Essentials For New Christians

1watchman · Nov 22, 2010

We can all go on well together if we can appreciate the distinction between essential truth (scriptural discernment) and non-essential truth (conscience). Our opinions (or conscience) should not be pressed on anyone, but we may share our understandings in grace.

It is important for new believers (and us all) to see that while God's standards for the world ought to be esteemed and followed, that is only a matter of conscience for every soul --some will honor God and some will not. Believers can share truth as we understand it, but then should pray and go on. We need to cast the beam out of our own eye first, as God says, for none are perfect.

The church (collective testimony in the world) needs to hold certain essential things within the fellowship, and elders in an assembly need to know what that is --such as faith and the "new birth", baptism, honor to God, helping others, keeping the Word for God's testimony locally and worldwide, etc. It is not trying to control the conscience of everyone beyond essential church truth. I can speak further on this if one is interested in writing me, and one can see much about this at the web site: www.biblecounsel.homestead.com, which seems to be very sound about redemption, church truth, and spiritual life.

You and I as true "born again" believers in Christ will stand individually before the Lord at the "Judgment Seat Of Christ" in heaven, and we cannot point the finger at someone as having led us astray --we are to be responsible. That means to read the Bible, rightly discern it, pray much, seek help (but not blindly following voices), sit at the feet of Jesus as the faithful disciples did, and lean upon His breast as the Apostle John did.
You will then do well. Look up always!

-1watchman

UnimaginablyHappy · Nov 22, 2010

Thank you 1watchman. This was very helpful!

heron · Nov 23, 2010

1watchman · Dec 2, 2010

Such essential things as stated in the original thread here, would seem to be as found in the following paper, and ought to be embraced, I believe. As stated, truly receiving the Lord Jesus Christ into the heart is the beginning of Christianity and fundamental of the faith.

- 1 Watchman

THINGS TO BE HELD BY A SCRIPTURAL ASSEMBLY, THOUGH A FAITHFUL SAINT MAY NOT UNDERSTAND IT ALL. THE ELDERS MUST GUARD AGAINST CONTRARY TEACHINGS.

1. The Bible as the complete and infallible Word of God to man, and all that God wanted man to know and obey regarding Himself, His work, purposes, and plan through the ages and for eternity.Readers ought to distinguish between the Old and New Testaments, the Israelites (Jews) and the Gentiles, and the church (bride of Christ). There are important divisions of the Bible which ought to be understood along our path.
2. The Trinity of God---Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as one.All serious seekers need to understand this to appreciate much about God and His ways, and honor Him in obedience and holiness..
3. The Lord Jesus Christ as deity; and His virgin birth, holy life, ministry and purpose; divine sacrifice; coming reign and glory.This all needs to be ministered in accord with the Word of God.
4. Heaven or Hell---the only two destinies for eternity for man in this age. One ought to have a good understanding of them, and the various judgments described in Scripture.
5. Baptism as a testimony to identify one with Christ in separation from the world, and to honor Him.It must be seen as a necessary symbol of identification and not a means of salvation.
6. The new birth by the Holy Spirit as essential to be saved for eternity and go to heaven as a child of God.If one fails to see this they can not be settled about salvation and eternal hope. Truly receiving Christ will bring the Holy Spirit upon one.
7. Prayer as a humble and holy conversation for communion with God regarding worship, trust, and needs.One surely needs this for a profitable and faithful Christian life.
8. Appreciating the church as the bride of Christ and collective testimony under God's government, ministry, and according to His order and pathway; and our place in it in both the universal and local aspects (Acts 2:41-42 and the Epistles).Church truth ought to be understood as the true believer's calling and dwelling place in the "household of faith", not in religious organizations of men. One needs to appreciate that while they may manage or mismanage their personal walk with the Lord, they need to be obedient to the Word and in submission to God's government in the church ---the gathering of saints in the universal fellowship.
9. Expression of the "one body" of Christ in a worldwide fellowship in the manner given in the Word to be like-mind, expressing unity, and of one accord with all believers.There is no such thing as "the church of your choice", as many Christians say. Each assembly should be even as the whole in the world, though separated only by geography, not by doctrines.
10. Judging & disallowing evil in the assembly to maintain holiness.
11. The priesthood of believers and their responsibilities as holy and royal priestsunto God and for the good of others. Saintsought to appreciate this service and be faithful in it---always in accord with the Word.
12. The Lord's table for the true gathering place established by God.This speaks of the gathering center for the Lord's people in a locality and in the world, which must not be after religious ideas of men.
13. The Lord's supper at His table for collective worship and to remember our Savior in His death for us.It speaks of devotion, holiness, and communion as given.
14. Honoring the Lord and esteeming His holiness in the assembly.
15. The hope of the translation (rapture) of the church (the bride) to dwell forever with Christ.Truly, this world is not home for the saints of God, and we look for a "city whose builder and maker is God".
16. The gospel message to be preached to the world as given in God's Word.Faithful saints ought to show the love of God, and be a light and speak the gospel of Jesus Christ to all around them.

