Re: Worship styles: An evangelical service
Submitted by Ben on September 13 1999 at 20:12:40
In reply to Worship styles: An evangelical service Submitted by Heather on September 12 1999 at 22:04:14
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Heather - You rambled a bit so I hope it's okay if I just reply to a couple of your points :) My church also baptizes children (usually teens) only when they clearly understand what they are doing and only when they have decided to accept Jesus. We follow the biblical immersion technique and there is usually lots of joy and celebration afterward. I remember reacting to the "Word of God" statement about the bible in the same way that you did. Paul, said that "All scripture is God breathed and is useful for....", yet we need to first believe that Paul actually spoke from God if we can agree that his statement is accurate. One reply that I did get to this inquiry was that no other document has ever professed to BE the Word of God. The bible uniquely self identifies itself as divine inspiration. Most God fearing authors would not be willing to make this claim until they are sure of it. Yes, it's not absolute proof....but it's one more element to the argument. Finally, Jesus said in Matthew 28:19: ... go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit... To me, this is a pretty clear command to be evangelical. My church is one of the most aggressively evangelical (legitimate) churches in modern existence. That really offends many people, my own family included. Yet I understand that not alot of people would be so initially interested in living a sacrificial, religious life in today's world unless they are really reached out to. Those who reached out to me, really pour their hearts into helping me come to Christ. I want to do the same for others some day. You are not alone. Ben |