The Great Baptism Formula Debate: Matthew 28:19 or Acts 2:38

Jesus’ final designation to His followers states:

Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit (NLT)

Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples: baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. (GNT)

Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (NLT)

And teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And I will be with you always, to the end of the age." (GNT)

GO, BAPTIZE, TEACH, MAKE...YOU ARE AUTHORIZED (AS I AM WITH YOU).

Why Baptize?

Perspective on Baptism

The following is a block quote that serves as an excellent apologetic for Believer’s Baptism:

“In the NT, baptism represents at least three and possibly four things. First, it signifies cleansing from sin and is thus “unto repentance.” Obviously the threat of judgment is behind the need for baptism, but the baptism itself is (symbolically) the means of escape from judgment. Those who are baptized acknowledge their guilt and seek to have it washed away. Second, baptism is a ritual dying and rising again, symbolizing the believer's participation in the death and resurrection of Christ. This is the point of Col 2:12. Third, it is a “sincere pledge/request to God” because in baptism one comes to God in genuine faith, seeking forgiveness, and desiring to walk in the light. Fourth, it may represent the effusion of the Holy Spirit upon the believer after the patterns of the descent of the Spirit at Jesus' baptism and the reception of the Spirit by Cornelius' household just prior to their baptism (Acts 10:44–48).”[1]

---

[1] Duane A. Garrett, “Meredith Kline on Suzerainty, Circumcision and Baptism,” Believer’s Baptism, Nashville, TN: B&H, 2006).

GoogleImage

Salvation During Old Testament Times

How was salvation obtained in the Old Testament? Was it through circumcision? Was it adherence to laws, rituals and ceremonies? How could they be righteous without the indwelling Holy Spirit? These are profound questions that have been the source of contention for decades. The Bible attests to several instances in which men of God were called righteous: Abraham (Gal. 3:6), Noah (Gen. 6:9), and Job (Job 1:1,8). How is it that folks could be righteous without the work of the Spirit? A study of the Bible reveals that indeed the Spirit of God has been working a plan since the beginning of time. There may not have been a blanket indwelling of the Spirit of God, but there were several accounts of men controlled by God’s influence (cf. Moses, Joseph, Saul, Daniel, Joshua, Abraham). Here's one instance you may find interesting. There was "an apostolic appointment as far back as the days of Moses: 

"Joshua son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, because Moses had laid his hands on him" (Deut. 34:9). Was this a foreshadowing of New Testament "laying on of hands" for the gifts of the Spirit?

The point is, God has been working through his Spirit long before incarnation. 

Atonement Theories: The Person & Work of Christ

The Person & Work of Christ

Atonement is exactly described with the Hebrew word “kaphar,” meaning “to cover.”[1] Theologically speaking, the blood of Jesus Christ has covered the sins of mankind. By the will of God, “we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (Heb. 10:10b). That Jesus Christ lived on the earth, conducted ministry, was killed on a cross, arose from the dead, and went back into the heavens (Lk. 2:7; Mk.1; Jn. 18, 19:17-37, 20:1-9; Acts 1:9-11), is essential to the doctrine of humanity and of the atonement. Humans were created by God for his good pleasure, but the entrance of sin necessitated “a satisfaction.” This satisfaction could only be obtained by divine means, hence the doctrine of soteriology – salvation through Jesus Christ (Gal. 3:13-15; Jn. 3:17). If the doctrine of humanity is understood in light of “what needed to be done for, how it was done for and the ultimate destiny of humans,”[2] then the atonement describes Christ’s work through the incarnation in satisfying the demands of a holy, righteous and moral God for violations against his nature and for human liberation from sin.

Should We Care About Our Approach To Mission?

God has commanded that his message of salvation be communicated to all cultures. However, there are barriers to effectively communicating that message. If ever there was a mandate for the masses, Jesus communicated that mandate in Luke 4:18-20. Bob Ekblad posits that communicating the Scriptures can result in “reconciliation, unity, joint mission and spiritual renewal.”[1] In order to communicate the Gospel, communicators must “provide safe spaces for people to share openly their problems and thoughts,”[2] present fears, needs and concerns. If the communicator is to be effective, he/she should: (1) be aware of their own cultural and theological assumptions; (2) identify the racial/ethnic, cultural and class assumptions of the audience; (3) be fully aware of pitfalls to hearing the Good News; (4) seek to develop a spirit of awareness and dependence on God’s spiritual gifts and (5) learn effective pedagogies and communication strategies.[3]

How The New Testament Authors Used The Old Testament: Examples

New testament writers often utilized Old Testament texts to indicate a direct fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Because they had a Christotelic mindset, their use of certain seemingly unrelated Old Testament texts elicited claims of arbitrary and embellished use of the Scriptures. Both Matthew and John utilize Messianic typological interpretive methods in revealing Jesus to their audience.

  I.            Problem Passages: Zechariah 11:12-13 & Matthew 27:9-10

Zechariah was a priest and one of “the greatest post-exilic prophets.”[1] He had more to say about the Messiah than all other prophets except Isaiah and “his message included rebuke, exhortation and encouragement.”[2] The surrounding context of the pericope finds the Israelites as a vassal of the Medo-Persian empire (539-334 BC).[3]  God assigns Zechariah to convey a symbolic message to the nation in response to their rejection of him. He will use multiple metaphors to deliver the message. In chapter 11, verses 1-3, Zechariah describes the national apostasy using “picturesque language of trees (nations)wailing, fire (judgment) devouring, shepherds(kings/leaders) weeping and lions (kings) roaring.”[4]  In a magnificent display of power, Zechariah prophetically describes desolation from Lebanon in the north to Bashan to the South. “The figurative of shepherds and lions describe the leaders of Lebanon and Bashan lamenting the destruction of their pride and livelihood, which is the timber of the region.”[5]As part of his Messianic prophecy, the message he develops is that when the “Good Shepherd” is rejected, the people will be led like sheep to the slaughter by evil, insensitive, ungodly and wicked leaders (11:6-7). There will be rampage as all they have will come to ruins (v. 3). “Resistance is futile, so Lebanon should open her doors (like the gates of a fortified city) to the fire of God’s judgment awaiting her.”[6] Miller suggests that Jewish rabbis interpreted Lebanon as representative of temple and the devastation would be so complete that what the fire did not destroy would be cut down.”[7] The destruction Zechariah alludes to is the Abomination of Desolation realized in Jerusalem when the Roman armies descended in A.D. 70.

Still Under The Law?

The apostle Paul in his letter to the Galatians said, “But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed. Therefore, the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith.” (Gal. 3:23-24, Nasb 2000). Here is good defense in support of the role of the law in the life of the Christian. Parts of it still works. Surely not the ceremonial and some of the civil pieces (for these would be unreasonable to uphold), but they played the crucial role as that of a school master/principal – keeping you in line till graduation. My tutor gives me guidance and insights; keeps me focused when I wish to game away the evening; keeps me in check and sometimes chastises me (in the old days, give me a whipping). But all for a good purpose.

Paul was accused of cozying up with the Gentiles and watering down the need for upholding the Law. He responded essentially that “the law teaches us the need for salvation. It has its place. The law is not what gives salvation, only God. The Old Testament reveals God’s nature, his will, his moral laws and gives guidelines for living. But what the law does is show people where they have sinned (tutor) and points them to Christ.”[1] The law was truly an integral part of their identity. But now, the identity of the Christian is not to be found in a set of laws as the Israelites had, rather faith in Christ. Why put your confidence in a system that was “restated, modified, intensified, changed and repealed?”[2] Makes no sense when we can have direct access to the law maker himself. Christians are now governed by the Holy Spirit and the law provides both moral and ethical guidelines for living today.

---

[1]. Life Application Study Notes, (La Habra, CA: Zondervan, 2000), 2061.  

[2]. J. Daniel Hays, Applying The Old Testament Law Today, Bibliotheca Sacra, Iss. 158 no 629 (2001):29, accessed July 19, 2018.

Written by Kevin A. Hall

What of Matthew 5:17? Is the Mosaic Law Still Valid?

