Discuss Matthew 28 Page 3

Giannis.

We are sealed by the Spirit.

Ephesians 4:30.

Here's the contrast to that.

Matthew 13:19-23. When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.

But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;

Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

The Holyspirit spirit reveals the truth of God and takes the truth and seal it.

Also;

John 16:12-15. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

Here in John 16:30-32 we have a picture of the disciples belief shattered after Jesus was crucified.

But after they were sealed they preached boldly!!

Look at their condition in Matthew 28:16-17.

Ephesians 1:13.

God bless.

Pt 2

Spencer

So lets sum up John's ministry.

1. He preached people to leave their sinful lives and turn back to God. To obey God's commadments. He led them to repentance for their sins and asking for forgiveness. That was done during baptism, in public. He helped them clean their hearts as a first step towards the salvation that was going to be revealed to them through Jesus. Obviously John had to teach people to clean their hearts before introducing the Savior. to them.

2. He revealed the Savior to them. From that time onwards John was diminishing and Jesus kept increasing ( John 3:30, "He must increase, but I must decrease."

Hence John, the last prophet of the Old Testament era functioned as a bridge between Judaism and Christianity, between the OT and the NT, between the Law and the Grace. John's ministry served as a smooth transition from one era to a whole new era. He was an ntercessors (I don't know if this is a proper word). That was his ministry. It is what Isaiah said.



Now lets go to the incident that Jesus gives His apostles His final instructions before leaving. That incident is described in both Matthew and Mark.

Matthew 28:19-20, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, BAPTIZING them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world"

The same incident is described in Mark as ( Mark 15-18) , "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is BAPTIZED shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned..."

So I think it becomes obvious that Jesus talks about water baptism, not Spirit baptism.

About the creeds. I live in a country where everybody knows the Nicene creed, we are tought it in school as well. And I can assure you that the baptism it talks about is the water baptism. I think you can find a lot of information about it on the net.

Pt 2. Jesse

Next. Were the apostles born again when Jesus was with them? John 13:10, "Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.". So they were "clean". That means they were already born again and saved. Judas here is not called clean not because he wasn't saved but because he was already sinning. How do we know that? Because Jesus washed Judas feet as well, but not Judas' whole body.

So they were saved. Were they w/baptized?

There are so many cases in Acts that show how important water baptism is. The apostles always asked believers to be water baptized as soon as they believed.

1) The incident with Phillip and eunuch,

2) Peter preaching at Pentecost, Acts 2:38, "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.",

3) the incident with Cornelius, Acts 10:47, "Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?",

4) Philipp in Samaria, Acts 8:12, "But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.",

5) Paul himself, Acts 9:18, "And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized."

6) Paul with the disciples in Ephessus, Acts 19:3, "And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism"

7) And most important of all is the commadment Jesus gave to apostles before His departure, Matthew 28:19, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost"

We are not left to our own devices, nor to be buffeted about ( Ephesians 4:14b) "with every wind of doctrine" but we are lead every step of the way. However, to be truly successful and unmovable, we must be deeply intimate with our LORD GOD JESUS CHRIST through Scripture. Then take this knowledge and apply it in a Christ-like, Christ honoring, manner in our daily conversation and contact with whomsoever the LORD brings to us. 1 Peter 3:15

"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:"

There are too many people in today's society confused of their reason for being here, who they identify as, and where to go for help. May our testimony in the LORD JESUS CHRIST make a difference as we pray, 2 Timothy 2:1-3; and go forth to make disciples, Matthew 28: 18-20; but most important- our own personal growth in the LORD, 2 Peter 1, Titus 2:11-15. (many, many more)

GOD to shine HIS face on all on this forum and bless you gloriously to praise and serve HIM from this day forward.

April 13, 2023

Thank YOU FATHER for this day as I worship and glorify YOU on this Resurrection Sunday. Let YOUR face shine upon us as we go forth as an army to do YOUR will. Let all the saints arise and not be silent in giving YOU praise!

May my tongue extol and magnify YOU, because YOU so richly deserve the praise we should give unto YOU. "May the words of my mouth be acceptable unto YOU."

Thank YOU LORD for answered prayers and the peace and comfort that follows as we learn to abide in YOU according to Scripture. Isaiah 26: 3 "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."

Praise the LORD for all on this forum and for the promises YOU give to us. May we all endeavor to trust, believe, and walk for "...in the joy of the LORD is my strength.."

