BAPTISM

Truth that frees:  

I was Christened or baptized as an infant; and also when I was 9 years old and able to enjoy and experience my baptism in Christ. I did not quite know what to expect or what would happen immediately after my baptism. The only thing I expected, however, was that the joy and anticipation I felt would last forever. I went to church with my parents every Sunday and often during the week. I did not have to be dragged to church, especially since going to church was the highlight of my young life in the Island. Then as I got older I began to take a closer look at some teachings I had heard not only on the topic of baptism but on other topics. Perhaps it was not that I had gotten older, but it was because I had gotten more matured in Christ and in the Word. Yes, I think that’s what it was.

As I got older and began to listen to hundreds of sermons and teachings on baptism I noticed that almost every sermon or teachings have a different interpretation of what one needs to believe about baptism. After a while I began to believe more profoundly on the Scripture verse which reads, “But to one who without works trusts him who justifies the ungodly, such faith is reckoned as righteousness.” (Romans 4:4-5). I figured that I had better just stop trying to figure out why the Scriptures have so many different interpretations to the same text, many of them quite far-fetched so to speak. So, I began to read the Bible. I remember once in a matter of days I went through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. I noticed that the more I read was the more I became hungry for more readings and before I knew it I had reached the end of the Good Book, the Bible. Since then, and over the years, I am not easily fooled by interpretations that seemed a bit off from Scriptures, not even interpretations by known scholars. Sometimes, however, I come across the commentary of a scholar who seems to come close to Scriptures on certain topics. However, some scholars and theologians do tend to interpret the Bible to fit their own agendas. So, I read the Bible, weigh my interpretations against other pastors, theologians and scholars, and come up with an answer to the question I seek. 

   

Some people believe for example, that when a person is baptized he should come up out of the waters of his baptism speaking in tongues. This is interpreted as a sign of being filled with the Holy Spirit. Here is the problem, when a new believer is given this kind of information and is expected to come up out of the waters of his baptism speaking in tongues and that does not happen he begins to think that perhaps he is not worthy enough for the Holy Spirit to come and fill him. Here is another problem; the Bible tells us nothing of this sort. Nowhere in the Bible does it say in our baptism, when we come up out of the water we should be speaking in tongues as a sign of being filled with the Holy Spirit. The Bible does tell us, however, that when a person is baptized he is baptized into Christ’s death, and resurrection. Whether we are baptized by sprinkling or by submersion, I believe it’s all the same. Though the Bible seems to point to submersion when describing baptism, I don’t think God, Jesus or the Trinity is going to get picky because there isn’t a pool in the church, an ocean, river or lake nearby to perform the act of submersion and coming up out of the water.  Especially, since these acts are done by faith. In fact, there are several places in the Bible that talks about ‘sprinkling’ of water to make clean or to cleanse from sin i.e. Ezekiel 36:25-27 and Hebrews 10:22-25. We know that baptism is to make clean or to cleanse from sin. 1 Peter 3:21-22 says, “And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also-- not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God.”  

In our baptism when we are submersed or sprinkled, we are buried with Christ as into his death. When come up out of the water, it is as Christ was raised up from the dead. We are to then walk in newness of life (Romans 6:3-4). We are to live in and through Christ. And if we are in Christ, and Christ is in us we are a new creation. Sinful behaviors, old things are passed away at baptism and everything has become new! (2 Corinthians 5:17). The Bible tells us that John baptized with water for repentance. So baptism is an outward sign that a person has turned away from sin, turn to Christ and is now walking in newness of life in Christ.

I praise my God for the one who comes up from the waters of his baptism speaking in unknown tongues. But I praise my God even more for the one who understands that in baptism he is buried with Christ as into Christ’s death and is raised up with Christ as Christ was raised up from the dead, and is now a new person in Christ Jesus. Paul affirms our baptism by saying, “ For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.” 
Romans 6:6. 

The Bible is clear in letting us know that John baptized with water for repentance. (Matthew 3:11). So, baptism is an outward sign that a person has turned away from sin, turn to Christ and is now walking in newness of Life in Christ. Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit and Fire. We see that the Trinity was present in the Father, in Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit like a Dove at Jesus’ baptism. So, it is a possibility that Jesus was baptized not only with a water baptism but also with a baptism of the Holy Spirit and Fire. Although the Bible tells us that Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit after his baptism, nowhere did it say Jesus spoke in unknown tongues after he came up out of the water. Another problem is that in the same way John personally baptized the people in the waters of the Jordan, it is in the same way Jesus had to personally but spiritually baptize people in the Holy Spirit and Fire. And according to Scriptures he did this after his resurrection from the dead. John 4:2 tells us that Jesus himself did not baptize anyone throughout his ministry; it was Jesus’ disciples who baptized the converts of Jesus.

