The Six Elementary Teachings of Our Faith
Daily Bible Studies for November 3-8, 2008
Let's Get Back to Basics!
This Week’s Scripture: Hebrews 6:1-3; Matthew 3:11-17; Acts 8:14-17 NLT
1So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. 2You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding. Hebrews 6:1-3 NLT
[John said]11“I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 12He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.” 13Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. 14But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?” 15But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.” So John agreed to baptize him. 16After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. 17And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” Mathew 3:11-17
14When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that the people of Samaria had accepted God’s message, they sent Peter and John there. 15As soon as they arrived, they prayed for these new believers to receive the Holy Spirit. 16The Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them, for they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17Then Peter and John laid their hands upon these believers, and they received the Holy Spirit. Acts 8:14-17 NLT
Monday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for sending Jesus to bring us salvation and to show us what You desire us to do in response to His salvation in our lives. As we invest this week in the study of baptisms, I pray that You will use the week to help me grow deeper in my walk with You. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
1So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. 2You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding. Hebrews 6:1-3
Does it surprise you that the word “baptisms” is in the plural? Were you aware that there is more than one baptism for us as followers of Jesus?
List the baptisms of which you are aware here:
Today’s Challenge: I will live out my faith in Jesus today and always seeking to obey His commands and to demonstrate His love!
Tuesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Today is a vital day in the history of our nation. I pray that as men and women vote for a new president and other leaders, that You will guide not only all believers, but all citizens of the United States of America to elect that leaders who will listen to Your voice and do Your will! This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
[John said]11“I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. Matthew 3:11 NLT
What kind of baptism did John offer people?
How do you see John’s baptism associated with preparing for Jesus’ coming?
Today’s Challenge: I will live as one who has repented of sin, and will remember that baptism is a symbol of that cleansing!
Wednesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray that You will fill me anew with Your Holy Spirit, and praise You for the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which Jesus gave first on that first Christian Pentecost so long ago, and continues to give to all who call on You to receive it. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 12He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.” Matthew 3:11b-12 NLT
What does it mean to be baptized with “the Holy Spirit and fire?”
Have you been baptized with the Holy Spirit? How do you know whether you have or have not?
Today’s Challenge: I will live in the power of the Holy Spirit, acknowledging that apart from His control in my life, I have no power to do anything of eternal value!
Thursday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You that Jesus was willing to do all that You require, in order to show me that I, too, must do all that You require! Fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I will be able to discern and do Your will. This I pray in Jesus’ name, and for the sake of His coming Kingdom! Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
”13Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. 14But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?” 15But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires. Matthew 3:13-15 NLT
Why do you think John didn’t want to baptize Jesus?
What did Jesus mean when He said that He was being baptized to carry out all that God require?
Today’s Challenge: I will follow Jesus’ example in all that I do today, in the power of the Holy Spirit that my example to others, may lead them to God!
Friday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I want to bring You great joy as Jesus did! I know I can only do that through my love and obedience to You. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I my love You fully and obey You completely. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
16After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. 17And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” Mathew 3:16-17
Why do you think that God, the Father, affirmed Jesus’ baptism with a verbal affirmation?
What is the significance of water baptism in our lives according to the Scriptures we’ve read this week?
Today’s Challenge: I will live in obedience to Jesus, and will gratefully acknowledge His blessings in my life!
Saturday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, fill me anew with Your Holy Spirit! Let me live with You in control of my thoughts, words and actions that all I am and all I do will bring You glory. Show me others I may invite to join me in worship tomorrow that they, too, may enjoy Your presence, and the presence of followers of Jesus as well. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
14When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that the people of Samaria had accepted God’s message, they sent Peter and John there. 15As soon as they arrived, they prayed for these new believers to receive the Holy Spirit. 16The Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them, for they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17Then Peter and John laid their hands upon these believers, and they received the Holy Spirit.
Acts 8:14-17 NLT
What is the baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus?
What happened when Peter and John laid their hands on the believers? Why do you think this happened?
Today’s Challenge: I will live in readiness to touch others in Jesus’ name today, that they may receive His Spirit!