“Oh, you’re the ones with no instrument.” Perhaps you’ve heard that before. One of the “distinctives” of churches of Christ is a cappella singing during worship. That we do not have a band or even a piano is considered by many to be an oddity. And it is true that in our 21st century AmericanContinue reading “A Cappella Worship Service: Setting the Context, pt. 1”
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Objections to Baptism: Baptism is a Work, pt. 2
Having laid the foundation for this discussion last week, we will now lay out some arguments as to why baptism is not a work. As previously mentioned, the concept under discussion is that of salvation by grace, through faith, and apart from works as expressed by Paul in, for example, Ephesians 2:8–9. We must helpContinue reading “Objections to Baptism: Baptism is a Work, pt. 2”
Objections to Baptism: Baptism is a Work, pt. 1
As mentioned last week, we now begin to address what I am convinced is the heart of the issue regarding the debate over baptism for the forgiveness of sins: is baptism a work? Appealing to the thief on the cross or arguing that Acts 2:38 means “because” are really symptoms of this deeper question. WhatContinue reading “Objections to Baptism: Baptism is a Work, pt. 1”
Objections to Baptism: Acts 2:38 Means “Because,” not “For”
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” (Acts 2:38, ESV) One of the clearest statements regarding the purpose of baptism is Acts 2:38. It is an abundantlyContinue reading “Objections to Baptism: Acts 2:38 Means “Because,” not “For””
Objections to Baptism: The Thief on the Cross
One of the most common arguments against baptism being for the forgiveness of sins is the thief on the cross (Luke 23:39–43). Simply put, the argument goes as follows: since the thief on the cross was forgiven without being baptized, then baptism must not be for the forgiveness of sins. This argument, however, does notContinue reading “Objections to Baptism: The Thief on the Cross”
Lord, lord, and Lord – A Note on Translation Customs
While rarely used in day-to-day conversation (well, at least rarely used in a non-expletive sense), one of the most frequently used words in our Bible is “lord.” Simply defined by Miriam-Webster, a lord is “one having power and authority over others.” Throughout the Bible, both humans and God are referred to as “lord,” but thereContinue reading “Lord, lord, and Lord – A Note on Translation Customs”
Studies in the Bible 