Misty Edwards

• Oh How We Want You To Come! by Misty Edwards

 

More Misty Edwards music on iLike

"If I Was the Devil"

If I Was The Devil - TheDevilisReal.com from Denton Bible on Vimeo.

Crutch

I've heard it said, "Religion is a crutch for emotionally weak people."

The fact is that is partly true.  If by religion, you mean my faith and trust in God and His Word and His Spirit, then yes, it is indeed a crutch.  However,  you are wrong on this one point:  I am not emotionally weak.  In fact, I have been made emotionally stable through my faith.  It is my enduring faith which makes me constantly able to emotionally handle the trials of life; trials that would come whether I was a believer or not.

I find many people who claim 'no religion', have nothing to support them when they need it.  While they would claim to have friends or family or even their own strength to push them through, the truth is that all of that worldly support pales in comparison to the Power of God in the life of a believer.  At times, even, you will find the faithless calling on the faithful, to pray for them.  In doing so, you have made MY religion YOUR crutch.  Hypocrite!

Only time will tell the truth of the matter.  In the end, we will all know the truth.  My crutch works for me.  Your lack of a crutch leaves you whining in the storm.

Please Consider Supporting our Work in Haiti

Hope is Fading from Allan Rosenow on Vimeo.

Church: No Witches Allowed

I am not expecting a lot of applause at the end of this.  I recently had a conversation with a friend of ours. During this conversation they mentioned that God had convicted them of certain behavior and that they were 'working on it'.

Unfortunately, I believe a lot of the church is where this dear friend of ours is in their walk.  A lot of believers are 'working on' something and living in disobedience.

In chapter four of his book, Spiritual Boot Camp, Jim McIver talks about obedience.

I actually sat under the teaching of this chapter the night before my conversation and was amazed at the parallels that could be drawn.

When God, and as our friend had stated, other people, comment on certain behavior tendencies that they notice, and they do so in a biblically sound manner, and we refuse to heed that counsel, we are in disobedience to God, and in rebellion.

The issue that was addressed in private through their friends (and the Spirit of God) was not corrected.  Repeated attempts to correct the believer had met with rebellion.  That believer that does not heed the counsel of others in private should prepare for an open rebuke.

1 Samuel 15:23:

For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.

In the book, Bishop McIver writes:

"Just think, disobedience is an act of departure from God.....God is not impressed with our good ideals.....All that is necessary in following God is this: be led by His Spirit and obey his commands.  Anything that is contrary to God's command is witchcraft and idolatry....There is no rocket science concerning the Will of God....In every area of our lives where God has made His Will clear, we are to obey regardless of the cost."

If God has indeed made His Will clear to you, then 'working on it' is not an option.  Apply the blood to it? Yes!  Pray through it? Yes!  Rebuke it? Bind it? Curse it?  Yes! Yes! and Yes!  But while we are 'working on it' we are still partaking in it and that is disobedience.  That is rebellion.  That is witchcraft.  In fact, the more I think about it, if I am 'working on it', I have either denied the Power of God or not given Him full control over that area of my life.  We all have had that something that we worked on, and, truth be told, we liked it too much to let it go.

So what is it for you?  What have you been working on?  Stop practicing witchcraft and obey God.

The Law of Honor

I haven't really had a lot of time to be blogging with all of what's going on around here. This should give you an idea.

Anyway, I started this post over 10 days ago and I have been thinking that maybe someone needs to hear it. Maybe I'll get into detail in the future on this, but for now, here's the basics.

There is a law in effect in the spirit realm; the law of honor. Much like the law of gravity, it can not be avoided.

Your future is determined by who you have chosen to honor (or dishonor). Honor is the seed for honor. As all seeds, it produces after its own kind. I can tell what your destiny will be like; whether grace-filled or tribulation-tossed, by looking at whether or not you honor others and who you choose to honor. I can tell by your ability and willingness to adapt, whether or not you honor others. Adaptation is the proof of honor. You fore go your own desires and needs in order to fulfill the destiny of another, placing them above yourself. Let us prefer one another.

When Joseph was called before Pharaoh, he honored him by shaving his beard. Usually we look at that as he was just cleaning up before going before the ruler. The facts are that beards were normal in his own culture, but considered dirty in Egyptian culture. Joseph adapted. Joseph honored Pharaoh. Pharoah, in turn, honored Joseph. Joseph chose to fulfill Pharaoh's desires in ruling his kingdom - and Joseph, in turn, fulfilled his own destiny.

