The Sword of the LORD

The Church Foundation: The Apostles, New Testament Prophets, John the Baptist, and Jesus Christ the Chief Corner Stone

By. Dr. Nilo H. Flores
May 11, 2026

“And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;”
— Bible Ephesians 2:20

The true Church is founded upon the Lord Jesus Christ together with the doctrinal teachings revealed through the Apostles and Prophets. Jesus Christ is the Chief Corner Stone, the Head of the Church, and the only true foundation of salvation.

Jesus Christ — The Chief Corner Stone

“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
— Bible 1 Corinthians 3:11

“The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.”
— Bible Psalm 118:22

“Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner.”
— Bible Matthew 21:42

John the Baptist — Prophet and Forerunner of Christ

John the Baptist was the messenger sent by God to prepare the way for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

> “For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.”
— Bible Matthew 11:10

Jesus Himself declared John the Baptist as a great prophet.

“For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.”
— Bible Matthew 11:13

“Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist.”
— Bible Matthew 11:11

John faithfully pointed people to Jesus Christ:

“Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”
— Bible John 1:29

The Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ

1. Simon Peter

“Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
— Bible Matthew 16:16

2. Andrew

“We have found the Messias.”
— Bible John 1:41

3. James the son of Zebedee

— Bible Mark 3:17

4. John

“That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you.”
— Bible 1 John 1:3

5. Philip

“We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write.”
— Bible John 1:45

6. Bartholomew (Nathanael)

“Rabbi, thou art the Son of God.”
— Bible John 1:49

7. Thomas

“My Lord and my God.”
— Bible John 20:28

8. Matthew

“And he arose, and followed him.”
— Bible Matthew 9:9

9. James the son of Alphaeus

— Bible Matthew 10:3

10. Thaddaeus (Jude)

— Bible Matthew 10:3

11. Simon the Zealot

— Bible Matthew 10:4

12. Matthias

“He was numbered with the eleven apostles.”
— Bible Acts 1:26

Apostle Paul

“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God.”
— Bible Ephesians 1:1

New Testament Prophets

Prophet Agabus

— Bible Acts 11:28

Judas Barsabas

— Bible Acts 15:32

Silas

— Bible Acts 15:32

Barnabas

— Bible Acts 13:1

Simeon called Niger

— Bible Acts 13:1

Lucius of Cyrene

— Bible Acts 13:1

Manaen
— Bible Acts 13:1

Philip’s Four Daughters

“Which did prophesy.”
— Bible Acts 21:9

Conclusion

The Church is founded upon the teachings of the Apostles and Prophets, while Jesus Christ Himself is the Chief Corner Stone. John the Baptist prepared the way for Christ and faithfully proclaimed the coming Messiah. The Church must remain steadfast in the doctrine of Christ and continue preaching the Gospel until the Lord returns.

“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship...”
— Bible Acts 2:42

You Are Invited to Worship the Lord!

Every Sunday at 9:00 AM, everyone is warmly invited to come and worship God with us. Experience the blessings of the Lord through prayer, singing, fellowship, and the preaching of God’s Word.

📖 “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.” — Psalm 122:1

After the worship service, we also have our:

Cell Group Fellowship

🕙 10:16 AM – 11:00 AM

A special time to:

Study the Word of God

Grow spiritually

Develop Christian leadership

Encourage one another in the faith

Come and grow with us as future leaders for the glory of God!

📍 Venue:
315 Libunao St., Sta. Rita Matanda, San Miguel, Bulacan

👨‍🏫 By Pastor Nilo H. Flores

Everyone is welcome! Bring your family and friends and let us worship the Lord together.

Topic: From East and West: God’s Kingdom Is Open to All by Faith

Matthew 8:11 — Explained with Original Meaning
By Dr. Nilo H. Flores

“And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.”

This powerful statement was spoken by our Lord Jesus Christ after He witnessed the great faith of a Roman centurion—a Gentile. This context is very important to understand the true and original meaning of the verse.

Original Meaning (Historical and Biblical Context)

During the time of Jesus Christ, many Jews believed that salvation and the kingdom of God were exclusively for them as the chosen people, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

But here, Jesus revealed a deeper truth:

“Many shall come from the east and west”
This refers to Gentiles (non-Jews) from all parts of the world. Salvation is not limited by race, nationality, or heritage.

“Shall sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob”
This symbolizes fellowship and acceptance in the kingdom of heaven. In Jewish culture, sitting at a table means being part of the family—belonging.

“In the kingdom of heaven”
This points to eternal life and the reign of God, where all true believers—Jew and Gentile—are gathered.

Spiritual Truth

The Lord was teaching that:

Faith—not ancestry—determines salvation.

Even those considered outsiders can enter God’s kingdom through genuine faith.

Meanwhile, some who assume they belong may be excluded if they lack true faith (as emphasized in the following verse).

Application for Today

This verse reminds us:

The Gospel is for everyone—Filipino, American, Asian, African—no one is excluded.

What matters is personal faith in Christ, not religion, tradition, or background.

God’s kingdom will be filled with people from every nation and generation.

Final Reflection

Matthew 8:11 is a beautiful picture of God’s grace. It breaks human barriers and opens the door of salvation to all who believe. Just like the centurion, anyone—no matter their past or position—can experience the saving power of Christ through faith.

“For there is no difference… for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.” (Romans 10:12)
Here are fitting hashtags you can use for your post:

Title: Mananatiling Tapat sa Paglilingkod sa Kabila ng Maraming Pagsubok

Roma 8:35–39
By: Dr. Nilo H. Flores

Talata:
Sino ang maghihiwalay sa atin sa pag-ibig ni Cristo? Kapighatian ba, o kahirapan, o pag-uusig, o kagutuman, o kahubaran, o panganib, o tabak?…” (Roma 8:35)

Panimula (Original Meaning)

Ang sulat ni Apostol Pablo sa mga taga-Roma ay isinulat sa panahon ng matinding pagsubok at pag-uusig sa mga Kristiyano. Ang Roma 8:35–39 ay isang makapangyarihang pahayag ng katiyakan—na ang tunay na mananampalataya ay hindi kailanman maihihiwalay sa pag-ibig ng Diyos kay Cristo Jesus.

Ang “kapighatian, kahirapan, pag-uusig, kagutuman, kahubaran, panganib, at tabak” ay literal na mga paghihirap na dinaranas ng mga unang Kristiyano. Ngunit sa kabila ng lahat, ipinapakita ni Pablo na ang pag-ibig ni Cristo ay mas matibay kaysa anumang pagsubok.

Mensahe

1. Ang Pagsubok ay Bahagi ng Buhay Kristiyano

Hindi ipinangako ng Diyos na magiging madali ang buhay ng isang lingkod Niya. Sa halip, malinaw na sinabi na darating ang mga pagsubok.

Bilang mga Kristiyano, dapat nating tanggapin na ang hirap, sakit, at problema ay bahagi ng ating paglalakbay. Ngunit hindi ito dahilan upang tumigil sa paglilingkod sa Diyos.

Ang pagsubok ay hindi hadlang—ito ay daan upang mas mapatatag ang ating pananampalataya.

2. Walang Anumang Makapaghihiwalay sa Pag-ibig ni Cristo

Ayon sa Roma 8:38–39, kahit kamatayan, buhay, mga anghel, kapangyarihan, o anumang bagay sa langit at lupa ay hindi makapaghihiwalay sa atin sa pag-ibig ng Diyos.

Kapag nauunawaan natin ito, magkakaroon tayo ng lakas ng loob na magpatuloy sa paglilingkod kahit mahirap.

Ang ating katapatan ay nakaugat sa katiyakan na tayo ay minamahal ng Diyos.

3. Tayo ay Higit Pa sa mga Mananagumpay

Sinabi sa talata 37: “Sa lahat ng mga bagay na ito, tayo ay higit pa sa mga mananagumpay sa pamamagitan Niya na umibig sa atin.”

Hindi lamang tayo nakaka-survive sa trials—tayo ay nagtatagumpay sa pamamagitan ni Cristo.

Ang tunay na tagumpay ay ang manatiling tapat sa Diyos sa gitna ng laban.

Aplikasyon

Magpatuloy sa paglilingkod kahit may pagsubok

Huwag mawalan ng pag-asa sa gitna ng kahirapan

Alalahanin na ang pag-ibig ng Diyos ay hindi nagbabago

Konklusyon

Ang buhay Kristiyano ay hindi madali, ngunit ito ay puno ng katiyakan. Sa kabila ng maraming pagsubok, tayo ay tinatawag na manatiling tapat sa paglilingkod sa Diyos.

Walang problema, walang sakit, at walang pagsubok ang kayang maghiwalay sa atin sa pag-ibig ni Cristo. Kaya magpatuloy tayo, maglingkod tayo, at maging matatag—sapagkat tayo ay higit pa sa mga mananagumpay.

Closing Verse

Sapagkat ako'y naniniwala na kahit kamatayan, o buhay… ay hindi makapaghihiwalay sa atin sa pag-ibig ng Diyos, na nasa kay Cristo Jesus na Panginoon natin.” (Roma 8:38–39)

Grateful to the Lord for answering my prayer and granting the desire to apply the Biblical pattern of Cell Group ministry as seen in the Book of Acts. 🙏
Today, April 26, 2026, right after the Worship Service, we successfully conducted our very first Cell Group Class. To God be all the glory for this new beginning in discipleship and spiritual growth!

The boys were led by Dr. Nilo H. Flores, and the girls were led by Ma’am Gina Pabuaya Flores—praise God for servant leaders committed to guiding others in the Word.

Heartfelt thanks to Rev. Richard, Rev. David Simong, and Pastor Sunny Casabuena for your guidance and mentoring. Your investment in this ministry is truly a blessing.

📖 “And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.” — Acts 5:42

Paksang Pangangaral:

“Ang Panawagan ng Diyos sa Ating Panahon”
By: Dr. Nilo H. Flores
April 11, 2026

📜 Pangunahing Talata:
2 Corinto 6:2 (KJV)
"For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation."
👉 Tagalog:
“Sapagka’t sinasabi niya, Sa panahong kaayaaya ay dininig kita, at sa araw ng kaligtasan ay tinulungan kita: narito, ngayon ang panahong kaayaaya; narito, ngayon ang araw ng kaligtasan.”
🔍 Original Meaning (Maikling Paliwanag):
Ang “accepted time” ay mula sa salitang Griyego na “kairos” na nangangahulugang tamang oras o itinakdang panahon ng Diyos. Ipinapakita nito na hindi dapat ipagpaliban ang pagtugon sa Diyos, sapagkat ang Kanyang panawagan ay para sa ngayon.
🔥 I. Ang Panahon ay Mahalaga sa Diyos
(Ecclesiastes 3:1)
Eclesiastes 3:1 (KJV)
"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:"
🔹 Subpoints:
May tamang oras ang Diyos sa lahat ng bagay
Hindi natin hawak ang bukas (Santiago 4:14)
Ang pagpapaliban ay panganib sa kaluluwa
🪧 Illustration:
Parang isang tren—kapag dumating sa istasyon at hindi ka sumakay, maiiwan ka. Ganyan din ang pagkakataon ng Diyos—kapag pinalampas mo, maaaring hindi na bumalik.
❤️ II. Ang Kaligtasan ay Para sa Lahat
(Juan 3:16)
Juan 3:16 (KJV)
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son..."
🔹 Subpoints:
Ang pag-ibig ng Diyos ay walang pinipili
Si Cristo ang tanging daan sa kaligtasan (Gawa 4:12)
Ang kaligtasan ay kaloob, hindi gawa (Efeso 2:8-9)
🪧 Illustration:
Isipin mo ang isang regalo—kahit gaano ito kamahal, hindi mo ito mapapakinabangan kung hindi mo tatanggapin. Ganyan din ang kaligtasan—ibinigay na ng Diyos, kailangan mo lang tanggapin.
🙏 III. Ang Tugon ng Tao ay Mahalaga
(Roma 10:9-10)
Roma 10:9-10 (KJV)
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus..."
🔹 Subpoints:
Manampalataya kay Cristo (Gawa 16:31)
Magsisi sa kasalanan (magbago ng isip at puso)
Tanggapin si Cristo sa puso (Juan 1:12)
🪧 Illustration:
Parang pintuan—kahit bukas ito, hindi ka makakapasok hangga’t hindi ka pumapasok. Si Cristo ang pintuan, pero ikaw ang magpapasya kung papasok ka.
✨ Konklusyon:
Mga kapatid, ang mensahe ng Diyos ay malinaw—
👉 Ngayon ang tamang panahon
👉 Ngayon ang araw ng kaligtasan
Huwag nating ipagpaliban ang pagtugon sa Panginoon. Hindi natin alam ang bukas, ngunit sigurado tayo sa Kanyang paanyaya ngayon.
🙌 Hamon:
Kung ikaw ay hindi pa tumatanggap kay Cristo:
👉 Manampalataya ka
👉 Magsisi ka
👉 Tanggapin mo Siya ngayon
📌 Simpleng Panalangin:
“Panginoong Jesus, inaamin ko po na ako’y makasalanan. Naniniwala ako na Ikaw ay namatay at muling nabuhay para sa akin. Tinatanggap kita bilang aking Tagapagligtas. Salamat sa Iyong kaligtasan. Amen.”

