has left His throne
And is sleeping in a manger tonight
Oh Bethlehem, what you have missed while you were sleeping
For God became a man
And stepped into your world today
Oh Bethlehem, you will go down in history
As a city with no room for its King
While you were sleeping
While you were sleeping
Oh little town of Jerusalem
Looks like another silent night
The Father gave His only Son
The Way, the Truth, the Life had come
But there was no room for Him in the world He came to save
Jerusalem, what you have missed while you were sleeping
The Savior of the world is dying on your cross today
Jerusalem, you will go down in history
As a city with no room for its King
While you were sleeping
While you were sleeping
United States of America
Looks like another silent night
As we're sung to sleep by philosophies
That save the trees and kill the children
And while we're lying in the dark
There's a shout heard 'cross the eastern sky
For the Bridegroom has returned
And has carried His bride away in the night
America, what will we miss while we are sleeping
Will Jesus come again
And leave us slumbering where we lay
America, will we go down in history
As a nation with no room for its King
Will we be sleeping
Will we be sleeping
United States of America
Looks like another silent night
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
Memorization Monday - Week 15
Here we are at week 15 of our memory program. The next three verses focus on the principle of obedience in the Christian life.
This week’s verse is John 14:21 “He who has my commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.”
This week’s verse is John 14:21 “He who has my commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.”
Monday, December 08, 2008
Memorization Monday - Week 14 Review
Week 14 and another opportunity for review. I’ll give the section headings, the reference and the first two words of the verse in the NKJV and you see if you can remember the verse.
The Christian Life
The Life in Christ
II Cor. 5:17 Therefore, if
Col 2:6 As you
Col 2:9, 10 For in
Christ the Center
John 15:5 I am
Phil 1:6 Being confident
Gal 2:20 I have
The Word
Matt 4:4 But He
Acts 17:11 These were
Col 3:16 Let the
Prayer
John 16:24 Until now
Matthew 21:22 And whatever
I John 5:14, 15 Now this
The Christian Life
The Life in Christ
II Cor. 5:17 Therefore, if
Col 2:6 As you
Col 2:9, 10 For in
Christ the Center
John 15:5 I am
Phil 1:6 Being confident
Gal 2:20 I have
The Word
Matt 4:4 But He
Acts 17:11 These were
Col 3:16 Let the
Prayer
John 16:24 Until now
Matthew 21:22 And whatever
I John 5:14, 15 Now this
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
And the Word Became Flesh
The verse I decided to focus on this month is from John 1:14: And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
There are many things one could meditate on in this passage, but as we approach the Christmas season, I think it’s worth while to really try to get a handle on what is means that God became flesh and lived here among us. What an amazing thought! If you’ve been a Christian a long time, then perhaps you, like me, tend to skim right over this because we’re so used to it. There seems to be such a wide gap between the kind of being God is and the kind of beings we are that so big a step would be impossible. But as the angel told Mary, with God, nothing shall be impossible.
Michael Card wrote a song several years ago that may help us meditate on this truth. It’s called “The Final Word.”
You and me we use so very many clumsy words.
The noise of what we often say is not worth being heard.
When the Father’s Wisdom wanted to communicate His love,
He spoke it in one final perfect Word.
He spoke the Incarnation and then so was born the Son.
His final word was Jesus, He needed no other one.
Spoke flesh and blood so He could bleed and make a way Divine.
And so was born the baby who would die to make it mine.
And so the Father’s fondest thought took on flesh and bone.
He spoke the living luminous Word, at once His will was done.
And so the transformation that in man had been unheard
Took place in God the Father as He spoke that final Word.
He spoke the Incarnation and then so was born the Son.
His final word was Jesus, He needed no other one.
Spoke flesh and blood so He could bleed and make a way Divine.
And so was born the baby who would die to make it mine.
And so the Light became alive
And manna became Man.
Eternity stepped into time
So we could understand.
