The Wonderful Plan of God: Part 3

The Holy Bible is an amazingly unified text that encompasses the whole plan of God to bring salvation to man  through Jesus Christ and complete all of history in our Savior (Ephesians 1:10)Knowing the plan of God helps us realize the meticulous detail by which He brought us eternal life through His wisdom, knowledge and love, for His good pleasure and praise (Ephesians 1:4-8). 

 
Key to this plan are: 

• The structural elements to bring salvation. 

• The teaching elements to allow us to recognize the Savior. 

 
In the last several blogs we've covered the plan of God throughout the Old Testament, especially the times of Israel in the desert and the prophets. This week let's look at the times of the gospels and the church. These vital parts of scripture detail Christ’s coming, His sacrifice and resurrection, as well as the body of Christ (the church) and the commandments to Christians. 

The Gospels
At the right time God sent His only begotten Son to the world to fulfill His promise of the coming Messiah who would save people from their sins (Isaiah 59:20-21). In doing so Christ presented the promised Kingdom to the Jews, indicating they should believe in Him as Messiah to save their souls and gain entrance into His kingdom. (Matthew 3:7; Matthew 4:16; Matthew 10:7; John 3:3,16). God sent John the Baptist as the prophesied forerunner to announce that the Messiah had arrived (Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1; Malachi 4:5). 

• Presentation - Important in the message of the gospels, Jesus proved His messiahship through: 

• His lineage from King David (2 Samuel 7:14: Matthew 1, Luke 3). 

• The virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14: Matthew 2:15). 

• He would be  called out of Egypt (Matthew 2:15). 

• Fulfillment of specific Old Testament prophecies (please see prior section). 

• His power and purity at the temptation (Matthew 4:1-12). 

• His miracles (Isaiah 61:1 fulfilled in Luke 4:16; Isaiah 42:1-4 fulfilled in Matthew 12:7-10). 

• The witness of God the Father (Matthew 3:14, Matthew 17:7, John 12:28). 

• The witness of the Spirit (Matthew 3:14). 

• His teaching in parables (Matthew 13:39; Psalm 78:2). 

• His death (Matthew 27). 

• His resurrection (Psalm 2:7-8, 16:8-10). 

• Course of his ministry - The Jews rejected Christ’s claim of messiahship (Matthew 12:22-45). They crucified Him in an unjust death on the cross for which He died for our sins to provide a way of salvation. On the third day, Christ was resurrected from the dead (Matthew 28:1-10) to provide eternal life for all those who believe, by faith alone. 

He then appeared to the disciples, to the women and to 500 others (1 Corinthians 15:4-7). At Pentecost (Acts 1) He ascended from the Mount of Olives to heaven, so completing His work as Savior, He then sat down at the right hand of God the Father and sent His Spirit to begin the church (Acts 2:4). 
The church 
The church is the body of Christ. Its membership consists of all Christians (New Testament believers) under the headship of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13; Colossians 1:18). It began when Christ ascended to heaven and sent the Holy Spirit back to seal and empower believers (Acts 2:4; Ephesians 1:20-23). Christ tasked the apostles to spread the gospel across the world in the great commission (Matthew 28:19-20) and just before His ascension predicted the completion of His command (Acts 1:8). Its fulfilment is noted in Colossians 1:6. 
The early church in Jerusalem (Acts 2-6) had the following characteristics. It was: 

• Essentially Jewish

• Small in number

• Led by the apostles with help from deacons

• Presented with signs and wonders similar to the gospels, to connect Christ’s ministry with the apostles.

Importantly, God connected the message of Christ in the Gospels to the early church by Peter’s preaching and miracles. 
Starting in Act 7 the church was persecuted and spread far from Jerusalem helping to fulfill Christ’s prediction (Acts 1:8). Saul was converted in Acts 9 and then called Paul. He was personally taught by Christ (2 Corinthians 12:2-5) and became the major apostle to complete the knowledge of the New Testament (Colossians 1:25; Ephesians 3:2-3) as well as designated as the apostle to the gentiles (non-Jewish peoples, Romans 15:16). Paul and the other apostles established local churches and God’s commandments (detailed in Romans through to Revelation 3) for the 2nd generation Christians and beyond (apostolic authority). 
Characteristics of the more mature church were that it:

• Was very large in number 

• Spread across the world (Colossians 1:6) 

• Demonstrated God’s intended church structure, led by elders in every city and assisted by deacons

• Primarily gentile: though many congregations seemingly had a large proportion of Jews such as Rome, Corinth and northern Asia Minor.

