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    How To Talk With Your Surgeon About Using Music During Your Surgery
    So you're going to have surgery and you'd like to use music during the procedure. How do you talk to your surgeon about this? Nowadays many surgeons use music themselves while they operate on a patient but they are not actually aware of how much the right music can also help the patient. The problem is that what the surgeon listens to is the exact opposite of what the patient needs. So how do you let your surgeon know that you want to use music during your surgery.It's tricky when the patient knows more about some part of a surgical procedure than the surgeon but hey, nobody can know everything, right? And unfortunately music is still not considered a frontline treatment o invention in the medical field. So, you're going to need to be armed with some strong, documented medical research findings if you want him to take you seriously (and actually it's the anesthesiologist that really needs to be persuaded!).There have been numerous articles in the medical and popular press recently about the value of the patient having music delivered through headphones during surgery. Among them:1. a decrease of up to 50% the amount of anesthesia needed 2. a stabil
    ved (the inner transformation), and it is through baptism that we give evidence to God, ourselves, and other people that we have been washed and made new. It is the first step of a lifetime of commitment to Christ as Master.

    I struggled for many years to understand how a church ought to handle the ordinance of baptism. There have always been two prevailing views: First, that baptism ought to be something that is done as soon as possible for a new believer; second, that candidates for baptism ought to have a trial period of a few weeks or even months to offer evidence that they have truly repented and are qualified for baptism. Admittedly, I have wavered in which view I hold at different points in my ministry. Currently, I favor the former view. I simply cannot refute

    Buying a Model Home
    There are a lot of model homes out there on the market, should you consider purchasing one. They come with advantages, and often a gift certificate for furnishings.You are basically purchasing a slightly used, yet brand new home. It has all of the upgrades you could want -- expensive hardwood floors, gorgeous landscaping, decor in place and fireplaces. The model is in a finished neighborhood, and is usually in a well-located position.But is there anything unusual about a model home purchase that you should watch out for?When you are buying a model home, it is much like the purchase of an existing home. The only difference is that no one has lived in the home. The home is "used," yet new. And it is usually a good deal.Builders construct models to display their homes during the building of a development. The model is the builder's top work. The upgrades are all there and the house is kept very nice. After all, it is a marketing tool that the builder uses to get consumers to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars. It has to be very nice -- they spend a lot of money constructing it so that they can make a lot of money selling copies of it.There are a l
    Matthew 3:4-6
    John Baptizes the People

    4 Now John wore a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.

    5 Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him,

    6 And they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

    The Meaning of John’s Baptism

    This passage gives us an incredible opportunity to learn about the meaning and mode of baptism. One of the first principles that we can learn from this passage is that baptism is always to be accompanied by repentance (v.2) and confession of sins (v.6). As you remember from our last passage, baptism was a ceremony that marked entrance into a new kingdom. It was an act that symbolized the inauguration of citizenship in a new nation. Originally, baptism was practiced as a rite of passage for Gentiles who desired to become citizens of Israel. John’s baptism was practiced as a rite of passage of Jews who wanted to become citizens of the kingdom of heaven. In both circumstances, the act of baptism symbolized a transformation from unclean to clean, unacceptable to acceptable. Gentiles had to be washed to become Jews, Jews and Gentiles have to be washed to become citizens of heaven.

    Does baptism save? The Bible answers with a resounding no. Baptism does not make a person a Christian any more than pledging the U. S. flag makes someone an American. Christians are saved by grace through faith alone. Baptism is an external action that reveals an internal transformation. Baptism reveals that a change of citizenship has taken place, but is not in itself the cause of the change. This is why John’s baptism had to be accompanied by genuine repentance. John did not want to baptize anybody who he suspected had not already experienced an inner transformation. The public confession of sins was one way in which people gave evidence to John that they were experiencing authentic repentance, and that they truly were qualified to receive the ceremony of baptism.

    This is why I believe that true Christian baptism is believer’s baptism. Nowhere in Scripture do we read of an infant or small child receiving baptism. Instead, we read of adults coming to John (and later the Apostles), repenting and confessing of their sins, and then being baptized. I believe that infants are incapable of receiving a genuine Christian baptism simply because they are unable to repent or confess sins. The Scriptures are overwhelmingly clear that baptism is an act for Christians who have repented of their sins and placed their trust in Jesus. Infants cannot do these things, and therefore are not qualified for baptism.