He spoke the Incarnation and then so was born the Son.
His final word was Jesus, He needed no other one.
Spoke flesh and blood so He could bleed and make a way Divine.
And so was born the baby who would die to make it mine.
Have a blessed Christmas.
Roger
There are many things one could meditate on in this passage, but as we approach the Christmas season, I think it’s worth while to really try to get a handle on what is means that God became flesh and lived here among us. What an amazing thought! If you’ve been a Christian a long time, then perhaps you, like me, tend to skim right over this because we’re so used to it. There seems to be such a wide gap between the kind of being God is and the kind of beings we are that so big a step would be impossible. But as the angel told Mary, with God, nothing shall be impossible.
Michael Card wrote a song several years ago that may help us meditate on this truth. It’s called “The Final Word.”
You and me we use so very many clumsy words.
The noise of what we often say is not worth being heard.
When the Father’s Wisdom wanted to communicate His love,
He spoke it in one final perfect Word.
He spoke the Incarnation and then so was born the Son.
His final word was Jesus, He needed no other one.
Spoke flesh and blood so He could bleed and make a way Divine.
And so was born the baby who would die to make it mine.
And so the Father’s fondest thought took on flesh and bone.
He spoke the living luminous Word, at once His will was done.
And so the transformation that in man had been unheard
Took place in God the Father as He spoke that final Word.
He spoke the Incarnation and then so was born the Son.
His final word was Jesus, He needed no other one.
Spoke flesh and blood so He could bleed and make a way Divine.
And so was born the baby who would die to make it mine.
And so the Light became alive
And manna became Man.
Eternity stepped into time
So we could understand.
He spoke the Incarnation and then so was born the Son.
His final word was Jesus, He needed no other one.
Spoke flesh and blood so He could bleed and make a way Divine.
And so was born the baby who would die to make it mine.
Have a blessed Christmas.
Roger
Monday, December 01, 2008
Study with Me - Acts Lesson 4
If you’ve just joined us, you’ll see that I am studying the book of Acts, but I’m studying it topically so we’ll be going through it several times looking at different aspects each time. In the past few posts, I shared a discussion of the baptism in the Holy Spirit based on the prepositions that are used in the Bible related to baptism. On the right side of this blog there is a link that takes you to the location where notes and mp3 files of these studies can be found. There is a chart of how the word baptism is used with various prepositions. There are also two versions of the study notes – one without the “answers” and one with. The mp3 files are unedited recordings of the adult Sunday School class at Faith Baptist Church in Mattawan Michigan where I teach. The whole list of resources is here.
One of the topics that I thought was important to look at was the comments of Christ about the Holy Spirit prior to His coming on the Day of Pentecost. In John 14:16 and 26, for example, Jesus told the disciples to ask the Father and He would give the Holy Spirit. He told them that the Father would send them in Christ’s name and that His mission would be to teach them and to bring to remembrance the things which Christ had taught.
In John 15:26 Jesus said that He would send the Spirit from the Father. He called Him the Spirit of Truth.
And finally in John 16:7, 13 we are told that the Holy Spirit would convict the world of sin, righteousness and judgment and would guide us into all truth.
From these passages I believe we can get an overview of how the Spirit is supposed to come and what He will do. In several of these passages we gain the understanding that both Jesus Christ and the Father are involved. He comes in the name of Christ and sent by Christ from the Father. He comes at the request of the Son. This shows us how caring Christ is for His disciples and consequently for us in that He did not want to leave us without His very presence in our lives. In John 14: 16-18 Jesus says, “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever – the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.”
As far as the ministry of the Spirit is concerned, we can see that He has a convicting work in the world and a teaching work in the lives of believers. The focus of that teaching is on the mission and work of Christ. In John 14:26 we read, “He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” And in John 16:13, “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.”
