...Brainstorming Worksheet Purpose: Use this worksheet to brainstorm and reflect upon five significant, uplifting, positive experiences/events that had a profound impact on your life. Consider events from your childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, etc. 1. Birth of my daughter 2. Joining the military 3. Visiting Jesus’s baptism site 4. Marriage proposal 5. Assistant coaching my daughters summer cheer camp Life Event 1 (The birth of my daughter): Ever since I was a child playing with my barbie dolls I always imagined that I would be a mom one day. On January 14, 2009 I gave birth to my beautiful baby girl and ever since my life has forever been altered. Giving birth for me was a multi-dimensional experience, emotional, physical, cultural, and spiritual. Becoming a mother at 22 years old was a peak experience in my life that made be grow up faster. After becoming a mother I felt a sense of maturity and self –fulfillment. Childbirth for me was both scary and joyous all at once. I was scared because I didn’t know what to expect but at the same time excited to meet this human that I had part in creating. Once she came into this world instantly there was a special bond I shared with my daughter. Life Event 2 (Joining the military): The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 played a major factor in my joining the military. After the events I remember just being devastated and just wanting to support the troops. In joining the military for me...
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...Theological Meaning of Jesus’ Temptation Mark’s account on Jesus’ temptation is very brief. Most of the Mark account is found also in the Matthew and Luke versions, with the exception of "with the wild animals." According to the texts, after being baptized, Jesus fasted for forty days and nights in the Judean Desert. During this time, the devil appeared to Jesus and tempted him three times. Jesus having refused each temptation, the devil departed and angels came and brought nourishment to Jesus. Matt.4:2 set the stage for the great temptation involving Jesus. “He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry.” We immediately read, "The tempter approached him and said to him, if you are the Son of God, command that these stones become loaves of bread" (vs. 3). The devil looks for the best time to tempt you and me. It may be when the Christian is without a job, is having family problems, or the local church is experiencing difficulties that the devil makes his appearance and appeal. But Jesus shows us that regardless of the circumstances surrounding us, we are able to overcome the devil. The devil quotes verbatim from the Septuagint translation regarding Psalms 91: 11, 12. While the devil correctly quotes the scripture, however, he does not correctly apply the teaching contained in Psalms 91: 11, 12 to the circumstances at hand. Hence, just because scripture is quoted does not necessarily mean the truth is being taught. Jesus both correctly quotes and...
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...Baptism and the Holy Spirit in the Book of Acts Water Baptism vs Baptized with the Spirit and Power The book of Acts begins with Jesus' parting words to His apostles before His ascension to the right hand of God the Father. In His opening statement Jesus promises the Holy Spirit, and He does this by distinguishing the coming of the Spirit from the baptism of John. “For John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” (Acts 1:5) John had testified the same of his baptism, “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” (Matthew 3:11, also in all the other Gospels: Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33) So there are two types of baptisms in the book of Acts, what the old theologians called baptismus flaminis (the outpouring of special gifts of the Holy Spirit) and baptismis fluminis (the Baptism of water which is a Sacrament of the remission of sins). (See Francis Pieper, Christian Dogmatics, II.289, note 53) Water Baptism: John's, Jesus' and the Church's Baptism (baptismis fluminis) Of these two types of baptism, the first is the baptism of John, and then commanded (and expanded) by Jesus (Matthew 28:18-20) and given to all the converts on Pentecost, etc. (This is the normal baptism that continues today. We see many of these in Acts, including Acts 2:41; 8:12-16, 36-38; 9:18; 10:47; 16:15...
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...What is Baptism? Christian denominations differ widely on their teachings about baptism. Some believe baptism accomplishes the washing away ofsin. Others consider baptism a form of exorcism from evil spirits. Still others teach that baptism is an important step of obedience in the believer’s life, yet only an acknowledgment of the salvation experience already accomplished - baptism itself has no power to cleanse or save from sin. The following takes a look at the latter perspective called "Believer's Baptism:" In the New Testament, the significance of baptism is seen more clearly. John the Baptist was sent by God to spread the news of the coming Messiah—Jesus Christ. John was directed by God (John 1:33) to baptize those who accepted his message. John’s baptizing is called “a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” Mark 1:4 (NIV). Those baptized by John acknowledged their sins and professed their faith that through the coming Messiah they would be forgiven. Baptism then is significant in that it represents the forgiveness and cleansing from sin that comes through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Water Baptism identifies the believer with the Godhead – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19 (NIV) Water Baptism identifies the believer with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection. “When you came to Christ, you were "circumcised...
