Beech Tree News Network

The above question was asked by an Ethiopian many years ago. As Philip preached Christ to him (Acts 8:35), they came to a certain water, and “the eunuch said, See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized? … and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him” (Acts 8:36-39). The question the eunuch asked is still valid. What is preventing you from being baptized?

Is false teaching preventing you? Many are taught that baptism is not necessary for salvation. They are told to believe only or to say a sinner’s prayer for salvation. Isn’t it telling that when the preachers of the New Testament taught folks, those listening wanted to be baptized? Yet, when many preach today, people do NOT want to be baptized!

Please read Acts 8 and notice that when Philip preached Christ to the people in Samaria, he taught them about “the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ” and baptism (Acts 8:5, 12). “Simon the sorcerer believed, and after being baptized, he continued with Philip” (Acts 8:13). When Philip spoke to the eunuch and “preached unto him Jesus” (Acts 8:35), the first time he saw plenty of water, he wanted to be baptized. Do we see a pattern? The teaching concerning baptism began with Christ (Matt. 28:19; Mk. 16:16). The apostles and disciples of the Lord then carried this message to the world (Acts 2:38, 10:48, 18:8, 22:16; I Pet. 3:21; Col. 2:12; Gal. 3:26-27). When the people heard the New Testament heroes preach, they wanted to be baptized.

Are friends and family preventing you? Depending on who our friends and family are, they can pressure us to do right things or wrong things. Have they pressured us into not obeying the Lord? To please our Lord, we must abide by His command to be baptized for the remission of sins regardless of what others might say about us (Phil. 3:8; Acts 5:29; Matt. 10:37). What is hindering you from being baptized?

Does the urge for popularity prevent you? It is not popular to be a Christian. Jesus promised His apostles that men would hate them for no other reason than they served the Lord (Jn. 15:18-20). Peter said that some men would be “surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery” (I Pet. 4:4). We need to decide whether we wish for popularity in this world or to be the friend of God. We cannot have it both ways (Jas. 4:4)!

Could selfishness be preventing you? Some people refuse to do anything unless it is their idea. Could that be my attitude? Have I refused to be baptized simply because I didn’t want to? The Bible says I need to put away such attitudes and place Christ’s kingdom first (Matt. 6:33). I need to love God even more than my own life (Lk. 14:26-27).

Whatever is hindering you from being baptized, realize that this hindrance is keeping you from enjoying spiritual blessings (Eph. 1:3); from being in a covenant relationship with Christ (Gal. 3:27); from having your sins forgiven (Acts 2:38, 22:16); from being a child of God (Rom. 8:16-17); and from a home in Heaven (Col. 3:1-4; Rev. 2:10). Is this worth it?

-- You are invited to visit the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167