DEAD TO SIN, ALIVE IN CHRIST (Part 1)

Any subject that relates to the salvation of one’s soul is very important and needs careful attention.

THE AUTHORITY FOR BAPTISM

I.  SCRIPTURES:

The New Testament is full of clear and straightforward statements on the subject of baptism.   Too many read Scripture with preconceived ideas of what it “must really be saying” or what it “surely cannot mean”.

16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.  
                                                            -2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV)

We want to strive to listen to the Scriptures as if hearing it for the first time.   How would the original hearers have understood them? We must strive to understand the New Testament through the lens and minds of New Testament times and not the 21^st Century with its theological bias. We must take the original meaning as the authoritative one. Whatever is mentioned on baptism we must be consistent with what is also said about sin, faith, repentance, and the church.

Baptism is but one step towards salvation.   Before baptism one must believe & repent.  One must have faith but not “faith only”.

¹⁹ You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.  -James 2:19

²⁴ You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.  -James 2:24

This verse in James is the only place in all the New Testament where the phrase "faith only" or "faith alone" appears and it states "not by faith alone".

  

II. JESUS

The first occasion in the NT where believer’s baptism is mentioned is after the resurrection when Jesus was about to ascend to heaven.  He gave the disciples instructions we often call the “GREAT COMMISSION”.  It is recorded in both Matthew and Mark.

¹⁸ Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” 

                                                      -Matthew 28:18-20

As instructed by Jesus Himself baptism has an important role in making disciples.   Baptism is not to be considered an ordinary act of obedience but is to be regarded as a conversion experience that brings us into a union with God Himself.

¹⁵ He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. ¹⁶ Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.  

                                                                   -Mark 16:15-16

Faith is an essential condition for salvation.  God’s promise is visualized in Christian baptism, so that baptism itself becomes a kind of visualization of faith. The text links belief and baptism together as the same act of faith. It does not say:  “He who is baptized is saved and then should be baptized.”  It does not refer to baptism as something done after salvation but that it is part of salvation. Since baptism and faith are listed together as co-conditions, the salvation offered to baptism must be the same as that offered to faith itself.

If baptism does not have a saving significance, they why should it be mentioned in the Great Commission at all? Jesus’ words are not so much a command as a promise.  We do not need more commands or laws but a promise of help and hope…the promise of forgiveness.

When one is baptized one is receiving God’s precious & gracious promise of salvation.

16 And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.’                                                                                                            -Acts 22:16

GET REAL

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. 

                                                   -Ephesians 2:1

The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 

                                                   -1 Timothy 1:5

DO YOU HAVE A REAL AND GENUINE FAITH?

ARE YOU A TRUE FOLLOWER OF JESUS CHRIST OR A
MERE SPECTATOR?

IS YOUR FAITH ALIVE OR DEAD?

Perhaps it is time for you to “GET REAL” regarding your faith. God has a task for you to do using the resources and abilities He has entrusted to you. Maybe for you it is time to examine yourself and see if you are truly of the faith or just playing church.

Look at these practical admonitions from God…

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

                                                 -James 3:17

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

                                               -James 1:22

So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

                                              -James 2:17

You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.

                                             -James 2:24

For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.
                                          -James 2:26
There are a lot of people that believe in God and who even believe Jesus to be the Christ and Son of God. But remember, just believing is not enough.

You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!
                                         -James 2:19

What is your next step in serving & honoring God? Once you’ve identified what it is that God wants you to do then “DO IT”. Want help? Seek out someone in the Lord’s church that you respect who you know has your best interest at heart and ask for their counsel. You want to make it a joyful day for one of your church leaders? Tell them you want to take your faith to the next level in serving the Lord. They will be overjoyed to offer guidance. We definitely need more doers of the Word! So…what more can you do to serve and honor the Lord?

JUDGMENT A REASON TO PRAISE!

God knows us so very well. He knows our tendency to put things off (procrastinate) and that may be one reason He has not revealed to us when Judgment Day will come. If we knew exactly when Jesus would return whether it was a year, ten years or a hundred years from now, we would likely postpone our obedience to His Word and refrain from worshiping Him. Because we do not know when He will return we must behave as though it could be very soon.

We have a reason to praise and rejoice because there will be a day when God will set all things right according to His righteousness. Whether we think of the coming Judgment Day or not we worship with joy because we are grateful for what God is doing for us day by day.

Oh sing to the Lord a new song;
sing to the Lord, all the earth!
2 Sing to the Lord, bless his name;
tell of his salvation from day to day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous works among all the peoples!
4 For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;
he is to be feared above all gods.
5 For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
but the Lord made the heavens.
6 Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
7 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength!
8 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
bring an offering, and come into his courts!
9 Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness;
tremble before him, all the earth!
10 Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!
Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity.”
11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
12 let the field exult, and everything in it!
Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy
13 before the Lord, for he comes,
for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness,
and the peoples in his faithfulness. -Psalm 96 (ESV)

FAITH SUPPLEMENTS

                             

WHAT IS YOUR NEXT STEP 

IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP & SERVICE 

TO THE LORD JESUS CHRIST?

