Don McClainW. 65th St. church of Christ - March 20, 2005 1 Baptism Is A Work & We Are Not Saved By Works! The Thief On The Cross Wasn’t Baptized!

Don McClain W. 65th St. church of Christ - March 20, 2005

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Baptism Is A Work & Baptism Is A Work & We Are Not Saved By We Are Not Saved By Works!Works!

The Thief On The The Thief On The Cross Wasn’t Cross Wasn’t Baptized!Baptized!

Saul Was Saved Saul Was Saved Before He Was Before He Was Baptized!Baptized!

Cornelius Was Saved Cornelius Was Saved Before He Was Before He Was Baptized!Baptized!

Paul Was Not Sent Paul Was Not Sent To Baptize!To Baptize!

Arguments Made On Arguments Made On Mark 16:16; Acts Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; . . . 2:38; . . .

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Faith Used in Different Ways

Rom. 1:5; 3:27; 4:2-13; 5:1;6:16-18; Rom. 1:5; 3:27; 4:2-13; 5:1;6:16-18; 16:25,2616:25,26

Hear Believe RepentConfessBaptism

SubjectivelySubjectivelyRomans 10:17Romans 10:17

ObjectivelyObjectivelyJude 1:3,4Jude 1:3,4

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Of FaithOf Faith1 Thes 1:3; James 1 Thes 1:3; James

2:14-262:14-26((Defines the kind of Defines the kind of

faith that savesfaith that saves))

Works Used in Different Ways

Of MeritOf MeritEphesians 2:8; Ephesians 2:8;

Titus 3:5Titus 3:5

A System of Sinless A System of Sinless PerfectionPerfection

Romans 3:27; 4:2-8; 11:6Romans 3:27; 4:2-8; 11:6

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The Walls of Jericho Fell By?

A) Grace Only?

B) Faith Only?

C) Works Only?

D) By Grace Through an Obedient Faith?

______DD

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What About The Thief On The Cross?

Luke 23:26-43Luke 23:26-43

Jesus had the power to Jesus had the power to forgive sins - Mat. 9:6 – forgive sins - Mat. 9:6 –

Jesus saved the thief - Luke Jesus saved the thief - Luke 23:4323:43

BUT - does this example of BUT - does this example of salvation nullify the salvation nullify the necessity of baptism for US? necessity of baptism for US? - Mk 1:4-5; Jn 4:1-3- Mk 1:4-5; Jn 4:1-3

Was the thief saved before Was the thief saved before or after Christ commanded or after Christ commanded baptism “in His name?” (Mat baptism “in His name?” (Mat 28:18,19; Acts 2:38)28:18,19; Acts 2:38)

What What covenant covenant did the did the

thief live thief live under? Heb under? Heb

9:15-179:15-17

We live We live under the under the

“New “New Covenant” Covenant” – Heb 8:6-– Heb 8:6-

1313

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Saul of Tarsus – Saved When?

On The Road To On The Road To Damascus? Acts 9:1-8; Damascus? Acts 9:1-8; 22:6-1122:6-11

As He Fasted And As He Fasted And Prayed? Acts 9:9-11Prayed? Acts 9:9-11

Sometime before Sometime before Ananias arrived – for Ananias arrived – for he called him “brother he called him “brother Saul?” Acts 9:17; Saul?” Acts 9:17; 22:1322:13

If so - he was saved If so - he was saved before:before:

• He was told what He was told what he MUST do – he MUST do – Acts 9:6Acts 9:6

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What proves too much – “Brother Saul” - Definition

80 80 adelfovadelfov adelphos adelphos ad-el-fos’ad-el-fos’

1) a brother, whether born of the same two 1) a brother, whether born of the same two parents or only of the same father or mother parents or only of the same father or mother

2) having the same national ancestor, belonging 2) having the same national ancestor, belonging to the same people, or countryman to the same people, or countryman

3) any fellow or man 3) any fellow or man

4) a fellow believer, united to another by the 4) a fellow believer, united to another by the bond of affection bond of affection

5) an associate in employment or office 5) an associate in employment or office

6) brethren in Christ 6) brethren in Christ

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Brother Saul - Explanation

Brother Saul????Brother Saul???? Ananias was a brother in the flesh, Ananias was a brother in the flesh,

a devout man according to the a devout man according to the Law, thus, sharing a common Law, thus, sharing a common background with Saul – Acts 22:12background with Saul – Acts 22:12

Were those to whom Peter spoke in Were those to whom Peter spoke in Acts 2:29 his Christian brethren? –Acts 2:29 his Christian brethren? –

Were those to whom Paul spoke in Were those to whom Paul spoke in Romans 9:3 his Christian brethren?Romans 9:3 his Christian brethren?

