baptism Archives - Page 8 of 14 - Plain Bible Teaching

Andy Sochor June 27, 2013

Was George Washington Immersed into Christ?

Many of this country’s founders were Christians in the way that the world defines the term. Yet the denominational world, in making converts, generally omits the step in which one is forgiven of sins, gets into Christ, and is saved – baptism (Acts 22:16; Galatians 3:27; 1 Peter 3:21). Some practice baptism as sprinkling rather than immersion – burial in water – as the Bible defines it (Romans 6:4). As a result, many people that are called Christians by the world are not Christians in the Biblical sense. This would be the case for the “Christians” that founded this country.

However, there is a possibility that one of the founding fathers may have been a Christian in the Biblical sense by being immersed into Christ. That man was the one who became this country’s first President – George Washington.
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Filed Under: Restoration History Tagged With: baptism, George Washington, salvation

Andy Sochor March 28, 2013

J.S. Sweeney: Sprinkling & Pickling

There is a lot of opposition in the religious world to the Bible’s teaching on baptism. The Greek word baptizo is where we get the English word baptize. It means to immerse. Yet if you look up the definition of baptize in an English dictionary, it will likely include the act of sprinkling along with immersion. Why? It is because sprinkling is commonly accepted in the religious world, and has been for some time.

J.S. Sweeney (1834-1908), a gospel preacher, was debating the Scriptural mode of baptism with a man named Jacob Ditzler. Ditzler tried to make the argument that sprinkling was authorized and used a dictionary to make his point. Sweeney’s humorous yet brilliant response is recounted below:
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Filed Under: Restoration History Tagged With: baptism, J.S. Sweeney, study

Andy Sochor December 4, 2012

A New Creature

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

When Paul spoke of Christians (those “in Christ”) as being new creatures, he did not mean that we are no longer human as if we had become a new species. We remain human beings made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). But there are significant changes that come when one becomes a disciple of Christ. Let us notice a few of the “new things” that come when one becomes a “new creature” in Christ.
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Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: baptism, hope, obedience, purpose, repentance, sin

Andy Sochor November 23, 2012

“That Very Hour of the Night” (11/23)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Acts 15-16.

The conversion of the Philippian jailer is often used by those who wish to argue that belief is the only requirement God places upon man for his salvation. They try to find any passage they think will support their belief that baptism is not necessary for salvation. Yet this example that they often cite does not support their belief at all. In fact, it shows the great importance of baptism. Notice the context:

“And after he brought them out, he said, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ They said, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household’” (Acts 16:30-31).

If we stop here (and many want to stop here), it may appear as though Paul told the jailer that belief is the only prerequisite to salvation. Yet when Paul told this man to believe, he did not know what to believe. He was not acquainted with the gospel. So Paul taught him.
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Filed Under: SERIES: Daily Notes & Observations Tagged With: baptism, faith, salvation

Andy Sochor November 18, 2012

“What Prevents Me From Being Baptized?” (11/18)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Acts 7-8.

Philip met a man from Ethiopia who was returning from worshiping in Jerusalem. This man invited Philip into his chariot to explain the passage he was reading in Isaiah.

“Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him. As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, ‘Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?’ And Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ And he answered and said, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’ And he ordered the chariot to stop; and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him” (Acts 8:35-38).

The eunuch wanted to know what prevented him from being baptized. Though they were on a “desert road” (Acts 8:26), with no local church around, this did not prevent him from being baptized. There was no need to wait for a regular assembly of the saints. There was also no need to wait for a special baptismal service like some denominations have today.
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Filed Under: SERIES: Daily Notes & Observations Tagged With: baptism, faith, salvation

Andy Sochor October 12, 2012

"The One Who is Least in the Kingdom of Heaven" (10/12)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Matthew 11.

After some disciples of John the Baptist came to Jesus in order to report back to John about Him and His work, Jesus praised John and his place in God’s plan.

“As these men were going away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ palaces! But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and one who is more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written, “Behold, I send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way before You.” Truly I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist! Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he’” (Matthew 11:7-11).

John had a specific role in God’s plan of announcing the coming of Christ. Yet Jesus went on to make an interesting point. He said that “the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than” John (Matthew 11:11). This ought to be a reminder to us of the great importance of Christ’s kingdom and the great privilege it is for us to be a part of it.
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Filed Under: SERIES: Daily Notes & Observations Tagged With: baptism, kingdom

Andy Sochor October 9, 2012

Why Do You Call Jesus, "Lord"? (10/9)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Matthew 1:1-21; Mark 3; Luke 6.

There are many people today who would call Jesus their Lord. But are all of these people actually treating Him as Lord? Sadly, many are not. How are they failing to treat Jesus as Lord? Notice what Jesus said: