Unlearning Tradition, Relearning Scripture

Tag: John 1:14

  • Gospel of Mark: The Baptism of the Holy Spirit and the Word (#2.1)

    John the Baptist declared, “I have baptized you with water, but the Lord will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 1:8) After His resurrection, Jesus appeared for forty days, proving His resurrection and teaching about the kingdom of God. (Acts 1:3) He said, “You heard from Me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” (Acts 1:4–5) This was fulfilled in the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2:1–4):

    > “When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

    Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, identified this event as the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy (Acts 2:14–21), declaring that God’s Spirit would be poured out on all flesh, culminating in salvation for “everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord” (Acts 2:21).

    Jesus had earlier told Nicodemus that a person must be “born of water and the Spirit” to enter God’s kingdom (John 3:5). He later told His disciples, those who had stayed with Him, saying, “The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life” (John 6:63), showing the deep connection between the Spirit and the Word of God. Paul affirms this in Ephesians 5:25–26, saying Christ sanctifies the Church by “the washing of water with the Word.”

    John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance, pointing forward to Christ (Acts 19:1–7). But the true baptism that saves is the baptism of Jesus—by the Word, which is the Spirit. As John himself said, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30w). When the Gospel is proclaimed, the Spirit comes with it, as seen in Acts 10:44–46, where the Holy Spirit fell on Gentiles simply by hearing the Word, without any laying on of hands.

    Scripture also clearly states that Jesus Himself never baptized with water (John 4:1–2). Paul declared, “For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.” (1 Corinthians 1:17) Salvation, therefore, is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–22), with the Spirit and the Word working as one. Peter confirms that Scripture is Spirit-inspired (2 Peter 1:20–21), and Paul affirms that the Gospel—the law of the Spirit of life (i.e., the Gospel)—frees believers from the law of sin and death (Genesis 2:16-17; Romans 8:1–4).

    In essence, the baptism of the Holy Spirit is the cleansing and life-giving work of God through His Word, fulfilling John’s prophecy about Jesus Christ and securing eternal life for all who believe in His Word.

    The Bible declares:

    “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)

    “And the Word became flesh and lived among us. We have seen His glory, the glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

    “For from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:16-17)

    Here’s an honest question then: Why do some pastors imply there’s something special to be baptized at the Jordan River? Isn’t baptism at the Jordan River the epitome of John’s baptism, which cannot save one who has not received the Holy Spirit? If we have been baptized as Christians, is it not then a regression to submit ourselves for baptism at the Jordan River?

    Christ’s Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 calls us not only to baptize but also to teach believers to obey all that He has commanded. While water baptism is an outward sign of faith and an important act of obedience, the mission of the Church goes beyond this initial step. If we recognize that the Holy Spirit works through the Word of God, then the emphasis must be on guiding Christians to live according to His Word—allowing the Spirit to transform their hearts and actions. Assurance of salvation is vital, but it should be coupled with ongoing discipleship, where believers are taught, challenged, and equipped to follow the commands of Christ daily. True discipleship involves a life shaped by the Word, not just a moment of ritual.

    The parable of the sower, as taught by Jesus Christ, affirms that genuine Christian transformation occurs when one hears and truly understands the Word of God (Matthew 13:23). In harmony with this, Paul teaches in Romans that faith is born through hearing—specifically, by hearing the words of Christ (Romans 10:17).

    Here’s the call for all of us Christians: If we truly desire to improve the church, we must return to the Bible. Let us relearn the authentic teachings of Scripture and let go of traditions that have, over time, weakened the church. Together, we can make the church shine as the true light of the world by faithfully reflecting the teachings of Jesus Christ.

    Peter, in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share this article freely, for you freely receive. Take note, underlines and highlights are clickable links for definitions or Bible references. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessings!

  • Who holds Greater Authority: the pastor or the elder?

    Songwriters get their inspiration from life experiences and the things they observe. Likewise, I often write from encounters, conversations, and observations about life, people, and experiences. Someone said, “The pastor should submit to an elder because he is the higher authority between the two.”

    Perhaps it’s true, in practice, among contemporary church. But certainly not true with Scriptures. So, let me say it out loud here. That has become the practice because mostly elders are businessmen, and they have the power of the purse.

