CHAPTER FIFTEEN: BAPTISM

 


John 12:24 AMP


"[24] I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless a grain of wheat
falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone [just one grain, never more]. 
But if it dies, it produces much grain and yields a harvest."



Hence, baptism was instituted. Baptism did not begin with Christ or

 Christianity. But in Christianity, the doctrine is practised to symbolise 

death and newness of life.



However, these days, the Church doesn't emphasise the doctrine of

 crucifixion, followership, and discipleship. No. We assume that just 

because the Church is full, we have won souls.



The shepherd shears the sheep seasonally. Do you shear yourself and

 your members?



Sit down to think... Are these beautiful ladies and charming gentlemen 

ready to meet the Lord?



Of His sheep, the Lord Jesus said, "None of my own was lost, except the son 

of perdition." He told Peter, "The devil desires to sift you like wheat, 

but I have prayed for you." He was shearing His sheep.


One may die to self today but wake up with strong urges the next day. The urge to rape, the urge to engage in pornography, deceive someone, mislead someone. The urge to take what isn't his…



Mark 1:8–12 AMP


"[8] As for me, I baptized you [who came to me] with water [only]; but 

He will baptize you [who truly repent] with the Holy Spirit.” 

[9] In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by

 John in the Jordan. [Matt 3:13–17; Luke 3:21, 22; John 1:32]


[10] Immediately coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens torn 

open, and the Spirit like a dove descending on Him (Jesus); 

[11] and a voice came out of heaven saying: “You are My beloved Son, 

in You I am well-pleased and delighted!” [Ps 2:7; Is 42:1]


[12] Immediately the [Holy] Spirit forced Him out into the wilderness."




Baptism of water cleanses you, and it symbolises what is to happen to a 

born-again Christian. But the true baptism you need, and ought to desire,

 is the baptism of the Holy Spirit. It would petrify and nullify those ungodly

 urges in you.



What are the signs of the Holy Spirit?


His multiversity is expressed in you through the Spirit of God, the fruits of

 God, and the gifts of God.


Hallelujah!


How do you get the Holy Spirit?


He's been given to you freely! Hallelujah! He's a gift from the Lord Jesus

 Christ to every believer to help us live the new life. 

He is the resurrected life after dying to self. He is the life of God in you

 He is eternal life.


Would you like to receive the Holy Spirit and activate His ministries in your life?


Yes!


How?


By faith.


Galatians 5:16 AMP


"[16] But I say, walk habitually in the [Holy] Spirit [seek Him and be

 responsive to His guidance], and then you will certainly not carry out the

 desire of the sinful nature [which responds impulsively without regard for

 God and His precepts]."



How do you walk in the Spirit?


By being filled with the Spirit.


How do you get filled with the Holy Spirit?


By communion.


How do you commune with the Holy Spirit?


By the Holy Spirit. It is God at work in you, both to will and to do of His good

 pleasure. He baptises you and teaches you all you need to know. 

He orders your steps so your feet don't slide. He commands the

 reins of your heart. He orchestrates communion and fellowship 

by pulling you to the streams of living water.


 He loads you with benefits every day!


There's novelty, there's beauty, there's excellence, there's perfection, and there's amazing grace.


Grace to run and not be weary, grace not to faint. Grace to execute and

 deliver in the face of peril. Grace to stand before the Presence of the

 Living God. Grace to study God's Word with understanding; grace to pray

 extensively without wearing out. Grace to fast, be still, and wait on the 

Lord. Grace to walk wisely with God and in your dealings with men.



AFFIRM:


I bask every day in the baptism of the Holy Spirit.


His ministry is alive in me, causing me to walk in the Spirit and bear

 everlasting fruit in righteousness.


I have no lust in me; I have no pride in me.


I refuse to be worldly; I refuse to be carnal.


I refuse to exude the ordinances of this world.


I am purified, sanctified, glorified, and consecrated for God's special purpose.


I am a vessel unto honour.




A PRAYER FOR YOU


May the Holy Spirit preambulate you. May He be the portion of your

 inheritance, and may He cause your lines to fall unto you in pleasant places.

 May He be your banner and the rock of your salvation. May He choose you

 out of every large crowd, and may He anoint you with the oil of gladness.


May He give you a bountiful harvest in and out of season, and set you up

 for spiritual and earthly favour. May He uplift and sustain you through

our Lord Jesus Christ.


Yes! May it be so.


Shalom!




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