...The Baptism Debate The baptism debate remains central among Christians all over the world. It is one of the aspects that is considered to be a tenet in the Christina faith yet remains controversial in terms of significance. There are those who are of the view that baptism is only meant for infants. This is seen as a way of ushering them into the kingdom of God and the Christina faith. For others however, the baptism for infants is symbolic and there is need for a person to undergo a second baptism as an adult. The second baptism is said to signify the aspect of being born again and washing off the sinful nature. This debate has been raging for many yeas causing confusion in the Christian circles. This discussion seeks to examine both sides of the debate and ascertain the Biblical position on the issue. The Concept of Baptism Perhaps before looking at the concept of infant baptism versus adult baptism, it may be crucial to look at the entire concept as a whole. Baptism as concept is an act of cleansing that is done for purposes of washing off one’s sinful nature. It was therefore done symbolically to signify that one’s past has been washed off. One was therefore considered a new creature after going through baptism . The New Testament has covered quite extensively the issue of baptism. It begins with the Jesus Christ the Son of God. He approached John the Baptist and requested that he (John) should baptize Him. When Jesus was baptized, the heavens opened and God the father...
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...Seminary Book Critique: Believer’s Baptism: Sign of the New Covenant in Christ A Paper Submitted to Professor Larry McDonald In Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Course Ecclesiology Theo 620 By Matt Dover September 8, 2012 Bibliography Believer’s Baptism: Sign of the New Covenant in Christ. Thomas R. Schreiner & Shawn D. Wright. Nashville: B & H, 2007. 359 pages. Reviewed by Matt B. Dover Authorship Thomas R. Schreiner is the professor of New Testament Interpretation and the Associate Dean of Scripture and Interpretation at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Prior to this he served for 11 years at Bethel Theological Seminary, and he also taught New Testament at Azusa Pacific Seminary. Schreiner is the author of numerous books and articles. He is also the pastor of Clifton Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky. Shawn D. Wright is the Assistant Professor of Church History at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Prior to this he served the Southern Baptist churches in New England. Wright also serves as the pastor at Clifton Baptist Church alongside Schreiner. He is also noted for writing various articles and journals. He also serves as a member of the Evangelical Theological Society. Thesis Statement The goal of this book is to recover and maintain an adequate and proper view on the role of baptism in the believer’s life and the church. It also seeks...
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...Church The role of women in the Christian faith has always been matter of debate. Whether women are equal to men in the eyes of the church still presents itself as a major question as we move into the 21st century. Women are still not allowed to serve as priests or hold major positions in the churches hierarchy. This inferiority is something that is seen as tradition and rarely do people question it. However, in Paul s letters he alluded to a different role that women should take on. He presents the idea that everyone is equal in the eyes of the Lord as long as they have been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Although he was not the first to ever express these beliefs, the idea that Paul presented was quite radical for his time and may not have been taken with the same authority as some of his other teachings. However, the basic formula that Paul used in some of his letters was also presented by subsequent writer’s years after he was finished with his ministry. The most straightforward presentation of Paul s view on the role of women is in Galatians 3:28, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. This statement brought up the idea of baptism and the key role it plays in the life of a Christian. Paul states that when you are baptized in the name of Jesus all worldly distinctions are no longer important. A person is not to be viewed based on past religion, life before baptism, or gender, he or she will now be viewed simply as a follower of Christ...
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...6, 1961 in Morrill, NE, has been a member of the church since 29 November 1981, when he was baptized in Chadron, NE. After hearing the missionaries on a dare, he was baptized after coming back from Thanksgiving break. Disowned by his family, Santo began a life of church service filled with the same energy that made him a National Champion cross country runner, the first Nebraska high school student to be 5-star National Thespian in speech, and debate champion. Leadership callings came quickly, being called as Ward Mission Leader and My friend, Santo, is then Ward Clerk. someone you should get to know Bishopric Counselor and as you do, you will for 2 Bishops in love him as I do. Houston came next, followed by Stake Clerk Bishop Brandon Taylor and High Council. The High Council calling lasted only 2 weeks before he was called as Bishop at age 28, just 7 years after being baptized. The next 5 years and 8 months as Bishop brought so much joy as over 240 people joined the church by baptism. A move to Florida brought some successes and some severe sorrows. A period of 7 years of inactivity in the church and a move back to Nebraska to be closer to family in hopes of healing from this terrible hurt. The ups from the feelings of the spirit and satisfaction of endless service, and the downs of the renewed rejection and persecution of his family for his beliefs and testimony. Santo is not a quitter, although he would like...
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...Water Baptism “Baptism points back to the work of God, and forward to the life of faith.” - J.A. Motyer Introduction Why is This Topic Important? The subject of water baptism is important for several reasons. First of all, it is a commandment of Jesus Christ and an important part of His great commission. Christ said, “… go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). It is obvious that if we do not properly understand or practice baptism, we are in danger of neglecting a very important desire of our Lord and Savior. Understanding the Bible’s teaching concerning water baptism is also important because we have an obligation to ensure that new converts to Christ understand the biblical view of baptism and its significance to their relationship with Christ. It would be very unfortunate for any believer to experience water baptism without really understanding its meaning. Finally, it is important to discuss this issue because there are a number of disagreements within Christianity related to baptism. Some of these are relatively minor, but others are extremely important and are worth some discussion. Section A will first discuss some introductory matters regarding the meaning of the word “baptism” and the different kinds of baptism in the New Testament (NT). Section B will cover specifically what the Bible teaches...
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...THE DOCTRINE OF BAPTISMAL REGENERATION: AN ANALYSIS OF ITS ASSOCIATION WITH THE RESTORATION MOVEMENT A Research Paper Submitted to Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary Online In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Course Systematic Theology II (TH 530-D09) By Justin Hartpence (23828793) May 12, 2013 THESIS STATEMENT This paper shall argue that this is an inaccurate depiction and seek to put forth the common view of baptism in the Restoration Movement as distinct from the common understanding of baptismal regeneration, while pointing to key factors that play a role in popular inaccuracies. TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 1 DEFINING REGENERATION 2 DEFINING BAPTISM 3 The Mode 3 The Subject 4 The Meaning 6 According to Classic Baptismal Regenerationists 7 According to Restoration Movement Theology 8 BAPTSIM AS THE OCCASION OF SALVATION 9 John 3:5 9 Titus 3:5 11 BAPTISM'S RELATION TO FAITH 12 CONCLUSION 14 SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY 15 INTRODUCTION Change: it is an inevitable fact of life. Whether it is plant, animal, human or thought nothing exists for very long without addition or subtraction of some kind. Unfortunately theology is not immune. One need only survey the history of Christianity to see this disconcerting fact. Like a pendulum, however, as theology sways outward from its starting point there are inevitably forces that pull it back. This happened most notably in the Reformation under the guidance of reformers...
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... Schreiner and Wright set out to dispel the practice of paedobaptisim in the Reformed tradition. In order to accomplish this, they enlist the help of ten scholars to investigate baptism from a scriptural, historical and theological perspective. What results is a book that fairly documents the biblical background, fairly quotes the Reformation fathers Calvin, Marcel, and Murray and ends with a chapter on practical application of baptism in the modern church. SUMMARY Schreiner and Wright open their book by stating, “Baptism … is the initiation rite into the Christian church. Those who label it minor are imposing their own categories onto the Scriptures instead of listening to the Scriptures…. Baptism is important precisely because it is tied to the gospel, to the saving work that Christ accomplished in his death and resurrection.”[1] What the authors do is to survey both the scriptures and church history in their inquiry into the paedobaptistism (infant baptism) and credobaptism (“baptism should be reserved for believers in the Lord Jesus Christ”[2]) debate. The particular form of paedobaptism that the authors are seeking to correct is “…primarily in the Reformed tradition, who baptize infants not because they believe that baptism regenerates … but because they believe that baptism brings the child into the covenant community.”[3] All the authors are both razor sharp in their focus, and fair in their treatment of paedobaptist positions. Each chapter is thoroughly...
