...Baptism of Pocahontas, by Artist, John Gadsby Chapman The painting, Baptism of Pocahontas, is a gorgeous painting by John Gadsby Chapman. “John Chapman received the commission for the Rotunda painting in 1837.” It was not until 1840 that “the painting was delivered to the U.S. Capitol and installed.” In this fantastic painting, Pocahontas is the center of it all. It seems as though the artist has put her in the center to single her out. She was “thought to be the earliest native convert to Christianity in the English colonies.” He put her all in white to show the purity of her life before marrying John Rolfe. Also, because white is a pure and clean color which also represents a new life and a baptism definitely shows a clean start....
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...SOR ASSESSMENT II: RESEARCH ESSAY SOR ASSESSMENT II: RESEARCH ESSAY “Rites of passage in Christianity allow adherents to obtain deeper knowledge and beliefs about their religion” How does this statement explain the significance of baptism for the Christian community and the individual? Baptism allows adherents of Christianity to acquire a deeper understanding and resonate with the beliefs of their religion. Baptism refers to the religious rite of passage involving the application of water in association with an individual’s admission to the Christian Church. It is a significant rite practiced by a majority of Christian adherents with the exception of Quakers and followers of The Salvation Army. In many denominations, baptism is performed on young children and is accompanied by name-giving, referred to as ‘Infant Baptism’. These denominational families include Catholics, Eastern and Oriental Orthodox, Anglicans, Lutherans, Presbyterians and other Reformed denominations, Methodists and some Nazarenes, as well as the Moravian Church. Another form of baptism involves the initiation of adults and is referred to as ‘Believers Baptism’ practised by a minority of Christians including Protestants and followers of the Pentecostal and Baptists sect. A key concept in believer's baptism is that a credible profession of faith must be given by the recipient before baptism. The American Baptist Church, for example, declares: "We insist that baptism be administered only to those who have...
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...Confirmation Expository Essay Confirmation gives a young Catholic many gifts. Growth is vital to human life; the body and mind must grow to stay alive. Catholics believe that the soul also needs to grow to maturity in the life of grace, just as the human body must grow through childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Catholics believe that the Sacrament of Confirmation is the supernatural equivalent of the growth process on the natural level. It builds on what was begun in Baptism and what was nourished in Holy Eucharist. It also completes the process of initiation into the Christian community, and it matures the soul for the work ahead. Confirmation is a sacrament of initiation which completes baptism through sealing in Holy Spirit and granting the recipient the strengthening of faith, an increase of sanctifying grace, and a lasting character on the soul. Confirmation is one of the three sacraments of initiation and through it the Holy Spirit is given to those who have been already baptized, in order to make them strong and perfect Christians and soldiers of Christ. When Jesus calls upon us to follow him he does not mean that we should make our way to Heaven alone, but commands us to bring others with us along the same path. The only way we can do this successfully is through a special share in the anointing of Jesus through the priest. Confirmation strengthens the supernatural life we receive in Baptism. Confirmation transforms us into adults in the catholic faith...
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...Christian and non-Christian circles surrounding the word Pentecostal. Although Norris’ essay on “Pentecostal” ends on a somewhat positive note, the overall picture is a negative one. This essay leaves an overall undesirable image because of the strong stereotypical evidence against Pentecostal, and the lack of supporting positive evidence. The Christians that unite under such a word as Pentecostal have had some marks of disgrace. Norris states that “Mainstream Christians often dismiss Pentecostals as looney tunes; anti-intellectual in their theology, overemotional in their worship.” (Norriss pg. 344) This only affirms the stain on Pentecostals reputation. There can be no other outcome when only strong evidence that speaks mostly of downfalls is given. Accomplishments like this writing only adds to the arsenal of misconception that many already have. There is however no description of the posture of those who first experienced Pentecost in North America that would provide a more healthy view of the Pentecostal. There is much to say in favor of the word Pentecostal and for North America it occurred with the Azusa Street mission. The events and happenings surrounding this modern day Pentecost had a tremendous impact in its time as well as impact that would prove to be long lasting. There came to be many new church congregations founded across the country that stemmed from the significance of seeking baptism of the Spirit with evidence of speaking in tongues. Now there is said to be thousands...
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... Schreiner and Wright set out to dispel the practice of paedobaptisim in the Reformed tradition. In order to accomplish this, they enlist the help of ten scholars to investigate baptism from a scriptural, historical and theological perspective. What results is a book that fairly documents the biblical background, fairly quotes the Reformation fathers Calvin, Marcel, and Murray and ends with a chapter on practical application of baptism in the modern church. SUMMARY Schreiner and Wright open their book by stating, “Baptism … is the initiation rite into the Christian church. Those who label it minor are imposing their own categories onto the Scriptures instead of listening to the Scriptures…. Baptism is important precisely because it is tied to the gospel, to the saving work that Christ accomplished in his death and resurrection.”[1] What the authors do is to survey both the scriptures and church history in their inquiry into the paedobaptistism (infant baptism) and credobaptism (“baptism should be reserved for believers in the Lord Jesus Christ”[2]) debate. The particular form of paedobaptism that the authors are seeking to correct is “…primarily in the Reformed tradition, who baptize infants not because they believe that baptism regenerates … but because they believe that baptism brings the child into the covenant community.”[3] All the authors are both razor sharp in their focus, and fair in their treatment of paedobaptist positions. Each chapter is thoroughly...
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...Perlez, Marianne Louise P. 1BSA2 THE SEVEN SACRAMENTS OF THE CHURCH Baptism is a Sacrament which cleanses us from original sin, makes us Christians, children of God, and heirs of heaven. Baptism is necessary to salvation, because without it we cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven. The priest is the ordinary minister of Baptism; but in case of necessity anyone who has the use of reason may baptize. Whoever baptizes should pour water on the head of the person to be baptized, and say, while pouring the water: I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. There are three kinds of Baptism: Baptism of water, of desire, and of blood. Baptism of water is that which is given by pouring water on the head of the person to be baptized, and saying at the same time: I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Baptism of desire is an ardent wish to receive Baptism, and to do all that God has ordained for our salvation. Baptism of blood is the shedding of one´s blood for the faith of Christ, such as in the cases of martyrdom. Baptism of desire or of blood is sufficient to produce the effects of the Baptism of water, if it is impossible to receive the Baptism of water. Biblical references: Acts 2:38-39; Acts 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21; John 3:5; Matt 19:14; Luke 18:15-16; Col 2:11-12; Rom 6:13; Acts 16:15; Acts 16:33; 1 Cor 1:16; Mark 16:16; Rom 5:18-19; Mark 10:14; Jos 24:15; Matt 8:5ff; Matt 15:21ff Confirmation...
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...Introduction Since the early days of the twentieth century, many Christian believers have taught and received a spiritual experience they call the baptism in the Holy Spirit. At the present time, hundreds of millions of believers identify themselves with the movement that teaches and encourages the reception of that experience. The global expansion of that movement demonstrates the words of Jesus Christ to His disciples that when the promised Holy Spirit came upon them, they would receive power to be His witnesses to all the world (Acts 1:5,8). The New Testament emphasizes the centrality of the Holy Spirit's role in the ministry of Jesus and the continuation of that role in the Early Church. Jesus’ public ministry was launched by the Holy Spirit coming upon Him (Matthew 3:16; Mark 1:10; Luke 3:22; John 1:32). The Book of Acts presents an extension of that ministry through the disciples by means of the empowering Holy Spirit. The most distinguishing features of the baptism in the Holy Spirit are that: (1) it is theologically and experientially distinguishable from and subsequent to the new birth, (2) it is accompanied by speaking in tongues, and (3) it is distinct in purpose from the Spirit’s work of regenerating the heart and life of a repentant sinner. Baptism in the Holy Spirit The term “baptism in the Holy Spirit” does not occur in Scripture. It is a convenient designation for the experience predicted by John the Baptist that Jesus...
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...Josh Nicholas Professor Graham English 1301 8:00-9:30 September 12, 2013 “Salvation” by Langston Hughes No one person is without sin. Everyone has done wrong, and nobody is perfect. A lot of people seek salvation and forgiveness for what they have done in their life. The definition of salvation is the deliverance of sin and its consequences brought by faith in Christ. Of the many people that seek salvation, some may not find what they are looking for. In “Salvation” by Langston Hughes, the main character has lied to and deceived most of his church members about being salvaged, or in other words, saved, and he should be supported for his actions. The author of “Salvation” is Langston Hughes, and he is also the main character himself. Hughes was born in Joplin Missouri on February 1, 1902. Soon after his birth, his parents split and his mother moved around, so Hughes was mainly raised by his maternal grandmother. After moving to several different cities, he eventually settled in Cleveland which is where he began to write poetry. Poetry was not the only type of writing that Hughes partook in. He wrote novels and short stories along with his poetry. In the short story “Salvation” Langston is a twelve year old boy going on thirteen attending a revival at his Auntie Reeds church. Towards the end of the revival, all of the “sinner children” were brought upon the mourners’ bench. The reason for this? To find Jesus and to let him into the children’s lives. One by one the children...
