The Bahais

1. The Baha'is A Greater Hope! Greetings everyone, my name is Jason and tonight I am so excited to share with you the greater news of the "Greater Covenant". I know you were expecting me to continue in my narrow path of teaching from God's messenger Peter from the Christian book of God's word, the Bible. But I have found a wider path to God, free from the judgmentalism of sin, guilt and repentance. I call it the, "The Baha'is: A Greater Hope!"Greetings everyone, my name is Jason and tonight I am so excited to share with you the greater news of the "Greater Covenant". I know you were expecting me to continue in my narrow path of teaching from God's messenger Peter from the Christian book of God's word, the Bible. But I have found a wider path to God, free from the judgmentalism of sin, guilt and repentance. I call it the, "The Baha'is: A Greater Hope!"

2. What is Baha'is? One of the youngest of the world's religions Baha'i is Arabic for "The Glory of God" Founded in Iran in the 19th century, Bah'u'llah shunned his life of aristocracy and dedicated himself to uplift the oppressed people of the world! An inter-faith religion made up of 6 million members in over 200 countries! Now what is, "Baha'is"? (read slide) It is the world's fastest growing faith and it's membership is second only to the of Christianity. But at its current rate of growth, it will soon be the world's largest religious institution!Now what is, "Baha'is"? (read slide) It is the world's fastest growing faith and it's membership is second only to the of Christianity. But at its current rate of growth, it will soon be the world's largest religious institution!

3. What Are the Central Beliefs? God is one: The only supreme being who is unknowable, inaccessible He expresses Himself through "Manifestations" known as prophets Jesus, Mohammad, Moses & Buddha What are the central beliefs of Baha'i? First of all, let's talk about God. There is only one God, not a trinity. Jesus and the Holy Spirit are but finely polished mirrors that reflect the glorious light of the one true God. God is the only supreme being who is unknowable, inaccessible. Although we can not know or access God, He expresses Himself to His creation through "Manifestations" known as prophets Jesus, Mohammad, Moses & Buddha were all Manifestations of the God. What are the central beliefs of Baha'i? First of all, let's talk about God. There is only one God, not a trinity. Jesus and the Holy Spirit are but finely polished mirrors that reflect the glorious light of the one true God. God is the only supreme being who is unknowable, inaccessible. Although we can not know or access God, He expresses Himself to His creation through "Manifestations" known as prophets Jesus, Mohammad, Moses & Buddha were all Manifestations of the God.

4. Progressive Revelation There is only one real religion which is the religion of God. All the different faiths of the world are but different approaches to that religion. As mankind evolves, God expresses more truth about Himself Judaism, Christianity, Islam & Baha'i Central to the belief of Baha'i is the concept of Progressive Revelation. You see, there is only one real religion which is the religion of God. All the different faiths of the world are but different approaches to that religion. As mankind evolves, God expresses more and more truth about Himself. Consequently, the newer a religion is, the more truth it has. For example, in Judaism God expressed a small amount about Himself to His creation. In Christianity, He expressed a little more. This continued on thru Islam, Buddhism, Mormonism etc... etc... culminating in the sum total expression of the one true God in Baha'i! Make sense? Central to the belief of Baha'i is the concept of Progressive Revelation. You see, there is only one real religion which is the religion of God. All the different faiths of the world are but different approaches to that religion. As mankind evolves, God expresses more and more truth about Himself. Consequently, the newer a religion is, the more truth it has. For example, in Judaism God expressed a small amount about Himself to His creation. In Christianity, He expressed a little more. This continued on thru Islam, Buddhism, Mormonism etc... etc... culminating in the sum total expression of the one true God in Baha'i! Make sense?

