Waggles

Matt 23:13 But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in people's faces. For you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in. Luke 11:52 Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter yourselves, and you hindered those who were entering.

Well if you cannot read scripture for yourself in humility of obedience then I guess you will walk in the gospel of your choosing. Each to their own.

Read the scriptures in the New Testament - there are numerous verses and much doctrine pertaining to water baptism. Jesus [God] commands water baptism along with baptism in the Holy Spirit. God even underwent water baptism to show us that it was necessary to fulfil all righteousness. Hebrews 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this will we do, if God permit.

And since when is water baptism not of God but only a tradition of men?

why do people keep on reinventing Christian doctrine? Water baptism is the only sacrament kept by various churches from the very beginning: Roman, Orthodox and Protestant. Alright infant "baptism" came about, most likely in response to the bubonic plagues (where one-third of Europe's population died), but it is still a continuation of the doctrine of water baptism from the Apostolic age. Now out of nowhere modern churches are claiming that they can do away with water baptism as it is no longer necessary. Did anyone bother to check this out with God and to seek his approval of such? I think not. Galatians 5:7 You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? 8 This persuasion is not from him who calls you. 9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump. 2Corinthians 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

Those of us who correctly obey the word of God do not sprinkle babies or very young children. Sprinkling is not baptism. Babies have little to repent of except being demanding on their parents. People must repent from their walking in the flesh; their wrongdoings. Repentance is the first step > seeking to be right with the God of salvation. In the NT babies are not baptised only people (mostly adults) of an age of understanding. One must be able to repent. Water baptism by full immersion is a sacrament (a ceremony held before others in the church) for a new convert to display their first acts of obedience to God's commandments on what must be done. It is also spiritual and mandated by Jesus himself as required to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Even Jesus himself underwent full immersion baptism to show his followers this is the way; and then Jesus is also baptised in the Holy Spirit. This is what disciples still need to do to become true worshippers and true Christians (Romans 6 and 8). 1Peter 3:20 because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. 21 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,

right on there. Praying in tongues, praying in the Spirit is the most powerful spiritual weapon we have to confront temptation and any rising of the flesh.

We are commanded to be baptised in water and the Holy Spirit to become Christians (disciples of Christ Jesus) in the gospels, Acts and the epistles. Numerous verses attest to this. Water baptism is most definitely a sacrament in the spiritual sense - an outward and visible sign of inward and spiritual grace; a solemn religious ceremony enjoined by Christ, to be observed by His followers [communion service is another example]. Luke 6:46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

Baptism by water and the Holy Spirit is not works baptism is entry into the Kingdom of God - it is spiritual obedience to the gospel is not works but rather faith and believing.

The necessity for water baptism as both a commandment and a sacrament water baptism by full immersion = death, burial and resurrection John 12:24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Romans 6:3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For one who has died has been set free from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. Acts 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spoke with tongues, and prophesied.

No thus we have the encouragement in the epistles on walking in the Spirit and walking in the light. For the rest of our time on Earth as disciples of Christ Jesus we battle between the flesh and the Spirit - but if we love righteousness in God and keep our eyes upon the prize, the salvation of our souls, we can be overcomers. Galatians 5:16 But I say, Walk in Spirit, and ye shall in no wise fulfill the lusts of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are contrary one to another; that ye may not do what things ye would. The old person, the natural person does not surrender entirely. A disciple must every single day choose to follow Christ and walk in the Spirit. Unfortunately many give up and go back into the world.

Spirit has several meanings and several applications as a noun, an adjective and as a verb Latin: spiritus ghost; breath; courage; soul; life; - the immaterial and immortal part of man; the soul, as distinguished from the body which it occupies. Holy Spirit or Spirit of God being the third person of the Trinity. 1Cor 2:11 For what man knows the things of a man, save the spirit* of man which is in him? even so the things of God knows no man, but the Spirit** of God. * G4151 pneuma pnyoo'-mah from G4154; a current of air, that is, breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively a spirit, that is, (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, daemon, or (divine) God, Christ’s spirit, the Holy spirit: - ghost, life, spirit (-ual, -ually), mind. Compare G5590. Total KJV occurrences: 385 ** same word G4151 Exodus 3:14 And God said unto Moses, I AM* THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. * hâyâh haw-yaw' a primitive root (compare H1933); to exist, H1933 hâvâ' hâvâh haw-vaw', haw-vaw' A primitive root (compare H183, H1961) supposed to mean properly to breathe;

for me that states that when a person is witnessed to and they believe (act upon) the gospel of salvation (obedience to the commandments of God) then such a person would in good conscience be baptised in water and Spirit. Acts 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, [Men] Brethren, what shall we do? 38 And Peter said unto them, Repent and be baptized each of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. [baptism of the Holy Spirit as expounded in Acts] 39 For to you is the promise, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, as many as the Lord our God shall call unto him.

James 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 20 For the wrath of man works not the righteousness of God. 21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. 22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. Thus we pray in the Spirit (tongues) daily to empower the indwelling Holy Spirit of God to enable us to walk in righteousness and to overcome the flesh and the world.