Most other scriptural things are a matter of conscience and non-essential, though some may be important to honor and please God, to be faithful, and to prosper in our souls. Those things which are carnal and defiling must not be allowed among the saints. - RLD; ref. CCC, CM 9.

GaryP · Dec 2, 2010

This is in the wrong section, this is for newbies to ask questions and advice.

So what is your question?

I noticed that you did not mention the Father in Heaven. Jesus always did.

So lets test what you said.

Go to Mark 15:38. The Temple is Open.

Now go in.

Jesus said it is "Finished". What is with the 16 rules?

GaryP · Dec 2, 2010

I myself have just 1 essential thing. The Temple is open, Go in.
I get to avoid all the other stuff.

GaryP · Dec 2, 2010

I myself do not agree with any of the 16 things, but this is not the forum to discuss these matters
as this belongs to new Christians and is not a field to preach or have debates.

My photo is a torture device used by the church to force a person to believe in their god of 3.

GaryP · Dec 2, 2010

I forgot to say Hello, and welcome to the site.

1watchman · Dec 3, 2010

This was posted as a word for new Christians that they might find where they fit into the Christian pathway --the essential things to recognize as they seek a faithful fellowship. It seems you are troubled about this because it goes against your personal beliefs, Gary. I am sorry you don't appreciate these things, but it is the Word of God. You are free to post something to guide new Christains some other direction.

- 1 Watchman

WilliamPMiller · Dec 6, 2010

Very intensely thought-provoking. Many thanks!

Mister_Al · Dec 6, 2010

Just exactly who selected these 16 'truths,' and declared them as such? And what scriptures were used to identify them as truths. Can you please post these scriptures along with the corresponding 'truths' so I can see the real truth behind these 'truths?' Because if they aren't in God's word they may not be 'truths' at all.

Alan

1watchman · Dec 7, 2010

1watchman said:
Such essential things as stated in the original thread here, would seem to be as found in the following paper, and ought to be embraced, I believe. As stated, truly receiving the Lord Jesus Christ into the heart is the beginning of Christianity and fundamental of the faith.

- 1 Watchman

THINGS TO BE HELD BY A SCRIPTURAL ASSEMBLY, THOUGH A FAITHFUL SAINT MAY NOT UNDERSTAND IT ALL. THE ELDERS MUST GUARD AGAINST CONTRARY TEACHINGS.

1. The Bible as the complete and infallible Word of God to man, and all that God wanted man to know and obey regarding Himself, His work, purposes, and plan through the ages and for eternity.Readers ought to distinguish between the Old and New Testaments, the Israelites (Jews) and the Gentiles, and the church (bride of Christ). There are important divisions of the Bible which ought to be understood along our path.
2. The Trinity of God---Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as one.All serious seekers need to understand this to appreciate much about God and His ways, and honor Him in obedience and holiness..
3. The Lord Jesus Christ as deity; and His virgin birth, holy life, ministry and purpose; divine sacrifice; coming reign and glory.This all needs to be ministered in accord with the Word of God.
4. Heaven or Hell---the only two destinies for eternity for man in this age. One ought to have a good understanding of them, and the various judgments described in Scripture.
5. Baptism as a testimony to identify one with Christ in separation from the world, and to honor Him.It must be seen as a necessary symbol of identification and not a means of salvation.
6. The new birth by the Holy Spirit as essential to be saved for eternity and go to heaven as a child of God.If one fails to see this they can not be settled about salvation and eternal hope. Truly receiving Christ will bring the Holy Spirit upon one.
7. Prayer as a humble and holy conversation for communion with God regarding worship, trust, and needs.One surely needs this for a profitable and faithful Christian life.
8. Appreciating the church as the bride of Christ and collective testimony under God's government, ministry, and according to His order and pathway; and our place in it in both the universal and local aspects (Acts 2:41-42 and the Epistles).Church truth ought to be understood as the true believer's calling and dwelling place in the "household of faith", not in religious organizations of men. One needs to appreciate that while they may manage or mismanage their personal walk with the Lord, they need to be obedient to the Word and in submission to God's government in the church ---the gathering of saints in the universal fellowship.
9. Expression of the "one body" of Christ in a worldwide fellowship in the manner given in the Word to be like-mind, expressing unity, and of one accord with all believers.There is no such thing as "the church of your choice", as many Christians say. Each assembly should be even as the whole in the world, though separated only by geography, not by doctrines.
10. Judging & disallowing evil in the assembly to maintain holiness.
11. The priesthood of believers and their responsibilities as holy and royal priestsunto God and for the good of others. Saintsought to appreciate this service and be faithful in it---always in accord with the Word.
12. The Lord's table for the true gathering place established by God.This speaks of the gathering center for the Lord's people in a locality and in the world, which must not be after religious ideas of men.
13. The Lord's supper at His table for collective worship and to remember our Savior in His death for us.It speaks of devotion, holiness, and communion as given.
14. Honoring the Lord and esteeming His holiness in the assembly.
15. The hope of the translation (rapture) of the church (the bride) to dwell forever with Christ.Truly, this world is not home for the saints of God, and we look for a "city whose builder and maker is God".
16. The gospel message to be preached to the world as given in God's Word.Faithful saints ought to show the love of God, and be a light and speak the gospel of Jesus Christ to all around them.

