Word for the day by Christian Education Fort

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Ignition or Conclusion? 

Bible Reading:   John 3:1-8   

Key verse:   John 3:6 “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.”

DEVOTION

Nicodemus, a teacher of Israel, came to Jesus by night, seeking deeper truth. Jesus  answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again”  (John 3:3). This rebirth, He explained, must be “of water and the Spirit” (John 3:5).  
Baptism is often misunderstood as the final step in salvation. In some traditions, it is seen  as a ritual transaction. But Scripture teaches otherwise. Jesus Himself, though sinless, was  baptized in the Jordan not to repent, but to inaugurate His public ministry. As Matthew records,  “The heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove”  (Matthew 3:16). The Father’s voice affirmed, “This is my beloved Son” (Matthew 3:17), a  trinitarian manifestation.  
Baptism, then, is not a conclusion but consecration from triune God. As Paul writes, “We  were buried with Him through baptism into death… so that we too may live a new life” (Romans  6:4). It is the first breath of spiritual life. Even infants brought to the font are not making a  decision, but receiving a promise. They are sealed by grace and entrusted to the covenant  community. The Spirit, like the wind, “blows wherever it pleases” (John 3:8), working in hidden  yet powerful ways.  
Salvation finds its fulfilment not in water alone but in Christ crucified. The thief on the  cross was not baptized with water, yet heard, “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke  23:43). Each Holy Qurbana renews what began in baptism (1 Corinthians 11:26). We must not  only ask, “Were you baptized in trinity?” but rather, “Are you being (present continuous) born  from above?”  

PRAYER

 Triune God, reveal to me the mysteries passed from Father to Son, Son to Church. Root  me in true faith, guide me in grace, and lead me to Your paradise.    

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

 Baptism is not the crown of the journey, but the compass that sets our hearts toward  the cross.  


Rev. Ashwin C. Jaise  
Email: rev.ashwin.c.jaise@icloud.com  
Parish: Immanuel Mar Thoma Church,  
Thengode, Ernakulam  

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