Jesus Christ Is All Man And All God.

As man He grew tired, hungry, thirsty, felt pain, prayed, and died.  

As God He fed the multitudes, cast out devils, healed the sick, raised the dead, answered prayers, and lives forever! 

"Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.  

“Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?  

“Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.  

“Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake." - John 14:8-11

Pressing Toward the Mark

Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

We gave been called by God to take up our cross and follow Him. 

Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

We have crucified our fleshly lusts (the “old man” with its sinful nature) by repentance, and are now following Jesus.  

Romans 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 

We not only have followed His death, but also His burial when we were baptized "in Jesus name”.

Romans 6:3-4a 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… 

We now walk in a new life as a "new man", a “new creature” in Christ.  

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

As Jesus rose from the dead on the third day, we also are risen by the infilling of his Spirit, the Holy Ghost. 

Colossians 2:12 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. 

Romans 6:4b …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.  

When we have obeyed the gospel by repenting of our sins, have been baptized in Jesus name for the remission of sins, and received the gift of the Holy Ghost, we must be faithful to assemble together at church to worship God and hear the preaching of the word. This is how, after we have been “born again” that we "grow up" unto perfection. 

Hebrews 10:25 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. 

Ephesians 4:11-12 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

By hearing the preaching and teaching of God’s word we may become “perfect” (a mature Christian), prepared and equipped for God to do His work through us. 

2Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.  

The word “sin” is defined as, “A failing to hit the mark” (Thayer's Greek Lexicon) 

We must not fail to hit the mark. We must watch and be sober so that satan, cannot cause us to stumble and fall in our walk with God. 

1Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:  

We have been called and chosen. Jesus called us to follow him. He chose us when He filled us with His Holy Ghost.  

Matthew 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.  

We are God’s chosen people. We are special to him. We belong to him. 

1Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

We have been called and chosen, now it is up to us to be faithful. Let us press on toward the mark, the end of our race, for the reward of God’s high calling, to be with the Lord in His glory forever. 

Revelation 17:14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.

 

 

 

He That Believeth And Is Baptized Shall Be Saved

"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." - Mark 16:15-16

When Jesus said, “He that believeth,” He was speaking of He who believes the GOSPEL.

The GOSPEL is how that Christ died for our sins, that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)  

We obey the gospel by repentance, water baptism in Jesus name for the remission of sins, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost with the speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance.  

Thus, He who believes THE GOSPEL and is BAPTIZED shall be saved. 

 

Peter preached the gospel 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  

When they received the gift of the Holy Ghost, they spoke in tongues.  

"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 Peter preached the gospel, the people responded. 

"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." - Acts 2:40-41  

"And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. ... Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." - Acts 2:42, 47

 

 

 

"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;" - Acts 3:19

Isaiah prophesied of this refreshing – 

"For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear." - Isaiah 28:11-12 

This refreshing is the Holy Ghost.  

"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 

It is also our spiritual rest. 

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." - Matthew 11:28-30

We yoke ourselves together with Jesus when we covenant with Him by water baptism in Jesus name. With this covenant, our sins are blotted out. Isaiah prophesied of this – 

"I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee." - Isaiah 44:22  

With this covenant, He gives the promise of His Spirit, which brings rest unto our souls.

"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

 

 

Above All Else, We Must Be Saved!

"For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe." - 1 Corinthians 1:21
 
We need a true man of God to preach the gospel to us so that we can be saved.

"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! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?" - Romans 10:13-16

How do we obey the gospel?

On the day of Pentecost when the church first began, Peter preached how to obey the gospel. He began by preaching Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. When the people felt conviction and asked what they should do, Peter explained what to do to obey the gospel.

"Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 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 2:37-39

When we have gone to church, heard the preaching of the gospel, repented of our sins, are baptized in Jesus name for the remission of sins, and have received the gift of the Holy Ghost, we are born again.
The next reason we need a preacher is so that we can grow from a born again baby to a spiritual adult in Christ.

The Bible speaks of this as “perfecting”. When we have obeyed the gospel, the Bible speaks of us as “saints”. God gives us pastors, teachers, evangelists, prophets, and apostles to not only preach to us the gospel of Jesus Christ, but also to teach us how to grow in the Word and the Spirit.