5. God's Purpose: Unity! Humanity is a single race which should be united in one global society Racism: Although cultural diversity has value, it will be tolerated unless its existence infringes upon the rights of another. Inequality: Extreme wealth & poverty are equally immoral and should be equalized by charitable giving and by government action. Gender: Men and women are the same. Women must be educated to fulfill the same roles as the male counterparts. Human rights: The planet is but one nation and people are its citizens. The world should create a "culture of human rights". Now why would God do all this? God's purpose is to unify God, religion and humanity for the collective good of all. Wasn't it that great modern day literary poet, Rodney King who asked, "Why can't we just all get along?" Humanity is a single race which should be united in one global society In regards to Racism: Although cultural diversity has value, it will be tolerated unless its existence infringes upon the rights of another culture. Inequality: Extreme wealth & poverty are equally immoral and should be equalized by charitable giving and by government action. Gender: Men and women are the same. Women must be educated to fulfill the same roles as the male counterparts. Human rights: The planet is but one nation and people are its citizens. The world should create a "culture of human rights". Are not these the greatest principles that you have ever heard? Think about global peace, a new world order, where all men and women get along. No longer will there be any borders between nations, cultures, socio-economic differences. There will be no more wars because all disputes will be settled in a supreme world court that represents all the people, not just the wealthy. No longer will there be poverty and sickness because the world government will insure the welfare of all people. It will be heaven on earth. Speaking of which, what about heaven?Now why would God do all this? God's purpose is to unify God, religion and humanity for the collective good of all. Wasn't it that great modern day literary poet, Rodney King who asked, "Why can't we just all get along?" Humanity is a single race which should be united in one global society In regards to Racism: Although cultural diversity has value, it will be tolerated unless its existence infringes upon the rights of another culture. Inequality: Extreme wealth & poverty are equally immoral and should be equalized by charitable giving and by government action. Gender: Men and women are the same. Women must be educated to fulfill the same roles as the male counterparts. Human rights: The planet is but one nation and people are its citizens. The world should create a "culture of human rights". Are not these the greatest principles that you have ever heard? Think about global peace, a new world order, where all men and women get along. No longer will there be any borders between nations, cultures, socio-economic differences. There will be no more wars because all disputes will be settled in a supreme world court that represents all the people, not just the wealthy. No longer will there be poverty and sickness because the world government will insure the welfare of all people. It will be heaven on earth. Speaking of which, what about heaven?

6. The Afterlife There is no heaven or hell only nearness. The soul is the only part of you that remains for all eternity. When your body dies, your soul enters a new plane of existence How close to God you get depends on how well you responded to the teachings of God's Messengers. Let's talk about the afterlife. In Progressive revelation, God has revealed a greater truth about eternity: There is no heaven or hell only nearness to God. The narrow concept that there is only one way to God through observation of the law of Moses, the belief in a son of God as a sacrificial atonement for sin or the faithful adherence to the teachings of the Koran are obsolete. Heaven or Hell is too simplistic of a view for the God of this age. Baha'i agrees with all the major religions that The soul is the only part of you that remains for all eternity. The body is but a shell that imprisons the soul to this earthly plane., But, When your body dies, your soul enters a new plane of existence. Not singing with angels in heaven nor burning for all eternity in hell, but the concept of nearness to the supreme God who greatness can not be expressed in mere words. How close to God you get depends on how well you responded to the teachings of God's Messengers, Bah'u'llah, Mohamed, Jesus, Buddha, Moses. They are all the same. God is the unity of life, light and love. So the closer we get to Him, the more of a finely polished mirror our souls become, gloriously reflecting His unity for all eternity.Let's talk about the afterlife. In Progressive revelation, God has revealed a greater truth about eternity: There is no heaven or hell only nearness to God. The narrow concept that there is only one way to God through observation of the law of Moses, the belief in a son of God as a sacrificial atonement for sin or the faithful adherence to the teachings of the Koran are obsolete. Heaven or Hell is too simplistic of a view for the God of this age. Baha'i agrees with all the major religions that The soul is the only part of you that remains for all eternity. The body is but a shell that imprisons the soul to this earthly plane., But, When your body dies, your soul enters a new plane of existence. Not singing with angels in heaven nor burning for all eternity in hell, but the concept of nearness to the supreme God who greatness can not be expressed in mere words. How close to God you get depends on how well you responded to the teachings of God's Messengers, Bah'u'llah, Mohamed, Jesus, Buddha, Moses. They are all the same. God is the unity of life, light and love. So the closer we get to Him, the more of a finely polished mirror our souls become, gloriously reflecting His unity for all eternity.

