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True Salvation Sermon - Bro Steve Winter
This is my text that I used for my 05/12/2005 sermon
It should be available in audio format at
True Bible salvation is a hotly debated subject with many diverse opinions and beliefs. I submit that it is very important what we believe.
1 Corinthians 15:2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
If what we believe is not accurate then our belief is in vain. You owe it to yourself and to your family to make sure that what you believe is the same as what the Bible teaches.
Satan is in the ministry business and he has many diligent, dedicated workers.
2 Timothy 3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
Many of Satan's ministers really think that they are "Christian preachers" and have no clue that they are deceiving souls into hell. That will be no excuse for them in judgment, however.
Why would someone think that they could be saved without being baptised in Jesus Name and receiving the real Holy Ghost of the Bible. Almost anyone in any church of any kind will claim to have the Holy Ghost because they read about it! But the only evidence that the Apostles accepted was that they heard them speak with tongues.
John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
Basic essential elements of salvation after repentance are: WATER and SPIRIT. We should take note that a grown man was told by God manifest in the flesh that he had to be born of water and that he had to be born of the Spirit.
Hebrews 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
How can anyone continue to believe the false preachers who teach that grace means nothing to obey?
Gal 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Consider here, why would any real man of God try to talk you OUT of putting on Christ as so many of the false-christian preachers do when they fight against Jesus Name Baptism?
Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Yes even with that verse we still have the devil's ministers deceiving multitudes of souls. Look at that verse. Is it telling you to do one thing or to do two things? What part of the word "and" do you not understand?
If you pay good money for a wash AND wax for your car, don't you expect both to be done?
Jesus Christ gave the Apostle Peter the keys to the kingdom of God. What will become of those who choose to reject what Peter did with those keys. It has become commonplace that the devil's workmen go so far as to teach people that Peter disobeyed Jesus. They say something like, "Well I will take Jesus's words over Peter's any day." They are fishing for fools and catching a plenty!
If we can't trust the Apostles we have a big problem. Was it not the Apostles themselves who told us what Jesus said? Who else do we have to refer to but the Apostles to even have a clue what Jesus said?
Many attack me for being less than tolerant towards the devils's deceivers, but what does Paul tell the Christians to do regarding deceivers?
2 Cor 11:12 But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.
13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
Again consider what role that Satan's servants will play. They will pretend to be teaching righteousness. They will get jobs as preachers.
Can we reject Peter's Acts 2:38 message without rejecting the One who sent him?
Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Are those false-preachers who want you to disregard Peter's Acts 2:38 salvation message really your friend?
Was Jesus nice to everyone? He didn't coddle false preachers and the falsely religious.
John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
We should not be surprised when the devil's servants lie! They are just doing their job for the father of lies.
One can't reject Peter without rejecting the Lord Jesus Christ who gave Peter the keys to the kingdom of heaven. So we had better know what Peter taught, and you can know this for yourself.
Acts 2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
37 ¶ 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?
38 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.
39 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.
How can anyone even imagine that they would be among the "called of God" when they reject the Acts 2:38 salvation that Peter preached on the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ?
We need to also know that water baptism is to be done in Jesus Name. We monotheists have no problem with that, but polytheists really stumble on that and actually show us that they truly are polytheistic and really are teaching three god squad members.
Satan's servants, the false-christian preachers have found that the best way to keep people from seeking the real Baptism of the Holy Ghost is to convince them they already have it and then just hold them by their religious pride.
Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
See, we Pentecostals didn't make up the part about other tongues! If you don't like tongues then you have a problem with God and with His Word.
Acts 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied
Paul once said:
1 Corinthians 14:18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
We find examples in the Bible where people received the baptism of the Holy Ghost speaking in tongues before they were baptised in Jesus Name. There are other examples where people were baptised in Jesus Name before they received the Holy Ghost. Both are valid salvation experiences since the Bible documents both scenarios as valid.
John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
Whenever either ingredient of the "water and Spirit" Christian New Birth was missing, the Apostles of Jesus IMMEDIATELY added the missing ingredient. If a person was baptized in Jesus Name then the Apostles would pray for them to receive the Holy Spirit. (that also proves that people don't automatically receive the Holy Ghost when they first "believe" as some of Satan's ministers teach. When people received the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues, the Apostles immediately baptized them in Jesus Name.
