A sobering thought:
wonder what would happen if we treated our Bibles like we treat our cell phones.
What if we carried it around in our purse or pockets?
What if we turned around to go get it if we forgot it?
What if we flipped through it several times a day?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn’t live w/out it?
What if we gave it to kids as gifts?
What if we used it as we traveled?
What if we used it in case of an emergency?
This is something to make you go...Hmm… where is my Bible?
Oh, and one more thing. Unlike our cell phones, we never have to be worried about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus has already paid the bill!!!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Baptism
Baptism: Remission or Identification
Romans 6:1-4
Introduction:
1. One of the most hotly contested issues in contemporary Christendom centers on whether or not baptism is for the remission of sins.
2. We commonly find that our religious neighbors teach baptism is to identify with the congregation.
3. But we insist that baptism is for the forgiveness of sin.
4. Who is right? How do we decide?
Body:
I. First, what do we believe?
A. We do not believe that baptism saves as a work that earns salvation.
B. We do, however, believe that baptism saves as a work of faith that accesses salvation
James 2:14-26- What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food,
16 and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?
17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
18 But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe--and tremble!
20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar?
22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?
23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." And he was called the friend of God.
24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.
25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?
26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
II. If baptism is for identification answer these questions.
A. Why did Simon Peter answer those looking to be forgiven by telling them to repent and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins
Acts 2:36-38- "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."
37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?"
38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
No way to argue causal EIS here. Notice that the phrase "for the remission of sins" is used by Jesus. (Matthew 26:28)- For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
If for is "because" than Jesus died on the cross because God had already forgiven the sins of the world. That will not work.
B. Why did the Eunuch request baptism after having Jesus preached to him, even though he was on a lonely road? Why did he rejoice after baptism rather than belief?
Acts 8:35-39- Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him.
36 Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?"
37 Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
38 So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.
39 Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing.
C. Why was the jailer immediately baptized at midnight with only his family present
Acts 16:32-33- 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house.
33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized.
D. Why do we never find baptism deliberately delayed in the New Testament as it often is by denominations today?
E. Why was the repentant, believer Paul told to Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sin calling on His name
Acts 22:16- And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.'
F. Why were the Roman Christians asked to recall their baptism as the time when they had been raised to walk in newness of life
Romans 6:3-4- Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?
4 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.
G. Why were those in the churches of Galatia told that they were sons of God through faith, For as many of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ
Galatians 3:26-27- For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
H. Why is baptism never put after salvation in a verse, but always before?
I. Why is a washing or water often associated with salvation
Acts 22:16- And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
Ephesians 5:26- that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word,
Titus 3:5- not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,
John 3:5- Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
I Peter 3:20-21- who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.
21 There is also an antitype which now saves us--baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
I Corinthians 6:11- And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.
1 Cor 6:11 (NKJV)
J. Why does Peter say baptism now saves you
I Peter 3:21- There is also an antitype which now saves us--baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
The relative pronoun here they would say refers to Noah and the faith that he had, but it has tomatch its antecedent in gender number and case and the only thing that matces is water. Hmph?
K. Why do we not hear from denominational pulpits Peter’s response to those wanting to be Christians?
L. Why do almost all conversions in Acts mention baptism while many of those accounts do not mention belief?
M. Why does the Bible say that we are saved not by faith alone
James 2:24- You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.
That’s the only time we see the phrase “faith only” and its negated!!!!!!
N. Why are we never told to believe into Christ, but we are told to be baptized into Christ Matthew 28:18-20
Romans 6:3-4
O. Why did Jesus say that He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved
Mark 16:16- this is an obvious progression here!!!!
The Evidence Is Overwhelming.
A. Baptism is linked to salvation, forgiveness, newness of life, new birth, washing away sins, becoming a Christian, being clothed with Christ, being sons of God, being saved, being sanctified, regenerated, etc..
