Objections To Baptism Pt.7

OBJECTION #7: “BAPTISM IS A MERITORIOUS WORK, WHEREAS WE ARE SAVED BY GRACE, NOT WORKS.”

“Works” or “steps” of salvation do not imply that one “merits” his salvation upon obedient compliance with those actions. Rather, “steps” or “a process” signifies the biblical concept of preconditions, stipulations of faith, or acts of obedience—what James called “works” (James 2:17). James was not saying that one can earn his justification (James 2:24). Rather, he was describing the active nature of faith, showing that saving faith, faith that is alive—as opposed to dead and therefore utterly useless (James 2:20)—is the only kind that is acceptable to God, a faith that obeys whatever actions God has indicated must be done. The obedience of both Abraham and Rahab is set forth as illustrative of the kind of faith James says is acceptable. They manifested their trust by actively doing what God wanted done. Such obedient or active trust is the only kind that avails anything. Thus, an obedient response is essential.

The actions themselves are manifestations of this trust that justifies, not the trust itself. But notice that according to James, you cannot have one without the other. Trust, or faith, is dead, until it leads one to obey the specifications God assigned. Here is the essence of salvation that separates those who adhere to biblical teaching from those who have been adversely influenced by the Protestant reformers. The reformers reacted to the unbiblical concept of stacking bad deeds against good deeds in an effort to offset the former by the latter. Unfortunately, the reactionary reformers went to the equally unacceptable, opposite extreme by asserting that man need “only believe” (Luther) or man can do nothing at all (Calvin). The truth is between these two unbiblical extremes.

From Genesis to Revelation, faith is the trusting, obedient reaction that humans manifest in response to what God offers. This is the kind of “justification by faith” that Paul expounded in Romans. Like red flags at the very beginning (Romans 1:5) and at the end (Romans 16:26) of his divinely inspired treatise, he defined what he meant by “faith” with the words “obedient faith” (hupakoeinpisteos), i.e., faith that obeys, obedience which springs from faith. This fact is precisely why God declared His willingness to fulfill the promises He made to Abraham: “because Abraham obeyed My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws” (Genesis 26:5). Hence, in Romans Paul could speak of the necessity of walking “in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham had” (Romans 4:12). Until faith obeys, it is useless and cannot justify.

The Hebrews writer made the same point in Hebrews 11. The faith we see in Old Testament “men of faith” availed only after they obeyed God-given stipulations. God rewards those who “diligently seek Him” in faith (vs. 6). Noah “became heir of the righteousness which is by faith” when he “prepared an ark.” If he had not complied with divine instructions, he would have been branded as “unfaithful.” The thing that made the difference, that constituted the line of demarcation between faith and lack of faith, was obedient action—what James called “works,” and Paul called “faith working through love” (Galatians 5:6). In this sense, even faith is a “work” (John 6:29). Hebrews 11 repeatedly reinforces this eternal principle: (1) God offers grace (which may at any point in history consist of physical blessings, e.g., healing, salvation from enemies, land or property, etc., or spiritual blessings, e.g., justification, forgiveness, salvation from sin, being made righteous, etc.); (2) man responds in obedient trust (i.e., “faith”) by complying with the stipulated terms; and (3) God bestows the blessing.

It would be wrong to think that man’s obedient response earns or merits the subsequent blessing. Such simply does not logically follow. All blessings God bestows on man are undeserved (Luke 17:10). His rich mercy and loving grace is freely offered and made available—though man never deserves such kindness (Titus 2:11). Still, a non-meritorious response is absolutely necessary if unworthy man is to receive certain blessings.

"And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord."  Acts 22:16

Objections To Baptism Pt.6

OBJECTION #6:  "BAPTISM IS LIKE A BADGE ON A UNIFORM THAT MERELY GIVES EVIDENCE THAT THE PERSON IS ALREADY SAVED."

The New Testament nowhere expounds the idea that baptism is merely a “badge” or “outward sign of an inward grace.” Baptism can be biblically referred to as a reenactment; but what does it portray? Previous forgiveness? No! Romans 6 indicates that baptism symbolizes the previous death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Thus the benefits of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection (remember, Jesus’ blood, which blots out sin, was shed in the context of His death, burial, and resurrection) are realized and received by the individual when he obediently (in penitent faith) submits to a similar ordeal, i.e., the death of his own “old man” or “body of sin” (Romans 6:6), burial (immersion into a watery tomb), and resurrection (rising from the watery tomb).

Denominational doctrine maintains that forgiveness of sin is received prior to baptism. If so, the “new life” of the saved individual would also begin prior to baptism. Yet Paul said the “new life” occurs after baptism. He reiterated this to the Colossians who were already baptized Christians. The “putting off of the body of the flesh by Christ’s circumcision” (Colossians 2:11) is accomplished in the context of water immersion and being “risen with Him” (Colossians 2:12). Chapter 3 then draws the important observation: “If then you were raised with Christ [an undeniable reference to baptism], seek those things which are above” [an undeniable reference to the new life which follows—not precedes—baptism].

