Sunday, March 20, 2016

Hutterite Baptism. Week 5 - Faith

Dear children, the act of baptism that lies before you requires Faith and Godly submission. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 Faith in God brings fulfilled hope and eternal life. All who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12

 We can take for example Mary the mother of Jesus. When the angel of the Lord appeared and told her of what was to come, what did she reply? Namely; Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. Luke 1:38. Now children, look at the Godly submission, at the faith, love and hope that lay in Mary's heart. Had she not believed and hoped in the promised Messiah, she would not have borne Him.  

 And so, dear children, you need faith and belief in God. Where does faith come from? Namely: from the word of God. So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17 

 Through faith and hope in the Messiah Hannah prophesied. Through faith and hope the shepherds went to look for the Baby Jesus on the words of the Angels. Through faith and hope the three wise men started their trek from the east with gifts for this Messiah. And how joyously they received him. 

And so you now are  starting your trek towards this promised Messiah through baptism. It will not be an easy journey and is not for the undecided or faint of heart. It is possible you will endure discipline. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? Hebrews 12:7  It is sure you will have trouble. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33  Apostle Paul advises us to put on the whole armour of God and carry the sword of the Spirit - which is the word of God, and then bravely walk in the light. Hold tight to your baptism vows and God shall hold tight to you.  Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13  For there is an epic battle waging for our souls and there is life at stake, eternal life. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; Ephesians 6

 Read Hebrews Chapter 11 to feel the faith the elders had. Through faith the disciples followed Jesus, leaving behind their families, their ships and nets. Through faith and hope in God the Ethiopian court official asked Philip "What prevents me from being baptized?” And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. Acts 8:26  A genuine example of faith. Mark 16:16 writes: He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 

Baptism is an outward symbol of the new birth. No more shall the old man live in his innate nature with his inborn habits and desires, but live as a changed man,  convinced through the Word and Faith. If faith lives in you then your baptism will have strength and continuance, and the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit will be your leader and ruler. You will recognize that we receive forgiveness and cleansing of our sins through faith in the blood of Jesus Christ, In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace Ephesians 1:7  An unspeakable blessing of love and grace. 


Till next week God bless

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