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I know this is a massive article I’m sharing, lol, but I’ve agreed with anything I’ve read from this website (and everything I’ve seen/read at the Creation Museum and Ark Encounter). This article explains why they believe the earth was created in six literal 24-hour days.
And to answer the question, I am also a young-earth creationist.
Write what should not be forgotten. — Isabel Allende
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wow… nobody’s talked on this in a long time heh.
What is your denomination?
I don’t subscribe to any one denomination. I’m just a bible-believing disciple of Christ.
“Christianity came to Greece and became a philosophy. It came to Italy and became an institution. It came to Europe and became a culture. It came to America and became a business.”
Did you grow up with this denomination? Are you still growing up with it? Or did you convert to it yourself?
My theology and understanding of God has changed a lot over the years. So different from what they were when I started Kingdom Pen. I’ve attended many different churches and denominations over the years, and even worked at a Presbyterian church for a couple of years.
How many books are in your bible? And if you wish, what are those books?
66
How many people in your family are that denomination? (If any are a separate denomination, or religion)
Everyone in my immediate family believe the same.
How many sacraments do you have? (If any…again, I am not sure if there is a denomination with zero sacraments)
Every one that’s in the Bible.
Who is the head of your denomination? (i.e. The pope for Catholics.)
Jesus.
Who is your favorite hero from the Bible? (Can’t be Jesus. But he should be all of ours.)
Probably David.
And finally, what is your favorite tradition from your religion? (It could be a family christian tradition, or a church tradition Example: Whenever my family hears a siren we pray a Hail Mary.)
Christmas.
My Music:
YouTube: @andromedacoastmusic
Learn Music production: https://www.orpheusuniversity.com/[quote quote=201797] @theducktator Mark 16:16 — Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 1 Peter 3:21 — 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, Romans 6:4-5 — We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.[/quote]
Really good verses. I didn’t understand the purpose of baptism for a really long time. Didn’t really get it until a few years ago. I thought it was just a symbol and not important.
The Bible is very clear on how to be saved. In Acts 2:38, the crowd asks Peter what they must do to be saved. He says: “Repent AND be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
The book of Acts is the ONLY book in the Bible where we see people getting saved. Everyone who gets “saved”, or rather born again, are immediately baptized. Also, anytime the word “baptized” is used, it’s talking about a water baptism. Not something spiritual.
Jesus does talk to Nicodemus about needing to be born again of “water and spirit”, that’s talking water baptism, and receiving the Holy Spirit.
The thief on the cross happened before Christ’s death and resurrection, so he was still under the old covenant and baptism didn’t exist yet, so that’s not really relevant here. Christ defeating sin and death and rising from the dead changed everything. We moved from the Law into Grace.
There were even people who believed in God, but hadn’t been baptized or received the Holy Spirit (Cornelius for example in Acts 10), which shows that just having a faith in God is an incomplete faith. I think Cornelius would likely have still gone to heaven, but he was incomplete.
Christ’s primary ministry wasn’t really about getting people into heaven when they died. It was about getting people into heaven BEFORE they died. He taught on “The Kingdom of Heaven”, which includes so much more than just heaven the physical place.
Paul goes on to explain WHY baptism is important in Romans 6. Baptism is both a bath and a burial.
In order to receive the blood of Christ, we have to share in Christ’s death and resurrection, and we do that through water baptism (Peter backs this up as well). It’s also where your old man is put to death and you become free from sin, so you no longer have to be a slave to sin.
Baptism is not supposed to be an outward sign of following God, or a good work. That’s nowhere found in the Bible. It’s how we share in Christ’s death and resurrection and die to sin. This is why Peter compares it to Noah’s flood. The Flood is a picture of salvation through the water. Paul says the same thing and points out that the Israelites passing through the Red Sea was also foreshadowing water baptism. It’s where their old life/the old man (Egypt) was put to death and they became a new creation.
“How can we who died to sin still live in it? Or are you unaware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we were buried with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life.”
Don’t get me wrong. I believe salvation is through faith in Christ alone. But the understanding of “faith” that the Jews had is different from our more “Greek” understanding today. Faith didn’t just mean mental assent, but a belief that actually impacted and shaped your actions.
Grace is not opposed to effort, it’s opposed to earning. We can’t earn salvation through good works, but there are some steps we have to take to be born again. Even if you only believed in “The Sinner’s Prayer” to be saved, that is still a “work” or effort on your part that you would have to do.
