Baptism and Christian Identity

Baptism and Christian Identity PDF

Author: Gordon S. Mikoski

Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing

Published: 2009-07-02

Total Pages: 282

ISBN-13: 0802824609

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In this book Gordon Mikoski examines how the sacrament of baptism, the doctrine of the Trinity, and the practice of Christian education together constitute a dynamic nexus that has the potential to foster congregations marked by the formation of both deep Christian identity and creative engagement in public arenas for the common good. / After establishing the necessity of holding baptism, Trinity, and ecclesial pedagogy together through his careful study of both Gregory of Nyssa and John Calvin, Mikoski outlines how this nexus can function for contemporary Christian communities as they carry out the work of educational ministry. He then explores the dynamics of faith formation in the contemporary American context, concluding with a suggestive treatment of implications of the baptism-Trinity-pedagogy nexus for the educational ministry of a given congregation.

It Takes a Church to Baptize

It Takes a Church to Baptize PDF

Author: Scot McKnight

Publisher: Brazos Press

Published: 2018-08-21

Total Pages: 143

ISBN-13: 1493414631

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The issue of baptism has troubled Protestants for centuries. Should infants be baptized before their faith is conscious, or does God command the baptism of babies whose parents have been baptized? Popular New Testament scholar Scot McKnight makes a biblical case for infant baptism, exploring its history, meaning, and practice and showing that infant baptism is the most historic Christian way of forming children into the faith. He explains that the church's practice of infant baptism developed straight from the Bible and argues that it must begin with the family and then extend to the church. Baptism is not just an individual profession of faith: it takes a family and a church community to nurture a child into faith over time. McKnight explains infant baptism for readers coming from a tradition that baptizes adults only, and he counters criticisms that fail to consider the role of families in the formation of faith. The book includes a foreword by Todd Hunter and an afterword by Gerald McDermott.

Christian Identity

Christian Identity PDF

Author: E. M. Conradie

Publisher: AFRICAN SUN MeDIA

Published: 2005-07-01

Total Pages: 112

ISBN-13: 1919980881

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This book is rooted in the quest for Christian identity in the Southern African context where Christianity is faced with many stark challenges, internal tensions and experiences of rapid social change. The book explores six aspects of the highly complex notion of Christian identity, namely Christian institutions, a Christian ethos, Christian rituals, Christian experiences (with specific reference to the notion of ?faith?), Christian narratives (with specific reference to the category of ?revelation? and the place of the Bible in the Christian tradition) and Christian doctrine.

The Water and the Blood

The Water and the Blood PDF

Author: Kevin P. Emmert

Publisher: Crossway

Published: 2023-10-16

Total Pages: 237

ISBN-13: 1433585022

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This Thoughtful Book Explores How the Sacraments Shape Christian Identity in Christ Our culture today teaches us that we must look inside ourselves to discover our place and purpose in life—we can determine our own identities and express them however we want. This self-centered approach promises freedom and fulfillment, but it leads only to confusion and despair. In The Water and the Blood, Kevin P. Emmert combats this egocentric mindset with a sustainable solution through Jesus Christ. Emmert explores the depth of Christian identity, which our triune God makes visible through the sacraments of the gospel. This thoughtful, theologically driven book explains how God uses multisensory elements—water, bread, and wine—to communicate to his people and unite them to the life-giving body of Christ. Readers will be inspired to joyfully embrace the identity they have received in Christ as baptized and communing persons. Offers a Sustainable Solution for Identity Confusion: This book uncovers how a transformative relationship with Christ produces lasting significance and purpose Examines the Sacraments: By exploring baptism and Communion, this book outlines what identity in Christ entails and how it is strengthened Great for Pastors, Seminary Students, and Scholars: Rich in theology, contents from this book will help Christian leaders teach others how the sacraments shape Christian identity

After Baptism

After Baptism PDF

Author: John P. Burgess

Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press

Published: 2005-01-01

Total Pages: 180

ISBN-13: 9780664228842

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John Burgess explores the distinctive qualities of Christian identity by demonstrating how baptism, the Eucharist, and the Commandments are basic points of orientation for Christians. He challenges the church and its members to identify and claim key practices and disciplines of faith to deepen baptismal identity and give the Christian life solid form today. His work ultimately seeks to stimulate pastors, educators, and church leaders to encourage the church to practice ways of life together that will lead to a more faithful living of the Christian faith.