• Experienced the completion of miraculous signs over time (Matthew 11:13; 1 Corinthians 13:8-13). 

The commandment given by Christ mostly to Paul, as set down the epistles, is how God communicates in the current church age (Colossians 1:25; Ephesians 3:2-3; Hebrews 1:1-2). The church, acts as the body of Christ to accomplish His will, spread the gospel as well as to mature and nurture believers in their walk with God. 
End Times 
At the end of the church age God promises to conclude all things in Christ (Ephesians 1:10-11) which will involve the fulfillment of his covenant with Abraham and include His glorious return to bring all believers in Himself and to eternal life. Christ also will fulfill the promises given to the Jews for their Kingdom and their land, as part of the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant (Revelation 4-22; 1 Thessalonians 4, 5; 2 Thessalonians 1, 2). The details will be detailed incoming blogs.

Summary 
God has initiated and will complete His marvelous plan of salvation. The plan began before all-time by God developing the plan of salvation through Christ, choosing His believers and then through the ages, convicting them, and dragging them to Himself. God then caused them to believe in Christ’s death and resurrection, and gave them positions of eternal security through their legal innocence and membership in God’s family and the church. He also sealed them by the Spirit, and created in them a new regenerated person. 
By structure, this great salvation was accomplished through the Abrahamic Covenant which provided for the seed (who is Messiah {Galatians 3:16]) through Isaac to bring salvation to man as well as the physical seed of Israel through Jacob to provide the man Jesus Christ through the Covenant of David (2 Samuel 7:14). God will fulfill all His promises to His chosen individuals, and to Israel through Jesus Christ (Romans 11:29; Ephesians 3:6) 
God will bring His believers to salvation for eternity with Him, providing us now with a great hope, confidence, and an anchor for our souls (Hebrews 6:19).  
Thanks be to God that we have such a blessed Savior! All honor and glory are due to God and Christ! 
 
Join us again next time and share this important blog with your friends and family!
William C. Stewart, MD

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Disclaimer - This blog and its content are provided only as information. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.   

Baptism: Part 2 - What to believe?

Welcome back to my blog! Today's exciting topic is baptism. Last time we covered the definition of the word and young people’s experience with baptism.

As a reminder of my admonition stated in the last blog, baptism is a very controversial subject and people's beliefs can often be based on feelings or tradition. However, as Bible based Christians, we first consider the scriptures to differentiate what the epistles say to the church about baptism from opinion and tradition. Further reading is referenced below (1,2).

Types of baptism

In the New Testament, baptism use can be divided generally from two sections: the historical books and the epistles.

• Historical books (the gospels and the book of Acts)
  • Historical precedent – Baptism as a rite was known among the Greeks and Jews.
  • The Greek mystery religions practiced baptism in the entry of new members into their societies (3).
  • Jews practiced baptism with water under undescribed conditions (4).
    • Accordingly, it appears that baptism as a rite was performed in the gospels and Acts in several instances among the Jews (please also see just below).

• Specific types of baptism are mentioned in the gospels and Acts:
• John the Baptist – He administered the baptism of repentance preparing the way of Christ (Matthew 3:7). This baptism was specific to John the Baptist.
• Christ’s baptism (Matthew 3) – This was specific to Jesus and his commission to be our Savior and the associated testimony of the Holy Spirit and God.
• Baptizing by the disciples – This was done apparently under the direction of Christ (John 3:26; 4:2). Its purpose is not described. It may reflect a baptism of repentance associated with the offer of the Kingdom. However, it would differ from John’s in that Christ had come.
• Baptism of fire (Matthew 3:11) – This meaning is controversial. It may be part of the presentation of Christ and specific to his commission to be our Savior. It may also be associated with the testimony of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Further, it might be to the purifying nature of Christ’s teaching (5). In contrast, it might reflect future punishment for sinners who do not repent.
• Christ baptism for which he was baptized (Matthew 20:22-23) - This appears to reflect his role, not a rite, as Savior leading to the cross by His obedience. His upcoming suffering is implied in the passage. His disciples wanted to sit with Him in heaven. Christ asked if they could tolerate the suffering on the cross (baptism) with which He was commissioned.
• Baptism in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:20) – This refers to baptism most likely in the time of the church. It might refer to the rite of baptism or to the regeneration associated with preaching the gospel as described in the epistles. Spiritual baptism, almost exclusively, is the type mentioned in the epistles.
• Water baptism in the early church (Acts) – The rite of water baptism appears to have been practiced in the early church. This baptism used water at least in one case (Acts 8:36) but the precise method of baptism is not described in any scriptural instance.

Water baptism in the early church period appears to occur when the church was primarily Jewish, based in Jerusalem. It may have been performed because of Jewish traditions and to show the association of the new formed church to Christ.

Later mentions of baptism are fewer as the church expanded and matured throughout the Roman Empire, but again almost always included Jews or appear Jewish focused (instances up to Acts 19 and 1 Corinthians 1). Events in Acts described after chapter 19 do not specifically mention the rite of baptism again.

Nonetheless, the church after the Bible times did perform water baptism (2^nd century and beyond). The practice of this rite after the Bible times is at a minimum evidence for our great freedom in how we structure the church in time and place (6).

• Therefore, scripture by either what it says or does not say about water baptism provides several key messages:
  • We are not commanded in the epistles, which contain the direction of Christ to the church, to be water baptized. A believer and a church are free to implement the rite out of faith in the manner they believe is correct.
  • Water baptism, when performed by any method, might be understood as a public statement of a person’s commitment to Christ by faith to salvation or a symbol of the regenerative work of the Spirit in the person’s life (7).

Baptism In the epistles - The epistles are the letters in the New Testament, generally written from the apostles, and provide to the church specifically the manner by which we should live our lives for God. Baptism in the letters is spiritual baptism in every instance except one passage (1 Corinthians 1). Spiritual baptism also is discussed in Security of Salvation in Know the Bible.

• Spiritual baptism – This is an important biblical truth which is vital in understanding who we are as Christians. Our knowledge about baptism can transform the way we think!
• When we become a Christian, we are identified with Christ’s gracious death and His resurrection. Otherwise, at salvation our old self died and was buried with Christ. We are raised now to new life with Him and we sit with Him on the right hand of God the Father (Romans 6:2-12; Ephesians 2:4-7; Colossians 2:12-13). Similar concepts in scripture that also appear to speak to spiritual baptism are: regeneration (Titus 3:5), born again (John 3: 5) and a new man (Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10). The importance of spiritual baptism is at least the following:
  • Power over sin – Although every believer sins, we can say ‘no’ to sin because as a new person in Christ we have the power to live a victorious life.
  • End of depravity - When Adam fell into sin in the garden it became depraved, in body and mind that was by nature sinful, so he could not Say no to sin (Ephesians 2:1-3). Our identification with Christ resurrection provides us a new life with a new spiritual body that can approach God that holiness (Hebrews 10:19-22; Romans 6:2-11).
  • Ability to serve - Being identified with Christ’s resurrection provides for us a new mindset that allows us the capacity to serve God in the way in which he wishes (Romans 6:12-16; Ephesians 2:10).
  • New life – the reason for the resurrection – Baptism teaches us the importance of the resurrection because we are raised with Christ to new life without which we would still be dead in our sins (1 Corinthians 15:17).
  • Eternal security – Baptism helps prove we cannot lose our salvation. because scripture does not indicate that if we commit sin that our new self can be killed and the old dead self re-resurrected like some bad re-make of the ‘Night of the Living Dead’!
    • In other words, you are transformed permanently to a new life, resurrected with Christ and sitting with Him in heaven. These changes cannot be reversed. What a great comfort we have in truth of scripture.
    • Therefore, as a new person, we are liberated from sin and are free to serve Christ. We cannot be defeated by the misdeeds of our old self.