So if we wonder what the content of the Holy Spirit’s teaching is going to be, we can see it in the previous verse. He will glorify Christ and will take what is Christ’s and declare it to us. Much of the emphasis on the Holy Spirit among Christians is on the Holy Spirit Himself, but the Holy Spirit never lifts Himself up, but always focuses on Christ.
As far as His ministry to the world is concerned, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. (John 16:8) Sometimes we think that we can do the convincing; that it is somehow our job to change people’s minds. We know that we can present the truth and even argue persuasively and passionately for it, but it is the Holy Spirit’s job to do the convicting and convincing. And, I might add, He is better equipped to do so. He knows exactly what sort of motivation will work on which people. After all, He is God. He is all-powerful and can fully be trusted to accomplish what God intends to do in the world.
One of the topics that I thought was important to look at was the comments of Christ about the Holy Spirit prior to His coming on the Day of Pentecost. In John 14:16 and 26, for example, Jesus told the disciples to ask the Father and He would give the Holy Spirit. He told them that the Father would send them in Christ’s name and that His mission would be to teach them and to bring to remembrance the things which Christ had taught.
In John 15:26 Jesus said that He would send the Spirit from the Father. He called Him the Spirit of Truth.
And finally in John 16:7, 13 we are told that the Holy Spirit would convict the world of sin, righteousness and judgment and would guide us into all truth.
From these passages I believe we can get an overview of how the Spirit is supposed to come and what He will do. In several of these passages we gain the understanding that both Jesus Christ and the Father are involved. He comes in the name of Christ and sent by Christ from the Father. He comes at the request of the Son. This shows us how caring Christ is for His disciples and consequently for us in that He did not want to leave us without His very presence in our lives. In John 14: 16-18 Jesus says, “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever – the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.”
As far as the ministry of the Spirit is concerned, we can see that He has a convicting work in the world and a teaching work in the lives of believers. The focus of that teaching is on the mission and work of Christ. In John 14:26 we read, “He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” And in John 16:13, “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.”
So if we wonder what the content of the Holy Spirit’s teaching is going to be, we can see it in the previous verse. He will glorify Christ and will take what is Christ’s and declare it to us. Much of the emphasis on the Holy Spirit among Christians is on the Holy Spirit Himself, but the Holy Spirit never lifts Himself up, but always focuses on Christ.
As far as His ministry to the world is concerned, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. (John 16:8) Sometimes we think that we can do the convincing; that it is somehow our job to change people’s minds. We know that we can present the truth and even argue persuasively and passionately for it, but it is the Holy Spirit’s job to do the convicting and convincing. And, I might add, He is better equipped to do so. He knows exactly what sort of motivation will work on which people. After all, He is God. He is all-powerful and can fully be trusted to accomplish what God intends to do in the world.
Memorization Monday - Week 13 Prayer
How are you guys doing on these verses? I don’t hear much feedback, but hopefully they are encouraging. Even if you haven’t got all the other ones, let’s get this one down.
Today is the 3rd verse with a promise concerning prayer.
The outline section is The Christian Life – Prayer
I John 5:14, 15
Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.
Today is the 3rd verse with a promise concerning prayer.
The outline section is The Christian Life – Prayer
I John 5:14, 15
Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thanksgiving Thursday
This is the fourth and last installment of our Thanksgiving Thursday series.
I'm thankful for Jesus Christ who willingly died in my place on the cross. I'm thankful that He was made to be sin for me that I might be made the righteousness of God in Him. Where would we be if we did not have a savior to save us from the awful torment of Hell forever. God is serious about the sin issue -- so serious that he was willing to go to the cross to pay the debt himself. Thank you Lord for saving my soul!
I'm thankful for Jesus Christ who willingly died in my place on the cross. I'm thankful that He was made to be sin for me that I might be made the righteousness of God in Him. Where would we be if we did not have a savior to save us from the awful torment of Hell forever. God is serious about the sin issue -- so serious that he was willing to go to the cross to pay the debt himself. Thank you Lord for saving my soul!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Memorization Monday - Week 12 Prayer
Here's your verse for this week's memorization and meditation.
