How do we walk in the Spirit?

The first step is repentance – we are sorry for our sins and purpose in our heart and mind to turn our back on a sinful lifestyle.

"Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you…" - 2 Corinthians 6:17

When we were in the world, we fulfilled the lusts of our flesh and had for our destiny the wrath of God.

"Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others." - Ephesians 2:2-3

When we repent and come out of the world, we can have our sins washed away by water baptism in Jesus name. It is necessary to be baptized in JESUS name, as the Bible says, so that the blood of JESUS can remit our sins.

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

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

After repentance, we can also receive the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is Jesus’ Spirit that gives us eternal life and the power to overcome the lusts of our flesh.

As Jesus told his disciples in Luke 24:47, repentance and remission of sins was preached in his name among all nations by Apostle Peter, beginning at Jerusalem:

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

When we receive God’s gift of his Holy Ghost, we can walk in his Spirit.

God is a Spirit (John 4:24). We are humans. God speaks to us in our human terms so that we can understand Him.

In the Old Testament, before God made Himself a body to live and die in (Hebrews 2:14), He was invisible (1 Timothy 1:17). Yet speaking in terms that we could understand, He spoke of His arm (Deuteronomy 26:8), His eyes (Proverbs 15:3), His ears (2 Samuel 22:7), and so on.

We as humans understand that an arm speaks of strength and power (God is omnipotent), eyes speak of seeing (God is omnipresent – everywhere), and ears speak of hearing (God is omniscient –knowing all things). Each human feature used, communicates to us a feature of God’s Spirit.

In our humanity, we understand that while a man has numerous titles and features, a man is still one man. A man that has children is a father. A man is also a son. A man has the spirit of man. A man expresses himself by his word. A man has a name. With many titles and features, he is still only one man.

God through His creation is our Heavenly Father (Malachi 2:10). When God created a body of flesh to dwell in so He could be the necessary blood sacrifice for man's sin, He became the Son (Colossians 1:13-15). God is a Spirit (John 4:24) and He is holy (Psalm 99:9), so He is the Holy Spirit (1Thessalonians 4:8). God expresses Himself by His Word (Matthew 4:4). God's name is Jesus - His name above every name (Matthew 1:21, Ephesians 1:21-23). With many titles and features, God is still only one God (Ephesians 4:6).

Satan, the god of this world, blinds the minds of the lost, preventing them from believing the gospel.

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

If we want souls to believe and obey the gospel so that they can be saved, we must take up the weapons of warfare against the devil, the god of this world.

"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

In order to participate in spiritual warfare we must be prepared by obeying the gospel ourselves – having repented, having been baptized in Jesus name for the remission of our sins, and having received the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)

We must take a stand for truth and righteousness, and walk by faith. The Word of God is our sword, so we need to be familiar with it so we can use it skillfully, as Jesus did when the devil came to him in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11)

Our weapons include prayer. We are to pray in the Spirit. We must pray for souls to be saved and pray for those that are ministering to souls. Travailing prayer births souls into the kingdom of God. (Ephesians 6 10-20, Galatians 4:19, Psalms 126:5-6)

"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

There are preachers that claim to be preaching the gospel, but what they are preaching is not according to what the Bible says the gospel is.

This is what the Bible says about those that say they are preaching the gospel, but are telling people to be saved another way.

"I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ." - Galatians 1:6-7

"But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." - Galatians 1:8

"As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed." - Galatians 1:9

The gospel was preached on the day of Pentecost. Peter preached what we must do to obey the gospel. The gospel is the same today as it was back then. There is only one way to be saved!

"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

What is “the world” and what does the Bible say about it?

One of the meanings of the “world” is “the whole circle of earthly goods, endowments riches, advantages, pleasures, etc, which although hollow and frail and fleeting, stir desire, seduce from God and are obstacles to the cause of Christ.” (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon)

The Bible says,

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world." - 1 John 2:15-16 KJV

Another translation,

“Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.” - 1 John 2:15-16 NLT

Jesus was in the world, and overcame the world.