3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.                  -2 Peter 1:3-11 (ESV)

Why do people take supplements?   Is it not to improve or enhance their health and performance?  We take vitamins, minerals and other supplements to increase our strength, stamina & minds.   We also take supplements to assist in the prevention of or to resist sickness & disease.  In short, we take supplements to improve our physical and mental       well- being as we travel this life.

God does not want His people to become complacent and lazy but desires for them to be productive and attuned to the tasks He has prepared for us to do.   Yes, God has a work for you to do!   He not only expects you to use the abilities He has given you to serve and honor Him but He also expects that you growth and increase in your service as He blesses you to do.  Did you notice the phrases underlined in the Scripture text above.

"supplement your faith"

"if these qualities are yours and are increasing"

"be all the more diligent"

"if you practice these qualities"

Not only does God expect the inward qualities of your faith and character to improve He also expects your good works and acts of service to improve as well.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. -Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)

 Are you using your faith supplements?  

Is your Christian character becoming more and more holy?

Are you striving to abound and increase in your service to the Lord & His Church?

So...WHAT IS YOUR NEXT STEP?

BE A COMFORTER

34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ -Matthew 25:34-40

You were created in Christ Jesus for good works (Ephesians 2:10). Some of those good works are to be a comfort to others. God sends you out each day to be an encourager and comforter. He uses your arms to hold the hurting person and your smile to cheer their heart. You help Jesus by helping others. Your faith shows up in your actions, so act out. Bring God glory by the way you comfort and serve.

God works all things out for the good of those who believe in Him. When someone is hurting they may need to vent, to purge their raw feelings and thoughts out. Slapping them with bandages of Bible verses on their wounds is not always the most effective means to comfort. However, if there is a Scripture that has brought you comfort it may be useful for them as well, so share it. Offer to pray with the person right then and there. Don't simply say,"I'll pray for you" and then later forget to do it. Place a gentle hand on them and pray for them right then and there in their presence. Your prayer will have a much stronger impact to bring comfort. Too often you may think that prayer is the last thing we can do when it should be at the top of our list as a way to comfort.

People appreciate knowing they're being thought of. With all the technology and means of communication today there is no reason we can't stay connected with someone. So use the phone, email, text or social media to stay in touch as time passes.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. -2 Corinthians 1:3-4

ARE YOU A FAN OR A FOLLOWER?

One of the most sobering passages of Scripture tells of a day when many who consider themselves to be followers of Jesus will be stunned to find out that he doesn’t even recognize them.

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ 

                                                              -Matthew 7:21-23

Is your relationship with Jesus just a casual weekend thing or are you fully committed? Fans often confuse their admiration for devotion. They mistake the knowledge of Jesus for intimacy with Jesus. How many think they can have a relationship with Jesus without having to make any real changes? Jesus wants complete renovation. Belief in Jesus is not the same as following him. When we decide to believe in Jesus without making a commitment to follow him, we become nothing more than fans.

There is no forgiveness without repentance. There is no salvation without surrender. There is no believing without committing. Jesus is the one who defines the relationship, not you. He is clear that being a fan who believes without making any real commitment to follow isn’t an option. At some point you will be in a position to have to decide between being a fan or a follower of Jesus.

Are you going to remain simply an admirer of Jesus or are you going to follow Him? Can you give up whatever it is that has hindered you to follow Jesus thus far?

So…

PLOW ON!

"No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God." -Luke 9:62

Back in the day, to plow a field required crude tools and a mule, if you were fortunate enough to own one.  No motorized or electrical equipment with GPS to mark the rows for you.  To use a hand plow took strength and concentration to guide the plow and animal at the same time.

To "plow" implies work and effort. It takes concentration on where you are in the field at that moment so you don’t stumble. You also must keep your focus on what lies ahead so the rows are straight while watching for obstacles up ahead. Sometimes you may hit a rock or stump that stops you in your tracks. What are you going to do? Turn around and go back through the rows you've already plowed? That doesn’t even make sense!

We cannot return to the past and be honorable to God. Why would we ever want to? That doesn’t make sense either! Our desire should be to concentrate on the task at hand and keep our focus on where He is leading us. Sure, there will be “rocks” that try to get in the way and stop our progress. “Keep plowing!”

What “rock” have you hit today? Ask God to help you move it or get around it so that you can continue to honor Him. God has great plans for you and your blessings may be just the other side of that rock!

PLOW ON FOLKS!