The Pilgrim Path---The Gospel of Mark 1: 9 - 11 

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased."

Wow---what a text!

---Jesus received a "baptism of repentance?"---But he never sinned? How true---He "chose" to identify with US---His attitude was, "I came to "own" their sin---ALL of it...."

---the descent of the Spirit is a sign of Jesus's anointing as the Promised One---The Real Son of David who is King forever (Peter refers to Him as Messiah in Acts 10:38)

---the Lord Jesus is acknowledged, "The Beloved Son," by the Father (Psalm 2:7). Here---all the glorious members of the Trinity lovingly labor together!

---Jesus is, "baptized by John...coming up out of the water"---You ever wonder --How much water? Perhaps not much at all...in the Book of Hebrews, chapter 9:10, "washings"= the Greek=form of baptizo / Hebrews 9:13 "sprinkling"=the Greek=form of baptizo / Hebrews 9:19 "sprinkling"= the Greek form of baptizo...Point being: Purification's of the Old Testament -were baptisms & baptisms of the New Testament were purification's...

---Consider this passage: after Saul of Tarsus was amazingly converted on the Road to Damascus, God sent Ananias to find Saul and "restore" his sight. Listen carefully to this word in Acts 9: 17--19: "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit. And immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he regained his sight, and he got up and was baptized; and he took food and was strengthened."---Just so you know: the message conveyed--- is that Saul---got to his feet---was baptized---right there in the house...

---Sadly, there are people who have been immersed in water---sprinkled with water--or, they had water poured upon them-- with the Names of the Trinity, in a Church---who have never been actually converted. The question: Is Jesus Christ The Redeemer--- Your Righteousness-- by faith alone?

---Baptism, in the New Covenant era---after John the Baptist---represents to us cleansing--that depicts union and in-filling by the Holy Spirit. This is what the Holy Spirit accomplishes when He comes upon an individual...

---The New Covenant ushers in renewal to the Lord's People through the Son and the Holy Spirit (Ezekiel 37:14)

---May Jesus The Life Giver Refresh us today--by the Spirit which He fully possesses!

---Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.

---O Lord, help me hear the good news & believe it --as never before! Bind up my heart that is often bowed and broken by circumstances and my own foolish choices! Set me free from paths that are alien to your ways! Let me live--as I should live---like One set free by Jesus who loves me!

---Great quote---Thomas Charles--"The joy of the Spirit is real fruit: solid, substantial, refreshing, and nourishing. He comforts, revives, strengthens, and establishes the soul."

Grace & Peace in Jesus Our LORD, Pastor Jason