Baptism – FAQ’s

Posted on October 26, 2011 by dkoop

What is the meaning of baptism?

1.  It illustrates Christ’s DEATH, BURIAL and RESURRECTION.

“Christ died for our sins…He was buried…and He rose again.”  1 Corinthians 15:3-4

“For when you are baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.”   Colossians 2:12

2.  It illustrates my NEW LIFE as a follower of Christ.

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.”  2 Corinthians 5:17

“By our baptism then, we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead…so also we may live a new life!”  Romans 6:4

Baptism doesn’t make you a believer — it shows that you already believe.  Baptism does not “save” you; only your faith in Christ does that.  Baptism is like a wedding ring — it’s the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith…it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast.”  Ephesians 2:8-9

Why Should I Be Baptized?

1.  It demonstrates my belief in JESUS.

 “..Many of the people who heard Him believed and were baptized.”  Acts 18:8

“We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commands.”  1 John 2:3

2.  JESUS says I should be.

“Jesus said, ‘Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.’” Matthew 28:19-20

3.  To follow the example set by JESUS.

“At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river.”  Mark 1:9

Why Be Baptized By Immersion?

1.  The word “Baptize” means to DIP UNDER water.

The Greek word baptizo means “to immerse or dip under water.”  It best symbolizes a burial and resurrection!

 2.  JESUS was baptized that way.

“As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.”  Matthew 3:16

3.  Every baptism in the BIBLE was by immersion.

(Example)  “…Then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him.  When they came up out of the water…”  Acts 8:38-39

Who Should Be Baptized?

  • Every person who has BELIEF in Christ should be baptized.

“Those who believed and accepted His message were baptized…”  Acts 2:41

“Simon himself believed and was baptized…”  Acts 8:13

“But when they believed Philip as he preached the Good News…and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.”  Acts 8:12

At The Upwards Church, we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them.

Some churches practice a “baptism of confirmation” for children.  This ceremony is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on the behalf of the child.  The parents promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his own personal confession of Christ.  This custom began about 300 years after the Bible was completed.  This is different from the baptism talked about in the Bible, which was only for those old enough to believe.  The purpose is to publicly confess your personal commitment to Christ.

When Should I Be Baptized?

  • As Soon as You Believe! 

“Those who believed…were baptized…that day!”  Acts 2:41

“Then Philip began with the scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus.  As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the man said, ‘Look, here is water!  Why shouldn’t I be baptized right now?’  Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’  The man answered, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’  So they went down into the water and Philip baptized him.”  Acts 8:35-38

There is no reason to delay.  As soon as you have decided to receive Christ into your life, you can and should be baptized.  If you wait until you are “perfect,” you’ll never feel “good enough!”

Can my family be baptized together?

Yes!  If each family member understands fully the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally placed his/her trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptized at the same time.  It is a wonderful expression of commitment.

However, it is important to remember that baptism is a personal statement of faith, not a family tradition.  It is usually not wise to delay your baptism while waiting on other family members to accept Christ, particularly children.  This puts an undue pressure on them, and delays your obedience.

What should I wear when I am baptized?

Something you don’t mind being wet in.  Women can wear a swimsuit and a tee-shirt.  Men can wear a swimsuit and a tee-shirt.  Bring a change of clothes, a towel, and a plastic bag for your wet clothes.

Will I have to say anything?

No.  At the beginning of the service, a pastor will briefly explain the meaning of baptism.  You will wait at the edge of the pool for your turn to be baptized.  A pastor will introduce you, briefly lower you just under the water, and then you can leave the pool, dry off, and watch the others.  Later you will be given a certificate of your baptism.  We encourage you to invite all your relatives and friends to attend your baptism.

Special Needs?

We can perform a private baptism in special circumstances.

www.Upwards.Church

Message Audio/Video and Outline: https://upwards.church/leander-campus/watch-now-message-videos

Watch Messages: YouTube-Upwards Church

Facebook: Upwards Church

Read Along Daily Bible Reading: YouVersion (https://www.bible.com/organizations/370f8a6e-16bc-464f-8c43-0b7623fd2952)

 

 Sources:
New International Version
Saddleback Resources, CLASS 101  
Posted in Our Beliefs | 3 Comments

Our Essential Beliefs

Posted on October 26, 2011 by dkoop

Our Essential Beliefs at Upwards Church :

To read one of the verses listed in blue, just click on it.

 

About God

God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.

Genesis 1:1, 26, 27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14

About Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.

