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There is a reason Christianity begins with Baptism. It’s kind of like a drowning, to end something that is broken and wrong within us. It is the point of no return for the believer. It says “I am all in.” And, all in is all in.

Luke 9:62 (NLT) But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.”

Jesus Was Very Clear. Christianity is not for the half-hearted. He said things like, “Take up your cross and crucify your old self” and “Complete consecration is the way.”

Matthew 28:19-20 (NLT) Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

All of God and All of You

All of You into All of Him. The Scriptures solidify that God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Paul also presents man as Spirit, Body, and Soul. It seems to me that to know God, is to encounter, enjoy, and expand understanding and comprehension of His complete existence. 

Baptism presents an overwhelming moment. A moment where the water embraces, washes, and overwhelms us. This is what a relationship with God is like. It is overwhelming. It is consuming.

Obedience. This relationship with God begins with obedience. Obedience begins a journey that spurts and sputters toward the holiness of your entire being. There is no relationship with God without obedience to God’s commands and Jesus’ instructions.

So baptism is the FIRST step of obedience. If you won’t do what Jesus said in regard to baptism, the nature of your commitment to Him is obvious.

1 Peter 3:21 (NLT) And 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 effective because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

A Clean Conscience. This is a desire to be right with God. Righteousness is harmony with God. A clean conscience is one that is in agreement with God. Baptism is an agreement with God. It’s not fighting Him. It isn’t earning from Him. It is agreeing with Him that Jesus is the way.

Colossians 2:20 (NLT) You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as,

Drowning in Self and Society, or Alive in Christ

Drowning In Sodom? 2 Peter 2:7 tells us that Lot was sick of the wickedness of Sodom. It tormented him. That is life in a corrupt world. Don’t live in Sodom. Don’t drown in the wickedness that surrounds you. The world isn’t basically good. People are not basically good. They begin as sinners and rebels against God.

Delivered in Christ. Christ has freed us from this disaster. We are the people of the WAY. It’s time to learn about the world that is coming. It’s time to prepare for the future! You are free from this mess. Sodom is not your reality anymore.

Colossians 3:1 (NLT)  Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand.

Colossians 3:5 (NLT) So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.

Outta That Grave!

Suits and Polos. I hope they don’t bury me in a suit. Jeans and polo would be nice. Maybe a knowing smile; I don’t wanna look too dead.

When Lazarus strolled out of his grave, he was dressed for being dead, but he wasn’t dead anymore. Jesus commanded the people to cut him loose. He couldn’t act dead anymore. He shouldn’t smell dead anymore. Leave the stench and the grave suit behind.

This world has nothing for you. Making the people of the world happy only makes you miserable.  You were born again to live in the light as light. So shine. If people don’t like it, tough cookies!

Colossians 2:6-7a (NLT) And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. 7 Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. 

Something New. You see, all in is about learning, experimenting, correcting, and living a new life. Don’t live an old life with more religion or ritual. That’s exhausting, not inspiring. The new life is inspiring. It’s improving. It’s moving forward and upward. Are you doing something new? Is your faith new? Don’t let your faith, life or light be a faint copy of the new.

1 Corinthians 15:19 (NLT) And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world.

It’s About Eternity

The Glory of God. This is about God’s fame, God’s honor, and the truth about the goodness of God. Our lives are a testimony to that goodness and faithfulness. 

Your Glory and Reward. God’s glory is shared with YOU. Jesus’ glory is shared with you as if it was your own. So make much of Jesus, much of the Father, and much of the Spirit! The more glory you give, the more it reflects into your life and future!

The Salvation of the Lost. This is what we are here for. We are here to save others. The way is narrow. Few will find it. 

Live in such a way, that if you’re wrong, it was a waste. That was Paul’s take. Love it or hate it, that’s what he believed. 

1. You’re not wrong!