But I also believe Christianity was never meant to be turned into a religion in the first place. In the first century after Jesus ascended into heaven, following Jesus’ teachings was referred to as “The Way”. It wasn’t a religion at all. It was life transformation. It was a different lifestyle. So while I do believe there are absolutely spiritual laws that are unbending, just like physical laws, I would also say there can be exceptions to the rule or the way God set things up to work (like with the unborn or young children).
My wife has a really powerful baptism story that you can watch here if you want (viewer discretion is advised as there are a lot of dark and graphic subjects discussed). There’s even a clip of her getting baptized in this video.
She grew up in an extremely abusive religious cult and was dealing with all the trauma from that. When she was baptized, all of that washed away, and she was even healed of Lyme disease which she battled for years.
Baptism doesn’t just wash away your sin, but also all the sin that has been done to you. God is SO good. 🙂
My Music:
YouTube: @andromedacoastmusic
Learn Music production: https://www.orpheusuniversity.com/Hello! This is a very interesting Q & A. I like the idea! Thanks for posting it. Here are my answers to the questions:
1. Okay, so this is a complicated one. My family is part of a nondenominational church, but we largely agree with the Evangelical Free church my mom was raised in (At least the doctrines they taught when she was there in the 2000’s. I don’t know if they have changed since then.) However, I attend a Southern Baptist youth group on Wednesdays.
2. I grew up nondenominational and am still in it, though I was the one who instigated going to a different youth group than the one in my home church.
3. There are 66 books in my Bible. They include (takes a deep breath): Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Ester, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Isiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniela, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude and Revelation.
4. My immediate family all follows the same denomination. Several on my dad’s side are Presbyterians. My aunt and uncle on my mom’s side are Baptist (Southern, I think.) There are many more Christians in my extended family, but I’m not sure what denominations they are.
5. We do baptism and communion, but I don’t think we’d usually call them sacraments in my church. We’d probably refer to them more as a declaration of our faith.
6. We don’t really have a denominational head. We’re more like a true American style church (lol), with one Elder Board that rotates elders every few years, a Pastoral team, and one head Pastor.
7. My favorite in the Bible has to be Paul. He did so many things, wasn’t afraid of death, and most of all he remained humble even in spite of all the great things he truly did do for God.
8. I love Christmas. When we’re at my mom’s side of the family for Christmas, we always act out the nativity story with a little wooden nativity set my grandparents have while my grandpa reads the story aloud. It’s always been one of my favorite traditions that helps me focus back on God in rough times, and when there are presents waiting under the tree.
There once was a snail who was depressed and would do anything for his girlfriend. Didn't end well.
WOW.
I love when people know the Word and use the Word to explain the Word. I agree in so many areas!
SO! 😁😁😁 I actually was doing some study yesterday on baptism, from a section I don’t believe you mentioned, and I thought was cool!!!
Colossians 2:11-12. When we strip away the prepositional phrases, we can see how the main verb and the (participle?) interact.
“In him also you were circumcised. . . having been buried with him in baptism”
This “circumcision”, isn’t like the circumcision given to Abraham, but is “made without hands” (God does it) and is the “putting off the body of the flesh“, (“uncircumcised flesh” that we are “dead in“)
Romans 8:13 ESV – “For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”
It makes sense that death of the old fleshly man and burial would be together.
Deuteronomy 21:22-23 ESV — “And if a man has committed a crime punishable by death and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, his body shall not remain all night on the tree, but you shall bury him the same day, for a hanged man is cursed by God. You shall not defile your land that the LORD your God is giving you for an inheritance.
I thing you could also go somewhere with circumcision beimg a sign of the covenant relationship between Abraham and God (Gen 17:11)
So, yeah! Hopefully you don’t mind my geeking out! 😁
Also, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”
It’s a separate wonderful, glorious, and empowering part of the relationship!
Exactly! Love geeking out over the Bible! Baptism is the new circumcision. There are so many other passages and example of baptism all throughout scripture that are all consistent and point to this reality.
Passover for example. The Israelites had to be covered by the blood of the lamb by spreading the blood on their doorposts. We now receive the blood of the lamb through baptism.
