Christian worship and devotion, Ritual Religious Practices
Date Published: October 26, 2021
Publisher: Clay Bridges Press
Baptism: is it from men or from Heaven?
This is the same question Jesus asked the Pharisees in Matthew 21:25 and the same question we must answer today.
This is a book for the committed follower of Christ and not the casual inquirer. It is an examination into the comprehensive truth of what the Bible teaches regarding God's administration of baptism upon His people.
Mark David Cooper performs a deep analysis of God instilling His grace on His followers through a fivefold baptism: living water, the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, fire, and Christ's blood. He challenges the reader to move past common, elementary understandings and grasp the mature, biblical concept of one gracious (fivefold) baptism from God.
After reading this book, the reader will appreciate the impact of what God does for us through His lavish grace.
Can you
tell us a little about the process of getting this book published? How did you
come up with the idea and how did you start?
Through the many years of attending church, studying
the Bible, and having the responsibility of teaching the truth from God’s Word,
I struggled with the illogical inconsistency taught by mainstream Christianity
regarding baptism. The teaching in the church today says that God’s salvation
through Jesus is free and a gift. But, because of a human developed doctrine
the church has adopted a position requiring people to participate in a physical
water action called baptism. The conflict between a free gift and having to
perform a physical action does not make logical sense. So, I sought out to
discover what the Bible really says about this term “baptism.”
What surprised you most about getting your book published?
A
blessing and thank you for Lucid Books agreeing to publish this book!
Tell us a
little about what you do when you aren’t writing
As the
President and founder of justBible
Ministries, I spend
my time managing the multiple projects we are working on in Kenya and Uganda.
Fundraising for these projects consumes a significant amount of energy and
time. The ministry also holds Bible teaching Symposiums and preparing for them
requires study and the development of participant notebooks.
While not
writing or working on justBible Ministries, I spend my time working outside on
my property in rural Texas. Most important, any chance I get I spend time with
my 4 grandchildren.
As a
published author, what would you say was the most pivotal point of your writing
life?
Years ago,
I wrote weekly devotionals called, “Coop’s Contemplation.” The feedback I
received was positive and I realized that the Lord would bless me with the
right words to communicate what people needed to hear. That is where the
confidence came to pursue writing a book.
Where do
you get your best ideas and why do you think that is?
Two
places: 1) On the tractor mowing the yard or plowing the garden; 2) Strangely,
in the shower. Both locations are similar; I am isolated without external
inputs, no electronics, and no distractions. These isolated situations allow my
mind to open up and the Lord to fill it with His thoughts.
What is
the toughest criticism given to you as an author?
So far
people have been very supportive and positive. I am my own toughest critic. I
question myself constantly on style and accuracy of facts. My desire is to
present the truth of God’s Word as He intended. This desire causes me to always
double check and do more research.
What has
been your best accomplishment as a writer?
Getting Baptism
of Grace published!
How many
unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
Baptism of Grace evolved from teaching multiple Bible
Studies in different venues over many years. Currently, I have 6 Bible studies
with completed notebooks. This work could potentially evolve into another book.
Also, the
devotional referenced above (Coop’s Contemplation) has the potential to become
a book.
About the Author
Founder and president of justBible Ministries, Mark David Cooper is the author of numerous Bible studies and devotionals. After a successful executive career in truck manufacturing with PACCAR Inc., he worked with Samaritan’s Purse. He is also an ordained Chaplain with a BS in Engineering (Washington State University) and an MA of Biblical Studies (Dallas Theological Seminary).
Mark has been married to a wonderful, supportive wife for over four decades. He is father to two beautiful daughters, father-in-law to two great men, and “Grandude” to four dynamic and spirited grandchildren. Mark uses God’s gifting by teaching and preaching the Word of God worldwide to motivate and inspire people in following the Lord.
Contact Links
You Tube: justBible Ministries - YouTube
Instagram: @justbibleministries @origmdcoop
Rumble: justBible
Purchase Links
Posts
No comments: