And he said unto them, go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creatures.
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
And this signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall thay cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
Mark 16; 15-18.
Baptism is the visible testimony of your faith in salvation which Christ offers, commanded by the Lord himself for everyone that believes to become a disciple- a passage and an entrance into the kingdom of God. Jesus commanded it and mandated it for all and sundry, except for the invalid and exceptional circumstances of converted inmates in a death role prison house…. Matthew 28, 18-20. John 3, 1-6.
God commission John the Baptist to baptize for the remission of sins and to prepare the people for the coming Savior which is to baptize with the Holy – Spirit and fire. Matthew 3, 1-11. Jesus water baptism was and is our perfect example of attaining the age of accountability for an eligible and acceptable water baptism of repentance. Though our Lord was born sinless, yet, for bearing our sins to fulfill all righteousness, he needed to humble himself in obedience to God’s requirement of baptism as an example for all conscious sinners to follow in his footstep. Matthew 3, 13-17.
Baptism was the Pentecost day central message preached by Peter surrounding the birth, life, death and resurrection of Christ crucified for the remission of sins and admittance into the body of Christ, the church. Acts 2, 37-41.
It was the aftermath effect and impact of evangelist Philip sermon as the Samaritans believed his preaching concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, were baptized, both men and women (note the exclusion of infants) at Samaria- Acts 8, 9-13.
Condition for baptism is repentance and attaining the age of accountability to know right from wrong. Jesus our Lord Himself was taken to the temple for dedication and not baptism at birth. He was a typical example to follow as he willing submitted to be baptized at the age of thirty. There is nothing like a child baptism in the bible like some churches claims and practices. Whatsoever we’re practicing unscriptural is not acceptable to God.
Repentance – turning away from all known sins in your life to embrace Christ righteousness and to be buried with Jesus in the likeness of His death. Making the wrong right and reconciling with people we are not at peace with before or after we got baptized is very important as to seek peace with all, without which no man shall see God.
This is part of fruit of repentance which must be seen in a genuine convert as he or she starts to live his or life in conformity to the word of God. Luke 3, 8-14.
Like the Ethiopian eunuch, somebody can be baptized on the same day he heard the gospel like if a stream, river or pool is available for immersion Acts 8, 35-39.
Sinners’ genuine repentance must follow by baptism of water and of the Holy-Spirit. It doesn’t matter if one is first baptized by water baptism and later seek for Spirit baptism or vice versa. Both baptisms is important as Peter exclaimed at Cornelius house when they were initially baptized in the Holy- spirit…can any forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which has received the Holy Ghost as we well as we? Acts 10; 44-48.
There is one baptism as some sensual and carnal having not the Spirit would argue. Jude 19.
Yes, it is two in one or one in two. Jesus said, except you are born (baptized) of water and of spirit, you cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
We should not be like the disciples at Ephesus satisfied to live a powerless life, depriving themselves of the essential and the supernatural by ignorance or negligence of the written word…to them apostle Paul asked, have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed? And they said unto him, we have not so much heard (not well taught by their pastors) whether there be any Holy Ghost. These brethren were only baptized at conversion by immersion and were living a dry, non-fruitful and powerless Christian life.
Then the apostle took his time to explain to them on the importance and the necessity of the two in one or one in two baptism by water and Spirit….and when they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they (emphasized all) spoke with tongues and prophesied. Acts 19; 1-7.
The baptism of the Holy Spirit was so essential that Peter has to be sent to Samaria to pray for them which believed and were baptized by water, but have not received the Holy –Ghost. Not all the men of God are filled and anointed to pray for people to be baptized in the Holy-Ghost. Some churches practices tarry or waiting meetings where they assembled and pray purposely for the descent of the Spirit baptism. This is where fellowship with other brethren is important -not forsaking the assembling of ourselves as the habit of some is…
The only method of baptism is by immersion.
The word baptism, signify to immerse, to bury or put into or under water. Baptism is not to spray or sprinkle water on somebody head or body, neither is it to bath in the river with soap and sponge. Biblical method of baptism is by complete immersion of the believer whole body from the head to sole of his feel in the water in a burial method or form, signifying his burial with Christ in the likeness of His death. Colossians 2,12.
It should be done in pronouncing the name of the Father, Son and the Holy- Spirit in Jesus name as he or she is immersed inside the water. Matthew 28,19. Acts 2,38. Acts 10, 48. Acts 19; 5.
