Mark 9:35-45 Are you willing to be baptized with the Baptism(s) of Jesus ?

Mark 10:35-45 “Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. "Teacher," they said, "we want you to do for us whatever we ask.“ "What do you want me to do for you?" he asked. They replied, "Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.”

"You don't know what you are asking," Jesus said "You don't know what you are asking," Jesus said. "Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?" "We can," they answered. Jesus said to them, "You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared."

“… When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."” – Mark 10:35-45

In the Old Testament a cup is sometimes a symbol of joy and salvation (Psalms 16:5, 23:5, 116:13), but more often it is a symbol of the wrath of God (Psalms 11:6, 75:8, Isaiah 51:17,22).

Passion prediction followed by teaching on true service and the possibility of suffering 1st time : Mark 8:31, 8:34-9:1 2nd time : Mark 9:31, 9:33-37 3rd time : Mark 10:38-39, 10:41-45

“There is one body and one Spirit – just as you were called to one hope when you were called – one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Ephesians 4:4-6 “Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.” Hebrews 6:1-2

“There is one body and one Spirit – just as you were called to one hope when you were called – one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Ephesians 4:4-6 “Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.” Hebrews 6:1-2

Baptism in Water

Salvation is not just about escaping hell and getting into heaven Salvation is not just about escaping hell and getting into heaven. Salvation is about becoming a new creation in Christ – Saved from our sins and sinful nature, and Saved to be Christ-like and to live a holy life. “We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Romans 6:4

Baptism is the outward sign of an inward faith Baptism is the outward sign of an inward faith. If you say you believe in Jesus, and want to live your entire life trusting Jesus as your Lord and Savior, then be baptized.

“Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John “Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter Him saying, ‘I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?’ Jesus replied, ‘Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on Him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:13-17

Baptism in Water – Seal Our Faith as a witness for ourselves and our family

As much as God wants us to have a godly abundant life – full of love, joy, peace, hope and purpose; He wants us to be His partner in bringing that godly abundant life to other people as well.

As much as God wants us to have a godly abundant life – full of love, joy, peace, hope and purpose; He wants us to be His partner in bringing that godly abundant life to other people as well. … despite all our efforts, something seems to be missing in our witnessing to our friends and relatives.

“… He gave them this command : ‘Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ … But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’ ” Acts 1:4-5, 8

Baptism in the Holy Spirit – Baptism in Water – Seal Our Faith as a witness for ourselves and our family Baptism in the Holy Spirit – Share the Faith effectively/powerfully with others

Seal Our Faith as a witness for ourselves and our family Baptism in Water – Seal Our Faith as a witness for ourselves and our family Baptism in the Holy Spirit – Share the Faith effectively/powerfully to others Found in 1 Cor 12:7-10 : The spiritual gifts include “the word of wisdom”, “the word of knowledge”, “faith”, “healing”, “miraculous powers”, “prophecy”, “distinguishing between spirits”, “speaking in different kinds of tongues”, “interpretation of tongues”.

But the gifts are not for us to feel good about ourselves, feel powerful about our ministry. These gifts are for us to share the Gospel, share our faith effectively to people. And also to minister directly to the hearts of those who are in pain.

Luke 11:9-13 "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. "Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

Baptism in Fire – Matthew 3:11 Strengthen the faith for All (starting from self), across time and space “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come One who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” Matthew 3:11

Baptism in Fire – Judgment Strengthen the faith for All (starting from self), across time and space Judgment Genesis 19:24 (“Then the Lord rained down burning sulphur on Sodom and Gomorrah – from the Lord out of the heavens”), 2 Kings 1:10, Amos 1:4-7, Matthew 7:19, James 5:3 (“Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire.”)

Baptism in Fire – Purifying Effect Strengthen the faith for All (starting from self), across time and space Purifying Effect Zechariah 13:9a (“This third I will bring into the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold”), Malachi 3:2-3, 1 Corinthians 3:13-15, 1 Peter 1:6-7 (“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire – may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus is revealed.”)

“The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.” – 2nd century Church Father, Tertullian.

Out of the 196 countries in the world, there are still persecution and oppression against Christians, and opposition to the Gospel in at least 50 countries.

Pray, Learn, Persevere Baptism in Fire – Strengthen the faith for All (starting from self), across time and space 1 Peter 1:6-7 (“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire – may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus is revealed.”) Pray, Learn, Persevere

‘Perfume’ Bibles

‘Perfume’ Bibles Such was the hunger and importance of every copy of God’s Word.

Why does God allow some of His people to go through the baptism of fire ? Because there is so much the persecuted church can teach us and remind us of what is really really important in life.

Let us learn from others, especially the persecuted church, and whatever trials and pain we might go through, let us persevere in faith, and may God use all these difficulties to transform us. We will overcome – that is Jesus’ promise for us.

Baptism in Water (like Jesus) – Are we willing to acknowledge Jesus Christ as our Lord to the world ? Baptism in the Holy Spirit (by Jesus) – Are we willing to receive the power to Share Jesus as the Only Savior with the world ? Baptism in Fire (following Jesus) – Are we willing to be transformed by Jesus, and then in turn transform the world ?

Mark 9:35-45 Are you willing to be baptized with the Baptism(s) of Jesus ?