Q & A
Can you tell me about baptism?
What is Water Baptism?
Water baptism is a public, outward expression that indicates a personal, inward faith. It gives evidence of the inner change that has already occurred in the believer’s life when he or she was “born again” through faith in Jesus Christ. Baptism identifies the believer with the message of the gospel, the Person of Jesus Christ, and other believers. It associates the believer with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and signifies the believer’s death to the old life and his or her resurrection to a new life in Christ (see Romans 6:1-8; Colossians 2:12).
Why should I be Baptized?
We are to be baptized because Jesus commanded it and established water baptism as a normal expectation for His followers (see Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16). Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Throughout the book of Acts, we read of the importance that the early church gave to baptism, and of how it was one of the first steps that people took after becoming a Christian (see Acts 9:18; 10:47-48; 16:15; 19:3-5).
Who should be Baptized?
All born-again believers in Jesus Christ should be baptized (see Mark 16:15-16; Acts 8:12, 36-38; 16:31-33; 18:8). After Peter spoke at Pentecost, “those who gladly received his word [in its entirety] were baptized” (Acts 2:41). While we do not believe in infant baptism, we do celebrate families dedicating themselves to raising their children in the Lord. There is scriptural precedence for infants being dedicated to the Lord. (see 1 Samuel 1:26-28). Children may be baptized if they confess Jesus as Lord and understand the significance of baptism.
Is water baptism required for Salvation?
The Bible clearly teaches that we are saved by grace through faith (see Ephesians 2:8-9) and according to God’s mercy (see Titus 3:5). The thief on the cross next to Jesus had no time to be baptized; yet Jesus promised that he would be with Him in Paradise that day (see Luke 23:43). The Apostle Paul declared, “For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel…” (1 Corinthians 1:17). This clearly indicates that water baptism is not an act necessary to receive salvation, but it is an act of obedience.
Contact Pastor Dave if you would like to be baptized or if you want to know more about baptism.
Water baptism is a public, outward expression that indicates a personal, inward faith. It gives evidence of the inner change that has already occurred in the believer’s life when he or she was “born again” through faith in Jesus Christ. Baptism identifies the believer with the message of the gospel, the Person of Jesus Christ, and other believers. It associates the believer with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and signifies the believer’s death to the old life and his or her resurrection to a new life in Christ (see Romans 6:1-8; Colossians 2:12).
Why should I be Baptized?
We are to be baptized because Jesus commanded it and established water baptism as a normal expectation for His followers (see Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16). Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Throughout the book of Acts, we read of the importance that the early church gave to baptism, and of how it was one of the first steps that people took after becoming a Christian (see Acts 9:18; 10:47-48; 16:15; 19:3-5).
Who should be Baptized?
All born-again believers in Jesus Christ should be baptized (see Mark 16:15-16; Acts 8:12, 36-38; 16:31-33; 18:8). After Peter spoke at Pentecost, “those who gladly received his word [in its entirety] were baptized” (Acts 2:41). While we do not believe in infant baptism, we do celebrate families dedicating themselves to raising their children in the Lord. There is scriptural precedence for infants being dedicated to the Lord. (see 1 Samuel 1:26-28). Children may be baptized if they confess Jesus as Lord and understand the significance of baptism.
Is water baptism required for Salvation?
The Bible clearly teaches that we are saved by grace through faith (see Ephesians 2:8-9) and according to God’s mercy (see Titus 3:5). The thief on the cross next to Jesus had no time to be baptized; yet Jesus promised that he would be with Him in Paradise that day (see Luke 23:43). The Apostle Paul declared, “For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel…” (1 Corinthians 1:17). This clearly indicates that water baptism is not an act necessary to receive salvation, but it is an act of obedience.
Contact Pastor Dave if you would like to be baptized or if you want to know more about baptism.
How do I become a member of Rim View Community Church?
Pastor Dave is always willing to meet with anyone who is feeling like God may be leading them to join Rim View Community Church. You may seek him out privately or during the invitation time of any Sunday morning service, or contact him here.
Rim View Community Church receives new members in the following ways:
All new members must attend a New Members Class in addition to:
Rim View Community Church receives new members in the following ways:
All new members must attend a New Members Class in addition to:
- Making a Statement of Faith: This means you are willing to publicly announce that you know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior and would like to be baptized in our church or you have already been baptized according to believers baptism as stated above.
