D.N. JACKSON: The Law of Separation

Hello everyone! I’m very happy to be sharing with you a transcript of an old recording of a Baptist minister: D.N. Jackson. I have used Microsoft Office 365 to transcribe the old recording, and corrected it.  The software does not always pick up older words. The Law of Moses sometimes is rendered “the thermos” etc.

I hope this is a blessing to you. It was to me!

Hello out there.I speak to you on the Law of Separation based on Deuteronomy 22:9 -11. “Thou shalt not sow thy vineyard with divers seeds: lest the fruit of thy seed which thou hast sown, and the fruit of thy vineyard, be defiled.Thou shalt not plow with an ox and an ass together. Thou shalt not wear a garment of divers sorts, as of woollen and linen together.”

The Law of Separation between right and wrong, good and evil goes back to the Garden of Eden when the Lord gave Adam permission to eat of all the trees in the garden except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Adam’s transgression of the will of God in this instance reflects the contrast between the two laws.  In later years, we read of the first murder in Biblical history. Cain rose up against Abel his brother and slew him.God had placed the value upon the right kind of offering, which happened not to be the kind presented by Cain. Consequently, vengeance was meted out against the man in the right for the man in the wrong.This principle is seen today operative the world over. In cases too many to recount here, we see the struggle between good and evil going on in the lives of the antediluvians. So great was it on the side of evil, that God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.The breakdown of the principles of righteousness at this time resulted in the judgment of the Flood being sent to cleanse the earth of sin.

One manner of the breakdown is seen in the intermarriages of the sons of God with the daughters of men. The sons of God with the descendants of Seth, who stood as a representative of the Godly people, and the daughters of man with the wicked female characters of the line of Cain. It meant the destruction of the sanctity of the home.Years following the flood, we see the Lord in operation again. This time in the life of Abraham, who was called to separate himself from his land, his people and his gods. Paul testifies that  ^“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.” Hebrews 11:8.

Some 400 years after the call of Abraham.the peculiar enactment of the Law of Separation was established by the Lord through Moses. This singular expression of it is found in the verses of our text.  But peculiar to the Mosaic law as it is not an infraction of the divine law now  to sow different kinds of seed in the same field, or plow with the ox and an ass together and wearing clothes of different kinds of threads.While the peculiar law itself is no longer in effect, the principles of it are as binding today as ever.And to these principles, we shall direct your attention.

First, there’s unmixed teaching. “Thou shalt not sow thy vineyard with diverse seed.” That is two kinds of seed. The inexorable law of God is clearly seen in the prohibition against sowing the field with different kinds of seed. Like producing like, producing like was the law set up of the Lord in the dawn of creation. Here the theory of evolution is denied as we see that the Lord emphasizes this distinction of species.The New Testament echo to this is heard in the language of Paul. “All flesh is not the same flesh, but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. In the unmixed sowing, we see clearly the principle of unmixed teaching of our preaching. The power of the sower, Matthew 13:3-8 shows the sower sowing the seed, which is said to be the word of God.In this parable, the seed is the word, the soil is the hearts of people. The sower is the teacher and preacher. And the vineyard is the group of the hearts of the people. Primarily, Jesus is the teacher or sower, but all who preach his word in its purities sow good seed.

 Jesus never sowed mixed seed, as it was always the pure wheat. Neither did he ever command his followers to sow mixed seed. Speaking to his Father, Jesus says,“For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.” John 17:8 

Answering the Jews and the temple, Jesus said my doctrine is not mine, but His that sent me John 7:16. Preach the word is Paul’s command to Timothy, and it should be heeded by all who teach or preach today.  Contrary to the divine principle we see much mixed sewing has befouled the fields laid out in the centuries back to Christ.  Paul  declared that the mystery of iniquity was already at work in his day, and prophesied the coming of the day, when there should be a falling away from the faith as a system of teaching (I Tim. 4.1). 

Scarcely had the bones of the Apostles become set to their graves, until the way of salvation had become confused in the minds of some by the introduction of baptism of regeneration.  Of all perversions of the truth that is the worst that has to do with the misguiding of people concerning their eternal welfare. Baptismal salvation became prevalent about the commencement of the 3rd century, and from it was developed infant baptism. There was a lot of mixed seeds sowed then hundreds of years after the time.  In the 19th century, one Mr. Alexander Campbell worked a theory of baptismal salvation.  And with little dignity set baptism as a condition of salvation. Even then it is mixed seed, or rather a corruption of the plan of salvation.The pure seed with regard to the way of salvation is found in Ephesians 2:8 and 10,  and we have used this passage repeatedly over this program. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

The evil effect of mixed sowing we can easily see. “Lest the fruit of thy seed which thou sow and the fruit of thy vineyard be defiled”.  . . . And a mixture of good with evil renders the good helpless and does not cleanse the bad. Defilement or confiscation is the result.  As to the way of salvation, grace and works cannot be mixed to procure it, as salvation is obtained by one with the other left out. This we read in Romans 11 and six. “And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.”

As works or grace must be omitted, one of them must be omitted. Which one is it? Titus 3:5 says works play no part in one salvation. Therefore, we must conclude that salvation is wholly by grace through faith.That is the pure and unmixed seed, which will never be confiscated.

