When West Virginians travel or live outside the state, there is a sense of pride to make sure others know where they are from.  Wearing the shirts and giving explanations, it is a way to identify who you are.  This is also true of baptism.  The guys continue their discussion of baptism, and share why baptism is important and the practical understanding of the word “baptize”.  Listen in and check out the notes below.

Why should believers be baptized?

A. Christ was in Matthew 3:13-17

B. It is commanded in Scripture in Matthew 28:19, Acts 10:48

C. All New Testament believers were

a. Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15,16; Acts 2:41, 8:12-13, 8:35-38, Acts 16:14-15, 18:8

D. It is a God ordained public testimony of being a follower of Jesus Christ. 

How should believers be baptized?

Three main methods practiced around the world are: 1) Sprinkling 2) Pouring 3) Immersing

 

Let’s see what the Bible teaches about how believers should be baptized?

A. The language of Scripture implies immersion

a. John 3:23

b. Acts 8:38-39

c. Matthew 3:16

d. Mark 1:9-10

B. The meaning of the word demands immersion

✞ The Greek word (BAPTIZO) transliterally means, “dunk, plunge, immerse”

✞ The word never meant sprinkle or pour

C. The symbolism demands immersion Romans 6:3-5

D. So why do other churches practice other methods? 

What should follow baptism?

A. Acts 2:41-42 “So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”

B. Romans 6:4 “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.”

People like to identify with many things, from their favorite sports team to their favorite activities. Identification is key to understanding baptism. Lowell and Billy chat about what Believer’s baptism identifies with, and who should be baptized.  Check out the notes below. 

What does baptism picture?

A. The believer’s death, burial, and resurrection with Christ.

a. Romans 6:3-5 “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 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. 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. “

b. Colossians 2:12

c. Water baptism is an outward picture of what God did to us spiritually the moment we were saved.

Who should be baptized?

A. Believers

a. Matthew 28:18-29 “And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…’ “

b. Mark 16:15,16

c. Acts 2:41, 8:12-13, 8:35-38, Acts 16:14-15, 18:8

d. I Corinthians 1:10-18

B. In the New Testament, no one was ever baptized until after they received Christ as Savior.

a. Baptism is not required for salvation.  Salvation is through the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross.

The Guys return to the issue of Sleep. Today… it’s what to do when I can’t sleep. First, there are some spiritual reasons that we may be struggling to find sleep:

* Anxiety and the Idol of Self Control

* Pride and the Idol of Self Reliance

* See Matthew 6:25-34

There are also some Physical Reasons we may be struggle to sleep. Do you have…

* Too much light

* Not enough carbohydrates

* Too much noise

* Not enough of a bed time routine

* To High temperature

* Not enough exercise

* Too much time in your bed

* Not enough time outside

Be Honest with yourself and make the right changes.

So you just can’t sleep???

Don’t… Watch TV; Look at your Phone; or Worry, worry, worry. Instead…

Do…

* Pray – Cast your cares on him – 1 Peter 5:7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

* Control your Mind – 2 Corinthians 10:5 – take every thought captive to obey Christ

* Bear your burdens with one another – Galatians 6:2 – Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

* Journal – Psalm 119:15 I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.

* Meditate on Scripture – Psalm 23:1–2 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.

* Take a 20 Minute Nap!!!

Today the guys try to tackle an issue that many people struggle with… sleep!!! A few thoughts about sleep and our Lord.

* God doesn’t sleep – Psalm 121:3-4: “He will not allow your foot to slip; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep”

* Sometimes it can feel like He does… Psalm 44:23: “Awake. Why do you sleep, O Lord? Arise, do not cast us off forever” (Psa. 44:23).

* God’s people can… Psalm 4:8: “In peace will I both lay me down and sleep; for you, Jehovah, alone make me dwell in safety”

* Because Sleep is a Gift… Psalm 127: It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.

If Sleep is a struggle, consider some spiritual obstacles that might be standing in the way.

* Anxiety and the Idol of Self Control

* Pride and the Idol of Self Reliance

Matthew 6:25–27

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?

Just like being lost in the woods, people can feel lost when trying to read the Bible. Lowell and Billy discuss where the best place is to read your Bible…The best place is at a good church. It’s a good idea to find a church that reads and studies the Bible in the right way. It is a true phrase that says “A lot more is caught then taught”. When you see your church modeling good Bible reading, Bible Study, and Biblical preaching, you learn how to better engage with God’s Word.

Some verses referenced on the importance of your church family focusing on God’s Word.

2 Timothy 1:13–14

What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

2 Timothy 2:14–15

Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

2 Timothy 3:16–17

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 4:2–3

Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.

Some general signs to look for in a church that teaches you How to Read Your Bible…

* Sermon where you need your Bible

* Anchored to One Passage

* Expository Preaching – “Exposes the meaning of the passage” Work through a passage of Scripture…

* Context – What did it mean? What does it mean?

* Share God’s Truths; Not Man’s Opinions

* Think more than you Laugh

* The Preacher’s authority is God and His Word – His point should come from the Bible, not his head

* What is memorable? Story, Joke, or Jesus?

* People are engaging in the Word by writing Truth down.

