As you read in the bible, there were 2 things that Jesus did to start his ministry, confession of sins, though He had no sin, and baptism of water. This what every believing jew was doing before the day of atonement. Jesus did it as an example. It’s an ordinance of the church. But that’s not the only baptism we go through. The baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire is what we are called to. This is the power of God to live the life God wants us to. There is another baptism that God wants us to walk in. It’s the baptism of death. I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ who lives through me. How many people can say they are dead to themselves? To fulfill God’s plan in our lives, we have to die. As Paul said, I die daily. As we go about our life we live God’s life on this earth. Jesus baptism was death. He was the example to us. As He said, if they hated me, so they will His servants. Have you accepted your death yet? You will never see the life of God come to fruition if you don’t. This is the baptism of life for every believer.

Crain Blanchard

Crainb52@juno.com

Www.joseph1637.com

There are many things that other people can do for you, but not for asking for forgiveness from God. Or in other words, salvation, isn’t one of them. This is a personal journey that each person must take. It starts when you confess your sins and ask for forgiveness. It ends when you die and go home to heaven. What happens in between is the personal part. 4 days before Jesus died on Passover, He went to Bethany. He was visiting Lazarus, Mary and Martha. A few days before Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead. When Jesus entered their home, He sat for supper. Mary took an expensive ointment and annointed Jesus’s feet and wiped it with her hair. Jesus said she was doing this against the day of His burial. What you do in journey to heaven, isn’t up to me. It is strictly between you and God. It my seem odd to the world, but if God is in it, it is your personal plan for your salvation. But he that shall endure to the end, the same shall be saved (salvation). (Matt.24:14).

Jesus went to Bethany to see about Lazarus. He talked to his sisters, Martha and Mary. Lazarus had been dead for 4 days. Jesus went so that people would believe on Him. Lazarus’ sisters and many Jews followed Jesus to the graveyard. Jesus had them to remove the stone in front of the grave. Jesus prayed and called Lazarus arise. Lazarus walked out of his grave. Many believed but some went to the religious leaders. They made the decision to kill Jesus. Jesus didn’t walk openly among the Jews anymore. Passover was soon. The Jews looked for Jesus. Jesus had already made the decision to go to Jerusalem. He knew the time had come. To those who believe, you made the decision to die to yourself and follow Jesus. What about now? Are you still dead to yourself? Are you still following Jesus? Or have you gone your own way? Jesus is calling you again. Step out of the hole you are in and follow. Make that decision today.

Crain Blanchard

Crainb52@juno.com

Www.joseph1637.com

The Christians of the first century wanted to know about Jesus’s return. Paul tried to explain the best he could what will happen. People then thought that Jesus would return shortly. So much so that they stopped working and sat on their roofs to watch for His return. Paul had preached the immanent return of Jesus. And His return is immanent. Time to God is relative to His word. To Him, a 1000 years is as a day. Today, we are looking for that same return 2000 years later. Paul exhorted those Christians to occupy, to be about the work of God, until Jesus returns. It is the same for us. We live our lives as if it were our last day on earth. Jesus’s return isn’t our business. God alone knows when it is. For now we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as I am known.

Crain Blanchard.

Crainb52@juno.com

Www.joseph1637.com

Jesus and the disciples left the temple. They went on the other side of Jordan where John had baptized Jesus. News came to Him that a dear friend was dying. They asked Jesus to come and heal him. Jesus said we will wait two days to work God’s will. By time they got to Bethany, Lazarus was died. His two sisters, Mary and Martha heard that Jesus was coming. Martha ran to meet him. She said if only you had been here. Jesus said Lazarus will rise again. Martha said yes, in the resurrection. Jesus said, I am the resurrection and the life; he that believes in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. Believeth thou this?

Crain Blanchard.

