Tuesday, June 7, 2011

AFFIRMED


"One day when the crowds were being baptized, Jesus himself was baptized. As he was praying, the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in the form of a dove. And a voice from heaven said, 'You are my beloved Son, and I am fully pleased with you'" (Luke 3:21-22).

It's noteworthy that the only time we hear the Father affirming the Son is at His baptism. There are certainly many places in the Bible where affirmation is given or at least inferred, but here we have the audible voice of God speaking His pleasure over Jesus. The voice didn't come when Jesus healed. The voice didn't come when Jesus taught. The voice didn't come when Jesus resisted sin. The voice didn't come when Jesus died on the cross. The voice didn't come when Jesus rose from the dead. The Father's voice came when Jesus was baptized!

Don't minimize this important act of obedience towards God. Jesus' final instruction to the church is to go and make disciples, to baptize them, and to teach them (MT 28:18-20). Have you been baptized as an adult believer? I would be happy to meet with you to discuss baptism, to answer your questions, and to show you what the Bible says about baptism--just give me a call. Our July 3rd worship service will include a time of baptism for those that desire it. It's a great way to celebrate Independence Day!

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