tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1388370369187844627.post7579416962815480982..comments2024-03-12T10:35:54.578-05:00Comments on Homeward Bound: Saul of Tarsus Part 9Michael Boldea Jr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09695469447648193872noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1388370369187844627.post-29620893744218994652009-07-09T09:44:56.123-05:002009-07-09T09:44:56.123-05:00Michael,
I came across your article this morning ...Michael,<br /><br />I came across your article this morning (July 9, 2009) because I've been dealing just the last few days with the issue of water baptism. <br /><br />A little about my sitation - I grew up in church, going to a Christian school, having Christian parents, etc. I was always saturated in Christianity. <br /><br />I was baptized when I was twelve because I thought it was the "neat" thing to do. I was baptized again when I was 18 for the sole purpose of attention from a guy at church that I had a crush on. <br /><br />Around 2002, I felt that I needed to get serious with God & find out exactly who He was. I didn't know it at the time, but this was the Holy Spirit convicting me. I was baptized again when I was around 22 years old. This time, I had an inkling of what it meant, but still, I was searching and I don't know if I had full faith when I was baptized.<br /><br />In between all of this, I was having severe anxiety attacks that I wasn't saved. That everything was useless, I was stupid for "trying," and every other lie satan could hurl at me. A big problem for me is that when I get an idea in my head, I run with it. <br /><br />I went back into the world in 2005. It was a slow fade, but I was back out there in full force. In November of 2008, I was reading this booklet called, "Born of God." I can't remember who puts it out and I don't remember where I got it. But, I thought, "I'm not where I need to be..." and started seeking God, again. <br /><br />I think it's important to note that up until the Spirit started calling me in 2002, I had never experienced an anxiety attack. They were severe - to the point of being physically ill. And when I backslid, I didn't have a single one during the time I was in the world. But, when I decided to seek after the Truth again, the panic attacks came back.<br /><br />Like I said about taking an idea and running with it...A few months ago, I was certain I had blasphemed the Holy Spirit. Then, I was certain that the Reformed Calvinists were right and that God had possibly predestined me for Hell. Now, it's water baptism.<br /><br />I came across the verse in Mark 16:16 where Jesus said, "He who believes and it baptized shall be saved. He who does not believe shall be damned." I started thinking about my baptism "experiences," and started panicking. "Oh no...did I believe "right" when I was baptized?" Or was I just scared? I know fear can motivate you, but I didn't know where my FAITH was.<br /><br />So, I came across this article...I think it was gospelway.com. And they were an ardent baptism is essential for salvation website. They said that faith includes all aspects of the Gospel...and that baptism is included in the Gospel, so if you don't believe that baptism is part of salvation, then you can't be saved because you don't believe the Gospel. <br /><br /> And I'll admit that the Bible seems confusing on this subject, because of verses like Mark 16:16 and 1 Peter 3:19-21, and then there are verses like John 5:24, John 3:26. And I know the Bible doesn't contradict itself, so there must me faulty thinking on man's part.<br /><br />So I thought, "Okay...maybe baptism IS essential for salvation." I thought, well, I've been baptized three times...surely that's enough...and then I came across an article saying that if you were baptized thinking that baptism is an outward symbol of an inward change, then you were baptised under the wrong doctrine. And of course, THAT freaked me out.<br /><br />I guess my question is...why does the Bible say somtimes that faith, confession and repentance are what's necessary for salvation, yet you have Jesus Himself saying, "He who believes and is baptized will be saved...?"<br /><br />If you have any insight, or have gone thorugh anything like this before, please feel free to contact me at cold_virginia_rain@yahoo.com<br /><br />EricaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1388370369187844627.post-70510069325493851152008-06-05T05:10:00.000-05:002008-06-05T05:10:00.000-05:00I was illuminated by the Holy Spirit, baptized in ...I was illuminated by the Holy Spirit, baptized in water a week or two later, then 3 days after that baptized in the Holy Spirit. I didn't know what was happening to me as I was saved when I was alone and the illumination and baptism of the Holy Spirit happened without me even knowing what it was until after the case. That was 19 years ago. In mid May I received my ministry, which is a prophetic ministry, and I didn't know what that was either until after the fact. This seems to be a hallmark of my walk, I experience the events then someone has to explain to me what has happened afterwards. <BR/><BR/>God has been dealing with me about Paul since my call. I came to your web page to read about the office of a prophet/prophetess, followed the link to your blog only to find you talking about Paul. I'll try to find time to read all of your blogs about him. <BR/><BR/>As far as your return to your homeland, I understand your heart. I don't live in a foreign country but I have a longing of my own. As for now, this is my post. In the movie "Dances With Wolves" he was sent to a remote post on the frontier. When the man tried to get him to return to the camp he explained to him twice "this is my post". He wasn't thrilled with it, it wasn't glamorous, but this was his post. He stayed and as a result was used to take a very important message to Washington. It was his destiny. This is our post. We have to stay until the commander gives us new orders, though we long for home in our hearts. Sometimes though, soldiers do get to return home. <BR/><BR/>Mitzi<BR/>greenpilgrim50@yahoo.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1388370369187844627.post-41218597625044672662008-06-04T03:04:00.000-05:002008-06-04T03:04:00.000-05:00Hi Mike, that is how it also happened with me, I w...Hi Mike, that is how it also happened with me, I was filled with the Holy Spirit, then water baptized within the same year, yes and thank god for His Love, His Grace, His Mercy, and Jesus his son. Blessingsdeannaslaterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14978012789495411905noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1388370369187844627.post-44142617673888650592008-06-02T18:10:00.000-05:002008-06-02T18:10:00.000-05:00Michael,Beautiful series on Paul. Thank you for sp...Michael,<BR/>Beautiful series on Paul. Thank you for spending your time teaching your brothers and sisters around the world. I always learn a lot from your writings. You are a blessing to many.... Thank you again!<BR/>SueAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1388370369187844627.post-18063244976765077592008-06-02T05:47:00.000-05:002008-06-02T05:47:00.000-05:00I will just say 'Amen' and thank you to that.I will just say 'Amen' and thank you to that.Bonnyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16861206381493071230noreply@blogger.com