OSAS is false doctrine. God is ever faithful and desires that all would come to salvation. God does not lose disciples because he fails to keep us in his hand. Christians, even Spirit-filled disciples, walk away from their faith and throw in the towel. They are referred to as backsliders. If disciples or believers could not stray from their faithfulness then the epistles would not have so many warnings to remain steadfast and true; to stay on course; to finish the race; not to believe false prophets and false doctrines. 2Timothy 2:17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; 18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. Hebrews 6:4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

Water baptism by full immersion is fundamental to salvation and is coupled with baptism of the Holy Spirit - the two go together and are mandatory. Here is the template for disciples of Jesus: Matthew 3:13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfil all righteousness.” Then he consented. 16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” This is the story of the Christian church from Acts onwards and upheld in all the epistles. Acts 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto *Peter and the rest of the apostles, [Men] Brethren, what shall we do? 38 And Peter said unto them, Repent and be baptized each of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto remission of your *sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For to you is the promise, and to your *children, and to all that are afar off, as many as the Lord our *God shall call unto him. John 3:5 *Jesus answered, Amen, Amen, I say unto thee, Except one be born of water and Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of *God. Acts 8:12 But when they believed *Philip preaching good tidings concerning the kingdom of *God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. 13 And *Simon himself also believed: and being baptized, he continued with *Philip; and beholding signs done and great miracles, he was amazed. 14 Now when the apostles, those at Jerusalem, heard that *Samaria had received the word of *God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15 who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they receive the Holy Spirit: 16 for as yet He was fallen upon none of them: only they had been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts 19:5 And when they heard this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when *Paul had laid *hands upon them, the Holy *Spirit came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

So what do you believe or know what the Holy Spirit is?

This is true in that modern nations outside the immediate Biblical lands surrounding Israel are not named directly. However in Bible prophecy the 10 tribes of Israel are referred to as opposed to Judah (the remnant, Jews). Britain is Ephraim and her brother Manasseh is the U.S.A. Anyway I digress. The gospel of salvation is about individuals and the influence that individuals as Christians have in influencing their societies for the better; thus the pagan practice of infanticide and sacrificing newborns diminished and ended as Christian values about the sanctity of life prevailed. Many other social reforms came through Christian notions of welfare of others. It is no coincidence that with the destruction of Christian marriage and family life by the ungodly that infanticide is returning. Even now in my own state they are debating in Parliament a bill to legislate for late term abortions up until birth. There is no limit to their evil. As for Spirit-filled Pentecostal Christians we are called to separate ourselves from the world and to be a notable alternative of righteousness; living to serve God and the gospel. John 17:14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 1Peter 4:1 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. 3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. 4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 1John 2:15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. The world is ruled by fallen angels - the satan, devils, the prince of this world - so the truly born new again Christian is called out of the world and to be a light shining in a dark world. Jesus will in the end redeem the nations and rule the world - Psalm 2:7 I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you. 8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.

OK each to their own you do things your way, but as for me I will walk in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Please explain ... Psalm 40:7 Then I said, “Behold, I have come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me: 8 I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.”

No one gets it because you are writing rubbish. Praying in tongues is spiritual and not of the carnal mind. Miracles are spiritual (or supernatural) and not of the flesh. Romans 8:5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 1Corin 13:1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 1Corin 14:2 For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. works for me. Thus scripture upholds praying in tongues as spiritual and of God. 1Corin 14:39 So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.

Well said ... judgement is coming upon the entire world from east to west and north to south. There shall be no escape. God is dealing with millions of disciples as individuals (the body of Christ). Paul and Peter both write about the wickedness of the last days. "Christianity" is in a mess with many politically correct churches openly promoting blasphemies and preaching false doctrines. 1Thess 1:9 ... and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come. 1Thess 5:9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, Ephesians 5:6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Rev 6:15 Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, 16 calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, 17 for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?” Malachi 4:1 For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the LORD of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch.

More twaddle and nonsense.

No matter how much mainstream worldly denominations protest against Pentecostal revival in these last days God is pouring out his Spirit truly upon all flesh. Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, All throughout the 'uttermost' parts of the world the full gospel is being preached with signs and wonders. People in their hundreds at a time have repented of their dead works and turned around to seek salvation in God through Jesus; full immersion baptism for the remission of their sins and baptism in the Holy Spirit evidenced by praying in tongues. Then come the wonderful miracles: the blind see; the lame throw away their crutches and walk; the deaf do hear; drunkards become righteously sober; criminals become righteous and often make peace with previous victims; and so much more. People from my church regularly travel to Papua New Guinea where there is a very substantial Pentecostal revival going on and they have mass rallies where people share their testimonies about healings and miracles to the crowds. Back home we watched a video filmed by Julie and David of a blind woman who when coming out of the baptism pool could see the world through her eyes for the first time. It was awesome. She was gaping in wonder at what she could see. Testimonies to Holy Spirit revival and to the outpouring of the latter rain. I am sorry for you cessationists but Pentecostalism is alive and well.

1Corinthians 14:2 For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. Works for me. Half an hour of praying in the Spirit every morning to start off the day. Like recharging my batteries. John 4:23 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.