100 Sermon Illustrations on Baptism

(The following is an edited abridgment of a 32-page booklet by Rowland Croucher, 'Baptist Church Membership' and comes from an Australian viewpoint).

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Baptists begin a discussion about themselves by trying to understand the 'Good News', the 'gospel'. In essence, Paul says (Philippians 2:10-11), the 'Good News' is that 'JESUS CHRIST IS LORD!' That's where Baptists start their thinking. This isn't just an abstract doctrine - it means that he's our Master, our King. We are his obedient servants, his subjects, who do what he commands. He is the ultimate authority for all thinking and acting. He is God the Son, through whom everything came into being and before whom everyone will ultimately 'fall on their knees'.

Jesus Christ is Lord - or 'Head' - of the Church, his Body. So Christians are people who both individually and collectively, are constantly asking: 'What does our Lord want us to believe, and what does he want us to do?'

This leads us to the Bible, in which the mind of Christ is revealed. The Bible is God's Word, his authoritative guide for our faith and practice. It is the inspired and trustworthy record of the mighty acts of God in the history of his people Israel and fulfilled in the life, teachings, and saving work of Christ.

So Baptists are encouraged to be keen 'Bible people', seeking with and open and reverent mind to understand what God is saying to us today. Sometimes we won't find specific answers to all our modern problems there, but we'll always find God's guiding principles. The greatest principle, or commandment, said Jesus, is to 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength'. And the second greatest: 'Love your neighbor as you love yourself'.

For Baptists, then, God alone is the sovereign Lord. They have always tried to follow the apostolic principle: 'We must obey God rather than humans'. Baptists reject doctrines or practices which either contradict or are not in harmony with Christ's will revealed in the Bible. They have simply believed that most of the differences between churches would be resolved if apostolic principles and practices were held in their true scriptural relationship with one another. And so, for just about every question we reply with another: 'What does the Bible say?'

But this doesn't mean Baptists arrogantly believe they are the only ones who are right. No one (except God alone) has 'a monopoly on the truth'. We are humble fellow-learners with others who also submit to the truth of Scripture. And 'God has yet more light and truth to break forth from his holy Word'. A Baptist says with love, to another Christian: 'You are my brother/sister, not because we happen to agree on everything, but because we are both God's children'. This is why Baptists have produced written 'confessions' but never written 'creeds'. Creeds become 'locked into' the particular questions of one historical era, and later Christians may be asking some different questions. Further, creeds tend to make people 'exclusive' - if you don't dot all the i's and cross all the t's you're not acceptable. Baptists aim rather to be inclusive: our bond is simply our common relationship to Jesus Christ.

This leads us to another Baptist emphasis -

The Church = 'The Company of The Committed'

It is not uncommon for Baptist church constitutions to begin: 'The church shall be composed of those... who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour and Lord'. When Baptists throughout their history have been asked 'Who belongs to the church?' their response is always: 'Only those who've deliberately chosen to follow the way of Jesus - the "regenerate", those born again!'

Perhaps this can best be explained by taking a short journey into the past.

Baptists trace their spiritual history back to people like the 'Anabaptists' ('re-baptisers') in 16th century Europe. It was the time when Luther, Calvin, and other 'Protestants' urged people to go back to the Bible for their instructions about faith and living, and reject doctrines and practices in the Church of Rome which they believed were unbiblical. For example, they talked about 'the priesthood of all believers'. The Church of Rome made ordinary believers dependent upon the mediation of the priests, but these 'Reformers' proclaimed the right of every Christian to have access to God through the mediation of Christ alone. They encouraged ordinary people to read the Word of God (something rare - and even forbidden by the church authorities in those days). They said that every Christian has the Holy Spirit who inspired the writing of Scripture, so God can speak to them by this same Spirit as they read the Bible. You and I don't need the authorities in the church to tell us what to believe - it's all there in God's holy Word.

The Anabaptists, however, said Luther and Calvin and the others didn't take their 'Reformation' far enough. They agreed that 'If it's in the Bible we believe it; if it isn't, we reject it, even though centuries of Christian history are behind a particular belief'. But they objected to the close alliance between church and state which had gone on for more than a thousand years. They also rejected infant baptism, which they believed, served to perpetuate state churches filled with nominal Christians.

Meanwhile, over in England, a 'Puritan' movement emerged within the Church of England, calling that church back to the Scriptures. One learned man, Rev. John Smyth, M.A. (a Fellow of Christ's College, Cambridge University), became a city lecturer at Lincoln at the turn of the 17th century - a post which allowed him to expound the Scriptures to his townspeople who weren't satisfied with the teaching they were receiving in their churches. When things got 'too hot' for these Puritans, some went as refugees to Holland. There John Smyth continued to study the Scriptures, and with the help of some Dutch Mennonites (an Anabaptist group), came to hold certain convictions which Baptists have maintained ever since. In 1609 he became the leader of the first English-speaking 'Baptist' church.

He saw - with the Anabaptists - that 'established churches' weren't an apostolic idea at all. You become a member of these churches through infant baptism, and everyone in a particular community - or 'parish' - therefore almost automatically belonged to the 'parish church'. Now that's all wrong, these Baptists said. Only people who've had a personal encounter with Christ can belong to the church. You can't be born a Christian: at some point in your life you choose to belong to Christ's church, when you repent of your sins and commit your life willingly to him.

So Baptists have always been wary of alliances between churches and the state authorities. They've said governments shouldn't influence - or interfere with - the free choice people make about their allegiance to Christ and the church. They have taken the idea a step further, too, and until recently, have generally refused government funding for their Christian ministries. (Today government grants may be accepted for educational and social welfare purposes, but not usually for worship and pastoral ministries.)

Because people willingly choose to belong to the church, a high standard of Christian behaviour and discipleship is expected of members of Baptist churches. Because they possess God's Holy Spirit, they should live on a higher plane than non-Christians. Sometimes 'church discipline' has to be lovingly but firmly extended towards those who bring the faith of Christ into disrepute by their disobedient behaviour.

Many Anabaptists and early Baptists were martyred (often by drowning, 'seeing they like so much water,' their enemies said) for these beliefs.

WHO RUNS THE CHURCH?

The short answer, of course: Christ does! It's his church. When members of his body meet, he's there with them. Christ is both the Lord of the redeemed person and the redeemed community. Both have his Holy Spirit to guide them, and are therefore sufficiently 'competent' to know his will. So local Baptist churches are 'autonomous' - they govern themselves. (Look up Acts 13:1,2 for a New Testament example of a local church acting on its own initiative.) Baptists therefore do not recognize the power of a bishop, synod, conference, or assembly to determine or overrule the decisions of a local church.

Sometimes, however, these churches may cooperate, and form 'Unions' (there is a 'Baptist Union' of churches in each Australian state, in Australia as a whole, and in New Zealand). These associations of churches co-ordinate Baptists' joint efforts to obey the great commission. Such Unions may appoint officers to guide in specific areas of ministry such as home missions (helping younger churches to get going), overseas missions and training future pastors. There is no fixed plan or pattern here: these structures are very flexible, change from time to time, and differ in various countries.

Local churches - like individual Christians - need each other. The challenge facing us is to encourage self-governing churches to become more 'inter-dependent' rather than 'independent'.

The Baptist Unions (or Conventions or Associations, as they are called in some places) are mostly affiliated with the Baptist World Alliance, which has about 30 millian members in 117,000 churches. (The U.S. has the largest number - 25 million, followed by India - 815,000, U.S.S.R. - 545,000, Brazil - 464,000 and Burma - 358,000. Australian Baptist church members number about 53,000, New Zealand 18,000).

# Generally Baptists haven't been keen on 'organic' unity with other Christian denominations. Some Baptist groups have joined the World Council of Churches, while others feel they ought to preserve their distinctiveness by remaining outside such bodies. Baptists don't claim to be 'the only true church': they want to learn humbly from others. They believe that what unites Christians is far more decisive and basic than what divides them. However they have mostly felt that their special Scriptural insights are best preserved by staying 'Baptists'. What do you think? Is this likely to change?

How is a local church governed? Baptists are 'congregational'. They meet, free from any 'outside' control, to arrive at a consensus about God's will, through Bible study, prayer, and discussion. A British Baptist statement (1948) says such a church meeting is 'the occasion when, as individuals and as a community, we submit ourselves to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and stand under the judgment of God that we may know the mind of Christ'.

The aim of each congregation will be to reflect the character of Jesus in all that it does. So persons will matter more than agendas or programs or constitutions! We will love and respect those with whom we may disagree. Although Baptist church members' meetings are democratic (any member is free to speak on any matter on the agenda), they are really, in essence, theocratic (ruled by God), so members don't have the right to say anything they please - but only what is loving, constructive, true, and that which humbly seeks the mind of Christ. Because they affirm diversity within their Fellowships they will sometimes 'agree to differ - agreeably' on some issues. So Baptists have generally been happy with 'majority voting' on all but really major issues (which may require a large majority, or, occasionally, total unanimity). Some churches seldom take a vote - they will discuss issues until a general consensus is achieved, or failing that, will defer the matter for further prayerful thought and consideration.

LEADERSHIP

Christ appointed leaders to serve the church. There's a list of these in Ephesians 4. Apostles, prophets and evangelists were generally 'itinerant' - they moved around among several churches. 'Pastor- teachers' were (and are) shepherds - feeding Christ's flock and caring for it. Their task: to equip all the members so that they will become spiritually mature.

Most Baptist churches have one pastor (although some are now appointing two or more). He or she is generally considered the leader, although neither the pastor/s nor any other person has the final word in the church's affairs: that's the prerogative of the members' meeting. Sometimes, therefore, the pastor is said to be 'the first among equals'. Pastors are servants of the church, but the church is not their master - Christ is.

The pastors' priorities: Bible study, prayer, and training others for ministry. They're a sort of 'player-coach' encouraging others to serve, witness and visit. Church members are not helpers of the pastor, so that the pastor can do their job; pastors are helpers of the whole people of God, so that they all can be the church (to paraphrase Hans Ruedi Weber). Pastors must be encouraged to keep themselves 'in training for a godly life', so the congregation will allow them time for study and reflection. Remember that your pastors are human: they, too, have doubts, fears, and frustrations. Please don't add to them! Francis Schaeffer says pastors often unwittingly break the tenth commandment - they are covetous of the successes or gifts of other pastors. Remedy? Affirm your pastor, so they know they're loved! If you appreciate them, tell them so!

In the New Testament, bishops or elders (both words describe the same people) were the 'overseers' of the churches. These leaders 'work hard', perform pastoral duties and help make important decisions. Only those with the appropriate 'gifts' should be appointed elders - not just to 'fill the number'. It's better to have no elders than the wrong ones. Each elder ought to have a list of those they are shepherding, and these people know they can turn to their elder at any time. (A ratio of one elder to 12 persons or family groups is recommended.)

Deacons are 'servants'. Both Jesus and Paul used this word of themselves. Their tasks: administrative leadership, policy-making, and planning.

Both elders and deacons have 'spiritual' ministries. They are accountable to the church members. The personal and spiritual qualities of these leaders are spelt out in 1 Timothy 3: 1-13. Note that such appointments have nothing to do with age, sex, or status. Spiritual leadership is not for people who like to be 'bossy'; the badge of office for all followers of Christ is a towel! Both groups (if your church has both) ought to be commissioned by the congregation, who will pray for them earnestly. These 'servants' will lead by encouragement and example, rather than by coercion. They will generally plan openly rather than covertly. They will continually inform their people of their doings, and will invite feed-back from the members. Occasionally they will 'retreat' ('advance'?) for times of prayer, study and discussion.

# Discuss: Paul says (Galatians 3:28) that Jesus has healed divisions between Jews and Gentiles, slaves and free-people, males and females. The early church was ahead of its time in granting 'personhood' to women, and many fulfilled public ministries. American Baptists (from 80 years ago) and Southern Baptists (from 20 years ago) in the U.S. have occasionally ordained women for pastoral ministry, as have Baptists in Britain, Canada, New Zealand and some Australian states. Leon Morris, an Anglican scholar, says women in the early church did more than 'keep silence when it was a question of expounding the Christian faith'. Some Baptists have emphasised the 'submission' and 'keeping quiet' passages. Others say that the principle of Galatians 3:28 is to be applied appropriately within each culture. What do you think?

CHALLENGES FACING BAPTISTS IN THE '90'S

Having pastored Baptist churches for 30 years, spoken to all the Baptist pastors' conferences around Australia and preached in about 200 Baptist churches, here are my suggestions about the issues Baptists are facing. They vary in intensity from state to state and church to church.

1. Baptist pharisaism. The essential issue here is the elevation of dogma or church rules over 'accepting' those whom God accepts (Romans 15:7). The two key issues are social justice (Matthew 23:23 and Luke 11:42) and open membership. Until recently Baptists were quite muted about their concern for the poor, and the causes of such poverty. Fortunately they are reading Jesus and the prophets again! On the issue of open membership, see my paper on the subject. Briefly, if Jesus said accepting people is more important than sticking to ordinances (even an important ordinance like baptism) then let's follow Jesus rather than the pharisees! Nothing can be added to grace, not even baptism. The Baptist principle of 'liberty of conscience' should apply here as everywhere else. A system which allows a sexually active young person or greedy adult to be a member of most of our churches (and they are!) but not a godly Anglican or Salvationist has got to have something wrong with it. Baptists have to be reminded they're Christians first, Baptists second.

2. The Leadership Ministries of Women. In the NT women were quite prominent in the churches, despite strong patriarchal cultures. Today, the church is creating a scandal by appearing to treat women as second-class citizens. Only two Australian Baptist Unions (Victoria and South Australia) recognize the pastoral leadership gifts of women: if God were to raise up a Deborah to lead the whole people of God today most of us wouldn't let him to it! We should be grateful God is not a legalist! (See my paper on Women in Leadership).

3. Charismatic Renewal. People who derive their security from the predictable institutions or dogmas they adhere to will always be threatened by notions of renewal, particularly radical renewal. The impact of charismatic renewal is no exception. The Holy Spirit is moving in dynamic ways through all the churches and in all the world, but traditionalists will find themselves opposing anything which is not part of their cherished history. Although the devil as well as the Holy Spirit is operative in some aspects of charismatic renewal, Baptists and others will need to be careful about the dangers of fighting God: they can't win! (See my paper 'Charismatic Renewal: Myths and Realities').

4. Institutional Renewal. About 95% of Australian Baptists agree with the statement 'There's something wrong with the way our church business meetings are conducted'. The 5% who enjoy power-broking or have an excess of spare time on their hands or enjoy the thrill of swaying the voting intentions of others will derive some enjoyment from church business meetings. Baptists have equated congregationalism with democracy: modern notions of democracy are not biblical. Baptists also have forgotten that the NT has three forms of church government - episcopal, presbyterian as well as congregational. Baptists have also allowed their adherence to a notion of 'the priesthood of all believers' to contaminate their polity: believers should not use church meetings as a forum to be negative. Church meetings exist for information-dissemination (what God is doing amongst us), celebration (worshipping the Lord who is the head of the church) and discernment (prayerfully finding the will of our Lord in specific situations). Whilst the method of decision-making will vary from culture to culture, and issue to issue, neither democracy nor unanimity is appropriate in every situation. (Democracy may mean the leading families rule; unanimity may leave us all at the mercy of the 'nut' who will vote 'no' to everything!).

5. Ecumenism. Baptists may have some justifiable reasons to be leary of some things the World Council of Churches does. But they have no justifiable reason for non-cooperation with others who 'acknowledge Jesus Christ as Saviour Lord and God, according to the Scriptures'. We must not do anything to negate our Lord's prayer 'that they may be one'.

6. Evangelism. The idea of 'seeker services' is not new: it was there in apostolic times, according to Michael Green (Evangelism Through the Local Church). Neighbourhood 'coffee 'n dessert' nights, friendship services, Christianity Explained courses - these and many other tools are available for us to reach out to those the New Testament calls 'the lost'.

7. Clericalism. The Christian Brethren movement have had a valid objection to 'clergy running the church and denying others a ministry'. Baptists are still plagued by clericalism, whereby pastors accrue power rather than disseminating it. The task of church leaders is to train and empower others for ministry, not do it for them! (See ch. 31 'Ministry as Empowerment' in my Your Church Can Come Alive).

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

The Baptist Heritage, H. Leon McBeth (Broadman, 1987): a comprehensive 850-page overview of Baptist history and emphases, mainly from a North American perspective.

Challenge to Change: A Radical Agenda for Baptists, Nigel Wright (Kingsway 1991) 'calls for consensus over constitution, power over programme evangelism, and makes a case for Baptist bishops'.

A Community of Believers by Charles W. Deweese (Judson, 1978), a good general handbook, with a useful discussion on 'church covenants'

Growing on Together (Baptist Union of NSW), a simple, readable paper-back written by Australian Baptists.

Church Members'Kit, produced by the pastoral team of the Blackburn Baptist Church (13 Holland Rd, Blackburn, Australia. 3130).

Studies in Baptism by Basil S. Brown (Clifford Press, Melbourne), a 32-page summary of the meaning of Baptism by a former Australian theological college professor.

The Church, a Baptist View (Gordon W. Martin), Authority, a Baptist View (B.R. White), Freedom, a Baptist View(J.H. Briggs), Baptism, a Baptist View (John W. Matthews), Children in the Church, a Baptist View (D.F. Tennant), Ministry, a Baptist View (John F. Nicholson), booklets produced by the Baptist Union of Great Britain and Ireland. (Australian agents - Clifford Press, Melbourne)

The Baptist Church Member (Baptist Church Life and Ministry, Victoria), 9 studies for prospective members. Available through Baptist Book Stores.

The Water that Divides by Donald Bridge and David Phypers (IVP, 1977), a good discussion of the pros and cons of baptism and the open/closed membership question.

A History of the Baptists by R.G. Torbet (judson, 3rd Edition), a good general history.

Baptist Confessions of Faith by W.L. Lumpkin (Judson 1959), a more comprehensive volume.

A Baptist Manual of Polity and Practice: Revised Edition by Norman H. Maring and Winthrop S. Hudson (Judson Press, 1991).

(Also check out the web site http//www.abc-usa.org for the ABC/USA.)

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Like most believers who have been baptized following a profession of faith, I have a distinct recollection of my baptism. I was baptized in a small stream on a cattle ranch in Wyoming.

At nine years of age my theological understanding of baptism was simple. Nonetheless, the experience of publicly professing Christ is vivid in my memory.

What is it about this event that makes it one of the most memorable experiences in the life of the believer? What does it mean? What actually takes place in a person's life at his or her baptism? Followers of Christ have pondered questions like these for generations.

One clear truism regarding baptism is that virtually all Christian churches or groups since the time of Christ have practiced this ritual. Southern Baptists from the very onset have joined the tradition of many other Christian groups by practicing and teaching about baptism.

In our recent revision of the Baptist Faith and Message, not one word pertaining to the ordinance of baptism was altered. We have enjoyed a high level of agreement for several reasons.

To begin with, we are in strong agreement regarding the importance of baptism. The most substantive source regarding the significance of baptism comes from Jesus himself -- "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:20).

Even if this were the only instruction regarding baptism, it would be more than adequate for our faithful practice of this rite. However, the Apostle Paul provides the church with much additional insight into the importance and meaning of baptism.

For instance, Romans 6:3-4 states: "Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into his death? Therefore we have been buried with him through baptism into death, in order that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life."

Based on this and other passages, Southern Baptist scholars have strongly held that baptism is a public expression of an inward reality of having been unified with Christ. His death represents our death to self, and his resurrection represents our having been raised new creatures who are no longer under the curse and enslavement of sin (Colossians 2:12). In other words, we have viewed baptism as an act of obedience (which is why we refer to it as an ordinance) and as a symbolic event (which is why we have rejected the term sacrament).

The Southern Baptist understanding of baptism stands in conflict with the official doctrine of traditional Roman Catholicism and even some Protestant groups who teach that in the act of baptism there is the impartation of grace ex opere operato, without preexisting faith. This belief that grace is imparted to the subject of baptism is why it is called a sacrament.

As Southern Baptists we have historically rejected any notion of sacramental grace in baptism as this idea runs counter to the clear doctrine of salvation in Christ alone, by grace alone, through faith alone.

Southern Baptists also believe that the proper subjects of baptism are those who have previously entered into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.

The idea of "faith" or "belief" presupposes sufficient cognitive ability and maturation so as to reject any possibility of infants being appropriate candidates for baptism. This has historically been true of all Baptists.

For instance, The Schleitheim Confession of AD 1527 states: "Baptism shall be given to all those who have learned repentance and amendment of life, and who believe truly that their sins are taken away by Christ, and to all those who walk in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and wish to be buried with Him in death, so that they may be resurrected with Him, and to all those who with this significance request it [baptism] of us and demand it for themselves. This excludes all infant baptism...."

In support of this position, one only has to look at various baptism narratives in the Book of Acts where the contexts clearly demonstrate that believers were baptized following a response of faith to the gospel of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:41; 8:12; 10:44-48; 16:14-15, 32-33).

Southern Baptists have also had a long history of practicing baptism by immersion. Baptist scholars point to the meaning of the Greek word for baptism, which properly interpreted means to "dip" or "plunge." Additional evidence can be found from baptism narratives such as the baptism of Christ where the biblical text says, "He came up out of the water" (Mark 1:10). The most convincing teaching is that of Romans 6:3-4 and Colossians 2:12, where the symbolism of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ clearly points to submersion and immersion.

It would seem evident that even those who believe that baptism represents "purification from sin" would have to admit that any mode other than immersion does not do justice to the symbolism described here by the Apostle Paul.

What a privilege it is for any person to stand in the waters of baptism and proclaim with the angels that "Jesus Christ is Lord." I am proud that Southern Baptists have taken the command of Christ seriously, "... baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit."

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Full text of Article 7a: Baptism

Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer's faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, the believer's death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. It is a testimony to his faith in the final resurrection of the dead. Being a church ordinance, it is prerequisite to the privileges of church membership and to the Lord's Supper.

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Waggoner is the dean of the School of Christian Education and Leadership at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky.

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Fred Craddock said, “What's frightening about [baptism] is that [it] puts you in the presence of God. And that's what everybody wants, and that's what everybody doesn't want. Because the light at the altar is different from every other light in the world. In the dim lamps of this world, we can compare ourselves with each other, and all of us come off looking good. We convince ourselves that God grades on the curve, and what's the difference? We're all okay. And then you come in the presence of God, and you're at the altar, and it's all different. For if our hearts condemn us, think of this -- God is greater than our hearts and knows everything.”

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Fred B. Craddock, “Have You Ever Heard John Preach?”, A Chorus of Witnesses: Model Sermons for Today's Preacher, ed. Thomas G. Long & Cornelius Plantinga, Jr. (Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1994), pp. 34-43.

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[Original illustration at this number was a duplicate of HolwickID #6932]

God used the joy of seven new Christians to draw a lost bus driver to Himself and start yet another new house church in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Jorge, a bus driver in Guayaquil, Ecuador, was hired to transport seven new Christians to a place outside of the city for baptism. During the drive, the Christians joyfully sang praises to God.

Their enthusiastic singing intrigued Jorge, who was not a Christian. Describing the singing as "very contagious," he asked if the Christians would allow him to return to the city so his family could listen too.

He drove the believers to his home, where the group sang several praise songs for his family. After the singing, Jorge's family joined the entourage to the baptism.

At the river, two house church leaders baptized the seven new believers. When they finished, they noticed Jorge standing in the water.

"I am a sinner," Jorge said. "Can I be saved?"

The church leaders shared the gospel with Jorge, who then prayed to receive Christ. Then Carlos, one of the church leaders, baptized him right there in the river.

As everyone filed back onto the bus, Jorge said: "I feel a special fire within me! I want my family to come to know Christ as well! Can you come to my house and start a church there?"

Carlos and Darien, another church leader, began holding meetings in Jorge's house. The new house church is the 59th meeting place God has started in Guayaquil in the past 10 months.

"Indeed, God is working in Guayaquil!" said J. Guy and Linda Muse, Southern Baptist missionaries serving there.

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GENERAL MANUEL ANTONIO NORIEGA

Baptized into Christ 10/24/92

"I’ve seen seriousness and I’ve seen the lack of it," said one of the guards who monitor the fallen leader daily. "I haven’t seen any dedication or seriousness greater than his."

"God can forgive the worst sinner on earth." How many times have you heard a preacher say something like that? Or, "God loves everyone. He doesn’t want anyone to perish. There is no sinner too sinful for God to forgive, if that person will repent and come to Christ in faith." And do we believe it? Of course we do. We believe that Jesus Christ would have forgiven Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed Him, if he would have truly repented.

Question: Would Jesus have forgiven Adolf Hitler? Perhaps survivors of the holocaust couldn’t... and we could understand their difficulty in forgiving. But Jesus could have forgiven Hitler... if he would have changed his life instead of ending his life by blowing his brains out in a Berlin bunker.

Let’s bring it on down to today.

Would God be willing to forgive a repentant Jeffrey Dahmer, the mass murderer of Milwaukee?

How about Sadaam Hussein, the bloody butcher of Baghdad?

What about General Manuel Noriega, the former Panamanian drug Lord?

It’s not a moot question anymore. For on October 24, 1992, in a baptistry provided by American Rehabilitation Ministries, General Manuel Noriega was immersed in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in the chambers of the Honorable William M. Hoeveler, United States District Judge, Federal Court House, Miami Florida.

Noriega was "Public Enemy No. 1" during the time leading up to the U.S. invasion of Panama in December 1989. How did it come to pass that the former general of Panama was buried in baptism in a Florida prison?

The story begins in a maximum security cell in the federal prison in Miami where General Manuel Noriega was awaiting trial on charges of international drug trafficking.

Early in January 1990 a copy of a Spanish New Testament came into the notorious prisoner’s hands. On January 10, 1990, the editor of the Soul Winner’s New Testament (Evangelismo Personal), Clift Brannon, a former attorney turned preacher, received a letter from Noriega. In the letter, Noriega expressed his appreciation for the copy of the Scriptures. Brannon immediately applied for a visitation permit for the purpose of religious instruction under the rights granted Noriega under the Geneva Accords.

Accordingly, on May 15 and 16, 1990, Brannon and a Spanish interpreter, Rudy Hernandez, were allowed to visit Noriega for a total of 6 hours in the Metropolitan Correctional Center of Dade County, Florida. Following their visit, Noriega wrote Brannon as follows:

On completing the spiritual sessions that you as a messenger of

the Word of God brought to my heart, even to my area of

confinement as Prisoner of War of the United States, I feel the

necessity of adding something more to what I was able to say to

you as we parted. The evening sessions of May 15 and 16 with you

and Rudy Hernandez along with the Christian explanation and

guidance were for me the first day of a dream, a revelation. I

can tell you with great strength and inspiration that receiving

our Lord Jesus Christ as Savior guided by you, was an emotional

event. The hours flew by without my being aware. I could have

desired that they continue forever, but there was no time nor

space. Thank you for your time. Thank you for your human

warmth, for your constant and permanent spiritual strength

brought to bear on my mind and soul.

With great affection,

Manuel A. Noriega

Following another visit in July, 1990, Noriega enrolled in a 16-week Bible correspondence course. At the conclusion of his personal study the former drug lord requested permission of the prison authorities to be baptized in accordance to what he had learned from Matthew 28:19-20.

His request, however, was denied upon the advice of his attorneys.

On September 25, 1992, Brannon wrote to the Honorable William M. Hoeveler, United States District Judge in Miami, pleading the court’s permission to immerse Noriega. "Only in this way can he (Noriega) genuinely show his faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Romans 6:3-5)."

The former attorney went on to write:

On October 24th, we ask your authority to have a fiberglass

baptistry taken into the court room and for General Manuel A.

Noriega to be immersed in accord with the Holy Scriptures and in

obedience to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Sincerely submitted for Your Honor’s favorable consideration.

Clifton W. Brannon

In the meantime, it was necessary to secure a portable baptistry. To whom would they turn? To the same ministry that has for the past 19 years placed more than 530 baptistries in American prisons nationwide. American Rehabilitation Ministries (ARM) not only responded with a communion table baptistry, but also provided two in-depth Spanish Bible correspondence courses for General Noriega’s study. A variety of Spanish DaySpring greeting cards was sent from A.R.M. along with several New Testament Gospel tracts in Spanish.

On October 24, 1992 (United Nations Day!), A.R.M’s baptistry arrived at the back door of the Federal Court House in Miami. A Deputy Marshall helped Brannon and his associates take the baptistry into the courtroom and fill it with water.

Noriega’s bapitsm almost didn’t happen because of his high security status, opposition from the Catholic chaplain and daunting logistical problems.

The baptism was arranged to take place in the courthouse, in an atrium outside the door of one of the courtrooms, using A.R.M.’s Communion Table Baptistry. "That was a first", Brannon said. "We were told this had never taken place in a federal courthouse before."

When the baptistry was filled, the Deputy Marshall brought General Manuel Antonio Noriega into the courtroom to be baptized. Surrounded by 12 guards, Noriega, wearing civilian clothes, took off his jacket and shoes, and got into the baptistry. Brannon preached on the meaning of baptism as Hernandes interpreted, followed by prayer and Scripture reading. Brannon then baptized Noriega in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Brannon says that when Noriega "came up out of the water" you could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in the room. "Rudy had an accordion, and we all sang Amazing Grace, which reverberated off the marble floor", Brannon said.

"It’s one of those sacred moments," Brannon said. "I could feel God speaking that He was well pleased."

Noriega was allowed to give a brief testimony and be served the Lord’s Supper before being escorted back to his maximum security cell. Here, in part, is the testimony of General Manuel Antonio Noriega, the notorious international drug lord and ruthless dictator of Panama:

"Before, Jesus to me was only an image of that which was learned

from Catholicism, an historic being who worked miracles. All was

transformed when on Tuesday, January the 16th, 1990, Dr. Clift

asked me in a telephone conversation, he in Texas and I in a

preventive prison of the court, "Do you know that Jesus loves

you?"

Today, this is what He means to me:

He is the Son of God, who died on the cross for our sins, who

arose from the grave and is at the right hand of God the Father

and who above all things He is my Savior, and has mercy on me, a

sinner."

General Manuel Antonio Noriega has been found guilty of international drug trafficking and sentenced to 40 years in the federal penitentiary.

General Noriega is only one of more than a quarter-million prisoners who have obeyed their Lord in Christian baptism in A.R.M.-donated prison baptistries.

Since the baptism of General Noriega, prison authorities across America have phoned and written A.R.M. headquarters requesting a baptistry for their prisoners too. One chaplain in Alabama said, "We have 65 men now waiting to be baptized." Another chaplain in Louisiana wrote, "We have been on your waiting list for over 9 months, please, we need a baptistry as soon as possible." The chaplain in Attica, New York, phoned to say, "You gave us a baptistry in 1975, but we have used it so much that it is cracked and broken. Please send us a new one."

Tony Ponceti, who led the former dictator in weekly discipleship studies for more than two years said, "Gaining permission to transport A.R.M.’s baptistry into the courthouse was nothing short of a miracle. After Noriega rose out of the water, he had no words to express the joy he sensed."

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”Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:3-4 NKJV)

Baptized Into The Death Of Christ

• know…not — are ye ignorant?

• that…death? — Gal 3:27, 1 Cor 10:2, Col 3:3 — “sealed with the seal of heaven; and, as it were, formally entered and articled, to all the benefits and all the obligations of Christian discipleship in general, and of His death in particular.” (Dr D. Browne)

• therefore…life — “our baptism was a sort of funeral; a solemn act of consigning us to that death of Christ in which we are made one with Him. And with this object: not that we might remain dead, but that we might rise with Him from death, experience (even in this world) the power of His resurrection, and live the life wh. we now live in the flesh as men who have already died and risen again.” (Vaughan)

Likeness to Christ the Christian’s destiny — Homilist

I. The imitation of Christ is a chief part of the Divine worship and homage, which we pay to Him as our God.

II. The grand principles of Christ’s character are godliness and philanthropy, or love towards man.

III. The death of Christ chiefly declares His character, and in this chiefly we are called upon to imitate Him

The Divine life of Christian believers — Anon.

