Baptism

What is the ‘One Baptism’ in Ephesians 4:5?

[425 words] There are several baptisms mentioned in the New Testament: John’s baptism (Luke 3:16), baptism of the Holy Spirit (Luke 3:16), baptism of fire (Matthew 3:11), and the baptism of the great commission (Acts 8:36-39). But Ephesians 4:5 says there is one baptism. Which of these is the one baptism in Ephesians 4:5? John’s…

I Should Add

[216 words] Did you know that William Shakespeare wrote the hymn, “I’ve found a friend in Jesus, He’s everything to me?” I should add that his full name was William Shakespeare Hayes, a journalist and songwriter who was born in 1837 in Louisville, Kentucky. So I told you the truth, but left out an important…

Blood or Baptism?

[512 words] What saves us from our sins, is it the blood of Christ or baptism into Christ? This is a great question, one of which we should give great thought to, because our soul hangs in the balance. The New Testament speaks of those who obey not the Gospel receiving God’s wrath (2 Thess.…

Why Baptism?

[442 words] It seems like such an easy question and answer, and it is. And even though we have tried to explain the need for baptism, we continue to struggle with what it does and is it really necessary? Before presenting several simple answers to the question, it is important to take a moment to…

The Significance of Baptism

[548 words] Few religious groups in our world today teach the full significance of baptism as it pertains to salvation. There are many who teach that one is saved first and then, baptized. Several others say baptism is necessary as a command of God but fail to see the urgency of it, baptizing an individual…

Baptism and the Forgiveness of Sins

[215 words] In the context of our congregation, the biblical teaching of baptism for the remission of sins is not a teaching that troubles any of us (at least, with regard to what I am aware). The other day I was talking to a Baptist preacher, a man with whom I am very impressed; he…

Did The Water Earn It For Them?

[112 words] Read Exodus 14. Now, did the use of water earn the children of Israel their freedom from Egyptian slavery? Read Exodus 30:17-21. Now, did the use of water earn the priests the right to serve within the Tabernacle? Read 2 Kings 5:1-14. Now, did the use of water earn Naaman his cleansing from…

Biblical Baptism Must Have’s

  [75 words] The Right Candidate: a penitent believer (Acts 2:38; 8:36). The Right Purpose: salvation, forgiveness (Mark 16:16). The Right Method: immersion (Acts 8:38; Romans 6:1–4). The Right Authority: into the name of Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). Some have the right authority and purpose, but miss the candidate and method.…

When Baptism is Meaningless

  [358 words] It was Sunday afternoon. The phone rang. The voice on the line was that of a man who had been a member of this church in times past. He now lives in another city, but had returned to Little Rock for a visit. “I want to talk to you about my baptism,”…

A Strange Thing Happened at the Funeral

[305 words] Jesus once came across a funeral procession and did something strange. He walked up to the boy’s grieving mother and said: “don’t cry.” That poor lady might have said: “Why not weep? It is time. I have lost my only son.” But Jesus reached out and touched the open coffin. This was a…

Washed or Wet?

[73 words] Intentions make a difference between getting washed and getting wet (Matthew 3:7-9). Purpose makes a difference between getting washed and getting wet (Acts 19:1-5). The origin of the act makes a difference between getting washed and getting wet (Matthew 28:18-19). The result makes a difference between getting washed and getting wet (Acts 2:38).…

The Man Who Hasn’t Showered in Twelve Years

  [395 words] One man is trying to change everything we think about being clean, and he’s doing it by going a really, really long time without showering or bathing. The last time chemical engineer David Whitlock showered was 2003, a meager 12 years ago! His goal is to prove that a person can remain…

Baptism

A man is stumbling through the woods totally drunk when he comes upon a preacher baptizing people in the river. He proceeds to walk into the water and subsequently bumps into the preacher. The preacher turns around and is almost overcome by the smell of alcohol, whereupon he asks the drunk, “Are you ready to…

Baptism

A man is stumbling through the woods totally drunk when he comes upon a preacher baptizing people in the river. He proceeds to walk into the water and subsequently bumps into the preacher. The preacher turns around and is almost overcome by the smell of alcohol, whereupon he asks the drunk, “Are you ready to…

Is My Child Ready to Be Baptized?

[529 words] Introduction. Parents sometimes feel stuck between a rock and a hard place when it comes to guiding their children toward becoming a Christian. On one hand, we would never want to cause them to stumble (Matt. 18:6). On the other hand, obedience must be from the heart (Rom. 6:17), so just being able…

If It Weren’t For Baptism…

Not one sinner could be saved (Mark 16:16). There would be no remission of sins (Acts 2:38). Our sins could not be washed away (AcTS 22:16). It would be impossible to enter into Christ (Rom. 6:3). No one could be born again (John 3:5). We could not put on Christ (Gal. 3:27). We could not…