In John 20:22, we learned that Jesus, after his resurrection, appeared to his disciples while they were hiding out in a house for fear of their lives. When Jesus saw them he greeted them saying, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” After that Jesus breathed on his disciples and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”  This was the first sign that Jesus baptized his disciples with the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ baptism is not with water as John’s baptism. Jesus’ baptism is a spiritual one involving the Trinity – the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Father sent Jesus to the world, Jesus breath on the disciples and sent them to go into the world, and the Holy Spirit lit them afire and empowers them for ministry. When Jesus breathed on the disciples to receive the Holy Spirit after his resurrection, he still needed to complete what the Father sent him to do. He needed to finish the work of the Holy Spirit by baptizing them with the Fire of the Holy Spirit. This would take place after Jesus’ Ascension to heaven.

Luke tells us in Acts 1 that Jesus gave an order to his disciples not to leave Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father. Because they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them and they will be witnesses for Jesus in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. After Jesus told this to his disciples they watched him ascended or taken up into heaven by a cloud (Acts 1:9).

On the Day of Pentecost the twelve disciples and others gathered in an upstairs room in Jerusalem. While they were praying, suddenly, a sound like violent wind came from heaven and filled the room where they were sitting. And what seemed like fire rested on each of them and each began to speak in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them ability. There were about fifteen different nations of people present. Each heard the disciples spoke to them in the language they knew. Some people today interpret this to mean a heavenly language in which all the disciples spoke one language and God mysteriously enables each nation to hear the spoken word in their own language. If that is your interpretation, I do not see anything wrong with that. Some believe that the disciples spoke different languages and the Holy Spirit mysteriously enabled the hearers to hear their own language without any form of confusion.. Although all spoke a different language at the same time each nation only heard their own language without confusion.  If this is your interpretation, I see nothing wrong with it either. Feel free to interpret what happen on the day of Pentecost. The mysteries of God have many interpretations by us humans. But blessed are those who did not see or hear and yet believe, and the just shall live by faith (John 20:29, Hebrews. 10:38).

The event caused many who were gathered to be perplexed as to what had happened. But Brother Peter, one of the Apostles explained it all to them. Afterward he impressed upon them to repent, and get baptized in the name of Jesus Christ so that their sins may be forgiven; and they will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. In line with Peter’s explanation or witness to the people, we see that Peter invited the people to get baptized in Jesus’ baptism and receive forgiveness of sin, and they will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  So, we see here that the gift of the Holy Spirit is received only in Jesus’ baptism. But Jesus’ baptism is not by water it is by the Spirit. Therefore, the idea of speaking in tongues coming up from the waters of our baptism does not seem in order. It does seem however, that Jesus’ baptism is a sanctifying process. To be sanctified is to be set apart, to dedicate one’s life to the service of God. The disciples were baptized in John’s baptism, which is by water. They were then set apart or sanctified for God’s service, and after that they were baptized in Jesus’ baptism with the Holy Spirit and Fire.  So, this was a sanctifying process. This is not to say a believer cannot speak in tongues coming up out of the water since God can do anything and all things, but seeking to give an accurate account of Scriptures to new believers may save them from disappointments and discouragements.

Peter also told the perplexed believers present at Pentecost that the promise of ‘baptism’ is also for their children and those far away (Acts 2:38-40). Peter affirms to the hearers at Pentecost,

“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off-- for all whom the Lord our God will call (Acts 2:38-41).

These words spoken by Peter lay to rest any skepticisms of baptizing children.Contrary to what a majority of Christians believe, the promise of baptism is given for all children also, and the Apostle Peter declared it on the day of Pentecost. We may well give heed to 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “ All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.” Why would God bless grown-ups with the promise of baptism and exclude children? This is not the nature of God. The promise of baptism is given to all people and children are people too. Baptism is the ‘means of grace’ through which the Holy Spirit comes to us. Which is why Peter declared, “Repent and be baptized. . . And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”  And children are participants of this wonderful means of grace through which the Holy Spirit comes to them. After all children are people too. John declared, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” This promise is for children too, all children. If we as believers, believe that children including babies cannot believe in Jesus Christ for themselves, then we must believe for them and nurture them into the promise of their Baptism. This is what it means to bring the children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4.

I have heard people say that children are not able to understand sin and confess. So they must wait until they do, in order to get baptized. Then we do not believe the Bible that the promise of baptism is for children too, all children. Therefore, we do not believe in the mystery of God. We are saying this wonderful means of grace that God has given to all people, which must include children, the children are hereby excluded, simply because we do not understand the great mystery of God. We think the children cannot ask forgiveness for themselves so they are not forgiven? Or do we think there is no sin in children to be forgiven? David declared in Psalm 51:5:
NRS, “Indeed, I was born guilty, a sinner when my mother conceived me.”

NIV, “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.”

KJV, “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.”

Baptism is for the forgiveness of sin and for receiving the kingdom of heaven, which is the shalom -, the peace of God in Christ Jesus. We are sinful from birth. Therefore, why would anyone deprive a child from this promise unless there is a lack of knowledge? Hosea declared God’s Word saying, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge . . .” (Hosea 4:6). The same benefit we received from our baptism as adults is the same benefit our children are promised through Jesus Christ. If we believe that we are the ones issuing God’s grace then God’s grace will be limited to us and our children. So, since we have no control over God’s grace, let us agree with Peter on this one also, that children are entitled to the promise of baptism. 

When John the Baptist attempted refusal to baptize Jesus, Jesus shut up the loop-hole where there could have been one. But Jesus saved the day when he declared to John that his baptism must take place to fulfill all righteousness (Matt. 3:15). Because of that we have all the elements of baptism in Jesus’ baptism. He had to fulfill in himself all righteousness, and secured all the elements of baptism by water and by the Holy Spirit and Fire. Thus decreasing John’s name and proclaiming the name of Jesus. John also declared, “I must decrease and Jesus must increase.” This made it possible for Peter to declare a baptism in Jesus. Our baptism is fulfilled in Jesus Christ who is seated at the right hand of the Father in the Trinity.

After Jesus’ resurrection all authority was given back to him. So as he sends his disciples with the Gospel he tells them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18).  Jesus would have the final say as to how a convert would be baptized. John 13:16 tells us that the servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.” Jesus has the final word, not Peter. 
The peace of the Lord be with you. Amen.

The Breaker-down of Barriers

John 4:5-42                              SERMON

Sermon Title:  Jesus the breaker down of barriers

By: Pastor Salome Pathak

Jesus’ mission was to break down barriers, to take down barriers between people; whether it be spiritual, cultural or ethnic barriers. We still have some of those same barriers today. And Jesus came to break them down, and to set up the reign of God – the shalom of God in Christ Jesus. [Shalom means peace. The reign of God is God active in community, here now - Emanuel - God through Jesus Christ with us now] He seeks to bring about the wellness – the wholeness of broken people. His aim is to bring peace, shalom to lives, ravaged by sin, brokenness, worries, and sicknesses in a way that no other Rabi can.

The preceding verses in this Gospel, indicates to us that it could have been an argument from some religious leaders in Jesus’ day about why was Jesus making and baptizing more disciples than John that caused Jesus to leave Judea, and go to Galilee. I believe Jesus loved being in Galilee because the people of Galilee were receptive to him. It was packed with people who did not know the rules of the law. And even if they did I don’t think it mattered to them. This made them receptive to Jesus. And I think Jesus like that very much. The Galileans wanted to hear what Jesus had to say to them. So I could understand how when Jesus got tired of listening to the squabbles among the religious leaders, he would want to escape to a place that was more receptive to the Gospel.

But there was one problem getting to Galilee. Jews and Samaritans did not mix. So, whenever Rabbis or priests were going to Galilee they would take a journey around Samaria, just so that they could avoid having an encounter with Samaritans. It would take them (6) days to get to Galilee, whereas, if they were to go through Samaria it would only take them 3 days. But Jesus was about mission, he was about reaching out to people, not just the Jews, but to all kinds of people - hurting people, broken people, sick people, rich people and poor people. Jesus was a missional Rabi, a missional priest! He was and is the breaker-down of barriers. And I believe Jesus had every intention to go through Samaria on his way to Galilee. And no doubt it was a refreshing change for him. I believe that Jesus knew that when he made the decision to go through Samaria, something beautiful would happen there.

On the road to Galilee just before getting to Sychar the road to Samaria branches off into a fork. And right at that fork lays Jacob’s well – still there today

Jesus was tired out from his journey and he sat down near the well to get some rest, while his disciples went into the city to buy some food. It was unnatural for any Jewish person or persons to be seen in the city of Samaria even to buy food. But Jesus’ disciples went go get food in the city of Samaria. Something happened to change that. They were in the company of the breaker-down of barriers! Jesus had changed his disciples’ way of thinking.

There was an aged old quarrel between Jews and Samaritans and Jesus’ mission was to break down that barrier. This quarrel started when the Assyrians invaded the northern kingdom of Samaria, captured it, conquered it, and transported most of its people to a place  called Media (2 Kings 17:6). The Assyrians brought in other people from Babylon and from other places, to Samaria. The remaining Samaritans began to intermarry. So the Jews believed that the Samaritans had committed an unforgivable crime. To the Jews the Samaritans had lost their racial purity.

Not so long ago, in the United States and other parts of the world, people were captured and forced to become slaves to others.  And the stain and stigma of slavery still haunt many of God’s precious people to this very day.   They are still being oppressed by the idea that they were slaves, by the mere color of their skin and by their country of origin. It was through no fault of their own, and yet to this day they are being stereotyped and discriminated against even in the churches.

      But the breaker-down of barriers was not and is not about race or racial purity.  He was not and is not about the religious Jews or Samaritans. And today He is not about whether we are black, white, Hispanics, Muslims, Christians or other. No, no! Jesus was and is about people, he is about community. Jesus was and is a missional Jesus and Messiah - one who brought salvation to the human race. One who reaches out the bowed down, to the one who is hurting, to the one who has an issue.  And he trained his disciples to be missional disciples, to be about the mission of binding up wounds and touching lives in a positive way. He trained his disciples to follow His example and to go into all the world and become breakers-down of barriers. They were not just to stay in their own little circle of believers, or in their own little community, but to go into all the world and care for all people. Jesus calls us to go into all the world and care for those who are different from us, care for those who speak a language that is different from ours, and to proclaim to them the Gospel of Christ – the good news of repentance and baptism.  And Jesus has promised to be with us always, even to the end of the age.

 THE DIALOGUE:

      The Gospel tells us today that while Jesus was sitting by the well at Sychar a

Woman came there to draw water. Jesus asked the woman to draw him some water from the well so he could drink. The woman was puzzled, so she asked Jesus ‘I am a Samaritan and you are a Jew’ and yet you ask me for a drink?   

Perhaps it was one of the few times in this woman’s life that she found someone with whom she could talk. To her Jesus seemed sympathetic, warm and inviting. She could see kindness in his eyes. She saw in Jesus someone who did not feel himself to be superior or critical of her. And she did not feel condemned by Jesus but instead she felt understood. She felt as though she had met a friend.  

The woman’s long walk to the well at Sychar was not in vain. She met a Rabi friend who was the breaker- down of barriers. One who would break down the barrier between her and those in her community who were critical of her.

When Jesus tells the woman, “I will give you living water and when you drink it you will never be thirsty. It will become in you a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.” In her narrow thinking, she asked Jesus, Sir, give me this water that I may never be thirsty. As if to say - I don’t want to have to come all this way to Sychar to draw water and I can’t go to the well in my village, because I am considered to be the moral outcast.  So, not having to become thirsty ever again – would be perfect for me! But Jesus, the breaker-down of barriers, would not quit until the woman came face to face with truth. Jesus asked her to fetch her husband and come back with him. And suddenly she caught sight of herself. She was compelled to come face to face with herself and the inadequacy of her life. So are we today, when Jesus comes to us, we come face to face with our own inadequacy.

We see also in the previous chapter of John’s Gospel, how Necodemus, a leader of the Jews, he also came face to face with Jesus, when he came to Jesus by night to find out how he can receive salvation. But he was ashamed to be seen in public with the breaker-down of religious barriers, Jesus the Christ. And when he met up with Jesus, Jesus had to chip away at his way of thinking until he came face to face with the inadequacies of his life. Yes, when we meet up with Jesus we come face to face with our inadequacies. We realize that we are helpless to help ourselves, we are helpless to save ourselves, and we must throw ourselves in the arms of the breaker-down of our barriers. We must come into the presence of God, with a broken spirit.  And like David we need to cry out, “Create in me a clean heart O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit. (Psalm 51). 