In the second place there is unmixed service. Thou shall not plough with an ox and an ass together. Service is here indicated as the working of the animals is mentioned. The reason for them not being worked together is seen in the fact the ox is a clean animal under the law and the donkey, an unclean animal.  The Mosaic Law forbade the Jews eating the flesh of the donkey while the ox was not only employed for table use, but also for sacrifice.The working of the donkey  the ox together under the same yoke suggested to the Jew under the law  a mixture of the forces of evil and good.The Lord designed that the furrow be plowed with oxen, not yolked with a donkey and sowed with unmixed seed.

This pure service we shall let picture three phases of Christian service today. The 1st is the service rendered by individual Christian.” No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:24. 

God does not accept the service of one who undertakes to please both the Lord and Satan.  That is known in the Old Testament as Balaamism. Originated from the Prophet Balaam, who undertook to please God, and at the same time do acceptable service to the enemy of God’s people. Such service is a stench to the Lord!

 In the second place there is the service rendered by ministers of the Gospel.“For it is written in the law of Moses, thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?” (I Cor. 9:9). That this is applied to ministerial service is shown by the context. “If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?” asks Paul in the same connection.The reference is to Deuteronomy 25 and 4. “Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn.” Into the Greece, Egypt and Italy, farmers made use of oxen to tread out the corn or wheat.The oxen being tied to a pole and driven around the treading floor, thus trapping the seat out of the stock heads. In some instances the oxen were muzzled to prevent them from eating as they work. “Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.” Ministers should be supported by the congregation so that they might give themselves wholly to the ministry of the word. 

The Apostle Peter sounded this note clearly, when in Acts 6, they called the church together and said, “It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.”

The lesson not only stresses ministerial support, but also the cleanliness of ministerial living. Ministers of the Gospel, Profess Spokesman for God, should live blameless before the world setting an exemplary pattern as Paul admonished Timothy to be an example of the believers in word and conversation in charity, in Spirit, in faith and in purity. This means cleanliness to be sure.  The ox was a clean animal and the Mosaic law. Again we see the lesson of ministerial sacrifice taught. The ox was used as a sacrifice under the law.

One qualification of a minister as set up by the apostle Paul is that he is not to be greedy of filthy lucre, nor covetous (I Tim. 3.3). While any minister has a scriptural right to expect a decent living both in his active days and when he has laid on the shelf, he cannot be very effective as a soul winner if he’s given or giving more attention to making money than he does to the study and preaching of the Word.

Service rendered by church is the third point here. A clean Church living itself to God, giving itself wholly to God in unmixed service, is the world’s greatest and brightest lighthouse. It is truly a city set on a hill which cannot be hit.  Unmixed church service does not mean that sinners cannot attend the worship and be benefited thereby. But it does mean that a church should be composed of, and the affairs thereof run by children of God. No! Unmixed church service does not mean that sinners cannot attend. But it means that they must not control the church. 

In this case one thing will always prevail. And at least two things will be excluded. The one thing is the will and worship of Christ our Savior. The other things excluded are notice: worldly entertainment. I know some of you gasped at this statement as you may think it takes entertainment to have a church going. It does . . . if it is going in the way of the world!  Then it will take wordly entertainment to keep it going. But if it is going along with Christ, the entertainment should be spiritual, wholesome and vigorously upbuilding to the moral life. When the tools of Satan are used, you need not expect much moral uplift from a church. Some of the tools thus employed are card parties, dancing, and the like. Can you imagine the Apostle Peter advertising cards and dancing on the day of Pentecost to draw the thousands he and his followers led to Christ?   While we have heard of boxing and being staged in churches, and some churches have turned over their basements to all sorts of worldly attractions. In such instances a church loses its power for God as did Lot, when he pitched his tent in Sodom.  Or as Samson lost his physical strength when he rested his head in Delilah’s lap. There must be a clear line of demarcation between the church and the world. If the church is to live as a saving instrument in the hands of God. 

A church in a race with the world loses the respect of the world in the end. For a time, great crowds may may flock to it, but there they hear no real gospel, they’re not taught. they must be born of God to get to heaven. They’re not warned of their awful doom that awaits the impenitent. And when they awake to the crisis awaiting them, they stand ready to scorn the very  forces that have kept them in spiritual darkness. A man in the Armed Services coming ashore off his ship being hungry for the divine food for his soul attended a certain church, but found nothing for his soul. Yet there was plenty of entertainment. He went away disappointed and sad. He came ashore to another place, but remembering his former experience, he hesitatingly went to a church with the same name. There, however, he found the atmosphere quite different. Instead of a certain brand of entertainment, he found a spiritually minded church and a minister who preached the gospel. He was gloriously  saved and went away praising God for having found the kind of food his hungry soul craved. 

But don’t misunderstand me. We must be social beings. And as we are social beings there can be clean entertainment by the people of God. I am speaking of the entertainment that emanates from the world and is patterned after the world. Then we find worldly ambitions. The church should be a place where aspiration should be raised to the skies. Not a place where tricksters take over.  A church like the temple should be cleansed of all those who use it as an organized racket. 

When one unites with the.Church, for the sake of his business, he seeks to use the church as a means to wealth.  “ . . . If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”(Matt. 16.24). Then there’s corrupt living termites boring from within usually cause greater property damage  than storms that come from without.

 A church overbalanced by the internal corruption is like a ship with bomb holes in it. In his first letter to the Corinthian church, Paul says, “  . . . if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.” (I Cor. 5.11). In his second letter to the same church, the apostle says “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.” (II Cor. 6.14-17). People who handle holy things should have clean hands.

