Baptism

Shalom Johnnie,

I believe that Yahshua was baptized because He set the example we are to follow. Yahshua shows us the way. When He does something for us, it is as an example. As you pointed out, not a replacement.

Joh 14:6 יהושע said to him, "I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

1John 2:6 says "The one who says he stays in Him ought himself also to walk, even as He walked."

1Pe 2:21-25 For to this you were called, because Messiah also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps,

"who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth,"
who, being reviled, did not revile in return;
suffering, did not threaten,
but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;
who Himself bore our sins in His body on the timber, so that we, having died to sins, might live unto righteousness - by whose stripes you were healed. 

For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your lives.

Yahshua when giving the example of footwashing said:
Joh 13:15-17 "For I gave you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. "Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is an emissary greater than he who sent him. "If you know these teachings, blessed are you if you do them.

John said in Matt 3:11 "I indeed immerse you in water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to bear. He shall immerse you in the Set-apart Spirit and fire.

 I believe the key here is repentence unto baptism. Baptism without repentence was - as John pointed out to the Pharisees and Sadducees, worthless.
Mat 3:6-8 and they were immersed by him in the Yardĕn, confessing their sins. And seeing many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his immersion, he said to them, "Brood of adders! Who has warned you to flee from the coming wrath? "Bear, therefore, fruits worthy of repentance,
(in other words, their fruits should reflect a repentent heart)

Repentence means having a proper frame of mind towards YHWH. To have a proper frame of mind towards YHWH does not necessarily mean that you HAD to have a wrong frame of mind previously.
In other words, baptism as a ritual of dedication is not reserved solely for those who are sinners.

Tit 3:4-6 But when the kindness and the love of Elohim our Saviour toward man appeared, He saved us, not by works of righteousness which we have done but according to His compassion, through the washing of rebirth, and renewal by the Set-apart Spirit, which He poured out on us richly through יהושע Messiah our Saviour,

We are given an example of Yahshua receiving the Ruach Haqodesh after immersion. To me this is a demonstration of the promise:
Act 2:38 And Kĕpha said to them, "Repent, and let each one of you be immersed in the Name of יהושע Messiah for the forgiveness of sins. And you shall receive the gift of the Set-apart Spirit.

1Pe 3:21 which figure now also saves us: immersion - not a putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward Elohim - through the resurrection of יהושע Messiah,

Immersion - the answer of a good conscience toward Elohim.

YHWH Bless you as you seek His will,
Shalom, Brian

GlendaInSearchOfBaptism
Shalom
I am not sure where in the world you are al situated. I am in Johannesburg, SA & seeking a fellowship who only refer to the true names. Is there someone who could perhaps assist me ?
Would anyone also happen to know anything about relocating to Israel or how to get to a Kibbutz as an "older" child of Yahuweh?
Any info would be well received !
Many bessingsin His name
Shalom

Shalom,

You might find this link helpful

http://www.menorah.org.za/index.php

YHWH Bless you as you seek His will,
Shalom, Brian

Why Yeshua need immersion?

Base on The Torah understanding

# When a Kohen (Priest) or elder prior entry into Ministry of YaH's Kingdom requires a Mikveh. Example we see in before He enter into three and half year of Ministry, he immersed Himself. His immersion was witness by Yochanan and all the people around. Likewise as believer today who are ordain or call to enter serving in His vineyard should be mitveh.

When Yeshua begins His earthly ministry he goes through the Mikvah.

I have done a comprehensive studies varies aspect about Mikvah or immersion. There three hebrew word describe wash

Kabas (washing of garments), rachatz (washing of flesh) eg washing feet and Mikvah (immerse entire body into water)

http://www.messianic-torah-truth-seeker.org/Fundamental/Immersion/mikveh.html

hope this will help you.