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<inaudible> hello? Hello?<inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible> can you hear me? Hello? Is the subtitles working? Yeah, it doesn’t matter. Okay. Turn that one off. Oh, I think it was Mike three that this one is on. Hello? Hello? Was it Mike three? Alright, you can turn it off.
Yeah,<inaudible> Hello? Okay. It’s working. So I don’t know if all of you heard, but Aaron broke his wrist and he’s in a lot of pain and has a really bad migraine. And so he’s staying home tonight and, uh, so let’s make sure we keep him in our prayers. And his wife texted me and said that he has surgery on it next Thursday.
I don’t know if she meant tomorrow or if he has to wait a whole week, a week from tomorrow, man. That is a long time to wait for something that painful and let’s make sure we keep him in our prayers. Cause uh, I know what a broken bone feels like as I’m sure many of you do. And it’s not a fun thing to go through once I have a quick prayer for him and for the beginning of Bible class,
and we’ll get started on this lesson, our Lord in heaven, we humbly bow before your throne. And we thank you for this time that we have to come together as a family and your children and, and learn a portion of your word. We ask at this time that you be with Aaron and the, and the problem that he has with his wrist and help the surgeon to be able to have a steady hand and fixed his risks properly.
So he’s able to be pain free and uh, and come back with us. We thank you so much for all of the blessings you’ve given us and for the rain and for this wonderful evening, we ask that you be with those that are still sheltering at home because of this Corona virus and, and help their faith to stay strong and be assured in your son’s name.
Amen. Okay. So I had just a few hours to put together a Bible class and I want to let you know, um, the Bible class that I’m doing is from apologetics press. And it’s a great article. If anybody wants to go to apologetics press and get the entire article, it’s called 13 objections. The world gives to baptism, but I figured this is a good study for us to go over because we all hear these objections all the time.
And it’s nice to know how to refute these objections when they come up. Um, some churches historically have taught that water immersion is the dividing line between the lost and the saved. And this means that a penitent believer remains unforgiven of sin until buried in the waters of baptism, Romans chapter six, verse four. Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death.
That like as Christ was raised up from the dead, by the glory of the father, even. So we also should walk in newness of life, much of the denominational world disagrees with this analysis of the Bible, teaching, holding instead that one is saved at the point of belief, uh, before and without water baptism. Some of the points we’re going to make is a advance,
an effort to minimize the essentials of baptism for salvation. Just cut out. So the first objection we’re going to look at is when people say Jesus could not have been baptized for the remission of sins because he was sinless. Therefore people today are not baptized in order to be forgiven. They merely imitate Jesus’s example. The baptism to which Jesus submitted submitted himself was John’s baptism.
And we can read about that in Matthew chapter three in verse 13, if anybody wants to read Matthew chapter three and verse 13, you guys know me, I like participation<inaudible> And also in Mark chapter one and verse nine, and it came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized of John in the Jordan. So John’s baptism was for the remission of sins.
We can read that just a few verses up in Mark chapter one and verse four, John did baptize in the wilderness and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins and also in Luke chapter three. And verse three, if someone wants to read that one, Luke chapter three and verse three<inaudible>. So this truth is particularly evident from the fact that when Jesus presented himself to John for baptism,
John sought to deter him noting that if anything, Jesus needed to be or needed to baptize John himself, we can read that in Matthew chapter three in verse 14, Matthew three in verse 14, but John forbade him saying, I have need to be baptized of thee. And comest out to me. Jesus did not correct John, as many seek to do today,
but by falsely arguing that baptism is not for the remission of sins. Rather Jesus in effect agreed with, but made clear that his baptism was an exception to the rule. Jesus’s baptism was unique and not to be compared to anyone else’s baptism Jesus’s baptism had the unique purpose of fulfilling all righteousness. We can read that in verse 15 of Matthew, chapter three,
and Jesus answering said unto him, suffer it to be so now for thus, it become us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered him. In other words, it was necessary for Jesus to submit to John’s baptism first to show his contemporaries that no one is exempt from submitting to God’s will. And second more specifically, Christ baptism was God’s appointed means of pinpointing for the world.