The Christian Life – Prayer
And whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive. Matthew 21:22
Have a wonderful week with your families as you thank God for all He has done.
Roger
The Christian Life – Prayer
And whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive. Matthew 21:22
Have a wonderful week with your families as you thank God for all He has done.
Roger
Friday, November 21, 2008
Study With Me - Acts Lesson 3
We’re studying through the book of Acts together. In the last two sessions I have been discussing the distinctions in baptisms based on the prepositions involved. I showed last time that there is a difference between the baptism of John and the baptism commissioned to the church. The importance in all of this is to be able to understand scriptures that otherwise might lead us to the wrong conclusions. I shared one of those passages last time.
Look at this passage from Romans 6:3 “Do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?”
What kind of baptism is this? Does baptism really put us into Christ? If I’ve not been baptized in water, does that mean that I am not in Christ?
Again let’s take a look at the chart I gave you a couple of weeks ago. You will notice that this passage speaks of being baptized “into” Christ. This contrasts with being baptized into the name of Christ. Galatians 3:27 uses similar terminology to say that as many as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. I Corinthians 12:13 tells us that “in” one Spirit we were all baptized “into” one body. I take it to mean that this is the same Spirit baptism that is spoken of in passages like John 1:33. In this baptism the Spirit places us into Christ. I maintain that this is not water baptism at all, but the baptism of the Spirit foretold in the gospels when the writers say that John baptized “in” water, but Jesus would baptize “in” the spirit. I Corinthians 12:13 tells us what that is.
So back to the original passage of Romans 6:3. I believe what Scripture is teaching us is that when the Holy Spirit put us into Christ at our salvation we were made one with Him and were therefore also baptized into His death. Water baptism is, of course, a perfect picture of this, but it doesn’t do it. We are made one with Christ when we are saved.
Look at this passage from Romans 6:3 “Do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?”
What kind of baptism is this? Does baptism really put us into Christ? If I’ve not been baptized in water, does that mean that I am not in Christ?
Again let’s take a look at the chart I gave you a couple of weeks ago. You will notice that this passage speaks of being baptized “into” Christ. This contrasts with being baptized into the name of Christ. Galatians 3:27 uses similar terminology to say that as many as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. I Corinthians 12:13 tells us that “in” one Spirit we were all baptized “into” one body. I take it to mean that this is the same Spirit baptism that is spoken of in passages like John 1:33. In this baptism the Spirit places us into Christ. I maintain that this is not water baptism at all, but the baptism of the Spirit foretold in the gospels when the writers say that John baptized “in” water, but Jesus would baptize “in” the spirit. I Corinthians 12:13 tells us what that is.
So back to the original passage of Romans 6:3. I believe what Scripture is teaching us is that when the Holy Spirit put us into Christ at our salvation we were made one with Him and were therefore also baptized into His death. Water baptism is, of course, a perfect picture of this, but it doesn’t do it. We are made one with Christ when we are saved.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Thanksgiving Thursday
On this Thanksgiving Thursday I’m thankful for all of the abundance God has given. I saw a heart-wrenching photo of refugees in Congo the other day and I thought through how I sleep in a comfortable bed, have hot water for a shower, am able to clean my teeth and enjoy good food. When my clothes are dirty we can throw them in the washer and dryer. When we want to communicate with our children and grandchildren, phones and email are right there. I have a roof over my head and warmth on cold snowy days like we’re having now. I thank God for all the benefits He has loaded on me. There is no reason I can see why I was born here rather than in the Congo.
If you care to add your thanksgiving praise to this blog, please click on comment. Let's fill this page with praise to our great God.
If you care to add your thanksgiving praise to this blog, please click on comment. Let's fill this page with praise to our great God.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Memorization Monday - Week 11 Prayer
Today we start a 3-part series of verses on prayer.