7. How Do You Become A Believer of Baha'i? A Greater Hope! Baha'i does not require you to renounce your previous faith. Simply recognizing Bah�u�ll�h as the Messenger of God for this age Enroll in the Baha'i community by writing to the responsible Baha'i institution. Follow the teachings & administrative institutions of Baha'i for the unification of mankind So, How do you become a believer of Baha'i? A Greater Hope! This is the great part about the unity of religion! Baha'i does not require you to renounce your previous faith at all. The Baha'i is greatly enhanced by the teachings of Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Greek Mythology, secular humanism, you name it. All are welcome and all are saved by... Simply recognizing Bah�u�ll�h as the Messenger of God for this age. "Baptism" into the faith is consummated by Enrolling in the Baha'i community by writing a profession of faith to the responsible Baha'i institution. The location of the closest institution be found at www.baha'i.org Next, follow the teachings & administrative institutions of Baha'i for the unification of mankind. So, How do you become a believer of Baha'i? A Greater Hope! This is the great part about the unity of religion! Baha'i does not require you to renounce your previous faith at all. The Baha'i is greatly enhanced by the teachings of Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Greek Mythology, secular humanism, you name it. All are welcome and all are saved by... Simply recognizing Bah�u�ll�h as the Messenger of God for this age. "Baptism" into the faith is consummated by Enrolling in the Baha'i community by writing a profession of faith to the responsible Baha'i institution. The location of the closest institution be found at www.baha'i.org Next, follow the teachings & administrative institutions of Baha'i for the unification of mankind.

8. Who Wants to Join Me? Read the slide. What am I doing? At retreat, I was convicted by Pastor Barry Gin about being Bible Headed (I have all this knowledge of God and the Bible in my head, but all it lead me to is being judgmental of others). All the teaching of Christ did not produce any love in my actions. I determined that the teaching of Christianity was the problem because salvation through Christ is so narrow. Wasn't it Jesus himself who said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."? Does that sound diverse? Does that sound tolerant? Is that loving? So I have chosen a greater hope that is based in unity. In the Baha'i religion, all people go to heaven. What's wrong with that? If I'm wrong, prove that I'm wrong. What is the "hope of salvation" you have and how is it superior to mine?Read the slide. What am I doing? At retreat, I was convicted by Pastor Barry Gin about being Bible Headed (I have all this knowledge of God and the Bible in my head, but all it lead me to is being judgmental of others). All the teaching of Christ did not produce any love in my actions. I determined that the teaching of Christianity was the problem because salvation through Christ is so narrow. Wasn't it Jesus himself who said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."? Does that sound diverse? Does that sound tolerant? Is that loving? So I have chosen a greater hope that is based in unity. In the Baha'i religion, all people go to heaven. What's wrong with that? If I'm wrong, prove that I'm wrong. What is the "hope of salvation" you have and how is it superior to mine?

9. Lesson 10: Suffering for Doing Good Hi everyone, my name is Jason and tonight we will be continuing in our lesson in 1 Peter 3:13-22 where we will be talking about "Suffering for doing Good." Now many of you are asking what just happened in the past 8 slides? Well you have just experienced, "Freaky Friday" where I will pick the opposing view to the Christian mindset and challenge you to defend your faith. How did you guys and gals do? Well there is a point to all this, besides filling time: In tonight's lesson, Peter challenges all of us to be prepared to defend our faith at anytime, from anywhere to anyone. Let's begin tonight's lesson with the scripture verse. But before that, let us pray. Can I have a volunteer read the next slide please?Hi everyone, my name is Jason and tonight we will be continuing in our lesson in 1 Peter 3:13-22 where we will be talking about "Suffering for doing Good." Now many of you are asking what just happened in the past 8 slides? Well you have just experienced, "Freaky Friday" where I will pick the opposing view to the Christian mindset and challenge you to defend your faith. How did you guys and gals do? Well there is a point to all this, besides filling time: In tonight's lesson, Peter challenges all of us to be prepared to defend our faith at anytime, from anywhere to anyone. Let's begin tonight's lesson with the scripture verse. But before that, let us pray. Can I have a volunteer read the next slide please?

10. (thank the reader)(thank the reader)

11. Defend Yourself! This first section is called, "Defend Yourself!" More precisely it should be called, "Defend your faith" but I couldn't find any pictures of cats and dogs fighting over faith. All kidding aside, well not really, Peter is addressing believers in the first century church who were literally being beaten, imprisoned and facing poverty because of their profession of faith. With rare exception, many of us will never be persecuted for our faith. But most of us shy away from sharing our testimony because we fear being embarrassed or hurting someone's feelings. To Peter, this kind of wimpiness is unacceptable. As an aside, remember it was Peter who wimped out and denied Christ because of a servant girl on the night that Jesus was handed over to be crucified. But Peter had matured much in his faith since then. Likewise, he also urges us to grow up in our faith and defend ourselves to anyone who questions our hope in Christ.This first section is called, "Defend Yourself!" More precisely it should be called, "Defend your faith" but I couldn't find any pictures of cats and dogs fighting over faith. All kidding aside, well not really, Peter is addressing believers in the first century church who were literally being beaten, imprisoned and facing poverty because of their profession of faith. With rare exception, many of us will never be persecuted for our faith. But most of us shy away from sharing our testimony because we fear being embarrassed or hurting someone's feelings. To Peter, this kind of wimpiness is unacceptable. As an aside, remember it was Peter who wimped out and denied Christ because of a servant girl on the night that Jesus was handed over to be crucified. But Peter had matured much in his faith since then. Likewise, he also urges us to grow up in our faith and defend ourselves to anyone who questions our hope in Christ.

12. Defend Yourself! ��� 13Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." 15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. Who is going to harm you? Literary trick to get your attention. You are blessed Chosen of God, favored A Quote from Isa 8:12 Isaiah prophesied against Israel Don't fear conspiracies of men Fear God! (read verses) The Apostle Peter starts out with, "Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?" When I read this I started smiling. And if you think about it, you would too. Why? well because Peter is using a Literary trick to get your attention. All of us can throw out dozens of names of people, politicians and institutions who would go out of their way to hurt us for trying to do the right thing. However Peter is not telling you to stop doing good. He's warning that when you are suffering for doing right, don't despair because You are blessed. This is talking about eternal vision: Rewards in heaven because you are Chosen of God, favored. This is positive reinforcement. In contrast, Peter then uses a negative reinforcement in A Quote from Isa 8:12 to set our perspective. The context of this verse was that Isaiah prophesied against the Northern Kingdom Israel because of their idol worship. God was raising up the nation of Assyria punish them. But the people refused to repent. They were motivated by the here and now rather than the eternal perspective. Isaiah chastised them: Don't fear conspiracies of men. Don't let that motivate you. Rather Fear God who is about to drop the hammer of wrath upon you. The point is that as Christians our behavior should be motivated by the fear of God, not the opposition of men. (read verses) The Apostle Peter starts out with, "Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?" When I read this I started smiling. And if you think about it, you would too. Why? well because Peter is using a Literary trick to get your attention. All of us can throw out dozens of names of people, politicians and institutions who would go out of their way to hurt us for trying to do the right thing. However Peter is not telling you to stop doing good. He's warning that when you are suffering for doing right, don't despair because You are blessed. This is talking about eternal vision: Rewards in heaven because you are Chosen of God, favored. This is positive reinforcement. In contrast, Peter then uses a negative reinforcement in A Quote from Isa 8:12 to set our perspective. The context of this verse was that Isaiah prophesied against the Northern Kingdom Israel because of their idol worship. God was raising up the nation of Assyria punish them. But the people refused to repent. They were motivated by the here and now rather than the eternal perspective. Isaiah chastised them: Don't fear conspiracies of men. Don't let that motivate you. Rather Fear God who is about to drop the hammer of wrath upon you. The point is that as Christians our behavior should be motivated by the fear of God, not the opposition of men.

13. Defend Yourself! ��� 13Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." 15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. Set apart Christ as Lord Our Savior! Our Lord! Prepared: Hetoimos from fitness, ready or in shape Answer: Apologia verbal defence Hope: Elpis joyful confident expectation of eternal salvation This is the key verse for this lesson, so pay attention: (Read verses) Peter urges us to, "Set apart Christ as Lord". Many of us think we do this already, but do we? It is so easy to set apart Christ as Our Savior! After all, it's a great deal. You accept Christ into your heart and you are saved from hell. You don't need to do anything more than that. Enjoy your life! This is called, "Cheap grace", by the way. We can live your Christian faith like this, but I don't think this is why God sent his Son to die for us. No, If we are serious about our faith, we need to take the next step and choose to make Jesus Our Lord in our lives. That means a willful choice to put God's needs ahead of our own. Ouch! Painful stuff! Let's move on: We are to always be Prepared: Hetoimos. This is not a religious word, rather Peter takes it from fitness. It means to be ready or in shape. Like eating right and exercising. We are to be spiritually buff, ready to give an Answer: from the word, Apologia. Where we get the term apologetics. This is a legal term meaning to give a verbal defense for the Hope we have in Christ. This is from the Greek word Elpis which is a religious word meaning joyful confident expectation of eternal salvation. Is this you? When you talk about your testimony, do you express joyful confident expectation? Or is it more like, "Oh, I accepted Christ, and I teach in Petra, it's great, I guess (sigh)..." No say I! You are to be pumped up, Hetoimos, spiritually fit and ready to give an Apologia for the hope that you have in Christ, with joyful confidence like your wired on 10 cups of coffee, like I am now! But...This is the key verse for this lesson, so pay attention: (Read verses) Peter urges us to, "Set apart Christ as Lord". Many of us think we do this already, but do we? It is so easy to set apart Christ as Our Savior! After all, it's a great deal. You accept Christ into your heart and you are saved from hell. You don't need to do anything more than that. Enjoy your life! This is called, "Cheap grace", by the way. We can live your Christian faith like this, but I don't think this is why God sent his Son to die for us. No, If we are serious about our faith, we need to take the next step and choose to make Jesus Our Lord in our lives. That means a willful choice to put God's needs ahead of our own. Ouch! Painful stuff! Let's move on: We are to always be Prepared: Hetoimos. This is not a religious word, rather Peter takes it from fitness. It means to be ready or in shape. Like eating right and exercising. We are to be spiritually buff, ready to give an Answer: from the word, Apologia. Where we get the term apologetics. This is a legal term meaning to give a verbal defense for the Hope we have in Christ. This is from the Greek word Elpis which is a religious word meaning joyful confident expectation of eternal salvation. Is this you? When you talk about your testimony, do you express joyful confident expectation? Or is it more like, "Oh, I accepted Christ, and I teach in Petra, it's great, I guess (sigh)..." No say I! You are to be pumped up, Hetoimos, spiritually fit and ready to give an Apologia for the hope that you have in Christ, with joyful confidence like your wired on 10 cups of coffee, like I am now! But...

14. Defend Yourself! But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. Respect: Phobos fear, dread, terror Not of men But of God (read verses) The word Respect comes from the Greek word, "Phobos" where we get the term phobia. It literally means fear, dread, terror Not of men But of God We covered this in previous lessons. Phobos doesn't mean we should be terrified of God. But I do think it means that we need to have a healthy level of uneasy respectfulness when it comes to the things of God, because as a sovereign King, He can discipline us as well as bless us. (read verses) The word Respect comes from the Greek word, "Phobos" where we get the term phobia. It literally means fear, dread, terror Not of men But of God We covered this in previous lessons. Phobos doesn't mean we should be terrified of God. But I do think it means that we need to have a healthy level of uneasy respectfulness when it comes to the things of God, because as a sovereign King, He can discipline us as well as bless us.

15. Baptism of Water This next section is titled, "Baptism of Water". Shown here is Noah on his houseboat. In this section, Peter brings in a couple of examples of people who suffered for doing good, as well as the relevance of baptism.This next section is titled, "Baptism of Water". Shown here is Noah on his houseboat. In this section, Peter brings in a couple of examples of people who suffered for doing good, as well as the relevance of baptism.

16. Baptism of Water 18For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, ...22who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand�with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him. Christ our 1st example Christ was eager to do good. He suffered for doing right He was blessed (read verse) Christ our 1st example Christ was eager to do good. Jesus came to earth out of obedience to his Father. He suffered for doing right. When Jesus did the right thing, the religious/political leaders of his day killed him. He was blessed. Jesus was raised from the dead and glorified at the right hand of God. This example is great, but a little hard for us to reach because, well, Jesus was... Jesus, the Son of God, but we are but mere men and women. Peter anticipated this kind of response so he used another example that was easier to swallow:(read verse) Christ our 1st example Christ was eager to do good. Jesus came to earth out of obedience to his Father. He suffered for doing right. When Jesus did the right thing, the religious/political leaders of his day killed him. He was blessed. Jesus was raised from the dead and glorified at the right hand of God. This example is great, but a little hard for us to reach because, well, Jesus was... Jesus, the Son of God, but we are but mere men and women. Peter anticipated this kind of response so he used another example that was easier to swallow:

17. Baptism of Water 19through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison 20who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also�not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Noah our 2nd example Noah was eager to do good. He suffered for doing right He was blessed (read verses) Peter gave Noah as our 2nd example Noah was eager to do good. He loved the Lord, built an ark and preached to the people of the land. And He suffered for doing right. But he was ridiculed, attacked and marginalized for obeying God. Think of how foolish Noah looked. He was building a container ship in the middle of a continent for an upcoming flood when there were no recorded instances of rain anywhere on earth prior to that time. But later, He was blessed. Noah and his family were saved; carried through the flood in the protecting hands of God. (read verses) Peter gave Noah as our 2nd example Noah was eager to do good. He loved the Lord, built an ark and preached to the people of the land. And He suffered for doing right. But he was ridiculed, attacked and marginalized for obeying God. Think of how foolish Noah looked. He was building a container ship in the middle of a continent for an upcoming flood when there were no recorded instances of rain anywhere on earth prior to that time. But later, He was blessed. Noah and his family were saved; carried through the flood in the protecting hands of God.

18. Baptism of Water 19through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison 20who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also�not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Is baptism required for salvation? Good conscience: Suneidesis Soul distinguishing between what is morally good and bad & earnestly choosing good. What does "Baptism of Water" represent? Faith: An earnest choice to believe God (read verses) Now this verse has been the source of much controversy within the church. Is baptism required for salvation? (ask around). Some fundamentalists use this verse to prove that the act of physical immersion in water is necessary to go to heaven. Their doctrine is something like faith thru grace plus baptism = salvation. I think that this is just bogus. My argument to that is, what if you accept the gospel but are killed in a car accident on your way to get baptized? Peter himself poo-poo's this notion saying that baptism is, "not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a " Good conscience: From the Greek word, "Suneidesis", which is that part of you which makes you, you the soul distinguishing between what is morally good and bad & earnestly choosing good. So What does "Baptism of Water" represent? Peter is drawing an analogy between the Noah's salvation from the flood and our salvation from hell. "Baptism of Water" is not a physical act necessary for salvation, rather it is an outward demonstration of faith: An earnest choice to believe God. You see, when Noah was saved by the ark he built, it was his baptism: Outward proof that he chose to believe God. Similarly, for Christians, baptism is outward proof that we choose to believe God. This is not a new concept that Peter is giving, but rather it is supporting what he said in verse 15: But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord: The earnest choice to believe God.(read verses) Now this verse has been the source of much controversy within the church. Is baptism required for salvation? (ask around). Some fundamentalists use this verse to prove that the act of physical immersion in water is necessary to go to heaven. Their doctrine is something like faith thru grace plus baptism = salvation. I think that this is just bogus. My argument to that is, what if you accept the gospel but are killed in a car accident on your way to get baptized? Peter himself poo-poo's this notion saying that baptism is, "not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a " Good conscience: From the Greek word, "Suneidesis", which is that part of you which makes you, you the soul distinguishing between what is morally good and bad & earnestly choosing good. So What does "Baptism of Water" represent? Peter is drawing an analogy between the Noah's salvation from the flood and our salvation from hell. "Baptism of Water" is not a physical act necessary for salvation, rather it is an outward demonstration of faith: An earnest choice to believe God. You see, when Noah was saved by the ark he built, it was his baptism: Outward proof that he chose to believe God. Similarly, for Christians, baptism is outward proof that we choose to believe God. This is not a new concept that Peter is giving, but rather it is supporting what he said in verse 15: But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord: The earnest choice to believe God.

19. Application Don't let the world, the flesh and the devil stop you from doing right. Choose Christ as Lord of your life. Let you motivation be eternal Always be ready to defend your faith Spiritual fitness~Prepared, practiced With gentleness & respect, not righteous indignation Share your testimony, not just the gospel but what the gospel means to you. Let's bring this to a point of application (read verses) Don't let the world, the flesh and the devil stop you from doing right. Choose Christ as Lord of your life, placiing his wants ahead of your own. Let you motivation be eternal. Remember that everything in this world is a depreciating asset. Only God is eternal. Always be ready to defend your faith Remember, "Spiritual fitness"~ Be Prepared, practiced to give a reasoned response to someone questioning why you have hope. But do it with With gentleness & respect, not righteous indignation. (Fine you pagan, have a happy trip to hell! I won't bother to pray for you). Don't do it that way, but rather Share your testimony, not just the gospel but what the gospel means to you. Defending your faith is not a kung fu battle, rather you want to express how God changed you trusting that the HS will entice your audience seek out God. Let's bring this to a point of application (read verses) Don't let the world, the flesh and the devil stop you from doing right. Choose Christ as Lord of your life, placiing his wants ahead of your own. Let you motivation be eternal. Remember that everything in this world is a depreciating asset. Only God is eternal. Always be ready to defend your faith Remember, "Spiritual fitness"~ Be Prepared, practiced to give a reasoned response to someone questioning why you have hope. But do it with With gentleness & respect, not righteous indignation. (Fine you pagan, have a happy trip to hell! I won't bother to pray for you). Don't do it that way, but rather Share your testimony, not just the gospel but what the gospel means to you. Defending your faith is not a kung fu battle, rather you want to express how God changed you trusting that the HS will entice your audience seek out God.

20. Lesson 11: Living for God Next time...Next time...