The Christian life is a life of baptism. The reality of baptism is to live in the death of Chirst by being baptised into Christ, not just once, but living in it's reality where the self, the natural man, the old man, the flesh, the world, and everything not of God is put to death. This experience of baptism is possible only in the mingled spirit by being in Christ into whom we have been baptised. Only then, resurrection becomes a reality too, not a future state but a present process that is being experienced day by day.
Yesterday, I landed in San Francisco for a blending trip in the Bay Area of California prior to attending the live Semiannual Training in Anaheim. In this trip, my first experience was the experience of Christ in His death. Though a few days ago I spoke about baptism and baptised some, I have not yet been baptised myself fully into it's reality thoroughly. The Lord gave this opportunity to experience the reality of baptism.
Though I was baptised about twenty five years ago, I am yet to fully experience the reality of baptism. The Lord has given me many opportunities to experience baptism now and then. Little by little, here a little, there a little, now and then, He has brought me to experience it. He has chosen appropriate time and place to accomplish His work of baptism in me. This surely is the mercy of the Lord.
Last night, I was given hospitality in a brother's house in Union City, California. As I lay down to sleep, the Spirit wrestled with me to deal with my self. I could not sleep properly. Something of my self bothered me. I knew right away that I need to be dealth with. Therefore, I prayed that this "fox's tail" of my self be completely put to death. I had a fresh and thorough consecration to deal with it again.
The fact that I was given hospitality in Union City reminds me of my need to experience and enjoy the result of baptism, a living in an organic union with the Triune God and also with His Body in oneness, in one accord, and in sweet harmony. I reckon this sleepless night in Union City as the turning point in my life to live in the reality of baptism that I may experience and enjoy the reality of baptism in my Christian life. That my Christian life indeed be a life of baptism.
Later, I spent time to pray for all the prayer burdens the Lord has been burdening me these days. Then, I enjoyed my morning revival on the same matter, living in the reality of baptism. The Lord’s speaking was so timely. It matched my experience and it confirmed my experience too. This is the New Testament ministry.
We have been buried therefore with Him through baptism into His death, in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so also we might walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:4, RecVer)
Oh what a blessed night in Union City! There I began to experience the reality of baptism in areas of my life that needs thorough baptism and ushered me to the reality of being in union with the Triune God and His Body.