The Mosaic Law & Its Application

The contention surrounding Matthew 5:17  is most often concerned with the words “abolish and fulfill”. The exegesis of the text reveals that Jesus came “not to sweep away the righteous demands of the law, rather to fulfill (bring the intended meaning) its righteous demands.”[1] While the Mosaic law was a critical component of daily living for the Israelites and their land, “Christians are in no way tied to either the land nor its laws,”[2] rendering the law non-binding. Christ Jesus is the standard for the gospel, moral teaching and governance of the church,[3] not the Mosaic Law, especially in light of the fact that the New Covenant (Hebrews 8-9) renders the Mosaic Law obsolete. Christians are no longer under the Law (Gal. 3:25, 2:15-16; Rom. 7:4, 6:14-15; 1 Cor. 9:20; Eph. 2:15). The Law remains a guide to shed light on sin and the human nature, but the Christian is now bound to an internal governance by the Holy Spirit, his Word, and the fellowship of the church (Jer.31:31-33; Ezek. 36:24-28).

---

[1]. J. Daniel Hays, Applying The Old Testament Law Today, Bibliotheca Sacra, Iss. 158 no 629 (2001):29, accessed July 19, 2018. 

[2]. Ibid., 30.

[3]. Ibid.  

Written by Kevin A. Hall

The Doctrine of Inspiration

The Authoritative, Inspired Word Of God

          

  From the inception of the church, converts of Christ’s Way came to know their God through the holy writings of Scripture. There were no available New Testament Scriptures. The early church relied on the writings of Judaism and “further developed the faith that the Jews had in their Scriptures.”[1] The earliest texts of the New Testament canon would contain the same formulas of quotation and reference as found in the Jewish texts. Example, “For it is written,” (thirty-one times) and “Scripture says,” (seven times).[2] These formulas of quotation and references attest to the doctrine of inspiration and is “conclusive proof sealed by divine authority and which, consequently, is to be accepted with faith and reverence.”[3]

            In the Old Testament, God’s mouthpieces would engage their audience authoritatively through declarative statements such as “Thus says the Lord” (Exodus 4:22, 5:11,7:17; Numbers 14:28; Joshua 24:2; Judges 6:8; 1 Samuel 2:27, 15:2). The New Testament also affirms God as speaking in this manner (Acts 15:18; Romans 12:19, 14:11; 1 Corinthians 14:21; 2 Corinthians 6:17,18; Hebrews 8:8-10, 16; Revelation 1:8). After the Incarnation of Jesus Christ, the main thrust of the New Testament writings would be guidance from the Holy Spirit. “However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13a). The revealed Christ becomes the focus of the text.

Early Church Splits & Union - The Bible Only?

A Perspective on the Restoration Movement

The church of God is complex. These days we use the term “It’s complicated!”. Throughout church history the church has gone through many cycles. One such cycle was the Restoration Movement. According to James North (2) “The church has constantly gone through cycles of revival in order to cast off some of the accretions that have built up around the structure of the church”. Throughout the process, we find people leading the charge with a variety of opinions, many rallying the cause under a variety of titles such as Liberals, Conservatives, Fundamentalist, Disciples of Christ and even, “Christians”.

“Probably the most significant of the reviving and cleansing movements was the Protestant Reformation” (North, 2). The Movement took place in the Americas around the year 1800 and its goal “was to restore the church to the ideals of the New Testament” (ibid, 6). These ideals were built upon the twin pillars of (1) The Unity of all Believers, and (2) The use of the Bible as the only authority for the Faith and Practice of Christians. This platform was very attractive, considering the state of the church at the onset of the movement. There were sectarian divisions, splits over doctrine, objections to the use of musical instruments, creeds and church polity. One thing was sure, the Reformation Movement was very appealing in that it was a breath of fresh air for the church in general and the community of unbelievers who had to endure constant scandals, fights and splits over these issues. “The existence and competition of rival denominations was a stumbling block to the smooth progress of the Gospel. Therefore, removing the stumbling block was to be the goal of the Movement” (ibid, 7).

The strategy was brilliant.