April 9, 2023 Galatians 2:20; Matthew 28:18-20;

Acts 4:10-12

May we be faithful as we pray for our nation's leadership and their need for a relationship with our LORD JESUS CHRIST. 1 Timothy 2:9. Let us not faint or be weak; but may we go forward and reach the lost. May we be not weary of well doing, but be strong through HIS word and promises.

We must be about the work of the LORD, making disciples as we called to do in Matthew 28: 18-20.

As GOD is not willing that anyone should perish, 1 Peter 3:9, we must be encouraged and plant the seed, water where we can so that the LORD GOD will give the increase. 1 Corinthians 3:6

The time is at hand where all saints are called to duty and reach out, pray up, and tell to all the salvation available in the gospel of the LORD JESUS CHRIST. Romans 10: 9-12; Acts 4:10-12.

GOD bless all on this platform and praise the LORD on this Resurrection Sunday, 2023. GOD to shine HIS face on all, and be gracious as we await HIS coming.

I would advise you to follow the words of Jesus in Matthew 28:19 and disregard the churches that teach otherwise.

But, if you are aware of these churches that teach differently than what is written in Matthew 28:19, go to them amd

share with them the truth.

Ok, let me ask this question a different way.

What does Matthew 28:19 mean? Is this a command?And is Jesus the final authority on the subject?

Why do some churches teach to baptize in the name of Jesus Christ ONLY, when Jesus Christ Himself says in Matthew 28:19 to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?

Skiman,

They could be basing their claim on any one of the following pieces of scripture:

John 1:1, John 1:14, John 8:24, John 8:58, John 10:30-33, John 20:28, Hebrews 1:8, Colossians 2:9, Philippians 2:5-8, Psalm 45:6.

The Bible tells us that we are to worship God alone, and yet Jesus received worship and never rebuked anyone who worshipped Him. We see evidence of this in Matthew 2:2, Matthew 2:11, Matthew 14:33, Matthew 28:9, John 9:35-38, Hebrews 1:6.

Isaiah 44:6 reads, "Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: "I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God besides me."

In Rev 1:17, it says "And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as a dead man." In Daniel 10:8-9, Daniel did the same thing. When he saw this vision of Christ, he fell down as he was dead. In Ezekiel 1:28, Ezekiel sees the vision and he falls down as a dead man. It goes on to say "Fear not; I am the first and the last: (the designation of God, found in Isaiah 41:4, and Isaiah 48:12).

In Revelation 1:18, it says I am He that lives, and this is another designation of God found in Psalm 84:2, and Joshua 3:10.

I am He that lives. God presents Himself to the Jews as the living God. He says I am He that lives, and was dead; literally, and became dead, and behold, I am living forevermore, His resurrection, His eternalness.

And then it reads, Amen; and I have the keys of hell and of death. Keys are a symbol of authority. Those who were in charge of the temple had the keys to the temple. We are told later on that the Lord (Jesus) will be in control of hell and death.

In Matthew 16:15, Jesus asks His disciples who do you say I am? Peter had the perfect answer. Peter said "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God."

Peter was Jewish. The phrase "Son of the living God" from a Hebrew standpoint is a phrase used for God. To a Jew, claiming to be the Son of God was considered blasphemy, but that was Peter's response to who Jesus was

Hi Dc730banks,

If I may add to Chris' reply, the first day of the week (Sunday) is the day Jesus was resurrected. Jesus came to fulfill the law and the prophets, and the feasts were a part of the Mosaic Law. The Jewish festival that was the same day Jesus was resurrected that many overlooks with traditions is the Feast of First Fruits, Leviticus 23:9-14.

We see in John; Mary Magdalene went to the tomb, and it was still dark, and she was the first to see Jesus. He would not let her touch Him, the reason was, He had not ascended to His Father, John 20:17. Jesus ascended at the same time the priest was waving the sheaf, (lifting up). After He returned, they could then touch Him, Matthew 28:8-10.

As the sheaf of the first harvest had to be sacrificed and accepted by God before they could eat of the harvest and look forward to the next harvest as that day was the first day of counting the days of the weeks until seven sabbaths to the second harvest, the Feast of Weeks, Pentecost. Jesus ascended and was accepted as the First Fruits of the dead and returned, then they could touch Him.

We see the second harvest Pentecost, also was the same day of year the fire of God came down upon the mount with Moses, and the day the Holy Spirit that Jesus said He would ask the Father to send, came down on the room where they were gathered as cloven tongues as of fire.

Just a little of the end of the week that started when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the 10th of Nisan the day the lambs were taken up, the day that is called Palm Sunday.

God bless,

RLW

Hello Dc730banks. All we are given in the Bible is that Jesus arose from the grave (sepulchre) on the "first day of the week", i.e. after the end of the Sabbath Day which was at sundown on the seventh day (Saturday): Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:2,9.

