Category: Baptism

Categories
Baptism Identification Obedience

I’m Not Ashamed

“For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.” Luke 9:26 (ESV) Believer’s baptism by immersion is a public proclamation of your faith in Jesus. Jesus identified with you through baptism so that you could identify with Him through baptism. Your identification with Christ is a bold and courageous act of obedience. If you have not identified with Christ through baptism, what is keeping you from taking that clear step of obedience? What would you be ashamed of? There’s nothing to fear! “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” Rom. 1:16 (ESV) “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved,a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” 2 Tim. 2:15 (ESV) There’s no need to be ashamed. When you identify with Christ through baptism, you demonstrate your faith in the atoning work of Jesus on the cross. In baptism, you testify of His resurrection power that brought you out of darkness into the kingdom of light. You can bear the name of Christ with honor. He has given His all for you so that you can have an abiding love relationship with Him that is personal and eternal. Don’t be ashamed of Christ. If you have not been baptized by immersion since your conversion experience, then make things right with the Lord by obeying His command. Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Baptism Identification Jesus

Affirmation In Baptism

“Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.’” Luke 3:21-22 (ESV) Jesus was about thirty years old when He began his ministry (Luke 3:23). The inauguration of Jesus’ public ministry featured affirmation from His Heavenly Father. God affirmed that Jesus was His Son. It would be similar to an earthly Father saying to his son, “Son, I’m proud of you!” God provided Jesus with an affirmation of His love. Jesus would draw on the love of His Heavenly Father as He navigated the path of suffering. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus affirmed His love and loyalty to His Heavenly Father by praying, “Not my will, but Your will be done” (Matt. 26:39-44). Jesus heard the precious words of affirmation, “with you I am well pleased.” Jesus brought pleasure to His Heavenly Father through His obedience and willingness to finish His work (John 4:34). God affirmed Jesus with these words at the inauguration of His public ministry. You are loved by God. In fact, you are the apple of His eye (Ps. 17:8). Walk in the light of God’s redemptive work in your life. God came to your rescue so that you could join Him in rescuing others. You are His workmanship (Eph. 2:10). Be affirmed by God! Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Baptism Jesus Obedience

Obedience In Baptism

“Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.’” Luke 3:21-22 (ESV) Did you notice the activity of the Trinity in this passage? Read it again and see if you can locate God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The word “Trinity” is not found in the Bible, but the doctrine of the Trinity can be easily located. At Jesus’ baptism, we read about the Holy Spirit descending on Jesus like a dove. We read about the voice of God from heaven affirming Jesus at His baptism. “A single witness shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wrong in connection with any offense that he has committed. Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established.” Deut. 19:15 (ESV) “Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses.” Heb. 10:28 (ESV) The testimony of God and the testimony of the Holy Spirit gave witness to the Lordship of Christ at the inauguration of His public ministry. Jesus was baptized to identify with those He came to seek and to save (Luke 19:10). Jesus brought glory to His Father by His obedience in baptism. God created you for His glory. Jesus lived a sinless life and died a sacrificial death to provide you with life abundant (John 10:10) and life eternal (1 John 5:11,13). You have been given the Holy Spirit as a deposit (2 Cor. 5:5 & Eph. 1:14). You are saved, sealed, and secure. Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Baptism Jesus Obedience

Jesus Was Baptized

“Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened.” Luke 3:21 (ESV) Jesus was baptized, too? Why was it necessary for Jesus to be baptized? I thought He was sinless. What would Jesus need to repent of? The Bible affirms His sinlessness. “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.” Heb. 4:15 (ESV) “Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.” I Pet. 1:18-19 (ESV) Jesus did not allow John to baptize Him as an act of repentance. Jesus had no sin to repent of. So why did Jesus participate in this public baptism? Jesus set an example for us to follow. Jesus modeled the value of honoring God. The baptism of Jesus established the clear portrait of turning from sin and turning to Christ alone for salvation. Just as my wedding ring does not make me married; it lets others know that I am married. So it is with baptism in that baptism does not save you; it lets others know that you have been saved. Your baptism by immersion is a public display of the internal reality of your salvation experience. The reality of your covenant relationship with Christ is demonstrated through your act of obedience in following Jesus in believer’s baptism. Your baptism is the public profession of your faith in Jesus. Have you been baptized, too? Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Baptism Identification Obedience

