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NASB | 1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one [Holy] Spirit we were all baptized into one body, [spiritually transformed--united together] whether Jews or Greeks (Gentiles), slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one [Holy] Spirit [since the same Holy Spirit fills each life]. [Rom 3:22; Gal 3:28] |
Subject: Baptized before serving in choir |
Bible Note: Dear Sister Azure, Our brothers CDBJ and BradK have given very good answers. You might want to look into what the Puritans called the "Regulative Principle." It seeks to address the question of how we ought to worship God. The Westminster Confession states it this way: "The light of nature showeth that there is a God, who hath lordship and sovereignty over all, is good, and doth good unto all, and is therefore to be feared, loved, praised, called upon, trusted in, and served, with all the heart, and with all the soul, and with all the might. (Romans 1:20; Psalm 19:1-4a; 50:6; 86:8-10; 89:5-7; 95:1-6; 97:6; 104:1-35; 145:9-12; Acts 14:17; Deuteronomy 6:4-5) But the acceptable way of worshiping the true God is instituted by Himself, and so limited by His own revealed will, that He may not be worshiped according to the imaginations and devices of men, or the suggestions of Satan, under any visible representation, or any other way not prescribed in the Holy Scripture. (Deuteronomy 4:15-20; 12:32; Matthew 4:9-10; 15:9; Acts 17:23-25; Exodus 20:4-6, John 4:23-24; Colossians 2:18-23)" Although this does not have direct bearing on your specific question regarding choir members, perhaps the notion conveyed has some value for your efforts in your church's music ministry. I believe it is very clear that a lost person cannot worship God, nor would I deem any effort to do so by a lost person as worthy of God! Indeed, I'd rather hear one tone-deaf believer praising God than thousands of perfectly trained singers who are lost. This perspective is not shared by everyone in American churches. In some churches it is not uncommon to actually hire professional musicians for worship services, without concern for their personal relationship with God. By the way, if you look into the Regulative Principle, realize that the discussions of these old theologians were distinctly Western. In some cases they may have erred by misconstruing cultural norms for Scriptural norms. It seems to me that Christian thinking has only gradually and recently begun to understand transcultural mandates from Scripture. Regarding the question of baptism among Jews, you might be interested in my post #157451. Baptism is, indeed, practiced by Jews. As you might expect, the fundamental ideas behind baptism differ substantially between Jews and Christians. We all will be praying for you, sister, as you serve the Body in the music ministry! May God grant you wisdom and insight as you seek to honor Him. In Him, Doc |