Can Something Be Popular in Christianity and Still Be False?

[David]

A lot of people assume that if something is widely accepted in Christianity, it must be right. That is a dangerous way to think. Truth is not determined by popularity. A belief does not become biblical just because a lot of people repeat it, a lot of churches teach it, or a lot of Christian books and videos promote it.

Jesus warned plainly that the majority is often wrong. In Matthew 7:13-14 He said, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” That alone should destroy the idea that numbers prove truth. Jesus said many go the wrong way, and few find the right one.

He also warned in Matthew 24:4-5, “Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” Then again in verse 11, “And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.” And again in verse 24, “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders.” Notice those repeated words: many and deceive. Scripture does not tell us that popularity proves truth. Scripture warns us that error often spreads widely.

Paul said the same thing in 2 Timothy 4:3-4: “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” That means people often gather around teaching they want to hear, not teaching that is true. A crowd around a teacher does not prove the teacher is faithful. It may prove the exact opposite.

This is why Christians must stop asking, “How many believe this?” and start asking, “What saith the scripture?” (Romans 4:3 KJV). If a teaching is popular but does not agree with the Word of God, then it is still false. If it comforts people while contradicting Scripture, it is still false. If it fills buildings, sells books, gains views, and gets applause, but twists the truth, it is still false.

Jesus rebuked religious leaders in Mark 7:7-9 because they were teaching “for doctrines the commandments of men” and setting aside the commandment of God to keep their tradition. What was accepted in religion was not therefore acceptable to God. That same problem still exists. Something can become common in Christian culture and still have no real foundation in Scripture.

Paul warned the Galatians in strong language. In Galatians 1:8 he said, “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” He did not say to accept a different gospel if it became influential. He did not say to tolerate it if enough people embraced it. He said it was accursed.

That is why the Bereans are such a needed example. Acts 17:11 says, “they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” They tested what they heard by Scripture. They did not measure truth by reputation, excitement, or popularity.

This does not mean everything popular is automatically false. That would be just as careless. The issue is not whether something is popular. The issue is whether it is biblical. If a popular teaching agrees with Scripture, then fine. But if it contradicts Scripture, its popularity only means many people have embraced error.

We need to be honest about that. There are teachings, trends, slogans, and religious habits that sound Christian, but when you actually test them by the Word of God, they fall apart. Many people will defend them because they are familiar, emotionally appealing, or deeply rooted in church culture. But none of that makes them true.

God never told us to follow the crowd. He told us to follow His Word. John 17:17 says, “thy word is truth.” First Corinthians 4:6 says we are “not to think of men above that which is written.” That means no preacher, no church movement, and no popular Christian idea is above Scripture.

So yes, something can be popular in Christianity and still be false. In fact, Jesus and the apostles warned that this very thing would happen. The real question is not whether a teaching is common, but whether it is true. When you hear something repeated often, do not ask how many people believe it. Ask whether God actually said it.

Key Scriptures to Hold Onto for Today

Matthew 7:13-14 reminds us that the broad way has many travelers, while the way of life is found by few. Matthew 24:4-5, 11, and 24 warns that many will be deceived by false teachers. Second Timothy 4:3-4 shows that people often gather teachers who tell them what they want to hear instead of what is true. Mark 7:7-9 warns against replacing God’s commandment with the teachings of men. Acts 17:11 points us to the Bereans, who searched the Scriptures daily to test what they heard. John 17:17 says God’s Word is truth, and Romans 4:3 asks the question that should settle every matter: “What saith the scripture?”

 

[bobinfaith]

This is why Christians must stop asking, “How many believe this?” and start asking, “What saith the scripture?” (Romans 4:3 KJV). If a teaching is popular but does not agree with the Word of God, then it is still false. If it comforts people while contradicting Scripture, it is still false. If it fills buildings, sells books, gains views, and gets applause, but twists the truth, it is still false.

Good morning, David;

Here is a popular part of Christianity but for the wrong reasons. That's Communion. When partaking in Communion it's a time to reaffirm our relationship with Jesus, reflect on His ultimate sacrifice, do a self check for any unconfessed sin.

If we can't partake in remembrance of Jesus, then it's best to abstain from taking Communion instead of "going along with everyone else" or taking the bread and wine "without reflecting the reason why."

