How can we be like Jesus?

Jesus is God (1Tim. 3:16, Phil. 2:5-6). He took on the form of man and dwelt among His creation on earth (John 1:1,10,11,14). His name Jesus is above all His other names (Phil. 2:9-11). His Spirit is all powerful (2Chron. 20:6). He is holy (1Pet. 1:16).

To be like Jesus, we need His name and His Spirit (James 2:7, Acts 2:38, Rom. 8:9). We need to be holy, as He is holy (1Pet. 1:15, Heb. 12:14).

When we are born again, we receive Jesus’ name in water baptism, and receive His Spirit when we receive His Holy Ghost (John 3:3,5, Acts 2:38). With His Holy Ghost in us, we have the power of God to live a holy life (Acts 1:8).

To be like Jesus, we must not only be born a son of God (John 1:12-13), but we must grow up and become perfected, as Jesus is perfect (Gal. 4:5-6). To do this, we must assemble ourselves together so that we can hear the preaching of the word (Col. 1:27-28). The word “perfected” and “perfect” in the Bible often refers to maturity.

Jesus gave us apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to perfect us so we can measure up and become like Him. He does not want us to be immature children tossed about by false doctrines, but rather to grow up (Eph. 4:11-15).

Mature saints are skilful in the word and by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. They teach others. They have grown from milk to strong meat (Heb. 5:12-14).

It is by going to church that we can be equipped to become like Jesus. We hear the preaching of the word, we can be baptized in Jesus name and receive His Holy Ghost. By hearing the word of God our faith is increased (Rom. 10:17).

It is essential to assemble together so we can play an active part in the kingdom of God, prepared and helping to prepare others for Jesus' soon coming.

"And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 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 10:24-25

Preach the Gospel

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

God took on the form of flesh, suffered and died on a cross for our sins, and rose again from the dead on the third day.

The gospel is preached, believed, and obeyed.

The gospel is obeyed by repentance, water baptism by immersion in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost which is the Spirit of Jesus, speaking in other tongues as the Spirit of God gives the utterance.

We are saved by the gospel and by our obedience to it.

"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

"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 6:3-4

"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 2:12

"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 10:15-16

"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

"While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days." - Acts 10:44-48

"When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied." - Acts 19:5-6

"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." - Galatians 3:27
"And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." - Acts 22:16

"Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost." - Acts 8:15-17

"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

Abraham, the first Hebrew, was called by God to come out from a heathen people that served other gods. He called Abraham from Ur of the Chaldees (Babylon - present day Iraq) to the land He promised him, Canaan (present day Israel). (Joshua 24:2-3, Nehemiah 9:7. Acts 7:3-4, Hebrews 11:8)

God calls us to come out from the world to live for Him. Just as God gave Abraham the promise of Canaan when He called him, God gives us the promise of His Spirit when He calls us. (Genesis 15:7, 18)

"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

Anyone that was not circumcised, broke the covenant God made with Abraham. (Genesis 17:10, 14) In our New Covenant with God, circumcision is fulfilled by water baptism in Jesus name for the remission of sins. (Colossians 2:11-15) Baptism is necessary for salvation.

As soon as Abraham was given the commandment to circumcise, he did so the selfsame day. (Genesis 17:26) In the New Testament, they were baptized the same day they were commanded. (Acts 2:41, Acts 8:36, 38, Acts 9:18, Acts 10:47-48, Acts 16:33, Acts 19:5, Acts 22:16).

After Abraham was circumcised, strife between herdsmen caused him to separate from Lot. We can see a shadow of our Christian walk in this, for Jesus calls us to separate ourselves from the world. (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)

When Lot found himself in the midst of Sodom and facing the judgment of God, Abraham interceded for him. (Genesis 13:12-15, Genesis 18:20-33). We too should follow Abraham’s example and intercede for the lost.

Abraham’s greatest trial was when God tested his faith and asked him to sacrifice his son Isaac. The very next morning Abraham set out to obey God’s command. We see this as our greatest test - our willingness to sacrifice our own flesh. Isaac laid down his life, and a ram (a male sheep - Christ) caught in a tree (the cross) took Isaac’s place as a blood sacrifice (1 Peter 2:24). Our sacrifice as a Christian is as Isaac’s living 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. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." - Romans 12:1-2

"And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together." - Genesis 22:6

"And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together." - Genesis 22:8

God did provide Himself as the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world! (John 1:29)

Isaac carried the wood (the cross) of the burnt offering, the fire (the Holy Ghost), and a knife (the circumcision of baptism). We are to deny our ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus. (Matthew 16:24)

"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

*This chart is from the Bible Study, "Exploring God's Word." The manual is available as a downloadable, FREE eBook at: http://mychurchwebsite.s3.amazonaws.com/c250/exploring_gods_word_bible_study.docx Color charts are available at: http://www.riveroflifeupc.org/our-beliefs.php The Bible study and charts are also available at: Pentecostal Publishing House: [https://pentecostalpublishing.com/products.aspx?categoryid=158&layout=List&page size=20&sort column=Date&sort direction=DESC]

Acts 2:38

Peter preached the Gospel on the day of Pentecost.

"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 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

As Ananias said to Paul,

"And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." - Acts 22:16

When Peter preached Acts 2:38, they did not tarry - they were baptized that same day!

"Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." - Acts 2:41

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

I Will Give You Rest

Jesus said, speaking of His new covenant -

"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

His old covenant required taking the yoke of the commandments of the Law upon oneself.

"But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. ... Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?" - Acts 15:5, 10

In the new covenant, we are justified by the blood of Jesus applied by baptism in Jesus name, and sanctified by the infilling of His Spirit (His Holy Ghost).

"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. ... Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace." - Galatians 5:1, 4

The new covenant requires taking the yoke of the Gospel. By the Gospel of Jesus we find rest for our souls - His yoke is easy and His burden is light.

How do we take Jesus’ yoke of 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. 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 2:38-42

Isaiah foretold of this Holy Ghost rest -

"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 rest and refreshing was poured out for the first time on the day of Pentecost -

"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 those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled. 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 3:18-19

"And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious." - Isaiah 11:10

"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." - Hebrews 13:5

"Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." - Matthew 28:20

It is thought that the tower of Babel was in the same area as the Garden of Eden. Archeologists say they have found the ruins of the tower of Babel in the center of the ruins of Babylon, which is in Iraq. Babylon was a city in ancient Mesopotamia between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. This area has been said to be a seat of rebellion. From the rebellion in Eden, to the rebellion at Babel, to the rebellion of Belshazzar king of Babylon that “lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven,”  (Daniel 5:23-31), to the rebellious Babylon in Revelation that is “thrown down, and shall be found no more at all” (Revelation 18:21).

While those at the tower of Babel chose to make themselves a name…

"And let us make us a name…" - Genesis 11:4

The children of God choose the name of the Lord!

"The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe." - Proverbs 18:10

The pride of those at the tower of Babel is similar to the pride of Lucifer.

"How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High." - Isaiah 14:12-14

"And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth." - Genesis 11:4

Lucifer fell, while the people at Babel were scattered and their language confused.

 "Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth." - Genesis 11:9

It was at the tower of Babel that God split the people of the earth into seventy different nations and tribes, each with a language of its own.

It is through Noah’s son Shem that came Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and ultimately Christ. Interestingly, the name “Shem” means “name.” Of even greater interest is that Chasidic Jews today refer to God as “HaShem,” which means, “The Name.” We know “The Name” is “JESUS”!

"The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe." - Proverbs 18:10

"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


*This chart is from the Bible Study, "Exploring God's Word." The manual is available as a downloadable, FREE eBook at: http://mychurchwebsite.s3.amazonaws.com/c250/exploring_gods_word_bible_study.docx Color charts are available at: http://www.riveroflifeupc.org/our-beliefs.php The Bible study and charts are also available at: Pentecostal Publishing House: [https://pentecostalpublishing.com/products.aspx?categoryid=158&layout=List&page size=20&sort column=Date&sort direction=DESC]

The Days of Noah and the Days in the Coming of Christ

Here are the verses:

"And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. ... The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence." - Genesis 6:5, 11

"Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)" - Philippians 3:17-19

"For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." - Matthew 24:38-39

"And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed." - Luke 17:26-30

"And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth." - Luke 21:34-35

"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;" - 2 Timothy 3:1-4

"Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men." - 2 Peter 3:3-7



*This chart is from the Bible Study, "Exploring God's Word." The manual is available as a downloadable, FREE eBook at: http://mychurchwebsite.s3.amazonaws.com/c250/exploring_gods_word_bible_study.docx Color charts are available at: http://www.riveroflifeupc.org/our-beliefs.php The Bible study and charts are also available at: Pentecostal Publishing House: [https://pentecostalpublishing.com/products.aspx?categoryid=158&layout=List&page size=20&sort column=Date&sort direction=DESC]

Jesus could come at any time

Jesus could come at any time. If you are not in the gospel ark of safety - the kingdom of God - now is the time to enter.

“But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

“For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

“Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

“Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.

“Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” – Matthew 24:37-44

Jesus told Nicodemus, to enter the kingdom of God a person must be born of water and of the Spirit.

“There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: the same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

“Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?

“Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.” - John 3:1-8

Jesus revealed that there is a sound that accompanies being born of the Spirit. This sound is speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance.

“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

Peter used the keys Jesus gave him (Matthew 16:19) to unlock the door to the kingdom. He stood up with the other eleven apostles and for the first time preached the gospel –the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

“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.

“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… Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” Acts 2:37-42, 47

(1 Peter 3:18-21; 2 Peter 2:4-9; Hebrews 11:6-7)

*This chart is from the Bible Study, "Exploring God's Word." The manual is available as a downloadable, FREE eBook at: http://mychurchwebsite.s3.amazonaws.com/…/exploring_gods_wo… Color charts are available at: http://www.riveroflifeupc.org/our-beliefs.php The Bible study and charts are also available at: Pentecostal Publishing House: [https://pentecostalpublishing.com/products.aspx…]

And That Rock Was Christ

The Rock that followed the children of Israel when they were in the wilderness was Christ. When they thirsted, out of that Rock flowed water.

"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 Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) is a seven day feast observing the forty years the Israelites wandered in the wilderness dwelling in tents (tabernacles). When the Temple stood, starting with the second night of the feast, there was a grand Water Drawing Celebration. The last day of the feast is called Hoshana Rabbah, or Great Salvation.
It was on this last day of the feast that Jesus stood and prophesied of the pouring out of His Spirit, His Holy Ghost. The pouring out of the water from the rock in the wilderness was commemorated by pouring a cup of water taken from the Shiloach (Siloam - John 9:7) stream into a hole in the altar. (There were two holes in the alter: one for the wine that accompanied every sacrifice, the other one was reserved for the Sukkot water. 1John 5:6)

I imagine it was at the moment of the pouring out of the water that Jesus stood and cried out to the people.

"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

It was on the Day of Pentecost, after Jesus’ death, burial, resurrection and then ascension to heaven, that He poured out the gift of His Holy Ghost.

Peter preached how we can receive this gift today.

"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

ACTS 2:38 THE ORIGINAL With Verses

Here are the verses:

Jesus Died

"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;" - 1 Corinthians 15:1-3

Jesus Was Buried

"And that he was buried…" - 1 Corinthians 15:4

Jesus Rose Again

"And that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:" - 1 Corinthians 15:4

We Must “Die”

"God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?" - Romans 6:2

We Must Be “Buried”

"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

We Must “Rise Again”

"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 6:3-4 , "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." - Romans 8:2

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

Why wait? Obey Acts 238!

"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

I was blind, but now I see. There is physical blindness, and there is spiritual blindness.

"But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." - 2 Corinthians 4:3-4

Paul was struck with physical blindness for three days after Jesus spoke to him in a vision. Jesus appeared to Paul to send him as a minister of the gospel to open peoples eyes that were spiritually blind.

"And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me." - Acts 26:15-18

Paul preached the same gospel as was preached 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. 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. ... praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." - Acts 2:38-42, 47

Abel, Enoch, and Noah, all served as examples and shadows of heavenly things.

"Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount." - Hebrews 8:5
Abel’s offering was a shadow of Jesus’ excellent, acceptable sacrifice. Jesus shed His blood for the remission of our sins, that we may receive His Spirit, and eternal life. We offer ourselves as a living sacrifice, repentant of our sins, baptized in Jesus name for the remission of our sins, and filled with the Spirit of Jesus. By obedience to the gospel, we become an holy, acceptable sacrifice.


"By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh." - Hebrews 11:4

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

Jesus said,

"For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." - Matthew 26:28

"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

"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." - Romans 12:1

Enoch was a shadow of the church, pleasing God, walking in His Spirit, then one day translated, caught up to ever be with Jesus, not to see death.

"By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." - Hebrews 11:5-6

"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…There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." - Romans 6:4, 8:1

"That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;" - Colossians 1:10

"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." - 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

Noah and the flood is a shadow of our water baptism in Jesus name. Our sins are covered and washed away, while we are saved by water - water baptism in Jesus name for the remission of our sins.

"By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith." - Hebrews 11:7

"Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:" - 1 Peter 3:20-21

Jesus told His disciples,

"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

Peter told the brethren,

"Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord." - Acts 10:47-48

"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

　

*This chart is from the Bible Study, "Exploring God's Word." The manual is available as a downloadable, FREE eBook at: http://mychurchwebsite.s3.amazonaws.com/c250/exploring_gods_word_bible_study.docx Color charts are available at: http://www.riveroflifeupc.org/our-beliefs.php The Bible study and charts are also available at: Pentecostal Publishing House: [https://pentecostalpublishing.com/products.aspx?categoryid=158&layout=List&pagesize=20&sort column=Date&sortdirection=DESC]

Justified

Jesus made us just (right with Him) by His blood when we are baptized in Jesus name. 

"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 

"Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him." - Romans 5:9  

"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.  

“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 [made right with God] in him." - 2 Corinthians 5:19-21 

We were unrighteous, but Jesus makes us right with Him when we repent, turn our back on sin, and are washed by baptism in His name Jesus. (We are sanctified – made holy – when we receive His Spirit, the Holy Ghost).

"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

“And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." - 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Any dead fish can float downstream. It is the live, fighting, determined fish that swims upstream.

People in the world are dead in their sins. (Eph.2:5) (verses below) 

They go with the flow of the world. (1John 2:15-16, Eph.2:2) 

The god of this world, satan, has blinded their minds. (2Cor.4:4)  

Those that are living for Jesus have hope and the promise of eternal life. (Rom.6:23) 

They are determined, fighting spiritual warfare and surviving, swimming against the current of the world. (Eph.6:10-12, 2Cor.6:14, 2Cor.6:17-18) 

Those that are living for Jesus, are a light that the world looks to when they are tired of sin and death. (Eph.5:14, Matt.5:14)  

Those that are living for Jesus are the shining examples of truth - the light of Jesus shining through them. (Phil.2:15, Eph.5:8) 

By their faithfulness, overcoming the world as a demonstration of their faithfulness, they are able to lead their family and friends into salvation. (Col.1:5-6)  

Their upstream struggle results in fruitfulness, and they multiply. (Col.1:10, Mark 16:15) 

They are like the live fish that makes it all the way up stream to their destination. (1John 4:4, 1John 5:4, 2Timothy 4:7-8, Rev.17:14) 

Bible verses from above: 

"Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)" - Ephesians 2:5  

"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." - 1 John 2:15-16 

"Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:" - Ephesians 2:2 

"In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." - 2 Corinthians 4:4 

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." - Romans 6:23 

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." - Ephesians 6:10-12 

"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?" - 2 Corinthians 6:14 

"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." - 2 Corinthians 6:17-18  

"Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light." - Ephesians 5:14

"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid." - Matthew 5:14 

"That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;" - Philippians 2:15  

"For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:" - Ephesians 5:8  

"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." - 1 John 4:4 

"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  

"For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit [changing lives], as it doth also in you [just as it changed your life], since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:" - Colossians 1:5-6

"That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;" - Colossians 1:10 

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

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." - 2 Timothy 4:7-8  

"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." - Revelation 17:14

What must I do to be saved?

