Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 5 September 1991 — Page 21

The Muflcte Times, Thursday, September 5,1991, Page 21

Religion

Questions & Answers

By Dr. W. J. Duncan

CONTENTS IN THIS AGE BELIEF-Mark 16:15-17. They taught that an individual should believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Acts 10:34-43; 8:36, 37). REPENTANCE - They believed and taught repentence (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30). BAPTISM - They taught that Baptism in Jesus’ name was part of the method to receive the remission of Sins (Acts 2:37, 38; 8;12-17; 10:44-48; 19:1-6; 22:16; I Pet. 3:21). They understood the command of Jesus in Matthew 28:19,20, which saith: “Go ye therfore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you...” to mean that they should baptize in the name of Jesus, that name being the name of the Father (St. John 5:43), the Son (Matt. 1:21,23), and the Holy Ghost (St. John 14:26). Jesus clarified this fact in St. Luke 24:47, by saying; ‘ ‘And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in HIS NAME, among all nations beginning at Jerusalem’ ’ (Acts 4:10-12). BAPTISM OF THE HOLY GHOST - They believed and taught that a person should be baptized or filled with the Holy Ghost. They taught that the reception of the

Holy Ghost was a separate and distinct act performed upon the believer AFTER, not WHEN he believed in the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Note this: “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles. Men and bretheren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:37,38). ‘ ‘ But when they BELIEVED Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ they were BAPTIZED, both men and women” (Acts 8:12). Now at this point there is a separation of their Believing and Receiving the Holy Ghost. They now have already believed and are baptized but have not as yet received the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Let’s note that point. “Now when the apostles which were at Jersusalem heard that Samariahad received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John, who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: for as yet he was fall en upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 8:14-16). Let’s note another very vehement incident with the

apostle Paul in his conversion, when he was on the road to Damascus. “And suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: and he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, who art thou. Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus, whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” Right here Paul became a believer in Jesus Christ and repented or surrendered himself unto Him by saying: ‘ ‘ Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” But at this point he had not been filled with the Holy Ghost, neither had his sins been remitted. ‘ ‘ And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou mu st do... And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth. And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou earnest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.” Note this point, Paul had not yet been filled with the Holy Ghost. It is evident that there must be some sort of sign that God uses to show when a person has been filled with the Holy Spirit. Up to this point, his sin had not been remitted. To prove this point or fact, turn with me to Acts 22:1216. “And one Ananias, a devout man according to the Law, having a good report of all the Jews wh ich dwelt there, Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him. And he

said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. For thou shaft be his wiimess unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. AND NOW WHY TARRIEST THOU? ARISE AND BE BAPTIZED, AND WASH AWAY THY SINS, calling

Theme Don’t Give Up

on the name of the Lord” (Acts 9:3-6, 10-11, 17-20; 22:12-16). It is evident that Paul had not received the remission of sins until his subsequent baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus. For Questions call 317-253-6802 or write Revival Temple, 2102 West Michigan St., Indianapolis. Ind. 46208.

/ \ Women’s Seminar Disciples of Christ Community Church 1401 E. Kirby Ave. Muncie, IN September 6th - 8th Pastor - Bryant R. Grumes

Services Friday - Sept. 6th at 7:00 p.m. (Worship Service) Saturday - Sept. 7th 8:00 - 8:55 a.m. Continental Breakfast 9:00 - 12:00, General Session 12:00- 1:30, Lunch Speakers Cookye Rutledge Rev. Alexis Barnes t Sunday Sept. 8th 10:30 a.m. Paula J. Crumes Worship Service

Ministry of Music Voice of Praise

Registration No Cost (Free will offering)

Cookye Rutledge

Come Receive; Encouragement,

Direction, Strength