    Once more, let me say clearly that baptism is not a requirement of salvation. Yet, nevertheless, it is a requirement of obedience to Christ. Jesus Himself never baptized anybody, but His disciples did. Later, the Apostles made it clear what Jesus expected of His followers: “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins…” It is by repentance that we are saved (the inner transformation), and it is through baptism that we give evidence to God, ourselves, and other people that we have been washed and made new. It is the first step of a lifetime of commitment to Christ as Master.

    I struggled for many years to understand how a church ought to handle the ordinance of baptism. There have always been two prevailing views: First, that baptism ought to be something that is done as soon as possible for a new believer; second, that candidates for baptism ought to have a trial period of a few weeks or even months to offer evidence that they have truly repented and are qualified for baptism. Admittedly, I have wavered in which view I hold at different points in my ministry. Currently, I favor the former view. I simply cannot refute

    Christianity Vs Works Based Religion
    Over the centuries Christianity has grown immensely in popularity. I feel that why this has come to pass is because it is the only religious doctrine that is based solely on us praying in the name of Jesus to God to ask forgiveness for our sins, and forgiveness being granted by God. In John 14:5-6 (NKJV) Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” These two passages clearly instruct each of us to ask forgiveness of our sins in Jesus name.Our Father in Heaven knew that no matter how hard mankind tried, because of our imperfections, we would always be sinners; and sinners are not permitted to enter His kingdom in heaven. In the Old Testament we can read how mankind, in general, kept falling short of God’s commandments, and how even when led by Moses, the people had weak days and could not sustain these commandments of the Living God on a continual basis. My conception of the Old Testament and other major religions portray to me that they are works based. God bridged this gap from the works based type in one sole act. He sent
    uration of citizenship in a new nation. Originally, baptism was practiced as a rite of passage for Gentiles who desired to become citizens of Israel. John’s baptism was practiced as a rite of passage of Jews who wanted to become citizens of the kingdom of heaven. In both circumstances, the act of baptism symbolized a transformation from unclean to clean, unacceptable to acceptable. Gentiles had to be washed to become Jews, Jews and Gentiles have to be washed to become citizens of heaven.

    Does baptism save? The Bible answers with a resounding no. Baptism does not make a person a Christian any more than pledging the U. S. flag makes someone an American. Christians are saved by grace through faith alone. Baptism is an external action that reveals an internal transformation. Baptism reveals that a change of citizenship has taken place, but is not in itself the cause of the change. This is why John’s baptism had to be accompanied by genuine repentance. John did not want to baptize anybody who he suspected had not already experienced an inner transformation. The public confession of sins was one way in which people gave evidence to John that they were experiencing authentic repentance, and that they truly were qualified to receive the ceremony of baptism.

    This is why I believe that true Christian baptism is believer’s baptism. Nowhere in Scripture do we read of an infant or small child receiving baptism. Instead, we read of adults coming to John (and later the Apostles), repenting and confessing of their sins, and then being baptized. I believe that infants are incapable of receiving a genuine Christian baptism simply because they are unable to repent or confess sins. The Scriptures are overwhelmingly clear that baptism is an act for Christians who have repented of their sins and placed their trust in Jesus. Infants cannot do these things, and therefore are not qualified for baptism.

    Once more, let me say clearly that baptism is not a requirement of salvation. Yet, nevertheless, it is a requirement of obedience to Christ. Jesus Himself never baptized anybody, but His disciples did. Later, the Apostles made it clear what Jesus expected of His followers: “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins…” It is by repentance that we are saved (the inner transformation), and it is through baptism that we give evidence to God, ourselves, and other people that we have been washed and made new. It is the first step of a lifetime of commitment to Christ as Master.

