A Day in the Life... The Baptism of Jesus

Some of the best things that occur in our lives are a result of many years of effort and hard work – not everything is “quick and easy!”

 

The larger or more important or difficult the task, the greater the need for thought and preparation, and a clear process for completion.  It is the same for everyone – even the way in which God has worked to save us all!

 

This is what we read about today:  Mark 1:1-11

 

Jesus’ baptism finalized God’s preparations to save humanity

God had worked for many thousands of years to prepare everything by teaching, influencing, and making people aware of what He was about to do.  And when the time was right, God acted to bring about the life and ministry of Jesus:

 

Steps in God’s Preparations for Salvation

1) The “first” Gospel (Genesis 3:15)

2) Jewish practices (Galatians 3:24)

3) Prophetic Messages (Isaiah 53:4-5)

4) John the Baptist, and Jesus’ arrival (Mark 1:2, 7-8)

 

So the baptism of Jesus is not only the beginning of Jesus’ ministry - it is the end of God’s centuries-long preparations to bring salvation to man!  Jesus would follow God’s plan, and ultimately do God’s will as he gave his life on the cross.

            

The history of our salvation began in eternity past, when God began preparations to bring about the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.  Jesus brief ministry - which began with His baptism, is the fulfillment of all of God’s preparations!

 

The “kingdom of God” is not an actual place so much as it is a life lived in submission to the leadership of the Heavenly Father.  Jesus said it like this, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand,” (Matthew 3:2, 10:7).  Later he explained, “The Kingdom of Heaven is within you.”  (Luke 17:21)  The “Kingdom of Heaven,” is the experience of a life of faith, lived in a relationship with the God who saves you!

  

The very act of Jesus’ baptism shows us the way of salvation:

• Repent of your sin
• A Public Profession
• Receive the Holy Spirit

 

Jesus’ baptism was an act of faith, and a major turning point in his life.  His actions show us the way of life in him!

“The righteousness based on faith speaks thus. . . if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.” 

                                                                                                                                    Romans 10:6, 9-10

 

We'd love to have you join us every Sunday at 500 West Truman Road in Independence. Sunday School starts at 9:00AM, Fellowship at 10:00, and Sunday Service at 10:30.

 

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