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Why Celebration-The Birth of the Savior Lord Jesus Christ.
The lights all around, the decoration of trees, houses and stores, greeting cards, the sounds of jingle bells, the exchanging of gifts all create a different spirit in the air. It’s kind of stage is prepared for you to talk about Jesus Christ. Of course no one knows the real birthday of Lord Jesus Christ. No date is given even in the Holy Bible. It is said that the birth of the savior took place somewhere between 2 BC to 4BC. The first recorded date of Christmas being celebrated on Dec. 25th was in 336 AD in the time of the Roman Emperor Constantine (First Christian Roman Emperor). A few years later Pope Julius–I officially declared that the birth of Jesus would be celebrated on the 25th December. This date has no connection to the real birth of the Savior.
But I am not focusing in this article the date of the Birth of the Savior rather I want to focus on the very Birth of Savior which has saved the humanity from Sin, Sickness and Satan. Let this thing should settled in your hearts that no day belong to the Devil, he is a liar. All the months, the weeks, the days, the hours and the seconds are from God. Devil owns nothing. Even Dec. 25th 2011is the Lord’s day and is Day of resurrection and we shall be rejoiced and be glad in it. Let nothing should hold you back from rejoicing and thanking the Lord Jesus Christ.
1. The Birth of the Savior is a TIME OF REMEMBERING.
It is time a remembering the great love that God had for each and every one of us. He loved us so much that He spared not His only Son that we might be saved. It is time of remembering the uniqueness of His life, His teachings, His miracles, His prophesies, His death and His resurrection.
-remembering all those humble but great people surrounding the Christmas story people like Joseph & Mary, Zacharias & Elizabeth, Anna, Simeon, the shepherds, the wise men etc.
2. The Birth of the Savior is a time of FULFILLMENT OF PRPHECIES
Galatians 4:4-5 (NIV) But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.
BORN OF A VIRGIN
“All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). Matthew 1:22-23 (NIV) (Isaiah 7:14).
FROM THE HOUSE OF JUDAH IN BETHLEHEM
“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.” Matthew 2:5-6 (NIV) (Micah 5:2, 4 Around 700 BC).
WORSHIPPED BY SHEPHERDS
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Lk. 2:8-12
“May the desert tribes bow before him and his enemies lick the dust.” Psalm 72:9 (NIV)
COME OUT OF EGYPT
“Where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.” Matthew 2:15 (NIV) (Hosea 11:1 Around 725 BC).
HIS BIRTH WOULD TRIGGER A MASSACRE OF INFANTS BOYS
Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: “A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” Matt. 2:17-18 (NIV) (Jer. 31:15 Around 625 BC).
FROM NAZARETH OF GALILEE
“And he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene.” Matthew 2:23-24 (NIV) (Is. 9:1-2).
WILL BE VISITED BY KINGS AND WISEMEN
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:1(NIV)
“On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” Matthew 2:11(NIV)
Psalm 72:10-15 (NIV)
May the kings of Tarshish and of distant shores bring tribute to him. May the kings of Sheba and Seba present him gifts. May all kings bow down to him and all nations serve him. Long may he live! May gold from Sheba be given him. May people ever pray for him and bless him all day long.
3. Birth of the Savior is A TIME OF LOVING
People make a special effort to be a little kinder, a little more considerate of others, and a little more generous during the Christmas season. They get involved in such things as Christmas caroling, toys for the needy, meals for the misfortunate, etc.
It is a time for reaching out to others with love and concern.
God so loved the world-let us never forget that!!! In all of our preaching, teaching, evangelizing, etc. let us always remember
that the motivation for all this is the love of God for lost sinners. He really cares about us. So should we care as He cares. So should we love, as He loves.
4. Birth of the Savior is a TIME OF GIVING
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NIV)
Love cannot look with indifference on the hungry, and the sick, and the lonely, lost souls of this world. Love must give.
God gave all He could give. He gave His only begotten Son. This gift was freely given, lovingly given, graciously given to
all of us, who were undeserving sinners.
Christ shared our human nature that we might receive His divine nature. Day by day, those who receive Him are being transformed into His image, until we all come into the full stature of the perfected children of God, washed in the blood of the Lamb.
Matthew 2:11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
5. Birth of the Savior is a TIME OF FORGIVING
God was willing to forgive us. He was willing to show mercy to a sinful, lost, and dying world. Do we possess His forgiving spirit?
Or, is our spirit a judgmental one, that looks down upon others? Is there someone we need to forgive today?
6. Birth of the Savior is a TIME OF RESCUING
While we were yet sinners He came….
God rescued us by His love and mercy. He saved us from perishing.
