"Be careful for nothing [Don’t worry]; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." - Philippians 4:6 KJV

Interestingly, a prime example of this took place in Philippi.

Paul and Silas were severely beaten and thrown into prison because they had cast a devil out of a girl that was being used for fortune-telling, ruining her owners ability to make big money off from her. The jailer was ordered to make sure Paul and Silas didn’t escape.

"Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks." - Acts 16:24 KJV

"And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them." - Acts 16:25

Paul and Silas PRAYED WITH THANKSGIVING, praying and singing praises to God.

No matter what your need is, big or small, God can take care of it!

"And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed." - Acts 16:26

God answered Paul and Silas’ prayer they prayed with thanksgiving! God SHOOK the prison and opened the doors, LOOSING EVERYONE’S bands.

"And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.

“Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" - Acts 16:27-30 KJV

It is here that we see that, through the power of the Holy Ghost, Paul and Silas’ prayer went above what they may have asked or thought.

"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us," - Ephesians 3:20 KJV

God not only answered their prayers by shaking the prison, opening the doors, and loosing all the prisoner’s bands, but God had also just caused Paul and Silas’ path to cross the path of the man from Macedonia that Paul had seen in a heavenly vision BEFORE they went to Philippi!

"And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; there stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us." - Acts 16:9

Paul and Silas knew from this vision that the Lord had called them to preach the gospel in Macedonia, Philippi being a city in eastern Macedonia (Acts 16:12).

"And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them." - Acts 16:10

When the jailer came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, and brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? Paul and Silas immediately responded,

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." - Acts 16:31 KJV

What did Paul and Silas say next?

"And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house." - Acts 16:32

Paul and Silas, preachers of the gospel, then spoke the word of the Lord to the jailor and those in his house. They were fulfilling the mission of the heavenly vision of preaching the gospel to the man of Macedonia that said in the vision, “Come over into Macedonia, and help us."

And it didn’t stop there! After hearing the word of the Lord, the jailor and his household OBEYED the word of the Lord!

"And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway." - Acts 16:33

The jailor and his household heard the word of the Lord, they believed the word of the Lord, and they OBEYED the word of the Lord! They were BAPTIZED!!

"And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house." - Acts 16:34

What is the gospel message that Paul and Silas preached to the jailor and his household?

The same gospel message that was preached throughout the New Testament that BEGAN on the Day of Pentecost!

On the Day of Pentecost, Peter preached to the multitude that gathered the gospel of Jesus, His death, burial, and resurrection. Then he preached what they should do.

"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." - Acts 2:37-38 KJV

As a result of Paul and Silas’ prayers and supplications with thanksgiving, not only did God loose Paul and Silas from jail, not only did God bring Paul and Silas to preach the gospel to and baptize the man of Macedonia that was in the vision that was calling out for help, but God also turned the tables on the magistrates that had beaten them and thrown them in jail.

The magistrates were now the ones that were shaking – with fear of what they had done to Paul and Silas!

"And when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, Let those men go... But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out. And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans.

“And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city. And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia [a believer that opened her home to Paul and Silas]: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed." - Acts 16:35, 37-40 KJV

*Chart from Exploring God's Word Bible Study

What is the gospel? We heard it preached, received it, stand in it, and are saved by it! Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again. We have not “believed in vain,” for we have obeyed it!

"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:" - 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

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

"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 [Also: Colossians 2:11-12]

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

"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

The complete experience of the Gospel as in the Day of Pentecost!

There are some that have the misconception (perhaps from a popular Christian song) that Jesus went from the grave to the sky.

Jesus died, He was buried, and on the third day He was resurrected. Jesus did not ascend to the sky until 40 days after His resurrection. (Acts 1:1-9)

"Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: 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:" - Acts 1:2-3 KJV

With this misconception, there is an important aspect of the gospel left out.

These forty days were of the utmost importance of the gospel because during these 40 days Jesus witnessed to multitudes of people showing them that He had overcome death and the grave and was alive - forevermore!

"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: and that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: after that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep [have died]. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles." - 1 Corinthians 15:3-7 KJV

This misconception is important to correct because this time period between Jesus’ resurrection and the day He was taken up in the sky is a very important time period in our obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

We obey the gospel by following Jesus’ death by repentance of our sins, we follow His burial by being buried with Him by baptism in Jesus name, and we follow His resurrection by being filled with His Holy Ghost to live a holy and overcoming life. (1Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 6:1-11, Colossians 2:11-15).

The next part is so very important. We are to be witnesses, that through Jesus’ death and by the power of His Spirit we have overcome sin and are living a victorious changed life!

This is exactly what Jesus told His disciples at the end of the 40 days after that He had witnessed to so many people His resurrection from the dead. Jesus was a witness of the power of His Spirit, and before He ascended into heaven He let His disciples know - we are to be witnesses! Jesus told them,

"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 (Luke 24:49-52)

Jesus didn't ascend from the grave and rise straight to heaven. First, He was a witness of His resurrecting power. And we don't ascend into heaven the moment we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost! First, we are witnesses of His resurrecting power!

"Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." - Romans 6:4 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

"Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:" - Colossians 1:11-12 KJV

There is only one God and His name is Jesus. The name of Jesus is above all other names because by the name of Jesus, God revealed Himself in flesh and paid the price of death for the sins of all mankind. God is a Spirit. He is holy. He is the Holy Spirit. He is the Spirit of Christ because His Spirit is in the body of Christ. God fills believers with His Spirit, which is also called the Holy Ghost (a ghost is a spirit). God is not a person, He is Spirit. And He certainly is not two or three persons! He is One Spirit and His name is Jesus.

Deuteronomy 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:

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

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

Hebrews 2:14-15 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.

2 Corinthians 5:19 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.

Isaiah 43:3 For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour…

John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

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

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 - that He shed His blood for us - and we give our testimony - that we repented of our old life, applying the blood of Jesus to us personally when we got baptized in Jesus name, and how that Jesus filled us with His Holy Ghost, with us speaking in tongues as His Spirit gave us utterance.

Just like on the Day of Pentecost when the church began!

"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 Peter preached the gospel - Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection - to all the Jews that had gathered when they saw and heard the believers receive the gift of God's Spirit.

"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

Later, God poured out His Spirit on the Gentiles, when He sent Peter to preach to them the gospel message.

"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

The apostle John testified in the book of Revelation of those that heard the gospel, obeyed it, and shared it.

"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

The Hebrew word for repentance is Teshuvah. It means to regret sin you have done, and resolve never to do it again.

Teshuvah means to return (to God).

When we repent, we turn our back on the world (of sin) and turn to Jesus. When we repent, it is in response to our love for Jesus.

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

Jesus said,

"And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." - Mark 8:34 KJV

When we repent, turning our life to Jesus, we deny our self. We turn from our sinful desires and lusts and give our heart and our love to Jesus. Repentance is crucifying our sinful desires out of love for Jesus, just as He crucified His own flesh out of His love for us. We follow Jesus’ death by repentance, His burial by water baptism in Jesus name, and His resurrection by receiving the gift of His Spirit to live a new and holy life.

Peter preached repentance when he preached the Gospel on the Day of Pentecost.

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. ... And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward [perverse, wicked] generation." - Acts 2:38, 40 KJV

It is by the goodness of God that He leads us to repent.

 "Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?" - Romans 2:4 KJV

By the Gospel: repentance – baptism in Jesus name – receiving the gift of His Holy Ghost, we are a glorious church, holy and without blemish.

"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word [word = ‘the gospel,’ according to Thayer’s Greek Lexicon] That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." - Ephesians 5:25-27 KJV

It is because of the longsuffering of God that He has not yet come back for His church, not willing that any should perish, but that all repent.

"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 3:9 KJV

"And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent [of their sins and turn to him]:" - Acts 17:30 KJV

"If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain." - James 1:26 KJV (Another translation: “If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.”)

"Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

“For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

“Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be." - James 3:5-10 KJV

The Bible speaks of backbiters (backstabbers/slanderers), whisperers (gossipers), murmurers (grumblers), complainers, false accusers, despisers of those that are good, traitors, tattlers, busybodies, going from house to house, speaking things which they ought not.

"Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;" - Hebrews 12:15 KJV

"Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." - Matthew 10:16 KJV

The devil will use people to try and trick you into their conversation to cause you to feel compelled to tell the rest of the story or the other side when they are accusing others or are gossiping. But we are not ignorant of his devices.

Just as we allow God to take control of our tongue when we speak in other tongues, we can pray, submit to Jesus, and allow Him to take control of our tongue to be silent in the face of evil talk and to speak the right words at the right time.

"For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you." - Matthew 10:20 KJV

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." - Proverbs 18:21 KJV (Another translation: “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.”)

"Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles." - Proverbs 21:23 KJV

"Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth." - Proverbs 26:20 KJV

"For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:" - 1 Peter 3:10 KJV

If a person wants to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, they must repent first.

"And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God." - Acts 11:1 KJV     

Peter went up to Jerusalem to testify of how he wound up going to a Gentile’s home and preaching the gospel to them.

"But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them…" - Acts 11:4 KJV     See these verses: Acts 11:5-14

"And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning." - Acts 11:15 KJV (Acts 2:4)

The Holy Ghost fell on the Gentiles just as it fell on the Jews on the Day of Pentecost in the upper room. (Acts 2:4)

"And they of the circumcision [the Jews] 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…" - Acts 10:45-46 KJV

"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 Peter heard the Gentiles speaking in tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance he knew they had received the gift of the Holy Ghost. However, they had received the gift without entering the covenant with Jesus by baptism in Jesus name.

"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." - Acts 10:46-48 KJV

Peter told the brethren in Jerusalem all that happened.

“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

How did the brethren in Jerusalem know that the Gentiles Peter preached to had repented?

They knew this because God does not fill a person with His Spirit unless they have repented first.

Repentance is necessary before receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost as well as before getting water baptized in Jesus name.  A person must crucify his carnal nature first.

"And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it." - Mark 8:34-35 KJV

Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose on the third day to life. (The Gospel - the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.) 

We OBEY the Gospel by repentance (becoming dead to sin), baptism in JESUS name (buried with Him by baptism), and receiving His Holy Ghost (resurrection to New Life in Jesus). (Romans 6:1-13).

We must crucify our sinful nature BEFORE we can be buried in baptism OR resurrected to walk in newness of Life. Jesus will not fill us with His Spirit unless we repent first.

Because of this, if a person receives the Holy Ghost speaking in tongues (as the Gentiles did in Acts 10), then that person has repented.

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us," - Ephesians 3:20 KJV

What is the power that worketh in us?

When we have received the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38) the power that worketh within us is the Holy Ghost.

"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

When is it that we ask or think?

We ask and think when we pray.

"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 KJV

The meaning of “supplication” according to Thayer’s Greek Lexicon is, “a seeking, asking, entreating, entreaty…requests addressed by men to God.”

How does the power of the Holy Ghost work in us to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think?

The Holy Ghost works in us when we are praying, as one verse says, “in the Spirit.”  

"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

When we are praying in the Spirit - travailing, intercessory prayer - speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives us utterance, we are praying BEYOND what we ask OR think.

"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

Through the Holy Ghost, the power that worketh within us when we pray in the Spirit, Jesus is able to do EXCEEDING ABUNDANTLY ABOVE all we ask OR think!

Jesus spoke to Peter after His resurrection and before He ascended to heaven. He told Peter to feed His lambs, and feed His sheep.

"This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead. So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

“He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

“He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep." - John 21:14-17 KJV

Peter had received a calling from the chief Shepherd.

"Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture." - Psalm 100:3 KJV

Jesus died for us, redeeming us back to Himself.

"Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls." - 1 Peter 2:24-25 KJV

Jesus appoints shepherds to oversee His flock (the church) to feed His sheep (the saints).

