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

There is power in prayer!!

We enter into a blood covenant with Jesus when we are baptized in Jesus name for the remission of sins. The Bible compares this covenant with the covenant of circumcision. 

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

We cut off the sins of our flesh when we repent and are baptized in 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 KJV

*Chart from Search for Truth Bible Study

We all need Jesus to open our understanding so that we may understand the scriptures.

"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," - Luke 24:44-45 KJV

Jesus had told His disciples many times that He must suffer and die and the third day rise again according to the scriptures. Yet, His disciples did not understand.

"From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day." - Matthew 16:21 KJV

How did Peter react?

"Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee." - Matthew 16:22 KJV

And what was Jesus’ response?!

"But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men." - Matthew 16:23 KJV

Peter needed his understanding opened! Jesus had just told Peter He would give him the keys to the kingdom of heaven, but at this point, Peter didn’t understand.

Jesus had a purpose: He put on human flesh so that He could die, to shed sinless blood to pay for the sins of man.

"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 KJV

On the Day of Pentecost, when Jesus poured out His Spirit on all those in the upper room, Peter and the rest of the disciples had their understanding opened. They understood that Jesus fulfilled the scriptures concerning His death, burial, and resurrection.

Under the anointing of the Holy Ghost, Peter preached the first gospel message how Jesus fulfilled the scriptures by His death, burial, and resurrection. Now Peter understood the keys Jesus gave to him.

After preaching the gospel, he answered the crowd how to obey the gospel, the keys to the kingdom of heaven.

"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. ... 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, 41-42, 47 KJV

When we have turned from sin by repentance, washed our sins away by baptism in Jesus name, and received the gift of His Spirit, we have access to the ways of God that we did not have before.

By His Spirit we can feel love for the unlovable, forgiveness for the unforgiveable, patience in turmoil, wisdom and direction in the midst of confusion, and joy and peace no matter what the situation.

The key is to stay full of His Spirit.

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

"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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

["Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad--for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering..." - 1 Peter 4:12-13 NLT]

As a Christian, we can expect testing. It is not a pleasant thing, but we know that God is working on us to mold our character. And through this, Jesus is perfecting us.

"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." - James 1:2-4 KJV

["Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing [lacking] nothing." - James 1:2-4 NLT]

Through every trial and test, we must remember to look to Jesus for help, strength, and guidance. It is only through Jesus, and His ways, that we can get through the tests victoriously.

Prayer

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

We have many cares and concerns that we face each day.

Jesus can take care of life’s problems. We have the privilege of taking everything to Him in prayer. Every problem that we face, Jesus can help us through it, giving us the words to say, what to do, and giving us favor with those we need to face.

Every burden that we carry, Jesus can lift it. Jesus brings salvation, deliverance, and healing.

We can go to Him in prayer for everything, and we should. He is not only the Mighty God that can move mountains, He is also our Savior that humbled Himself and took our place on a cross, suffering and dying in our place because He loves us that much.

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

When we go to Jesus, we can give our burden to Him and have peace that the problem is being taken care of.

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

The world cannot understand the peace which comes from Jesus. His peace comes in the midst of our storms and trials. His peace can come in the midst of sorrow.

When we go to Jesus, praying in the Holy Ghost, problems are solved, there is salvation and deliverance, and Jesus gives us peace knowing He heard our prayers and is answering them.

Our heart and our mind is in His hands of protection. He is our shield and defense, our comforter and strength, our ever present help in time of trouble.

"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." - 1 Peter 5:7

 God, our heavenly Father, loved us so much, that He made for Himself a body to die for our sins. Our heavenly Father overshadowed Mary to make a sinless human body so that the He Himself could give His life in our place as payment for our sins. (Luke 1:35)

"And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin." - 1 John 3:5 KJV

"Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?" - John 14:8-9 KJV

The Father’s physical body is called the Son of God. We do not worship the flesh/body of God, we worship the Spirit of God that dwells within this body.

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

"For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." - Colossians 2:9 KJV

God revealed His name, which is above every name, when He told Mary, you shall call His name JESUS.

"Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;" - Philippians 2:9-10 KJV

We receive remission of sins and the promise of the gift of the Holy Ghost when we turn to Jesus, turn away from sin by repentance, and 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 KJV

"And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." - Acts 2:40-42 KJV

Old Things Are Passed Away – Part 2

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

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

"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

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

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

All the sins we did have passed away. We have a fresh start, walking in newness of life.

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

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

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

Old Things Are Passed Away – Part 1

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

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

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

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

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

Psalms 103:12 KJV - As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

Isaiah 43:25 KJV - I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.

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

Our old nature, the “old man” with his sinful deeds has passed away. We must walk daily in the “new man”, the new nature that Jesus has given us when He filled us with His Spirit.

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

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

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

Called, Chosen, Holy, a Royal Priesthood, a Peculiar People

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

“Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy." - 1 Peter 2:9-10 KJV

As Gentiles, we were not God’s people. Because of God’s mercy, He called us out of the darkness of condemnation to make us His very own possession (a peculiar people).

God did this for us by robing Himself in flesh and dying for our sins on a cross that was fashioned from a tree. After He was buried, on the third day He rose from the grave.

"Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." - Titus 2:14 KJV

We answered His call, turning from sin wherein we were condemned. We were baptized in His name Jesus, being justified by His blood, our sins being remitted. We were filled with His Holy Ghost, being sanctified by His Spirit, making us a holy nation.

"To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." - Luke 1:79 KJV

We can praise God for what He has done for us, and show others the goodness and love of God, for He brought us out of darkness into His marvelous light. We are no longer separated from Him, walking in darkness, but are now walking in peace with God, for we have been reconciled to Him by His gospel.

"To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved." - Ephesians 1:6 KJV

We were not His people, the beloved, but now are the people of God, accepted in the beloved.

"I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine..." - Song of Songs 6:3 KJV

"And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth." - Revelation 5:10 KJV

What Part Do We Have in the Kingdom of God?

God has called us. (Matt.22:14) We have answered. (Rev.17:14) We have turned from the pleasures of sin and committed ourselves to a life of pleasing God. (Heb.11:25 Col.1:10, 1John 3:22)

We have repented and had all our sins washed away in the name of Jesus. (Acts 22:16) God has mercifully filled us with His Holy Ghost so we can walk in His Spirit (Titus 3:5, Gal.5:16, 22-25).

At creation, the first commandment God gave to Adam and Eve was to be fruitful and multiply. (Gen.1:27-28)

When we are in Christ (Acts 2:38), we are a new creation (2Cor.5:17 NKJV, Eph.4:24). The first command God gave to us as the newborn church is to be fruitful and multiply. (Mark 16:15-16, Acts 1:8, John 20:21-23)

The church is fruitful and multiplies by the gospel. (Acts 2:38-39, Mark 16:20, 1Cor.4:15, Acts 2:41, Acts 4:4, Acts 5:14, Acts 6:7, Acts 8:12, Acts 9:31, Acts 11:23-24)

We are laborers together with Jesus. (1Cor.3:9) When we are in Christ we have obeyed the gospel, taking His yoke upon us. (Eph.3:6, Matt.11:28-30)

Yoked together with Jesus by the gospel, we labor together with Him in the field of souls in the world (Matt.13:37-38, 1Pet.1:23) bringing them the gospel of salvation. (Eph.1:13-14)

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

"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 5:19-20 KJV

Every child of God has a testimony. (Acts 22:18, Rev. 6:9, Rev. 12:10-11, Rev. 19:10)

Every child of God can be a witness of Jesus. (Acts 1:8)

Every child of God can pray for souls to be saved. (Gal.4:19, Eph.6:18-20)

Pentecost - The Beginning of the Harvest (Part Ten)

The Day of Pentecost, a holy day celebrating the first fruits of the harvest (Exodus 23:16, Numbers:26), was the beginning of the harvest of souls for the kingdom of God.

Forty days after Christ’s death, burial and resurrection, Jesus spoke to His disciples about the promised outpouring of His Spirit. The kingdom of God, those born of the water and of the Spirit, was about to begin. (John 3:5, Luke 18:16-17, 1Corinthians 4:20, Romans 14:17, Luke 17:20-21)

"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 24:49 KJV

"To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: 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 1:3-5 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. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight." - Acts 1:8-9 KJV

The Day of Pentecost was the first outpouring of God’s Holy Spirit. The Day of Pentecost was the beginning of the harvest, the firstfruits.

"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. ... 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 KJV

When all those in the upper room were filled with the Holy Ghost, those in Jerusalem saw and heard them.

"And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language." - Acts 2:5-6 KJV

"But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: ... And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:" - Acts 2:14, 17 KJV

Peter then preached the gospel to them.

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

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

“For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:37-39 KJV

After Peter preached the gospel, there was a harvest of souls for the kingdom of God.

"Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. ... Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." - Acts 2:41, 47 KJV

Jesus had told His disciples,

"The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest." - Matthew 9:37-38 KJV

Before Jesus ascended up to heaven, Jesus sent labourers into His harvest.

"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." - Mark 16:15 KJV (John 20:21)

The harvest began on the Day of Pentecost.  The Lord then added to His church.

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

The Lord is still adding to His church today.

Quenching the Fiery Darts of the Wicked

(Note: verses noted are written out at end of post for convenience)

When we enter the kingdom of God by being born again of water and of the Spirit, we become warriors for Jesus. Our eyes are opened to see the reality – the spiritual world – which is actually more real than the physical, because it is eternal. (John 3:5, Acts 2:38, 2Cor.10:3-5, Eph.6:12, Heb.11:1, 2Cor.5:7)

When we enter the kingdom of God, we step into eternal life, with heaven as our destination. We step into the love of God, which we had not experienced the fullness of until we were filled with His Spirit, and all our sins were washed away in His name Jesus. (Col.1:5, Rom.5:5, 9)

We find peace that passes understanding, and joy which is unspeakable and full of glory. When life hurls its pain and sorrow at us, we can find comfort, reassurance, and understanding, praying in the Spirit. When we are faced with temptation, we have the power of the Spirit of Jesus to strengthen and deliver us. (Phil.4:7,1Pet.1:8,Jude1:20-21,1John 5:4, Phil.4:13, 2Pet.2:9)

All of this comes from our faith that first brought us to God, and that led us to believe and obey His gospel. We have faith that God put on flesh to pay the price of our sins to save us. God came in His saving name Jesus. We have faith that God not only saved us from our sins when we turn to Him in repentance and apply His sin cleansing blood by water baptism in Jesus name, but also that He is able to deliver us, heal us, and help us through every situation we face. (Heb.1:6, Mark16:15-16,John1:12-13,Heb.2:14-15,Matt.1:21,Acts2:38,Rev.1:5 2Tim.4:18)

This faith is our shield. The devil can come to us with our past failures, accusing us and throwing lies at us saying we are not saved, but the shield of faith quenches all these fiery darts from the wicked. Our Defense Attorney – our Advocate – the Spirit of Jesus in us – pleads the precious holy blood that we applied in Jesus name baptism. Satan – the Prosecutor – has nothing on us because we have been baptized in Jesus name! That name, through faith in that name, has the power to not only heal us physically and emotionally, but the name of Jesus is the only name with power to heal our souls and save us. (Eph.6:16,Rev.12:10,John15:26,John16:7[Note: “Comforter” is “Defense Attorney”], Acts 3:16, Acts 4:10-12)

"Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." - Ephesians 6:16 KJV

Verses from above in parenthesis written out:

"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

"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 though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;" - 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 KJV

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

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

"(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)" - 2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV

"For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;" - Colossians 1:5 KJV

"And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. ... Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him." - Romans 5:5, 9 KJV

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

"Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:" - 1 Peter 1:8 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

"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 KJV

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

"The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:" - 2 Peter 2:9 KJV

"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 11:6 KJV

"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 KJV

"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." - John 1:12-13 KJV

"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 KJV

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

"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 the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." - 2 Timothy 4:18 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." - Revelation 12:10 KJV

