Have you had the Water Baptism in Jesus’ Name?

Praise the Lord, Beloved, and Greetings in the Name of the One who said, “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger“ (John 6:35). Beloved, Jesus us the only One who satisfies like that. It is in His Name that I greet you.

Beloved, I’m inspired of the Lord to write on a series of letters that ask the question, “Have you had the Water Baptism in Jesus’ Name?” I don’t know exactly why the Lord wants me to write on this subject, because I preach about the proper way to be baptized every Sunday, and often during the weekly services. However, I make no excuses nor apologies for God’s leading and direction. It would seem that all the Anointed Harvest congregation should be acquainted with the principles of this subject, but it is obvious that this non-denominational (but biblical) principle warrants some extra attention at this time.

Precious Ones, Jesus not only commanded “Water Baptism”, but scripture records that He Himself went to the River Jordan and was baptized by John the Baptist, to show us how we are supposed to be baptized (see Matthew 3). Jesus never gave any thought to appeasing a denomination or performing a certain ritual. Jesus didn’t let John pour a little water on His head, nor did He let John sprinkle Him with it. Rather, He had John bury (immerse) Him in the water. We know that this method pleased God so well that He sent “a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). Therefore, God is not “well pleased” with anyone’s act of baptism unless it is done properly and in the right way.

Chosen Ones, the Book of Matthew provides a clue of what makes baptism pleasing to God. Jesus told John to baptize him by immersion because “thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15). You may ask, “What is the righteous way in which God requires us to be baptized”? Here is the answer - Jesus said, “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5).

I will write more on this subject next week.
Until then, know this,
I love you all SO very much,
In His Love,
Pastor William L McCoy

If Two Shall Agree, continued

Praise the Lord, Beloved, and Greetings in the Name of the One who said, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 19:19). The Author of these words is none other than our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is in His Name that I greet you.

Beloved, in conclusion of our theme, “If Two Shall Agree”, no good thing will our God withhold from those of us who walk uprightly (Psalm 84:11). Those who desire to be like Jesus will never be like him until we learn how to pray like Him. Communicating with Jesus is the key to emulating Him. Remember, Jesus knows that “there is nothing too hard for [God]” (Jeremiah 32:17). Therefore, whatever our case may be, we cannot give up on any prayer that we desire the Lord to answer. This is where it is good to have a prayer-partner - so that you won’t give up. Your prayer-partner should encourage you if your patience weakens as you wait for your answer.

However, Chosen Ones, this is the warning - make sure that you choose the right partner to pray with you. The gauge to use in choosing a prayer-partner who will benefit you and enhance your prayer-life is this - make sure that your choice “agrees” with your vision. Don’t let anyone deter you from the vision that God has given you!

Selected Ones, a perfect example of what I’m saying is found in the Book of Acts. The Holy Spirit of Jesus partnered Barnabas and Paul together, knowing that they had the same vision. According to scripture, “as [the saints, including Paul and Barnabas] ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when [the apostles] had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on [Paul and Barnabas], they sent them away” (Acts 13:2-3). Because their chemistry was a perfect match, these two men displayed the power of the Holy Ghost in a way that was unprecedented. No one had ever seen the Lord move in two disciples as He moved in Barnabas and Paul. In fact, scripture records that through these two men of God, “the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region” where they were (Acts 13:49).

In closing, Beloved, “two agreeing” means more than just thinking the same way, but, more importantly, it means agreeing to effect change in this world!

I will write on another subject next week.
Until then, know this,
I love you all SO very much,
In His Love,
Pastor William L McCoy