As we wrap up our week exploring the tangible, life-changing presence of God,

we'll look to the baptism of Jesus and how the Spirit of God descended and rested upon

Him. What does this mean for us as Christ's followers? Is the Spirit's presence available to us just the same?

Find rest today as we encounter the Spirit of the living God and allow Him to minister to us.

And when Jesus was baptized immediately, he went up from the water,

and behold, the heavens were open to him,

and he saw the spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him.

And behold, a voice from heaven said,

This is my son with whom I am well pleased, Matthew 3, 16, and 17.

The baptism of Jesus lays the foundation on which you and I return time and time again to experience the abundant life made available

to us at salvation. Matthew 3.16 through 17 says, and when Jesus was baptized, immediately

he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were open to him, and he saw the Spirit of God

descending like a dove and coming to rest on him.

And behold, a voice from heaven said, This is my son with whom I am well pleased.

Through the baptism of Jesus, the Spirit of God powerfully enters into the scene of humanity.

The Holy Spirit's always been moving and working, but through Christ the way was paved for him to fill us and rest on us.

Through the baptism of Jesus, we can all be baptized with the Spirit. Peter says in Acts

238, repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your

sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. And Romans 6.4 tells us, we were buried, therefore,

with him by baptism into death. In order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory

of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. At salvation, the Spirit descends on us and fills us. He is the promise of God

for our eternal life. He is our helper, teacher, and comforter while we are here on the earth.

...