More Powerful than Water

Water is powerful. A flood can destroy your house in a second. An unchecked drip can rot your house over a several year period. Besides being powerful, water also brings something powerful.

 

“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

 

Peter spoke these words, from today’s reading, Acts 2:29-41, in Jerusalem during Pentecost.

 

What a blessing baptism is. Water and the Word of God: a common liquid coupled with profound wisdom that transcends human understanding. Baptism.  Simple, but effective.

 

The Lord saved the Jews from Pharaoh’s army about 3400 years ago. The Jews were slaves in Egypt, and Moses was God’s instrument to afflict the Egyptians with 10 plagues. Eventually Pharaoh relented and released the Jews. However, Pharaoh changed his mind and sent his army to crush the Jews. God parted the waters of the Red Sea allowing the Jews to cross. With the Egyptians still on the sea bed, God released the water and the army drowned.

 

God used water to save the Jews from its enemy.

 

When we are baptized, Satan, can no longer touch us. Sure, he can wreak havoc in our lives, but our souls belong to God.

 

God uses water to save Christians from its enemy.

 

Joshua led the Jews through the Jordan River to Canaan. Out of water, the Jews came to their Promised Land.

 

Our baptism ensures us eternal life with God. Out of water, Christians come to their promised land, Heaven.

A theologian would say baptism Justifies us. That is, baptism makes us right with God.

 

Baptism is more than that. Peter tells us the Holy Spirit enters us on our baptism.

 

The Holy Spirit allows us to have faith and be aware of, if not fully understand, God’s Plan and Christ’s Mission. In addition, it equips us with the skills necessary to carry out that Mission, the Mission of the Church.

 

Baptism also Sanctifies us. It allows us to reach out to others.

 

Baptism: Justification and Sanctification!

 

Yes, water brings the Holy Spirit, more powerful than water itself!

Learn from past mistakes - 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

Young children are constantly learning.  It doesn't take too long for a baby to discover a loud cry will bring mom or dad to their side.  Children learn early to blow on their oatmeal before putting a big spoonful in the mouth, or don't surprise the cat or it may result in a scratch.

"Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the wilderness." (1 Corinthians 10:5)

Adults learn from mistakes too, we know it isn't smart to go boating without wearing a life vest, it is best to stick to the speed limit or to be cautious when walking through a construction site.  Our entire lives are like books filled with lessons and learning episodes.  These chapters in our life teach us how to approach tomorrow so we do not injure ourselves.

"So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." (1 Corinthians 10:12-13)

The Israelites had many lessons over the course of forty years spent roaming the dessert. They followed Moses through the Red Sea; they were led every day by a cloud and every night by a pillar of fire.  God presented them with opportunity after opportunity to learn from their past mistakes.  He provided everything they needed for survival while Moses led them toward the Promised Land.  But, few entered the place God intended for them.  Few came to enjoy God's reward.

The Israelites are the chosen people, we are called too. It is wise to learn from mistakes.  Many are called but few are chosen. (Matthew 22:14)  Our Promised Land is Heaven and we are called to spend eternity there.

Read the 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 text here.  Listen to an audio reading of 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 here.