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...This is a call out to those leaders who have abandoned, water-down, or perhaps do not recognize any more this undisputable truth of Believer’s Baptism taught in the Bible. So often, even in the evangelical church, (in this case the Paedobaptists), a new generation of modern theologians “who baptize infants not because they believe that baptism regenerates the child but because they believe that baptism brings the child into the covenant community where he or she will have the blessing of hearing the gospel preached as they grow up as members of the church.” Yet, this viewpoint represents a new nature of heresies among the Christian community. However, Schreiner and Wright, makes the effort to uphold the authority of the Word of God knowing...
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...Galations The role of women in the Christian faith has always been matter of debate. Whether women are equal to men in the eyes of the church still presents itself as a major question as we move into the 21st century. Women are still not allowed to serve as priests or hold major positions in the church s hierarchy. This inferiority is something that is seen as tradition and rarely do people question it. However, in Paul s letters he alluded to a different role that women should take on. He presents the idea that everyone is equal in the eyes of the Lord as long as they have been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Although he was not the first to ever express these beliefs, the idea that Paul presented was quite radical for his time and may not have been taken with the same authority as some of his other teachings. However, the basic formula that Paul used in some of his letters was also presented by subsequent writers years after he was finished with his ministry. The most straightforward presentation of Paul s view on the role of women is in Galatians 3:28, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. This statement brought up the idea of baptism and the key role it plays in the life of a Christian. Paul states that when you are baptized in the name of Jesus all worldly distinctions are no longer important. A person is not to be viewed based on past religion, life before baptism, or gender, he or she will now be viewed simply as a follower of Christ...
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...Liberty University “Infant Baptism” A research paper submitted to Professor Seth Johnson In Partial Fulfillment of the requirements For THEO 350-D07 Liberty University Online By Jeffrey Robinson L21932989 Lynchburg, Virginia April 24, 2012 I did not come to the saving knowledge of the Lord until I was twenty-four years old. By this time I had two small children that were four years old and two months old. My wife was born and raised in the church. She wanted to get the children baptized. I did not know what that meant. So being the inquisitive new covert that I was, I went to the pastor and asked what the meaning of the infant baptism was. He explained that it was just an outward sign that I was going to raise my children in the church and the ways of Christ. I thought that was a great idea. Until this class, I did not know that there was any other reason than the one explained to me by my pastor nineteen years ago. The topic just never came up. Since I believe that this is the true reason I had my children baptized, this paper will try to argue that infant baptism is not for salvation purposes. I believe in true faith. I also believe that baptism can be an empty ritual. Through research and prayer, God has been teaching me about the church and the communal nature of faith. I have learned that a person’s view of the meaning of the sacraments, the Church, covenant theology, individualism, and God’s grace have a great deal to do with...
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...Planning and growing healthy Chinese church cd 763 4/4/2013 A growing healthy church has solid foundation when it is starts with: a) clear calling mission and vision statement Mission is thru God what he wants you to do Vision is what you will do after 10-20 years b) A senior pastor with SHEPHERD’S HEART: Acts 20:20-35, Matt 11:25-30. Health and growing church is very depends on Pastor. (if you lose half on your leadership , the pastor should leaves) and also you need a prayer partner cry together and laugh together. c) A clear long term strategy owner by leadership team and by the whole church. d) A united leadership team same vision same mission same core values with the pastor. e) An undivided leadership team and a long team leadership development plan: 1. Friendships/partnership building 2. Discipleship f) A constant clear core values: core values drive a church in her decision making goals and priorities setting, problems solutions. They drive the ministry in a particular direction and draw new members with the same values. (core value is not change often. If you have no core value you will go different direction and church will swing. ) g) A growing healthy has a staff team who share the same values. Where values align, they will pull together. Where values differ, they will pull apart.( Interview people with the same mindset.) (background check is always important.) When you determinate a pastor...
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...There are several questions that will be addressed from the reading of John 15:1-8. The first question is what does this passage teach about salvation? Jesus is the true vine and the only source of eternal salvation. In one of our texts Mr. Morris states “When the Father purges the vine of the “unclean” Canes; He is ridding it of people whom God will prune”. (Morris, 2012, p. 137) Man is by his own nature dry and barren, but we draw power from God which is new, which does not proceed from ourselves. We are crafted in His image alone. (Christnotes.org, 2013) The second question is what this passage of John teaches about discipleship? These passages teach us that Jesus is the vine and His disciples are the branches. “The branches derive their life from the vine; the vine produces its fruit through the branches” (Carson, 2012, p. 514). In John 15:1, he states “I am the vine, and my Father is the vine grower” John 15:1 (The Wesley Study Bible). This parable elaborates that Jesus as God’s true vine depicts Him and these attached to Him as branches, which are God’s genuine people. The last question is what does the passage within John 15:1-8 teach us about eternal security? John 15:2 states, “He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit He prunes to make it bear more fruit” (John 15:2). Fruitfulness is the mark of the true Christian. In John it also states eternal security is given by abiding in Jesus Christ and His word abides in...