"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

What do overseers (shepherds/pastors) feed the church?

"And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding." - Jeremiah 3:15 KJV

"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 Corinthians 3:1-3 KJV

"As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:" - 1 Peter 2:2 KJV

"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." - Hebrews 5:12-14 KJV

"Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine." - 1 Timothy 5:17 KJV

"And we beseech you, brethren, to know [“to have regard for one, cherish, pay attention to” - Thayer’s Greek Lexicon] them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves." - 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 KJV (Another translation: “Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance.”)

Peter exhorted the elders (pastors).

"The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away." - 1 Peter 5:1-4 KJV [“Elder – among Christians, those who presided over the assemblies (or churches). They did not differ at all from the bishops or overseers. Presbyters. (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon)] (Acts 14:23, Titus 1:5)

"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

"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 

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

"But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?" - Acts 9:21 KJV

"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." - Matthew 18:20 KJV

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

"But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:" - Acts 9:15 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

Is it really important how a person is baptized?

Yes, water baptism by immersion in the name of JESUS for the remission of sins is very important. 

It is by baptism in Jesus name that our sins are remitted/washed away/buried, because by the name of Jesus the blood of Jesus is applied to a person. (Matthew 26:28, Acts 2:38, Acts 10:43, 48, Acts 22:16, Revelation 1:5, Exodus 12:5-7, 13, 1Peter 1:18-19, Revelation 12:11, Romans 6:3-4, Colossians 1:14, Colossians 2:11-12. 1Corinthians 6:11.) 

Water baptism in Jesus name is a blood covenant. It is compared to circumcision, which is also a blood covenant. In circumcision, the flesh is cut off, the person is given their name, blood is shed, and the person is joined to God’s people. (Genesis 17:14, Colossians 2:11-12, Luke 2:21.) Water baptism in Jesus name is the New Covenant fulfillment of circumcision in the Old Covenant. In baptism in Jesus name, it represents Jesus’ cutting off of His flesh by death, and His blood was shed. It represents our cutting off the lusts of our flesh and sin by repentance and baptism, and applying Jesus death and blood to us personally. We are given the name of Jesus in water baptism in Jesus name, just as in circumcision the name is given. The name of Jesus is called upon us. (Acts 22:16, Acts 15:17, Acts 9:21, James 2:7.)

Water baptism is one of the two ingredients of the New Birth of John 3:3-5 which Jesus said is necessary to enter the kingdom of God. Our spiritual life lines up with the natural, from conception to adulthood. Just as there is a mother and father involved with natural birth, there is a mother and Father involved with our spiritual birth. Only the mother – the church – can water baptize a person in Jesus name. Only the Father – Jesus – can Spirit baptize a person with His Holy Spirit (Holy Ghost). It takes mother and Father and they cannot be interchanged in their roles. Jesus gave authority to the church to remit sins in His Great Commission found in the gospel of John 20:21-23, and this authority was used on the Day of Pentecost when the church first began. (Acts 2:38-41.) The church is responsible for baptizing souls in Jesus name. On the other hand, only Jesus can fill a person with His Spirit. No man can do this. When a person is filled with the Spirit of Jesus, the person speaks in other tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance. (Acts 2:4, Acts 19:6, Acts 10:45-46.) Just as when a baby is born from its mother, there is water that comes forth, then the baby takes its first breath of air and lets out a cry, letting everyone know he has taken his first breath. (The sound of the infilling of the Spirit is spoken of by Jesus when He is speaking of being born of the Spirit. Jesus compares the Holy Spirit with the wind. He said the wind blows where it lists and you hear the SOUND but can’t tell where it came from and where it is going – so is every one that is born of the Spirit. (John 3:8.) When a person is born of the Spirit, they too let out a sound. What is heard is the sound of the Spirit that has just filled them. It is speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance.) Both births, water and the Spirit, are necessary to enter the kingdom of God. (John 3:5.)

