Reading Romans 6. Baptism is Seen as an obedient act by which Christian life begins. We can look at Romans 6 to see this. Paul in Romans has shown that a relationship with God is through faith and that we can only be saved through his grace. The problem is that some thought the more they sin the more grace would be seen. This was wrong. If you look at the end of this Chapter we have powerful message. Jesus was very different and we can See this in v10. Jesus was Sinless in his life and his death. If you are baptised in his Name he ane also baptised into his death. The act of Baptism shows three things: 1. We are separated from God though Sin 2. The Sin is in us. 3. It is only through Christ we car be Saved. If we are therefore with him (associated) in his death we shall be with his in his resurrection. Ths resurrection is seen as a symbol for baptism and a new life. This with relationship with God. v13 shows what we must do in this new life. Why should we do t is? Well v14 says we are not judged by a set of laws, but by grace this should keep us going. This is a gift. The second is in v15. We have a good master, not one that treats us badly. There are new loyalties in this life, new reasons for living, new motivations. Loyalty is about helping someone out when in trouble, you may not disagree with everything as well. We can see the fulfillment from this well. In the future the power of sin will be removed from those who believe in God.

At Bible class tonight we had a good class on Prayer.  Psalm 4 and 5 were our readings...
Here's some of of the highlights:

• In it's basic form it's communication with God.
• Beginnings was in Genesis 4:2 - Calling on the name of the Lord.
• What about Adam? He talked (communed) regularly with God. When man fell in the garden God sought communion with him.  It seems that this must have been a regular thing - Adam and Eve would have been separated from God - this must have been hard after talking so regularly...
• Job point's out that even the wicked talked to God!
• The real God will answer prayer - think of Elisha and the prohpets or Baal 1 Kings 18:17-46
• Also the length of Prayer Ecclesiastes 5:2 and Nehemiah 2: 1-5
• Also different types of prayer - for guidance Genesis 24:12; for leading 2 Chron 1:10 - if you look at both of these the are both answered!!  What about Hannah - 1 Sam 1:10 and answered.
• Many of the Psalms are prayers David said.
• Prayers may not be answered as we would sometimes expect - we're not likely to get that new car if we pray to God!
• The will of God will have to be reflected in the prayer - remember God knows the beginning to the end and knows what best for those who follow him.
• Look at Moses - he prayed to enter the promised land - but it was Joshua who led the people in.
• When, where and how often? - Psalm 55:1-2;  Psalm 55:17 also the example of Daniel 6:10
• Moses was a friend of God - communication was two way Exodus 33:12-13; Ps 25:1-5
• 4 words for Prayer in Hebrew: Tepilla - Supplication and intercession Nehemiah 1:11; Palal - to judge, intercede and intreat Genesis 20:7; Atar - burn incenese, intreat Genesis 25:21; Lahash: Whisper Isaiah 26:16
• So what do we gain from Prayer