What’s The Point?

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”