Here are the verses: 

"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  

"And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." - Acts 22:16 KJV  

"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. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;" - Colossians 2:12-13 KJV  

"The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:" - 1 Peter 3:21 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. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 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." - Romans 6:3-6 KJV 

"For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." - Galatians 3:26-27 KJV 

 

"For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." - 1 Corinthians 12:13 KJV 

 

"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." - John 3:3-5 KJV

The First Judgment

 

With the first sin came the first shedding of blood.  

"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  

God shed the blood of an innocent animal to cover Adam and Eve’s sin. 

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

By God’s mercy their physical lives were saved, and by God’s mercy He gave man the promise of redemption that would one day save men’s souls. God told the serpent (also known as the devil), 

"And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." - Genesis 3:15 

God put on flesh and blood to fulfill His promise. 

"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  

"For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." - Matthew 26:28  

By the blood of Jesus, sins can now be remitted and removed, and by His resurrection we can be restored to eternal life. 

"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 15:21-22 

Our sins are remitted by our obedience to the gospel, with the promise of life through God’s 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.  

“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 

 

 

*This chart is from the Bible Study, "Exploring God's Word." The manual is available as a downloadable, FREE eBook at: http://mychurchwebsite.s3.amazonaws.com/c250/exploring_gods_word_bible_study.docx Color charts are available at: http://www.riveroflifeupc.org/our-beliefs.php The Bible study and charts are also available at: Pentecostal Publishing House: [https://pentecostalpublishing.com/products.aspx?categoryid=158&layout=List&pagesize=20&sortcolumn=Date&sortdirection=DESC]

Know the Word

"And the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:" - Ephesians 6:17

Reconciliation Through God in Christ

There is only one God. He is a Spirit. He was in Christ reconciling the world back to Himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. 

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

What did GOD do to reconcile us back to Himself? 

He offered His flesh on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins. He was buried. On the third day, He rose again. The Father purchased us back with His own blood.  

"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 

"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: 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  

What must WE do to be reconciled back to God? 

We must obey the gospel by being sorrowful for our sins, turning away from them and turning to Jesus; we must be baptized by full immersion in water “in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins”; we must receive the gift of the Holy Ghost with the sign of speaking in other tongues as the Spirit of God gives us the utterance. (Speaking through us with words in a language we don’t understand.) (Acts 2:4) 

On the Day of Pentecost, Peter preached to the people the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. 

"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 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

 

 

A Shaking

The Bible tells of a shaking that will shake all creation. That which is unshakable is the Kingdom of God. (John 3:5, Acts 2:38) 

Now is the time to pray, not only for ourselves that we be not shaken, but to pray for all saints (brothers and sisters in Christ), as well as for all those that haven't yet made their way into God’s Kingdom. 

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;" - Ephesians 6:18 

"Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire." - Hebrews 12:26-29 KJV  

["When God spoke from Mount Sinai his voice shook the earth, but now he makes another promise: "Once again I will shake not only the earth but the heavens also." This means that all of creation will be shaken and removed, so that only unshakable things will remain. Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. For our God is a devouring fire." - Hebrews 12:26-29 NLT]

"She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness." - Proverbs 31:26

"My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:" - Proverbs 1:8 KJV 

"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:  

“And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." - Deuteronomy 6:4-7 KJV 

"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 KJV

 

 

The Old Testament Foretold the Gospel of Jesus Christ

"And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.  

“Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, 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 24:44-49 

The Old Testament is the Jewish Bible. It foretold of the gospel – the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Father manifest in flesh. 

Jesus told His disciples the gospel would be preached beginning at Jerusalem. The gospel is repentance and remission of sins by the name of Jesus, with the promise of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 1:8)  

"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.  

“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 2:38-42

*This chart is from the Bible Study, "Exploring God's Word." The manual is available as a downloadable, FREE eBook at: http://mychurchwebsite.s3.amazonaws.com/c250/exploring_gods_word_bible_study.docx Color charts are available at: http://www.riveroflifeupc.org/our-beliefs.php 

The Old Testament is a pattern and shadow of the New Testament

"Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount." - Hebrews 8:5  

"For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things…" - Hebrews 10:1 [Another translation: “…a dim preview of the good things to come, not the good things themselves.”] 

