Baptism
What’s the
point of baptism? Baptism is essential to salvation! Simply believing is not
sufficient! Acts 2:38 makes it very clear that baptism is how one receives remission
of sins. www.dictionary.com defines “remission”
as “Pardon; forgiveness, as of sins or offences”. Without baptism, how can one receive forgiveness
of sins? We know that sin is separation from God, and that if one died without
being baptized, he would die in his sins, thus being separated from God upon
his death. Before baptism, “…He does not hear” you, because of your sins
(Isaiah 59:1)! Baptism is the washing
away of sins (Acts 22:16)! Without it, one would still be dirty with sin. When
one is baptized, he walks in new life (Romans 6:4), new life being the
beginning of his Christian life. In order to be added to the Church, baptism is
required (Acts 2:47). When one is baptized, he is ultimately saved (1 Peter
3:21)! Only those who are of age of accountability should be baptized (Ezekiel
18:20).
Worship
What’s the
point of worship? Worship is key to growing as a Christian (along with personal
study), and is ultimately pleasing to God. When we decide that we’re not going
to go to worship because we’re too tired, or because we just don’t feel like
it, we’re disappointing God (Hebrews 10:25). When we decide that coming
together to worship isn’t too big of a deal, it sets a very bad example to
others in the church. It could lead one to think “Well so and so doesn’t come
to worship on Sunday night, and they seem to be okay. I think I’ll stay home as
well”. We should be excited to be able to come together to worship! We should
be “…exhorting one another as we see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25)!
Back to the
question “What’s the point of worship?” it can be answered simply. “…the Father
is seeking such to worship Him” (John 4:23).
We worship God because it pleases Him. When we worship God, we’re
commanded to worship Him in spirit (correct mind-set) and in truth (correct
doctrine) (John 4:24). There are five actions which must take place during worship.
They are:
The Lords
Supper (Acts 20:7)
Singing
(Ephesians 5:19)
Praying (Acts
2:42)
Teaching
(Acts 2:42)
Giving (I
Corinthians 16:1-2)
Forgiveness
What’s the
point of forgiveness? Without forgiving men, one cannot be forgiven by God (Matthew
6:12-15). Without forgiveness from God, we will die in our sins. Without forgiveness, there would be tension
and strife amongst the Church! We cannot make peace by holding a grudge, thus disregarding
James 3:18. Even if one does not come to you and apologize, it is still
important to forgive them. Forgiveness is key to peace.
Love
What’s the
point of love? The two greatest commandments are centered on love. “Love God
and keep His commandments” and “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39).
If we love God, we will live to please Him, thus doing all that He would have
us to do. If we love our neighbors, the love of Christ will shine through us,
making it easier to bring them to Christ. 1 John 5:3 “For this is the love of
God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome” We
should live our lives based on the commandments that He gives us, because after
all, He is the one who gave us life. We should be happy to keep His
commandments. Can we not use what He gave us (life) for Him?
What’s the point to it all?
This
question can be answered in one verse: Ecclesiastes 12:13 “Let us hear the
conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is
mans all”
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