Also, yes! Receiving the Holy Spirit is a separate event. I didn’t realize that for a long time and thought I just automatically received the Holy Spirit when I said the sinner’s prayer.
But it’s very clear when you read Acts that it is a separate event and it’s usually also very visible when someone receives.
My Music:
YouTube: @andromedacoastmusic
Learn Music production: https://www.orpheusuniversity.com/My family started out going to an Evangelical Free church as well, I used to work at a Presbyterian church, and I’ve a southern baptist church before too, so a little familiar with all of that. My views on God and the Bible have changed pretty radically since I was a kid though.
But definitely agree with the EF belief in “unity in essentials, liberty in non-essentials, and charity in all things”.
Christmas is also our favorite time of the year too. Definitely miss the snow though living in Florida now.
My Music:
YouTube: @andromedacoastmusic
Learn Music production: https://www.orpheusuniversity.com/Yes, I agree! Definitely very visible!
Do you believe that there are different kinds of visual signs (besides love) that someone has received the Holy Spirit or just one?
I think that, since when we receive the Spirit, “you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father! The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” (Rom 8:15-16 ESV) and “On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’” (Mat 7:22-23 ESV) that prophesying, casting out devils, and doing mighty works isn’t the sign that someone has received the Spirit, since I don’t think God could say that he never knew someone who had been adopted as one of his children.
Personally, I think its praying in tongues (Not tongues and interpretation that’s only supposed to be done one by one, up to three, and someone interprets, but personal praying in tongues, like the group of Jews in Acts 2, all the room full of Gentiles, and 12 disciples of John.) I’ve gotten to work with kids, and. . . well, those who have prayed in tongues are just so much more sensitive and kind. To the point that, I’ve come across a kiddo (maybe 9 or 10) who, without any adult proding, was distraught just because he had been mean to another kid and he didn’t want to be bad anymore. . . From what I learned, neither of his parents cared what he did, so in the past he had just done whatever he wanted to.
Hey! Quick question, since you’re talking about the Holy Spirit!
I’ve had friends and acquaintances who say that you have to experience Holy Spirit through a sign like speaking in tongues, and if you don’t, you aren’t saved. There’s also the alternate belief that you can be saved without the Spirit, but the ideal place in a Christian’s life is to have the Spirit. As if He is something only some Christians have.
I find both beliefs discouraging, especially the first, because I have never spoken in tongues. I don’t believe I can be a Christian without the Spirit working within me. But I’ve never spoken in tongues or any of that, and I don’t feel any conviction to do so. There’s an implication that my Christian flame is dim because of that.
But I know the Spirit is within me. I’m saved, and without Him, so much of my conviction, sanctification, and desire for Christian fellowship wouldn’t be possible. I think there are many ways the Spirit works through us, to show the fruits of His presence. I also believe every Christian receives Him when they are saved, for various reasons.
What are y’all’s opinions on this? I haven’t had a good opportunity to have a conversation about this before. I know some people believe very differently than I do.
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To be clear, I’m just curious to know what y’all think and I have no intention of getting heated.
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I rarely enter these conversations, although it’s not because I don’t have thoughts to share. XD But I saw your post and thought I might have something to add.
As someone who does believe that speaking in tongues is the innitial sign of new birth by the Spirit, I still do not want to discount the experience you have with God. I fully believe that you have seen God’s grace and power in your life. That you do not see the Scriptures the same way I do and that you have had a different experience with God as a result is not surprising to me. We are all in a journey toward the fulness of Truth. I don’t have full understanding on everything any more than you do.
Do I belive two part baptism by water and by Spirit is the Biblical way of life in Jesus, and that it is necessary for salvation? Yes. Our faith if only as strong as our obediance (Scripturally) and I see evidence for “repent and be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of you sins and ye shall recieve the gift of the Holy Ghost” all throughout the Bible. Ephesians calls this baptism in the Spirit the “seal” by which we are prepared for eternal redemption. It’s not about tongues although they are a significant sign and there are reasons God chose them, but it’s about spiritual renewal to the fullest promise of God. There is a richness offered in this infilling that is beyond beautiful. Honestly, it is an experience that I would wish everyone had. I would be a fearful, confused girl who felt absolutely cut off from God if not for the specific ways He has intervened in my life. I find healing in surrendering to His presence. How else can I be the temple of the living God? This is a promise given to all those who seek God. (Acts 1:5-8; 2:14-19, 49)
Now, I understand God has moved in your life, and continues to. You say you have felt the power of His Spirit dwelling with you. I believe that. He draws you into a deeper relationship with Him just like he draws me. That you follow after God without the same experience I have had is honestly impressive. I love you and will always be happy to support and pray with you as my friend. Also totally willing to answer questions to the best of my ability. Can I ask some of my own?
