This passage reminds me of the culture we live in today, not too much has changed. Those who love the Lord are noticing an increase in these attitudes as our country makes a downward spiral into greater debauchery.
Jeremiah 6:13-19
"13 For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.
14 They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.
15 Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the Lord.
16 Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.
17 Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken.
18 Therefore hear, ye nations, and know, O congregation, what is among them.
19 Hear, O earth: behold, I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not hearkened unto my words, nor to my law, but rejected it."
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Saturday, December 6, 2014
Why Fight For A Holiday
I am shocked and surprised at those who are coming to "defend Christmas." If you are free in your heart to enjoy these holidays, then there is no reason to attempt to convince others they are acceptable.
I have worn nail polish off and on for years, it is basically a worthless thing, but not forbidden in the Word. It is a worldly enjoyment I have from time to time, but I feel no compulsion to convince anyone else that they do as I do. Nor do I care if anyone else accepts it. If one feels the holidays are completely acceptable, then why bother arguing to convince others that it is.
Those that say we should not go back under the law with traditions and rituals are placing themselves under human rituals called the "holiday seasons."
They do the same thing year after year the same way and are grieved and upset if they are told there is no need to follow them. My question is, why would we choose to follow man made traditions and rituals when we are no longer under God's rituals and traditions as outlined in the OT passages?
I am not criticizing the use of the rituals as much as the use of the excuse of "not under the law" in this particular post.
The choice to follow man made rituals, tells me that using "we are no longer under the law", is merely an excuse to ignore God's principles to be able to follow the expectations of man. My educated guess is that if everyone stopped celebrating the holidays, most Christians would see no reason to do it all by themselves. The masses celebrate the holidays because everyone else is doing it. The same reason so many are divorcing, when just a 60 years ago most were not, and no one in normal families were using pot, but now many are.
Something to think about. If we are "no longer under the law of God, how much more free are we from the law of man through traditions and rituals.
I grieve every time I see a believer cherry picking scripture to justify their man made traditions. They just love their traditions.
Mark 7:8 " "Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men."
I can understand believers holding onto their traditions, it is human nature to keep what makes us feel warm and fuzzy and gives us happiness, however, I cannot understand fighting and arguing to justify it.
Why not just ignore the debates, why work so hard to convince others they should celebrate the holidays or to accept our choice to do so?
There is a simple answer, many people cannot enjoy their choices unless others endorse it. That is an indication that they are not as convinced of their position as they say they are. When we base our actions on what we are familiar with and what keeps us friends with other people, then we are not looking vertically but rather we are looking horizontally, for the acceptance of men rather than learning to please God.
Those who enjoy the holidays and attempt to make them more Christlike, ignore these debates, because although they are free to indulge in them, they do not make them an issue. They understand that they are not necessarily Biblical, but do not want to encourage others to do as they do necessarily.
No one can honestly defend the holidays as being ordained of God. No one can say that Christ commanded it as He did the Lord's supper.
If I see a post against nail polish, I will laugh and ignore it. If I see a post about the length of a woman's hair, I will ignore it, because I see no clear commands in the Word on these matters.
However when God says "do not do as the heathens do", we are to follow "God rather than men", I see a need for believer to evaluate what they do on this basis rather than just following what they have always done or what makes them and other people happy.
1 Corinthians 10:23 "All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify."
I have worn nail polish off and on for years, it is basically a worthless thing, but not forbidden in the Word. It is a worldly enjoyment I have from time to time, but I feel no compulsion to convince anyone else that they do as I do. Nor do I care if anyone else accepts it. If one feels the holidays are completely acceptable, then why bother arguing to convince others that it is.
Those that say we should not go back under the law with traditions and rituals are placing themselves under human rituals called the "holiday seasons."
They do the same thing year after year the same way and are grieved and upset if they are told there is no need to follow them. My question is, why would we choose to follow man made traditions and rituals when we are no longer under God's rituals and traditions as outlined in the OT passages?
I am not criticizing the use of the rituals as much as the use of the excuse of "not under the law" in this particular post.
The choice to follow man made rituals, tells me that using "we are no longer under the law", is merely an excuse to ignore God's principles to be able to follow the expectations of man. My educated guess is that if everyone stopped celebrating the holidays, most Christians would see no reason to do it all by themselves. The masses celebrate the holidays because everyone else is doing it. The same reason so many are divorcing, when just a 60 years ago most were not, and no one in normal families were using pot, but now many are.
Something to think about. If we are "no longer under the law of God, how much more free are we from the law of man through traditions and rituals.
I grieve every time I see a believer cherry picking scripture to justify their man made traditions. They just love their traditions.
Mark 7:8 " "Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men."
I can understand believers holding onto their traditions, it is human nature to keep what makes us feel warm and fuzzy and gives us happiness, however, I cannot understand fighting and arguing to justify it.
Why not just ignore the debates, why work so hard to convince others they should celebrate the holidays or to accept our choice to do so?
There is a simple answer, many people cannot enjoy their choices unless others endorse it. That is an indication that they are not as convinced of their position as they say they are. When we base our actions on what we are familiar with and what keeps us friends with other people, then we are not looking vertically but rather we are looking horizontally, for the acceptance of men rather than learning to please God.
Those who enjoy the holidays and attempt to make them more Christlike, ignore these debates, because although they are free to indulge in them, they do not make them an issue. They understand that they are not necessarily Biblical, but do not want to encourage others to do as they do necessarily.
No one can honestly defend the holidays as being ordained of God. No one can say that Christ commanded it as He did the Lord's supper.
If I see a post against nail polish, I will laugh and ignore it. If I see a post about the length of a woman's hair, I will ignore it, because I see no clear commands in the Word on these matters.
However when God says "do not do as the heathens do", we are to follow "God rather than men", I see a need for believer to evaluate what they do on this basis rather than just following what they have always done or what makes them and other people happy.
1 Corinthians 10:23 "All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify."
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Psalm 37
37 Do not fret because of evildoers,
Be not envious toward wrongdoers.
2 For they will wither quickly like the grass
And fade like the green herb.
3 Trust in the Lord and do good;
Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.
4 Delight yourself in the Lord;
And He will give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the Lord,
Trust also in Him, and He will do it.
6 He will bring forth your righteousness as the light
And your judgment as the noonday.
7 Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him;
Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes.
8 Cease from anger and forsake wrath;
Do not fret; it leads only to evildoing.
9 For evildoers will be cut off,
But those who wait for the Lord, they will inherit the land.
10 Yet a little while and the wicked man will be no more;
And you will look carefully for his place and he will not be there.
11 But the humble will inherit the land
And will delight themselves in abundant prosperity.
12 The wicked plots against the righteous
And gnashes at him with his teeth.
13 The Lord laughs at him,
For He sees his day is coming.
14 The wicked have drawn the sword and bent their bow
To cast down the afflicted and the needy,
To slay those who are upright in conduct.
15 Their sword will enter their own heart,
And their bows will be broken.
16 Better is the little of the righteous
Than the abundance of many wicked.
17 For the arms of the wicked will be broken,
But the Lord sustains the righteous.
18 The Lord knows the days of the blameless,
And their inheritance will be forever.
19 They will not be ashamed in the time of evil,
And in the days of famine they will have abundance.
20 But the wicked will perish;
And the enemies of the Lord will be like the glory of the pastures,
They vanish—like smoke they vanish away.
21 The wicked borrows and does not pay back,
But the righteous is gracious and gives.
22 For those blessed by Him will inherit the land,
But those cursed by Him will be cut off.
23 The steps of a man are established by the Lord,
And He delights in his way.
24 When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong,
Because the Lord is the One who holds his hand.
25 I have been young and now I am old,
Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken
Or his descendants begging bread.
26 All day long he is gracious and lends,
And his descendants are a blessing.
