Manslick Road church of Christ » 2007 » October
You’re invited to a special series of lessons presented by Max Dawson
November 4-9, 2007
Sunday @ 9:30am, 10:30am, 3:30pm
Monday-Friday @ 10am and 7:30pm
Gospel singing Sunday at @ 2:30pm
Everyone is invited!
When you are in your closet tomorrow deciding what to put on, consider these admonitions.
“And put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth” (Eph 4:24 ).
“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity” (Col. 3:12-14 ).
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Eph 6:11-17 ).
“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ . . .” (Rom 13:14 ).
These are truly “all occasion,” “once size fits all” garments. You’ll look good in them.
How do we keep baptism in its proper place? The answer depends on what you mean by place.
The Physical Place
A recent newspaper article reported that the favorite baptizing place for a group of United Baptist churches in south central Kentucky is a baptizing center in Beaver Dam Creek near Rhoda. They have been using it for generations. It is a matter of conviction with these folks to use running or “living” water in baptism. They point out that Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River; therefore, to use an indoor baptistry would not be following His example.
If people prefer to baptize in a creek for scenic or nostalgic reasons, that is their business. To insist on that, however, is another matter. The New Testament does make a few references to “living water” (Jn. 4:10-11; 7:38 ), but none of them are talking about baptism. John baptized at Aenon near Salim because there was much water there (Jn. 3:23 ), not because there was moving water there. We do not know what bodies of water the apostles may have employed in their worldwide preaching. (3,000 were immersed at Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost [Acts 2:41 ]. Since it had only one small stream, several commentators suggest the city’s pools made that possible.)
The Place in God’s Plan
Ironically, these Baptists who make such a point about the physical place of baptism completely ignore its place in God’s plan. The newspaper report said some of the boys baptized on a particular day in August were saved at revival in March but had to postpone their baptism. How can that be?
• Baptism is into Christ (Gal. 3:27 ). If one is saved prior to baptism he is saved out of Christ.
• Baptism is into Christ’s death (Rom. 6:3 ). If one is saved prior to baptism he is saved apart from Christ’s death.
• Baptism is for forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38 ). If one is saved prior to baptism he is be saved without being forgiven.
• Baptism is to wash away sins (Acts 22:16 ). If one is saved prior to baptism he is saved while still in the filth of sin.
• Baptism saves us (1 Pet. 3:21 ). That is what Peter said. The Baptist preacher said the opposite: “Baptism doesn’t save us. It’s a testament of what is happening. It’s saying the seed of the gospel has come into my heart.” Where does the Bible teach any such thing?
Conclusion
It is nice to see people who are willing to be different to stand for what they believe in. It is sad, however, that they are so confused. They make a point of something to which the Bible attaches no significance, yet at the same time they ignore basic New Testament teaching about how we are saved.
“No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able to bear, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it” (1 Cor. 10:13 ).
The temptation to sin is life’s greatest challenge. This text reminds us of three important facts about it.
First, “no temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man.” It is natural to think we are facing something alone or for the first time ever. Teenagers are certain mom and dad “just don’t understand.” How often does someone who is struggling say, “You don’t know what I am going through.” The danger in such thinking is despair, the assumption that no help is available, and especially, that Bible solutions to one’s problems will not work.
In the preceding verses, Paul reminded the Corinthians that they were facing the same old temptations that came Israel’s way 1,500 years earlier. Circumstances may change, but Satan’s tactics do not. You can learn much by studying how Bible characters dealt with temptation. There is consolation in knowing others have been where you are. Remember, too, that Jesus was tempted in all points as we are, yet without sin (Heb. 4:15 ).
Second, “God . . . will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able.” God does not tempt us Himself (Jas. 1:13-16 ), but He does allow Satan to do so. What God does is maintain control over the situation so that it does not get out of hand, a fact aptly illustrated in the story of Job (Job 1-2). There may be times when it seems as though you are facing too big a challenge, but rest assured you are not. As Matthew Henry worded it, “Either our trials will be proportioned to our strength, or strength will be supplied in proportion to our temptations.” We can be victorious!
One implication of this fact is worth emphasizing: I am responsible for my sin. If temptation is not greater than I can bear, sin is my choice. I did not have to do it.
Third, “. . . but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” What is the way of escape? Here are a few. Begin with avoidance when possible: “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Stay out of circumstances in which Satan’s appeals are stronger. Associate with those who will be a positive, rather than a negative, influence. Jesus stored up Scripture in His heart and used it to combat temptation (Mt. 4:4, 7, 10; cf. Ps. 119:11 ). Prayer is another escape route. Sometimes you may need to do as Joseph did and literally run away from a situation (Gen. 39:12 ). God promises the way of escape; it is up to us to use it.