When a church looks to a false apostle for relationship and spiritual fathering, the counterfeit apostle has displaced the apostle that was meant to be there. Two things result: the church has failed to receive the apostle of Christ’s choosing, and in addition the apostle was hindered from advancing the cause of Christ not only in that church but in the apostolic ministry and the church more generally. John Alley
We must look to the Lord, then, for great apostles – for those who have died to self, who walk with Christ, and have the heart an apostle must have. This great need commends itself to our prayers. We are on holy ground. John Alley
Scripture
So then since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitudes he had and to be ready to suffer too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin.
Observation
Christ suffered physical pain on our behalf, so we must be prepared to suffer physically for Him. To undergo suffering means that we have sided with Christ and against sin.
We used to sin in the past in the same ways that all godless people do – immorality, lust, feasting, drunkenness, parties, and idol worship.
Our old friends are surprised when we no longer follow the ways of the flesh. They respond by slander, but they will have to face God who will judge everyone.
Application
If you have a choice to deny Christ or else endure some kind of physical suffering, perhaps torture or loss of your job or family, which would you choose?
When we are confronted by people or systems that set out to oppress us because of our faith, it focuses our choices. Will I be faithful to Christ or will I choose an easier path?
This choice has been with christians in all ages from the time of the Apostles until now. Many christians face death, imprisonment, loss of home or family. Even in the West, where Christians have historically been the dominant force in society, we are now seeing christians arrested for going against popular narratives.
Where do we stand in all of this? Will we be faithful to our convictions or will we aim for a quiet life and not make waves?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, you gave everything for me. Please help me to stand firm in you especially when to do so is costly. Amen.
So, the test then is this: Is the apostle accountable? Are they in submission? What kind of relationships are pursued and maintained healthily? John Alley
Scripture
That water is a picture of baptism which now saves you, not by removing dirt from your body, but as a response to God from a clean conscience. It is effectual because of the resurrection of Christ.
Observation
Christ died for our sins once for all time. He died for us to bring us home to God.
After his death, Christ preached to the evil spirits in prison. Some people believe that demons are disembodied spirits from the Nephilim of Noah’s day.
Eight people survived the flood. This is a picture of our baptism that saves us. It is not the action itself, but its symbolism of a heart cleansed by the Holy Spirit.
Christ has ascended to heaven and He rules over all the angels and authorities.
Application
Baptism in itself is not does not save us. It is based in the resurrection of Christ.
We rarely think of Noah’s Ark and the Great Flood in the in the context of baptism, but this event is a good representation of baptism. In baptism we go through drowning, as it were, and then we come out resurrected to new life in Christ.
It was the mercy of God that preserved Noah and his family through the flood. It is the mercy of God through Christ’s death and resurrection that preserves us from judgement and condemnation.
Christian baptism is not about being washed clean in the water. It is about dying to our old self and sharing in the resurrection of Christ. We are born again when we pass through the water.
Is baptism essential to salvation?. No. But it is helpful in our commitment to the Lord.
Prayer
Thank you Lord for the gift of baptism. Help me to live it out in service to you. Amen.
New Life Narrabri 