Hi Friends, I just released the Updated & Expanded 2021 Edition of my book How I Became a Christian Despite the Church! Would you kindly consider sharing a copy with a friend or loved one, and/or helping me get the word out on social media? Indeed, healing and better answers can be found on the other side of toxic faith … Read More
Heaven’s Proud Reward and Crown, Part 3 of 3
“But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our … Read More
Four Boards That Need to Stay Nailed Together
“Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.” Acts 2:41, NLT I was reminded in a Zoom call led by Thabiti Anyawhile this week that in the verse above God gives pastors four boards that need to stay nailed together: Gospel preaching- “what Peter said” The cultivation of new converts- … Read More
Baptism & Its’ Significance, Part 6 of 6
One Final Concern- The Critical Need for Intentionality on the Part of Church Leadership in Encouraging and Facilitating “Profession of Faiths” from Non-Communicant Members: Karl Barth wrote one of the most important works on baptism in the last century. In it, he gave a scathing critique of infant baptism (yet, interestingly, he was not in favor of abandoning the practice). Two … Read More
Baptism & Its Significance, Part 5 of 6
Here are a few remaining clarifications and comforts, as well as a call for unity: On the Difference Between Adult and Infant Baptism: “Those who embrace faith in Christ as grown… [adults], since they were previous strangers to the covenant, are not to be given the badge of baptism unless they first have faith and repentance, which alone can give … Read More
Baptism & Its Significance, Part 4 of 6
Why should it be done? This is really the most important issue. What exactly does baptism do? Why is it important? Does baptism make someone a Christian? Does it actually have the power to save someone? On these last two questions, the answer is no as our salvation is only by the sacrifice of Christ made for us on the … Read More
Baptism & Its Significance, Part 3 of 6
This week we’re continuing to look at when baptism should be done or part 2 of “The Case for Infant Baptism.” [Btw, the picture above is of my grandson, Theodore Jonathan Ginchereau (Theo). He’s my daughter, Emily, and Josh’s son whom you might remember was born two months premature in March. We’re so grateful that he is doing great now … Read More
Baptism & Its Significance, Part 2 of 6
Over the next two weeks, we’ll be looking at When Should Baptism Be Done? or The Case for Infant Baptism, Part 1 & 2. [Btw, the picture above is of my son, Timothy, and my granddaughter, Iris. He and his wife, Sarah, braved church for the first time last week! Crazy times…] When Should Baptism Be Done & The Case … Read More
Baptism & Its Significance, Part 1 of 6
Baptism is a big deal. The Christian Church worldwide (Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox) all agree that it’s related to the beginning of a person’s Christian life and the believer’s initiation into the church (both the universal invisible church and the local visible church). It is performed and received as an act of obedience to Christ who himself was baptized (Matt.3:13) … Read More
Getting Involved in Spiritual Transformation, Part 3 of 4
“He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” Psalm 1:3, ESV A verse like the above can seem so inaccessible in a year like 2020. Like one friend said after last week’s post, “How do you cultivate delight … Read More