Rain and God's Mercy

There is a portion of a verse that is often quoted using it to describe that God causes misfortune for the just as well as the unjust. God "sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust."

When put in context, this portion of scripture means quite the opposite. It is actually saying that God is merciful to both the just and the unjust and Jesus wants us to be merciful as well.

"Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." - Matthew 5:43-48 KJV

There are many verses in the Bible that speak of rain being a blessing. Here are just a few verses that speak of rain as a blessing:

"The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow." - Deuteronomy 28:12 KJV

"Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month." - Joel 2:23 KJV 

"Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness." - Acts 14:17 KJV

(Also: Hebrews 6:7, 1 Kings 8:35-36/ 2 Chronicles 6:26-27, James 5:7)

Church!

As we see the day of the Lord's return approaching, the Bible tells us to to be faithful to assemble ourselves together for church. 

Church is not only a time of receiving exhorting from the preaching, but it is also a time to encourage one another to keep the faith and to do the work of the Lord.

"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." - Hebrews 10:25 KJV

Our Covenant

We enter into a blood covenant with Jesus when we are baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins. The Bible compares this covenant with the covenant of circumcision, which is also a blood covenant. (At least one drop of blood must be shed at circumcision.)

"In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead." - Colossians 2:11-12 KJV

We cut off the sins of our flesh when we repent and are baptized in the name of Jesus.

"Then Peter said unto them, 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 KJV

While a Jewish child is given his name at circumcision, we are given the name of Jesus at baptism. (Luke 1:59, Luke 2:21, Acts 15:17, James 2:7).

If a Jewish male was not circumcised, he was cut off from his people. (Genesis 17:14).

Without baptism in the name of Jesus we are cut off from the people of God. (Mark 16:16).

*Chart from Search for Truth Bible Study

By His Spirit

When we have turned from sin by repentance, have had our sins washed away by baptism in the name of Jesus, and have received the gift of His Spirit, we have access to the ways of God that we did not have before. (Acts 2:38, Romans 8:14) 

By His Spirit, we can feel love for the unlovable, strength in temptation, forgiveness for the unforgiveable, patience in turmoil, wisdom and direction in the midst of confusion, and joy and peace no matter what the situation. The key is to stay full of His Spirit. (Romans 8:9)

"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." - John 15:5

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." - Galatians 5:22-23

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." - Philippians 4:13

"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy." - James 3:17 KJV

"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:7

"And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost." - Acts 13:52

We Become the Temple of God

We become the Temple of God

Just as Jesus referred to His body being a temple (John 2:19-22), when we have the name of Jesus called on us by baptism and we are filled with His Spirit, OUR body BECOMES the temple of God.

Just as God placed His name on the temple in Jerusalem (1 Kings 8:29), placed His name on the temple of Jesus’ body (Matthew 1:21, John 5:43), He also places His name on us as the temple of God when we are baptized.

"Then Peter said unto them, 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 

"That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things." - Acts 15:17 

"Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? [Aren’t they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear?"] - James 2:7 

Just as God’s Spirit dwelt within the temple in Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 5:14), God’s Spirit dwelt in the temple of Jesus’ body (John 1:1, 14, John 3:34, Colossians 1:19, Colossians 2:9), God’s Spirit also dwells in us as the temple of God.

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." - 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 

"And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people." - 2 Corinthians 6:16 

"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 

Just as the temple in Jerusalem was a place of sacrifice (2 Chronicles 7:12), Jesus’ body was a place of (was the) sacrifice (Ephesians 5:2, Hebrews 9:26), and our body as the temple of God is a place of sacrifice.

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.¹" - Romans 12:1   

The Kingdom - Ambassadors for Christ

The Kingdom

Now that we have been reconciled to Jesus and have entered His kingdom by being born of water and of the Spirit (John 3:5, Acts 2:38), He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 

"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation." - 2 Corinthians 5:19

The word of reconciliation is the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 6:1-4, Acts 2:38) Jesus was made flesh to dwell among us and to die for our sins. He was buried, but on the third day He rose again. We obey His Gospel by dying to our old life of sin by repentance, by being buried with Him in water baptism in His name Jesus, and by receiving His Spirit to walk in a new life in Christ. 

"Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." - 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 

God made peace with man by the blood of His cross. He has paid the price of our sin, so we can come back into His favor and have communion with Him by His Spirit. 