Jesus was taken down from the Cross & laid in the sepulchre prior to the commencement of the Sabbath (i.e. before Friday sundown), was in the grave the rest of Friday night, all day Saturday, & into the early hours of Sunday (considered three days). Then it was at day-break Sunday that the two Marys went to the sepulchre & learned that Jesus had risen from the dead. And this first day of the week (Sunday), was celebrated by the apostles & early Church (as it is now) in Christian fellowship, teaching & communion ( Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2).

Ani,

James 1:5,

Exodus 20, Exodus 31:12-17, note Exodus 31:16,17, Exodus 35:1-2, Leviticus 16:29-34, Leviticus 23, Leviticus 24:8,9,

Leviticus 25, Deuteronomy 5, Matthew 12, Matthew 28:1-9, Mark 15:42, Luke 23:52,53,54,56, John 19:31, Mark 1:21,

2Chronicles 36:20-21, Isaiah 58, Jeremiah 17, Amos 8, Matthew 25:31-46, Mark 3:4, John 5:10,16 hypocrisy & cruelty, John 7:22,23, Malachi 3:5,

Nehemiah 10:31, Nehemiah 13:14-27, Isaiah 56,

Colossians 2:16,

Hopefully these are all helpful in your study & Bible Study.

Hello Kobe Southern,

Interestingly, after studying scripture I've noticed, GOD gave mankind dominion, on Earth. Genesis 1:26,27,28, GOD didn't take that dominion away, people have misused their powers. They/we will all give account: Revelation 1:5-8, Romans 14:12, Daniel 4:3,34, Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 18,

Jesus was here to show us how to bring His Kingdom the Kingdom of GOD on Earth, with Love, John 3:16-21, John 13:34, Romans 12:10, 1John 4:7,12, 1Peter 3:8, John 15:17, James 2:13-17, Luke 13:34,

one day all dominion will go to Christ: 1Corinthians 15:20-28, Romans 16:20,

Galatians 4:1-8, Colossians 3:21,

Matthew 20:25-28, Ephesians 1, (whole chapters) 1Peter 4, Jude 1,

Jesus gave all that believe in him, authority under heaven: from GOD ALMIGHTY: Matthew 28:18-20, Matthew 6, Luke 11, Mark 3:15, Acts 4:30,31, Luke 9:2,

We all have power in the natural if even just to comfort someone else, & as we grow in faith, supernatural power in prayer, through GOD & Christ Jesus our Savior.

Hopefully these are helpful

Hi Susanella,

I like to flip the question and ask why would a Christ-follower not want to follow Christ? Are there any legitimate reasons not to be baptized in water?

Jesus said this:

"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." Mark 16:16 KJV

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:" Matthew 28:19 KJV

Some Christians I encounter seem quite satisfied and maybe even relieved on their assumption that they don't need to be immersed in water anymore. But is that really what Jesus said and meant?

"John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost." Acts 11:16 KJV

Baptism with the Holy Ghost doesn't necessarily mean without water. It seems Jesus indicates the baptism before Jesus arrived was not with the Holy Ghost. And it's noteworthy that even though Jesus was now there, He still was baptized in water! It was so important that even Jesus did it Himself as an example to follow. And then they continued baptizing in water after Jesus left. I see no verse anywhere saying for everyone to stop baptizing in water.

Some are motivated to not be baptized for personal reasons, not for reasons of obedience as a Christ-follower. But it doesn't matter what man thinks, but what God says and He already said to be baptized. So, if following Jesus is important to someone I think that following what Jesus says is important.

Other Christians echoed this about water baptism after Jesus left too, like Paul in Acts 2:38.

It would be brazen to ignore such a clear and obvious command. Others seem confident and willing to gamble on this that they're interpreting it correctly. But obeying involves no risk and no downside, but disobeying and seeing how much one can get away with not doing seems risky. No one is claiming that act itself saves, but deliberately disobeying God while also claiming to follow Him seems questionable.

Please read these: Mark 16:16, context Mark 16:14-20, Mark 1:8, context Mark 1, Matthew 3:11, in context Matthew 3, Matthew 28:18,19-20, Luke 3:16,21,

Acts 1:21-22, Acts 2:38,

Acts 16:19-34, Romans 6, 1Corinthians 12, 1Corinthians 12:13, Colossians 2:10-15, 1Peter 3, 1Peter 3:21,22

James 1:5,

Matthew 7, Matthew 25:31-46,

Hopefully these are helpful

Matthew 28:19 is true but we must read the words "IN THE NAME OF". That name is Jesus.