Many believers are struggling in their walk because they have chosen NOT to honor their leaders. They are not fulfilling their destiny because they complain against leadership; their pastor, their boss, their husband, their teachers, their parents. Complaining does not show honor. Silent submission does.

The Law of Honor is inescapable. We must honor. The fruit will be honor.

Haiti

Our new blog is up.

It will follow our journey into the mission field.

Staying in the Overflow will remain as a teaching blog.

Weekend Worship

Thanks to Phil.

What Kind of Sheep are You?

There are several different kinds of sheep. In which category will you find yourself?

Solitary Sheep
These sheep stay away from the flock. They isolate themselves when in trouble. They think the rest of the flock is too mature for them and that they are not worthy. Lambs, or new believers, fall into this category frequently. They have so much baggage and not enough knowledge of how to be a proper sheep. they are frequently sick or troubled. They require extra attention. The rest of the flock requires extra grace to deal with them. The shepherd knows exactly what they need and is willing to work with them. The rest of the flock should just be examples of proper sheep.

Hermit Sheep
These sheep stay away to avoid the shearing. These believers don't show up for special services or ONLY for special services. They hold back the offering and usually the tithe also. They won't allow the shepherd or the Holy Spirit to prune them. Their wool grows over their eyes and they are blinded by their own lusts and desires. Wolves devour them easily.

Wandering Sheep
They are never happy with the way things are. Nothing is ever big enough, fast enough or good enough. Praise and Worship is either too long, too short, too loud or too soft; not my style or not diverse enough. The messages are too strong or too soft; too much Word or not enough Word. The seats are too soft or too hard. This is not the way it used to be. They bring discontentment into the flock. They visit other flocks frequently looking for something that is probaly found at home, not realizing that the change that is needed is themselves.

Judas Sheep
They lead others to the slaughter. They are blinded by their own ideas of how things should be. this is mostly due to bad teaching they received elsewhere while 'flock-hopping'. They are not willing to submit to the truth, allowing it to become life in them. They are ALWAYS seeking an opportunity to betray their leaders. They are always looking for a way to prosper at someone else's expense. they lie, cheat and deceive. They are among you and you won't even know it until they commit their deception. They have no love for God's people.

Happy Sheep
Happy Sheep are innocent, but not naive. They trust the shepherd implicitly. They are tender and gracious toward leadership and the flock. They are patient with EVERYONE. They stick with their own shepherd and the flock.
They obey.
They submit.
They don't question authority.
They love.
They follow.
They are Happy Sheep.

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
Hebrews 13:17

Weekend Worship

This one's for Phil and Emilly. Be Blessed!

Sheep

For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
Matthew 8:9

Each fellowship has a leader. They have different names; Pastor, Elder, Bishop, etc. Each leader is under some sort of authority themselves. That authority gives them their authority. When you are submitted to authority, you then carry authority. A good example of this is when believers use the term "In Jesus' Name". They are speaking with authority and can do so because they are submitted to that same authority.

So, whose authority, besides that of Jesus Christ, is my leader under? Well, it's not your concern or your business really. Most leaders in higher positions are held accountable to their own peers. But again, their submission to authority is not your concern. You should be concerned with your own submission. If you can past that, you'll go far. Many times believers look at their leaders in a way that becomes too familiar and that is not healthy.

If you are submitted, UNDER authority, you will be proper sheep.

Sheep have responsibilities.

Sheep know the voice of the shepherd. When a sheep is just a lamb, the shepherd carries the lamb frequently on his shoulder. By doing this, the sheep constantly hears the shepherd's voice. It is like when a woman is pregnant and the husband talks to her belly. When that baby is born, not only does the baby recognize the mother's voice, but the father's also. This is important for the lamb, because when trouble may come, he will need to recognize the shepherd's voice.

Sheep follow the shepherd. The shepherd carries a rod/staff. The staff guides the sheep in the way to go. The rod corrects their wrong way and puts them back in the flow of the flock. Sheep should not try going their own way, they may get the rod. Ouch!

Sheep eat what the shepherd feeds them. If you are church-hopping or always tuning in to the latest TV preacher instead of studying the teaching and preaching of your shepherd, you are not a proper sheep. Sheep do not eat TV dinners.

Sheep heed the warnings of the shepherd. If the shepherd says 'don't', then sheep shouldn't. If the shepherd says 'do', then the sheep should. Is your shepherd always having to preach about the same subject? Then someone is not heeding! Just be sure it's not you holding the flock back from moving forward!