    I struggled for many years to understand how a church ought to handle the ordinance of baptism. There have always been two prevailing views: First, that baptism ought to be something that is done as soon as possible for a new believer; second, that candidates for baptism ought to have a trial period of a few weeks or even months to offer evidence that they have truly repented and are qualified for baptism. Admittedly, I have wavered in which view I hold at different points in my ministry. Currently, I favor the former view. I simply cannot refute

    Women Need Immunizations, Too
    You may think only kids need immunizations, or perhaps world travelers, but you may need to get immunized against certain diseases, too. Here’s the low-down on immunizations that women need.Missed Childhood Immunizations If you missed getting routine childhood immunizations, you should get some of them. Children normally get several doses of DTaP, the immunization against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. You need one. Then you need immunization against diphtheria and tetanus every ten years.Adults don’t need polio vaccine unless they are traveling to places where there are polio outbreaks.People are no longer immunized against smallpox unless they are military or other personnel assigned to areas where smallpox might be used as a biological weapon.Young children are immunized against HIB (Haemophilus Influenza Type B), but you don’t need it unless your immune system is compromised.College College freshmen who live in dormitories should be immunized against meningitis. They may also need to be vaccinated for measles and/or chickenpox, depending on their immunity status. It is recommended that college-age women get vaccinated against HPV if
    ation. Baptism reveals that a change of citizenship has taken place, but is not in itself the cause of the change. This is why John’s baptism had to be accompanied by genuine repentance. John did not want to baptize anybody who he suspected had not already experienced an inner transformation. The public confession of sins was one way in which people gave evidence to John that they were experiencing authentic repentance, and that they truly were qualified to receive the ceremony of baptism.

    This is why I believe that true Christian baptism is believer’s baptism. Nowhere in Scripture do we read of an infant or small child receiving baptism. Instead, we read of adults coming to John (and later the Apostles), repenting and confessing of their sins, and then being baptized. I believe that infants are incapable of receiving a genuine Christian baptism simply because they are unable to repent or confess sins. The Scriptures are overwhelmingly clear that baptism is an act for Christians who have repented of their sins and placed their trust in Jesus. Infants cannot do these things, and therefore are not qualified for baptism.

    Once more, let me say clearly that baptism is not a requirement of salvation. Yet, nevertheless, it is a requirement of obedience to Christ. Jesus Himself never baptized anybody, but His disciples did. Later, the Apostles made it clear what Jesus expected of His followers: “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins…” It is by repentance that we are saved (the inner transformation), and it is through baptism that we give evidence to God, ourselves, and other people that we have been washed and made new. It is the first step of a lifetime of commitment to Christ as Master.

    I struggled for many years to understand how a church ought to handle the ordinance of baptism. There have always been two prevailing views: First, that baptism ought to be something that is done as soon as possible for a new believer; second, that candidates for baptism ought to have a trial period of a few weeks or even months to offer evidence that they have truly repented and are qualified for baptism. Admittedly, I have wavered in which view I hold at different points in my ministry. Currently, I favor the former view. I simply cannot refute

    Offshoring U.S. Patients No Cure for Ailing Healthcare System
    For several years now, American healthcare consumers, including many from other western industrialized nations, have heard about elective surgeries being performed in lesser-developed nations and due to cost and denial of coverage by health insurance providers have opted to go there. However, surgeries in the past were truly elective and not medically necessary procedures that largely consisted of face-lifts, tummy tucks and gastric bypasses for cosmetic purposes.But just in the past two years, American patients are being wooed to make decisions on serious medically necessary surgeries due to their fears of excessive healthcare costs. And the decision involves traveling abroad primarily to India and Thailand in order to receive such hospital care which they require.For those self-insured, underinsured, or not insured at all, the desperation of receiving medical care without sacrificing homes or assets in the process is plausible, since costs of similar procedures in South Asia range from 75% - 80% less than in the United States. But now U.S. based corporations have entered the arena as well by encouraging employees to go to India and Thailand via cash incentives, free
    ized. I believe that infants are incapable of receiving a genuine Christian baptism simply because they are unable to repent or confess sins. The Scriptures are overwhelmingly clear that baptism is an act for Christians who have repented of their sins and placed their trust in Jesus. Infants cannot do these things, and therefore are not qualified for baptism.

    Once more, let me say clearly that baptism is not a requirement of salvation. Yet, nevertheless, it is a requirement of obedience to Christ. Jesus Himself never baptized anybody, but His disciples did. Later, the Apostles made it clear what Jesus expected of His followers: “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins…” It is by repentance that we are saved (the inner transformation), and it is through baptism that we give evidence to God, ourselves, and other people that we have been washed and made new. It is the first step of a lifetime of commitment to Christ as Master.