Cf. Acts 2:37; 3:17; 7:2; 13:26,38Cf. Acts 2:37; 3:17; 7:2; 13:26,38

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Saul of Tarsus – Saved When?

On The Road To On The Road To Damascus? Acts 9:1-8; Damascus? Acts 9:1-8; 22:6-1122:6-11

As He Fasted And As He Fasted And Prayed? Acts 9:9-11Prayed? Acts 9:9-11

Sometime before Sometime before Ananias arrived – for Ananias arrived – for he called him “brother he called him “brother Saul?” Acts 9:17; Saul?” Acts 9:17; 22:1322:13

When Ananias laid his When Ananias laid his hands on him and hands on him and healed his eyes? Acts healed his eyes? Acts 9:17,18; 22:12,139:17,18; 22:12,13

If so - he was saved If so - he was saved before:before:

• He was told what He was told what he MUST do – he MUST do – Acts 9:6Acts 9:6

• He did what he He did what he was told to do – was told to do – Acts 22:16Acts 22:16 He was He was baptized – baptized –

His sins were His sins were washed away washed away ––

He called on He called on the name of the name of the Lordthe Lord

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When Did Saul Obey The Great Commission? – What He Did

Acts 22:16 (NKJV)

And now why are you waiting?

Arise and be baptized, and wash

away your sins, calling on the name

of the Lord.'

When he arose and was When he arose and was baptized – Acts 9:18; baptized – Acts 9:18;

22:1622:16 His sins were His sins were

washed away –washed away – He called on the He called on the

name of the Lordname of the Lord Then he ate – Acts Then he ate – Acts

9:199:19

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Acts 22:16Acts 22:16

Mark 16:15, 16Mark 16:15, 16

Romans 10:13–17Romans 10:13–17

Calling Upon The Name of the Lord

CALL BELIEF HEAR PREACH SENT

GO PREACH GOSPEL BELIEF BAPTISM

Not Faith – Rom 10:14Not Prayer – Jer. 29:12

An Appeal to God –

1 Peter 3:21

Arise Be Baptized=CALLING

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Cornelius – When was He Saved? Questions

• While he was praying?

• When the angel appeared?

• When Peter BEGAN to speak?

• When the Holy Spirit came?

• When he obeyed the command?

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Cornelius – Why send for Peter

10:6 “He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do."

10:22 And they said, "Cornelius the centurion, a just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was divinely instructed by a holy angel to summon you to his house, and to hear words from you."

10:32 Send therefore to Joppa and call Simon here, whose surname is Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea. When he comes, he will speak to you.'

11:14 who will tell you words by which you and all your household will be saved.'

Romans 10:17 “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by

the word of God.”

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Cornelius – Speaking by Holy Spirit doesn’t prove he was saved

Speaking by the Holy Spirit does not Speaking by the Holy Spirit does not prove that Cornelius was saved:prove that Cornelius was saved:


the word of God.”

• Saul had the Spirit of God upon him and did what Cornelius did and spoke by the Spirit of God. – 1 Sam 19:21-23

• The Lord opened the mouth of Balaam’s donkey – Num. 22:28

• Balaam spoke as directed by the Lord – Num 23:5,12,26

• Caiaphas the high priest prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation. God used the mouth of this unregenerate man to speak the message – John 11:51 (Caiaphas was a persecutor of the church – Acts 4:6)

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Cornelius – Explanation of text - 1



the word of God.”

• Why did the Holy Spirit fall upon Why did the Holy Spirit fall upon Cornelius’ household? - Acts 10:45-47; Cornelius’ household? - Acts 10:45-47; 11:17,1811:17,18 To prove to the Jewish Christians that To prove to the Jewish Christians that

God would accept the Gentiles who God would accept the Gentiles who would render obedience to the gospel – would render obedience to the gospel – Acts 10:35,47,48Acts 10:35,47,48

What would have happened had God What would have happened had God not done this? – Acts 11:1-3,17 . . . not done this? – Acts 11:1-3,17 . . . Their response – 11:18Their response – 11:18

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Cornelius – Explanation of text - 2



the word of God.”

• If Holy Spirit baptism was a uniform If Holy Spirit baptism was a uniform occurrence in every case of conversion occurrence in every case of conversion then:then: Why were the circumcised believers with Why were the circumcised believers with

Peter amazed? (Acts 10:45)Peter amazed? (Acts 10:45) Why did Peter have to go back ten years Why did Peter have to go back ten years

to recall an event of this kind? (Acts to recall an event of this kind? (Acts 11:15-17)11:15-17)

• Why would one base an argument on Why would one base an argument on an event that was unique and non-an event that was unique and non-repeatable.repeatable.

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Many are trying to quibble

their way out of CLEAR N.T.

teaching

Many are trying to quibble

their way out of CLEAR N.T.

teaching

Puzzle Chart - The Pieces Don’t Fit

Acts 10

Acts 10

James 2:14-26

Mark 16:16

Acts 2:38

1 Peter 3:211 Peter 3:21

Acts 22:16Acts 22:16

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Cornelius – What did Peter believe & teach on baptism? Acts 10:47,48

What did Peter believe and teach about What did Peter believe and teach about baptism?baptism?


the word of God.”

• A command of God A command of God that cannot be that cannot be refused – Acts refused – Acts 10:47,4810:47,48

• To forbid water To forbid water baptism would baptism would have been to have been to withstand God – withstand God – Acts 10:47, 11:17Acts 10:47, 11:17

Acts 10:47-48 (NKJV) "Can anyone forbid water,

that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?"

[48] And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of

the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.

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Cornelius – What did Peter believe & teach on baptism? 10:48 &

11:17?

What did Peter believe and teach about What did Peter believe and teach about baptism?baptism?


the word of God.”

• A command of God A command of God that cannot be that cannot be refused – Acts refused – Acts 10:47,4810:47,48

• To forbid water To forbid water baptism would baptism would have been to have been to withstand God – withstand God – Acts 10:47, 11:17Acts 10:47, 11:17

Acts 10:47 (NKJV) Acts 10:47 (NKJV) "Can anyone forbid "Can anyone forbid

water, water,

Acts 11:17 (NKJV) Acts 11:17 (NKJV) who was I that I could who was I that I could

withstand God?" withstand God?"

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Examples of ConversionConversions in Acts

Believed Repented Confessed Baptized

Pentecost – Pentecost – Acts 2:14-41Acts 2:14-41 37,3837,38 38,4138,41

Samaria – Samaria – Acts 8:5-13Acts 8:5-13 1212 12,1312,13

Eunuch – Eunuch – Acts 8:35-39Acts 8:35-3936,336,3

773737 3838

Saul – Saul – Acts 9,22,26Acts 9,22,26 22:1622:16

Cornelius Cornelius Acts 10:34-48Acts 10:34-48 4343 4848

Lydia – Lydia – Acts 16:13-15Acts 16:13-15 1414 1515

Jailor – Jailor – Acts 16:30-34Acts 16:30-34 3131 3333

Corinthians Corinthians Acts 18:8Acts 18:8 88 88

Ephesians - Ephesians - Acts 19:3-5 Acts 19:3-5 55

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Baptism Is A Work & Baptism Is A Work & We Are Not Saved By We Are Not Saved By Works!Works!

The Thief On The The Thief On The Cross Wasn’t Cross Wasn’t Baptized!Baptized!

Saul Was Saved Saul Was Saved Before He Was Before He Was Baptized!Baptized!

Cornelius Was Saved Cornelius Was Saved Before He Was Before He Was Baptized!Baptized!

Paul Was Not Sent Paul Was Not Sent To Baptize!To Baptize!

Arguments Made On Arguments Made On Mark 16:16; Acts Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; . . . 2:38; . . .

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1 Corinthians 1:17 - Barnes1 Cor. 1:17 (NKJV) For Christ did not send me to baptize,

It doesn’t It doesn’t matter WHO matter WHO

baptizes you?baptizes you?

Baptism is not Baptism is not essential?essential?

(1.) that which Paul here suggests, that if the apostles had themselves baptized, it might have given occasion

to strifes, and the formation of parties, as those who had been baptized by the apostles might claim some

superiority over those who were not. (Barnes Notes on The New Testament – 1 Cor 1:17)

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1 Corinthians 1:17 – Affirms Our Position 1 Cor. 1:17 (NKJV)

For Christ did not send me to baptize,

This passage affirms our proposition!This passage affirms our proposition!

• Understanding the problem: (1:11-13; Understanding the problem: (1:11-13; 3:1-7)3:1-7)

• Paul emphasizes the importance of Paul emphasizes the importance of belonging to Jesus Christ: belonging to Jesus Christ: Jesus mentioned 11 times in first Jesus mentioned 11 times in first

10 verses of chapter 1.10 verses of chapter 1. Paul states the criteria for spiritual Paul states the criteria for spiritual

ownership, i.e. belonging, ownership, i.e. belonging, relationship.relationship.

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1 Corinthians 1:17 – What is The Criteria - Negatively


1 Cor. 1:17 (NKJV) For Christ did not send me to baptize,

(1:12,13)(1:12,13)

Blood – 1 Pet Blood – 1 Pet 1:18,191:18,19 Baptism –Acts Baptism –Acts 18:8;2:3818:8;2:38

1 Cor. 1:12-13 (NKJV) Now I say this, that each of you says, "I am of Paul," or "I

am of Apollos," or "I am of Cephas," or "I am of Christ."

[13] Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the

name of Paul?

Paul did not die for Paul did not die for them!them!

Paul did not baptize Paul did not baptize in his own namein his own name

Therefore: They Therefore: They could not be “of Paul”could not be “of Paul”

Paul did not die for Paul did not die for them!them!

Paul did not baptize Paul did not baptize in his own namein his own name

Therefore: They Therefore: They could not be “of Paul”could not be “of Paul”

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1 Corinthians 1:17 - What is The Criteria - Positively



(1:12,13)(1:12,13)

Blood – 1 Pet Blood – 1 Pet 1:18,191:18,19 Baptism –Acts Baptism –Acts 18:8;2:3818:8;2:38

1 Cor. 1:12-13 (NKJV) Now I say this, that each of you says, "I am of Paul," or "I

am of Apollos," or "I am of Cephas," or "I am of Christ."

[13] Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the

name of Paul?

JESUS DIED FOR JESUS DIED FOR THEMTHEM

They were baptized They were baptized in the name of Christin the name of Christ Therefore: They Therefore: They

belonged to Christ!! belonged to Christ!!

JESUS DIED FOR JESUS DIED FOR THEMTHEM

They were baptized They were baptized in the name of Christin the name of Christ Therefore: They Therefore: They

belonged to Christ!! belonged to Christ!!

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1 Corinthians 1:17 – What & When? Rev 1:5 & Rom 6:3 1 Cor. 1:17 (NKJV)


Romans 6:3-4 (NKJV) Or do you not know that as

many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into

His death? [4] Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory

of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Rev. 1:5 (NKJV) and from Jesus Christ, the faithful

witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of

the earth. To Him who loved us and

washed us from our sins in His own blood,

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1 Corinthians 1:17 – Anyone could baptize 1 Cor. 1:17 (NKJV)




Baptism is not Baptism is not essential?essential?

Anyone could baptize – but not just anyone could perform the work of

an apostle!

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1 Corinthians 1:17 – Baptism is essential 1 Cor. 1:17 (NKJV)




Baptism is Baptism is essential?essential?

Anyone could baptize – but not just anyone could perform the work of

an apostle!

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1 Corinthians 1:13-17 – Context – What Is The

Meaning? 1 Cor. 1:17 (NKJV) For Christ did not send me to baptize,

1 Cor. 1:13-17 (NKJV) . . . Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? [14] I

thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, [15] lest anyone should say that I had baptized in my own name. [16] Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas. Besides, I do not know whether I baptized any other. [17] For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the

cross of Christ should be made of no effect.

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1 Corinthians 1:17 – The meaning is clear – Paul Did Not Baptize In His

Own Name!


• Paul did not baptize in his own name!

• Paul did baptize Crispus and Gaius, and the household of Stephanas by the authority of Christ in obedience to the command of the Lord.

• If baptizing makes the cross of no effect – then Paul made the cross of no effect when he baptized anyone.

• Had Paul baptized in his own name, he would have made the cross of no effect!!!

• Mr. Cook’s interpretation of this passage contradicts Matt. 28:19.

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What Did Paul Teach About Baptism? – Cook & Paul Disagree 1 Cor. 1:17 (NKJV)


• Acts 16:33Acts 16:33• Acts 22:16Acts 22:16• Romans 6:1-7Romans 6:1-7• 1 Corinthians 1 Corinthians

12:1312:13• Galatians Galatians

3:26,273:26,27• Colossians Colossians

2:12,132:12,13• Ephesians 5:26Ephesians 5:26• Titus 3:5 Titus 3:5

Did Paul Did Paul believe & believe &

teach what teach what Mr. Gene Mr. Gene Cook Jr. Cook Jr.

believes & believes & teaches?teaches?

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How Much Obedience Is Enough

In order for Noah’s family to be In order for Noah’s family to be saved? – Gen 6:8, 22; 7:5; Heb saved? – Gen 6:8, 22; 7:5; Heb 11:7; 1 Peter 3:2111:7; 1 Peter 3:21

In order for the walls of Jericho to In order for the walls of Jericho to fall? – Josh. 6:2, 20; Heb. 11:30fall? – Josh. 6:2, 20; Heb. 11:30

In order for Naaman to be cleansed In order for Naaman to be cleansed of his leprosy? – 2 Kings 5:10-14of his leprosy? – 2 Kings 5:10-14

In order for the 3,000 on the day of In order for the 3,000 on the day of Pentecost to receive the remission Pentecost to receive the remission of their sins? – Acts 2:38of their sins? – Acts 2:38

In order for the erring child of God In order for the erring child of God to be forgiven of sin? – Acts 8:19-to be forgiven of sin? – Acts 8:19-24; 1 John 1:7-924; 1 John 1:7-9

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Is Obedience To Jesus Christ A Part of The Gospel? – Quote by Cook – “We Know That

Baptism is NOT . . .

“We know that water baptism, according to the scriptures, is not

part of the Gospel, yet it’s separate and

distinct. As we study the Bible as a whole, we

see that it is the first step of obedience for the new believer.”

(Gene Cook Jr., Exposing The International Church of Christ,

Page 35)

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Is Obedience To Jesus Christ A Part of The Gospel?

Facts To BelieveFacts To Believe – 1 Cor. 15:1-8

Commands To ObeyCommands To Obey – Mark 16:16; Rom 6:16-18; 10:16; 2 Thes 1:7-9; Heb. 5:8,9; James 2:14-26

Promises To Be Enjoyed Promises To Be Enjoyed –– Col 1:5, 23

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Is Obedience To Jesus Christ A Part of The Gospel? – Mark 16:16

Mark 16:15-16 (NKJV)

And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. [16] He who believes and is

baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be

condemned.

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Is Obedience To Jesus Christ A Part of The Gospel? – Acts 2:36-39

Acts 2:36-39 (NKJV)

“[36] . . . God has made this Jesus, . . . both Lord and Christ." . . .

“what shall we do?" [38] Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every

one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins;

and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. [39] For the promise is . . .”

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Examples of ConversionConversions in Acts

Believed Repented Confessed Baptized

Pentecost – Pentecost – Acts 2:14-41Acts 2:14-41 37,3837,38 38,4138,41

Samaria – Samaria – Acts 8:5-13Acts 8:5-13 1212 12,1312,13

Eunuch – Eunuch – Acts 8:35-39Acts 8:35-3936,336,3

773737 3838

Saul – Saul – Acts 9,22,26Acts 9,22,26 22:1622:16

Cornelius Cornelius Acts 10:34-48Acts 10:34-48 4343 4848

Lydia – Lydia – Acts 16:13-15Acts 16:13-15 1414 1515

Jailor – Jailor – Acts 16:30-34Acts 16:30-34 3131 3333

Corinthians Corinthians Acts 18:8Acts 18:8 88 88

Ephesians - Ephesians - Acts 19:3-5 Acts 19:3-5 55


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Documents

Don McClainW. 65th St. church of Christ - March 20, 2005 1 Baptism Is A Work & We Are Not Saved By Works! The Thief On The Cross Wasn’t Baptized!