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NEW REFUGE DELIVERANCE CATHEDRAL, INC
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ALL ARE WELCOME TO WORSHIP AT
Ephesians 4:16 speak of the need for Christians to grow and mature. Paul compares the church with the human body. In a body, the development of the individual parts and the growth of the body as a whole are intertwined. For example, as the legs work to carry the body where it needs to go, the legs themselves are strengthened; thereby they are enable to serve the body to an even greater degree. So it is with each of the body's members.
It is the same in the church - we are to grow and mature in Christ, and the best way to do it is to serve the other members of His body. God has placed us in His body and has gifted us to serve and to edify each other. As we use the gifts that have been given us, we build up the body of Christ and will find ourselves built up in His likeness in the process.
NEW REFUGE DELIVERANCE CATHEDRAL IS A MULTI-RACIAL, MULTI-CULTURAL, BIBLE BASED, TEACHING CHURCH LOCATED IN HISTORIC MOUNT VERNON
We come together on Sunday mornings at 11:00 a.m. to worship God and to give thanks for the abundance in our lives, for hope in our hearts and for the grace that God has extended to us through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
We come together to celebrate a community of faith and how good it feels to simply belong. Within the structure of regular worship, we find the courage to look within ourselves, to see new options for our lives, to wonder about risks we might take in the name and power of Christ.
We gather around the table to receive the gifts of bread and wine on the third Sunday of every month and also on other occasions of worship. This is where we find what we need to be the Body of Christ for the world. This is where we find healing and unity of spirit so that we can be a healing community for others.
New Refuge is a congregation unafraid of transformation. We come to worship, not to be entertained, but to be changed. We sing, share our joys and concerns, pray, receive the word of God through scripture and preaching, reflect and go away from the worship hour transformed in small and large ways. We are varied in our backgrounds and theological training. The differences are a delight and a challenge we welcome.
The fellowship that follows our worship is warm. We invite you to come and join us as we listen for God's word.
It is the same in the church - we are to grow and mature in Christ, and the best way to do it is to serve the other members of His body. God has placed us in His body and has gifted us to serve and to edify each other. As we use the gifts that have been given us, we build up the body of Christ and will find ourselves built up in His likeness in the process.
We come together to celebrate a community of faith and how good it feels to simply belong. Within the structure of regular worship, we find the courage to look within ourselves, to see new options for our lives, to wonder about risks we might take in the name and power of Christ.
We gather around the table to receive the gifts of bread and wine on the third Sunday of every month and also on other occasions of worship. This is where we find what we need to be the Body of Christ for the world. This is where we find healing and unity of spirit so that we can be a healing community for others.
New Refuge is a congregation unafraid of transformation. We come to worship, not to be entertained, but to be changed. We sing, share our joys and concerns, pray, receive the word of God through scripture and preaching, reflect and go away from the worship hour transformed in small and large ways. We are varied in our backgrounds and theological training. The differences are a delight and a challenge we welcome.
The fellowship that follows our worship is warm. We invite you to come and join us as we listen for God's word.
