THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 19:1-7
“On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 19:5)
Paul asks what kind of baptism these believers received.
Theirs was a baptism of repentance, not a baptism of faith in Jesus.
The issue was not the baptism itself, but what the baptism was into.
Like a bath, baptism in molasses is very different from baptism in water.
Both are baptisms… but what are they into, and what do they result in?
Repentance is something we do, but Jesus is someone we receive.
These disciples made a personal commitment, which depends on their effort.
Our relationship with God is a covenant, a two way partnership.
It begins with God’s gift (Jesus, grace), to which we respond by faith.
The full meaning of baptism is God’s giving in grace, and our receiving in faith.
That faith will include repentance, but repentance is not the first or main thing.
Receiving Jesus and receiving the Spirit are the same thing; they change us!
It is the fruit of the Spirit, not the fruit of self-effort, that we look for.
Is your relationship rooted in Jesus, or in your own effort and commitment?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, help me to look for signs of Your Spirit leading, prompting, challenging and encouraging me, and help me to respond by keeping in step with Your Spirit.