John the Baptist’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. John the Baptist did not baptize in the name of Jesus.

In the book of Acts, which describes the beginning of the church with the outpouring of the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost and the spread of the gospel, Apostle Paul re-baptized disciples of John the Baptist.

"And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, he said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?

“And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.

“And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.

“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.

“And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied." - Acts 19:1-6 KJV

If you aren’t baptized in Jesus name, you need to be re-baptized, just as they were in the Bible! (Acts 2:38)

John the Baptist’s mission included a very important act in the life and death of Jesus. He was to fulfil the Law which required a sacrifice to be washed by a priest before it was offered.

John the Baptist’s father was a priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia while his mother was of the daughters of Aaron. John was thus also of the priestly lineage. (Luke 1:5, 57, 59-60).

Jesus chose John the Baptist to do his part as a priest to fulfill the righteousness of the Law. Jesus, before He was offered as our sacrifice on the cross as the sinless Lamb of God and sacrifice for our sins, asked John the Baptist to wash Him by water baptism.

The priests, Aaron’s sons, washed the sacrifices before they were offered.

"And he shall kill the bullock before the LORD... And the priests, Aaron's sons, shall lay the parts, the head, and the fat, in order upon the wood that is on the fire which is upon the altar: but his inwards and his legs shall he wash in water: and the priest shall burn all on the altar, to be a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD." - Leviticus 1:5a, 8-9 KJV

John the Baptist called Jesus, “the Lamb of God.” He came as a sacrifice for our sins.

"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 KJV

"And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!" - John 1:36 KJV

"Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?

“And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer [allow] it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him." - Matthew 3:13-15 KJV

Christ’s sacrifice - an offering of a sweet savour.

"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 5:2 KJV

"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. ... The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish,... but that all should come to repentance." - 2 Peter 3:3-4, 9

"Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel." - Mark 1:14-15

On the Day of Pentecost Peter preached the gospel of the kingdom of God.

"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 is the message for us today! Repent by turning from sinful ways to God’s ways, be baptized in Jesus name for the washing away of our sins, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost!

Jesus commanded the disciples to not depart from Jerusalem. It would soon be the birth of the church!

"And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." - Acts 1:4-5

...Jesus opened the understanding of His disciples so that they would understand the gospel – the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus – and how to obey the gospel – repentance, remission of sins by water baptism in Jesus name, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, which is the power from on high. It would begin at Jerusalem, when the church first began.

"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 24:45-49

Peter preached how to obey the gospel:

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:38

*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... 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]

"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

"Yet I am the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but me: for there is no saviour beside me." - Hosea 13:4

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." - Isaiah 9:6

"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

"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

"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. ...

“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, 41-42

"I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD." - Psalm 122:1 KJV

One of the things we need in living for God is self-control. Self-control is temperance. It is the fruit of the Spirit. A person that has accomplished self-control in his life has mastered his desires and lusts. He has crucified his evil emotions and sinful nature.

When we were a child, our parents recognized the areas in our life that needed to be corrected and gave us discipline. In our walk with God, our heavenly Father steps in to correct us.

Self-control and discipline are necessary in anyone’s life to function in society, and absolutely necessary for a child of God to belong to Christ and to serve in His kingdom.

Jesus corrects us by His Word, by the preaching of His Word, and by His Spirit within.

With His Holy Ghost, God’s Spirit in us, Jesus can further guide us in areas that we need self-control. As we grow, we learn to recognize His voice.

The Holy Ghost also gives us divine strength we didn’t have before that we can call on when we need self-control of temper and self-control to refrain from lusts.

As the Lord reveals the areas we need to discipline, and we repent, the blood of Jesus that we applied to our life when we were baptized in Jesus name cleanses us in these areas.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." - Galatians 5:22-25 KJV

"My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: for whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth." - Proverbs 3:11-12 KJV

"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent." - Revelation 3:19 KJV

"Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." - James 4:17 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." - Acts 2:38 KJV

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

Do you really know what the gospel is? 

We need to hear it, obey it, and share it.

We hear the gospel - the good news that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and that he rose again the third day.

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

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

We obey the gospel by crucifying our sinful life, burying that old sinful "man" in water baptism in Jesus name, and receiving God's resurrection power of His Holy Ghost to live a new life walking in His Spirit.

"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: 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 6:1-6 KJV

We share what Jesus did for us - the blood that He shed for us - and we give our testimony - our repentance from our old life, applying the blood of Jesus to our life when we got baptized in Jesus name, and our being filled with His Holy Ghost, speaking in tongues as His Spirit gave us utterance.

