The day begins at 10 am with morning worship (please note special time) and youth events will begin immediately following the worship service. The theme for the day is “Thankful For Forgiveness In Christ,” and will feature a special Sunday morning lesson from Luke Anderson, our youth director.

At 11 am, following morning worship, the fun begins! Class themes include:

~ What Is Sin?
~ What Are The Consequences Of Sin?
~ Who Is Christ?

All classes are adjusted to the age of the student, from Cradle Roll to high school. A class will be offered for adults as well; to introduce ourselves, tell a little about us, and describe our exciting goals and plans for the future.

Along with classes, we’ll have games, crafts, Bible school songs, lunch, snacks, and a humorous skit. Lunch will be served at noon to our honored guests and our members.

This is an excellent opportunity for our community to get to know us! All are welcome to come meet us, participate in our worship, and enjoy lunch with us after morning service. If you have never visited the churches of Christ before and would like to know more about us, please call us at 706-454-2008 and leave your contact information. Your call will be returned if you specify, or you may leave your address and we will send you a brochure about our church. We hope to see you there!

The Lake Oconee church of Christ is presenting a three-week series directed toward our area young people.

On Sunday, October 11, Coach Felix Curry of Greater Atlanta Christian School brought a marvelous lesson on “Competing In A Worldly Arena With A Godly Focus.” If you missed it, then here’s another chance to participate in a wonderful lesson. Bailey Howell, NBA Hall Of Fame member and former Boston Celtic, Detroit Piston, Baltimore Bullet and Philadelphia 76er, will offer a lesson on the foundation of athletic success, keeping Godly priorities in perspective, and dealing with temptations.

Brother Howell’s college basketball career includes Player Of The Year, Southeastern Conference, 1957, 1958, 1959. He is currently an elder at the Starkville, TN church of Christ, and is past president of the board of directors, Sunnybrook Children’s Home of Madison, Mississippi. Brother Howell will speak on “doing the right thing in competition, keeping Godly priorities in perspective, and why we have rules in every area of our lives, just as on the court.” Brother Howell has three daughters and seven grandchildren.

Lunch for members and all guests will be served following morning worship. Please plan to stay and spend a little time with us!

Parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches: please encourage the young people in your life to come and meet this athlete, father, grandfather, and church leader; and hear his thoughts on how God fits into sportsmanship, competition, winning – and losing.

This is an excellent opportunity for our community to get to know us! All are welcome to come meet us, participate in our worship, and enjoy lunch at the building with us after morning services. If you have never visited the churches of Christ before and would like to know more about us, please call us at 706-454-2008 and leave your contact information. Your call will be returned if you specify, or you may leave your address and we will send you a brochure about our church.

October 25 – Special Youth Emphasis Day
Morning worship begins at 10 AM (please note special time). At 11 AM, following morning worship, the rest of the day is devoted to the youth! Our young people will enjoy special classes, games, activities, lunch and snacks til 3PM. Classes and a get-to-know-us session will be offered for adults.

For more information on YES, please visit our website: www.lakeoconeechurchofchrist.com, or call the church building at 706-454-2008.For more information on YES, please email us, or call the church building at 706-710-2263.

Compassion is defined as “to feel deeply or viscerally, to yearn, have compassion, pity” used in an absolute sense (Matt. 20:34; Mark 1:41; Luke 10:33; 15:20). Accordingly, the compassion of Jesus is the deep inner feelings that Jesus had for a group or for an individual. His compassion moved Him to do something for someone. It was not “I feel for you,” but He did something the person or crowd that was needed. In fact, the idea behind this word is “sacrifice.” 

In other words, Jesus sacrificed something for that person or even us. Notice the following examples:

When Jesus was near the Sea of Galilee, He went up into a mountain and taught the people for three days. The Lord saw the crowd and had compassion on them and told His disciples that He was going to feed them (Matthew 15:29-39). The Scriptures reveal that there were four thousand people and Jesus fed them all with “seven loaves and a few fish” (Matthew 15:34-36).  “They all ate as much as they wanted. Afterward, the disciples picked up seven large baskets of leftover food.” As Jesus was leaving Jericho, two blind men were sitting beside the road and they called for Jesus have to mercy on them and heal them. The people started scolding the blind men for making this request, but “the Lord Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him” (Matthew 20:29-34). 

In Luke 7:11-18, our Lord was in the city of Nain and there was a funeral taking place.  When Jesus saw the widow, He had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. He stepped forward and touched the coffin; at this the bearers halted, and he said, “Young man, I tell you, arise!” The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, exclaiming, “A great prophet has arisen in our midst,” and “God has visited his people.” It is clear that compassion moved Jesus to make a difference in this widow’s life. It was not just a saying with Jesus, “I feel your pain,” He actually felt the pain of other people and did something to ease that pain.

The inspired writer instructs Christians to “walk in the steps of Jesus” (1 Peter). To walk in the steps of Jesus means we will do what Jesus did for other people. If we are going to be Christ-like, we must have compassion that will move us to help people. 

What are some areas in which we should show compassion? We should have compassion for people who have physical needs:

Therefore do not be surprised, brothers and sisters, if the world hates you. We know that we have crossed over from death to life because we love our fellow Christians. The one who does not love remains in death.  Everyone who hates his fellow Christian  is a murderer,  and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing  in him.  We have come to know love by this: that Jesus  laid down  his life for us; thus we ought to lay down our lives for our fellow Christians.  But whoever has the world’s possessions  and sees his fellow Christian in need and shuts off his compassion against him, how can the love of God  reside in such a person? Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue but in deed and truth.  And by this we will know that we are of the truth and will convince  our conscience in his presence,  that if our conscience condemns us, that God is greater than our conscience and knows all things (1 John 3:13-20; B.W.).

 The question is clear: “how can a person say he loves a brother or sister in Christ and refuse or neglect to help with his/her needs?” Love and compassion go together.  If a person has compassion, then that person has love to person to help another person who is in need.  

 In 1 Peter 3:8, the inspired writer gave the Christian community a mandate to have compassion on one another, “Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous.” 

 There are five things the inspired writer commanded Christians to do:

~ Be of one mind. In other words, make sure you are united.
~ Having compassion one of another
~ Love as brethren
~ Be pitiful
~ Be courteous

All five of the above mandates seem to be something that would be common among Christians; yet, the writer is commanding these Christians to do what a non-Christian expects of God’s people.  It is evident from this passage that it takes effort to be a Christian.  It is also evident that acting like the person God wants does not comes automatically. A Christian has to stay aware of his/her behavior.  Being compassionate is something that we must evaluate on a daily basis because a hard cold heart can slip up on a person.

We have pointed out that conflicts will and do happen, now here is the concern: how do we deal with differences? Conflicts must be addressed in a way that will be productive.

One of the best ways to resolve differences is what Jesus said to do in Matthew five, “You have heard that it was said, “Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous” (Matthew 5:43-45). This point is hard to practice, but the results are positive. John S. Savage wrote that there are “three ways by which we can love our enemies:”

~ First, we must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. Such forgiveness doesn’t mean that we ignore the wrong committed against us. Rather, it means that we will no longer allow the wrong to be a barrier to the relationship. Forgiveness, according to King, “is a catalyst creating the atmosphere necessary for a fresh start and a new beginning.”
~ Second, we must recognize that the wrong we’ve suffered doesn’t entirely represent the other person’s identity. We need to acknowledge that our opponent, like each one of us, possesses both bad and good qualities. We must choose to find the good and focus on it.
~ Third, we must not seek to defeat or humiliate our opponent, but to win his or her friendship and understanding. Such an attitude flows not from ourselves, but from God as his unconditional love works through us.

As followers of Christ who seek to lead as He led, we must remember that the more freely we forgive, the more clearly we reveal the nature of our heavenly Father.

Another principle for solving differences is to discuss the issue that caused the problem. Most conflicts are never resolved because those involved in the problem will not stay with the issue. When one of the opponents is bringing up every kind of issue, then nothing can be solved. It is critical that one issue is addressed at a time and stay with it until a resolution has been met.

Kenneth C. Newberger made the following points:

~ The focus of the conversation changes from what should be done and what is the best solution, to a debate of who is right and who is wrong.
~ Frustration sets in because the attempt to achieve one’s goals is undermined by another.
~ Parties may become more cautious in dealing with each other.

The dispute can still be constructive if the parties make a greater effort to see the other person’s point of view.

On the other hand, if the matter is not resolved, the situation can easily deteriorate into destructive conflict. Another problem can arise when addressing difference is attacking the person instead of the problem that can cause the conflict to exacerbate. Notice the list that can cause the problem to get worse:

Name calling just adds fuel to the fire
Cursing
Bring up old issues
Throwing things and breaking items
Belittling the other person
Shouting at the other person

The best way to avoid serious conflicts is admit when you are wrong and apologize. Someone said we need to think twice before we speak. The older I get, the better that point sounds.

In our last lesson, we started with some thoughts to help overcome differences. We pointed out:

First step: Go to the person alone and tell him/her the fault.
Second step: If the person refuses to listen, and then take one or two witnesses.
Third step: If he/she refuses the second step, then take it to the church and tell the church what this person has done.

This author has found that when one goes to the person alone, usually the differences can and will be resolved.  What often happens instead is we go to other people instead of the person involved and things get really blown out of proportion.

Jesus also said, “Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer and you be thrown into prison.^26 Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny (Matthew 5:25, 26). Waiting too long to correct a wrong usually leads to more problems.  One author (unknown) said:

“Jesus tells us to first go to the person one-on-one. Second, go to the person quickly. Jesus counseled that, if someone is worshiping God and remembers that he or she has offended a friend, the appropriate response is to stop right there and go immediately to the offended individual. With those words Jesus made it clear that correct interpersonal relationships are more important than correct ritual.

Are we saying our worship is not important?  No! We are saying that before we can properly worship God, our relationship must be right with others; then we can worship God in the right attitude. John S. Savage is president of L.E.A.D. Consultants made the following comment that is worth our consideration:

Jesus is not asking us to do anything he hasn’t modeled for us. He gave up heaven to come down to earth, become a servant and die to repair our broken relationship with the Father. In Jesus Christ, God takes the initiative. When we come to see how important people are to God, we will value the community Christ’s death makes possible. We will value it enough to take the initiative in resolving relational breakdowns. Effective leaders don’t ignore conflict. They manage it by creating an environment in which people are enabled to work through relational friction on a one-on-one basis. Only after such efforts have failed are others allowed to enter the conflict, and then only for the purpose of bringing about reconciliation. Conflicts can’t be avoided, but they can be managed. And a wise leader will devote himself or herself to learning how to do just that.

 What value do we place on interpersonal relationships?  Are our relationships important enough to us to mend anything that is causing harm? Jesus is clear that conflicts can be resolved when the differences are addressed quickly.  The longer the wait to correct the problem the harder it is to correct it.   

Another problem that one must address when correcting differences is the ability to listen. Conflicts raise the emotions so high that reason is often left out of the correcting process. Most of the time there is an explanation, but most of us have our minds made up before we get to the person. It is possible for a person to be wrong and express sorrow for the wrong and we fail to hear the regret because our emotions are in control of the situation.  Brother admonish us to, “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” (James 1:19 (ESV).  When conflicts arise, this passage is often ignored.  

(Continued)

Some expect complete harmony among religious people. When an issue arises among religious people, some people will ask “how can this event happen?” It is evident from reading the Scriptures that religious differences have occurred more than we would like to acknowledge.  Notice some of the examples:

Cain and Abel (Genesis 4)
Abraham and Lot (Genesis 13:7-9)
Joseph and his brothers (Genesis 37:2-36)
Moses and his siblings (Numbers 12:1-12)
Some Israelites complaining against Moses and Aaron (Numbers 17:1-11) 
Acts 5 – instances of false pretense and lying (Ananias & Sapphira)
Acts 6 – Neglect of the Grecian Jews causes conflict – the choosing of the seven.
Acts 15 – Dispute between Paul and Barnabas
Galatians 2 – Racial prejudice and religious elitism bring about a dispute between Paul and Peter.
I Corinthians – conflicts over talents, personal loyalties – unrepentant sinfulness… (1 Corinthians 1:1-13; 3:1-5)
Philippians – the conflict between Euodia and Syntyche

 We could add more examples to the list, but these should suffice. Jesus and John the Baptist caused conflict when they preached against the things the Pharisees and Sadducees were doing and the abuses they were practicing (Matthew 14:1-15; Matthew 23).   Another point is that people do not like change especially when they become older. When a person changes something, others can get upset very quickly.  Change can be good or bad, it depends what the change is and what good it can do. 

 One of the problems that all of us have is we get molded in traditions. People in and out of the church can accept change in the Bible more easily than they can accept change in religious traditions (Matthew 15:1-20). Watch what happens when one change is made in the worship service. Change the material that is used in the classroom and watch the reaction of some people. Remember the reaction when someone suggested that we have a year-round public school system. Just ask different people what they think about the political system and we will find that some people support Democrats and some Republicans. Look at the differences among the nations; Iraq, Iran, China, North Korea and South Korea, etc.  Clearly there are differences everywhere.  The real chore for all of us is how do we live together with our differences?  Is it possible? What do we need to do to have some kind of harmony?

 Jesus was the Master of solving differences.  When we take His principles and apply them, we will find that harmony can exist.  Jesus said, “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. ^16 But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ ^17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector” (Matthew 18:15-18). From this passage, Jesus outlines the steps to take to resolve differences:

First step: Go to the person alone and tell him/her the fault.
Second step: If the person refuses to listen, then take one or two witnesses.
Third step. If he refuses the correct things on the second step, then take it to the church and tell the church what this person has done.

This author has found that when one goes to the person alone, usually the differences can and will be resolved.  What happens is we go to other people instead of the person involved and things get really blown out of proportion.

Jesus also said, “Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to
the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison.^26 Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny (Matthew 5:25, 26). Waiting too long to correct a wrong usually leads to more problems. 

 One author (unknown) said: “Jesus tells us to first go to the person one-on-one. Second, go to the person quickly. Jesus counseled that, if someone is worshiping God and remembers that he or she has offended a friend, the appropriate response is to stop right there and go immediately to the offended individual. With those words Jesus made it clear that correct interpersonal relationships are more important than correct ritual.”

(Continued)

It is evident that conflicts or differences will arise for time to time. This author does not know of anyone who really wants to live life in constant conflicts. There are some, however, that seem to create discord often if not daily because they do not know how to have a personal relationship with other people. There are other people who create quarrels because they just cannot admit that they are wrong. Pride gets in the way when just admitting wrong or saying the other person is right.

There is one thing for sure: differences will occur no matter who may be involved. People during the First Century disagreed with Jesus for several reasons, mostly because they were wrong and were not willing to admit it. Some people did not understand the teachings of Jesus and that caused conflicts.

One author (unknown to me) wrote some unreal expectations that Christians have of one another:

- We should like each other all the time and never dislike one another.
- We should always smile and be in a good mood.
- We should always be joyful and never sad.
- We should always be in agreement with each other and never disagree with one another – especially the leaders.
- We should always be on the mountain peak and never in the valley of the mountain, or we should always be up and never down.
- We should always count our assets (blessings) and never our liabilities (problems or conflicts).

When we have a realistic view of life and relationships, we will expect differences and be willing to resolve them. The truth is that differences will arise, but the real challenge is resolving those conflicts in a kind way. When most differences arise, a lot of bitterness will be created by name calling, back biting, and other hateful practices. What we want to do is work issues out and be willing to compromise when Biblical doctrine is not involved. There is no compromise where truth is involved. Let us consider some areas of disagreements and how we may prevent them.

First, conflicts can be avoided if people would mind their own business. The apostle Paul said, “And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you” (1Thessolians 4:11; emphasis B. W.). Some people delight in telling people how to do something and at the same time allow their own business go lacking. It is a full time job just to take care of one’s own business. This is not to say if a person ask for advice that we refuse to give it. Brother Paul wrote, “commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies” (2 Thessalonians 3:11, 12).

From this passage, we gather that there were some people in the First Century who were more involved attending to other people’s business instead of making sure their families’ needs were met. Again, it is a full time job just to take care of one’s own business. When people attend to other people’s business, it will cause conflicts; those conflicts can be inward or outward.

(Continued)

 Most people in Christendom believe that the Lord’s Supper is something that Christians should or must do. Here are some questions we need to address:

1. What is the purpose of communion (or the Lord’s Supper)?
2. What are the elements for the Lord’s Supper?
3. Who is to partake of the communion?
4. How often are Christians to observe communion?

There may be other questions as we explore this subject.

The Lord instituted the Supper just before He died on the cross: “And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom” (Matthew 26:26-29).

It is evident that Jesus gave a mandate to the disciples to observe this act so they would remember what He did for them and for us. Mark (Mark 14:22–24) and Luke (Luke 22:19, 20) wrote about the same command in their inspired accounts. The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians to correct their abuse of the Lord’s Supper in 1 Corinthians, chapter eleven: Now in giving these instructions I do not praise you, since you come together not for the better but for the worse. For first of all, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it. For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you. Therefore when you come together in one place, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper. For in eating, each one takes his own supper ahead of others; and one is hungry and another is drunk. What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I do not praise you. For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes (Emphasis BW).

