Historical Posts
Favoritism – Galatians 2:6-9
1. Does God show favoritism with matters of salvation?
Paul explained that God shows no personal favoritism to anyone, but wants both Jews and Gentiles to be saved (Galatians 2:6-9).
2. How did Peter learn this?
In Acts 10, Cornelius was a devout man who prayed to God always, gave much alms to the poor, and feared God. However, he did not know what to do to be saved until Peter was sent to him. Peter had a vision of unclean animals descending from heaven, and a voice said ‘Rise, Peter kill and eat (verse 13). After refusing, Peter was told, ‘what God has cleansed you must not call common (verse 15).’ Eventually Peter learned God was telling him the gospel is for more than just the Jews, but for every nation (verses 34-36).
3. Who is the gospel for?
The gospel is God’s power to save everyone that believes—the Jew first, but also the Greek (Romans 1:16).
4. Is there partiality in Christ?
Once all have obeyed the gospel, there is neither Jew nor Greek, neither male nor female, and neither slave nor free; all are one in Christ (Galatians 3:26-29).
5. Should we show partiality to one another?
Sadly, often times people are judged on how they look, what they wear, or how wealthy they are. It should not be this way! If we show partiality, we commit sin (James 2:1-9). Remember that God does not see as man sees; man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).
Content by Richard Dillon
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High Cost of a Free Gift
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Introduction
1. Perhaps you have heard it said: “The best things in life are free!”
2. This is especially true when you consider that the “best” thing in life is a gift
a. I am speaking of that which God offers to all who will accept it: eternal life
b. It is truly a “gift from God”! – Romans 6:23
3. And yet, though eternal life is a gift
a. A high cost was paid to offer the gift
b. And a high cost must be paid to receive it!
4. A high cost for a free gift? How can that be?
a. This “paradox” can sometimes be difficult to comprehend
b. However, teachings of Jesus are often found in the form of a “paradox” (the Beatitudes – Matthew 5:3-6)
c. Upon closer examination, such “paradoxes” are not really contradictions, but expressions of very important spiritual truths!
Body
I. THE FREE GIFT OF SALVATION
A. MANY HAVE A WRONG CONCEPT ABOUT HOW SALVATION IS OBTAINED
1. They think that salvation is earned by the “good works” they do
2. Many professing Christians have the concept of attaining heaven, that their reward is received because of:
a. Their good life
b. Their generous giving of their money
c. Their faithful attendance at church
B. BUT SALVATION IS GOD’S GIFT TO UNDESERVING MEN
1. Offered while we were still sinners, ungodly, and enemies – Romans 5:6-8
2. Not because we love God, but because He loved us! – 1 John 4:9-10
3. And it is offered to all who will receive it! – Revelation 21:6; 22:17
II. THE HIGH COST OF PROVIDING THE GIFT
A. WHAT IT COST THE FATHER – John 3:16; Romans 8:32
1. It cost Him the sacrifice of His only begotten Son!
2. He did not spare His Son in an effort to save us from our sins!
B. WHAT IT COST THE SON – Philippians 2:5-8
1. It cost Him the renunciation of glory and majesty, which He had with the Father before coming to this world
2. It cost Him the humiliation of servitude, even to the point suffering and finally dying by crucifixion for our sins
C. WHAT IT COST THE HOLY SPIRIT – 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14; Ephesians 4:30
1. A ministry through the ages of patiently wooing the stubborn hearts of sinful men through the call of the gospel
2. Suffering long with men who treat Him ill, being grieved when they resist Him
III. THE HIGH COST OF ACCEPTING THE GIFT
A. IT COSTS THE DENIAL OF SELF, AND THE RENUNCIATION OF MUCH THAT MEN HOLD DEAR
1. Paul, who gladly paid the cost, expressed it vividly in several passages – Galatians 2:20; Philippians 3:7-8
2. One cannot accept Christ and His salvation on lesser terms than the complete surrender of self to Him!
B. THIS IS WHAT MAKES THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST “A HARD GOSPEL” FOR MANY TO ACCEPT
1. They want to accept Jesus as Savior, but not as Lord of their lives
a. Some even suggest that accepting Jesus as Savior and as Lord are two entirely separate acts
b. But the two are inseparable – Luke 2:11; Acts 2:36; 10:36
c. Even religious leaders who have led people to think otherwise are beginning to see the error of their ways:
“The church today is paralyzed at the moment of its supreme opportunity because we have committed the blasphemy of insisting that what is so costly for God shall come easy to us. We haven’t dared face our congregations with a hard gospel.” — Dr. Paul Calvin Payne, General Secretary, the Board of Christian Education, Presbyterian Church
2. No man can accept Jesus as “Savior of his soul” without accepting Him as “Lord of his life”!
a. Jesus Himself made this clear when He warned His hearers that the cost of discipleship is high – Luke 14:25-33
b. The lordship of Jesus over self, life, and possessions must be acknowledged if we are to know Him as Savior!
3. People must realize that Jesus commission His disciples to preach repentance and remission of sins in His name – Luke 24:47
a. There is no remission apart from repentance!
b. And repentance involves the whole life! – 2 Corinthians 7:10-11
1) Not only sorrow for the past, that leads to repentance
2) But zeal and fervor for the future, that affects how we will live
c. Repentance is therefore the abandoning of our own selfish way, to go God’s way in obedience and fellowship with Him
C. “JUST ACCEPT CHRIST AND BE SAVED” IS THE APPEAL OF MANY
1. And many people assume that it is a matter of “just accepting” Him, “with no strings attached”
2. However, consider the words of Jesus Himself – John 14:21,23
3. To “receive Jesus”, then, requires a full surrender to the lordship of Christ, a sincere acceptance of His commandments – John 15:10
Conclusion
1. That is why the “gift” of salvation, while offered freely, still comes a with high cost
a. Salvation cannot be earned, nor merited, by any amount of good deeds
b. For even after a lifetime of diligent obedience we are still “unworthy servants” – Luke 17:10
c. But the Lordship of Jesus rightly demands a full surrender to His authority – Matthew 28:18-20
2. Yes, the gift of salvation is costly
a. It cost God more than heaven can declare
b. It cost Jesus the agony and shame of the cross
c. Even today it costs the Holy Spirit who seeks to woo you through the gospel
d. And it costs everyone who truly receives it the total submission of self to the rightful claims of Jesus on the lives and souls of all who would be His for time and eternity!
3. Jesus has paid the high cost to offer you the gift of salvation…have you paid the high cost of accepting it? – Acts 2:36-39
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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How Do People Respond to the Gospel? Acts 02:41-42
Text: Acts 2:41-42
Lesson Aims
- For the Christian to gain knowledge of how differently people will respond to the gospel.
- To be prepared with joy, to be set for the defense of the gospel of Jesus Christ – 1 Peter 3:15
- Gain understanding that the Word of God is a powerful force and when it is proclaimed and you will have various responses to it – Hebrews 4:12
Read These Lesson Texts
ACTS 4:1-4 (PRIESTS, CAPTAIN OF TEMPLE, SADDUCEES & PEOPLE);
ACTS 13:4-12 (SERGIUS PAULUS); ACTS 26:1-29 (PAUL, FESTUS, AGRIPPA,)
(1) Grieved/Believed
(2) False prophet Bar-jesus not happy / deputy believed
(3) Paul obeyed, Festus didn’t believe the message of Paul, King Agippa almost persuade to be a Christian.
How Do People Respond When Hearing the Message of Salvation?
READ PARABLE OF SOWER EXPLANATION, MATTHEW 13:18-23
(SEED RECEIVED BY THE WAY SIDE)
Some hear the Word of God, may not understand it fully, or the devil plants thoughts of doubt and disbelief in one’s mind of What God says through traditions, worldly values, or false doctrine.
Others hear the Word of God and receive it with joy but they are not rooted and grounded enough in the Word of God to grow properly. Ass a result, when it is time to put your faith in God into action they fall away through trials and suffering.
(SEED RECEIVED IN STONY PLACES)
In (Acts 5:1-11), Ananias and Sapphira are examples of Christians who were not rooted and grounded in the truth. Therefore they followed temptation and paid the price.
A number of people hear the Word of God, yet their love for money and the world causes them to be with odds with God – James 4:4.
(SEED RECEIVED AMONG THORNS)
These worldly vises choke the Word of God – Matthew 19:23-26; I Timothy 6:6-10
(SEED RECEIVED IN GOOD GROUND)
There will be some people who receive and obey the Word of God and will endure temptations to the end. As a result, they will obtain the crown of life that God will give them (James 1:12). (SEED RECEIVED IN GOOD GROUND)
How Much Effort?
How hard is it to become a Christian, according to the New Testament pattern?
Compare this to becoming a denominational member!
How Do People Respond…
Do people accept that repentance and baptism are necessary elements of accepting God’s salvation?
Repenting of your sins is not an easy task to embark on but is necessary. If you want to have a right relationship with God and draw closer to being saved, you must be willing to repent – Acts 17:30-31; Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38
Repentance signifies to change one’s mind or purpose – 2 Corinthians 7:9-10
This change of mind occurs when you learn that your behavior or actions are contrary to God’s Word. As a result, you work at aligning your life to God’s standard to the best of your ability. Therefore, your change of thoughts leads to changes of action – Acts 26:9-11
What is the common response to the necessity of repentance in God’s plan of salvation?
Why are people not willing to lose their life to save it? – Mark 8:34-37
Baptism is required
Baptism is necessary for your salvation just as the other works of faith are necessary for salvation such as:
– Confession of Jesus as the Son of God (Matthew 10:32-33; Romans 10:9-10)
– Hearing the gospel message (Romans 10:17)
– Repenting of past sins (Luke 13:3)
– Having faith in God (Hebrews 11:6)
How do people respond to the Word of God when it clearly says baptism is one of the necessary components for one’s salvation?
See Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:28; Acts 22:16; I Peter 3:21, plus all of the 9 examples of conversion in the book of acts include baptism!
Metanoeo (verb): “to perceive afterwards” (meta, “after,” implying “change,” noeo, “to perceive;”
2 Corinthians 7:10 …Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation
Baptizo (verb): “to dip repeatedly, to immerse, to submerge (of vessels sunk) to cleanse by dipping or submerging, to wash, to make clean with water, to wash one’s self, bathe to overwhelm”
Romans 6:1-4
Notice that all nine of these conversions recorded in Acts included Baptism
1. Pentecost – Acts 2:36-39
2. The Samaritians – Acts 8:5-13
3. The Ethiopian Eunuch – Acts 8:26-40
4. Saul of Tarsus – Acts 9:1-22; Acts 22:3-16
5. Cornelius – Acts 10:1-48
6. Lydia – Acts 16:13-15
7. Philippian Jailer – Acts 16:22-34
8. The Corinthians – Acts 18:1-8
9. The Ephesians – Acts 19:1-5
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
2 Timothy 03:14-17 Why We Need the Bible
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Text: 2 Timothy 3:14-17
Introduction
1. We began this series of lessons by illustrating why we need God
a. He is our Creator, who knows us better than we ourselves
b. He is our Redeemer, who seeks to save us from ourselves
c. He is our Provider, who is willing to meet our every need
2. Now I wish to focus our attention on why we need the Bible
a. Both the Old and New Testaments
b. As the guide to salvation and comfort
3. Assuming that one believes in the Bible as the Word of God, we need the Bible because:
Body
I. IT IS GOD’S POWER TO SAVE
A. BY CREATING FAITH
1. Without faith it is impossible to please God – Hebrews 11:6
2. Without faith in Jesus we cannot be saved – John 8:24
3. It is the Word of God that produces such faith – Romans 10:17
4. For example, the gospels were written to produce faith – John 20:30-31
B. BY CAUSING ONE TO BE BORN AGAIN
1. Jesus taught the necessity of being born again – John 3:3-5
2. The rebirth involving water and the Spirit is produced by:
a. Receiving the “incorruptible seed” of God’s Word – 1 Peter 1:23-25a
b. In particular, that word proclaimed in the gospel of Christ – 1 Peter 1:25
3. Which gospel calls for one to be baptized – Mark 16:15-16
a. As proclaimed by Peter – Acts 2:38
b. The washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit – Titus 3:5
C. BY KEEPING ONE SAVED
1. Paul emphasized this value of the Scriptures
a. To the Corinthians – 1 Corinthians 10:11-12
b. To Timothy – 2 Timothy 3:14-17
2. The saving value of the Word of God is for both young and old
a. The young can keep their ways pure by it – Psalms 119:9
b. Elders were commended to the Word for their salvation – Acts 20:32
d. Lack of knowledge concerning God’s Word destroyed Israel – Hosea 4:6
e. But when received with meekness into our hearts, the Word of God has the power to save – James 1:21
II. IT IS GOD’S POWER TO COMFORT
A. THROUGH THE HOPE IT GIVES
1. Paul wrote of the hope provided by the OT scriptures – Romans 15:4
2. The OT provides assurance of our hope in Christ, because it illustrates how God always keeps His promises
3. How much more so the NT, providing hope by revealing the grace to be shown when Christ comes again! – cf. 1 Peter 1:13
B. THROUGH THE PEACE IT GIVES
1. Especially as it reveals the means and source of true peace – Philippians 4:6-9
2. With such inner peace, nothing causes one to stumble – Psalms 119:165, 92-93
3. “In all my perplexities and distresses, the Bible has never failed to give me light and strength.” – Robert E. Lee
C. THROUGH THE HAPPINESS IT GIVES
1. Blessedness through the stability and nourishment it provides – Psalms 1:1-3
2. Note that this comes to the one engaged in daily Bible reading
Conclusion
1. To fulfill our need for God, we need the Bible
a. For God has spoken through prophets and His Son – cf. Hebrews 1:1-2
b. He has made His Word accessible to every nation and tongue – Romans 10:17-18
2. With the aid of the Bible, we can experience God’s power in our lives
a. As we learn the way of salvation, and accept it with an obedient faith
b. As we walk in the way of salvation, and receive the hope, peace, and happiness God gives
c. Great men have spoken of the value of the Bible:
– “Within the covers of this one single book, the Bible, are all the answers to all the problems we face today. If only we would read it and believe.” – Ronald Reagan
– “I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to man. All the good from the Savior of the world is communicated to us through this book.” – Abraham Lincoln
– “The Bible is worth more than all other books which have ever been printed.” – Patrick Henry
3. Is that our attitude toward the Bible?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Hebrews 05:08-09 Obeying The Truth Brings Salvation – audio
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Text: Hebrews 5:8-9
Introduction
- The source of man’s eternal salvation is Jesus Christ (Hebrews 5:8-9). Since God showered His love upon us, by giving us a perfect substitute sacrifice, for ours sins (John 3:16).
- God has provided the means by which man can be saved – grace (Ephesians 2:4-5).
- But man must be willing to obey Jesus for their eternal salvation (Matthew 7:21).
- Man must continue to abide with Christ, or obey Him, to retain eternal salvation (John 8:31-32).
- Don’t be deceived by Satan, you can lose your salvation by departing from the faith (Hebrews 3:12-14; 1 Timothy 1:18-20; 1 Timothy 4:1-2).
- There is a false doctrine rooted in Calvinism, called “Perseverance Of The Saints”, that erroneously asserts the impossibility of apostasy (falling away); the unconditional security of the believer in Jesus Christ. Also called once saved always saved. Therefore, let us make sure we are abiding in the doctrine of Christ that we might have fellowship with the Father and the Son (2 John 9-11).
Eternal Salvation is Made Available to All by God’s Grace
- It is through God’s love and mercy that He has prepared a way through Jesus that all sinners might avoid the wages of sin (death) and be saved (John 1:17). This favor bestowed upon us without merit on our part is God’s wonderful grace (1 John 3:1).
- In Titus 2:11-14, the Bible emphatically teaches the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to everybody. However, this does not mean that every soul will be saved, but that humanity has the opportunity to access the benefits of God’s grace through His divine plan of redemption [by faith] (Romans 5:1-2; Ephesians 2:8-9).
- Before one can access the blessings of God’s grace, one must be first taught of God through His Word (John 6:45). God’s grace is not dispensed apart from instruction (teaching) and obedience of His Word (taught religion). Once this is done, it produces faith (Romans 10:17).
Eternal Salvation is Conditional, Based on Faithfulness
- • To obtain and retain eternal salvation, to be saved, you must have faith in God, and faith in God will require you to obey the works of obedience which God has commanded (James 2:17-24). If you do not do these things you will not be saved which is condition of your salvation (Mark 16:16).
- We are admonished repeatedly to overcome all things that we might obtain the crown of life that the Lord will give us (1 Timothy 6:12; Revelation 2:10; Revelation 3:21-22).
- In 2 Peter 1:5-11 it is clear Christians must add these virtues to their faith to be fruitful (we access God’s grace through faith) and to diligently make your calling and election sure.
- If an individual disciple of Christ stops being faithful to God, they have departed from the faith (1 Timothy 4:1). They need to repent of the sins that caused them to depart from the faith to be reconciled back to God (1 John 1:7-9; 1 John 2:1. Simon was baptized and then erred from the truth and was admonished to repent and pray to God for forgiveness (Acts 8:12-13; Acts 8:18-24).
HEAR BELIEVE REPENT CONFESS BAPTISM LIVE FAITHFULLY
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
Mark 16:15-16 Five Views of Salvation – powerpoint
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Mark-16-15-16-Five-Views-of-Salvation.pdf
Mark-16-15-16-Five-Views-of-Salvation.pptx
Text: Mark 16:15-16
Introduction
1. In Mark’s account of the Great Commission, Jesus’ words are clear and simple
a. He wanted the gospel proclaimed to everyone – Mark 16:15
b. These who believe and are baptized will be saved – Mark 16:16
c. Those who do not believe will be condemned
2. Even so, there are at least five diverse views regarding salvation:
a. One view takes Jesus’ words at face value
b. Four other views can be summarized by slightly altering the words of Jesus
Body
I. HE WHO BELIEVES AND IS BAPTIZED WILL NOT BE SAVED
A. THIS VIEW HELD BY TWO SEPARATE GROUPS
1. Atheists who do not believe in God, heaven or hell, or salvation of any kind
2. All who do not believe in Jesus:
a. Most Jews, Muslims, Hindus, etc. – who believe in God (or gods)
b. But who do not believe that salvation is to be found in Jesus
B. THIS VIEW CONTRADICTS THE BIBLE
1. There is a God who offers salvation (contrary to the views of atheists) – 1 Timothy 2:3-4
2. Salvation does come through Jesus, and through Him only – 1 Timothy 2:5-6; John 14:6
C. I doubt any present (at the time this was presented) actually hold to this view, but many people do, and this begins to illustrate how some are willing to deny the plain statement of Jesus.
II. HE WHO DOES NOT BELIEVE AND IS NOT BAPTIZED WILL BE SAVED
A. THIS VIEW HELD BY UNIVERSALISTS
1. Who believe that God will save everyone eventually
2. To support their view, they will isolate some verses like 1 Timothy 2:6
B. THIS VIEW CONTRADICTS THE BIBLE
1. Jesus Himself told that there would be few who would be saved – Matthew 7:13-14
2. Paul warned of those who would not be saved, but face the wrath of God – Ephesians 5:5-6
C. Most Bible-believing, professing Christians would not accept the two views covered thus far
III. HE WHO DOES NOT BELIEVE AND IS BAPTIZED WILL BE SAVED
A. THIS VIEW HELD BY MOST WHO PRACTICE INFANT BAPTISM
1. By “baptizing” (actually sprinkling, not immersing) infants incapable of faith
a. They (esp. Catholics) indicate that faith is not essential to salvation
b. Some (esp. Lutherans) try to get around this by saying that God imparts saving faith to the infant so baptism can still save
2. By sprinkling or pouring instead of immersion, they also indicate Jesus did not mean what He said
B. THIS VIEW CONTRADICTS THE BIBLE
1. Faith is a necessary prerequisite
a. For baptism – Acts 8:35-37
b. For salvation – Romans 10:9-10
2. Sprinkling or pouring is NOT Bible baptism
a. The Greek word used in the Bible is “baptizo”, and it means “to immerse”
b. This is why baptism is described in the Bible as a “burial” – Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12
c. Sprinkling or pouring was substituted in the place of baptism (immersion) hundreds of years after Christ and His apostles
d. By keeping the “tradition of men” by sprinkling or pouring, we fail to keep the command of God” concerning baptism and Jesus’ condemnation of displacing God’s commands with traditions of men – Matthew 15:3-9
3. Baptizing infants is without scriptural precedent
a. There are no commands or examples of infant baptism
b. Since the prerequisites of faith (Mark 16:16; Acts 8:37) and repentance (Acts 2:38; Acts 17:30) are beyond the infant’s capability, they are not suitable candidates for baptism
4. Most who hold to the view of sprinkling infants are honest and sincere. Even so, they are just as guilty of teaching a view of salvation different from Jesus as are atheists, many Jews, Muslims, Hindus, and universalists.
IV. HE WHO BELIEVES AND IS NOT BAPTIZED WILL BE SAVED
A. THIS VIEW HELD BY THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN FAITH ONLY
1. That one is saved before baptism, that baptism is not essential to salvation
2. A view is held for all practical purposes by most evangelical denominations
B. THIS VIEW CONTRADICTS THE BIBLE
1. For faith “alone” cannot save
a. As declared by Jesus – Matthew 7:21; Luke 6:46
b. As taught by His apostles – Romans 6:17-18; Hebrews 5:9; James 2:14; James 2:17; James 2:20; James 2:24; James 2:26; 1 Peter 1:22
2. For baptism is essential to salvation
a. According to Jesus – John 3:5; Mark 16:16; Matthew 28:18-20
b. According to His apostles – Acts 2:38; 22:16; Colossians 2:12-13; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 3:21
C. Most who hold this view are sincere, and would not knowingly twisting the words of Jesus. I think of such people as Paul thought of his brethren in the flesh – Romans 10:1-3
V. HE WHO BELIEVES AND IS BAPTIZED WILL BE SAVED
A. THIS VIEW TAKES JESUS’ WORDS AT FACE VALUE
1. No explanations are necessary
2. Jesus says what He means, and means what He says
B. THIS VIEW IS CLEARLY WHAT THE BIBLE TEACHES
1. That one must “believe” – Acts 8:36-37
2. That one must be “baptized” to enjoy the forgiveness of sins – Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16
Conclusion
1. Which one of the five views of salvation do you hold to…?
a. He who believes and is baptized “will not” be saved?
b. He who “does not believe” and “is not baptized” will be saved?
c. He who “does not believe” and “is baptized” will be saved?
d. He who believes and “is not baptized” will be saved?
e. He who believes and is baptized will be saved?
f. It should be clear there is only view which is in harmony with Jesus’ words
2. Just as important, with which of these views is your life consistent…?
a. One may profess the fifth view
1) But act as though they believed the second view
2) How? By never confessing faith in Christ and being baptized!
b. One may profess the fifth view
1) But act as though they believed the third view
2) How? For though they may have been “baptized”, they are not living the life of faith required of one in Jesus!
c. One may profess the fifth view
1) But act as though they believed the fourth view
2) How? For while believing in Jesus, they have never submitted to being baptized!
3. Only those who come to Jesus in faith and act in harmony with His teachings can have the assurance of salvation. The words of Jesus and His apostles are clear:
“And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” – Mark 16:15-16
“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.'” – Acts 2:38
“And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” – Acts 22:16
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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