I hope that you have learned as much from the baptism post experience as I have. It wasn’t fun, but it was good to have gone through. Here are a few reflections on the past few weeks:

• The most important rule of dialogue: seek first to understand, then to be understood. Don’t assume. Clarify.
• The second most important rule of dialogue: show your listeners respect regardless of their position. Do all things in love. Try to attribute the best to other people.
• What good is adhering to sound doctrine if we cannot pursue it and live it with love? 1 Corinthians 13
• Many people from many backgrounds and locations read my thoughts on baptism. As a consequence, there were clearly many different interpretations of what I really intended to communicate. If we can understand this then maybe we can begin to comprehend how and why people interpret the scriptures differently and we can show them grace at first blush instead of judgment.
• I was amazed at the outpouring of love and sympathy from those believers in the blogging community. However, I feel that there were no innocent parties in this travesty. I was not guiltless as much as I tried to convince myself. I would encourage you not only to continue in your love and encouragement, but also in your loving correction. Thank you Darren C. (an elder of my congregation) and my father-in-law for your challenges in this matter.
• I cannot express how gracious and wise the elders have been in dealing with this situation. Without their leadership, this issue probably would have ended very, very badly.
• Jesus was right. The gates of Hades shall never prevail against the church. Awesome.