B. Baptism is never deliberately postponed.
C. People are baptized in isolated circumstances and at unusual times.
D. Belief alone is said not to save, while baptism is said to save in association with Jesus resurrection.
E. Baptism is said to be the way into Christ.
III. But What About……
A. Acts 16:30-31? (Turn and read)
1. Indeed, the jailer did need to believe to be saved.
2. Believing, however, included baptism (v. 34).
a. His rejoicing occurred after his baptism.
b. James 2:21-24 shows that saving faith includes whatever is the appropriate response of faith.
c. Apart from the commanded response, faith is dead.
B. Acts 10:44-48?
(Turn and read)
1. The Holy Spirit fell on Cornelius before he was baptized - wouldn’t that mean that he was saved before baptism?
a. He had the Holy Spirit fall on him before he heard or believed the gospel
Acts 11:15- And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning.
b. Peter had not told him what he must do
Acts 10:6- He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do."
22- And they said, "Cornelius the centurion, a just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was divinely instructed by a holy angel to summon you to his house, and to hear words from you."
32-33- 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."
The H.S. came before Peter told them how to be saved!
2. Cornelius was baptized, even though Peter was apparently concerned that some might try to forbid his baptism
Acts 10:47-48- "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.
Acts 11:1-3- Now the apostles and brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.
2 And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him,
3 saying, "You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them!"
a. Why would Peter have been concerned about people forbidding baptism if it were unnecessary?
b. If belief alone was required, why no objection to belief?
C. Paul’s conversion
Acts 9:1-19 (Turn and read)
22:1-16(Turn and read)
26:12-18 (Turn and read)
1. It is commonly assumed that Paul was saved on the road to Damascus.
2. Acts 22:16 shows that Paul was still in his sinful condition prior to his baptized.
Conclusion:
1. Baptism is for the remission of sins.
2. Not in isolation, but in association with: the preaching of the Gospel, belief, repentance, confession, and most importantly the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.
3. Don’t delay, “Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on His name.”
Romans 6:1-4
Introduction:
1. One of the most hotly contested issues in contemporary Christendom centers on whether or not baptism is for the remission of sins.
2. We commonly find that our religious neighbors teach baptism is to identify with the congregation.
3. But we insist that baptism is for the forgiveness of sin.
4. Who is right? How do we decide?
Body:
I. First, what do we believe?
A. We do not believe that baptism saves as a work that earns salvation.
B. We do, however, believe that baptism saves as a work of faith that accesses salvation
James 2:14-26- What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food,
16 and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?
17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
18 But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe--and tremble!
20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar?
22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?
23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." And he was called the friend of God.
24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.
25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?
26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
II. If baptism is for identification answer these questions.
A. Why did Simon Peter answer those looking to be forgiven by telling them to repent and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins
Acts 2:36-38- "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."
37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?"
38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
No way to argue causal EIS here. Notice that the phrase "for the remission of sins" is used by Jesus. (Matthew 26:28)- For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
If for is "because" than Jesus died on the cross because God had already forgiven the sins of the world. That will not work.
B. Why did the Eunuch request baptism after having Jesus preached to him, even though he was on a lonely road? Why did he rejoice after baptism rather than belief?
Acts 8:35-39- Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him.
36 Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?"
37 Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
38 So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.
39 Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing.
C. Why was the jailer immediately baptized at midnight with only his family present
Acts 16:32-33- 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house.
33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized.
D. Why do we never find baptism deliberately delayed in the New Testament as it often is by denominations today?
E. Why was the repentant, believer Paul told to Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sin calling on His name
Acts 22:16- And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.'
F. Why were the Roman Christians asked to recall their baptism as the time when they had been raised to walk in newness of life
Romans 6:3-4- Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?
4 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.
G. Why were those in the churches of Galatia told that they were sons of God through faith, For as many of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ
Galatians 3:26-27- For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
H. Why is baptism never put after salvation in a verse, but always before?
I. Why is a washing or water often associated with salvation
Acts 22:16- And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
Ephesians 5:26- that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word,
Titus 3:5- not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,
John 3:5- Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
I Peter 3:20-21- who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.