These are not man made doctrines I am preaching to you!
Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
14 ¶ Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
Note how they had been baptized in Jesus Name. Now why would any true Christian fight against Jesus Name water baptism?
Acts 10:44 ¶ While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
So how did the Apostles know that Gentiles had received the same Holy Ghost they had? They heard them speak with tongues. Now why would any real Christian want to deny you the same experience as Biblical Christianity?
Psalms 119:89 LAMED. For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.
Even those souls who had even been baptised personally by John the Baptist were re-baptised in Jesus name for the remission of their sins. John's baptism was only for a temporary period of time. Jesus Name baptism remits sins by the POWER of the shed blood of God. That does not contradict the doctrine of the Blood of God but rather is the method whereby the Blood of God is applied to the repentant believer during their New Birth.
Acts 19:1 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,
2 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.
3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto JohnÂs baptism.
4 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.
5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
7 And all the men were about twelve.
So even with that verse 2 up there, Satan's ministers still convince people that they automatically receive the Holy Ghost when they first "believe"? They prey upon the ignorant and carnal.
Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
Water baptism Jesus Name is the METHOD whereby one calls on the Name of the Lord.
Colossians 2:12 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.
Note the presence of both WATER and SPIRIT:
Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
The Bible speaks of the Spirit of God and the Spirit of Christ as EXACTLY the same Spirit.
Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and [of] the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
Jesus was telling a grown man what he STILL needed to do in order to be saved. The grown man still had to be reborn of WATER and of the SPIRIT.
This is totally consistent with the plan of salvation that Peter, the "man with the keys to the kingdom from Jesus Himself" preached on the birthday of the New Testament Church.
Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Acts 2:38 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 2:39 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.
Acts 2:40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added [unto them] about three thousand souls.
If your preacher told you that you don't need to obey Acts 2:38, I want you to consider these next verses.
2 Thessalonians 1:7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the
presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
How can people be so deceived that they don't think they need to obey the Gospel?
1 Peter 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
Romans 10:16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
See in the above verse how the Apostles considered a "non-obeyer" to be a "non-believer"?
Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Bro Steve Winter
I have a few catholic questions.
1. Which one of the statues has more power, and are they specialized? IE Would you bother the Mary statue for a minor car repair problem, or would a lesser idol work?
2. Do they kiss on the other bigger idols, like they do the little cross idol? And does the "call no man father" guy wipe the bigger idols between kisses like the cross idol?
3. Can the priests turn other food items into god, or does it just work on cookies?
4. When the priests turn cookies into god, does it act as a preservative? (possible uses in the food industry, much money could be made for the poor)....
5. If a shrine has more than one Mary idol, will they function simultaneously?
6. If the Mary idol is more powerful, and they will function simultaneously, why not just use bunches of Mary idols?
7. Do bigger idols have more power than the little bitty ones?
8. Do ceramic idols have more "oomph" and "whammy" than plastic ones?
9. Do the Mary idols have more "zing", "oomph" and "whammy" than the other idols?
10. Since your priests can turn wine into blood, can that blood be used for transfusions? Think of the lives that could be saved! Or for cloning?
Thanks for sharing with us regarding the intimate details of your devout faith and worship of little thingies and grand ceramic creations.
Bro Steve Winter
For Bible doctrine http://www.TheTruthOfTheBible.com
For Christian music http://www.winterband.com
Sometimes I get troubled by the Christian attitude towards the populous. Jesus loved all men and gave His life for us. He went into the synagogues and temples (although He knew they did not believe as He did) and preached to them in love. He sat and drank and ate with the winebibbers.
I recall how in the past the Catholic church would surround villages, take their lands and any thing they had of value. They would kill and torture the people who refused to convert to the trinity way, needless to say many were recruited that way. Now centuries later the people still (because of blindness) follow the trinity doctrine, because they don't know any better!! They are blind following the blind.
