Fortunately, theres an entire field of study for this! You can do better! Here are three reasons why: Let me try to clear something up. You did more for me with your signing of the check analogy than they did. We cant look around and really say, God is like anything at all. If you are hearing from God, they are certainly spiritually significantbut be careful. I created it with my son, whos now 20. Repentance and baptism went hand in hand. That means that our worship must come from the heart (not just going through the motions) and that our worship must be based on what God is really like. Thanks! Keep in mind that the Holy Spirit who is God will never lead you to do anything that contradicts the gospel. All throughout Scripture, we see that they are not the same person. Thats what God wants, and if youre going to Heaven, it will be because you are willing to submit yourself to God. They deny the trinity, the existence of hell, promote the so-called British Israel doctrine, claim that Christians should be Torah-observant (but only in the ways they think are best), teach that Jesus kingdom IS of this world (despite His direct statement to the contrary), believe there will be three resurrections of the dead, and so on. So: how does this information address what you wrote? If youd like, I can show you where to read that theyre incompatible. When I read it, it seems pretty scary. I checked up on the Sins that man should not commit. The idea of baptism, however, is that it is a public ceremonywhere you show the community of faith that you intend to join them. Trust that Jesus knows best, and avoid the idea that your dreams are what people need. In ancient Israel, baptism was a public ceremony where a person was dunked in a MIKVEH. But this is really bugging me now. >> The thief on the cross was told he would be with him that day in paradise. The Jews wanted to kill Jesus because He claimed to be God. I didnt take my time to truly know GOD and who he was. I appreciate hearing from you. They idolize material wealth, success, and abstinence from sin (regardless of whether or not it is actually sin). I dont know if Rob Bell is a Christian. Find out what Jesus taught about how we should live its awesome. Youre already a member of the church, like every other Christian in history. This is a totally understandable feeling. There are a lot of things that Christians disagree on. The Bible was, is and always will be the infallible Word of God. Christians are simply people who have decided to trust God with their lives. I love music. Those who make the case that Christianity is true are Christian apologists. This passage says nothing about baptism. Contents show. The thief on the cross wasnt baptized. When were discussing something that Christians throughout history have considered a direct command, its not enough to point to what the Bible doesnt say. If a serial killer believes and has faith in God and commits every sin in the world such as hitler, he will get into heaven. Believers have always been saved in the same way: by believing. Let me caution you, though: theres no such thing as doing my own Christian thing. The Bible describes the church (that is, all Christians everywhere) as the Body of Christ. Think about it, though: Jesus died to pay for our sins. What you describe is actually pretty common. Theres nothing wrong with liking someones music. That is, they need to clear their accounts. To be reconciled, each person needs to come to the other and make sure theres nothing keeping them from being together again. Ill try to be more clear. Turns out my faith was strong enough to not need Him holding my hand all day, like I thought. Tony can you explain reconciled to God ? There were many years where I didnt have that confidence as well. You and I need to look for ways to serve others, and not focus on having God serve us by making us feel good all the time. Find meaningful work, and you can learn how valuable you are to the people around you. God will not judge you for things you cannot control. When in the Old Testament it says not to. Do you think I should have acted on those feelings? To demonstrate how much He loves us, God came to earth as a man (thats Jesus). Its pretty awesome, I must say. One songwriter put it this way, and I believe its true: If you love me, you will love the church. All through the Gospels, Jesus refers to Himself as the Bridegroom, and to us as the Bride. I belive in good and is willing on plan on going to heaven. Youre kind of right: if you ONLY read Acts 2:38-39, you will see that baptism is indeed a necessity. What do you think? I honestly cant tell if youre trolling me. Without that, youre just blowing smoke. Because of the nature of being a disciple, my missionary friend wouldnt baptize anyone until they had learned what Jesus actually taught. Its not as if being baptized in the wrong church will hurt youtheyre just witnessing you getting wet. Are we reading from the same book because if read as it is written my interpretation is that god does not forgive, Jesus forgives and holy ghost guides but God is wrathful angry destructive and demands perfection from an imperfect subject made by his own hands. Instead, you should wait. Then I came to really understand the fullness of the gospel. We have to wait to get to Heaven to learn if our loved ones are there. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. Yeah, you may have never heard that part before. Ive sinned. So if everybody has sinned (we all have), and if all sins are already forgiven (they are), why does anybody go to Hell? Its never a good idea to suggest that truth can be determined by our feelings. Does that make sense? It just wouldnt work for me. 1 Timothy says it like this I Timothy 3:16 God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory. Some of Her greatest Saints have disagreed on this issue: St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas, for example, came to different conclusions. Youve mentioned two specific questions: whether we can believe the Bible, and whether its reasonable to believe in miracles. Learn with them. After becoming a Christian, you should be baptizedbut not being baptized does not make you not a Christian. I really appreciate it! Oh, there will be judgment. The Bible teaches that everybody already has all the information they need to know that God exists, to know what Hes like, and to be saved. Ill address a few of the things you wrote here, in case theyre helpful for other GodWords readers. That doesnt mean that just any church will do, but that we should make sure that our criticisms (yes, I have plenty as well) are both valid AND gracious. It obviously had nothing to do with pork itself, as Gods people ate pork before that, and after that. Does that make sense? Salvation is both a here and now and a not yet kind of thing. Take a deep breath, ask God for help, trade some of the less-important things in your week for some more important things, like finding biblical answers to your questions, like singing songs that inspire you and help you grow, like finding someone else who needs your help and friendship, and spending one-on-one time with God. before my grandson was born, I was shown him, and God told me I had to help care for him because he was the son of Gods child. Severe, acute diarrhea that is, diarrhea that comes on suddenly and violently can cause a tremendous loss of water and electrolytes in a short amount of time. Baptism is important, but so is your witness to your parents. I cant see into your heart, and I cant see into Gods mind. Hello, I was wondering if I would make it to heaven. There may be periods of restlessness or moments of confusion, or just gradually deepening unconsciousness. As you know, you cant force someone to like you or love youso, when God created us, He gave us the ability to accept His love or reject it. Christianity talks about being good, too (more on that below) but God doesnt bring us to Heaven because were good. You can find TONS of information on the interwebs about Christian apologetics. If you need to do some homework to understand exactly what God requires of you, I will help you but you will not go to Heaven if you dont surrender your life into Gods hands. Find someone. Surrender, Doug. He was explaining the difference between following human traditions, which focus on external things, and following God, who looks at our hearts to see the truth. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. Is Rob Bell a false teacher because it seems like some loud voices seem to think of him as one. On the day of Pentecost, when Peter and the other disciples were in Jerusalem in the upper room, they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak in other tongues. Id without a doubt donate to this fantastic blog! It may be better to take another tack: Its not your job, or mine, to correct your grandparents. As long as your church has all of these important parts right: Yeah, thats probably it. Myself and my father go into interpretations of Christianity and related religions, but I also note that I was born unbaptized and have yet to be. "And that is when we can discover that . Have you decided to follow Jesus? To be more precise, Hes the perfect father. It specifically says that the fate of unbaptised children is left to the mercy of God, not that they 'can't or won't go to Heaven', and it is 'generally taught' that they go to limbo, not that they definitely do, or . Verse 10: false teachers spread confusion. Sometimes, we just didnt know the people very well, or even know them at all. Bell spent a whole book talking about this subject, but didnt draw any solid conclusions in the end. (Repent) I feel bad for the sins I have done. They would only go there for not being reconciled to God. Trust what? What are you scared about? We dont know if that breath of life is personal or impersonal that is, we dont know whether its part of God, or whether its the same for each person, or whether that breath is each of our individual personalities. I feel the same way. Well Tony I truly feel my grandsons are in heaven right now. The word suggests some level of commitment, like deciding to actually SIT in the chair. The Bible teaches that we must worship God in spirit and in truth. I will write simply and briefly, to try to be as clear as possible. The Word/Jesus was the flesh. Im sorry for the delay in replyingmy mother recently passed away, so Ive been pretty busy. Their claims are often given a second glance because we cant really understand how three persons can be one God, but its clear that the three are not one another, even though there is only one God. Do you have to be baptized to go to Heaven? You need other Christians. First, going to church is probably the wrong way to look at it. When we decide to turn our lives over to God and trust Him with the results, we are reconciled. You might also look for shoes that match your existing wardrobe. As you grow, He will guide you in exactly the right ways. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! I do believe Jesus as my lord & saviour. Im sorry that I cant give you a better answer today, Marietjie. Thats a good question! God forgives us for turning our backs to Him and doing things our own way. It is at that point that the unrighteous will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life. Music is good. Required fields are marked *. We should not place our hope in our feelings, which may changewe should place our hope in Gods character, which He has revealed to us. Verse 9: false teaching spreads throughout the church, changing the way believers see everything. First, a false teacher is a teacher. Please dont hesitate to write back, either here or in private. However, just before I was going to be baptise I started feeling really anxious in my spirit (not because of the baptism but of becoming member of that church), so the elders of the Church and myself decided that I can do it on the next occasion. Do you think god was watching over us that day, and still is? Keep in touch! He taught His disciples to serve, rather than be served. Galatians 2:21, Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. 1. Theres a TON in the Old Testament about Gods goodness. The rich man also died and was buried. You want to respect your grandparents, but also want to challenge them. Sep 14, 2014. Hi Tony Theres no reason to think that getting wet will create a spiritual problemask them what theyre really afraid of. Thanks for visiting my website. Im here for you, Jen. >> Also you say that means you wont go to heaven or hell. First, a full life. We dont know when Jesus is coming back. Thats something different. Second, Ive removed your last name from your comment. So yes, I believe anyone who dies before the age of accountability is innocent. Third, thank you very much for your criticism. Im happy to hear that you join them twice a month. If your parents will not allow it, wait until youre able to decide for yourselfand, in the meantime, grow in the faith. Is it possible for an 18 year old (me) to get baptized without my parents? A whole bunch of people call themselves Christians without having a clue about what that means. The best place for that is the Bible. speedway gas octane levels; oklahoma county court clerk filing fees; glidden porch and floor paint color chart; melvor idle best ranged weapon; robin morgan obituary; jennifer moreno clinic optometry Your question isnt really about baptism, but about salvation. Because they refuse to surrender and be reconciled to God. Thanks for asking such an important question! When we read it in context, it makes sense. Ill be happy to change my mind, retract my articles, and publish new articles that agree with you if you can show me. Jesus told us that in order to receive the holy spirit is through baptism. Where is Elijah and Enoch and Moses etc then? However: spend a little time in Revelation and see that Jesus is just as fearsome, for those who will be judged, as the Father ever was in the Old Testament. Well, remember PISTEUO. The question isnt do you think you should go to Heaven? but what does it take to go to Heaven?. Im sorry to hear that your sisters have died, but people do not turn into angels. We all need help and encouragement from time to time, too so I recommend looking around for some people in your area who already trust God, and build good relationships with them. Youre asking me, so Ill tell you what the Bible says. All three were present at Jesus baptism, and Jesus mentioned both the Father and Spirit, separately, at the Last Supper. We need help and encouragement. And I clearly would never want to go through life without sex. Check the Scriptures, my sister. If you are not hearing from God, your dreams have no spiritual importance. Baptism is a public declaration of your faith, and thats important. Instead, baptism isnt really explained at all. Ive got good news for you, Shannon: youre already acceptable to God! When I found one of their songs that sends a message that a Christian shouldnt promote, I would save it to play when Im with them. Im answering carefully to avoid confusion. Thats entirely illogical. Sin is bad. Im going to ask for your opinion.Why do YOU think iniquity was found in Lucifer?And why do YOU think Lucifer rebelled against God if he knew he would have no chance to dethrone God the Father?And what would you do IF Lucifer Ever DETHRONED God The Father which Im not saying that he will.But what would you do?! why do you not know His voice and walk with Him ? You should be aware that not everybody who gathers with the church is born again. If you need help finding a good church in your area, send me an email and tell me what town you live inIll help you look. Let me reassure you: there is nothing in the Bible about how Christians are to handle this issue. The Isaiah 14 passage that uses the word is describing the king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzer II. After doing my homework, I can say without doubt that the Bibles we have now are very reliable. If you spend time with a community of Christians in your area, be baptized with them. Let God grow you. Please help! If what most of the people state is true about this particular situation. I still consider myself a Christian, because I believe in Jesus and what hes done for me and Im trying to follow what God wants for my life by following the 10 commandments and things like the Beattitudes, but I cant quite become baptized. Thats knowledge, not trust. I agree, and I disagree. Does this also apply to other situations? I really enjoy being snarky and sarcastic and I always have. Let me know if you have any questions. Combining all of Pauls writings about conversion we see that because of Gods establishment of a new covenant through Jesuss death and resurrection, we can die to our life and live for Him. It sounds to me like you were probably saved, or at least that you were in process. Honestly, I wouldnt spend a lot of time debating the idea with anyone, including myself. Thats part of why He came to earth as a man! Why? What we believe about God does indeed matter. If someone responds by saying no to God, and insists on living life on their own terms, they have no relationship with Him. He knit you together in your mothers womb. I love God. Im thirteen and I will not be able to be baptized because my parents are not christian. Thanks Tony for taking the time to answer so many questions over the years. Why? I had just begun reading the bible and I did believe in Jesus however I am not certain if I fully grasped the meaning of salvation and the trinity. For personal reasons. Do it in front of your Christian brothers and sisters as a sign of your faith and your decision to serve God with your life. Its not helpful to pat someone on the back for believing something that contradicts Scripture. Thats it. People tend to think, Surely a message such as mine will convince people that God is real, and that they should heed my warning, and that I can help bring about revival. Maybeand maybe not. Just in 2014, or 2015. I wouldnt rely on the UCG for any of my doctrine. Youre probably not going to change that by telling them that, are you? But He was not baptized for His sins- He was sinless. I also believe God led me to this church. Why are so many concerned about it? Troubles. I just want to point one thing out to people who think salvation is based on being baptizedJesus told the two gentlemen being crucified next to him (after they professed their faith) today you will be with me in paradise. Like I said before, listen carefully then be like a Berean. 51% good? The Bible teaches Christians to not forsake meeting together. "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Thomas (the disciple) called Jesus My Lord and My God. I generally agree with you, in fact but neither of us can say this with certainty, as God has not said it. We should not expect everyone to meet our standards. I dont know if Ill see him in Heaven or not. Lets say a Christian like me who was sprinkled with water as a baby and i still believe in Jesus, therefore in the Bible it says with salvation you are saved in Faith through Jesus Christ by praying and repenting of your Sins and im still never baptized in water, will i still go to Heaven. Its not that I disbelieve in any part of what youre saying. Youre right: theres much, much more to being a Christian than just having Jesus in your heart. But things went wrong because Bathsheba conceived (2 Samuel 11:5). If we dont, arent we disobeying? But if you could please answer that question for further clarity that would be helpful in my journey in getting closer to the lord. Third, many abortions are performed for actual or perceived birth defects, sometimes as trivial as cleft lip or palate. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. If you havent done so already, you should stop reading right now and talk to God. I need answers on how to deal with this. What have I missed? We need friends and family around us. Do you think that with all the money that some not all megachurces spend on making a luxurious life for their pastor will one day haunt them in the form of bankruptcy or debt. If it really bothers you, spend a little time with your pastor(s) and ask about it. Please consider my words carefully. I tried to follow legalism until I was 26. I love you, and hope you will keep in touch. You might take a look at Acts 10. If youre a Christian, you should be baptized not so you can go to Heaven, but because you want all that God has for you. Regardless of your personality or field of study, theres probably an apologetics ministry thats a good fit for you. While there are certainly some verses like the ones you mention that seem to say that we must be baptized to be saved, theres a very important thing to consider before settling on that doctrinal interpretation. Stop thinking in your head that Im wrong and go look it all up. God has already called all believers to be baptized, and theres nothing in the New Testament about Him calling individuals when the time is right. Take a look at Matthew 28:18-20 and see if you can put these pieces together: Jesus came to them and said, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.