• Baptism of the dead – This is a difficult and controversial verse (1 Corinthians 15:29). In context, this wonderful chapter deals with the importance of the resurrection and the rapture. The Apostle Paul indicates in verse 30 and 31 how he suffers on behalf of those unbelievers to bring them the gospel. These two verses may integrate with Matthew 20: 22-23 with Christ’s question to the apostles if they can tolerate the ‘baptism with which he is baptized’, which was to suffer on the cross for all men’s sins.
  • Therefore, Paul possibly was saying that he was baptized, as an apostle, with a similar mission as Christ to take the gospel to unbelievers, with the accompanying suffering, as a part of his own mission (Colossians 1:24). The verse reflects Paul’s commitment to God’s purpose for his life (Romans 15:15-19).

In summary, so we've seen that baptism, although it has a variety of meanings in the New Testament, in the epistles intended for the church, it signifies spiritual baptism - our identification with the death and resurrection of Christ.

Thanks for joining me today. Next time we will discuss communion, remembering the death and resurrection of our precious savior.

William C. Stewart

1. Ryrie CC. Basic theology: A popular systematic guide to understanding biblical truth. Moody Publishers, 1999.
2. Chafer LS. Systematic Theology. Abridged Volume II. Kregel Publications, 1947.
3. https://www.britannica.com/topic/mystery-religion/Beliefs-and-practices
4. https://www.oneforisrael.org/bible-based-teaching-from-israel/was-baptism-originally-jewish/
5. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb.html
6. http://www.equip.org/article/new-testament-baptism/
7. http://www.faithfacts.org/world-religions-and-theology/101-reasons-baptism-not-necessary-for-salvation

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Disclaimer - This blog and its content are provided only as information. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.   

The Power of Godly Thinking: Part 3

As we have discussed in past blogs, Christians have been regenerated through the power of the Holy Spirit into new individuals with the capacity to change ourselves to take positive and biblical actions.

However, to behave in a scriptural manner we first must know how to think correctly. Unfortunately, non-biblical thinking may incite destructive speech and actions which can hurt and adversely influence others.

Christianity is a religion of facts and understanding (Colossians 1:9-10; Ephesians 1:17). Scriptural thinking is productive and healing. How then do we do it? Below is a biblically based process to help change how we think, and ultimately how we act.

In the past several blogs we began to address in sequence: basis of biblical thinking and attitude in our thinking. Now let’s try to put our thinking into action by covering principles of biblical thinking.

Principles

A key verse regarding this process is: 

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 

The word ‘prove’ in Greek (the original language of the Bible) is δοκιμάζω (dokimazo), meaning to examine or prove, denoting a positive inference. It was used of a tested warrior in battle. Otherwise, God’s word is truth and so we can depend on it to work in our lives. As we lean on the Bible and see it function, we grow in confidence to trust it and enjoy the good fruits from living obedient and faithful lives.

What is biblical thinking?

Use the acronym ‘4 P’s’:

• Pondering the word – As stated in Romans 12:1 we should transform our thinking based on biblical knowledge. We should ponder these things not just to correct our thinking but also to cause ourselves to know God better in transforming how we communicate with others. This is an active, prospective process, not just when we have problems and need to correct ourselves; it is a daily habit of healthy thinking (1 Timothy 4:16, Colossians 3:1-4; Hebrews 3:1).
• Praise – Keep a habit of commending and thanking God. He deserves it (Hebrews 13:15)! Also, praise keeps us from having unreasonable expectations of others and thinking too highly of ourselves. We should remember God’s goals are above our own (Romans 12:1-2).
• Prayer – We should have a mindset of going to God for all our needs (Hebrews 4:14-16). Instead of complaining or ruminating over situations we should turn instantly to prayer and have a faithful attitude that God will help us (1 Peter 4:12).
• Positive subjects – This perspective is imperative to force our minds to think about things that are positive, true, just, lovely pure, full of praise and wholesome (Philippians 4:8). Remembering healthy thoughts will keep us from becoming discouraged and help us to see the good and the potential in all situations and people. Further, the things we think are ultimately what we speak and thus help us encourage other people.