How can we reach them? With Love, not with hatred, not with bitterness, but Love will cover a multitude of sins. We must gently teach them the true way, taking care not to be ensnared ourselves. These are lost souls for Christ. Startling as it may seem souls in other churches really Love God and try to be as righteous and faithful as they know how in what they are taught, some surely put Pentecostals to shame that's for sure.
I remember someone saying He will use a dishonorable vessel as well as an honorable vessel, oh yeah, I remember, it was Jesus. He loves us all. I Love Jesus and I Love them, and I Love YOU :)
First of all the Church is the Body of Christ, not a building of any sort, see 1st. Corinthians 12:12-14, Ephesians 2:19-22, 1st. Peter 2:5, and Colossians 1:24. The church is a Spiritual temple, made without hands, see Acts 7:48-50. Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Ghost, if you have recieved it, 1st. Corinthians 3:16-17. The kingdom of God is not a natural kingdom, never has been, and never will be. God is a Spirit, they that worship him must worship in Spirit and in Truth, John 4:24.
No where in scripture did Jesus command the apostles to build houses of worship, or to establish these pecking orders called denominations, organizations, and "fellowships". Jesus did not set up a ministry after the order of the Levitical priesthood, see Hebrews chapters 7 - 10. Jesus is our High priest and all saints are priests unto God, 1st. Peter 2:9 and Revelation 1:6. Jesus nor the apostles set up one bishop rule in churches, or the pastor worship so common in churches today. The New Testament was a fluid church that flowed with the moving of the Holy Ghost. The early church was a church without walls that went to the people, they did not expect the people to come to it. The New Testament ministry worked as humble servants, sacrificing everything, even there life to be the servant of Christ unto others. They were not the salaried, tithe gathering, professional speakers of today. These early men of God were common folk, working with there own hands, but called and anointed by the Holy Ghost. The approval of the religious systems of that day meant nothing to them, they wanted to only please God.
One does not need a phd or to attend a seminary to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. One must be born again according to Acts 2:38, Live a clean holy life, and be gieven the anointing from God, to be a preacher of the gospel. These early church preachers preached everywhere, with signs following, Mark 16:20. So this early church with no building existed for almost 300 years without buildings? How did they do it?
The New Testament church was Home based, the Home was the center of religious activity for them. Here are some scriptures to prove this.
Acts 20:20
And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house.
Acts 28: 30-31
And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and recieved all that came in unto him, Preaching the Kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jeus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
Romans 16:5
Likewise greet the church that is in their house. (Pricilla and Aquliia)..... also 1st. Corithians 16:19
Colossians 4:15
Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.
Philemon 1:2
And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in thy house.
This is just a few of the scriptures on the matter, but it is very clear that house church was the way of the New Testament Church. Also they preached in open Air in all types of locations both in the cities and in the country sides.
A study into the New Testament and early church history proves that all believers in and area were called the church of city or area. Thers were elders, over these groups, not ever just one. Elders is the same as pastor, shepherd, bishop, ect. The Apostles established churches and oversaw large areas, the evangelists and prophets moved about from place to place, as did many of the "teachers". Five fold ministry was active without the man made heiarchy of today. The people met in houses for regular meetings and in open areas for larger gatherings.
So am I against buildings? No not spicifically. But I am against the buliding cenetered church system that fails to BE the church. I am against the Man centered order of leadership based on customs that came out of Trinitarianism, and were never part of the early church. BE the Church, dont just go to an assembly, an assembly is a gathering that may just include ones own family. Most of all to obey the word of God is most important. House Church is an acceptable model of church for today.
I see it as quite simple. There are 2 claiming to be God. One claims the 7th day (Sabbath) and the Other claims the 1st day (Sun-day). They are complete opposites.
So we of Creation have choices. I just hope we pick the right day. I know that
the Sabbath is safe, I will not be caught on my knees on the day of the Sun, just in case.
I have problems with the "Lord's Day", as Lord is a title and I do not recall a last name given.
If you were uninformed and had a choice between two candidates that were both morally neutral and saying the same thing in order to sound politically correct but one of them promised you a bunch of free stuff, which would you choose? A politician cannot tell everyone what they wish to hear while retaining his or her integrity. I have read where even God Himself said that lukewarm people make Him vomit (really look it up Revelation of John 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.)