1st Sunday 2nd Sunday
3rd Sunday
4th Sunday
=
+Archbishop’s Sunday
Laity Sunday/Kingdom Building Sunday
Communion Sunday
Christian Youth Ministry Sunday
Her Eminence, Archbishop Naomi C. DuRant, Senior Pastor, Founder, & Presiding Prelate
Reverend Andrew Meredith, CO-Pastor
ARCHBISHOP'S STAFF
THE DEACON BOARD
Deacon Alease Alexander
Minister Leroy Alexander
Deacon Bennie Ashby
CO-Archdeacon Clarence Ashby
Deacon Christine Barbour
Minister Angela Bethea
Deacon Marvin Campbell
Deacon Alonzo Cureton
Deacon Nancy Cureton
Adjuvant Deacon Hubert Davis
Deacon Cecilia Dickey
Minister Earline DuRant-Meredith (Chairlady)
Adjuvant Deacon Thomas Foster
Deacon Rathena Gilliam
Deacon Jennette Gregory
Deacon Edward Johnson
Archdeacon Carolyn Marshall
Deacon Gwendolyn McKnight
Subdeacon Mary Murray
Deacon Betty Parker
Deacon Victoria Taylor
Deacon Dorothy Taylor
THE ELDER BOARD
Elder Lucille Benton
Lay Pastor Claretta Coates
Elder Foster Hamilton
Lay Pastor Deborah Harris
Reverend Mother Jeanette Lewis
Elder Shirley Lowery
Reverend Andrew Meredith - CO-Pastor
Elder Marsha Thompkins
LAY MINISTERS
Lay Minister Tiara Barbour
Lay Minister Robin Carter
Lay Minister Ruby Hamilton
Lay Minister Marsha Jolly
Lay Minister Tresa Meredith-Campbell
Lay Minister Valarie Myers
Lay Minister Bernice Proctor
Lay Minister Savern Wilson
ADDITIONAL STAFF
Sister Lillian Brown (Church Secretary)
Sister Birta Bryant (President of the Nurses Unit & N.C. DuRant Choir)
Sister Jackie Clawson (President of the Laity/Youth and Young Adult Ministry Event Coordinator)
Nurse Ruth Davenport (Archbishop Adjuvant & Personal Nurse)
Brother Eunice “Pete” Fowlkes (President of the Trustee Board)
Sister Deborah Garland (Health Care Ministry Leader)
Sister Lizz Green (Pres. of the Altar Guild & Educational Consultant)
Layminister Ruby Hamilton (Assistant Director of the Angelic Voices)
Sister Emma Jefferson (Mother’s Helper & Sacristan)
Layminister Marsha Jolly (Altar Dresser)
Layminiser Valarie Myers (Director of the Angelic Voices)
Sister Jurelyn Robinson (Church Secretary)
Sister Rosalyn Scott (Chief of Security)
Brother Ronnie Shell (Vice President of the Men's Ministry)
Sister Michelle Watkins (President of the Usher’s Board)
Sister Maxine Woods (Pres. of the Bishop’s Auxiliary & Church Clerk)
Mother Mildred Williams (President of the Mother’s Board)
Minister Leroy Alexander
Deacon Bennie Ashby
CO-Archdeacon Clarence Ashby
Deacon Christine Barbour
Minister Angela Bethea
Deacon Marvin Campbell
Deacon Alonzo Cureton
Deacon Nancy Cureton
Adjuvant Deacon Hubert Davis
Deacon Cecilia Dickey
Minister Earline DuRant-Meredith (Chairlady)
Adjuvant Deacon Thomas Foster
Deacon Rathena Gilliam
Deacon Jennette Gregory
Deacon Edward Johnson
Archdeacon Carolyn Marshall
Deacon Gwendolyn McKnight
Subdeacon Mary Murray
Deacon Betty Parker
Deacon Victoria Taylor
Deacon Dorothy Taylor
THE ELDER BOARD
Elder Lucille Benton
Lay Minister Tiara Barbour
Sister Lillian Brown (Church Secretary)
Lay Pastor Claretta Coates
Elder Foster Hamilton
Lay Pastor Deborah Harris
Reverend Mother Jeanette Lewis
Elder Shirley Lowery
Reverend Andrew Meredith - CO-Pastor
Elder Marsha Thompkins
LAY MINISTERS
Lay Minister Robin Carter
Lay Minister Ruby Hamilton
Lay Minister Marsha Jolly
Lay Minister Tresa Meredith-Campbell
Lay Minister Valarie Myers
Lay Minister Bernice Proctor
Lay Minister Savern Wilson
ADDITIONAL STAFF
Sister Birta Bryant (President of the Nurses Unit & N.C. DuRant Choir)
Sister Jackie Clawson (President of the Laity/Youth and Young Adult Ministry Event Coordinator)
Nurse Ruth Davenport (Archbishop Adjuvant & Personal Nurse)
Brother Eunice “Pete” Fowlkes (President of the Trustee Board)
Sister Deborah Garland (Health Care Ministry Leader)
Sister Lizz Green (Pres. of the Altar Guild & Educational Consultant)
Layminister Ruby Hamilton (Assistant Director of the Angelic Voices)
Sister Emma Jefferson (Mother’s Helper & Sacristan)
Layminister Marsha Jolly (Altar Dresser)
Layminiser Valarie Myers (Director of the Angelic Voices)
Sister Jurelyn Robinson (Church Secretary)
Sister Rosalyn Scott (Chief of Security)
Brother Ronnie Shell (Vice President of the Men's Ministry)
Sister Michelle Watkins (President of the Usher’s Board)
Sister Maxine Woods (Pres. of the Bishop’s Auxiliary & Church Clerk)
Mother Mildred Williams (President of the Mother’s Board)
IMPORTANT BULLETINS & INFORMATION
download 2008 40 Day Fast Booklet
download Divine Protection 2008 Adobe PDF file
download 2008 Daily Scripture Readings Adobe PDF file
download SACRAMENTS OF THE CHURCH Adobe PDF file
download QUALIFICATIONS FOR ELDERS AND DEACONSAdobe PDF file
download TWENTY-SEVEN TEACHINGSAdobe PDF file
download NINE MINISTERIAL GRACESAdobe PDF file
OUR DECLARATION OF FAITH
1. GOD There is one God, who exists eternally in three distinct but equal persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit
2. THE BIBLE God has revealed himself in the Bible, which consists of the Old and New Testaments alone. Every word was inspired by God through human authors, so that the Bible as originally given is in its entirety the Word of God, without error and fully reliable in fact and doctrine.
The Bible alone speaks with final authority and is always sufficient for all matters of belief and practice.3. THE HUMAN RACE
All men and women, being created in the image of God, have inherent and equal dignity and worth. Their greatest purpose is to obey, worship and love God. As a result of fall of our first parents, every aspect of human nature has been corrupted and all men and women are without spiritual life, guilty sinners and hostile to God. Every person is therefore under the just condemnation of God and needs to be born again, forgiven and reconciled to God in order to know and please Him.4. THE LORD JESUS CHRIST
The Lord Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin, and lived a sinless life in obedience tothe Father. He taught with authority and all His words are true. On the cross He died in the place of sinners, bearing God's punishment for their sins, redeeming them by His blood. He rose from the dead and in His resurrection body ascended into heaven where He is exalted as Lord of all. He intercedes for His people in the presence of the Father. 5. SALVATION
Salvation is entirely a work of God's grace and cannot be earned or deserved. It has been accomplished by the Lord Jesus Christ and is offered to all in the gospel. God in His love forgives sinners whom He calls, granting them repentance and faith. All who believe in Christ are justified by faith alone, adopted into the family of God and receive eternal life.6. THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit has been sent from heaven to glorify Christ and to apply His work of salvation. He convicts sinners, imparts spiritual life and gives a true understanding of the Scriptures. He indwells all believers, bring assurance of salvation and produces increasing likeness to Christ. He builds up the Church and empowers its members for worship, service and mission.7. THE CHURCH
The universal Church is the body of which Christ is the head and to which all who are saved belong. It is made visible in local churches, which are congregations of believers who are committed to each other for the worship of God, the preaching of the Word, the administering of Baptism and the Lord's Supper, for pastoral care and discipline, and evangelism. The unity of the body of Christ is expressed within and between churches by mutual love, care and encouragement. True fellowship between churches exists only where they are faithful to the gospel.8. BAPTISM AND THE LORD'S SUPPER
Baptism and the Lord's Supper have been given to the churches by Christ as visible signs of the gospel. Baptism is a symbol of union with Christ and entry into His Church but does not impart spiritual life. The Lord's Supper is a commmemoration of Christ's sacrifice offered for all.9. THE FUTURE
The Lord Jesus Christ will return to glory. He will raise the dead and judge the world in righteousness. The wicked will be sent to eternal punishment and the righteous will be welcomed into a life of eternal joy in fellowship with God.