Objections To Baptism Pt.5

OBJECTION #5: “WE ARE CLOTHED WITH CHRIST AND BECOME HIS CHILDREN WHEN WE PLACE OUR FAITH IN HIM.”

Galatians 3:26-27:

“You are all children of God by faith in Christ Jesus, for as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”

The words “put on” (NKJV) are a translation of the Greek verb enduo which signifies “to enter into, get into, as into clothes, to put on.” Can we be saved prior to “putting Christ on” or “being clothed” with Christ? Of course not. But when and how does one put on Christ according to Paul? When one by faith is baptized in water. Those who teach we can be saved before baptism are, in reality, teaching we can be saved while spiritually naked and without Christ! Paul affirms that we “put on” Christ at the point of our baptism by faith in Jesus, the He will do something for us that we cannot do for ourselves—not before.

Paul wrote these words to people who were already saved. They had been made “sons of God by faith.” But how? At what point had they “been clothed with Christ”? When were they made “sons of God by faith”? When were they saved? Paul makes the answer to these questions very plain: they were united with Christ, had put on Christ, and were clothed with Christ—when they were baptized by faith in Him.

Ask yourself if you have been clothed with Christ the way He dresses new Saints.

What Does The Cross Really Mean?

It's Thanksgiving time again in America. The country and its people have a lot to be thankful for. But are we and the rest of mankind truly thankful about what one certain man did for all of us 2000 years ago?

In reminding the Corinthian Christians of the gospel, Paul gives us a list of things of first importance. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.

"For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,"

The cross is not about a person at work who derides me of my faith and wants to be agnostic.

It's not about shoring up the foundations of my faith so I can challenge those about my Christianity.

The cross is not a challenge to them out there, the cross is a challenge to me.

I am the one confronted by the one who died there. I must make a decision about the one who died there, I must look at the cross because it effects me.

The cross is not about mastering a set of facts, or knowing information about how many manuscripts of where the bible comes from or when it was translated from the Hebrew, or knowing all kinds of proofs that evolution is wrong.

The cross is about my relationship with the one who died on it. The cross is about what that one taught and what he said and what he did and how he calls on me to respond to his cross.

The cross stands at the absolute center of Christianity to be a follower of the one who died upon it. That is what the cross is about.

Are you thankful and Do you want to become a Saint? Then what will you do with the Cross?

Objections To Baptism Pt.4

OBJECTION #4: “A PERSON IS SAVED THE MOMENT HE ACCEPTS CHRIST AS HIS PERSONAL SAVIOR—WHICH PRECEDES AND THEREFORE EXCLUDES WATER BAPTISM.”

To suggest that all one has to do to receive the forgiveness of God and become a Christian is to mentally accept Jesus into his heart and make a verbal statement to that effect, is to dispute the declaration of Jesus in Matthew 7:21—

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.”

To be sure, oral confession of Christ is one of the prerequisites to salvation (Romans 10:10). But Jesus said there is more to becoming a blood-bought follower of His than verbally “calling on his name” or “inwardly accepting Him as Savior.” He stated that before we can even consider ourselves as God’s children (Christians/Saints), we must show our acceptance of His gift through outward obedience—

“He that does the will of My Father.”

Notice the significant contrast Jesus made: the difference between mental/verbal determination to accept and follow the Lord, versus verbal confession coupled with action or obedience (cf. James 2:14,17). This is why we must do everything the Lord has indicated must be done prior to salvation. Jesus is telling us that it is possible to make the mistake of claiming we have found the Lord, when we have not done what He plainly told us to do.

Jesus said: “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). Jesus also stated: “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16).

Honestly, have you accepted Christ as your personal savior—in the way He said it must be done? He asks:

“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46).

Objections To Baptism Pt.3

OBJECTION #3: "THE BIBLE SAYS, 'CHRIST STANDS AT THE DOOR OF YOUR HEART,' AND ALL WE HAVE TO DO TO BE FORGIVEN OF SIN AND BECOME A CHRISTIAN IS TO INVITE HIM INTO OUR HEARTS."

It is no doubt startling to discover that the Bible simply does not say such a thing. The phraseology is reminiscent of Revelation 3:20—the passage usually invoked to support the idea. But examine what Revelation 3:20 actually teaches. Revelation chapters 2 and 3 consist of seven specific messages directed to seven churches of Christ in Asia Minor in the first century. Thus, at the outset, we must recognize that Revelation 3:20 is addressed to Christians—not non-Christians seeking conversion to Christ.

