Characters: Bro. Legalism and Bro. Grace Setting: The What's Happening Now Church parking lot Time: After Sunday morning Worship services

Bro. Grace, "Bro. Legalist, what a wonderful Worship service we had this morning. Bro. Professional was in great spirits as he broke to us the bread of life."

Bro. Legalist, "Yes, Bro. Grace, Bro. Professional is a good speaker who can keep the interest of the members."

Bro. Grace, "I thought he did a good job of explaining that we have Christian siblings in other denominations. That is somewhat new to us here at the W.H.N.C. It's high time we let the denominations know we accept them into the body of Christ."

Bro. Legalist, "Something bothers me though, Bro. Grace. In the New Testament we read in many places where baptism is taught for remission of sins, and when someone was taught the gospel he immediately was baptized. Is not that teaching for us today?"

Bro. Grace, "Well, Bro. Legalist, we must not get too legal here. We know God is love and He will accept all who believe in His Son. Remember He doesn't want any to perish but wants all to be saved."

Bro. Legalist, "True, He wants all to come to repentance. However, what do you think He meant when He said all spiritual blessings are in Christ, and when we are baptized we put on Christ. Do you think that means that one of the spiritual blessings that is in Christ is our salvation?"

Bro. Grace, "Heavens, no! Bro. Legalist, baptism is a work and we know we are not required to do any works for our salvation. Salvation is a free gift of God. I once believed as you do until Bro. Professional arrived here. He has opened my eyes to many things. I would never again tell anyone he should be baptized because that would be the same as telling Jesus His grace is not sufficient. Now, if one wishes to be baptized as the eunuch did, I would tell him to go ahead, as Philip told the eunuch to do. The person also has the right to choose the type of baptism he wants, as Bro. Professional mentioned this morning. He can be sprinkled, poured upon, or completely taken under the water, whatever the Spirit guides him to do."

Bro. Legalist, "But didn't the Spirit guide those who wrote the New Testament as they tell us baptism is immersion and that 'baptism doth also now save us', meaning by the act of man that God takes and brings about the spiritual new birth? Would the Spirit contradict Himself? And didn't Philip, when the eunuch said, "Here is water what doth hinder me from being baptize" tell him he could if he believed with all his heart that Jesus was the Son of God?"

Bro. Grace, "Oh, Bro. Legalist, you are burdened down with much weight. Forget all that and go to Jesus..telling Him you are ready to give up legalism and are ready to accept His grace without any action on your part. Put your trust in the Man, not in a plan."

Bro. Legalist, "Well, I don't know...the New Testament seems pretty clear on getting into Christ."

Bro. Grace, "Bro. Legalist, you are rather new to this good Church. After sitting at the feet of Bro. Professional for a while you will give up your legalism and with empty hands take the grace of God with no strings attached. Well, Luby's awaits. It was nice talking with you Bro. Legalist. Bye for now!

Bro. Legalism (as he stands alone in the W.H.N.C parking lot) wonders if the teachings of the word of God are no longer sufficient for His children in the 21st. Century.

-- Anonymous, February 29, 2000

Answers

*yawn*

-- Anonymous, March 01, 2000

is there a point to this?

-- Anonymous, March 04, 2000

There is a point to it, but if you don't get the point there is nothing that will help you understand.

-- Anonymous, March 04, 2000

As usual Nelta hits the nail on the head with the HAMMER!

Love ya, Man/Wo/man!

By the by. I loves them women! Honestly of course!

-- Anonymous, March 07, 2000