Baptism 2

The Aim of this devotional study is to grow in understanding and obedience of baptism into Christ.

Scripture

Romans 6:3-11

3  Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4  We were therefore buried with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

5  For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.

6  We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.  7  For one who has died has been set free from sin.

8  Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live [eternally] with him. 9  We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10  For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. 11  So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Observation

1. Let’s ask the interrogative questions to understand the believers’ baptism from this text:

• What does the symbolism of believers’ baptism (baptism into Christ) enact/ show? (v5, 8)
• From this text, what do we “die to” when symbolically “being buried with Christ”? (v4, 6, 9,10, 11)
• From this text, to what do we “rise” with Christ? (v4, 7, 9, 10, 11]
• How should the baptized believer change his life view from now onwards? (v11)

2. Considering this Text, discuss each of the following contemporary synonyms for baptism Is the phrase fitting? How does the phrase work well, and in which way does it fall short?

• Identification with Christ
• Public declaration of faith (trust) in Christ
• Swearing allegiance to Christ (giving your life in service to Christ)
• Repentance and turning to Christ

Application

1. If a friend says that they believe in Jesus and sees no need to be baptized – how would you show to him / her from this Text that it is really important to be baptized?

Prayer

If you have been baptized as an adult believer, remember your baptism day and renew your faith (trust) and loyal devotion to serve Christ with your life forsaking the temporary pleasures of sin on this earth.  Remember how you came to faith and thank God or “grace for faith”.

If you have not been baptized as an adult believer, spend the time in prayer and reflection of the command to “repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ” (Acts 2:38), and the benefits from this Text.

Knowing Jesus 6

The Aim of this devotional study is to learn about Jesus’ identity from a confession of Jesus.

Scripture

John 1:19-34

19  And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?”  20  He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.”  21  And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.”  22  So they said to him, “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” 23  He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”

24  (Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.)

25  They asked him, “Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?”  26  John answered them, “I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, 27  even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.”

28  These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

29  The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!  30  This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’  31  I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.”

32  And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him.  33  I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’  34  And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.”

Observations

Note: Every single story recorded in John’s gospel is written to give a revelation of who Jesus is, so that the reader may have faith in Jesus – refer to John 20:30-31 “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

1. What was the ministry of John the Baptist? And what was the purpose of his ministry? (see verse 31).
2. Looking at these verses, what can you learn about the identity and ministry of Jesus from John the Baptist’s sayings? (Take special notice of the names and titles attributed to Jesus.)
3. This event occurred the week before Passover feast, and every Jewish family was looking for a lamb to be slaughtered to celebrate the deliverance of the Jews from Egypt; what did it mean when John called Jesus “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world”? (verse 29)
4. What did John mean when he said about Jesus “After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’” (verse 30) Why did he need to say that to the crowd gathering around him?

Application and prayer

1. John’s hearers were Jews who believed and God and came to be baptized with water as a sign of repentance, to make God number one in their lives (refer to Acts 19:1-7). However, John pointed them towards Jesus, saying he alone could take away their sins.  Think back on your life – was there ever a moment when you, seeking God, received revelation that Jesus is the only he who could take away your sins?  Relive that moment, and thank God for it.  Are you still living with the reality that Jesus only can make you clean before God?  Commit to that!
2. John said that Jesus was more important (in ministry and person) to himself. Take some time and think how your life reflects – or does not reflect – that truth.  In which ways can you show today (and this week) that Jesus is superior to you?
3. Spend some time and worship Jesus as The Lamb of God that took your sins away, the Christ who baptizes with the Holy Spirit (read “makes us children of God”), the Superior One, and the Son of God.

Knowing Jesus 4

The Aim of this Biblical Study is to grow in the knowledge of the humanity of Jesus Christ.

Scripture

Hebrews 4:14-5:1-9

14  Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.  15  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16  Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

1  For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.  2  He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. 3  Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people.

4  And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was. 5  So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”…

7  In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence.  8  Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. 9  And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him.

