Tell me about your thoughts on baptism. If you've been baptized, what was that like for you? If you haven't been baptized, why not? Do you feel you have a good handle on the meaning and significance of baptism?
As we mentioned in the service, our annual baptism and picnic at the Thompsons is scheduled for Sunday after church, July 19. If you are interested in baptism, make sure you let us know. But by all means, put the day on the calendar; its a great day.
Let me know your thoughts; tell me your stories.
Pastor Brian
1 comment:
Firstly, before you read what I have written I want you to understand that I question my faith because I believe it promotes growth and understanding, I do not questions to be ignite doubt in myself or others. I think this a very serious topic and we need to understand that people have died over their beliefs of Baptism; ex: Anabaptists and dissenters who broke away from the Anglican Separatists who broke away from the Aglican Church of England who broke away from Rome after Henry VIII wanted a divorce. The Baptist church split again in 1610 over the validity of Baptism. Considering one of his founders baptized himself by pouring water over his own head. We need to understand why this happened to talk any further. The Church embodied their dissent from England by insisting on believers’—adult—baptism, refusing to baptize their infant children and their stand on baptism dissented not only against the practice of the established church, but also against the government, since at the time, national citizenship and church membership were considered the same. They were the religious rebels of their day. There was a very real distinction in the beginning of the church; whether Christ died for all or only a select group. The two groups came together in 1813, but the selectivity of Christ’s death still lingered in the Church’s followers. Just so we are clear Christ died to forgive all the sins of the world, not just for a select few.
Christian have murdered each other for centuries over doctrine and I can state strongly that Christ does not approve. The reformation Europe left hundreds of thousands dead. We are to be a united body of Christ and yet we continue to look for things to separate and distinguish ourselves from one another. I don’t think if Christ came back he would attend any of the Churches; he would go where the sinners are. I can’t help but thinking that he would feel that all our songs with no actions are empty. Don’t get me wrong, we need to praise the Lord and I feel the FBC does a great deal in serving Christ, but I think sometimes we loose focus of who Christ is and honestly thinking ‘What would Jesus Do?” My personal relationship with my Savior is not something I take likely and I have spent the twelve years of my life building and defending what I believe. I am the grandson of generations of Biblical leaders and Pastors and I am defiantly in the minority when it comes to religion, my view of family, and my standards of existence (In my generation).
To continue with the topic at hand, Baptism, I want to give you a quote form Martin Luther; who is due respect for being the progenitor of all Protestant Faiths. Also, Catholicism is the mother Church for whom I also have a great deal of respect, thou I disagree strongly with how they have led their people astray and focused on things of this world as a means of salvation and forsaken the Holy Spirit and the personal relationship with the Triune.
Martin Luther wrote: “The world is now so full of sects clamoring that Baptism is an external thing and that external things are of no benefit… [But God's Word and command institute, establish, and confirm Baptism.”
Faith is not "faith only" but faith must have something which it believes, that is, of which it takes hold, and upon which it stands and rests. I state this in rebuttal that Baptism is just a symbol; much like my view of the Sacrament of Communion which is a direct interpretation of the scripture in its original vernacular. I do not believe that it is justifiable for me to offer my three year old son communion –because it is just a symbol? We are held accountable as parents for the spiritual wellbeing of our children. If it is as it is stated, then why don’t we all look at the screen and pretend to take communion and just think about what Jesus did for us. “Do this as often as you think of me,” Jesus stated. We need to remember that there are things that a Sacred and do not need three dimensional human explanation to rationalize it. The excuse that communion in the ‘OLD RELIGION’ is an outdated practice is not a valid excuse for me. For some things are not of this world and cannot be explained as such.
Baptism, far from being the empty symbolism that many imagine it to be, it is the visible Gospel, a powerful means of grace. According to Scripture, baptism "washes away sin" (Acts 22:16), "saves?" (1 Peter 3:21; Mark 16:16), causes one to "die to sin, to be buried, and raised up with Christ" (Romans 6:3-4) causes one to be "clothed with Christ" (Galatians 3:27), and to be a member of the body of Christ: "for by one Spirit, were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit" (1 Cor. 12:13).
Christ made no exceptions when he said "make disciples of all nations baptizing them...”
(Acts 10:24,47-48; 16:14-15; 16:30-33; 1 Co. 1:16) Entire Families were baptized this did not exclude children and women, because the bible only states men does not mean that we should only baptize men. The Scriptures distinguish Baptism and the spoken Word, but do not separate them; they are both means of grace. It is not the lack of Baptism that necessarily condemns, but it is the despising of this precious gift that endangers faith, for God Himself has instituted it and attached His promises to it. The Scriptures teach, of course, that there is only one Baptism (Eph. 4:5). There is no indication that God has limited this blessed means of grace to individuals on the basis of age or levels of maturity. Baptism is God's act, a divine testimony to what "grace alone" really means, whereby He imparts the blessings of forgiveness, life, and salvation to individuals, children and adults alike. Baptism confirms the grace of God upon adults who have already come to faith, and strengthens them in their faith, even as the Lord's Supper does.
Accountability for sin begins at conception.
The Bible teaches original sin, that the corruption and guilt of Adam's sin is passed on to every human being at conception. Jesus affirms this teaching when He says, "Flesh gives birth to flesh" (John 3:5).
