Hutterite Baptism. Week 6 - Temptation

Yes, dear children, you say you have a heartfelt longing to be baptized and make a covenant with God and his body of believers. But a promise of that magnitude is a lot to consider and carries consequences. The wise man Sirach said "My son, if you come forward to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for temptation." Sirach 2:1

 After our Lord Jesus Christ was baptized by John the Baptist, Scripture tells us of his temptations in Matthew 4.

The first temptation: Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungered. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. Jesus answered: It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. 

The making of stone to bread is the temptation of false teachings and one that you will encounter often. The bread represents the word of God. I am the bread of life. John 6:35 The stone represents false teachings. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Matthew 24:24 It is very tempting to broaden out the road with false teachings disguised as the bread of life. Jesus warns us; Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. Matthew 7:13-14

The second temptation: Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. The temple was the tallest building in Jerusalem and the dwelling place of the most High. Satan wanted Jesus to willfully cast Himself down from the temple and therfore tempt God to send angels to halt the fall. So what would be the opposite of tempting God?  Loving him with all our heart and might. This is the first and great commandment. Without this great and all encompassing love no one can be a member of Christ's body. Children, don't look around at how others love but be your own person and love unconditionally.

The third temptation: Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. This is the temptation of yearning for and falling for the pleasures of the world, meanwhile forsaking the one pearl of great price which is our Lord and Master Jesus Christ. If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. Matthew 16:24  We can get caught up in the chasing of lusts and accumulation of things with the hope they will bring us lasting happiness and satisfaction, but that is never the case. For a short time our newest acquisition or thrill may bring us brief happiness, then it loses its appeal and we go on looking for the next. Our heart yearns, but we can't identify what it's yearning for. That yearning can only be quenched by filling our heart with it was meant to be filled with. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. 1 Corinthians 6:19 John states Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

These are great temptations that will befall you, dear children. If Satan wasn't ashamed to tempt the Son of God he certainly won't be ashamed to tempt us. But don't despair, God is on our side. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13  God will not let us be without comfort. We can see how Jesus strengthened and consoled Peter after the Last Supper. And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. The Lord could have easily denied Satan's request but He seems to wants refined and tested followers  ...and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them. Zechariah 13:9 

We are not promised easy times, but narrow and difficult roads, filled with trials and tribulations. But these are precisely the roads that help us become a new man in Christ! And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:3-5

Look how many fell into temptations; Adam, Cain, Esau, the First World, Sodom and Gomorrah, also Israel in the wilderness of Sinai. The flight from Egypt can be likened unto what happens when we want to become a newborn member of Christ. The exodus out of Egypt signifies the going out of the world and the leaving of our own will. Baptism and complete submission to God and the Church is represented by the Red Sea.The 40 years in the wilderness accurately signify our life. The war with Amalek (The Amalekites were descendants of Esau whose fleshly hunger was worth more to him than his spiritual birthright) signifies our struggle against our flesh and blood. Daily gathering of manna points toward the daily need of the Word of God. Fleeing from the poisonous snakes indicates fleeing the poisonous darts of Satan in the time of temptation. Jesus said in scripture And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life John 3:14-15

Passing over the River Jordan into the Promised Land signifies our death, the passing over into Eternity.  

Dear children, the Bible is full of examples of how to and how not to live. Read it often and gain wisdom from it, for the stakes are too high and the consequences too great. Hold fast in faith, pray often and remember; Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. James 1:12

What a heartwarming and precious promise from our Lord Jesus Christ for all who endureth!

Till next week God bless

Hutterite Baptism. Week 5 - Faith

Dear children, the act of baptism that lies before you requires Faith and Godly submission. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 Faith in God brings fulfilled hope and eternal life. All who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12

 We can take for example Mary the mother of Jesus. When the angel of the Lord appeared and told her of what was to come, what did she reply? Namely; Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. Luke 1:38. Now children, look at the Godly submission, at the faith, love and hope that lay in Mary's heart. Had she not believed and hoped in the promised Messiah, she would not have borne Him.  

