The reason for being baptized is two-fold, One, is that it is an act of obedience that demonstrates our commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ. Baptism becomes a public identification with Christ, and much like a wedding ring identifies that a person is tied to someone, baptism identifies the one being baptized as being a member of the family of God and a follower of Jesus Christ. It is also a witness to the reality of what has been done in the baptized life. It shows humility as the participant goes down into the water, reminding us that we must humble ourselves before God. It testifies of our submission, as we allow ourselves to be baptized by another, Reminding us that there is nothing we can do to obtain Salvation on our own, rather we obtain it by submitting to the word of God. I testifies of the union we have with the Godhead as we are baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Reminding us that all three persons of the trinity are involved in the work of salvation. It testifies of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, as it pictures His death, as … READ MORE

The practice of Baptism was practiced in Israel before the establishment of the church. In the temple there were “Mikvah’s” – this was a Jewish “bath” that was used to symbolically cleanse the worshipper as they prepared to bring their offering to the Lord. It was also used for a Gentile proselyte as they began to identify themselves with the God of Israel. As John the Baptist preached in the wilderness, He practiced Baptism, those baptized identified themselves with his teaching. This is why Jesus needed to be baptized by John, He needed to demonstrate that His ministry would be an extension and advancement of John the Baptist’s ministry. John reminded his followers, “Jesus must increase, and John must decrease” (John 3:30). I Peter 3:21 tells us that baptism is “… the answer of a good conscience toward God…” Therefore, baptism is an outward action of an inward obedient heart to the Lord. We might liken the importance of baptism to a wedding ring. The ring does not make you married, but it announces to your community that you have a unique relationship with one person, and that you have committed your life to that person. Baptism aligns us to … READ MORE

When it comes to oversight in the church, the question always comes as to “who is the head of the church?” Is it the pastor, the deacon’s or official board, or the congregation? The reality is that according to Hebrews 13:20-21 The true head of the church is Jesus Christ. Everyone, Pastor, deacon’s or board, and the congregation, only has delegated authority and they are all answerable to Him and the truths of God’s Word. He is our shepherd, our sovereign, and our Sanctifier, and as such we must never do anything that is contrary to HIs Word. Although we are to do everything we can in the church, it is the power of Christ that makes everything work. We must understand that in each of the tree people or groups, they are all subject to the same authority. While they have different roles based on their gifts, they are all equally important in the body of Christ. In Hebrews 13:20-21 we see three things that points to the saving work of Christ for His church. First, His Name: “Lord Jesus!” – This makes Him our Shepherd. Acts 4:12 reminds us that “there is no other name under heaven given … READ MORE