I'd of course be lying if I said I wasn't nervous, but I'm not nearly as nervous as I was a month ago. I've had a couple of great long training runs and knowing that this is my second marathon makes me feel better. I know what to expect. I have already done this once - I can do it again. I'm also so excited to run in a city I've never visited before, and with crowds that will hopefully help carry me through any tough spots. The more I hear about this race and it's reputation for support, crowds and all around positivity, the more I can't wait to get out there! And it's being televised! I'm running in a televised event!!!
This has been quite a journey - ups and downs with training, questioning my sanity and my decision to run another marathon, dealing with the logistics of traveling to a race so far away. I am so ready for it to all come together this weekend, and for everything to prove to be worth the effort. I can't wait to cross that finish line and earn my medal!
I have Track Tuesday tonight, a short group run Thursday morning, and then we fly out on Friday... two more runs. Five more days. That's all that stands between me and the New York City marathon. I am ready.
~ Courtney
INVOLUNTARY BAPTISM?-BY STEVE FINNELL
ReplyDeleteCan involuntary baptism wash away your sins? Is involuntary baptism a Biblical concept? Does involuntary baptism play a role in your salvation? The answer is no, no, and no.
FAITH-REPENTANCE-AND-CONFESSION, MUST PRECEDE WATER BAPTISM IN ORDER FOR BAPTISM TO BE VALID.
Faith:John 3:16
Repentance: Acts 2:38 (repentance is making the commitment to turn from sin and turn toward God)
Confession: Romans 10:9-10
I know of no one who involuntarily baptizes adults. Why would they, then, force infants to be baptized against their will? It not only is nonsensical, it is not according to the Scriptures.
There are some Biblical accounts of involuntary baptisms.
A couple thousand demons were involuntarily baptized.(Mark 5:12-13 The demons implored Him, saying, "Send us into the swine so that we may enter them." 13 Jesus gave them permission. And coming out, the unclean spirits entered the swine; and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea, about two thousand of them; and they were drown in the sea.
These demons confessed that Jesus was the Son of God, however, they did not repent. (Mark 5:1-13) These demons were not saved. They were not forgiven of their sins. Involuntary baptism drown the swine, but did not wash away any ones sins.
A few unbelieving, unrepentant Egyptians were involuntarily baptized in the sea. (Exodus 14:27-28) The Egyptians who were involuntarily baptized were not saved, all they got was dead.
BIBLICAL BAPTISM
The Ethiopian eunuch heard Jesus preached from the Scriptures. He believed and confessed Jesus Christ as the Son of God. He asked to be baptized in water. He went away rejoicing. (Acts 8:27-38) The eunuch had his sins washed away by the blood of Jesus. The eunuch was saved. He was added to the Lord's church. The eunuch was part of the body of Christ. The eunuch was baptized into Christ.
If you were baptized before you believed, all you got was wet.
If you were baptized without repenting, that is if you did not make the commitment to turn from sin and and turn toward God, all you got was wet.
If you were baptized without acknowledging that Jesus is the Son of God and that God raised Him from the dead, all you got was wet.
INVOLUNTARY BAPTISM IS NO BAPTISM AT ALL!
YOU ARE INVITED TO FOLLOW MY BLOG. http://steve-finnell.blogspot.com