 And then in the last part there’s unmixed conduct. “ Thou shalt not wear a garment of divers sorts, as of woollen and linen together.” We have just spoken of corrupt living inside of a church and have noticed what the divine call to a church is respecting such matters.  Now let’s take a view of the divine will concerning our individual conduct. Under the law of Moses garments of different kinds as a woollen and linen could not be worn together. The picture we get is: As the clothes which outline the body must conform to a certain regulation, our conduct which outlines the inward motives must likewise be unmixed. The priests under the Mosaic law were strictly forbidden to wear any mixture of clothes when they minister in the gates of the inner court (Ezek. 44.17).They were to wear only linen garments. As they say, people are their own unbeliever priests and have access themselves to the great high Priest Jesus Christ. As we read in Hebrews 4:14, 16.They must administer in the sanctuary of God with an even conduct before the world. Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness as we read in Psalm 132.9. As our own righteousness is as filthy rags reading  in Isaiah 64:6,  we must be clothed in the righteousness of Christ if we are to stand, acceptably before God. The apostle Paul said he desired to be found in Christ, “ . . . not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:” (Phil 3.9.).   When we possess this righteousness, we’re saved and stand ready to manifest in our conduct a righteous life. Without the righteousness of Christ in us, we cannot manifest the righteous conduct in a true sense of the word.

Christ found people in his day on Earth who had only their own righteousness, and he tells us that our righteousness must exceed or excel theirs (Matt. 5.20). Excel it in what sense? In quantity? No! But in quality or kind. The righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees was ritualistic; not based upon the spirit of Christ. In other words, it was not the righteousness of Christ imputed to them. Their righteousness was the  kind of Paul said he did not want to be found clothed in, as it was not by faith in Christ. When a man comes to God by faith in Christ, he is then clothed with Christ’s righteousness.  The Bride of Christ is seen by John in his  Patmos vision to be “ . . . arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.” (Rev. 19.8). Here the view is twofold. First, the Saints, who compose the Bride, possess the righteousness of Christ and therefore are saved. Second through this righteousness they have on fine linen,  clean and white because they are not found clothed in their own righteousness, and have conformed their life to the deep flowing impulses from the Spirit of God. Day by day every Christians conduct should bespeak to others, a living sacrifice, wholly acceptable unto God. By what is known as travel photograph, the slightest variation of tone can be detected. By the Lord’s instrument, the Bible, our conduct is measured. What we do, willl have far more weight for the world than what we say. Someone has said, What you do speaks so loud that I cannot hear what you say.” To the unsaved person, although he may not mean to do so, but by his conduct, he is saying to the loved ones and associates, “Let’s go to the place of torment.” This is true because he is actually going in that direction,  “[B]e not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” as Paul says in Romans 12:2 . 

Well, my time is up and thank you so very much. And may God bless you. Tune in again at this same time next week.

Salvation Before Water Baptism

Hello everyone. Today I would like to share (again) with you something by D.N. Jackson. D.N. Jackson was an old Baptist pastor born in the 1800’s and living up to 1968. Even though living so far apart in time, I really enjoy his plain teachings from the Bible and find them easy to understand. I also find them very helpful. This is a transcript on a series he did on the topic of why we are saved before water baptism.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Part 7

Part 8

Does Baptism Save? Scriptures On Remission and Baptism

Jesus Christ says in Matthew 26:28,

“For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”

Luke 24:47 tells us, ” And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”

Mark 1:4 says, “John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.”

And then Acts 2:38 says, “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

Today I want to talk about the phrase,   “baptism for the remission of sins”. The above Scriptures give us a little background and a little context on how these words “remission” “repentance”, and “Baptism” are used in the New Testament.

What does “Baptism for remission” of sins mean?

Some people believe that Baptism is necessary for salvation. But, what do the Scriptures say?

It is manifest and clear that Baptism does not make you a son of God.

Jesus Christ has always been the Son of God (John 1:1, John 1:14).

He did not suddenly become one when He was  Baptized.

Romans 8:14 says, ”For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”

In Scripture we find that Baptism came after repentance.  John refused to Baptize individuals who did not repent.

“But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:” Matthew 3:7-8

John preached a Baptism of repentance!

“John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance . . .” Mark 1:4

In the Scriptures we find that a dying man who received no baptism was received into Heaven!

”And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:42-43

Most eminently, Jesus Christ said that His blood was shed for the remission of sins.

“For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”  Matthew 26:28

And if Jesus Christ’s blood was shed for remission of sins, then nothing can stand up to or be added to that. If it was someone else, you might be able to add something. But, there is nothing lacking in the only begotten Son of God or His blood!

“Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins . . .”  Romans 3:25

Knowing this then, how should the phrase “ be baptized for the remission of sins” be understood and read?

“[B]e baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins . . .” Acts 2:38

Romans 1:26  says, “For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections. . . ”

Baptism ought to be received for the cause of sins being remitted.

We go to the hospital for broken bones. We go for the cause of broken bones. We don’t go to get broken bones.

We find a similar wording in Mark 1:44.

Jesus said to a leper, “ [S]hew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded. . .”

If we don’t read any other part of the Bible, we might take away that this man needed to go offer sacrifices to get clean. But it is evident that is not what the verse is saying.