"And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven." - Colossians 1:20 

"And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;" - Colossians 1:21-23 

"Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:" - Colossians 1:13-15 

Be a Prayer Warrior

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." - Ephesians 6:12

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak." - Ephesians 6:18-20 

"But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost," - Jude 1:20 

"Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest." - Luke 10:2 

"Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." - Luke 21:36

"And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness." - Acts 4:31

"Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God." - Romans 8:26-27

Trials and Tests

 

Trials and testing develops our patience. It also gives us experience, and through this wisdom. If God didn’t love us, as He does love us, I don’t believe He would bother perfecting us through trials and testing. We are His children. We have covenanted with Him to turn our back on the world and live for Him. He has washed away our sins when we were baptized in His name Jesus. And He has filled us with the most precious gift on earth, His Holy Ghost. Yes, Jesus loves us! (Acts 2:38-39)

Through our faith in the power of the blood of  Jesus to take away our sins, faith in the power of His name that applies His blood to our life by baptism, and faith in the resurrecting power of His Spirit that gives us new life, we are brought into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand. We have great joy, looking forward to the hope of His glory! (Romans 5:2 NLT)

"And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." - Romans 5:3-5 KJV

["We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love." - Romans 5:3-5 NLT]

"Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:" - Colossians 1:26-28 KJV

And this is the mystery – when we have received the gift of His Holy Ghost, Christ lives in us. This gives us assurance of sharing His glory. And by the preaching of His word, along with tests and trials, we can be presented perfected in Christ.

Church! Why go?

Why should I go to church?

1. I should go to church to hear the gospel. (1Corinthians 15:1-4).

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" - Romans 10:13-15 (1Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 6:1-4, Acts 2:38).

2. I should go to church to obey the gospel.

"Then Peter said unto them, 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. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation." - Acts 2:38-40 

3. I should go to church to praise, worship, and give thanks to the One true God, His name is Jesus.

"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name." - Psalm 100:4

4. I should go to church to grow in knowledge of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting [equipping] of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:" - Ephesians 4:11-12  (1 Peter 2:2, 2 Peter 3:18).

5. I should go to church to learn how I put on the whole armour of God so that I can stand against the tricks of the devil. (Ephesians 6:10-18).

6. I should go to church to fellowship with the people of God.

"And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." - Acts 2:42 (Hebrews 10:24-25).

The Kingdom

The Kingdom

When Adam sinned in the garden, the communion he had with God was broken. (Isaiah 59:2).

"And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?" - Genesis 3:8-9 KJV

God loved us from the beginning of time. It has been His desire to restore the communion He originally had with man. (2 Peter 3:9 – ‘repent’ to ‘return’ to God, Isaiah 59:16, Isaiah 53). 

Because of His love, God robed (manifested) Himself in flesh and paid the price of shedding His blood for our sin. (Leviticus 17:11, Hebrews 9:22).  

"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them...." - 2 Corinthians 5:19 KJV

"But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done [the Law], but according to his mercy he saved us [by His death, burial, and resurrection], by the washing of regeneration [water baptism in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins], and renewing of the Holy Ghost [Holy Ghost baptism];" - Titus 3:4-5 KJV 

Because God Himself stepped into humanity to pay the price of our sins, our sins are able to be taken away, for only God is holy. When we repent of our sins and are baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins, we are able to receive God's Spirit in us. Communion is then restored as at the beginning. (Acts 20:28, Acts 2:38).

This is how we can now enter the kingdom of God – because of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus we can now have our sins remitted by water baptism in the name of Jesus and we can now be filled with His Spirit, the Holy Ghost. (John 3:5, Acts 2:38). By our new birth, the kingdom of God is within us. (Luke 17:20-21, Romans 14:17).

Because of His love for the world, Jesus taught us to pray, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10, 2Peter 3:9).

Give Thanks

There is a psalm that gives thanks for the LORD'S goodness to Israel. The psalm has twenty-six verses, all of the verses ending with, “for his mercy endureth for ever.”

The psalm begins with,

"O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." - Psalm 136:1 KJV

When we think of where the Lord brought us from, and all that He has brought us through, we can truly give thanks to Jesus, for He is good, for His mercy endureth forever.

Old Things are Passed Away - Part 2

    Old things are passed away – Part 2

We have repented, been baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission (forgiveness) of our sins, and have received the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)

One of the deeds of our old sinful nature is unforgiveness. We need to let unforgiveness pass away.

2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV - Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

God has not only forgiven us of our sins, He has forgotten them. 

Hebrews 10:16-17 KJV - This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

Because we have obeyed the gospel (Acts 2:38), all the sins we have committed and repented of have passed away. They were washed away, buried in water baptism in the name of Jesus. We have a fresh start, walking in newness of life.

