Dr. L. Keith Harper was Professor of Baptist Studies. Dr. Harper thanks the musicians and explains that he will be focusing on the doctrine of baptism presented in Matthew 3:13-17 (0:00-1:48). He then reads the verses in Matthew (1:49-2:35). He speaks about how the definition of baptism has greatly shaped the identity of Baptists, but it has also led to many controversies (2:36-3:34). Dr. Harper reveals that there are three elements of Scriptural baptism: Jesus as a consecrated candidate, the Jordan River as a perfect picture, and John the Baptist as an authorized administrator of baptism (3:35-5:16). Since Jesus was sinless, only the saved can experience baptism; baptism does not wash away sins (5:17-13:28; the audio here skips a little). The Jordan River provides a perfect picture for total immersion, which serves as a symbol for what Christ has done for us internally (13:29-20:32). Dr. Harper discusses how you can be a believer and not have scriptural baptism, and he conveys that baptism is a church ordinance not a Christian ordinance (20:33-26:40). He concludes with saying that it matters who is baptized and how they are baptized (26:41-30:20). No audio (30:21-30:25). Dr. Harper is thanked for his sermon (30:26-31:05). A word of prayer ends the service (31:06-32:36).
Sam Williams was Professor of Counseling. He begins is sermon by speaking about the doctrine of man, and he briefly talks about his childhood and family, specifically his brother Rick (00:00-08:32). Williams reads from 1 Corinthians 6:9-20, and his main topic is the theology of the body. His first point is the principle of redemption, and he says that the people of God need to be reminded that their bodies have been washed and sanctified (08:33-17:48). Williams second point is the principle of liberty, and he says that followers of Christ must discipline their bodies in their walk with God so that no earthly thing can master over them (17:49-22:29). Williams third point is the principle of resurrection, and he says that the body is created by God, redeemed by God, and its destiny is in the hands of God to be glorified, to be made for immortality (22:30-35:11). Williams final point is the principle of residency, and he says that the believer’s body is now God’s dwelling place through the Holy Spirit (35:12-43:41).