"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:" - Ephesians 4:11-12

We need to go to church, not only to hear the gospel, not only to obey the gospel, but to grow up in Jesus!


 

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death

"And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night." - Revelation 12:10  

"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." - Revelation 12:11  

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb” – the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus 

“And by the word of their testimony” – they repented of their sins, were baptized in Jesus name for the remission of their sins, and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. 

"The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." - John 1:29  

"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness [testimony] unto all nations; and then shall the end come." - Matthew 24:14  

The gospel preached is Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again: 

"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  

We obey the gospel of Jesus by becoming dead to sin, buried with Jesus by baptism, and raised to Life by the infilling of His Spirit (the glory of the Father). 

"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 6:2-4  

"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 said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." - Luke 24:46-49  

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." - Acts 1:8  

“And they loved not their lives unto the death.” – 

"And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved." - Matthew 10:22  

"And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." - Matthew 24:12-13  

"For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;" - Hebrews 3:14 KJV ["For we have become partners with Christ, if in fact we hold our initial confidence firm until the end." - Hebrews 3:14 NET] 

"Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." - Revelation 2:10

God’s name “Jesus” is "LORD/Salvation."

"In that day you will say: "I will praise you, LORD. Although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you have comforted me. Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation."" - Isaiah 12:1-2 NIV

"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 

 

"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 

 

This is the name God placed on His body that He made for the purpose of redeeming all humanity. 

 

"Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:" - 1 Peter 1:18-19

This body of God is called the Son of God – the flesh of God. God is a Spirit. For the purpose of redemption, He needed to make Himself a body of flesh and blood. 

 

"Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 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:  

 

“For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: and he is before all things, and by him all things consist.  

 

“And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;" - Colossians 1:12-19  

Jesus is the eternal Father, the Creator of the universe that came to dwell among His creation in the form of man. Jesus brought His kingdom to earth by His death, burial, and resurrection. We, as humanity, become part of God’s body when we turn our back on sin, take on His name Jesus in water baptism, and are filled with His Spirit. 

"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  

Just as God’s body is the image of the invisible God, when we become sons of God by our new birth, removing the veil of our carnal fleshly nature by repentance and burying that old nature by baptism in Jesus name, we are changed into God’s image by His Spirit working in us, shining His light to the world.

"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." - 2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV 

Another translation: 

"So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord--who is the Spirit--makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image." - 2 Corinthians 3:18 NLT

 

 

 

Jesus is God's name that is above every name

Jesus is God's name that is above every name, for by His name Jesus He redeemed all mankind back to Himself.  

"Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." - Philippians 2:9-11  

Our heavenly Father did this by taking on the form of man, in order to shed the required blood to make atonement for our souls, to make us right with Him. 

"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." - John 1:14 

"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  

"For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul." - Leviticus 17:11 

"And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission." - Hebrews 9:22 

"For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; 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. 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:" - Colossians 1:19-22

Upon This Rock I Will Build My Church

"When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? ... And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." - Matthew 16:13, 16 

"And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." - Matthew 16:17-18  

What is “this rock” that Jesus says “I will build my church”?  

The Bible says that spiritual rock which the fathers did drink spiritual drink was Christ.  

It appears the church is built on this rock, which is Christ. 

"Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and did all eat the same spiritual meat; 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 10:1-4  

The Bible tells how this rock was smitten by Moses on two different occasions. Each time, water flowed out of the rock, supplying life sustaining water to the thirsty Israelites.  

The first time the rock was smitten appears to be a type of baptism in Jesus name.  

God told Moses to smite the rock with the rod that turned the river to blood. Thus, there was the remembrance of blood when the water flowed out of the rock.  

"And the LORD said unto Moses, Go on before the people, and take with thee of the elders of Israel; and thy rod, wherewith thou smotest the river, take in thine hand, and go." - Exodus 17:5  

When the people were in slaves in Egypt, God told Moses to smite the river with his rod. 