"But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:" - John 15:26 KJV [Note: Comforter is Defense Attorney/Advocate]

"Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you." - John 16:7 KJV [Note: Comforter is Defense Attorney/Advocate]

"And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all." - Acts 3:16 KJV

"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 KJV

Stand Therefore, Having Your Loins Girt About With Truth

We enter the kingdom of God when we are born of water – baptism in Jesus name - and of the Spirit – baptism of the Holy Ghost. (John 3:4-5, Acts 2:38) We no longer belong to the world. (John 15:19) By our new birth, we are sons and daughters of God. (John 1:12-13, 2 Corinthians 6:16-18)

Our battles are not physical; our battles are spiritual. We wrestle against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against the devil and demons of the darkness of this world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. We see the spiritual influences in our physical world, and respond with the methods of the Spirit.

We are strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. We have the authority of the name of God – “JESUS”, and the power of God’s Spirit – the Holy Ghost to combat any temptation, and any device of satan that might trip us up. By the name of Jesus and by His Spirit, we stand and we fight.

To do this, Jesus has equipped His children with armor. When we put on the whole armor of God, we can stand against the methods and deceptions of satan, and advance the kingdom of Jesus.

We are commanded to “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth…”

In the physical, the loins are the place of reproduction. Thus, in the spiritual, the loins represent spiritual reproduction. The church reproduces spiritually by preaching the gospel, which is the new birth experience. (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

We are to go into all the world with the gospel and make disciples. (Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15-16, Luke 24:46-49, John 20:21-23, Acts 13:47)

"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

In the physical, to gird is “to fasten garments with a girdle or belt.” (Thayer’s) It has the meaning of being ready to serve. (Luke 12:35-37) Girding the loins metaphorically is, “of girding the "loins" in readiness for active service for the Lord.” (Vine’s)

"Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them." - Luke 12:35-37

To have our loins girt about with truth is figuratively, “to equip one's self with knowledge of the truth, Eph. 6:14” (Thayer’s)

Thus, we are to equip ourselves with the knowledge of the truth in readiness for active service for the Lord. The truth is, there is only one God that robed Himself in flesh, suffered and died for our sins, and on the third day rose again. His name, which is above every name is Jesus. (Deuteronomy 6:4, 1Timothy 3:16, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Ephesians 1:21, Philippians 2:7-11)

"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

It is by this truth and spiritual reproduction - the new birth of souls by water baptism in Jesus name and the infilling of the Holy Ghost - that satan’s kingdom is defeated and the Kingdom of God goes forth into all the earth. “…And the gates of hell shall not prevail against it”. (Matt. 16:18-19)

"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. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth…" - Ephesians 6:10-14

What is righteousness? And what is the breastplate of righteousness?

"Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;" - Ephesians 6:14 KJV

The breastplate covers the vital organs of the body. The righteousness of God is our breastplate that protects our very life. By His death on the cross, Jesus has made us right with Him, having our sins washed away by baptism in Jesus name and filling us with His righteous holy Spirit, giving us victory over sin and death.

“Righteousness,” according to Thayer’s Lexicon, is “…The condition acceptable to God…The doctrine concerning the way in which man may attain to a state approved of God.”

We find that by the doctrine of salvation through the gospel that we can obtain righteousness.

The gospel declares the death of Jesus on a cross paying the penalty for our sins, his burial, and resurrection. (1Cor.15:1-4)

"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 5:21 KJV

"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." - Galatians 3:27 KJV

When we obey the gospel, we repent, are buried with Him in baptism in the name of Jesus for the remission of our sins, and resurrected to a new life in righteousness by the infilling of His Spirit. (Acts 2:38, Romans 6:1-4)

"For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)" - Romans 5:17 KJV

Another translation: “For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.” - Romans 5:17 NLT

When we have obeyed the gospel, our old sinful nature is buried. We put on a new nature when we are filled with God’s Spirit, righteous and holy.