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." - John 16:33

He made a way by His death, burial, and resurrection for us also to overcome the world. We take up our cross and follow Jesus by crucifying our sinful nature by repentance, burying our old nature by water baptism in Jesus name, and rising with the infilling of His Spirit with power to overcome the temptations of this world.

"But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world." - Galatians 6:14

We have a new life in Jesus, no longer ruled by the devil and the things of this world.

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

By Jesus’ name, His blood, and His Spirit, we have God’s power to overcome this world.

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

*photo from "Search for Truth" Bible study

 CHURCH!

Sunday was the first day of the creative week.

"And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

“And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.

“And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day." - Genesis 1:3-5 KJV

It was also on Sunday, the first day of the week, that Jesus was resurrected.

"In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.

“And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. ...

“And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

“He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay." - Matthew 28:1-2, 5-6 KJV

What an appropriate day to have church! It is a day to celebrate the Light of the world! To remember the judgment of our sins on His cross, and the mercy of His resurrection!

It is a day to celebrate our Savior bringing us from darkness and judgment into His marvelous light of His love and mercy!

It is a day to celebrate our personal resurrection from the dead!

To celebrate the washing away of our sins by the death, burial, and the blood of Jesus Christ! To celebrate receiving the Holy Ghost, the infilling of Jesus’ Spirit!

"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

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

“For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:" - Romans 6:3-5 KJV

"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." - John 8:12 KJV

"For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." - 2 Corinthians 4:6 KJV

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

"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

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

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

"But 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

CHURCH!

Why I am baptized in Jesus name - Part 7

I am baptized in Jesus name to bury the "old man" of sin.

Our “old man” is the old sinful nature that we had before we repented of our sins, were baptized in Jesus name for the remission of sin, and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)

"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…

But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life." - Romans 6:3-6, 22 KJV

We “put off the old man with his deeds” by crucifying our old sinful nature. We do this by repenting. We bury that old man by getting baptized in Jesus name.

We then “put on the new man.”

This is how we put off the old man and put on the new man:

"Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: for which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: in the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:" - Colossians 3:5-10 KJV

In other words:

"So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don't be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don't lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him." - Colossians 3:5-10 NLT

In Paul’s letter to the church is Ephesus, he said it this way:

"But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." - Ephesians 4:20-32 KJV

It is not enough to crucify our old man of sin: our old sinful nature must be buried. We bury our old nature when we get baptized in Jesus name.

Why I am baptized in Jesus name - Part 6

I am baptized in Jesus name so that I may become a son of God.

Jesus as the Son of God (the flesh/body of God) is the only begotten Son of God.

"No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him." - John 1:18 KJV

[in the “bosom” of the Father means, “with honor” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words)]

[he hath “declared” him means, “to unfold, declare" (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon)]

Jesus is the only son of God that was BORN the Son of God.

"And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." - Luke 1:35 KJV

WE must be born AGAIN to BECOME a son of God.

"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. ... Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again." - John 3:5, 7 KJV

"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 1:11-13 KJV

The Son/flesh/body of God was born with God’s name of salvation, “JESUS.”  God came in the form of man to save His people from their sins.

 "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

When we are born again, this is when WE get God’s name of salvation. We get God’s name of salvation when we are born of water by being baptized in JESUS name. We, then too, are called by God’s name. We are “Jesus name people,” and “People of the NAME.” 

"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 KJV

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

As a son of God, we also have God’s Spirit.

"And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father." - Galatians 4:6 KJV

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

"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is." - 1 John 3:1-2 KJV

"Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith…" - 2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV

"…Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." - 2 Corinthians 7:1 KJV

What is Rosh Hashanah?

"And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation. Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD." - Leviticus 23:23-25 KJV

Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year. (In Hebrew, it means head of the year). It lasts for two days, which began after sundown last night (Wednesday). The primary theme of the day is acceptance of God as King. The sounding of the shofar represents the trumpet blast of a people's coronation of their king. The sound of the shofar (ram's horn) is also a call to repentance, for Rosh Hashanah is the anniversary man's first sin and his repentance, and is the first of the "Ten Days of Repentance" which will culminate in Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.

