Life after Baptism

John the Baptist was a unique prophet with a powerful calling. As the son of a Levite priest, he was expected to serve in the Temple, yet God led him to the wilderness instead. He exchanged the priestly robes for camel hair, the comforts of Temple life for the rugged desert, and a rich diet for locusts and honey. His message, however, was direct and transformative: "Repent of your sins, seek God's forgiveness, be baptized, and live a holy life." What made John's message radical was not its content, but his call for both Jews and Gentiles to undergo baptism—an act traditionally reserved for Gentile converts. His ministry attracted tax collectors, soldiers, and common people, all seeking a deeper connection with God outside the Temple system.

John's preaching stirred excitement and controversy, as people found salvation and transformation outside the religious establishment. His fiery words, calling for true repentance and righteous living, resonated with those who longed for spiritual renewal. Even those in power took notice, and John's fearless rebuke of Herod ultimately led to his imprisonment. Yet, his mission was clear: to prepare the way for the Messiah. And then, in a defining moment, Jesus Himself stepped into the Jordan River to be baptized, not because He needed repentance, but to identify with humanity and affirm John's ministry. As He emerged from the water, the heavens opened, the Holy Spirit descended like a dove, and God's voice declared, "You are my Son, whom I love; with you, I am well pleased."

Luke highlights three significant moments following Jesus' baptism. First, Jesus immediately prays, demonstrating the essential role of prayer in His life and mission. Throughout His ministry, He consistently sought communion with the Father, modeling for us the necessity of prayer in every decision and challenge. As disciples of Christ, we too must embrace prayer as a foundational practice, seeking God's guidance in all aspects of life.

Secondly, Luke presents the image of the Holy Spirit descending as a dove, symbolizing grace and new beginnings. Just as Noah's dove signified a fresh start after the flood, Jesus' baptism marked the dawn of a new era—one where humanity could experience true redemption. Finally, through baptism, Jesus not only affirmed John's work but also inaugurated His mission to bring salvation to all. His baptism foreshadowed His ultimate sacrifice, where through the cross, repentance, forgiveness, and new life would be made available to all who believe. Today, we are called to follow His example—embracing repentance, seeking God's presence in prayer, and walking in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Spiritual Growth - It’s Elementary, My Dear Friends

You ever notice how some people grow older but never really grow up? We see it all the time in life—folks who've been around for years but never really matured. Turns out, the same thing can happen in our spiritual lives. That's exactly what the writer of Hebrews was calling out in chapter 5, telling the believers, "You ought to be teachers by now, but you still need milk instead of solid food." Ouch! But it's a good reminder for us, too. It's easy to get comfortable, but God calls us to grow. Hebrews 6:1-3 tells us to move beyond the basics and press on to maturity. So, let's take a look at six "elementary" truths that form the foundation of our faith—because before we can grow up, we've got to get the basics right.

The first two truths go hand in hand: repentance and faith. These are the starting line of our relationship with God. Repentance means changing our minds and hearts, turning away from sin, and turning toward Jesus. But repentance alone isn't enough—we need faith. And not just a vague belief that God exists, but real, active trust in Him. Some folks think their good deeds will outweigh the bad on some sort of heavenly scale, but Scripture is clear: we are saved by grace through faith, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Trusting in Jesus is like sitting in a chair—you don't just believe it can hold you; you actually sit down and put your full weight on it.

Next, we've got baptism and the laying on of hands, which highlight our responsibility within the church. Baptism is that outward declaration that we belong to Jesus, just like the early believers who were baptized as soon as they put their faith in Christ. Then there's the laying on of hands—something we see throughout Scripture as a way of commissioning, blessing, and praying for others. It's a reminder that we don't do this faith thing alone. We need each other, and we need prayer. If Jesus laid hands on people and prayed, we probably ought to do the same.

Finally, we come to the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment—truths that remind us to keep our eyes on eternity. Because of Jesus, we don't just die and disappear. One day, we'll receive glorified bodies, free from aches, pains, and bad knees (some of us are looking forward to that more than others!). But there's also the reality of judgment—one for believers, where we give an account of how we lived for Christ, and one for those who rejected Him. It's not something we like to talk about, but it's truth. So, what's the takeaway? It's elementary, my dear friends. If we want to grow spiritually, we've got to start with these foundational truths and build on them every day—learning, trusting, and walking with Jesus.