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The necessity of water baptism
The role of water baptism in the salvation of people is very easy to understand. The apostle Peter told his listeners on the Day of Pentecost were "baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38). As baptism is "for the remission of sins" , it is absolutely necessary for salvation. Some argue, however, that the baptism of Acts 2:38 is actually the baptism of the Holy Spirit, not water baptism. There are several difficulties associated with this view. Jesus promised his apostles that he would send the Holy Spirit, also described as "the Comforter" and "the Spirit of truth" , after ascending to heaven. After his resurrection, Jesus commanded the apostles to stay in Jerusalem to await the promise (Acts...
Serpents and Doves
"Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents and harmless as doves" (Matthew 10:16).
Serpentes and doves - two creatures with little in common. And yet, in the development of our character, we should be "how" they are in some respects. It's a good paradox, is not it? Much of the character of Christian is a paradox. For example:
We should control our tongues (James 3:1-12) but also be bold in speech (Ephesians 6:20). There is no virtue in a language that is uncontrolled or daring in a language that is so controlled that it is never daring. Our languages need a "daring controlled" for both publicly rebuke sin (Galatians 2:11-21) and particularly (Matthew 18:15). Although the consequences may be unpleasant (Mark 6:16-18), we must speak boldly, and...
The man lacked one thing
H avia a remarkable man who came to Jesus one day to see how he could go to heaven. It looked like a man who longed for life right with God. Although he had led a life of good quality, within the moral standards and decency and was a kind man, he realized he still had something. He recognized that Jesus could meet this need and wished much better.
Jesus told the man that he lacked only one thing. He needed to sell all he had to give income to the poor and follow him. "But he countered with this word, he went away sad, because he owned much property" (Mark 10:22).
It is clear that the man really wanted to go to heaven, but was not willing to pay such a high price. The reaction of this man to Jesus' answer shows that Jesus was right in diagnosing your problem. No doubt he loved his possessions...