The precious identity of his son. It is, it was not until John saw the spirit of God, descending on Jesus and heard the voice. This is my son that he knew that this is the son of God. And we can read of that in John chapter one verses 31 through 34, John chapter one verses 31 through 34<inaudible>. And I knew him not,
but that he should be made manifest Israel, therefore MII come baptizing with water and John bear record saying, I saw the spirit descending from heaven, like a dove and in a boat upon him. And I knew him not, but he, that sent me to baptize with water. The same set unto me upon whom thou shall see the spirit descending and remaining on him the same as he,
which baptized it with the Holy ghost. And I saw in bear record that this is the son of God can also read of this in Matthew chapter three, verses 16 and 17, Matthew chapter three, verses 16 and 17, kind of as a, as it is happening. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water and lo the heavens were opened unto him.
And he saw the spirit of God, descending like a dove and lightning upon him and lo a voice from heaven saying, this is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased. Of course John’s baptism is no longer valid. And we can read of how we know this is not valid through acts chapter 18, and we’ll read 18 verses 24 through 19 five acts chapter 18 verses 24 through 19 five.<inaudible>.
If anybody feels like reading a little bit longer reading, you can read that one<inaudible> They took him perfectly. He was disposed to pass into the<inaudible> the scriptures about Jesus Through verse five of the next chapter. Okay. And it came to pass. Having passed through the upper coast, came to Ephesus and he said, unto them only girls that you believe.
And I said to him, we have not so much as<inaudible>. And he sent them to them and to that, into what he baptized. And they said unto John’s baptism then said, Paul, John barely baptized with the baptism of repentance saying unto the people that they should believe on him. What should come after him? That is on the cross Jesus.
When they heard this, they were baptized. So we see an effect that this baptism of John Paul is telling them it’s no more. You can’t get baptized in the baptism of John. After the death of Christ, you have to be baptized into Christ. John’s baptism, paralleled new Testament, baptism in the sense that both were for forgiveness of sins, but John’s baptism was transitional in nature,
preparing Jews for their Messiah baptism after the cross is for all people, Matthew 28, 19, we know baptizing them in the name of the father and the, about going to all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father and of the son and of the Holy ghost. They’re supposed to baptize in Jesus’s name, Luke 24 47, Luke chapter 24 and verse 47.
And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And then again in acts chapter two, verse 38, every one of you repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins. And then also in verse acts chapter 19 and verse five, when they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
They were supposed to be baptized into his death, Romans chapter six and verse three, Romans six and verse three. Someone wants to read that one, Romans chapter six and verse three<inaudible>. And they were to be baptized in his death in order to be clothed with him. Galatians chapter three and verse 27, Galatians three 27. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ,
have put on Christ and to put after putting on Christ, they were added to his church, acts chapter two and verse 47, acts chapter two and verse 47, praising God and having favor with all the people and the Lord added to the church daily, such as should be saved. Also, we can read this when Paul writes to the Corinthians in first Corinthians chapter 12 in verse 13,
For by one spirit, we are all baptized into one body body. Whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free and have been all made to drink of one spirit, we must not use Jesus’s baptism to suggest that salvation occurs prior to the autism Jesus’s baptism was before his death eluding to the baptism after his death. The second objection that we hear most often is the thief on the cross was not baptized and he was saved.
So first of all, there’s no telling if the thief on the cross was baptized. I believe errands actually said that in one of his classes before, when we read in Luke 23, 42 through 43, if someone wants to read Luke 23, 42 through 43, And he said, Jesus, Lord, remember me? Remember that into thy kingdom? Go ahead.
Jesus said to them, barely I say today, she’ll either paradise. So clearly the thief knew about the kingdom come because he told Jesus, remember me, when you come into your kingdom. Now cross reference that with Matthew chapter three, verses one through six, Matthew chapter three verses one through six. And those days came John, the Baptist preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand for this.
As he, that was spoken of by the prophet, Assiah saying the voice of one crying in the wilderness prepare you the way of the Lord make his path straight. And the same, John has his Raymond of camel’s hair and a leathern girdle about his loins and his meat was of locusts and wild honey then went out to him, Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region,
roundabout Jordan, and were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. So we know that John was preaching the kingdom come the kingdom of heaven. So it is possible that this man, the thief on the cross, her John’s message that knew about the kingdom come. And if he heard the message, it is possible that at one point in time,
it’s a lot of conjecture, but it’s possible that he was baptized at one point in time. And to John’s baptism just fell away, back into his old ways. What do you mean? I mean, did they have to be bad talks? Cause that was before He, Okay. Let’s get there. Okay. So when, when we, uh,
when we handle a, write the word of truth, as in second Timothy, two 15, you’re supposed to study to show yourself approved unto God, a Workman, not needing to be ashamed, handling accurately, the words of truth. And we see that the thief was not subject to the new Testament command or of immersion because this command was not given until after the thief’s death.