Without Christ we are without life, and headed for an eternity without God-forever separated from the God who made us and longs to save us.
He wants us to inherit eternal life. We are all descendents of a dying race. But for the grace of God, we would all likewise perish.
7. Birth of the Savior is Time of WORSHIP.
It is time to worship the King of kings and the Lord of Lords. The God of Universe became Man just like one of us. Now we don't need to work hard through our self righteousness to reach to God. He himself saw our plight and came down to save us. We cannot pay him back for anything for what He has done for us. But we can thank Him, Adore Him, Worship Him, give Him the due glory, honor & praise.
The Wise men came to worship Him
Matthew 2:2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
Matthew 2:11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
LK. 2:13-14 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
8. Birth of the Savior is a TIME OF REJOICING
-rejoicing in God’s unmerited grace
-rejoicing in the release of forgiveness
-rejoicing in a new life with a new mission
Luke 2:10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.
Luke 2:20 (NIV)
The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen which were just as they had been told.
Matthew 2:10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.
Luke 1:41-42(NIV)
When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!
Luke 2:33-34(NIV)
The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against.
Luke 2:38(NIV)
Coming up to them at that very moment, she (Anna a Prophetess) gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
Conclusion: When Jesus was born Herod the king and the rest of unbelieving world was troubled, angry and doubtful. I think this attitude does not suits to the believers of Jesus Christ. May be the date is not fitting for the event but event surely fits in our daily life. Celebrate the Event not the date of the event. Let you face may not be long, sad, gloomy and confused. Give a break to the gift of criticism rather break forth in shouting the praise of living Savior. Let us avail the opportunity and the serve the Lord Jesus Christ. You would get lot of opportunities in this season to talk about His love which you may not get in any other time. The Christ expects you shine like a star and lead the world to the Savior. Don’t walk around like snuffed out wick without oil and without light. Use the time wisely. Let us not focus Dec. 25th instead focus on the Lord Jesus Christ and His humble advent on the Earth.
Pastor Jatinder P. Gill
www.bethlehempunjabichurch.com
Purpose Driven Believer
Paul was a fanatic religious Jew who wanted to kill Christians. He was
full of enthusiasm, but had wrong motives. He wanted to spread the
religion and prove that his faith was the perfect and only way to God.
But you know it is not religion but your relationship with God which will save us.
Religion will make you rigid, but relationship with God will make you
righteous. It is not the fanaticism but a real living faith in God
that will save us. It is not the thoughts of man, but the Word of God
which will save us.
Jesus appeared to Paul on the
road to Damascus experience and changed him from a fundamentalist
opponent to the faith-filled Apostle of Jesus Christ. He got
a purpose in his life. This is his last letter which he wrote before he
was executed in Rome at the time of King Nero. Looking back at 30
years of his labor (36-66 AD), he was writing this letter to
young Timothy who was taking care of the church at Ephesus. Now
having finished the God-given purpose of his life, he is
satisfied and with full confidence he encourages Timothy to carry
on the ministry with full of zeal. From this verse we
learn a threefold purpose for a believer's
life. 
I FIGHT A GOOD FIGHT .
Most people want to excel in a bad fight, but this is a
good and honorable fight. In 1 Tim. 6:12 Paul tells Timothy to fight a
good fight of Faith. This is also clear in 1Tim
1:18 "This charge I commit to you, son
Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you,
that by them you may wage the good warfare,…" Whether you agree
or not, believe or not, want or not, the Christian life is warfare and
if you are a believer you are in that warfare. When you believe in
Christ you are clothes with Christ. we are not fighting men
but… 1. Satan. In Ephesians 6:10-13 Paul writes
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His
might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand
against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and
blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers
of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in
the heavenly places."
James 4:7 writes "Resist the devil and
he will flee from you." 2 Cor. 10:3-6 "For though we walk in the flesh,
we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our
warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down
strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that
exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into
captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all
disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled." 2. Sin . This is a war against sin, worldliness, social evil system, beliefs and superstitions. Apostle John writes in his epistle 1 John 2:15 "Do not love the
world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love
of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world--the lust of
the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the
Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and
the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever." 3. Self. This is a fight against our own self and
selfish desires. Jesus said, if anyone wants to be my disciple "let him
deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." Paul writes
in 1 Cor. 9:27 "But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection,
lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become
disqualified." 
II. FINISH THE RACE. Let me tell you a
purpose driven life is not a lazy life of idle faith but an
active, energetic race to run. It is not an optional morning or evening
walk, but a definite race with a purpose. Of course you know a
racer has to discipline himself, he has a goal which he has to complete
within set rules and regulations. Paul clarifies this in the following
verses. 1 Cor. 9:24-26 "Do you not know that those who run in a race all
run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain
it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things.
Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable
crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as
one who beats the air." Acts 20:24 "But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life
dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry
which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the
grace of God." Phil. 2:16 "Holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in
the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain" Gal. 2:2 " And I went up by revelation, and communicated to them
that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those
who were of reputation, lest by any means I might run, or had run, in
vain." Heb. 12:1 "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a
cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so
easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set
before us…"
III. KEEP THE FAITH In order to
fight and run, you
would need to have faith and lots of perseverance,
because this is not going to be an easy journey but rather full of
struggles at every step. One thing is sure if you have fixed your eyes
on Jesus Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith, victory belongs
to you. If God is with us who can be against us.
The Living
Bible puts this way 2 Tim. 4:7 "I have fought long and hard for the
Lord, and through it all I have kept true to Him…" It is not how
we start, but how we end is what matters. If your beginning was not
good, don't worry about your beginning, your past doesn't have to
decide your future. The past is history you can't change, but you can
change your present that will determine your future. Therefore, take
heed to the warning in Rev 2:7 "He who has an ear, let him hear what
the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to
eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of
God." Rev. 3:11 "Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have,
that no one may take your crown."
There was man named Saul in the Old Testament who was the first king
of Israel. He had a very good beginning. He reigned Israel for 40
years, and he fought many wars and won in the name of Yahweh. But the
later years of his life he began to rely upon his own strength. He
even started neglecting the priests of God and consulting
divinations. Henceforth, God left him and an evil spirit began to
torture him. Unfortunately at the end of his life he was killed by
his own sword. He had a very good beginning, but a bad end.
In
contrast, Paul of the New Testament had a very bad
beginning: killing Christians and hating Christ and the Church.
But one fateful day, a supernatural encounter with the Jesus
Christ transformed a hateful sinner to a humble saint. He
had a very vile beginning but a victorious end.
Beloved, keep
on doing good and remember that the God who started this
good work in you will bring in to completion. You are made for
eternity; walk seriously with God. Whatever you do now will affect
your life eternally. You can't change your past, but you can change
your present by turning to God and your present will change your future
forever.
Pastor Jatinder P. Gill
Heroes of Faith Text: Hebrews 11:4-7
I. The Faith of Abel Hebrews 11:1 gives us the definition of faith and it tells about the heroes of faith, who lived by faith, and died for it, and therefore it is a fit pattern for the believers to imitate. Did you notice this race of faith did not start with Adam, because he was the first one to “off-track” from this race? It begins with Abel, the son of Adam, one of the first saints, and the first martyr for religion. And what was his mistake? He by faith on God offered up a more acceptable sacrifice than his brother Cain. To make it acceptable was not his will, but the will of Almighty God who knows the hearts and the intentions of the hearts. After the fall, God opened a new way for the man to return to him in religious worship. This is one of the first instances that is on record of fallen men going in to worship God. Now God must be worshipped by sacrifices, a way of worship, which carries in it a confession of sin, and a profession of faith in a Redeemer. When Cain and his younger brother Abel went to worship God, Abel’s sacrifice was accepted, but Cain’s wasn’t. Instead of Cain changing himself and getting right with God he became angry with his brother and in a deceptive way he killed him. Thus he was first murderer of the world what is striking is that the cause of the murder wasn’t personal, political, social or financial It was religious. A remarkable difference between the worshippers and their sacrifices. · Cain was the elder brother, but Abel was the preferred. · It is not seniority of birth, but grace that makes men truly honorable. · Abel was an upright person, a righteous man, a true believer; Cain was a formalist, had not a principle of special grace. · Abel acted under the power of faith; Cain only from the force of education, or natural conscience. · Abel brought a sacrifice of atonement (Sin Offering), brought of the firstlings of the flock, acknowledging himself to be a sinner who deserved to die, and only hoping for mercy through the great sacrifice. · Cain brought only a sacrifice of acknowledgment, a mere thank-offering, the fruit of the ground, here was no confession of sin, no regard to the ransom; ignoring personal need of God. This was an essential defect in Cain's offering. A similar kind of story was told by Jesus in the New Testament, but in His own words. There was a Pharisee, who leans to his own righteousness; at same time there was a publican, who confesses his sin, and cast himself upon the mercy of God. They both went to the temple to worship, Publican was accepted and Pharisee was not (Lk.18:10). “…God