I. Union with Christ is a new Divine life in respect of –-

l. The principle from which it proceeds;

2. The rule by which it is directed;

3. Its end and scope.

II. Our duty: to walk before God in newness of life. This life is the most

l. Honorable;

2. Easy;

3. Comfortable and delectable;

4. Safe

The Atonement — Bp Heber

I. Though it is evident from Scripture that Good works are necessary to salvation, it is evident also that they are not absolutely so.

II. Though it is certain that justification, adoption, and final salvation are employed as convertible terms, being all constituent parts of one great benefit, yet it is plain that the justification spoken of by Paul is distinct from our final salvation, the former being in this, the latter in the life to come.

III. Our justification and final salvation, then, are of Christ alone. By Him. only can we be saved.

Holiness — Believers, as they were in the primitive times holy in their lives, so they professed this still to be the foundation of their holiness — Christ hath died, Christ is risen, Christ is in heaven; therefore, we must live so and so: and this was their great profession. It dasheth all the carnal gospellers in the world. It would shame men out of their sins, or out of their profession of Christ. If Paul were alive, he would show the deepest abhorrence of him that will say he believeth in Christ, who died and rose again, and yet lived in sin. (Goodwin)

“Baptism of children in first three centuries proved, directly and indirectly from early Christian writers. No traces of introduction of infant baptism as a novelty, or Opposition to it as an innovation. Tertullian opposed it, but on such grounds as innocence of infants, etc. Practiced in ‘the time of Irenaeus, latter end of second century, and favored in the third by Origen, who calls it a rite derived from the Apostles. Fidus, an African Bishop in the same century proposed to delay it till the eighth day, but was opposed by Cyprian.” — Robinson on Romans 1, 3:3 — 397, where see condensed summary of history and arguments relating to baptism.

Luke 3:1–20 — John Prepares the Way « Leader information shown in this fashion »

A. This is from last Sunday … a question of Luke 2:41–51: In these verses, in what ways do you find the two natures of Jesus revealing themselves? (Quotations shown are from the NAS)

1. humanity … “And when He became twelve” — He had to wait until a certain age before officially attending a feast (as one at or nearing manhood) in obedience to the law (Deuteronomy 16:16)

2. humanity … “supposing him to have been in the company … among their kinsfolk and acquaintances” — evidently it was not unusual for Jesus, like any child, to spend time with people outside of His immediate family (father, mother, brothers)

3. deity … “in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them, and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers.” — revealing His spiritual discernment in the nature of His interest, the quality of His questions, and the perception of His answers

4. deity … “Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house {or AV, business}?” — His realization of His unique relationship with God and mission from God

5. humanity … “And He went down with them, and came to Nazareth; and He continued in subjection to them” — He was subject to His natural parents, and in accord with the law (Exodus 20:12).

B. Our “homework” … Luke 3:1–20 is a résumé of John’s ministry; identify the various groups and individuals involved, noting the response of each to John’s message.

1. « vv 2–3, John the Baptist, himself

a. receiving the word from God

b. preaching the message he received »

2. « vv 1, 19-20, secular rulers: Pontius Pilate, Herod, Philip, Lysanias

a. Herod reproved for his wickedness, jailed John »

3. « v 2, the spiritual leaders Annas and Caiaphas, high priests

a. no comment, on the message of their distant relative »

4. « the multitudes, though called a “brood of vipers” and told to give concrete evidence of their repentance, asked what they should therefore do »

5. « the tax-gatherers asked what they should do. »

6. « the soldiers (men in active military service) asked what they should do »

C. Political Setting of John’s Ministry — 1 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, his {half-}brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, 2 while Annas and Caiaphas were high priests, …

1. Pontius Pilate: « we will meet again at Jesus’ trial »

2. Annas and Caiaphas: « Annas was Caiaphas’ father-in-law; these were political appointments; between this and Jesus’ trial there were other high priests »

3. Lysanias ruled in Syria and does not enter the picture again

4. {Herod-}Philip: « appears to have been a conscientious and moderate ruler of the area north-east of the Sea of Galilee »

5. Herod{-Antipas}: « was the half-brother of Philip »

a. « they were both sons of Herod the Great, different mothers »

b. « Herod the Great wanted to be thought of as a Jew, but Josephus (Antiquites XIV Cap. 1 §3) reveals him have been an Idumean (Idumea is the Greek form of Edom) »

D. Physical Setting of John’s Ministry — … the word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. 3 And he went into all the region around the Jordan, …

1. Jordan River

a. flows from small lake north of Sea of Galilee, through that sea, and then south to Dead or Salt Sea

b. mainly arid hills — wilderness — on each side of Jordan; it was in this wilderness that John dwelt from his manhood until his time of ministry

c. formed boundary, in part, between Herod’s jurisdiction and those of Philip and Pontius Pilate.

2. all the region: « there is no need to constrain John’s ministry to one location; it could well range up and down the southern part of the Jordan valley (just as the ministry of his predecessor, Elijah, ranged from north to south of the country). The Bible mentions in particular Bethabara, Aenon, and Salim. »

E. Prophetical Setting of John’s Ministry — … preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, 4 as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, saying: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the LORD; Make His paths straight. 5 Every valley shall be filled And every mountain and hill brought low; The crooked places shall be made straight And the rough ways smooth; 6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’”

1. proselyte baptism: « dating from about the second century for which we have the evidence of the rabbinical arguments trying to justify if by Scripture, was required of all Gentiles, who being unclean, must be purified before entering into the Covenant »

2. John’s baptism: « was that by their actions, the Jews were in the same unclean state as Gentiles and needed purification by their repentance to re-enter their Covenant relationship with God »

3. Isaiah’s description of John’s ministry (Isaiah 40:3–5)

a. the picture: « servants preceding a ruler, ensuring that the road is cleared of all obstacles »

b. the application: « that people should be ready for the Messiah — prepared in mind and heart »

c. the implication of Isaiah’s words: « Messiah is called Jehovah (Yahweh) and entitled “God” and brings salvation. John Gill “Christ himself, who is the brightness of his Father’s glory, and his own glory, as the glory of the of the only begotten of the Father; the glorious perfections of his nature, seen in the miracles wrought, and in the doctrines taught by him; the glory of the divine Father, in the face or person of Christ; and the glory of his attributes, in the work of salvation by him; all which is most clearly discerned in the glass of the Gospel, or in the ministry of the word, by John, Christ himself, and his apostles.” »

F. Responses to John’s Ministry — 7 Then he said to the multitudes that came out to be baptized by him, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. 9 And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”

1. 10 So the people asked him, saying, “What shall we do then?” 11 He answered and said to them, “He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.”

2. 12 Then tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” 13 And he said to them, “Collect no more than what is appointed for you.”

3. 14 Likewise the soldiers asked him, saying, “And what shall we do?” So he said to them, “Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages.”

4. we have already covered this (in our “home-work”) … but also this: remembering what we said about his baptism, how do John’s words here tie into his call for baptism of repentance?

a. « their lives belie their claim to Jewishness (brood, Abraham’s) »

b. « repentance implies seeking to change ones life »

G. The Messiah in John’s Ministry — 15 Now as the people were in expectation, and all reasoned in their hearts about John, whether he was the Christ or not, 16 John answered, saying to all, “I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 “His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather the wheat into His barn; but the chaff He will burn with unquenchable fire.” 18 And with many other exhortations he preached to the people.

1. what does John tell us concerning the coming Messiah?

a. « mighty as John is, the Messiah is surpassingly mightier »

b. « Messiah has the power to apportion and disseminate Spirit of God »

c. « Messiah will gather God’s people to Himself »

d. « Messiah will judge and punish those who are not God’s »

H. Termination of John’s Ministry — 19 But Herod the tetrarch, being rebuked by him concerning Herodias, his {half-}brother Philip’s wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done, 20 also added this, above all, that he shut John up in prison.

1. More details of these events will be found in Matthew 14

2. « Reading from Josephus, Antiquities, XVIII, Cap. 5, §1; note that §4 gives a very complex summary of the children of Herod the Great; it appears that Herodias was the niece of both Herod Antipas and of Herod Philip. »

When Mary Ann Pakiz converted to Catholicism she was told to burn her King James Version Bible. She eventually entered the Order of St. Benedict. Despite her devotion, only years later did she become a true follower of Christ. Here is her fascinating story in her own words, explaining what she was taught in the Catholic Church, what was wrong with it, and why she came to the personal conviction that the only way she could truly follow Christ was to leave the Catholic church. She explains why she is now confident and at peace about her final destination, Heaven.

GOD'S WORD NEEDS NO AUTHORITY OTHER THAN ITSELF

God's Word needs no authority other than itself. When I comprehended that principle, I was free -- free to search the Scriptures for truth! In them, I found the way to God. Man gets to God, God's way, through Jesus Christ, as revealed in the Bible. “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father but by me” (John 14:6).

THE AUTHORITY ISSUE

For many years, I had been led to believe that the Catholic Church was the final authority of my faith, and that I had no right to question its teaching. The Roman Catholic system teaches that all authority comes from God, but that God has appointed the Catholic system to be the guardian of His authority.

Therefore, everything has to be weighed in the light of Catholic tradition and teaching, as theirs is held to be the only system in which truth is deposited. A Catholic cannot believe in the Scriptures without the authority of the Church to accredit the Scriptures! The Roman Catholic Church declares that God's authority is not sufficient to oblige men to believe and bow to it; it seeks to place church authority above God's authority.

True faith is faith in what God has said because God has said it! Faith in God is belief in God's Word, the Bible, without any authority other than itself. “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve” (Luke 4:8).

CATHOLIC BAPTISM

The Roman Catholic believes that salvation is based on water and works. Baptismal regeneration is the cornerstone of the Catholic system. The Church teaches that no one can enter the kingdom of heaven unless he or she is baptized.

I came under Catholic authority in 1948 when I was re-baptized and converted to Catholicism. I was born in 1930 to Finnish immigrant parents of a Lutheran persuasion. Our neighbors, who were immigrants from Yugoslavia and Italy, had a strong influence on my formative years. As exemplary Catholics, who witnessed to us about their faith, and who lived lives of good works and good deeds, of which we often were the recipients, they were committed to bringing the neighborhood under the headship of Rome. They reached out to us with what they thought was the truth. They were sincere, but sincerely wrong.

It is important to remember that individual Catholics are not our enemies; rather, they are precious souls whom God loves and for whom He commands us to reach with the Gospel of His Grace.

Salvation is by grace, not baptism or works. Grace is unmerited favor. We cannot earn grace, nor do we deserve grace. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

FAITH'S OBJECT

The source of Catholic faith is the Church. Its object is loyalty to the Church. Therefore, Catholic faith is in itself. The Christian, however, knows that salvation is based on Christ's work alone, a finished work to which nothing can be added. The source of Christian faith is the Bible. Its object is Jesus Christ. Therefore, true faith is in a Person. In order for faith to be operative, it must be anchored to the person of Jesus Christ.

BLIND ACCEPTANCE

Rather than searching the Scriptures for truth to find out if Catholic teaching was in line with God's Word, I blindly accepted everything the priest told me during my instructions to become a Catholic, except for one request. He asked me to bring my King James version of the Bible to the rectory which he said had to be burned because it was not the official Catholic version. Instead, I gave it to my mother.

During my instructions, the stress was on papal supremacy and infallibility. I was told that Christ made Peter the first pope to head the Church on earth with infallible authority. The Pope, as Christ's representative on earth, guided all people, Catholic or not, into all truth (Vatican Council, 1870).

Presently, as I reflect on this Church tenet, I do not find any evidence from Scripture that Christ actually gave any such authority to Peter or even that the apostles considered Peter to have a special position of authority. Furthermore, Peter would have known that he was a pope and certainly would have said something about it. If he had known it, how is it that he did not act as pope?

BECOMING A “BRIDE OF CHRIST”

In 1950, I took another step to come further under Catholic authority by entering the Order of St. Benedict to become a sister. I had been working as a nurse's aide at a local hospital run by the Benedictine Sisters, and, as I was so impressed with their gracious service to the patients and staff, I decided that I, too, wanted to spend my life serving others.

My first year in the convent, as a postulant, was one of the happiest years of my life. Our postulant mistress was a kind, fair, and understanding woman. There were eighteen girls of various ages and backgrounds in our group. They were eager and excited to serve the Catholic Church and to live by the rule of St. Benedict. We shared many happy times together.

There were more serious moments for me, too, when I prayed in the chapel and gazed up at the crucifix wondering why Jesus had to die on Calvary's Cross. Before we became novices, we marched down the church aisle in bridal attire to become “brides of Christ”. Nothing much was said about Jesus as we prepared for this event. Rather, our emotions were at high pitch over the changes in our names. I went from Miss Mary Ann to Sr. M. Laurian, O.S.B. I was a bride of Christ, and I knew little about Him other than He was the Son of God.

A STOCKPILE OF GOOD WORKS

During the five year preparation period for our final vows, we studied the Rule of Saint Benedict, canon law, church history, a bit about Jesuit causistry (the end justifies the means), and the lives of the saints. The emphasis was on self-denial and submission of one's will to the authority figure under whose charge we were.

St. Therese, the Little Flower, was held up before us as a role model so we would emulate her way to God. It was a way based on “offering up” the daily vexations of life to make up for our sins or the sins of others. We were busy trying to build a stockpile of good works by which we could make ourselves more acceptable to God. We were offering our self-made sacrifices to God because we did not know that we could get to God because of the offering Jesus Christ made of Himself in our behalf at Calvary.

When Jesus said to God, “I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do,” He meant that the work He did in behalf of sinners was complete and could not be added to (John 17:4).

BACK IN THE WORLD

In our last three years as scholastics, some of the group left the motherhouse for teaching assignments in the diocese. We returned in the summer, and it was great to be back together again. I needed the rest and relaxation after my first year of teaching forty-five students in grades five and six combined. I had no training in elementary education but was told there would be a blessing in obedience.

In 1955, five months before my final vows, I left the convent due to health problems and returned to the home of my parents. Back in the world, I was able to get on with my life, by completing my education at the University of Minnesota, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education, and in 1957, married a man from a staunch Catholic family. We were blessed with two children.

My husband's brother is a priest in our diocese; a humble, sweet man who writes poetry about nature, God, and his church.

SALVATION'S MEANING BROUGHT HOME

In 1972, my children, then ages twelve and five, were invited to a neighborhood backyard Bible club. We asked our priest-uncle if they could attend; he didn't seem to be concerned about it and gave his consent. This had to be the work of God! From that point on, our lives were dramatically changed!

The children came home each day with Bible verses to memorize. When they recited them, God touched my heart as well as theirs. I learned the most important truth about myself -- I was a sinner, and, as such, was separated from God! Because God permits no sin or sinner in heaven, I was lost! How was I going to solve this sin issue?

I wanted to be sure I would go to heaven when I died. I decided to study the Bible on my own. John 17:17, in which Jesus said to God, “Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth”, was the first verse the Holy Spirit used to undergird my study of salvation. My search for answers began in Acts 16:31, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved”, and Acts 4:12, “Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Moving on to Romans, I learned that Christ satisfied the just demands of a Holy God for judgment on sin by His death on the Cross. “Therefore, we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law” (Romans 3:28).

It was an overwhelming realization that none of my past sins had ever been dealt with, even though I had confessed them to the priest and performed the prescribed penance! Going to confession had given me a counterfeit peace and security that my sins had been forgiven by the words of the priest plus the doing of penance.

Actually, the priest does not have the power to forgive sins even if he claims he does so in the name of Jesus. Our sins are forgiven only by appropriating the shed blood of Jesus in our place.