Saan Patungo ang Tao Pagkatapos Mamatay?

Mananampalataya at Hindi Mananampalataya

By Dr. Nilo H. Flores
April 1, 2026

Pastor, Philippine Christian Baptist Church of Central Luzon Incorporated
315 Libunao St., Sta Rita Matanda, San Miguel, Philippines🇵🇭

Panimula

Ang kamatayan ay hindi katapusan kundi simula ng walang hanggang kalagayan ng tao. Ayon sa Biblia, ang mangyayari pagkatapos ng kamatayan ay nakasalalay sa relasyon ng tao kay Cristo bago siya mamatay.

I. Ang Patutunguhan ng Mananampalataya

1. Kaagad na Presensya ng Panginoon

Kapag ang isang tao ay namatay na may pananampalataya kay Cristo, ang kanyang kaluluwa ay agad na napupunta sa presensya ng Diyos.

“Absent from the body… present with the Lord” (2 Corinto 5:8)

➡️ Ibig sabihin:
Hindi siya nawawala—siya ay nasa piling ng Panginoon.

2. Kaligayahan at Kapahingahan

“Today you will be with Me in paradise” (Lucas 23:43)

➡️ Walang sakit, walang luha, walang paghihirap
➡️ May kapayapaan at kagalakan sa langit

3. Pagkabuhay na Maguli sa Hinaharap

Sa pagbabalik ni Cristo:

Ang mga mananampalataya ay bubuhaying muli

Tatanggap ng maluwalhating katawan

Papasok sa buhay na walang hanggan

II. Ang Patutunguhan ng Hindi Mananampalataya

1. Hiwalay sa Diyos

Ang taong tumanggi kay Cristo ay mapupunta sa kalagayan ng paghihiwalay sa Diyos.

Walang pag-asa (Efeso 2:12)

2. Kamalayan sa Kaparusahan

Tulad ng mayamang lalaki sa Lucas 16, may kamalayan ang paghihirap

May pagdurusa at paghihintay sa hatol

3. Huling Paghuhukom

Lahat ay haharap sa paghuhukom (Hebreo 9:27)

Ang hindi nakasulat sa aklat ng buhay ay itatapon sa dagat-dagatang apoy

➡️ Ito ang tinatawag na ikalawang kamatayan
➡️ Walang hanggang kaparusahan (Pahayag 20:11–15)

III. Dalawang Walang Hanggang Patutunguhan

Ayon sa Biblia:

Buhay na walang hanggan para sa mananampalataya

Kapahamakan o kaparusahan para sa hindi mananampalataya

“Some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt” (Daniel 12:2)

IV. Mahahalagang Katotohanan

✔ Ang kamatayan ay hindi wakas
✔ May kamalayan ang kaluluwa pagkatapos mamatay
✔ May darating na pagkabuhay na muli
✔ May huling paghuhukom

V. Paalala at Hamon

Ang pinakamahalagang tanong ay hindi:
“Ano ang mangyayari pagkatapos mamatay?”
kundi:
“Ano ang kalagayan mo bago ka mamatay?”