I’m Not Ashamed

“If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.” Luke 9:26 (NIV) Believer’s baptism by immersion is a public proclamation of your faith in Jesus. Jesus identified with you through baptism so that you could identify with Him through baptism. Your identification with Christ is a bold and courageous act of obedience. If you have not identified with Christ through baptism, what is keeping you from taking that clear step of obedience? What would you be ashamed of? There’s nothing to fear! “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.” Romans 1:16 (NIV) “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” 2 Tim 2:15 (NIV) There’s no need to be ashamed. When you identify with Christ through baptism, you demonstrate your faith in the atoning work of Jesus on the cross. In baptism, you testify of His resurrection power that brought you out of darkness into the kingdom of light. You can bear the name of Christ with honor. He has given His all for you so that you can have an abiding love relationship with Him that is personal and eternal. Don’t be ashamed of Christ. If you have not been baptized by immersion since your conversion experience, then make things right with the Lord by obeying His command. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Baptism Identification Jesus

Affirmation In Baptism

“When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.’” Luke 3:21-22 (NIV) Jesus was about thirty years old when He began his ministry (Luke 3:23). The inauguration of Jesus’ public ministry featured affirmation from His Heavenly Father. God affirmed that Jesus was His Son. It would be similar to an earthly Father saying to his son, “Son, I’m proud of you!” God provided Jesus with an affirmation of His love. Jesus would draw on the love of His Heavenly Father as He navigated the path of suffering. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus affirmed His love and loyalty to His Heavenly Father by praying, “Not my will, but Your will be done”(Mt. 26:39-44). Jesus heard the precious words of affirmation, “with you I am well pleased.” Jesus brought pleasure to His Heavenly Father through His obedience and willingness to finish His work (Jn. 4:34). God affirmed Jesus with these words at the inauguration of His public ministry. You are loved by God. In fact, you are the apple of His eye (Ps. 17:8). Walk in the light of God’s redemptive work in your life. God came to your rescue so that you could join Him in rescuing others. You are His workmanship (Eph. 2:10). Be affirmed by God! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Baptism Jesus Obedience

Obedience In Baptism

“When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.’” Luke 3:21-22 (NIV) Did you notice the activity of the Trinity in this passage? Read it again and see if you can locate God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The word “Trinity” is not found in the Bible, but the doctrine of the Trinity can be easily located. At Jesus’ baptism, we read about the Holy Spirit descending on Jesus like a dove. We read about the voice of God from heaven affirming Jesus at His baptism. “One witness is not enough to convict a man accused of any crime or offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” Deut 19:15 (NIV) “Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.” Heb 10:28 (NIV) The testimony of God and the testimony of the Holy Spirit gave witness to the Lordship of Christ at the inauguration of His public ministry. Jesus was baptized to identify with those He came to seek and to save (Luke 19:10). Jesus brought glory to His Father by His obedience in baptism. God created you for His glory. Jesus lived a sinless life and died a sacrificial death to provide you with life abundant (John 10:10) and life eternal (1 John 5:11,13). You have been given the Holy Spirit as a deposit (2 Cor. 5:5 & Eph. 1:14). You are saved, sealed, and secure. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Baptism Jesus Obedience

Jesus Was Baptized

“When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too.” Luke 3:21 (NIV) Jesus was baptized too? Why was it necessary for Jesus to be baptized? I thought He was sinless. What would Jesus need to repent of? The Bible affirms His sinlessness. “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are–yet was without sin.” Heb 4:15 (NIV) “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” I Peter 1:18-19 (NIV) Jesus did not allow John to baptize Him as an act of repentance. Jesus had no sin to repent of. So why did Jesus participate in this public baptism? Jesus set an example for us to follow. Jesus modeled the value of honoring God. The baptism of Jesus established the clear portrait of turning from sin and turning to Christ alone for salvation. Just as my wedding ring does not make me married, it lets others know that I am married. So it is with baptism in that baptism does not save you; it lets others know that you have been saved. Your baptism by immersion is a public display of the internal reality of your salvation experience. The reality of your covenant relationship with Christ is demonstrated through your act of obedience in following Jesus in believer’s baptism. Your baptism is the public profession of your faith in Jesus. Have you been baptized, too? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Baptism Boldness Identification Jesus Obedience

Baptism (4)

“If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.” Luke 9:26 (NIV) Believer’s baptism by immersion is a public proclamation of your faith in Jesus. Jesus identified with you through baptism so that you could identify with Him through baptism. Your identification with Christ is a bold and courageous act of obedience. If you have not identified with Christ through baptism, what is keeping you from taking that clear step of obedience? What would you be ashamed of? There’s nothing to fear! “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.” Romans 1:16 (NIV) “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” 2 Tim 2:15 (NIV) There’s no need to be ashamed. When you identify with Christ through baptism, you demonstrate your faith in the atoning work of Jesus on the cross. In baptism, you testify of His resurrection power that brought you out of darkness into the kingdom of light. You can bear the name of Christ with honor. He has given His all for you so that you can have an abiding love relationship with Him that is personal and eternal. Don’t be ashamed of Christ. If you have not been baptized by immersion since your conversion experience, then make things right with the Lord by obeying His command. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

Categories
Baptism Identification Jesus Obedience

Baptism (3)

“When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.’” Luke 3:21-22 (NIV) Jesus was about thirty years old when He began his ministry (Luke 3:23). The inauguration of Jesus’ public ministry featured affirmation from His Heavenly Father. God affirmed that Jesus was His Son. It would be similar to an earthly Father saying to his son, “Son, I’m proud of you!” God provided Jesus with an affirmation of His love. Jesus would draw on the love of His Heavenly Father as He navigated the path of suffering. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus affirmed His love and loyalty to His Heavenly Father by praying, “Not my will, but Your will be done”(Mt. 26:39-44). Jesus heard the precious words of affirmation, “with you I am well pleased.” Jesus brought pleasure to His Heavenly Father through His obedience and willingness to finish His work (Jn. 4:34). God affirmed Jesus with these words at the inauguration of His public ministry. You are loved by God. In fact, you are the apple of His eye (Ps. 17:8). Walk in the light of God’s redemptive work in your life. God came to your rescue so that you could join Him in rescuing others. You are His workmanship (Eph. 2:10). Be affirmed by God! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

Categories
Baptism Identification Jesus Obedience

Baptism (2)

“When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.’” Luke 3:21-22 (NIV) Did you notice the activity of the Trinity in this passage? Read it again and see if you can locate God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The word “Trinity” is not found in the Bible, but the doctrine of the Trinity can be easily located. At Jesus’ baptism, we read about the Holy Spirit descending on Jesus like a dove. We read about the voice of God from heaven affirming Jesus at His baptism. “One witness is not enough to convict a man accused of any crime or offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” Deut 19:15 (NIV) “Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.” Heb 10:28 (NIV) The testimony of God and the testimony of the Holy Spirit gave witness to the Lordship of Christ at the inauguration of His public ministry. Jesus was baptized to identify with those He came to seek and to save (Luke 19:10). Jesus brought glory to His Father by His obedience in baptism. God created you for His glory. Jesus lived a sinless life and died a sacrificial death to provide you with life abundant (John 10:10) and life eternal (1 John 5:11,13). You have been given the Holy Spirit as a deposit (2 Cor. 5:5 & Eph. 1:14). You are saved, sealed, and secure. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

Categories
Baptism Identification Jesus Obedience

Baptism (1)

“When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too.” Luke 3:21 (NIV) Jesus was baptized too? Why was it necessary for Jesus to be baptized? I thought He was sinless. What would Jesus need to repent of? The Bible affirms His sinlessness. “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are–yet was without sin.” Heb 4:15 (NIV) “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” I Peter 1:18-19 (NIV) Jesus did not allow John to baptize Him as an act of repentance. Jesus had no sin to repent of. So why did Jesus participate in this public baptism? Jesus set an example for us to follow. Jesus modeled the value of honoring God. The baptism of Jesus established the clear portrait of turning from sin and turning to Christ alone for salvation. Just as my wedding ring does not make me married, it lets others know that I am married. So it is with baptism in that baptism does not save you; it lets others know that you have been saved. Your baptism by immersion is a public display of the internal reality of your salvation experience. The reality of your covenant relationship with Christ is demonstrated through your act of obedience in following Jesus in believer’s baptism. Your baptism is the public profession of your faith in Jesus. Have you been baptized, too? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

Categories
Baptism Jesus Obedience Response

Proper Response

“‘Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?’” “Jesus replied, ‘Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then John consented.” Matt 3:13-15 (NIV) John had been preaching a baptism of repentance to prepare the way for Jesus. People came from Jerusalem and all Judea in order to be baptized by John in the Jordan (Mt. 3:5). When Jesus came to Galilee to be baptized, John was hesitant in that he did not feel worthy. Jesus acknowledged that the proper response to fulfill all righteousness was for John to baptize Him. John consented and Jesus brought honor to God. God gives us the freedom to choose Christ or to reject Him. “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God–children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God”(John 1:12-13 NIV). As we choose to receive God’s gift of eternal life through our faith in the completed work of Jesus on the cross, our next proper response is to follow Jesus in believer’s baptism. Have you made the proper response to God’s invitation for salvation? Have you made the proper response of obedience to follow the example of Jesus in believer’s baptism? If not, why not? What is keeping you from making the proper response? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor