difficult issues...
Submitted by Compassion on January 31 2000 at 13:59:53
In reply to My thoughts Submitted by Sheesh! on January 31 2000 at 00:21:51
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of the heart. Yes, it is not easy to understand anything in this life as to why, and the why nots. But the bible gives us clear direction.Yes, Jesus said clearly, 'He is the way, the truth, and the life: no man commeth to the Father, but by me.' [John 14:6] Its only the Holy Spirit that can enlighten the mind to these issues, but I will pray He will guide you into these truths. Jesus baptism was a mark of the beginning of His earthly ministry. The baptism was a baptism of repentance, which Jesus did not require since He was sinlessly perfect. Read a few passages...Matthew 3:1 - 4:17; Mark 1:1-15; Luke 3:1-22; John 1:1-34; again if you do not have a bible then go to http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible , okay. Jesus required this baptism in order to fully identify with man in his sinful condition, since he would become sin for us in the cricifixion. Again, repentance from dead works [the works of man] to the works of righteousness [doing the works of God] comes from the heart. Baptism is only an outward sign of what has taken place in the heart. And since you can't make yourself right, you are only confirming to yourself and others what God has done. In John 3:5 says unless a man be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. Much like you enter this world through the water of birth from your mother, so to enter the spiritual kingdom requires a birth of spiritual regeneration caused by God's Spirit. This was Jesus point to Nicademus, unless one be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicademus thought that being a Jew secured his eternal destiny, but it wasn't so, and still isn't. Belonging to a church does not secure in any way. Only if God has done a work in your heart can you be sure. I know for myself, and most others [Mark, Chris, & Heather} who post here do know the Lord in this way [God knows his own]. I pray that you may find those answers of the heart, my friend. Love in Christ, Compassion...:=) |