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...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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...THEOLOGY RESEARCH PAPER The Purpose and Merits of Baptism V. King THEO350 24 November 2014 Is there a purpose behind baptism? This is a question that has been heatedly debated for decades by all religions. It is an extremely important question and carries significant meaning to those who believe and practice baptism. The Slavic word for baptism is “krst”, which in ancient German, its origin is derived from the word “kristen”.1 Kristen translates into making followers of Christ.2 The Greek word for baptize is baptizein, which translates to immerse.3 Whereas, the most commonly recognized Greek word for baptism is baptizó. There are many scriptures in the New Testament that provide the purpose of baptism. For a Christian, being baptized is an important step in a Christian’s life. It is a process of ridding one of sin so they can live their life according to God’s Will. John 3:15 tells that “Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” For Christians, they need to be baptized by a form of water in order to go to God’s Kingdom. ------------------------------------------------- Those who want to be baptized must accept and proclaim Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. After He is accepted as the one and only Savior, the person is baptized by going under water in the same manner as John the Baptist. There are three main components that baptism stands for: death, burial and resurrection as Paul...
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...The Baptism Debate THEO 350 March 3rd, 2014 Introduction Over time there have been many discussions on the subject of baptism, through these discussions many questions have been brought up such as, what is the purpose of baptism? Are believers only allowed to receive a baptism or can infants receive them as well? A baptism is often seen as a sort of welcome or entry into the Christian church and different denominations of the church are separate on their meaning and understanding of what baptism is and what it should involve. This paper is going to explain what baptism as well as it is going to answer the many different questions that people find themselves or this sometimes confusing subject. Purpose In order to explain the purpose of a person being baptized, we must first start by understanding what baptism truly is. “The Greek word ‘baptizo” means to immerse, plunge, dip, or bury in water. The Greek word itself excludes it form meaning “sprinkling”.” Now when a person is baptized in water, the person’s body is completely immersed in water and then pulled out. When thinking about what this symbolizes for people, “it is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ” and then that person’s identification with Him in their body. There are many great examples in scripture when dealing with the subject of baptism. In Mark 1:4-5, the Bible talks about John the Baptist, “And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance...
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...Baptism is a cleansing process which take place physically and spiritually. The purpose of a physical and spiritual baptism is too wash away filth and sin. The African Methodist Episcopal Church recognizes two sacraments in the Article of Religion and Baptism is one of them. However, I would like to expound on the various forms of baptism which are circumcision, sprinkling. immersion, and spiritual. Biblically, several Scriptures defines baptism. The baptism of circumcision was instituted by God as a covenant with Abraham according to Genesis 17:10 -11 (NRSV) . The removal of the foreskin prevents infection in the male and the transmission of infection to the female. According to Bonna Haberman, “Circumcision symbolizes the promise of a...
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...Christianity holds baptism as one of the most Significant sacrament an individual receives as it symbolizes the life and acceptance of Jesus Christ and the presents of the Holy spirit. For Christians Baptism is new life and the purification of sins as it will constantly become a reminder of faith and the death and resurrection of Christ. For the individual, Baptism is the beginning of a new life and commitment to the church. However the community provide guidance and growth for the individual and their own mission through the this sacrament is remembered. Baptism is highly significant to both the individual and the community as it was commanded by Christ through the Holy book as well as creating unity through the church. Christians believe that in order to live a fulfilled life in God’s kingdom is to be baptized just like his son Jesus in the river Jordan by John the Baptist. It is evident through the Bible that Jesus commanded Christians “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit”. Baptism for the individual meets Christ’s command as they will now live life in the example of Christ. Baptism is a constant reminder for the individual of faith and forgiveness as who receives baptism received the assurance of forgiveness and the gift of guidance by the holy spirit. it is through baptism that an individual experiences inner change and transformation through the power and strength of Christ. Jesus’ death...
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...believers have taught and received a spiritual experience they call the baptism in the Holy Spirit. At the present time, hundreds of millions of believers identify themselves with the movement that teaches and encourages the reception of that experience. The global expansion of that movement demonstrates the words of Jesus Christ to His disciples that when the promised Holy Spirit came upon them, they would receive power to be His witnesses to all the world (Acts 1:5,8). The New Testament emphasizes the centrality of the Holy Spirit's role in the ministry of Jesus and the continuation of that role in the Early Church. Jesus’ public ministry was launched by the Holy Spirit coming upon Him (Matthew 3:16; Mark 1:10; Luke 3:22; John 1:32). The Book of Acts presents an extension of that ministry through the disciples by means of the empowering Holy Spirit. The most distinguishing features of the baptism in the Holy Spirit are that: (1) it is theologically and experientially distinguishable from and subsequent to the new birth, (2) it is accompanied by speaking in tongues, and (3) it is distinct in purpose from the Spirit’s work of regenerating the heart and life of a repentant sinner. Baptism in the Holy Spirit The term “baptism in the Holy Spirit” does not occur in Scripture. It is a convenient designation for the experience predicted by John the Baptist that Jesus would “baptize in [Greek en] the Holy Spirit”1 (Matthew 3:11;...