The Old Testament points to God coming in the form of man in God’s name of salvation – Jesus. It points to heavenly things. It points to baptism in Jesus name for remission of sins, and to the baptism of the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Jesus. It points to the rapture…  

Ironically, it is not the physical that is the reality; it is the spiritual that is the reality. The spiritual is what is real and eternal. 

"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  

*This chart is from the Bible Study, "Exploring God's Word." The manual is available as a downloadable, FREE eBook at: http://mychurchwebsite.s3.amazonaws.com/c250/exploring_gods_word_bible_study.docx Color charts are available at: http://www.riveroflifeupc.org/our-beliefs.php 

And ye shall Know the Truth, and the Truth Shall Make you Free!

"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." - John 8:32

Jesus is the truth. 

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." - John 14:6  

Jesus made us free from sin and death. He made a way for us to return to Him by the body of His flesh through His death, burial, and resurrection. (Jesus is our heavenly Father that came in the form of man to die for our sins). We come to Him when we become dead to sin, buried with Him by baptism in His name Jesus for the remission of sins, and risen with Him when we are filled with His Spirit. 

"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 31:34  

We know Him when we are filled with His Spirit; our iniquity is forgiven and our sin remembered no more when we are baptized in Jesus name. 

"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  

"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." - Romans 8:2 

We now know the truth – Jesus – and He has made us free!

Neither is there Salvation in Any Other - 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. 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 

"Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." - Acts 2:41  

"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." - Mark 16:16  

"But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women." - Acts 8:12  

"(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost." - Acts 8:16-17 

"And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized." - Acts 18:8  

"Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:" - 1 Peter 3:20-21

"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

 "Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus." - Acts 19:4-5  

"Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." - Acts 4:10-12

Every Weakness is an Opportunity for God to Show His Strength in Your Life

"For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: that no flesh should glory in his presence.  

“But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: that, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord." - 1 Corinthians 1:26-31  

There are few that are wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy that are called. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. He chose things that are weak to shame those who are powerful. He chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever glory in His presence! 

We have put on Christ. (Galatians 3:27) We have repented of our sins, have been baptized in Jesus name for the remission of our sins, and Jesus has filled us with His Spirit (Acts 2:38). We can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth us. (Philippians 4:13)  

We are His representative to the world. (2Corinthians 5:19-21) He has made us right with Him, made us pure and holy, and has freed us from sin. All glory belongs to Jesus!

Holiness Part 5 Holy Sacrifices and Offerings

The third way the word for “holy” is used in the Bible is “of sacrifices and offerings; prepared for God with solemn rite, pure, clean...” 

"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." - Romans 12:1  

Sacrifices in the Old Testament were washed before they were offered up by the priests. Jesus as the Lamb of God was washed by baptism by John the Baptist (who was of the lineage of Aaron) before He was offered up on the cross for our sins. Jesus was not washed to remove sins, for He was without sin; Jesus was washed to fulfill the righteousness of the law, which required sacrifices to be washed before they were offered. (John 1:29, Leviticus 1:9, Matthew 3:15, Luke 1:5, 13) 

We as a living sacrifice are washed by our water baptism in Jesus name. Our washing differs from Christ’s washing in that ours is to remit our sins by the sinless blood of Jesus applied in baptism in Jesus name. 

"And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." - Acts 22:16 

“Sanctified” means “to make, render or declare sacred or holy, consecrate.” 

"And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." - 1 Corinthians 6:11 

We become a holy sacrifice to God by our obedience to the gospel. We are justified (made just) by God’s blood by water baptism in Jesus name. We are sanctified (made holy) by God’s Spirit when He fills us with His Holy Ghost. We are an acceptable sacrifice to Him because we have repented of our sins and have been water baptized in Jesus name for the remission of our sins. 

"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

Church!

"But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women." - Acts 8:12 (John 3:5, Acts 2:38-39, Acts 4:12, Acts 2:4)