Jesus has forgiven and forgot; we need to do the same. We need to let those old things pass away.

When we feel we cannot forgive, Jesus supplies the forgiveness we need for others by His Spirit, the Holy Ghost within us. 

Colossians 3:12-13 KJV - Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

Old Things are Passed Away - Part 1

 Old Things Are Passed Away – Part 1

We have repented of our sins, been baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of our sins, and have received the gift of the Holy Ghost with the sign of speaking in other tongues as the Spirit of God gave us the utterance. (Acts 2:38, Acts 2:4)

2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV - Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Our old nature became dead, and all the sins that we repented of were buried when we were baptized in the name of Jesus. When we received the gift of the Holy Ghost, we were resurrected to live a new life in Christ.

Romans 6:3-4 KJV - Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Our old nature, the “old man” with his sinful deeds, has passed away. God has wiped the slate clean of our past sins. He has forgotten them.

Romans 8:1 KJV - There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Now we must walk daily in the “new man,” the new nature that Jesus has given us when He filled us with His Spirit.

Colossians 3:9-10 KJV - Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him [be renewed as you learn to know Jesus and become like him]:

Ephesians 4:22-23 KJV - That ye put off concerning the former conversation [former behavior] the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind [let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes];

Ephesians 4:24 KJV - And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Is it important to believe that Jesus is the Father manifest in flesh?

 

Is it important to believe that Jesus is the Father revealed in flesh?

Jesus said, “for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins."

Yes, it is important to believe that Jesus is the Father ("I AM") revealed in flesh. (John 14:6-11, John 8:58).

This is what the Bible says:

The Pharisees said to Jesus,

"Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also." - John 8:19 KJV

"I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins." - John 8:24 KJV

In the verse above, “for if ye believe not that I am he” the “he” is italicized. This means that the translators added the word in because they thought it made a better translation. The verse is actually saying, “for if ye believe not that I am, ye shall die in your sins.” 

One translation says, “I AM” (all capital letters). Another translation has a notation, “Most authorities associate this with Ex 3:14, I AM WHO I AM.”

Exodus 3:14 is:

"And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you." - Exodus 3:14 KJV

Thus, Jesus is telling the Pharisees that He is the Father, known to Moses and the children of Israel as “I AM,” and if they don't believe this, they shall die in their sins.

Happy Father's Day!!

 

What do I need to do to be saved?

 What do I need to do to be saved?

If you truly love Jesus, you are going to want to do what pleases Him.

Jesus suffered and died on a cross for us to be saved. He was buried, and on the third day rose to life again. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). This is the Gospel. The first step is to believe the Gospel.

Jesus is our Heavenly Father manifest in flesh. He is the Creator of the universe, that became the Savior of the world. Because Jesus was born without sin, He was able to pay the price of death for our sins. (1 Timothy 3:16, Matthew 1:23, John 4:42, John 8:24/Exodus 3:14). 

If we love Jesus, we will repent of our sins, and turn to Him with all of our heart and soul. Repentance is being sorrowful for and asking Jesus to forgive us for the bad things we have done in our life. Repentance is a commitment to turn our back on sin and to put Jesus first.

Being baptized by immersion in water with the name of Jesus called upon us is a lifelong covenant and commitment. In baptism, we are given the name of Jesus. Through His name 

all our sins are washed away by the blood He shed for us. We have turned our back on sin, and have chosen Jesus. Like a marriage, we become part of the Bride of Christ. With our commitment, Jesus promises to give us the gift of His Holy Spirit. (Romans 11:27, Ephesians 5:25-27 the word=the gospel).

"Then Peter said unto them, 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. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:38-39 

"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:4

When we have been baptized in water in the name of Jesus and filled with His Spirit, we have been born again and are part of the Kingdom of God. (John 3:5, Romans 8:9, Acts 1:8, Galatians 5:16). We have a clean slate and the power of God within us to live a holy life. This is how we are saved. To stay saved, we remain faithful to Jesus, full of the Holy Ghost. Heb. 10:25.

My Eyes

The Eyes

M?We are impacted by the things we see. Images and scenes can become ingrained in our minds, even from childhood, lasting a lifetime.

Some of the things we see are a part of our daily life experience - home life, school, work, and social interaction.

Yet some of the things we see that impact us are from what we call "entertainment." Some images, often with dramatic music, instill fear. Some are disturbing images; others are violent images.

Other images are sexual and lustful. Others are of immoral, abominable acts. Seeing such images can begin a programming process to cause moral values to decay. Images can gradually make the unacceptable to become acceptable "in our eyes" and in our minds.

