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NASB | John 8:31 ¶ So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | John 8:31 ¶ So Jesus was saying to the Jews who had believed Him, "If you abide in My word [continually obeying My teachings and living in accordance with them, then] you are truly My disciples. |
Subject: Free in Christ |
Bible Note: Hi, sonofmom... Most churches that practice infant baptism also practice believers baptism; for example, when an adult convert who has never been baptized joins a church. This would be the normal practice for Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Lutheran, Christian Reformed, Episcopol, Anglican, Presbyterian, etc. Given the Evangelical Covenant Church's roots in Lutheranism, it is not surprising that they would hold this particular praxes. In my opinion, describing the practice as "cultic" would be painting with too wide a brush. Credobaptists, however, generally have very specific doctrinal positions upon which they base the practice of believers baptism. Consequently, there might well be more fundamental issues of doctrine that might make membership problematic. For example, as a member do you say, "I agree with all of your believes except..." How are we to submit to the elders while holding an exception? Where there is one exception, there might well be others. This is a real issue for both members and elders. Another example, as a member of such a church, and holding the credobaptist doctrine, what do you do when the church baptizes an infant? Obviously, in love for the family involved, one would want to honor them and the occassion of the baptism. However, to participate would tacitly express a contrary teaching to the doctrine that one holds. (We teach by what we do as well as what we say.) So these things leave another alternative: attendance without membership. But that doesn't really solve all the problems. After all, what are we saying to others by refusing membership? That, in itself, teaches something contrary to what we believe. I can sympathize with the conundrum that you face. My family and I must travel an hour away from home to be members of the only Reformed Baptist Church in the state. My wife and I remind one another, "The doctrine is worth the distance!" One last thought: You have persevered in attending ten churches to find a home church. What if the Lord has purposed that you attend eleven? What if He wants you to see over twenty churches before you locate a congregation? You seem to be learning a lot of good things through the experience. You are also encouraging and teaching the rest of us that doctrine matters. Furthermore, God has been gracious to "raise the red flags" before you and the church joined into a union that might be a lot harder to break later on! In Him, Doc |