"I feel as though I should be baptized again considering I now have truly come to know Jesus even though I was baptized in my youth.."

There is only "one baptism" (Eph 4:5), and therefore is not necessary to repeat, when it was done from the heart. "One baptism" does not mean one KIND of baptism, but ONCE baptized. Romans 6:17 speaks of "obeying from the heart the form of the doctrine." Baptism is the "form" of the doctrine, depicting the death, burial and resurrection of Christ.

You will have to determine your heart at the time you were baptized. If it was right, you do not need to be rebaptized. For those "baptized into Christ" (Gal 3:27), God simply says to "confess" or acknowledge our sin, and He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins (1 John 1:7,9). That is a promise for believers.

Baptism has some parallels to the time Jesus washed the disciples' feet. Remember, Peter said Jesus could not wash his feet, because he felt he was unworthy. Jesus told him, "If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me." Peter replied, "Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!" It was then that Jesus gave a principle of the Kingdom of God. "He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean" (John 13:5-10).

In your baptism, you were thoroughly washed, your sins being "washed away," and you became completely clean (Acts 22:16). That washing you do not need again. You do need the smaller, so to speak, cleasning, a sort of spiritual washing of the feet.

I do not claim identity with a specific denomination. I am only a Christian, but not the only Christian. The influence of my writings is my own familiarity with scripture and walk with the Lord. Over 55 years, I have also profited from many preachers and teachers of the Word, both living and dead, and from a variety of backgrpounds. I have a great deal of fellowship with brother and sisters from a variety of denominations. God's people rise above denominational walls, which are not recognized by the Lord.

All of my devotions are written by myself, unless otherwise stated. My beliefs can be found on my website (http://wotruth.com). I believe in, and follow, the Lord Jesus Christ. I am persuaded God sent Him to die for the sins of the world, and reconcile men to God. I confess we are saved by God's grace, and empowered to live for Him by the Holy Spirit. I receive the Scriptures as the very Word of God. I also accept all who have been born again as the children of God, and consequently, my brothers and sisters. I know this world is passing away, and that I will someday stand before the Lord of glory. I am, therefore, a stranger in this world, being readied by the Lord Jesus Christ, to be with Him eternally.

Now, a personal word. God evaluates us according to our relationship to His Son. You must seek a better way to identify people than associating them with a denomination. Some God-fearing people are in bad denominations, but do not accept everything they teach. Some faithless people are associated with basically sound congregations, yet do not subscribe to what they teach. Seek to discern a person's affliation with God, through Christ, and by the Spirit.

I don't believe in cremation....but then neither do I believe that the body that is going to be raised to meet Jesus is going to be the one that is buried . . . how does it matter what the condition . . . Help......comments please...

The Word of God affirms that the very body that was consigned to corruption will be the one that is raised--much like a stalk of wheat comes from the very seed that decomposed in the ground. Admittedly, there is an element of mystery to all of this, but our faith can still lay hold of it.

The NIV reads as follows, "So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, IT is raised imperishable; IT is sown in dishonor, IT is raised in glory; IT is sown in weakness, IT is raised in power; IT is sown a natural body, IT is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body." (1 Cor 15:42-44).

Again, we read, "For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For THE PERISHABLE must clothe itself with the imperishable, and THE MORTAL with immortality. When THE PERISHABLE has been clothed with the imperishable, and THE MORTAL with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory." (1 Cor 15:52-54).

The resurrection involves a CHANGE--from corruption to incorruption; from mortality to immortality. Even those who are alive at the time of Christ's coming will experience the transformation of their body. "Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be CHANGED--in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, THE DEAD will be raised imperishable, and we will be CHANGED" (1 Cor 15:51-52. This is, of course, a miracle in every sense of the word. It simply does not conform to natural Law, nor does it have a parallel in earthly experience.

When Jesus was raised from the dead, it was the same body that went into the tomb. The only difference was that His body did not decay or decompose--but it was the same body (Acts 2:27). When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, decomposition had already set in, and stench filled his tomb. Still, the body that was raised was the very one that was placed in the tomb. In fact, it was still wrapped in grave clothes (John 11:43-44).

