“Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.” Acts 2:41, NLT I was reminded in a Zoom call led by Thabiti Anyawhile this week that in the verse above God gives pastors four boards that need to stay nailed together: Gospel preaching- “what Peter said” The cultivation of new converts- … Read More
Exclusive Prayer & Ministry Update- 091820
Hi Friends, I haven’t given you a ministry update in a bit but, over the coming weeks, I plan to give you several. This week, I have a couple of exciting changes to share: Next week, I hope to show you a reformatted and updated version of the Carpenter|Theologian blog. We will be adding several new features and preparing for … Read More
Baptism & Its’ Significance, Part 6 of 6
One Final Concern- The Critical Need for Intentionality on the Part of Church Leadership in Encouraging and Facilitating “Profession of Faiths” from Non-Communicant Members: Karl Barth wrote one of the most important works on baptism in the last century. In it, he gave a scathing critique of infant baptism (yet, interestingly, he was not in favor of abandoning the practice). Two … Read More
Baptism & Its Significance, Part 5 of 6
Here are a few remaining clarifications and comforts, as well as a call for unity: On the Difference Between Adult and Infant Baptism: “Those who embrace faith in Christ as grown… [adults], since they were previous strangers to the covenant, are not to be given the badge of baptism unless they first have faith and repentance, which alone can give … Read More
Baptism & Its Significance, Part 4 of 6
Why should it be done? This is really the most important issue. What exactly does baptism do? Why is it important? Does baptism make someone a Christian? Does it actually have the power to save someone? On these last two questions, the answer is no as our salvation is only by the sacrifice of Christ made for us on the … Read More
Baptism & Its Significance, Part 3 of 6
This week we’re continuing to look at when baptism should be done or part 2 of “The Case for Infant Baptism.” [Btw, the picture above is of my grandson, Theodore Jonathan Ginchereau (Theo). He’s my daughter, Emily, and Josh’s son whom you might remember was born two months premature in March. We’re so grateful that he is doing great now … Read More
Baptism & Its Significance, Part 2 of 6
Over the next two weeks, we’ll be looking at When Should Baptism Be Done? or The Case for Infant Baptism, Part 1 & 2. [Btw, the picture above is of my son, Timothy, and my granddaughter, Iris. He and his wife, Sarah, braved church for the first time last week! Crazy times…] When Should Baptism Be Done & The Case … Read More
Baptism & Its Significance, Part 1 of 6
Baptism is a big deal. The Christian Church worldwide (Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox) all agree that it’s related to the beginning of a person’s Christian life and the believer’s initiation into the church (both the universal invisible church and the local visible church). It is performed and received as an act of obedience to Christ who himself was baptized (Matt.3:13) … Read More
I Really Need Your Help with Two Things
Hi Friends! I hope you’re finding ways to keep encouraged and grateful despite all the COVID-confusion, misinformation, and polarization in our world. It can be so disheartening… Above is a favorite memory that has sustained me during this season. It’s from Father’s Day—the first time since the start of the pandemic that I had all my kids and grandkids together. … Read More
Getting Involved in Spiritual Transformation, Part 4 of 4
“The wicked are not so,but are like chaff that the wind drives away.Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;for the LORD knows the way of the righteous,but the way of the wicked will perish.” Psalm 1:6, ESV No one particularly likes the term “wicked” or thoughts regarding their destiny. In fact, … Read More