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The laying on of hands is listed in scripture as one of the most basic, foundational, and fundamental doctrines of Christ. Yet, to many it is an obscure practice… you don’t hear about it in many sermons, nor is it a subject that a lot of people ask to have explained, or have questions about.Hebrews 6:1-2 here is the listing I just referred to. These are what scripture considers the foundational teachings. Therefore this is a list of what the Church of God considers the foundational teachings. In order to build the mature mind of Christ we must be sure that the foundation is firmly in place. Within the biblical and church context the laying on of hands is a physical act meant to picture a spiritual reality or spiritual event taking place. It is hard to provide a public witness and testimony to stuff happening on the spiritual level without a physical act. Human beings are simply not wired to commune with one another on a spirit level. We connect with one another through words and actions. God has limited human beings in this way… probably for our own protection.John 3:8 Jesus offers us an analogy: we don’t see wind, but we know the wind is there because we see the leaves are moving, or we hear the sound as it moves through the tree. In the same way the laying on of hands provides testimony to something spiritual happening.Here are 4 spiritual transactions accompanied by a laying on of human hands: Conferring blessings The transference of sin from one party to another. Acceptance of authority The receipt of the Holy SpiritConferring BlessingsGenesis 48:14 Jacob’s hands had no power to make these prophetic/future blessings happen. The power of the almighty God did that.Matthew 19:13-15 Jesus blessed them through the laying on of his hands and prayer. Even with Jesus it was not His flesh and blood hands that had power in them, or transferred power through them… it was the power and will of the Father at work. Jesus words and actions [specifically the laying on of hands] gave testimony to the blessings only the Father could give John 5:19-23,30.The Transference of Sin in Old Covenant Examples Leviticus 1:2-4 – the spiritual consequences of sin Leviticus 16:21 – the spiritual blame/guilt for sin The priest’s hands had no special power in them, nor is it necessary to think the spiritual energy had to flow through the priest’s hands like water through a hose or electricity through a wire. The laying on of hands is a physical act testifying to a spiritual event or transaction.Like the wind… you cannot see forgiveness, but you can see the sign God offers to testify to it.To Give Authority [Both Civil & Religious]God uses the laying on of hands to ordain/appoint His servants to positions of responsibility and authority within His chosen assembly.Numbers 27:18-23 it was not Moses who put Joshua over Israel. Moses laid hands on Joshua for all Israel to see with their eyes. A spiritual transaction is taking place. God was appointing Joshua to a position of responsibility within the congregation in the wilderness. The laying on of hands was a physical act, a symbol, of the fact that God placed Joshua in that office.New Testament ExamplesThere are many examples in the early records of the Church of God of official roles within the body conferred upon someone through the laying on of hands.Acts 6:4-6 deaconsActs 13:1-3 God chose these men and made it known through the prophets and teachers by the visible laying on of hands2 Timothy 1:6 it was God who gave Timothy the gifts but it was testified to by the laying on of hands1 Timothy 5:22 there is a human element in the process… God allows us to make choices & mistakesRecognition of [And Submission to] AuthorityWe saw that the laying on of hands was used to witness to a person being tasked with a responsibility and granted authority to carry it out. But the laying on of hands is also a public witness of submitting to authority. Their authority does not exceed what is necessary to get the

A Pillar in the ChurchTo call someone a pillar, for example: pillar of society, pillar of the community, pillar of the church… has been a well used idiom of the English language since medieval times. It basically means such a person is an active and respected member of a group of people… local society, community, or church.Like many such phrases we hear this one is used less often than in the past. Discussions of old-fashioned or quaint idioms of the language are not our purpose here [that would be better suited to a course in philology]. We are going to discuss this particular phrase because its origin is biblical which probably also explains why it is falling into disuse and beginning to sound out-of-date.In construction a pillar would be a firm, upright, support for a larger superstructure; for example a steel or marble column that holds up a cross beam.This construction context is way we can explore the biblical use of the concept.Revelation 3:12 here we have a prophecy of your future position in the household of God. To be a pillar in this grand and holy building project God is working out. I ask that you consider your present circumstances in God’s Church as training for that future role. To be, or work towards becoming, a pillar in God’s Church, is training to become a pillar in the temple of God. A temple not made of human hands, stone, or steel, or glass… but a temple composed of the family of God Revelation 21:22… the Father, the son, and his many children who stand as pillars in that creation.A Pillar As A Metaphor/AnalogyThe primary function of a pillar is to provide support, and strength… to bolster, brace, prop-up, or sustain. We can easily picture what that means in a construction project… imagining those functions in a community, a society, or a church requires some additional thought and application.Galatians 2:1-2, 9 Paul goes to the home church in Jerusalem to make sure he is working in harmony with the rest of the church. He talks with James, Peter, and John… who were considered pillars in the church.The KJV and NKJV uses the word “seemed” which in modern English casts a shadow of doubt… “it seemed like a good idea at the time, but it wasn’t”… [supposedly pillars as opposed to known as pillars].NIVJames, Cephas and John, those esteemed as pillarsNLTIn fact, James, Peter, and John, who were known as pillars of the churchWhat made these men pillars was not their physical strength, it was their reputation. Meaning others could look to them to uphold, support, strengthen, or sustain the church… through the example of their actions, their attitudes, and their words.There are people today who others point to as pillars within the church... people who inspire confidence, stability, and a feeling that this all makes sense. So I hope you are asking… How Can I Be A Pillar?A Pillar Needs A Solid FoundationIn a construction setting a pillar can only do its job properly if its set up straight and put on a firm foundation that doesn’t shift around, cave in, or wash away Matthew 7:26.Because of this a pillar can withstand adversity. A pillar sticks with it. A pillar it there week after week, year after year.That statement from Jesus comes at the end of the sermon on the mount. His teachings were not some new thing. His teachings are built upon the already existing written word of God. The new testament explains the old testament, it does not replace it.So a pillar knows God’s word and knows it well. But there much more to it than knowledge. There are plenty of people who know the word well but are not considered pillars.Ephesians 2:19-221 Peter 2:5quotes psalm 118:22, a prophecyThe Importance of the CornerstoneThe cornerstone (or foundation stone or setting stone) is the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation, important since all other stones will be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure.Christ is that rock. We bu

The gifts God gives through the Holy Spirit are mentioned in several places in scripture. The letters to the Ephesians, Corinthians, and Romans each contain a list of such gifts. Each listing is different and depends on the context, such as: how they pertain to office in the church, or signs and wonders, or functions within the body of Christ. We are going to zero in on the list in Romans 12 which itemizes various functions within the body of Christ. From there we get our subject for today... the gift of service. Romans 12:3-8 the word service is a translation of the Greek word diakoneo. The service associated with the word diakaneo can cover a wide variety of activity but search the scriptures and you’ll find a special emphasis on taking care of the needs of others, very often in conjunction with food and drink, hospitality, and physical accommodations. Diakoneo is the verb form of the word diakonos, or, deacon which is a recognized office in the Church.  A person anointed as a deacon is designated as a servant of the Church and provides leadership in the areas of service previously mentioned.  God’s gift of service is not limited to the person ordained as a deacon. Service is for everybody. A deacon provides leadership, and example in this area. Ephesians 4:11-13 it is the role of a church leaders and teachers to encourage every member towards acts of service. In this way the mind and attitude of Christ work in you.The Attitude of ServiceThe list of gifts we read in Romans 12 also mentioned generosity, which implies sharing money or possessions with others, especially those who need help. I would like us to think of service as being generous with your time and energy. 2 Corinthians 9:1 financial aid for famine relief in Jerusalem is spoken of as diakonea/service2 Corinthians 9:6-7in the same way I believe God wants each of us to give generously of our time and energy as we have decided in our heart not reluctantly, or with complaining, because God loves service done cheerfully of our own free will.2 Corinthians 8:12the attitude is more important to God than the actual amount Luke 21:1-4. Matthew 10:40-42 what these verses tell us:·        Service we render others is really service to God·        God is aware or our service·        God promises a future reward for our service·        God is especially focused on the service we perform within the body of Christ·        Hospitality among the people of God [providing food, drink, and physical accommodation] is a prime example of service Keeping these factors in our thinking can help us adopt and maintain a cheerful attitude… they also address some of the main reasons hold back from service or serve with a wrong outlook. 3 Challenges to Maintaining a Cheerful Attitude When Serving Challenge #1 - Focusing on the Physical God considers service toward our brothers and sisters as service towards Him. But often we only see the other person or group of people and begin to doubt there is a spiritual transaction taking place: We may consider them unworthy… why am I serving these ugly, smelly, uncool, people? Why aren’t they doing their part? They’re no better than me, why aren’t they serving as much as me? They may be ungrateful… no one even knows I’m in the back room hauling out the trash… everyone just assumes I am going to take care of everything… they never even said thanks.You might think the situation would be better within the Church and we wouldn’t have such struggles with our attitudes. We are all working from the same playbook, right? I have found over the years that serving within the Church is actually rather challenging because the expectations are very high, a lot is taken for granted, and the rewards are far off. To do well you must expend the necessary mental energy to remember… your servic

Ephesians 5:30 How can someone grieve the Holy Spirit?The warning in this verse is directed at those who have believed, been baptized and received the Holy Spirit. God is aware of and watching the actions and thoughts of all humanity. However, at this stage in human history He has special care and concern for those He has called to receive His great gift of eternal life. So, this is a warning for disciples of Christ. To grieve means to cause sorrow, distress, emotional pain.The one causing the sorrow distress and emotional pain is you or me.The sorrow, distress, and emotional pain is felt by the Holy Spirit of God which is Christ living in you.The scriptures speak of the Holy Spirit as being grieved because the resurrected Jesus Christ is alive, active, and present within you through the power of the Spirit. We prefer to speak of Christ’s presence within us as our advocate and helper. However, His presence in us also makes him witness to everything we say and think… and so He is also our perfect, righteous judge.1 Corinthians 4:3-5 Jesus’ judgment will be a total 360 evaluation of your life. Note: this is the judgment that will establish the reward [praise] given to those who are marked with the seal of the Holy Spirit and are raised from the dead at His return [the day of redemption], see 1 Corinthians 3:12-16.2 Corinthians 5:9-10 we can live a life that is pleasing to Him… or we can live one that grieves Him.Does God Really Feel Grief?God is all powerful. From our human perspective we can assume that means nothing we humans do, say, or think will affect Him. But I propose that’s really just us projecting our own way of thinking on God, rather than accepting Him as He has chosen to present Himself to us. Let me explain:Fear, rejection, longing, sorrow... we don’t like these feelings. What causes them is usually something outside our control… very often caused by other people… and we don’t like that either.If I were all powerful I’d set things up so bad stuff could never affect me… I wouldn’t want any negative emotions. So, it only makes sense that an all powerful being would set things up so He/She/It could not be affected by anything. Either by:controlling all things [denying freedom of thought and action]shutting out emotions [goal of eastern religion and most human philosophy]- the idea of God as a Universal Intelligence or MindBoth of these are dead end solutions that leave humanity with a bleak vision of life and reality. Gladly God has a different way of seeing things.Isaiah 55:8-13Genesis 6:5-8 One of the many things Jesus did during His life in the flesh was to show us the Father. In other words to show us what God is like. Jesus showed emotions… indignation, wrath, sorrow.What Causes God Grief, Sorrow, and Emotional Pain?God saw the evil doings of the people on earth and He also saw or knew “that every inclination of the thoughts of their hearts were only evil all the time”. God can be grieved by what we do and I believe especially what we think, or what is going on in our hearts. Lets go back to the immediate context of Ephesians 4:30 for insight on how someone might grieve the Holy Spirit.Ephesians 4:29 the words we speak. It is amazing to me how much emphasis God’s word, Jesus Christ, the Apostles, the Psalms, the Proverbs and the Prophets place on the words we speak. Perhaps because they provide the clearest window into our heart. Matthew 12:33-37 [Proverbs 4:23-24]We might say “she doesn’t really think that, she’s just venting… in her heart I know she feels differently’’, or,” he didn’t mean to say that… he was just joking around”. But for the person who hears them, and especially for the person who says them they may be an indication of what’s really going on in there. Ephesians 4:29 doesn’t really give us examples of corrupt communication or “rotten talk”. But we can figure it out by looking at the “not that, but this” formula. We are advised to stick to talk that builds up, helps, and benefits others. We can