The Bible says we are saved by baptism. (1Peter 3:21.) Water baptism in Jesus name is compared to Noah and the flood. The sin of the world in Noah’s day was washed away, while Noah was saved by the water, safe in the ark. Our sins are washed away, while we are saved by water baptism in Jesus name. The ark is a type of the church. (i.e. One door – Jesus is the door.) We enter into the church by water and Spirit baptism.

Water baptism in Jesus name is an essential part of obedience to the gospel. The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. (1Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 6:1-23.) We must obey the gospel in order to be saved. (2Thessalonians 1:8, 1Peter 4:17, Romans 10:16.) Obeying the gospel is by repentance and water baptism in Jesus name, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, which follows Jesus’ death (crucifixion), burial, and resurrection. (Romans 6:1-4, Colossians 2:11-12, Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34, Luke 9:23, Acts 2:38.)

There appears to be some confusion about tongues.

We know that God is not the author of confusion.

1Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

Therefore we know that if there is confusion, this confusion is from Satan.

We must have the Holy Ghost in order to be saved.

We must have His Spirit to enter the kingdom of God.

John 3:5 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.

We need His Spirit to belong to Him.

Romans 8:9 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.

If we want to please God, we must walk in the Spirit. To walk in the Spirit, we must STAY FULL of the Spirit.

Galatians 5:16-17 ¶This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

It is by the power of His Spirit that we overcome sin, live a holy life, and become witnesses.

Acts 1:8 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.

To be a true worshiper, we need His Spirit.

John 4:23-24 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

God’s Spirit acts as our Defense Attorney. “Counsel for defense” is a meaning of the Greek word that is translated as “Comforter”.

John 14:16-18 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

God gives us His Spirit to "plead the blood of Jesus", reminding Satan that the blood of Jesus washed away our sins when we were baptized in Jesus name.  Because we are now living a holy and overcoming life, Satan has nothing to accuse us with!  

Jesus gives us His Spirit to teach us and to remind us of what He said.

John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

His Spirit guides us into all truth and will show us things to come.

John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

It is by the power of His Spirit that we will be resurrected. It is His Spirit that will raise us up from the grave.

Romans 8:11 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.

Because we need God's Spirit to be saved, it makes sense that Satan would try to cause confusion as to whether or not a person has received God's Spirit! Satan would like a person to think they have received God’s Spirit when they have not. Thankfully, God makes it clear when a person has received His Spirit: they speak in tongues (a language they have not learned) as the Spirit of God gives them the ability to speak.

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

When we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (God’s Spirit) we speak in tongues. We speak in tongues as God speaks through us in a language we have not learned.

A key to why God chose tongues to be the sign of a person receiving His Spirit is found in James 3:2-8.

James 3:2-8 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: but the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

In these verses, the tongue is described as an “unruly evil” among the members of the body. James declares, “the tongue can no man tame”.  No man can tame the tongue, but by a repentant heart and the desire to receive God’s Spirit, God can tame our tongue.

With words of praise, worship, and thanksgiving, God will baptize a person with His Holy Ghost and they will speak in another tongue (language) as the Spirit of God speaks through them.

The tongue is the last thing to surrender to God when we are allowing him to fill us with His Spirit. When the Lord controls our tongue, it is a sign that we have given Him full control of our life!

Because the tongue is the last to surrender, it makes sense that tongues are the sign for being FILLED with the Holy Ghost.

Some people say, “I have the Holy Spirit, but I haven’t spoken in tongues – I don’t have the Gift of Tongues”.

This confusion comes from lack of knowing the Word of God. The Word shows that God uses tongues for more than one purpose.

First of all, God uses tongues when a person is filled with the Holy Ghost. Tongues are a sign. When a person is filled with God’s Spirit for the first time, they may speak only a few syllables, or may speak for a long duration. Because it is by God’s grace that God gives us His Spirit, it is called the GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST.

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

When Peter preached the gospel to the Gentiles for the first time, Peter knew they received the Holy Ghost because he heard them speak in tongues.

Acts 10:45-48 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 11:15-18 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. 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.

