WATER BAPTISM

Baptism

A public identification with the death, burial and resurrection of the Messiah (Deliverer, Liberator and Savior, Jesus Christ. Baptize from the Greek word “baptisimo” - meaning to immerse, submerge into a substance completely.

This is why the term Water Baptism is used or to be Baptized in Water, both mean one in the same. The Lord’s purpose for water is to start and develop life upon the earth. God provided this liquid fluid in abundance to sustain life in man, animals and plants by containing essential minerals and nutrients for physical growth. Water is also used as a solvent cleansing agent to help remove impurities both within our body and on the surface of our body. Therefore Water Baptism primarily does two things –

1st it speaks to the World that we are followers of the Word of God. Identifying with Water Baptism through the experience tells everyone that you believe in the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Yes, you are a Christian. The message about Jesus dying for your sins and then being raised from the dead is what you believe about God for yourself. The Lord always has a way of putting His people in a different category than those who don’t believe in Him. Water Baptism is not observed by any other religion but it is specifically associated with Christianity. This step is essential for those believers who choose to follow the teaching of Jesus completely. It is something more than just an outward act but it is also an encounter with God, which brings us to the next purpose:
2ndly we should be consciously cleansed by this water. This water is to initially remove the stains of sin upon your conscience due to previous works of the flesh. This encounter, when applied to a believer with a sincere heart will allow God to personally minister to you at your specific point of need. Water Baptism will definitely remove all guilt and shame but some other blessing can come from the obedience to God’s Word. There are some that will come up from the water singing, others will come up exuberated because they know they have experienced a personal touch from God. There are still others who don’t feel anything physically but have a clear conscience of following God’s Way of Water Baptism. All scenarios are good because depending upon your situation God will meet you at your particular point of need, not someone else’s.

We just mentioned that here on earth the natural water we are accustom to has multiple purposes. It is used in the Holy Bible for multiple types and purposes also. The Word of God is referred to as water according to Ephesians 5:25-26

25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, KJV

In this context we can see that one purpose for water is to cleanse us from the filth of the world. We can also look at water in the light of a calming, peaceful refreshment to bring life to us and our surroundings according to Isaiah 55:10-11

10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:
11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. KJV

We can conclude from this scripture that if water comes in contact with good ground it will ignite a harvest of God's Goodness. We also see water being used in the New Testament as an outpouring (outward flow) of God's Spirit according to John 4:13-14

13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:
14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. KJV

and John 7:37-39
37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
39(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) KJV

These verses declares that we can use the Water of God to refresh others who come within our presence or influence. It seems like since water is so crucial to our existence the Lord uses water quite frequently in the Holy Bible to draw a picture of it's significance spiritually. Jesus told us in John 3:3-8 that you must be born again of water.

John 3:3-8
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. KJV

In verse 5 Jesus stated that you must be born of water and the spirit to be truly born again. I believe the water in this scripture is referring to the natural water in the sack of the mother's womb when she carries the child. I believe the spirit is referring to the Holy Word of God because John 6:63 tells us that God's Word is spirit and He is life. The Life of God is transferred to you the very instant you are born again by making Jesus Christ your Savior and Lord. By confessing Jesus as your Lord you are born-again not of corruptible seed but rather the incorruptible seed of the Word of God in agreement with 1 Peter 1:23

Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. KJV

Once you have become a Christian it is our new destiny to develop into the same image of Jesus Christ. This process takes a lifetime, so the Good Lord generally starts us out with certain experiences that will help us to make this journey easier as we walk with Him. According to Acts 17:28 it is in Him that we live and move and have our being. As we live, drink, and share His Words with our inner man and others it stimulates our growth and development in God.

Romans 12:1-2
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. KJV

We grow up in Christ Jesus primarily by renewing our mind to think like God thinks, to produce speech like God speaks influencing our actions to be inline with how our Lord Jesus acts.

One of those experiences that the Lord gives us the privilege to partake of is Water Baptism. We explained earlier that Water Baptism will remove certain ungodly roots to help you pull away from sins that may of held you in bondage before. Once the roots are removed it is a lot easier to pluck up the plant or tree. We all know without roots a tree will just fall over making it a lot easier to remove from the site. Now let me add a word of caution that removing the roots will not remove the tree. This means that you will have to do your part in the natural to remove the tree by refraining from old bad habits to walk in this newness of life.