Second, Revelation 3:20 is found among Christ’s remarks to the church in Laodicea. Jesus made clear that the church had moved into a lost condition. The members were unacceptable to God since they were “lukewarm” (3:16). They had become unsaved since their spiritual condition was “wretched and miserable and poor” (3:17). Thus, in a very real sense, Jesus had abandoned them by removing His presence from their midst. Now He was on the outside looking in. He still wanted to be among them, but the decision was up to them. They had to recognize His absence, hear Him knocking for admission, and open the door—all of which is figurative language indicating their need to repent (3:19). They needed to return to the obedient lifestyle essential to sustaining God’s favor (John 14:21,23).

Observe that Revelation 3:20 in no way supports the idea that non-Christians merely have to “open the door of their heart” and “invite Jesus in” with the assurance that the moment they mentally/verbally do so, Jesus comes into their heart and they are simultaneously saved from all past sin and have become Christians. The context of Revelation 3:20 shows that Jesus was seeking readmission into an apostate church.

Does the Bible teach that Christ comes into a person’s heart? Yes, but not in the way the religious world suggests. For instance, Ephesians 3:17 states that Christ dwells in the heart through faith. Faith can be acquired only by hearing biblical truth (Romans 10:17). When Bible truth is obeyed, the individual is “saved by faith” (Hebrews 5:9; James 2:22; 1 Peter 1:22). Thus Christ enters our lives when we “draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience [i.e, repentance] and our bodies washed with pure water [i.e., baptism]” (Hebrews 10:22).

Objections To Baptism Pt.2

OBJECTION #2: “THE THIEF ON THE CROSS WAS NOT BAPTIZED, AND HE WAS SAVED.”

When we “handle right the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15), we see that the thief was not subject to the New Testament command of immersion because this command was not given until after the thief’s death. It was not until Christ was resurrected that He said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16). It was not until Christ’s death that the Old Testament ceased, signified by the tearing of the Temple curtain (Matthew 27:51). When Jesus died, He took away the Old Testament, “nailing it to the cross” (Colossians 2:14).

The word “testament” means “covenant” or “will.” The last will and testament of Christ is the New Testament, which consists of those teachings that apply to people after the death of Christ. If we expect to receive the benefits of the New Testament (salvation, forgiveness of sin, eternal life), we must submit to the terms of the will for which Christ is mediator (Hebrews 9:15), for “where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator; for a testament is of force after men are dead; otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator lives” (Hebrews 9:16-17).

So prior to the Lord’s death and the sealing of the New Testament, the baptism for the forgiveness of sins that would be in effect after the crucifixion was not a requirement for those who sought to be acceptable to God. Indeed, while Jesus was on Earth in person, He exercised His authority to forgive sin (Matthew 9:6). People now, however, live during the Christian era of religious history. Prior to Christ’s death, there were no Christians (Acts 11:26). For a person to reject water baptism as a prerequisite to salvation on the basis of what the thief did or did not do, is comparable to Abraham seeking salvation by building an ark—because that’s what Noah did to please God. It would be like the rich young ruler (Matthew 19) refusing Christ’s directive to sell all his possessions—because wealthy King David did not have to sell his possessions in order to please God.

The thief on the cross could not have been baptized the way the new covenant stipulates you and I must be baptized. Why? Romans 6:3-4 teaches that if we wish to acquire “newness of life,” we must be baptized into Christ’s death, be buried with Christ in baptism, and then be raised from the dead. There was no way for the thief to comply with this New Testament baptism—Christ had not died! Christ had not been buried! Christ had not been raised! In fact, none of God’s ordained teachings pertaining to salvation in Christ (2 Timothy 2:10), and in His body the Church (Acts 2:47; Ephesians 1:22-23), had been given. The church, which Christ’s shed blood purchased (Acts 20:28), had not been established, and was not set up until weeks later (Acts 2).

We must not look to the thief as an example of salvation. Instead, we must obey “from the heart that form of doctrine” (Romans 6:17)—the form of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection through baptism by faith (Romans 6:3-4). Only then can we be “made free from sin to become the servants of righteousness as citizens of His kingdom.” (Romans 6:18).

Objections To Baptism Pt.1

OBJECTION #1: “JESUS COULD NOT HAVE BEEN BAPTIZED FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS BECAUSE HE WAS SINLESS; THEREFORE, PEOPLE TODAY ARE NOT BAPTIZED IN ORDER TO BE FORGIVEN. THEY MERELY IMITATE JESUS’ EXAMPLE.”

The baptism to which Jesus submitted Himself was John’s baptism (Matthew 3:13; Mark 1:9). John’s baptism was for the remission of sins (Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3). This truth is particularly evident from the fact that when Jesus presented Himself to John for baptism, John sought to deter Him, noting that, if anything, Jesus needed to baptize John (Matthew 3:14). Jesus did not correct John, as many seek to do today, by falsely arguing that baptism is not for remission of sins. Rather, Jesus, in effect, agreed with John, but made clear that His baptism was an exception to the rule.

