The Reporter
 Volume 48 # 14,  --  April 4, 2008

Back To Bible Baptism

The importance of baptism is set forth in scripture. "And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." (Acts 22:16) Baptism is a burial in water so that one may enter Christ and His church. "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Galatians 3:27) Let us observe some important questions about baptism.

Is baptism really important? Baptism is a very important and often misunderstood subject. Baptism is important because it is commanded by Christ. "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." (Mark 16:15-16) Baptism is to be done by the authority of Jesus with its purpose being remissions of sins. "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 2:38)

The blood of Jesus was shed in His death. "But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water." (John 19:34) Baptism is important because it brings one into contact with the death and blood of Jesus. "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 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 6:3-4)

Baptism is important because it puts one into Christ. "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Galatians 3:26-27) The Bible teaches that baptism is necessary for our salvation. "The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 3:21)

Every command of God is important and baptism is a command of God. "And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days." (Acts 10:48) It is very clearly taught that baptism is essential to one's salvation. Have you been baptized as the Lord commanded?

Must I be baptized for the right purpose? There is a definite reason for every command of Christ. This is true of the command to observe the Lord's Supper. It must be done in the way and for the reason commanded by God. "Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord." (1 Corinthians 11:27) Unless we obey for the proper purpose our obedience is not acceptable. This is also true of God's commandment to be baptized. Baptism must be done for the purpose Christ intended. Following faith, repentance and confession one must be baptized to be saved. "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." (Mark 16:16) Christ places salvation after baptism, not before.

Baptism brings about the new birth. The new life begins after baptism. Those who are baptized into Christ arise from baptism to a newness of life. "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)

Baptism puts one into the body or church of Christ. The body is the church. (Colossians 1:18) By the direction of the Holy Spirit through the word of God people are baptized into Christ's one body or church. "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." (1 Corinthians 12:13)

The purpose of baptism is clear and man must not corrupt it. One must be baptized to be saved. Have you been baptized according to the scriptures?

Is baptism immersion, sprinkling or pouring? The method of baptism is just as important as the purpose. Bible baptism is a burial in water. Jesus was baptized by going down into the water and coming up out of the water. "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." (Matthew 3:16) The baptism submitted to by Jesus was both a burial and it was in water. (Mark 1:9-10)

When John baptized people "much water" was required. "And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized." (John 3:23)

On two occasions the Bible plainly says baptism is a burial. Paul wrote to the Romans and said, "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) To the Colossians he said, "Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are raised with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead." (Colossians 2:12)

Man has several methods of baptism, but God has only one. Bible baptism is always a burial in water for salvation. Have you been baptized according to the scripture?

Who may be baptized? The doctrines of men say babies may be baptized. The Bible says those who gladly receive the word were baptized. "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." (Acts 2:41)

The Bible teaches that only those who believe may be baptized. "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." (Mark 16:16)

The Bible teaches that those who repent may be baptized. Repentance is a change of heart leading to a change of life. "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 2:38)

Men and women were baptized but babies were never baptized. "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." (Acts 8:12)

The Bible teaches that baptism is essential to one's salvation. Have you been baptized according to the Lord's commands? If not, you should be. "And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." (Acts 22:16)

- - - - Charles Box

News & Notes

1. Prayer List: In Need Of Prayers: Jimmy Allen, Deane Autrey, Comer Blackmon, Mae Beverly, Nell Cates, Myrtle Clark, Roy Goodwin, Judy Green, Montine Hardin, Evan Hartsell, Linda Holley, Mary Lawrence, Abby Lee, Shaunnie McGough, Emily McCreary (daughter-in-law of Becky McCreary), Fay Maddox (mother of Wanda Santo), Jo Ann Moorer, Curtis Newton, Mary Powell, Bobby Ray (father of Michael Ray), Linda Sexton, Thelma Sheffield, Don Shirley, Austin Shows, Vickie Starkie (daughter of Elease Brown), Richard Watts, Donald Williams, Elizabeth and Price Williams and Mary Williams. Crowne Health Care: Mary Alexander, James Alford, Gladys Childs, Kathy Johnson, Wallace Murry, and Myrtle Perdue. Pine Needle: Mary Lou Phelps. Georgiana Nursing Facility: Helen Autrey, and Doris Pierce. Shut-Ins: Emma Lee Gafford, Jean Hayes, and Doris Taylor.

2. Please Pray For: The following people are serving in Iraq or Afghanistan: Todd Till, Paul Fullington, Ben Newton, and Joe Barrett. Pray for them often! Please begin now praying for Jason Godwin and Dennis Phillips Jr. as they will be going to Iraq soon.

3. Birthdays: Celebrating birthdays this week are: April 6^th Andrew Cauthen, April 9^th Brett Barr, April 10^th Brenda Stallings, and April 12^th Donald Davis.

