A YouTube Conversation

To understand what video is being referenced, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-57MMAOozfA and view the video titled "What Must I Do".

It's truly amazing what technology allows us to do. Even though I have grown up accustomed to the wonders of the World Wide Web, I still am amazed when I am able to make contact with people of whom I have no idea where they are.

One of the many wonders that continues to improve as part of the internet is the way in which we can post videos to sites such as YouTube, and be visible to people who may never have seen or heard about us otherwise. What a powerful tool for the Lord's church! So, last year, I posted a couple videos which detail what you can expect when you visit the Sweetwater church of Christ, as well as one titled "What Must I Do To Be Saved?".

As of now, the "What Must I Do" video has had over 330 views. Not only have people viewed it, but they have commented on it as well. One particular person caught my attention a few months ago by asking the following question in response to the video:

"So what about the people that are being killed for their faith in the middle east where there is no water? Are they going to hell?"

Now I must admit that at first I was a little unsure about what to do with it. Actually, I was unsure what to do with this comment for about four months. I understand that sometimes people just want to argue, and I understand from the scriptures that I should avoid foolish and ignorant disputes (cf. 2 Tim. 2:23).

Now to start off, this is foolish because of the nature of the question asked. I thought to myself, "Does this guy not realize that Jesus and his apostles lived and taught in what could arguably be considered the "Middle East"?" What a question. I also didn't know what to do about posting this comment for the rest of the world to see. I didn't want to confuse people.

I finally became brave, though, and decided to not only answer the comment, but to publish it. My response is as follows (Keep in mind that I am limited to 500 characters – that's rough on a preacher!):

Read Acts 8:26-39. We read (vs. 26) that Philip was sent to the Eunuch, and the end of the verse plainly states "This is desert". Still, somehow in the desert, they found water. Verse 36-37 reads, "Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?" Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." - People must have water to live physically (located near it), so it follows spiritually. [if I could add, would add the following to the end:"It isn't a stretch to think that we could have water involved in our spiritual life as well." D.H.]

Now I didn't expect a response. I thought that the guy had made his point and would move on. But I was shocked that within 15 minutes (after this guy had posted four months ago) I had a reply. He simply quoted 1 Peter 3:21, where Peter writes the following:

"There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ."

Now I don't know whether this man is coming to some increased understanding, or whether he is simply trying to argue a perversion of that passage as well. I don't know where any conversation with this man might go, but it's still amazing to me to know that we can at least garner a response from people who we might not have had the opportunity to otherwise. And this man is not the only one. There have been others as well.

As I said when I began this article, I'm continually amazed at technology. Who knows what good can be done for the Lord's church via proper use of the tools we have been given!