Trump 2020

Donald Trump will be primaried in 2020 probably by John Kasich, who shouldn't have even been on the debate stage in 2016, and Ted Cruz. This will dramatically weaken his reelection bid paving the way for the Democrat candidate. While his Twitter activities are deplorable, he continues to act in positive ways for this country. 

October 29, 2017

Baptism and Salvation

Baptism, say the proponents of infant baptism, is merely a sign that the child is part of the larger community of God's people, the church in general. However, how is baptism shown in the pages of scripture? It is linked inextricably to salvation. See how each of the following baptisms is linked to those who have been converted, not to those who may or may not be converted years later. 

Romans 6:4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

Acts 22:16 And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’

Acts 18:8 Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized.

Acts 8:13 Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.

Acts 2:41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

Acts 2:38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Mark 16:16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

1 Peter 3:21a Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ

What more needs to be said? There is a bond between baptism and salvation where, as shown clearly above, those who are converted receive baptism. Those who say infant baptism is appropriate minimize the importance of baptism by saying those who are not yet converted may participate. The sign and seal of God's covenant of grace is much too glorious a thing to say it merely signifies entrance into the broader, not so much saved, community of the "church". No. It is much more important and sacred than that. 

https://politicsreligiontruth.blogspot.com/search/label/baptism

We affirm one baptism for the forgiveness of sins

Do you believe the words the Nicene Creed? They are orthodox. You should believe them. However, there appears to be confusion as to what baptism really is. The reformed creeds take it seriously. So should we. It is the sign and seal of the covenant of God - not to be taken lightly. Should we give this sign and seal to someone we know to be an unbeliever? We do. Babies. They by their very nature cannot believe. Has God given them His seal that they are part of his covenant family? No. 

No matter what the minister says when performing this sacrement, we must go back to the confessions, creeds, and the word of God itself. It is clear even when the one administering it makes it unclear. Only a believer, a Christian, should be given this seal of one's faith. 

https://politicsreligiontruth.blogspot.com/search/label/baptism

Key to Life

The key to life is a child-like faith in our heavenly Father. We need to trust that He knows what is best for us just as the trusting little child does his earthly father. That little child may not understand or agree with his father, but his love and faith in his father puts him at ease with the day’s stress and pain. The child knows that whatever happens, his father will hold him up, protect him, and do everything in his power to do what is best for him. We too need this faith in our heavenly Father. When we have it, we have discovered the key or meaning to life (actually God has revealed it to us). Nothing that comes will be able to move us from the deeply known trust that God has what is best for us. Distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword, or unemployment, or friendlessness, or homelessness – nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God through our Lord Jesus Christ and this knowledge will ground us day to day enabling us to have a peace that passes all understanding. Lord, give us this today and never let us forget. 

Is a Trump Loss Better for the Republican Party?

If Donald Trump wins, it would surely be better than a Hillary Clinton win. However, is it best in the long run for the GOP? If he does win, he will likely only be a one-term president since he will do many foolish things in office. So foolish, it could take the party down with him. On the other hand, if Clinton wins, she is so unlikable that she would likely only be a one-term president setting the stage for a conservative Republican comeback in 2020. By that time, alas, the Supreme Court would have been stacked by Clinton putting us into a 50 years dark ages. The choices are few. Pray. 

Get Ready for Christian Persecution and Death

Here are a few notes from listening to a podcast from John Piper in order to prepare us for the day that we are persecuted even unto death for our faith. It is coming. Prepare today and everyday.

1. Cultivate a regular attentiveness and mindset to the other world where Christ and the other saints are.
2. Ponder often that there are worse things than death.
a. Do not fear those that cannot kill the body.
3. Ponder often the truth that Christ already died for you and did it that you may live and die for Him.
4. Keep it clear that suffering and death for Christ are not surprising in this world. They are normal and expected, not extraordinary. They are biblically ordinary. Do not fear what you are about to suffer.
5. Meditate regularly on the truth of Philippians 1:21. To live is Christ; to die is gain. Pray that into Christ every day.
6. Keep clear and firm in your mind and heart that the Lord will take care of your family if you die. He will supply. Your death for Christ could be the lasting legacy to give them.
7. None of us in ourselves can die for Jesus. It is beyond us. It is a gift from Jesus of grace if we are able to trust Him in that moment. Pray that we will not be bold as Peter that he would not do it. Don’t let me boast that I can do this either. Let me depend utterly on Jesus.
8. PRT addition: There is mercy and forgiveness if you fail.