Defending The Faith

In Defense Of The Christian Faith

Brothers and Sisters, we are called to defend the faith. It is not enough to gather in our Christian circles, having Christian fellowship, and calling for a separation from the world. We are called to engage in apologetics of the Christian faith. The Bible calls us to action. Consider the following biblical texts:

^15 “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…”                      

                                                                                                                                  (1 Peter 3:15)

 ^7 “It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel”

                                                                                                                                  (Philippians 1:7)

So Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense:

² “I consider myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am going to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews,³ especially because you are familiar with all the customs and controversies of the Jews. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently”

                                                                                                                                   (Acts 26:1-2)

I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away!— ² I beg of you that when I am present I may not have to show boldness with such confidence as I count on showing against some who suspect us of walking according to the flesh. ³ For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. ⁴ For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. ⁵ We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, ⁶ being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.

                                                                                                                           (2 Corinthians 10:1-5)
2 And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead...17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there...8 And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God...23 When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in great numbers. And he expounded the matter to them from morning till evening, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the law of Moses and from the prophets. 24 And some were convinced by what he said, while others disbelieved.
                                                                                     (Acts 17:2-3,17; 19:8; 28:23-24)

(Written by Kevin A. Hall      10.21.17)

GoogleImage

Christians Living In Two Worlds

The Sacred-Secular Split

Ever asked yourself the question after engaging someone “I thought they were Christians?”

It is common among believers to operate one way in the world and another within church circles. It’s almost like changing into one set of clothes for work and another to go to the gym. I recall dealing with this issue at work – one of the biggest challenge of my adult life came at the hands of a Christian brother who does missionary work. Because I was his boss, he was required to sit down and talk it through (otherwise, this would not happen). I remember taking him to MacDonald’s for lunch (had to do this in a public space as he was notorious for twisting words and giving alternate facts. I said toward the end “You’re a Christian, right?”. He said “Yes, and I apologize for all this”. Then I asked “What were you thinking? I was only looking out for you and your staff”. He said “I don’t know. I guess I just got caught up.” One thing is for sure, If I had a dollar for every time I was disappointed with a Christian hire, I’d have a good sum in the bank. The root of this bent toward two different worldviews, is referred to as “The Sacred-Secular Split”. We will unpack this further at a later date. For now, I’d like to give an overview.

This Lady Was Baptized Today - What Is The Significance Of Baptism?

Baptism Saves! Yes it does!

(Written by Kevin A. Hall  04.23.17)

Today I witnessed the power of God's spiritual kingdom upon this lady... Without a doubt, she experienced Pentecost. She received the Promise - ‘And it shall be in the last days,’ God says, ‘That I will pour forth of My Spirit on all mankind’ (Acts 2:17). She’d been attending the church for a few weeks now and last Tuesday, decided she wanted to be baptized. We were so excited for her. God is moving upon the hearts of the people of this island. So, here we are. Today was her BIG day. You could sense the anticipation of a blessing in her spirit. She was hungry. She wanted God. I saw her on Wednesday night at the annual convention where she told me she couldn’t wait till Sunday!!

Sunday has come...Last week we celebrated 'Resurrection Sunday'. Today is her "Resurrection Sunday'. Bless the Lord!!  Those who respond to the Gospel message have new life in Christ!

It wasn’t long after she was “immersed” into the water that she came up stuttering…she began to worship God…the intensity of her worship increased…and then…she began to SPEAK IN TONGUES!!  Just like on the day of Pentecost.

The Day of Pentecost

Acts 2 When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.

Keeping in mind the significance of the moment, I thought I would pen my thoughts on Baptism. What happens when a person gets baptized? Well, Baptism now saves! The Apostle Peter describes it this way: “Baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ”. Baptism takes care of the legal problem of guilt for sin. It satisfies the penalty. Through the process of Baptism, the Holy Spirit regenerates the sin sick heart, taking away the guilt through the power of the blood. In response to the Apostle Peter's message on the day of Pentecost the people asked “What shall we do?” Peter said to them “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38).

REPENT > The turning away from

BE BAPTIZED > An outward act of receiving God’s grace for the forgiveness of sins

Having Relationship Issues? This is a must Read!

