IS IT IMPORTANT?
BAPTISM: What’s the Big Deal, Anyway? This month, as promised, the topic that will be covered is baptism and whether or not it’s still relevant in today’s society. Many people have different opinions on baptism. They differ on how to be baptized, when to be baptized, and if baptism is still necessary in general. This is not an issue that can be taken lightly, because it is a very vital part of the Bible’s outline for salvation. “Well, what is the big deal?” you may ask. So, let’s take a closer look into it. In John 3:5 it says: “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” Jesus is explaining to Nicodemus how to be saved. He said, “Except a man be born of the water...he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” That put baptism in a very important role. Jesus said, paraphrasing, “Hey, listen up! If you aren’t baptized you’re not going to get into the kingdom of God!” Entering the kingdom of God is a BIG DEAL! So, if entering into the kingdom of God = big deal, and being baptized means entering into the kingdom of God, then being baptized = big deal. Mark 16:16 says: “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Here it says belief and baptism = salvation—it’s IMPORTANT! If baptism is important, is how you are baptized important? The answer is “Yes!” Being baptized in Jesus name, by immersion, is the way that the Bible instructs us. Although I have run out of space for this issue, I will include some verses for you to study. Jesus name—Acts 2:38, Acts 8:16, Acts 19:5 Immersion—John 3:23 (“much water there” would only be needed if baptism by immersion was being practiced), Matthew 3:16 (Jesus, when baptized, came “up out of the water”) Don’t forget! Send your responses, questions, or requests to me, the Mysterious Flower, at VolumeMAXD@gmail.com :) -The Mysterious Flower
HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW
Kristen Bennett? Fill in the blanks if you know these random facts about Kristen! Answers are on the bottom of page five :)
1. Kristen has been to ________ states. 2. If Kristen could have superpowers, she would be able to _________ and become _____________. 3. If Kristen could visit anywhere on vacation she would go to __________ __________. 4. If Kristen could enjoy any beverage from Starbucks she would choose a ____________ ___________. 5. When Kristen’s inspired to draw, her favorite things to sketch are ___________ ____________. 6. When Kristen is asked to clean, her least favorite task is _________________. 7. Kristen’s least favorite semi-liquefied food is ____________ ____________. 8. The highest cliff Kristen has jumped off of into water was ________ feet high.