The Baptism of Jesus Christ

This week I will focus on the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist. In Matthew 3:14 John says “I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?” He was hesitant because he knew Jesus to be his Lord and Savior and felt he was not worth to even bear Jesus shoes. (Matt 3:11) But Christ needed to be baptized to “fulfill all righteousness”. (Matt 3:15) Even though he was perfect he needed to be baptized because it is a necessary gospel ordinance. He was being obedient to Gods commandments and proving his obedience by being baptized. He was also setting an example to all men. If we want to enter into the kingdom of got we must be baptized as Christ was.
After John baptized Jesus the scriptures say that the Holy Ghost “descended ‘like a dove’ and Luke adds that he cam in ‘bodily shape’. This means that the Holy Ghost came in his natural form, as a person but descended figuratively as a dove meaning innocently or with truth. Therefore we know that the Holy Ghost came to bear a truthful witness of Christ baptism. This is important because it teaches us the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, are three separate beings. The evidence of this is clear for Christ is there and so is the Holy Ghost. They are in the same place and inhabiting to separate bodies. Therefore they are two separate beings. Also at this time a voice from heaven was heard saying “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” The voice was heard, not spoken by a person present which means it was God the Father speaking. This is the third and final evidence that the three members of the Godhead are three separate beings. Christ was present at his baptism, the Holy Ghost descended and presented himself, and God spoke to all from the Heavens.
The example Christ set forth by being baptized shows us how me must also obey the commandments of God. If we do, we will have access to the still small voice of the Holy Ghost to direct us in our lives and lead us safely back to our Father in Heaven.

John the Babtist

This semester I am taking a class covering the New Testament mostly Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. So, each week I will be posting a blog about something we studied in class. Not only does this fulfill part of my lesson but I think it will be a good way to have gospel discussions and maybe share some of the gospel with people who don't know much or anything about Jesus Christ. I know most of the people that read my blog are LDS and know me well, but some are not and this could be a good way to share a simple spiritual message. I hope you enjoy my posts throughout the semester!

During the reign of King Herod there was a priest named Zacharias who was married to Elisabeth and they had never been able to have children. One day when Zacharias was working in the Temple and angel appeared to him. This angel proclaimed to Zacharias that his wife would bear a son and they were to name him John. A great blessing was then given to him about the child in which the angel declared that John would be highly favored by God even before he was born and should not drink strong drinks (wine) and that many would follow him. John would be filled with the Spirit of the Lord and have the power to bring people to repentance and remembrance of the Lord so that when the Lord came again he would have a people ready to accept Him. (Luke1:14)

John was a birth and life to be celebrated for he was given a special mission when he came to earth. Even before birth he knew his Lord and left in his mothers womb when Mary the mother of Jesus came to visit for he knew who she was and that she was the mother of Christ. Being directed so early by the influence and promptings of the Holy Ghost made him a ready disciple of Christ. He would teach those who had lost their way, heal the sick, and bring knowledge of salvation to all who would listen. This was significant because it was prophesied that John would come to prepare the way for Jesus Christ. His birth signified that Christ would soon be born which is why the people had cause to rejoice at this birth. (Luke 1:56-80)

We can learn even more of John by researching in the Bible Dictionary where there is a short account given of John the Baptists life and work. Having been born through "priestly" lineage and being taught by his parents and through the Spirit of the Holy Ghost John became the outstanding bearer of the Aaronic Priesthood meaning he exemplified and magnified his calling to the highest of standards. This he did to bring a people together that would be ready to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. His mission was significant and his work necessary to prepare for coming of Christ.

Below is a short One minute story of John the Baptists Birth.

Thank you Mr......

DYSON!!! I know... this is silly.... But I don't care! I've been married for almost four years and have bought three vacuums. Three cheap, on sale at target vacuums. Its safe to say none of them have survived. Did I just happen to get three lemons? I will never know... because as of now I have one that should "work properly" (said with English accent)My Sis. in Law got one two. Aren't we the cutest happy cleaning mommies EVER!!!

Yum!

Had to share! I made these last night and had some family over to try them out. I changed a few things (just because I had them in the cupboard already) and then added a bit of my own. Change one: I used Chunky Tomato Basil soup (Amy's brand) in place of diced Italian tomatoes. Second: I put a square of cheese in the middle cause that's how Grandma used to do it. Three: I added garlic powder to.. well everything. Haha. I noticed the meatloaf was juicier than usual because of the Soup so I do recommend cooking it a few minutes longer. Also, the soup keeps the meat looking pink so don't worry, it is cooked, but will still look pink. Yum!



HairChair to Highchair: Meatloaf Cupcakes : ): Um, yeah right ...that didn't last long!! Back to reality....God blessed me with the most picky eater on the face of the earth and it is m...