The fact that bodies return to dust does not mean that they cease to be. God made man from dust in the beginning, but it will be personalized dust, so to speak, in the resurrection. In my judgment, we must take care not to attempt an explanation of this in scientific terms. It cannot be explained from a human point of view. It is to be believed. That is why burying the body is called "sowing," or planting, it in the earth. This procedure is not done in obedience to a commandment, and I have tried to avoid leaving that impression. Rather, it is an act of faith, just like sowing seed in a field. In my opinion, we can glorify God by burying our dead with the resurrection in our minds, rather than merely disposing of a body.

I have always believed that our "souls" were sleeping until that great day and that is "the dead in Christ" that would awake and meet the Lord in the heavens.....

Our souls are not asleep until the resurrection. Solomon's writings reflect this type of thinking, but he did not receive wisdom pertaining to the world to come. His wisdom was confined to "under the sun," as he himself acknowledged (Eccl 1:3,9,14; 2:11,17,18,19,20,22; 3;16; 4:1,3,7,15; 5:13,18; 6:1,12; 8:9,15,17; 9:3,6,9,11,13; 10:5). Both "life and immortality" are brought to light in Christ, not in Solomon (2 Tim 1:10). Jesus told of the rich man and Lazarus, together with Abraham, after their death. All were fully conscience of both their surroundings and life upon the earth. Abraham spoke of Moses and the Prophets, which came several hundred years after he had died, and about which he knew nothing when in the world. The rich man knew about his brothers upon earth (Luke 16:22-31). I know that some consider this to be a parable, but there is no indication of this being the case. Even if it were, a parable always parallels realities with Kingdom truth. If the dead are not conscience, Jesus used a misrepresentation to portray eternal truth--something inconceiveable to me.

John the beloved also saw the souls of the martyrs in the unseen world. They were conscience, and asked concerning the vindication of their blood (Rev 6:9-10). For that matter, both Moses and Elijah returned from the unseen world to speak with Jesus when He was transfigured. We are told they spoke with Him concerning the death He would shortly "accomplish" (Lk 9:30-31). Neither of them spoke of Christ's death when they were on earth. Not only, therefore, were they conscience prior to the resurrection, their understanding had increased, like that of Abraham in Christ's account of the rich man and Lazarus. The Lord Jesus Himself preached to some spirits while He was in the Spirit following His death. Peter, elaborating upon the event, said the Gospel was preached to spirits. A most intirguing text, yet worthy of our embrace (1 Pet 1 Pet 3:18-19; 4:6).

There is an additional perspective to this subject which is worthy of consideration. Jesus told us eternal life was "knowing God, and Jesus Christ Whom He has sent" (John 17:3). John reiterated the same truth in 1 John 5:20. This knowledge, as you must know, is spiritual intimacy, or participation, with the Father and Son--an experiential knowledge--like Adam knowing Eve, and Joseph knowing Mary (Gen 4:1; Matt 1:25). If, therefore, the soul sleeps until the resurrection, we have an interruption of eternal life, or knowing the Lord. In my understanding, such a view contradicts the very nature of eternal life. That is why it is written, "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord" (2 Cor 5:8-9).

I respect your desire to advance the cause of medicine, and see it as a noble one. In my opinion, I think it would be best to simply request the burial of my body after their work with it has been finished. That is, however, just an opinion. In the last analysis, you must honor your own conscience in the matter. Make your decision as unto the Lord, seeking to honor Him and conduct your affairs in strict keeping with your faith. God will honor such a decision.

What should be our response on donating body parts?

Like many other areas, this is a matter of conscience. Every person is responsible for arriving at their own conclusion, because God has not spoken on the matter. That decision should be in strict keeping with your faith, and in no way distractive from your perception of our Lord. Make your decision to honor the Lord, and he will bless it. It is really just that simple.

Could you please give exegesis on Roman 13: 8-10

Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, "You shall not commit adultery," "You shall not murder," "You shall not steal," "You shall not bear false witness," "You shall not covet," and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. (Rom 13:8-10, NKJV).