The outline section is The Christian Life – Prayer
John 16:24 Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
The outline section is The Christian Life – Prayer
John 16:24 Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Hymn of the Week - May the Mind of Christ
May the mind of Christ my Savior
Live in me from day to day,
By His love and power controlling
All I do and say.
May the Word of God dwell richly
In my heart from hour to hour,
So that all may see I triumph
Only through His power.
May the peace of God my Father
Rule my life in everything,
That I may be calm to comfort
Sick and sorrowing.
May the love of Jesus fill me
As the waters fill the sea;
Him exalting, self abasing
This is victory.
May I run the race before me,
Strong and brave to face the foe,
Looking only unto Jesus
As I onward go.
May His beauty rest upon me
As I seek the lost to win,
And may they forget the channel,
Seeing only Him.
Live in me from day to day,
By His love and power controlling
All I do and say.
May the Word of God dwell richly
In my heart from hour to hour,
So that all may see I triumph
Only through His power.
May the peace of God my Father
Rule my life in everything,
That I may be calm to comfort
Sick and sorrowing.
May the love of Jesus fill me
As the waters fill the sea;
Him exalting, self abasing
This is victory.
May I run the race before me,
Strong and brave to face the foe,
Looking only unto Jesus
As I onward go.
May His beauty rest upon me
As I seek the lost to win,
And may they forget the channel,
Seeing only Him.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Thanksgiving Thursday
On this Thanksgiving Thursday I’m thankful for the family God has given me. My wife of 39 years has been supportive and encouraging. It’s humbling to think that a young woman would choose to join with a man and trust God and him to lead in her life. I’m thankful for her courage and willingness to join me in life’s adventure. I’m thankful for my three children. Each one of them has a special and unique place in my heart. Each one is supportive encouraging and loyal. Each one desires to serve God through their life. I’m thankful for their spouses and the special man one of my children is courting. Finally I’m thankful for five grandchildren – two boys and three girls. God has wonderfully blessed and as I expressed last time, it is only through His grace because there is not one human being on the face of the earth who deserves anything from God. And yet He has given bountifully.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Study With Me - Acts Lesson 2
If you read back over the Study With Me post last week, you will find a discussion of baptism and the prepositions involved in those passages. Some of you may immediately feel that it is too complex or detailed to worry about. But I would argue that there are some basic differences among Christians that stem for our interpretations of passages related to baptism.
Take Acts 2:38 for example, this passage reads: Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Some believe that the Holy Spirit and consequently salvation is received through baptism. That’s an important question. Did the Holy Spirit come to dwell in you when you trusted Christ or did he wait until you were baptized?
If you look at the chart I explained last week, you will see that the baptism Peter spoke about in Acts 2:38 is “into” forgiveness and is associated with repentance. If you’ll look through the other passages in the gospels you will notice that this was what John’s baptism was about. This baptism of Peter is not the same as Christian baptism, it is the same as John’s baptism.
But you might ask, Isn’t it all the same thing? Look with me at Acts 19:1-5. Paul asked the disciples if they received the Holy Spirit when they believed. They said they hadn’t even heard of the Holy Spirit and Paul asked them into what were you baptized. They said they had received John’s baptism. Paul then explained the difference and they were rebaptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. If it was an important distinction for Paul, it should be an important distinction for us.
More next time.
Take Acts 2:38 for example, this passage reads: Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Some believe that the Holy Spirit and consequently salvation is received through baptism. That’s an important question. Did the Holy Spirit come to dwell in you when you trusted Christ or did he wait until you were baptized?
If you look at the chart I explained last week, you will see that the baptism Peter spoke about in Acts 2:38 is “into” forgiveness and is associated with repentance. If you’ll look through the other passages in the gospels you will notice that this was what John’s baptism was about. This baptism of Peter is not the same as Christian baptism, it is the same as John’s baptism.