It was not until Christ was resurrected that he said he who believes and is baptized will be saved Mark 16, 16. It was not until Christ death, that the old Testament Cece signified by the tearing of the temple curtain, which we can read of in Matthew 27 51, Matthew chapter 27 in verse 51<inaudible>. So when Jesus died, he took away the old Testament,
nailing it to the cross cautions chapter two in verse 14, Clawson’s collagen’s two and verse 14<inaudible>. So he nailed the old Testament to the cross. The old covenant to the cross, the word Testament means covenant or will the last will. And Testament of Christ is the new Testament, which consists of those teachings that apply to people after the death of Christ.
If we expect to receive the benefits of the new Testament, which our salvation forgiveness of sin and eternal life, we must submit to the terms of the will for which Christ is mediator, Hebrews chapter nine and verse 15 shows us that Christ is the mediator for the will and for this cause he is the mediator of the new Testament. That by means of death for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first Testament they,
which are called might receive the promise of internal inheritance for where a Testament is. There must also of necessity be the death of the test. Dater for a Testament is of after men are dead. Otherwise it is of no strength at all. While the test dater lives, Hebrews nine, 16, and 17. So that I liken this to you, have a wealthy relative,
and they say in their will, if you are married by the time I die, then you’ll are after by a certain time after I die, then you’ll receive a million dollars. Okay, you can’t go and get that married and get that million dollars right now, it’s in his will. You can’t receive it until after he passes away. Then you can receive that money as the same way with the,
with the salvation through Christ baptism. So prior to the Lord’s death and the ceiling of the new Testament, the baptism for the forgiveness of sins, that would be in effect after the crucifixion was not a requirement for those who saw it to be acceptable to God, indeed. While Jesus was on earth in person, he exercises authority to forgive sin. And we can read that in Matthew chapter nine verses one through six Matthew chapter nine verses one through six It’s on the city and the whole,
they brought to him the main<inaudible> and Jesus said, thank you. He is easier to say that to be forgiven me to say that you may know that the son of man has each of the sick of the palsy. So Jesus himself lets us know that he had the power to forgive sins while he was on earth. People. Now, however, live during the Christian era of religious history prior to Christ’s death,
there were no Christians. And we know that because the first mention of Christians is in acts chapter 11 a year or so after his death and verse 26, acts 11 and verse 26. And when he had found him, he brought him on to Antioch and it came to pass that a whole year. They assembled themselves with the church and taught much people.
And the disciples were called Christians first and Antioch. So for a person to reject water baptism as a prereq prerequisite to salvation on the basis of what the thief did or did not do is comparable to Abraham seeking salvation by building an arc, because that is what Noah did to please God, not, not Abraham. It would be like the rich young ruler from the parable in Matthew chapter,
19 refusing Christ directive to sell all of his possessions because wealthy King David did not have to sell his possessions in order to please God, we can’t base what we did, what we do on what they did in the old Testament. The thief on the cross could not have been baptized the way the new covenant stipulates you and I must be baptized, but why let’s read Romans six,
three and four, Romans chapter six verses three and four. So many of us baptized Jesus Christ baptized<inaudible>. So this passage teaches us that if we wish to acquire newness of life, we must be baptized into Christ death. We must be buried with Christ in baptism and then be raised from the dead. And there was no way for the thief to comply with this new Testament baptism.
It was impossible because Christ was not dead yet. He was still on the cross. Christ had not been buried. He had not been raised. And in fact, none of God’s ordained teachings pertaining to salvation in Christ and in his body. The church had been given. Let’s read about the salvation in Christ. Second Timothy chapter two in verse ten second, Timothy chapter two and verse 10.
Therefore I endure all things for the elect sake that they may also obtain the salvation, which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory, his body, as the church, we can see in acts chapter two in verse 47, acts chapter two and verse 47, praising God and having favor with all the people and the Lord added to the church daily, such as should be saved.
And we’ll reference that with, excuse me, we’ll referenced that with Ephesians chapter one verses 22 and 23 Ephesians chapter one 22 and 23, and have put all things under his feet and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all And the church, which Christ shed blood purchased.
We can read it in acts chapter 20 in verse 28, the purchasing of the church by Christ’s blood acts 20 and verse 28, Take heed, therefore unto yourselves and to all the flock over the which the Holy ghost hath made you overseers to feed the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood. He had the church had not been established and was not set up until weeks later we read in acts chapter two.