Just like Acts 2:38 speaks on. Amen

Pray for the United Kingdom's leaders they would be good men having compassion on others and be saved with eternal life thanks retired nurse

In the book of Acts is where they were born again. Jesus said water & Spirit. They were baptized in the name Of Jesus Christ and received the holy Ghost. Therefore Acts 2:38.

That is the gospel to be obeyed.

Matthew 28:19 & John 3:3-5 is fulfilled in Acts 2:38.

The epistles from Romans- Jude was not written to the world, not written to the sinner. It is written to the brethren.

To those that disagree, you need to ask the Lord for a revelation.

Believing in Christ is just the beginning. Amen

Why is it that people do not read the beginning of the chapter 3 and obey what Jesus said? John 3:16 is true but we must read the beginning first. Especially John 3:3-7.

Sorry, but water baptism IS most certainly in the new testament. It is about water baptism AND being spirit filled w the Holy Ghost, as we live a holy life for Christ with love.

John 3:3-5 & Matthew 28:19 is fulfilled in Acts 2:38.

The earth is the Lord's and the fulness thereof. 1Corinthians 10:26, Psalms 24:1, Psalms 89:11, Psalms 50:12, Ephesians 1:10, Daniel 2:20-22, Genesis 1:28, Luke 9:1, 1Corinthians 15:23-28, John 19:5-11

Proverbs 29:2, Revelation 3:10,

Matthew 28:18, Acts 1:8, Matthew 18:18, Mark 16:17-19

Your words are taken serious with God and when you bind them in the name of Jesus it will be establish. You need to understand that we Christians are like the ambassador of a nation.

our home is not here but we are here for a short stay while representing our kingdom with full authority. ( Matthew 28:19-20)

And so, while we are here all authority has been given to us by Jesus and so when we speak and agreed on matters especially concerning the church of Jesus Christ it will be bind here on earth as well as in heaven.

A good example has been given to us in the book of Ecclesiastes 5:4

4When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow.

5It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it.

6Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, "My vow was a mistake." Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands?

7Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore fear God.

Here you see God takes the word which you speak using your mouth seriously, so when you agree on something according to it his will God will also agree in heaven.

So, i will leave you with That to ponder and be in prayers ask God for understand for wisdom is the principal thing and therefor in all your getting get understanding. (Provers 4:7)

Johnnie,

Matthew 28:19, Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, Acts 19:1-12, Ephesians 4:5,

I think the main point is the outward living life, dead to the flesh ( selfishness, bad actions, etc. ) resurrection in the last days, is the goal. Mark 10:38, Luke 12:50, Colossians 2:12-14, 1Peter 3:18-22,

* Romans 6:3,4, please read all of Romans 6, chapter, Colossians 3:1-17,

John 12:23-36, Romans 8:13, Luke 14:27-33,

Hopefully these are helpful

If you have trouble understanding pray for wisdom: James 1:5

Some people believe you must be baptized in the name of Jesus only and others say baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Should we do both or is either alright with God?

Baptism: Acts 2:38-47, Matthew 28:18-20, these are the same baptism, Ephesians 4:5, context Ephesians 4:1-13, please read all the scriptures I've included even the scriptures surrounding the ones you're asking about. They're very important on what Jesus our Christ =(the Messiah) is saying & the Scripture is saying about Him.

Origin of Baptism: Matthew 3, Mark 1, Luke 3, John 1, John 3 - John 4:1,2, ; Matthew 21:25, Mark 11:30, Luke 7, Luke 20:4, Acts 13:24,25,26,

Acts 1,

Symbolism of baptism: Matthew 20:22-28, Matthew 11:10,11,12,13, Mark 10, note these scriptures in Mark 10:21,29,30,31,32,33,34,38,39,42,43,44,45, Mark 16:16, Luke 12:49-59, in context Luke 12, John 3:3,5, Romans 6, Colossians 2:12, 1Peter 3:21,

HOLY Ghost HOLY Spirit Baptism: Acts 8, Acts 10, Acts 11, Acts 19:2-7,

In one Spirit 1Corinthians 12:13,

Hopefully these are all helpful

This is to no one in particular:

Indeed 1st Corinthians 15:1-4 is the written gospel. You read it but NOW it is up to everyone to obey the gospel which is what Jesus spoke in John 3:3-5. Also Matthew 28:19 is fulfilled bc it is in the name of. No one was ever water baptized in the book of Acts by father, son, & Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38 is the New Testament salvation message. Water baptism remits your sins. Matthew 26:28 says the same.

