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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. |
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