* Burdened into motivation in sharing God’s Word.

* Leave wanting to read and study God’s Word more and more.

***Don’t forget to check out the show-notes from the previous podcast for places to read in Scripture.***

Beginning with a strange rendition of a children’s song, the guys jump into a phrase that they hear often… “I want to read/study the Bible, but I don’t know where to start…” From this desire, Lowell and Billy discuss how people can read their Bible and grow deeper in their intimacy with the Lord.

Some highlights from this episode include:

One Truth – God communicates through His Word – Hebrews 11:3

Two Important Questions – Both have to do with Meaning

* What did it mean?

* What does it mean (Not what can I make it mean)?

Three Important Observations to Look For…

* The Bible’s focus is God. History (His+Story) – What do you observe about God?

* Man is a secondary character – What do you observe about Mankind?

* The Lord desires to Change Us – What do you observe about the New Man?

1 Peter 2:23-25

23. When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.

24. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”

25. For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

OK. Now where should you start reading? Try out these! Here are 30 Good Places to Start

Story to Relive

* Fall of Man – Genesis 3

* Calling of Moses – Exodus 3

* David & Goliath – 1 Samuel 17

* Elijah & Prophets – 1 Kings 18

* Daniel, Friends, & the Fire – Daniel 3

* Temptation of Jesus – Luke 4

* Jesus & Nik at Night – John 3

* Jesus walks on Water – Matthew 14

* Jesus raises Lazarus – John 11

* Jesus in the Garden – Luke

* Preaching Peter – Acts 4

* Prison Paul – Acts 16

Song to Feel

* Psalm 1

* Psalm 23

* Psalm 37

* Psalm 40

* Psalm 84

* Psalm 121

Statement to Believe

* John 1

* Romans 8:31-39

* 1 Corinthians 1:20-31

* 2 Corinthians 5:6-21

* Ephesians 2:1-10

* Philippians 2:1-11

* Colossians 1:15-23

* 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

* Titus 3:1-10

* Hebrews 12:1-6

* 1 Peter 5:1-11

* James 1

Scott Bradley joins the guys for our discussion of Anxiety Disorders. Counselors define anxiety as the anticipation of a future threat. All of us experience anxiety at different times in life. However, many people deal with Anxiety Disorders. Today, we work through a few ideas of how these individuals might deal with Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders.

If you would like more information about Anxiety and Depression, click here and here.

Scripture Passages Referenced included…

* Matthew 6:25 (NIV84) — 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?

* Psalm 69:1–3 (ESV) — 1 Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck. 2 I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me. 3 I am weary with my crying out; my throat is parched. My eyes grow dim with waiting for my God.

The guys invite a friend as they dive into an issue that many people struggle with: Worry! As part of their discussion, they help us to understand the difference between worry, every day anxiety, and Anxiety Disorders.

If you would like more information about Anxiety and Depression, click here and here.

Scripture Passages Referenced included…

* Matthew 6:25 (NIV84) — 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?

* John 14:1 (NIV84) — 1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.

* Philippians 4:6–7 (NIV84) — 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Some people doubt that Jesus ever claimed to be God.  Does Scripture prove their doubts or correct them? What did Jesus claim about himself? The guys continue their discussion of Jesus claiming to be God.  The responsibility of a follower of Jesus is not to force someone to believe in Jesus.  The responsibility is to point to Jesus, and let every person seek and find the eternal, lifechanging Truth.

Check out the following verses and seek for yourself. Jesus is God.

Mark 14:60-65

60 Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” 

61 But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. Again, the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”

62 “I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

63 The high priest tore his clothes. “Why do we need any more witnesses?” he asked. 

64 “You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?”

They all condemned him as worthy of death. 

65 Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, “Prophesy!” And the guards took him and beat him.

Philippians 2:5-11

5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in very nature God,

    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

7 rather, he made himself nothing

    by taking the very nature of a servant,

    being made in human likeness.

8 And being found in appearance as a man,

    he humbled himself

    by becoming obedient to death—

        even death on a cross!

9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

    and gave him the name that is above every name,

10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,

    to the glory of God the Father.

How many names do you go by? It is interesting how we are often known by different names?  Your name is very important in who you are.  What is in the name Jesus?  What do religions/cults claim that He is? A few examples would be…

Islam: Another prophet

Mormonism: The brother of Lucifer

Jehovah’s Witness: He is the archangel, Michael

Who does the Bible claim Jesus is? Who does Jesus claim He is?  Jesus is God and we see this Truth in Scripture.  The guys jump into the Book of John to find real Truth for real life! Check out these passages!

Matthew 16:13-17 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 

John 20:31 “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

John 5:17 “In his defense Jesus said to them, ‘My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.’”

John 8:56-59 “Our father Abrahamrejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.”  “You are not yet fifty years old,” they said to him, “and you have seen Abraham!” “Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!”  At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.

John 10:27-30 “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish;no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.  I and the Father are one.”

“The Great Trilemma” by CS Lewis

You need to come to 1 of 3 choices about Jesus…

Jesus is either a LIAR, a LUNATIC, or LORD.

 

What conclusion do you come to?

Continue to read the book of John and see who Jesus is.