Luke 14:22 and 1 Corinthians 11:24-26

So yes, something can be popular in Christianity and still be false. In fact, Jesus and the apostles warned that this very thing would happen. The real question is not whether a teaching is common, but whether it is true. When you hear something repeated often, do not ask how many people believe it. Ask whether God actually said it.

It is a fact that Jesus was "popular" but that couldn't be helped. His mission and miracles was to proclaim Himself the Christ, God's unconditional love, offer salvation and welcome everyone to follow Him through faith and repentance. Jesus succeeded and that trump's popular.

God bless you, David, and thank you for sharing this important topic.

Bob

 

[David]

I know what you mean. It is easy for something to become routine when we have done it the same way for years and everybody around us is doing the same thing.

That is why I keep coming back to Scripture. Jesus had crowds following Him, but He never changed the truth just to keep people around. John 6:66 says, “From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.”

That really says a lot. I do not want to believe something just because it is common in Christianity. I want to know that it is actually in the Bible. That is why “What saith the scripture?” is such an important question for all of us.

 

[Yesua888]

Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper or Eucharist, is an ordinance instituted by Jesus during the Last Supper to commemorate His sacrificial death and the New Covenant. Biblical teachings emphasize that the bread and wine symbolize Christ’s body and blood, serving as a tangible reminder of the forgiveness of sins and His atoning sacrifice.

The practice is rooted in specific scriptural commands and theological insights:

• Institution and Command: Jesus instructed His disciples to "do this in remembrance of me" (Luke 22:19), establishing it as a perpetual act of gratitude and remembrance.
• Proclamation of Death: As stated in 1 Corinthians 11:26, partaking in communion is a way to "proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes," linking the present act to the future hope of His return.
• Unity of Believers: The sacrament signifies the spiritual unity of the church, as 1 Corinthians 10:17 explains that sharing in the one loaf makes believers "one body" in Christ.
• Self-Examination: The Apostle Paul warns against partaking in an unworthy manner, commanding believers to examine themselves before eating the bread and drinking the cup to avoid judgment (1 Corinthians 11:27–29).

While the Bible mandates the practice, it does not specify how often it should be observed, leading to varying frequencies across different Christian denominations. Theologically, it is viewed as a means of grace that strengthens the believer's union with Christ and with other members of the church body.

 

[David]

While the Bible mandates the practice, it does not specify how often it should be observed, leading to varying frequencies across different Christian denominations. Theologically, it is viewed as a means of grace that strengthens the believer's union with Christ and with other members of the church body.

This makes me wonder how many things Christians do simply because that is the way they have always seen it done. After a while, a practice can become so familiar that people start treating it like the Bible commands it.

The Lord’s Supper is a good example. The Bible clearly tells us to observe it, but I do not see anywhere that tells us exactly how often. Paul says, “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come” (1 Corinthians 11:26).

He does not say every Sunday, once a month, or once a year. So if Scripture does not give us a set schedule, I do not think we should act like our preferred schedule is the biblical one.

That really gets back to the point of this thread. Something can be very common among Christians and still go beyond what the Bible actually says.

 

[David]

Here is another one I have wondered about. What about the altar call at the end of a church service?

A lot of churches ask people to come forward, walk down the aisle, raise their hand, or stand at the front if they want to be saved. There is nothing wrong with inviting someone forward, but where does the Bible actually tell us that this is something a person needs to do?

When the Philippian jailer asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Paul and Silas answered, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:30-31). They did not tell him to walk an aisle or come forward.

That does not mean an altar call is necessarily wrong. The problem comes when people start treating it like it is part of the biblical plan of salvation, or when someone thinks they are saved because they went forward at a service.

Again, I think we have to ask, “What saith the scripture?” Is this something God commanded, or is it simply something churches started doing and we have gotten used to?

 

[bobinfaith]

Here is another one I have wondered about. What about the altar call at the end of a church service?

A lot of churches ask people to come forward, walk down the aisle, raise their hand, or stand at the front if they want to be saved. There is nothing wrong with inviting someone forward, but where does the Bible actually tell us that this is something a person needs to do?

When the Philippian jailer asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Paul and Silas answered, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:30-31). They did not tell him to walk an aisle or come forward.

That does not mean an altar call is necessarily wrong. The problem comes when people start treating it like it is part of the biblical plan of salvation, or when someone thinks they are saved because they went forward at a service.

Again, I think we have to ask, “What saith the scripture?” Is this something God commanded, or is it simply something churches started doing and we have gotten used to?