Sheep must bear good fruit. Are you bearing fruit after your own kind? It is sheep who beget sheep, not the shepherd. Get out there and start sharing the gospel. Get someone saved. Get them into the fellowship of believers. Disciple them. Bear fruit that remains. Or are you just barren?

Sheep allow the shepherd to shear them. This is two-fold. First, the shepherd ALWAYS profits from his sheep. I am not talking about the tithe - that is for the church. I am talking about giving to your shepherd. It should, at some point, be money. But it can also be in other ways. Cut his grass, wash his car, pay for his dry-cleaning. the list goes on and on. If you can't think of something that's appropriate, just give your shepherd some money. The second way is that when sheep are sheared, they are saved from sickness and death. Sometimes shearing hurts. The shepherd will shear from the pulpit on Sunday, cutting away that wool that has you bound up and unable to move freely. If you pay attention on Sunday, you shouldn't always need a counseling session.

Get sheared! Give it up!

Next Post: What Kind of Sheep are You?

Weekend Worship

Broken Fellowship

Breaking fellowship is a very sensitive topic. Breaking fellowship can be the spiritual equivalent of ripping off your own arm. I know that sounds dramatic, but it's true. You have gotten used to your arm. It is a part of your body. You have many uses for it. If you lost your arm, you would miss it. Worse yet, you are the one that is going to have to remove it. Breaking fellowship is not something that should ever be taken lightly. In fact, for the new believer, I was not even sure that this was an appropriate topic. However, somewhere along the walk, you may encounter a situation for which this knowledge will be needed.

[As for] a man who is factious [a heretical sectarian and cause of divisions], after admonishing him a first and second time, reject [him from your fellowship and have nothing more to do with him], Well aware that such a person has utterly changed (is perverted and corrupted); he goes on sinning [though he] is convicted of guilt and self-condemned.
Titus 3:10-11 AMP

I appeal to you, brethren, to be on your guard concerning those who create dissensions and difficulties and cause divisions, in opposition to the doctrine (the teaching) which you have been taught. [I warn you to turn aside from them, to] avoid them.
Romans 16:17 AMP

Again, breaking of fellowship requires very careful consideration. This is something may never be required of someone in their walk with God. You may never encounter a situation where you need to break fellowship with a person or body of believers. However, the Word is very clear on what to do in such situations. We are not to be in fellowship with those who carry out heretical teachings and practices.

Heresy is defined by Webster as: Dissent or deviation from a dominant theory, opinion, or practice. An opinion, doctrine, or practice contrary to the truth or to generally accepted beliefs or standards.

So, truly, breaking fellowship for this reason would not be in the best interest of a new believer, since that believer really has not had the chance to have a 'dominant practice' or 'generally accepted beliefs'. As a new believer, stick with the one who evangelized you and is discipling you, whenever possible, until you establish a relationship, on a pastoral level, with your church leader. Even if the one you are with is a bit off the charts, God will honor your faithfulness.

Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
2 Thessalonians 3:6 KJV

We should break fellowship with any believer who is walking out of the Will of God. This is not to say that someone who sins is automatically cut off. If that were to happen, churches would need revolving doors! But someone who continually is out of order, (see previous post), should be cut off. Always leave room for reconciliation and redemption.

Read Ephesians 4: 1-13
Differences in doctrine are not reasons for breaking fellowship unless it deters or attacks the basic foundation of redemption being found in Christ Jesus.

No one should be received into the fellowship of a church without having received Christ. This is not to say that non-believers are not welcome. Indeed, non-believers need the gospel. But fellowship is more intimate and only intended for those who are in the body already.

I can not emphasize enough that this is a very serious matter if ever undertaken. Leaving a church because you didn't like what the preacher said is not breaking fellowship, it's just disobedience. Leaving because someone looked at you wrong or didn't greet you one day is not breaking fellowship, it's the spirit of offense. My wife and I had to break fellowship because of a denominational change which put our local body in fellowship with a national organization which acknowledged the ordination of homosexuals. It was clear cut for us. It was terribly difficult, nonetheless. Breaking fellowship is a major issue, a major decision, a major change. Do not let it takes minor amounts of consideration.

Look for 'Weekend Worship' -> coming up next!

Weekend Worship

Fornicators and Drunks: Brace Yourselves!

As we continue this look at those we should not fellowship with as believers, I want to remind us of one thing. This blog was initially intended for the new believer, in order to disciple them in the way. I acknowledge that not every believer will have freedom from all sinful behavior manifested in their lives at conversion.

That being said, the following posts may convict you of sin. You may find that you yourself are on the 'no fellowship list'. Do not be afraid. If you are truly seeking after God, He will honor your hunger and set you free. Repent of sin that is revealed and ask Him to change your heart. Set your affections on Him.

I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
1 Corinthians 5:9-13 KJV

Remember first what Paul says in verse 10. His instructions refer to the fellowship of believers with believers that fall into the categories he is about to list; not unbelievers. That is not to say that you should be hanging out in the bars with the drunks of this world, but the danger lies in yoking yourself with one who calls themselves by the Name of Christ and yet is still in sin in these areas.

We are not to associate with fornicators. A fornicator is anyone who has illicit sexual relationships. Any sexual activity outside the bonds of marriage is fornication. Sexual activity by a married person outside of their own marriage covenant is adultery. Adultery is fornication. If you are in sin in this area, you should repent quickly, be forgiven and not continue in sin.

We are not to fellowship with those who are covetous; who have an inordinate desire or greed.

We are not to fellowship with extortionists. An extortionist is one who obtains gain from others through manipulation, abuse of their authority or oppression; a thief and a robber.

We are not to be yoked with idolaters. Idolatry is when you place something else above the place of Christ. If someone is devoted to someone or something so much that it takes the place of God, they are in sin in this area. The worship of Mary above the place of Christ as mediator for us is idolatry. The Word says that we have only one mediator and that that mediator is Christ.

We are not to associate with believers who are railers. A railer is one who uses profanity, is verbally abusive, slanderous, a gossip, hateful and hurtful in their speech. If you know a believer like this - stay away. You will be like who you spend time with.

Steer clear of drunkards. That one should be self-explanatory. A drunkard is anyone who drinks habitually; even if they refer to it as social drinking. I know of whole churches where this is acceptable. I personally don't drink at all. My wife doesn't drink. We don't believe that believers should drink at all. To me, drinking is no less than idolatry. Most people I know who drink, do so in order to reach a certain mental, emotional, or physical state. No beverage can get me into a better mental, physical or emotional state than being in the presence of the Holy Spirit. In fact, the Bible tells us to be drunk in the Spirit! Cool! I have been drunk in the Spirit many times - three days ago, in fact!

If you have found yourself on this list, remember my admonishment at the beginning of the post: Repent. Do it quickly.

Next post: Broken Fellowship

Weekend Worship

DANGER: KEEP OUT - Fellowship to Avoid

We've determined that we are to be in fellowship with God and the Body of believers and we've discussed two kinds of fell-NO-ships. Let's look at some more.

False Religions

Read 2 Peter 2:1-4 and you will see what is meant by false religions and the rest of this chapter goes on to explain how to recognize them. False religions will attribute salvation to another beside Jesus Christ as God or may even say that salvation isn't necessary or possible, indicating instead the concept of re-incarnation or 'death as the end' of it all. False religions may also be christian in appearance but will exalt others, or their own concepts above Jesus Christ.

Even within truly Christian faiths, false doctrine and teachings have emerged over centuries or even the past few years. This brings us to another type of fellowship to avoid.

False Teaching

Anyone who runs on ahead [of God] and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ [who is not content with what He taught] does not have God; but he who continues to live in the doctrine (teaching) of Christ [does have God], he has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine [is disloyal to what Jesus Christ taught], do not receive him [do not accept him, do not welcome or admit him] into [your] house or bid him Godspeed or give him any encouragement. For he who wishes him success [who encourages him, wishing him Godspeed] is a partaker in his evil doings.
2 John 1:9-11 AMP

As my Pastor would say: That is self-explanatory.

Next Post: Fornicators and Drunks - brace yourselves!

Weekend Worship

Fell-NO-ship - Enter at Your Own Risk

We left the topic of fellowship kind of out in the open. We never talked about fell-NO-ship! What?!?!? What is THAT?

Just as in talking about fellowship, we discussed who we needed to fellowship with; God and believers, we also need to discuss who NOT to fellowship with. Sometimes, you may find that there are certain people, who, based on their practices, behavior and/or faith, you should not be in fellowship with. Sometimes, it will just be a practice or behavior of your own, that needs to cahnge or be 'out of fellowship'.