Flowing Water, Uncommon Birth

Flowing Water, Uncommon Birth PDF

Author: Samuel Torvend

Publisher: Augsburg Fortress

Published: 2014-04-15

Total Pages: 98

ISBN-13: 0806670630

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Flowing Water, Uncommon Birth explores a rich, ancient, multifaceted, deeply Christian baptismal practice and theology. This book invites us to ask important questions about the central mystery of Holy Baptism and the fullness of the baptized life. The Worship Matters Studies Series examines key worship issues through studies by pastors, musicians, and lay people from throughout the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Features include the following: 1) Informal and insightful writing for all readers; 2) Study questions at the end of every chapter; 3) Examination of vital issues in weekly worship; and 4) Increased ability of leaders and congregants to understand and experience worship more richly.

Believer's Baptism

Believer's Baptism PDF

Author: Thomas R. Schreiner

Publisher: B&H Publishing Group

Published: 2007-01-01

Total Pages: 392

ISBN-13: 1433669056

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Is believer’s baptism the clear teaching of the New Testament Scriptures? What are the historical and theological challenges to believer’s baptism? What are the practical applications for believer’s baptism today? Volume two in the NEW AMERICAN COMMENTARY STUDIES IN BIBLE & THEOLOGY (NACSBT) series for pastors, advanced Bible students, and other deeply committed laypersons addresses these compelling questions. Indeed, Believer’s Baptism begins with the belief that believer’s baptism (as opposed to infant baptism or other faith proclaiming methods) is the clear teaching of the New Testament. Along the way, the argument is supported by written contributions from Andreas Kostenberger, Robert Stein, Thomas Schreiner, Stephen Wellum, Steve McKinion, Jonathan Rainbow, Shawn Wright, and Mark Dever. Users will find this an excellent extension of the long-respected NEW AMERICAN COMMENTARY.

The Promise of Baptism

The Promise of Baptism PDF

Author: James V. Brownson

Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing

Published: 2007

Total Pages: 238

ISBN-13: 0802833071

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Christians who otherwise love each other and work together on shared projects and causes nonetheless often disagree on the subject of baptism. Should infants be baptized, or is baptism for believers only? What exactly does baptism mean? What happens, if anything, when someone is baptized? Which is better -- sprinkling or immersion? These disagreements are disheartening to some and confusing to many. The sacrament of baptism from a Reformed perspective is clearly and thoughtfully outlined in this useful book. James Brownson explains the scriptural basis, the theological underpinnings, and the practical implications of this particular element of the faith. Organized into thirty brief, tightly focused chapters -- each of which centers on a key question -- and enhanced by thoughtful discussion questions, The Promise of Baptism will be an important resource for pastors, students, and laypersons seeking to better understand this sacrament that lies at the heart of the church's life. A sampling of key questions addressed: What is a sacrament, and how does it differ from an "ordinance"? What's the relationship between baptism and being "born again"? How do the sacraments bring God's grace to us? Can someone be "saved" without being baptized? Can someone be baptized without being saved? Does baptism take the place of circumcision as the mark of the new covenant? What is "confirmation" or "profession of faith," and what is its relationship to baptism? What happens after baptism?

Baptized Into Christ

Baptized Into Christ PDF

Author: Dagmar Heller

Publisher: World Council of Churches

Published: 2012

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9782825415771

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Despite the presumption that baptism is the basic bond of unity between the churches, the path towards mutual recognition remains a long one - traditional and contemporary divisions remain. Baptized into Christ is a brief yet authoritative guide to the historical, theological, and practical issues involved. Deeply grounded in scholarship and teaching, the book offers an overview on the ecumenical theological discussion on baptism: the different confessional views * faith and order work on baptism * bilateral conversations on baptism * the theological issues behind and historical development of the divergences on baptism * ways toward mutual recognition of baptism as they have been proposed or realized on local and regional levels, as well as multilateral and bilateral levels. Beyond that, author Dagmar Heller offers her own assessment of the prospects for and path toward Christian unity on this most basic symbol of Christian identity.

Paul on Baptism

Paul on Baptism PDF

Author: Nicholas Taylor

Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers

Published: 2017-09-15

Total Pages: 238

ISBN-13: 1498243622

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Drawing on recent scholarship on the Pauline tradition within early Christianity, this book examines Paul's theology of baptism and highlights its practical application in ministry today. It considers what the rite represented and effected, in the light of the social and cultural milieu in which his letters were written, and of his strategies for mission and the formation and nurture of new Christian communities. The need to integrate recent scholarship with contemporary pastoral issues, and to do so in a theologically reflective way, is acute. Using a wide range of social scientific approaches to the ancient world and Christian origins, including identity, religious conversion, and ritual, the book explores the implications of this reconstruction for contemporary issues of baptismal practice, pastoral care and mission, aiming to bring the insights of specialists to those working on the frontline of pastoral practice.