Observations

1. What are the names and titles attributed to Jesus in this passage? What do each mean or imply about the person and ministry of Jesus?
2. Read through the passage above and mark every phrase that highlights the humanity of Jesus.
3. According to this passage, what are the qualifications of a high priest? How does Jesus fulfill it?

Application and prayer

1. If you were a struggling addict, or someone constantly resisting sexual temptations, or a tired mother battling to keep her rage intact with a rebellious three-year old, but you want to please God from your heart – which parts of this passage would be comforting to you? Why?
2. Write your three biggest character weaknesses / habitual sins (pray and think before you write). In which way can the man, Jesus relate to your struggle?
3. Now in prayer approach Jesus your High Priest boldly and pray for mercy for forgiveness, as well as grace to overcome these fleshly weaknesses. (Be sincere – pray for a while with passion from your heart).
4. Now pray for someone close to you who struggle to overcome some fleshly weakness, and afterwards send them an encouraging message – or even better – visit them personally and encourage them in Christ.

Note: Image “Approach the Throne of Grace as a Child” found at https://wolfspain.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/10-04-11-approach_throne_child.jpg

Knowing Jesus 2

The Aim of this devotional study is to know Jesus and his ministry on earth, as well as his relationship with God the Father and Holy Spirit.

Scripture:

[The context: It’s a while after Pentecost, and Peter is presenting the gospel to non-Jews in Cornelius’ house for the first time after the Lord Jesus gave him a vision to not prevent them from the gift of salvation]

Acts 10:36-42

36  “As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), 37  you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: 38  how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.

39  And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, 40  but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear, 41  not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42  And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead.”

Observation:

(Note: use a pen and paper today – it won’t take longer but you will learn so much more!)

1. What did Peter tell the Cornelius’ household of the life and ministry of Jesus? (what Jesus did and will do).
2. From this preaching, what would Cornelius’ household learn about the names, titles and offices of Jesus? (who Jesus is)
3. In this sermon of Peter we learn quite a bit about the God being three-in-one. What does Peter reveal to the non-Jewish hearers about the relationship between God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit?

Application

1. Have you experienced Jesus as the Healer and Deliverer yet? How and when?
2. How do you relate to Jesus as “Lord of all” (10v36)
3. Peter preached that Jesus will be your “judge”? How do you feel and how do you reason about that?
4. Peter said “Jesus commanded us to preach and testify…” – who is the first person that comes to mind that need to hear Jesus saving gospel?

Prayer

1. Do you need healing or deliverance? Pray to the Healer and Deliverer!
2. Pray a prayer of submission (your whole life or one specific aspect) to Jesus, the Lord of All.

Pray with David to Jesus, the Judge of All the verses below, then respond to what the Lord shows you in prayer.

Psalms 139:23-24   “Search me, [Lord[, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!  And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!”

God bless you with confidence today!

Knowing God 5

The Aim of this devotional study is to see how in Christ we can fully know God, and how Christ in us can represent God to the world.

Scripture

John 1:1-18 (ESV)

1  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  2  He was in the beginning with God….

9  The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.  10  He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him.  11  He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.  12  But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13  who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

14  And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth… 16  For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.

17  For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.  18  No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.

Observation

1. What does this text reveal about Jesus Christ?
2. According to this section from John, what are the reasons why Jesus came to earth?
3. Throughout John’s gospel we read references to the Old Testament. This is very deliberate.  Compare verses 17-18 with Psalm 89:14  “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Mercy and truth go before Your face.”  Note the similarity in sentence structure and nouns – it seems like a deliberate comparison.  Write down what you notice and deduce the author wants to communicate.
4. Now compare verse 18 with 1 John 4:12

1 John 4:11-12 “11  Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.  12 No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.”

Application

1. If Jesus came to reveal God the Father to us, how would you describe God’s character/ nature (in 5 points)? Think of the life of Jesus before you write down anything.
2. Considering 1 John 4:12, how can you represent God to the world?
3. What will you do today to represent God to the world?
4. 

Prayer

Pray sincerely to know God and represent him well, as His Son Jesus did.