The book of Ruth is a story of how a woman became a bride. The book provides inspirational instruction about the steps leading to our ultimate destiny… to be the Bride of Christ at His return.The opening scenes of the book take place in Moab. Elimelech, a man of Bethlehem, and his wife Naomi, have gone to live in Moab to escape a famine in Judah. In Moab Elimelech’s two sons married native Moabite women.Elimelech dies, and in quick succession his 2 sons also die before any children are born. The 3 women [Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah are now widows. Naomi hears the drought has ended in Israel and plans to go back home. Naomi encourages the young women to stay in Moab. Orpah kisses her mother goodbye, but Ruth insists on remaining with Naomi. They arrive in Bethlehem poor and destitute. So, Ruth goes out to glean in the field. She ends up gleaning in the fields owned by Boaz. He notices her… offers her protection and encouragement while she continues to work in his fields. Naomi, probably noticing that Boaz was showing Ruth favor advises Ruth to indicate her desire to marry Boaz. However, according to Levitical law, another kinsman has prior claim which Boaz must first address. Boaz redeems Ruth from this other kinsman and marries her.The book closes with Naomi, who had earlier lamented her loss and barrenness, rejoicing in her children through Boaz and Ruth. Ruth 1:22; Ruth 2:23 the main events of the book take place during the spring harvest in Israel.Note: Israel’s Spring Harvest lasted 7 weeks. The cutting of the wave sheaf on the day after the Sabbath [last Sunday March 31st] signaled the beginning of the barley harvest. The 1stharvest of barley was followed by the 2nd harvest which was wheat (which ripened later). These 7 weeks of harvest end with Pentecost. Who’s Who? In the AnalogyRuth = the one redeemed  to become a bride  Ruth is youBoaz = the redeemer  Who takes a bride  Boaz is Jesus ChristThe main themes of the book are redemption, marriage, and harvest. The time setting of the book is the 7 week period between the Feast of Unleavened Bread and the Feast of Weeks… or Pentecost. Therefore its reasonable to assume the instruction and symbolism of this book are appropriate for a day like today. What can we learn?Ruth’s Total CommitmentRuth 1:15-18 Orpah returns to the idolatry of Moab, whereas Ruth wants to remain connected to the God of Israel… through her connection to Naomi.In these memorable words Ruth pledges her willingness to abandon everything: her homeland, her people, her religion… her whole identity… to follow Naomi.Colossians 3:5-11 This is total renunciation of self… the total commitment to a new identity. Isn’t this exactly what our baptism signifies? Isn’t this the solemn pledge we made… to become a new creation in Christ. Our commitment must be as thorough as Ruth’s. We must attach our self to the Israel of God and not let go.Ruth Was A GleanerWhen she agreed to return with Naomi to Israel Ruth was agreeing to help support an aging woman. Ruth was young and strong so she went to work in the fields gathering up the grain that the harvesters had dropped or left behind so she and Naomi could eke out an existence. It would have been exhausting, hot, and humbling work.Biblical law established this practice as a way even the most down and out people in Israel could earn a living. Leviticus 23:22 [Lev. 19:9-10, Deut. 24:19-21]. Principle: help the poor to help themselves. Ruth 2:2-3 Ruth’s labor as a gleaner was in the fields of Boaz… the man who would later become her husband. Here is another interesting symbol through which we can gain insight.What does a gleaner do? A gleaner does not sow the seed, they don’t water it or nurture the crop as it grows. The farmer [husbandman] who owns the field sows and nurtures. The gleaner is, by definition one who Is allowed to share in… and benefit from the difficult, complex, enterprising work of another.God’s purpose is to bring in a harvest. He owns the field, He provid

Many people assume that Christ’s death finished the plan of God. We [United Church of God] do not believe that is so.John 19:28-30My purpose today is to show you that God’s plan and purpose for humanity is not finished with the death of Jesus… rather His death is the beginning. The beginning of a plan far more satisfying, comprehensive, and complete.What Then Was Finished?John 17:1-5 Jesus completed the work the Father had given Him to do. 1 Corinthians 5:7 that work included the sacrifice of His life as “our Passover” to pay the penalty of our sins [see also Luke 12:50].That was not the end of the salvation plan, it was the beginning.John 4:34-36 reference to work as the calling of many people to enter the path of life and teach them to walk in it. Jesus began this enormous project and has handed it over to His church to continue [Matt 28:18-20].The First Passover Pictured Christ’s SacrificeGod’s had to inflict a terrible punishment upon Egypt to get them to finally release Israel from bondage. God had to put to death every first born child in the land to force Pharaoh to give in.But, through the blood of a lamb, smeared on the doorposts or their houses God would pass over the firstborn of Israel, and spare [or save] them from death. The blood of that lamb, at that first Passover, was a symbol… and a prophecy... of the blood of Christ, the lamb of God [John 1:29]With the institution of the Passover God began to reveal His salvation plan in prophetic form to His Church. Acts 7:38 at that time Israel was His Church. He gave them 7 annual festivals and commanded them be observed forever. Why Do We Keep The Festivals?Under the new covenant the Israel of God was reformed and is now made up of