WORSHIP! The power of Christ applied in the believer’s behalf cannot be overthrown, negated, or defeated, because it far surpasses that of the hosts of Satan who have the desire to defeat it. Sant and his hosts have endeavored to thwart the plan of God from the beginning and are the constant enemy of the work of the kingdom. but they are destined to be overthrown and eternally banished. The Lord is not only above this power, but “far above” everything and everyone. He is above all names, titles, ranks, levels, powers, and jurisdictions in the universe. God “put all things in subjection under His feet,” Christ is supreme “Not only in this age, but also in the age to come.” Since Christ has such a unique and intimate relationship with the redeemed whom He loves, all His power will be used in their behalf to fulfill His loving purpose for them. As a head must have a body to manifest the glory of that head, so the Lord must have the church to manifest His glory (Ephesians 3:10). Since Christ is our head, Worship involves all that is inside and outside a person. William Temple (Archbishop of Canterbury) said, … READ MORE

The reason for being baptized is two-fold, One, is that it is an act of obedience that demonstrates our commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ. Baptism becomes a public identification with Christ, and much like a wedding ring identifies that a person is tied to someone, baptism identifies the one being baptized as being a member of the family of God and a follower of Jesus Christ. It is also a witness to the reality of what has been done in the baptized life. It shows humility as the participant goes down into the water, reminding us that we must humble ourselves before God. It testifies of our submission, as we allow ourselves to be baptized by another, Reminding us that there is nothing we can do to obtain Salvation on our own, rather we obtain it by submitting to the word of God. I testifies of the union we have with the Godhead as we are baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Reminding us that all three persons of the trinity are involved in the work of salvation. It testifies of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, as it pictures His death, as … READ MORE

The practice of Baptism was practiced in Israel before the establishment of the church. In the temple there were “Mikvah’s” – this was a Jewish “bath” that was used to symbolically cleanse the worshipper as they prepared to bring their offering to the Lord. It was also used for a Gentile proselyte as they began to identify themselves with the God of Israel. As John the Baptist preached in the wilderness, He practiced Baptism, those baptized identified themselves with his teaching. This is why Jesus needed to be baptized by John, He needed to demonstrate that His ministry would be an extension and advancement of John the Baptist’s ministry. John reminded his followers, “Jesus must increase, and John must decrease” (John 3:30). I Peter 3:21 tells us that baptism is “… the answer of a good conscience toward God…” Therefore, baptism is an outward action of an inward obedient heart to the Lord. We might liken the importance of baptism to a wedding ring. The ring does not make you married, but it announces to your community that you have a unique relationship with one person, and that you have committed your life to that person. Baptism aligns us to … READ MORE