This passage approaches conduct in the world from the New Covenant point of view. Everything is done in the knowledge of the reigning Lord, Who is working all things together for our good (Rom 8:28). The "great salvation" which we experience in Christ Jesus anchors us in the world to come, delivering us from the dominion of the flesh and sin. We are not to approach life as though there were no God working in our behalf and for our good. Neither, indeed, is self-gratification our primary motivation. This was not the case under the Law, when the hearts of the people were not in harmony with the Lord, and His law chaffed against their spirits.

Now, in Christ Jesus, we are freed from living for ourselves in the world. Earlier in this book, the Spirit witnessed, "Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Rom 6:11). The same truth is expressed in 2 Corinthians 5:15. "And He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again."

To "owe no man anything" involves not being unduly attached to this world--a stance strictly forbidden by the life of faith. In Christ, we are constituted strangers and pilgrims in the world (1 Pet 2:11; Heb 11:13), and are citizens of heaven (Phil 3:20-21). This does not strictly forbid indebtedness, which sometimes cannot be avoided. Paul spoke of paying off the debt of Onesimus to Philemon, should such be necessary (Phil 1:18).

The point of the text, however, is not endebtedness, but the superiority of life in Christ Jesus. The Law, as a covenant., was incapable of changing the hearts of its constituents, remitting their sin, or strengthening their hearts. How different is life in the Son! Now, the love of God is "shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit" (Rom 5:5), enabling the Law to be "fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit" (Rom 8:1,5).

The momumental challenges of interpersonal relationships are all answered in Christ Jesus. Once the love of God has gripped our hearts, we will "do no ill" to our neighbor.

Paul's point in this text is that living contrary to this reveals a wholly unacceptable state. In Christ it becomes illogical to do harm to our neighbors or exploit them. It will do no good to harp at the people of God about these things. They must be challenged to consider the day in which they live, and the apprpoaching judgment of all men. As verse 11 and 12 say, "And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light."

By faith, we live in this world in anticipation of entering the next one. Consequently, we do no harm to our neighbors, avoid indebtedness, choosing to bless instead, and thus fulfill the Law--without it being imposed upon us. How beautiful the thought that His commandments "are not grievous" (1 John 5:3).

I am having a time understanding the difference between the Rapture and the Second Coming.

The reason you are having trouble with this is because the Word of God does not make such distinctions. First, the term "rapture" is nowhere in Scripture. It represents a theological concept--a conclusion men have reached by reading Scripture. It is based on the teaching of 1 Thessalonians 4:17, where all believers are said to be "caught up" to meet the Lord in the air. The passage gives no indication this event is secret, or that it is unrelated to the second coming of Christ. In fact, the occasion in which this takes place is the extremely noisy (not secret) return of the Lord, Who descends "with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God" (verse 16). Peter reminds us that when the Lord returns as a "thief in the night" all of nature will pass away in a climactic conflagration (2 Pet 3:10-12).

The second coming of Christ is the conclusion of all things. He will raise the dead--all of them--with his great voice (John 5:28-29), the heavens and the earth will flee from before His face (Rev 20:11), and "every eye shall see Him" (Rev 1:7). It is then that the "harvest" of the earth will take place, and the people of God will be gathered to their Lord. Until then, the tares and the wheat, by Christ's own word, will "grow together" (Matt 13:30,40-42).

The coming of Christ is the blessed hope of the church (Tit 2:11-13), not the "rapture." The hope of seeing the Lord as He is the hope that constrains us to purify ourselves, even as He is pure (1 John 3:1-3), not the rapture. Just stick with the verbatim statements of Scripture, and you will be right and not confused.

I have a friend who lies so much, it has become addictive. Each time he lies, he asks forgiveness. However, he then goes back to lying. What are the implications of this?

There are several implications to the scenario. First, it confirms that the flesh is "weak," as Jesus said (Matt 26;41). Second, it verifies how subtle the devil is (2 Cor 11:3). Third, It reveals that a sensitive heart is the way to recovery (1 John 1:7-9). This is not something you want to philosophize about, because it involves the heart. God will honor a sensitive heart, even though many failures have taken place. This does not justify failure or condone lying, but it does offer hope out of the delimma. Remember when Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive someone who sinned against him? He suggest the high number of seven. Jesus responded, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven" (Matt 18:22). Why did Jesus say that? I mean, that is 490 times. It is because that is how the Father forgives.

Some will take this to be a license for sinning, but it is not. Each time soul seeks forgiveness form the Lord, lingering in his presence until a sense of forgiveness grips the soul, strength to overcome sin is increased. remember, you cannot sin while you are in God's Presence. I would suggest that your friend spend more time in the presence of the Lord BEFORE he falls into sin. He will find victory before long.

As much as possible, you want to avoid thinking in terms of groups. There are some very flawed denominations in which very godly people can be found, who have embraced the truth of God, and declare with power and Divine approval. There are also denominations who have basically sound creeds, yet have congregations identified with them that are in left field.

It is best to evaluate each congregation on its own. That is the way Jesus does it. There were, for example, seven churches Jesus addressed in Asia. They were all from the same geographical area, and were all identified with him -- yet they were not all the same. Each one was evaluated by the Lord on the basis of its standing with Him. You can read His assessments in Revelation, chapters two and three. The point I am making will be very apparent as you read those chapters.

You want find congregation where the Word of God is held very high--high than tradition, and higher than experience. As a former Roman Catholic, you have been exposed to a religion dominated by tradition. There are other forms of religion that are dominated by human experience. By that I mean the primary theme of preaching and discussion is what has happened, or can happen, to people. The resolution of interpersonal relationships are also fundamental in such congregations. Neither of these emphases (tradition or experience) is proper.

By holding the Word of God high, I mean the following. Jesus Christ is declared as He is represented in Scripture. Salvation is declared in the words of the Bible. As much as possible, there is an avoidance speaking of Bible things in human terms. Rather, people will speak of Bible things in Bible terms.

You will not be able to find a perfect church -- at least not on earth. Look for one where the members WANT to be perfect, and are not at home in the world. It should be a congregation that helps people get to heaven -- whose assemblies are not a hindrance to spiritual progress. Too, look for a real appetite for the Word of God, where sermons and teaching is not brief to accommodate a lack of spiritual appetite. Classes should allow for some discussion of the Word of God, and an openness to the Word should be apparent. Where these qualities are found, you have found a good fellowship. You may find things taught with which you will not agree, but in due time, the environment will allow such matters to be corrected.

If there is no Satan, then we no longer have a stalking adversary (1 Peter 5:8). Temptation exists no more, for he is the Tempter (1 Thess 3:5). Lies, of which he is the father, have then passed away (John 8:44). It is not possible for Satan to get an advantage of us (1 Cor 2:11). There are no more children of the wicked one, or tares, if there is no more Satan (Matt 13:38). If Satan is in the lake of fire now, then so is the false prophet, who was thrown in with him (Rev 20:10). Obviously, gross sinners can no longer be delivered to Satan for the destruction of the flesh (1 Cor 5:5), and Satan can no longer tempt married people who separate for prayer and fasting (1 Cor 7:5). With him no longer existing, he no longer can transform himself into an angel of light, nor can he have deceivng ministers who transform themselves into ministers of righteousness (2 Cor 11:14). The servants of God can therefore no more be hindered by him (1 Thess 2:18), and there is no more unrighteous deception (2 Thess 2:9). If he is non-existent, people can no longer turn aside after Satan (1 Tim 5:15). No need to warn people to "make no place for the devil" (Eph 4:27), There is no further need, under this circumstance to put on the whole armor of God, for we do not have to stand against the wiles of the devil (Eph 6:11). No need to be concerned about a novice falling into the condemnation, reproach, or snare of the devil (1 Tim 3:6-7). With his purported demise, no one can be taken captive by him any longer (2 Tim 2:26). No need to resist him -- at least not if he does not exist (James 4:7). The children of the devil are no longer made known, because he is not there to father them (1 John 3;10).

All in all, I would say the teaching that the devil no longer exists is one of his own teachings. Either such an imagination is in sharp conflict with the Scriptures, or many of them have been reduced to obsolescence. I think the old serpent will be pleased with either conclusion -- but God will not, and neither am I.

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