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...Christianity allow adherents to obtain deeper knowledge and beliefs about their religion” How does this statement explain the significance of baptism for the Christian community and the individual? Baptism allows adherents of Christianity to acquire a deeper understanding and resonate with the beliefs of their religion. Baptism refers to the religious rite of passage involving the application of water in association with an individual’s admission to the Christian Church. It is a significant rite practiced by a majority of Christian adherents with the exception of Quakers and followers of The Salvation Army. In many denominations, baptism is performed on young children and is accompanied by name-giving, referred to as ‘Infant Baptism’. These denominational families include Catholics, Eastern and Oriental Orthodox, Anglicans, Lutherans, Presbyterians and other Reformed denominations, Methodists and some Nazarenes, as well as the Moravian Church. Another form of baptism involves the initiation of adults and is referred to as ‘Believers Baptism’ practised by a minority of Christians including Protestants and followers of the Pentecostal and Baptists sect. A key concept in believer's baptism is that a credible profession of faith must be given by the recipient before baptism. The American Baptist Church, for example, declares: "We insist that baptism be administered only to those who have the maturity to understand its profound significance: resurrection to new life in Christ”. All major...
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...IDENTIFICATION: Identify the following. __________________1. The Greek word for “ Messiah- Anointed One”. __________________2. The most important characteristic of Fire . __________________3. It means both destruction and life for the Jew. __________________4. Stressed the importance of infant baptism. __________________5. Provided for the use of water in ritual cleansing. Test II. TRUE OR FALSE. Write True if the statement is correct and False if the statement is wrong. __________________1. The Holy Oil is used in baptism as an important symbol with profound meaning. __________________2. St. Augustine understood baptism as a drowning or a death and rebirth as a new being. __________________3. The rich symbolic anointing chrism reminds the Jew that his or her task is to walk in the footstep of Jesus. __________________4. The Petrine Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) all give accounts to Jesus Baptism. __________________5. Dead bodies were also anointed with oil as a preparation for burial. Test III. ENUMERATION. Enumerate the following 1-3 three things symbolized by Jesus’ baptism as asserted by the Theologian Bernard Cooke. 4-6 first group of sacraments: SACRAMENT OF INITIATION 7-8 third group of sacraments: SACRAMENT OF HEALING 9-10 second group of sacraments: SACRAMENT OF STATE OF LIFE/ COMMITMENT Name:___________________________ Date:_____________________ Time:____________________________ ...
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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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...Baptism in the Lord's Way Baptism by immersion in water by one having authority is the first saving ordinance of the gospel and is necessary for an individual to become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and to receive eternal salvation. All who seek eternal life must follow the example of the Savior by being baptized and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. The Savior revealed the true method of baptism to the Prophet Joseph Smith, making clear that the ordinance must be performed by one having priesthood authority and that it must be done by immersion: “The person who is called of God and has authority from Jesus Christ to baptize, shall go down into the water with the person who has presented himself or herself for baptism, and shall say, calling him or her by name: Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. ”Then shall he immerse him or her in the water, and come forth again out of the water“ (D&C 20:73–74). The Savior taught us that all men and women must be born again. Nicodemus, one of the rulers among the Jews, came surreptitiously to the Savior by night and said, “Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 5 Nicodemus was bewildered and...
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...Reflection Paper #2 Introduction On this reflection paper, the topics I choose were the “Baptism of the Holy Spirit” and the “Rapture”. I choose these topics because they both bring topics of debate with them. There are many different views on these two topics and I will try to shed some light on them. Through Biblical research and theological definitions, we will try to discover the purpose and meanings of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and the Rapture. The first topic of discussion is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. This topic stirs up much debate in the denominational realms of the church. There are many different views and standpoints on this topic. John 1:33 states that when John the Baptist, after witnessing the descent of the Holy Spirit as a dove at the baptism of Jesus, recorded these words: “He that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizes with the Holy Ghost”. Later Jesus promised His disciples, “Ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence” (Acts 1:5). On the day of Pentecost, the disciples had a number of experiences involving the Holy Spirit, including the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The disciples spoke in tongues to address the gospel of Christ to many different nations in attendance of Pentecost. This event was the start of the church and its spread of the gospel of Christ to all nations. Many Christians today have confused...
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