tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7121202416887153616.post7517117290980354620..comments2015-07-17T23:14:23.242-04:00Comments on He's Changing My Mind: Religious Control over Baptism and the Lord's SupperBruce Woodfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06173585462594638347noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7121202416887153616.post-77528619868705306322013-10-29T16:17:53.736-04:002013-10-29T16:17:53.736-04:00Hey Jack,
Thanks so much for stopping by and leav...Hey Jack,<br /><br />Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving your story!<br /><br />There are many outside the IC searching for fellowship with other saints on the same journey.<br /><br />I'd encourage you and your wife to ask the Lord to connect you with other believers right in your own community with whom you can share fellowship and mutual ministry according to the gifts which He has given you for that purpose.<br /><br />Your brother in Christ,<br />Bruce WoodfordBruce Woodfordhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06173585462594638347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7121202416887153616.post-73378048959188265642013-10-28T00:27:25.337-04:002013-10-28T00:27:25.337-04:00When my wife and I first moved to Illinois from Wa...When my wife and I first moved to Illinois from Washington state, the Lord prompted us to attend a traditional mainline church. Soon after arrival, two old gals made it a point to introduce themselves to us. Both were spit-fires, a blend of the charismatic, pentecostal and traditional, visiting churches all over town, stirring up excitement and praying for revival. To that end they were active in the community doing Bible studies with the 'unchurched' and 'spiritual warfare' - binding - loosing - spit in the devil's eye sort of thing. ;^)<br /><br />We got involved with the worship team as soon as we arrived, shared our testimonies and some original music. Since I hadn't found a job yet, the old gals invited me to a morning prayer meeting. At the end of the meeting, Judy asked me to accompany them to the home of her niece, who was bed-bound with cancer and had not yet received Jesus. The old gals had been working on her for years. I didn't want any part of it but the Lord prompted me to go with them, so I halfheartedly agreed. The Holy Spirit then said to me: "and TAKE YOUR GUITAR". Argh! I obeyed!<br /><br />The house was several miles out of town, surrounded by corn and soy fields. We went in, Judy introduced me to her niece and the women witnessed to her with KJV scriptures and then asked me to play a few worship songs. The niece was not impressed; in fact she looked to me like someone who was offended by it all.<br /><br />After an awkward moment of silence, the niece asks me "Know any Arlo Guthrie?"<br /><br />And in an instant, my memory was transported to a time 40 years before when a high school friend taught me an Arlo tune ...<br /><br />I replied "Yes" and broke into the chorus of "Alice's Restaurant" which brought a smile to her face.<br /><br />Judy and her friend Marge stood there gape-mouthed.<br /><br />"Know any others" she asked?<br /><br />I played as much of "City of New Orleans" as I could remember.<br /><br />Again a moment of silence.<br /><br />"Thanks" she said, "I'd like to receive Jesus now".<br /><br />We prayed together and she received the Lord.<br /><br />I asked her if she'd like to be baptized.<br /><br />She said "yes".<br /><br />Marge said "but you're not a pastor".<br /><br />I replied "neither was Peter. Would one of you please bring a pan of water?"<br /><br />Her aunt fetched the water straight away, I baptized her niece and we prayed again for her life and healing.<br /><br />I can't tell you how many times I've reflected back on that afternoon, how simply being human and sharing a few half-remembered folk tunes was enough to convince the niece that she could have Jesus and continue to enjoy the music she loved.<br /><br />As far as I know, she's the only person I've ever baptised with water.<br /><br />On many occasions, I've celebrated the Lord's Supper with my wife, just the 2 of us, in our home. We've been out of the IC for about 12 years and the Lord has not led us to another fellowship or house church.Jack Helserhttp://www.soundclick.com/jackhelsernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7121202416887153616.post-52783459258742625082013-03-14T21:34:44.044-04:002013-03-14T21:34:44.044-04:00Praise Him for the FREEDOM we have in Christ!Praise Him for the FREEDOM we have in Christ!Joianoreply@blogger.com