As a child of God, we need to be led by His Spirit as to what we look at. We are the temple of God. We must be careful what we see. We must guard our eyes so that we do not let evil enter into our minds and heart. We must not allow the world to program us with its immoral values. And, we must protect the eyes of our children.

"I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes…" - Psalm 101:3 KJV

Image of the Invisible God

 

One God

There is one God. He is the Everlasting Father. He is a Spirit.

He robed (manifested) Himself in flesh, born of a woman, to become a substitute for our sins. He came to dwell among His creation in His name of salvation, JESUS. 

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." - Acts 4:12 KJV

"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." - Matthew 1:21 KJV 

"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them;" - 2 Corinthians 5:19 KJV

Jesus came to pay the price for our sins so we could be filled with His Spirit. 

He told His disciples, 

"I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." - John 14:18 KJV

On the Day of Pentecost, Jesus kept His promise.

"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:4 KJV

Peter preached that day how Jesus came to save us. He then preached HOW we are saved.

"Then Peter said unto them, 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. 

“For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:38-39 KJV

"And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 

“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 

“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers 

“…And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." - Acts 2:40-42, 47 KJV

Pentecost/Shavuot

Pentecost is our word for the Hebrew word “Shavuot.” Because we go by the Roman calendar (solar calendar), we celebrated Pentecost earlier this year. According to the Hebrew calendar (lunisolar calendar), Pentecost starts tonight. 

It is celebrated by Jews as a two day holiday, this year on June 11-13. It begins at sunset Tuesday June 11, and ends at nightfall Thursday June 13. It comes after 49 days of “counting of the Omer” (sheaf) after Passover. This amounts to 7 weeks. (Leviticus 23:15-16) Thus, Pentecost (Shavuot) is called the “Festival of Weeks.” (Deuteronomy 16:16) The word “Pentecost” means “fiftieth day,” because it is the 50th day after Passover. "Shavuot" means "weeks." 

After God brought the people of Israel out of Egypt, it took seven weeks to reach the mountain where God had spoken to Moses from the burning bush. God had told Moses he would return with the people to this same mountain, which was Mount Sinai. 

The Israelites left Egypt on the first day of Passover, and on the day of Pentecost (Shavuot) they assembled at the foot of Mount Sinai (Horeb) and received from God His commandments.

"Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb. ... And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain." - Exodus 3:1, 12 

It was God’s timing that He would pour out His Spirit on the day of Pentecost (Shavuot), the same day when years earlier He gave His Law on Mount Sinai. This was a fulfillment of prophecy of Jeremiah. Through His Holy Ghost, God’s Law would now be written on our hearts. Through His new covenant - baptism in Jesus name for the remission of sins - our sin and iniquity is forgiven and remembered no more.

"Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: 

“But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. 

“And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more." - Jeremiah 31:31-34 

Peter preached this message of God’s new covenant on the day of Pentecost.

"Then Peter said unto them, 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. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:38-39

That Rock was Christ

Upon This Rock I Will Build My Church

The Bible says that the Rock in the wilderness was Christ.

"And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ." - 1 Corinthians 10:4 

The Bible records that Moses smote this Rock on two different occasions. Each time he smote the Rock, water flowed out, supplying life sustaining water to the thirsty Israelites. 

The first time appears to be a type and shadow  of water baptism in Jesus name; 

When God told Moses to smite the Rock, He told him to smite the Rock with the rod that turned the Nile river to blood. (Exodus 7:20,17:5-6).

Thus, there was the remembrance of blood when the water flowed out.

Blood and water flowed from Jesus the Rock for water baptism:

"But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water." - John 19:34 

When we are water baptized in the name of Jesus, there is the remembrance of blood that He shed for us for the remission of sins. (Matthew 26:28, Acts 2:38).

The second time Moses smote the Rock, appears to be a type and shadow of baptism of the Holy Ghost speaking in tongues.

Jesus told the woman at the well, "...Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." - John 4:10, 14

"In the last day, that great day of the feast, [when water out of the rock in the wilderness was remembered] Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)" - John 7:37-39 

God told Moses to SPEAK to the Rock for water to flow out. (Numbers 20:8).

When we receive the Holy Ghost we must speak and believe God for His sanctifying Spirit. (Mark 16:16, Romans 15:16).

"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:4 

Moses did not speak and believe God the second time when the Rock gave forth His water. Instead he struck the rick twice with his rod.

