Southside Oracle Archive

Vol. 49, No. 14                  SOUTHSIDE ORACLE                     June 2 2006

The Meaning of Faith (4)

In this series we are examining the nature of the faith that saves. We have distinguished historical faith that accepts facts to be true from saving faith that trusts and obeys. In historical faith one accepts the truth that Jesus is God's son; in trusting faith one is willing to follow Jesus wherever he leads and do whatever he asks. Thus obedience is not separate from faith, but an essential part of it.

Salvation through faith is procured by the offering of the blood of Jesus on our behalf. "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God" (Eph. 2:8). Thus far most Bible believing people will agree. The issue is whether faith is merely historical faith or does it also involve the obedience that is a part of trusting faith. Our position is that saving faith is obedient (Rom. 1:5; 16:26) and that baptism is a part of that faith. One is saved by faith when as a penitent believer he is baptized into Jesus Christ.

This position agrees with several scriptures that relate baptism and the forgiveness of sins. "And Peter said to them, `Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). "And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on his name" (Acts 22:16). "Baptism ... now saves you..." (1 Peter 3: 21).

These verses do not tell how baptism is involved in the salvation process, but Paul explains this in Romans 6:3,4). "Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life." Since Christ shed his blood by which we are saved when he died, and since baptism is the act of faith that puts us into that death and thus in touch with Christ's saving blood, it is said to be for the forgiveness of our sins. Baptism is the point at which our faith saves us as we accept God's eternal grace.Further study of Romans 6 reveals that when one is baptized he re-enacts the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, and is thus identified with Christ.

Others disagree, believing that baptism is a work. We will consider that next. Monroe E. Hawley

The Bulletin Board

Our annual congregational picnic will be this Sunday after the second worship service. It will be at the Root River Parkway, area #2. Join us there.

Congratulations to our high school graduates. They are Jaqueline Slye, Wilmot Union High School, Jered Giombi, St. Francis High School, and Evan Stanger, Heritage Christian High School.

Congratulations to Karen Wagner on her graduation from University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee with a degree in architecture.

Single service June 11th . On Sunday, June 11th, we will have a single worship service at 11:00 a.m. There will be no service at 8:30 a.m. Bible classes will begin at 9:30 a.m. There will not be a potluck afterwards, but will be a service at 6:00 p.m. as usual.

ATTENDANCE RECORD

(*) first service, 132; second service, $0

Fifty of our Southside family attended the encampment at Fallhall Glen over the Memorial Day weekend.

The sick - Debbie Slaughter is recovering well at St. Luke's Hospital after her spinal surgery last week. She is having rehabilitation therapy prior to discharge.

Bobita Barrel - A dozen of our people will be going to the Dominican Republic on a mission trip in July. The "Bobita Barrel" in the foyer is for us to contribute items for the missionaries there and for the children's home. See the posted list of items that can be donated.

Soul Quest at York College will be June 18 - 24. Some of our young people will be attending and Daryl Miller will be one of the teachers.

New Arrival - Arianna Miranda Gurda was born to Tabitha Santana on May 25th at West Allis Hospital.

Calendar of Events

June 4 - Congregational picnic after 2nd worship, Root River Parkway

June 11- Elders/deacons meeting, 4:30 p.m.

June 11- Praise and Palate, 6:00 p.m.

June 18 - July 1 - Junior session, Wisconsin Christian Youth Camp, Fallhall Glen

June 18 - 24 - Soul Quest, York College

July 2 -15 - Middle session, Wisconsin Christian Youth Camp, Fallhall Glen

July 12 - 19 - Mission trip to Dominican Republic

July 16 - 29 - Intermediate session, Wisconsin Christian Youth Camp, Fallhall Glen

July 30 - August 12 - Senior session, Wis. Christian Youth Camp, Fallhall Glen

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