When Rebaptism Is Appropriate

And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. Acts 22:16.
There are many at the present day who have unwittingly violated one of the precepts of God’s law. When the understanding is enlightened, and the claims of the fourth commandment are urged upon the conscience, they see themselves sinners in the sight of God. “Sin is the transgression of the law” and he that shall “offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” 1 John 3:4; James 2:10.
The honest seeker after truth will not plead ignorance of the law as an excuse for transgression. Light was within his reach. God’s Word is plain, and Christ has bidden him search the Scriptures. He reveres God’s law as holy, just, and good, and he repents of his transgression. By faith he pleads the atoning blood of Christ, and grasps the promise of pardon. His former baptism does not satisfy him now. He has seen himself a sinner, condemned by the law of God. He has experienced anew a death to sin, and he desires again to be buried with Christ by baptism, that he may rise to walk in newness of life
This is a subject which each individual must conscientiously take his position upon in the fear of God…. The duty of urging belongs to no one but God; give God a chance to work with His Holy Spirit upon the minds, so that the individual will be perfectly convinced and satisfied in regard to this advanced step….
It [rebaptism] is a matter to be treated as a great privilege and blessing, and all who are rebaptized, if they have the right ideas upon this subject, will thus consider it.
It is the privilege and the duty of every Christian to have a rich and abundant experience in the things of God. “I am the light of the world,” said Jesus. “He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12…. Every step of faith and obedience brings the soul into closer connection with the Light of the world, in whom there “is no darkness at all.”
The Faith I Live By p. 148
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Prayer Requests
—-Brian, Esther, and their children are driving back from visiting his family. Please pray that they will have a safe and happy trip. Rose
—-Billy had brain surgery two weeks ago for the removal of a glioblastoma brain tumor – stage 4. He is to start treatment including chemotherapy, radiation, and immunology today. He welcomes prayers. Mike
—- Please pray for Nicole’s salvation. Antonnette
—-Please pray for Linda. She has lung cancer. Please also pray for her family.Also pray for Stephen who has Early Lyme disease. Pray for wisdom for the doctors who are treating him. Diane
—-Please pray for Delphine age 5 who is being treated for Lyme disease. Rose
—-Please pray for our pastor and family who just lost his mother. Pray especially for one brother who is not a Christian that he will give his heart of Jesus. Rose
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Dear Friends,
This morning for worship, Ron and I were reading in Ezra where he had rent his clothes because of the sins of his people. That reminded us of the time so many years ago, when our children were young. I had bought a DVD on the life of Joseph and the children loved it. They watched it over and over. One day, I looked out of the window in time to see Ronnie Jay rip his t-shirt. Quickly, I rushed out the door and asked him what he thought he was doing. He and his sister explained that he was acting the part of Reuben, who upon seeing that Joseph was no longer in the pit, had rent his garments in distress. Stifling the urge to laugh, I explained that they were not to play so realistically. From then on, he could only pretend and not actually do.
Children act out whatever they see whether in real life or on TV. They say whatever they hear from any source. How careful we must be to provide only good things for them to imitate.
Not only children, but adults are affected by what they behold. How true it is that by beholding we become changed. Paul admonishes, “whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Phil 4:8 ” And beside this,” Peter suggests, “giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.” 2 Peter 1:5-7
May we determine as did David when he said, ” I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.” Ps 103:3
Rose