people from all nations begotten by His Holy Spirit. The new covenant Israel of God [aka Church of God] is tasked with the ongoing proclamation of God’s salvation plan.When someone comes to the Church they are discipled. Part of that discipleship or training is through the keeping of the Holy Days. Passover = fulfilled Unleavened Bread = in process Pentecost = in process Trumpets = future and prophetic Atonement = future and prophetic Feast of Tabernacles = future and prophetic Last Day = future and propheticIn this way we reveal, rehearse, and re-affirm the outline of God’s step-by-step plan of salvation. It is an understanding you may take for granted… but the vast majority of humanity has never known and even today does not know. When you know the plan… you have answers to many of the biggest and most perplexing questions humanity has regarding, immortality, freedom of the will, and the true justice, compassion and righteousness of our Creator. Here is an outline of that plan presented in the cycle of God’s Holy Days: Passover = repentance and forgiveness Unleavened Bread = overcoming sin and developing the mind of God Pentecost = receipt of the Holy Spirit, the foretaste of eternity Trumpets = the resurrection of first-fruits at Christ’s return Atonement = the removal of Satan and re-dedication of the world Feast of Tabernacles = the 1,000 year rule of Jesus Christ Last Day = the final resurrection of all flesh, truth revealed to all who have ever livedJust as the weekly Sabbath cycle keeps us in a right relationship with God as our Creator, the annual Sabbaths [festivals] keep His church in a right relationship and understanding of His plan of salvation.The holy days are for the Church of God… to keep us on track!False and deceived teachers replace these biblical revealed holy days with counterfeit celebrations [like christmas]. Such substitution goes hand in hand with replacing the truth of God for a false understanding of the very who, what, when, where, and how of God’s actual plan.The new covenant Passover is a memorial of Christ’s death and a yearly reminder of your personal deliverance from sin and reconciliation with your Creator. It is the 1st step in the amazing plan to bring about salvation and life for the untold billions of h

1 Corinthians 11:27-32 It is possible to take the Passover in a manner that is unworthy… to take it in an irreverent way, with a wrong attitude. The immediate example we have is of the Corinthians. They were keeping the Passover as if it were a Greco-Roman dinner party, with preferential seating and separate rooms for members based on social status. The wealthy among them would get served first, they would get better food, better drink etc. Some had scraps while others indulged themselves so much they got drunk [1 Corinthians 11:17-22].Paul warned them to examine themselves. To get in the right frame of mind they needed to take a good hard look at their motives, agendas, prejudices, snobbery, vanity and pride. God detests vanity, pride and self exultation.Paul’s call to examine themselves included a call to recognize and realize the body of Christ. Each member of the congregation was a member of the body of Christ… but how they were treating one another did not reflect that understanding. All their social posturing [exalting some and humiliating others] was contrary to the love for one another Jesus had commanded them to practice. 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 sharing together in the life of Christ [His blood] and jointly participating in the body of Christ [the one loaf] are the spiritual realities we are reminded of each year when we take the Passover. To examine ourselves in preparation for Passover means to examine how we treat one another within the congregation… and the entire Church of God.Personal Examination1 Corinthians 6:15-20 to discern, recognize, or set apart as special, the body of Christ can also imply very personal introspection. Wrong attitudes like greed, covetousness and lust can remain hidden within, unseen by neighbors and friends. Yet these can do great damage and harm to us in the inner person… causing harm to our own bodies and to our own spirit which God also considers His own possession and dwelling place. Lustful fantasies love of money despising of authorityTo examine ourselves in preparation for Passover means to examine our inner most thoughts and attitudes so we might rule over them through the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit which is Christ in us. Where Do We Begin?Psalm 26:2 David prayed and asked God to look into his heart and mind… kilyâh – emotions – some of the rotten stuff that can take root in you is beneath the level of rational thought… “ I know it doesn’t make sense but that’s the way I feel”labe – thoughts – some of the stuff that lodges in your brain is the result of rationalization, application of materialistic logic and high falutin’ stuff like that… ‘I know God say NO but what I'm doing seems like the most logical thing to do”. We can find it hard to be objective about what’s going on in our head. We need to pray and ask God to show us what our hearts and minds are like… we may not even be aware of what we need to work on.The examination process begins with the understanding that God must reveal to us our spiritual state. He knows and is aware of the shifting currents and undertows of the human heart and mind.Psalm 19:12-14 some of our issues and problems are obvious… some of them are hidden and require God’s assistance to identify and root out so they do not rule over us.1 Kings 8:38-39 here we have the scenario of a person coming before God with all the afflictions of the heart. Solomon asks that God would forgive and help [or act] giving that person justice or mercy since God alone knows the truth… the inner motivations of the human heart and mind.Example: sometimes I am talking or counseling with a person… they are doing, or saying, crazy, illogical stuff… then I find out there is some dark secret in their past… abused or neglected as a child, some traumatic event in youth… and I say to myself “ahh, that’s why they react that way”… I feel better able to understand.As a fellow human being what I see is like the tip of an iceberg floating by… I may see the small crest of ice bu

To understand the New Covenant we begin with the Old Covenant. Summary: the Old Covenant was an agreement [a deal] between the God of Creation and Israel [the descendants of Abraham]. God promised to protect, to provide for, and to give honored status to Israel. Israel promised to obey God’s commandments, laws and judgments. If Israel failed to obey… blessings from God would stop and instead they would receive curses [punishments].Deuteronomy 5:29 God knew Israel would not be able to keep up their end of the deal. They did not have the heart and mind to obey. Through animal sacrifice He provided a temporary way for them to pay a penalty for sins and reconcile themselves to Him.That temporary setup of the Old Covenant was always intended to be upgraded to the everlasting system of the New Covenant. The perfect and complete sacrifice of Jesus Christ would proved the true saving power the temporary system of animal sacrifice could only hint at. Only through the receipt of the Holy Spirit the heart be transformed to love and obey God always.Ephesians 1:3-14 SPS: to give a comparison and contrast between the Old Covenant and the New itemizing key elements such as: promise, commandment, sacrifice, tabernacle, and priesthood.God’s word presents the New Covenant as BETTER… everlasting promises, heartfelt understanding of His commandments, a real and effective sacrifice instead of a placeholder, a perfect and all knowing priest with 24/7/365 access to both the presence of God and the believer.The goals are better and the means to accomplish them is also made better. The PromisesThe old covenant was framed around promises from God. If Israel would love and obey Him… He would be their God and bless them with land and crops, physical well-being and health, protection from their enemies.Numbers 26:53 the promise of the land in the old covenant was referred to as Israel’s inheritance. The land was to be their possession all the days of their lives and then passed on to their children. The covenant also included various laws and statutes to ensure the ownership of the land stayed in the family… the 50 year jubilee, laws of property boundaries etc. The idea was a permanent and lasting possession of material property.Exodus 23:25-26 the promise of physical well-being, long life, and plenty of children to carry on the family name was great… but you still end up dead. What ever joy and abundance God provided came to an end the day you died. The new covenant contains a better promise of resurrection to everlasting life and a place of honor within the family of God Himself. Currently, we are His begotten children but after our resurrection we will be brought into the family and given full rights and responsibilities… including our share in the possession of all things, because the God family owns all the universe. Ephesians 1:11 – eternal lifeRevelation 21:7 – all creationThe CommandmentsThe commandments and laws of God hold a key position in the framework of the covenant agreement. Israel promised to obey and do what God commanded in response to His offer of blessings and land.Exodus 24:7-8 signed the deal in blood. Exodus 31:19 God gave Moses 2 stone tablets personally inscribed with the commandments. These were to be placed within the ark as a witness to the terms of the covenant.The commandments represent the mind and will of God. They were inscribed on stone to create as permanent a record as we can achieve on our earth. But even that wasn’t enough. A law written on stones could only serve to inform about, or remind of, what constitutes sin. Such a presentation of God’s commandments was a condemnation of sin and the proscribed the penalty of death. Note: this is why the old covenant is referred to as a law of death… or as a guardian meant to keep the people fenced in until the appointed time when the new covenant would be introduced. Jeremiah 31:31-34 the commandments also hold a central place in the new covenant as much as the old. The

