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There has been a lot of misunderstanding and false teaching about baptism over the years; so who is baptism for, and what does baptism really do? Does baptism save us or add something to our salvation, and if not, then why do we need to be baptized at all? In today’s message we share scriptural insight on the real meaning and purpose of baptism and why it is such a beautiful act of our obedience to Christ.
When John the Baptist appeared on the scene of history, the people of Jerusalem, Judea and all the area surrounding the Jordan came to see him. When they came it seems that they had some knowledge of what baptism was, so what did baptism look like to someone living in the first century?
One way to help us understand biblical belief is to consider what it is not. Jesus was amazed at the unbelief of those in His hometown. Surely powerful miracles would cause people to recognize Jesus’ authority as the Son of God; well that’s how we think anyways. So why does Jesus not perform these powerful mighty works in his hometown, demonstrating who he is?
If someone offered you a glass of water from the purest spring on earth, but told you they had mixed it with poison, would you drink it? Of course not! And yet thousands of people in churches every week drink in sermons tainted with false doctrine. Today’s message exposes two extremely dangerous trends sweeping through pulpits across America, and reminds us of the vital importance of keeping the gospel message pure.
America is spiraling out of control morally, financially, politically and spiritually, and we are headed for the judgement of God just like many nations before us. But where can we turn to find hope? Government cannot save us, nor can a better economy or a stronger military. Our only hope can be found in God alone. Today’s message outlines the steps that we must take in order to see the forgiveness of God for our sin, and His healing hand upon our country.
At the very same moment our founding fathers declared our independence from Britain, they were also declaring our absolute dependence upon God. Regardless of what revisionists say, the facts clearly prove that America was founded on the principles of God’s Word. Because of this, America was once a nation blessed and protected by God, but since we have now forced God out of our country, we are in decline like never before and are facing His judgement. This message is a wake-up call for all who will listen!
When the Titanic was sinking, many wealthy passengers left money, priceless jewels, and artwork behind as they fled to the lifeboats. What had been so valuable to them just minutes before was now worthless in comparison to saving their lives. There are things we sometimes place high values on that we think will make us right with God — good works, being a church member, etc. — but the Bible says all these are worthless compared to the surpassing value of knowing Christ. Discover the secret Paul knew and see why he could truly say that Christ was his greatest treasure.
There is an underlying principle at work in the lives of men and women who are known as giants of the faith. What is that principle? Is it something unique or is it simple? Is it their great faith that that establishes them as giants of the faith, or does living by faith mean something entirely different?
Idolatry is essentially falling down before someone or something other than God. Pride is knowing God, and refusing to fall down before Him. True Worship begins with both knowing God, and falling down before him. In knowing Him, we begin to understand how valuable He is. It must be significant to true worship then, how valuable God is to us.
To paraphrase Mark 7:6-7 & Matt. 15:8-9 Jesus says that people attempted to honor God with their lips but because their hearts did not belong to God their worship was in vain. They placed a high value on following their traditions that they had set in place, but the very traditions replaced the object of their worship; not intentionally I’m sure, but this is the case. There are two specific requirements that must be met for worship to be genuine, or true; Knowing God, and Falling Down before Him. If these two prerequisites are not met, worship of God is in vain. Do you know God? Have you fallen down before him?
All mankind has a center to their being. At that center is a throne. The Natural Man himself is sitting on that throne. No matter what stage of life you are in; if Jesus is not sitting on that throne, you have not come to salvation.
Jesus washed the twelve disciples feet; it seems even the feet of Judas Iscariot. Jesus does however state that “not all of you are clean”, speaking of Judas. Even though Judas was one of the twelve, he was not counted clean by Jesus. Are you clean? If so, are you still clean? Jesus also spoke to Peter saying “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me”. Even though most of the twelve were already made clean, they needed a little washing to stay clean. Are you still clean?