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God” (Romans 3:23-25).

God has never given authority to any person to make the decision as to whether another person's sins will be forgiven or not, as He is the only one who truly knows what is in that person's heart. My search caused me to be able to answer the question I asked of myself while in the convent as to why Jesus had to die on the Cross. Jesus paid the price for my sin by His death on the Cross! Jesus paid our hell-death penalty in full.

Yes, we deserve hell for our sins. Remember, under no circumstance, will God allow sin or a sinner in His heaven. Jesus paid the penalty for our sin so we can spend eternity with God in heaven.

The time had come for me to make a decision. Acting on the Bible, as my sole, absolute, and final authority of faith, I received Christ as my Savior in May of 1973. I wanted to shout from the roof tops so all the world could hear what Jesus has done for them by His substitutionary atonement and shed blood. “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).

TRUE CHRISTIAN FAITH AND THE ROMAN SYSTEM

As I witnessed to my Catholic friends and relatives, I saw more clearly that the eternal destiny of many souls was at stake here. I was grieved by their response to the Gospel, they continued to believe that the Catholic Church was the one true church and they trusted it for salvation regardless of what the Bible said. In other words, they had been brought up allowing other human beings or a set of man-made rules to do their thinking for them.

In 1545, the Council of Trent declared that church tradition was of equal authority with the Bible. To put anything on a par with or above God's Word is idolatry! In fact, the “leaven” of the Catholic system is the discrediting of the Bible as the sole, absolute, and final authority of faith.

We must think of God rightfully as He is revealed to us through His Word. God the Father and God the Son are one. In John 10:30, Jesus said, “I and my Father are one.”

Because Jesus Christ is God, our sins have been cleansed in the blood of God; only the perfect blood of God could wash them completely away in order to thus satisfy the demands of a holy and righteous God. The ground of my salvation or the basis of my justification is the perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ, and, when I, by faith, receive (appropriate) the substitutionary atonement of Jesus in my place as full payment of my hell-death penalty, God imputes the righteousness of Jesus Christ to me. That is, He reckons me as righteous.

In no way am I righteous of myself, and as such in no way can I save myself or keep myself saved; it is all of Jesus! Jesus Christ is my righteousness. It is only “in Christ” that I am righteous. I am not worthy to approach God of myself. However, when I approach God in my substitute, that is, in Christ, I am accounted worthy to do so by God because He sees me in the perfect righteousness of His Son!

JUSTIFICATION OF THE BELIEVER IS INSTANTANEOUS.

The Catholic system denies that we are justified by that faith which receives and rests on Christ alone for salvation which is freely offered to us by grace. Instead, they teach we are justified, not simply by faith in Christ, but by faith which has become activated by good works.

This faith, as taught in the Catholic system, is said to justify the sinner, not because it rests on the righteousness of Christ, but because it is a righteousness inherent in man, a righteousness which is the product of baptism which makes an individual capable of obedience to the teaching of the Catholic system of divine grace through the sacraments. Justification is not of faith, but of the sacraments.

So, therefore, the justification of the Catholic individual is progressive, being regenerated by baptism, being purified from time to time by confession and penance, growing in grace and holiness through the reception of the other sacraments, so that one day he or she will be holy enough to make it to purgatory!

So, then, the Catholic believes he is accepted by God by his inherent righteousness which has been sacramentally infused at baptism and nourished by the worthy reception of the other sacraments. As the Catholic receives sanctifying grace attached to each sacrament, he or she is taught that he or she actually becomes righteous or holy on the basis of his own intrinsic word without any righteousness imputed.

MY MISSION FIELD

The differences between the true Christian faith and the Roman Catholic system were becoming so obvious to me that in 1976, I left the Catholic Church and took my place with Bible-believing Christians.

When I was saved in 1973, I told the Lord that I would be willing to go to the mission field anywhere. He took me at my word, and, in 1994, sent me to my mission field -- dialysis. He permitted my kidney to fail first, and in order to survive, I need dialysis therapy three times a week. I thank and praise God in these circumstances as He has given me the opportunity to share His precious Gospel of Grace with seriously ill patients who need to prepare to meet God!

________

Adapted from Mary Ann Pakiz's book THE TRUTH SET US FREE: TWENTY FORMER NUNS TELL THEIR STORIES (1997). Editor: Paul S. Taylor, Eden Communications. Copyright 1998, Mary Ann Pakiz.

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[Original illustration at this number was a duplicate in KeruxID 25837-26027]

Is baptism important to God? Do you know what the Bible says about baptism or are you simply going by what you’ve been told?

Even though so many Scriptures clearly show the importance of baptism, it is often treated as unimportant. Today, I want to share with you the Biblical importance placed on baptism. What does the Bible really say?

First, what is baptism? To answer this question, we’ll look at I Peter 3:20-22. Peter refers to Noah’s ark, how it saved Noah and his family from the flood that destroyed evil throughout the world. In making the connection between the ark and baptism Peter says about the ark, “In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also — not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand — with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.”

Baptism is pledging a good conscience toward God showing that we have truly accepted Him into our lives and have made a commitment to live for Him.

Obviously, going through the act of baptism does not save us any more than walking into a church building saves us. We are saved by faith in Christ, through grace not through works. However, immediately upon believing in Christ we are to be baptized. When I say immediately, that’s not just my opinion. It’s shown in God’s Word.

In Acts 8, Philip shared Christ with the Ethiopian eunuch and the Bible says, “As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. Why shouldn’t I be baptized?” And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him”(Acts 8:36-38).

When Paul and Silas shared Christ with the jailer the Word of God says, “At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized” (Acts 16:33). He didn’t even wait until a decent hour the next day.

I understand why some people want to wait for a special day or until relatives can come and be a part of it. Certainly God knows our heart and our intent. However, from my reading of Scripture, baptism should never be put off.

Do we really have to be baptized? A careful examination of God’s Word shows us that Baptism is commanded and is expected of every believer. Why? Again, it is our visible commitment that we are no longer living in our old ways; instead we are dying to our old sinful nature, being buried and rising up in a newness of life in Christ!

“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life” — (Romans 6:4).

Let me say here that I do not belong to any denomination. The church where I pastor is a non-denominational congregation simply living by what the Word of God says. So, I am not promoting any particular church position but only what the Bible says. Scriptures show over and over again that baptism plays an extremely important role in the life of the follower of Christ. Baptism identifies us with the Body of Christ and with Christ Himself, through His death, burial and resurrection.

Friend, if you have never been baptized, please read the Bible and may the Holy Spirit clearly reveal to you the immediate need for you to be baptized into Christ!

When Christ gave the Great Commission to us, it included baptism! “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).

“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned”(Mark 16:16).

Jesus was sinless, yet He was baptized as an example for us to follow. “As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased”(Matthew 3:16-17).

“Peter replied, ‘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’”(Acts 2:38).

“You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ”(Galatians 3:26-27).

A year ago when I was holding evangelistic crusades in India, I was so humbled to see new believers walk miles to find water so they could be baptized! Praise God! Yet, often as convenient as it is to be baptized in our churches, so many ignore this Biblical command.

Let me summarize today’s teaching. First of all, baptism is not a work that saves. We are saved only through faith in Christ. We are saved by His grace, not by our works. Baptism is not a work, but a pledge, a showing that we have decided to follow Christ. We should be baptized as soon as we can after believing in Christ.

I was baptized when I was 17 years old. When I was baptized, I will never forget the feeling. It wasn’t so much a “mystical” feeling, but a good feeling knowing that I had obeyed the Lord’s Word! Upon being baptized I immediately noticed I could understand the Bible better and my Spiritual life began to grow by leaps and bounds. I asked a mature Christian what had happened and he told me that I had received the gift of the Holy Spirit upon being baptized (Acts 2:38). I began rejoicing over the Spirit’s presence in my life to help me grow in Christ!

If you have never been baptized, friend, I do hope you’ll review this teaching over and over. Read these Scriptures. When it comes down to it, we must be obedient to the Bible, not what others tell us. Then, I want you to E-mail me and let me rejoice with you that you have obeyed the Lord and have been baptized into Christ Jesus! Hallelujah!

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your grace that saves us from all our sins! Father, I pray for the one that may have never obeyed the Word, may have never been baptized. In Jesus’ Mighty Name, I pray that they will immediately obey and be baptized, In Jesus’ Mighty Name, AMEN!

It isn't easy to get baptized in the desert. Especially if you're of the persuasion that believes in being baptized by being immersed in water. Our daughter-in-law grew up in one of those areas without much water, so she got baptized in a horse trough - minus the horse. Some Marines in Iraq got baptized in a small brick chapel, in a rubber dinghy filled with water. A young corporal was one of those. He decided to get baptized as his unit was preparing to attack the insurgent stronghold of Fallujah. Reports said that he came out of the water dripping wet and beaming. He explained his reason for doing it and for doing it then: “I just wanted to make sure I did this before I headed into the fight.”

I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about “Front Lines Surrender and Front Lines Victory.”

It may be that you are, in a sense, heading into some pretty significant battles yourself. Your battle may be medical, or legal, or marital. It may have to do with your job or your family. But the future is uncertain, and, to a large extent, out of your control. It's a good time to make sure you are right with God before you head into the fight.

The issue isn't so much baptism, although that certainly is an important example of obeying God and following what Jesus modeled. As you're sorting through all the factors in the battle ahead, don't forget the most important one of all - the most decisive one of all. Have you done the things God wants you to do? Are you right with God?

In Joshua 3:5, our word for today from the Word of God, His ancient people stand at the edge of the Jordan River, ready to enter the land God had promised to them. On the other side is the seemingly impregnable walled city of Jericho and fierce armies that had scared the previous generation right out of ever going in. There are many unknowns and undoubtedly some significant battles on the other side. It's at this point that God's leader, General Joshua, lays out this simple formula for victory: “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.”

That's the Lord's word to you on the eve of your battle. Consecrate yourself and I'll do some amazing things for you on the battlefield. Your job is to make sure that you've done the things God's been telling you to do - maybe for a long time. Your job is to surrender fully to God and His plans for you. That's a recipe for victory. If you want to win the battle ahead of you, you have to first take care of the battle in your soul. And that has to do with the things God's been wanting to change, the leading that you've been resisting, the steps He's wanted you to take and you've been holding back. Get that settled so you know this battle is going to be the Lord's battle.

And if you've never obeyed God's command to put all your trust in His Son to be your Rescuer from your sin, to make His death and resurrection for you your only hope, I'd suggest you take care of that before you hit the battlefield. The Bible says that God will one day “punish those who ... do not obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus ... They will be shut out from the presence of the Lord forever” (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9). Why? Not because you didn't know the Gospel, not because you didn't agree with the Gospel, but because you didn't obey the Gospel!

You've really never made your peace with God by actually giving yourself to His Son. Wouldn't this be a good time to finally get that settled; to surrender the control of your life to the One who has all the power in the universe with which to fight your battles?

The battle looming ahead of you is not the battle that will decide what happens to you. It's the battle inside you. The battle that can be settled today as you quit fighting God and walk into the arms of Jesus, the strongest arms in the world.

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Copyright © Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc., PO Box 400, Harrison, AR 72602. Used by permission. Written by Ron Hutchcraft. "Practical Answers to Real Life Issues"

Martin Luther knew that the ice of human nature had frozen things over in his day, most especially he thought, in the heart and mind of a man named Erasmus. To that Dutch humanist Luther wrote the Word of God always puts the world in a state of tumult because it comes like fire cast on the earth. “For the Word of God comes, whenever it comes, to change and renew the world.”

Nowhere does the fire of God’s Word burn off the ice and cause tumult more than in the differences between generations, in the relationships between father and son and mother and daughter. These relationships tend to freeze over into a cool placidity where mother thinks her daughter must be just as she is, or son thinks he must be a carbon copy of dad. Not so, says the gospel. There will not be agreement between mother and daughter or father and son so much as there will be distinction; each will have a proper share of the kingdom of God. God’s Word burns off the ice of mutual identification and kindles the fire of proper identity over and over again.

Ex-heavy-metal guitarist Brian “Head” Welch was baptized in the Jordan river, just weeks after quitting his band, drug habits and rock-and-roll lifestyle for religion.

Welch, a founding member of the multi-platinum metal band Korn, joined some 20 other white-robed Christian pilgrims from a Bakersfield, California, church who were immersed by their pastor, Ron Vietti, in the cool, gray waters near the shore.

Despite saying he was there to be “dunked in the water,” Welch said the ritual baptism had washed away his anger. “You know when you get angry and it builds up? I felt like hurting someone before, now I feel like hugging people,” he said.

Wearing a silver cross necklace and earring, Welch, with “Matthew 11:28,” tattooed prominently across his neck in reference to a Bible verse stood out from his fellow pilgrims.

Pastor Vietti said Welch, who also has “Jesus” tattooed across his knuckles, is already attracting a new group of young people to the message of Christianity.

“Because music is such a big thing in the world, Brian has natural avenue for sending a message. In recent weeks people have committed their lives to God because they're so inspired by his story... They think there's fire in him,” Vietti said.

Welch is one of thousands of pilgrims baptized annually in the revered river. According to Biblical tradition, John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the Jordan River. Baptism is a Christian sacrament marked by ritual use of water to admit and purify a new Christian.

After 13 years with the band - and the rock-and-roll lifestyle - Welch said he has become increasingly depressed and drug-addicted in recent years. “Everything that people think a rock band sees and goes through, multiply that by 10,” Welch said. “The drugs and everything you can imagine, I've got to get rid of it, man. It wasn't me.”

Welch said he has finally ended a dependency on methamphetamines and other drugs. He said he had been ready to give up on life after several addiction treatment programs did not help him, until turning his life to God allowed him to quit.

Welch said he has been angry for more than two years and that it has negatively affected everyone close to him. “My managers at Korn, I've been tormenting them for the last couple of months,” he explained. “They thought I was mad at them but I'm not. It's something inside me spiritually that needs to be fixed.”

Welch said he plans to release music and help kids. “My songs are God saying things to me, him talking to people. He's going to use me to heal people and people are going to be drawn to it, just watch, they will be.”

Korn's self-titled 1994 debut was heralded for its haunting, edgy songs. Music critics and fans attributed much of Korn's unique sound to Welch and fellow guitarist James “Munky” Shaffer. During the 1990's, the group climbed to the top ten of almost every alternative/rock station in the U.S. and Europe.

_______________________

Version used in sermon:

Most of you are not familiar with Brian “Head” Welch. He played guitar in a band called Korn. They sold literally millions of records and were considered among the top ten bands in Europe and the U.S. in the 90's.

Both fans and critics adored this band - I guess you have to be into heavy metal music to appreciate them. But I can appreciate what happened to Brian.

Brian Welch lived the storybook life of a rock star. “Everything that people think a rock band sees and goes through, multiply that by 10,” Welch said. Lots of women. Lots of drugs, especially methamphetamine. Brian became drug-addicted. He tried treatment programs but they all failed. He became more and more depressed and wanted to die.

He had a lot of anger too. Brian said, “You know when you get angry and it builds up? I felt like hurting someone.”

Earlier this year, Brian Welch figured out what his problem was. He realized there was something wrong inside him spiritually. He started going to church and studying the Bible. His favorite Bible verse was Matthew 11:28 - “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Brian liked that verse so much he tattooed the reference on his neck.

And he gave his life to Jesus Christ.

This month [March 2005], Brian and 20 others from his California church put on white robes and stepped into the Jordan River. The one in Israel. He confessed his faith in Jesus and was baptized by immersion.

It is a great thing to leave the darkness and enter the morning light. Have you?