That being said, you may find that some of which is included in the following list may apply to others and some may apply to yourself. They are all elements of behavior and practice with which believers should not be in fellowship.

Unclean or satanic spirits

But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.
1Co 10:20

Those of unrighteousness or darkness

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
2Co 6:14

Let me comment a bit to clarify the last reference. This scripture does not say that you can not associate with unbelievers at all. Indeed if believers did that, I would say very few of us would be saved today. What the scripture refers to is being 'yoked together'. When cattle are yoked together, they are attached without the possibilty of being able to leave one another. They are yoked together for the same purpose. If a farmer yokes two cattle together, he does not expect one to plow the north field while the other is busy in the south field. They are expected to stick it out together, labor together, in the same field, for the same purpose, to achieve the same goal. There is no way an unbeliever can be expected to labor together with a believer. They do not have the same focus. This concept of avoiding an unequal yoking can be applied to marriage as well as business partnerships. In it's simplest form, it can be applied to friendships as well.

As you give some thought to that, we'll be getting the next entry ready.

Are you unequally yoked?

Weekend Worship

The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
Proverbs 18:10 KJV

Weekend Worship

I Will Not be Moved!

To Fellowship or not to Fellowship? That is the Question - Part Two

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
1 John 1:7

If we are truly believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we have fellowship with each other. Whether or not that fellowship manifests itself in our life is up to us. If you never seek out a church home, if you never assemble yourself with other believers, you will always be missing that very important component of your new walk. There is no other way to have fellowship with believers than to hang out with them. Fellowship with believers is imperative to your walk being successful. You will always struggle through things until you get this right. The fellowship of believers is meant to prosper both the individual and the body; spiritually and practically. Fellowship with believers meets both spiritual and social needs.

And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Acts 2:46-47

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
Romans 12:12-13

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Hebrews 10:24-25

God's intent for the church is that every believer be in fellowship with Him and with each other. In this, the believer's lifestyle is in balance and every area of need is met.

Fellowship with God and each other goes together. 1 John 1:6-7 (Look it up!) shows that we must have fellowship with God in order to have fellowship with each other. 1 John 4:20-21 (Look it up!) further illustrates the point that our love for fellow believers must accompany our love for God.

Next Post ---> Fell-NO-ship - Enter at Your Own Risk

To Fellowship or not to Fellowship? That is the Question - Part One

As a believer, there are two kinds of fellowship which are to be desired.

First, you must be in fellowship with God. Say "How does one do that?"

Thanks for asking. Fellowship with God takes place through prayer, praise, worship and obedience to God. Let's look at the Word:

That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
1 John 1:3

Our fellowship is with the Father.

God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
1 Corinthians 1:9

We are called unto the fellowship of His Son.

If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies...
Philippians 2:1

We have fellowship of the Spirit.

Once fellowship with God is established, you must also be in fellowship with the body of believers. Fellowship must be a part of church life and every believer must be a part of fellowship. Becoming a part of a fellowship is not usually something we would jump at the chance to do. It involves, for a young believer, being vulnerable. No believer is perfect, therefore no church is either. But there are some real good ones out there. A new believer comes into fellowship with most of their baggage still attached. That's alright. There are seasoned believers in the fellowship to help you along the way. They have been down the same path you are on now.

We will look more at the fellowship of believers in the next post. In the meantime, do you have a church home?

Weekend Worship

Weekend Worship

Fellowship

The word 'fellowship' is found many times throughout the Bible. In 1 Cor. 1:9, we are called unto the fellowship of Jesus Christ. The Word also admonishes us to refrain from fellowshipping with those that are not believers and are workers of unrighteousness. There are certain bonds that are formed through fellowship, therefore fellowship among believers is beneficial while a believing person's fellowship with non-believers can be very detrimental.

When I was in recovery, (hey, I wasn't always saved, ya know), one thing that I learned was that in order to truly get free from my addictions, I needed to change people places and things. As a new believer, I also learned that I needed to change my thoughts and ideas also. That was all part of fellowship. You become who you spend time with. Fellowship goes deep; it includes not only physical fellowship, but spiritual fellowship as well.

Now, you are going to have to learn some Greek. I do not need you to learn how to say these words. This is just to understand that in Greek, there are several different kinds of fellowship.

KOINONIA - Close association; communion; close relationship.

This is the word most frequently used in the Bible for fellowship.

METOCHE - partnership; a holding with; a sharing.
SUKGO - to be a joint partaker with.