spoke well of his offerings” Heb. 11:4. Notice the word Gifts or offerings in verse 4 which shows that this was not a matter of one sacrifice or one time event but all the sacrifices of that Abel had offered. The original record is in Gen 4:4 tell us “Abel brought fat portions… and the LORD respected Abel and his offering”. What we give unto the Lord that represent our lives before him. That’s why in Matt.6:21 Jesus says “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” God gave witness to the righteousness of his person, by testifying his acceptance of his gifts. This, very probably, was attested by fire from heaven, an emblem of God's justice, consumed the offering, it was a sign that the mercy of God accepted the offerer for the sake of the great sacrifice. By it He, being dead, yet speaketh. He had the honour to leave behind him an instructive speaking voice. What does it speak to us? What should we learn from it? [1.] That fallen man has to go in to worship God, with hope of acceptance. [2.] That if our persons and offerings be accepted, it must be through faith in the Messiah. [3.] That acceptance with God is a peculiar favor. [4.] That those who obtain this favour from God must expect the envy and malice of the world. [5.] That God will not let the injuries done to His people to remain unpunished, nor their sufferings unrewarded. [6.] That God would not let Abel's faith to die with him, but would raise up others. For in the next verse we read about Enoch. But before we look at the life of Enoch let me announce the good news, while the blood of Abel cries out for justice, Christ’s blood offers forgiveness, cleansing and acceptance by God. II. The Faith of Enoch (Read) Heb. 11:5 Gen. 5:22 After he begot Methuselah, Enoch walked with God three hundred years, and had sons and daughters. 23 So all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years. 24 And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him. Sometimes people separate spirituality from taking care of house matters. But Enoch was taking care of his family matters and pleasing God too. These two are not against each other, instead; if you please God you will please your family too. The Bible says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matt. 6:33) Enoch walked with God, that is, that he was really, actively, progressively, and perseveringly religious in his conformity to God. He was translated, that he should not see death, nor any part of him be found upon earth; for God took him, soul and body, into heaven, as he will do those of the saints who shall be found alive at his second coming. Before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. He had the evidence of it in his own conscience, and the Spirit of God witnessed with his spirit. Those who by faith walk with God in a sinful world are pleasing to Him, and He will give them marks of His favor, and put honor upon them. In Heb.11:6, it says that without this faith it is impossible to please God, without such a faith as helps us to walk with God, an active faith, and that we cannot come to God unless we believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him. We must believe that God is, and that He is what He is, what He has revealed Himself to be in the scripture, in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. God is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him. The Greek word used here “ekzeteo” means seek diligently, seek after, seek carefully, inquire diligently and require. By the fall we have lost God; we have lost the divine light, life, love, likeness, and communion. God is again to be found of us through Christ, the second Adam. God has prescribed means and ways wherein he may be found; to with, a strict attention to his oracles. You must seek him diligently; they must seek early, earnestly, and perseveringly. The Word of God says, then shall they seek Him, and find Him, if they seek Him with all their heart; and once they have found Him, as their reconciled God, they will never repent the pains they have spent in seeking after Him. There are four Secrets of answered prayer: 1. Please God 2. Come to God in right attitude and with right motives. 3. Believe in Him 4. Believe He is rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. III. The Faith of Noah Heb.11:7. The ground of Noah's faith-a warning he had received from God of things as yet not seen. He had a divine revelation; he was forewarned of things not seen as yet, that is, of a great and severe judgment, such as the world had never yet seen, and of which, there was not yet the least sign. This secret warning he was to communicate to the world, who would be sure to despise both him and his message. God usually warns sinners before he strikes. The Noah's faith had influence both upon his mind and practice. (1.) Upon his mind; it impressed his soul with a fear of God's judgment: he was moved with fear. Faith first influences our affections, then our actions. (2.) Thus excited by believing God's threatening, moved him doubt, he met with the scorns and reproaches of a wicked generation. He did not dispute with God why he should make an ark, nor how it could be capable of containing what was to be lodged in it, nor how such a possibly so great a storm can come. His faith silenced all objections, doubts, and reproaches and set him to work in earnest. Rewards of Noah's Faith. (1.) Hereby himself and his house were saved, when a whole world of sinners were perishing about them. (2.) Hereby he judged and condemned the world; his holy fear condemned their security and vain confidence; his faith condemned their unbelief; his obedience condemned their contempt and rebellion. (3.) Hereby he became an heir of the righteousness