There was a little old cleaning Lady who went to a local church. When the invitation was given at the end of the service, she went forward wanting to become a member. The preacher listened as she told him how she wanted to be baptized and become a member of Christ's church.
The preacher thought to himself, "oh my, she is so unkempt, even smells a little, and her fingernails are not clean. She picks up garbage, cleans toilets -- what would the members think of her." He told her that she needed to go home and pray about it and then decide.
The following week, here she came again. She told the minister that she had prayed about it and still wanted to be baptized. "I have passed this church building for so long. It is so beautiful, and I truly want to become a member of Christ's church and a local member of this body of believers."
Again the preacher told her to go home and pray some more.
A few weeks later while out eating at the restaurant, the preacher saw the little old lady. He did not want her to think that he was ignoring her so he approached her and said, "I have not seen you for a while. Is everything all right?"
"Oh, yes," she said. "I talked with Jesus, and He told me not to worry about becoming a member of your church."
"He did?" said the preacher.
"Oh, yes" she replied. "Jesus said he's been trying to get into your church for years, and even HE can't get in."
Baptism According to Scripture: A Discussion
In this episode, Bobby Harrington leads a meaningful conversation about the significance and doctrinal importance of baptism with prominent church leaders, including Jerry Harris, Gary Johnson, Karl Halverson, and Mario Gonzalez. Each leader shares their perspectives on baptism, drawing from their extensive experiences in ministry and biblical scholarship. They discuss the restoration movement, the role of elders in maintaining doctrinal integrity, the international viewpoint on baptism, and the importance of providing clear, accessible resources on the topic. They also introduce a new booklet, 'Baptism According to Scripture,' aiming to clarify and educate on the biblical teaching of baptism. This comprehensive discussion highlights key scriptural references and addresses common questions and misconceptions about baptism, making it a valuable resource for both church leaders and laypeople.