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John 1:29-31 The next day John sees Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world. 30 This is he of whom I said, after me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. 31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. (KJV)
Let’s look at John the Baptists calling, and why he did what he did. First of all keep in mind that this man was still under the old law. His calling was to announce the coming of our Lord and to make known what was about to take place. John 1:32-34 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. 33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, upon whom thou shall see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizes with the Holy Ghost. 34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God. (KJV) Now there are many today who claim our Lord was actually born again and was receiving the Spirit at this time. However, nothing could be further from the truth. No, what John saw was a personal confirmation from God that upon whom he would see the Spirit descending on was the Son of God. We see God explaining in verse 33 that this man would be baptizing with something other than carnal waters and that this man would baptize with the Holy Ghost instead. Matthew 3:4-7 And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leather girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, 6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. 7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? (KJV) If you are going to keep re-enacting water baptism, then why not wear a leather girdle and make your diet locusts and honey? Sound a bit farfetched? Well, not much more than those that should be operating in the new who are still working the dead works of the law. In verse 7 the distinction is made that this is John’s baptism and his calling which he did fulfill. Acts 10:36-38 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) 37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. (KJV) The baptism that John preached was to make known the fact that our Lord was about to make His appearance, which in that time was in the flesh of Jesus of Nazareth. Today the baptism we should be preaching is pointing the people where our Lord is now operating, in the realm of the Spirit. Which realm are you looking in, and is it really something new, or are you just chasing your tail in some old outdated doctrine that a fallen man tries to promote as truth? Dearly loved, may the eyes of your understanding be continually enlightened to the truth of the gospel of Christ unto eternal life; God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new. (KJV)
Now that you have become a new creature it means that you are now operating in a new realm, one that was not available before the sacrifice of our Lord. This week our goal is to point out some of the old and compare it to the new so that you can make an informed decision based on what the Word says and not what a fallen carnal mankind keeps imitating. Do take note that these old things are passed away which describes things that are dead and not something we should be digging up again and trying to revive. Hebrews 9:8-10 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: 9 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; 10 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and diver’s washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. (KJV) The word ‘figure’ in verse 9 is referring to a parable, a figure or a symbol of things that were done outwardly that now has a spiritual meaning for those that are able to see beyond the veil of the flesh. We have been in that time of reformation for at least two thousand years now, yet it is hard to fathom why so many in the so called churches have not caught on to what our Lord was symbolizing. Acts 1:4-5 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. (KJV) This week we are going to look at the old and new; how John baptized with water which he was doing according to the old law, and today, what is the new baptism that our Lord gives credence to. I believe you will see it is as different as night and day, or should I say flesh and Spirit? Luke 12:50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! (KJV) We see our Lord making mention of this baptism, and given the fact that God is a Spirit, then it would be fitting to say that the baptism our Lord desires to see His people baptized in would be spiritual as well. John 6:63-65 It is the spirit that quickens; the flesh profits nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. 64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. 65 And he said, therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. (KJV) Today we have many that believe in God, yet in works deny Him and are walking in the wrong direction. Many today still think the works of the law are in play, which keeps them stuck under the curse instead of the blessing. The key to walking in the new is getting the old out of the way, which for mankind is his own carnal ways and thoughts. Our lower nature is of no profit to the new realm we are now walking in. So the more you stay in the Spirit, the more of the life of Christ you will experience personally for yourself. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Mark 16:16-18 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. (KJV)
When one is truly baptized (spiritually) into Christ, it will bring life to the believer and show them how to be more than a conqueror through Him that loved us. Instead of being taken in by any deadly doctrine of the serpent, which is how the enemy is described, you will bruise his head with your heel as you keep moving forward. You will speak with a new tongue because of the new heart you were given when born again and baptized into Christ. The words that you are now speaking will be spirit and life so that those who are spiritually sick can make a full recovery. Galatians 6:14-15 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. 15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availed any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. (KJV) The whole purpose of the teachings the last couple of weeks is to get you to look beyond the old outdated rituals, and to see the true meaning of how to walk in the Spirit today, right now. These old rituals represent something far greater which is now within you; something that needs to continue working in you in order for you to be saved. We see that the crucifixion that we are partakers of is something that is ongoing so that a new creature can manifest and resurrect in you. Mankind crucified our Lord and left Him for dead, and many are still doing that again and again with their fallen doctrines. Will you let Him out of the tomb so that He can show Himself alive and real in you? 2 Corinthians 5:16-18 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; (KJV) If you are not on the inside, then you are outside. If you quit looking at things after the flesh, then you will be in Christ and that new man will come to life by keeping the old one dead and passed away. Again, we see the true meaning of baptism; one dies so that they can resurrect into a new man, in a new realm of life. I John 3:1-3 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. (KJV) Can you even begin to comprehend what a privilege and honor it is to be considered a son of God, a member of His royal family in Christ? Well, you are not going to find out what the true and pure meaning of His word and purpose is that He has for you until you step out of the old and into the new. Do you truly desire to be pure in His sight? How about baptizing yourself in the living spiritual waters, and leave those old, dead rituals behind. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Mark 16:15-20 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. (KJV)