The breaker-down of barriers did not take sides with Samaritans or Jews. He always seek to restore the outcast and the ostracized to community, to lift up the bowed down, and walk in solidarity with those who are oppressed.

Jesus ignored an ancient cultural feud just to save the woman at the well. He touched her life in a way that she was never the same again.  When Jesus touched her life, she forgot that she was ostracized or an outcast from community. With the joy of being set free, she ran back to her community and told them about Jesus. She invited them to come to Jesus the Messiah who changed her life. They did come to Jesus and their lives were changed.

What Jesus did for the woman at the well, he did for the woman’s oppressors. The breaker-down of barriers, lifted up the woman’s head, put a spring in her steps and joy in her heart. What Jesus has done for her he can do for us if we come to him and put our trust in him. Amen.

  

  

Share with me your belief on Baptism

QUESTION: The Bible is clear on Baptism; however, there are quite a few different interpretations on Baptism out there. I would love it if you would share with me your belief or interpretation about baptism?  

 The disciples were baptized with water for repentance. But in order for them to become fearless, and bold they need Jesus’ baptism – they need Jesus to baptize them with the Holy Spirit and fire. The disciples, in their fears, doubt, and feeling of hopelessness, Jesus comforted them with ‘peace.’ Then he breathed on them and told them to receive the Holy Spirit.

I believe that Jesus breathed on them the resurrection power, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. The disciples were spiritually dead and in hiding. They were crippled by the fear of losing their lives, and the fear of ever being able to preach Christ again. The resurrection power of Christ Jesus breathed new life into them and raised the church up from death to life in the risen Christ.

THE HOLY SPIRIT

QUESTION IS: Can the church function effectively without the Holy Spirit?

The church cannot function effectively without the Holy Spirit. The church, however, can function without the Fire of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit existed from the beginning. God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit were from the beginning. Hence, the church always has the Holy Spirit. The church is not a building; it is a body of believers who trust in the risen Christ. The Early Church was follower of Jesus Christ, and the church today will continue to follow Christ to the end of the age.
John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus’ ministry. John preached the Good News, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” I have heard some said that John the Baptist did not preach good news. Yes, John preached the Good News! Luke refers to John’s preaching as the Good News (Luke 3:18). The Good News is a call to repent, to turn from selfish desires and turn to God, get baptize, and receive the kingdom of heaven, the reign of God in Christ in Jesus.

John the Baptist preached repentance and baptism before Jesus’ arrival for ministry, Jesus preached repentance and baptism after John, and the disciples preached repentance and baptism after Jesus.
A call to repent, baptize, and receive Jesus in the preacher’s proclamation is not bad news; on the contrary it is “Good News.”

Where does the church stands today on preaching the good news of repentance, baptism and receiving Jesus Christ?

When John the Baptist called people to repent, the Holy Spirit propelled them to repent and drew them to John to be baptized. I imagine John baptized thousands of people in his day! Perhaps the reason we are not baptizing thousands today it is because we are no longer preaching the good news of repentance and baptism and receiving Jesus - the kingdom of heaven – the reign of God in Christ.

What is the difference between John’s baptism and Jesus’ baptism?

John made it clear that he baptizes with water for repentance, but Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. (Matthew 3:11). Well, that tells us something about the degree of the work of the Holy Spirit in John’s ministry, and the work of the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ ministry. John’s baptism propels the people to repent – to turn from the ways of sin, turn to God, get baptized and receive the kingdom of heaven that was about to arrive on the scene in Jesus Christ. Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit and fire, and his baptism empowers or removes fear and gives the believer boldness to be Christ’s witness through the world.

Jesus himself was baptized by John in order to fulfill all righteousness (Matt. 3:15). Righteous is to be in right standing with God the Father, it is to stand on God’s side – the side of truth. Righteousness is faith in Jesus Christ; it is putting complete faith and trust in God the Father through Jesus Christ our Lord and savior. And Jesus would fulfill all righteousness by baptizing the disciples with the Holy Spirit and fire. At Jesus’ baptism, when he came up out of the waters of his baptism, the heavens were opened and the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighted on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased. (Matthew 3:16 - 4:1).