Most other scriptural things are a matter of conscience and non-essential, though some may be important to honor and please God, to be faithful, and to prosper in our souls. Those things which are carnal and defiling must not be allowed among the saints. - RLD; ref. CCC, CM 9.

I think that any study of the Word of God will show the truth of these things in various verses. One might verify them at the web site where they can be studied: www.biblecounsel.homestead.com, which I find to be a very sound Bible study in ministry. Look up always!

- 1 watchman

Mister_Al · Dec 8, 2010

OK, then I will just ask for verification of only one truth: 5. Baptism as a testimony to identify one with Christ in separation from the world, and to honor Him.It must be seen as a necessary symbol of identification and not a means of salvation.

Please, just show me the scripture(s) that say baptism is only a symbol of identification. And don't tell me that if I would just study the Word of God I can see this for myself.

Be Blessed,

Alan

Aibrean · Dec 8, 2010

^ Mister Al, that's exactly the same point I disagree with.

1 Peter 3:21-22 said:
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, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.

1watchman · Dec 10, 2010

Mister_Al said:
OK, then I will just ask for verification of only one truth: 5. Baptism as a testimony to identify one with Christ in separation from the world, and to honor Him.It must be seen as a necessary symbol of identification and not a means of salvation.

Please, just show me the scripture(s) that say baptism is only a symbol of identification. And don't tell me that if I would just study the Word of God I can see this for myself.

Be Blessed,
Alan

The following brief paper will give some understanding of the subject. I believe baptism is "a token" (picture or symbol) of identification with Christ in His death for our sins --"answer of a good conscience", as Paul said, "not the putting away of the filth of the flesh" (the old man 1 Pet. 3:21).

- 1 Watchman

AN OVERVIEW OF BAPTISM

This subject is presented here in brief to simply set forth fundamentals, and we hope thereby to not lose the truth of it. More thorough papers have been written.

A. Baptism literally means to be whelmed (Greek-baptizo), and so in the several uses in the Bible we see an overwhelming by water, by fire, or by the Holy Spirit.

B. Baptism by water is ordained by God as a testimony, whereby one might choose to be awash and take a stand for the Lord in separation from the unbelieving world; and it at least speaks of a desire to please and honor God, not the redemptive work of the Holy Spirit. It needs to be viewed as essential for assembly gathering.

C. Baptism by water does not save the soul--give the new birth, ensure heaven, but it brings blessing; for God honors and blesses people who honor Him (I Sam.2:30; Acts 10:35; Matt.25). Baptism in the gospels (e.g. Mark 16:16) says that one who continues to believe and is baptized will be preserved or kept (meaning of saved), and also one who believes not is condemned. It refers to faithfulness in life, not the "new birth" and eternal life (see also Matt.28:19). Life comes only by believing on Christ (John 3:16; 1 Jn.5:11-13 --kingdom of God).

D. Baptism by water seems to also be a symbolic cleansing from sins and the old life (Acts 22:16), as a testimony by one of their repentance and "...a good conscience toward God" (I Pet.3:21).

E. Baptism by water is viewed in several ways:
1. Baptism of repentance which John, the Baptist, and others did for believers, was a symbol of identification or association with the coming truth of redemption. John preached the coming of the anointed One of God and the hope of the world, and God-fearing people were stirred to confess their sins, wash, and do right before God (see Matt.3:11; Acts 19:1-5). That time has passed.

