Why Stress Baptism?  (Part #1)

Why Stress Baptism? (Part #1)

For years, the churches of Christ have been known for emphasis on the topic of baptism. Baptism has been a constant discussion among theologicals for hundreds, it not a couple thousand years.

As various religious groups have found themselves divided over baptism, it is key to look at what the Bible says regarding baptism. One overlooked passage is Romans 6.1-14.  For instance, look at a few of the questions and let Romans 6 answer them:

Is baptism really important?

  • “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?” (Romans 6.3)
  • When one is baptized they are baptized into Christ – that is really important.

What does baptism do?

  • “We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6.4)
  • Baptism connects one with the death of Jesus and the raising to walk in a new life – that is really important.

Is baptism necessary?

  • “For if we have been united with Him in a death like His, we shall certainly be united with Him in a resurrection like His. (Romans 6:5)
  • To be united with Christ, you must be baptized – that is really important.

Just some thoughts,

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What Are You Doing With Your Freedom?

What Are You Doing With Your Freedom?

When you think of freedom, what comes to your mind?

Our nation of freedom?

Spiritual freedom?

Without the freedom in Christ, not one of us is truly free.

Sin is a trap that ensnares us for a lifetime of physical punishment bearing the wrath of eternal consequences, but the blood of the Lamb of God (John 1.29) is that which gives us the opportunity to achieve freedom. The opportunity is ever present, but each individual must clothe himself/herself with the Savior (Galatians 3.27).

Today, the question for Christians may not be “do we have freedom” but a greater question of “what do we do with our freedom?”

Each person can recognize freedom, but the actions one takes as a result of freedom truly makes freedom appreciated. Without actions as a result of freedom, we are still spinning our wheels searching for the answer that only resides in God’s words to mankind, “You will know the truth and the truth will make you free” (John 8.32).

The truth of the Savior is the truth of the Father. The Son seeking to glorify the Father while on earth (and be glorified Himself) prays the powerful words of John 17. In the text of that beautiful prayer Jesus said, “Sanctify them in truth; your word is truth.” (John 17.17)

The Savior asked His Father to sanctify them, to set them apart by the truth. As a result of truth, freedom is found in the words of truth – God’s word.

As a Christian, you have found freedom and truth, but what are you doing with that freedom and truth today? Are you sharing the message of breaking free from the bondage of sin to glorify your Father? Are you sharing the message with those still ensnared by sins dreadful hold?

While we recognize freedom, let us take action on that freedom and share it with the world!

“Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.” (1 Peter 2.16; ESV)

Just some thoughts,