Matthew also recorded, :”And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.” Matthew 8:3-4

So we see that the leper did not offer the sacrifices to get clean. He offered the sacrifices because of his cleansing. He offered the sacrifices for the cause of his cleansing. He offered them for a testimony.

In like manner God wants Christian’s after they are saved to be Baptized for a testimony to all of what He has done for them.

“Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” Romans 3:24-26

God bless you all this day!

A Scripture for Today, October 15th, 2021

“And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.” John 6:40

“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17

“See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil;” Deuteronomy 30:15

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 

Did the True Church ever Cease to Exist?

[“U]pon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18

“Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” Ephesians 3:21

Please see this short booklet “The Trail of Blood” . It’s the blood filled history of Churches and believers that have never been associated with Rome.

It is available for free on the Internet Archive. Here is a link to its page. It is available as a pdf as well as files you can get on your e-readers and kindles. I really believe this book will bless you.

Salvation Before Water Baptism by D.N. Jackson

Hello everyone. Today I would like to share with you something by D.N. Jackson. D.N. Jackson was an old Baptist pastor born in the 1800’s and living up to 1968. Even though living so far apart in time, I really enjoy his plain teachings from the Bible and find them easy to understand. I also find them very helpful. A few years ago my Dad digitized many of Bro. Jackson’s radio shows from the Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary in Texas’ library archive.

This transcript is part one of a series D.N. Jackson did on Baptism.

Salvation Before Water Baptism Pt 1. Transcript.

You are tuned again to the Baptist Broadcast. Tonight we begin with a brief series of messages on Acts 2:38, or “salvation before water baptism”.

We ask you to follow us with an open Bible and an open mind.

Spoken by the Apostle Peter on the first day of Pentecost after the resurrection of our Lord, Acts 2:38 says, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” This verse lifted out of its proper setting, especially by controversialists, have been twisted and tortured to keep that water baptism is essential to the penitent believer’s salvation. Nothing could be further from the truth as we shall show as we present this message.

In the first place our conclusion is based upon some general facts with regard to the theory of baptismal regeneration. Before analyzing the verse in light of the scriptures themselves, let us consider it from the standpoint of historical and logical facts. Then we will follow this with an explanation of passages of the scripture that may have to do with the statement of salvation and baptism. And we will show you by the Scriptures that baptism is not a condition of salvation, that we’re saved by grace through faith and that is before water baptism.

But there are some historical facts that we want to consider. First of all we have the testimony of Josephus. And here is a quotation from Josephus : “Now some of the Jews thought that the destruction of Herod’s Army came from God, and that very justly, as a punishment of what he did against John, that was called a Baptist; for Herod slew him, who was a good man, and commanded the Jews to exercise virtue, both as to righteous towards one another, and piety towards God, and so come to baptism; for that the washing [with water] would be acceptable to him, if they made use of it, not in order to the putting away of [or the remission] of some sins [only], but for the purification of the body; supposing still that the soul was thoroughly purified beforehand by righteousness.” This quotation is taken from the Antiquities of the Jews, book 18, chapter 5, section 2, of the works of Josephus.

Josephus, born AD 37, only four years after the crucifixion of Christ, and died near the close of the first century was a Jewish historian of note. Living in the days of the Apostles, being a contemporary of the Apostle Peter, who preached at Pentecost, Josephus’ testimony should be respected!

Now what did Josephus say with regard to the plan of salvation as preached by John the Baptist whose ministry gave way to that of Christ Himself? He says plainly that water baptism as administered by John was not for the purpose of obtaining the remission of sins, supposing and I quote: “that the soul was thoroughly purified beforehand by righteousness”. This is the Scriptural way: Remission of sins and purification of the soul before water baptism! A testimony of Josephus who lived during the days of Peter and other Apostles.

In the second place we have the testimony of Tertullian, born about AD 160. And I quote, “We are not washed that we may cease to sin, but because we have ceased since we have already been bathed in heart.” Tertullian who had been converted from Paganism to the Christian faith, spoke out against the encroaching doctrinal corruptions of his day living as he did within some sixty years after the death of John the last Apostle of our Lord. The death of Tertullian came about 250 which was only a few years after the heresy of baptismal regeneration had become prevalent. But by the middle of the end of that century, the third, this heresy had become quite generally accepted and taught so it was embraced by some of the writers of this period. But note that Tertullian who lived before the theory of baptismal regeneration had become quite prevalent, testified that men were not washed or baptized that they might cease from sin, but because they had already ceased.

Third, Waddington, well known Episcopal historian, whose testimony shows that about the commencement of the third century baptismal regeneration began to be generally taught. And I quote him now, “The original simplicity of the office of baptism had already undergone some corruption. The symbol had been gradually exalted at the expense of the thing signified, and the spirit of the ceremony was beginning to be lost in its form. Hence a belief was gaining ground among the converts and was inculcated among the heathen, that the act of baptism gave remission of all sins committed previously to it. It was not fit then that so important a rite should be hastily preformed or inconsiderately received.“ From his church history page 53.

According to Waddington the office of baptism had undergone corruption, the symbol of baptism had become emphasized above the spirit of the thing symbolized by it. This is exactly what happens when one preaches that baptism is in order to obtain salvation which is a corruption of the design of baptism as instituted by divine authority. Therefore we learn from authentic history that the theory of baptismal regeneration, that is a person is regenerated or saved in the act of water baptism, was not preached in apostolic days, but it arose about a hundred years after the death of the last apostle. For this reason we know that it is a doctrine of man, and certainly not of God.