    Again, let me say it out loud here. The Bible did rebuke people who attempted to use money to buy themselves power. In Acts 8, Peter rebuked Simon the sorcerer, saying, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity” (Acts 8:20-23). So, be careful not to use money to manipulate yourself to power within the church.

    Now, on our topic, where in the Bible can we find an elder superior to a pastor? Let’s take Ephesians 4:11-14 for our discussion. In the said passages, the Bible names the following biblical functions: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors, and teachers.

    Now, in Titus, Paul called on him to appoint elders (Titus 1:4-9). The same can be seen with Timothy; hence, Paul provided the qualifications for both the elders and the deacons (1 Timothy 3). Paul then, in 1 Timothy 4:13, told Timothy to devote himself to the public reading of Scripture, exhortation, and teaching. Exhortation and teaching are both functions of an evangelist, pastor, and teacher. Titus also was commanded to teach according to sound doctrine. He is to declare the instruction of Paul, which is the New Testament Bible to us, to exhort and rebuke with all authority. 

    What biblical roles of Ephesians 4:11 were Titus and Timothy performing? As we can see in Scripture, there were only five functions mentioned. We can be sure they aren’t apostles or prophets, but they could be performing one or two of the functions or all three: evangelist, pastor, and teacher. Paul in his second letter to Timothy reminds Timothy to do the work of an evangelist (2 Timothy 4:5).

    Consequently, based on our short study, both were pastors. They were tasked with caring for the church (1 Timothy 1:2-5;4:6-16;6:11-21; 2 Timothy 2:1-2, 14-15; 3:10-4:5; Titus 2:1-3:11). It’s significant to mention that 1 & 2 Timothy, together with Titus, have been categorized as pastoral letters. And both Timothy and Titus were tasked with appointing elders and even deacons. So who appears to have higher authority? The elder or the pastor?

    Actually, there’s no hierarchy in God’s ministry. Paul, in 1 Corinthians 3:5-11, made an example of himself and Apollos. Paul was an apostle of Christ Jesus, but Apollos wasn’t. Yet, Paul states they were both servants of Jesus through whom people heard the Gospel and believed, as the Lord assigned to each (1 Corinthians 3:5).

    Clearly there’s no hierarchy in God’s ministry. So, Paul went on to explain: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building. According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder, I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 3:6-11)

    Here, therefore, is the conclusion: the highest authority of the church is Christ Jesus, the Bible, the Word of God. Scripture states, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him was not any thing made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.” (John 1:1-4)

    “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

    “For from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:16-17)

    Whosoever speaks the Word of God rightly has the higher authority because all authority of the church resides in and from Scripture.

    Take a look at the Jerusalem council of Acts 15. The conflict wasn’t resolved by someone in authority, but by he who has the Word of God (Acts 15:13-29).

    Jesus Christ declares, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

    Take this example: Apollos, in Acts 18, though eloquent and competent in the Scriptures, had been corrected by Priscilla and Aquila, so that his message may be thoroughly accurate, according to God’s Word. Once again, evidently, the final authority of the church resides in Christ Jesus, through the Bible, the Scriptures. 

    To cite an example outside of the Scripture: During the time of Martin Luther, despite the accepted authority of the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church, Christians who held on to the belief that salvation comes by faith in Christ alone— the righteous shall live by faith (Romans 1:17)— uphold the authority of the Bible over the prevailing religious authority. 

    Christian leaders, be careful not to claim authority upon yourselves. Whatever Christian ordination you have received, the authority resides in Scriptures, not upon us.

    The Bible does call on the church to respect their leaders. See Hebrews 13:7, “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.” And again, “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.” (Hebrews 13:17)

    A Christian leader, be it a pastor, an elder or a deacon, should always speak from God’s Word. It’s a high calling that comes with much responsibility. We are to give an account to Jesus Christ. Consequently, let us always keep in mind the instructions of Paul: “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (1 Timothy 4:16)

    To all the believers, Jesus assures servants of His Words, saying, “Whoever receives you receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.” (Matthew 10:40-42)

    On the other hand, to us disciples of Jesus, ministers of His Word, Jesus states, “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.” (Matthew 18:4-6)

    Never wish for the title but forget God’s Word. The final authority of the church isn’t the pastor, nor the elder, but Christ Jesus and His Word.

    Peter, in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share this article freely, for you freely receive. Take note, underlines and highlights are clickable links for definitions or Bible references. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessings!