Sermons on "World Religion" in light of the Bible

"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." —Hebrews 4:12

KJV vs NIV, ESV, NKJV AND NLT

Over the past few decades, new Bible translations have been popping up like popcorn. Many strong Christians have stood their ground and continued to believe, read, and study only the Authorized King James Bible. Many others, however, have forsaken the Book that God has used for centuries. Such people have fallen for smooth advertising schemes and have actually started believing that the modern versions are superior to the King James Bible. It's very sad that most Christians today have not taken time to study the subject thoroughly enough to see what is really happening.

World Religion

Baptism
My outward expression of my inward decision

What is baptism?

Baptism is a symbol- an outward expression of an inward decision.

Romans 6:3-5 says “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.”

The Bible teaches that baptism is a picture of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection and some motives to get baptized after salvation are obedience out of love and joy and a desire to follow in Christ’s footsteps.

Motives for Baptism
Obedience

Matthew 28:19-20 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

Acts 8:37“And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”

The Bible teaches that baptism is for anyone who has personally accepted Jesus Christ as their Saviour. Baptism is not required for salvation, but is an important first step of obedience to Christ. Baptism publicly identifies us with Christ. An example that could be used to show symbolism like this is a wedding ring. Wedding rings identify a husband and his wife’s commitment to one another just like baptism symbolizes the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ showing our commitment to Him.

John 14:15 “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”

John 15:14“Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.”

We obey right away out of our love for Jesus Christ. It is amazing that God manifest in the flesh, Jesus Christ, died on the Cross for our sins, was buried, went to hell for three days and three nights and rose again on the third day. He paid it all for us! The joy of salvation motivates us to be baptized as Jesus told us to be and was himself.

Christ was our example.

Matthew 3:13 “Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.”

If Jesus was baptized, then we should be baptized too.

How Should I Be Baptized?

Because Baptism is a picture of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we must be completely immersed in the water to be true to this symbolism.

When Should I Be Baptized?

Now that you understand the importance of baptism, you should choose to be baptized as soon as possible after your salvation decision. Reach out to your pastor who will help you make arrangements at your local church to take this first step of obedience.

The link above lists 300 verses that have been changed in the seven most popular versions.

Getting baptized?

"He that winneth souls is wise" Proverbs 11:30

The History Of The King James Bible

The King James Bible

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