As a theological student in Finland, Dr. Saarnivaara became interested in the question of Scriptural baptism. Which baptism, he wondered, had the most authority: the one a person received in infancy, or the one received as an adult after a conscious conversion. Should he, as one who had been baptized in infancy, be baptized again, after his conversion, in order to be a Christian in the Biblical sense, or was the baptism he received as a child valid? In seeking an answer, he studied the Bible and the copious literature on both sides of the question. Now, in this book, cast in dialog form, Dr. Saarnivaara offers the result of his study, examining the question exhaustively from both sides. Some of the questions which are thoroughly discussed are: Was infant baptism practiced in the time of Christ and the Apostles? Did Christ want His Church to practice infant baptism, or baptism after conscious conversion? Does the New Testament teach baptism as a means of grace, or as an act of obedience and confession of faith? What does the Bible teach as the relationship between baptism and regeneration? What was the practice and teaching of the post-Apostolic and the Ancient Church? What was the original method of baptism: immersion or pouring (or sprinkling)? In developing his theme, Dr. Saarnivaara has set forth the pros and cons of this age-old and still acute problem with admirable exactitude and lucidity. It is easy for the layperson to comprehend, but it is not superficial reading. From the thousands who regard religious problems like baptism worthy of thoughtful consideration and study, however, Dr. Saarnivaara's book should receive keen attention.

The issue of baptism has troubled Protestants for centuries. Should infants be baptized before their faith is conscious, or does God command the baptism of babies whose parents have been baptized? Popular New Testament scholar Scot McKnight makes a biblical case for infant baptism, exploring its history, meaning, and practice and showing that infant baptism is the most historic Christian way of forming children into the faith. He explains that the church's practice of infant baptism developed straight from the Bible and argues that it must begin with the family and then extend to the church. Baptism is not just an individual profession of faith: it takes a family and a church community to nurture a child into faith over time. McKnight explains infant baptism for readers coming from a tradition that baptizes adults only, and he counters criticisms that fail to consider the role of families in the formation of faith. The book includes a foreword by Todd Hunter and an afterword by Gerald McDermott.

As a theological student in Finland, Dr. Saarnivaara became interested in the question of Scriptural baptism. Which baptism, he wondered, had the most authority: the one a person received in infancy, or the one received as an adult after a conscious conversion. Should he, as one who had been baptized in infancy, be baptized again, after his conversion, in order to be a Christian in the Biblical sense, or was the baptism he received as a child valid? In seeking an answer, he studied the Bible and the copious literature on both sides of the question. Now, in this book, cast in dialog form, Dr. Saarnivaara offers the result of his study, examining the question exhaustively from both sides. Some of the questions which are thoroughly discussed are: Was infant baptism practiced in the time of Christ and the Apostles? Did Christ want His Church to practice infant baptism, or baptism after conscious conversion? Does the New Testament teach baptism as a means of grace, or as an act of obedience and confession of faith? What does the Bible teach as the relationship between baptism and regeneration? What was the practice and teaching of the post-Apostolic and the Ancient Church? What was the original method of baptism: immersion or pouring (or sprinkling)? In developing his theme, Dr. Saarnivaara has set forth the pros and cons of this age-old and still acute problem with admirable exactitude and lucidity. It is easy for the layperson to comprehend, but it is not superficial reading. From the thousands who regard religious problems like baptism worthy of thoughtful consideration and study, however, Dr. Saarnivaara's book should receive keen attention.

The Holy Spirit in Your Life You can have the power of the Holy Spirit in your life right now! This clear outline of the Scriptures will show you how to obtain the baptism in the Holy Spirit and how to... Strengthen your faith Pray the prayer that gets results Be an effective witness for the Gospel Help others in their spiritual walk Defeat temptation Be led by the Holy Spirit Receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit

A Study Guide and a Teacher’s Manual Gospel Principles was written both as a personal study guide and as a teacher’s manual. As you study it, seeking the Spirit of the Lord, you can grow in your understanding and testimony of God the Father, Jesus Christand His Atonement, and the Restoration of the gospel. You can find answers to life’s questions, gain an assurance of your purpose and self-worth, and face personal and family challenges with faith.

This volume is built around 23 informative topics. The reader will clearly view the actual scriptures of how you can be assured of a home in Heaven. It shows the appropriate timelines and value of baptism. For the comfort of concerned parents and caregivers, you will find proof of the safety of infants and very young children until they reach the age of accountability. May God richly bless you, as you find the wonderful way to a life of spiritual fullness and joy! This book tells how you can prepare for a home in Heaven! Jesus taught his disciples to win people to Himself. His concern was that people would understand their lost and helpless condition before the God of heaven. He wanted people to understand their need of salvation, to repent of their sins, and to call upon the name of the Lord. When this happens, Jesus said that they are saved - or born again. Their names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life. This is the most glorious event in one's life!

The writer of the letter to the Hebrews said, "See to it that no one misses the grace of God." Over the centuries much ink has been spilled on the subject of grace. Yet perhaps nothing is as hard to explain as God's grace. It doesn't make sense. It's not fair. It can't possibly cover over what I've done. The best way--perhaps the only real way--to understand it is to experience it. But too often in our churches we're not getting grace across and grace is not experienced. Bestselling author and pastor Kyle Idleman wants everyone to experience the grace of God. Through the powerful medium of story, Grace Is Greater leads readers past their hang-ups toward an understanding of grace that is bigger than our mistakes, our failures, our desire for revenge, and our seemingly impossible situations. No sin is so great, no bitterness so deep that God's grace cannot transform the heart and rewrite the story. Perfect for individuals and also for small groups and church-wide studies, Grace Is Greater will help readers truly grasp God's grace, even if the Christians around them have failed to live it.