Jesus’ baptism was unique and not to be compared to anyone else’s baptism. Jesus’ baptism had the unique purpose of “fulfilling all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15). In other words, it was necessary for Jesus to submit to John’s baptism (1) to show His contemporaries that no one is exempt from submitting to God’s will and (2) more specifically, Christ’s baptism was God’s appointed means of pinpointing for the world the precise identity of His Son. It was not until John saw the Spirit of God descending on Jesus and heard the voice (“This is My Son...”) that he knew that “this is the Son of God” (John 1:31-34; Matthew 3:16-17).

Of course, John’s baptism is no longer valid (Acts 18:24-19:5). John’s baptism paralleled New Testament baptism in the sense that both were for the forgiveness of sins. But John’s baptism was transitional in nature, preparing Jews for their Messiah. Baptism after the cross is for all people (Matthew 28:19), in Jesus’ name (Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38; 19:5), into His death (Romans 6:3), in order to be clothed with Him (Galatians 3:27), and added to His church (Acts 2:47; 1 Corinthians 12:13). We must not use Jesus’ baptism to suggest that salvation occurs prior to baptism.

By Dave Miller, Ph.D

Apologetics Press

What Is The Gospel?

In the world today under the banner of Christendom we see many so-called Gospels being taught, believed and practiced. Well which one is the true and only Gospel spoken of in Gods Word, the Bible? And is it important to know the difference? 

Just so we have a foundation of truth to begin this short study, here is The Gospel as penned by the Holy Spirit inspired Apostle Paul:

1 Corinthians 15:1-8

"Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.

For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time."

So, the Gospel is defined as being the "death," "burial," and "resurrection," of Christ and that is all that is in the Gospel.

Let us first consider a number of the terms that are used to depict the “no-longer-lost” state. Here are several: saved, forgiven, delivered, cleansed, blotted out, washed, redeemed, life, set free, etc.

Lets reflect upon a number of New Testament texts in which these various expressions are connected with conditions preliminary to the reception of the associated goal. Along the way, we must remind ourselves that we are seeking biblical harmony among these passages — not contradiction. The Bible, being the inspired word of God, is harmonious. No “interpretation” may be placed on one text that forces it to conflict with another on the same theme. Note the following.

Belief + baptism = salvation (Mk. 16:16)

Belief = eternal life (Jn. 3:16)

Repentance + baptism = forgiveness (Acts 2:38)

Receiving the word + baptism = saved (Acts 2:41, 47)

Repentance + turning = sins blotted out (Acts 3:19)

Belief + baptism = rejoicing (Acts 8:37-39; 16:31-34)

Repentance = life (Acts 11:18)

Baptized = washing away of sins (Acts 22:16)

Faith = justification (Rom. 5:1)

Raised from baptism = newness of life (Rom. 6:3-4)

Obedience = righteousness (Rom. 6:16)

Obedience = delivered from sin (Rom 6:17)

Belief + confession = salvation (Rom. 10:9-10)

Washed + sanctified = justified (1 Cor. 6:11)

Baptism = in one body (1 Cor. 12:13)

Baptism = in Christ (Gal. 3:27)

Faith = salvation (Eph. 2:8)

Washing of water + word = cleansing (Eph. 5:26)

Washing + renewing = salvation (Tit. 3:5)

Baptism = salvation and good conscience (1 Pet. 3:21)

If one synthesizes the data in these texts he can come only to one conclusion. The following conditions are inherent to the divine plan of human salvation — belief, repentance, confession of faith, and baptism in water for remission of sins. The result of submitting to these inspired conditions is — salvation, forgiveness, justification, newness of life, and being in Christ, or in the one body a new citizen of His church.

The following is a gospel proclamation of a popular church movement in Southern California.

WHAT IS THE GOSPEL?

WE ARE A CHURCH OF COMMUNITIES LIVING OUT THE GOSPEL TOGETHER.

The Gospel is a story of “good news.” Thousands of years ago, God created this world and everything in it. He created people, men and women like you and me, so that they would know Him and be with Him. But God’s people quickly turned their backs on Him and chose their own way. When they did, a new reality of darkness and distance from God ushered in. However, God set a plan in motion to reclaim this creation that He loved and longed to be with. He sent His Son, Jesus, into the world as a way back to Himself. Through His life, Jesus taught us what God is like. Through His death, He took the judgment for our wrongdoing. Through His resurrection, He opened the door for us to have life with God for all of eternity. And now, through His Holy Spirit, He continues to draw people into His story and make their lives new.

WHY DOES IT NEED TO BE LIVED OUT?

The Gospel is a story that changes lives. For centuries, this story has rescued all kinds of people from lives of brokenness and has brought hope, meaning, and newness. In view of that, this is not just a story to be told. As we continue to encounter the Gospel and find our place in it, we want to live in light of its hope and promises. This means that we see our place in the world through a new lens – as men and women who show the people around us what the Author of the Gospel story is like.