This day is the day of the sounding of the shofar. The shofar is a ram's horn which is blown like a trumpet. (A ram is a male sheep, horn = ‘strength’) The shofar is a reminder of the Binding of Isaac which also occurred on Rosh Hashanah, in which a ram took Isaac’s place as an offering to God.

Isaac is like the people of God - a holy, living sacrifice, giving themselves in love to service to God. The ram was like God providing Himself a substitute blood sacrifice, because God loved Isaac (and Abraham) so much. The shofar's call is like a love call... The beautiful fulfillment of this is God taking on the form of man to be the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world – Jesus Christ. Taking our place of death, we, like Isaac, become a living sacrifice.

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

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." - Romans 12:1-2 KJV

One of the most important observances of this holiday is hearing the sounding of the shofar. A total of 100 blasts are heard over the course of the Rosh Hashanah services.

Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset September 20, 2017 and ends at nightfall September 22, 2017 It will be the Jewish Year 5778.

See the link below for many articles about Rosh Hashanah.

http://www.chabad.org/holidays/JewishNewYear/template_cdo/aid/4762/jewish/What-Is-Rosh-Hashanah.htm

This is not a time to mess around with the world. This is not a time to compromise. This is not a time to say, ‘I've heard all my life that the Lord could come back at any moment and He is still not back’ …and to doubt even of His return. Who wants to fall into the category of those that think this way and then to not be ready when Jesus calls for His people to leave this world?

Lulled to sleep by the world, by the entertainment industry and the social media that gets small minds occupied with the famous who's who, what they are doing, what they are wearing, and who they are with today, and who they were with yesterday. 

Those in the church that are being lulled to sleep, not keeping their garments clean, compromising, becoming like the world to attract those that love the world - where will these ones stand that were so true and strong before the seed of compromise entered their heart? 

Jesus said,

"…ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?" - Matthew 16:3 KJV

Jesus spoke a parable,

"And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?" - Luke 12:19-20 KJV

"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." - Ephesians 5:15-16 KJV [So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.]

"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 [craving for physical pleasure], and the lust of the eye [a craving for everything we see], and the pride of life [and pride in our achievements and possessions], is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof [along with everything that people crave]: but he that doeth the will of God [what pleases God] abideth for ever [will live forever]." - 1 John 2:15-17 KJV

"Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not." - Luke 12:40 KJV

Why I am baptized in Jesus name - Part 5

I am baptized in Jesus name so that I can fulfill the covenant of circumcision.

"In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands [“circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure], in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh [the cutting away of your sinful nature] by the circumcision of Christ [by a spiritual circumcision]: buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation [the mighty power] of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

“And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh [You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away], hath he quickened together with him [made you alive with Christ], having forgiven you all trespasses [for He forgave all our sins];" - Colossians 2:11-13 KJV

How is spiritual circumcision, which is baptism in Jesus name, a fulfillment of physical circumcision?

Physical circumcision was a blood covenant. In order to be legal (Kosher), it is not considered complete unless a drop of blood is actually drawn.

Spiritual circumcision of baptism is also a blood covenant. It is legal by the shedding of Christ’s blood which is applied in baptism through the name of Jesus.

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

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

"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

"To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins." - Acts 10:43 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

At physical circumcision, a child is given his name. When Abram was circumcised, God gave Abram his new name Abraham (Genesis 17:5).

"And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father." - Luke 1:59 KJV

"Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham…" - Genesis 17:5 KJV

We are given a new spiritual name when we are baptized. Our new name is Jesus.

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

Those that were not circumcised, were cut off from God’s people for breaking the covenant.

"And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant." - Genesis 17:14 KJV

Those that are not spiritually circumcised by baptism are cut off from God’s people for breaking the covenant.

"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." - Mark 16:16 KJV [believeth – “used especially of the faith by which a man embraces Jesus, i.e. a conviction, full of joyful trust that Jesus is the Messiah – the divinely appointed author of eternal salvation in the kingdom of God, conjoined with obedience to Christ” - Thayer’s Greek Lexicon] ("But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women." - Acts 8:12 KJV)

Physical circumcision is a cutting off of flesh.