"That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; ... And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." - Ephesians 4:22, 24 KJV

Another translation: “throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception… Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.” – NLT

"But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you." - Romans 8:9-11 KJV

"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 in him." - 2 Corinthians 5:19-21 KJV

"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 KJV

Another translation:

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.

And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

What is Pentecost? The Feast of Weeks (Part Nine)

The word “Pentecost” is used only in the New Testament and is found in three verses. (Acts 2:1, Acts 20:16, and 1 Corinthians 16:8) It means "the fiftieth day." It is the seventh week after the Passover.

In the Old Testament, Pentecost is called the Feast of Weeks – It is seven weeks between Passover and Pentecost.

We can see a correlation between Passover and the Feast of Weeks to our New Testament salvation.

The Passover represents repentance and baptism in Jesus name. As the Hebrews in Egypt shed the blood of a lamb, applying the blood of the lamb on the doorposts of their house, we repent, applying the blood of Jesus, the Lamb of God, by water baptism in Jesus name (our body is the house of our soul).

As the death angel passed over the Hebrews when he saw the blood of the lamb, so the death angel will pass over us when he sees the blood of the Lamb, Jesus. (Revelation 2:11, 20:6)

As God wrote His ten commandments on tables of stone on the Feast of Weeks, God wrote His law on hearts by the Holy Ghost on Pentecost.

Pentecost is also the celebration of the wheat harvest and the ripening of the first fruits. Thus, it is also called "First Fruits” and the “Feast of Harvest.” (Exodus 23:16, 34:22, Numbers 28:26, Deuteronomy 16:9-12, 16:16, 2Chronicles 8:13) (Also, Romans 8:23, 1Corinthians 15:20-23)

These verses describe the Pentecost (Feast of Weeks) of the Old Testament:

Deuteronomy 16:10 KJV - And thou shalt keep the feast of weeks unto the LORD thy God with a tribute of a freewill offering of thine hand, which thou shalt give unto the LORD thy God, according as the LORD thy God hath blessed thee:

Deuteronomy 16:11 KJV - And thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite that is within thy gates, and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are among you, in the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen to place his name there.

Deuteronomy 16:12 KJV - And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt: and thou shalt observe and do these statutes.

We can see these verses fulfilled in our New Testament Pentecost.

We offer up ourselves as a freewill offering to the Lord by repentance and as a living sacrifice. (Romans 12:1, 1Peter 2:5)

The infilling of the Holy Ghost, the Pentecostal experience, is truly a time of rejoicing! It is joy unspeakable and full of glory. (1Peter 1:8)

And, this rejoicing in the Spirit is “in the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen to place His name there.” When we are baptized in Jesus name, the LORD has placed His name upon us. (Acts 15:17, James 2:7).

With our sins forgiven by water baptism in Jesus name, and with the gift of the Holy Ghost within us, we remember where the Lord brought us from – out of the bondage of sin. (Deuteronomy 16:12)

Jesus, the Creator of the universe, robed Himself in human flesh so that He could die in our place for our sins. God loves us this much! (John 3:16)

Because of our love for Jesus, we repent of our sins and keep His commandments, living a holy and overcoming life for Him. (John 14:15)

Pentecost and the Gentiles (Part Eight)

Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He gave commandment to His disciples to tarry in the city of Jerusalem until they be endued with power from on high.

Jesus spoke to them of the gospel, saying that repentance and remission of sins would be for all nations, which means the Gentiles, and would begin in Jerusalem with the Jews. (Luke 24:44-49)

He said they would receive power, after that the Holy Ghost came upon them: and they would be witnesses unto Him both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:8)

Here again, Jesus came to save the whole world, not just the Jews. However, the Holy Ghost would be poured out first on the Jews in Jerusalem, and the gospel with repentance and remission of sins in Jesus name would be preached to the Jews first.

