Properly, water baptism is the act of a new believer being briefly dipped (by a fellow follower of Christ) into water and then coming back out of the water. This symbolizes the new creation they have been made through Christ. It is a testament of that individual’s decision to give their life to Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. As such, it is to follow their profession of Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Author: James Callen
Is baptism necessary for salvation?
There are some who preach that salvation is by faith in Jesus—but must be predicated with water baptism. They embrace an interpretation that, unless one receives (water) baptism, one cannot be truly saved. Yet, the teaching that baptism is conditional to salvation, or necessary for the finalization of salvation, doesn’t align with Scripture! At its very least, it’s a dangerous teaching that diminishes the finished work of Jesus at Calvary. At its worst, it’s a doctrine that purposefully deceives people, and demeans the gospel message of salvation by grace through faith.
Should Christians meet together in church during this CoVid-19 scare?
Could these days—with the pandemic scare, partisan division, and civil unrest—be an instrument for revival to occur in our land? Widespread spiritual revival may be closer than we realize if we, as followers of Christ, open our eyes to today’s opportunities.
What does the Bible mean that Jesus is a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek?
Jesus is our true peace. Through Him, and only through Him, can anyone be credited as righteous before our heavenly Father. He is our high priest who sits at the right hand of the Father and intercedes for us (cf. Romans 8:34). “And of His kingdom there will be no end” (Luke 1:33).
We need to be intentional in restoring our local church family members who’ve strayed.
People have been, and are, going through disheartening times; struggling with desolation, desperation, or ungodly dependencies. These aren’t distant problems. These things are affecting people we are close to—those in our community and, yes, within our very congregations!
Luke 5:12-14: A Bible lesson on reaching out to those whom society ostracizes
People need hope, compassion, and belonging. But this world can be a lonely and brutal place. Many become ostrasized by society and are treated as loathsome. However uncomfortable it makes us, we need to reach out to them in Christlike love; telling them about Jesus’ mercy, forgiveness, acceptance, and redemption.
Work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer (part 2)
The Holy Spirit is a permanently indwelling, continually active, Helper in the life of believers. He protects us, comforts us, leads us, equips us, teaches us, and grows us more in Christlikeness. How does He do that? This study looks at some of the ways the Holy Spirit works in us, for us, and through us.
Work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer (part 1)
If you are a believer, at the very instant you repented and received Jesus as your Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit came to dwell within you. And He took up permanent residence, to teach and equip you to walk in Christlikeness. This study touches on some of the helping ways the Holy Spirit works in lives of believers.
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