"baptism" from eBible.com Bookmarks made by paulwhelms

Results for "baptism"

13For we were all baptized byOr with; or in one Spirit into one body–whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free–and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

When believers are baptized, we are entering into a new way of life (Romans 6:1-4; Colossians 2:13-14). But the new life that we have comes from Jesus; we are 'in' Christ now, united to Him in heart and mind by the Holy Spirit through faith in the Gospel (Romans 8:1-11). We are also, then, united with all other believers in the family of redeemed humanity. Baptism is the clear sign of this change that happens when a person comes to faith. If, then, there is only one identity for Christians -- Christ crucified and risen, as baptism shows -- can Christ be separated? (1 Corinthians 1:10-13). Can I separate myself from brothers and sisters, claiming that Paul or Apollos, Graham or Spurgeon is my spiritual father? If our unity is based on our new identity--the crucified and risen Savior--we cannot remain divided, and the peace of Christ reigning in our hearts will not allow it. But this happens only through the Spirit of Christ in us who believe, as we joyfully obey the command to keep His peace at the forefront of our hearts. If we really face the fact that Christ's great sacrifice was not only on behalf my own sins, but rather was on behalf of the sins of the world, and especially the sins of his Bride the Church, disunity will flee from our hearts (Ephesians 4:1-6; 1 John 2:2; Ephesians 5:25-27).

Bookmarked 28 days ago.

Topics
holy_spirit body_of_christ oneness_of_god baptism

1 Corinthians 12:1

study

Chapter 12

Spiritual Gifts

1Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant.

The message of the previous chapters has been that we must live for the glory of God and for the good of others. But we must not think that these are merely ethical demands. Paul clearly taught that the work of the Holy Spirit is the only foundation for life in Christ (see especially Romans 8). Knowing that life in the Spirit *is* the Christian life, we must not be ignorant of spiritual gifts. We must seek to fan them into flame within each believer around us and within ourselves, always striving to be used by God to bless, uplift, teach, exhort, or rebuke. We must also be wise in regards to the spiritual gifts, always remembering the purpose of God in giving them -- to unify and build up the body of Christ, that she might glorify her Savior. The Corinthians were mostly ignorant in this regard; some of the members knew of the gifts but did not have any real knowledge of Christ (see Paul's harsh rebuke at 1 Corinthians 15:34). The simple phrase remains the clearest command we have in regards to these things -- let us not be ignorant! We must pray for insight and discernment so that we are not led astray and can be useful for Christ and His Church.

Bookmarked 6 months ago.

Topics
church spiritual_gifts holy_spirit anointing baptism unity