Have You had the Water Baptism in Jesus’ Name?, continued

Praise the Lord, Beloved, and Greetings in the Name of the One who said, “...the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them.” (Luke 9:56). These words were uttered by none other than our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is in His Name that I greet you.

Beloved, I want to continue explaining how important it is to be able to answer “Yes” to the question, “Have You had the Water Baptism in Jesus’ Name?” Jesus commanded His disciples to baptize “all nations...in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:19). However, we don’t read in scripture where this command was fulfilled until the Day of Pentecost, when Peter baptized 3000 souls in the Name of Jesus (Acts 2:38-41).

Precious Ones, this message is for those of you who desire to do things right - especially the things of God. I must inform you that what I’m about to say has nothing to do with denomination teaching - it is a Biblical fact! The disciples of Jesus would not have thought of performing a baptismal service in which they repeated the words Father, Son and Holy Ghost! Why? Because Jesus had already opened the apostles’ understanding. Remember, the Bible says that Jesus “opened...their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures” (Luke 24:45). What was the understanding that Jesus imparted unto them? The answer is also found in scripture. Jesus “said unto them, Thus it is written...that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations” (Luke 24:46-47).

Chosen Ones, the disciples knew that the Name of our Father God is Jesus Christ. They remembered what Jesus said - “I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive“ (John 5:43). They knew that all sons carry their fathers’ names. Therefore, they knew that the Son’s Name is Jesus (see Matthew 1:21), and that the Holy Ghost was sent in Jesus’ Name (see John 14:26).

Ordained Ones, this teaches us that it is important to “have water baptism in Jesus’ Name”. Jesus died on the cross for this act of devotion. Our Lord wanted us to have the same experience that He enjoyed when He was baptized. Jesus is our God’s Name. Why not identify with that Name?

I will write more on this subject next week. Until then, know this,
Have a Blessed and Prosperous New Year,
In His Love,
Pastor William L McCoy