The first thing that everyone needs to do is answer the question “Am I in a saved relationship with God?”
The Jews and devout men at the Pentecost feast responded with a question after hearing Peter. Acts 2:37
The Ethiopian eunuch who had been at worship services responded with a question after hearing Philip. Act 8:34
Cornelius, “A devout man who feared God…” sent for Peter so he would answer his question. Acts 10:30-33
Lydia, “A worshipper of God…” gave her attention to the apostle Paul. Acts 16:14
The jailer at Philippi after witnessing a very incredible occurrence that freed Paul and Silas from their prison cell asked, “Sirs, what I must do to be saved?”Acts 16:30
Saul, a Jewish leader and persecutor of Christians who would become known as the apostle Paul asked the question, “What shall I do, Lord?” Acts 22:10
Isn’t it interesting that in each of these cases even though the individuals had some form of religious lifestyle or practice still had questions about their saved relationship with God.
SO HOW WERE THEIR QUERIES ADDRESSED?
The Jews and devout men at the Pentecost feast were told by Peter to, “Repent and be baptized…in the name of Jesus Christ for forgiveness of sins, and…receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38
The Ethiopian eunuch, after learning about Jesus asked, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized? And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philipp and the eunuch and he baptized him.” Acts 8:37-38
Cornelius after experiencing a special revelation of the Holy Spirit was, “Baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.” Acts 10:44
Lydia, after, “The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul…was baptized.” Acts 16:14-15
The jailer at Philippi after asking his question, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Was told to, “Believe in the Lord Jesus” and after hearing the word of the Lord, “He was baptized at once, he and all his family.” Acts 16:30-33
Saul, after asking Jesus, “What shall I do, Lord?” Was told by Ananias, “Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on His name.” Acts 22:16
Isn’t it interesting that even though all these examples were practicing some sort of relationship with God they knew something or should I say someone was missing in their relationship? So when they learned about the fullness of Jesus they wanted to be “Baptized.” What about you
About the author:
Don and his wife Brenda have been married 48 years. They have two married sons Jason/Crista and Nicholas/Heather and four grandsons Luke, Ryker, Blake and Drew. Don is a graduate of the Gateway School of Preaching, Fairview Heights, IL, the Bristol Roads School of Biblical Studies, Flint, MI and he has a bachelor’s degree in religious education from Michigan Christian College. He has been preaching since 1979. He has preached at Pacific, MO; Howell, MI; Arnold, MO; Festus, MO; Dexter, MO; and De Soto, MO where he has served since 2007. He also serves the congregation as one of the elders. Don has done campaigns and meetings in several states and mission work in Cuba, India, and Jamaica. Don refers to himself as a “Minister” because he loves ministering to others and helping them learn about Jesus and growing in their relationship with Him.
De Soto church of Christ 