Peter didn’t realize it at the time, but on the Day of Pentecost, Peter preached that the promise of the Holy Ghost is also for the Gentiles. When he said the promise of the Holy Ghost is also “to all that are afar off,” he was speaking of the Gentiles. (Acts 2:39, Ephesians 2:11-22)

For Peter, it took a vision and the voice of God, an angelic visitation to the Gentile Cornelius, messengers, witnesses, and a powerful outpouring of the Holy Ghost, to make Peter realize that God’s gift of the Holy Ghost is for the Gentiles also. (Acts 10)

"And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean." - Acts 10:28 KJV

When Peter and the six Jewish brethren that came with him went into Cornelius’ house, they found many that were come together prepared to hear Peter’s message. (Acts 10:27, Acts 11:12)

“Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.” (Act 10:33)

Peter then preached the gospel of Jesus.

"And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

“And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

“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 10:39-48 KJV

It was when Peter and the six Jewish brethren that came with him heard the Gentiles speak in tongues as the Spirit gave the utterance that they knew for sure that the Gentiles also received the Holy Ghost.

Peter later testified to the other apostles in Jerusalem what had happened.

"And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning...

“Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?

“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 11:15, 17-18 KJV

The Gospel message preached by Peter on the Day of Pentecost is for Jews and Gentiles alike!

"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

The Milk and Meat of Pentecost (Part Seven)

There are three times that the commandment, “Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk” is mentioned in the Bible. (Exodus 23:19, Exodus 34:26, Deut. 14:21).

The Jews practice this commandment by not eating dairy products and meat products in the same meal.

On the day of Pentecost, it is a Jewish custom to first eat a dairy meal, then after a short interruption, to eat a meat meal. We can see the spiritual fulfillment of this on the day of Pentecost when God poured out His Spirit.

What does the Bible say about milk and meat, and what do these have to do with the day of Pentecost?

1 Corinthians 3:1-3 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

1 Peter 2:1-3 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

It appears in these verses that milk is for those that have not gotten control of their carnal nature and are needing to spend their time on repentance rather than on the work of God. The Lord is gracious and patient as with a baby with its needs of dirty diapers, bottles, whining and crying.

Hebrews 5:12-14 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

It appears in these verses that meat is for those that have matured in Christ, and are in a position to care for and teach “babes in Christ”.

It appears that milk represents obeying the gospel, while it appears meat represents preaching and teaching the gospel.

Jesus’ use of the word “meat” when speaking to His disciples sheds light on this meaning. (John 4:4-42)

Jesus had ministered to the Samaritan woman at the well. He spoke to her of the gift of the Holy Ghost, which is the Spirit of God within that brings everlasting life. He told her that true worshippers shall worship the Father in Spirit and in truth. He revealed to her that He is Messiah.

Jesus’ then spoke to His disciples.

John 4:34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

John 4:35-36 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.

On the day of Pentecost, those in the upper room that first received the Holy Ghost had already been baptized in Jesus name. (John 3:22, 26, John 4:1-2) When God poured out His Spirit on them and they were speaking in other tongues as His Spirit gave them utterance, it appears they went out into the streets. (Acts 2:4, 6) The multitudes that were gathered for the holy day of Pentecost heard the disciples speaking in their own language the wonderful works of God. (Acts 2:11) The disciples were now born of the water and of the Spirit. They had obeyed the gospel.

We could say the first part of the morning was like a milk meal.

After the multitudes witnessed the Spirit filled behavior of the disciples, they asked the question, “What meaneth this?” Others mocking said, “These men are full of new wine.” (Acts 2:12, 13)

First came the obedience to the gospel, then came the preaching of the gospel. It could be said the second part of the morning on the day of Pentecost was like a meat meal.

After Peter explained the fulfillment of prophecies that had just taken place, he preached the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is the gospel.

After the multitudes heard the preaching of Peter, they asked the question, “Men and brethren what shall we do?”

Then Peter preached how to obey the gospel.

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

Just as Jesus said, “I have meat to eat that ye know not of” when He preached the gospel to the woman at the well, so Peter had meat to eat on the day of Pentecost when he preached the gospel to the multitudes. (John 4:32)

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

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

The Blood Covenants of Pentecost (Part Six)

The Day of Pentecost is the day in which the Holy Ghost was poured out on the followers of Jesus that were praying in an upper room in Jerusalem. This was the fulfillment of the promised new covenant. (Jeremiah 31:31-34)

The Day of Pentecost is also the Jewish holy day celebrating the giving of God’s Law at Mount Sinai.

Each covenant was confirmed with blood.

At Mount Sinai Moses said, “Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words." – Exodus 24:8 KJV

"And he sent young men of the children of Israel, which offered burnt offerings, and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen unto the LORD. And Moses took half of the blood, and put it in basons; and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar. 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 24:5-8 KJV

In Jerusalem Jesus said, "For this is my blood of the new testament [new covenant], which is shed for many for the remission of sins." - Matthew 26:28 KJV

The blood of Jesus for the remission of sins fulfills the prophecy of Jeremiah of the new covenant.

"…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 KJV

Peter preached the new covenant on the Day of Pentecost, which was on the same day that the Jews made their covenant of the Law years earlier. This time the blood applied would not be animal blood that could not take away sins. This time the blood would be God’s blood, applied through His name “Jesus” in baptism for the remission of 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 KJV

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

"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 KJV

"And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." - Luke 24:47 KJV

"To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. ... And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days." - Acts 10:43, 48 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

Those that entered into the new covenant on the Day of Pentecost confirmed it with the blood of Jesus by water baptism in Jesus name for the remission of sins.

"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 Two Marriage Covenants of Pentecost (Part Five)

The Jews made a covenant with God at Mount Sinai in which they agreed to keep all His commandments. This holy day is called Pentecost. The Jews call it Shavuot.

The Jews look at the day of Pentecost as the day they made a marriage covenant with God. Just as the bride says, “I do”, the Jewish people said, “We do”.

Exodus 24:3 ¶ And Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the LORD hath said will we do.

God also recognizes the day of Pentecost as the day he made a marriage covenant with the Jewish people. In Jeremiah 31:31-34, God refers to himself as their husband.

Jeremiah 31:31 ¶ Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:

Jeremiah 31:32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day [that] I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:

God speaks here of making a new covenant with the Jewish people. God ordained a new and better covenant, a marriage covenant of mercy. God said, “I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more”.

Also, in this new covenant there would be a closer relationship between God and His people. God would reveal Himself to them. Because He was forgiving their iniquity, they could receive the infilling of His Spirit. This is how we know Him.

Jeremiah 31:33 But this [shall be] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Jeremiah 31:34 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.

There is one issue, however. How can God and the Jewish people be released from their marriage covenant of the Law that they entered into at Sinai?

Paul addresses this in Romans 7:1-6.

Romans 7:1 ¶ Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? [the law applies only while a person is living, not after he is dead.]

Romans 7:2 For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. [the laws of marriage no longer apply to her.]

Romans 7:3 So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man. [But if her husband dies, she is free from that law and does not commit adultery when she remarries.]

The only way that the Jewish people could be released from their marriage covenant of the Law with God is for God to die. Therefore, God robed Himself in flesh and His flesh died on the cross. By the death of God’s flesh, the Jewish people were set free from their Sinai marriage covenant with God, which is the covenant of the Law.

The Jew releases God when he dies with Christ by repentance and baptism in Jesus name.

Romans 7:4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. [The Jew becomes dead to the Law and His first marriage covenant with God by repentance and burial with Christ in baptism. He then becomes the Bride of Christ who is risen from the dead, bringing fruit unto God acceptable to Him.]

Romans 7:5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. [controlled by our old nature, sinful desires aroused by the Law were at work within us, producing fruit of sinful deeds resulting in death.]

Romans 7:6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. [released from the Law, for we died to it, no longer captive to its power, we serve the new way of living in the Spirit, not in the old way of obeying the letter of the Law]

Romans 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

Romans 6:4 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.

On the day of Pentecost, Peter gave the message of the New Covenant that set the Jews free from the Law to become the Bride of Christ. (John 3:29, 2Corinthians 11:2)

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 2:39 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.

That day, the day of Pentecost, there were added into the New Covenant and the Bride of Christ about three thousand souls. (Acts 2:41)