In this lesson we begin with the message titled Baptism and The Church … “37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” 38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the [a]remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:37-38). I often find it beyond the realm of explanation that at just the mention of the word “baptism” people are sent into a myriad of red flag responses. In Acts 2 verses 37 through 38 which you just read, and as you see in your own bibles, the text is simple, straightforward and easy to understand. Yet, to the many denominations in our world today, baptism is extremely contentious, controversial and even a combative subject. Honestly, I don’t understand why. When you read from Acts 2 and verse 38 it seems so simple, and is in harmony with every other scripture concerning baptism. Yet many, because of teachers that refuse to allow scripture to be right—have confused many by their opposing doctrine and contradictions.
But if you contend, as so many do, about the purpose of baptism—then you also must argue against many other simple verses on the subject—and prove they don’t mean what they clearly say. Many have confused the majority with their teaching hewing for, “themselves—broken cisterns that can hold no water” as Israel did in Jerusalem in the days of Jeremiah when God brought charges against the people for forsaking Him (Jer. 2:13). What I hope to accomplish in this lesson is to simplify. . .What must precede baptism, hopefully—stripping away any misunderstanding for the reason, and purpose of baptism.