Disciples Global Network

At the Jordan River, John proclaimed a baptism in water “ for the remission of sins ,” and he announced the arrival of the “ Coming One .” John was the forerunner of the Messiah of Israel as promised in the  Book of Isaiah  - “ Behold, I send my messenger before your face… The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare the way of the Lord .” This  Coming One  is the long-promised King of Israel who now baptizes his people “ in Spirit and fire .”

When an angel informed Joseph that Mary’s child was “ conceived of the Holy Spirit ,” it indicated that something more than just a miraculous birth or the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy was about to unfold. From the very beginning, the activity of the Spirit characterized and dominated the life of Jesus of Nazareth. He was “ Jesus, the one called Christ ,” the “ Anointed One ,” the long-awaited Messiah of Israel.