Topic(s): Baptism, Evangelism, Gospel, Salvation
Todd Clippard

Paul did indeed say in 1 Corinthians 1:17 that he was not sent to baptize, but to preach the gospel. However, this is a long way from saying that baptism is non-essential to obtain remission of sins nor a part of the Gospel.

First, baptism is< a part of the Great Commission. It is explicitly stated in the accounts of Matthew (28:19) and Mark (16:16), and implicit in Luke's account (24:46-37; cf Acts 2:38). One cannot read the Great Commission or the conversion accounts in Acts and come to any other conclusion.
 
In Matthew 28:19, Jesus said disciples were made by baptizing them into the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Therefore, disciples cannot be made without baptism.

In Mark 16:16 - "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." He that believeth what? The preached Gospel of Mark 16:15. The proper response to the preaching of the Gospel is to believe and be baptized in order to be saved. According to Jesus, preaching the Gospel includes preaching about baptism, else how would one know to be baptized as seen in verse 16?

When Peter preached the first Gospel sermon in Acts 2, he preached the death, burial and resurrection of Christ (vv 22-35). In response to the preaching of the Gospel, the audience asked, "What shall we do?" (v 37) What was Peter's response? Let's first note what it wasn't. Peter did not say to them:
"Accept Jesus as your personal savior"
"Ask Jesus to come into your heart"
"Pray the sinner's prayer"
"You can't do anything because that would be earning salvation"
"You obviously believe what I have preached, and thus you are now saved based solely upon faith alone."

No, Peter did not give any of these responses, but these are the responses that most in the religious world would give today. Why not just say what Peter said: "Repent, and be baptized, every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins" (v 38)?

In Acts 8:5-13, Philip was preaching in Samaria. Verse 5 says he "preached Christ unto them." Verse 12 says he preached "the things concerning the kingdom and the name of Jesus Christ." What was the response of the people? They believed and were baptized (vv 12-13). Now, where in the text does it say Philip preached baptism? Nowhere! Thus, it is logical and right to conclude that preaching Jesus and His kingdom includes preaching about baptism, else the Samaritans (including Simon) would not have known how to respond to Philip's preaching.

In that same chapter (Acts 8), Philip was called away from Samaria to preach to the Ethiopian nobleman (eunuch). In verses 30-33, we see this man is reading from the book of Isaiah, chapter 53. Upon inquiring of Philip about whom the scriptures were speaking, "Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus" (v 35). 

What was the response to this preaching about Jesus? Verse 36 provides the answer: "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?" Now, where in the text does it say Philip preached to him about baptism? Again nowhere! Therefore, we logically and rightly conclude that preaching about Jesus necessarily includes preaching about baptism.

Therefore, baptism (immersion) to obtain remission of sins is a part of the Gospel message. 

SOURCE

Who are you? Are you the type of person that goes along with the crowd because you don't want to be singled out? Or are you the type who is willing to stand alone and risk persecution as long as you have God on your side?

John 15:20
v.20 Remember the word that I said unto you,
The servant is not greater than his lord.
If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you;
if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

The story is told of a man who was walking across the road when he was hit by a car. The impact knocked him on his head, which caused him to be ina coma for several days before he regained consciousness. When he opened his eyes, his loving wife was there beside his bed holding his hand.

He said, "You know, Judy, you've always been right by my side. When I was a struggling college student, I failed again and again. But you were always there with me, encouraging me to keep on trying."

He went on to say, "And when I finally got out of school and went for all my interviews and failed to get any of the good jobs, you stayed right there with me, cutting out more clasified ads for me to check on. Then I started work at this little firm and finally got the chance to handle a big contract. But I blew it because of one little mistake, and yet you were there beside me all the way. Then, I finally got another job after being laid off for sometime. But I never seemed to be promoted. My hard work was never recognized. And so I remained in the same position from the day I joined the company until now...And through it all, you were right here by my side."

Her eyes were starting to fill with tears as she listened.

He then said, And now i've been in this acident and when I woke up, yuo're the first personI see. Judy, there's something I would really like to say to you."

He said, "JUDY, I THINK YOU'RE JUST PLAIN BAD LUCK!!"

I wonder if there are times when people think that having God by their side in life is a guarantee of luck in difficult times. They attend worship services often and try to be good, honest and caring people only to see problems and challenges continure to mount. While at the same time, the evildoers around them seem to prosper and be so happy.

God is often blamed in the midst of such difficult times, but He shouldn't be! The fact of the matter is that life can be tough. The storms of life will eventually blow on all of mankind. Sometimes they stay longer than expected, even to faithful children of God. The child of God should not be dismayed, but should diligently study the wise counsel available to us in God's word that explains these things.

James 1:2-4 tells us, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."

The end result of our patience and endurance in the midst of the trials and adversities of life must always be considered.

God is at work in our lives, which means that He will do (or allow) things to come to us in life that can be steppingstones to maturity and deeper faith...if we let them. The Bible contains the answers to the struggles that often overwhelm us. We must study hard andn pray often for the wisdom that God has available to us. Our diligent and prayerful study will reveal the truth that the Lord Jesus wants to be by your side and will gladly bear the sins and burdens that we, so often, try to carry alone.

Our precious Lord (or the other members of the Godhead) should never be blamed for the bad luck that will come upon all of us. He should, on the other hand, be praised and glorified that He would want to be by our side always. If He is not there, it is only because we have refused Him.

Where is He now in relation to your life?

III. Prescription for Rearing Children B-U-I-L-D

A. Parents should BLESS their children. Genesis 27:4
- Speak words of blessing over your children.
- Speak victory over their lives.
- Help them to have a big vision for their lives.

B. Parents should UNDERSTAND their children. Genesis 25:27
- Don't be afraid to speak their language.
- Try to understand their music.
- Be patient with the under-achiever.
- Encourage young children to talk about their problems.
- When they do something you consider wrong, let them know it's their behavior you dislike, not them.

C. Parent should INSPIRE their children. Proverbs 25:11
- The words we use to communicate are critically important to our children's self-esteem, emotional health and personal empowerment.
- Speak words that build up instead of destroy.
- Remember that words can empower or wound.

D. Parents should LOVE their children. I Corinthians 13:4-7
- Love includes discipline.
- Love includes provision for physical needs.
- Love includes making time for togetherness.
- Love includes knowing when to turn loose.

E. Parents should DISCIPLINE their children. Proverbs 22:6
- Dedicate the child to God.
- Instruct the child in the words and commandments of God.
- Motivate the child to do what God wants him to do.
- Correct the child when necessary.

IV. Encouragement Hebrews 12:5-11
A. Know that you don't have to do this all alone.
B. God is always present in you.
C. Look to Him and His resources.
D. Let Him parent you as you parent your kids.

I. God's Order for the Family I Corinthians 11:3

A. God ordered the family according to the principle of "headship."

B. Each member of the family lives under the authority of the "head" whom God has appointed.

C. Each "head" lives under the authority of God's law.

D. The husband/father lives under the headship of Christ.

E. The wife/mother lives under the headship of her husband.

F. The children live under the headship of both parents. Ephesians 6:1-3

II. God's Order for Parents Ephesians 6:4

A. This passage in Ephesians summarizes the parents' responsibility to the child-love, discipline, teach

B. Love Titus 2:4
-To "bring up" means literally to nourish tenderly
-Children should be objects of tender loving care

C. Discipline Proverbs 13:24
-Love and discipline go together.
-The parent who does not discipline does not really love his child properly.

D. Teach Deuteronomy 11:18-21
-Help the child discover what it is that God wants him to be and to do.
-Educate the child in the ways of the Lord.

***Part Two of "What Parents Owe Their Children" will be posted TOMORROW***

By: Brent Moody, Wooddale Church of Christ

It is a common belief today that the church should function as a community relief center. It is the place to go for discount clothing, day care, medical services,or a "hand out" when money gets tight.

In the midst of trying to save lives, it seems many have forgotten that saving souls for everlasting life is the true mission of the church.

It is a misconception that God's greatest concern, and the mission of His church, is providing physical comfort in this life.

God makes it clear from the book of Proverbs that those who live righteously avoid regular problems that plague the wicked; however, to think that godliness always brings happiness is to ignore the stories in Scripture that teach differently. Paul was not happy about being stoned, or beaten with 39 stripes.

There is a difference between happiness and joy.

Though we may not be happy about specific events in life, we, can still have joy.

That is why James could say, "count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into manifold temptations" (James 1:2) It is not that trials bring pleasure to its sufferer, but through trials faith is made stronger, and hope is made brighter (James 1:3-4).

God would rather man live his life in suffering pain and die prepared for the judgment, than for man to live in luxury and lose his soul. God provided the joys of life for us. He wants us to find pleasure in His creation, but the riches of heaven far outweigh this world's passing pleasures.

Rather than spending its time, effort and expense on addressing the social ills of the world, the Lord's church needs to fulfill the missions it was established for: Praising God, edifying the saints, and seeking the lost.

Money was not the answer for the lame beggar in Acts 3. The spiritually crippled need-and the church must give them-the Gospel.

The Lord's church needs to busy itself with saving souls.

God loves us in spite of ourselves!
But don't worry...you're in good company:

Moses stuttered.
David's armor didn't fit.
Hosea's wife was a prostitute.
Jacob was a liar.
David had an affair.
Solomon was too rich.
Abraham was too old.
David was too young.
Peter was afraid of death.
Lazarus was dead.
Naomi was a widow.
Paul was a murderer.
Jonah ran from God.
Miriam was a gossiper.
Gideon and Thomas both doubted.
Jeremiah was depressed and suicidal.
Elijah was burned out.
Martha was a worry-wart.
Mary was lazy.
Samson was naive.
Noah got drunk.

But God doesn't require a job interview. He doesn't hire and fire like most bosses, because He is our Father. He doesn't look at financial loss or gain.

He's not prejudiced or partial, not deaf to our cry, not blind to our need. As much as we try, God's gifts are free. We could do wonderful things for wonderful people and still not be wonderful.

Satan says, "You're not worthy."

Jesus says, "I AM."

Satan looks back and sees our mistakes.
God looks back and sees the cross.

There are lots of reasons why God shouldn't want us.
But if we are totally in love with Him,
if we hunger for Him more than our next breath,
He'll use us in spite of who we are, where we've been,
or what we look like.

Step out of your limitations into the limitless nature
of who God is.

We have to be alert and on guard at all times. Satan is always watching us and waiting for us to slip up so he can try and get us to turn away from God. But if we resist him, he will flee.

I Peter 5:8-11

v.8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whome he may devour:

v.9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

v.10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

v.11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen

[ By: Tom Smith, Wooddale Church of Christ ]

The story is told of the church members of a well to do congregation arriving to services on a particular Sunday. As each member arrived, they saw a "bum" rummaging through their dumpster. No none bothered to go over to invite him to services. Some t thought it was disgraceful that hee was on their property. Some thought that he would surely come around panhandling. Finally, someone went over to the dumpster and told him that he had to leave the property immediately because he was trespassing. Services started and the preacher was nowhere in sight. As the song before the sermon was sung, the "bum" entered through a different door, proceeded to step into the pulpit and reveal himself as the preacher! Not a single person had thought him "worthy" of salvation.

This seems to be the attitude of many of us, even though we are often unwilling to admit it. There are those whom we consider unworthy of eternal life. What did the Lord teach concerning this? Jesus told us that we are to reach out to all with the gospel. (Mark 16:15-16)

The attitude that Jesus teaches us to have toward our enemies shows that all deserve the gospel. If our enemies are deserving of our love and concern, isn't everyone deserving of the gospel? The first century church was made up of individuals who had been among the "scum of the earth." I Corinthians 6:9-11, "Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 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." All these individuals were the kind of persons we would consider a "poor prospect" for the gospel. They heard the gospel and willingly gave up their sinful lives.

God wants every person to be saved, not just those whom we think are worthy. I Timothy 2:3-4 "For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." If God wants all men to be saved, don't we have an obligation to not assume anyone cannot respond. There are of course, various soils (conditions of sinners' Hearts). Some are more likely to obey than others. But let us never completely write off anyone because of outward conditions. The person we dismiss just may be another Peter or Paul.

Everything that appears good to you, isn't good for you. Don't fall for everything you see. Just because people say what you want to hear and what makes you feel good, it doesn't make it right. Satan's minions are transformed to look like godly men spreading the truth, but on the inside they are not what they appear to be. Don't fall for Satan's trap!

I John 4:1

v.1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

II Corinthians 11:13-14

v.13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

v.14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

People have the habit of judging people by the outward appearance and in many cases their judgment was so far off base that it was not very funny!

They may be judged by the way they dress, or by the color of their skin, or based on their economic standing in the community. Their clothes may be ragged, or the color of their skin may not meet our standard, or they may be less fortunate than most in terms of financial stability. Yet, none of these things should be grounds for keeping people from being welcomed into the Lord's church.

The Lord tells us, "Do not judge according to appearance , but judge with righteous judgment." (John 7:24)

In I Samuel 16:7, we read, "But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not look at his appearance or his physical stature , because I have refused him, For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but eh lord looks at the heart."

We need to get out of this habit of looking down on people just because they may not be where we are n life. And please be careful that not become self-righteous. We all have what we have because the Lord blessed us in some way or another. We may have been blessed with good health that allows us to acquire the things of life that the less fortunate, due to physical problems, may not have. There may be reasons beyond our understanding and knowledge that will cause us to judge the outward appearance of people whose heart may be right with God. Let us all be careful lest we be judged by the same or similar judgment from above. (Matt. 7:1-2; II Cor. 10:7)

The following story is food for thought:

One Sunday morning an old cowboy entered a church just before the services were to begin.

Although the old man and his clothes were spotlessly clean, he wore jeans, a denim shirt and boots that were worn and ragged. In his hand he carried a worn old hat and an equally worn Bible. The church he entered was in a very upscale and exclusive part of the city. It was the largest and most beautiful church the old cowboy had ever seen. The people of the congregation were all dressed with expensive clothes and accessories.

As the cowboy took a seat, the others moved away from him.

No one greeted him.
They were all appalled at his appearance and did not attempt to hide it.

As the cowboy was leaving the church, the preacher approached him and asked the cowboy to do him a favor.

"Before you come back in here again, have a talk with God and ask Him what He thinks would be appropriate attire for worship."

The old cowboy assured the preacher he would.

The next Sunday, he showed back up for services wearing the same old ragged jeans, shirt, boots, and hat.

Once again he was completely shunned and ignored.

The preacher approached the man and said, "I thought I asked you to speak to God before you came back to our church."

"I did," replied the old cowboy."

"If you spoke to God, what did He tell you the proper attire should be for worshiping in here?" asked the preacher.

"Well, sir, God told me that He didn't have a clue what I should wear. He said He'd never been in 'THIS' church!"

May we never be guilty of God saying that about the congregation where we worship for we will be worshiping Him in vain.

If our only requirement to make it into heaven was to be "good", Jesus would've never had to come here and die. It doesn't matter how "good" we are, if we aren't obedient to God's word and do as He says, our "goodness" is null and void. Many people will try to justify their "goodness" on the day of judgment, but only those who have been obedient to God's word, will make it in.

Matthew 7:21-23

v.21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven: but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

v.22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in they name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

v.23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Once upon a time there was a rich King who had four wives.

He loved the 4th wife the most and adorned her with rich robes and treated her to the finest of delicacies. He gave her nothing but the best.

He also loved the 3rd wife very much and was always showing her off to neighboring kingdoms. However, he feared that one day she would leave him for another.

He also loved his 2nd wife. She was his confidant and was always kind, considerate and patient with him. Whenever the King faced a problem, he could confide in her, and she would help him get through the difficult times.

The King's 1st wife was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining his wealth and kingdom. However, he did not love the first wife. Although she loved him deeply, he hardly took notice of her!

One day, the King fell ill and he knew his time was short.

He thought of his luxurious life and wondered, "I now have four wives with me, but when I die, I'll be all alone."

Thus, he asked the 4th wife, "I have loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?"

"No way!" replied the wife, and she walked away without another word.

Her answer cut like a sharp knife right into his heart.

The sad King then asked the 3rd wife, "I have loved you all my life. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?"

"No!" replied the 3rd wife. "Life is too good! When you die, I'm going to remarry!"

His heart sank and turned cold.

He then asked the 2nd wife, "I have always turned to you for help and you've always been there for me. When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?"

"I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!" replied the 2nd wife. "At the very most, I can only send you to your grave."

Her answer came like a bolt of lightning, and the King was devastated.

Then a voice called out: "I'll leave with you and follow you no matter where you go."

The King looked up, and there was his first wife.

She was so skinny as she suffered from malnutrition and neglect.

Greatly grieved, the King said, "I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!"

In truth, we all have 4 wives in our lives:

Our 4th wife is our body.
No matter how much time and effort we lavish in making it look good,
it will leave us when we die.

Our 3rd wife is our possessions, status and wealth.
When we die, it will all go to others.

Our 2nd wife is our family and friends.
No matter how much they have been there for us, the furthest they can go with us is up to the grave.

And our 1st wife is our Soul, often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world.
However, our Soul is the only thing that will follow us wherever we go.

So cultivate, strengthen and cherish it now, for it is the only part of us who will follow us to the throne of God and continue with us throughout Eternity.