"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." - Acts 2:37-42 KJV

"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 KJV

"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.

“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 12:10-11 KJV

Peace. Peace with God. Peace represents reconciliation with God. Our Father reconciled us when no one else could, robbing Himself in flesh as the son of God. He is the Prince of Peace.

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." - Isaiah 9:6 KJV

"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;

“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 1:14-23 KJV

What is the gospel?

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

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

What is water baptism in JESUS name?

It is a covenant with God; a promise; an agreement; a testament. (Exodus 24:7-8, Hebrews 8:7-13)

We enter covenant with God by repenting of our sins - regretting and turning away from sin, turning our life around to live for Jesus. We become “dead” to sin. We are immersed in a “grave” of water where we are “buried” with Jesus. Our sins are washed away by His blood, and His name “JESUS” is called upon us. (Acts 2:38, Matthew 26:28,  Romans 6:3-4,6, Revelation 1:5, Acts 22:16, James 2:7)

By water baptism in JESUS name we have been born of water, and have the promise of the gift of God’s Spirit, the Holy Ghost. With the infilling of His Holy Ghost, speaking in tongues as His Spirit speaks through us, we are born of His Spirit. (John 3:5,8, Acts 2:2,4)

We have been born again and have entered the kingdom of God. We are a new creature. Jesus calls us His sons and daughters. We have entered the New Covenant [New Testament]. (2 Corinthians 5:17, 2Corinthians 6:17-18, Hebrews 8:8-13)





VERSES FROM ABOVE IN PARENTHESIS WRITTEN OUT BELOW:

"And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient. And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words." - Exodus 24:7-8 KJV

"For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: and they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away." - Hebrews 8:7-13 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." - Acts 2:38 KJV

"For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." - Matthew 26:28 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...Knowing this, that our old man [sinful nature] is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." Romans 6:3-4, 6 KJV

"And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood," - Revelation 1:5 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

"Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?" - James 2:7 KJV

"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. ... 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 3:5, 8 KJV

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

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

"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 KJV

In these last days of perilous times, we must remember our privilege given to us from the Lord to pray for situations and authorities around the globe.

We ought to be faithful and fervent in prayer, talking to Jesus of our concerns, needs, and desires so that we can live peaceful, quiet, godly, and respected lives.

We must keep in mind to always pray for all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

We must remember to ask for His will in all our requests.

Because Jesus has filled us with His Holy Ghost, we can also pray in the Spirit.

We need not be anxious or worry, because Jesus hears and answers our prayers.

"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come." - 2 Timothy 3:1 KJV

"And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;" - Luke 18:1 KJV

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." - 1 Timothy 2:1-4 KJV

"And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: and if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him." - 1 John 5:14-15 KJV

"Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit." - James 5:17-18 KJV

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel," - Ephesians 6:18-19 KJV

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

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

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

We can be faithful in going to church, faithful in giving, faithful in reading our Bible, faithful in prayer. We are doing well. We are feeling the joy and peace of Jesus, living in His Spirit.

We go to the store and are standing in line and someone cuts in front of us. We feel our temper rise and we turn into a bear defending our territory.

What happened to walking in the Spirit?

We are in traffic and a driver "intentionally" turns in front of us. We are certain he wanted us to hit him so he could claim damages against us.

Where did that come from?

We have every reason to be kind, tender hearted, forgiving others. We have “put off the old man and his deeds" when we repented of our sins and were baptized in Jesus name. Jesus filled us with His Spirit so we can overcome.

Some things are habits and old attitudes that we didn't realize were still around.

The Bible says that now is the time to get rid of those things - anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language.

It says since we have stripped off our old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds, now we need to grow in our knowledge of our Creator and become more like Him.

In our walk with Jesus, we learn more and more of His ways. As we desire to be like Him, we can be alert and take action when any selfish, angry, or judgmental attitudes crop up.

We can take control of things like this and put them to death. (By repentance/crucifying our fleshly impulses).

When we seek to walk in God’s peace, we will find we not only have greater peace with others, but greater peace within.

"Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: for which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: in the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.

“But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:" - Colossians 3:5-10 KJV

"Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all." - 2 Thessalonians 3:16 KJV

"Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:" - Hebrews 12:14 KJV

"Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it." - 1 Peter 3:11 KJV

"Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you." - 2 Corinthians 13:11 KJV

Church! 

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

There is only one God. His name is JESUS.

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

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

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

"Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." - Psalm 139:23-24 KJV

The Right Hand of God

The right hand of God represents God’s power.

"Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy." - Exodus 15:6

"And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven." - Mark 14:62 (Also: Matthew 26:64, Luke 22:69).

The right hand of God represents God’s saving power.

"Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand." - Psalm 20:6

"For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them." - Psalm 44:3

"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me." - Psalm 138:7

God’s right hand represents His righteousness.

"According to thy name, O God, so is thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of righteousness." - Psalm 48:10

"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." - Isaiah 41:10

When the Bible speaks of sitting on the right hand of God, it is not speaking of a physical location next to God, for God is Spirit and is everywhere at once, filling the universe. Rather, sitting on the right hand of God is speaking about being in the place of authority, honour, and power.

"So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God." - Mark 16:19

When Stephen, the first martyr, looked up to heaven, he saw the body of Jesus, the image of the invisible God. Jesus was not standing next to another god, for Jesus is God. The Bible refers to the right hand of God as the power of God. Stephen saw Jesus standing in the power and glory of God.

"But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, and said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God." - Acts 7:55-56

Stephen recognized that Jesus is God.

"And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." - Acts 7:59

The right hand of God is the authority of God.

"But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; from henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool." - Hebrews 10:12-13

"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." - Hebrews 12:2

"Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him." - 1 Peter 3:22

God did a greater work than creating the universe: He humbled Himself and became a man to pay the price of our sins on a tree and save us. He is the Lamb of God that sits in the throne. He is King of kings, Lord of lords, the all-powerful God Jesus Christ.

We have turned our back on sin, we have been baptized in Jesus name to wash our sins away, and we have received the gift of His Spirit (Acts 2:38). To live a victorious life, overcoming sin and being used by God in His kingdom, we will learn to be led by His Spirit.

Jesus will lead us in our conversation - to not say what we were about to say, or led to say what the Lord is giving us to say.

Jesus will lead us in our actions - to do what He would have us to do, or to not do what we were headed to do.

Jesus will lead us in our thoughts - to stop thinking about something, or to put our thoughts on what he would have us think about.

Jesus will lead us in our prayers - putting a person on our mind, putting a situation on our mind.

"Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the
flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." - Romans 8:12-14 KJV

What is an Ambassador for Christ?

World English Dictionary defines “ambassador” as: 1. short for ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary; a diplomatic minister of the highest rank, accredited as permanent representative to another country or sovereign 2. ambassador extraordinary a diplomatic minister of the highest rank sent on a special mission 3. ambassador plenipotentiary a diplomatic minister of the first rank with treaty-signing powers.

This definition truly describes us as an ambassador for Christ.

Jesus sent the church on a special mission when He said, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)

Jesus gave the church treaty-signing powers when He said, “Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.” (John 20:23)

On the day of Pentecost, the church began its mission and used its treaty-signing powers when the 3000 received Peter's gospel message and were baptized in Jesus name. There was a treaty made: they were reconciled to God by baptism 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. ... Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." - Acts 2:38, 41 KJV

"And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 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." - 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 KJV

God is very merciful. He is calling us with open arms. If He didn't love His creation, He would not have lowered Himself to become a man, subjecting Himself to pain and suffering, dying for our sins.

Yet, on the third day Jesus rose, with victory over death and the grave!

If we will make the decision to quit sinning, Jesus will forgive all our sins, washing them away by His blood when we get water baptized in Jesus name.

Not only that, He will fill us with His Spirit to give us the power we need to keep from sinning. With the Holy Ghost, Jesus can help us in all we do in our new life in Him.

"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: that in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus." - Ephesians 2:4-7

"Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." - Isaiah 55:7

"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

Church!

A time and place to be perfected, to mature in Christ.  To become equipped through the ministry of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers so that we can do God’s work and build up the church, the body of Christ.

"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 KJV

Faith is: “Believing is seeing.” NOT “Seeing is believing.” 

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." - Hebrews 11:1 KJV

Travailing prayer - A key to revival. 

Jesus said we must be born again to enter the kingdom of God.

"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." - John 3:3 KJV

Jesus is speaking of the spiritual birth of water baptism and Holy Ghost baptism. 

"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 3:5 KJV 

Born of water and Spirit is baptized in water and 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 KJV 

When a soul is born into the kingdom of God, the spiritual mother – the church – baptizes with water in Jesus name. The Father – Jesus – baptizes with His Spirit. The church brings forth the soul in water baptism, while the Father breathes into him the breath of life, His Holy Spirit. 

It only makes sense that the mother - the church - must go through travail in order to give birth.  