"He who believes and is baptized shall be saved; he who believes not shall be damned" (Mark 16:16). According to Jesus, ANYONE who does not believe in Him will be damned. Jesus makes no exception for infants. Babies will not be saved without faith in Jesus. This may sound a little harsh, but the Bible is clear those who do not believe will not be saved. People who have never heard the teaching of the Bible are still held accountable before GOD and the unbelief actually lies in our hands from which we are to spread the GOSPEL and BAPTISE all people in the ‘Invisible Church of Christ.’ I wish in my heart that God’s grace covered all Children, but after reading the scriptures I have learned that a world of sin cannot accept what is thought to be in innocent soul of a new born baby. Many Lutheran and Catholic parents baptize their children in the hospital if they fear they are going to die. I will state later why this is important and done.
Jesus said, "…unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God" (John 3:5). As with any single verse or passage, we discern what it teaches by first filtering it through what we know the Bible teaches on the subject at hand. In the case of baptism and salvation, the Bible is clear that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works of any kind, including baptism (Ephesians 2:8-9). So, any interpretation which comes to the conclusion that baptism, or any other act, is necessary for salvation, is a faulty interpretation. I agree with what Pastor Brian was saying when he said that Baptism does not Save you per say!
John 3:3-7, “Jesus answered and said to him, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.' Nicodemus said to Him, 'How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born, can he?' Jesus answered, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. Yet the point to be made here is the thief on the cross was more than likely not baptized and yet he is in the Kingdom of Heaven?
Baptism is to replace Circumcision
"In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism . . ." (Col. 2:11-12).
Children and Faith
"Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it" (Luke 18:15-17). Luke 18 tells us that certain parents were bringing infants (Greek - brephe) to Jesus, that He might bless them. Repeatedly Christ taught that faith in Him was the one way to become a member of God's kingdom (cf. John 3:16-18). Therefore, when He says about babies, "for of such is the kingdom of God," He is telling us that babies can believe (for how else could they enter the kingdom?!). I think of my son and how trusting he is. He will jump because he believes that I will catch him. That is the faith that we are to have. ‘Mustard Seed’ faith; we need to remember that a child who loves the LORD is more legitimate in the eyes of the LORD than a Pharisee who can quote the Torah word for word.
Faith is a gift of the Holy Spirit as much for the adult as for the child (see John 6:44; 1 Cor. 12:3; Eph. 2:1-4).
When the adult believes in Christ it is only because the Holy Spirit, working through the Gospel, has worked the miracle of faith in his heart. So with the infant; If faith, then, is always a miracle, why can we not believe that God would work such miraculous faith in a baby? At what age of reason do Baptists believe that they are ready? My son can tell you that Jesus died for him so that he can go to heaven. Faith like a child… he is three. If he was not already baptized as an infant I as his parent would let him if it were not for his fear of going under water. As if being dunked in water is any different to the Lord then tears on a baby’s brow. Let us not forget GOD can do anything and his son turned water into wine. Surely the amount of water is of no relevance to the Almighty who created all things. Can churches that require immersion of non-immersed, long-time Christians articulate a clear biblical mandate for doing so, especially when ‘New Testament baptism’ is given to those who have made immediate profession of faith?”
I am concerned that I am encouraged to be baptized again because apparently my first baptism, done by my Grandfather Rev. Virgil H. Joss, is apparently worthless. I believe in one baptism in which my church body spoke on my behalf and my parents and sponsors acted as a proxy. It seems sad to me that people must be baptized a second time to be come a member of a Church? That does not seem biblical to me. Forgive me if I have been forward, but we are to discuss with open honesty o faith and beliefs. Our ancestors went far too long with having people think and believe for them. It is our right to read the Bible in our language and to go to GOD our creator with our sins and talk directly with our Father about anything. I have prayed about where I am suppose to be and I feel that I am suppose to be at FBC and will do everything I can to contribute to the body of Christ.
To conclude, there was very little reference, if any, to the Holy Spirit during the sermon. Maybe I am wrong, but I thought The HOLY SPIRIT descended as a dove when Christ was baptized. He is entitled at least a reference. It Baptism is only a symbol I don’t really know "He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying"(Titus 3:5ó8).
I highly doubt anyone will read all of this, but my hope is that people will research for themselves what they really believe. Is it important? I think it is very important the Lord made it His command to Baptize. I think if the Lord was really worried about how it was to be done he would have given us a check list. So basically what I am saying is baptize in the name of the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit.
The Sacrament of Holy Baptism
First
What is Baptism?
Baptism is not just plain water, but it is the water included in God's command and combined
with God's word.
Which is that word of God?
Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Matthew: "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"
(Matthew 28:19).
Second
What benefits does Baptism give?
It works forgiveness of sins, rescues from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all
who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare.
Which are these words and promises of God?
Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Mark: "Whoever believes and is baptized will be
saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned" (Mark 16:16).
Third
How can water do such great things?
Certainly not just water, but the word of God in and with the water does these things, along with
http://lcms.org/bookofconcord/smallcatechism.asp (11 of 23) [7/31/2003 4:25:23 PM]
LCMS: The Small Catechism
the faith which trusts this word of God in the water. For without God's word the water is plain
water and no Baptism. But with the word of God it is a Baptism, that is, a life-giving water, rich
in grace, and a washing of the new birth in the Holy Spirit, as St. Paul says in Titus, chapter
three: "He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He
poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by
His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying"
(Titus 3:5ó8).
Fourth
What does such baptizing with water indicate?
It indicates that the Old Adam in us should by daily contrition and repentance be drowned and
die with all sins and evil desires, and that a new man should daily emerge and arise to live
before God in righteousness and purity forever.
Where is this written?
St. Paul writes in Romans chapter six: "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).
http://www.baptiststandard.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8664&Itemid=53
http://elbourne.org/baptist/whybaptist/08_notinfants.html ( in support of Baptist belief)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/subdivisions/baptist_1.shtml history of the church
http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=3967
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