Crainb52@juno.com

Www.joseph1637.com

We have the the perspective of history to look at Jesus’s life. The people of the first century heard Jesus for the first time. Everyone had their own beliefs. But Jesus told them the truth of God’s word. Then they had to deal with which was right. The religious leaders understood what Jesus was saying. But because of their positions and power, they wanted to kill Jesus so them wouldn’t have to deal with the truth. Every time Jesus said I am in the English language, it doesn’t mean anything to us. When He said it in Hebrew, it is the name of God, I am who I am. It’s the unspeakable name of God (Jehovah). Jesus said He was equal to God. They wanted to kill Him. It’s no different today. When people hear the truth of God’s word, they either accept or reject Jesus. For those who reject Jesus will become angry the more they hear the gospel. It hasn’t changed. It’s the same as in the first century. But they can do now is to yell crucify Him.

Crain Blanchard.

Crainb52@juno.com

Www.joseph1637.com

When Jesus was teaching in the temple, He spoke the truth and answered many questions. Many who understood became angry and wanted to stone Jesus. Other just believed. With Jesus there is no middle ground. If what you believe doesn’t line up with what Jesus says, 2 things will happen. You will either accept the truth and believe or you will accept the truth and get angry. If you get angry, you understand what Jesus is saying, but don’t want to give up your life for His. There is no middle ground. The religious leaders of Jesus’s day understood what He was saying. They weren’t willing to give up their lives for God’s. So they put Him to death. What they thought was if He wasn’t around, His movement would die. Jesus’s teacher, Gamaliel said to the religious leaders, be careful because you may end up fighting God. This is exactly what happened. The time is now come and now is for the return of Jesus Christ.

Crain Blanchard.

Crainb52@juno.com

Www.joseph1637.com

After Jesus fled the 5000, He crossed the sea of Galilee. The people who wanted more from Jesus found Him in Capernaum. He taught in the synagogue on the bread of life. Jesus said, He was the living bread (manna) that came from heaven. And if any man will eat this bread will have everlasting life. That caused an uproar in the synagogue. Even most of His disciples left because of that saying. They were thinking physical, not spiritual. Jesus turned to the 12 disciples an asked them if they were going to leave. Peter said, thou art the Christ, where shall we go? Hard sayings are all through the bible and God wants us the believe and trust. But babies couldn’t eat the strong meat. Only, those who have grown in the faith and trust God in all situations. Because there is a great falling away coming. An only those who have prepared against that day will survive.

Crain Blanchard.

Crainb52@juno.com

Www.joseph1637.com

People are interested in one thing or should say 3 things, food, clothing and shelter. Why? Because we live in the flesh and we must take care of it. Jesus was aware of this when He preached to the 5000 people in the mountains. Jesus fed all of them so they would hear what He was saying. But many of them were more interested in provisions than the grace of God. We aren’t so different than those people. We want things more than God’s mercy. Jesus told them that He was the bread of Life. Anyone that came to Him, He would in no way cast out. Because in Him is everlasting life. But Jesus departed from those people who just wanted provisions. But the ones who wanted Jesus found Him again. Just as it was then, it is now. When you seek Jesus, you will find Him.

Crain Blanchard.

Crainb52@juno.com

Www.joseph1637.com

Jesus and the disciples were on the other side of the sea of Galilee. Jesus went to rest, but people found Him. He went up into the mountains and people followed. The disciples said to Jesus, send them away, so they can find food. Jesus had them sit on the grass. A boy had his lunch, 5 loaves and 2 fishes. He gave it to Jesus. Jesus took the food and blessed it. Then He broke it and gave to disciples to distribute. They ended up with 12 baskets full bread. When the people knew what Jesus had done this, they wanted to make Him king. Jesus departed into the mountains and disciples got in their boats and to Capernaum. Jesus walked on the water to join them. The lesson is that we don’t live by bread alone, but by the word of God. Jesus was trying to teach the people a truth, but all they could think about was there belly.

Crain Blanchard.

Crainb52@juno.com

Www.joseph1637.com