I recently received a letter approaching several issues. One of the issues brought the writer to question if I REALLY believed that baptism in the name of Jesus is necessary. There was also some slight accusation of a mean-spirited approach on the subject by some of our church members. Reference was also made to the writers thoughts that “really it wasn’t even necessary to be baptized.” I thought I would post portions of my return email here. I break in to the middle of my reply leaving out the other issues…

In answer to your question regarding baptism, I never advocate a mean-spirited approach to God’s Word. Having said that, I do in fact advocate the sometimes necessary authoritative approach to God’s Word. Also, although there will be people in hell, I want to assure you that our church is not interested in seeing anyone go there. That is, we are not happy about the fact that there will be people who are lost. We believe very heartily that it is “not the will of God that ANY should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
 
Continuing toward my thoughts regarding baptism, we do teach (because we do love people) that it is necessary according to the Word of God to be baptized in His name. Scripture is plain on the subject. The Great Commission at the end of Matthew 28:16-19 (this scripture has been a confusion to many but the disciples were not confused), Mark 16:15-20, and Luke 24:36-53 all dovetail together as Jesus speaks clearly regarding what the disciples should expect, and what they should do. Acts, which was written by Luke, then unfolds the enacting of Jesus’ command starting with the very first chapter. In chapter 1 Luke re-asserts his story from the end of his first writing (Luke) and continues to reveal the events of the age as the disciples carry out the command of Jesus in The Great Commission starting at Acts chapter 2 and throughout the rest of the Word.
 
In Acts chapter 2 Peter preaches to the crowd. At the end of his message, those around as the question, “What do we need to do?” Peter tells them in Acts 2:38 to ”repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.” He goes on to let them know that this doesn’t just stop with their day but it is for “as many as the Lord our God shall call.”
 
 
More regarding baptism:
 
The Word speaks of the children of Israel going through the Red Sea as a type or shadow of baptism along with the deluge in which Noah built an ark being a shadow of baptism.
 
It also states that our Example that we should all follow, Jesus Christ was baptized.
There is the baptism of the Holy Ghost and Jesus refers to the “baptism I am baptized with.”
 
The only other baptisms spoken of were John’s baptism unto repentance and the baptisms done by the disciples in the New Testament as they followed Christ’s command.
 
In Acts 8:12 – 38 we see that the people were baptized in the name of Jesus, (it was so important that Philip had the chariot of the Eunuch stopped so he could baptize him.)
 
In Acts 10:48 Cornelius was commanded to be baptized.  (Cornelius was a devout man)
 
In Acts 16:15 Lydia was baptized
 
In Acts 16:33 the jailer and all that were in his house were preached to by Paul and baptized
 
In Acts 18:8 Crispus and all his house believed on Jesus and were baptized
 
In Acts 19:1-7 Paul asked disciples they had been fill with the Holy Ghost, they said, “we didn’t know there was a Holy Ghost.” He said, “How were you baptized?” They said unto John’s baptism. Paul told them “oh you have to be re-baptized then.” There he baptized them in the name of the Lord Jesus.
 
 
Also Romans 6 is an incredible and powerful reading on baptism that allows the believer to totally understand that baptism is to be done in Jesus Name and that our baptism gives us power to live for Him since we died with Him. Who died? Jesus.
 
1 Corinthians 1:13-15 gives evidence that the Christians of that day were baptized in Jesus name.
 
Galatians 3:27 likewise gives this evidence
 
Col 2:12 talks about being buried with Christ in baptism.
 
1Peter 3:21 says that baptism doth also now save us
. 
Eph 4:5 says there is One Lord, one faith, and one baptism.
 
 
May God richly bless you.
 
Amen.
 
Pastor Burgess
Jesus Name Pentecostal Church
Chehalis, WA

Looking again at Psalm 23:1.

Psalm 23:1 KJV

 1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

These are two great statements that are perfect models of complete faith. Previously we considered the first of the two statements and understood how powerful it is to know that God is our Shepherd and that we can put our complete trust in Him, knowing that He indeed is looking at us with care and leading us with steadfastness that passes that of a mere human ability.

Today let’s look at the second statement.

“I shall not want.”

David is saying, every need that I have shall be fulfilled. Other writers testify to this same, divine providence. Paul echoed this sentiment in Philippians 4:19 by writing “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”  In Malachi 3:10 the Lord says “…and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”

So what about these statements? Some would dare to enquire; do I have blessings that I have not the room to receive? Are all my needs supplied? Do I have any wants?

Understand that David’s two statements of faith walk hand in hand. In John 10, the sheep know the shepherds voice and will not follow another voice. Daily they follow the voice of the master; therefore, daily they reap the blessings. Daily they are at the table of the Lord, even while they may be in the very presence of enemies. They may in fact be in the very shadow of death, yet there is no fear because He is there.

So to the extent we have that relationship of obedience and the knowledge of who our Lord and Savior really is, is to the same extent in which our needs are consistently met.

Have a good day.

From Pastor’s Phone Devotional

Typed and edited by staff

Psalm 23 is one of the best known passages in the Bible, because of this; it seems that we can quickly dismiss the weight and the meaning behind all of it. Let’s take a close look at the words of 23:1.

Psalm 23:1 KJV

 1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

The Psalmist opens this chapter with two powerful statements of resounding emphasis. Looking at the first statement. “The LORD is my shepherd…”

The LORD is the One Who guides me, the LORD is the One Who leads me. It is His voice that I know and that I hear. It is His presence that I experience comfort and joy from. I am not going to listen to the voice of a hireling; I do not hear the voices of the world. I am in no way considering other options or other abodes. It is in Him that safety and assurance is found.

The LORD is my shepherd.

When I think of this statement, I see a place of peace, a place of rest. I feel the quiet contentment of the sheep that know their good Master is by their side.

I pray that whatever this day has brought to you, that you’ll look to the safety and the assurance of your great and eternal Shepherd; Jesus Christ.

Have a blessed day.

From Pastor’s Phone Devotional

Typed and edited by staff.