1. GOD There is one God, who exists eternally in three distinct but equal persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit
2. THE BIBLE God has revealed himself in the Bible, which consists of the Old and New Testaments alone. Every word was inspired by God through human authors, so that the Bible as originally given is in its entirety the Word of God, without error and fully reliable in fact and doctrine.
The Bible alone speaks with final authority and is always sufficient for all matters of belief and practice.3. THE HUMAN RACE
All men and women, being created in the image of God, have inherent and equal dignity and worth. Their greatest purpose is to obey, worship and love God. As a result of fall of our first parents, every aspect of human nature has been corrupted and all men and women are without spiritual life, guilty sinners and hostile to God. Every person is therefore under the just condemnation of God and needs to be born again, forgiven and reconciled to God in order to know and please Him.4. THE LORD JESUS CHRIST
The Lord Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin, and lived a sinless life in obedience tothe Father. He taught with authority and all His words are true. On the cross He died in the place of sinners, bearing God's punishment for their sins, redeeming them by His blood. He rose from the dead and in His resurrection body ascended into heaven where He is exalted as Lord of all. He intercedes for His people in the presence of the Father. 5. SALVATION
Salvation is entirely a work of God's grace and cannot be earned or deserved. It has been accomplished by the Lord Jesus Christ and is offered to all in the gospel. God in His love forgives sinners whom He calls, granting them repentance and faith. All who believe in Christ are justified by faith alone, adopted into the family of God and receive eternal life.6. THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit has been sent from heaven to glorify Christ and to apply His work of salvation. He convicts sinners, imparts spiritual life and gives a true understanding of the Scriptures. He indwells all believers, bring assurance of salvation and produces increasing likeness to Christ. He builds up the Church and empowers its members for worship, service and mission.7. THE CHURCH
The universal Church is the body of which Christ is the head and to which all who are saved belong. It is made visible in local churches, which are congregations of believers who are committed to each other for the worship of God, the preaching of the Word, the administering of Baptism and the Lord's Supper, for pastoral care and discipline, and evangelism. The unity of the body of Christ is expressed within and between churches by mutual love, care and encouragement. True fellowship between churches exists only where they are faithful to the gospel.8. BAPTISM AND THE LORD'S SUPPER
Baptism and the Lord's Supper have been given to the churches by Christ as visible signs of the gospel. Baptism is a symbol of union with Christ and entry into His Church but does not impart spiritual life. The Lord's Supper is a commmemoration of Christ's sacrifice offered for all.9. THE FUTURE
The Lord Jesus Christ will return to glory. He will raise the dead and judge the world in righteousness. The wicked will be sent to eternal punishment and the righteous will be welcomed into a life of eternal joy in fellowship with God.
The Bible alone speaks with final authority and is always sufficient for all matters of belief and practice.
HISTORY OF NEW REFUGE
1st Location: 921 N. Whitelock Street
In April 1967, Naomi Cecilia DuRant was ordained and installed as pastor of the church located at 921 N. Whitelock Street. The Ordaining Presbytery included the late Reverend Irene Montgomery, Bishop Rebecca Williamson of Asbury Park, NJ, Bishop Leroy McRae, Bishop James Jacks, and Dr. Olin P. Moyd, who delivered the ordination message. And this was the birth of Refuge Deliverance Holiness Church, Inc., along with eight faithful members. A few months passed and the congregation began to grow.
2nd Location: Aisquith & Lanvale
Through God, the Pastor envisioned relocating to Aisquith and Lanvale Streets, where many souls were touched, filled with the Holy Spirit, and were added to the church. But God still was not finished. As the Bishop and church began to settle in this location, yet another vision came. This one was a test to see if her people were true followers and believers. The challenge was to raise money for another location. Usually the number three signifies three strikes and you’re out; third down and long (trouble); or third period (finale or end). But as believers in Christ, we know that three signifies power, the beginning and life.