For a position to be valid it must first be true and those demanding free handouts from a government need to be aware about where their government is going to get all that money. I can answer that one. They will take it by force from other citizens. Soon those voting money to themselves will outnumber those who are working and having their money taken by force. That is when things (and great nations) fall. This is not a new concept. Socialism sounds good to the Ignorati but does not end well except for those who happen to be rulers.
People have actually lost their lives by electing corrupt politicians who were incompetent to help them when disaster struck. New Orleans and Baltimore come to mind. Integrity and competence matter. Some might not like the way I am phrasing this but having a muslim enemy of the USA in the White House who is deliberately weakening our military while providing billions to sponsors of terrorism like Iran will certainly cost lives. Allowing them nuclear weapons will be even more problematic. Of course all that Obama does should be credited to the RINOs who were sent to stop him but lacked enough backbone. Should we blame the corrupt RINO Speaker of the House or the RINO majority leader more than those who kept them on? Have our liberal neighbors not considered that the chant "Death to America" also includes them?
Another interesting thing that seemingly few have noticed is that muslims are having quite a few babies while their Democrat and RINO pawns are promoting a holocaust of abortions here. The "black lives matter" folks might want to consider the genocide being financed by tax money through organizations like Planned Parenthood.
Meanwhile the corrupt RINO cartel is scrambling to eliminate the main constitutionally qualified candidate who is rallying unprecedented support by simply speaking the truth and then refusing to cower when attacked by politically correct truth haters.
Our country is in grave danger from socialists in both parties.
Another consideration for patriots if you are not gravely concerned yet is that if the socialist Democrat party is successful in corrupting the electoral system by flooding the US with illegal criminal voters and preventing voter ID laws then all our pet political issues will certainly be moot along with our constitution.
Bro Steve Winter DD
Some protest the need for baptism in Jesus name and saying something like this, “ We are saved simply when we believe Jesus and call upon His name…”Calling on the name of the Lord”
Often times people will quote Romans 10:13 (“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”) not understanding what it means to “call on the name of the Lord” biblically. This verse in Romans 10:13 is actually a quote of Joel 2:32. This is the same exact verse the apostle Peter quoted in Acts chapter 2 at the Day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:21).
In Acts 2, we see that after Peter quotes them the verse in Joel they still ask Peter, (in Acts 2:37) “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter does not respond by telling them to say a prayer. Peter does not lead them in any prayer! NO!
Instead PETER tells them what they must do to be saved. Peter gives them the answer mankind needs so desperately to hear. Peter declared to them,
“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. 39The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call."
40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." 41Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day”. (Acts 2:38-41).
The Bible tells us what it means “to call on the name of the Lord”. To “call on the name of the Lord” is equated with repentance and baptism into Christ’s name ( Acts 2:17-38;22:16)..
“Calling on the name of the Lord” being equated with baptism is further reinforced in Acts 22:16 says, “And now what are you waiting for?Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.'”
James says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (James 1:22).
Some people still protest the need for baptism in Jesus name, and often they would always quote, John 3:16???For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life?
This is perhaps the most often quoted verse in the New Testament. It is often isolated and set apart from the rest of the dialogue in which it took place. Remember! To “believe in Jesus” means to believe the gospel message, and baptism is a part of that gospel message. It must also be remembered this verse is only one small part of a much larger conversation that Jesus had with Nicodemus. Verse 16 (of chapter 3) deals with faith JESUS. Repentance is talked about in regards to the snake that was lifted up and then again in verses 19-21.
Verses 3 and 5 also deal with baptism. This shows the importance of looking at the overall picture and not focusing in on any single verse or passage.
Furthermore, the NIV is the only translation that uses the word “shall” in John 3:16. All other translations render this verse, “…whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” The NIV erroneously takes a “maybe” and turns it into a “will be”.
According to James, faith alone, by itself, will not save us:
James 2:19-20--You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that--and shudder. You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?
Faith must have actions to back it up with.
What about Acts 16:30-31??? He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household."
