ONE LORD ONE BAPTISM
Bible Portions Numbers 11:23-30 Psalm 23 I Corinthians 10:1-4 John 10:7-18
Key Verses John 10:7 very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. John 10:11 I am the good shepherd. I Corinthians 10:2, 3, 4 all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, and all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink that followed them, and the rock was Christ.
Relevance of the Theme Jan 18 25 Unity Octave : Importance of Ecumenism (One in Jesus) Readings are based on our Lord Jesus Christ, the good shepherd, the only one Theme: from Ephesians 4:3ff Unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace One Body / One Spirit / One Hope / One Lord / One Faith / One Baptism / One God, Father of all, who is above all, and through all and in all.
Jesus Christ: The One Lord Lord: an appellation for a person with authority, control, power over others; a master, chief or ruler. In only a few cases is "lord" a formal title in itself. Term used in all religions, every culture Gk: kyrios - properly, a person exercising absolute ownership rights. Used 277 times in the NT
How Jesus becomes our Lord? SIN, a major obstacle to the presence of our creator. (God cannot perform a work where sin reigns.) (Gen. 3) Heaven s initiative of sending the SON for reconciling creation with Creator (Eph. 1:3-8; 2:1-6; 2:8-10) We are purchased with the Blood of Jesus (Rom. 6:23; I Cor. 6:20; 7:23; Col. 1:14-24; I Pet. 1:18,19) There is only one incident in the whole of history, where, God has given Himself for the sins of the whole world. Uniqueness of Jesus.
Who is JESUS CHRIST for us? Primarily, JESUS CHRIST should be a SAVIOUR for all His followers. More than a great historic personality/ a master/ a teacher/ a physician/ a prophet/ a leader/ Jesus is the Saviour to humankind - Gate to the Father and the Shepherd of His flock. Jesus Christ should be PRIORITY No:1 in our life. He alone is the LORD.
Baptism the term Derived from baptisma: (Gk. N) washing-ism baptismos: (Gk. N) ritual washing baptizo: (Gk. V) to wash bapto: (Gk. V) to dip
Baptism a sacrament One of the Dominical Sacraments (a sacrament instituted by Jesus Christ Himself Matt. 28:19,20) Sacrament : outward sign of the inward GRACE that is from GOD alone. GRACE from GOD FAITH in the LORD to accept that GRACE from GOD GRACE - extensive love, a free gift, promised for Lord s followers
Baptism an initiation Act of initiation deciding on a starting point (just like circumcision in OT) Public act of declaring the FAITH in the LORD Start of the faith journey in public based on Trinitarian formula (Matt. 28:19, 20) Beginning of ETERNAL LIFE to be carried through the END of earthly life.
Baptism a symbol of Salvation Noah & family: saved from flood (judgement) -Gen.6,7,8,9; 1 Pet. 3:18-20 Exodus episode: baptised into Moses in the cloud and the sea,. (journey) -Exodus 13,14; 1 Cor.10:2 Death to sin and rising in Christ -Rom. 6
Baptism Adoption into God s Family Adoption acceptance; agreement; approval; embracing; taking up; Rom. 8; II Cor. 6:17; Gal. 3:28; 4:4; Eph. 1:6; 3:15; Phi. 2:15; Heb. 11:24; I John 2:27; 3:10; Rev. 21:7
Sunday Sermons CSI Church, Toronto Baptism only once & way to be pursued PETER John 12:1-11 (10) one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. THIEF ON THE CROSS Lk. 23:45 Accepted Jesus as LORD Granted Paradise JUDAS ISCARIOT Acts 1: 12-20 With Jesus Did not travel the path Though he had a jewish background
THE GATE Do we remind ourselves that we have passed the GATE, which is CHRIST? THE CROSS Can we accept the LORDSHIP of CHRIST in our LIFE? THE GOOD SHEPHERD Are we aware that we are following a GOOD SHEPHERD who knows us by our name?