"And ye shall circumcise [cut off] the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you." - Genesis 17:11 KJV

Spiritual circumcision by baptism is a cutting off of the lust of the flesh, our sinful nature. Our sinful flesh is crucified and buried.

"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. ... And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts." - Galatians 5:19-21, 24 KJV

Physical circumcision was for “EVERY MAN CHILD AMONG YOU.”

"This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised." - Genesis 17:10 KJV

Spiritual circumcision of baptism in Jesus name is for “EVERY ONE OF YOU.”

"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

Why I am baptized in Jesus name - Part 4

I am baptized in Jesus name to obey the gospel.

What exactly is the gospel?

Notice, Paul PREACHED the gospel, they RECEIVED the gospel, they STAND in the gospel, they are SAVED by the gospel!

"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." - 1 Corinthians 15:1-2 KJV

Next, Paul explains exactly what the gospel is, that Jesus DIED FOR OUR SINS, He was BURIED, and that He ROSE AGAIN THE THIRD DAY. In other words, the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

"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 15:3-4 KJV

Baptism in Jesus name has to do with OBEYING the gospel.

Paul explains how we OBEY Christ’s DEATH, BURIAL, and RESURRECTION.

We OBEY Christ’s DEATH by REPENTANCE. We crucify our sinful carnal nature by repentance. We become dead to sin.

"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?" - Romans 6:1-2 KJV

So what does baptism in Jesus name have to do with the gospel?

We follow Jesus and OBEY His BURIEL when we are BURIED WITH HIM BY BAPTISM IN JESUS NAME.

Our old self/old nature that was sinful and carnal is buried in a watery grave of baptism. ALL our sins are BURIED when we are baptized IN JESUS NAME.

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

We OBEY Christ’s RESURRECTION when we are FILLED WITH HIS resurrecting SPIRIT. His Spirit that raised Him up from the dead raises us up from the dead spiritually to walk a new walk with new life in His Spirit.

Our old man of sin is crucified and buried. By obeying the gospel, we have put on Christ, taking His name in baptism, and being filled with His Spirit, the Holy Ghost.

"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 6:6 KJV

"And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts." - Galatians 5:24 KJV

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

What does the Bible say if I do NOT OBEY the GOSPEL? (To obey we turn our back on sin, bury our sin by baptism in Jesus name, and are filled with His Spirit to live a holy and overcoming life in this world).

"For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?" - 1 Peter 4:17 KJV

Paul spoke to the church in Thessalonica. They were enduring great suffering and persecutions.

"Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; and to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

“Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed ) in that day." - 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10 KJV

"But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness." - Romans 6:17-18 KJV

Peter preached this form of doctrine of salvation on the Day of Pentecost for us all to follow today.

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

Why I am baptized in Jesus name - Part 3 

I am baptized in Jesus name so that I am born again.

"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." - John 3:3 KJV

Jesus said to be born again, I must be born of water. Jesus was not talking about the water that comes out in a natural birth, He was talking about the water in a spiritual birth. Jesus said, we must be born AGAIN.

"Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?" - John 3:4 KJV

Jesus answered Nicodemus,

"That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again." - John 3:6-7 KJV

I must be born of water in order to enter into the kingdom of God.

"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

How am I born of water?

I am born of water when I am water baptized in Jesus name.

Water baptism in Jesus name is what Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost when the church first began.

Jesus had given Peter the keys to the kingdom.

"And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." - Matthew 16:18-19 KJV

Peter preached the keys to the kingdom on the Day of Pentecost. Peter preached how to be born of the water and of the Spirit and the door was opened to the kingdom.

"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

That day, those that heard the word were born again of the water and of the Spirit.

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

On the Day of Pentecost, there were about three thousand souls plus the one hundred and twenty in the upper room that were born again of water and of the Spirit. How? They were all baptized in water in Jesus name and all filled with His Spirit, speaking in tongues as the Spirit gave them the utterance. (Acts 2:4)

"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

Why I am baptized in Jesus name - Part 2

I am baptized in Jesus name because I love Him.