This verse is often quoted but then the questioner stops short right in the middle of the story. People like to quote verses 30 and 31 but they don’t quote verses 32 and 33. Those very next two verses state that the Word of the Lord was preached to them and then they were immediately baptized. We know from James 2:19-20 that the jailer did not stop once he had a belief in Jesus. Indeed, there was more as verses 32-33 illustrate so clearly. See Acts 16:16-33 for more detail. It does no good to tell someone about baptism unless they are first told the message of Jesus Christ. The first step is to believe, then baptism will be effectual. Faith in Christ is what gives baptism its significance. Obviously, it does no good to tell someone to get baptized unless they have first heard the message of the cross and the story of Jesus.
Some people would still protest the need for baptism in Jesus name, and they will always quote Scripture references from the Romans 10:9-10, “That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
Remember first, Paul just finished explaining in Romans chapter 6, and in great detail, the role of baptism in Jesus name. This verse does not nullify that chapter. But it is of significance, however, to note the commentary on this verse in the NIV study Bible that states, --“Jesus is Lord”, the earliest confession of Christian faith, probably used at baptism.” The verbal confession of faith that Jesus is the Christ is made at baptism, and is what is seen in the case of the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8. Notice the eunuch asks to be baptized and Philip tells him “if you believe with all your heart, you may.” And then the Ethiopian eunuch confesses faith in Christ with his mouth, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” He is then baptized.
Read : Acts 8:26-40 (King James Version KJV).
Verse 26, And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.
Verse 27, And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,
Verse 28, Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.
Verse 29, Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
Verse 30, And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
Verse 31, And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
Verse 32, The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:
Verse 33, In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.
Verse 34, And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?
Verse 35, Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
Verse 36, And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
Verse 37 ,And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
Verse 38, And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
Verse 39, And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.
Verse 40, But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.
REMEMBER!!!! Notice belief never stands alone, by itself. There is always some other action associated with it. Jesus started preaching by telling us to “repent and believe the Good News.” Jesus also said in Luke 13:3 that unless we repent we will all perish. So, Therefore Jesus said,
‘He that believeth and baptized shall be saved “ ( Mk 16:16).
Repent and believe.
Looking at it from another angle, notice also that baptism always has something else tied to it:
Believing (Acts 8:37; Mark 16:16)
Repentance (Acts 2:38) { Luke 13:3,5}
Confession of faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 8:36-37)
Which all leads to:
Being baptized in the name of JESUS CHRIST (in water) for the forgiveness of sins- and received the gift of the Holy Spirit-Acts 2:38!!!
This is where we get:
1.) Hear the Word
2.) Believe
3.) Repent of our sins
4.) Confess faith in Christ
5.) Be baptized in the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of sins and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit- Acts 2:38
It’s that simple?
I hope this helps!.
Should we actually invoke or utter the name of Jesus when baptizing a person?
Some Trinitarian churches- do always argue that the phrase only means to baptize with Christ's authority and has no reference to the actual formula. Therefore, baptism in the Trinity formula is also valid.
In response, some Trinitarians argue that the phrase only means to baptize with Christ's authority and has no reference to the actual formula.
Remember. Jesus gave the church power and authority to cast out devils in His name and to pray for the healing of the sick in His name (Mark 16:17-18; James 5:14). How did the New Testament church implement this? The Apostle Peter declared to the lame man, "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk" (Acts 3:6). He told the multitude, "And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong" (Acts 3:16). Peter actually invoked the name of Jesus and also exercised faith in Jesus.
He told the Jewish council that the man was healed "by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth" (Acts 4:10), quoting the words he had used. When Paul cast a demon out of a young woman, he said, "I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her" (Acts 16:18). He called the name of Jesus. When the sons of Sceva sought to cast out demons, they said, "We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth" (Acts 19:13). They knew that Paul cast out demons by using the name of Jesus, so they attempted to do the same. They were unsuccessful because they did not have faith in Jesus or a genuine relationship with Him.
Whenever the Early Church exercised the power and authority of Jesus to obtain a spiritual work, they always invoked the name of Jesus in faith. Baptism for the remission of sins is no exception. Invoking the name Theologians and church historians generally recognize that the Book of Acts gives the baptismal formula of the Early Church.
