Today, I have been invited to participate in the baptism of
a man, and share my thoughts regarding the mission of the Holy Ghost and the importance
of his constant companionship. The man
being baptized is a man with whom I've had just a brief exchange. But in those few moments, I recognized in
him, a soul that was edified by the spirit of hope. This man’s countenance was bright, his heart
was filled with joy and his face displayed a smile that the Devil himself could
not dispatch. What was different about
him? What event could change a man or
woman’s life to such a degree? Well, previous
to his baptism and prior to the moment we met, he received a personal witness of
our Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ. Mankind
is unable to conjure up any vise or virtue to equal the impact of a soul who
receives a testimony that God lives and Jesus is the Christ. As I was researching the scriptures for my address,
I was touch by John the Baptist and his testimony of the Savior and their
impending ministries.
When John the Baptist was preaching in the wilderness of Judæa, he plead “Repent ye:
for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
This was a fulfillment of prophesy declared by the Prophet Esaias that proclaimed
there would be one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight.” The scriptures
indicate that all Jerusalem, and all Judæa,
and the region round about Jordan came to John and were baptized of him confessing
their sins. But when John saw many of
the Pharisees and Sadducees come to be baptized of John, he asked them who it
was that warned them to flee from their wrath and to come? Before they could respond, John then
admonished them to bring forth meet for repentance. Meaning, have they properly prepared
themselves for baptism with humbled hearts and contrite spirits. John then warned them not to justify their
desire to be baptized just because they were the descendants of Abraham. He said that God is able to raise up children
of Abraham from stones. Then John gave
them a very stern warning likening it to an axe that is laid to the root
saying, “Therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.” Adding, “I indeed baptize you with water unto
repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am
not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire[1].”
So what are we to glean from this exchange with John the
Baptist on one side and the Pharisees and Sadducees on the other?
1.
John was the only one with the proper authority to
baptize, an authority that even the Pharisees and the Sadducees recognized.
2.
One must be qualified for baptism; they must be penitent,
humbled before God and posses a contrite spirit and then proceed with good
works for the benefit of mankind.
3.
Once baptized, the person receiving the
ordinance becomes members of the body of Christ (church), which is the kingdom
of God. They must remain true to the
promises and covenants made at baptism or Christ, who holds the axe of judgment,
will cut out each root that fails to bring forth good fruit and cast them into
the fire.
4.
There are two levels of authority, one possessed
by John the Baptist perhaps a lesser authority, and another higher authority
held by Jesus Christ[2].
Faith in God is an amazing quality of which the worldly
cannot comprehend. We can’t see God,
touch God, smell God, hear God nor can we taste him, yet we continue in our
faith in God. Now faith is the substance
of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen[3],
and at the last days it will be well with those who are found possessing it.
The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead; he has a
body of spirit that he may dwell within the hearts of men. The Holy Ghost...shall teach you all things,
and bring all things to your remembrance.
Remembrance of what? Of the
promises we made to stand as a witness of Jesus Christ and to be his disciples
with a charge to build up His kingdom on earth and to establish Zion preparing
the way for his Second Coming. For though
I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me;
yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! Of this I testify, in His holy
name. Amen.
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