"If ye love me, keep my commandments." - John 14:15 KJV

I have turned my back on the world, forsaking all for Jesus.

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world…" - 1 John 2:15 KJV

I have made a covenant with Jesus to love Him with all of my heart, soul, strength, and mind.

"And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind..." - Luke 10:27 KJV

I turned my back on the world by repentance. I made a covenant with Jesus when I was baptized in Jesus name.

When I was baptized, He gave me His name. I am called by His name.

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

Because I love Jesus, have turned my back on the world and covenanted with Him, He promised me the gift of His Spirit. (Acts 2:38-39)

When Jesus gave me His name in baptism, He gave me authority.

"Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases." - Luke 9:1 KJV

"And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven." - Luke 10:17-20 KJV

Jesus called me to be His and turn my back on sin. I was baptized in Jesus name and He washed away my sins, placing His name upon me. I am faithful to Him. My name is written in 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. 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

This is how He called me. I responded, and was baptized in Jesus name.

"And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." - Acts 2:40-41 KJV

Jesus chose me, filling me with His Spirit. I am faithful to Him.

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

Because I have been called, chosen, and faithful, I will be in heaven with my beloved.

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

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

Why I am baptized in Jesus name - Part 1

 I am baptized in Jesus name for the remission of my sins.

The meaning of “remission” is: “I. release from bondage or imprisonment II. forgiveness or pardon, of sins (letting them go as if they had never been committed), remission of the penalty” (Larry Pierce)

Remission of sins is through the name of Jesus.

"To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins." - Acts 10:43 KJV

Jesus spoke to His disciples,

"And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." - Luke 24:46-47 KJV

Peter then preached repentance and remission of sins in Jesus name beginning in Jerusalem.

"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

This is why our Heavenly Father robed Himself in flesh and came to dwell among His creation. He came in His saving name “JESUS” to die in our place for our sins so that we might have eternal life through His Spirit.

Jesus told His disciples it was prophesied that He would suffer and die, yet He would overcome death and rise on the third day.

"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." - John 1:10-11 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

We claim the death of Christ for ourselves when we repent and are baptized in Jesus name.

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

Because of His death and burial applied to our life by repentance and water baptism in Jesus name, we receive the promise of the gift of His Spirit, the Holy Ghost, to live a new life in Christ.

"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." - John 10:10 KJV

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

"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

The church began on the Day of Pentecost. In obedience to Jesus, one hundred and twenty of His followers were gathered in the upper room awaiting the promise of the Holy Ghost. When the Day of Pentecost was fully come, Jesus poured out His Spirit and they all began to speak in other tongues as His Spirit gave them the utterance. (Acts 2:4)

Filled with the Holy Ghost and with the keys of the kingdom of heaven given to him by Jesus, Peter preached the first gospel message. (Matthew 16:19, Acts 2:22-24) At the conclusion, he declared what we must do to be saved – “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)

From that point on, the church continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers, and the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (Acts 2:42, 47)

*This chart is from the Bible Study, "Exploring God's Word."

Chart from Exploring God's Word Bible study

So many times, Jesus made statements of people’s faith bringing about miracles.

"Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. And their eyes were opened…" - Matthew 9:29-30 KJV

"Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour." - Matthew 15:28 KJV

"And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way." - Mark 10:52 KJV

"But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour." - Matthew 9:22 KJV

"And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee." - Matthew 9:2 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

"Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done." - Matthew 21:21 KJV

"Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 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 10:23-25 KJV

What is the purpose for God giving people dreams and visions of events?

It seems the purpose is to respond to dreams or visions that we have, and not to simply wait to see if it will happen.

How would a person respond to a dream or a vision?

A powerful way to respond is by prayer. Prayer for those that were seen in the dream or vision, for protection and deliverance, that they would turn to God and give their life to Him (Acts 2:38), for repentance. God can change events. God responds to repentance.

The people of Nineveh were destined for destruction. (Jonah 1:2) Just as God speaks to people today with dreams and visions, God spoke to Jonah. Jonah responded, finally, (Jonah 3:1-3) and went as God told him and preached to those in the city of Nineveh of the impending doom. (Jonah 3:4) Because the people of Nineveh repented, the course of events was changed. (Jonah 3:5) God had mercy on them and did not destroy the city. (Jonah 3:10)

Jonah had an obligation to God to respond. This is why God spoke to Jonah. God was going to destroy Nineveh. Jonah responded as God wanted him to, and Nineveh was not destroyed.

Today when we are given visions or dreams, God wants us to respond. We are able to intercede through prayer, even travailing intercessory prayer for those that we saw in the vision in harm’s way. People can be effected by prayer to make a change of mind, repenting of the direction their life was going, and events can be turned.

There are many dreams and visions that never come to pass because of a response to the dream with travailing, intercessory prayer. It is through faith in those dreams and visions that they are from God that leads us to prayer.

We do not need the so-called ‘reward’ of seeing these dreams and visions coming to pass just so we can tell people that we have heard from God. Rather, God wants a response from us so that the impending doom of the vision does not come to pass.

It takes faith to respond to dreams and visions and faith to believe that God answered our prayer and changed the event. This is our reward, just us knowing that God used us for good in people's lives when we respond to a dream or vision with heartfelt prayer.

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." - Psalm 46:1 KJV

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

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." - Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV

Jesus spoke to His disciples:

"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." - Mark 16:15-18 KJV

The word “follow” as it is used in Mark 16:15-18 means, “to be always present, to attend one wherever he goes”, according to Thayer’s Greek Lexicon.

When we obey the gospel, these signs follow us!

Believers have the power and authority of Jesus name to cast out devils. (Luke 10:17, Acts 8:7,9:12,15,16:18)

Believers speak with new tongues. It is the sign that they have received the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 10:45-46, 1Cor.14:22)

At times, the believer will speak in tongues when he is praying, the Lord praying through him according to His will and knowledge. (Rom.8:26-27, Jude 1:20-21)

When the serpent attached itself to Paul’s hand and bit him, it did him no harm. (Acts 28:3-6)

Elisha’s disciples were not harmed by the deadly stew, (2Kings 4:40) as well as believers’ modern day testimonies of protection.

Believers lay hands on the sick and they recover. (Acts 28:8, Acts 5:16)

Jesus gives these promises, privileges, power, and authority to those that live for Him and obey His gospel!

How do we obey the gospel of Jesus?

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

The natural man wants to put God in a box. It is hard for him to comprehend spiritual concepts. It is hard for him to understand that God is a Spirit, that He is everywhere at the same time, that He knows all things including the future, and that He is able to actually dwell within man.

To understand spiritual things, a person needs to be filled with the Spirit.

God made this possible for us when He overshadowed the woman Mary and she brought forth a child, born without sin, so that God could place His name upon Him and dwell within Him from conception. His name is Jesus, the Lord our salvation.

God did this so that He himself could pay the price of the shedding of blood for the sin of the world. He wanted to do this so that He could once again dwell in man and eliminate the separation caused by the sin that began with Adam and Eve. (Acts 20:28, Colossians 1:13-23, 2 Corinthians 5:19, Hebrews 2:14)

We can now be reconciled back to God when we repent of our sins, and we apply the blood He shed for us by baptism in Jesus name. When we enter this covenant with Jesus, He promises to fill us with His Spirit, the Holy Ghost.

When we are filled with the Spirit of God, we are then able to begin to understand spiritual things.

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

"In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:" - Colossians 1:14 KJV

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

With the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of God, we can understand spiritual things.

"For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

“But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.  [Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon for “judgeth/judged”: to determine the excellence or defects of any person or thing]

“For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? ["Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counsellor hath taught him?" - Isaiah 40:13 KJV. Greek version of Isaiah 40:13: “Who can know the LORD’s thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?” Also: Romans 11:34]

“But we have the mind of Christ." [But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ. Thayer’s: to be furnished with the understanding of Christ] - 1 Corinthians 2:11-16 KJV (John 15:15, John 16:13-15)