Next post: "To Fellowship or not to Fellowship? That is teh Question."

Moving Forward - What do I do Now?

We're done discussing baptism. If you feel that you want to be baptized, you can contact us on facebook or ask your pastor. If you do not have a pastor, then this next set of teachings will be beneficial to you.

I want to remind you to really seek God through these teachings. He is able to speak to you in many ways. The Word says that He rewards them that seek Him diligently. If you doubt that, try it out and see what happens.

Anyway, this next set of teachings is about fellowship. Now I know felloewship is "christianese", so let me say it another way - hanging out with God and His people <-that's fellowship, basically. You'll see. Read this post first to get started and I'll see you in the next post.

Here are some other posts if you want to review the topics we've covered so far:

The Word
Repentance and Faith
Water Baptism

Weekend Worship

...but what IS it really?

In baptism, the Word of God says we are baptized into the Lord's death.

Are you ignorant of the fact that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?
Romans 6:3

...burial

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.
Romans 6:4

...and resurrection

For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
Romans 6:5

Even the act of baptizing someone (full immersion) resembles all of this scriptural truth. Going down into the water (death), going under the water (burial), coming out of the water (resurrection).

There are many doctrinal arguments as to whether someone should be baptized in the Name of Jesus or in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I think these kinds of differences between believers is neither pleasing to God nor beneficial to the Body. Albeit, i offer the following scriptural references:

Acts 2:38
Acts 8:12
Acts 10:48
Acts 19:5

In water baptism, we recieve the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ and are clothed in Him.

For as many [of you] as were baptized into Christ [into a spiritual union and communion with Christ, the Anointed One, the Messiah] have put on (clothed yourselves with) Christ.
Galatians 3:27 AMP

A New Testament believer enters into a covenant relationship, which becomes tangible through water baptism. As the "old man" is cut away and buried, we experience a new life in Christ.

Weekend Worship

Weekend Worship

Can I be Baptized?

Can I be baptized? Well, let's see if you meet the requirements that God has set forth in His Word.

And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Acts 2:40-41

It says here that the people heard the Word of God, received it and were baptized. Have you heard the Word of God and received it gladly?

If ye love me, keep my commandments.
John 14:15

If you have in fact, received the Word of God with joy then you are willing to obey it. Are you willing to obey the Word of God?

Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 2:37-38

Has the Word of God "pricked your heart"? Have you, by the Word preached and taught to you, been convicted of sin? "Convicted" - a conviction in your heart that sin is displeasing to God and there fore should be avoided at all costs. I know we speak Christianese sometimes. So, have you been convicted of sin?

Have you repented of that sin? Repentance is not just a change of heart, but a change of mind also. It is doing a complete 180 degree turn, stop going our way and start following God's way.

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Mark 16:16

Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ?

So, can you be baptized?

What Happens at Baptism?

Well, you go under the water. Besides that, let's see...

In baptism, there is an inward work that takes part in the heart of a believer. Public baptism, and all baptisms should be public in some way, are an acknowledgment of your faith in Christ. It is your testimony before the world that you are choosing to identify yourself with Him. In baptism, you are acknowledging that you have put off the old man and put on Christ. While it is an outward sign, there is also an inward change. The Holy Spirit performs a spiritual circumcision of the heart.

Circumcision in the Old Testament was a command (Gen 17:10). It was a foreshadowing of that which was to come.

Go check these passages:

Genesis 17:11
Genesis 17:13
Deuteronomy 30:5-6

And look at this one:
Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked.
Deuteronomy 10:16

Circumcision of the foreskin was a sign of the covenant between God and man, so then is circumcision of the heart in baptism a sign of the New Covenant. The body of sin is 'cut away' with the old desires and lusts. the true sign of a believer in the New Covenant is a circumcised heart.

For he is not a [real] Jew who is only one outwardly and publicly, nor is [true] circumcision something external and physical. But he is a Jew who is one inwardly, and [true] circumcision is of the heart, a spiritual and not a literal [matter]. His praise is not from men but from God.
Romans 2:28-29 AMP

We must have a circumcised heart.

That circumcision without hands is performed at baptism.

In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
Colossians 2:11-13

Water Baptism

More teaching on Baptism...

Peter commanded it. Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Acts 10:47-48

Paul baptized believers. In the following passage, Paul found people (disciples), who had placed their faith in Jesus Christ.

