Wednesday, September 29, 2010

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Baptism / Hope / Jesus / Love

Should I be baptized?

September 29th, 2010 at 11:21am by Josh Burcham

The short answer… Yes.

But you wouldn’t of clicked on this post if you where just looking for the short answer. I grab this post, because God used baptism to change my look on life. Let me explain.

Up until a couple of years ago baptism was just baptism. It was just something that you were supposed to do as a Believer. But as I read through the tenth chapter of Mark, God rocked my world with some ridiculous truth.

James and John approached Jesus and asked to have to honor of sitting at the right and left of Christ:

“You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with? We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.” Mark 10:38-40

“Baptized with the baptism I am baptized with…” Do you realize what He just said? Let me share a little truth about the weight of that statement. Matthew 3:13-17 is the account of Jesus’ baptism by John the baptist. Verse 16 and 17 give us a small glimpse into what it means for us to share in His baptism. “As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

As Christ-Followers are baptized, it’s not only a public statement of their faith, its an experience with their creator. Jesus is telling us that as we come out of the water the heavens open! The spirit of God (Holy Spirit) descend on us! But that’s not all, yeah we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit which is absolutely nuts to think about, but a voice from heaven speaks: “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” The Creator of this universe announces to the heavens and the earth that we are His child! That he LOVES us! And is pleased with us!

I don’t know about you, but how amazing is that to think about. Makes me want to go be baptized again!

Author: Josh Burcham

Josh is a pastor with a heart for people to meet Jesus. He has worked for innovative churches and companies like Apple and GoDaddy.com. His passions are found in leadership, vision, ministry structure and anything creative. Follow him on Twitter, or befriend on Facebook.

Other posts by Josh Burcham