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Super Moderator
Baptism is the outward sign of an inward change in a person who has placed their trust in Jesus. We don't save people—Jesus does that. We just have the privilege of helping them make their big
outward profession of faith in the form of baptism.
Although I don't believe we should manipulate people or manufacture results for the sake of numbers, I do believe it's significant that the Bible records how many people trusted in Jesus and were baptized on the day of Pentecost. The Bible says in Acts 2:41, "Then those who gladly received his word were baptized, and that day about three thousand souls were added to them."
We ought to do all that we can to share the gospel well, to make it very clear what the new believer's next steps are and to celebrate the results of more people on their way to heaven. At Saddleback, we've baptized more than 47,000 people in the last 36 years, and I'd like to believe we're just getting started.
I think this lays it out (along with many of the individual points) it's for believers exclusively.
Too many times people don't see the importance of baptism. Since it's not an essential to salvation, it gets left by the wayside (sometimes.. not all the time.)
I'm not sure I'm keen on the "same day" sort of thing.. then again, I'm not overly keen on the "raise your hand" or "come on down" altar calls either.
I think it's a good thing to cause people to realize that baptism is important.
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Senior Member
Originally Posted by
Femme*
I think this lays it out (along with many of the individual points) it's for believers exclusively.
Too many times people don't see the importance of baptism. Since it's not an essential to salvation, it gets left by the wayside (sometimes.. not all the time.)
I'm not sure I'm keen on the "same day" sort of thing.. then again, I'm not overly keen on the "raise your hand" or "come on down" altar calls either.
I think it's a good thing to cause people to realize that baptism is important.
The only examples that we have are all the same day in the word of God sis. Sadly, the church has gotten away from this and now we make them wait for the next baptismal service, or go through "new believers classes" and such.
I am all for getting back to the way we see given to us as an example in the NT. The message preached then was "Repent and be baptized for the remission of your sins." The message of baptism as part of the gospel was so strong that it compelled the Ethiopian in Acts chapter 8 to ask what hindered him from being baptized.
In my humble opinion, if we follow the biblical examples, we should also expect the same results that they did.
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Senior Member
Originally Posted by
Ezekiel 33
The only examples that we have are all the same day in the word of God sis. Sadly, the church has gotten away from this and now we make them wait for the next baptismal service, or go through "new believers classes" and such.
I am all for getting back to the way we see given to us as an example in the NT. The message preached then was "Repent and be baptized for the remission of your sins." The message of baptism as part of the gospel was so strong that it compelled the Ethiopian in Acts chapter 8 to ask what hindered him from being baptized.
In my humble opinion, if we follow the biblical examples, we should also expect the same results that they did.
Co sign!
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Senior Member
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The Following User Says Thank You to FaithfulOne For This Useful Post:
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Senior Member
Originally Posted by
FaithfulOne
Is that your way of co-signing too?
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Senior Member
Originally Posted by
Pentecali
Is that your way of co-signing too?
Kinda sorta.
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Senior Member
Originally Posted by
FaithfulOne
Kinda sorta.
I knew we were in agreement. I just felt a witness in my spirit
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Super Moderator
Originally Posted by
Ezekiel 33
The only examples that we have are all the same day in the word of God sis. Sadly, the church has gotten away from this and now we make them wait for the next baptismal service, or go through "new believers classes" and such.
I am all for getting back to the way we see given to us as an example in the NT. The message preached then was "Repent and be baptized for the remission of your sins." The message of baptism as part of the gospel was so strong that it compelled the Ethiopian in Acts chapter 8 to ask what hindered him from being baptized.
In my humble opinion, if we follow the biblical examples, we should also expect the same results that they did.
I do understand what you're saying.. I think it's different in our society. People hear a passionate message, get all emotional and "go forward".. now, would being baptized be a bad thing? most cetainly not..
My basic problem is the "count the cost".. in that sort of situation I don't think that's happening.
(I hope that makes sense.. I know what I mean, but I'm not sure I can translate it here.)
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Senior Member
Originally Posted by
Femme*
I do understand what you're saying.. I think it's different in our society. People hear a passionate message, get all emotional and "go forward".. now, would being baptized be a bad thing? most cetainly not..
My basic problem is the "count the cost".. in that sort of situation I don't think that's happening.
(I hope that makes sense.. I know what I mean, but I'm not sure I can translate it here.)
So, are you saying that we should slow down and take them through a "New Believers class" first?
I would propose that instead, we should become more proficient at presenting the gospel message and get back to the basics which were recorded for our benefit.
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Super Moderator
Originally Posted by
Ezekiel 33
So, are you saying that we should slow down and take them through a "New Believers class" first?
I would propose that instead, we should become more proficient at presenting the gospel message and get back to the basics which were recorded for our benefit.
not necessarily.. but at least have a conversation so the pastor knows they realize what this is all about.
Being a believer is serious business, not just a dip in a pool so everyone can clap and hug.
kwim?
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