Spiritual and visible Important of water baptism are numerous (1) Baptism unites us into the universal body of Christ. Galatians 3, 26-28. (2) It is to accomplish the will of God in fulfilling all righteousness. Matthew 3;15 (3) It is a declarative act of faith to the enemy that you are no more on their side, neither in their camp as you openly identified with Christ-thus becoming a believer and a disciple as commanded by Christ. Matthew 28, 19. John 8, 30-32.
Discipleship.
When you come into the church as a member in the body of Christ, it is like coming home for the first time as a new born baby from the maternity hospital. Your parents are responsible for your upbringing, training and instilling disciplines to make sure that you become a responsible child and a proud member or representative of the family in the near future in the society.
This is one of the many reasons a believer should be affiliated with a local church for mentorship, where he can be helped, trained by a wise and trusted teacher, spiritually nurture to become strong and mature to become a fruitful believer, good and effective representative of Christ.
In the bible, there are the disciples of the Pharisees. The disciples of John the Baptist. The disciples of Moses. The sons of the prophets are also disciples called and are under training to become good at their prophetic ministries. There are also twelve disciples of Christ as we all know from the scriptures. Note: whatever the dignity of our ministry and spiritual endowment, the titles and offices we occupy in the body of Christ (Church) we are called to be Christ disciples. Except you have nothing to learn from God again to become Omniscience from like the Almighty, then you are free from discipleship, but I know that genuine believers learn daily from the master’s feet. If we are not well disciple, we shall fail in his representation and misrepresentation of Christ is to crucify Christ the second time and bring him to an open shame. You can imagine the scandalous reports and the terrible implications of disgrace acts of betrayal of treasonable crime.
Enrolment and admission into academy to learn under a tutor is the base for any student for preparation into future productive life and occupation. Discipleship is the next level of spiritual life and growth in the heart of God for effective spiritual occupation of soul winning and increasing fruitfulness for every branch (believer) in the vine.
Like beget like and our life cannot bear fruit of righteousness unless we are learning daily from Christ and living by him. If we are bearing fruit without living by Christ (abiding life-to walk like him) we will become like the Pharisees, hypocrites! For they compass sea and land to make one convert, and when he is made, they made him twofold more child of hell than themselves. Matthew 23:15. Have you ever wondered why sincere and serious sinners and unbelievers sees themselves better in many ways than some of the Christians and would not accept their invitation to Christ but rather prefer to remain as they are than to be the type of Christian they are compelling them to be? Because those unconverted sinners did not see any mark of Christ in them but just the cloud and sound of rain without water!
After repentance and conversion from sin, the baptism of water and of the Holy Spirit; discipleship is the next school of Christ for every believer till death to ‘learn daily’ from him who is meek and lowly in heart. Christianity is more than to become a believer in Christ (the demons also believed) without moving forward to become an adherent of Christ teaching and lifestyles (those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Philippians 4:9), that our ways of life should reflect his teachings and lifestyles, seeking and striving by the Spirit of grace to attain to the measure of the fullness of his stature in moral attitudes by cultivating the fruit of his Spirit to help and bring us to maturity and spiritual growth of irreproachable physical representation of our Lord and Christ as his epistle, read and known of all men. ‘A disciple is not above his master, but he that is perfect (fully trained) shall be as his master. Luke 6:40.
This is the demand of God on every believer to be partakers of divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lusts, reflecting the likeness of Christ and creating public awareness of him by walking in the truth and light, to draw the attention of their observers and onlookers, that through their own testimonies, attest that we have been with Christ and we are still with him as we display his beauty, goodness, gentleness, purity and humility with other virtues as the truth is in Christ. ‘And the believers were first called Christians first at Antioch. Acts 4:13. Acts11:26.
We are to learn Jesus from our bible and to practice and live his life through grace of faith we obtained daily from the mercy seat -prayer. We are his disciples indeed when our primary interest and daily efforts are indisputably overt in emulating and practising Christ life, taking his yoke upon us by doing whatsoever he commands you. John 15:14.
Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of Judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. A true disciple knows the true voice of the great Shepherd through his under shepherds. He will not glory neither shall be deceived by appearance, gifts, titles, men’s commendation or flattery words; but by comparing any preaching with the scriptures like the noble and diligent Barean Jewish believers, will seeks for the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. They flee from the wolves that come in sheep clothing, for they did not know his voice, distancing or separating from whatever or whoever does not serve the interest of Christ but seek their own, avoiding a little leaven to leavens the whole lump, so that they might stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
The truth is this- the bridegroom (Jesus) is only coming for the sheep (disciple) of his pasture; and not for the goats in his sheepfold (Acts 9:26) who are mere believers. The good and mighty works in Christ name through the gifts of his Spirit are not sufficient to save us if there are contradictions between how we live and what we say we are. The Lord shall disown many lips service believers and condemned them as workers of iniquity, when he shall stand to judge, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and them that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; when he shall come to be glorified in his saints and to be admired by all them believes. 2 Thessalonians 1:8-10.
Do you believed in Christ Jesus? Do know the gospel and obeying the scriptures by living the gospel life –only let your way of life be as it becomes the gospel of Christ. The scripture is the word of God, which by the gospel preached unto us. Philippians 1:27. 1 Peter 1:25.
Divine objective and purpose of discipleship is for every repentant sinner to advance from the stage of a profess believer to become a full grown and mature Christian (1) growing into Christ fullness and likeness in love, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, charity and other virtues as beloved children of God. John 13: 34-35.
(2) The believer must increase and grow in his humble service for the Lord; becoming more and more like Christ in humbleness of mind even as the Lord humbled himself in obedient unto death, even the death on the cross. Discipleship is a gradual process of spiritual integration into the kingdom life, moral and spiritual culture, preparing us for heaven. The disciple sent is not greater than Christ that called and sent him. He should know that unequal faithfulness, humility and holiness are the standards, models and pattern regarded as qualities that identify a true disciple of the kingdom if he hopes to be received and exalted at the end of his stewardship.
Greatness in the kingdom is not measured by spiritual or ministerial gifts. True greatness is a commendation from God measured by true humility in stewardship like the Lord did put aside his priestly garments; and took a towel, and girded himself, and began to wash the disciple’s feet and wiped them with the towel wherewith he was girded. So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, know you what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, the servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
A disciple’s popularity rate might be low among the sons of men, even among his brethren in the Lord (as the filth of the world, and is like the dirt underfoot, like garbage unto this day), but let such not inclined to flaunt but be content with the present position in their relationship with the Lord for they shall be lifted up very shortly in the sight of all men. John 13:3-15. 1 Corinthians 4:13. (3) Why call me Lord, Lord and do no those things I commanded you? Not every believer is truly the follower of Christ. If the believer is truly representing Christ in his daily life as a faithful ambassador and priest in the world, the husbandman (God) will work increasingly in his life that he might bring forth much fruit, and the world will know that he is indeed a disciple of Christ through seasonal and increasing fruit bearing.
Fruit bearing is an essential aspect of our union with Christ; and as we continue to abide daily in the Lord (he that says he abide in him must walk, even as Christ walk) reflecting his life Christ life and influencing the world around us to Christ, we will receive more spiritual enablement and blessings from God. So many believers are clueless and delusional in their faith’s walk, while they thought they are in the Lord, they are unaware that they are cut off as a branch from the vine because of their slothfulness, unfruitfulness and unproductive spiritual life. Here, both the fruit of the spirit and believer’s commitments to personal and group soul winning evangelism is important to validate his election and secure his place and candidacy in the kingdom of heaven. John 15:1-7.
Discipleship necessitates self discipline and constant adaptation to endure the process because there is no deviation from Christ standard of training, than the expectation to make you fit in for any season or stages of growth and development with God. Everyone must take upon them the yoke of Christ in self denial and daily pursuit of the kingdom of God and his righteousness.
It is impossible for a servant to serve two masters. A disciple must only focus on his goal: first, in his daily fellowship and ministering before God as the fountain of his spiritual life and growth, gradual transformation and progressive success for the goal and prize set before him in heaven. The temptations and challenges around and before us to become more like Christ are enormous. This requires that he should mentally be tough not to take any offence in the Lord (2 Corinthians 6:3-10) that his testimony should not be marred and blamed. If they have called the master (Christ) of the house Beelzebub, what shall they call the people in his house? If they have persecuted Christ, should the disciple be men’s pleasers to avoid persecution? The Lord has warned and encouraged that if you are of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Should the disciple get himself entangled in the things of the world to displease his Lord; and to disqualify and condemn himself for the love of this present world in his friendship with it? Should he seek to lower the standard set by his Lord that he might easily get along with the world without the offense of the cross? Whatsoever has been done on the fig tree should be expected to be done on the dry tree! All the evil treatments which the sinless Christ has gone through and endured to bring us back to God should not be counted as strange happenings in the disciples walk and experiences, having leave us an example, that we should follow in his steps; who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judges righteously: Matthew 10:24-25. John 15:16-20.