Structuring My Relationships under God’s Divine Order

Written by Kevin A. Hall (03.18.17)

The world and the devil fights against God’s Kingdom Order. If you are having trouble with your marriage, with your children, with the people in your church, with the boss, with your co-workers then this applies to you.

Consider this. Is my life structured under God’s Kingdom Order?

As a Pastor, Bishop, Teacher, are you teaching this to your people? The main responsibility of the Elder/Bishop/Pastor is to be a faithful overseer (shepherd), guarding the flock, teaching them the Word of God (encouraging godliness) and protecting that which is under their care by “confronting and rebuking sin” while guarding against error. How do we know it’s error? Does it line up with God’s Word? Not man’s word. Not just what the preacher says… Check to see if he or she is speaking truth!  How about at home? Are you living under God's Kingdom Order?

The Good News Is... The Bible has provided us with some advice to live a fulfilled life.

Qualities of a Sound Church. It also defines a Healthy Family (Titus 2)

Men:

·         We should be SOBER (not given to strong drink) – Don’t be a drunkard. You Ruin Your life!

·         We should be REVERENT – Dignified, sensible, honoring God

·         We should SOUND in LOVE, FAITH & PATIENCE – Healthy and strong in these areas (Go to church. Be a leader. Be patient with our wives and kids. We do not lay hands on our own blood.

·         We should remain CHASTE if we are unmarried – NO FORNICATION! NO CHEATING!

Would You Like To Know What God Has Called You To Do?

What Has God Called You To Do?  Do You Really Want To Know?

Written by Kevin. A. Hall (03.16.17)

Have you ever wondered what your purpose in life is? When I was younger, people would often call me preacher. You know, when people call you something long enough you begin to believe it. As I look back over my young years I remember being conscious about some task I should do for God, but not sure what it was. As I grew older I recognized that churches were built on personalities. One of the churches I attended, if a young man wasn’t as expressive as the Pastor good luck being used. Then there were all these rules in church – Don’t wear shorts, don’t wear short sleeve shirts, don’t wear a beard, don’t go to the movies, don’t go to the beach, don’t mix with the sinner, don’t get involved in sports, don’t work in certain places! What is a brother supposed to do with his life? I won’t even touch the subject of what women go through in the church. Church can be brutal to women! For some, doing work in church is the result of playing politics. For some it's based on "Who you know and Who you are related to". Thankfully, in many cases God appointed his faithful servant.

Still, how do you know what to do with your life? Should it be based on what people have "confirmed"? Is it just me "seeking after the greater gifts"?

The Man Jesus Would Not Speak To

The Man Jesus Would Not Speak To

Written by Kevin A. Hall (02.18.2017)

Jesus before Herod Antipas (Luke 23: 6-9 NLT)

“Oh, is he a Galilean?” Pilate asked. When they said that he was, Pilate sent him to Herod Antipas, because Galilee was under Herod’s jurisdiction, and Herod happened to be in Jerusalem at the time.

Herod was delighted at the opportunity to see Jesus, because he had heard about him and had been hoping for a long time to see him perform a miracle. He asked Jesus question after question, but Jesus refused to answer. 

The key text here is verse 9 -  And he questioned Him^]at some length; but He answered him nothing.

Context: Jesus has been through the ringer. Pilate surely wants nothing to do with this. Being the master politician he seeks a way out. “Wait a minute? This Jesus is not from my jurisdiction, is he?” Jesus is found to be from Herod’s jurisdiction. Them two (Herod and Pilate) were in no way friends, but here’s a chance to appease Herod. So, Pilate sends Jesus off to Herod as a gift.

Going back a bit. Mark 6.

Jesus send His disciples out in pairs. They were casting out demons and healing people. Herod heard about this. He heard that this was Jesus’ men. The people were saying that John the Baptist’s spirit was raised from the dead – Jesus’ source of power and influence. Herod had reason to be concerned.  Herod was a super superstitious man whose wife was wearing the pants. Herod actually enjoyed listening to John (vs. 20). John confronted Herod about marrying his brother’s wife - Herodias. On account of this John was arrested. Herodias cooked up a plot which caused John to be beheaded. John raised from the dead in the form of Jesus? Worried? Scared? Concerned?

John Macarthur | How to deal with “Transgendered” people