We need the Holy Ghost power. Lo & behold, not everyone has the Holy Spirit just bc they believe.That's just not true. Ppl must stop making a doctrine from one verse. For ex: John 3:16 is true, however we must all start at the beginning of the chapter. And there we find what Jesus Christ spoke on in John 3:3-5, for without it we can not enter into the kingdom of heaven. All the ppl in the book of Acts were told to repent & be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. Romans 10:9 is an example---call on the name of the Lord. Read Matthew 26:28, Jesus spoke, "For this is my blood of the New testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins". Hallelujah & Amen

I love God & his truth

Jesus taught that if a man looks at a woman with lust in his heart he has already committed adultery .

The idea that a homosexual who does not the act but holds the desire in his heart is ok then is absurd .

The deep root cause of homosexuality is found in Romans . Men no keeping the knowledge of God in their minds .

At root that is the cause . From that root you have many branches of why .

Homosexuality is not a sickness to be cured of it is a sin to be repented of as any other .

Indeed we all have to come to a place where we not only repent of what we have done, but must also repent of what we are .Sinners .

The answer is the same for all .

"If any man be in Christ they are a new creation ,behold all old things have passed away and behold all things have become new"

"For if you have dies to sin how then can you live in it"?

A man may struggle as any man does with sin as Paul also in z Romans shows . But he also gives the answer " Thanks be unto zGod who gives us the victory through Jesus Christ .

No matter what man says you can be delivered from the power of that sin as any man can be delivered from any other sin .

Hi

when Adam fell at the garden, he lost the dominion to Satan who ruled over instead of Adams Place.

Then at the cross Jesus took back the dominion from Satan at the cross and gave it back to us, by us i mean Christians who believe in the lord Jesus Christ.

Genesis 1:27-29

27 So God created man in his own image,

in the image of God, he created him.

male and female, he created them.

28 And God blessed them. And God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth." 29 And God said, "Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. 30 And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food." And it was so.

Matthew 28:16 (All authority)

16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him, they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them min2 the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Repent before God and believe int he lord Jesus Christ amen and Pray to God to give you understanding.

Hi David0920. I've been following this thread & your thoughts. I know that your emphasis on the requirement of water baptism, is not to deny its relevance & importance, but that the act of water baptism can never add anything more to the salvation granted to us by faith. If it (or anything else) could, then it's no longer a salvation by faith. But if I might also add:

Why does this matter of baptism become a point of argument (not here only but in the Church), when the Word is clear? My belief is that the Church today, at least since the departure of the apostolic age, have gone away from the understanding & practise of water baptism. Here, I'm not referring to any of the Jewish baptisms or even John's baptism, but those of the Jew or Gentile who respond in faith & confession to the claims of Christ. When we study the Scriptures, we find certain practises of water baptism:

a. Jesus' command to the disciples ( Matthew 28:19,20) were to them & those after them who preach or lead people to Christ. The command to baptize is given to the preacher/evangelist & NOT to the 'baptizee' (the 'new-born in Christ').

b. Water baptism went hand-in-hand with repentance & confession. It was not an optional extra (as we see in the accounts such as Peter's preaching that added 3000 souls; Saul's conversion; Cornelius; etc.). Converts weren't given an option to get baptized or not - if you turned to Christ from Judaism or idolatry, you were baptized, or else your conversion was spurious.

But what we see today, is that Church leaders/evangelists in the greater part, don't baptize straightaway after a soul's conversion, preferring a length of time to see stability & growth in the convert. Some even fail to bring up baptism at all. A pastor once announced, "we'll be having a baptism service four Sundays from now, those who feel led to be baptized, please come & see me". I was horrified; is this scriptural? The onus to be baptized is not on the convert - always the evangelist.

You can read my reply to Benning below to see my belief.

I believe what Jesus said in Matthew 28:19. It's very clear what He said and meant. This applies today and means water baptism. Any complex rationale people invent doesn't change Jesus's words or what He meant.

Just because someone is obedient doesn't mean someone is obeying with impure motives. It doesn't automatically mean someone is obeying God to "earn" salvation aside from grace, but following and obeying Jesus because that's what a Christian does. A Christian follows Christ. It's really clever to attack someone being obedient to God; this obviously doesn't come from God. I have an idea of where this defiance comes from though. I'm sure no one will change what they want to believe here, despite what is clear in scripture. We will all find out on judgment day. Will Jesus welcome those who disobeyed Him or who those obeyed Him? Some of those who are shaming obedience don't even consistently apply it. They may cherrypick one verse Jesus said and obey that, but not all the other verses Jesus said. Christianity a la carte?