When disciples of John the Baptist were re-baptized in Jesus name, Paul laid his hands on them and they received the Holy Ghost. When they received the Holy Ghost they spoke in tongues.

Acts 19:1-6 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 [heard that the Holy Ghost was being poured out]. 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.

Second, God uses tongues as one of the nine gifts of the Spirit.

1Corinthians 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

The gifts of the Spirit are given to individuals for the profit of all. Thus, this use of tongues occurs as a message to the whole church body.

This gift of tongues needs to be combined with the gift of interpretation of tongues in order for the church to understand the message and be edified. Otherwise, only the person speaking is edified (built up, strengthened).

1Corinthians 14:5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

1Corinthians 14:17-19 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

The Bible gives rules of order for this.

1Corinthians 14:27-28 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

1Corinthians 14:39-40 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order.

Everyone speaks in tongues when they receive the Holy Ghost, but not everyone speaks with the gift of tongues. This can be compared with faith and the GIFT of faith. Everyone that comes to God must have faith.

Hebrews 11:6 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.

However, not everyone is used in the GIFT of faith.

The key that distinguishes the GIFT OF TONGUES is that it is for the purpose of ministering to the church body, rather than to an individual. This holds true for all nine gifts of the Spirit. They are designed to operate when the whole church is come together. For example, the gift of prophecy includes anointed preaching, which is ministered to the “whole church” body.

1Corinthians 14:23-25 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: and thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.

Third, God uses tongues in prayer. When we have a feeling (“burden”) to pray for a person or situation and we do not know exactly what to pray, we can allow God to intercede in our prayer with tongues, speaking the words for us according to what God knows needs to be prayed.

Romans 8:26-27 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.

Praying in tongues is also called praying “in the Spirit” and “praying in the Holy Ghost.”

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

Jude 1:20-21 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.

When we have prayed all the words we can think of, the Lord can pray through us in tongues as the Spirit of God speaks through us in languages we have not learned. The Lord can speak through us precisely what the person or situation needs and that only Jesus may know about! What a blessing to ourselves and others!

Not only is receiving the Spirit of God essential, important, and useful in so many ways, so too is speaking in tongues. Satan would rather have us confused about this so that we would not receive the promises and blessings of God. But we are not ignorant of his devices!

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

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

The name “JESUS” means the “LORD our salvation.” The first two Hebrew letters of the LORD’s name, “YAH”, combined with the Hebrew word “shua”, which means salvation, forms the name Jesus (Hebrew: Yeshua). It is by the name “JESUS” that God came as our Savior to save the world from sin.

"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 KJV

"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." - Matthew 1:21-23 KJV

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." - Luke 2:11 KJV

"But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:" - 2 Timothy 1:10 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

"He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 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 1:10-13 KJV (See: John 3:5, Acts 2:4)

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

"Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." - 2 Peter 1:10-11 KJV

"For our conversation [our kingdom] is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:" - Philippians 3:20 KJV

Travailing Prayer

Jesus compares being baptized in water in Jesus name and being filled with His Spirit to birth. (John 3:5)

The spiritual mother is the church, baptizing in water in Jesus name. The spiritual Father is Jesus, filling with His Spirit.

In the natural, travail is a word that describes a woman in labour giving birth to a baby. In the spiritual, it follows that the church must also go through travail. We can see this travail as being strong prayer.

Travailing prayer is physically consuming prayer, prayer with tears, praying in the Holy Ghost, speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance.

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

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

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

Travailing prayer is not only crucial for the spiritual birth of souls, it is also effective for the work of the ministry for the preaching of the gospel which leads to the spiritual birth of souls. (Acts 2:38-41, 1Corinthians 15:1-2, Romans 10:13-17) Thus, travailing prayer for the ministry is also in order.

Apostle Paul recognized the vital necessity of strong prayer – praying in the Spirit - for his ministry to the lost, putting in a prayer request to the church at Ephesus along with his instruction on the armour of God.

"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

"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

When tears accompany the planting of the seed of the gospel, there is spiritual reproduction.

"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