Author: Bryan Gibson

Weekly Bulletin
January 30, 2022

Three Answers to One Question
by Robert F. Turner (Plain Talk, February 1964)
Could one question be given three differing answers, and all answers be correct? Seems unlikely, doesn't it? Yet this is the case in the New Testament book of Acts when the question, “What must I do?” (to be saved) is asked.
The expressed answer given to the Philippian jailer was “Believe!” (see Acts 16:25-34 for full account). Some insist this expressed reply is complete, and hence salvation is by faith only. However, a consideration of the expressed replies given this question on other occasions will show the fallacy of such reasoning.
When some of the Pentecost multitude asked, “What shall we do?” they were told, “Repent, and be baptized” (See Acts 2:36-38 for details).
And when Saul asked what to do he was directed to Ananias, who told him to “Arise, and be, baptized” (see Acts 9:1-18; 22:6-16 for the record).
If only the expressed reply is to be considered we would have to conclude that the jailer was saved by faith alone, and that those on Pentecost were saved by repentance and baptism (i.e., without any faith), and that Saul was saved by baptism alone, without either faith or repentance. Of course, none of these conclusions are valid.
A fair study of the context shows that the same elements, and all three of these elements, were present in each of the cases examined. One must have faith in Christ to be saved, but faith not strong enough to cause one to obey the Lord's commands is a “dead” faith (James 2:24-26).
Why Did The Answers Differ?
Simple, it’s because the questions were asked by people in different circumstances. A man in Burnet may ask, “How far is it to San Antonio?" and be told, “100 miles.” In Marble Falls this question would get a different answer. And in Blanco, the same question would get a third, and different answer. Yet all would be part of one great truth.
There is no indication the Philippian jailer had either knowledge or faith in the Christ; so he was told to believe, and then “they spoke unto him the word of the Lord” (Acts 16:32). He repented, as indicated by washing their stripes, and he was baptized, as stated in Acts 16:33. Thus he truly believed (see Acts 16:34—“having believed in God with all his household”).
But those on Pentecost heard the preaching of Christ before they asked their question. The preaching “pricked” their hearts—they believed. They knew the one whom they crucified was both Lord and Christ (see Acts 2:36). They were then told to “repent and be baptized” (Acts 2:38).
And Saul (later called Paul) had already believed, and had spent three days penitently praying, when he was told, “Arise and be baptized, and wash away thy sins” (Acts 22:16).
Where Are You??
Your status or condition before God must be considered in answering your question, “What must I do?” The Lord will save “all who will obey” (Hebrews 5:9) and has given one gospel to all (Galatians 1:8; Romans 2:11) Have you proven your faith by full and complete obedience to His will?

Contact Information
	P.O. Box 680872 / Prattville, AL 36067
	(334) 365-5887 / (334) 868-0801
	prattmont@gmail.com / prattmontchurchofchrist.org

Phone Numbers

E-Mail Address
Web Address
We

Mailing Address

The Prattmont Church of Christ is just what the name suggests, a church that belongs to Christ. We are not a denomination; we are simply a group of Christians trying very hard to practice the teachings of our Head, Jesus Christ. The New Testament offers a complete pattern for what each local church should be like—its organization, its worship, its work, etc. We are committed to following that pattern. We cordially invite you to attend our services. We would also welcome any comments or questions about this bulletin.

TIMES OF SERVICES:
Sunday
Bible Classes………...9 A.M.
Worship 10:00 A.M.
Worship/Bible Study..5 P.M.
Wednesday:
Bible Study 7:00 P.M.