AnonymousK

How does John the Baptist’s baptism differ from the baptism that Jesus brings? Baptism is a word that means “immerse” plunge under water”. What does a “baptism of the Holy Spirit” imply about this event? Physical versus Spiritual Baptism with water is an outward occurrence, carried out by man for man, of washing away the old man and putting on the new man in Christ. Baptism with Holy Spirit is an inward occurrence, carried out by Jesus for man, of washing away the old self/old will and enabling us to follow the Will of God.

The title “Lamb of God” tells us that Jesus’ ministry was sacrificial in giving up His glory to be obedient to His Father. According to John 1:29 Jesus came to take away the sins of the world (everyone). Jesus fulfilled Isaiah 53 in that He was beaten, nailed to the cross, His side pierced, and that He took on all our sins so that we may have forgiveness.

How does John the Baptist show humility? How can a person see himself as the fulfillment of a passage from Isaiah and still be humble about it? How does John see himself in relation to the coming Messiah? How can a person be such a strong revivalist preacher and still remain humble? Can humility and powerful, confident speech co-exist? John the Baptist recognized his own unworthiness in relation to Christ and God and that is the only way to remain humble. Humility and powerful, confident speech can co-exist as long as there is dependence on God and as long as all glory is given to God.

Why did John baptize? What is the meaning of the baptism he was performing? What do you think baptism represents to those John baptized? God called him to preach and baptize; to make the way for Christ. It was symbolic of repentance and forgiveness; an outward preparation of following Christ.

Why do you think John the Baptist was being hassled by religious leaders from Jerusalem? What were they afraid of? I think John the Baptist was being hassled by religious leaders from Jerusalem because his preaching of the coming Christ was drawing away their followers reducing their credibility as respected religious leaders thereby losing prestige and power over the people. How did John understand his own mission? He saw himself as a voice in the wilderness preparing the way for the Lamb of God; someone for whom he (John) was not worthy to even be his servant. How much conflict do you think could be expected from John’s mission? Quite a bit of conflict could be expected from John’s mission as he continued to preach and baptize without backing down to the Sadducees and Pharisees.

What does it mean that Jesus is the “Only God” or the “Only Begotten God”? The uniqueness of our God, that Jesus is fully God yet fully man. There is only one God the Son. Only one way to God. The Apostle John does seem to make a distinction between God the Father and God the Son yet he defines them as one. What does all this mean for our understanding of the Trinity? John saw Jesus as a man knew His history here on earth and recognized that he was God the Son. He was an eyewitness.

Why is the idea of God “becoming flesh” so important to the basis of the Christian faith? He had to become flesh to die that we may live What would Christ’s life, crucifixion, and resurrection mean if he were only pretending to “become flesh”? It would be a sham! And we would all be separated from God in the end because of our sin. In what ways have you personally experienced his grace? My salvation. In what ways has his truth changed your life from what it was? From a life of fear of horrible things happening to a peace that God will provide what I need in those times. From nightmares to sweet sleep at night.

What does it mean to “receive” Jesus? What does it imply to “believe in” Jesus? What is the spiritual relationship to God of those who receive and believe in Jesus? Of those who do not? To “receive” Jesus is to recognize that He is God and His authority. To “believe in” Jesus is to fully trust myself to Him. Receiving and believing in Jesus makes one a child of God. Anyone who does not receive and believe in Jesus will not be a part of the Kingdom of God.

What did it mean that John was sent to “testify” to the light? In what sense are you put here with the purpose of “testifying” to the light? How are you doing in this regard? What happened to John the Baptist? What might happen to you if you testify clearly? What might happen to the people to whom you testify? John was sent to “testify” to the light because he had seen the light and he had a personal relationship with Jesus the light. I, through faith, have seen the light and I have a personal relationship with Jesus the light. John the Baptist was killed because of his testimony for Christ. At the moment, I am not doing so well in testifying for the light except by my walk. The positive to my testifying would be souls saved while the negative to my testifying could mean persecution for me and them.

According to the apostle John, is Jesus fully God? Yes, according to John, Jesus is fully God. What does it mean that Jesus is the “Word”? Jesus is the “Word” (utterance) I speak to come to God. Jesus is the “Word” (promise) that God gave so I can come to God. Jesus is the “Word” (visual) that shows me my part in God’s plan for His Kingdom. What does this say about Jesus and His ministry? Jesus’s ministry is God’s plan put into action. His earthly appearance is a visual of God’s plan and His Kingdom so that all may believe and be included in that Kingdom.

Hello Everyone, This is my first time to participate in one of Dr. Wilson's studies. Although I am late getting started, I am looking forward to this time with God's Word.