Quote:
Originally Posted by jeffadams
I know they have baptized over 700 and have over 200 coming regular every sunday....not a percentage, and I do know the church didn't give out iPads to get them baptized haha
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Jesus gave a parable of the sower who sowed the seed of the Word.
One fourth of the people had the Word stolen from their hearts by the birds/demons before it took root.
Out of those who did receive the Word/Jesus:
one third did not continue on but fell away because of difficulties
one third allowed the Word to be choked out and smothered by "other things"
one third brought forth varying degrees of fruit.
Reference Matthew chapter 13.
200 in church out of 700 being baptized might not be so bad.
Since Pastor Downs emphasizes baptism in Jesus' name and practices re-baptism of those who have been baptized in the traditional FS&HG manner, some who were baptized may have gone on to other places but not stayed there with the local church. Also, there may be a lot of transients in that area who would not stay and be a part of the church. At least they were saved and baptized wherever they may be now.