👉 Ang kaligtasan ay nasa kay Cristo lamang
👉 Ngayon ang panahon ng pagsisisi at pananampalataya

VI. Ang Daan ng Kaligtasan
Ang Biblia ay malinaw: may iisang daan upang maligtas—sa pamamagitan ni Jesu-Cristo.
1. Manampalataya kay Cristo
“Manampalataya ka sa Panginoong Jesu-Cristo, at maliligtas ka…” (Gawa 16:31)
➡️ Ang pananampalataya ay hindi lamang paniniwala sa isip, kundi pagtitiwala ng buong puso kay Cristo bilang iyong personal na Tagapagligtas.
2. Magsisi ng Kasalanan (Pagsisisi)
“Sapagkat gayon na lamang ang pag-ibig ng Diyos sa sanlibutan…” (Juan 3:16)
➡️ Ang tunay na pagsisisi ay:
✔ Pagkilala na ikaw ay makasalanan
✔ Pagtalikod sa kasalanan
✔ Pagbabago ng pananampalataya — mula sa pagtitiwala sa sarili o relihiyon, tungo kay Cristo lamang bilang Tagapagligtas
3. Tanggapin si Cristo sa Puso
“Datapuwa't ang lahat ng sa Kanya'y tumanggap…” (Juan 1:12)
➡️ Ang pagtanggap kay Cristo ay:
✔ Personal na desisyon
✔ Pagtanggap sa Kanya bilang Panginoon at Tagapagligtas
✔ Pagbubukas ng puso sa Kanyang paghahari
4. Ipahayag si Cristo bilang Panginoon
“Kung ipahahayag mo ng iyong bibig ang Panginoong Jesus…” (Roma 10:9–10)
➡️ Ang tunay na pananampalataya ay:
✔ Pinaniniwalaan sa puso
✔ Ipinahahayag sa bibig
✔ Isinasabuhay sa buhay
VII. Gabay sa Pagtanggap kay Cristo sa Puso
Kung nais mong tanggapin si Cristo, maaari mong sundan ang simpleng gabay na ito:
A. Kilalanin
Aminin mo na ikaw ay makasalanan at nangangailangan ng Tagapagligtas.
B. Maniwala
Manampalataya na si Jesu-Cristo ay namatay para sa iyong kasalanan at muling nabuhay.
C. Magsisi
Talikuran ang kasalanan at lumapit sa Diyos ng may pagpapakumbaba.
D. Tanggapin
Anyayahan si Cristo na pumasok sa iyong puso at buhay.
Halimbawa ng Panalangin
(Maaaring gamitin bilang gabay—hindi ito formula, kundi pagpapahayag ng puso)
“Panginoong Jesus,
ako po ay makasalanan at nangangailangan ng Iyong kapatawaran.
Naniniwala ako na Ikaw ay namatay para sa aking mga kasalanan
at muling nabuhay.
Ngayon ay nagsisisi ako sa aking mga kasalanan
at tinatanggap Kita bilang aking Panginoon at Tagapagligtas.
Pumasok Ka sa aking puso at baguhin Mo ang aking buhay.
Salamat sa Iyong pag-ibig at kaligtasan.
Sa pangalan ni Jesus, Amen.”
Pangwakas na Paalala
👉 Ang kaligtasan ay hindi sa gawa, kundi sa biyaya ng Diyos
👉 Ito ay personal na desisyon
👉 Ngayon ang tamang panahon—huwag ipagpaliban

Konklusyon

Ang tao ay may dalawang destinasyon lamang:

Langit kasama ang Diyos

Kapahamakan na hiwalay sa Diyos

Kaya’t habang may buhay pa:
👉 Manampalataya kay Cristo
👉 Mamuhay ng banal
👉 Ihanda ang sarili sa walang hanggan

Note: Kung nais nyo matuto pa ng Salita ng Diyos mula sa Bibliya

Magbisita sa aming Church: Philippine Christian Baptist Church , 315 Libunao St., Sta Rita Matanda, San Miguel , Bulacan, Philippines🇵🇭

Sunday Services:
1. Sunday Worship Service
9:00- 10:30 AM
2. Sunday School Discipleship
10:30 -11:30 AM

Wednesday Midweek Meeting
1. Prayer Meeting 6:00 - 8:00 PM

Saturday:
1. Soulwinning and Follow -up
8:00 - 11:00 AM
2. Counselling and Church
Choire Practice
2:00 - 5:00 PM

Monday to Saturday: Home Bible Studies

Kung nais po ninyo ng Home Bible Studies, Counselling, Prayers and Discipleship mag message lang po.