    I struggled for many years to understand how a church ought to handle the ordinance of baptism. There have always been two prevailing views: First, that baptism ought to be something that is done as soon as possible for a new believer; second, that candidates for baptism ought to have a trial period of a few weeks or even months to offer evidence that they have truly repented and are qualified for baptism. Admittedly, I have wavered in which view I hold at different points in my ministry. Currently, I favor the former view. I simply cannot refute

    Managing Credit Card Debt Is Key
    Chasing the American dream can help you to reach your goals and live comfortably or it can help you sink deep into debt buy trying to buy the world with your credit card. If you want to live the true American dream then you should pay down your debt and have it managed well, rather than keep accruing debt as you go. You want to live the dream of wealth and prosperity, not the dream of buying too much and finding yourself swimming in an ocean of debt with no way out. Money management is the way to the way to securing your assets and managing credit card debt.Many people think of credit cards as free money and never stop to think of the high interest rates that they will be charged in the future. These interest rates will cause one to be stuck in debt or accrue massive late payments, even after just a few late payments. If you get behind in your payments you can reach a level of debt that you never dreamed of before. This is the reason that is imperative to manage your use of credit wisely.You can get the debt management advice you need from many different companies. There are excellent non-profit companies that can help deal with your debt and there are for-profi
    ved (the inner transformation), and it is through baptism that we give evidence to God, ourselves, and other people that we have been washed and made new. It is the first step of a lifetime of commitment to Christ as Master.

    I struggled for many years to understand how a church ought to handle the ordinance of baptism. There have always been two prevailing views: First, that baptism ought to be something that is done as soon as possible for a new believer; second, that candidates for baptism ought to have a trial period of a few weeks or even months to offer evidence that they have truly repented and are qualified for baptism. Admittedly, I have wavered in which view I hold at different points in my ministry. Currently, I favor the former view. I simply cannot refute the abounding Biblical evidence that baptism seems to be something that was done immediately for those professing Christ.

    In Acts 16, Paul and Silas witness the miraculous conversion of the Philippian jailer and his family. Notice the immediacy of the baptism: “And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds, and he was baptized at once, he and all his family.” Why was this man and his family baptized so quickly after their conversion – especially in the middle of the night? I believe that it is because Paul and Silas understood baptism to be the first act of obedience for the jailer and his family. To delay in obeying the command to be baptized is to put off a clear command of God. It would be hypocritical to call Jesus Master and yet to delay in obeying His very first command to believers.

    In the New Testament, you would be hard pressed to find one example of a believer who was not baptized. There are examples, of course. The thief on the cross obviously was not baptized before his death. In the same way, many people throughout history have been converted on their deathbeds and were unable to be baptized. That is understandable. What is less easy to understand is the millions of Christians in the world today who call Jesus King and yet have refused to obey His clear command to be baptized. This disobedience classifies them as immature believers at best, deceived unbelievers at worst. Baptism may not be necessary for salvation, but it is necessary as evidence of true salvation, and it ought to be taken seriously.

    The Price of Obedience

    Consider the price that many Christians paid in the 16th century in obeying the Bible’s command to be baptized. The vast majority of the public had received an inauthentic “baptism” when they were born, and were considered baptized by the European states. These European governments made decrees threatening any who attempted to be “re-baptized” as adults. Yet, there were many who became convinced by the Scriptures that to refuse to be baptized as a believing adult was to be disobedient Jesus. At the cost of their lives, they obeyed their Lord.

    The decree of Germany and Austria read as follows: “every Anabaptist and rebaptized person of either sex [must] be put to death by sword, or fire, or otherwise.” The persecution began in Ulrich, Switzerland between the years of 1527 and 1532, when six of the first “Baptists” were bound, taken by boat to a deep section of the river Limmat, and drowned. In 1528, a re-baptized man called Hubmaier was burnt at the stake in Vienna, his re-baptized wife burnt three days later. The following year, a re-baptized man called Blaurock was scourged, exiled, and burnt at the stake in the town of Tyrol. In the town of Gorz, the house where a group of re-baptized people were meeting for worship was burnt to the ground. In 1531 alone, the town of Gorz saw the death of over 1000 re-baptized men and women. The nearby town of Ensisheim recorded 600 put to death in that year. The persecution spread

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