Can we try this again please ?

Hello everyone, I haven’t been around SI much in the last few months. I hope all of you are well. I spent a good while rereading most all of the posts in the “When did the church start” Thread in the early hours this morning and trying to understand why its so hard for people to just open their hearts to what the Bible says, and not what we have been taught.

 Notice I said WE. Some of us try more than others and some fight tooth and nail at the least mention of anything not taught by our grandparents. I am guilty on both sides. I am so sleep deprived that I have to second guess my every word I say. and I know. That I can be wrong. And many times I am. But some times, No matter how much its argued against, I can’t get the Bible to show me that I’m wrong.

 So a very important thread (like the above mentioned) comes up and before long we are batting words around and are so deep and going so many different directions that even the most nimble of us seem to lose track. (Notice I said seem. I would like to think that it would go without saying but I have to try and be PC to appease any looking to be insulted. Brothers, I’m not looking to insult anyone. If you are here, I have to assume you are a brother in Christ.) And the thread dies without having really gone anywhere.

 Also, in that thread, I read many things from all sides that I can’t seem to make hold water with scripture. Jerry seems to be the only person that I am somewhat in line with and he will likely be saying “Thanks a lot” when he sees this. LOL But for the most part, I feel that things are being read INTO whats been said.

 From my point of view, And at great risk I would say I think Jerry’s also, (Please correct me if I’m wrong Jerry) The people, and this means the 11 also, Did not understand that the Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross so that his blood would be payment for our sins, Before it was shown to Paul and he preached it.

 Beyond that, I don’t know that I understand Jerry’s stand on what the water that was preached in Acts was for. I believe it was used just as is said, for remission of sin. Simply because they did not know different. These people were Jews who had lived their whole lives under the LAW. They were looking to have sins covered IMO.

 Be that as it may, My stand is pretty simple. Today we don’t lead someone to the Lord and once they are saved tell them to be baptized for remission of sin. That is saying the blood of Jesus isn’t good enough ! Yet Peter said it ! And even Paul spoke in Acts of works ! It don’t have a place in the Gospel as we know it today. There is a reason for it IMO ! ! ! ! ! !

 Before anyone attacks me, Please think about it. Would YOU lead someone to the lord and then tell them they had to be baptized for remission ? Would you tell them that the blood of Christ was lacking ?

 I’m not trying to start an argument here. This is what I believe and why. And if you would be so kind as to give serious thought to what I have said and THEN reply, Then I would be grateful. I don’t wish to be in error any more than any of you. But quotes from some preacher or stating that something is said that markedly isn’t, (meaning Bible) will not help. Bible will.

 I don’t ask flippantly nor do I take this stand that way. IF you believe another way, one of us is wrong. And I can disagree and still have the utmost respect. Please don’t think otherwise. But understand that this is not a small thing to me. This is life changing. It could not be more serious.

 I would like to ask both Jerry and Ed to please answer the above question.

. Would YOU lead someone to the lord and then tell them they had to be baptized for remission ? Would you tell them that the blood of Christ was lacking ?

 Anyone else can chime in as you wish.( That also should go without saying, I ask Ed and Jerry because they seem to be flip sides of a coin on this issue. And while I am far closer to Jerry’s point of view, I trust Ed and I feel he tries to see a point from both sides equally. Thanks Ed. ) And it may be that Ed and Jerry or all of you have had enough of this subject. Just because I ask it don’t mean you can’t say no. I will understand.

 I am looking to understand here. Thanks in advance. Sorry Ed, As always I took forever to say a little. (