3rd Location: 200 South Broadway
At this new location, the church grew, tremendously. Choirs began to form; musicians flocked there to play. Everything fell into place. Souls were being saved, people were baptized and the Holy Eucharist, along with the other Holy Sacraments, was being observed. At this time, Bishop was becoming the person, as we know her today. Her dependency on God’s wisdom and knowledge was evident.
When God’s will is being done, the devil gets on the move also. On Thanksgiving morning, 1972, Refuge was burned out. But somehow, God made a way. For the next two weeks, a Lutheran Church, a block away, opened its doors to Refuge for worship. These were trying types. Dr. Lorenzo Graves, the last pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church, then opened his church’s Church school facilities to Bishop DuRant and her people, for worship.
>4th Location: 1200 North Aisquith Street
Three months later, again, God provided another place of worship. Bishop DuRant and the people of Refuge moved to its fourth location. There was something a little different about this location. This was yet another test. The previous congregation had suffered due to the decline of its surrounding neighborhood. So God sent Bishop DuRant there to bring His Word. This was an opportunity to be a beacon in a new community. During Bishop DuRant’s stay at this location, she grew to like the area and became settling. Because of her obedience and willingness to sacrifice, God blessed her with five churches to preside over. They were variously located in Baltimore, Washington, DC, and Delaware.
5th Location: 2045 East Monument Street
Listening to the voice of God which spoke to her and said “Naomi, this is not your home. Move on”. She acknowledged and gathered her faithful ones and moved again. You may or may not have noticed it, but with each move, came a test. This time God showed the Bishop how to build and how to take a shell of a building and turn it into a beautiful blessed place of worship. The congregation continually grew and even more souls were added to the church.
6th Location: 300 South Patterson Park
After having move many times, the Bishop still felt in her spirit that this was not the final move. Once again, that same familiar voice said to her, “seven, seven times, you must move.” Bishop wondered where she would move next! The Lord led her to the sixth location, which needed someone to anoint that area with the Word. There, she decided to move for the sixth time. It was here that she thought would be her final move. Everything had fallen into place, so she thought. Everyone had everything they hoped for. Her late pastor, Mother Irene Montgomery, united her church with Refuge. At this location, Bishop DuRant was in a comfort zone. When God saw this, He sent a prophet to remind her that the circle was not yet complete. There was one more move to be made. When Bishop let the people know about the seventh move, the devil began to work again. This time the spirit of rebellion and distrust broke out among the people. But God told the Bishop that he was a greater importance than the disobedience of the people. He is God and God alone shall provide. He said, “Go and I will go with you. Hold your peace and when the dust settles, you shall have victory.”
7th Location: 1100 St. Paul Street
Out of obedience to God’s Word, the seventh and final move was made. And there was something even more special about this move. God moved her into the heart of the city. He wanted the church to be the heart and soul of the city. Time and time again she had proved her obedience and faithfulness to Him.
In 1994, the Lord blessed her with title and settlement for the property. It was here that God looked upon the Bishop and said, “You no longer are a “Holiness” church, and you are now a Cathedral.” Thus, we are known as the New Refuge Deliverance Cathedral, Inc.
In October 1995, God then blessed the Bishop with a new title, given only to His true and faithful servants. Bishop Naomi Cecelia DuRant became +Archbishop Naomi Cecilia DuRant.
Now, let us enter into His house with Thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. The +Archbishop, CO-Pastor and Holy Order welcomes all of God’s people into His house as we thank Him for the wondrous things He has done. Amen!
1st Location: 921 N. Whitelock Street
In April 1967, Naomi Cecilia DuRant was ordained and installed as pastor of the church located at 921 N. Whitelock Street. The Ordaining Presbytery included the late Reverend Irene Montgomery, Bishop Rebecca Williamson of Asbury Park, NJ, Bishop Leroy McRae, Bishop James Jacks, and Dr. Olin P. Moyd, who delivered the ordination message. And this was the birth of Refuge Deliverance Holiness Church, Inc., along with eight faithful members. A few months passed and the congregation began to grow.
2nd Location: Aisquith & Lanvale
Through God, the Pastor envisioned relocating to Aisquith and Lanvale Streets, where many souls were touched, filled with the Holy Spirit, and were added to the church. But God still was not finished. As the Bishop and church began to settle in this location, yet another vision came. This one was a test to see if her people were true followers and believers. The challenge was to raise money for another location. Usually the number three signifies three strikes and you’re out; third down and long (trouble); or third period (finale or end). But as believers in Christ, we know that three signifies power, the beginning and life.
3rd Location: 200 South Broadway
At this new location, the church grew, tremendously. Choirs began to form; musicians flocked there to play. Everything fell into place. Souls were being saved, people were baptized and the Holy Eucharist, along with the other Holy Sacraments, was being observed. At this time, Bishop was becoming the person, as we know her today. Her dependency on God’s wisdom and knowledge was evident.
When God’s will is being done, the devil gets on the move also. On Thanksgiving morning, 1972, Refuge was burned out. But somehow, God made a way. For the next two weeks, a Lutheran Church, a block away, opened its doors to Refuge for worship. These were trying types. Dr. Lorenzo Graves, the last pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church, then opened his church’s Church school facilities to Bishop DuRant and her people, for worship.
>4th Location: 1200 North Aisquith Street
Three months later, again, God provided another place of worship. Bishop DuRant and the people of Refuge moved to its fourth location. There was something a little different about this location. This was yet another test. The previous congregation had suffered due to the decline of its surrounding neighborhood. So God sent Bishop DuRant there to bring His Word. This was an opportunity to be a beacon in a new community. During Bishop DuRant’s stay at this location, she grew to like the area and became settling. Because of her obedience and willingness to sacrifice, God blessed her with five churches to preside over. They were variously located in Baltimore, Washington, DC, and Delaware.
5th Location: 2045 East Monument Street
Listening to the voice of God which spoke to her and said “Naomi, this is not your home. Move on”. She acknowledged and gathered her faithful ones and moved again. You may or may not have noticed it, but with each move, came a test. This time God showed the Bishop how to build and how to take a shell of a building and turn it into a beautiful blessed place of worship. The congregation continually grew and even more souls were added to the church.
6th Location: 300 South Patterson Park
After having move many times, the Bishop still felt in her spirit that this was not the final move. Once again, that same familiar voice said to her, “seven, seven times, you must move.” Bishop wondered where she would move next! The Lord led her to the sixth location, which needed someone to anoint that area with the Word. There, she decided to move for the sixth time. It was here that she thought would be her final move. Everything had fallen into place, so she thought. Everyone had everything they hoped for. Her late pastor, Mother Irene Montgomery, united her church with Refuge. At this location, Bishop DuRant was in a comfort zone. When God saw this, He sent a prophet to remind her that the circle was not yet complete. There was one more move to be made. When Bishop let the people know about the seventh move, the devil began to work again. This time the spirit of rebellion and distrust broke out among the people. But God told the Bishop that he was a greater importance than the disobedience of the people. He is God and God alone shall provide. He said, “Go and I will go with you. Hold your peace and when the dust settles, you shall have victory.”
7th Location: 1100 St. Paul Street
Out of obedience to God’s Word, the seventh and final move was made. And there was something even more special about this move. God moved her into the heart of the city. He wanted the church to be the heart and soul of the city. Time and time again she had proved her obedience and faithfulness to Him.
