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I needs to accept that
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God doesn’t turn caterpillars into
God doesn’t turn caterpillars into butterflies by shouting at them that they should be flying but by inviting them to step into a chrysalis. He doesn’t turn new believers into Christians who reflect Christ by shouting commands at the, either. He invites them into the waters of baptism so that they can emerge as new…
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A drunk stumbled along a
A drunk stumbled along a baptismal service on Sunday afternoon down by the river. He proceeded to walk down into the water and stood next to the Preacher. The minister turned and noticed the old drunk and said, "Mister, Are you ready to find Jesus?" The drunk looks back and says, "Yes, Preacher. I sure…
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The clearest example that shows
The clearest example that shows the meaning of baptizo is a text from the Greek poet and physician Nicander, who lived about 200 B.C. It is a recipe for making pickles and is helpful because it uses both words. Nicander says that in order to make a pickle, the vegetable should first be ‘dipped’ (bapto)…
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"Baptism is like a wedding
"Baptism is like a wedding ring: both [a wedding ring and baptism] symbolize transactions. A wedding ring symbolizes marriage, just as baptism symbolizes salvation. However, wearing a wedding ring does not make you married any more than being baptized makes you saved." A small six-year-old child can wear her mother’s wedding ring, but we know…
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The story is told of
The story is told of the preacher who went to pastor a particular church. He was one who was fond of preaching on water baptism. Week after week he would preach about baptism. Finally in desperation, the deacons requested that he allow them to pick his scripture text for the following Sunday’s message. He agreed.…