But you might ask, Isn’t it all the same thing? Look with me at Acts 19:1-5. Paul asked the disciples if they received the Holy Spirit when they believed. They said they hadn’t even heard of the Holy Spirit and Paul asked them into what were you baptized. They said they had received John’s baptism. Paul then explained the difference and they were rebaptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. If it was an important distinction for Paul, it should be an important distinction for us.
More next time.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Memorization Monday - Week 10 Review
Well, this is week 10 and I thought it would be good to have another review. I’ll give the section headings, the reference and the first two words of the verse in the NKJV and you see if you can remember the verse.
The Christian Life
The Life in Christ
II Cor. 5:17 Therefore, if
Col 2:6 As you
Col 2:9, 10 For in
Christ the Center
John 15:5 I am
Phil 1:6 Being confident
Gal 2:20 I have
The Word
Matt 4:4 But He
Acts 17:11 These were
Col 3:16 Let the
Have a great day.
Roger
http://faithfulmen.blogspot.com
The Christian Life
The Life in Christ
II Cor. 5:17 Therefore, if
Col 2:6 As you
Col 2:9, 10 For in
Christ the Center
John 15:5 I am
Phil 1:6 Being confident
Gal 2:20 I have
The Word
Matt 4:4 But He
Acts 17:11 These were
Col 3:16 Let the
Have a great day.
Roger
http://faithfulmen.blogspot.com
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Hymn of the Week - Jesus Paid It All
I hear the Savior say, “Thy strength indeed is small!
Child of weakness, watch and pray,
Find in Me thine all in all.”
Lord, Now indeed I find Thy power and Thine alone,
Can change the leper’s spots
And melt the heart of stone.
For nothing good have I whereby Thy grace to claim
I’ll wash my garments white
In the blood of Calvry’s Lamb.
And when before the throne I stand in Him complete,
“Jesus died my soul to save,”
My lips shall still repeat.
Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain.
He washed it white as snow.
Child of weakness, watch and pray,
Find in Me thine all in all.”
Lord, Now indeed I find Thy power and Thine alone,
Can change the leper’s spots
And melt the heart of stone.
For nothing good have I whereby Thy grace to claim
I’ll wash my garments white
In the blood of Calvry’s Lamb.
And when before the throne I stand in Him complete,
“Jesus died my soul to save,”
My lips shall still repeat.
Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain.
He washed it white as snow.
Friday, November 07, 2008
Study with Me - Acts 1
One of the topics that comes up in Acts is the topic of baptism. Baptism, of course, is a topic upon which Christians sometimes disagree. I’m not so naïve as to think that I can clear everything up once and for all, but I have worked through some things to my own satisfaction and that is what I will be sharing here.
There are several passages in the gospels and in Acts that say something like this: “John baptized with water but Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit.” There are other places in Acts where it was said that certain people were baptized with John’s baptism and then were baptized again in the name of Jesus.
Sometimes there are passages that say things like those who were baptized into Christ were baptized into His death.
So is there anything that distinguishes these various descriptions of baptism?
Early on my dad suggested that I look at the prepositions involved with the word baptism. I have prepared a chart showing most of the key passages in the New Testament and some descriptions under the appropriate prepositions. You will find that chart here.
For example, you will see that John’s baptism was “in” water whereas Jesus baptism was “in” the Holy Spirit. Notice how John’s baptism was “into” repentance or forgiveness. So when you look at Peter’s preaching in Act’s 2 which doesn’t mention John at all, you will see that his message to them was similar to John’s. This is different from Jesus command in the great commission in Matthew 28 where his command is to be baptized “into” the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Take some time to study through the passages in the chart and see what you come up with. How many different baptisms do you find? What kind of baptism is Romans 6 talking about? Is the baptism mentioned in I Corinthians 12:13 the same as Jesus’ baptism in the Spirit?
Let me know what you come up with and I share some of my conclusions next week.