Matthew 1:22,23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; John 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14,15; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; Romans 1:3,4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14,15; Titus 2:13

About The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son as God. He is present in the world to make mankind aware of our need for Jesus Christ. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual gifts, and guidance in doing what is right. As Christian’s we seek to live under His control daily.

2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13; John 14:16, 17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12; 3:16;Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25;

About The Bible

The Bible is God’s Word to all mankind. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error.

Proverbs 30:5; Psalm 12:6; 119:105,160; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21

About Human Beings

We are all made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. We are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although mankind has tremendous potential for good, we are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin.” This attitude separates us from God.

Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1,2

About Salvation

Salvation is a gift from God to mankind. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can we be saved from sin’s penalty. Eternal life begins the moment we receive Jesus Christ into our life by faith.

Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8, 9; John 14:6; John 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1

 About Eternity

We all were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation. The place of eternal separation from God is called Hell. Heaven is the place of eternal union and eternal life with God. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence.

John 3:16; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15 (Hell): Matthew 25:41; Revelation 21:27

Essential Beliefs:

The seven things listed here on our web site with the accompanying scriptures, are the beliefs we believe are “Essential.” The reason they are essential is that they represent the essentials of Christian faith.  Without these core beliefs we cease to be Christian, and could be called a cult.  For instance what are the essentials of say a building?  A foundation, walls, roof, etc., with out these you don’t have a building. Our essential beliefs are essential to being a Christian church.   Our members are united in thought and purpose on our essential beliefs.   In the essentials we have unity.

Non-Essentials:

There are a lot of beliefs, convictions and preferences in the Christian life that are not essentials.  There are various interpretations of some scriptures.   There are some things you’re going to differ from other people on.  We consider these to be non-essentials and in those there’s liberty.  In those non essential beliefs we can have diversity.

For instance:  Some people ask, “Are we a charismatic church?” I would not define us as  “charismatic church” but we are not anti charismatic. There are people in this church who are very charismatic, who practice speaking in tongues, who believe that is an essential part of their faith and their walk with God.  There are people who think that’s appalling and they don’t want anybody getting near them talking about speaking in tongues.  Because we don’t believe it’s essential for salvation, it’s not one of these seven, it is one of the gifts of the spirit that God gives to whomever He will, we say you have liberty.  If God has given you that gift, that’s great, as long as you don’t try to tell everybody else they have to have the same gift.    That’s one example.

Another example: about the second coming of Jesus Christ.  There are probably three main positions.  You’re either pre-millennial, post‑ millennial, or amillennial.  (If you have no idea what this means, don’t worry about it!)  There is liberty.  The only thing that we believe as you see in our seven essentials, that we teach about the second coming of Christ, is that Jesus Christ is coming back.  It is our responsibility to be ready, to have our hearts ready to meet Him.  Beyond that there are so many divergent views about the second coming of Christ.  As long as you believe that, we can have liberty, we can discuss it, we can go back and forth in discussing.  As long as the essential is you do believe Jesus Christ is coming back. In non-essential beliefs we have liberty.

In all our beliefs we show love, we have charity:

You can be so theologically correct, and you can have all the things worked out in Revelation about who the beast is and who the red horse is and what the bowl is and what the trumpet is and when this happens. And you can have Daniel figured out to the nth degree, but if you are not a loving person, who cares?  The bottom line is we have unity in the things that matter, and that we allow each other liberty in the things that aren’t as important, and above everything else we relate to each other in a loving way.  In all our beliefs – we show love.

Darrell

www.Upwards.Church

Message Audio/Video and Outline: https://upwards.church/leander-campus/watch-now-message-videos

Watch Messages: YouTube-Upwards Church

Facebook: Upwards Church

Read Along Daily Bible Reading: You Version

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Gossip – Part 2

Posted on October 26, 2011 by dkoop

 When a friend is in trouble, we may be tempted to lie in order to help him or her. God warns us against such schemes. If you have a friend who’s in trouble as a result of a bad decision, God says not to lie for your friend. He warns against making false reports. The law God laid down for his people in Exodus was designed to promote truth. Allowing your friend to learn from the mistake may be the best thing you can do. Check out God’s desire for truth in Exodus 23:1.

Not only is most gossip untrue, its purpose is usually to destroy someone’s reputation. Gossip is a serious offense. God told his people not to slander anyone. He knew what kind of damage the human tongue could cause. Instead of gossiping about others, find ways to encourage and build up others. Building up someone will also reveal something positive about your character. Discover what God says about gossip in Leviticus 19:16.

Being accused of a crime is a serious matter, to us as well as to God. He wants to protect the rights of the innocent and punish those who are convicted of committing crimes. In Deut. 19, he warns against bringing a false report about someone. God will not stand for people being wrongly accused. If you don’t know the truth, or if your motives aren’t pure, be honest with yourself and others. Don’t take the risk of lying. It’s never worth it.

Do you know someone who never has anything bad to say about anyone else? Someone who won’t join in on a gossipfest? This type of person pleases God. What we say is a strong reflection of what is in our heart. In Psalm 15, David wrote that the person who won’t slander others, who won’t do evil to a friend or disgrace a neighbor, is a person who can stay in God’s tent. In other words, God wants his people to control their words. By not slandering or gossiping about others, we demonstrate our sincere love for God. See what David has to say in Psalm 15:3.

Being the target of gossip, slander, and lies can make you feel like you’re being pierced by dozens of arrows. David knew that feeling. Rumors and stories about him that were untrue were being circulated. Those words were like sharp swords to David. Being at the receiving end of harsh words can give us an appreciation for the power of words. It can also teach us to keep our words from hurting others. Look at what David wrote about the power of the tongue in Psalm 57:4.

Gossip destroys friendships. Talking about others behind their backs, whether the stories are true or not, does more damage to friendships than anything else. That’s why God warned against gossip. Gossip drives a wedge between close friends, and it takes the forgiveness of Christ to heal those wounds. Refuse to participate in gossip. That decision will honor God and protect your friendships. Read Proverbs 16:28 and consider memorizing it. If you keep this warning in mind, you may avoid some problems in the future.

Most people would never club their neighbor over the head or shoot an arrow through their neighbor’s back. However, Proverbs 25:18 warns us that giving false testimony against a neighbor is no different from ramming a spear right through him or her. False testimony (deliberately lying about someone else) delivers a massive blow to your integrity. God wants his followers to be honest; in fact, he commands it! Be certain when you open your mouth that only truth will come out.

Gossip is like mixing matches and gasoline. It’s explosive, injuring everyone who comes in close contact. The apostle John had strong words for those who participated in gossip. A guy named Diotrephes was destroying God’s church by spreading rumors. Gossip can cause us to become calloused toward others. See what John planned on doing about this problem in 3 John 1:10.

 For more about My Big Mouth – go to www.ridgefellowship.com

Source— God’s Word for Students–Life Tracks
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Tithe Challenge – Week 6 – Central to Your Spiritual Life

Posted on October 26, 2011 by dkoop

The stories keep coming in! See the comment below for the latest.

I am praying for you! We are at our halfway point in our three months.  I hope to encourage you today from “The Treasure Principle” by Randy Alcorn. 

In chapter one Randy writes that most of the parables Jesus told are about money and possessions.  Jesus spoke more on this topic than his teachings on heaven and hell combined.  “Why did Jesus put such an emphasis on money and possessions? Because there’s a fundamental connection between our spiritual lives and how we think about and handle money.  We may try to divorce our faith and our finances, but God sees them as inseparable.”

He goes on to say that this truth hit him years ago on an airplane while reading Luke 3.  John the Baptist is teaching to large crowds of people who have gathered to hear him and be baptized.  Three different groups of people ask him what they should do to show evidence of their repentance.  John gives three answers:

  1. Everyone should share clothes and food with those who have none (vs. 11)
  2. Tax collectors shouldn’t pocket extra money.  (vs. 13)
  3. Soldiers should be content with their pay and not extort money. (vs. 14)

Each answer relates to money and possessions. But no one asked John about that! They asked what they should do to demonstrate the fruit of spiritual transformation.  So why didn’t John talk about other things?

“Sitting there on the airplane I realized our approach to money and possessions isn’t just important, its central to our spiritual lives.”

Jesus and John the Baptist knew that money and possessions was people’s god.  Jesus and John realized that no one could serve God unless they dethroned their money idol.

Thanks you for being a part of this Tithe Challenge.  It’s evidence that you are “dethroning the money idol” Thanks for taking the opportunity face the central part of your spirituality: money and possessions.  By giving 10% to God you are putting money and possessions in their proper perspective, but more importantly you are putting God where He belongs.   Thanks for going beyond the regular religious practices to the heart of the issue, money & possessions.  True spirituality and putting God first are becoming a reality for you as you give as God has asked.  Way to go!

Until next week, Darrell

Tithe online at www.ridgefellowship.com

 

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