Skip to content

William Stewart

Book Burning in Acts 19: An Act of Repentance

burning
via Movidagrafica | Pixabay.com

We noted last week that the burning of books has a long history, and has particularly been associated with protest or disapproval of religious movements. We concluded such an action to be unwise at best, and perhaps sinful at worst. Burning books is a sure way to burn bridges of communication, and results in the perpetuation of hate rather than the pursuit of peace. This form of burning books has no place in the Christian’s activities.

Book Burning in Acts 19: An Act of Repentance

Book Burning and Censorship: A Historical Perspective

burning
via Movidagrafica | Pixabay.com

Terry Jones, pastor of the Dove World Outreach Center (Gainsville, FL), became an international news story in the weeks leading up to 9/11. Jones planned to mark the 9th anniversary of the attack by Muslim terrorists on the World Trade Center and other US targets by hosting a Qur’an burning. He was repeatedly implored by celebrities, religious leaders and politicians to cancel the planned inferno. Though  he cancelled the event days before 9/11, protests among Muslims resulted in various parts of the world, sparking violence and loss of life.

Book Burning and Censorship: A Historical Perspective

Holy Spirit or Water Baptism? The Truth about Acts 22:16, Romans 6:3-4, and more…

baptism
via PxHere / CC0

Last week we considered the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and wehter Mark 16:16 and Acts 2:38, 41 are speakign about the bapttism of the Holy Spirit or water baptism. Today, we will look at the texts listed below, which some have claimed to be Holy Spirit baptism rather than water baptism.

  • Acts 22:16
  • Romans 6:3-4
  • 1 Corinthians 12:13
  • Galatians 3:27
Holy Spirit or Water Baptism? The Truth about Acts 22:16, Romans 6:3-4, and more…

Holy Spirit or Water Baptism? The Truth about Acts 2:38 and Mark 16:16

baptism
via PxHere / CC0

The necessity of baptism is evident to any honest Bible student, as dozens of New Testament texts require it. However, some will dispute whether it is water or Holy Spirit baptism required. We’ll address this question today.

Here are some texts that I’ve been told are Spirit, not water baptism:

  • Mark 16:16
  • Acts 2:38, 41
  • Acts 22:16
  • Romans 6:3-4
  • 1 Corinthians 12:13
  • Galatians 3:27

Before we look at these, consider a few important principles for Bible study.

Holy Spirit or Water Baptism? The Truth about Acts 2:38 and Mark 16:16

The Spiritual Water Cycle: How the Bible Produces Growth in You

water cycle
via gpm.nasa.gov/education/water-cycle

Hydrogeology is the science of water cycle and distribution through the earth. Consider a simple description of the cycle:

  1. The ground is watered by the falling rain and snow;
  2. The water runs off into the oceans by the river system;
  3. Then the water returns to the sky by the process of evaporation.

With the water back in the sky, it is set to fall yet again.

The prophet Isaiah uses the hydrological cycle to tell us about the working of God’s word. Consider:

The Spiritual Water Cycle: How the Bible Produces Growth in You
Verified by MonsterInsights