"And Moses and Aaron did so, as the LORD commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood." - Exodus 7:20  

When we are baptized in water in the name of Jesus, symbolic of His death and burial, there is the remembrance of blood.

"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..." - Romans 6:3-4

At Jesus’ death on the cross, there was blood and water. 

"But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe." - John 19:34-35

"This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth." - 1 John 5:6

The second time the people cried for water, Moses was to SPEAK to the rock and water would flow out to the thirsting Israelites. This appears to be a shadow of Spirit baptism with SPEAKING in tongues. (Acts 2:4)

"Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink." - Numbers 20:8

Instead of BELIEVING that God would bring forth the water by Moses speaking, Moses decided he was going to bring forth the water, smiting the rock twice. For this reason, God did not allow Moses to enter the Land of Promise.

"And Moses took the rod from before the LORD, as he commanded him. And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock? And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also." - Numbers 20:9-11

 "In the last day, that great day of the feast, 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  

"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  

God demonstrated with Moses in the Old Testament, that in order to enter into God’s PROMISE, it takes believing. It is not by the work of man, but by the work of God. When we BELIEVE God for the promise of His Spirit, and SPEAK to Him, God fills us with His Spirit. 

"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 

"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  

Thus, when Jesus said, “Upon this rock I will build my church,” He was speaking of building His church upon Himself, the smitten spiritual rock out of which flows water and Spirit, building it upon the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  

"Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." - Isaiah 53:4-5

 

 

 

The Preparation of the Gospel of Peace and the Gates of Hell - Part Three

By the preparation of the gospel of peace upon our feet, we are prepared to prevail against the gates of hell by the blood, Spirit, and name of Jesus, to set captive souls free.

How are souls set free from hell? By the message of and obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." - Mark 16:15-16

Jesus announced at the beginning of His ministry,

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised," - Luke 4:18 (Isaiah 61:1)

Jesus told Apostle Peter,

"And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." - Matthew 16:18

(That Rock was Christ - 1 Corinthians 10:4)

"And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." - Matthew 16:19

Peter preached the keys of the kingdom of heaven on the day of Pentecost. The keys of the kingdom is the gospel, Acts 2:38.

"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

And the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. We were all condemned to hell because of sin. We are set free from sin and hell by the gospel of Jesus.

"I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death." - Revelation 1:18

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

"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." - Hebrews 2:14-15

"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy." - 1 Peter 2:9-10

(Darkness – condemnation; Light – mercy)

"O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?  The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." - 1 Corinthians 15:55-58

 

 

 

The Preparation of the Gospel of Peace - Part Two

When we put on the whole armour of God, our feet are to be shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. (Ephesians 6:10-17)

The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)

We apply the gospel by repenting of our sins, being baptized in Jesus name for the remission of sins, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Romans 6:1-7; Acts 2:38)  

This is the gospel of peace, because through the gospel and our obedience to the gospel, peace is restored between us and God. (Colossians 1:20-2

By the blood of Jesus through the preparation of the gospel of peace, we have power on our feet to defeat the devil.

"And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen." - Romans 16:20 

Through the preparation of the gospel of peace, we have the authority and power of the name of Jesus to tread on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will hurt us.

"And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you." - Luke 10:17-19 

By the blood of Jesus through the preparation of the gospel of peace we have overcame –defeated -triumphed over - and conquered the devil – the accuser of our brethren. 

"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death [and they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die]" - Revelation 12:11

The Preparation of the Gospel of Peace - Part One

The Bible tells us that we as Christians need to “be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might” and to “put on the whole armour of God” so that we “may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”  

It repeatedly tells us, we need God’s armour in order to stand. The Bible tells us that our feet are to be “shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace." (Ephesians 6:10-20) 

We know that the gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) We know while our sins separated us from God, (Isaiah 59:2) He made peace between us “through the blood of his cross.” (Colossians 1:20) 

It is when we obey the gospel by repentance, water baptism by immersion in the name of JESUS, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost, that we find this peace. (Colossians 1:20-23; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21)

In order to stand in our battle against our spiritual enemy, the devil, we must have the preparation of the gospel of peace. Because we have been reconciled to God when we obeyed the gospel, the devil has no power over us – our sins are forgiven and we no longer fear death. (Hebrews 2:14-15) 

The preparation of the gospel is not just on our feet to stand, but also to walk. By obeying the gospel, we receive the gift of the Spirit. When we walk in the Spirit, we are able to live a victorious life. (Romans 8:1, 9; Galatians 5:16) 

With the preparation of the gospel of peace on our feet, we are equipped to fulfill the command of Jesus to “Go ye…” 

"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." - Mark 16:15

 

 

 

First Steps, Steadfast, and Ready!

When we come to God we take the first steps. We repent, we are baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of our sins, and we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)

But this is just the beginning. Our new life in Jesus is a new walk and talk. Jesus, by His Spirit the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of truth, leads us and guides us, giving us greater understanding of Him and the choices we need to make to stay saved.

"Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot... receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." - John 14:17-18

"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth…" - John 16:13

We go to church to worship our Lord and Savior. We hear the preaching of the Word so we can grow spiritually in Jesus. (Ephesians 4:11-12)

We begin bearing the fruit of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, longsuffering (patience), gentleness, goodness, faith (faithfulness), meekness (gentleness), and temperance (self-control). (Galatians 5:22-23)

On the day of Pentecost, after those that were baptized were added to the church, they did not stop at that.

"And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." - Acts 2:42

As we live for Jesus, we look for His return for us, His church. We want to stay ready, keeping the victory over temptation, keeping on the armour of God (Ephesians 6:10-18), and forgiving one another so that we don’t fall prey to the devices of the devil (2 Corinthians 2:10-11).

We want to be ready to meet Jesus - caught up together in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air, to ever be with the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)

"Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless." - 2 Peter 3:14



 

What is the gospel?

Paul wrote to the church in Corinth:

"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 

 

Paul preached to the Corinthians the gospel - the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Bible says they received the gospel. They stood in the gospel. AND they were SAVED by the gospel. UNLESS they believed IN VAIN.  

The word “vain” means “without success or effect” (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon). 

If we believe but do not OBEY the gospel, the gospel will not EFFECT our life. Without obeying the gospel, we will not be changed – we will still be servants to sin and lost. 

The first step is to BELIEVE. The next step is to OBEY! 

How do we OBEY the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ? 

We obey Jesus’ death by becoming “dead to sin” by repentance, His burial by being “buried with Him” by water baptism in Jesus name, and His resurrection by being “raised up” by His glory by the baptism of His Holy Ghost.

The Bible explains this:  

"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.  

“For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:" - Romans 6:1-5 (See: Romans 6:1-13) 

Paul explains that we obey Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection by crucifying our sinful nature by repentance and becoming dead to a sinful life; by burying our sinful nature with Jesus by water baptism in Jesus name; by rising to walk a new life in Jesus by the infilling of His Spirit, the Holy Ghost. 

When we obey the gospel by repentance and baptism in Jesus name, Jesus forgives and washes away all our sins. We become truly alive when He fills us with His Spirit. 

What does the Bible say about those that do NOT obey the gospel? 

"And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:" - 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8 (See also: Romans10:16, 1Peter 4:17) 

What exactly do we do to obey the gospel so that we are saved? 

On the Day of Pentecost, when God poured out His Spirit, Peter preached the gospel to the multitude that came together.

Peter preached to them Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection.  

"Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ." - Acts 2:36  

"Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?" - Acts 2:37  

Then Peter told the people what they must do - 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  

"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.  

“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." - Acts 2:39-42

 

 

 

Church!

When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He began with the words, "Our Father," using plural words throughout the prayer, rather than singular.
 
God's Will is for us to be part of His body.  

Going to church allows the body of Christ to pray together, worship together, hear the Word together, and to go forth as laborers together. 

"After this manner therefore pray ye: OUR Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give US this day OUR daily bread. And forgive US OUR debts, as WE forgive OUR debtors. And lead US not into temptation, but deliver US from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." - Matthew 6:9-13 [Words capitalized are my emphasis] 

"For the body is not one member, but many. ... Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular." - 1 Corinthians 12:14, 27 [“…and each of you is a part of it.” NLT]

 

 

 

 

Every knee shall bow

"Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear." - Isaiah 45:22-23  

There is only one God – our heavenly Father. He put on flesh and blood to die for our sins. He came in His name of salvation and mercy, “JESUS.” 

"Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 

 

“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." - Philippians 2:6-11  

God said in Isaiah 45:22-23, that all should look to Him to be saved. He said, “I am God, and there is none else.” He also said, “That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear (confess)."  

We find the fulfillment of His word when He put on a human body to provide the sacrifice that would save the world, before whom all the world would bow. God said of His word, “The word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return.” 

Philippians 2:11 says, “And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."  

How would confessing that Jesus Christ is Lord be to the glory of God the Father? 

Because God the Father is in Jesus Christ. The Father gets the glory when every knee bows to Christ, because everyone is acknowledging that Jesus Christ is His body, and that Jesus is His name. The Father gets the glory, because He shed His own blood to reconcile the world to Himself.  

"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." - Acts 20:28 

"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  

When every knee bows to God’s body, the Father gets all the glory, because that is His body! 

"Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. ... And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son." - John 14:9-10, 13  

When whatsoever we ask in Jesus name, the Father does, the Father is glorified. We know the Father is in Jesus, and Jesus is His name.

 

 

 

Only what you do for God will last

Fulfill your purpose. Say and do the things that will effect eternity. Make everything you do and say count for good.

 
"Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth." - 1 Samuel 3:9

There's an army rising up

There is an army of Jesus name water baptized, Holy Ghost filled believers that are needing a refilling and refreshing of the Breath of God’s Spirit. It is a mighty army.

The vision of Ezekiel, which God gave him concerning Israel, reminds me of this army of believers today. May this army arise!

"The hand of the LORD was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones, and caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry.

“And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest.

“Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD. Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live: and I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the LORD.

“So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone. And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them.

“Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.

“So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army." - Ezekiel 37:1-10

On the Day of Pentecost, there was a sound.

"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:1-4

"But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: and on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:" - Acts 2:16-18

These are a mighty army! When they arise it will not be for a physical battle, but will be warriors in the kingdom of God for spiritual warfare.

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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. ... Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;" - Ephesians 6:10-12, 18

"I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee." - Isaiah 44:22

["I have swept away your sins like a cloud. I have scattered your offenses like the morning mist. Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free."" - Isaiah 44:22 NLT]

Revival!

Today is the Day!

Were you once in church and it somehow went by the wayside? Forgive and forget. Go back to church. Pray through and get the victory back in your life! The "right time" is now. Today is the day of salvation!

How can we avoid falling into temptation?

The Bible puts temptation into three categories - lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and the pride of life.

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." - 1 John 2:15-17  

Another translation reads, 

"Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever." - 1 John 2:15-17 NLT 

The best way to keep from falling into temptation, is to not take that very first step. This means that the moment an ungodly thought comes to mind, we must dismiss it. We must not take that first step down a path that leads to destruction.  

What is the process? 

"But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." - James 1:14-15  

What kind of thoughts are ungodly? We should be on guard of unforgiving, judgmental, lustful, hateful, jealous, proud, or angry thoughts.  

We must stop such thoughts and let them go immediately. It is when we keep thinking an ungodly thought, or allow our mind to go from one thought to another in the wrong direction, that it gets worse.  

Unforgiving thoughts can escalate as we build a case against someone instead of forgiving them.  

Prayer is always in order, asking God to forgive us of such thoughts, and to help us to clear our minds of them.  

Prayer is also in order if the thought involves another person, praying for their salvation, their situation, as well as if they have committed any offenses against us, asking God to forgive them and to clear their account with Him of what they have done against us, which is true forgiveness.  

Besides guarding our thoughts, we must guard what we look at, listen to, and where we go. Just as with our thoughts, the moment we recognize something as a temptation, we need to immediately turn from it to prevent being consumed by it.  

Wisdom tells us to keep a distance from these things. If we allow ourselves to draw near to temptation, or to go where temptations are present, we set ourselves up for a fall. We must resist and distance ourselves from such places so we can keep the victory. 