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...YOUR NAME IN ALL CAPS HERE Your Student Number RELI 1710 PLUS YOUR SECTION (A or V) Professor Zeba Crook Title Can Be Whatever You Want 1 Identification: The type of religions tradition I chose to attend was that of Christianity. The denomination was Roman Catholic. The name of the place of worship I attended was St. Michael’s Church located at 150 Corkery Rd RR2, Carp, ON, K0A 1L0. I attended Sunday mass on February 6, 2011 at 11:00am. Building: The outside of the church is square shaped with grayish bricks all around. At the front of the church is a tower shaped entrance, with wooden doors. On both sides of the church are glass windows. In the tower there is a church bell that rang at the beginning of the mass. The inside of the church is filled with pews (roughly 20 on each side) as well as an altar in the front. The windows on the inside of the church are stained with images. There is a second floor in the church which also has pews along with a piano and guitar. At the front of the church where the altar is hangs a cross which indicates that this is a religious institution. Along with the cross, other religious symbols that are visible include statues and pictures of Jesus along with a statue of Mary. There is much art visible inside the church. Some particular examples include that of Pope Benedict, a Cardinal, as well as Jesus. These pictures do not really affect the experience. They just concretely show that we are in a religious institution. Other areas marked...
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...I think the theme “We Are Called” relates to me because I believe that I can be a living sacrament by helping others to the best of my ability, volunteering, teaching others, donating, praying; putting God and others first. Just by being aware and listening to what the people are saying and paying attention to the world around me is helping me to be a living sacrament. Usually people are too busy with their day to day life, and busy with problems, but we at a community should remember the small things, and remember to help others. Throughout my life I have had baptism, confirmation, reconciliation and communion. For my future I hope to also get married and continue to help others around me that are in need. There are 7 sacraments and although I haven’t experienced all seven they are too renew and strengthen the faith with Christ and to learn to pass on God’s love. This theme, “We Are Called” really helped me to learn the importance of what we are really called to do; help. I picked hands for my symbol because I believe God is calling me to help the people around me. Today’s society is forgetting that there are people in need. I believe we forget that we are so lucky to have the things we have today; there can be some people who don’t even have enough food to eat or clean water to drink. I believe we should start thinking of others. Do the most we can do to help whether that be donating, volunteering at soup shelters or anywhere else, or fundraising. It doesn’t matter as long...
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...Outline of Leviticus 21:1 – 22:16 I. The Laws for all Priests a. Rules dealing with the dead b. Rules for mourning c. Rules concerning marriage and family II. The Laws for High Priests a. Responsibility of the High Priest b. Rules dealing with the dead c. Rules concerning marriage III. Laws concerning priests with physical abnormalities IV. Laws concerning priest cleanliness a. Types of uncleanness b. Rules for becoming clean c. Rules about eating wild animals V. Laws about lay people a. Rules concerning eating sacred donations b. Remedies for unintentional eating c. Treatment of all offerings The passages in Leviticus 21:1 – 22:16 are concerned with the purity and holiness of the priests and the preparation and consumption of sacred sacrifices. These laws were dictated by God through Moses and are intended for Aaron and his decedents. The priests come from the tribe of Levi; the family of Aaron. They come at a time when the Israelites have been lead out of Egypt by Moses and had settled at Mount Sinai before crossing over to the land promised to their ancestors. God has taken this time to establish many laws and commandments covering many areas of everyday life, human interaction, and what is considered just and fair. In this section of Leviticus, we learn of the laws governing priestly functions and sacred sacrifices. This is a key area of concern for God because the priests are the only people with direct interaction with God and are the spiritual...
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