which is by faith. He was possessed of a true justifying righteousness; he was heir to it: and this His right of inheritance was through faith in God. As ever we expect to be justified and saved in the great and terrible day of the Lord, let us now prepare an ark, and make sure we would be in that ark of the covenant, and try it speedily our level best that many may be able to enter in it, before the door be shut, for there is not salvation in any other. The Ark is a type of the Church and Jesus Christ Himself is building it through his believers on this earth. To enter in it: One has to repent and believe on Jesus Christ, baptize (1 Peter 3:20-21; 1 Cor.10:2) and commit himself or herself to walk with God daily. This is a faith-race run by fixing our eyes on Jesus Christ who is the author and perfecter of our faith. Christ’s Servant, Pastor Jatinder P. Gill
Buried with Christ
Buried with Christ One of the most important things for a child of God is to be obedient to Him. The Bible says obedience is better than sacrifice. Baptism is a step of obedience for the believer to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ as found in Matthew 28:19-20 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. Henceforth, water baptism is not a personal choice, but a command for all believers (Mark 16:16). The English word baptism is mentioned 40 times in the Bible and it is a translation of the Greek word ‘baptismos’. The verbal form ‘baptizen’ means “to dip into or to immerse”. The word ‘baptizo’ means: I baptize or I immerse and can never be translated as anything else. Whenever the New Testament refers to baptism, it always signifies immersion. You cannot simply be baptized to become a member of a church or because somebody may think it’s a good idea. Mk.16:16 "He who believes and is baptized will be saved.” Acts 2:38 "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…” Baptism is an ordinance of the church, because it is something that Jesus Himself ordained. This is how during Bible days believers were accepted when they make a public statement of their faith on Christ Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. Peter makes its comparison with Noah and his family going through the flood in the ark (1Pet.3:20-21).The water of the Flood brought judgment on then world that was full of corruption and full of violence (Gen.6:5, 11). Therefore, water symbolizes judgment that Jesus in His death took upon Himself for the people of all ages. The water did not cleanse Noah and his family, but the faith that caused them to believe and obey God and build the Ark. In the same way the water baptism does not cleanse us, but the faith in the risen Lord Jesus Christ prior to baptism which leads us to obey this command. Before we decide who is qualified to take baptism the candidate must answer the following questions: Do you believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God? Have I accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior? Have I repented of my sins and asked forgiveness of my sins? Have I become a new person in Christ? (Mk. 16:15-16; Acts16:31–33; 18:8). Right and complete Baptism 1. Right Candidate: Infant or Child baptism was first mentioned by Irenaeus in 200 AD and opposed by Tertullian in 2nd century. Later it became a wrongful practice in the 5th century. Infants or children can’t be baptized because they have no idea about having faith in Christ or repentance. John the Baptist refused to baptize the religious leaders as they had not repented of their sins and they had not been born again. Therefore, only those who have ability to repent and are saved can be baptized. Children are dedicated unto the Lord and when they reach to the age of accountability then they should repent of their sins and then be baptized. Baptism by itself will not save anyone. It is repentance of sins and faith in Jesus Christ will save us. Jesus says children are already part of the kingdom of God. Mk.10:14 “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.” Infants should not be baptized because: a. There is no Scriptural basis for this practice. b. Babies cannot repent of their sins. c. They cannot confess the faith as Jesus is the Lord and Savior of their lives. d. They cannot be taught all the commands that Jesus commissioned to His disciples to teach after their baptism (Matt.28:19). e. Baptism must be taken willingly and infants cannot choose to obey God in Baptism. They do not understand about sin and walking in spiritual victory. 2. Right Formula: It is performed in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit a formula taught and commanded by Jesus Christ himself to His disciples in Mathew 28:19. All these places (Acts 2:38; 8:12,16 ; 10:48; 19:5) where baptism in the name of Jesus is mentioned are not giving us the formula but simply differentiating between Baptism taught by Jesus and other Baptisms, of the Judaism, John the Baptist (Acts 19:3: Matt. 3:6) and of heathen. Those days Jewish practiced baptism for religious ceremonial cleansing, and John the Baptist also practiced the baptism of repentance. 