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." - James 4:7  

We have the assurance that with every temptation that our flesh is responding to, God has provided a way of escape. We also have the assurance that the temptations we are facing are not unique to us, but others are facing such temptations as well. 

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." - 1 Corinthians 10:13  

Another translation, 

"The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure." - 1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT 

Most of all, we have the assurance that through the power of the Holy Ghost, we can be victorious.  

As a man, Jesus faced all the temptations that any man could face, and yet was without sin. How? By the power of His Spirit. This is why as our heavenly Father Jesus put on a human body and died for our sins – so that we too could be filled with His Spirit.  

When we turn to Jesus by repentance, covenant with Him by baptism in Jesus name, and receive the gift of His Holy Ghost, we receive the authority of Jesus name, and the power of His blood and Spirit to overcome any temptation that can come our way.  

"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  

"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." - 1 John 5:4  

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

First and Last Adam

God told Adam if he ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil he would surely die.  

Genesis 2:16-17 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

When Adam ate of the forbidden tree, Adam died a spiritual death. Sin and death would pass from Adam unto all mankind.  

Because of the LORD’s mercy on Adam and Eve, they did not die a physical death at that moment. God shed the blood of an innocent animal and covered Adam and Eve’s sin with coats of skins.

Genesis 3:21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them. 

Yet the penalty of death for Adam’s sin was not paid.  

The blood of animals could not satisfy this penalty of death for Adam’s sin.  

Hebrews 10:4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. 

It took a second man Adam to pay the price. Jesus, as last Adam, died to pay the price for first man Adam's sin.

Romans 5:12 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 5:15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many…  

Romans 5:19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. 

Philippians 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 

1Corinthians 15:21-22 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 

1 Corinthians 15:45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit [a life-giving spirit]. 

When we turn from sin, we can claim the blood that Jesus shed for the sins of the world by being baptized in Jesus name. When we are immersed in water in the name of Jesus, our sins are washed away. Jesus then promises to fill us with His Holy Spirit. 

Acts 2:38-39 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. 

When we repent of sin, are water baptized in Jesus name for the remission of sins, and receive the gift of His Spirit, the death that came to mankind by Adam is turned into resurrection to life eternal by Jesus Christ!

Temptation

The Bible says temptation comes from lusts within us. 

"Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed." - James 1:13-14 

When we have repented of our sins, have been baptized in Jesus name for the remission of our sins, and have received the gift of the Holy Ghost, we have the power of the blood of Jesus and of His Spirit, and the authority of Jesus name to help us when we are tempted. 

"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 

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." - Acts 1:8  

Through prayer and calling on Jesus, we have access to His strength so we can make it through all situations life presents us with. 

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

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." - Philippians 4:6  

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." - 1 Corinthians 10:13 

Trials perfect us. We grow in Jesus. We become stronger. We have a testimony that can encourage others that they too can make it through Christ. 

"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 7:1 

Because temptations and trials make us a stronger child of God, they can lead to joy, knowing we are becoming a better person in Jesus. 

"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." - James 1:1-4 

"That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:" - 1 Peter 1:7-8  

"Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy." - 1 Peter 4:12-13 

It is our love for Jesus that drives us to overcome our lusts. We are blessed when we endure temptation, for when we have been tried, we will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love him. 

“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him." - James 1:12

Foot Washing

"So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." - John 13:12-17  

Jesus, our Master and Lord humbled Himself as a servant and washed His disciple’s feet. Shortly after Jesus washed His disciple’s feet, He humbled himself and died for our sins on a tree.  

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." - Philippians 2:5-8  

Just as Jesus forgave us, we must forgive our brothers and sisters. When we wash one another’s feet we have humbled ourselves and are demonstrating that we have no grudges against them. We show that we love one another. 

"Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour." - Ephesians 5:1-2  

When Mary washed Jesus’ feet with her tears, it was because she had been forgiven much. Because Jesus had forgiven her of much, she loved much. When our brothers and sisters have forgiven us, washing their feet is an outward sign of our love for one another. 

"A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." - John 13:34-35  

As Jesus said, "If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. ... If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." - John 13:14, 17