21 There is also an antitype which now saves us--baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
I Corinthians 6:11- And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.
1 Cor 6:11 (NKJV)
J. Why does Peter say baptism now saves you
I Peter 3:21- There is also an antitype which now saves us--baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
The relative pronoun here they would say refers to Noah and the faith that he had, but it has tomatch its antecedent in gender number and case and the only thing that matces is water. Hmph?
K. Why do we not hear from denominational pulpits Peter’s response to those wanting to be Christians?
L. Why do almost all conversions in Acts mention baptism while many of those accounts do not mention belief?
M. Why does the Bible say that we are saved not by faith alone
James 2:24- You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.
That’s the only time we see the phrase “faith only” and its negated!!!!!!
N. Why are we never told to believe into Christ, but we are told to be baptized into Christ Matthew 28:18-20
Romans 6:3-4
O. Why did Jesus say that He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved
Mark 16:16- this is an obvious progression here!!!!
The Evidence Is Overwhelming.
A. Baptism is linked to salvation, forgiveness, newness of life, new birth, washing away sins, becoming a Christian, being clothed with Christ, being sons of God, being saved, being sanctified, regenerated, etc..
B. Baptism is never deliberately postponed.
C. People are baptized in isolated circumstances and at unusual times.
D. Belief alone is said not to save, while baptism is said to save in association with Jesus resurrection.
E. Baptism is said to be the way into Christ.
III. But What About……
A. Acts 16:30-31? (Turn and read)
1. Indeed, the jailer did need to believe to be saved.
2. Believing, however, included baptism (v. 34).
a. His rejoicing occurred after his baptism.
b. James 2:21-24 shows that saving faith includes whatever is the appropriate response of faith.
c. Apart from the commanded response, faith is dead.
B. Acts 10:44-48?
(Turn and read)
1. The Holy Spirit fell on Cornelius before he was baptized - wouldn’t that mean that he was saved before baptism?
a. He had the Holy Spirit fall on him before he heard or believed the gospel
Acts 11:15- And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning.
b. Peter had not told him what he must do
Acts 10:6- He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do."
22- And they said, "Cornelius the centurion, a just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was divinely instructed by a holy angel to summon you to his house, and to hear words from you."
32-33- 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."
The H.S. came before Peter told them how to be saved!
2. Cornelius was baptized, even though Peter was apparently concerned that some might try to forbid his baptism
Acts 10:47-48- "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.
Acts 11:1-3- Now the apostles and brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.
2 And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him,
3 saying, "You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them!"
a. Why would Peter have been concerned about people forbidding baptism if it were unnecessary?
b. If belief alone was required, why no objection to belief?
C. Paul’s conversion
Acts 9:1-19 (Turn and read)
22:1-16(Turn and read)
26:12-18 (Turn and read)
1. It is commonly assumed that Paul was saved on the road to Damascus.
2. Acts 22:16 shows that Paul was still in his sinful condition prior to his baptized.
Conclusion:
1. Baptism is for the remission of sins.
2. Not in isolation, but in association with: the preaching of the Gospel, belief, repentance, confession, and most importantly the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.
3. Don’t delay, “Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on His name.”
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Getting back to the basics.
Have you noticed how the American Family has become so dysfunctional today?
Both Mom and Dad work, the kids are busy with this activity and that activity, the family as a whole rarely sits down to a good, home cooked meal.
I believe that the problem lies with living outside of our means.
I have helped my Dad on numerous landscape jobs where young couple, 25-30 years old, are buying houses that cost up to $500,000.00! They both work, and they both drive large, expensive vehicles.
While I see nothing wrong with living good, I do see a problem when people will buy such a house, drive expensive, brand new vehicles, both husband and wife working two jobs, and have huge monthly payments on all of it. Today, we have made it too easy to buy. If we can afford the monthly payments on it we will buy it.
I think that America needs to examine themselves.
Instead of going out and buying a 3,000 square foot house, having mortgages and insurance on two SUVs, and the wife having to go out and take a job, thus leaving her God given station as a keeper at home, just so that we can afford the monthly payments, what is wrong with living in a smaller house, sharing an older model vehicle that we have paid cash for, buying used furniture to furnish our house with. We need to learn to live simply. A good motto to live by would be, "If i can't pay cash for it, than I need to wait". Now obviously that will not work with buying a house. But it will with just about everything else.
Consider the price difference on a brand new car, to that of one maybe 3-5 years old.
Instead of paying $50,000.00 for a big gas guzzling SUV, why not buy a used vehicle, that gets good gas mileage, thats cost no more than $5,000.00. We do not need brand new vehicles to get around in. Yes they are nice, but it is not nessecary.
The same could hold true with funiture. Again consider the price of new versus used.
We could really save stress in our lives by eliminating large payments.
Then, with large payments eliminated, the wife will be able to accomplish her domestic duties.
She will be able to stay home and not have to work. She will be able to clean the house, take care of the children, she will be able to cook a home cooked meal like momma used to make it because she now has the time.
Believe it or not, we can live on a single income.
I believe it was Dave Ramsey who said "live like no one else now, so you can live like no one else later."
There is a lot of truth to that.
If we make sacrifices today, to save money, and we save that money in our bank accounts, than later on down the road we will be able to drive newer vehicles, we will be able to buy new furniture, we will be able to afford a larger,newer home.
It will take sacrifice on everyone's part to do it. However, everyone will reap the benefits.
We need to be good stewards of our money that God has so richly blessed us with.
Living simply will help to accomplish that.
Both Mom and Dad work, the kids are busy with this activity and that activity, the family as a whole rarely sits down to a good, home cooked meal.
I believe that the problem lies with living outside of our means.
I have helped my Dad on numerous landscape jobs where young couple, 25-30 years old, are buying houses that cost up to $500,000.00! They both work, and they both drive large, expensive vehicles.
While I see nothing wrong with living good, I do see a problem when people will buy such a house, drive expensive, brand new vehicles, both husband and wife working two jobs, and have huge monthly payments on all of it. Today, we have made it too easy to buy. If we can afford the monthly payments on it we will buy it.
I think that America needs to examine themselves.
Instead of going out and buying a 3,000 square foot house, having mortgages and insurance on two SUVs, and the wife having to go out and take a job, thus leaving her God given station as a keeper at home, just so that we can afford the monthly payments, what is wrong with living in a smaller house, sharing an older model vehicle that we have paid cash for, buying used furniture to furnish our house with. We need to learn to live simply. A good motto to live by would be, "If i can't pay cash for it, than I need to wait". Now obviously that will not work with buying a house. But it will with just about everything else.
Consider the price difference on a brand new car, to that of one maybe 3-5 years old.
Instead of paying $50,000.00 for a big gas guzzling SUV, why not buy a used vehicle, that gets good gas mileage, thats cost no more than $5,000.00. We do not need brand new vehicles to get around in. Yes they are nice, but it is not nessecary.
The same could hold true with funiture. Again consider the price of new versus used.
We could really save stress in our lives by eliminating large payments.
Then, with large payments eliminated, the wife will be able to accomplish her domestic duties.
She will be able to stay home and not have to work. She will be able to clean the house, take care of the children, she will be able to cook a home cooked meal like momma used to make it because she now has the time.
Believe it or not, we can live on a single income.
I believe it was Dave Ramsey who said "live like no one else now, so you can live like no one else later."
There is a lot of truth to that.
If we make sacrifices today, to save money, and we save that money in our bank accounts, than later on down the road we will be able to drive newer vehicles, we will be able to buy new furniture, we will be able to afford a larger,newer home.
It will take sacrifice on everyone's part to do it. However, everyone will reap the benefits.
We need to be good stewards of our money that God has so richly blessed us with.
Living simply will help to accomplish that.
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