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 It
is quite natural for people who visit with religious groups
other than their own, to wonder about their practices.
Genuine concern should be encouraged — it is far better than
an "I could care less" attitude, which often means we
have no genuine convictions about our own religion.
Do
you wonder why we baptize — why we immerse in water, rather
than simply sprinkle a little water on the head of the
candidate? We will answer your question. We immerse because the
word "baptize" meant "immerse, submerge, dip or
plunge under" in the first century when the N.T. was given
(see any good Greek-English Lexicon.) Paul called baptism a
"burial" (Rom. 6:3-4; Col. 2:12) and in an example of
NT baptism "they went down both into the water, both Philip
and the eunuch." (Acts 8:38)
Now,
we wonder also! We wonder why you sprinkle
and do not immerse. Can you give a Bible answer? Will you??
Do
you wonder why we SING but do not PLAY a mechanical instrument
of music in the worship? Fair question. We SING because it is authorized
in N.T. church worship (1 Cor. 14:15). We do not PLAY, because
there is no authority for such. (see Acts 16:25; Eph. 5:19; Col.
3:16; Heb. 2:12) We do not appeal to the Old Testament (which
authorizes animal sacrifice, incense burning, etc.) because we
are now subject to the law of Christ. (Heb. 7:12)
We
wonder why you, who claim to be following Christ, insist
on PLAYING??
Do
you wonder why we partake of the Lord's Supper every First Day
of the week? The early disciples did so "upon the first day
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—". (Acts 20:7) We have
authority, therefore, to do this whenever the First Day comes
(compare "Remember the Sabbath —" meaning
whenever a Sabbath occurred) and no limitations suggested. (See
1 Cor. 11:23-f; 1 Cor. 16:2) We are deeply concerned about what
and all that God would have us do -- surely a good
attitude.
What
scriptures do you give for a "once, twice, or four
times a year" partaking of the Lord's Supper??
Do
you wonder why we preach and practice
congregational independence? It is because there is no authority
in the N.T. for anything else. Oversight (Acts 14:23; 1 Pet.
5:1-4) is on a local scale; treasury (1 Cor. 16:1-2; Phil. 4:15)
is on a local scale; hence collective action is on a local
scale.
If
you think you find authority for oversight and treasury on a
brotherhood scale (churches acting collectively) why do
you continue to preach congregational independence? Or,
if you preach and practice denominational organization--, on
what authority ?
Do
you wonder why we insist upon N.T. authority for our faith and
practice, Good question! We are trying to "do all in the
name of the Lord Jesus." (Col. 3:17) We strive to act in
keeping with the spirit of truth. (1 Jn. 4:6) We desire to walk
in fellowship with Almighty God. (1 Jn. 1:6-f 2 Jn. 9-11)
We
wonder how you could love the Lord, and claim fellowship with
Him, on any other basis. (Jn. 14:23,17:17)
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