I Will Go Lord If You Lead Me!

John the Baptist’s Testimony to Jesus. (from John, Chapter 1)29The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.30 He is the one of whom I said, ‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’31I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel.”32John testified further, saying, “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him.33I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the holy Spirit.’34 Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.” 

The  Gospel reading for this weekend again tells us of the Baptism of Jesus, but from John's point of view this time.  All of John's life was spent "preparing the way" for the One to come.  He lived his life on that belief - what great faith!  Can you imagine the moment when it was revealed to him that the man standing by him was indeed the Son of God?  To FINALLY see the fulfillment of his life's work. 
I wonder if John had any moments of doubt.  He had followers who supported him, but I bet there were also those who thought he was crazy!  
We all have people in our lives who are "John"...those who think differently than the mainstream...maybe they eat differently, dress differently, live differently as well. Some people are on the "fringes" of society..or at least they are viewed as such.
Are they prophets with a message as John was?  Not everyone accepts the status quo or sees things like "normal" people do.  Do they view this as a liability....or a gift?  How do WE see it?  Perhaps YOU are one like John!  
Whether we live on the fringes or in the midst of the what is viewed as our society, what is really important is our relationship with God.  Are we like John, giving our entire life to the mission that God has for us?  Can others see who you are living your life for?  
Dan Schutte wrote Here I Am Lord in 1981 (wow, that's a LONG time ago isn't it!).  It's been a staple of many Christian hymnals.  The song is based on Isaiah 6:8 and 1 Samuel 3.
As you listen to the verses of this song, put your voice to the lyrics.  Listen and meditate on where the Lord will lead you!

Baptism..

This weekend the Church celebrates the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River by John the Baptist.  I've been thinking about the various ways that different Christian denominations view baptism.  Some baptize infants, others only those who are old enough to profess their faith in Jesus Christ.  Some don't even have an outward sign for baptism (such as sprinkling or immersion into water).  The Quakers are one such denomination.  They see baptism as an ongoing spiritual process that should not be treated as an event.  In some denominations, beliefs and practices surround baptism might vary in different congregations.  

For myself, I don't see the infant vs. adult issue as primary. After all, for God, time is not like our time.  I would venture to say that the heart of the matter lies in our acceptance of Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord.  Do I really give my life over to him, each day?  Do I live my life with Jesus as my center, my focus, my reason for living?  

Consider your own baptism today.  Were you an infant, teen, or adult?  Do you remember your baptism?  What were the feelings you had on that day?  Anticipation?  Joy? Humility?  If your denomination baptizes children as infants, recall those moments when you might have had your own children baptized or been a Godparent or witness at a baptism.  Did you recommit yourself as well as that tiny baby was being presented for baptism by the parents?  Did you accept the responsibility along with the parents for guiding that child in the Christian faith?

The baptism of our children was always a very special time for me.  I felt like God was always there with me, as I parented my children, even when I thought I was a failure, I knew that HE had my back!  I knew that HE would always, and will always be there for each of my children!  My youngest son, Tim, was baptized on Easter.  I'd always wanted to have a child baptized on Easter, and sure enough, the timing was perfect for it with Tim!

Here's a chart that I found on at ReligiousResourcesOnline.org.  It's a quick look at the many ways in which baptism is viewed by some of the major Christian denominations.  Of course, this could also vary from congregation to congregation.  There is also a link to the denomination if you want to learn more.

Baptism
Adventist	It expresses a person's personal faith in Christ, who died for our sins. By immersion only. Baptisms by other churches are accepted on conditions.
Baptist	It is not entirely necessary for salvation. By immersion only. Baptisms of other churches accepted if done by immersion. Infants are not baptized. Candidates must first believe.
Catholic	By pouring, sprinkling or immersion. Baptisms of other churches accepted when performed as Catholic Church prescribes. Necessary for salvation. Infants are baptized.
Quaker	Do not believe in outward ritual of baptism. The ongoing spiritual process should not be treated as an event. Inward baptism and communion are most important to spiritual life.
Presbyterian	By sprinkling, pouring, or immersion which ever method is preferred by the applicant. Baptisms of other churches accepted.  Not necessary for salvation.  Infants are baptized.
Disciples of Christ	Done by immersion, showing one's obedience. Symbolic of death, burial and resurrection of Christ. Only those old enough to know what they are doing when they confess the name of Christ are baptized.
Eastern Orthodox	By immersion for the remission of sins and entrance into church. Essential to salvation must be performed by one holding proper priesthood authority. Required of all 8 years & older. Infants are not baptized.
Episcopalian	By immersion or pouring. In an emergency any Christian may baptize saying "in the name of the Father, Son & Holy Ghost". Necessary to salvation. Infants are baptized.
United Church of Christ	Done at time of confirmation and reception into church. Infants presented by parents or sponsor. Usually performed by sprinkling.
Lutheran	By sprinkling, pouring or immersion. Baptisms performed by other churches accepted when all Bible conditions are met. Necessary to salvation except in rare instances. Infants are baptized.
Methodist	By sprinkling, pouring, or immersion. Is only an outward sign of one's entrance into the church.  Baptisms of other churches accepted. Not necessary to salvation. Infants are baptized.

And to end with a little music - here's a little bluegrass for your day...the Bluegrass Gospel Project singing River of Jordan.