QUESTION:
Dear Calvary,
Why does is it that Matthew 28:19 and Acts 2:38 seem to state two different modes of water baptism?
ANSWER:
There is, of course, no contradiction or opposing commands found in Matthew 28:19 and Acts 2:38. The problem is not with God's Word but rather by man's interpetation of the scriptures. Remember that we are to always interpet the Word with the Word (not man's theories, etc.). When Matthew 28:19 is interpeted in conjunction with Mark, Luke and John's accounts of the Lord's last instructions we see the harmony and continuity of the New Testament. All these (Mat.28:19; Mark 16:15-18; Luke 24:47-49; John 20:21-23; 21:15-17) point toward the book of Acts--the only book that actually contains accounts of people hearing and obeying the apostles' gospel message. In other words, Acts 2:38 is the fulfillment of Matthew 28:19. "In the NAME" is, of course, JESUS! "The ONLY name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved."
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Question:
Dear Calvary,
What should come first in serving God, church, or family? And in what order?
Answer:
Of course, God should always be first. If He comes first you will find that His directions for the the other two, church and family, do not conflict. That is, His Word instructs us to love and care for our families and also to reach out through church activities to meet the needs of others.
When we obey such verses of Scripture as I Tim. 5:8 and Eph. 5:21-25, which have to do with our responsibility towards the members of our family we are serving God in that arena of life. Please read I tim. 3:2-5, 11-12; Titus 1:6 also.
Remember we are to always "seek first the kingdom of God..."