A review of scriptural examples of baptisms in the gospels and Acts and an explain how we use these to inform our current best practices and procedures for baptism in the Church of God The Baptism of JohnMark 1:2-5 it was a baptism of repentance for the remission of sinMatthew 3:6 repentance involves an acknowledgment of personal sins and a conviction to make changes in what we do.Matthew 3:7-9 repentance involves making personal changes in your life. To acknowledge sin, to be convinced of the need for change, and before entering into baptism to make some initial moves to redirect your life. [see also Acts 26:20 observable repentance remained in place for the more complete baptism later offered by the church under the new covenant]Sin [and therefore the path of repentance] is defined by the commandments and the law Romans 7:7. So, a person who seeks baptism must: know what God’s commands and laws are be convicted that they are to live guided by these same laws show some initial progress on the path of personal change as a token of intentSo, for example, the Church of God would not baptize someone who is not keeping the 4th commandment. Flagrant violation of any other commandment would also stop the process in its tracks… but the Sabbath serves as a rather effective initial demonstration of intent. Its both highly visible and requires a measure of personal sacrifice.As another example, the Church of God would not baptize someone who has not passed through the age of puberty. It’s doubtful they would fully understand the commandments and laws related to sexual purity. After puberty they would have a very different outlook on the matter. Luke 7:29-30 The Pharisees clearly had knowledge of the commandments and the law but something was missing. Such as the spirit of love and humility. Therefore baptism also includes having the right attitude. The Baptism of JesusJesus is recorded as having submitted himself to baptism: Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:7-9.John points out the logical conundrum of Jesus seeking baptism. John’s baptism was for the forgiveness of sin. Jesus however, lived without sin. “Why do you seek baptism from me”?Jesus answer: it will serve as a conspicuous display of what must be done. The path of righteousness includes a formal, public declaration of intent. Baptism is not a personal, mystical experience. Baptism is done in front of a witness(es). During His ministry Jesus taught His disciples to baptize: John 4:1-2 After His resurrection Jesus commanded the church to continue baptizing: Mark 16:15-16Jesus’ baptism also gave a preview of something new: the receipt of the Holy Spirit. Only until after Jesus death and return to the throne room of God would anyone else receive this important addition.Matthew 3:11 John knew the baptism he provided was incomplete and the receipt of the Holy Spirit would be added to the baptism of repentance.The New Covenant Baptism FormulaActs 1:5 the resurrected Jesus repeats what John previously said about the addition of the Holy Spirit in the baptism event.Then about a week later the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples in a very dramatic fashion with signs and wonders. As a result a crowd gathers. Peter steps forward and begins teaching them about the meaning of Jesus life, death, and resurrection. Acts 2:38 Peter delivers an expanded baptism formula:Repent - acknowledgment, conviction, commitment to change, elsewhere the phrase “believe and be baptized” is used reinforcing the idea that repentance is a change of thinking and attitude.Baptism - forgiveness and washing away of sinsHoly Spirit - the seed or down payment of eternal life and the life giving power of God in youThis is the formula the Church of God uses today.The Laying on of HandsActs 8:12-17 these people were baptized after they accepted the teachings of the scriptures concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ… but they did not receive the Holy Spirit until some additional steps were taken. The

The basis for charges of racism made against God and His word come from many different directions but revolve around a common theme: the establishment of Israel as God’s chosen people. In this way, critics portray the entire bible as based upon God’s favor of one race over others. Specific examples often cited include: ➤ God’s command to wipe out the Canaanites Deuteronomy 20:16-17 ➤ Religious exclusivity and forbidding intermarriage with other nations Numbers 25:1-3, Nehemiah 13:23-30 ➤ Jesus’ comments to a Canaanite woman Matthew 15:22-28 To some these are examples of racial preference found in scripture. Let’s see if we can learn a bit more about how God views different races and peoples using His word to guide us. ----------------------------- FREE eBook -------------------------------------- If you want to explore this subject as a personal study of your own, request a copy of YOU CAN UNDERSTAND BIBLE PROPHECY to start learning more about the role of Israel among the nations in the Millenial setting. See it for yourself in the pages of your own bible. Here's a link to the request page:➤ http://ucgraleigh.blogspot.com/p/discover-how-to-interpret-scriptural.html ------------------------------- Find UCGRaleigh ------------------------------- Find a UCG church near you: ➤ http://ucg.org/congregations/ Follow UCG Raleigh ➤ https://www.facebook.com/UCGRaleigh.main.page ➤ https://twitter.com/UCGRaleigh Subscribe to the UCG Raleigh podcast on ➤ iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/united-church-of-god-raleigh/id1315758270➤ CastBox https://castbox.fm/channel/Weekly-Sabbath-Sermon-id1094811 Subscribe to this channel: ➤ http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=UCGx5BY50CSiEWOdNMDJ2gNw Share this video: https://youtu.be/U2fiX8-fagc