#29213

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Acts 10:23b–48 — “Conversion of the Gentiles” — (outline by F. F. Bruce, NICNT) « Leader information shown in this fashion »

{A.} The Birth of the Church (1:1–5:42)

{B.} Persecution and Expansion (6:1–9:31)

{1.} Stephen (6:1–8:1a)

{2.} Philip (8:1b–40)

{3.} Conversion of Saul of Tarsus (9:1–31)

{C.} The Acts of Peter and Beginnings of Gentile Christianity, 9:32-12:25

{1.} Peter in West Judaea (9:32-43)

A. Peter at Lydda: the Healing of Aeneas (9:32–35)

B. Peter at Joppa: the Raising of Dorcas (9:36–43)

{2.} The Story of Cornelius (10:1–48)

A. Cornelius the Centurion Sees a Vision (10:1–8)

B. Peter, the Apostle, Sees a Vision (10:9–16)

C. The Two Visions are Connected (10:17–23a)

1. Peter’s Perplexity (10:17a)

2. The Messengers from Cornelius Arrive at Joppa (10:17b–21)

3. The Beginning of the Explanation (10:22–23a)

D. Peter Enters the House of Cornelius 10:23b–33

1. Peter and Cornelius Meet; 10;23b–27 (NKJV):

a. 23 {Then he invited them in and lodged them.} On the next day Peter went away with them, and some brethren from Joppa accompanied him. 24 And the following day they entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshipped him. 26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I myself am also a man.” 27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found many who had come together.

b. How long, roughly, was the trip up the coast from Joppa to Caesarea? « — roughly 40 miles, 65km; about a day and half; so the three messengers would take 3–4 days, both ways »

c. While he waited, in what kind act did Cornelius engage? … why was this kind? « — he started “pre-witnessing” bringing in friends and relatives; his kindness was his eagerness to share his being blessed with others »

d. What do we learn about worship here? « — no man is worthy of worship, even Peter; the worship of saints, even that one to whom was given the keys of the kingdom, is wrong »

2. Peter’s Explanation and Question; 10:28–29 (NKJV):

a. 28 Then he said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean. 29 Therefore I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. I ask, then, for what reason have you sent for me?”

b. Why was it necessary for Peter to make this explanation? « — to tell Cornelius, who would know about Jewish practice, that in entering a Gentile’s house, Peter was not committing an impious act, but obeying God; hence Cornelius as a devout man could listen to what Peter had to say with confidence »

c. From the messengers, Peter knew Cornelius’ character, and that an angel had told him to summon Peter so he could hear what Peter had to say; so why Peter’s question? « — (1) for confirmation of the messengers’ report; (2) just where Cornelius stood in his understanding; (3) was the purpose of Cornelius’ summoning physical or spiritual need? »

3. Cornelius’ Explanation and Invitation; 10:30–33 (NKJV):

a. 30 So Cornelius said, “Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your alms are remembered in the sight of God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa and call Simon here, whose surname is Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea. When he comes, he will speak to you.’ 33 So I sent to you immediately, and you have done well to come. Now therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God.”

b. What does Peter confirm or learn from Cornelius’ words?

(A) Cornelius was « — a worshipper of the one true God »

(B) the angel’s coming « — was answering Cornelius prayer and signified God’s acceptance of it »

(C) that the summoning of Peter « — was of divine rather than human instigation, by the specific facts that had been told to Cornelius concerning Peter »

(D) Cornelius shared a trait with Peter « — doing it now! »

c. What marks of courtesy did Cornelius show to Peter?

(A) « his gratitude for Peter’s coming »

(B) « his invitation to Peter to speak »

d. What shows Cornelius (and those with him) are ready for the gospel message? « — recognizing that they stood before God and that Peter’s message was commanded by God »

E. Gentiles Hear the Good News 10:34–43

1. Peter Connects His Message to His Audience; 10:34–37a (NKJV):

a. 34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. 35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. 36 The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ — He is Lord of all — 37 that word you know, …

b. What lesson has Peter learned? « — the gospel message is intended for all nations, for all who will be disposed to listen to it and to receive it; that God’s election of Israel was not solely for their benefit »

c. How was this same truth taught

(A) by God’s dealing with Abraham « — that in Abraham, the promise was that all nations should be blessed »

(B) by Jesus’ words « — in the great commission »

d. See Acts 26:26; what would Cornelius have known? « — the facts of Jesus’ life, works and death; Cornelius’ piety implies his having spent some years in touch with Jewish people »

2. Jesus of Nazareth, His Ministry; 10:37b–39a (NKJV):

a. … which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. 39 And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, …

b. Identify the points Peter makes about Jesus’ ministry

(A) « His ministry was foreshadowed by that of John Baptis » t

(B) « Jesus’ ministry widespread, over Galilee and Judaea »

(C) « Jesus’ ministry ordained by God with the Holy Spirit »

(D) « Jesus’ ministry attended by the miraculous »

(E) « Jesus’s ministry had credible witnesses, including Peter »

3. Christ Jesus, His Redeeming Work; 10:39b–43 (NKJV):

a. … whom they killed by hanging on a tree. 40 Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, 41 not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. 42 And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. 43 To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”

b. What key truths of the Gospel are found in Peter’s words?

(A) Jesus Christ « died a judicial and cursed death »

(B) God « accepted that death as proved by resurrection »

(C) this was a « bodily resurrection »

(D) message is « to be proclaimed to mankind »

(E) Jesus appointed to be « the King-Judge of everyone »

(F) salvation is by « faith in His name and brings forgiveness »

F. Gentiles Receive the Holy Spirit 10:44-48 (NKJV)

1. 44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, 47 “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.

2. What did the gift of the Holy Spirit confirm? « — (1) that Cornelius and those with him had saving faith (2) that they were part of the church, even though Gentiles »

3. Why was water baptism performed? « — (1) obedience to Christ’s command; (2) as a public confession of the reality just received »

The clearest example that shows the meaning of baptizo is a text from the Greek poet and physician Nicander, who lived about 200 B.C. It is a recipe for making pickles and is helpful because it uses two words, baptizo and bapto.

Nicander says that in order to make a pickle, the vegetable should first be `dipped’ (bapto) into boiling water and then `baptized’ (baptizo) in the vinegar solution. Both verbs concern the immersing of vegetables in a solution. But the first is temporary. The second, the act of baptizing the vegetable, produces a permanent change.

When used in the New Testament, this word more often refers to our union and identification with Christ than to our water baptism. For example, Mark 16:16: “He that believes and is baptized shall be saved.” Christ is saying that mere intellectual assent is not enough. There must be a union with him, a real change, like the vegetable to the pickle!

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Acts 19:1–20 — Ephesus (Part 2) — (outline by F. F. Bruce, NICNT) — « Leader information shown in this fashion »

{A.} The Birth of the Church (1:1–5:42)

{B.} Persecution and Expansion (6:1–9:31)

{C.} The Acts of Peter & Beginnings of Gentile Christianity (9:32-12:25)

{D.} Church Extension from Antioch & Apostolic Decree at Jerusalem

(12:25–15:35)

{E.} Paul Leaves Antioch & Moves to the Aegean World (15:36–19:20)

{1} Recently Planted Churches Revisited (15:36–16:5)

{2} Philippi (16:6–40)

{3} Thessalonica to Athens (17:1-34)

{4} Corinth (18:1–17)

A. Paul Arrives in Corinth (18:1–4)

B. Paul Spends Eighteen Months in Corinth (18:5–11)

C. Paul Before Gallio (18:12–17)

{5} Ephesus (18:18–19:20)

A. Hasty Visit to Ephesus (18:18–21)

B. Brief Visit to Judaea and Syria (18:22–23)

It is at this point that Paul’s third missionary journey begins

C. Apollos (18:18–24)

D. Paul & the 12 Disciples of Ephesus (19:1–7; NKJV): 1 And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples 2 he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?” So they said, “Into John’s baptism.” 4 Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.” 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. 7 Now the men were about twelve in all.

1. That these were baptized “into John’s baptism” coupled with the fact that Apollos “knew only the baptism of John” could lead one to conclude these were disciples brought to Jesus by Apollos before he had been taught more accurately by Aquila and Priscilla. That Apollos is described as being fervent in spirit, or “aglow with the Spirit” (F. F. Bruce) argues against this idea.

a. What was the purpose of John’s baptism (Mark 1:4, Luke 3:3)? « — for repentance (sorrow and turning away) from sins and their remission (forgiveness) by God »

b. What was the basis for this in Psalm 86:5? « – the goodness and mercy (hesedh – grace) of God to those calling on Him »

2. What would indicate that these 12 were not Jews (cf., Psalm 51:11, Isaiah 63:10–11)? « – they were unaware of the Holy Spirit »

3. What would indicate that these 12 were not disciples of John the Baptist (cf.,Matthew 3:11, Mark 1:8, Luke 3:16, John 1:33)? « – John taught the coming Messiah would baptize in the Spirit »

4. What does baptism in the Name of the Lord Jesus signify?

a. Matthew 28:19–20 « – confessing Jesus’ Sonship, and hence the Deity, in the Tri-Unity of God: Father, Son, Holy Spirit »

b. Acts 2:38–39 « – confessing Jesus’ authority to forgive sins and to give to man God’s Holy Spirit »

c. Romans 6:3–4 « – indentifying Christ’s death to ourselves respecting our old life and Christ’s resurrection to ourselves respecting our new life – look up Galatians 2:20 »

5. Paul, in speaking with these disciples, discerned their believing to be deficient; what is to be the evidence of true saving faith in a persion? « – the manifest Presence of the indwelling Spirit (as at Pentecost, Acts 2; Samaritans, Acts 8; Gentiles, Acts 10) »

E. The Lecture Hall of Tyrannus (19:8–10; NKJV): 8 And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God. 9 But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. 10 And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

1. What had been the original response of the Jews in Ephesus (Acts 18:19–20)? « – they wanted Paul to stay longer; to tell them more of the gospel message, it would seem »

2. How did the Ephesian Jews compare with the Thessalonian Jews (cf., Acts 17:2–4)? « – continued receptive an additional 10 weeks, but then reacted against the gospel »

3. Note the recurrence of the expression “the Way” (used also in John 14:6; Acts 9:2, 16:17, 18:25, 26, 19:23, 24:14, 22) to describe the teaching of the Christian sect; what marked its rejection by the Jews in Ephesus? « – (1) hardening of the heart (2) disbelief in the gospel message (3) blasphemy against its doctrine »

4. What do all of these represent? « – rejection of the Holy Spirit’s work of conviction of sin, righteousness and judgement »

5. Then Paul preached in the lecture hall for 2 years (his entire time in Ephesus covered 3 years, Acts 20:31); what cities in Asia could have been evangelized from this base? « – Collosse, the 7 churches listed in Revelations 2-3 »

F. Conflict with the Magicians 19:11–19

1. The Occasioning Acts (19:11–12; NKJV): 11 Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.

a. Of what does this remind us

i. In the life of Jesus (Mark 6:56)? « – touch clothes to heal »

ii. In the life of Peter (Acts 5:15)? « – shadow healing people »

b. Where was the healing potency (cf., Acts 4:8–10)? « – in the name of Jesus which is evidenced by what follows »

2. The Jewish Exorcists (19:13–16; NKJV): 13 Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” 14 Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. 15 And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” 16 Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

a. What great idea did these exorcists have? – « “if this name, Jesus, is so potent, let’s use it ourselves!” »

b. What problem did they have? « – they knew the Name, but not the Person who bore the Name; the demons knew this »

c. What is the link here with magic? « – Embedded in magic and in the occult, in those days as now, was the knowledge of the “names of power” by which one could effect wonders. These would be kept secret to gain personsal prestige. These exorcists, though Jewish, bordered on the pagan. Thus Jesus questions the Pharisees in Luke 11:19. »

3. The Effect on Occultists (19:17–19; NKJV): 17 This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. 18 And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds. 19 Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver.

a. What was the effect on everyone? « – as in Acts 5:5, great fear or respect, here for the name of Jesus »

b. What was the effect on Christians? « – public confession of their wrong-doings needed to effect a cleansing »

c. What was the effect on those who had practiced magic? … ie., what was the implication of burning the books? « – the destruction of these constituted a repudiation of their contents and practices. »

G. Further (the Fifth) Progress Report (19:20; NKJV): 20 So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed. (Acts 6:7, 9:31, 12:24, 16:5)

Ronnie Floyd to be the next Southern Baptist Convention president has brought new attention to his church's high-tech evangelism methods and lackluster financial support of the denomination he wants to lead.

The First Baptist Church of Springdale, Arkansas, believes Christian traditions need to be adapted to the American culture. This is nowhere more evident than in its fire-truck baptistry. The unique baptistry, created by Disney designer Bruce Barry, is part of a $270,000 high-tech project for the church's children's worship area that includes video games, a light show, music videos and a bubble machine, according to Christianity Today. When a child is baptized in the fire-truck-shaped baptistry, sirens blare and confetti is fired out of cannons.

“Putting a talking head in front of kids for an hour doesn't work,” the children's minister told the magazine. “This is a visual generation. We need to use technology to the max.”

“This is blasphemous!” said SBC conservative leader Paige Patterson, president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, when told of the practice.

In a May 9, 2006, interview with the ARKANSAS BAPTIST NEWS, Floyd defended creative evangelism and urged Southern Baptists to become innovative in their strategies. “Our great gospel needs to be packaged in ways the culture can understand and receive,” he said, noting that baptisms in Southern Baptist churches continue to decline -- down 4 percent in 2005.

“Relevance is more important than institutional loyalty,” he said, because taking the gospel to the whole world is more important than anything else Baptists do. He noted the denomination exists to serve the churches, not the other way around, and Southern Baptists must remain local-church centered.

In three services over the weekend of July 29-30, members of Henderson Hills Baptist Church in Edmond, Oklahoma, will vote on a proposal to eliminate baptism as a requirement for church membership. Announcement of the vote has sparked a flurry of debate -– a discussion reflected on the pages of The Baptist Messenger, newsjournal of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma.

In a column published on the newsjournal’s website, www.baptistmessenger.com, Henderson Hills pastor Dennis Newkirk explains that, while the congregation’s elder council believes “the New Testament commands every believer to be baptized by immersion, subsequent to salvation,” they are questioning whether baptism should be required “as an initiatory rite of church membership.”

The proposal, Newkirk writes, “is not intended to excuse people from the sin of refusing baptism. Instead, our concern is for Christians in two categories, those who physically cannot experience immersion due to a disability, and for those who are under the mistaken conviction that sprinkling is baptism.”

Like many Southern Baptist churches, Henderson Hills deals with people who would like to join but are members of churches where baptism is practiced by sprinkling infants, rather than immersing individuals who have consciously chosen to follow Christ. The vast majority of Southern Baptist churches would require such inquirers to offer evidence of salvation and submit to rebaptism by immersion.

Although Newkirk’s column says that “in 31 years of ministry, I have never met a believer who adamantly refused baptism,” he argues that the requirement of rebaptism is an obstacle to ministering to such people.

“We often sacrifice our opportunity to teach and influence those mistaken Christians by rejecting them or we unintentionally promote an unbiblical motive for baptism, making it little more than a rite of initiation into church membership,” Newkirk writes. “Why not allow them the blessings, responsibilities and protection of church membership, and then teach, pray, and influence them towards biblical baptism?”

The proposal coming before the congregation would strike the phrase, “has been scripturally baptized,” from a church bylaw that currently reads, in part: “Membership will be granted to anyone who offers a biblical testimony of salvation, has been scripturally baptized and agrees to accept the responsibilities of membership.”

REACTION

Response to the Henderson Hills announcement has been passionate, such as a counterpoint from Rick Thompson, pastor of Council Road Baptist Church in Bethany, Okla., published by the Messenger.

“Southern Baptist churches often encounter people who desire to gain membership in the church but do not want to be baptized by immersion because they were ‘baptized’ as infants,” Thompson writes in his column. “Some may view this requirement [of being rebaptized by immersion] as a stumbling block for Christians who want to be members of the (SBC) church. However, Southern Baptists have determined that this is a basic issue that we must get right. It is an issue of discipleship.”

In Christian traditions that practice infant baptism by sprinkling, “baptism is not seen as being a necessary requirement for obedience but rather a sign of the covenant promise [their] believing parents are under ... a kind of new circumcision –- a sign of the covenant,” Thompson writes.