WHY TOGETHER?

The Gospel is a story of togetherness. God did not create us to be alone. He created us for community with Himself and with the rest of His creation. So as we find our place in this story, we don’t have to live it out by ourselves. God has given us one another with the intent that we would do this together. Not only does that benefit us, but as we step into the kind of Church that God wants us to be, we want our love for each other to represent Him to the world in compelling ways.

So here is the question. Do you see the obvious differences between the gospel from Heaven in 1 Corinthians 15 and the gospel of man above? The content and intentions are dramatically opposed to each other for which the latter really is no gospel of Jesus Christ whatsoever.

Conclusion:

What it comes down to is, obedience to Christ is the only way to recognize, hear and obey the gospel correctly. This video presentation represents the true gospel and response to it to salvation.

Blessings:

Sin And The Cross

Many people think of God only as a God of love, always on hand to help when things go wrong and bound in the end to forgive everybody's sins and receive them into heaven forever. This idea is fatally misleading. The Bible certainly tells us that ‘God is love' (1 John 1:8), but also that he is ‘majestic in holiness' (Exodus 15:11) and that ‘the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men' (Romans 1:18).

Some thoughts on Sin and what the Cross of Christ tells us.

The cross of Christ tells us that sin is a Curse,

When used as an ornament around the neck, a cross says little about the ugliness of sin. But when we look at sin through the cross of Christ, we see sin as God does: ugly, deforming, condemning, separating man from his Creator. Sin is so terrible that it made God send His only begotten Son to the cross to pay for its cost. Las Vegas does not present a true picture of sin. In the nightclubs and on TV, sin is glamorous, gaudy, fun, enticing, exhilarating. But sin causes death and separation from God (Rom. 6:23, Isa. 59:1-2). Jesus became a curse for us, hanging on the cross (Gal. 3:13), and I should see this when I see the cross.

The cross of Christ tells us that Reconciliation was made,

So long as man was in sin, he could not be right with God, but, was in fact an enemy. With our best intentions and greatest works, we could not bring about this healing of enmity to reconciliation. Since atonement was made by Jesus sacrifice on the cross, it was possible for God to invite man back into a saved relationship. Paul said that this was the great work of the apostles, "appointed by God to be ambassadors, entreating on behalf of God, be ye reconciled unto God" (2 Cor. 5:18-20). Note that atonement precedes reconciliation and that God had to initiate them both due to our sinful condition. I should see this when I see the cross.

The cross of Christ tells us that Substitution was made,

"The soul that sins shall die" (Ezek. 18:4). I sinned, therefore I ought to die. But thanks be to God that His grace permitted it to be different. As the story of Abraham and Isaac and the substitute ram for sacrifice foreshadowed it, the cross declares it plainly. Jesus Christ was sent by God to be a substitute for me. He took my punishment and death. "By his stripes we are healed" (Isa. 53:5). I should see this when I see the cross.

The cross of Christ shows us the painful payment of Justice served,

Propitiation is a two-part act that involves appeasing the wrath of an offended person and being reconciled to him. It is not an everyday word, but it is vitally important that we understand it. ‘Propitiation' means appeasing an offended person (God) by paying the penalty (Jesus sacrifice) he demands for the offence (our sin). Here is a simple example.

A young lady appears in court for a traffic ticket. The judge must ask her – “Guilty or Not Guilty?” She responds, “Guilty your honor.”

After court the judge walks over to the cashier’s window, pulls out his billfold and pays the young lady’s fine with no questions asked. He then turns to the young lady and says, “Your debt is paid free and clear my estranged and beloved daughter.”

The lesson is, the judge (God) by His law and justice had to pronounce his daughters (Gods children) guilt plea, and it was painful. But he paid the debt (on the cross) of her infraction for breaking the legal code without question. The judge has removed (cleansed) her debt (sin) from the ensuing charge (judgment) of guilt.

‘In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins' (1 John 4:10).

The cross of Christ tells us that fellowship with God is possible,

Now that atonement has been made and reconciliation is possible, I can be forgiven. While atonement was made for the sins of the world, not all men will be saved. Not all will obey the call of the gospel through the apostles, to be reconciled to God by the cross. To some, the word of the cross is "foolishness;" to others, it is a "stumbling block" (1 Cor. 1). But if we reject the cross and the word of the cross, we reject reconciliation. If we reject reconciliation, we reject the peace with God that forgiveness brings. If we accept the cross, we may enter into a relationship with God reminiscent of that between Adam and Eve and God in the garden before sin intruded. Fellowship in a mutual sharing in heavenly matters is found only in Christ. I should see this when I see the cross.