3. Right Mode:In which the body is not fully immersed into the water because only dipping into the water and coming out of the water can rightfully symbolize the burial and resurrection of believers’ along with Jesus Christ (Rom. 6:3-4; Col. 2:12). Immersion fits exactly into the picture of burial of old, dead life and rising of new, transformed life (II Cor. 5:17). Immersion is the mode that was practiced in the New Testament Church. Sprinkling or pouring of water has no scriptural basis. The word sprinkling also known as Christening comes from the Greek word “rantizo” and is never used in terms of any form of New Testament baptism. When Jesus was baptized, He came “up out of the water” (Mk. 1:10). When Philip baptized the Ethiopian Eunuch, both of them went “down into” and came “up out of” the water (Acts 8:38-39). Henceforth, any form baptism other than what is commanded in the Bible is not correct or complete baptism. In there were 12 disciples who had only taken the baptism of John the Baptist hence Paul explained to them the way of the Lord and they were re-baptized. In Acts 19:1-5 Paul met some disciples who were not correctly baptized. Paul explained to them what is Word based baptism and they took baptism again which was right and taught by our Lord Jesus Christ. Importance of Baptism 1. It was instituted by God (John 1:6, 33). 2. It was commanded by Jesus Christ. Matt. 28:19-20. He says in John14:21 “He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” 3. Christ set an example. He did nothing without purpose, He himself took baptism to set an example for us to follow in His footsteps (1 Pet. 2:21; Mt 3:15). 4. To fulfill all righteousness. Mt 3:15 But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him. 5. The Apostles commanded believers to be baptized (Acts 2:38-42: 10:48). 6. It is an integral part of the Gospel (Acts 8:32-35). 7. Baptism is for all those who believe. Baptism is an outward demonstration of an inward faith. (Acts 8:5, 12; 35-38). 8. In baptism, the believer identifies with Christ. When I am baptized I demonstrate what Christ did for me in His death, burial and resurrection (Romans 6:3-6). I die to sin. I am buried like Christ... I am raised in the power of the Holy Ghost as a brand new person. 9. Baptism is a very important confession of faith to enter into the body of Christ. 1Cor. 12:13 “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free--and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.” 10. It was practice of the early church (Acts 2:38, 41; 8:12, 36; 10:48; 16:30-33; 19:1-5). 11. It is the request for a good conscience toward the Lord (1 Pet. 3:21). 12. It is dangerous to reject this command. Luke 7:30 “But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the will of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.” Mt 7:21 “Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” Who can perform the ordinance of water baptism? You can’t simply go into a river or pond and dip yourself into whenever and wherever you want. This is a very serious ordinance prayerfully performed by a servant of God who himself is saved and baptized according to the Bible by immersion into the water and who has received the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38-42; 8:14-17; 10:44-48). When Baptism should be taken? Christians have no choice but to obey the command of Jesus Christ. The idea of an unbaptized believer never occurs in the New Testament. Following some of the examples from the New Testament should convince you to obey the Lord instantly. 1. The 3000 on the Day of Pentecost believed and baptized immediately (Acts2:41). 2. The Samaritans ( Acts 8:12) 3. The Ethiopian official was baptized immediately (Acts 8:36-38). 4. Paul was baptized by Ananias within hours after conversion (Acts 9:17-19). 5. Cornelius and his household were baptized very day they were saved (Acts 10:47-48). 6. Lydia and her household were baptized shortly after their conversion (Acts16:14-15). 7. The Philippian jailer obeyed the same night (Acts16:33). 8. Ephesians disciples (Acts 19:5). Have you obeyed this important command of our Lord Jesus Christ? Seven types of Baptisms Ephesians 4:5 says, “…one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Study of these scripture will help you to follow the Word of God in its full meaning and completeness. 1. Baptism in the cloud and in the sea. 1 Cor. 10:1-2 2. Baptism of John the Baptist in water. Mk. 1:1-8 3. Baptism of Jesus in water. Lk. 3 & Matt. 3 4. Believer’s Water Baptism Acts 2:44-48 5. Baptism in the Holy Spirit. Lk. 3:16; Acts 11:16. 6. Baptism into the body of Christ (Church). Gal. 3:27; 1Cor. 12:13 7. Baptism of suffering/Fire. Lk. 12:50, Phil.1:29 Procedure of the Service 1. Prayer. 2. Song or hymn which conveys the meaning and importance of Baptism. 3. Scripture reading. Matt. 3:1-17, 28:18-20; Mk. 1:1-11, 16:14-17; Acts 2:38-42; 8:26-39; 10:44-48; Rom.6:1-13 etc. 4. Short message by the minister. 5. The Pastor first enters the water, and then candidates appear individually. 6. Holding the candidate individually Pastor asks the candidate basic questions about his born again experience, faith in the triune God and on the life, death, burial, resurrection and second coming of Jesus Christ. 7. Then the candidate says I do. Then Pastor shall say: “Upon the confession of your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, I now baptize you, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” 8. When the candidate comes out of the water, the Pastor admonishes, “Be faithful until death and you will receive the crown of life.” The service is ended with the song or hymn and with final prayer and benediction. My responsibility after Baptism In Acts 2:38-42 we find detail about a believer’s responsibilities after baptism. 1. Devotion to teaching/doctrine. 2. Regular fellowship with other believers. 3. Participation in the Holy Communion. 4. Prayer. Pastor Jatinder P. Gill Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are taken from The Holy Bible, New King James version. Above article is extracted from the book of Dr. Jatinder P. Gill "Ru Di Khurak" www.RuhDiKhurak.co.cc No part of this article reproduced or used without prior permission of the author ©
© 2006
40 ways to Increase Baptisms
Pastor Rick Warren writes on his blog at pastors.com about ways to increase Baptisms.