Present at Jesus’ baptism was the mystery of the Trinity, the one God in three persons, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. In Jesus is God the Son, in the voice which spoke out of the heavens is God the Father, and the Dove, which alighted on Jesus, is the Holy Spirit and fire. We use symbols for the Holy Spirit as Dove or Fire. I believe Jesus at his baptism received the Holy Spirit and Fire. I believe Jesus was empowered by the Holy Spirit and Fire at his baptism to carry out His ministry all the way to the cross, to his death burial and resurrection, and all the way to his ascension.

Jesus launched his ministry in Galilee after his baptism, and after he returned from the wilderness where he overcame Satan’s temptation. Thus, Jesus fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy, “The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.” Jesus began to preach the same message that John preached, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Jesus, the light of the world has come to people, to draw them out of their darkness into light. Jesus, the kingdom of heaven has come; the reign of God in Christ Jesus, the shalom of God in Christ, has come to Galilee of the Gentiles. And Jesus would reach out to broken people. In Jesus’ ministry the blind received their sight, the lame walked, the lepers were cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead were raised, and the poor received the good news. Jesus was bold! He was on fire for ministry, empowered by the Holy Spirit and Fire to heal sick people, to boldly walk up to fisher men mending their nets on the shores of Galilee and say to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” How bold is that! When the Holy Spirit and Fire come upon or empowers the believer there is boldness and fearlessness to proclaim truthfully the Gospel of Christ – the Good News.

Jesus gathered twelve believers as his inner circle of disciples. He taught them the Word for three years, and in those three years they still did not understand much of what Jesus had to say to them. At times it was amazing how dense or thick headed the disciples were when it came to understanding Jesus. Once Jesus asked his disciples who do they think he really is? And Jesus told Peter that his answer came from the Father in heaven. Peter was finally getting it! Jesus was so excited that he tells Peter, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven.” It was only moments after that Peter began to reprimand Jesus for telling the disciples that he would suffer and be killed in Jerusalem and on the third day be raised from the dead. Instead of trying to understand what Jesus had said and respond with concern and compassion, Peter rebuked Jesus. Jesus, in turn responded to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.” 

The church today faces the same problem when it comes to listening to the Holy Spirit. Anyone who listens to the Holy Spirit’s leading is considered to have stepped out of line with the church and be reprimanded. Believers are afraid to pray a decent prayer to God for the sick and dare to believe God for healing. Jesus dares to set free, people who were held captive by sin. His ministry would take him on a journey that only the Fire of the Holy Spirit can withstand.  

When Jesus was taken away to be crucified, his inner circle of disciples abandoned him. They literally went in hidings! Peter who told Jesus’ “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God,” disassociated himself from Jesus out of fear for his life. It was not until after the resurrection when Jesus entered the room where they were hiding, and breathed on them to receive the Holy Spirit that they came out from behind locked doors. St. John tells us, “it was the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”  When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” (John 20:22).

After Jesus’ resurrection he breathed on his disciples and sent them out from behind closed doors.

The disciples were baptized with water for repentance. But in order for them to become fearless, and bold they need Jesus’ baptism – they need Jesus to baptize them with the Holy Spirit and fire. The disciples, in their fears, doubt, and feeling of hopelessness, Jesus comforted them with ‘peace.’ Then he breathed on them and told them to receive the Holy Spirit.

I believe that Jesus breathed on them the resurrection power, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. The disciples were spiritually dead and in hiding. They were crippled by the fear of losing their lives, and the fear of ever being able to preach Christ again. The resurrection power of Christ Jesus breathed new life into them and raised the church up from death to life in the risen Christ.

Were the disciples fully empowered for ministry after Jesus breathed on them to receive the Holy Spirit?

I think they still needed to be baptized with the Holy Spirit Fire! The Fire of the Holy Spirit would empower the disciples to be bold and fearless to go into all the world and preach the Gospel of Christ. It would make them fearless to preach the Gospel even in the face of death. The church today needs the Holy Spirit Fire if it is going to raise up new missions, start new congregations, heal the sick, do justice, and preach the Gospel in a way that will change lives.

Were the disciples fully empowered for ministry on the day of Pentecost?