"For as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children." - Isaiah 66:8 

Travail is a word that describes a woman in labour giving birth to a baby. In the spiritual sense, we can see this travail as being very strong prayer.  

What kind of strong prayer? Physically consuming prayer…prayer with tears… praying in the Holy Ghost, speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance.  

"My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you," - Galatians 4:19 KJV 

"But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." - Jude 1:20-21 KJV 

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

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

Travailing prayer not only births souls but also brings rebirth of backsliders. 

Revival.

 

 

One God - His Name is JESUS

There is only one God – our heavenly Father. When man sinned in the Garden of Eden, death passed onto all mankind. (Romans 5:12) Sin brought division between us and God.  

The only way we could be reconciled back to God our Father, was by the death of a man who knew no sin. God looked for such a man, and there was no one. (Isaiah 59:16 “arm”)  

God in His mercy and great love for us, came Himself in human form to pay the price of death of man who knew no sin. (Isaiah 53 “arm”, 2Corinthians 5:21, 1Timothy 3:16)  

God shed His very own blood for us. (Acts 20:28)   

God came in the name “JESUS” which means, God our salvation. (Matthew 1:21, Acts 4:12, John 14:9-10) It is God’s name that is above every name. (Philippians 2:8-11) The name of our heavenly Father is JESUS. (John 5:43, John 10:25, John 17:6) 

"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing [putting on their account] 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 in him." - 2 Corinthians 5:19-21 KJV 

How are we to be reconciled to God? 

"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 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 

"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 2:41-42 KJV

 

 

 

The Holy Ghost truly is a gift from God! 

By the gift of God's Spirit in us, we can sit in heavenly places. 

"And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:" - Ephesians 2:6 KJV 

And this is just the earnest of our inheritance! 

"Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory." - Ephesians 1:14 KJV 

God promises He will give us this precious treasure of His Holy Ghost in our humble, human, “earthen vessel.” It is beyond comprehension to think that God Almighty would live within us!  

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:38-39 KJV 

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." - 2 Corinthians 4:7 KJV 

"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 KJV

 

 

 

Are we willing to suffer and willing to die for Jesus and His name as they were?

Peter and the other apostles were willing to suffer and be beaten because of their love for Jesus and His name. Even though they were threatened with death, they continued to teach and preach Jesus.

Are we willing to suffer and willing to die for Jesus and His name as they were?

Acts 5:27-28 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.

Acts 5:29-32 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

Acts 5:33 When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them...

Acts 5:40 ...And when they had called the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

Acts 5:41-42 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

Share the gospel of Jesus!!

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:38 KJV

"And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood," - Revelation 1:5

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

"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 Should I Go to Church Part 2

When I have repented, been baptized in Jesus name and filled with His Spirit (Acts 2:38), I have become a member of the body of Christ. By repentance and baptism in Jesus name, I have made peace with God. (Colossians 1:19-23, Ephesians 4:32, Hebrews 12:14-15)

It is important that I come together with the other members of His body to hear the preaching of the word, as well as teaching and counsel. When I come together with the rest of the body, it is a time to also sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with a thankful heart!

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." - Colossians 3:15-16 KJV

Discouraged by the world's situation?

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

Pray that God would extend His mercy to others as He did to us, granting them repentance.

"When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life." - Acts 11:18 KJV

Praying in the Spirit with tears births souls into the Kingdom of God.

"They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." - Psalm 126:5-6 KJV

Part of our armour in spiritual warfare is praying in the Spirit, “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.” (Ephesians 6:18) There are battles to be fought, because satan (the god of this world) is on a mission to blind the minds of the lost so they can't see the light and mercy of the gospel of Jesus.

"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 KJV

By Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection we are saved when we become dead to sin by repentance, we are buried with Him by baptism in His name Jesus for the remission of sins, and are resurrected to a new life with the infilling of the Holy Ghost, speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance. (1Corinthians 15:1-4; Romans 6:1-5; Acts 2:4) This is the gospel of Jesus. He is our Rock (1Corinthians 10:4) .

Satan cannot prevail! He is using his devices (such as unforgiveness 2Cor.2:10-11) to trick souls to sin, which condemns souls to hell, but the gates of hell shall not stop the church from rescuing these souls! By our Rock, Jesus Christ - by His name and His blood, souls are set free from hell!

"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 KJV

“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 16:18-19 KJV

Every soul the church baptizes in JESUS NAME for the remission of their sins is set free from condemnation to hell. Taking souls back from the devil!

"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

"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