HISTORICAL REFERENCES- ( HISTORICAL BAPTISM):
• The Encyclopedia of Religion and ethics states, with respect to New Testament baptism, "The formula used was "in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ" or some synonymous phrase; there is no evidence for the use of the trine name:"
• The Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible says, "The evidence of Acts 2:38; 10:4-8 (cf. 8:16; 19:5), supported by Galatians 3:27, Romans 6:3, suggests that baptism in early Christianity was administered, not in the three-fold name, but "in the name of Jesus Christ" or "in the name of the Lord Jesus:" This is the natural reading of the phrase, "baptized in the name of Jesus Christ;' and a person must use questionable and twisted methods of biblical interpretation to deny that the words mean what they appear to mean.
According to both the Bible and history, the New Testament church invoked the name of Jesus at water baptism. Its baptismal formula was "in the name of Jesus Christ" or "Lord Jesus;' not "in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.' The Scriptural Record Every time the Bible records the name or formula associated with an actual baptism in the New Testament church, it was the name Jesus. All five such accounts occur in the Book of Acts, the history book of the Early Church. It records that the following people were baptized in Jesus' name.
• The Jews. "Then Peter said unto to 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 2:38).
• The Samaritans. "They were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Acts 8:16).
• The Gentiles. "And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord" (Acts 10:48). (The earliest Greek manuscripts say, "in the name of Jesus Christ," as do most versions today.)
• The disciples of John (rebaptized). "They were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Acts 19:5).
• The Apostle Paul. "Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord" (Acts 22:16).
• Moreover, the Epistles contain a number of references or allusions to baptism in Jesus' name. See Romans 6:3-4; I Corinthians 1:13; 6:11; Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12; James 2:17.
The only verse of Scripture that anyone could appeal to in support of a threefold baptismal formula is Matthew 28:19, in which Jesus commanded baptism "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:' The word name in this verse is singular, however, indicating that the phrase describes one supreme name by which the one God is revealed, not three names of three persons.
The apostles understood Christ's words as a description of His own name, for they fulfilled His command by baptizing in the name of Jesus Gangte Christian ( Acts 2:38;8:16;10:48;19:5;Gal 3:27; Romans 6:3-5; Acts 22:16). There is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4), and He has one supreme name today (Zechariah 14:9). Jesus is the incarnation of all the fulness of the Godhead (Colossians 2:9).
Jesus is the only saving name (Acts 4:12; Matt 1:21), the name in which we receive remission of sins, the highest name made known to us, and the name in which we are to say and do all things (Acts 4:12; 10:4-3; Philippians 2:9-11; Colossians 3:17). Thus the one supreme, saving name of Matthew 28:19 is Jesus. We are to fulfill the command of that verse as the Early Church did, by invoking the name of Jesus at baptism.
The Historical Record Respected historical sources verify that the early Christian church did not use a threefold baptismal formula but invoked the name of Jesus in baptism well into the second and third centuries.
• Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics (1951), II, 384, 389: "The formula used was 'in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ' or some synonymous phrase; there is no evidence for the use of the trine name. . . . The earliest form, represented in the Acts, was simple immersion . . . in water, the use of the name of the Lord, and the laying on of hands. To these were added, at various times and places which cannot be safely identified, (a) the trine name (Justin), . . "
• Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible (1962), I, 351: "The evidence ...suggests that baptism in early Christianity was administered, not in the threefold name, but 'in the name of Jesus Christ' or 'in the name of the Lord Jesus'."
• Otto Heick, A History of Christian Thought (1965), I, 87: "At first baptism was administered in the name of Jesus, but gradually in the name of the Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit."
• Hastings's Dictionary of the Bible (1898), I, 24-1: "(One could conclude that) the original form of words was 'into the name of Jesus Christ' or 'the Lord Jesus: Baptism into the name of the Trinity was a later development."
• Williston Walker, A History of the Christian Church (1947), page 58: The trinitarian baptismal formula . . . was displacing the older baptism in the name of Christ."
• The New Schaff-Herzog Religious Encyclopedia (1957), I, 435: "The New Testament knows only baptism in the name of Jesus . . . , which still occurs even in the second and third centuries."
