Notes On Baptism Of Water

John 3
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

I have come to believe that....

Baptism of water is that event that spiritually ties you to a church. It is the open acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, followed by immersion in water. This is a symbol of the death of the old man and the rebirth of the new man as a follower of Jesus Christ.

It is the beginning of your journey with your fellow Christians. It most certainly validates your salvation - your admission of your sins and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for your sins. But, more important, it signifies your joining a local church of Christ and the body of Christ.

Final Note

Good luck on your journey, my friend....

Notes On Baptism Of The Spirit

John 3
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

I've come to believe that....

Baptism of the Spirit takes place, in a powerful, awe-inspiring moment, in the guiding presence of the Holy Spirit. In that moment you are spiritually joined to Jesus Christ. Joined to Jesus, forever. You are, indeed, filled with the Holy Spirit.

And then, your doubts begin to fade. Doubts about the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Doubts about the existence of God. Doubts about overcoming your sinful nature. Doubts about your election. Doubts about your mortality. Your doubts, slowly fade into the mists of your sinful, unsaved past.

And, you become aware of the power of the Holy Spirit in your life. You are still a sinner. But you have the Spirit to guide you and....you have your first taste of blessed assurance.

Finally. Transformed and purified, you begin your walk with Jesus.

Final Note

Third week of April, 1999....

The Long Road Home

John 11
35 Jesus wept.

During the final days of my mother's long journey home, I scoured the Bible for some special verse of inspiration, strength and hope. And above is it, from the passage on Lazarus.

A number of times during her last few months she asked me, so calmly, "Why can't I pass?" And I would tell her, "I talked to Jesus this morning, and he said he's not ready for you today." And she would smile.

And, for some reason, her question reminds me of an old gospel song, "I'll Never Be Lonesome Again." One of the phrases comes back to me, almost like a favorite Bible passage that you never forget.

I'm just ready for the day
when I can hear Jesus say
Well done, my servant, come home.