Good morning, David;

Altar calls can be helpful for inviting others who are making a decision in their faith and I have stood there and prayed over them. I also served as a prayer partner during those altar calls (coming forward) at a Billy Graham revival and crusade.

At the end of a Church service altar calls were also helpful for inviting others who are making a decision in their faith but they are not necessary nor Biblical as a requirement. This is another part of service that may seem popular and automatic. This concerns me especially with children and youth.

I was always objective and observant of children and youth Christian camps. I observed many kids who sat in a circle and started weeping and hugging each other. Then 5 minutes later they forgot all about it. I noticed the children or youth leader treated this as "normal." Were the kids being taught to really understand what they were doing?

God bless everyone.

Bob

 

[Yesua888]

Here is another one I have wondered about. What about the altar call at the end of a church service?

A lot of churches ask people to come forward, walk down the aisle, raise their hand, or stand at the front if they want to be saved. There is nothing wrong with inviting someone forward, but where does the Bible actually tell us that this is something a person needs to do?

When the Philippian jailer asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Paul and Silas answered, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:30-31). They did not tell him to walk an aisle or come forward.

That does not mean an altar call is necessarily wrong. The problem comes when people start treating it like it is part of the biblical plan of salvation, or when someone thinks they are saved because they went forward at a service.

Again, I think we have to ask, “What saith the scripture?” Is this something God commanded, or is it simply something churches started doing and we have gotten used to?

"Rituals" become trend, then become the norm, and somehow creep in as "this is how being saved looks like".
I remember this "ritual" happening in church (when I was very young), and I felt uncomfortable, so never went up front. People were waiting for me to walk up ...
My Sister was baptised in her mid teens, and I would not because it did not feel right; I felt that I would be doing it insincerely. As young as I was (3 years younger than my Sis), and looking back in retrospect, I see it as taking God seriously (I was not ready to commit and didn't even understand it all).
I had a lot of growing up to do before I was ready to see the Truth and Commit to Him : )

 

[bobinfaith]

"Rituals" become trend, then become the norm, and somehow creep in as "this is how being saved looks like".
I remember this "ritual" happening in church (when I was very young), and I felt uncomfortable, so never went up front. People were waiting for me to walk up ...
My Sister was baptised in her mid teens, and I would not because it did not feel right; I felt that I would be doing it insincerely. As young as I was (3 years younger than my Sis), and looking back in retrospect, I see it as taking God seriously (I was not ready to commit and didn't even understand it all).
I had a lot of growing up to do before I was ready to see the Truth and Commit to Him : )

Hi Yesua888;

When we enter all things focused on worship can minimize the rituals and the "should I's and shouldn't I?"

Alas, as humans we don't always remember this being imperfect believers and this is where God comes in.

He works in each of us the condition of our human heart over external religious rituals.

God bless you.

Bob

 

[David]

Amen, Bob, God wants sincere worship and a changed heart, not empty religious performance. That is right. A changed heart will want to obey God’s Word, not set it aside as mere ritual.

 

[David]

"Rituals" become trend, then become the norm, and somehow creep in as "this is how being saved looks like".
I remember this "ritual" happening in church (when I was very young), and I felt uncomfortable, so never went up front. People were waiting for me to walk up ...
My Sister was baptised in her mid teens, and I would not because it did not feel right; I felt that I would be doing it insincerely. As young as I was (3 years younger than my Sis), and looking back in retrospect, I see it as taking God seriously (I was not ready to commit and didn't even understand it all).
I had a lot of growing up to do before I was ready to see the Truth and Commit to Him : )

I understand what you mean. I went forward during an altar call when I was about thirteen. As an adult, when I became more serious about my faith and began examining what I had done, I was not sure I had walked that aisle for the right reasons or with a true understanding of the gospel.

My wife had gone through something similar. We talked and prayed about it, and later we chose to make a clear profession of faith in Christ and be baptized again.

The important thing was not walking an aisle, raising a hand, or repeating a ritual. Scripture does not say an altar call saves anyone. When the Philippian jailer asked what he must do to be saved, Paul and Silas answered, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:30–31).

I believe you were wise, even when young, not to do something merely because people expected it. At the same time, none of us needs to wait until we understand everything before coming to Christ. We come to Him as sinners, trusting Him alone. Salvation is by grace through faith, “not of works” (Ephesians 2:8–9). Baptism should follow as an act of obedience and a testimony of faith, but neither baptism nor walking an aisle is what saves us.