2. Christian baptism is unto Jesus Christ (as also compared in Acts 19). This is the truth of all baptism today.
a) For one who is mature, it is at least confessing Him as the Son of God, and is a personal desire to be faithful, as noted above. It is standing apart from the unbelieving world, and association with Christ's death for sin and resurrection to new life (Rom.6:3-4), whether or not one fully comprehends. The one performing the baptism ought to feel satisfied with the sincerity of the desire (Acts 10:44-48). God alone knows the heart and our weakness.

b) Household baptism refers to Christians dedicating their children unto the Lord (like unto circumcision Gen.17: 12-13; Ex.12:48-49), and as owning God's word to save (keep) their house and bless (Acts 11:14; Acts 16:15,31). When the child who is baptized is older they should be helped by parents to appreciate what their baptism represents and live for the Lord. This baptism is not the same as what some call "infant baptism", which is non-believers baptizing all infants for salvation.

One should understand that water baptism speaks only of desire, but places one under responsibility to at least seek to honor the Lord. It is explained in Romans 6:3-4 & 11 (both kingdom of heaven and kingdom of God). See also Matt.28:19 (kingdom of heaven -profession).

F. Baptism of the Holy Spirit refers to the collective new work of the Spirit of God on the day of Pentecost (Matt.3:11; Acts 2; Acts 10:44), when the church was formed; and to the collective work in the church thereafter (I Cor. 12:13). It is not used in connection with individuals, probably to avoid confusion with water baptism.

G. Baptism of fire (Matt.3:11) refers to searching judgment and purifying.

H. Baptism of suffering was the cross of Christ (Mark 10:38).
- R.L.D., 8/97; rev. 2/10

One will hear teaching and diverse ministry along our pathway from many sources . One should always test it by the Word of God (see John 5:39; Acts 17:11; II Tim.2:15; II Tim.3:16; Titus 1:9). Whether it is profitable often depends, too, on our state of soul. This paper is prepared with much care and prayer to be a help and honor the Lord. Comments and questions are welcome.

GaryP · Dec 10, 2010

Were you able to enter into the Temple? Mark 15: 38.

I bet you can not even see it.

So do you know what the Second Exodus is?
Second Passover can not be complete without without an Exodus, so where do we go?

You forget to mention, the Baptism of Living Water. The only water I see pouring out
of Jesus is during the crucification, but roman soldiers say he was already dead.
The only Blood I see pouring out of Jesus is after the spear thrust, but that blood is
dead as-well, the Romans say so. So I guess dead blood and water flowed to the Earth. Romans don't lie. I always thought Dead Body fluids pooled at the feet.

So how does Gen 22 come to pass, if the Lamb, God provides is pierced by nails and
thorns then asphyxiated, Was not Isaac to be slain, by his father with blade?
I guess Jesus died before His Father in Heaven via the roman soldier could slay His Son. Never could figure why the low ranking foot soldier, took it on his own to pierce
the heart of the cold blue dead, Jesus.
Ever wonder why Jesus became impatient on the cross and called out why God had
forsaken him. Wonder what Jesus was waiting for? ( Blade ). Maybe the Father in Heaven, paused, as any Father would do out of Love. Abraham paused.
Ever wonder what was in the concoction that was given to Jesus with the pole and sponge. ( Sedative to prepare for the Blade)

The Living Water ( Baptism ) cleanses the Living Blood marks ( Passover ).
The Act of Jesus, Gods Will, Jesus takes the BLADE.
The Act of God, The Father in Heaven slays His Son by BLADE.
Price paid, Curse is lifted.
His Will Tears the Temple Curtain. The Heavens are open. ( Second Red Sea ).
We are now free to cross over (Repent, Turn and enter ) ( Second Exodus )
By being cleansed ( Baptisim by Living Water, Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me John 14:6) We can
enter into the Temple By Being Marked with the Living Blood Our Sin is Washed away
and forgiven. Jesus said it's is Finished. As we enter Literally into and through the Temple ( eye of the needle ) That ends the second Passover and it is a complete fit
over the First one. Unto the Father in Heaven.
When God ( Father in Heaven ) opens a door ( Heaven ) you better go in.
You know what happens to the Jews that do not cross the red sea.

I do not lead anyone down a path, Only the Son, Jesus can lead through the narrow
path.

I would advise Christians to Go up to the Temple and go in.

1John 4: I say Jesus came in the Flesh

I could never come up with this on my own.
I actually went into the Temple. It very simple and easy

Mister_Al · Dec 11, 2010

You might want to look over this site:

Mikveh-Ancient Water Baptism

Alan

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