Let’s begin where we left off last week with the term baptized and what it represents spiritually. Baptism is not some outdated ritual anymore, but a way of life which starts with a death, that being our old fallen nature. Take notice of a key word in verse 16 which says “is” baptized and not “was”. “Is” refers to an ongoing process which one will have to continue if they are truly going to inherit eternal life, and not find out someday that they have run the race in vain; that all their labor was in vain, empty and worthless. Romans 6:3-5 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: (KJV) Remember the Bible is full of parables, symbols, and figures that use things we have seen in the outward to describe what is now taking place inwardly in the realm of the Spirit. Given the fact that God Himself is a Spirit then isn’t being in the Spirit the place you should be today, right now. Verse 4 reminds us that our old man is dead and buried, you know like your past? Romans 6:6-8 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: (KJV) So what time does your Spiritual clock show? How about now, today, this moment; do you believe more in Christ and what He has done on our behalf and less in what you think you are doing on His? Well, if you keep that doubting, pouting old man nailed to his spiritual cross will you be able to believe. Luke 11:21-23 When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: 22 But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils. 23 He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. (KJV) I don’t care how strong and gung ho you were in the beginning of your walk, if you let down your guard and allow the enemy to come back in and take over, the world and its carnal influences can have more of an effect on you than the Lord. Verse 23 is your wakeup call Church; if you are not with Him, well, then you are in opposition to Him. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Colossians 2:8-12 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: 11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. (KJV)
Many today are allowing themselves to be duped by the traditions and doctrines of man and not after Christ and the true meaning of His word. Are you glad there is an escape clause when it comes to circumcision, and what it represents? So if you are not carrying out that ritual then why are you allowing watered down doctrine to come into play when it comes to baptism? Verse 12 again gives us the true interpretation of being reborn or baptized in Christ where you have died to self, and allowed Christ to come to life in you. Colossians 2:13-15 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. (KJV) When one is quickened they are brought back to life, this time in a new and totally different realm. You realize that the Lord has blotted out all those old outdated ordinances of the law and replaced it with a simple plan of salvation based on His grace through faith in what He has done on our behalf, and not what we think we are doing on His. Your new life in Christ should be one of triumph and victory which will only take place when you understand the true interpretations of His word. Everything you see above describes what the true baptism is, and what our Lord desires to see His people walk in. 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (KJV) John baptized with water, but our Lord desires to see His people drink from a new source of life; spiritual water that will bring life to the seed within you, which is Christ. Which well are you drinking from? Will you rise up and take what our Lord died to give His people access to, or will you just settle? John 7:37-39 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) (KJV) Now that the Spirit has been poured out why don’t you walk deeper into our Lord’s river of life, into some pure water, so that out of you will be living waters gushing like an open fire hydrant. In conclusion, baptism is not a watered down ritual, but a way of life for those that see beyond the veil of the flesh. Look at it this way Church, if you still want to water baptize someone, do it with the living spiritual waters that are flowing out of you. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 4:4-5 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, (KJV)
The goal of any teacher or preacher of the Word is to point people to our Lord who, as we see clearly stated above, operates in one realm, the realm of the Spirit. The one baptism our Lord gives credence to is no longer limited by a carnal washing which is outdated; you are now baptized and immersed in living spiritual water. Romans 6:3-5 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: (KJV) Here is what it is to be truly baptized or born again in Christ. The reality of baptism is actually a new way of life and no longer some old outdated carnal ritual. This is what truly separates the children from the adults spiritually. In order to live in Christ, you have to die to self which is what truly narrows the path of life. You won’t walk into a newness of life and be resurrected, until you walk away from the old. Romans 6:6-8 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: (KJV) Crucifixion is not a popular topic, however, it’s the only way to subdue and kill the old man and his lusts. It’s only when you are dead to self that you can experience the true freedom and liberty that we have in Christ. Now faith is real and alive when you immerse more in the Spirit than you do in yourself. Luke 9:22-25 Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day. 23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. 25 For what is a man advantaged, if he gains the whole world, and loses himself, or be cast away? (KJV) The Lord describes in verse 22 what was going to happen in the outward realm; that being the cross He would bear for mankind. In the following verses He describes another cross that we would have to bear, that being spiritual, along with the one baptism that He would give credence to. Are you one of His today? John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickens; the flesh profits nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. (KJV) God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Luke 12:49-50 I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled? 50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! (KJV)