Paul reminds the brethren of what the Lord expects when they were to observe the Lord’s Supper by taking them back to the original mandate (1 Corinthians 11:23-27). The inspired Word has some clear directions in this passage:

1. The Lord’s Supper is a command for Christians.
2. When Christians partake of the communion, they are to remember Jesus.
3. When the observance of the communion is taken, each Christian is making a proclamation.
4. The proclamation is about the Lord’s Death and His coming back again.
5. The communion is to be observed often.

What are the elements for the Lord’s Supper? In the Book of Matthew and the other Gospel writers, the text clearly reads that “fruit of the vine” and “bread” were used. Since the Lord’s Supper was instituted during the Passover, one must conclude that the bread was unleavened and it was for the disciples to remember the body of Jesus. The fruit of the vine is used to remember the blood of Jesus. Jesus shed His blood for the remission of sins, therefore, the disciples are to remember that Jesus’ blood was shed so we can be redeemed.

Sometimes someone will say that Jesus spilled His blood. When we “spill” things, it is an accident. When Jesus died on the cross, it was no accident; it was God’s eternal plan (Ephesians 3:9-14).

When we examine the New Testament we discover that the disciples of the First Century observed the Lord’s Supper on the first day of the week (Acts 2:41, 42; Acts 20:7). Since Christians look to the Scriptures for the commands and examples for what they are to do, we should follow the teachings of the New Testament to learn that observing the Lord’s Supper is done on the first day of the week. The Corinthian brethren were commanded to meet every first day of the week to give of their means, “Now about the collection for God’s people: Do what I told the Galatians churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made” (1 Corinthians 16:2).

Join us in October for our first Youth Emphasis Series. For three consecutive weeks, we will host guest speakers and offer special activities focused on our area’s young people. This is a great opportunity for our youth to meet some outstanding sports figures and hear their thoughts on how God fits into sportsmanship, competition, winning – and losing.

This is also an excellent opportunity for our community to get to know us! All are welcome to come meet us, participate in our worship, and enjoy lunch at the building with us after morning services. If you have never visited the churches of Christ before and would like to know more about us, please call us at 706-454-2008 and leave your contact information. Your call will be returned if you like, or you may leave your address and we will send you a brochure about our church.

October 11 – Guest Speaker Felix Curry, 11 AM 
Greater Atlanta Christian School varsity football coach, defensive coordinator, running back coach. Lunch for members and guests will be served following morning worship!

October 18 – Guest Speaker Bailey Howell, 11 AM
Former college and NBA basketball star, Bailey Howell will speak on the foundation of athletic success, keeping Godly priorities in perspective, and dealing with temptations. Lunch for members and guests will be served following morning worship!

October 25 – Special Youth Emphasis Day
Morning worship begins at 10 AM (please note special time). At 11 AM, the fun begins! Our young people will enjoy special classes, games, activities, lunch and snacks til 3PM.

For more information on YES, please visit our website www.lakeoconeechurchofchrist.com, or call the church building at 706-710-2263.

Lake Oconee Church of Christ is located at 4700 Carey Station Rd, Greensboro GA 30642. Our minister/evangelist is Bobby Wood.

Most everybody agrees that if a person is going to be saved that person must believe. Jesus said, “Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins” (John 8:24; NKJV). Jesus is clear concerning this requirement: believe or die in your sins.  The inspired writer of Hebrews related the same idea with the following words, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV).

Since we must have faith in Jesus Christ, how does one receive faith? Paul said, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). The apostle wrote, “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:30, 31). The inspired word of God produces faith and if a person fails or refuses to read and study the Scriptures, it will be impossible to obtain belief in Jesus Christ.  All we know about Jesus is found in the Scriptures.  Secular history refers to the Lord, but it takes the Holy Bible to reveal life, teachings, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. The Scriptures reveal why God sent His Son to redeem us from sins.

Now the question is, “Can a person be saved by faith only?  Let see what the Lord said about this point.  Jesus said, I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish … I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3, 5). Now what does it mean to repent?  The word repent is defined as “to change one’s mind as to change one’s behavior.”  It carries the meaning of sorrow.  Jesus gave the mandate to repent.  This action is required; if a person fails or refuses to repent, that person dies in his/her sins. Jesus said for a person to be saved he/she must do more than just believe. Do you believe?  Have you repented?  Jesus said that these two things are mandatory.

On the Day of Pentecost the Jews asked Peter, “Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” 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 2:37, 38). Baptism is connected with repentance in this passage.  If one is going to have their sins remitted, he/she must believe that Jesus is the Son of God, repent of his/her sins and be baptized for the remission of sins.