Sermon Cloud

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

(Part III)

Matthew 28:19-20

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

20) and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Acts 2:41-47

41) Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

42) They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

43) Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.

44) All the believers were together and had everything in common.

45) Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.

46) Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,

47)  praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

QUESTION - IF I'M NOT YET PREPARED TO BE BAPTIZED, CAN I CONTINUE TO WORSHIP GOD AT BCI AND ATTEND ITS ACTIVITIES.

            First and foremost, let me make this statement that nothing should hinder anyone from attending any activity in here at BCI. Our church exists not only for members, but for everyone who wishes to deepen their relationship with God.  It is my prayer that as you continually participate in our church family you will experience being led to a life of commitment and productivity in Christ.

            However, as I make such a statement, I hope I do not undermine the importance of baptism, and the need to become a committed member of our church. Both are significant teachings of the Bible and submitting to them will bring tremendous blessings in the lives of believers.

            Allow me to revisit these two important doctrines and clarify some confusion that's probably out there with regards to them.          

I           THE PRECEPT OF BAPTISM:

            When you go to the New Testament, it is not difficult to see baptism as a fundamental precept or teaching. Take Jesus for example. He commenced His ministry by being baptized (Mark 1:9-11), and concluded it by commanding baptism. In the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) the early followers of Jesus were clearly told that baptism is a significant part of the discipleship curriculum. Take note that it is a command. If anyone ignores it, to him/her it is disobedience.

            Now, did the apostles obey the Great Commission? If you notice Acts 2:41, after thousands of people believed the message that Peter just preached, they were baptized and were added to the church in Jerusalem. Notice the chronological order:

• Believing
• Baptizing
• Belonging

Evidently, baptism is not a prerequisite for salvation, but it is a necessary consequence of salvation. And then, baptism results in becoming a member of the local church. I believe it is also worth emphasizing that following this order, if there was any baptism that occurred prior to a genuine believing in Jesus Christ, it is nullified and empty of true meaning.  Why? I believe it would help if we go to Romans 6: 3-4

3) Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?

4) We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

            Based on this passage, baptism is an outward manifestation of an inward reality. Every Christian who submits himself to water baptism provides a public declaration or testimony of his/her relationship with Jesus. You see, you can receive Jesus privately, but God doesn't want you to remain private. You have to go public declaring Jesus.  

            I think much of the controversy in baptism lies in its method. What is the Biblical way of baptism? Is it sprinkling, pouring, or immersion? I believe in order to be true to the Bible, it is imperative that we practice immersion because of the following reasons.

• Ø The root word baptize was taken from the Greek word baptize which literally means to immerse, to submerge, or plunge into.
• Ø Jesus himself was immersed.

Mark 1:9-11

9) At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.

10) As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.

11) And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."

            Notice verse 11 saying, "coming up out of the water," You see, Jesus was baptized in river Jordan, and if the text says He came up out of the water, where was He? Obviously, down in the water! Therefore, He was immersed.

• Ø John baptized by immersion - Jesus had to make the trip from Nazareth of Galilee to where John was in Jordan. That's about sixty miles. Why did John choose the place?

John 3:23

23) Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were constantly coming to be baptized.

            Due to our lack of time, I cannot give you the rest of the proofs for immersion. But if you need more, just come to me and we can have a further study.

            Before I moved to the next point, I trust that each one of us who truly had believed Jesus will be baptized. Once again, He commanded it because it's important to Him. If you love Him, you will obey Him.

John 14:15

15) "If you love me, you will obey what I command.

II         THE PICTURE OF BELONGING:

            Another important topic which is very much related to the question this morning is the need to understand the value of church membership. To answer this question, let's first look at two vital passages:

Ephesians 2:19

19) Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household,

Romans 12:5

5) so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

In these two passages, we would discover God's designs for the church. In Ephesians 2: 19, we find the church described as a family, or the household of God. And then, in Romans 12:5, the church is pictured like a body. Both of these representations suggest the concept of commitment. Perhaps this is where you distinguish a mere attender from the member of the church.

If we emphasize this family language it will help all of us understand that God's people are called to have a strong bond which should naturally result to a loving and caring relationship. This is a strong bond that is produced by the Holy Spirit among us? Physically speaking, do you know the members of your family? The same can be said with the family of God.

Then, you have the church as the body of Christ. This concept is also very helpful. With this picture, every member contributes something to the health of the entire body. When one part is hurting, even if it's just a small part like the thumb, the whole body will feel it. The truth is none of the parts is considered a casual member who can walk out whenever they want to. Every part is committed and accountable to one another. I believe this should be the mindset of everyone in the church.

            In Acts 2: 42-47, you will find the Jerusalem church exemplifying the spirit of commitment and accountability among the members. Some people were so committed that they were even willing to sacrifice their own possessions so they can care for others. Reading verse 47, there togetherness brought special blessings from the Lord.

            There are some who consider the church non-essential. I strongly disagree! Jesus himself has established the church because He wants believers to be connected with other believers and experience a sense of community where they would feel they belong. Jesus himself showed the importance of the church by shedding His own blood for her.

Acts 20:28

28) Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.

III        THE PURPOSE OF THE LOCAL BODY:

            Last but not the least, the strongest reason why believers need to bond together is its mission. This mission is true from the time of the disciples until today - To make disciples or to lead people to a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.

            With such a mission, the church has the responsibility to equip or build up all its members, so that everyone will be able to participate in the work of the ministry.

Ephesians 4:11-12

11) It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers,

12) to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up

            First, according to this text, God has given believers spiritual gifts, these are special abilities we can use to serve the church. Then, as these gifts are used believers will be more prepared for the different ministries in the church. Finally, when everyone is serving, the church as a whole will be stronger and growing.

            So, why do you think God has given you special abilities? Are they good for nothing? Definitely not! God gave you and I a mission to lead others into a vital relationship with Him. And He knows we can accomplish more by connecting with a church instead of doing it by ourselves.  So if you are really concern about fulfilling the Great Commission, it is more strategic to join our church. We are better off bringing our efforts and resources together.

            You know, I've always believe it is God who leads people to a specific church. God's knows His church and the needs of the church in terms of doing fulfilling its mission. Therefore, it is not accidental each one of us are here. God brought us here for a purpose. Your gifts may be the gifts this church needs in order for us to be a better church.

1 Corinthians 12:18

18) But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.

            If you are here but not yet a member of our church, I challenge you to discover your place in our ministries. Be a part of BCI as we continue to fulfill God's mission today.