Ephesians 4:21-24
21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. KJV

Therefore, when a person comes up from the water your flesh (your physical body) has felt the presence of God and it will know something is different. Water baptism is a type of crucifixion of your flesh. Yes, we identify with the death of Jesus Christ when we descend into the water, but we also identify with the ascension of Jesus when we are raised up out of the water. Normally with Water Baptism, you should realize that you don't put yourself into the water, nor do you pull yourself out of the water. This lets us know that God is the One doing the work on you, it is not you doing a marvelous work on yourself. If we are to truly identify with Christ we know He descended of His own free will and He was raised again from the dead by the power of God. It is good and right to believe that God is the one who raises you up in the resurrection power of Jesus. This attitude combined with a proper diet of God's Word will help you say, "No!" to the flesh when it wants to do something unprofitable.

Romans 6:3-11
3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. 7 For he who has died has been freed from sin. 8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. 10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. NKJV

Let us look at the basic salvation principle as a type and shadow in the Old Testament with the Children of Israel. In the Old Testament the Blood of the Passover Lamb protected them from death (a type of Salvation) in Exodus 12:21-24

21 Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover.
22 And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning.
23 For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you.
24 And ye shall observe this thing for an ordinance to thee and to thy sons for ever. KJV

In the New Testament the Blood of Jesus saved us by grace apart from works when we call upon His Name according to Romans 5:8-9, Ephesians 2:8 and Romans 10:12-13

Romans 5:8-9
8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. KJV

And Ephesians 2:8
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. KJV

And Romans 10:12-13
12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. KJV

In the Old Testament with the Children of Israel the journey started with salvation from death (The Destroyer) and continued on for many years. Notice that they needed certain encounters with God to aid them on their new walk with Him.

Exodus 13:18-22
18 But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt.
19 And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you.
20 And they took their journey from Succoth, and encamped in Etham, in the edge of the wilderness.
21 And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:
22 He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people. KJV

First they noticed the cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night which represents God's Presence. Notice in this context His Presence is not overflowing upon us but near enough so that we can always see Him if we choose to look for Him. Likewise, in the New Testament as soon as you are born of the Spirit of God He is always there but you must discipline yourself to look for Him to accurately follow His chosen path for your life. The Presence of God led them exactly unto the shore of the Red Sea. It was not called the "Red Sea" by chance, we all know this is symbolic for the Crimson Blood of Jesus. This part is interesting because all those who wanted to move forward with God were required to take this path through the Red Sea. The generation that came out of Egypt was in deep bondage and all those who wanted deliverance from that strong hold had to take this step. This step was an act of their faith in God, not forced, but rather a choice. It looked uncertain and unusual but God had a specific purpose in mind. After observing the results we can see now how brilliant His plan was. You too, must exercise your faith to be led into Water Baptism. This is something that requires a decision with actions to consummate.

Exodus 14:21-31
21 And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.
22 And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.
23 And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.
24 And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the LORD looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians,
25 And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the LORD fighteth for them against the Egyptians.
26 And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.
27 And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.
28 And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them.
29 But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.
30 Thus the LORD saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore.
31 And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses. KJV

Crossing through the Red Sea was Israel’s visible deliverance from their physical enemies who lived according to the world system. Egypt represents a type of world’s system that was full of physical and mental bondage, a strong appetite for war (anger, violence), worldly wisdom and yet was a very beautiful place to look upon in the natural. Once the Children of Israel came through the waters of the Red Sea all the physical hindrances to their faith where conquered, thus causing much rejoicing and relief. The Power of God was in the water to provide great deliverance. In verse 27 it specifically states that the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. Notice they were free physically but still had to overcome the mental bad habits they developed in Egypt. For us Water Baptism gives us a consciousness of a clean slate but each believer must continue in God’s Word to keep their slate clean. This is because the ceremony of Water Baptism will not remove the lust (evil nature) of the flesh, just like the children of Israel still lusted after carnal things when they were in the wilderness. It provided them with a clear conscience void of enemy terror and fear, when they chose to think on the Lord, their Savoir and Great Deliverer. Likewise being Water Baptized will remove a guilty conscience and worldly stains that could be a hindrance to your walk of faith with God. However, there is no instant fix to all the problems and challenges we face in this life, but this gives you a good jump start in your walk of holiness before God. Notice this explanation of Water Baptism in a few different versions of the Holy Bible:

