Ceremonies and rituals for water baptism are a focus, today. Also, there is more on language and spelling of terms appearing in the Scriptures. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Big Mo” (Level 7 with 30,712 points, a member since November 15, 2008) posted the following:
I was sprinkled in a Methodist church, immersed in a Baptist church, and baptised in Jesus name in a?
Jesus Only Pentecostal church but I still have other churches wanting to baptise me. Does this make sense?
THE BATTLE AXE: Lower-case or Capital? (01/31/2014)—(5.) Together, the breath from GOD and the material body are called, a living soul. In addition to life essence and endowments of divinity from GOD deposited within mankind, angels, apparitions (we say, ghosts), idols, sacred beasts of heaven, and other created beings and living creatures are spoken of in the holy writings as “spirits”. A phrase, “the spirit”, may be applied to demons and angels ousted from heaven, called evil, lying, and unclean spirits when they infest or reside within humans. (6.) Divine law embodies and manifests the will of GOD as the Law Giver who reigns above all the universe. When speaking of the holy writings, the Ten Commandments, and the divine law, “the letter” of the law is its application as limited, material, social and specific. Focus upon “the spirit” of the law centers upon its benefits, its incarnation as divine substance, its intent, and its sacred purpose. (7.) Holy names and titles to specific functions, offices and roles used for speaking of GOD usually appear with the first letter capitalized (e.g., Almighty GOD, El Shaddai, the Eternal, the God of heaven, the God of Jacob, the most High). Where “father” or “lord” appears with all capital letters, or a single full capital and small capitals the reference is most likely to GOD (e.g., LORD, and “the Father”). Holy names and titles for Jesus may show the initial capital with lower-case letters, or may appear in all capital letters (such as Alpha and Omega, Lord, KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS, Messiah, Redeemer, Son of Man, Son of the Highest, the desire of all nations, the Lamb, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS). To correctly recognize many of the holy names and titles, readers of the Scripture must continually use discernment, for names may appear with titles, titles may appear used as names, and some titles are shared (e.g., the arm of the LORD, the zeal of the LORD of hosts, the Highest, Saviour). See Haggai 2: 7, Zechariah 13: 2, Matthew 10: 1, Matthew 14: 26, Luke 1: 46-48, Luke 11: 24-26 and John 4: 42, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (Revelation 1: 4-6, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Before Getting Baptized? (11/28/2013); The Rich in Divine Relationship? (11/29/2013); Come As You Are? (06/29/2013); Freewill is Finite (06/30/2013); Origin of Baptism? (06/22/2013); Money-changers in The Temple? (06/23/2013); Those Who Never Heard? (06/07/2013); Need for A New Holy Spirit? (06/03/2013); Faith for Facing Tragedy? (06/04/2013)
“Big Mo”, here are a few points that make sense to many Christian believers, and that make it possible to avoid the spiritual confusion of mockers and entrapment by the devil:
(1.) The different forms and formulas used for water baptism are derived from specific statements in the holy writings that are held to be equally legitimate and valid. While they vary in emphasis or inclusion of the full divine person and GODhead (we say, Father, Son, Holy Ghost), it remains that water baptism is a sacred event where flesh and spirit must become unified.
(2.) Baptism is not correctly understood by all to be an entrance for believers, who are yet in flesh upon the earth, into the spheres of eternal life. Physical aspects of endurance (we say, time and space) are replaced and transcended by a sacred framework. The believer is established in a realm of consciousness determined by the birth, life, priesthood, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ into the celestial presence (we say, heaven). Those born again (having divine DNA, so to speak), must mature again. At first, their personal truth and sacred truth agree only at points where, through growth, learning, unselfish service and worship, they later become one and the same.
There is far more to be said, properly shared, and spiritually understood. (For example, (3.) Only GOD may accomplish new life and rebirth in mankind. This is done by the operations of the same Holy Spirit that appeared in Creation. Flesh must cooperate and participate in baptism through self-will (we say, choice, willingness), and by witness (acknowledgement and recognition of the active presence of GOD). The Scriptures do not contain specific laws or details for ceremonies and rituals of water baptism for followers of Christ. As a result, each assembly or congregation has developed answers from the tenets of their faith, and the righteousness that would be in any such law. Baptism is therefore a sacrament like the Lord’s Supper (called Communion) carried out to bond, and nourish the entire body of believers, not just the single individual.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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