Scripture, however, offers no evidence of infant baptism or baptism by sprinkling, he notes. “Baptists believe the only baptism practiced in Scripture is believer's baptism by immersion.”

Saying that the Bible does not explicitly teach that one must be baptized to be a member of the church “is like saying that the Bible never says you must be a Christian to be a member of the church,” Thompson adds. “Why link the two together? In fact, there is no single passage in Scripture that specifically gives us the requirements of membership into the church. But membership is certainly implied.”

MEMBERSHIP & BAPTISM

Church membership cannot be separated from baptism in the New Testament, argues R. Stanton Norman, an associate professor of theology at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, in another column on the Messenger site.

“The New Testament clearly teaches that a local church is only to be comprised of those persons whose allegiance belongs exclusively to Jesus Christ,” Norman writes. “Baptism was the divinely, publicly instituted ‘point of entry’ into the membership of a local congregation of believers.

“The baptismal act publicly signified the transition of the individual from the old life to the new life in Christ; old allegiances were forsaken in order that new allegiances with Christ and His people could be formed. The believer gave testimony to this spiritual transition in the rite of baptism. By submitting to the public act of baptism, a person publicly joined with the church in its confession that ‘Jesus is Lord’ and expressed the intention to be considered a member of the congregation.”

BIBLICAL BASIS

The distinctively Baptist understanding of the church as a body of believers baptized by immersion has a solid foundation in Scripture, William B. Tolar, retired dean of the School of Theology at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, writes in another column.

“Our Baptist forefathers defined the church as being a body of baptized believers because of their interpretations and high concept of the divine inspiration of Scripture and their serious regard for the Lordship of Jesus Christ,” Tolar writes. “They understood Jesus' command in Matthew 28:19-20 should be followed in the sequence in which it is recorded: ‘make disciples ... baptizing them ... and ... teaching them to observe all that I commanded you.’

“The Greek word for ‘disciples’ (believers, students, learners) preceded the act of baptism, and being baptized (the Greek word means to dip, plunge or immerse) was also clearly a part of Christ's command,” Tolar observes. “Because the risen Lord had commanded them to immerse believers (and not to sprinkle or simply pour water on them), Baptist scholars were convinced that was the proper sequence and immersion was the biblical mode.”

SYMBOL, NOT SACRAMENT

A complicating factor in accepting members from Christian traditions that practice infant baptism is the fact that those churches believe the sprinkling makes the baby a Christian. Another column on the Messenger site explains the contrasting Baptist conviction that baptism is merely a symbol of the change Christ has made in the heart of a person who has deliberately chosen to follow Him.

“The Southern Baptist understanding of baptism stands in conflict with the official doctrine of traditional Roman Catholicism and even some Protestant groups who teach that in the act of baptism, there is the impartation of grace ex opere operato, without preexisting faith,” writes Brad Waggoner, a former dean at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, now director of research at LifeWay Christian Resources. “Southern Baptists also believe that the proper subjects of baptism are those who have previously entered into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.”

‘STEP OF OBEDIENCE’

Baptism is a membership requirement in Southern Baptist churches because Jesus made baptism the norm for becoming a Christian in Matthew 28:19 and the apostles continued this practice in the early church, Rick Thompson writes.

“There is no question that baptism is the first step in our obedience to Christ and that obedience is the sign and signature of being a Christian,” Thompson writes. “The church is the bride and body of Christ, where people are challenged into discipleship. Making disciples is the primary role of the church of which baptism is the first step. This is why Baptists believe no one should be a member of the church who has not taken this step of obedience.”

RESOLUTION

The executive board of the Capital Baptist Association, an alliance of churches in metropolitan Oklahoma City of which Henderson Hills is a member, adopted a resolution addressing the baptism proposal. The resolution affirmed the association’s agreement with the Baptist Faith and Message, the Southern Baptist confession of faith, which identifies immersion baptism of believers as a prerequisite to church membership. The resolution also resolved to “encourage the members of Henderson Hills Baptist Church to affirm and maintain their current bylaw requirements for church membership” and called on other Capital Baptist churches “to pray for the leaders and members of Henderson Hills Baptist Church as they seek God’s will in this matter.”

February 28, 2019 was one of the worst days of 23-year-old Brenton Winn’s life. But it paved the way for one of the best.

Angry at God after he relapsed from an addiction to methamphetamines despite spending time at a faith-based recovery program, Winn knew nothing about Central Baptist Church of Conway, Arkansas, when he broke in that February evening. High on drugs, Winn went on a rampage and destroyed $100,000 of church property, including laptops, cameras, and other electronics. He remembers little of that night, except that he felt desperate.

Six months later Winn stood in a baptismal pool at Central Baptist as Mike Lefler, the church’s associate pastor of ministries, celebrated the young man’s decision to follow Christ through baptism.

“As I’m starting to understand how God works, I’ve realized I didn’t pick the church that night. God picked me,” Winn said. “If it had been any other church, I think I’d be sitting in prison right now.”

Winn grew up in what he calls a “God-fearing” home. His mother and stepfather attended the Church of Christ. At 14, he started experimenting with methamphetamines. By 16, he was taking drugs every day.

“Before I knew it, I had a full-blown drug addiction,” Winn said. “From the time I was 16 until a few months ago, my life was nothing but chaos, suicide attempts and brokenness.”

In 2016, Winn went into a two-week faith-based recovery program. For a year, he stayed off drugs and got a job at a local Lowe’s store. But in September of 2017, his cousin committed suicide. Devastated, he fell back into addiction. By last February, when he broke into the church, Winn was homeless and desperate.

Winn’s journey from a jail cell in February to a baptismal pool in September began when Central Baptist senior pastor, Don Chandler, talked to the prosecutor the following Monday. Chandler knew the godly response to Winn would be to offer forgiveness rather than judgment.

“You can’t preach something for 50 years without practicing it, especially in front of your whole church,” Chandler said. “Had we not shown some grace to him, everything we’ve talked about and encouraged, would have gone by the wayside. It was simply the right thing to do. This was not a hardened criminal. This was a young man who had made some mistakes. He was on drugs and alcohol when he did what he did. But he was redeemable.”

Chandler mentioned that day to the prosecutor that the church would like to see Winn get help. One of the church’s partner ministries had been Renewal Ranch, a faith-based residential recovery ministry just outside of Conway. James Loy began the ministry in 2011, just six years after he began a relationship with Christ and kicked a 23-year drug and alcohol addiction.

Over the next few weeks Chandler, the prosecutor, and Winn’s lawyer continued to discuss the best way to help Winn. The case’s judge, who at time had been a board member of Renewal Ranch, gave Winn the option. He could either go to jail, where he was potentially facing 20 years of incarceration, or he could voluntarily choose to go to Renewal Ranch. Winn chose Renewal Ranch.

Renewal Ranch is a 12-month program based on biblical principles. For the first six months, participants are housed on the 102-acre property, where they are given their lodging, food and program materials for free. Every week local pastors and volunteers lead 15-plus hours of Bible study. Participants also have access to trained biblical counselors and are required to do 300 hours of community service. In the second six-month phase of the program, participants live in off-campus apartments operated by the program, work at jobs and continue to go through the Renewal Ranch program. Since 2011, 300 men have come to faith in Christ through the ministry.

“Our goal of this program is to make reproducing disciple-makers for Jesus Christ,” said Loy, who serves as the ministry’s executive director. “I tell people, my goal is not for them to be abstinent of drugs and alcohol. I want that for their lives, but my main goal is for these men to fall in love with Jesus. Through that personal love relationship. There’s freedom from the bonds of addiction.”

Winn accepted Christ as His Savior after one of the Bible studies at Renewal Ranch. Winn and other ranch residents attend church at Central Baptist on Wednesday evenings. Winn chose to be baptized at the church on one of those Wednesday nights.

“I gave my heart to Christ that night,” Winn said. “I used to think it was a coincidence [that I chose to break into the church that night], but now I call it confirmation that God is real, and He answers prayers. What was weighing on my heart was that I needed a relationship with Jesus Christ.”

Winn still must finish the program in order to avoid jail time. Once he completes the program, he will likely still spend a couple of years on probation.

“We’re challenging our members to continue praying for this man because his story is not over,” Lefler said. “And that’s true for every one of us. God is still working a beautiful story of grace in every one of our lives.”

I am a Baptist pastor. The church I lead may be known for a lot of things (and should be known for a lot of things), but one of the most critical elements of our theology centers on that often controversial word -- Baptist. We make a big deal out of baptism.

Making a big deal out of baptism tends to draw some objections. I’ve heard a lot of them, most of which boil down to one basic question: What’s the big deal about baptism, anyway?

Here are four truths that shape the way we view baptism:

1. Baptism publicly declares your repentance.

There are many people in the South who get baptized but never repent. Maybe someone convinced you that you could accept Jesus as Savior without surrendering to Him as Lord -- like He was a salad bar, where you can take the parts you want and leave the ones you don’t. But all throughout Scripture, we see that to be baptized is to repent. Baptism symbolizes us walking out of the wilderness of our sin and into the new life of faith and obedience.

If your life did not radically change when you got baptized, then it was not a baptism of repentance. You just got wet in front of a bunch of people.

2. Baptism is by immersion.

There are two reasons why we submerge people.

First, that’s how they did it in the Bible. Take John the Baptist, for instance. He wasn’t standing on the shore of the Jordan River with a cup, sprinkling water on people’s heads; he brought them into the river. He was dunking people.

The Greek word for “baptism” literally meant to plunge, soak or dip. The English translators didn’t know exactly how to translate that word (or perhaps they were afraid to take a stand), so they just transliterated it. The Greek Baptizo simply became “baptize.”

“Baptism” wasn’t actually a religious word at all. Sometimes they used it for people who drowned or ships that went down at sea. We even have a recipe for pickles recorded by a Greek physician named Nicander. He says, literally, “bapto (as in, dip quickly) the cucumber in water, and then baptizo (as in, immerse and let it soak) in vinegar.” And then he said, “Your pickle will be filled with the Spirit and speak in tongues.” (OK, I made that last part up.)

Second, we submerge people because of what it symbolizes. When you bury people, you don’t sprinkle dirt on them. You put them into the ground. In baptism, we are being buried with Jesus “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” (Romans 6:4).

3. Baptism is not a condition of but evidence of salvation.

Many people think that Scripture presents baptism as a necessary condition of salvation. I can disprove that in one story: Jesus told the thief on the cross next to Him, “Today you’ll be with me in glory.” If baptism were necessary, He’d have been like, “Hurry! Somebody get a hose and a bucket!”

Romans 10:9-10 says, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.” Confess and believe. That’s it.

Baptism is like a wedding ring. Wearing a wedding ring does not make you legally married. It demonstrates that you have a covenant with your spouse. I am no more married when I wear my ring than when I don’t. In the same way, baptism demonstrates my conversion; it’s not a pre-condition of that conversion.

This is why, by the way, we only baptize after people become believers. If you get baptized before you are converted (say, as an infant), that is not an evidence of your faith. It’s evidence of your parents’ faith. Baptism is the evidence of repentance.

4. Baptism is incredibly important.

Martin Luther said the devil came to him every night “to dispute with him.” Luther said he learned some things would chase the devil away. One was to say, “Satan, I am baptized. I have left your wilderness. You have no more jurisdiction.”

When people ask me, “What’s the big deal about baptism? It’s just a ritual. It doesn’t change anything,” I point them to Jesus’ baptism.

When Jesus was baptized, He heard the affirmation of God and was filled by the Holy Spirit. No big deal? Seems pretty significant to me. Jesus is about to go into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan. This affirmation of the Father will become the core of His resistance against Satan. He can say, “The Father has declared over me his love, and that love is going to give me the strength to withstand Satan.” His body may be in the wilderness, but God is His home.

Your baptism functions like that, too. Your baptism is like a flag you put in the ground that signifies for you and to everyone else that you have left the wilderness of sin where Satan rules and entered the promised land of obedience where God rules. Satan has no more jurisdiction!

An American soldier listed as missing in action apparently accepted Christ and was baptized several days before being captured.

James M. Kiehl, 22, of Comfort, Texas, was the focus of a report on Dallas' KTVT-TV March 26, during which Kiehl was seen being immersed in the middle of the desert.

Kiehl is one of seven members of the 507th Maintenance Company -- part of the 111th Air Defense Artillery Brigade stationed in Fort Bliss, Texas -- listed as missing in action. Five other members of the 507th have been seen on Iraqi television and are listed as prisoners of war.

During the television report, KTVT's Robert Riggs said Kiehl "seemed to have a deeper awareness about the dangers of combat than any soldier we talked to."

"You've always got the threat of something new," Kiehl said during the report. "Every morning you wake up and it's happening on that morning."

Riggs reported that Kiehl "turned his life over to Christ shortly before the launch of the ground attack. ... His moment of decision had been prompted by a call from home -- a family member told him it was time to pick the right path for his life."

Kiehl's wife, Jill, is pregnant with the couple's first child and is due the last week of April, according to KFOX-TV in El Paso, Texas.

"You know, your mind wants to play tricks on you and you always wonder," she said in an ABC News report. "Missing in action is pretty general. You don't know whether he's alive or dead. You just know, they don't know where he's at."

Another member of Kiehl's company, prisoner of war Patrick Miller, 23, from Valley Center, Kan., accepted Christ during marriage counseling sessions at Olivet Baptist Church in Wichita last year, Baptist Press reported March 25.

Meanwhile, the son of a missionary Baptist church pastor in Prichard, Alabama, has been killed. Howard Johnson II, 21, was killed in combat in Iraq March 23. His father is Howard Johnson, pastor of Truevine Baptist Church in Prichard.

"He was God's gift to us and the Lord has taken him away," Johnson said in an Associated Press story.

Before Johnson's son was deployed, the pastor told him to conduct himself in a Christian manner.

"No matter what anybody else did -- drinking, doing drugs, what have you -- remember that he was not to partake of that. Keep yourself clean, so the Lord will be on his side," Johnson said in the story.

Church members praised the younger Johnson's service.

"He served all over the church, was active in the Sunday School and active in the children's ministry," church member Andretta Thomas said, according to The Birmingham News. "He was a productive young man at the church. I think all of us are torn up about it."

_____________

(BP) photo posted in the BP Photo Library at http://www.bpnews.net. Photo title: JAMES M. KIEHL.

*

God used the joy of seven new Christians to draw a lost bus driver to Himself and start yet another new house church in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Jorge, a bus driver in Guayaquil, Ecuador, was hired to transport seven new Christians to a place outside of the city for baptism. During the drive, the Christians joyfully sang praises to God.

Their enthusiastic singing intrigued Jorge, who was not a Christian. Describing the singing as "very contagious," he asked if the Christians would allow him to return to the city so his family could listen too.

He drove the believers to his home, where the group sang several praise songs for his family. After the singing, Jorge's family joined the entourage to the baptism.

At the river, two house church leaders baptized the seven new believers. When they finished, they noticed Jorge standing in the water.

"I am a sinner," Jorge said. "Can I be saved?"

The church leaders shared the gospel with Jorge, who then prayed to receive Christ. Then Carlos, one of the church leaders, baptized him right there in the river.

As everyone filed back onto the bus, Jorge said: "I feel a special fire within me! I want my family to come to know Christ as well! Can you come to my house and start a church there?"

Carlos and Darien, another church leader, began holding meetings in Jorge's house. The new house church is the 59th meeting place God has started in Guayaquil in the past 10 months.

"Indeed, God is working in Guayaquil!" said J. Guy and Linda Muse, Southern Baptist missionaries serving there.

*

The president of Zambia, in acknowledging his faith in Jesus Christ, recently was baptized in a public service, Southern Baptist missionaries report.

A crowd clapped and cheered as President Levy Mwanawasa (mwah-nah-WAH-sah) rose from the water in an outdoor baptistery behind a Baptist seminary chapel in Lusaka, Zambia's capital. The event drew hundreds of people, including public officials, leaders and pastors from the area and neighboring countries.