 

[HeldByGrace]

The important thing was not walking an aisle, raising a hand, or repeating a ritual. Scripture does not say an altar call saves anyone. When the Philippian jailer asked what he must do to be saved, Paul and Silas answered, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:30–31).

I believe you were wise, even when young, not to do something merely because people expected it. At the same time, none of us needs to wait until we understand everything before coming to Christ. We come to Him as sinners, trusting Him alone. Salvation is by grace through faith, “not of works” (Ephesians 2:8–9). Baptism should follow as an act of obedience and a testimony of faith, but neither baptism nor walking an aisle is what saves us.

As we were reading through Acts 1-3 this morning, I highlighted the fact that 3000 people made the choice to follow Jesus and got baptised. They didn't have to wait till the pastor thought they were ready to be baptised, or wait to prove their faith.

 

[David]

As we were reading through Acts 1-3 this morning, I highlighted the fact that 3000 people made the choice to follow Jesus and got baptised. They didn't have to wait till the pastor thought they were ready to be baptised, or wait to prove their faith.

Yes, that is one of the things that really stands out in Acts. They heard the gospel, believed, and were baptized right away. There was no long probation period where they had to prove themselves first.

I think churches need to be careful not to put extra hurdles in front of something Scripture presents so simply. There should be a clear profession of faith and an understanding of the gospel, but beyond that, I do not see where Scripture gives us the right to make people wait just because that has become the normal church process.

 

[bobinfaith]

As we were reading through Acts 1-3 this morning, I highlighted the fact that 3000 people made the choice to follow Jesus and got baptised. They didn't have to wait till the pastor thought they were ready to be baptised, or wait to prove their faith.

Yes, that is one of the things that really stands out in Acts. They heard the gospel, believed, and were baptized right away. There was no long probation period where they had to prove themselves first.

I think churches need to be careful not to put extra hurdles in front of something Scripture presents so simply. There should be a clear profession of faith and an understanding of the gospel, but beyond that, I do not see where Scripture gives us the right to make people wait just because that has become the normal church process.

Hello HeldByGrace and David;

A couple of things you both shared that I'd like to respond and ask a question but remain in accord.

In Acts 2 though Peter was a follower of Jesus as an Apostle and a leader, he was also a Shepherd or Pastor in the bigger picture of his ministry as Jesus commanded him to “feed my sheep” and care for his followers.

Even after Peter denied Jesus he was reinstated by Jesus in Peter's commission, John 21:15–17, 15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” 16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” 17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. - NIV

David, at the Church I preached at yesterday, the previous week a new member was baptised without the assistance of a Pastor. This Church doesn't have a permanent Pastor, yet. Is this what you meant?

God bless you both.

Bob

 

[David]

David, at the Church I preached at yesterday, the previous week a new member was baptised without the assistance of a Pastor. This Church doesn't have a permanent Pastor, yet. Is this what you meant?

Yes that is what I was trying to say Bob. I'm not trying to say that its bad for a pastor to baptize someone. There is a role that pastors/elders play in shepherding and teaching the flock. I think that's what John 21:15-17 is talking about when Jesus tells Peter to take care of his sheep.

I'm just saying that I don't see any scripture that says only pastors should baptize or that you need to wait for a pastor to deem you worthy.

Acts 8:36-38 Philip baptized the man right after he believed in Jesus. Acts 22: 16 Ananias told Saul "arise and be baptized". We aren't told that Ananias was a pastor either. It seems to me that the focus in Acts is on believing in Jesus and obeying him.

So if that person was baptized by another believer and no pastor was involved I don't see why it would be unbiblical. Its just something that I feel we shouldn't add to the word of God.

 

[HeldByGrace]

Hello HeldByGrace and David;

A couple of things you both shared that I'd like to respond and ask a question but remain in accord.

David, at the Church I preached at yesterday, the previous week a new member was baptised without the assistance of a Pastor. This Church doesn't have a permanent Pastor, yet. Is this what you meant?

When I became a Christian, the pastor and his wife told me when they thought I was ready to be baptised. I guess they could see a change in me, and my understanding of the Gospel, but I didn't feel ready. God had other plans. The next day, as I was trying to fall asleep my whole testimony started coming to me, so powerfully that when I met with them the following week I said I was ready to be baptised. But I do feel like there are rungs on the ladder that are put in place before someone can get baptised, and a testimony that includes "I was one way, and now I am another". Actually come to think of it, I'm sure the 3000 that were baptised did not share their testimonies, imagine how long they would've been there When did the testimony become a thing?