I believe that the full empowerment of the disciples was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost. And after that they were fully empowered to take the gospel to the ends of the earth. Luke tells us that Jesus ordered his disciples not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father. He told them that they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them and they will be his witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Act 1).

Whether we want to believe it or not, God had to finish the work of the Holy Spirit in the disciples. God also finished the work in Jesus Christ, which led him from his birth to his ministry, from his ministry to the cross until He said, “It is finished.” The ‘work’ in Jesus led him from the cross to the grave and from the grave to the victory of the resurrection. The same is true today, just like the disciples, God, through Jesus Christ must finish in us the work of the Holy Spirit.  As believers, we need to cry out to God in repentance, as David did, “[Forgive me of my sins], do not take your Holy Spirit from me -- and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:9-10). We need to cry out, “Baptize me Oh God, with the Fire of the Holy Spirit.”

The second infilling of the Holy Spirit was with the Holy Spirit Fire on the day of Pentecost. This was after Jesus’ ascension.  Luke tells in (Acts 2), “When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.  Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.”

There were about fifteen different nations of people present, and each heard the disciples spoke to them in language they knew. Some people today interpret this to mean a heavenly language in which all the disciples spoke one language and God mysteriously allowed each nation to hear the spoken word in their own language. Some believe that the disciples spoke different languages and the Holy Spirit mysteriously allows those present to hear their own language without confusion. The mysteries of God have many interpretations by us humans. But blessed are those who did not see or hear and yet believe, and the just shall live by faith (John 20:29, Hebrews. 10:38).

The infilling of the Holy Spirit and Fire was complete at Pentecost and the disciples were empowered and ready to boldly, and fearlessly preach the gospel throughout the world.

Once Paul the Apostle was passing through Ephesus and found some of Jesus’ disciples. He asked them whether they received the Holy Spirit when they became believers. They told Paul that they had not even heard of the Holy Spirit. Paul then asked them, into what were they baptized. And they answered, “Into John’s baptism.” Then Paul explained to them that “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus.” Upon hearing this they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, when Paul laid his hands on them, and the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied (Acts 19:6).  

We know that these disciples were already baptized with water for repentance and they themselves gave witness to that. However, they needed to be baptized in the name of the Lord. They needed to be baptized with Jesus’ baptism, which is the Holy Spirit and Fire. So, Paul the Apostle who himself was baptized with Jesus’ baptism – with the Holy Spirit and Fire, laid hands on the believers at Ephesus and they were baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Please follow my blog and make your comments on what you have read. Please let me hear your interpretations and discussions. The peace of the Lord be with you. Amen.

THE HOLY SPIRIT

THE HOLY SPIRIT:

The Holy Spirit is and was from the beginning and was present when God created the heavens and the earth. In the very beginning the earth was formless, empty and covered with darkness. The Holy Spirit hovers over the waters of the earth. It was with the hovering of the Holy Spirit that God created the light, separated the light from the darkness to create day and night or evening and morning and so on (Genesis 1). From the beginning there was the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was present on earth in nature, and in communities, at Jesus’ birth, during his life and ministry, and notably, after his resurrection. The Holy Spirit is God’s presence in community.

The Hebrew word ruach is the English word “Spirit.”
The Greek word ‘pneuma’ means ‘wind’ or ‘breath.’ Pneuma denotes life or life-giving.

Look at the trees on a front lawn, on a hiking expedition, or on a nature trail. On that front lawn, hiking expedition or nature trail all the trees stand still as though there is no life at all in them. Their leaves are green and beautiful and they are standing strong and tall in the air; the shrubs underneath them are motionless, and both trees and shrubs are standing as though there is not a single sign of life in them. Is the Holy Spirit present in this scene? Absolutely! The ‘ruach’ Spirit was present when the earth was formless, empty and dark without a sign of life. For the trees and shrubs to show signs of life they need the ‘pneuma’ spirit or the ‘pneuma’ wind to blow upon them. The Greek word ‘pneuma’ is ‘wind’ or ‘breath.’ The Pneuma wind is life giving. It gives evidence of life – movement to the trees and shrubs – to nature and to the whole creation.

In the Old Testament, David knew something of the Holy Spirit. In his sinfulness, he realized that he was helpless to stop his sinning without the help of the Holy Spirit. He knew that in order for him to have a pure heart and a right spirit it had to be the work of the Holy Spirit. But David also knew that he needed to ask or welcome the Holy Spirit in his worship and in his prayer life. In other words, he needed to allow the Holy Spirit free reign in his existence. David came to the conclusion that he could do nothing worthwhile and lasting without the help of the Holy Spirit. He understood that sin was his master unless he invites the Holy Spirit to come and help him. He knew that having a right relationship with God is to permit himself to be in God’s presence and in the presence of the Holy Spirit. Knowing this, David humbled himself and cried out to God in repentance saying, “Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”

David asked God to forgive him of sin, to change the condition of his heart, and place within him the Holy Spirit who is unwavering and committed.

In our own strength we cannot stop sinning – making mistakes. We cannot by our own strength stop sinful behavior. We need to accept the help of the Holy Spirit to draw us to Jesus through the Gospel through whom the Holy Spirit abundantly forgives our sins.

I concur with Luther in his ‘Small Catechism’ which states: “I believe that by my own understanding or strength I cannot believe in Jesus Christ my Lord or come to him. But instead the Holy Spirit has called me through the gospel, Enlightened me with his gifts, make me holy, and kept me in the true faith. . . Daily in this Christian church the Holy Spirit abundantly forgives all sins . . .”

THE QUESTION IS: Can the church function without the Holy Spirit?

The essence of the ‘Gospel’ is ‘salvation’ and the essence of ‘salvation’ is the work of the Holy Spirit

The essence of the ‘Gospel’ is ‘salvation’ and the essence of ‘salvation’ is the work of the Holy Spirit. “God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, as you sent upon the disciples, the promised gift of the Holy Spirit, look upon your Church and open our hearts to the power of the Spirit. Kindle in us the fire of your love, and strengthen our lives for service in your kingdom; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”

What is the Gospel?
The Greek word Euangelion, is translated in English meaning “good news” in the New Testament (NT). Jesus preached the good news that the kingdom of God is at hand (Mark 1) and in Luke 7, he sends message to John the Baptist in prison that the poor have the good news preached to them. Paul the Apostle, in Romans 1, preached the good news of what God has done on behalf of humanity in Christ. In Mark 16, Jesus affirms his disciples, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.”
The Gospel is the Good News and the essence of the Gospel is ‘salvation’

What is salvation?
Salvation is “Deliverance from the power or penalty of sin.” Or, to be delivered, rescued or saved from something that is not good for our wellbeing or for our relationship with God.
Harper Collins Bible Dictionary, states that the word salvation has its root in God’s divine help, especially when we are faced with adversity. It is at that time God, comes in and rescues and delivers us from perils. Salvation also includes deliverance from other forms of conflict, especially when it relates to people’s relationship with God. So the Gospel is preached to bring salvation or deliverance to the hearers who believe the preached Word. The Gospel of Mark 16 tells us, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.”

In Romans 1, Paul testifies to the Romans, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.”

The essence of the ‘Gospel’ is ‘salvation’ and the essence of ‘salvation’ is the work of the Holy Spirit.

Who is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is the mysterious power or presence of God in nature or with individuals and in communities. The Holy Spirit inspires, empowers individuals and communities with ability that would not be possible otherwise (HarperCollins Bible Dictionary).
The Hebrew word ruach, is translation in English as “Spirit.” The Greek word pneuma, is translated in English as “wind” or “breath”. Pneuma denotes life or life-giving.

In the Old Testament (OT) the Holy Spirit creates as in Genesis 1 and 2.
The Holy Spirit is a source of inspiration and power.
The Holy Spirit inspires God’s revelation and activity in communities of people. This is evidenced by the prophets of old whom the Holy Spirit gave authority and power to act and speak with authority.
The Holy Spirit is God’s presence in community.

In the NT God, empowers Jesus with the Holy Spirit as Messiah in Matt. 3 & 12, Mark 1 and Luke 3 & 4. In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit empowers the church for mission.
Luke tells us in the Book of Acts 1:4, how when Jesus was eating with the Apostles he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about, for John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
In Acts 1:8 Jesus tells his disciples, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Jesus knew that the disciples had to be empowered by the Holy Spirit in order to be bold witnesses for Christ and in order to carry out the Great Commission of the church.
Luke witnessed in Acts 2:1-11, “When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. Utterly amazed, they asked: “Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs-- we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” (Verse 47) affirms how the Lord added to the church in number daily those who were being saved.

THE QUESTION IS: Can the church function without the Holy Spirit?