The cross of Christ tells us that I must become dead to the world and alive to God,

"If then ye have been risen with Christ. . . " (Col. 3: 1) presupposes that we have died with Christ. "For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God" (Col. 3:3). But how does one become dead to sin? "How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we were buried with him through baptism into death: that just as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of his death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of his resurrection: knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin" (Rom. 6:2-6). Yes, we must crucify the old man of sin. We must walk in newness of life after having been buried in Christ (Rom. 6:4). How is all this done? The bible says it is done when we are baptized “into Christ” (not prayed into) for remission of sins (Acts 2:38, 22:16, Col. 2:11-12, Gal 3:27). I should see this when I see the cross.

There is a cross for us to bear,

It is not a silver or gold ornament with no real meaning but that of vanity and false humiliation. The cross that Jesus bore was that of "obedience unto death, yea, the death of the cross" (Phil. 2:8). All the ornamental jewelry and superstitious architecture in the world will not bring us any closer to the service of God unless we in fact understand the cost of bearing one’s own cross.

Sacrificial Service,

Christ stated on more than one occasion, "And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it" (Matthew 10:38-39, 16:24-25; Mark 8:34-35, Luke 9:23-24, 14:27).

Are you wearing your cross, or are you bearing it?

DON'T JUDGE ME!!!

Proverbs 12:1, “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.” Yep, many versions of the Bible use the word “stupid.” KJV uses “brutish” from which the word stupid comes from.

To paraphrase – If you love learning, you love discipline that goes with it.

Let’s admit we Christians have habits of saying certain things out loud or in our heads. I believe these words and phrases act like roadblocks to our growth, transformation and maturity in Christ. After all, the goal of a Christian is to be transformed into the likeness of Christ through His Holy Word. To be different people than we are now - tomorrow. We want sin to be a lesser part of our lives than it was yesterday. We want to love God more tomorrow than we do today right? So, during our journey and transformation there are roadblocks we set up that we need to take down. One of these roadblocks is – We have to stop using bible words in the wrong way. One particular phrase we often hear used is “Don’t judge me.”

The poster could read in today’s culture even among Christians – “If you want to be happy, get rid of all the negativity in your life” Matthew 7:1 right? Who wants negativity in their life? I will tell you who - People who want to grow… Did you get that? But even Christians forget or don’t understand this verse. Jesus is teaching not to over judge by our standards, and not to judge their fellow Jews by tradition and the law as the Pharisee’s did out of hypocrisy. They judged with wrong judgments.

What Jesus says in John 7:24, “Don’t judge by appearances, but judge with right judgement.” In other words, there is a time to judge and a time not to judge. There is a way to judge and a way not to judge. But this post isn’t about the theological understanding of judging, it’s about the judging by someone of me or you. Its personal.

As the Proverb says, whoever ignores instruction despises himself. - If our goal is maturity, growth, intelligence and spirituality, then we must listen to correction and criticism. Do we have an attitude of seeking correction and criticism? Why would we do that? Because we love knowledge and pursuing God! The question is, by who do we seek knowledge and spiritual criticism? Someone who has lived life and is wise among the brethren who has the stripes of life to be able to constructively help counsel us in the way of the Lord.`

The people of Jesus day judged Him for all kinds of things didn’t they? Jesus response was not – “Don’t judge Me.” His response was “Judge with righteous judgement” John 7:24

If a brother or sister in Christ rightly judges us, we put up a roadblock to keep out all the negativity in our lives, and we will keep it out. But, we will keep ourselves from growing, we will limit ourselves from being transformed in His image. The question is, “Is this judgement I am receiving right?” Not do I like them or not or its mom and dad, I have heard a lifetime of advice from them. Do I like the tone of voice they took rightly judging me? I’m just going to discount their righteous advice, I’m my own person now. Those aren’t the questions we ought to ask. The questions we need to ask are, “Is their judgement right, is it biblical, is it sound, healthy and wise? If so then listen to them and grow driving through this Don’t Judge Me roadblock ridding it from our vocabulary.

James 1:19-20, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”

Amen.

Is the Holy Spirit With You In Prayer?

Around A.D. 57, Apostle Paul speaking by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to the church audience in Rome gives the Christian a brief yet very powerful ray of light on the free assistance given when they pray.

Romans 8:26-27, “In like manner the Spirit also helps our infirmity. For we know not how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And He who searches the hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”

Do we really have the help of the Holy Spirit in our prayers, and is God actually hearing us? This short presentation will help the Christian understand how the Spirit helps and represents them in their prayers.

HERE are more Holy Spirit Faq’s for further study.

Jesus Says, Can You Hear Me Now?

Do you remember those cell phone ad's that would say,

"Can you hear me now, can you hear me now?"

When Jesus talked to His disciples He talked about His death a lot making them greatly distressed (Matt 17:22-23). And as this podcast by Mark Roberts relates, He found Himself saying to them, "Can you hear Me now?" The question is, do we hear Him now, are we missing the cross?

updated 4/12/16

Are We The Only Humans?

