“Baptism” is a verb which expresses a specific act. It is anglicized from a Greek word (ßaptizo) which means “to dip, submerge.” Sprinkle and pour are from entirely different Greek words, never applying to baptism in the Bible. It is not possible to express the act of immersing by another act or ‘mode.’ To say,
Naaman was the greatest military leader in the land of Syria (2 Kings 5:1). But he had incurable leprosy. A little slave girl told Mrs. Naaman about a prophet in her country Israel who could cure him, so she told her husband. Naaman took many rich gifts and started south about 8 days journey to
Thank you for your letter last week. You say the Catholic Church was founded by Christ and then gave us the Bible. If that be true, is it not strange that the Roman Catholic Church is never mentioned in the Bible? Nor any pope, hierarchy, ecumenical council, unmarried bishops or clergy, infant sprinkling for baptism,
Peter asked Jesus, “How often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” (Mt 18:21). Peter knows Jesus had compassion and mercy. He thought his question would impress Jesus about how merciful he was, to forgive others seven times! But Jesus’ answer was shocking: not seven times but seventy
“There is one body and one spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God …” (Eph 4:4-6 NIV). Last week, we looked at “one body, the church.” Later, Lord willing, we shall study the other 5 “ones.” Today, “One Spirit.” The Spirit is one
Was the thief saved without being baptized? If so, does it contradict what Jesus said a few days later in His great commission: “He that believes and is baptized shall be saved.” The thief asked to be remembered when Jesus would come into His kingdom. Most disciples, and probably the thief also, thought Jesus would
God said, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways” (Isaiah 55:8-9). The way Israel worshipped God was detestable: “I did not command or mention, nor did it enter my mind” (Jer. 19:5). This same principle is also stated in the New Testament: “Do not go beyond what is written” (I
Are you a “conservative” or a “liberal” Christian? I will give you my definition and would welcome yours. My aim is to be as liberal as I CAN be, and as conservative as I HAVE to be. Where the Bible has not given specific instructions, I want to have all the liberty in following whatever
Colt McCoy, star UT quarterback, told about his teammates asking how to receive the Holy Spirit and why he thinks baptism is important. He phoned his grandparents ahead of time to pray for him and the 15 guys that agreed to meet at 8 pm in the athletes’ lounge. About 10 pm the phone rang
The Salvation Army is very visible at this time of year. Many are asking, “Just who are they?” If you look in the Bible you will not find it. It did not exist until William Booth formed it in London in 1878. In 1899 its charter was issued in New York as “a religious and