So we must not look to the thief as an example of salvation. Instead, we must obey from the heart, that form of doctrine, Romans six 17, the form of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection through baptism, Romans six, three and four, as we read earlier only then can we be made free from sin to become the servants of righteousness,
Romans six, 18. So we cannot gain. There’s nothing to learn from the thief on the cross, other than Christ’s mercy and his grace and the fact that he was able to forgive sins here on earth. Another objection that we go ahead, John. I know all that. That’s always been mine when somebody brings it up. Well, that was before the new law.
That was the other law. So would it matter? Plus Jesus said it. So, so it didn’t matter either way, but, but I mean, before that, were you supposed to have been baptized with John’s baptism or were y’all you and Aaron saying, well, he may have in fact crossing fine Donovan, just out of a hell, Just out of a curiosity.
You can’t say that he wasn’t baptized because it’s a possibility because he knew that he knew when he spoke to Jesus on the cross of the kingdom, it’s a possibility that he had heard John’s message and that he was baptized into John’s baptism. But you, you weren’t supposed to be baptized into John’s baptism. That was a precursor to get people ready for Christ’s coming one.
That’s why in acts chapter 18 and 19, we read that when Paul found the disciples who had been baptized into John’s baptism after Christ had passed away, they had to correct that and they were baptized into Christ instead. So the baptism of John was moot. It’s it’s a very good, I use it when I’m studying with people who say, well, I was already baptized into the Baptist church and I was immersed.
So that works. No, it doesn’t. You have to be baptized for the right reason. And, and your baptism doesn’t count. We have to go back and go over this and show you, Hey, you have to be baptized into Christ for the correct reasons. Alright, is that good? Okay. So the Bible says, Christ stands at the door of your heart and all we have to do to be forgiven of sin and become a Christian is to invite him into your hearts.
That’s what people say. We hear that all the time. I went to a Christian rock concert with one of my friends a long time ago. Um, and I’ve never been a fan of Christian rock music, but they always, at the end of their jam sessions would say, let’s, let’s sit here and won’t, we’ll invite the Lord into our hearts.
This is not something that we can do. And it’s no doubt startling to discover that the Bible simply does not say anything about inviting the Lord into your heart. The phrase ology here of inviting the Lord into your heart is reminiscent of revelation. Chapter three in verse 20, which we should be somewhat versed with since we’ve been going over revelation revelation chapter three in verse 20,
if someone wants to read that<inaudible> So this passage is usually what they invoke to, to give that idea that they can just invite Christ into their hearts and they’ll be saved. But if you examine what revelation three 20 actually teaches revelation chapters two and three consists of seven specific messages directed to seven churches of Christ in Asia minor in the first century, thus at the outset,
we must recognize that revelation three 20 is addressed to Christians. This is this. What Jesus is saying is to people who are already baptized, who are already saved, not non-Christian seeking conversion into Christ. Second revelation three 20 is found among Christ remarks to the church in Laodicea. Jesus made clear that the church had moved into a lost condition. Let’s go ahead and read revelation chapter three,
and we’ll start in verse 14 and read through the end of the chapter if you’re there or if you’re, if you’re not there, go ahead and get there. Revelation chapter three, and we’ll begin in verse 14, Hey And unto the angel of the church of the layout of scenes, right? These things, Seth, the amen, the faithful and true witness.
The beginning of the creation of God. I know that works. That thou art neither cold nor hot, I would thou word cold or hot. So then, because thou are lukewarm and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth because they’ll say us, I am rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing. And no,
it’s not. That thou are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. I counsel thee to buy of me. Gold, tried and fire that thou mayest be rich. And w and white Raymond, that thou mayest be clothed. And that the shame of dynamicness do not appear and anoint thine eyes with iSolve. And that dowel may see as many as I love.
I rebuke and chasten be zealous, therefore, and repent. You’re not going to tell us someone to repent. If they haven’t gone away. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come into him and will sup with him. And he, with me to him that overcome it,
will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame. And I’m sat down with my father in his throne, he that hath an ear. Let him hear what the spirit Seth, until the church and to the churches. So the members were unacceptable to God since they were lukewarm. As we read in verse 16, they had become unsaved since their spiritual condition was wretched and miserable and poor and verse 17 less in a very real sense.
Jesus had abandoned them by removing his presence from their myths. Now he was on the outside looking in and he still wanted to be among them. But the decision was up to them as ones that had fallen away, they had to recognize his absence, hear him knocking for admission and open the door. All of which has figurative language indicating their need to repent in verse 19,
as we read, they needed to return to the obedient lifestyle, essential to sustaining God’s favor. Let’s read John chapter 14 verses 21 and 23, John 14, 21 and 23. He that hath my commandments and keep it them. He is that he is that loveth me. And he, that loveth me shall be loved of my father. And I will love him and will manifest myself to him.
And then verse 23, Jesus answered and said unto him. If a man love me, he will keep my words. And my father will love him. And we will come unto him and make our abode with him. So observe revelation, chapter three in verse 20, and no way supports the idea that Christians merely have to open the door of their heart and invite Jesus in with the assurance that the moment they,
uh, mentally or verbally do. So Jesus comes into their heart and they are simultaneously saved from all past sins and have become Christians. There’s nothing in this verse that even remotely says that the context of revelation three 20 shows that Jesus was seeking readmission into an apostate church. This, this has nothing to do with, except me into your heart. And you’ll be saved.
This is everything to do with except me back. And I want to be, I want to be a part of your lives. I want you to be saved. And right now you are not. That’s why he spewed them out of his mouth. So does the Bible teach that Christ comes in, comes into a person’s heart? Yes, but not in the way that the religious world suggests,
for instance, Ephesians chapter three and verse 17, somebody read Ephesians chapter three in verse 17. Just the first part of it. Yes. So this States that Christ dwells in the heart through faith. Faith can be acquired only by hearing biblical truth. Romans 10, 17, Romans chapter 10 and verse 17. We all know most of us know that one.
So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God, I knew I’d get to that one and forget that I was going to quote it. When, when Bible truth is obeyed, the individual is saved by faith, Hebrews five and verse nine, Hebrews chapter five and verse nine, and being made perfect. He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.
Also James chapter two in verse 22 CSL how faith wrought with his works and by works was faith made. Perfect. And first Peter chapter one and verse 22, Seeing you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren. See that you love one another with a pure heart fervently. So thus Christ enters our lives.
When we draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience or repentance and our bodies washed with pure water or baptism Hebrews chapter 10 and verse 22. So the next objection that we constantly hear is a person is saved the moment he accepts Christ as his personal savior, which proceeds and therefore excludes water baptism.
All you have to do is accept that Jesus is your savior, okay? To suggest that all one has to do to receive forgiveness of God and become a Christian is to mentally accept Jesus into his heart and make a verbal statement to that effect. It is to dispute the declaration of Jesus in Matthew chapter seven in verse 21, someone read Matthew chapter seven in verse 21.
Not everyone will say<inaudible>, which is, But to be sure, oral confession of Christ is one of the prerequisites to salvation. And you can’t be saved just by confessing Christ, but it is one that you have to do. Romans chapter 10 and verse 10 for, with the heart man believeth unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation,
but Jesus said there is more to becoming a blood bought follower of his, then verbally calling on his name or inwardly accepting him as your savior. He stated that before we can ever consider ourselves as God’s children or Christians, we must show our acceptance of his gift through outward obedience. He that does the will of my father. He said in Matthew notice the significant contrast Jesus made the difference between mental or verbal determination to accept and follow the Lord versus verbal confession.
Coupled with action or obedience three James chapter two verses 14 and verse 17, James two 14 and 17.<inaudible> What does it profit? My brother, even though a man say he had faith and have not works, can faith save him? And then verse 17, even so faith, if it has not works is dead being alone. This is why we must do everything the Lord has indicated,
and it must be done prior to salvation. Jesus is telling us that it is possible to make the mistake of claiming. We have found the Lord when we have not done what he plainly told us to do. Jesus said most assuredly. I say to you, unless one is born of water and the spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
John chapter three in verse five, Jesus also stated he who believes and is baptized will be saved, but he who does not believe will be condemned Mark 16, 16, honestly, have you accepted Christ as your personal savior and the way he said it must be done. That’s what you would ask someone that says, that says this, this excuse he asks,
but why do you call me Lord Lord and do not the things which I say in Luke chapter six 46. So this whole, this whole argument that they have, that all you have to do is accept Christ into your heart is completely moot. If they just read God’s word. The another objection that we hear quite often is we are clothed with Christ and become his children when we place our faith in him.
So the faith only belief let’s read Galatians chapter three verses 26 and 27, Galatians three verses 26 and 27.<inaudible> Thank you. The word put on are a translation of the Greek verb and duo this signifies to enter into, to get into, or as into clothes or just to put on, can we be saved prior to putting Christs on or being clothed with Christ?
Of course not, but when and how does one put on Christ? According to Paul, when one is baptized in water, those who teach, we can be saved before baptism in reality teaching, we can be saved without, with while being spiritually naked and without Christ. Paul affirms that we put on Christ at the point of our baptism, not before our baptism.
Paul wrote these words to people who were already saved. They had been made sons of God by faith, but how, how are they made, been made sons of God by faith, through their baptism? And at what point have they been clothed with Christ after baptism? And when were they made sons of God by faith, after their baptism? And when,
so when were they saved after their baptism? Paul makes the answer to these questions. Very plain. They were United with Christ, had put on Christ and were clothed with Christ when they were baptized. And then you would ask them, ask yourself if you have been clothed with Christ, honestly, because they haven’t, they haven’t been baptized. They believe all I have to do is have faith.
Another objection we hear quite often is baptism is like a badge on a uniform that merely gives evidence that a person is already saved the new Testament. Nowhere expounds. The idea that baptism is merely a badge, or as we often hear it, an outward sign of an inward grace. Yes. Baptism can biblically be referred to as a symbolic act, but what it,
but what does it symbolize? Does it symbolize previous forgiveness? No, you’re not forgiven before you’re baptized, you’re baptized for the remission of your sentence. Romans chapter six indicates that baptism symbolize the previous death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Thus, the benefits of Jesus’s death, burial and resurrection. Remember Jesus’s blood, which blots out sin was shed in the context of his death,
burial and resurrection, and were realized and received by the individual. When he obediently impenitent faith submitted to a similar ordeal, the death of his own old man or body of sin, as we can read in Romans chapter six and verse six, Romans chapter six and verse six, knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed.
That henceforth we should not serve sin, burial immersion into a watery tomb and resurrection rising from the watery tomb. That’s that’s our death and burial and resurrection is going down into the grave and coming back up and in baptism, denominational doctrine maintains that forgiveness of sin is received prior to the optimism. If so the new life of the saved individual would also begin prior to baptism.
Yet. Paul said the new life occurs after baptism. As we read. He reiterated this in cautions cautions chapter two in verse 11, three, Colossians chapter two in verse 11, and whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands and putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ. This is accomplished in the context of water,
immersion, and being risen with him. And as we read in verse 12, right after that, buried with him in baptism wherein also, ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God who have to raise him from the dead chapter Three of Colossians in verse one, if ye, then be risen with Christ, seek those things, which are above where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
This draws the important observation. If you were raised with Christ and undeniable reference to baptism. So you’re raised up out of, out of the Baptist waters of baptism, like Christ was raised from the dead. You seek those which are above and undeniable reference to the new life, which follows not proceeds baptism. So baptism is, is, uh, something that you do because you’re commanded to,
and then the Lord knows who you are. It is not an outward sign of an inward grace, right? I’m going to stop right there. Cause that’s the end of that objection. And we’re almost out of time. So you are dismissed for the time being, I’m sorry if I was moving a little fast, um, no Catholics, Good evening and welcome to the devotional period of our Wednesday night Bible study.
I’ve got a few announcements that we need to make. And first of all, I guess I might as well tell you the story of Aaron since it happened out at our house, I did not see it, but, uh, as I understand what happened, we had decided we were going to go canoeing a week or so ago and the weather was not cooperating just wonderfully.
Well, so we kind of postponed a canoe trip and Eddie and Aaron were coming out to canoe in our pond and let the boys play in the kayak and kind of get used to that sort of thing. And like I say, I didn’t see it. I was with one of the boys down, uh, at the pond. But, uh, as I understand,
we have a tree that leans pretty, uh, severely in our backyard and the kids play on it all the time. Our grandkids, well, Aaron had walked up the tree or climbed up the tree and he was going to get down and he decided against Eddie’s wishes. And I guess also Diana’s wishes. He decided he would jump down. And, uh,
I did measure the, the limb that he jumped from and it’s about 10 feet give or take an inch or two, but as he landed, he kind of fell backwards and he caught himself with his left hand and it put a twist on it and he has snapped his radius, the smaller of the two in his wrist, just above the wrist. It’s real close there.
I know it was swelling almost immediately and it’s been extremely painful. So he is scheduled for surgery when the swelling goes down. And that is October 1st now. So it’s going to have to be a little while that he’s a good bit of pain. That’s the story is I, I knew it. Okay. Other, uh, of our sick, remember Dorothy and Rodale Wilson.
Um, they suffer from their chronic problems. Joan Springer still has her problems and both Marie and Joan have been quarantine, uh, having been exposed to the COVID 19 virus. Um, that’s all I know about that. Keep Pam chafing in your prayer. She’s doing very nicely. She had back surgery a couple of weeks ago and is healing up nicely.
In fact, we saw her Saturday. She was here at, uh, Gladys Lyle’s birthday, a celebration out in the parking lot. Sylvia is not here tonight, but I understand, uh, her, um, spinal block did not do much good. I hope she’s doing, doing better. Janet Jones broke her hip and she is no longer in Germantown Methodist,
but she has been moved to the Memphis Jewish home. And she’s in room one, two, three, that’s even. I can remember that one. Um, Mickey Stewart that’s Becky’s brother-in-law, uh, was involved in a bicycle accident and he has passed away as a result of his injuries. Um, they think he possibly had a heart attack before, as he was riding his bicycle and he never really regained consciousness,
I guess, from that. So, uh, keep back in your prayers, Ron Wallace that’s, uh, Jacob’s father. And you remember Jacob is, uh, Eric and Cheryl’s, uh, son-in-law is in the hospital dealing, uh, with a couple of different days and a couple of different episodes of, uh, real low blood sugar. And,
um, that, uh, is the dangerous part when your blood sugar gets low is when you tend to, um, have the biggest chance of lapsing into a coma and not really recovering from it. That’s all of the sick I’m aware of. Uh, I wanna say thank you to Cassandra and Paula. You might remember there was a big pile of limbs out here under the,
under the tree that has fallen off over a period of a fair amount of time. Anyway, they moved those out to the street and did the city pick them up or did you have to dispose of it? Okay. Well, thank you for moving them. I saw it the other day and said I really ought to do that. And that’s, as far as I got anyway,
that’s all the announcements I have. Thank you once again for your presence here. Our song leader tonight for our devotional, uh, will be Joe. Um, Michael Dale has our devotional and Terry Whitney will lead us in a closing prayer. Thank you. If you would be marking your books for nine Oh two, that will be our song of encouragement nine Oh two and then turn your books to number 528.
Hi there, my real name or list and never pray for me. I know eternal life.<inaudible> I know, I know that my real name. I know, I know it turn on life.<inaudible><inaudible><inaudible> my<inaudible><inaudible> and I should Holy the N word and all the, and then ah, yes, only if they may see when I’m there,
sir. Life ring. I know, I know that my<inaudible> side. No, I know you turn on life.<inaudible> yeah.<inaudible> hi.<inaudible> my<inaudible>. I know that over yonder stands up played, uh, for me<inaudible> with most wander<inaudible>. I know, I know that my real name or sign. No, I know you turn online thing.
I know, I know<inaudible> It’s evening. I’m going to speak to you about the kindness, kindness of fruit of the spirit, Galatians chapter five verses 22 through 23, Galatians chapter five verses 22 and 23. But the fruit of the spirit is love joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance against such. There is no law as kindness as a part of God’s nature.
It is clearly identified as being part of that, which is faith, which the faithful Christian is to possess. William Barclay suggests kindness is the virtue of a man whose neighbor’s wellbeing is as important to him as his own. First. We must understand that kindness is a virtue that is universally admired, but the special Mark that distinguishes Christian kindness is a continuation.
Even when it is not wanted, appreciated or returned. The natural unexpected thing is to be kind to your own and to return favor for favor. Jesus wants his disciples to do more than that. He desires for us to imitate the perfect example of the father, Matthew chapter five verses 46 through 48, Matthew chapter five verses 46 through 48 for if he loved them,
which love you, what reward heavy do, not even the publicans the same. And if you salute your brother and only what do you more than others do, not even the publicans. So be therefore perfect. Even as your father, which is in heaven is perfect. We are to do out of kindness for all without hope of a reward. Luke chapter six verses 31 through 35,
Luke six 31 through 35. And as he would, that men should do to you do ye also to them, likewise for a fee, love them, which love you. What thing have ye for sinners also love those that love them. And if you do good to them, which do good to you, what thing have E for sinners also do even the same.