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...Haley Hart September 29, 2013 Discuss Pentecostalism as a religious movement from the late 19th century to the present. Pentecostalism’s “spiritual baptism” was founded out of the holiness and healing movements of the late nineteenth century, but the beginning of the Pentecostal movement began at Azusa Street Church in Los Angeles, California in 1906. The speaking of tongues that the Azusa church members practiced was interpreted as a sign that the Holy Spirit not only existed in their community but also “baptized” the spirits of the people who were speaking in tongues. The Pentecostals wanted a return to “primitive” Christian religion, in which they sought no historical church baggage or differences that would drive people apart. They also attributed the success of the primitive church back to Pentecost-an event where the Holy Spirit descended upon the people with “gifts” (healing, prophecy, miracles, and glossolalia or speaking in tongues). As time passed and things changed, Pentecostalism also transformed. This was largely due to the fact that the movement addressed religion in an open, positive, and cheerful manner. Their meetings had always been diverse and attracted whites, blacks, Mexicans, Native Americans, Asians, and Eastern Europeans. They embraced popular culture and utilized it to minister to large audiences. During the second half of the twentieth century, many Pentecostals created a parallel to the mostly-secularized pop culture. They used pamphlets, diet...
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...I think that all of us would say that the main purpose for small groups in a church is to make disciples. If we are not making disciples, then we might as well call them social clubs. The question then becomes – what is a disciple? For the sake of this discussion, I am going to use the definition that a disciple is simply someone who is taking their next steps to be more like Christ. The really tough part is how to evaluate your groups for effectiveness in discipleship-making. We can make it complicated and have the wrong assumptions about spiritual growth. Here are four wrong assumptions that you can make about discipleship in groups: 1. Everyone grows at the same pace. The worst mistake that we can make in churches is trying to microwave the growth process in our people. If we don’t get results quickly, then we feel like we have failed as leaders. Lasting growth takes time and cannot be rushed. 2. Everyone grows in the same way. We are all wired differently as human beings, so we have to expect that we will take different paths toward the center. A great resource for this is The Me I Want To Be by John Ortberg. We have to create different environments to allow different people to grow in different ways. 3. Only the small group leader can disciple. As long as you are one step ahead, you can take someone else along on the journey. We have to change the mindset that only mature disciples are equipped to lead others. God will equip the willing. 4. There...
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...Baptism and the Holy Spirit in the Book of Acts Water Baptism vs Baptized with the Spirit and Power The book of Acts begins with Jesus' parting words to His apostles before His ascension to the right hand of God the Father. In His opening statement Jesus promises the Holy Spirit, and He does this by distinguishing the coming of the Spirit from the baptism of John. “For John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” (Acts 1:5) John had testified the same of his baptism, “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” (Matthew 3:11, also in all the other Gospels: Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33) So there are two types of baptisms in the book of Acts, what the old theologians called baptismus flaminis (the outpouring of special gifts of the Holy Spirit) and baptismis fluminis (the Baptism of water which is a Sacrament of the remission of sins). (See Francis Pieper, Christian Dogmatics, II.289, note 53) Water Baptism: John's, Jesus' and the Church's Baptism (baptismis fluminis) Of these two types of baptism, the first is the baptism of John, and then commanded (and expanded) by Jesus (Matthew 28:18-20) and given to all the converts on Pentecost, etc. (This is the normal baptism that continues today. We see many of these in Acts, including Acts 2:41; 8:12-16, 36-38; 9:18; 10:47; 16:15...
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...Church Evaluation Form Not every church will have every ministry. If they do not have a particular ministry, just indicate this in the space provided. Church #1 Name: Christ Fellowship Church #1 Website: http://gochristfellowship.com/ 1. Ministry is…praying for others. a. Does the church have a prayer ministry? What does it look like? A community of prayer called the Traffic Ministry Team. They give you links to get started as well as a form so that they can contact if that is a more comfortable preferance. 2. Ministry is…following Jesus’ example by practicing spiritual mentoring and multiplying. a. Does the church have a strategy for evangelism? Yes, many class room and personal opportunities to participate in many different levels of evangelism, including the Hispanic community. b. Does the church have a strategy for discipleship? Yes, Discipleship is obviously important to this church. c. Briefly describe what they look like. Evangelism opportunities are available, through open invitations to current planned evangelical trips, as well as classes teaching about their trips to come and what their purpose is. Discipleship opportunities are available through extending classes to the Hispanic community, Seniors, providing special events throughout the week. 3. Ministry is…leading small groups. a. Does the church have a small group ministry? What can learn about their small group...
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...Research Paper: Discipleship Because I became a Christian at an early age, there are many terms and ideas used in the church that I never pondered upon; I simply accepted them. For example, the term "disciple" I identify as one of Jesus' twelve closest followers, one of the paper characters placed on the felt board during Sunday school. Through my research, I have discovered that while accepting Christ through faith alone grants us salvation, to become a disciple of Christ, or practice discipleship, requires work and commitment from the believer. The word disciple, or the Greek word mathetes, is used over 220 times in the Gospels, but not once in the Epistles, those letters written right after Christ's resurrection ("A Church-speak, n. d.). As customary for the Greek usage of the word, mathetes refers to a student who has personal interaction with their teacher. This offers one explanation as to why the word disciple is not used in the Epistles. No one had direct contact with Jesus anymore because He had gone on to Heaven to be with God. Another explanation for the absence of the word in the Epistles is that the churches that these letters were directed to were aware of Jesus' teachings about discipleship. It is possible that the writer did not mention discipleship because it would have been redundant to do so (Haines, 1999). According to the lecture notes, a disciple is a "student" or a "pupil" and the act of discipleship is "advancing the cause of the kingdom". During...
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...Parliament on 21st June 1972 when a majority of former Congregational and Presbyterian churches in England and Wales united as one church. The Re-formed Association of Churches of Christ joined the Union in 1981 and the Congregational Union of Scotland in 2000. The roots of the URC are in the ‘Reformed Tradition’ stemming from Augustine, Luther, Calvin and Father Philip Swingler and Bushnell The Congregational Church was founded by the Puritans and later became the National Church. Practice Infant Baptism and unbaptised adults The Presbyterian Church owes its origins to the Scottish Reformation and the Puritans practice Infant Baptism and unbaptised adults. The Churches of Christ broke away from the Presbyterian Church and are Anabaptists (believer’s baptism). They did not recognise Infant Baptism although as a condition of the Union they now recognise both. The URC therefore offers to parents Infant Baptism or an Infant Blessing as an alternative, and Believer’s Baptism to adults. The URC is however a broad church and each individual congregation, and the members within that congregation may hold a mixture of beliefs stemming from the doctrines of Luther, Calvin, Schleirmacher and others within the reformed traditions of the protestant church. Their doctrine, ministry and worship is distinctly Free Church. The majesty of Christ and the reading of God’s word are of paramount importance. • How do they speak about the nature of children? The doctrine or ‘Original...
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...322C-170 Sacraments & Symbols Research Paper September 9, 2012 The History, Theology, Ritual/Liturgy, Pastoral Issues of Confirmation as a Sacrament “Sacraments are actions, and they function as rituals: they repeat gestures and words that are meaningful to those who perceive them. Sacraments affect more than the thoughts and feelings of participants because they have to be understood psychologically and theologically. There are seven sacraments in Catholicism: Baptism, Confirmation, Marriage, The Eucharist, Penance, Anointing the Sick and Holy Orders. People learn and remember and they remember from practice of prayer and of the involvement and preparation of the sacraments. (Martos 2009). These sacraments help people work together in the Catholic Community and celebrate God every day. Mt 25 34-46. Confirmation is one of three Catholic sacraments of initiation, it connects the recipient and reveals communion with God and his grace. “Confirmation is regarded as the perfection of Baptism, because, as the introduction to the Rite of Confirmation states: by the sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. They are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.” In the Eastern Catholic churches, Confirmation is known as Christmation and confers a, “sacramental character that cannot be erased and predisposes the...
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