In 1994, the Lord blessed her with title and settlement for the property. It was here that God looked upon the Bishop and said, “You no longer are a “Holiness” church, and you are now a Cathedral.” Thus, we are known as the New Refuge Deliverance Cathedral, Inc. In October 1995, God then blessed the Bishop with a new title, given only to His true and faithful servants. Bishop Naomi Cecelia DuRant became +Archbishop Naomi Cecilia DuRant.
Now, let us enter into His house with Thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. The +Archbishop, CO-Pastor and Holy Order welcomes all of God’s people into His house as we thank Him for the wondrous things He has done. Amen!
What Must I Do To Be Saved?
Question Analyzed
Jailer's Question Answered
Answered On Pentecost
It must be agreed by all those who believe the Bible that the world's greatest question is, "What must I do to be saved?" or "What shall I do, Lord?" or "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" (Acts 22:10; 2:37; 9:6.) This question has to do with the soul of man and eternal destiny. The soul of one man in one side of the balances would outweigh the whole world in the other side! Jesus said, "What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matt. 16:26.) The soul is the skyscraper to stand through the eternal ages, while the body is no more than the scaffolding and ladders round about, and very temporary in nature. Once the soul is lost eternally, it will be too late to do anything about our great question.
But let us analyze our question and show that it is exceedingly simple. First of all there are two parts to the question. "What must I do" refers to the sinner's part, and "to be saved" refers to God's part of the plan. In other words the sinner must believe and put his faith into obedience in order to be saved of God, and on God's terms. But let us further analyze the question. "What" - of all things possible to be done, just what must one do to be saved? "What must" - it is not what may one do. Jesus said, "It shall be told thee what thou must do." (Acts 9:6.) Again, it is "What must I" - it is not what must God, Christ, or the Holy Spirit do. All heaven has already moved and done its part, and it is our move next. It is "What must I do?" It is not how must I feel or what must I imagine, or what must be done to me, but "What must I do?" it is not what must I do to blot out my own sins apart from God but what must I do "to be saved."
When the jailer asked "What must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:30), he knew little or nothing about Christ and had no faith in Him. However, the earthquake of the occasion and the miracle in evidence confirmed the fact that Paul and Silas were servants of God. In answer to his question they began at the very first and said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." This was a sort of blanket proposition meaning that he would have to obey Christ and trust in Him for salvation. They then preached Christ unto him so he could believe, for faith comes by hearing the word. (Acts 16:32; Romans 10:17.) He evidently believed and repented for he took them and tried to undo the harm done, and washed their stripes. He also was baptized the same hour of the night - at midnight. (Acts 16:25, 33.) He was then saved by Christ who had said in the commission, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." He rejoiced after his baptism. He did not "hit the saw dust trail" to have his sins prayed away at an altar. He also was saved by obedient faith and not by faith only. (Heb. 5:9.)
When many asked our great question on Pentecost saying, "What shall we do?" (Acts 2:37), unlike the jailer, they had just heard about Christ and been called upon to believe in Him as "Lord and Christ" (Acts 2:37.) They had been pricked in their hearts by the truth which they had heard pointing out their guilt in the murder of Christ. (Acts 2:37.) Since they were already believers, but had not put their faith into obedience, they were simply told what to do by faith in order to be saved. The apostle said, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38.) They were to do this "for the remission of sins" for which Christ had shed his blood. (Matt. 26:28.) When the service was over, there were no seekers turned away with the explanation that they should keep on seeking in prayer until they should find. But the record says, "They then that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." (Acts 2:41.) The last verse says, "And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." (Acts 2:47.) In no case were any said to be saved who had not heard the gospel and obeyed it. Furthermore, the Lord added all of them to the same church, the church of Christ which he had said he would build. (Matt. 16:18; Acts 2:47; Eph. 1:22, 23; 5:23; 2:16; 4:4.) They were simply Christians and wore no human religious name. (Acts 11:26; 1 Pet. 4:16; James 2:7.) They subscribed to no human creed and were members of no denominational church. They were united in the one body as Christ had prayed that they should be. (John 17:20, 21; Eph. 4:3.)