We had an incident where a teenage girl wanted to get baptised, but she wanted her father to baptise her - the church leadership wouldn't allow it, and it led to a disciplinary issue and they left the church. It broke my heart that this young girls faith journey had to start with such ugliness.

Pastor's seem to decide for people whether they are Christian or not. "Still have too many questions? Not a Christian yet."

 

[David]

When I became a Christian, the pastor and his wife told me when they thought I was ready to be baptised. I guess they could see a change in me, and my understanding of the Gospel, but I didn't feel ready. God had other plans. The next day, as I was trying to fall asleep my whole testimony started coming to me, so powerfully that when I met with them the following week I said I was ready to be baptised. But I do feel like there are rungs on the ladder that are put in place before someone can get baptised, and a testimony that includes "I was one way, and now I am another". Actually come to think of it, I'm sure the 3000 that were baptised did not share their testimonies, imagine how long they would've been there When did the testimony become a thing?

We had an incident where a teenage girl wanted to get baptised, but she wanted her father to baptise her - the church leadership wouldn't allow it, and it led to a disciplinary issue and they left the church. It broke my heart that this young girls faith journey had to start with such ugliness.

Pastor's seem to decide for people whether they are Christian or not. "Still have too many questions? Not a Christian yet."

I feel as though you touched on something that needs to be addressed, HeldByGrace.

There aren't many verses in Acts that show people climbing some steps before they were baptised. All I see is them hearing the word, believing, and being baptised.

Acts 2:41 says, “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized.” Acts 8:12 says, “But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptised, both men and women.” In Acts 16, the jailer at Philippi believed and was baptised that night.

Of course you want someone to know what the Gospel is and believe it before they get baptised. You don't want someone to just get baptised because everyone else is. But there isn't any Scripture that tells us someone must testify to the church, wait so many weeks or months, or take a class before being baptised. Nor do I see where the pastor gets to decide when they are ready to be baptised.

Testimony is a good thing. Revelation 12:11 mentions “the word of their testimony.” But requiring someone to testify before being baptised is something I cannot find in Scripture.

I also don't see anything that says only a pastor can baptise someone. If a father baptised his daughter who believed, I would have to show him Scripture that said he couldn't.

I feel the same as you when it comes to pastors deciding if someone is saved or not. They can hear their testimony and see the fruit of their life. Of course we know there are false professions, but “The Lord knoweth them that are his” (2 Timothy 2:19).

Just because someone has questions doesn't mean they aren't saved. The question is, have they repented and believed the Gospel? We shouldn't add to what God has told us to do.

 

[bobinfaith]

Yes that is what I was trying to say Bob. I'm not trying to say that its bad for a pastor to baptize someone. There is a role that pastors/elders play in shepherding and teaching the flock. I think that's what John 21:15-17 is talking about when Jesus tells Peter to take care of his sheep.

I'm just saying that I don't see any scripture that says only pastors should baptize or that you need to wait for a pastor to deem you worthy.

Acts 8:36-38 Philip baptized the man right after he believed in Jesus. Acts 22: 16 Ananias told Saul "arise and be baptized". We aren't told that Ananias was a pastor either. It seems to me that the focus in Acts is on believing in Jesus and obeying him.

So if that person was baptized by another believer and no pastor was involved I don't see why it would be unbiblical. Its just something that I feel we shouldn't add to the word of God.

When I became a Christian, the pastor and his wife told me when they thought I was ready to be baptised. I guess they could see a change in me, and my understanding of the Gospel, but I didn't feel ready. God had other plans. The next day, as I was trying to fall asleep my whole testimony started coming to me, so powerfully that when I met with them the following week I said I was ready to be baptised. But I do feel like there are rungs on the ladder that are put in place before someone can get baptised, and a testimony that includes "I was one way, and now I am another". Actually come to think of it, I'm sure the 3000 that were baptised did not share their testimonies, imagine how long they would've been there When did the testimony become a thing?

We had an incident where a teenage girl wanted to get baptised, but she wanted her father to baptise her - the church leadership wouldn't allow it, and it led to a disciplinary issue and they left the church. It broke my heart that this young girls faith journey had to start with such ugliness.

Pastor's seem to decide for people whether they are Christian or not. "Still have too many questions? Not a Christian yet."

As we were reading through Acts 1-3 this morning, I highlighted the fact that 3000 people made the choice to follow Jesus and got baptised. They didn't have to wait till the pastor thought they were ready to be baptised, or wait to prove their faith.

Hello David and HeldByGrace;

We're on the same page.

Just to be clear HeldByGrace made a good comment, "I highlighted the fact that 3000 people made the choice to follow Jesus and got baptised. They didn't have to wait till the pastor thought they were ready to be baptised, or wait to prove their faith."

I was merely adding my thoughts, after Peter preached that beautiful sermon in Acts 2 followed with 3000 people who made the choice to get baptised. Praise the Lord!

I agree. A Christian believer can baptise a fellow believer and David pointed to demonstrations of that in the New Testament. A Pastor isn't required to be present nor is this Biblical.

I don't agree with the church leadership who wouldn't allow the teen girl's father to baptise her. This is not biblical, therefore father and daughter did right by moving on from that church.

God bless everyone.

Bob

 

[Yesua888]

Yes that is what I was trying to say Bob. I'm not trying to say that its bad for a pastor to baptize someone. There is a role that pastors/elders play in shepherding and teaching the flock. I think that's what John 21:15-17 is talking about when Jesus tells Peter to take care of his sheep.

I'm just saying that I don't see any scripture that says only pastors should baptize or that you need to wait for a pastor to deem you worthy.

Acts 8:36-38 Philip baptized the man right after he believed in Jesus. Acts 22: 16 Ananias told Saul "arise and be baptized". We aren't told that Ananias was a pastor either. It seems to me that the focus in Acts is on believing in Jesus and obeying him.

So if that person was baptized by another believer and no pastor was involved I don't see why it would be unbiblical. Its just something that I feel we shouldn't add to the word of God.

When I decided to get baptised a few years ago, I so wanted a man of God to baptise me; he was and still is actively doing so much Good in so many ways for Australia (ex pilot Cpt Graham Hood), and is driven by his purpose to serve God. He baptised me in the Ocean at Port Macquarie, NSW. It felt good, it felt right, and it was Good : )

 

[bobinfaith]

When I decided to get baptised a few years ago, I so wanted a man of God to baptise me; he was and still is actively doing so much Good in so many ways for Australia (ex pilot Cpt Graham Hood), and is driven by his purpose to serve God. He baptised me in the Ocean at Port Macquarie, NSW. It felt good, it felt right, and it was Good : )

Hello, Yesua888;

I have heard of new believers getting baptized in the ocean, lake or pool. Over here there was a time when an elderly Christian who was 6 feet tall was baptized in a kiddie pool. Others were baptized in a jacuzzi.

God bless you, Linda.

Bob

 

[Yesua888]

Hello, Yesua888;

I have heard of new believers getting baptized in the ocean, lake or pool. Over here there was a time when an elderly Christian who was 6 feet tall was baptized in a kiddie pool. Others were baptized in a jacuzzi.

God bless you, Linda.

Bob

"ha ha" as in Big Smile : )

 

[Rose]

Could Christmas and Easter be examples of practices that have become widely accepted in Christianity without being explicitly commanded or established in Scripture? How do we distinguish biblical truth from religious tradition?

 

[bobinfaith]

Could Christmas and Easter be examples of practices that have become widely accepted in Christianity without being explicitly commanded or established in Scripture? How do we distinguish biblical truth from religious tradition?

Dear Rose;

No, God doesn't command us to celebrate Christmas or the Resurrection (Easter) in the Bible but I will share this Scripture, that may give us all guidance in worshiping Christ over religious tradition.

Romans 14:5-12, 5 One person considers one day to be above another day. Someone else considers every day to be the same. Each one must be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 Whoever observes the day, observes it for the honor of the Lord. Whoever eats, eats for the Lord, since he gives thanks to God; and whoever does not eat, it is for the Lord that he does not eat it, yet he thanks God. 7 For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. 8 If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 9 Christ died and came to life for this: that He might rule over both the dead and the living. 10 But you, why do you criticize your brother? Or you, why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before the tribunal of God. 11 For it is written: As I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow to Me, and every tongue will give praise to God. 12 So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. - HCSB

For decades my wife and I cheerfully celebrate Christmas each year to commemorate the birth of Jesus. We joyfully celebrate the Resurrection—also known as Easter—to commemorate Jesus being raised on the third day.

God bless you, Rose, and your family.

Bob