Brandon Renfroe wrote this article that appeared in the January 2013 edition of The Gospel Gleaner. That paper is published by Gospel Gleaner Publications in Killen, Alabama. Andrew D. Erwin is the editor.
According to multiple studies, it takes 10,000 hours to become an "expert" in any field; whether in athletics, chess, music or a wide range of other activities. Most of these professionals spend several hours every day honing their skills. In fact, to reach such levels of proficiency is believed to require some five hours of focused practice every day.
How this shames most of us who profess to be Bible students! Many church members neglect the Scriptures altogether, or else do a little "light reading" before bedtime. How unlike the psalmist, who meditated upon the word of God, "during the night watches" (Psalm 63:6).
Before we can reach others with the saving message of the gospel, we must know its content ourselves. There are various modes of study and review that have proven successful over the years; we will highlight one. It is a simple method to be certain, but one that serious students have found beneficial. By the effective use of note cards, a lengthy or complex subject can often be reduced to its key components. This facilitates memorization, as well as providing for conciseness and clarity in our responses. As N.B. Hardeman was fond of saying, "If I couldn't write on a postal card enough to make my position clear on a subject, I'd quit."
The first card we will add to our toolbox is one that deals with a very basic Bible subject; conversion and specifically, that of Saul of Tarsus. Much confusion abounds in the denominational community concerning the salvation of this former persecutor of the church of God. It is commonly believed for example, that Saul was saved immediately on the Damascus road. The popular song, "I Saw the Light" reinforces this misconception.
A careful study of two of the instances wherein Saul's conversion is detailed (Acts 9 and 22) will demonstrate more than "faith alone" was involved and specifically, that baptism was positively enjoined.
Acts 9:6
Observes that the resurrected Lord appeared to Saul. When the persecutor inquired, "What will You have me to do?" the Savior informed him that he was to go into the city, where he would be told what he must do. Note that the instructions given to the Pharisee were not to be optional-it would be a divine imperative.
Acts 9:9
We are not left to wonder what Saul's course of action was. He was, "not disobedient to the heavenly vision" (Acts 26:19) complying explicitly with the Lord's initial command. In the meantime, for three days the now-blind Saul fasted. He certainly was in a sober, reflective and contrite mood.
Acts 9:11
Critical to our study is Acts 9:11. Ananias, the gospel preacher, was informed where he would find Saul. Further, he was even told what Saul was doing: "Behold, he prayeth." If ever there was a candidate for salvation through the so-called "sinner's prayer," surely it was Saul! For three days he abstained from food, giving himself completely over to prayer.
Acts 22:16
In Acts 9, we read of Saul's conversion from Luke's pen, as it occurred in "real time." In Acts 22 and 26, Saul (now Paul) the apostle, recounts it from his own perspective. From the words of Ananias, the preacher, it is obvious that Saul's prayers had not saved him. "Arise, and be baptized," he was told, "and wash away thy sins" (Acts 22:16). This refutes the notion that Saul was saved on the road to Damascus. As Marshall Keeble explained, A man is not saved and then baptized. A woman doesn't wash clothes because they're already clean...she washes the clothes because they're dirty. Man is baptized because he's dirty and needs to be cleaned."
And remember: Jesus informed Saul that he would be told what he "must" do (Acts 9:6). But Saul was told to be baptized. Thus, baptism is not an expedient that might be neglected with impunity. It is absolutely essential for sinful man's salvation.
By committing these four simple references to memory, one can more effectively instruct gospel prospects. In teaching those with, "honest and good hearts" (Luke 8:15) the, "way of the Lord more accurately" (Acts 18:26), a harvest of souls will follow.
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