Bible Discussion Thread

Baptism is immersion, being immersed in the word of God, not being dunked in water. more at being immersed in the truth. "Thy word is truth" That is what does the washing.

Walter,

There is a whole lot of truth in what you are saying here. In your first post, you say "Thy word is truth" and that is what does the washing. There are two keywords I see in Thy word is truth, (Word and Truth). Jesus is called the word in John 1:1. And Jesus is called the truth in John 14:6. Both the word and the truth refer to a person, and that person is Jesus Christ. John baptized with water which could not fully cleanse anyone, but Jesus baptizes people with His Spirit. That is the baptism that cleanses us completely.

Now as far as sin goes, for the person who has been born of God's Spirit, that person can still commit an act of sin. However, a person who belongs to Christ is no longer capable of living a lifestyle of continuous sin because God's Spirit in that person is there to convict them and keep them from sinning (Habitually). Prior to receiving Christ, a person can live a lifestyle of sin, sin daily, and think nothing of it. But this is not the case for the ones who belong to Christ.



You mention something that Paul also said, although not the exact same words, "I find no good thing in me except the word (the truth)." As a believer, I understand this to mean that in my flesh there is nothing good. My flesh wants nothing to do with God and continuously wants to get away. But the word, the truth (Christ) in me, He is good. When we as believers stand before God one day, we're going to know we don't deserve to be there. But God is going to look at us and He's going to see His Son. The only way we enter in is to have Christ in us. That is the only good thing God is going to see in me when I stand before Him, and that is how I enter in.

I hope you have truly called upon the Lord to save you. If so, He has promised to save you and keep you saved. You are doing well to immerse yourself in the word. If you have already received Christ, just know that He is the one who lives in you that is giving you the hunger and desire to remain in His word.

There are old writings titled; "The mode of Baptism is in the water", food for thought.

I have been baptized twice, went under a sinner came up a sinner both times. (The sinner on the cross was saved by the spoken word of Jesus.) I still sin. If I were baptized again I dont think I would stop. I find no good thing in me except the word (the truth). We read that we must believe God exist (the devil believes and trembles) but also believe He is the rewarder of thoes that seek Him. I seek Him in the Word, The Word convicts, I repent," The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart- These, O God, You will not despise." I do not want to spend eturnity with out salvation. I would be like the ethiopian, just let me find a preacher and some water. I am not being argementive, truly seeking answers, the Truth! I read "Thy Word Is Truth" and "you shall know the Truth and the Truth shall set you free" I take that free from sin. Yet I find no good in me. (just sayin) Is there no hope for me?

Do I need a foot wahsing every day? I go out in the world every day I sin, I come to Jesus and pledge forgivenes.

thank you for your wittness still surching. You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.

Hello Walter, I can remember being baptized (the mode was immersion) because I accepted Christ by faith. Folks clapped when my decision was made. Like you seem to be saying, I lacked power over changing my life from constant sins, I studied the Word and gained knowledge but not peace and not power. I could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit only it was outside of me instead of inside me. Life went on several years like this until I finally reached a point that I felt burdened with sin in such weight that I began crying out in my heart to Jesus for real. I was led to believers whom had power over willful sin. I could see their peace and I wanted it. I learned about repentance at any cost to me and again by faith (happened to be in the back of a box truck at a dock in the middle of the night) I kneeled down and cried my heart out to the Lord. In seconds I had the peace of the Holy Spirit comforting my soul on my inside. This comforter reproves me as I begin to error to this day. Do I want to lose my peace, do I want to return to such a sad position I once was found? The answer is no. Clearly the evil one would like me to stray and many traps have been set, but the Lord guides by His Holy Spirit. My Baptism by water (the mode was pouring) joined me to fellow believers that help by love to be witnesses of Truth that is in them. If I stray, if Satan takes me on a an unplanned trip (say in thoughts, or offense) the Life of the other witnesses speaks to me of my need to repent.

Carleton

Hello again Walter, I would like to add that the events mentioned took place some 28-30 years ago. I have Children still living at home that have the same power and peace with songs on their hearts after their true repentance, born again relationships with the Lord began several years ago.

There is no righteousness in what I am now going to say, but the reasonable service has been helpful in my Christian Life.

I do not read end times books, listen to Radio or TV nor watch movies.

I am careful what I do read.

I do not participate at all in exercising my American rights on any issue as a point, to any neighbor.

I do not vote.

I understand that offense and pride are the easiest targets for Satan to disrupt my Life in Christ.

I can claim that I have peace with God and man this very day to the best that I am able to understand and remain teachable.

I believe that the Lord will only return for the harvest thus claiming His Bride.

The reign of Christ in the hearts of believers along with the written Word has provided an adequate witness to the world that God is true and His Son Jesus made away for our sin to be reconciled (Forgiven) as children in earth.

God bless the Christian walk which is our conversation.

Carleton