As a follow on from a recent Insight about the Rite of Baptism I am seeking to apply it to an Authentic Faith based on bible readings from Isaiah 43: 1 – 7, Luke 3: 15 – 22, and Acts 8.
Baptism
The first baptism to understand is Infant Baptism that it practiced in certain traditions and represents the faith and hope of parents and guardians of a child. That they are accepted and nurtured into the family of God as expressed in a local Christian church and for God’s blessing to be upon the child as he or she grows up.
Secondly there is Water Baptism that is embraced by a young person or adult who has accepted and acknowledged Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord. As they are fully immersed and rise from the baptismal waters, it represents them dying to self and rising to a new life in Christ and having a greater faith and desire to serve God.
Thirdly there is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit as referenced in our reading from Luke 3 and it represents a further work of God in our Christian experience that produces gifts and fruit of the Spirit for the strengthening of personal faith, worship and service to God.
In the Old Testament book of Joel in chapters 2 and 3 we find that in the context of the Day of the Lord, there is the promise of God pouring out his Spirit upon all peoples. In respect to all three Acts of Baptism some of us may have experienced none, two or all three, however each and everyone is unique and important.
Thank you variety
Authentic Self
This is a photo of the actor Bryan Cranston of Breaking Bad fame who changed his approach to auditioning for acting jobs some twenty plus years ago. In essence he changed his heart and mind set, to be his authentic self in the role he was auditioning for and ever since he has always been in work. For me he didn’t act the parts, he became the part and that was easier and right for him.
In Isaiah 43: 1 – 7 we read about the love God has for the nation of Israel and for each one of us as individuals with all our fears and difficulties. ‘You are Precious and Honoured in my Sight, because I Love You’. In a world full of discord and hate there is plenty of love to share and receive and to know God’s special love as celebrated at Christmas and in the earthly blessings of Jesus?
Light of the World thanks to Wikipedia
In this photo we see the Manchester version of the famous painting by Willian Holman Hunt, hung up in the Manchester Art Gallery, that refers to Revelation 3: 20. ‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock, if any man hear My voice and open the door I will come in to him and will sup with him and he with me”‘.
Any actor may read this verse in a very meaningful way but if they do not know the one who knocks on the door of their heart, then their words are not fully authentic, they are simply the words of an actor.
Wikimedia Thank you
Infused Prayer
In our reading from Luke 3: 15 – 22 we are introduced to John the Baptist who is like the old Testament prophet Malachi, a forerunner of Jesus making a clear pathway for the anticipated and expected Messiah. John baptised many believers, including Jesus, with water and at a later time when Jesus was in prayerful contemplation he was baptised with the Holy Spirit.
When we think about Jesus praying, he taught his disciples the Lord’s Prayer, which can be said formally or very much heartfelt. The reality of prayer is that it should not be an act to be performed but it represents a time of communion spent with the Lord. Our prayer life, in a measure, reflects the health of our spiritual relationship with the Lord
In many of our homes and those we visit there will be that pleasant infusion of a scent or air fragrance diffuser. It can be quite powerful and cause us to cough, yet it also offers a loving and cosy welcome.
Thank you Karen pexels.com
A scent diffuser can be a good choice for a Christmas or birthday present with each one holding up to twelve ‘reed, rattan wood or synthetic polyamide sticks.’ The process is quite simple in that the sticks soak and absorb the essential oils that are in, for example, a varied shaped bottle and the aroma from the oil is diffused around the room it is situated in.
The amount of scent released from the diffuser depends on how the sticks are positioned in the container and the more sticks there are the quicker the scent will be used. In the Christian tradition there are those who exercise a model of Infused Prayer. It is a supernatural gift that diffuses at times into the person praying and they experience a powerful and loving presence of God in a very personal manner that is above and beyond any understanding or ability.
Authentic Service
In the account from Acts 8 we find Philip (a deacon) visiting and sharing the gospel in Samaria and the crowds listened to him because of the miracles and healings that took place through him. Simon the magician also heard the words of Philip and believed and was himself baptised. The Apostles Peter and John heard the news about Philip’s ministry and decided to visit Samaria for themselves.
Thank you freebibleimages.org
Peter and John prayed for the new believers and laid hands upon them to receive the Holy Spirit. In that context Simon saw the effects of their ministry and offered money to them to have the power also to offer healing and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Peter immediately condemned Simon for such actions and attitude.
In Christian ministry and service, either paid or unpaid, we all have to enter into it without any mixed motives, be they for power, influence, money or prestige. All of us have to hear the call of God as to where he wants us to serve and witness for him in an authentic way not with alternative motives. Bryan the actor was authentic when seeking work which paid dividends, as he always had acting roles to sustain a living and lifestyle.
Take Away
When Jesus stands at the door of our hearts and wants to enter?
Are we auditioning so as to get that place in eternity and role as a Christian here on earth? Or are we seeking to be authentic Christians, so embracing his personal presence and being filled with the Holy Spirit that sanctifies us, sets us apart to worship and serve him and our community?
Wikipedia Thank you
In this photo we see Francis of Assis who gave up everything to serve God and his community, in Italy and beyond. It is the oldest surviving depiction of St. Francis and the fresco is near the entrance of the Benedictine abbey of Subiaco, painted between March 1228 and March 1229. He was inspired to lead a Christian life of Poverty and Chastity and to be an itinerant Preacher.
Thank you facebook
In this other inspiring photo Mother Teresa, an Albanian – Indian nun, also gave up everything to serve God and established many charities that served their communities with the love and practical helps from God. We do not have to strive to become or act like a Saint as they and many others have done. We just need to be our authentic selves and God will place us in those special roles and situations only we can fulfil.
Special Utensil
The Apostle Paul writing in 2 Timothy 2: 20 in the Living Bible says:
“In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honourable use”.
Thank you Bible Art
Paul’s point is that if we remain faithful and authentic to God, our Master, we can be like those special gold and silver utensils that are fit and authentic for the Master’s use when required. I trust these few thoughts and meditations may be an encouragement to us all in our daily walk with the Lord.
Selah: (Pause to think calmly on what has just been read) and check out A Time to Worship
Graham
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