In the fourth place we have a quotation from Mr. Alexander Campbell, who had connection with the origin of the disciples’ church. And Mr. Campbell said in his debate with Mr. Rice in 1843, “Some twenty years ago when preparing for a debate with Mr. McCullough, I put myself under the special instruction of four evangelists and one pull of distinguished apostolic rank and dignity. I had for some time before that discussion been often impressed with such passages as Acts 2 and 38. And that providential call to discuss the subject with Mr. McCullough, compelled me to decide the matter to my entire satisfaction. Believe me sir, then I’d forgotten my earlier readings upon the subject and upon the simple testimony of the book itself. I came to the conclusion alleged in that debate, and proved only by the Bible which now appears from a thousand sources to outbend the Catholic and truly ancient in primitive faith of the whole Church. It was in this common wealth that this doctrine was first promulled in modern times, and sir, it is now spread over this continent, and with singular success it is now returning to Europe, and the land of our fathers.” Quoted from Campbell-Rice Debate page 472.

Mr. Campbell boldly affirms that it was in the state of Kentucky in the year of 1828 that the plan of salvation requiring baptism in order to be saved was first preached in modern times. It was preached by Mr. Campbell, not the Lord or His apostles. It was preached in Kentucky, in the United States of America, not in Palestine. This theory originating in course about the beginning of third century was adopted by the Roman’s Church which put millions of people to death for not believing it during the Dark Ages. And in 1823 it was picked up by Mr. Campbell in America who made a strenuous effort to inject it into the Baptist Churches of his day, and for which untruth, for which heresy, he was expelled from the Baptist fold. 931

So we are pointing out to you the historical background. Not with rancor of course, but with respect to everybody. And the historical background shows us when this theory began. It was began by man after the apostolic days had closed. And in modern times it was picked up by others. And it has been preached the world over. What has been preached: that you must be baptized in order to be saved. But that’s not in the word of God. People who are saved should be baptized. Not in order to save their soul let me emphasize, but because your soul has been saved. Then symbolize your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ by going down into the water as we read in Romans six and four, “[W]e are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” We are buried with him.

Having shown conclusively that baptismal regeneration originated by human authority this side of apostolic days, we now give due consideration to an analysis of Acts 2:38. The passage in the Scriptures perhaps more frequently quoted to prove the theory of baptismal regeneration than any other verse. But logically speaking it does not prove this doctrine, for the reason that this theory was not believed much less preached in Peter’s day as we have shown by historical testimony. Let us now read Acts 2:38: “ Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

I wish that you would take your Bibles and turn to this passage in Acts 2:38, and then study it, and remember, as our time has come to a close tonight. We will pick up this passage in later messages, and we shall analyze it. But I want you to remember this: That the grace of God saves the man. In Ephesians two eight and ten “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works . . .” Notice the statement “unto good works”. It doesn’t say “by good works”, but “unto good works”. We are saved because we have trusted the Lord, and it is based upon the worthiness of Christ, and not upon the basis of the worthiness of any man that may feel that he has done certain works and therefore he deserves to be saved. Nobody deserves to be saved, but in the tender mercies of our Lord Jesus Christ, He looks down upon us and begs us to come to Him that we might be saved.

So then tune in again and we’ll take up Acts 2:38 and analyze and explain it. Not in the light of opinions of men, but in the light of the Scriptures themselves. Goodnight.

Using the Material: The Church Established and Preserved Pt. III

Hello Everyone! Here is the third part and conclusion of “The Church Established and Preserved” by Lifeword. God bless!

III. USING THE MATERIAL, Matthew 16:15-18.

1. Foundation. The church is founded upon one blessed truth concerning one divine person: the Christ, the Son of the living God! This is what Jesus taught in Matthew 16:15-18. Asking the disciples,“Whom say ye that I am?” He received the answer, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” His response was, “Upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

Not everyone agrees with this interpretation. Since the name “Peter” means “a little stone” some interpret the word “rock” to refer to Simon Peter. Doubtlessly Jesus is using a play on words. Peter is petros and rock is petra. But there is a great difference between the two.

Petros refers to “a little stone.” Petra refers to a huge layer of rock. It is something like the distinction between a gravel and a mountain of rock.

Again, observe the difference in spelling of these two words. The different endings indicate they are of different gender. According to the rules of Greek grammar, if “Peter” and “rock” were the same, they should have the same gender and so be spelled the same. The fact that this is not so indicates that they do not relate.

This is an important fact. It means the church does not depend upon any man, nor a priesthood, nor a professional clergy, but upon the Lord Jesus Christ alone as her foundation. And to this many other passages of Scripture give witness.

He is “the stone which was set at nought of your builders, which is become the head of the corner,” Acts 4:11. He is “the chief corner stone”of the church, Ephesians 2:20. As the chief corner stone which God has laid in Zion, He is elect and precious, I Peter 2:6. “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ,” I Corinthians 3:11.

Jesus, alone, is the foundation of the church. And He, alone, is enough.

2. Building. Upon the foundation of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the church is built. It is made up of believers who are “living stones” built upon “the chief corner stone,” I Peter 2:5-6. All the churches are built upon the same foundation if they are true New Testament churches. And each church is “an holy temple in the Lord” for therein is the “habitation of God through the Spirit,” Ephesians 2:19-22. Therefore, since God dwells within the church (that is, the people who make up each church) it becomes a holy institution. Paul wrote to the Corinthian church, “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are,” I Corinthians 3:16-17.