I want to focus on the term baptism, what it means, and what it doesn’t mean anymore. Baptism symbolizes what happens when one is born again, renewed in the Spirit. Our Lord knew that He was called to offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice so that the Holy Spirit could be poured out and mankind could be reborn into the realm of the Spirit. When you see those that still hold to the carnal interpretations, you see carnal Christians who have chosen to limit the Lord to the outward and their watered down doctrines. Acts 1:3-5 To whom also he showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: 4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. (KJV) Up until this point the disciples were not yet born again, or baptized with the Holy Ghost which is why our Lord was encouraging them to stay there a little longer. Our Lord is also explaining the difference between the old and the new, how John was operating in a carnal washing, while He was going to show how to be cleansed and reborn in the Spirit. Acts 2:1-4 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (KJV) Throughout the scriptures you will find wind symbolizing the Spirit. What do you really see taking place here? Here, you see the true meaning of baptism taking place, where one is born again and baptized into Christ. Baptism is described as being immersed with a force. For some reason many separate the experience of being born again, and being baptized into Christ, thinking they happen at different times; but what really happens with many is that they just realize later on in their walk what really took place when they were filled with the Spirit, and all that goes with being born again. Acts 19:1-6 And it came to pass, that, while Apollo’s was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 2 He said unto them, have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, we have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. 3 And he said unto them, unto what then were ye baptized? And they said Unto John's baptism. 4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spoke with tongues, and prophesied. (KJV) Today many have limited themselves to the outward realm, rather than immersing themselves into the spiritual one. When you are born again, you are now baptized into Christ. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Isaiah 44:2-3 Thus saith the LORD that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen. 3 For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring: (KJV)
God is described as a Spirit, and those that are truly going to worship Him must, from this point forward, do so in spirit and in truth. Things we see written in the Old Testament now take on a new and entirely different meaning when one hears with their spiritual ears and looks beyond the literal into the realm of the Spirit. Hebrews 9:8-10 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: 9 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; 10 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. (KJV) A time of reformation is upon us Church and has been for about two thousand years when the Holy Spirit was poured out for all of mankind. Up until that point things were done in the outward realm to symbolize what was to come in the Spirit. The term figure above refers to symbol as well as parable, an earthly analogy with a heavenly meaning. Take note of verse 9; it clearly states that the outward realm is imperfect and not able to cleanse the inward man the way that our Lord intended for us to be clean in His sight. When we were born again, the eyes of our understanding were opened so that we could hear what these symbols represent, and how they now pertain to our walk in the Spirit. Ephesians 5:25-27 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. (KJV) The reason God sent His Son was so that the Holy Spirit would be made available to all of mankind; and we see clearly that it is the word of God through the Holy Spirit that cleanses His church and gets out any spots or wrinkles. Psalm 51:1-3 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. (KJV) You may find you have a few skeletons in your closet that you think no one sees, and the longer you keep them hidden the more they stink. So how does the Church come clean today? Well, by examining yourself and asking our Lord to cleanse you from your sin. Dearly loved have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 15:3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. (KJV)
Today, right now, this moment you are considered clean in the Lord’s eyes. No, not by what you think you can do to impress Him, or by some outdated watered down ritual, but by the Word the Lord is speaking that is alive and powerful, showing you how to be cleansed from within. Ezekiel 36:25-27 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. 26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. (KJV) The forecast today calls for showers, a downpour from above. However, most of mankind is not aware of this because they keep looking outward instead of within to see where it is truly taking place. The Lord also gave you a new heart, one of clay that He could mold and shape into the person He desires to see you grow up into. Clay works much better with some water added to it; otherwise it has a tendency to harden. Hebrews 10:19-22 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21 And having an high priest over the house of God; 22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. (KJV) Only living spiritual waters can get inside and cleanse that polluted conscience, that no matter what many may try, it can never find peace or justification through the flesh. 1 Peter 3:20-21 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. 21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: (KJV) Some people look to the book of Acts and see that the disciples were still carrying out the outward baptism. However, Peter eventually realized, like you should also, that the time in which these things took place (book of Acts) was a time of transition, where God’s people were moving out of the old law and into the new realm of the Spirit. For all you traditionalists, do keep in mind that the disciples were still holding to the doctrine of circumcision also, so if you are going to put one part of the law into play, do you really want to deal with all of it? Acts 1:4-5 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. (KJV) John, who was still under the old law and the works of it, was now being considered outdated, giving way to something new and more effective. You have a choice today whether you are immersing yourself in the outward, or the new living waters from above. God bless dearly loved, and have a very prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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