1 Peter 3:20-21 20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. 21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: KJV

1 Peter 3:20-21
20 those who disobeyed God long ago when God waited patiently while Noah was building his boat. Only eight people were saved from drowning in that terrible flood.
21 And this is a picture of baptism, which now saves you by the power of Jesus Christ's resurrection. Baptism is not a removal of dirt from your body; it is an appeal to God from a clean conscience. NLT

1 Peter 3:20-21
20[The souls of those] who long before in the days of Noah had been disobedient, when God's patience waited during the building of the ark in which a few [people], actually eight in number, were saved through water. [Gen. 6-8.]
21 And baptism, which is a figure [of their deliverance], does now also save you [from inward questionings and fears], not by the removing of outward body filth [bathing], but by [providing you with] the answer of a good and clear conscience (inward cleanness and peace) before God [because you are demonstrating what you believe to be yours] through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. AMP

These verses help us to see that guilt and shame can be removed in Water Baptism. Their are some people who have had a rough life and they need to sense God's Presence more clearly. Water Baptism will help because it will remove the shame and it may even result in you sensing God's Love upon you as His son or daughter. We could like this encounter to our Heavenly Father and Lord Jesus Christ giving you a hug. Some people will feel the hug deeply as if someone pulled them in very tight, while others will not feel anything overwhelming but spiritually in heart they will know that God just hugged them too. When it comes to the Presence of God we can guarantee He is there but how each child of God perceives Him is different. This can be classified as a spiritual encounter that effects your soul mentally and body physically for good. Let us look at another type and shadow in the Old Testament by observing Naaman the leper in 2 Kings 5:1-3,9-10,14-15

1 Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper.
2 And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife.
3 And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy.

9 So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha.
10 And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.

14 Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.
15 And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him: and he said, Behold, now I know that there is no God in all earth, but in Israel: now therefore, I pray thee, take a blessing of thy servant. KJV

In this story Naaman was known as a mighty man of Syrian, but he was a leper. This example shows us that you could have wealth, you could be well known, you could be physically strong as a superior athlete, you could be in management, and as far as influence you could be right next to the king and yet with all that working for you at one time the true is that you are still a sinner. Remember in the Holy Bible leprosy represents sin according to

Exodus 4:5-7
5 That they may believe that the LORD God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath appeared unto thee.
6 And the LORD said furthermore unto him, Put now thine hand into thy bosom. And he put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous as snow.
7 And he said, Put thine hand into thy bosom again. And he put his hand into his bosom again; and plucked it out of his bosom, and, behold, it was turned again as his other flesh. KJV

And Numbers 12:9-11
9 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them; and he departed.
10 And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous.
11 And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned. KJV

And 2 Kings 5:25-27
25 But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisha said unto him, Whence comest thou, Gehazi? And he said, Thy servant went no whither.
26 And he said unto him, Went not mine heart with thee, when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants?
27 The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow. KJV

The point I am making is that Naaman needed to be cleansed from his sin nature. People all over the world, Christians included, with all our glorious intellectual advancements still need to humble themselves before God. Leprosy can not be hid from the sight of man when you have it, just like sin can not be hid from the sight of God when you have it. His first step was to believe that the God of Israel could heal him, which He did by observing his actions to come into the land of Israel. Next, he needed to believe the Man of God speaking God’s Word. At first he didn’t but then he calmed down and obeyed the Word of God spoken by the Man of God. The Man of God basically told Naaman that you need to feel God’s presence to experience more of God’s Goodness, therefore be baptized in the waters of Jordan. Notice the Man of God was very specific to tell him to do it in Jordan. This is God’s way of telling us we must be willing to follow His Plan, His Process, for His Purposes, not our own. Many will say, “Can’t I be baptized in my own bath tub by myself, what difference does it make?” The answer is yes you can, but will God bless your decisions according to your will or His procedures according to His Will (His Word)? The correct answer is, “His Will”. The Lord Jesus will confirm His Word with signs following.-Mark 16:19,20 Humble yourself under the mighty Hand of God and He will exalt you in due season.-1 Peter 5:6 When Naaman obeyed the simple instruction He saw God’s Goodness all over his body, just like when we obey God’s simple commandment to be baptized in water we will sense God’s presence all around us also. Their are many people living today who need a touch from God to strengthen their faith. The Good News is that God already knew that and designed Water Baptism to satisfy that need. Naaman believed God could do something about his disease but he really didn't have a heart for God. Notice in Naaman's walk with God after he experienced a touch of God in the water Naaman knew the God of the whole earth was real to him, which is far better. Many people focus on the miracle of Elijah, but Angela and I on the other hand are excited that Naaman got saved that day. In the Old Testament we see God's acts of glory, but in the New Testament we are encouraged to aware of the Holy Spirit of Glory living on the inside of us. In the New Testament let us also examine a picture of Water Baptism in the pool of Bethesda.