• " Canney's Encyclopedia of Religions (1970), page 53: "Persons were baptized at first 'in the name of Jesus Christ' . . . or 'in the name of the Lord Jesus: . . . . Afterwards, with the development of the doctrine of the Trinity, they were baptized 'in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost'."
• Encyclopedia Bibilca (1899), I 4-73: "It is natural to conclude that baptism was administered in the earliest times 'in the name of Jesus Christ; or 'in the name of the Lord Jesus: . . . This view is confirmed by the fact that the earliest forms of the baptismal confession appear to have been single-not triple, as was the later creed."
• The Catholic Encyclopedia, II, 263: "The baptismal formula was changed from the name of Jesus Christ to the words Father, Son, and Holy Spirit by the Catholic Church in the second century."
Today as a Christian, we should use the biblical baptismal formula as found in the New Testament ( Acts 2:38;10;48;19:5; Gal 3:27; Acts 22;16; 8:16; Romans 6:3-5; Col 3:17).
Everyone should be baptized by immersion in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins- Acts 2:38-41!
Today we are commanded to obey the gospel of Christ and continue in the apostles doctrine (Acts 2:38-47; John 3:5;. Rom 10:10; Rev 2:10; Acts 2:42; 2 Jn 9).
Do this and live forever.
LIVE FOREVER-obey ACTS 2:38!
THE WHATABOUTS, Studies of common false-christian questions.
False-christian churches serve the devil as spiritual abortion mills. They abort souls from truly becoming born again by inoculating them against the truth with doctrines of devils.
2Cor 4:3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
2Cor 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
Because of their inoculation against the truth of the Bible many will react to the truth by saying "whatabout this?" or "whatabout that?" because their false preacher has already poisoned them against the truth by filling them with false doctrines designed to prey upon their ignorance and keep them from every obeying Acts 2:38 and escaping the snare of the devil.
One of the main examples is where a false-christian will fight against the truth that they need to obey Acts 2:38 by saying "Whatabout the thief on the cross?" because they think that proves their point because the thief was obviously not baptised. What they are willingly ignorant of is the fact that the thief on the cross in the Bible died quite a period of time before Acts 2:38 was preached. The thief on the cross died before the New Testament Church was born; before the commandment to be baptised in Jesus Name was even preached. How could he obey what had not yet been commanded? The True Christian Church started on the Day of Pentecost in Acts Chapter 2. The books Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are histories before the Church started. You may have noticed that Jesus always spoke of His Church in future tense.
Matt 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Bro. Steve Winter
Be aware of what you are supporting with some animal "rescue" (so called) organizations. They may have clever word arrangements that spell CARE or things like that, but the bottom line is that their fuzzy "feel good" rules and regulations spell death for the animals waiting while they refuse to adopt out animals in their CARE while waiting for someone that fits their highly restrictive agenda. Sure, they may never put down any of the animals in their "CARE", but with their restrictive adoption policies a whole lot of animals are put down waiting in line that could be adopted. And you know what, some of them would end up in less than ideal homes, but compared to DEATH I think it would be preferable.
In a particular situation I am aware of personally I was willing to pay $100 for a kitten, but because I don't see the need for possibly dangerous inoculations for my other two INDOOR ONLY cats, I was rejected (I do believe strongly in rabies shots and neutering). The people running these scam organizations have my purest and deepest contempt. They do NOT deserve your support. If they really CAREd about animals they would not be playing ignorant, feel good, ego games while so many animals are being put down.
If someone is willing to pay $100 for a kitten I would seriously doubt that they planned to eat it or put it out on the street, but at least the next kitty waiting in line would have a CHANCE at life.
Some of these "rescue" groups are misrepresenting what they really are doing. Their pride and ignorance is inexcusable. Don't support them with your donations. Boycott pet supply stores that enable their stupidity and arrogance.
Steve Winter
ps. I found an ad in the newspaper that just said Free Kittens and a phone number. Our new three month old, domestic born, kitty was free and was brought home right after he allowed me to carry him around for about five minutes without scratching me. I will call the vet tomorrow to have him checked out and stuff and then have the rest of his work done when he is old enough.
Here are the first two kitties
Very basic cat tutorial and Luke and Lilly piano lessons