 And so, dear children, you need faith and belief in God. Where does faith come from? Namely: from the word of God. So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17 

 Through faith and hope in the Messiah Hannah prophesied. Through faith and hope the shepherds went to look for the Baby Jesus on the words of the Angels. Through faith and hope the three wise men started their trek from the east with gifts for this Messiah. And how joyously they received him. 

And so you now are  starting your trek towards this promised Messiah through baptism. It will not be an easy journey and is not for the undecided or faint of heart. It is possible you will endure discipline. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? Hebrews 12:7  It is sure you will have trouble. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33  Apostle Paul advises us to put on the whole armour of God and carry the sword of the Spirit - which is the word of God, and then bravely walk in the light. Hold tight to your baptism vows and God shall hold tight to you.  Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13  For there is an epic battle waging for our souls and there is life at stake, eternal life. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; Ephesians 6

 Read Hebrews Chapter 11 to feel the faith the elders had. Through faith the disciples followed Jesus, leaving behind their families, their ships and nets. Through faith and hope in God the Ethiopian court official asked Philip "What prevents me from being baptized?” And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. Acts 8:26  A genuine example of faith. Mark 16:16 writes: He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 

Baptism is an outward symbol of the new birth. No more shall the old man live in his innate nature with his inborn habits and desires, but live as a changed man,  convinced through the Word and Faith. If faith lives in you then your baptism will have strength and continuance, and the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit will be your leader and ruler. You will recognize that we receive forgiveness and cleansing of our sins through faith in the blood of Jesus Christ, In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace Ephesians 1:7  An unspeakable blessing of love and grace. 

Till next week God bless

Hutterite Baptism. Week 4 - Submission and Sin

Dear children, you have expressed a heartfelt desire to enter into a bond with God and all believers. 

In order to totally surrender your life to God and the Church, you need love towards God and His people.  And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. You shall love your neighbor as yourself Mark 12:30-31. This love is part of baptism, as is total surrender and divine obedience. The church needs loving, faithful and true members to help build and uphold. That takes dedication and love. 

  True surrender in baptism is not merely eating and drinking together, but requires dedication, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. One who surrenders himself to God and His body of followers is pleasing to God and held dear by the members of the church. 

  Children, one day the Colony will trust you with a responsibility. Then you will have to step up to help build and sustain the Church. That takes true dedication, submittance and obedience. What is obedience? Namely: letting go of one's free and own will. To let go of one's own will is like a child that is weaned from it's mother's breast. It's not easy or natural. The old Adam in his old ways will find it very hard if not impossible. But here again is where the new birth comes in, what was hard before is now easy.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:30

Now is the time to make a new start. Strive day and night to honour your vows, and let not sin cut you off and lead you from God.

 How do we sin? But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. James 1:14-15 Sin is what is against the Ten Commandments. All vices are sin. All disobedience is sin. Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. James 4:17 

  Sin separates us from God and His Kingdom as God bemoaned in Isaiah 59:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God,and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

 And sin brings punishment. v18 According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompence to his enemies; to the islands he will repay recompence. 

  Our first parents lost the image of God through sin and disobedience. Through sin Cain lost the favour of God. Esau lost his birthright through sin. The first world was destroyed due to sin. Through sin the Kingdoms of Sodom and Gomorrah were burned with fire from heaven, of which Jesus later said: But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city. Luke 10:12 

  Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice 1 Samuel 15:22  Saul fell away from God through disobedience and sin.  Shimei was killed because of sacrilege and sin. Hamon was hanged for the heinous sin he stirred up and wanted to commit against the Jews. Judas never came to repentance due to his sin of betrayal and malice. The rich young man didn't enter the Kingdom of God due to his sin of greed and disobedience. 

  John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. So children, recognize and confess sin, we have seen that those who baptized, whose sin and sinful lives had touched their hearts so that they confessed them, unto these the Lord has given strength to guard against sin after baptism. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Till next week, God bless

Hutterite Baptism. Week 3 - The New Birth

Dear Children, you have told us you have a heartfelt longing to make a covenant with the Lord. Now you have to be born again. You may not understand what that means, like Nicodemus who came to Jesus in the night also didn't understand. But while he was sincere and came to Jesus in the night out of faith, he was given grace, light and knowledge. 

