Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

A Deeper Teaching by Pastor Kenton Cheek

“The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.” And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.”

     The revelation that Jesus is God who would become the Lamb and the ultimate, atoning sacrifice for the sins of humanity was not a concept that developed over the decades following the Ascension of Jesus.  John the Baptist knew who He was from the very beginning, even when he was in his mother’s womb.  The Baptist was the earthly cousin of Jesus as their mothers Elizabeth and Mary were cousins.  When Mary went to visit Elizabeth, John the Baptist leapt for joy in his mother’s womb when Mary came near because she was carrying God within her.  Christianity is not a man-made religious system that evolved over time; it is a divinely revealed life that comes from the very heart of God and is made known to us through Christ and His Word. 

     Here John the Beloved finishes the thought about the Baptist baptizing in water but Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit.  The Spirit descended upon Jesus like a dove.  Doves symbolize peace and purity.  The phrase “and it remained on Him” is not lost on me.  Before His baptism and the Holy Spirit coming upon Him, Jesus had done no miracles.  This is to show us a pattern of how God works in the lives of believers even still today.  He wants to empower us with His Spirit in order for us to lead holy and healthy lives obeying His Great Commandment to love and His Great Commission to partner with Him in making disciples.  We are to share His love and message, carrying the light into the darkness of our spheres of influence so that the Kingdom of God advances and the darkness is dispelled.

“Lord, it is by the prevenient grace given us by the Spirit that we know that You alone are God and in You is redemption, power, healing and hope.  Fill us once again to overflowing with Your promised Holy Spirit that we might live as You have called us to live.  Bless us with the love and strength we need to ask ourselves how You would live if You were us and then put Your Word into practice in our everyday lives.  May we honor and glorify You in what we think, say and do.  In the Name of Jesus Christ I pray these things.  Amen.”

For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.

—Romans 8:13