One thing about being a Pastor, being in the ministry, heck just being a human being is that we are always learning; at least that is what we should be doing. We should never reach a point in our lives where we know without a shadow of a doubt that we know everything and can’t be taught. This happened to me yesterday and even though I knew better, I had to learn the hard way a very simple fact; some people don’t want to learn…
If I am wrong I say it; always been a trait of mine that I hold dear and to be honest expect from others as well. It’s right up there with honesty, kind of a non-negotiable. Over the last few days there has been quite the debate that I stirred up on whether Baptism is required for salvation. I will go to my grave saying it is not because the Bible just gives too many examples where it is Grace and Grace alone (with your acceptance of that Grace) that saves you. Baptism is an act that Jesus is very clear about in which acts can’t save you. Look at the person on the Cross with Jesus; “Today you will be with me in Paradise”. Was that person Baptized? No of course not. So if you are saying Baptism is required for salvation then you are saying that Jesus was lying on the Cross when He made that statement. (There are plenty more examples Jesus gave us through His Word but that is the most obvious one). ANWAYS….
What I learned yesterday is that no one is ever teachable when you play this back and forth game with them; especially over the internet. I would much rather have that type of conversation over coffee face to face, however, in this world today that is difficult so here we are….I should have taken a page from my mentor and just gave my position and left it there. Many people agree with my stance on this; why engage others that disagree? It just puts on a horrible witness and for that I am truly sorry. I guess for me when it comes to issues of salvation it drives me insane to see folks deceived, but again just like spreading the Good News itself, I am not responsible for what people do with the information I give them, only that I in fact give it to them. The Holy Spirit does the rest.
So, my advice to all of you? Let Love be your guide! On most things concerning God and His Word odds are we have it all jacked up anyways. I mean look at all the different versions and today the lack of research people do into the original languages in which God’s Word was written. Other than the basics, I bet when we get to Heaven we will see how wrong we were about a great many things. So if you are passionate about something, be passionate and put it out there. Just stop engaging those that only want to argue and not learn. I know for me that is the approach I will be taking from now on.
Have a great Sunday everyone!
Agape Love,
David