 Where does that knowledge and good conscience come from?  It only comes from a heart awakened through the Word of God. God will cause the Word to flourish and to increase in a person.  He will uproot all that is carnal and implant what is godly.  From that originates the new birth, of which Christ says, ‘Unless a person is born anew of water and of the Spirit, entrance into the kingdom of God is not possible.’  The meaning is that whoever is instructed by the Word of God and believes it, will have his faith sealed by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.  Through that, one is renewed or born again and led into a holy, godly life.  That person may then receive the water of baptism as a sign of the death of the old self. (Confession of Faith page 196-97)

 We must be born again. We must deny our own will. We must confess our sins and trespasses. We must repent. We must lay aside the old man who is corrupted in accordance with deceitful desires and be renewed in spirit and mind. We must put on the new man who is created in God's image, in righteousness and holiness that comes from truth. 

 We must be born again as the Apostle Paul on the way to Damascus, as Peter when the cock crowed and he rued his denial of Jesus, as Mary Magdalene at the feet of Jesus when he forgave her sins, as the prodigal son when he came to his senses, and as Zacchaeus when Jesus called him from the sycamore tree. 

  Holding God's word and commands are also part of being born again. Stay strong and true in the church, help to build the church, speak up and warn when you see a brother fail and be there to help him up when he falls. 

 The signs of being born again are that we bear the fruits of the Spirit. The more fruit a tree bears the more it bends over and lowers itself, but the tree that bears no fruit stands proud and tall. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-25

 Dear children, we are mindful of you, make a strong promise with God, be born again, fear God, stay strong in faith and do what's right. Pray daily for the Holy Spirit that he may guide you all the days of your life.

  Till next week God bless    

Hutterite Baptism. Week 2 - Covenant and Submission

Children, think of what you do. Making a covenant with God is not something to be taken lightly. We will not cheat God. Abraham made the first covenant with God and look how true he stayed to God. In obedience, virtue and works. 

 When we want to make a covenant with God, we have to be as faithful and obedient as Abraham was. Now what did that cost him? It cost him his own will, his relatives and his homeland. He was tried and tested to see if he held faithful and true. God promised Abraham a son and heir and he delivered on that promise. Then God asked him to take his beloved son and offer him unto Him on Mount Moriah. Abraham did not council with flesh and blood, his love and obedience to God made him want to obey. 

 God loved Abraham for keeping his covenant. God even confided in him what his plans were with Sodom and Gomorrah, and Abraham bartered from 50 souls down to 5. 1 Genesis 18:17-19 gives us witness "And the Lord said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do; For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord." 

 Children, where can we find a man that kept his promise and covenant as faithfully as Abraham did? With Abraham God began to gather a people.  Our Saviour in his time could say to the Jews "If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham" John 8:39

 It doesn't help to call oneself children of God and not be them. The church needs loyal followers if it should stand. Community is like a house built upon souls, and when one soul after another falls, so must the house fall. 

 And children, love your neighbour as yourself. Community life is not an easy life, when we wrong our neighbour or get wronged by him we can't just say "I never want to see you again or have anything to do with you, get out of my sight and life" Well, guess what, tomorrow morning you will sit at the breakfast table with him at the Colony kitchen, work during the day with him and evening come to church with him. You must forgive, even though you may have been wronged. And that goes against every grain of self-righteousness in our body. But how can we find it in our heart to love our neighbour as ourself?

 This is a hard one and it helps to look at this this way. How do we love ourself? When we work hard, accomplish things and do good things for our fellow man we truly do love ourself. When we slack at work, lie, cheat, sin and get into ugly arguments with our fellow man we do not love ourself, in fact we can get downright disgusted and even hate ourself for a time. But in the end we never really hate ourself, we just hate what we do. 'Love the sinner, hate the sin" is a saying that comes to mind. 

 With that in mind; love your neighbour, help wherever you can and don't slack. Strive always to be on time and not a straggler at work. Remember you are working for those who can't, for those who are too young, too old, too feeble and those who ail and are not able. 

    And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Matthew 25:40

 Till next week , God bless