Foot washing

[ManOfWord]

Originally Posted by nahkoe

Ok, that's cool. And new, isn't it? I put in a title and immediately a list of similar threads popped up. Awesome....

ANYHOW, I don't see my question answered, so here goes.

My pastor announced a communion and foot washing service at the end of the year. He said then that they don't rebaptize, long as you've been baptized right, but they do foot washing at the end of every year and consider it a vital part of one's walk with God. He said it's a symbol of washing away the world we walk in, our feet get dirty. I get that last part. lol

I'm curious if the idea that this is vital to one's walk with God is something anyone could explain?

I have a whole lot of reasons why I'm not really liking the idea of this, I'm trying to educate myself a little bit before I state my case to my pastor. At least get an idea of what his mindset may be regarding this. Thanks!

Your pastor may say it's a symbol of washing away, but the Bible does NOT say that. I don't see that it has anything to do with washing away the world. What it DID symbolize was the humility of even the Almighty God which pointed to the importance of our relationships.

I know that it may be a "tradition" in some churches and I think it is a good tradition, but guilt should not be used by saying it is "vital to one's walk with God." I think it certainly helps and strengthens our humility, but Jesus never stated that it was something that should be done or must be done.

[freeatlast]

Originally Posted by ManOfWord

Your pastor may say it's a symbol of washing away, but the Bible does NOT say that. I don't see that it has anything to do with washing away the world. What it DID symbolize was the humility of even the Almighty God which pointed to the importance of our relationships.

I know that it may be a "tradition" in some churches and I think it is a good tradition, but guilt should not be used by saying it is "vital to one's walk with God." I think it certainly helps and strengthens our humility, but Jesus never stated that it was something that should be done or must be done.

Elder E will be here shortly to put a whoppin on ya MOW.

[ManOfWord]

Originally Posted by freeatlast

Elder E will be here shortly to put a whoppin on ya MOW.

Ha! It won't be the first time this "baptist" (his words) has taken a whoopin' from him. But he's never been able to whoop me enough for me to change my tune. I'm pretty much oblivious to whoopins.

[OneAccord]

Once again, Bro. MOW has spoken truth. IMO, Foot washing is an intregal part of Communion (or the Lord's Supper). They go "hand in glove", so to speak. It, like Communion, is symbolic of our remembrance of the Lord's death.

If, for whatever reason, you feel uncomfortable in participating, then perhaps you should refrain. There is no Scriptural basis for setting a certain day for its observance, though many churches observe Communion/Foot Washing at the first of the year (perhaps to "get the year off right).

[drummerboy_dave]

Originally Posted by nahkoe

This is pretty much where I stand if I go strictly on beliefs and leave the hang ups outside.

I can't put it into words. lol You didn't do too badly.

I just have a multitude of hang ups right now and one more thing coming at me is probably not a very good thing.

Look, a pastor can't force you to do something you aren't wanting to do. Pray and believe God. If at any time up to the time of the service you aren't at peace doing it, then don't do it. Excuse yourself. Sit in the back. Come in after the footwashing is over. You are an adult and have options.

This salvation is not a burden. Cast your cares on Jesus.

[Steve Epley]

The gospel is too simple for some folks Jesus said wash feet and they clean the house-mow the grass? Washing feet is an ordinance that is binding on the NT church today. Jesus did it literally and commanded them to do it and the early church practiced it. A church that does NOT practice literal feetwashing is NOT an Apostolic church!

[freeatlast]

Originally Posted by drummerboy_dave

Look, a pastor can't force you to do something you aren't wanting to do. Pray and believe God. If at any time up to the time of the service you aren't at peace doing it, then don't do it. Excuse yourself. Sit in the back. Come in after the footwashing is over. You are an adult and have options.

This salvation is not a burden. Cast your cares on Jesus.

You'd be amazed how people just stay home or plan to be out of town when they know of a footwashing service...

Go to a rest home instead and spend the time viviting the sick and afflicted.

[Pragmatist]

I don't have a problem with the act of footwashing but I do have a problem with HOW it is done in many churches, i.e. using the same basin of water to wash everyone's feet. This is a serious health risk.

[freeatlast]

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

The gospel is too simple for some folks Jesus said wash feet and they clean the house-mow the grass? Washing feet is an ordinance that is binding on the NT church today. Jesus did it literally and commanded them to do it and the early church practiced it. A church that does NOT practice literal feetwashing is NOT an Apostolic church!

So Elder, if Nakoe decides not to particapate in the upcoming footwashing service...are you saying she will burn in hell over this?


BTW...what took you so long to get here on this thread??

[Steve Epley]

Originally Posted by freeatlast

So Elder, if Nakoe decides not to particapate in the upcoming footwashing service...are you saying she will burn in hell over this?


BTW...what took you so long to get here on this thread??

If a person refuses to wash feet yes they will be lost. You cannot refuse to obey Jesus and be saved. It was a direct command.