There are several passages in the gospels and in Acts that say something like this: “John baptized with water but Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit.” There are other places in Acts where it was said that certain people were baptized with John’s baptism and then were baptized again in the name of Jesus.
Sometimes there are passages that say things like those who were baptized into Christ were baptized into His death.
So is there anything that distinguishes these various descriptions of baptism?
Early on my dad suggested that I look at the prepositions involved with the word baptism. I have prepared a chart showing most of the key passages in the New Testament and some descriptions under the appropriate prepositions. You will find that chart here.
For example, you will see that John’s baptism was “in” water whereas Jesus baptism was “in” the Holy Spirit. Notice how John’s baptism was “into” repentance or forgiveness. So when you look at Peter’s preaching in Act’s 2 which doesn’t mention John at all, you will see that his message to them was similar to John’s. This is different from Jesus command in the great commission in Matthew 28 where his command is to be baptized “into” the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Take some time to study through the passages in the chart and see what you come up with. How many different baptisms do you find? What kind of baptism is Romans 6 talking about? Is the baptism mentioned in I Corinthians 12:13 the same as Jesus’ baptism in the Spirit?
Let me know what you come up with and I share some of my conclusions next week.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Thanksgiving Thursday
On this Thanksgiving Thursday I’m thankful for God’s grace in my life. Grace, as you know, is often described as unmerited favor. As I grow older I recognize more clearly that I merit nothing from God except His wrath. It’s always been easy to say I am saved by grace, but as I’ve come to understand more of God’s standards I see how far short I’ve come. Sometimes we judge ourselves based on outward performance and by and large most of us can perform fairly well. But God is looking for love that comes from our whole being and attitudes that are impossible to fake.
Giving thanks today for God’s grace.
Every Thursday this month, I'd like to devote this space to abundant thanksgiving to our God. Please join me by posting comments focused on what you're thankful for.
Giving thanks today for God’s grace.
Every Thursday this month, I'd like to devote this space to abundant thanksgiving to our God. Please join me by posting comments focused on what you're thankful for.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Study With Me - Acts
One of the ways I like to use this blog is to give you the opportunity to study what I’m studying along with me. Because I don’t have the time to keep a lot of different studies going, I usually share what I’m working on in my adult Sunday School class.
My current study is in the book of Acts. My approach is going to be to go through the book looking at it from various perspectives. For example, the work and ministry of the Holy Spirit is prominent in the book so we’ll look at what Acts says about the Holy Spirit. There are many situations where evangelism is taking place and so we’ll look at the approach various people used in preaching the gospel to the lost. My goal is to post a Study With Me article once a week on Tuesday or Wednesday. This week there will probably be two posts – this one as an introduction to be followed shortly by the first study.
If you want to join in, I encourage you to read through the whole book of Acts in one sitting or at least in as few sittings over as short a time period as possible. I love to hear from people so if you agree, disagree or have comments on my understanding of Scripture, feel free to comment on the blog.
My current study is in the book of Acts. My approach is going to be to go through the book looking at it from various perspectives. For example, the work and ministry of the Holy Spirit is prominent in the book so we’ll look at what Acts says about the Holy Spirit. There are many situations where evangelism is taking place and so we’ll look at the approach various people used in preaching the gospel to the lost. My goal is to post a Study With Me article once a week on Tuesday or Wednesday. This week there will probably be two posts – this one as an introduction to be followed shortly by the first study.
If you want to join in, I encourage you to read through the whole book of Acts in one sitting or at least in as few sittings over as short a time period as possible. I love to hear from people so if you agree, disagree or have comments on my understanding of Scripture, feel free to comment on the blog.
Monday, November 03, 2008
Memorization Monday
This week’s category is: The Christian Life – The Word
Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Remember, if you would like to have me email this to you each week, send me your email address to be added to the list.
Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Remember, if you would like to have me email this to you each week, send me your email address to be added to the list.
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