John 5:1-4
1 After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.
3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.
4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. KJV

Yes, the Angel troubled (stirred) the water and whoever stepped in first was made whole of whatever aliment they had. This is another example of the Lord’s presence being in the water He has chosen, not man and not just any body of water. That is why I keep stating we must be willing to do it His Way. In this case whether it is a portion of His Anointing, or some of His Angels, or His Very Presence, something very Holy, Precious and Sacred is in the Water of Baptism that can free a man or woman from the scars of sin, thus compelling them to do good because they know God is real. Water Baptism is an expected sacrament of the Lord in the New Testament. We are admonished in the scripture to partake of this wonderful blessing, for added empowerment to our Christian walk.

The process is always the same believe on God for your salvation, then follow God's Ways (His Word) to grow, develop and mature in God. We notice the divine order of God all throughout the Holy Bible as you will see with each example of Baptism in the New Testament starting with the Baptism of John. John the Baptist ministry was a ministry of new beginning to prepare the peoples heart to receive Christ Jesus the Messiah. Thus, believe on God's Word first, then follow God's Word unto better fruit by obeying exactly what He tells you to do.

Matthew 3:1-6
1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
4 And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.
5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,
6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. KJV

A major reason I know this is more than just an outward confession of your inward faith is because when John first started baptizing the people they did not even know about the redemption of Jesus, they simply believed the message of God from John. The fact that John expected a change in their heart even before they got baptized confirms the fact that repentance from dead works comes first. Repentance from dead work comes into your consciousness then you realize you need to put your faith in God by excepting Jesus as Lord, after that you are ready from Water Baptism according to Hebrews 6:1,2

1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. KJV

A person must have a change in heart first by the desire to serve God more faithfully before they are baptized. We must take a humble heart with us into Water Baptism so that God can empower us for better service unto Him. In the following verses we see John expected a repentant heart first, then fruit showing you believe the message of God, after that a great experience with God to prepare your heart to receive God's Son.

Matthew 3:7-8
7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them,"Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
8 Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, NKJV

We will say that the Lord desires to show himself strong on your behalf, if you desire to obey God in all things. The Lord Jesus and Heavenly Father are faithful to do more than what you expected. We were taught to be Water Baptized because it was right and that is exactly why we did it, but both of us (Angela and I) came up out of the water differently from the way we went down. For example, our conscience was more clear and our flesh was more stilled making it easier for our heart to freely worship the Lord, it felt like a clean start. Our Lord is very big on cleaning the ground to start afresh, starting with water covering the earth to start it out fresh for Noah's generation.-Genesis 6-8 As we discussed early, once the Children of Israel came through the waters of the Red Sea they had a clear fresh path ahead. Water Baptism was not intended to start your walk with God, but it was intended to enhance your walk with God. Remember the Children of Israel had already starting walking with God, but deliverance from the army of Egypt made their walk a lot easier. I know some Believers don't want us to speak about feelings but when it comes to Water Baptism because you may only feel wet. However, the feeling we are describing is more of an assured knowing (a sensing) that God has blessed your obedience to His Word. We are not to led by our feeling but our Lord Jesus is not afraid of you feeling (sensing) His Presence as long as you don't base your faith on the outward feelings of your body. Remember we believe God's Word first to be saved and after salvation comes this encounter with God through Water Baptism. Let us look at another example in the New Testament in Acts 8:35-39

35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. KJV

The Eunuch went away rejoicing because He was saved through the knowledge of Jesus Christ and he actually experienced the real and tangible power of God. The Eunuch went down into the water with a confession of faith that Jesus is Lord and when he came up from the water he saw God's power demonstrated. Someone could say, “How do you know that?”, well for one the Eunuch saw Philip supernatural caught away as a sign from God. The other reason is because he (the eunuch) went away rejoicing this means he was overflowing with God's goodness. It does not surprise us when people obey God's Word that they receive some blessings from God, but what does surprise Angela and I is why so many more don't obey God’s instructions.