Find belwo the list.
40 Ways to Increase Baptisms
June 28, 2007 - Rick Warren,Saddleback Church.
Here’s a list of some simple things we do that almost any church can do:
1. Mention the value, purpose and benefits of baptism regularly in sermons.
2. Videotape some of your baptisms. Prepare a music video of baptisms to show in your worship service so people who’ve never seen a baptism can witness one.
3. Have clothes ready for people who decide spontaneously to be baptized after a service.
4. Make it a party atmosphere. It’s a celebration, not a funeral. Applaud baptisms!
5. Invite small group members to witness the baptism and identify them before each baptism.
6. Prepare a beautiful leatherette-bound baptism folder to hold their certificate.
7. Have a required membership class that explains the meaning or baptism in detail.
8. Always baptize on special days when relatives may be in town – Christmas, Mother’s Day, New Year’s Eve, etc.
9. Always baptize on special days of the church. (We baptized over 400 on the day we opened our Worship Center.)
10. Allow entire families (after confirming that all are believers) to enter the pool together.
11. Hug each person after they have been baptized!
12. Interview all candidates at the water’s edge to hear their story of how Jesus changed them.
13. Build a Baptism Team of volunteers who assist with all baptisms. Have matching shirts to identify the Baptism Team and the pastors leading the service.
14. Have a professional photographer there to capture the moment and include a picture of their baptism along with their certificate of baptism.
15. Print a “Why Be Baptized?” brochure. Use scriptures and lots of testimonies.
16. Put the brochure information, baptism pictures, and even videos of baptisms on your website, so people can forward it to others.
17. Have pre-printed invitations for the baptism candidates to use in inviting lost friends and relatives to a service and to witness their baptism.
18. Make the baptism pool and surrounding area beautiful and inviting and non-threatening. (Many baptisms are perched up so high inside the church that it feels distant and disconnected. Our baptism pool is outside in our patio area so people can gather up close around it for a more intimate feeling.)
19. After the baptism service encourage people to go out afterwards for coffee or dessert to celebrate and find out what the experience meant to the person baptized and to the family and friends who watched it.
20. Publicize the baptisms with posters around your church. Elicit “one line” testimonies from people who have been baptized, take an 8×10 photo of that person, and mount their photo and quote on a 2’x3’ foam board sign. Put this on a tri-pod in a visible area after the service where people can sign-up to be baptized.
21. Have all small groups get people in their group to sign up in the group for the next baptism.
22. Identify and celebrate other special moments at the water’s edge (birthdays, anniversaries, spiritual birthdays, etc.)
23. Train your Baptism Team volunteers to greet and make everyone comfortable.
24. Provide a sound system that will allow spectators gathered to hear the testimonies.
25. Always have the baptism pool warm and chlorinated before services.
26. Have a corporate prayer of celebration at the end of each service to thank God for those baptized.
27. Sing a great chorus or hymn about the power of God to change someone’s life.
28. During warmer weather offer baptisms at the beach or lake or slow-flow river.
29. Develop a “Baptism Party in a Box” kit that includes ideas for a family party following baptism.
30. Have outdoor heaters if you baptize outdoors in the winter.
31. Set up good lighting if you baptize outside after evening services.
32. Have hand towels available as a gift with the church’s logo as a memory keeper.
33. Ask each small group in your church to take a week where each person shares their baptism experience and what it did for their Christian life.
34. Use banners and signs the week prior to baptisms to draw interest, especially beach or lake baptisms.
35. Build a baptism service into an extended spiritual growth campaign (like Saddleback’s Millennium Member Campaign). Build on momentum.
36. Constantly emphasize baptism as the next step after committing your life to Christ. Have sign-ups everywhere.
37. Give a follow-up booklet, a button, and a free gift for those who obey Christ’s command to be baptized.
38. Have a special Christian’s baptism class as a requirement for baptizing children. Insist that at least one parent attend with their child.
39. When baptizing grade school children, have the baptizing pastor hold their hands lifted high after they come out of the water, like you would with a winner in game.
40. Address Frequently Asked Questions in a brochure they can walk away with, and deal personally with every fear or hang-up about baptism.
Do these 40 things and the number of people wanting to publicly demonstrate their faith through baptism will rise dramatically.