This does not mean your church building is a shrine. It is a building like any other building in your community. It means each believer is indwelt with the Holy Spirit. When believers are joined together to form a local congregation in the Lord their assembly, in a very special way, is the dwelling place of God. And it is the assembled congregation which is “an holy temple in the Lord” and must not be defiled. Yes, the church is holy. And you are the church!

3. Perpetuity. Concerning the church which Jesus instituted, He promised, “. . . the gates of hell shall not prevail against it,” Matthew 16:18. By this He has guaranteed the perpetuity (continued existence) of the church.

The term “hades” refers to the unseen world, the abode of the dead. In this context it refers to the spiritual forces which oppose the way of righteousness. These are called “principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world, spiritual wickedness in high places,” Ephesians 6:12.

There is here acknowledge that the church will face severe testings by a fierce opponent. There may even be some suggestion that people may question whether the church will be able to endure. But Jesus settles all doubts. The church will last. She will not be overcome by her satanic opposition. The doors of obligation shall not close over her.

There are two ways of looking at this text. Some see it as the church in a defensive posture. Gathered up in her fortress with her battlements well defended, the church will not permit the forces of hades to overcome her.

But this is not the picture of the church which the Lord Jesus draws.

She is never to close her doors, draw in her defenses and hide herself behind walls. She is to go out to a hostile world. She is to expose herself in the proclamation of the gospel and the call of men to faith in Christ. So Jesus’ promise is that when the church goes out in her duty she will overcome and never be swallowed up in death. She has his promise that when she goes forth His presence is with her: “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen,” Matthew 28:20.

Let any church refuse to obey the command of the Lord to go forth with His gospel, and she cannot claim His promise of perpetuity. Indeed, she has no reason for existence if she is not missionary and evangelistic. But the church which fulfills her missionary mission in the world can expect the special watchcare of the Lord over her. How is it with your church!

CONCLUSION—There is in the world an institution which we call the church. It came into being during the personal ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. He took as His disciples a number of people who had been converted by the ministry of John the Baptist. These men were taught, trained, and made pillars upon whom the early Christian witness depended.

Jesus promised that the institution called the church would not pass away when He left and went back to heaven. Since the members were gathered around Him and their allegiance was to Him alone, one would have expected the church to be temporary. But not so. Jesus said that the “gates of hades” (the doors of death) would never close on the church He instituted.

Gathering the Material: The Church Established and Preserved Pt. 2

Hello everyone. Today I am sharing part two of three of the article published by Lifeword. God bless.

II. GATHERING THE MATERIAL, John 1:35-42.

1. Who? Jesus personally gathered those who formed His band of disciples. He invited two disciples of John to spend the day with Him and from henceforth they became His disciples, John 1:37-39. Through them He began gathering others, John 1:40-42. Peter was enlisted by Andrew who had been personally called by Jesus. Philip responded to Jesus’ call and brought his brother Nathanael with him. And so the movement grew.

These who formed the first church were gathered around the person of Jesus. John was commissioned to prepare a people for the Lord, but it was Jesus who brought the first church into existence. This is as we would expect.

Jesus is the Head of the church and is to have preeminence in her, Colossians 1:18. The church is His body and His fulness fills her, Ephesians 1:22-23. In her God is to be gloried through the Lord Jesus, Ephesians 3:21. The gathering of men to form such a holy institution would be left to none other but the Lord Himself.

2. When? It is evident that these disciples were gathered around Jesus near the beginning of His ministry. This means they were gathered at least three years before His death and resurrection. Hence, the church was instituted well before Pentecost. The church was instituted during the personal ministry of Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, and has been exercising her world-wide commission of missionary evangelism since then.

It is difficult to pin-point the exact spot when the church could be considered to have been instituted. Since the word “church” in the Greek language means “a gathered assembly,” and since the disciples were gathered over a period of time and space, it is almost impossible to say when the “gathered assembly” is considered to have been realized. Some feels it was when Jesus called the first disciples, John 1:35-51. Others feel it was not until all the disciples were called to one place and the office of apostle was set in the church, Mark 3:13-19. The exact spot is not of great importance. If it were, the Bible would have expressed it more positively. It is enough to know the church is the product of our Lord’s own hands.

3. How? The disciples were brought into the early church through a two-fold method. Some were gathered by a divine call. The Lord Jesus personally said to Philip, “Follow me,” John 1:43. To Peter and Andrew, James and John, He addressed a like call, “. . . Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men,” Matthew 4:18-22.

But other disciples were enlisted through the personal evangelistic efforts of those disciples whom Jesus called. They wanted their friends to know Jesus, too. So they went out and spoke to others about Him. They brought them, one by one, to Jesus and He did not reject a single one that His disciples brought.

This is the way the Lord intended the church to grow in our generation. We are under His command to “make disciples” wherever we go in the world. Personal testimony is one of the most effective means of winning men to Jesus. Our generation desperately needs a revival of personal evangelism.

It is not enough to build houses for worship and conduct services at stated times. Men are dead in sin; blind to spiritual things; enemies of God. Why should we expect them to seek out the church? Let the church go to them with the message of salvation and the Lord will bless the witness with converts. Try it and see. This is the way the early churches grew!