Discipleship is not about denomination or a church’s name, position, post or titles. Christ did not come to set up orthodox, Baptist, catholic, Anglican, reform, Evangelical, Pentecostal or Presbyterian assemblies. All that is of interest and importance to God is that a profess believer should strive to be more like Christ in his daily walk through his fellowship with the Father and the Son and with the Holy spirit. He should diligently observes to keep the word of God and to continue in the application of scriptures in his daily life (to them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life: but unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; but glory, honor, and peace, to every man that works good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: for there is no respect of persons with God) consulting the word as the only principle to live and not in the tradition of any church or under the influence and indoctrination of a carnal and blind shepherds, neither in any old wives fables that leads or brings men to back into spiritual bondage; but to demonstrate continually the power regeneration and of a new creature in Christ Jesus, not only by his godly words, but as well as through his godly and transformed lifestyles. 2 Corinthians 5:17. The believer should know that it is Christ that died for him, and not a pastor or Bishop and should never agree with the any misinterpretation and misapplication of the word of God under such unskilful shepherd of lame and blind in the word of righteousness. If the minister above him is not worthy of the honour bestowed on him, by not walking uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, and not feeding and growing the sheep with good spiritual meal (strong meat) he should prayerfully consider leaving such place of worship to a better place where he can be well fed for a healthy spiritual life and growth- the blind cannot lead the blind.
The disciple is expected to know his bible very well (I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. Psalms 119:99) and his acceptance and submission to the teaching of any minister of the gospel or church doctrine should be by the witness he receives from the anointing that dwells in him; which he had received from the Father and remains in him- those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. ‘Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. Acts4:13. 2 Peter 2: 18-19. Every word of God is pure, and the Lord warned his disciples to make sure that they remain and continue in the undiluted word that they might prove themselves worthy of the call to be his disciples indeed. Such are grateful for every revelation made available for their spiritual growth and never resist the truth and the working of the Holy Spirit to bring them into maturity and perfection in Christ Jesus. Christ deeper knowledge, teachings and doctrines are their delights and are not happy to be given milk instead of strong meat. They never complain against any strong meat of the word served for their growth, but rather seek for an enlarge stomach to digest such meat in fervent prayer and to conform to it. It is never in their thought to depart from the word of eternal life in which some things are hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction, but have made up their minds from the beginning that to live is Christ and to die is gain. John 6: 60-69. John 8:31-32. Hebrews 5:13-14. Luke 6:39-40
The Lord taught us about three kinds of believers called to be disciples from the book of Luke chapter 9 verses 57-62; but none of them are found to be a true disciple. By learning from their discourse with the Lord, we can learn from their errors to build up our relationship with Christ to become his disciple indeed.
Firstly, this would be disciple besought the Lord to walk after him; and the Lord responded according to the revelation of the state of his heart that disqualified him from becoming a tested and true disciple – the weakness of his heart and of his enduring capacity. ‘And Jesus said unto him, foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the son of man hath no where to lay his head. Christ response reveals the instability and incapacity of the pleasure seeker and worldly minded believer, that such will not be able to endure hardness as a good soldier to suffer anything for his Lord’s and kingdom sake, (if we suffer with him, we shall also reign with him). He is spiritually incapacitated to count the cost of discipleship and to stand tall for his Lord in season or out of season. He is yet to be crucified to the world, therefore could not resist the cares of this world. The Lord foresees that the things present and things to come, famine, having no certain dwelling place, nakedness, poverty, and lack or want of anything will separate him from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus. Such are not ready for self-denial or any sacrificial living in the kingdom, if the present situation and condition is not advantageous and beneficial for their personal comfort, purpose and need to serve the Lord. This category of believers’ loves their lives more than the Lord’s, and the souls they are called upon to serve and save can stay behind or aside, if their personal demands are not met. They are after the gains and profits, and loves whatever they might get from Christ as luxury. If their experiences are not acceptable to taste, mind or feelings, they are not ready to suffer any need for the Lord’s sake in contrast to the saints of old that had trial of cruel mocking and scourging, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. Luke 9: 57-58. Hebrews 11:36-38.