And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And all the men were about twelve.
Acts 19:1-7

Matthew Henry's commentary puts it very well:

"Paul enquired how they came to be baptized, if they knew nothing of the Holy Ghost; for, if they were baptized by any of Christ's ministers, they were instructed concerning the Holy Ghost, and were baptized in his name. 'Know you not that Jesus being glorified, consequently the Holy Ghost is given? unto what then were you baptized?

This is strange and unaccountable. What! baptized, and yet know nothing of the Holy Ghost? Surely your baptism was a nullity, if you know nothing of the Holy Ghost; for it is the receiving of the Holy Ghost that is signified and sealed by that washing of regeneration.

Ignorance of the Holy Ghost is as inconsistent with a sincere profession of Christianity as ignorance of Christ is.' ... They own that they were baptized unto John's baptism ... that is, as I take it, they were baptized in the name of John, not by John himself (he was far enough from any such thought), but by some weak, well-meaning disciple of his, that ignorantly kept up his name as the head of a party, retaining the spirit and notion of those disciples of his that were jealous of the growth of Christ's interest, and complained to him of it, (John 3:26).

Some one or more of these, that found themselves much edified by John's baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, not thinking that the kingdom of heaven, which he spoke of as at hand, was so very near as it proved, ran away with that notion, rested in what they had, and thought they could not do better than to persuade others to do so too; and so, ignorantly, in a blind zeal for John's doctrine, they baptized here and there ... in John's name, or, as it is here expressed, unto John's baptism, looking no further themselves, nor directing those that they baptized any further."

In short, the believers that Paul came across, although believing in Christ (as a soon coming Messiah), were baptized by persons and into a faith that did NOT have the full revelation of Jesus Christ.

That was my case. And that is why I chose to be baptized again; into Christ.

Water Baptism

The teachings get a little more serious from here on. Post any questions. I'll be happy to answer what I can.

Water baptism, as the New Testament teaches it, is the means by which a new believer is united with Christ. When I was saved, I had a concern as to whether or not I needed to be baptized. I had been baptized as an infant into the faith of my parents and did not know if that would 'carry over'. The counsel I received from my pastor at the time was that if I felt that my infant baptism was sufficient, then I did not need to be baptized again. That was a very clever answer. Without the full knowledge of what baptism truly represents, my original baptism would be sufficient. And that is how I left it. I eventually moved and therefore changed churches. I came, at some point, to an understanding of water baptism and decided to be baptized. OK, I'll teach it and you come to your own conclusion.

For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 3:27-28

That is what baptism does; it unites you with Christ (you put Him on) and the body of believers (ye all are one). Take a look at verse 27 in the Amplified version:

For as many [of you] as were baptized into Christ [into a spiritual union and communion with Christ, the Anointed One, the Messiah] have put on (clothed yourselves with) Christ.
Galatians 3:27 AMP

Baptism is more that some sort of ritual or ceremony. Anywhere you find baptism in the New Testament, it is never spoken of as a singular act. It includes the entire redemptive work of the Lord.

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Acts 2:38-41

The word 'baptize' means to dip or immerse. In order to be baptized, you must be dipped or immersed in water. A sprinkling is not the same, and as you follow this teaching, you'll see why.

Let's look at Jesus' teachings on baptism.

First, he goes to John to be baptized himself:

Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbade him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
Matthew 3:13-14

John's like, "Wait a minute, Jesus. You've got this backwards. You're supposed to be baptizing me." I don't think John had a complete revelation of what he was doing. Here he is baptizing all these people and Jesus comes along and John tries to make Him do it his way. It's not really suggested that you try to make God fulfill your calling YOUR way. Listen up and see what He says and then do it HIS way. Look at how Jesus answers him:

But Jesus replied to him, Permit it just now; for this is the fitting way for [both of] us to fulfill all righteousness [that is, to perform completely whatever is right]. Then he permitted Him.
Matthew 3:15 AMP

Jesus basically says that in order to fulfill ALL righteousness (which is what He came to do), that, first, Jesus himself must be baptized, and John himself must do it. Jesus clearly supported what John was doing, to him. It is then significant also, that both the Father and the Spirit put Their own stamps of approval on this event.

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 lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Matthew 3:16-17

God has ordained baptism for all believers.

(to be continued)

Good Vibrations

Here is a great link for some good music to listen to while on the 'puter:

Elijah Streams Radio

Click on the 'Listen Now' button.

Weekend Worship

Weekend Worship