One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism
The New Testament teaches that Jesus established the basic doctrine of “one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” He also said there shall be “one fold and One Shepherd.”
But according to the World Christian Encyclopedia, Christianity's 2.2 billion followers are now fragmented into 18 major denominations plus thousands of other independent churches, totaling some 33,000 different groups throughout the world—all disagreeing with each other on sundry points of doctrine, all competing with each other, and some even criticizing and demeaning their fellow Christians. To add to the splintering effect, dozens of differing versions of the Bible are in use.
Take baptism for example: The New Testament says baptism is absolutely essential for one's salvation (John 3:5, Acts 2:38). Jesus showed precisely how it was to be done by being immersed in water (Matt 3:16, Mark 1:10, Rom 6:4). However, many churches baptize by pouring or sprinkling. Some do not baptize at all.
Another example—even though the Bible repeatedly talks of the physical attributes of God (Gen 1: 27, Ex 33:11, 2 Cor 4:4), many churches claim God is only a spirit. Isn’t it obvious that something is very much amiss in the Christian world?
But according to the World Christian Encyclopedia, Christianity's 2.2 billion followers are now fragmented into 18 major denominations plus thousands of other independent churches, totaling some 33,000 different groups throughout the world—all disagreeing with each other on sundry points of doctrine, all competing with each other, and some even criticizing and demeaning their fellow Christians. To add to the splintering effect, dozens of differing versions of the Bible are in use.
Take baptism for example: The New Testament says baptism is absolutely essential for one's salvation (John 3:5, Acts 2:38). Jesus showed precisely how it was to be done by being immersed in water (Matt 3:16, Mark 1:10, Rom 6:4). However, many churches baptize by pouring or sprinkling. Some do not baptize at all.
Another example—even though the Bible repeatedly talks of the physical attributes of God (Gen 1: 27, Ex 33:11, 2 Cor 4:4), many churches claim God is only a spirit. Isn’t it obvious that something is very much amiss in the Christian world?
Jesus was baptized by immersion by John the Baptist in the River Jordan (Matt 3:13-17)
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Painting depicting John the Baptist baptizing Jesus by pouring water on his head
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HOW TO TELL WHAT IS THE TRUTH AND WHAT IS NOT
Like many people, you may be a bit confused because of all the differing opinions about the right way to Heaven. Finding the way starts with reading the holy scriptures, especially about the life of Christ and His mission to redeem all mankind from sin and death. Then you pray sincerely about what you have read, asking God if it is true.
The sacred principle involved goes like this:
"When you read these things (the Holy Scriptures), ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if you ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost you may know the truth of all things."
When the Holy Ghost bears witness of the truth to an individual, it is accompanied by a feeling very similar to what one might experience listening to a great symphony. They feel an excitement, a swelling in the breast, a sudden shortness of breath. He or she might even tear up a bit.
Like many people, you may be a bit confused because of all the differing opinions about the right way to Heaven. Finding the way starts with reading the holy scriptures, especially about the life of Christ and His mission to redeem all mankind from sin and death. Then you pray sincerely about what you have read, asking God if it is true.
The sacred principle involved goes like this:
"When you read these things (the Holy Scriptures), ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if you ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost you may know the truth of all things."
When the Holy Ghost bears witness of the truth to an individual, it is accompanied by a feeling very similar to what one might experience listening to a great symphony. They feel an excitement, a swelling in the breast, a sudden shortness of breath. He or she might even tear up a bit.
FIND OUT IF YOU ARE YOU ONE OF HIS LOST SHEEP.
Jesus said: "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." Are you one of his lost sheep? Try this: As you read the following information, also pray to know if what you are reading is true. The Holy Spirit works in different ways with different people and the answer may not come about immediately. But if you persist, a whole new world will be added to your understanding, regardless of your present beliefs or circumstances.
GO TO CHAPTER 1: A CLOSE LOOK AT THE CHURCH WHICH CHRIST ORGANIZED
Jesus said: "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." Are you one of his lost sheep? Try this: As you read the following information, also pray to know if what you are reading is true. The Holy Spirit works in different ways with different people and the answer may not come about immediately. But if you persist, a whole new world will be added to your understanding, regardless of your present beliefs or circumstances.
GO TO CHAPTER 1: A CLOSE LOOK AT THE CHURCH WHICH CHRIST ORGANIZED