Preparing the Material: The Church Established and Preserved Pt. 1

The following is part of an article published by Lifeword. It is on the topic of the Church, and I wanted to share it with you today. God bless!

“And I say unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it,” Matthew 16:18

The Church Established and Preserved

Lesson Aim: To study Articles 15 and 17 of our Doctrinal Statement.

L319. Date: November 1969. Text: Matthew 3:1-3; John 1:35, 42; Matthew16:15,18. Topic: Church: Beginning of; Perpetuity of; Doctrine: Studies In.

INTRODUCTION—We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ took material prepared by John the Baptist and established a visible, local church during His personal ministry upon the earth and that there is and will be a perpetuity of true churches from His days on earth until His second coming.

The discussion of this proposition concerns us in today’s lesson. It deals with two great themes. (1) Jesus set up the church as an institution during His personal ministry, before His death and resurrection, and hence before Pentecost. (2) There has been, is now, and will always be true churches in the world until He comes again. The former deals with the establishment of the church; the latter deals with the perpetuity (continuing without interruption) of the church.

Perpetuity of the church does not mean we can trace through history an unbroken chain of ordained pastors, nor an unbroken chain of baptisms, nor an unbroken chain of churches, nor an unbroken chain of congregations calling themselves “Baptists.”

Perpetuity means there has never been a time in history since the Lord Jesus instituted the church when there was no genuine church of the New Testament order in the earth. We trace the identity of the true churches through doctrine. Those major doctrines which identify them are: regenerated church membership, believer’s baptism, salvation by grace through faith, two church ordinances, democratic government, priesthood of believers, and a separated life.

We do not insist that any one congregation will last forever to prove our doctrine of perpetuity. We believe individual congregations may come and go, but there always has been, and always will be true churches in the world until Jesus comes.

The church is important. It was built by the Lord Jesus, Matthew 16:18.It was added to of the Lord God, Acts 2:47. In it God is to be glorified through the Lord Jesus Christ, Ephesians 3:21. It is engaged to Christ, II Corinthians 11:2. One day it will be presented to Him, Ephesians 5:25-27.

Today’s study should increase your esteem for your own church.

EXPOSITION

I. PREPARING THE MATERIAL, Matthew 3:1-3.

There is a long process between the resolve to build a house and occupying it as a finished edifice. Plans are drawn, materials are ordered, lumber is sawed, bricks are placed, wiring is laid, paint is applied, and so the building arises.

Just so, there was a process which transpired between God’s plan to build a church and the realization of it among men. A key man used of God in preparing the material is called John the Baptist.

1. Who? John was born to aged parents named Zecharias and Elizabeth. He was their only child. His birth was almost miraculous (though his conception was natural) because it came so late in life for them.

Luke 1 records the account. An angel appeared to Zecharias, a priest, as he ministered in the temple in Jerusalem. He announced the birth of the child, said it would be a boy, and commanded that he be named John. As a sign that it was so, Zecharias was struck mute until the birth of the child.

The baby, John, was to be “filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother’s womb,” Luke 1:15. (This statement is made of none other in the Bible.) He was to be “great in the sight of the Lord . . . and many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God . . . and he shall go . . . in the spirit and power of Elijah . . . to make ready a people prepared for the Lord,” Luke1:15-17.

And so it was that about A.D. 29 there appeared a strange preacher in Judaea. This was John the Baptist beginning the ministry which had been spoken of him before his birth. He was, in truth, “a man sent from God,” John 1:6. What happened to him between infancy and manhood is unknown. His parents doubtlessly died while he was still young. The Bible simply states, “And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his showing unto Israel,” Luke 1:80.

It is very likely that John lived in some Essene community during those silent years. This is indicated by (1) simplicity of dress, (2) severe message against sin, (3) call to repentance, (4) refusal to enter the cities, (5) knowledge of the Scripture. The Essenes were the most conservative and purest of the sects in Judaism. John would have been in good company among them.

2. How? John prepared material for the Lord to use by preaching a message of repentance. His ministry excited great interest among the people. Not only common folk, but even the religious hierarchy in Jerusalem took an interest in him and came to check up on him, John 1:19-28.

He was an unusual preacher. He was unusual in his dress (camel’s hair and a leather girdle). He was unusual in his place of preaching (in the wilderness of Judaea). He was unusual in his message (“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”). He was unusual in his claim to authority (“I am he of whom Isaiah spoke”).

From all over Palestine people came to hear his message of repentance and the soon coming of the Messiah. Scores of them truly repented of their sins, and were baptized of John in the Jordan River.

When Jesus began His ministry there was a group of people who were expecting the Messiah soon to appear and who had already sincerely repented of their sins in preparation of His coming. And thus did John “make ready a people prepared for the Lord,” Luke 1:17.

John preached and baptized. Whence came his authority to do so? From God! That’s all the authority he needed: he was “a man sent from God,” John1:6. But though John had authority to baptize, he did not pass this authority on to following generations after his death. Some who tried to continue it perverted it so that it was no longer Christian baptism, Acts 19: 1-7. Jesus authorized the continuance of baptism but John did not. See Matthew 28:19-20.

3. Why? The ministry of John the Baptist was needed. Men were then, as they have always been, sinful. For Jesus to begin His ministry in a proper way, some must be ready to receive him. John was sent to call men to repentance. Taking the little band of disciples from the converts John made, Jesus began His ministry.

John preached repentance. He demanded it of all. Even the religious leaders were called upon to repent the same as the public sinners. He would baptize no man without evidence of repentance, Matthew 3:2, 8, 11. Repentance means to change one’s attitude so that love for sin dies in the heart and by an act of the will one repudiates sin that he may know the Saviour. Such a change was necessary before sinners were ready for the Messiah to come.

Those who repented were baptized—immersed—in the Jordan River. This testified to the washing from sin which they had experienced inwardly (the baptism of repentance) and expressed their commitment to live like men raised up from death that they might welcome the Messiah.

When Jesus came on the scene, He received baptism at the hands of John. By this act He identified Himself with the sinners He came to save and testified (through burial and resurrection in water) by what manner atonement would be made. After His temptation, He began to gather His own disciples from the disciples of John. John identified Him to the crowd, “. . . Behold the Lamb of God,” John 1:36. Each of the original twelve disciples who became Apostles were converts of John the Baptist according to Acts 1:22. John did a good job preparing the material.

On Seeking the Lord Everyday

The personification of Wisdom says in Proverbs chapter eight,“ Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.” (Pr. 8.34).

Here are some reasons to seek the Lord each and every day:

We should seek Him because we can!

Who in all the world or universe would we rather talk to than God Himself? The Bible says that we can come to Him!

“ For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:15-16

“As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me. Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.” Psalm 55:16-17

We should seek the Lord because of Who He is! First and foremost Jesus is our Saviour. He gave His life for you and me. He should be the most important person in our lives. If you love someone you talk to them every day,not just on Sunday or one day a week. Would you only talk to you spouse one day a week? We can and should talk to Him everyday.

  Psalm 119:165 reads, “Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.”

Is seven times a day really enough to praise the Lord for all that He had done for us?

Psalm 18:3 reads, “ I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised . . .”

“Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” Psalm 29:2

If the Lord listens to us, shouldn’t we be willing to listen to Him?

Through Jesus Christ we have access to God the Father. The Bible tells us that God will listen to His children (John 15.16; 16.22-27). Should we just expect the Lord to listen to us go on and on, and we never listen to Him? The Lord does not listen to people who don’t ever listen to Him. See the example in Psalm 50:15-23.

Spending time with the Lord gives us joy and strength for the day.

Psalm 16:11 tells us,“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy . . .”. In the Lord’s presence is fulness of joy. Spending time with the Lord listening and waiting in prayer, spending holds us in His presence for a while. And Nehemiah 8:10 tells us“[T]he joy of the Lord is your strength.” So many times even as bad a day was after I have prayed, I have had a different feeling that everything was going to be alright. Spending time with the Lord gives us the strength we need.

Spending time with the Lord gives us peace.

Spending time in the Lord’s Word gives us peace. I Peter 1:2 tells us,“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,” The Lord tells us , “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. . .” II Peter 3:18 tells us, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” II Timothy 2:15Spending time with the Lord helps the person with the Spirit of God in him to be the person he ought to be.
The more time we spend with the Lord the less we will be like the old man.

“For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.” Romans 7:15

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” Galatians 5:16-17

The more we spend time with Him the more we will want to spend time with Him.

“O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.” Psalm 34:8

When we get a taste of what the Lord is like, and walking with the Lord is like we want to keep coming back for more.

“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16

“More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.” Psalm 19:10-11

The more we see Jesus, the more we see what is wrong in our life.

It seems like I’ve heard the world say something along the lines of “I know what the Bible says. I know the Ten Commandments. . . . . . . . Thou shalt not murder.” But the Bible says much more than that. What about “Honour thy father and thy mother”?What about not bearing false witness? II Peter 3 tells us that we need to stir up our “pure minds” by way of remembrance of the things that were spoken to us. We men are forgetful. I Peter also tells us that we need to be “mindful” of the things that were spoken to us. Are our minds full of the word of God? So many times I have felt differently after I have read my Bible in a day. Am I reflecting on the character of Jesus? Am I loving others the way Jesus taught me to?

Spending time with the Lord gives us direction.

“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Psalm 16:11

In Proverbs 8:20 Wisdom also says, “ I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:”.

I remember once someone asking me “Where in the Bible does it say we ought not to drink?” I had been reading a chapter of Proverbs daily, but I decided to put off reading my Proverb that morning. In the very first verse of Proverbs 20 , the Proverb for the day I read, “ Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”

In Joshua 1:8 we read, “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”

The Devil doesn’t just attack when we are fully armed.

Honestly how dumb would that be to wait and attack someone only when they are fully armed?

I Peter 5:8 tells us, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” The Bible doesn’t mention him taking a day off, so we shouldn’t be bold enough to assume that today is the day he has taken off.

Ephesians 6 tells us to put on the whole armor of God that we may resist the Devil. Having on the whole armor of God is crucial, but I wanted to focus on the point of our faith. Part of putting on the armor is to take the shield of faith as stated in Ephesians 6:16: “ Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”

Romans 10:17 says, “ So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” We are going to be tried in this present evil world, and if our faith is going to stand strong we need to spend time in the Word of God.

“ . . .Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.” Matthew 22:29

I quoted Joshua 1:8 above. God expected Joshua to spend time in the Word of God everyday even though Joshua was leading an army and a nation. Are any of us that busy today?

Another way to get faith is by asking for it.

Mark 9:24 reads, “And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.”

“And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.” Luke 17:5

I hope you find these reminders a helpful. God bless!