4. Moved: Shirley Schofield has move to 536 Glendale Avenue. Her phone is 368-1800. Thanks to all who helped her in making this possible.

5. Write To Amanda: Please send an encouraging note to Amanda at: Amanda Bagents, c/o Bradford Health Services, P.O. Box 176, Madison, Alabama 35758.

6. Charles Box to Guyana: Charles will be in Guyana April 7^th – 22^nd. He will work two days at Industry then will go to the interior to work at Wowetta and Bina Hill. Pray for his safety and the success of the work.

7. Prom Alternative Banquet/Retreat: Walnut Street will be hosting the 5^th Annual Prom Alternative Banquet Retreat on April 11th – 12^th at Children’s Harbor Retreat Center on Lake Martin. High school juniors or seniors who are interested may call 334-382-3001 or 334-590-4801 for more information.

8. Backwoods Christian Camp Walk-A-Thon: Eleven young people from Walnut Street will be walking five miles in the Backwoods Christian Camp Walk-A-Thon on April 26^th. Please support them and the Backwoods Christian Camp ministry by sponsoring them financially in this effort. Those of you who feel really generous please contact Darrell for information about donating to the “matching funds”. (Cell 334-590-4801)

9. Thank You: To the people at the church of Christ, I want to express my thanks, love, kindness and prayers to you like you have shown me through hard times in the trails of our life being tested by our faith in God. We can become weak and strong in our faith in areas we need to mature to make us what God wants each of us to be. I want to be in God’s work while I have chance to be all that I can be in His kingdom’s work. Let all of us work to be good stewards of our faith being committed – obedience to the calling of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the head of His church. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Amen! His servant, Shirley Schofield

10. Put These Dates On Your Calendar: (a) April 6^th – Homecoming 2008 – Opp Church of Christ – Bible Class 9:30 a.m. Roger Dill, Worship 10:30 a.m. Ross Mitchell, Singing 1:00-1:25 p.m. and Worship 1:30 p.m. Barry Elliott, (b)April 6^th – 8^th – Gospel Meeting – North Lowndes Church of Christ – Kyle Butts Sunday 6:00 p.m., John Rice Monday 7:00 p.m. and Eric Lyons Tuesday 7:00 p.m., (c) April 6^th – 9^th – Gospel Meeting – Christian Home Church of Christ, Wicksburg – Speaker George Merritt – Time 2:00 p.m. Sunday and 7:00 p.m. weeknights, and (d) April 12^th – 2^nd Annual Girl’s Purity Day – Dalraida Church of Christ – Speakers Cindy Colley and Julie Owen – Time 9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Contact Elizabeth Wakefield (b_wake@hotmail.com) by April 6^th the number of people attending.

www.Myspace.com

As most of us well know, the internet has become an entrenched addition to the lives of most people in our country. It has made so many everyday tasks more convenient, and certainly can be of benefit to those who learn to use it. As with anything, there are also dangers that must be considered and guarded against. I hope that in this brief article I can present an educated point of view on only one very popular website.

Myspace.com is popular, entertaining, and potentially hazardous. It is the fastest growing site on the web with over 5 million subscribers, and increasing at the rate of over 200,000 people a day. Anyone 14 or older (though younger children can easily claim they are of age) can obtain his/her own free, personal web page. On a positive note, Myspace can be used for good things like communicating with friends and loved ones. Some Christians use the site to encourage brethren and share the gospel. But it does also present some spiritual and physical hazards.

First, all things are dangerous if used excessively. Peter wrote: “For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved” (II Peter 2:19). Internet use can be addictive without the exercise of moderation. Another danger of Myspace is that, just like in “real life,” it is important to be careful about the types of friends you have. On this particular site, when you “add” a person as a friend, the content of their web page is linked directly to your site. As you can imagine, some people who use Myspace display very wicked images and words on their sites. I also plead with Christians who use Myspace or Facebook to be careful of the image they portray on their own pages. How disappointing it is to see some of the filthy things that members of the Lord’s church display publicly for all to see. Remember, we will all give an account of ourselves to God (Romans 14:12). Parents should also realize that online predators have used Myspace for evil. Taylor Behl, who had just graduated high school, decided to explore the world through Myspace. She sent out the message, “I love to meet new people.” She began talking to a 38 year old man who claimed to be a teenager, and who tracked her down and killed her.

I encourage parents whose children use this site to gain access to their children’s accounts (get login info from children) so that they can monitor the activity regularly. This is actually a good policy for all internet use since there are so many spiritual death traps looming around the World Wide Web. Do you know where your children are surfing?

----Darrell Powell

It is better to offer a hand than to point a finger.

Don’t just own a Bible; read it!

Walnut Street Church of Christ

P.O. Box 551

Greenville, Alabama 36037-0551

(334-382-3001)