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used from Pastor Rick Warren’s blog, Saddleback Church
Savior is born “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men John 1:1-4.” “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth John 1:14.” Jesus Christ was born in a Jewish family in the nation of Israel in a small town called Bethlehem in the city of Jerusalem in about B.C.5, during the reign of King Herod. He lived only 33 and half years but influenced the whole world the most. He preached only three and half years in his life but His words & works, talk & walk, precepts & practices were the same. His mother Mary was a godly woman was engaged to a man named Joseph who was a very simple and innocent man. It was already prophesied by the Holy prophet long ago almost 750 years before this event took place in Jewish Holy books Isaiah 7:14 “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”-which means “God with us” was the name of Jesus Christ. Therefore Mary was living a normal life as a usual Jewish girl will, surprisingly one day an angel appeared to her and greeted her, and said, “Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. And, behold, thou salt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS” (Luke 1:28-31).Now all kinds of fears, doubts, questions arose in her mind and she asked the angel how can this be “since I am a virgin?” I have never been with any man in my life. She felt as if the earth has given way underneath her feet. She has to face whole society and she knew to say yes to the angel means Life or death, she will lose her fiancé, rejection from the family and friends, stigma on the pure kept character. Moreover, according to Jewish religious Law If any girl is pregnant before marriage she should be stoned to death. While she was arguing these things with the angel, he answered her “The Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the most high will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God (Luke 1:35).” At last Mary accepted word of God that Angel had brought to her, saying “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her Luke1:38.” It was a big sacrifice from her side but she remained obedient to the command of God. Christmas is a time of Celebration for us but for a simple Jewish girl it was a time Sacrifice. On the other hand Joseph was a righteous man, like any other man he too had dream and desires for his life together with his life partner. The day he came to know that his fiancé is pregnant; he quietly wanted to leave her. As he was thinking these things the angel of God appeared to him in a dream saying don’t think anything wrong about Mary, she is a righteous woman, bring her home. The child whom Mary will give birth is from God and you name him Jesus. Now this didn’t appeared good news to Joseph at all. His dreams & ambitions shattered. Several things were going on in his mind, now he has choice to obey God and bring Mary into his house or disobey God and quietly marry somebody else and live a happy life. He chose to obey God, took all the surcasting statements of the people, and gave away all the dreams and ambitions to fulfill God’s purpose in his life. Our aims and ambitions are not more important than the purpose of God in our lives. He sacrificed his ambitions so that God’s purpose may fulfill in his life. Henceforth, you & I could celebrate Christmas. When Jesus was born some wise men came from east to see him and in honor present their gifts to him. They were given a star as a sign who was leading them to the child Jesus. As they entered Jerusalem they began to use their own intellect and techniques to find easy way to reach the Child Jesus. So they went to the King Herod to ask where the King is born we came to see him and offer him gold, myrrh and incense. Herod got troubled when He heard that in his kingdom a King has been born. He summoned priests to find out in the Holy Scriptures where the King will be born, so they found out exactly the same that the King will be born in Judea, Bethlehem. Then he told to the wise men please when you have had seen the king let me know I would also go and worship him. In fact he was trying to get information of the child Jesus so that he can kill him. When they came out from the King’s palace star showed them the way where Jesus was born and star stood right that place where Jesus was lying in a manger. That’s what happen with us when we try to do God‘s work in our own way, we think we are smarter than God so we try to help God to do things in quicker way, we think we are too modern and advance and God is too ancient and outdated. Don’t prolong the process of your blessing by using your own ways. Bible says "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:9).” When these wise men have had seen Jesus, through the dream Lord warned them not to go to Herod instead go back to your places through different route. They did Obey God and returned their country. Shepherd were the third group of people who showed the obedience when the angel came to them and said to them “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:10-11).” Then they went to see as the angel had told them. After they had seen those things as true they spread the word concerning Jesus. At the time of Christmas we receive many gifts & presents but many a time those gifts are just kept pilled up in our cubords we don’t even unwrap them and see them what is in them. Unfortunately this happens with us we don’t unwrap God-given gift Jesus Christ in our life. He is kept somewhere in corner of our heart but the day we will open and see what that Gift has brought unto us, that day we will tell to the whole world what Jesus ahs brought in our lives. Jesus says I have come that you may have life and life more abundantly. Bible says Jesus Christ has come to destroy the works of devil. Christmas is time of sacrifice, obedience, celebration, and the time to give thanks unto God, time to open heart for Jesus Christ, time to give up our own personal short-sighted ambitions and catch God’s far-sighted vision, time to present gifts to near & dear ones and show gratitude to God. Make Him King of your heart. Obey God, and obey his word. Merry ChristmasPastor Jatinder P. Gill
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