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Cited in sermons

J. Adams

2 sermons · All people cited

Feb 14, 2026

Ask FGBC #56: When Should a Believer Be Baptized?

Jim Butler

Baptism should follow faith without unnecessary delay — this is the consistent pattern of the book of Acts and a direct command of the exalted Christ. Drawing on texts from Acts 2, 8, 9, 10, and 16, the speaker argues that the New Testament knows no extended waiting period between conversion and baptism, and that believers' baptism by immersion is the only mode consistent with the Acts narratives. Practical obstacles — fear of family disapproval, prior infant baptism, or a desire to feel spiritually ready — are weighed against the clear divine imperative to believe and be baptized, and are found wanting. The closing exhortation is simple: read Acts, see what new believers did, and obey the same command.

Audio
Jun 7, 2009

The Throne Room

Jim ButlerRevelation 4

Revelation 4–5 answers the suffering and persecution catalogued in the letters to the seven churches (Revelation 2–3) by drawing back the curtain of heaven to reveal the throne room of God. Chapter 4 grounds worship in the doctrine of creation, while chapter 5 grounds it in definite atonement — the Lamb who was slain has redeemed a people to God by His blood out of every tribe, tongue, people, and nation. The vision presses the church to respond to earthly trial not with despair but with humility, worship, and mission, because the Lion of the tribe of Judah has already prevailed.