“This baptism was an incredible occasion for the Baptist witness to many people who we have not had in church before,” said Troy Lewis, a Southern Baptist missionary in the southern African nation of more than 10 million people. “They heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

On the day of his baptism, Mwanawasa shared his spiritual journey before a packed chapel service. He told listeners he had been “struck” by Jesus -- similar to the Apostle Paul's experience on the road to Damascus. Mwanawasa, a successful lawyer and former vice president, took office in 2002. Respected for his reputation for honesty, he was known as “Mr. Integrity” even by his political opponents before his election. Now in his mid-50s, he survived a near-fatal car accident in 1992 but insists he is in excellent health.

Mwanawasa remembers attending a Baptist school as a boy, but his relationship with Christ began to transform when he started attending Twin Palm Baptist Church in Lusaka in 2003. The small church meets at the Baptist Theological Seminary of Zambia in Lusaka.

As he came week after week with his “entourage,” the church tried to maintain business as usual -- but it wasn't easy.

“All of us here were immensely excited about this,” Lewis said. “Our excitement and prayers increased when he returned to church again and kept coming whenever he was in the country.”

The president began asking questions about the Christian faith and how he could join the church. Church members answered his questions and ministered to him during difficult times. After Mwanawasa began attending the church, his mother died from injuries caused by a fire. He also lost his two brothers. One died unexpectedly of illness; the other was murdered.

Mwanawasa soon shared how Christ had moved in his life -- and that he wanted to be baptized. Franklin Kilpatrick, missionary in Zambia for 35 years, helped disciple Mwanawasa during this process. Kilpatrick and his wife, Paula, are members of Twin Palm Baptist Church.

“The impact is not just in Zambia; this could have an impact on an international level,” said Kilpatrick, who is temporarily on U.S. assignment. “He could impact a lot of leaders. He is in a position of influence, and people need encouragement.”

The Kilpatricks were originally concerned about drawing too much attention to the event. Local missionaries tried to remain low-key about Mwanawasa's decision. But the news quickly spread all over Zambia -- and to other parts of the world.

Kilpatrick believes Mwanawasa's decision is real. Others have commented on how the president's life has changed. He already has invited friends and leaders from around the world to attend church with him.

Paula Kilpatrick is excited about what God has planned for the future. “We feel like the story is not over,” she said.

The president is just one of many spiritual success stories in Zambia. Last year, 116 Baptist churches were started, bringing the total number of churches to 985 -- plus 124 mission congregations. Some missionaries believe Mwanawasa's baptism is an exclamation point on what God is beginning to do in the country. Lewis encouraged Mwanawasa during a celebration lunch at the statehouse after his baptism.

“I shared with him that we had been praying for him after he came into office, that Zambia would have a leader who had Jesus as his Lord,” Lewis said. “And in him coming to Christ and being baptized, God had answered our prayers.

“I told him that we praise God -- and will pray for him to continue to be a president who sees leadership as serving the people rather than lording it over them.”

February 28, 2019 was one of the worst days of 23-year-old Brenton Winn’s life. But it paved the way for one of the best.

Angry at God after he relapsed from an addiction to methamphetamines despite spending time at a faith-based recovery program, Winn knew nothing about Central Baptist Church of Conway, Arkansas, when he broke in that February evening. High on drugs, Winn went on a rampage and destroyed $100,000 of church property, including laptops, cameras, and other electronics. He remembers little of that night, except that he felt desperate.

Six months later Winn stood in a baptismal pool at Central Baptist as Mike Lefler, the church’s associate pastor of ministries, celebrated the young man’s decision to follow Christ through baptism.

“As I’m starting to understand how God works, I’ve realized I didn’t pick the church that night. God picked me,” Winn said. “If it had been any other church, I think I’d be sitting in prison right now.”

Winn grew up in what he calls a “God-fearing” home. His mother and stepfather attended the Church of Christ. At 14, he started experimenting with methamphetamines. By 16, he was taking drugs every day.

“Before I knew it, I had a full-blown drug addiction,” Winn said. “From the time I was 16 until a few months ago, my life was nothing but chaos, suicide attempts and brokenness.”

In 2016, Winn went into a two-week faith-based recovery program. For a year, he stayed off drugs and got a job at a local Lowe’s store. But in September of 2017, his cousin committed suicide. Devastated, he fell back into addiction. By last February, when he broke into the church, Winn was homeless and desperate.

Winn’s journey from a jail cell in February to a baptismal pool in September began when Central Baptist senior pastor, Don Chandler, talked to the prosecutor the following Monday. Chandler knew the godly response to Winn would be to offer forgiveness rather than judgment.

“You can’t preach something for 50 years without practicing it, especially in front of your whole church,” Chandler said. “Had we not shown some grace to him, everything we’ve talked about and encouraged, would have gone by the wayside. It was simply the right thing to do. This was not a hardened criminal. This was a young man who had made some mistakes. He was on drugs and alcohol when he did what he did. But he was redeemable.”

Chandler mentioned that day to the prosecutor that the church would like to see Winn get help. One of the church’s partner ministries had been Renewal Ranch, a faith-based residential recovery ministry just outside of Conway. James Loy began the ministry in 2011, just six years after he began a relationship with Christ and kicked a 23-year drug and alcohol addiction.

Over the next few weeks Chandler, the prosecutor, and Winn’s lawyer continued to discuss the best way to help Winn. The case’s judge, who at time had been a board member of Renewal Ranch, gave Winn the option. He could either go to jail, where he was potentially facing 20 years of incarceration, or he could voluntarily choose to go to Renewal Ranch. Winn chose Renewal Ranch.

Renewal Ranch is a 12-month program based on biblical principles. For the first six months, participants are housed on the 102-acre property, where they are given their lodging, food and program materials for free. Every week local pastors and volunteers lead 15-plus hours of Bible study. Participants also have access to trained biblical counselors and are required to do 300 hours of community service. In the second six-month phase of the program, participants live in off-campus apartments operated by the program, work at jobs and continue to go through the Renewal Ranch program. Since 2011, 300 men have come to faith in Christ through the ministry.

“Our goal of this program is to make reproducing disciple-makers for Jesus Christ,” said Loy, who serves as the ministry’s executive director. “I tell people, my goal is not for them to be abstinent of drugs and alcohol. I want that for their lives, but my main goal is for these men to fall in love with Jesus. Through that personal love relationship. There’s freedom from the bonds of addiction.”

Winn accepted Christ as His Savior after one of the Bible studies at Renewal Ranch. Winn and other ranch residents attend church at Central Baptist on Wednesday evenings. Winn chose to be baptized at the church on one of those Wednesday nights.

“I gave my heart to Christ that night,” Winn said. “I used to think it was a coincidence [that I chose to break into the church that night], but now I call it confirmation that God is real, and He answers prayers. What was weighing on my heart was that I needed a relationship with Jesus Christ.”

Winn still must finish the program in order to avoid jail time. Once he completes the program, he will likely still spend a couple of years on probation.

“We’re challenging our members to continue praying for this man because his story is not over,” Lefler said. “And that’s true for every one of us. God is still working a beautiful story of grace in every one of our lives.”

I only really concern myself with ‘doctrine’ when it is something that I feel is really fundamental and important. I can’t be bothered with endless arguments over End-time theories, for instance. But to me, there are certain fundamentals which the modern church seems to be willing to compromise or ignore for the sake of “unity” or convenience.

One of the most basic things that has amazed me in the area of ‘doctrine’ for many years is the preaching of “Giving your heart to the Lord” or “Asking Jesus into your life” to become a Christian. Do we not realize that such a practice is FOUND NOWHERE IN THE ENTIRE BIBLE? Is there ANY example of someone “asking Jesus into their heart” (or similar) to become a Christian in the book of Acts? NO, NOT EVEN ONE. The book of Acts is full of literally thousands of people becoming born-again Christians. And we are often told exactly what these people did. But there is no record of any of them doing anything like “asking Jesus into their heart” to be saved.

Now surely, Surely, SURELY, if the church has even remotely got it’s act together, it would have this one thing right. Surely this has got to be one of the most crucial and basic points in the whole New Testament:- How exactly are people supposed to become Christians? What were they told to do in the New Testament? A very simple and straight- forward question, you would think. And so vitally important.

But incredibly, it seems like very few leaders have even bothered to ask this question or to take on board the glaringly obvious answer. Here we have one of the most vital, fundamental points that it is possible to have in Christianity: “WHAT SHALL WE DO TO BE SAVED?” And generally speaking, our answer today is utterly, utterly different from that of the apostles. Incredible really, isn’t it? It’s right there in black-and-white, time after time! But TRADITION has blinded our eyes to the Truth. And I’m sure that even many of you reading this will be shocked by how obvious the truth of this matter is.

Let’s start with the day of Pentecost (a great place to begin!) As we all know, the Holy Spirit fell on the 120, and they all began to speak in tongues. This is officially known by all theologians as the birth of the Church –-the beginning of Christianity as we know it. And after Peter preached his convicting sermon to the gathered throng that day, another 3000 people were added to the church. And we are told exactly what occurred:- “… they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Brethren, WHAT SHALL WE DO?’ And Peter said to them, ‘REPENT, and be BAPTIZED every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the FORGIVENESS OF YOUR SINS; and you shall receive the gift of the HOLY SPIRIT’” (Acts 2:37-38 RSV). You will notice that there are three elements to Peter’s answer:- REPENTANCE, WATER-BAPTISM and receiving the HOLY SPIRIT. We will see this pattern repeated again and again, right through the book of Acts (-in fact, throughout the New Testament writings) in the most glaringly obvious way. And yet still we hear, “Just ask Jesus into your heart” preached throughout Christendom today.

The next significant people-group to be reached by the early Christians were the Samaritans. In Acts chapter 8, we read how Philip the evangelist saw massive Revival in Samaria:- “But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were BAPTIZED, both men and women… Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT; for it had not yet FALLEN on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them and they RECEIVED the HOLY SPIRIT” (Acts 8:12-17). Note the identical pattern to the salvations on the day of Pentecost.

The next significant people-group to be reached by the early church were the godly gentiles (-Acts chapters 10 & 11). Peter was led by God to preach to Cornelius and his household:- “While Peter was still saying this, the HOLY SPIRIT FELL on all who heard the word… For they heard them SPEAKING IN TONGUES and extolling God. Then Peter declared, ‘Can anyone forbid water for BAPTIZING these people who have RECEIVED THE HOLY SPIRIT JUST AS WE HAVE?’ And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ” (Acts 10:44-48). Peter later described the scene again: “As I began to speak, the HOLY SPIRIT FELL ON THEM JUST AS ON US AT THE BEGINNING” (Acts 11:15). He also referred to this outpouring as them being “Baptized in the Holy Spirit” (Acts 11:16). I hope you can see from these passages that the Holy Spirit ‘FALLING’ upon people is the same experience as people ‘RECEIVING’ or being ‘BAPTIZED’ in the Holy Spirit. Also, we see the same pattern as before in the salvation experience of Cornelius’ household –-Repentant hearts, Receiving the Holy Spirit and Baptism.

Another good example involves some disciples of John the Baptist who Paul met at Ephesus:- “And Paul said, ‘John baptized with the baptism of REPENTANCE, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.’ On hearing this, they were BAPTIZED in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul laid his hands upon them, the HOLY SPIRIT came on them; and they SPOKE WITH TONGUES and prophesied” (Acts 19:1-6). I guess I hardly need to point out the pattern by now?

Notice too that there were no “instructional classes” to prepare people for baptism. All the way through the book of Acts, people were baptized STRAIGHT AWAY, as soon as they were believing and repentant. With the Phillipian jailer, he and his entire household were baptized immediately – IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT (Acts 16:32-33). With the Ethiopian eunuch, he was baptized by Philip straight away, in some water that they saw while travelling in his chariot (Acts 8:35-38). And the apostle Paul himself was baptized immediately by the disciple Ananias, who said something very interesting to Paul beforehand:- “Rise and be BAPTIZED, and WASH AWAY YOUR SINS, calling on His name” (Acts 22:16). This verse would be treated almost like heresy by many in today’s church. How shocking to imply that baptism might have something to do with forgiveness and cleansing from our past sins! However, there are many verses like it scattered throughout the New Testament. Also note that Paul was told this WELL AFTER he had had his blinding ‘Damascus Road’ experience. Today’s Christians might assume that Paul was “born again” during this powerful encounter with God. Not so. Not until Paul was to be BAPTIZED was he to have his sins “washed away”. This is clearly what the Scriptures say. Arguments, anyone?

Many Christians are taught today that Baptism is basically a ‘symbolic’ act. In my youth I was raised mainly in Baptist churches, and they always taught that baptism is an “outward SYMBOL of an inner change”. Thus baptism is stripped of much of it’s significance and power in Christian thinking. For a “symbol” is never as important as the real thing, is it? I have studied baptism extensively in the New Testament. It is NEVER spoken of as a mere ‘SYMBOL’. Rather, it is spoken of as being a ‘circumcision of the heart’, a “cutting off”, a “burial” into the DEATH of Christ. And it is also spoken of as being “for the forgiveness of sins” and to “wash one’s sins away”. I am convinced that in the spirit realm (from God’s point of view), baptism is seen as a LITERAL “burial into death” (-see Romans 6) which has a profound effect on our hearts and lives. But still we preach, “Ask Jesus into your heart”, and deny many people one of the most vital keys to living a Christian life. I am also convinced that baptism MUST be by ‘FULL IMMERSION’. Sprinkling little infants is not enough. This must be baptism for BELIEVERS. And the original Greek word ‘baptizo’ actually means “TO DIP OR IMMERSE”. So people must be ‘buried’ under the water in baptism, not just sprinkled. (I’m sure most of you already agree with this).

Likewise I am convinced that Baptism in the Holy Spirit (accompanied by ‘speaking in tongues’) is ESSENTIAL. It is NOT just an option. As we have seen in the book of Acts, the way that people became Christians in the New Testament was to (1) Repent, (2) Be Baptized in water and (3) Be Baptized in the Holy Spirit (accompanied always by ‘tongues’ as far as we can tell –-And modern experience bears this out). What right do we have to change the fundamental teachings and practices of the Bible, just so we can make things more “convenient” for new converts? Unless we are getting people saved the Bible way, how can we claim to be getting them saved at all?

We are forever talking about being “born again” in the church today. But are we truly getting people ‘born again’ like they did in Acts? Bearing in mind the pattern that we have seen in the New Testament, what exactly do you think Jesus was talking about when He declared that, “Unless a man is BORN OF WATER AND OF THE SPIRIT he cannot enter into the kingdom of God”? (Jn 3:5). Born of WATER, born of the SPIRIT. Hmmmmmm. That’s a tough one!

Baptism in water and the Spirit are never regarded as mere ‘options’ in the Scriptures. In fact they are clearly ESSENTIAL experiences to begin to walk in Christ’s kingdom. There are many Scriptures on this that are often bypassed today or regarded as “inexplicable” because they do not fit in with current tradition. Please take the time to look up the following:- Mark 16:16-18, 1 Peter 3:20-21, Titus 3:5-6, 1 Cor 10:1-2, Gal 3:27, Col 2:11-12, 1 Cor 12:13, Heb 6:1-2, Rom 6:2-11, Rom 8:9, Mt 28:19, etc.

I really mean it. Please do take the time to look at the above Scriptures if you have any interest in this issue at all. Some people write to me with their views and opinions without ever looking at what these Scriptures have to say.

It is my belief that there are a number of important teachings and practices from the early church that will be restored to fullness during the coming Revival. (-God often does this in Revivals). I am convinced that the above teaching will be one of them. (-I have believed this for many years). I also feel that the spiritual significance and power of partaking in the Lord’s Supper (-The early church partook daily from house to house) plus sacrificial giving to the poor, will also be emphases that will be fully restored during the coming move of God. No doubt there will be others also.