- A Transfer Letter: You know Christ as your personal Lord and Savior and have been baptized by immersion and are moving your membership from another Baptist church of like faith and message.
More Tough Questions
Why do Christians think Jesus is the only way to God?
One of the most common criticisms of Christianity is that it is too narrow minded and not tolerant toward other religions. Many people struggle with the idea that there is only one way to heaven, but within this struggle we must understand who Jesus claimed to be and what He claimed. Jesus claimed to be equal with God (John 5:19-25) and proved it by demonstrating His power over the physical world (Matthew 8:3-13), the spiritual world (Mat. 8:16-17) and nature itself (Mat. 8:23-27). The world claims that Jesus was a great man, a good teacher and a prophet of God. But Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). If one believes the bible is true, we must seriously consider the weight of His statement. The truth is always narrow. Truth is not relative. You cannot have multiple and opposing “truths.” Jesus was either completely irrational, a liar or exactly who He said He was, The Son of God, the Messiah and the only way to the Father. Christians believe He is who He said He is: the only way to God the Father.
Why would a loving God send anyone to hell?
First of all, it is God’s desire that no one spend eternity apart from Him, so much so that He has made provision for every person. It is also important to note that Hell was not made for people; it was made for Satan and the “fallen” angels who rebelled against God (Matthew 25:41). The Bible teaches that God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). That is why the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ made payment for our sin. Anyone can be considered blameless before God if they are willing to trust in the work of His Son, turn from sin and stop their lifelong rebellion against God. He clearly states that life is only found in Him and whoever desires life must come to Him. Only God and God alone can forgive sin, cleanse someone from sin and declare someone justified to stand innocent before Him. It is because we have chosen to pay no attention to God, because we have no desire to know Him (Romans 1:25), and do not love Him or trust Him that we do not take part in His redemptive work and are condemned to live eternally apart from Him.
When we die there are only two places we can go: We can dwell for eternity in the presence of God, where we will be in the fullness of relationship with Him and utter worship of Him, which is Heaven. Or we can go to Hell which is the absence of God’s presence and the loss of all relationship with Him. Let me ask a question: If someone does not want or desire a relationship with God now, why would someone want or desire a relationship with God for eternity? These people desire Hell not Heaven. As C.S. Lewis once said, “The gates of Hell are locked from the inside.
Why does God allow bad things happen to good people?
We see a minimum of 5 references in the bible as to why it appears bad things are happening to good people. The first reason would be to build our character, in Genesis 37-41 we see Joseph struggling with seemingly bad things in his life only to find out God was building his character to be second in command over all Egypt. In 2 Samuel 12 we see the second possible reason, that being the consequences of a bad decision or personal sin. The prophet Nathan gives the bad news to King David, that his son will die. We find the third reason in John 11, in order to lead others to believe. This is the story of Jesus allowing Lazarus to die and then raising him from the dead leading others to believe in Him. Next in John 14-16 we find the fourth reason, that being, to build our personal faith. Jesus was teaching His disciples that they need to rely on personal faith in Him and not necessarily His physical presence. Lastly, in John 15 we find the reason that on this side of heaven, life's experience on planet earth can be rough for everyone. Jesus reminds us all that it was rough for Him too.
Are the Gospels believable and reliable?
The majority of information about Christ’s life is found in four documents: the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. If we are to believe Jesus is who He said He is, we must first determine the historical trustworthiness of these four documents. Since the gospels are ancient documents we will look at them applying the three tests that historians often use to determine the reliability of ancient documents:
1. Manuscript test: How many manuscript copies do we have today and how far removed are they from the original documents in terms of time?
2. External test: How do the documents hold up in regard to facts, dates and persons from other contemporary documents or archeology?
3. Internal test: What do the documents claim for themselves? Are they internally coherent? Are there any contradictions? What is the character of the authors?
Using these tests, one can believe that what they say about Christ is true, because the gospel accounts are reliable as historical and factual documents according to the standards historians have placed on determining these truths. If one will not accept the gospels as reliable and factual, there is either great bias or one must also throw out everything one knows and believes about ancient history.