Still a ChaosGremlin™ on the inside.
I love you and will always be happy to support and pray with you as my friend.
That is very sweet of you to say, Elishavet. I also love you. I appreciate this and I am always willing to do the same for you. <3
Also totally willing to answer questions to the best of my ability.
I will keep that in mind. And thank you for your thoughts! I want to hear your perspective for the sake of understanding where other Christians are coming from. Some of the people who I learn from the most are people who come from vastly different backgrounds.
Can I ask some of my own?
Of course! Ask anything. It may take me some time to respond.
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To be clear, I’m just curious to know what y’all think and I have no intention of getting heated
I appreciate this! When things get heated. . . it makes me feel blah. 🤣
I will try my best with what little brains I have to expound upon the huge wonderful topic of the Holy Spirit.
First I want to touch on what’s not being filled with the Spirit.
In Acts 8 we see some awesome folks who truly want to know God. They believed Philip’s good news about Jesus, folks are delivered, healed, and baptised! There is GREAT joy in the city! . . . But, “the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them” (v. 16)
In Acts 10 and 11, there’s another amazing guy, Cornelius, who’s devotion and discipline would likely put any of ours to shame. He’s “a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God.” (Acts 10:2) Personally, this sounds like a guy I would want in my church and as my friend. . . But the angel that God sent told him “‘Send to Joppa and bring Simon who is called Peter; he will declare to you a message by which you will be saved, you and all your household.’” (Acts 11:14-13)
In Acts 19 Paul comes across 12 disiples of John who Paul appenently assuming already believed in Jesus, because he asked “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” Paul knows that people can believe and not have recieve the Spirit (the Samaritans). Johns disiples respond, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” So Paul decides to do some back tracking to figure out where he needs to start, so they can receive the Holy Ghost “And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John’s baptism.” And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying.” (Acts 19:3-6) Once again, people can believe and be baptized, but not have received the Spirit.
So, that leads me to the question, “How does someone received the Spirit?” (Because I want IT!)
Well, first, its something we received. I can’t make God give it to me. Its his gift, and He has to be the one to give it. Thankfully He wants to! “For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:10-13)
Peter said “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)
Once we do our part, repent, are baptized in Jesus name, and ask him for the Holy Spirit, its now on Him.
I’ve personally found that if I can get repentance out of the way (and truely be honest with God and surrender. . . Which I’ll be honest, isn’t very easy at time), then start praising him, after a bit I’ll start feeling his presence, and my tongue feels a little “funny”, but I’ll just keep thanking him, saying how awesome he is, etc, and. . . You may be surprised with what comes out. 😉
A couple things,
You don’t have to be at church, or have a preacher there (though it can help). Some of the most amazing encounters I’ve had with God, I was alone in my closet. (I’ve even heard of a person feeling God, going and locking themselves in a bathroom, and God filling them there. We have a guy in our churchs who received the Spirit in his living room with worship music playing.) Just respond whenever you feel God.
Begging God doesn’t help. I’ve gotten all upset at times at God (I needed Him and “He wasn’t listening to me”), and had to take a breather, then try talking to him again. On the day of Pentecostal, they where sitting when they received the Holy Spirit. I’ve found (but am still learning) that being relaxed and joyful tends to go a lot farther, the frustrated worried, amd upset. “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.” (Isa 12:3) “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” (Heb 11:6)
Finally, don’t be discouraged if you don’t receive it the first time you ask (the Samaritans didn’t). Its a relationship, not a checklist. Continue trying to became better and better friends with God.
I kinda don’t want to write this, because I don’t want to put any doubt in your mind, but it took me around 6 months of truely seeking God before he filled me at the age of 12. . . But, it was and is the best thing I have ever expirienced. It satisfies, bring joy, and an almost crazy peace! I wouldn’t want to live without it (I have before, for at least a years, when I decided to do my own thing. It. was. miserable. But, once I finally got right with Him again. . . He’s been so SO kind to me!)
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