Second, we see another believer called by the Lord to follow him, but he gave an excuse to delay his call to discipleship in pretence to wait until the death and burial of his father before obeying the Lord’s call and fulfilling his Saviour’s will. There is no room for carnal sentiment in the kingdom of God- to love father or mother, or children or self more than the Lord, is not conforming to approved standard of a disciple and make us unworthy of the kingdom of God. At anytime we are called upon for duty and service, let us make sure that nothing and no one is allowed to stand between us against the will and doing the works of God. Family and marital bondage and any other relationships that may come between us and God’s will should never be allowed to prosper, lest we become a failure and be replaced from divine purpose and kingdom of God. We should love and honour our parents, but not at the expense of disobeying God’s will and call to please them. We should love our husbands and wives, but not at the cost of making them happy to dishonour God. We should love our children, but never should we forget that they are God’s heritage and their existence in our lives should not deter us from our greatest love, lover and works for the Lord. We should therefore commit to the Lord’s great care and trust, all which are under our limited care and trust, knowing that he is able to keep all that we committed into his hand against that day. And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them,if any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, sits not down first, and counts the cost, whether he has sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, saying, this man began to build, and was not able to finish. Or what king, going to make war against another king, sits not down first, and consults whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a massage, and desires conditions of peace. So likewise, whosoever he is of you that forsake not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. Luke 9: 59-60.
Third and coming after all others is the indecisive would be disciple, whose desired was to follow the Lord; nonetheless asked for permission to go back and say farewell to his friends and family members. The Lord knew what a strong negative influences shall the opinion of his unconverted friends and of his household have on his decision and desire to follow him. He has no need of a second opinion or Godspeed or man’s viewpoints about the Lord’s call and purposes for his life; hence the Lord answered him straight by saying, no man, having put his hand to the plough and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. There is neither retreat nor surrender in the kingdom, but to make our calling and election sure in our determination to live or die for Christ, and to keep his works to the end. It may be required of us to walk alone with Christ without any of our old friends and family members alongside in our walk of faith, but if God is for us, who can be against us? All we need is the abiding presence of the Lord, a friend closer than any brother, who will never leave us nor forsake us, the author and finisher of our faith. Luke 9: 61-62. Proverbs 18:24.
For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy. For now we stand, if you stand fast in the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20: 3:8.
This is the ultimate goal, joy and satisfaction of a diligent soul winner, a pastor and of Christ our Lord who has called us to bear fruit that will abide, when his convert(s) or an unstable believer tossed with winds of doctrines becomes a truly transformed disciple to meet the requirement standard to live in conformity to the scriptures, thus his expectations of them are fulfilled as he see them growing stronger and unmovable in the Lord, abounding in the works of the Lord, and multiplying by wining other souls into the kingdom through their testimony. Here is an extract mail from one of my correspondence in 2015 and any time I read her testimony, I am always happy for her and what God has done in her life. Praise the Lord! Today I have something important to inform you. Since we began corresponding, I did begin to understand the truth in the word of God…the doctrines and what you taught me based on God’s word for example covering my head while praying etc. Since it was all new to me, I resisted even though I knew I was being convicted. The more time passed the more I couldn’t stop thinking and pondering on the truth over and over. Slowly, a change begin within me and the Spirit of God has been at work, convincing my heart showing me the way God wants me to go and the changes to make. I have been stubborn until recently I began to make those changes like change the way I dress, not braiding my hair, covering my head while going before God and stopped thinking what my family will say about the changes I am making. Moreover, I contemplated on how it’s been like since I begin to correspond with you. You changed and enriched my life and up to now, whenever you mail me and I take it to heart what your mail says, my life takes a new turn for the better…..since I was resisting change, I couldn’t say this to you. Now I’ve grown weary of resisting God and doing things and living my own way. Why have I been so concerned about things that will pass away like to please myself in the current life: for example, wearing trousers at the expense of disobeying God’s word? I have selfish and more concerned with myself than what God could do with my life. I realize to reach and fulfil my destiny; there are sacrifices to be made. I am now ready to do so whatever it takes so long as it’s the Lord’s will and His purpose for my life on this earth. I have never met someone who left such an impact in my life like you do…I will keep up following Jesus and whatever else He requires of me. Ann Muhura Kenyatta. Nairobi Kenya.
WALKING IN HIM | WALKING AND GROWING IN THE LOVE OF THE BRETHREN