Understanding Baptism
I was watching the TV show “Heroes” the other day, and one of the characters at the end of the episode was baptized. The concept of baptism is found in different culture and/or worldviews.
For us as followers of Jesus, baptism plays a huge role in our life. We see Peter on the day the church is born in Acts Two call people to repentance and to be baptized. As followers of Jesus, who are now sons and daughters of God’s family, we are to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and teaching them everything Jesus has commanded (Matthew 28:19-20).. Looking further back in the life of Jesus, we see one who is perfect and does not need to repent, but who self identifies with us by being baptized.
In the book of Romans, Chapter 6, Paul reminds us of the symbolism behind it. Baptism illustrates the death and resurrection of Jesus in our own life; an illustration of leaving the past and its identity, and embracing a new identity and life in Jesus.
Baptism serves as a marker in our life before other people and the heavenly realms that God is at work in our life and we are surrendering to him. We have a new identity.
A quick Summary of What is Baptism:
a. God’s idea, not ours.
b. Sign of the cleansing work of Jesus. The external washing of water over us, denotes inner cleansing that restores us and begins the restoration of our lives.
c. Sign of death to sin.
d. Sign post. We can look back and remember who we are.
e. Water is a sign of new life.
f. It is a means of grace. A vehicle through which by faith we receive the blessing from God, and impartation of the Holy Spirit.
Is it time for you to be baptized? What questions do you have about Baptism?
Three passages for you to check out to help understand baptism:
Matthew 28:19-20
Acts 2
Romans 6
Here are some videos of Baptisms
The Perception of the Church
Why Go to Church?
Why go to church?
Behind such a question is a need to understand the purpose of church. We live in an age with information at our finger tips so why would we go to church?” Some might think, ‘I can gain good information without having to go anywhere.’ However, church is more than just information. Kenneth Schak shares in his post what pastors should know about the bible: “The bible is not just about information but transformation.”
The same can be said about the church. It is a people who have embraced the gospel of Jesus, and who bear witness to the gospel, and who act as a catalyst for transformation not only in their own lives but also in the lives of others.
In the West, we struggle with the stereotype that going to church is about a building and meaningless ritual. However, this is not Jesus’ intention.
Ephesians 2:10 “His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms”
From the beginning, in Genesis, God has called a people to be in relationship with him and each other, and be his witness and stewards of his creation/kingdom.
Therefore, three reasons to “Go to Church” are:
1. We are called to be together.
2. The intention is that the “Jesus community” becomes a place for the fruit of the spirit to be developed in each of us. .
3. We bear witness together.
John 13:35 – By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Perhaps it is the wrong question to ask “Why go to church.” Implied in the question is a certain form or expression. A better question to ask is, “What is the purpose of the church?”
The gathering of God’s people in a local setting is part of our new identity as disciples of Jesus. The shape of that will look different over the years.
To follow Jesus means to gather with his people.
What do you find to be the joys and challenge of the spiritual discipline of gathering with Jesus followers?