And if he lend to them, four of whom he hoped to receive what think heavy for centers also lend to sinners to receive as much again, but love your enemies and do good and lend hoping for nothing again. And your reward shall be great. And you shall be the children of the highest for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
Second, we need to understand that because God is kind, his people can also be kind bearing. The fruit of the spirit is a process where the old way of life is replaced with the character traits, belonging to a Holy God. We need to know that kindness, the kindness of God has the power to motivate repentance, Romans chapter two and verse four,
or despise us now the richest of the goodness and forbearance and long suffering. Not knowing that the goodness or kindness of God lead at the, to repentance through this knowledge, we can understand that the kindness of Christians can achieve great results. Jesus command his commands us to be kind to our enemies. Matthew chapter five verses 44 and 45, Matthew five 44 and 45.
I say unto, you love your enemies. Bless them. That curse. You do good to them that hate you and pray for them, which despitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be the children of your father, which is in heaven for he makes it his son to rise on the evil and on the good and send us rain on the,
just, and the unjust. The fruit of kindness has the power to overcome the evil of those who are unkind toward it. Romans chapter 12, verses 20 and 21, Romans 12, 20 and 21. Therefore, if an enemy hunger feed him, if he thirst, give him drink for in. So doing thou shalt heap, coals of fire on his head,
be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. So how can the fruit of kindness be born? First? We are to be kind or gentle with our words. Let’s read Colossians chapter four in verse six, Colossians chapter four, and verse six. Let your speech always be with grace seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man.
And let us read what the wise man says and Proverbs chapter 16 and verse 24, Proverbs chapter 16 and verse 24. Pleasant words are as in honeycomb, sweet to the soul and health to the bones. Second, we must strive to be kind or good in our conduct. Galatians chapter six, verses one and two Galatians chapter six verses one and two brother-in-law.
If a man be overtaken in a fault, he which are spiritual restore, such a one in the spirit of meekness, considering myself less, they’ll also be tempted, bear ye one another’s burdens. And so fulfill the law of Christ and also in Romans chapter 15, verses one through three Romans chapter 15, verses one through three, when then that we then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the week and not to please ourselves,
let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification for even Christ, please not himself, but as it is written, the reproaches of them that reproach thee fell on me. Third, we should be kind or gracious in our thoughts and judgments of others. Matthew chapter seven, verses one through five Matthew chapter seven verses one through five judge.
Not that GB not judged for, with what judgment you judge, you shall be judged. And with what measure you meet, it shall be measured to you again. And why behold thou the mote that is in my brother’s eye, but consider us not the beam that is in nine Oni or how wilt thou say to thy brother, let me pull out the mode out of thine eye and behold,
a beam is in nine own. I thou hypocrite first cast out the beam out of dine Oni, and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye. A while ago, I read a meme on Facebook, uh, that put forth a worthy statement, and I decided to keep that meme so I could use it at a later time.
It stated if you cannot be a pencil to write someone’s happy, write someone happiness, try to be a nice eraser to remove someone’s sadness. Tonight. I charge you to cultivate the sweet disposition that it can be born only of kindness. Remember friend or foe. Everyone needs to hear the word of God, Romans 10 17 through our kind heart and love for the soul of mankind.
We must help as many as we can learn. God’s word to a point of belief, John eight 24, we must guide the lost and string through our, through our kind conduct to repent of their past live acts 17 verse 30. If those around us see the confession of Christ we give through our kind words and our actions. Every day, they may be led to a point of confessing Jesus as the Christ themselves,
Matthew 10 32. And through every kindness they see, and the fact that nothing ever takes away that kindness or that happiness in your heart, they may want that in their own lives. And that could lead them to baptism just through the way you live acts 2216. So if you have, if you have yet to heed the call, or if you need prayers of the church,
please come forward. As we stand and sing What can wash away?<inaudible> nothing but<inaudible><inaudible><inaudible> uh,<inaudible> uh,<inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible><inaudible> uh, Let us pray our heavenly father. We thank you Lord for the privilege to come into your house tonight and, and learn your word, Lord, we thank you for Michael that presented your word tonight,
Lord, and just let us apply it to everyday life. Lord, we pray for the ones that are sick or blouse loss will our lost, loved ones. Lord, just comfort them. We ask that you be with Aaron and confront him at this time, Lord, and just we thank you for loving us, Lord, we thank you for forgiveness,
the bark, thins and happiness up Lord. When we stumble Lord, as we leave tonight, just Greenwich travel safety and bring us back at the next appointed time. We ask this in your precious name. Amen.