Thanks and Hod Bless!

✨ Integrated Counselling II
(Second Year – Bachelor of Arts in Ministry)

In the sacred work of ministry, knowledge alone is not enough—there must be a heart that listens, understands, and heals.

This subject, Integrated Counselling II, equips future servants of God to minister not only through the Word, but also through compassionate care. It bridges pastoral wisdom and practical understanding, guiding students to walk with people in their pain, struggles, and restoration.

Like the Great Shepherd, we are called to care for souls—gently leading, patiently listening, and faithfully pointing them back to the truth of God’s Word.

📖 “Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2

Let us train not just minds, but hearts—ready to serve, ready to heal, ready to love.

— Dr. Nilo H. Flores

📘✨ TO GOD BE THE GLORY! ✨📘
I am grateful to present my newly completed work:
“Master of Arts in Ministry – Curriculum Handbook”
This book is a product of prayer, study, and dedication—designed to help equip Christian educators and students for effective, Bible-centered teaching and ministry. Grounded in the truths of the Flores Bible Commentary, this handbook aims to strengthen both academic excellence and spiritual growth.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable…” – 2 Timothy 3:16
May this work be used for the glory of God and the advancement of His Kingdom. 🙏

IS WATER BAPTISM ONLY FOR ISRAEL OR FOR ALL BELIEVERS?

By Dr. Nilo H. Flores
March 26,2026

The claim that water baptism is only for Israel and not for Christians is not supported by the full teaching of the New Testament. While it is true that God has different dispensational dealings, the command for baptism was clearly given to all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ—both Jews and Gentiles.

1. The Great Commission Includes All Nations

Jesus Himself commanded baptism, not only for Israel but for the whole world:

📖 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them…” — Matthew 28:19

This command was given after His resurrection and is directed to “all nations” (Gentiles included), not Israel alone.

2. Baptism Follows Salvation by Faith

Baptism is not for salvation, but it is the public testimony of true repentance and faith:

📖 “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved…” — Mark 16:16
📖 “Repent, and be baptized every one of you…” — Acts 2:38

The pattern is clear:
👉 Believe → Repent → Be Baptized

3. Gentiles Were Also Baptized

Baptism was not limited to Jews. Even Gentile believers were commanded to be baptized:

📖 “Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized…?” — Acts 10:47–48

Cornelius and his household (Gentiles) received the Holy Spirit and were still commanded to be baptized in water.

4. Paul Did Not Reject Baptism

Some misunderstand 1 Corinthians 1:17. Paul did not say baptism is unnecessary—he emphasized that his primary calling was preaching, not personally baptizing.

In fact, Paul still:

Baptized believers (1 Corinthians 1:14–16)

Practiced and taught identification with Christ (Romans 6:3–4)

📖 “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism…” — Romans 6:4

5. Baptism Is an Act of Obedience

Baptism does not save—but it is an important step of obedience after salvation.

📖 “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized…” — Acts 2:41

It is:

A testimony of faith

A picture of death, burial, and resurrection with Christ

An act of obedience to Christ’s command

6. For Both Jews and Gentiles in Christ

In Christ, there is no division:

📖 “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles…” — 1 Corinthians 12:13

Spiritual baptism unites us to Christ, and water baptism expresses that union outwardly.

✅ Conclusion

Water baptism is not limited to Israel. It is for all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, repent, and receive Him as Savior—both Jews and Gentiles.

It is not for salvation, but it is: ✔ A command of Christ
✔ A testimony of faith
✔ An act of obedience

⚠️ Final Note (with a smile 😊)

Baptism is not just for those who need a bath 😄—
It is for those who have been cleansed by the blood of Christ and are willing to publicly follow Him.

🙏 Closing Statement

Let us uphold the truth of Scripture:
Salvation is by grace through faith alone—but true faith obeys Christ.