Angela could personally identify with the rejoicing of the Eunuch because rejoicing was in her heart immediately after she came up out of the Water of Baptism. I will explain, as soon as Angela came up out of the water her spirit man was free to express it's self without distraction and/or any reservation. She started speaking in tongues out loud as a result, it was loud enough so that I and all those present could hear her. Angela is not one to make a big show or speak public in tongues it was supernatural and beautiful all at the same time. For myself the experience was similar but with a different expression as soon as I came up out of the water, I knew that something happened to me. What had happened was that this was my first encounter with the very real tangible power of God. Since I was young in the Lord I did not know what had happened or what was going to happen next with my life. This experience convinced me that God is real and He is interested in my life. Now I had indisputable evidence that God touched me and something happened to my flesh, I felt different because I was different. Since I was not full of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues yet, I lacked adequate words to express my heart, thus silence was the result. For me to go several days with no desire to talk is supernatural now I have to purpose to keep my tongue striving daily to keep my flesh crucified. On the day of my Water Baptism and for a few days following it was not a striving at all because it honestly felt like my flesh was surrendered to God.

Therefore it is our conclusion that a certain level of divine intervention that takes place in Water of Baptism. Being born again starts your reborn spirit out right, and being Baptized in Water starts your outward physical body out right. The outward man will be humbled to make easier the newness of Christ's life flowing through your reborn spirit. Yes, this act elevates the lordship of your spirit by humbling your flesh. To be water baptized without being born-again (not believing on Christ Jesus as Lord and Savoir) is a waste of time, because without faith it is impossible to please God for those who come to God must believe that His Is (Jesus) and He is a rewarded of those know diligently seek Him.

Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. KJV

The Lord Jesus and our Heavenly Father always blesses conformity to His Word. Thus, we identify with the death of Jesus and with the obedience of all the other saints who identified with this crucifixion of the flesh. Having a new reborn spirit with a Water Baptized body only leaves the restoration of our soul by the renewing of your mind for completion in Christ Jesus.

Romans 12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. KJV

Those in the world are not baptized in water but we as Christians are not to be conformed to this worlds system but rather transformed into His very image, character and likeness. Water Baptism gives us a fresh boost in our new walk with Him. I personally believe we could receive healing in the water for our body along with total deliverance from the enemies of our faith, if we would only believe that God's delivering, quickening and healing power is in the Water. Remember, the Power of God present at the Pool of Bethesda in John 5:1-4 and Naaman received his healing in the waters of Jordan in 2 Kings 5:1-15. Thus the Lord is in that Water, more specifically the Lord's Presence is in the water you will be baptized in whether you realize He is there or not. Being water baptzed is a blessing to the Blessed, and a curse to the curses of sin. Therefore Water Baptism serves as an initial softening of the flesh to yield to the spiritual direction of God for your life coming from God's Word inside your heart. We believe this to be a simple act of your faith that has a profound blessing attached to it. The examples we see in the Holy Bible also bear witness to the significance of this ordeal. In next several examples we will see Water Baptism included along with the Gospel message of salvation.

Acts 2:36-41
36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. KJV

In this account the Gospel of Jesus was preached and the people believed on the Name of Jesus with the remission of sins first, then right after conversion they were baptized.

Acts 8:12-13
12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. KJV

In these verses we see believing the Gospel of Jesus came first, then the men and women who received this message were baptized.

Acts 16:14-15
14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
15 And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us. KJV

Lydia heard the Good News about Jesus with an open heart, she also heard about the message of Water Baptism and proceeded to be baptized with her whole household.