"And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them." - Numbers 20:12 

Thus, when Jesus said, “Upon this rock I will build my church,” He was speaking of building His church upon Himself, the smitten rock out of which would flow water and the Spirit. (John 3:5). The gospel. (Acts 2:38).

The gates of hell cannot withstand it!

Church!

 

Jesus Commands His Disciples

 

Therefore

"And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. 

“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." - 2 Corinthians 6:16-18, 2 Corinthians 7:1 KJV

The Gospel

The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 

"For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:" - 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 KJV

Apostle Peter on the day of Pentecost declared this gospel.

When asked, "What shall we do?" Peter preached how to obey the gospel.

"Then Peter said unto them, 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 KJV

How do we obey Christ's death, burial, and resurrection?

Repentance is death to sin, water baptism in the name of Jesus is burial of old nature, Holy Ghost infilling is resurrection to new life.

"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?  

"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." - Romans 6:1-4 KJV

The Holy Ghost (the Spirit) is the glory of the Father. Christ was raised up from the dead by the Spirit (the glory of the Father.)

"But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you." - Romans 8:11 KJV)

When we receive the Holy Ghost (Spirit) we not only walk in new life; we also are given the gift of eternal life.

Life and Death

When the Bible speaks of life and death there are times when it is speaking of natural life and death, and times when it is speaking of spiritual life and death.

When Adam and Eve disobeyed God's commandment in the Garden of Eden, both physical death and spiritual death came upon them. While they did not immediately physically die, they no longer had eternal life. (Genesis 5:5). They did, however, immediately die a spiritual death. 

"Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:" - Romans 5:12 KJV

Spiritual death is separation from God. 

"But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face [mercy] from you, that he will not hear." - Isaiah 59:2 KJV

Sin brings spiritual death and separation from God.

"But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust [evil desires], and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin [evil desires give birth to sinful actions]: and sin, when it is finished [allowed to grow], bringeth forth death. " - James 1:14-15 KJV

Our Heavenly Father, out of His love for His creation, chose to robe Himself in flesh so that HE could suffer and die FOR US to bring PEACE and reconciliation between us and Him.

"And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself... 

"And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: [This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions.] 

"If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;" - Colossians 1:20-23 KJV

The gospel –

"Then Peter said unto them, 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 KJV

To be continued…

From the Old Man to the New Man

 

I AM

 "Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. 

“Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? 

“Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I AM. 

“Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by." - John 8:56-59 

When Jesus said, "Before Abraham was, I AM, He was referring to Exodus 3:14:

"And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and He said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you."

The Jews took up stones to cast at Jesus because He was saying He is God.

Jesus told them earlier in John 8:24 - "I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins."

We see here that to be saved we must repent of our sins, be baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of our sins, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, believing that Jesus is God, the only One without sin that could pay the price of our sins.

Church!

Church!

The House of God is more than just a place where the Gospel is preached and obeyed. (1Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 6:1-7, Acts 2:38) It is more than a place of preaching and instruction. (Ephesians 4:11-12, Romans 10:14-16) It is a place of praising the name of Jesus in spiritual songs with thankful hearts, rejoicing in the Lord and the power of His might. (Hebrews 13:15, Colossians 3:16, Philippians 4:4, Psalm 32:11, Zephaniah 3:14)

When King David brought the ark of the Lord into the city of David, he danced before the Lord. He and all the house of Israel brought the ark up with shouting and the sound of the trumpet.

"And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings. And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet." - 2 Samuel 6:13-15 KJV

"Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing." - Psalm 107:21-22 KJV

Time for Church!

In Everything

Philippians 4:6-7 KJV - "Be careful [to be anxious; to be troubled with cares] for [about] nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

We have many cares and concerns that we face each day. It is not the will of God for us to be troubled, anxious, irritated, angry, depressed, discouraged, or down about anything. He wants us to pray about everything, having faith that He can fix anything that we face. 

It is God's will that we walk in joy and peace, trusting He is going to answer our prayers.

Every problem that we face, Jesus can help us through it, giving us the words to say, what to do, and giving us favor with those we need to face.

Every burden that we carry, Jesus can lift it. Jesus brings salvation, deliverance, peace, and healing. He is not only the Mighty God that can move mountains, He is also our Savior that took our place on a cross, because He loves us that much.

With our requests we give Him thanksgiving: thanking Him for the prayers He has already answered in our life and in our loved ones lives, but also thanking Him in advance for what we are requesting, to make sure He gets the praise and the glory, lest we forget to give Him thanks after He has answered our prayers!

When we go to Jesus, we can have peace that the problem is being taken care of.

"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:7