Those who believe life evolved on the earth usually see it as virtual ‘fact’ that life has evolved on countless other planets. Discovering life on other planets would in turn be seen as confirming their evolutionary belief. But even many Christians think, ‘God must have created life elsewhere, otherwise this enormous universe would be an awful waste of space.’ This seems to be the major underlying reason why people think that there must be other life 'out there'. However, our thinking should be based on what God said He did (the Bible), and not what we think He would, should or might have done. If you struggle with this question you are not alone. I venture to say 99 out of 100 people if asked this question will say yes. There are other humans/aliens ‘out there.’ May I suggest to the believer and non-believer alike, the earth and we humans are actually very unique, and the only humans that exist. Let’s read Psalm 8:3-9 written by King David through Gods inspiration.

3 When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained,

4 What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him?

5 For You have made him a little lower than the angels, And You have crowned him with glory and honor.

6 You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet,

7 All sheep and oxen— Even the beasts of the field,

8 The birds of the air, And the fish of the sea That pass through the paths of the seas.

9 O Lord, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth!

Man’s uniqueness in the Universe is implied in Psalm 8. When David reflected upon the splendor of the heavens, he wondered: ‘What is man that Jehovah has so benevolently blessed him with all this marvelous creation?’ He appears to suggest that man stands alone in the Universe in this regard. The great scholar George Rawlinson once noted that the thought that he who made the heavens should have such regard for humanity “is well nigh overwhelming.” Thus, rather than suggesting that man is but an insignificant speck in the Universe, this passage reveals that the Lord has bestowed a signal honor upon him who is created in his very image (Gen. 1:26).

Next, God appointed man to have dominion over the creation. Humanity, because of sin, has failed to perfectly achieve that task. Ultimately, however, the epitome of manhood, the Lord Jesus, will demonstrate his supremacy over the entire creation. This appears to be why the writer of Hebrews gives the 8th Psalm a messianic application (cf. Heb. 2:6-8). We do not believe, as some allege, that the author took the original reference out of context and gave it a meaning alien to its intended design. Rather, the Holy Spirit, who inspired both writers, saw a partial application to man, and then an ultimate fulfillment in the Son of man.

CHRISTIAN COURIER

By Faith

In Jesus' Name

1 Tim 1:12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.

John 14:13-14 Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it

There is a general principle in Christian prayer that it is usually directed to the Father in the name of Jesus. Jesus himself taught the apostles that after his departure they would ask in his name, and their requests would be granted (John 14:13-14, 15:16, 16:23-24, 26). Jesus himself prayed to the Father and taught the disciples to do so (Matt. 6:9-13), and generally the apostles did so (Eph. 3:14-15 for example).

However, Jesus did speak of the disciples asking him (John 14:13-14) and Paul spoke of giving thanks to Christ (1 Tim. 1:12). We know that Stephen, in his last breath, spoke to the Lord Jesus (Acts 7:59-60) and that John in his excitement for Christ’s return did likewise in a prayerful expression (“come Lord Jesus,” Rev. 22:20). The apostles’ prayer in Acts 1:24-25 seems to have been directed to Jesus, whom they regularly called Lord, and who had the authority to choose an apostle. The apostles’ prayer in Acts 4:24-30 is directed to God, “Sovereign Lord.” So while it is generally appropriate to address prayers to the Father, especially public prayers, not all Christian prayers are so directed. Since Jesus is at the right hand of God (Acts 2:33), and there is no jealousy or competition but only perfect cooperation in the Godhead (John 17:10), there is no reason to doubt that the Lord Jesus and the Father are quite capable of understanding any and all of the requests and prayers of Christians.

The New Testament doesn’t provide scripted prayer examples of what it means to ask “in Jesus’ name.” The prayer in Acts 4:24-30 does mention Jesus’ name in the final recorded phrase, but this is in the context of a request for miracles rather than a formal closing expression for the prayer. The prayer of Paul in Eph. 3:14-21 also mentions the name of Jesus toward the end, in the context of praise, and not seemingly as a formula of closure for the prayer. In fact, if we consider other things that are to be done “in Jesus’ name” it seems clear that the phrase conveys the idea of doing things “by Jesus’ authority” rather than a verbal formula.

Disciples of Jesus were to do mighty deeds in the name of Jesus (Mark 16:17-18, Acts 4:30). We have examples of verbally invoking the name of Jesus to perform miracles (Acts 3:6, 16:18). We also have examples of miracles performed without a word (Acts 5:15-16, 19:11-12) and miracles in which the words spoken did not include the name of Jesus (Acts 14:8-9). Since the mighty deeds were to be done in the name of Jesus, those done silently or without verbal mention of his name must have been “in his name” even though there was no verbal formula. This is because “in his name” is a matter of being “in him,” a matter of having authority from him, rather than the technicality of a verbal formula (see 1 Pet. 4:14-16). It is always appropriate that the name of Jesus be mentioned when acting by his authority, but a Christian can act by his authority without necessarily mentioning his name. On the other hand, one who is not a Christian can mention Jesus’ name and still not be acting “in his name” (Acts 19:13-16, for example).

The New Testament instructs us to do many things in Jesus’ name, including welcoming a child (Matt. 18:5), assembling together (Matt. 18:20, 1 Cor. 5:4), being baptized (Acts 2:38, 10:48), giving thanks (Eph. 5:20), and indeed “whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17 NIV) These instructions cannot be about stating a particular formula when doing each of these things, although again it is always good to affirm the name of Jesus, but are about doing things because we ourselves as Christians bear the name of Christ and act in his name.

For the sake of recognition and understanding, it is always appropriate that a public prayer should mention the name of Jesus, invoking his authority for all to hear. Not because God needs to hear it, but because those hearing the prayer may need to hear it. Likewise, it is always appropriate that a public prayer be concluded with an “amen” so that those who hear understand that the prayer is concluded. This is not a rule or law, but an appropriate device for concluding public prayer. Since the Lord “knows those who are his” (2 Tim. 2:19) and we have a living way of access to the throne of God by the blood of Jesus (Heb. 10:19-22) telling God that we come in Jesus’ name is not needed, but sometimes telling men that we have approached God in Jesus’ name is important.

Since the Lord “knows those who are his” and we have one who speaks to the Father in our behalf (1 John 2:1) and the Holy Spirit himself presents needs we can’t even verbalize to the Father (Rom. 8:26), we should, as Hebrews 10:19-22 urges, approach the throne with confidence and full assurance. It is not a verbal formula, but God’s grace in Christ and the working of the Holy Spirit that makes this possible.

Jesus told his disciples that those who do what he commands are his friends (John 15:13-15). We are also called his brothers (Heb. 2:11) and children (Heb. 2:13). Friends, brothers, and children can speak to their friend, brother, or parent in all circumstances, without needing a formula or formality. Conversing with a friend can be very free and move quickly from topic to topic, since friends know one another. Conversations can be interrupted and resumed easily. Surely the Lord is not going to be confused or offended where even a human friend could handle such conversations. When there are guests, additional formality may be called for in a family, and so also with public prayer when others hear, but in personal intimacy direct speech is usually appropriate. This is the sort of approach Stephen made to Christ as he was being stoned, brief and urgent. It is also the sort of prayer Nehemiah raised silently to God when before the king (Neh. 2:4-5). Prayer, as personal conversation with the Father or with Jesus, does not have to be aloud or formal (1 Sam. 1:13, 1 Cor. 14:28). Since this is the case, moments of conversation with God are possible, and really commanded (pray without ceasing, 1 Thess. 5:17; pray in the Spirit on all occasions, Eph. 6:18). The prayer life Paul commanded only makes sense if we can talk to God anytime, anywhere, without formality, and without supposing that an interruption (precluding a closing formality) would invalidate our prayer. A Christian saying “thank you, Lord” or “Lord, save me” will be heard by God. God hears his people when they speak (Mal. 3:16) and knows the very thoughts and intents of the heart (Heb. 4:12-13, Matt. 9:4). Christians can and should speak to God with a thought, when driving down the road or lying down in bed, and our intent should be to do “all things” in the name of Jesus, which calls for a way of life under his authority, and not just a formal phrase imposed upon public prayers.

Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

A God Fashioned Body

Cumberland Heights church of Christ

Preacher Doug Downs gives us a glimpse into the 1st century church congregations in the book of Acts penned by the disciple, Luke the physician. Some of the points covered are:

• Very first gospel sermon by Apostle Peter after being filled with the Holy Spirit Jesus promised.

• Some of their questions may have been: How are we going to live, how are we going to act, what are we going to talk about, what’s important, how do we deal with moral situations, Whats Gods view on marriage, view on family, view on children? How should we worship, what do we do with our free time, how do I use my money, what about my language, how do I treat other people, what about the Gentiles - What does God expect of us?

• How the very first converts into Christ were just Christians.
• The logistics of baptizing and fellowshiping 3,000 people that first day.
• The purity of the Lords church in the beginning.
• How did these first converts prepare themselves to go back home and face the world?
• How easy it is to become a Christian.
• How the first converts realized salvation is in the Cross and the blood, not by works or church.
• How the Jewish hearers responded to Peters sermon.
• Why did God choose the command to be baptized in the name of Jesus?
• Did Peter preach that making a decision for Jesus in ones heart and mind is Gods way?
• The hearers witnessing of the Holy Spirit and the promise of God to gift Him to those who repented and were baptized into Christ.
• The uncomplicated simplicity and togetherness of the Lords church.
• Is our congregations today as pure and simplistic as the first churches, and should they be?