Acts 9:17-18
17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. KJV

Notice in verse 17 Ananias called Saul (The Apostle Paul) Brother, therefore Paul was saved first by believing on Jesus then he was baptized in verse 18. The Apostle Paul, as a leader of the church, partook of Water Baptism after his conversion to Christianity.

Acts 16:30-34
30 And he brought them out and said,"Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
31 So they said,"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household." 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. 34 Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household. NKJV

These verses show us the order of progression very clearly, first in verse 30 the question is asked about salvation. Next, the simple message of the Gospel of Jesus is explained to them. Then, they believed that message which included information about baptism. After that they were baptized as a whole family. God’s plan of salvation is always for your complete family. This is a beautiful illustration that it is possible for everyone in your family to be saved, baptized and rejoicing under the same roof.

Acts 18:8
And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized. KJV

This example shows a belief of the Gospel of Jesus with a whole household and baptism being preformed right with God’s message of salvation. It is very possible that the Lord designed water baptism to immediate follow the salvation conversion to touch people both inwardly and outwardly. Even our Precious Lord and Savior Jesus was baptized to lead the way for all His followers.

Matthew 3:13-17
13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. KJV

This is another example of the simple act of obedience to God’s Word when being Water Baptized triggered a supernatural encounter with God. We can plainly see that Water Baptism did not make Jesus Holy but His humbleness to be baptized pleased His Heavenly Father to the place of an open display of honor upon Jesus. We may not see the Heavens opened and the Heavenly Father speaking to us in an audible voice but rest assured He is pleased with our submission to His Word. Amen!

We have discussed what Water Baptism is – An encounter with God in the water.

We have touched upon what it is not – It is not the way to be born again, it is an experience subsequent to salvation it is not the requirement for salvation.

We have seen in more than three witness that it is for the Christian’s who desire to follow the foot steps of Jesus.

We have proven the Doctrine of Water Baptism being from God runs consistently and repeatedly through the whole bible (Old and New Testament).

Now one thing left for us to discuss is how you should be Baptized. Angela and I believe whole hearted that you should be totally immersed in the body of water chosen by the Man or Woman of God. This is consistent with all the examples we read early. Some will preach that you should be baptized in the Name of Lord only according Acts 10:47-48

47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. KJV

We see another example where they baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus in Acts 8:16

(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) KJV

Both of these examples are biblical and good. We know of some denominations that baptize in the Name of Jesus only. Which we also support as good. We don’t want to split hairs on a technicality because the main point of emphasizes should be on the purpose of Water Baptism unto the Lord Jesus for identification with His death burial and resurrection. The Lord is smart enough to read your heart and bless you accordingly, independently from the title of the Water Baptism. If your heart is right before God and you understand exactly what you are doing you will be blessed period. If this was a critical matter the Lord Jesus and the Apostles would of only shown us one way. Since they did not make a huge deal out of the way we are baptized we should not ever. Just be sure to baptize someone with the right heart (saved) and for the right reasons (to further develop their walk with God). Jesus himself gave us a teaching on how to baptize in Matthew 28:18-20 and that can be followed as well in the Name of Jesus

18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. KJV

If you need a model to follow at your church use this, if you belong to a church that already has a set procedure for Water Baptism follow that one with a clear conscience. Remember, this is not a work of man but rather a Work of God, God is faithful to do what is necessary even when His children are unsure.

Always know that the Power of God always supercedes the shortcomings of man, with that in mind be Baptized in the Name of Lord Jesus Christ! Amen!

Water Baptism should be performed by an Elder of the Church, preferably your church. We do not want to leave any impression that just anyone can baptize you, because this right is typically reserved to those who are ordained by God to teach you what to do next after you come up out of the water. Water Baptism is one part of your walk with God, but much teaching and learning should follow. Angela and I believe that so strongly that we recommend being Water Baptized within the Local Church you belong to. Being under the guidance of a Good Under Shepherd (A Pastor) is a good thing. He or she is there to help you, typically the true servant of God will be blessed also to see you obey God’s Word. We believe that Water Baptism helps empower you for better service unto God, what could be a better place to use this empower other than the local church. Angela and I pray that you partake of this divine benefit in the near future if you haven’t already done so.

Jesus has already led The Way, all we must do is follow!

In His Love, Eric & Angela Foster

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