Renewing our minds to change how we think is a constant challenge as we battle to drive our thoughts to be consistent with the Bible. This process will change how we look at life and others and ultimately how we speak to others. It also provides an opportunity to see God’s Spirit working in our lives to bear fruit as we allow Him to transform us while we seek God through His word. Give it a try!

Summary – Indeed, our thinking processes are the basis of a healthy mindset as well as a fruitful relationship with others and with God.

Thank you for visiting my blog! Join us again next time as we continue our vital discussion on developing a biblical mindset.

Share this important blog with your friends and family!

William C. Stewart, MD

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Disclaimer - This blog and its content are provided only as information. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.   

The Power of Godly Thinking: Part 2

As we have discussed in past blogs Christians have been regenerated through the power of the Holy Spirit into new people, providing believers with the capacity to change into those who carry out positive and biblical actions.

However, to behave in a scriptural manner we first must know how to think correctly. Even Christians can fall into unhealthy thinking habits such as lust, envy, jealousy and anxiety. Further, even within the church people may regard others and situations in less than biblical ways. Unfortunately, such non-biblical thinking may incite destructive speech and actions which can hurt and adversely influence others.

Christianity is a religion based on facts and understanding (Colossians 1:9-10; Ephesians 1:17). Scriptural thinking is productive and healing. How then do we do it? Let’s consider a biblically based process to help us change how we think, and ultimately how we act.

In the prior blog we discussed using the Bible as a way to correct our thinking, to make ourselves holy and more consistent with God’s goals and desires. What is the next step?

Attitude

Once we begin to use the Bible to correct our thinking, what attitudes do we cultivate as Christians? There are many important attitudes in the Bible but here are some vital ones to help you start.

• Servant (Romans 6:10-23; Romans 12:1-2; Romans 13:8-14) – We ought to have the perspective of being servants of God and those who love and serve other Christians.
• Humility – A humble person is modest, without thinking too highly of themselves and without excessive expectations for others. Generally, our only expectation for ourselves and others should be seeking God. This applies not only to ourselves, but also to our marriage partners, family members, and Christian friends. Everything else is up for discussion! We serve God and do good to all men (Galatians 6:1-3,10; Romans 12:3; Romans 14:4).
• Faith – This is the foundation for a believer’s lifestyle. Romans 14:23 says what is not done in faith is sin. Therefore, we can have peace and joy in the decisions we make done in faith, not condemning ourselves. God is our help!
• Obedience – Adhering to God’s word and His wise precepts is critical. As Christ said, His commands are not burdensome (Matthew 11:28-30). Obedience produces the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), and ultimately causes a rich love for God’s word because of its wisdom and actions in promoting healthy thinking and lifestyle (Romans 12:1-2).
• Thankfulness – We should be people constantly thanking God for all the blessings He has given us, from our salvation to the smallest elements of our lives. This is key to healthy thinking. We should not have expectations, but work to achieve our goals, created in faith, and trust in God for the results. When we expect certain results, whether from God, ourselves, spouses, family, friends, or work, we will never be satisfied (1 Thessalonians 5:18; Colossians 3:15).
• Hope – This attitude is essential because it protects our mind, not only from fear of death but even when we are young, from fear of failure. When we know our future is secure, we can possess confidence as our identity derives from God and not whether we succeed or fail. This attitude assists us in avoiding despondency and developing a healthy perspective towards life that allows us to prosper (Ephesians 6:17; 3 John 1:2).

Developing routine mental habits consistent with the Bible will create in us a godly mindset to view life and people the way God desires and help the Holy Spirit bear fruit in your life and others.

Join us again next time as we complete this important section on practical tips for developing a productive godly mindset. Thank you for visiting my blog. 

Share this important blog with your friends and family!

William C. Stewart, MD

For questions or to view more of our research…

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Disclaimer - This blog is provided for your use and enjoyment on an ‘as is’ and ‘as available’ basis. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.