Ultimately, when we hold the manuscript evidence, external evidence and internal evidences of the gospels to the same standards we hold all ancient documents, we must conclude that they are more than sufficient in establishing their credibility as historically factual and reliable.
One of the most common criticisms of Christianity is that it is too narrow minded and not tolerant toward other religions. Many people struggle with the idea that there is only one way to heaven, but within this struggle we must understand who Jesus claimed to be and what He claimed. Jesus claimed to be equal with God (John 5:19-25) and proved it by demonstrating His power over the physical world (Matthew 8:3-13), the spiritual world (Mat. 8:16-17) and nature itself (Mat. 8:23-27). The world claims that Jesus was a great man, a good teacher and a prophet of God. But Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). If one believes the bible is true, we must seriously consider the weight of His statement. The truth is always narrow. Truth is not relative. You cannot have multiple and opposing “truths.” Jesus was either completely irrational, a liar or exactly who He said He was, The Son of God, the Messiah and the only way to the Father. Christians believe He is who He said He is: the only way to God the Father.
Why would a loving God send anyone to hell?
First of all, it is God’s desire that no one spend eternity apart from Him, so much so that He has made provision for every person. It is also important to note that Hell was not made for people; it was made for Satan and the “fallen” angels who rebelled against God (Matthew 25:41). The Bible teaches that God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). That is why the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ made payment for our sin. Anyone can be considered blameless before God if they are willing to trust in the work of His Son, turn from sin and stop their lifelong rebellion against God. He clearly states that life is only found in Him and whoever desires life must come to Him. Only God and God alone can forgive sin, cleanse someone from sin and declare someone justified to stand innocent before Him. It is because we have chosen to pay no attention to God, because we have no desire to know Him (Romans 1:25), and do not love Him or trust Him that we do not take part in His redemptive work and are condemned to live eternally apart from Him.
When we die there are only two places we can go: We can dwell for eternity in the presence of God, where we will be in the fullness of relationship with Him and utter worship of Him, which is Heaven. Or we can go to Hell which is the absence of God’s presence and the loss of all relationship with Him. Let me ask a question: If someone does not want or desire a relationship with God now, why would someone want or desire a relationship with God for eternity? These people desire Hell not Heaven. As C.S. Lewis once said, “The gates of Hell are locked from the inside.
Why does God allow bad things happen to good people?
We see a minimum of 5 references in the bible as to why it appears bad things are happening to good people. The first reason would be to build our character, in Genesis 37-41 we see Joseph struggling with seemingly bad things in his life only to find out God was building his character to be second in command over all Egypt. In 2 Samuel 12 we see the second possible reason, that being the consequences of a bad decision or personal sin. The prophet Nathan gives the bad news to King David, that his son will die. We find the third reason in John 11, in order to lead others to believe. This is the story of Jesus allowing Lazarus to die and then raising him from the dead leading others to believe in Him. Next in John 14-16 we find the fourth reason, that being, to build our personal faith. Jesus was teaching His disciples that they need to rely on personal faith in Him and not necessarily His physical presence. Lastly, in John 15 we find the reason that on this side of heaven, life's experience on planet earth can be rough for everyone. Jesus reminds us all that it was rough for Him too.
Are the Gospels believable and reliable?
The majority of information about Christ’s life is found in four documents: the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. If we are to believe Jesus is who He said He is, we must first determine the historical trustworthiness of these four documents. Since the gospels are ancient documents we will look at them applying the three tests that historians often use to determine the reliability of ancient documents:
1. Manuscript test: How many manuscript copies do we have today and how far removed are they from the original documents in terms of time?
2. External test: How do the documents hold up in regard to facts, dates and persons from other contemporary documents or archeology?
3. Internal test: What do the documents claim for themselves? Are they internally coherent? Are there any contradictions? What is the character of the authors?
Using these tests, one can believe that what they say about Christ is true, because the gospel accounts are reliable as historical and factual documents according to the standards historians have placed on determining these truths. If one will not accept the gospels as reliable and factual, there is either great bias or one must also throw out everything one knows and believes about ancient history.
Ultimately, when we hold the manuscript evidence, external evidence and internal evidences of the gospels to the same standards we hold all ancient documents, we must conclude that they are more than sufficient in establishing their credibility as historically factual and reliable.