I realize that I have probably shocked and provoked a number of you with this article. Please believe me, I myself was very shocked when I first came face-to-face with these truths some years ago. They really are very apparent when you see them, but I was blind to them for many years. I was amongst those who gave out tracts like ‘The Four Spiritual Laws’ and led people in the “Sinner’s prayer”. Like many I would back this up by mis-applying Rev 3:20 –-”Behold I stand at the door and knock… “ (-which is clearly aimed at the CHURCH, not at unconverted sinners. It is Jesus standing outside the ‘Laodicean’ church, trying to get in!) I am not ashamed that I believed this. It was all I knew at the time. But I was certainly shocked to discover how much of the basic gospel I was leaving out. Like me, there are a number of you who will have to “search the Scriptures to see if these things be so” like the Bereans, just as I had to do. Believe me, I fought these truths for months before I simply ran out of corners to back into. I knew the implications of this were huge and I just did not want to face it. But there they are in black and white. And this is not a trivial matter. These are key gospel truths that we are talking about here.

After writing the first version of this article, many people wrote to me pointing out that the THIEF ON THE CROSS was not baptized or Spirit- filled, yet he was clearly saved. Please believe me, I had all these same objections when I first came across this teaching. But God annihilated all my excuses one by one. So let me deal with this “THIEF ON THE CROSS” thing right here.

The most obvious question is:- When did this event occur –-was it under the OLD Covenant or the NEW Covenant? When Jesus proffered salvation to the thief, was the Old Covenant still in place, or had the New begun? For clearly, it only became possible to become an actual CHRISTIAN (-born again –-a member of Christ’s body) AFTER the New Covenant had started. And for the New Covenant to begin, Jesus, the sacrificial Lamb had to die and also be RAISED FROM THE DEAD. The New Covenant could not begin until this occurred. Surely we all know this? Jesus had to die and be raised from the dead, and then ascend into heaven, sending His Holy Spirit, before the Church could truly begin or people could start becoming born-again Christians. That is why people in the Old Testament, or even in Jesus’ own day were not “born again” the way we are today. They simply couldn’t be. Remember, Jesus said that John the Baptist was the greatest born among men, but even the least in the kingdom was greater than he. John the Baptist couldn’t become a “born-again Christian” because the New Covenant had not yet begun. I bet he would have loved the opportunity! Jesus died in agony and was raised again, to purchase for us this wonderful new life in Him. Surely we all know this? GLORY TO GOD!!

Now back to the thief. Did he have his conversation with Jesus and die under the New Covenant or the Old? The answer, obviously, is:- The OLD Covenant. He was presumably a Jew –-one of God’s chosen people (though a sinner), who received a wonderful pardon from Jesus when he repented and turned to Him. But those were very different conditions to those that we live under today. We now have a NEW Covenant –-a NEW “agreement” with God, very different from the Old. The Old treaty is dead and we have a new and living way in which to walk. How do we enter into it? By being born again –-of water and of the Spirit. And this has only been possible since Pentecost –-the day the church began. I am not saying that “death-bed repentance” is not possible today. I’m sure that God has reached down in His mercy many times to people who have turned to Him when they were close to death. But these are special cases. They are not the “norm” for New Testament Christianity. Repentance, Baptism and receiving the Holy Spirit are ESSENTIAL to enter into the New Covenant, I believe.

Quite a few people have offered me their own views and opinions on all this without truly becoming acquainted with the basic Scriptures on the matter. It is important to remember that fundamental doctrines are not about mere opinion. They are about what the SCRIPTURES SAY. I tell you, I have put MONTHS of study and prayer into this whole subject. I could tell that it really was THAT important. I honestly considered EVERYTHING – every angle I could find. Please treat this with the seriousness that it is due. This is a very crucial area. I believe these are SALVATION issues that are being discussed here. And the case is enormously strong. Just read the Scriptures. (-It should take less than an hour to read through the Scriptures highlighted above). I urge any of you who are the least bit interested in this to PLEASE read those Scriptures.

I am well aware that ‘doctrine’ tends to be divisive by it’s very nature. And I know that I am taking a big risk talking so openly about such a controversial teaching. I try and keep right away from doctrinal debates in general. It is only the most fundamental and important issues that I bother making a fuss about. You will notice that even though this is a ‘Prophetic’ site, there are no debates about the ‘Pre-trib’/ Post- trib positions or the exact meaning of Daniel’s 70 weeks, etc. I just find such debates pointless and utterly dull, to be honest. I heard the arguments many moons ago, and just cannot stomach any more. I have no desire for nit-picking arguments. But the BIG issues, like New Testament salvation and God’s plan for His church –-these things I really do care about. For I believe the devil is robbing us blind in some of these crucial areas. And God wants to restore these truths to the church.

Just imagine for a moment that I am right, and baptism and receiving the Holy Spirit are a lot more important than we have been led to believe. Just think how many thousands of believers around the world today have received the Holy Spirit (including ‘tongues’) but have simply not bothered getting baptized. After all, it’s only “symbolic”, right? Or perhaps, they say, “I got sprinkled as a baby”? I myself know many, many people in this exact position. I think it’s terrible, and I believe God does too. Not to mention all the believers who still have not been baptized in the Holy Spirit. Don’t you think God’s heart breaks over all this? Why do people ignore His commands? Our church traditions and habitual patterns have a lot to answer for in this area. This has got to change, friends. And I believe it will only change when the underlying doctrines are challenged. But if I am right, the devil will fight this all the way. He likes anything that leaves believers impoverished or still chained up in any way. This really is crucial doctrine, otherwise I simply would not bother with it. I have really stuck my neck on the line and jeopardised my reputation over this. And I do not do so lightly.

I have been accused of being “legalistic” and ‘majoring on minor points’ by a couple of readers. I really cannot see this. As I have said, some doctrine is “straining at gnats” and some is really crucial. I believe this issue falls into the second category. Others accused me of being “too literal”! (I had to laugh over this). Now this is basic Bible doctrine we are talking about here, isn’t it? Too literal? What on earth else should we be?

Other readers accused me of believing in “baptismal regeneration”. This is not the case. I believe that (1) Repentance, (2) Water-Baptism and (3) Receiving the Holy Spirit, are ALL ESSENTIAL. I do not believe in “baptismal” regeneration. These elements are all equally important and we need to have all three to be able to call ourselves ‘New Testament Christians’, as far as I can see.

Other readers have brought up the verse in Romans that says “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead you will be saved” (Rom 10:9). Actually, a number of theologians believe that this statement was used as a kind of “baptismal confession” in the early church. I remember a fellowship I was involved with years ago that used it in exactly this way. To me, this verse “proves” little doctrinally, either way. It needs to be put into context with the WHOLE New Testament to gain the proper perspective on it. I certainly don’t see it as proof for ‘asking Jesus into our heart’.

One of the most serious allegations I have faced is that I am preaching a kind of “justification by works” by saying that baptism and receiving the Holy Spirit are so essential. And that I am “adding to the gospel” and taking away people’s freedom like the Galatians!! Serious charges, indeed. But let’s look at this carefully. Is baptism a “work” that I can do to myself? Is receiving the Holy Spirit a “work”? I don’t think so! These are initial experiences that are ‘DONE TO US’ or GIVEN TO US –- they’re not things that we can “DO” ourselves, as such. Can I baptize myself? No! And isn’t it a brief one-off act of simple faith and obedience anyway? To me, baptism is no more a “work” than, say, the act of “praying a sinner’s prayer”. The act of opening one’s mouth, moving one’s jaws and praying is not seen as a work. And neither should baptism be. They only take an instant, after all. The real question is:- Is baptism a truly spiritual act, or is it merely a symbolic ritual? That is the real question. This also brings up the whole issue of ‘convenience’. For we love neat little packages that are comfortable and easy in this age, don’t we? (-”Just asking Jesus in”). And baptism is so wet and messy, we think. But at the end of the day, what it boils down to is this:- We have to make a decision between doing things the Bible way and doing things the modern ‘convenient’ way. It is that simple.

Now, onto something else that numerous people raised:- Where does FAITH come into all this? Aren’t we supposed to be saved by FAITH? Absolutely! And faith is at a premium right through this whole thing. What happens when someone hears the gospel and BELIEVES it? (-A crucially important moment). Are they automatically a ‘Christian’ now? Just through believing what they have heard? Or do they have to act on that belief in some way to become a Christian? Were the Jews who were ‘cut to the heart’ when Peter preached at Pentecost automatically Christians right then at that moment, or did they have to DO something in FAITH to become Christians? Clearly, they needed to DO something, because Peter told them, “Repent and be baptized, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” And it is clear that each one of these elements involves the exercise of faith in Jesus.

However, I believe that when the Bible speaks of the “FAITH THAT SAVES US”, and being “JUSTIFIED BY FAITH”, it is speaking of the LIFE OF FAITH that we undertake after we have become a Christian. It is ‘WALKING IN FAITH’ day by day, moment by moment, after having become a Christian that justifies us before God. It is the covering of the blood of Jesus that hides our sin and makes us clean in God’s sight. If we are walking in faith, covered by the blood, we are saved, and we must continue to walk in it. And it is clear in the Scriptures that it is only by the POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT that we can walk in this kind of saving faith. This faith is a gift from God -”Not of ourselves, lest anyone should boast… “ Like the love of God, this faith is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who is given to us. So how can we obtain it without RECEIVING THE HOLY SPIRIT? (-Which brings us back to Repentance, Baptism and Receiving the Holy Spirit as our ESSENTIAL starting point in the faith).

Actually, a couple of readers mentioned something quite interesting about baptism in the book of Acts. For it is noticeable in Acts that everyone was baptized “IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS” or in the ‘NAME OF JESUS CHRIST’. Now most churches today baptize in the name of the ‘Father, Son and Holy Spirit’, and I guess this is a small point, but I believe that if they felt it was important in Acts to speak the name of Jesus Christ over people as they were baptized, then I should do it too. I am not legalistic about the need for this, but personally these days I baptize people “in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, in the NAME OF JESUS CHRIST”. (-Just an interesting additional point?)

To sum up, it is my belief that God has been slowly restoring truth to the church over the centuries since the dark ages when so much had been lost. Luther’s Reformation saw the restoration of ‘Justification by Faith’, the Anabaptists re-introduced baptism by immersion, Wesley re-introduced a number of important concepts, and this century the Pentecostals re- discovered the infilling of the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts. (There have been many other things over time also, but this is just a simple overview). It is my belief that we are now at the stage where God wishes to restore the church to her true original glory, with all the basic doctrines and practices, “church life” and the full original gospel, the ‘five-fold’ ministries, etc, etc, all intact. That is what is about to occur in the coming move, I believe. And that is another reason why I believe basic New Testament doctrines are important.

In past centuries, as now, the believers of that time walked in the light that they had, and God will judge them according to the light that was available to them. But now it is time to see the church truly restored to fullness in many areas. And it is going to be UNCOMFORTABLE, and it will surely leave much “SHAKEN” in it’s wake. A new Reformation is coming, and it is important that it leaves nothing undone that needs doing. Otherwise our children are going to have to have a further Reformation to correct all that we left undone. Let’s make it as complete as possible this time, shall we? For Christ cannot return until a glorious Bride is made ready for Him, without “spot or wrinkle or any such thing”. Surely we live in the days of the ‘restoration of all things’ about which the Scriptures speak.

Although more than 10,000 Southern Baptist churches didn’t baptize a single person last year, there’s no real secret to seeing new believers stir the waters of the baptistery, says a pastor who baptized 29 on a recent Sunday evening.

When people have “experienced the power of the Gospel personally ... they want to share that with others,” said Jeff LaBorg of College Heights Baptist Church in Gallatin, Tennessee.

New believers, he noted, are the fruit of soul-winning by church members who “love the Word of God and have been taught by exposition and example from their leaders that soul-winning is a requirement and not an elective.”

College Heights members “love everybody that comes through the door, regardless of appearance, affluence, or economic status,” the pastor said. “On Sunday, they flood the altar with tears and intercession, and then they go out and pursue the very ones they have been praying for. They are bold about sharing their own testimonies of how Christ changed their lives.”

For example, church members recently discovered a family who had moved to the area to work in the booming construction industry, but heavy rains had delayed the work. They had spent all their resources and were living in a tent in a local campground. The church family ministered to their needs and shared the Good News of God’s love, LaBorg said.

“Today that family has a home, a job and, most importantly, a family of faith....”

DON’T BE RELUCTANT

LaBorg urged believers not to be reluctant to witness to people.

“People are hungry for truth -– unapologetic truth that sets the captive free and doesn’t merely offer a mask to cover the misery,” he said. “The unchurched are weary of the standard religious answers that ignore the real issues, and they are willing to pay the price –- if only someone will tell them the truth.”

For London Smith, it only took a friend’s invitation to lead him toward the transforming power of Jesus Christ. Smith was one of the young men baptized at College Heights Aug. 28.

“I was raised in church and made a decision at age 12, but it was just routine. I wasn’t saved,” said Smith, a 20-year-old employee of Dell Computer Corp. “I had been into a lot of bad stuff that I’m not proud of –- drugs, drinking, getting mad over small things. When a friend invited me to come here, I instantly felt the power. My life has turned around 180 degrees the other way. It’s amazing.”

‘AT A DEAD END’

Frank Boone, a 42-year-old landscaper from Gallatin, was baptized that evening because he had experienced Christ’s power to change a life in trouble.

“I used to drink a lot, going to bars, picking fights, using pot and cocaine. I ruined my life,” Boone confessed. “I wasn’t thinking about my kids. I was a poor excuse for a dad. I brought misery to everyone around me.

“The Lord had been knocking on my door for a long time. I knew it, but I thought, ‘Why try being a Christian when I know I’m not going to commit to it?’

Then, in mid-August, Boone finally understood he was at a dead end.

“I was on my way home -– it’s about an hour’s walk -– and I was drunk,” he recounted. “It was hot and I was sweating. I had blisters on my feet. And Christ was talking to me the whole way.”

Tears welled up in his eyes as he relived the experience.

“I stopped at a bridge and sat down. I told Christ, ‘Lord, I can’t do it on my own. I’ve tried all my life and I’ve done nothing but cause misery and pain for myself and my family. I’m ready. I’ll give up everything. I want a new life. I want my kids to hug me and tell me they love me and be proud of me.’

“Now, it’s not what can God do for me; it’s what can I do for Him,” Boone said, his face breaking into a wide smile. “He gave His Son up for me. I couldn’t do that. I just praise God for not giving up on me, even with all the disrespect I’ve shown Him over the years.”

INCOMPARABLE JOY

Nothing compares to the experience of leading someone to Christ, LaBorg said.

“When I look into their eyes and see a peace that words cannot explain -– where only a short time before there was fear and confusion –- I am filled with the awe of God’s miracle of regeneration,” the pastor said.

That’s a joy too many Christians are missing out on, when more than 10,000 Southern Baptist churches don’t baptize anyone, LaBorg said.

“Evangelism is simply introducing people to the Lord and sharing the relationship that has forever changed your life and altered your destiny,” he said. “When we have experienced the power of the Gospel personally, we want to share that with others. The more we love Jesus, the more natural it becomes for us to share our faith.

“As we grow in love for Jesus, His passions become our passions. Just as He loves sinners and seeks the lost, we follow His example. If we don’t exhibit the characteristics of our Father, then something is wrong.”

BY WORD AND EXAMPLE

Pastors must show their people by example and from God’s Word that soul-winning isn’t optional, LaBorg continued.

“This church’s founding pastor, Larry Gilmore, is now leader of the evangelism strategies group for Tennessee Baptists,” he said. “He taught them by exposition and example that soul-winning is a requirement and not an elective.

“The pastor is key. Pastors have to set the evangelistic example by prioritizing evangelism in the life of the church by returning to soul-winning training, evangelistic rallies, intentional evangelistic outreach.”

With so many Americans experiencing turmoil and uncertainty, sharing the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ is an urgent priority, LaBorg said.

“This is the day of salvation. There has never been a greater opportunity to mobilize the church with the Gospel than right now,” he said. “As the backdrop of natural disasters and economic upheaval grows darker, we could not be in a greater position to let our light so shine that the whole world would see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven.

“It is time for those at ease in Zion to awaken and behold the incredible opportunity we have to rescue the perishing.”

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