Take Me to the Water

Recently I had the unique privilege of baptizing my second son. It was a great event in my son's live as well as mine. I was so proud and honored to be a part of this great step in my son's life. I was more nervous that I have been in a long time in the pulpit. I believe the Holy Spirit is with his people all the time but He meets with his people in a special way at baptisms and the Lord's Supper. This naturally got me to thinking and reflecting about my baptism and meditating on baptism in general.

I was baptized in a pond in the back of a relatives house. That was the way it was for us growing up in the country. My family was and still is a member Clear Creek Missionary Baptist Church and at that time there was no money in the budget for a heated baptismal. So when it was time for baptism the deacons would scout out a place (there were several ponds used during this time) and depending on the conditions on the pond on was selected. The deacons would go out on a Saturday or early Sunday morning with sticks to mark off the boundaries so that no one would slip off in the deep end. Around seven or eight in the morning the members would gather at the dedicated place for Baptism. The Pastor would say a few words followed by that great hymn Take Me to the Water. How many remember that song? The Pastor would take the new convert in his hand and say “In obedience the great head of the church, I baptize you my brother/sister in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit”. The he would dunk him/her and the mothers of the church would swarm on you with about a million towels. I get excited just thinking about those times. I call that Old Time Religion!!! True old school!

Well however you were baptized in a pond, a puddle, or heated baptismal, baptism is truly special. One of the two ordinances Christ left for the Church until He returns. For me it is one of the first acts of sanctification that a believer does. I love the way the New Hampshire Baptist Confession of 1833 defines it:

We believe that Christian Baptism is the immersion in water of a believer , into the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost ; to show forth, in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, with its effect in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life ; that it is prerequisite to the privileges of a Church relation; and to the Lord's Supper in which the members of the Church, by the sacred use of bread and wine, are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ ; preceded always by solemn self-examination .

For my tradition this sums up my belief very well. Allow me to emphasis a few things that will encourage us.

1. Baptism is the immersion of believers. The water does not save the Holy Spirit does. I believe that one is saved before baptize. This is an act of sanctification not justification. Romans 10:10 teaches with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

2. Primary New Testament text:

   1. Romans 6.3ff This is a central discussion of the function of baptism. Paul is not talking about the deed of baptism but what it symbolizes. NOTE: the following is not about the physical act but the spiritual baptism that it symbolizes.

      • “Baptizo” the word refers to having an overwhelming influence. It doesn’t mean to be “dunked” in this case, but to have a pervasive influence, controlling power over something. The physical act is symbolizing the actual relationship. Baptism symbolizes the controlling, influencing, pervasive power of Christ. In baptism we are:

        • 6.4 “We are buried together with Him”

        • 6.5 “We are united with Him”

        • 6.6 “We are crucified together with Him”

      • Union with Christ causes the change.

   2. Baptism is connected with union with Christ; we are connected with Him in His death and resurrection.

3. Central Meaning of Baptism - It is a sign of God’s covenant promise to faith of salvation through union with Christ in His death and resurrection. Its administration proclaims God’s promise and is a public acknowledgment that the recipient has a place in the covenant community.

Remember in the tough times that we are joined with Christ. It is imperative that we look nowhere else and rely on nothing else than Christ for our salvation and strength in time of need.

The Importance of Sound Doctrine

Driving home this week I noticed this picture in front of a church. I drove passed and immediately turned around to make sure my eyes were not deceiving me. BAPTICOSTAL? I guess this is a mix between Baptist theology and Pentecostalism. Baptist theology and Pentecostalism may have some small similarities but the heart of their beliefs are fundamentally different. So what we have here are some confused people trying to make up some denomination out of two existing ones. That is like saying your are a republicrate or demoblican the two do not mix. This prompted me to write about this in order to challenge and encourage you to -KNOW WHAT YOU ARE AND WHY YOU ARE WHAT YOU ARE. What do I mean by that? If you are Baptist, Pentecostal, or some other denomination take the time find out what your church believes. Take the time to examine your church creeds and doctrines. Simply put know the theology of your church.

When we were children we went to church with our parents, but we are the parents and adults now. So we have to pass along to our children and others why we do what we do. If you attend a Baptist church do you know why? Are you familiar with the articles of faith? If you attend a Non-denomination church do you know the principles and doctrines on which it is organized. Denomination is generally defined as a religious organization whose congregations are united in their adherence to its beliefs and practices. So it is fundamental that you know the beliefs and practices that your particular church is unified in.

Now one question that always been asked is, “why are their so many denominations?” Another common question is, “do denominations really matter?” These are valid questions and they speak to a person's understanding or lack there of. There are so many denominations and churches because there are many ways to organize. Some are scriptural and some are not. Denominations matter because the principles a church chooses to organize around define that church. So if your church is unified around something that is not scriptural that should matter to you if your aim is to please Christ.

People also ask me, “why can't we just preach Jesus and not worry with doctrine?” I believe you cannot preach Jesus without doctrine (Jesus himself taught and preached doctrine Mt 16:12, Mark 1:27, John 7:16 etc..). Just consider all the difference beliefs and practices surrounding the Lord's Supper and baptism which are all ordinances from Jesus himself. This whole discussion revolves around this, we are not free to approach God or worship God any way we choose. WE MUST WORSHIP GOD ON HIS TERMS! Jesus has taught us if anyone would come after him, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow him. From beginning to end it all about God not about us. Therefore we must examine the scriptures to make sure that our beliefs and practices are not of man but of God, for the Proverbs teaches us there is a way is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death (Proverbs 16:25).

I leave you with encouragement from the Apostle Paul.
I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. (Rom 16:17-18)

Stay turned for Why I am a baptist?