One of the most controversial subject in the Bible BAPTISM One of the most controversial subject in the Bible

Not because of the Word of God- 1 Corinthians 1:10 NKJV 10 Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”

We Can Know and Stand upon One True God Ephesians 4:4-6 “one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God…” Reason men differ is philosophy that teaches we do not need to stand upon Scriptures 2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,… thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Directed to those who Believe Bible is Word of God Because of belief in inspiration of Scriptures we can Know & Stand of God’s Will – John 17:20,21 Many human traditions have needed to be fought – Colossians 2:8 Willingness for study that will challenge long held beliefs – James 1:23-25

Problems With Denominational Baptism Questions: 1. When were you saved by the blood of Christ? 2. How old were you? 3. How long after your salvation were you baptized? 4. For what purpose were you baptized? 5. How long after your request to be baptized were you actually baptized? 6. What did you confess before baptism? 7. How were you baptized (sprinkling, pouring, immersion in water)?

Problems With Denominational Baptism Has The Wrong Subject Before on can be baptized one must: Have heard the word of the Lord – Acts 16:31-33 Have believed in Jesus as the Son of God – Mark 16:15,16 Have Repented – Acts 2:38 Have confessed with the mouth that Jesus is Lord – Romans 10:9,10 If ONE left out, he has yet to receive scriptural baptism

Inspired Men Selective Who they Baptized Acts 8:36-38 “if you believe with all your heart, you may” This would preclude infants Young children could not be baptized Those who can be baptized must have reached an “age of accountability.” Romans 7:9

Were you a proper subject when you were baptized? Often people have admitted that they didn’t know what they were doing. What did you confess? Do you have any doubts?

Denominational Baptism often has the Wrong Action Baptism is a burial in water – Colossians 2:12; Romans 6:4 This involved men going into and coming up out of the water – Acts 9:38,39 John the Baptist went where there was “much water” – John 3:23 Baptism by definiti0n means to immerse – baptizo Baptizo immerse or overwhelm Have you received this baptism?

Denominational Baptism almost always has the Wrong Purpose Baptism is for the remission of sins – Acts 2:38 What if we changed the purpose of the Lord’s supper and made it a memorial for a man? – 1 Corinthians 11:24,25 Paul understood the purpose of Baptism- Acts 22:16; Romans 6:4; 1 Corinthians 12:13 Can baptism be acceptable if one believes they are saved first and then baptized?

Denominational Baptism almost always has the Wrong Purpose Bible examples of those who were immersed for the wrong reason and then later scripturally baptized – Acts 19:1-6 Why would Paul expect these men to have knowledge of the Holy Spirit? Acts 2:38 Did sincerity make their baptism acceptable?

Things the indicate Baptism for Another Reason: When you are asked to confess: “God for Christ’s sake has forgiven me of my sins.” When those who baptize you wait for several days When you cannot remember the reason When you are baptized to become a member of a denominational body

Will you make your Salvation Sure? Salvation is found in Christ and His Death Are You Forgiven? How do you know? Colossians 2:11-13 You will only receive the one baptism once in a lifetime Never have a doubt about where you stand with God