Searching For A Church? Poem by Bob Gotti

Bob, a wonderful message... well written! Brian

'Baptism is supposed to forgive sins and be a sign of repentance, right? ' WRONG, Poetry Hound, Baptism does not forgive sins and or save people. John's Baptism was for the Jewish Believers in following the Old Testament Beliefs, and with the many Pharisees and Sadducees (The hypocritical religious believers and leaders of the day, who were very good at playing church, to simply deceive multitudes of people like you Poetry Hound, but, they were very poor followers of The God they say they loved.) coming to see John baptizing his followers, God was using the occasion to authenticate Jesus Christ to these hard hearted people. Christ was also giving Believers in The New Testament an example to follow, as baptism is just an outward sign of an inward change to those people around us, but we must believe first in Jesus Christ, and then follow in obedience and be baptized. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: 'You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not think you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. 'I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.' (Matthew 3: 7-12) In Christ's Love and Service, Bob Gotti

Hey Bob, why does the bible say that Jesus had to be baptized? Baptism is supposed to forgive sins and be a sign of repentance, right? But if Jesus is God, then how could God have sinned and thus been in need of baptism? Doesn’t make sense. Probably the best explanation is that Paul or one of the other writers of the bible made a mistake. Maybe they’d been drinking or were just really tired when they wrote that part. That reminds me, there’s lots of crazy stuff in that book. The biggest whopper has got to be, “Ask, and it shall be given you.' Think of how many people have been duped by that one. Maybe all the hoaxes and urban legends in the bible are meant to convey mystery and keep people feeling unsure and paranoid.

Bob, this is a great poem! As you said, churches are run by men who are all about money, money, money! It is our soul that has to walk through The Door. I love this poem, it says so much as to how I feel! No one could say this better than Bob Gotti. God bless you Bob with a ten! !

Strong poem - really enjoyable with a comfortable pace and clarity. Skilled work.

Well thought and written. Was truly a spritually good read. Well done! I agree with this writing in so many ways. Regards Patricia Gale