27 Depart from evil and do good,
So you will abide forever.
28 For the Lord loves justice
And does not forsake His godly ones;
They are preserved forever,
But the descendants of the wicked will be cut off.
29 The righteous will inherit the land
And dwell in it forever.
30 The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom,
And his tongue speaks justice.
31 The law of his God is in his heart;
His steps do not slip.
32 The wicked spies upon the righteous
And seeks to kill him.
33 The Lord will not leave him in his hand
Or let him be condemned when he is judged.
34 Wait for the Lord and keep His way,
And He will exalt you to inherit the land;
When the wicked are cut off, you will see it.
35 I have seen a wicked, violent man
Spreading himself like a luxuriant tree in its native soil.
36 Then he passed away, and lo, he was no more;
I sought for him, but he could not be found.
37 Mark the blameless man, and behold the upright;
For the man of peace will have a posterity.
38 But transgressors will be altogether destroyed;
The posterity of the wicked will be cut off.
39 But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord;
He is their strength in time of trouble.
40 The Lord helps them and delivers them;
He delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
Because they take refuge in Him.
Be not envious toward wrongdoers.
2 For they will wither quickly like the grass
And fade like the green herb.
3 Trust in the Lord and do good;
Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.
4 Delight yourself in the Lord;
And He will give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the Lord,
Trust also in Him, and He will do it.
6 He will bring forth your righteousness as the light
And your judgment as the noonday.
7 Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him;
Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes.
8 Cease from anger and forsake wrath;
Do not fret; it leads only to evildoing.
9 For evildoers will be cut off,
But those who wait for the Lord, they will inherit the land.
10 Yet a little while and the wicked man will be no more;
And you will look carefully for his place and he will not be there.
11 But the humble will inherit the land
And will delight themselves in abundant prosperity.
12 The wicked plots against the righteous
And gnashes at him with his teeth.
13 The Lord laughs at him,
For He sees his day is coming.
14 The wicked have drawn the sword and bent their bow
To cast down the afflicted and the needy,
To slay those who are upright in conduct.
15 Their sword will enter their own heart,
And their bows will be broken.
16 Better is the little of the righteous
Than the abundance of many wicked.
17 For the arms of the wicked will be broken,
But the Lord sustains the righteous.
18 The Lord knows the days of the blameless,
And their inheritance will be forever.
19 They will not be ashamed in the time of evil,
And in the days of famine they will have abundance.
20 But the wicked will perish;
And the enemies of the Lord will be like the glory of the pastures,
They vanish—like smoke they vanish away.
21 The wicked borrows and does not pay back,
But the righteous is gracious and gives.
22 For those blessed by Him will inherit the land,
But those cursed by Him will be cut off.
23 The steps of a man are established by the Lord,
And He delights in his way.
24 When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong,
Because the Lord is the One who holds his hand.
25 I have been young and now I am old,
Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken
Or his descendants begging bread.
26 All day long he is gracious and lends,
And his descendants are a blessing.
27 Depart from evil and do good,
So you will abide forever.
28 For the Lord loves justice
And does not forsake His godly ones;
They are preserved forever,
But the descendants of the wicked will be cut off.
29 The righteous will inherit the land
And dwell in it forever.
30 The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom,
And his tongue speaks justice.
31 The law of his God is in his heart;
His steps do not slip.
32 The wicked spies upon the righteous
And seeks to kill him.
33 The Lord will not leave him in his hand
Or let him be condemned when he is judged.
34 Wait for the Lord and keep His way,
And He will exalt you to inherit the land;
When the wicked are cut off, you will see it.
35 I have seen a wicked, violent man
Spreading himself like a luxuriant tree in its native soil.
36 Then he passed away, and lo, he was no more;
I sought for him, but he could not be found.
37 Mark the blameless man, and behold the upright;
For the man of peace will have a posterity.
38 But transgressors will be altogether destroyed;
The posterity of the wicked will be cut off.
39 But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord;
He is their strength in time of trouble.
40 The Lord helps them and delivers them;
He delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
Because they take refuge in Him.
Santa images were not Allowed in our Home!
From the article "The Origins of Christmas by David Pack
"According to Langer’s Encyclopedia of World History, (article “Santa”), “Santa” was a common name for Nimrod throughout Asia Minor. This was also the same fire god who came down the chimneys of the ancient pagans and the same fire god to whom infants were burned and eaten in human sacrifice among those who were once God’s people.
Today Santa Claus comes from “Saint Nicholas.” Washington Irving, in 1809, is responsible for remaking the original old, stern bishop of this same name into the new “jolly St. Nick” in his Knickerbocker History of New York. (Most of the rest of America’s Christmas traditions are even more recent than this.) “Old Nick” has long been recognized as a term for the devil.
In Revelation 2:6 and 15, we read about a “doctrine of the Nicolaitanes,” which Christ twice tells His Church “[He] hates.” Let’s analyze the word Nicolaitane. It means “follower of Nicholas.” Nikos means “conqueror, destroyer.” Laos means, “people.” Nicolaitanes, then, are people who follow the conqueror or destroyer—Nimrod. If you have believed that following Christmas is an innocent Christian custom, let this truth sink in!"
Unquote
Is it possible that this was one of the elements of the great deception that God described in the end days? Could it be that the last days deception involves many facets and elements of paganism integrated into Christianity as well as the secular world?
Something to think about and certainly something to seriously pray about.
"According to Langer’s Encyclopedia of World History, (article “Santa”), “Santa” was a common name for Nimrod throughout Asia Minor. This was also the same fire god who came down the chimneys of the ancient pagans and the same fire god to whom infants were burned and eaten in human sacrifice among those who were once God’s people.
Today Santa Claus comes from “Saint Nicholas.” Washington Irving, in 1809, is responsible for remaking the original old, stern bishop of this same name into the new “jolly St. Nick” in his Knickerbocker History of New York. (Most of the rest of America’s Christmas traditions are even more recent than this.) “Old Nick” has long been recognized as a term for the devil.
In Revelation 2:6 and 15, we read about a “doctrine of the Nicolaitanes,” which Christ twice tells His Church “[He] hates.” Let’s analyze the word Nicolaitane. It means “follower of Nicholas.” Nikos means “conqueror, destroyer.” Laos means, “people.” Nicolaitanes, then, are people who follow the conqueror or destroyer—Nimrod. If you have believed that following Christmas is an innocent Christian custom, let this truth sink in!"
Unquote
Is it possible that this was one of the elements of the great deception that God described in the end days? Could it be that the last days deception involves many facets and elements of paganism integrated into Christianity as well as the secular world?
Something to think about and certainly something to seriously pray about.
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Each One Must Seek God
Each one must seek the Lord on this matter of Christmas. I see some mean spirited things being said on both sides, a sort of attack because of differing views on this subject. Some accsue others of being unsaved for celebrating it, others are calling some legalists for their warnings against it. There are true believers on both sides of this matter of celebrating Christmas.
Perhaps I can bring a different perspective that may give those who celebrate Christmas a better understanding as to why some of us sought God about the matter of the holidays and chose to ignore them.
I have made a particular commitment based on what God told me about the holidays in general, that all of them were man made, no one can deny that, however, we have freedom in Christ to use them if we desire.
I do not think labeling someone a "legalist" for following their heart and informing others, is fair. We must all do what we feel the Lord telling us, but we must also warn others to evaluate what they do, to be sure their heart is after God and not after the ways of the world.
"One person observes one day and another person does not, each must be convinced in their own heart."
I became burned out on the holidays when all the family we had were Catholics who knew nothing of salvation, prayer was a canned prayer over the food using the same words everyone else used and that was the extent of the "mention of Christ."
When I celebrate something for Christ I expect it to be prayer, Bible reading and testimonies or stories of God's blessing to us. None of that ever happened in any of the gatherings we were at, nor do they happen now.
Santa was always elevated, spoken of and loved, while any mention of Christ was disdained and scorned. To these people "religion" was kept in the building called the church.
The decorations included things like mistle toe and wreaths, which I can't tell you here what their meanings were. People who were not married to one another kissed under that silly plant, an excuse to kiss when others times of the year it would not be acceptable.
The ladies were expected to sit on Santa's lap, a brother dressed like him, when I refused I was treated as a religious fanatic and ruining all their fun.
Gifts were so many they could hardly be counted, it was ALL about the food, gifts and games. I became so burned out on these holidays, that when I became born again I ran as fast as I could from them emotionally, but still had to go for the sake of my husband.
The family has disbursed now, due to their own families having families, I was so glad when we could walk away from all this mess, that I praised God for days, after the first holiday I didn't have to go.
If others have seen what I have, I can understand why they warn their brothers and sisters of the pitfalls of indulging in these secular holidays masquerading as "Christian."
While your experience may have been different, many of us have endured the ritual and abuse of those days and no longer want to return to that. Because of our experience we sought God to show us more, and we dug deeper to find the truth.
Just another perspective, to show that not all people who reject these holidays are "legalists", perhaps many are seeking God in a greater way for their lives and want to leave behind all that tormented them at these godless times.
Sharing what we believe about the holidays is alright, we should not be rebuked for giving a warning. I do not judge the hearts of people who still follow the holidays, it is very hard to leave behind that which brought so much happiness in our younger years and the rejection that comes from not doing the holidays can be overwhelming for some people.
How about we not judge one another as unsaved or legalists, whether we celebrate or whether we do not, but rather share our views openly and honestly without judging our salvation status or calling names.
No one should stop doing something because someone else made us fell guilty, we should only do it if we hear God tell us not to. Our hearts are what God is looking for, not our ritualistic obligatory obedience.
I wanted to bring another perspective so there will be greater understanding of what people have been through and what they desire.
I believe,based on my study of the Word and research of the holidays that none of them were ordained of God, that godless people began these things incorporating the pagan celebrations into Christianity to be able to enjoy some of the things the pagans did. I can no longer "celebrate" them.
However there are very strong believers who still do it, I do not judge a person as unsaved because they still celebrate Christmas and Easter.
Tradition has always been a bugger to get rid of in anyone's life. It bring such happiness and fun, even companionship that is not otherwise available. It takes a work of God in our hearts to seek Him for everything we do. No one else can change our hearts by badgering or demeaning, sharing is another matter.
Perhaps I can bring a different perspective that may give those who celebrate Christmas a better understanding as to why some of us sought God about the matter of the holidays and chose to ignore them.
I have made a particular commitment based on what God told me about the holidays in general, that all of them were man made, no one can deny that, however, we have freedom in Christ to use them if we desire.
I do not think labeling someone a "legalist" for following their heart and informing others, is fair. We must all do what we feel the Lord telling us, but we must also warn others to evaluate what they do, to be sure their heart is after God and not after the ways of the world.
"One person observes one day and another person does not, each must be convinced in their own heart."
I became burned out on the holidays when all the family we had were Catholics who knew nothing of salvation, prayer was a canned prayer over the food using the same words everyone else used and that was the extent of the "mention of Christ."
When I celebrate something for Christ I expect it to be prayer, Bible reading and testimonies or stories of God's blessing to us. None of that ever happened in any of the gatherings we were at, nor do they happen now.
Santa was always elevated, spoken of and loved, while any mention of Christ was disdained and scorned. To these people "religion" was kept in the building called the church.
The decorations included things like mistle toe and wreaths, which I can't tell you here what their meanings were. People who were not married to one another kissed under that silly plant, an excuse to kiss when others times of the year it would not be acceptable.
The ladies were expected to sit on Santa's lap, a brother dressed like him, when I refused I was treated as a religious fanatic and ruining all their fun.
Gifts were so many they could hardly be counted, it was ALL about the food, gifts and games. I became so burned out on these holidays, that when I became born again I ran as fast as I could from them emotionally, but still had to go for the sake of my husband.
The family has disbursed now, due to their own families having families, I was so glad when we could walk away from all this mess, that I praised God for days, after the first holiday I didn't have to go.
If others have seen what I have, I can understand why they warn their brothers and sisters of the pitfalls of indulging in these secular holidays masquerading as "Christian."
While your experience may have been different, many of us have endured the ritual and abuse of those days and no longer want to return to that. Because of our experience we sought God to show us more, and we dug deeper to find the truth.
Just another perspective, to show that not all people who reject these holidays are "legalists", perhaps many are seeking God in a greater way for their lives and want to leave behind all that tormented them at these godless times.
Sharing what we believe about the holidays is alright, we should not be rebuked for giving a warning. I do not judge the hearts of people who still follow the holidays, it is very hard to leave behind that which brought so much happiness in our younger years and the rejection that comes from not doing the holidays can be overwhelming for some people.
How about we not judge one another as unsaved or legalists, whether we celebrate or whether we do not, but rather share our views openly and honestly without judging our salvation status or calling names.
No one should stop doing something because someone else made us fell guilty, we should only do it if we hear God tell us not to. Our hearts are what God is looking for, not our ritualistic obligatory obedience.
I wanted to bring another perspective so there will be greater understanding of what people have been through and what they desire.
I believe,based on my study of the Word and research of the holidays that none of them were ordained of God, that godless people began these things incorporating the pagan celebrations into Christianity to be able to enjoy some of the things the pagans did. I can no longer "celebrate" them.
However there are very strong believers who still do it, I do not judge a person as unsaved because they still celebrate Christmas and Easter.
Tradition has always been a bugger to get rid of in anyone's life. It bring such happiness and fun, even companionship that is not otherwise available. It takes a work of God in our hearts to seek Him for everything we do. No one else can change our hearts by badgering or demeaning, sharing is another matter.
Monday, December 1, 2014
Is Baptism a Public Expression?
We have been taught by others that baptism is a public expression of our salvation experience. The problem is I can't find one Scripture that says exactly that.
The account of the Eunich who stopped along the road, tells us that there were no crowds mentioned, or the necessity of them.
So the question remains, is baptism purposefully a public expression of our faith? Or perhaps it is for another reason that we are baptised beyond just others watching.
Matthew 3:13-17 “Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Mark 1:9-11 “And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Luke 3:21, 22 “Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.”
John 1:29-33 “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.”
Matthew 28:19, 20 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
Mark 1:4, 5 “John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.”
Acts 2:38 “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
Acts 8:35-38 “Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.”
Acts 16:31, 33 “And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.”
Romans 6:3-6 “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like 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 planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also 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.”
1 Corinthians 12:13 “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.”
Galatians 3:27 “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”
1 Peter 3:21 “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:”
The account of the Eunich who stopped along the road, tells us that there were no crowds mentioned, or the necessity of them.
So the question remains, is baptism purposefully a public expression of our faith? Or perhaps it is for another reason that we are baptised beyond just others watching.
Matthew 3:13-17 “Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Mark 1:9-11 “And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Luke 3:21, 22 “Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.”
John 1:29-33 “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.”
Matthew 28:19, 20 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
Mark 1:4, 5 “John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.”
Acts 2:38 “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
Acts 8:35-38 “Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.”
Acts 16:31, 33 “And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.”
Romans 6:3-6 “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like 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 planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also 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.”
1 Corinthians 12:13 “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.”
Galatians 3:27 “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”
1 Peter 3:21 “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:”
Violating and Presuming, Our Enemies!
If we are violating God's principles as outlined in the Word of God, then God never told us to do that thing. Simple!
If we have presumed upon God, done things our own way, leaving Him out of the equation, He will not bless it. Also Simple!
If we have presumed upon God, done things our own way, leaving Him out of the equation, He will not bless it. Also Simple!
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