Category Archives: Sacraments

JMF asked, 1) Jay— Functionally, how would we go about asking if one had received the Spirit? As you said in your book, there are atheists that blow us away in ways that look like Spirit fruit. JMF, That’s a … Continue reading →

Guy said, (1) The Ephesian disciples would know they received the Spirit because when Paul laid his hands on them, they prophesied and spoke in tongues. That’s entirely true, but it’s not the only way to know whether someone has … Continue reading →

Infant baptism Now, the other place where the Churches of Christ (and Baptists) disagree with most of the rest of Christianity is in the acceptability of infant baptism (even if performed by immersion). I don’t want to re-walk well-worn ground, … Continue reading →

Comment regarding how to read the “faith is sufficient” passages Ray, In part 2 I listed dozens of verses that declare faith sufficient. You insist that they must say “faith alone.” But there’s more than one way to say something. … Continue reading →

Arland, I just posted a comment explaining how “faith” does not mean mere intellectual acceptance (except as used by James to condemn a false faith). I agree that the “faith being reckoned for righteousness” passages are a good place to … Continue reading →

I’ve been slow to join in the comments. Elders meeting Wednesday went late. Had a firm function Thursday night. Other stuff Friday. So today I’ve been playing catch up. Many readers don’t subscribe to the comments, so I’m going to … Continue reading →

Resolving the paradox So let’s be clear here. There are a bunch of verses that speak in terms of salvation occurring when we’re baptized. And there are a bunch of verses that say all people with faith (in the sense … Continue reading →

“Faith” in Paul and in John isn’t mere intellectual acceptance. The meaning of “faith” It’s true, of course, as I’ve frequently argued, that “faith” in Paul and John includes the sense of repentance or loyalty or faithfulness, but this is … Continue reading →

It’s hard to think new thoughts There’s this old preacher story — that is, it’s an old story, not necessarily a story told by old preachers. It’s goes like this — I was driving on the Alaska Highway from the … Continue reading →

As the series goes along, I’ll be addressing several of the comments within the flow of the overarching argument. This is just to add some additional thoughts prompted by the comments. There are two arguments being made in favor of … Continue reading →