Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, "For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise." - 2 Corinthians 10:12

It is a revelation to realize that there is only One we can compare ourselves with, and that is Jesus.

When we compare ourselves with Jesus, we realize that no flesh shall glory in His presence,

"For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: that no flesh should glory in his presence." - 1 Corinthians 1:26-29

It is by Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection that we can be in Christ Jesus, by our repentance, baptism in Jesus name, and receiving the gift of His Spirit. This is how He has become our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. And this is why we boast about Jesus.

"But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: that, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord." - 1 Corinthians 1:30-31

As it is written in Jeremiah:

"Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD." - Jeremiah 9:23-24

Which leads to the last two verses in 2 Corinthians 10. These tell us that in the end, it is only the Lord’s praise and approval of a person that matters.

"But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth." - 2 Corinthians 10:17-18

Devices of satan - Unforgiveness

The Bible talks about satan’s “devices,” in the plural, so we know that he has more than one evil scheme. The Bible also talks about “the wiles of the devil,” also plural (“schemes, tactics, strategies").

“Devices” is defined as:

Vine’s Expository Dictionary of NT Words: Device: “denotes "thought, that which is thought out" (cp. noeo, "to understand"); hence, "a purpose, device;" translated "devices" in 2Corinthians 2:11.” Thayer’s Greek Lexicon: “a mental perception, thought (specifically) an evil purpose…”

One device is unforgiveness.

"To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; lest Satan should get an advantage of us [outsmart us]: for we are not ignorant of his devices [evil schemes]." - 2 Corinthians 2:10-11 KJV

Jesus made it very clear that we must forgive if we want to go to heaven. (Matthew 18:23-35)

He told a story of a servant that was forgiven a great debt by his master the king. When a fellow servant begged forgiveness of his very small debt, the servant threw his fellow servant into prison until he should pay the debt. When the king found out what happened he was wroth. The king then took the unforgiving servant (the “wicked servant”), and delivered him to the tormentors, until he should pay all that was due him.

We can see this scenario in our lives. When we turned to Jesus, King of the universe, we begged Him forgiveness of the overwhelming debt of our sins that we could never pay. He had mercy on us, and forgave our whole debt. We repented of our sins, we had them all washed away by water baptism “in JESUS name,” and were graciously given Life by the infilling of His Holy Spirit. Are there people in our lives that have sinned against us that we are holding accountable?

Jesus concluded the story with this:

"And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses." - Matthew 18:34-35 KJV

We must be careful to not let satan outsmart us with his evil schemes. Unforgiveness is one of these devices.

There is one throne in heaven.

"And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne." - Revelation 4:2 KJV

The Lamb sits in the midst of the throne.

"For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters..." - Revelation 7:17 KJV

Who is the Lamb? Jesus.

"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

Jesus is God the Father.

"Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works." - John 14:9-10 KJV

Jesus, the Lamb, is Lord of lords, and King of kings.

"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

Jesus, as the Lamb of God, shed His own blood for our sins to redeem us back to Himself.

"Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:" - 1 Peter 1:18-19 KJV

Jesus is God.

"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." - Acts 20:28 KJV

"And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth." - Revelation 5:6 KJV

The invisible Spirit of God was in the visible body of Christ. God was manifest in the flesh.

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

This wonderful message of reconciliation was preached by Peter on the Day of Pentecost.

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

Like a roaring lion

"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

Through Jesus, we have no fear of death, and through Jesus, we have certain victory!

Why?

Because it took the death of this man without sin to pay the price of our sins. Only the Father, inhabiting a human body that was born without sin, could save humanity.

How do we apply His death to us so that we too may have victory over sin and death?

We apply His death by becoming dead to sin by repenting of our sins, and by burying our old sinful nature by water baptism in Jesus name for the remission of our sins. Jesus then promises the gift of His Holy Ghost which gives us power over temptation and death. (Romans 6:1-4, Acts 2:38-39)

The devil, who is a liar and a deceiver, tries to make us believe he still has power over us, but he doesn’t. By our thinking that the devil has power over us, fear is instilled in us and through fear we can be taken captive at his will. (2Timothy 2:26).

A lion roars when it has prey. (Amos 3:4) The roaring lion brings fear to its prey. (Amos 3:8). It is when the victim is frozen in fear that the lion has power over him. (Isaiah 5:29).

"Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices." - 2 Corinthians 2:11

By faith and obedience to Jesus, we have victory over the devil.

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world." - 1 Peter 5:8-9

We are in the faith when we have repented, been baptized in Jesus name, and filled with His Holy Ghost. Jesus faced all of the same temptations and testings we do, yet he did not sin. He understands our weaknesses. (Hebrews 4:15) Through Jesus, we are overcomers. (Acts 1:8)

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

"Jesus" is the Father's name that is above all His names because by His name “Jesus” God reconciled all of humanity back to Himself.

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

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

Isaiah prophesied of one day every knee bowing before God. Every eye shall see His visible flesh of the invisible God with His name JESUS that they will bow before, to the glory of God the Father. Jesus – the Lamb of God – will be seated on His throne, and all will bow before Him.

"I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear." - Isaiah 45:23 KJV

"For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God." - Romans 14:11 KJV

Our Heavenly Father humbled Himself by putting on flesh to walk among His creation as a man for the sake of shedding blood to redeem mankind back to Himself. He came in the name “Jesus,” which one day every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord – the Father manifest in flesh!

"And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." - Philippians 2:8-11 KJV

"For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; and, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: if ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;" - Colossians 1:19-23 KJV

"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." - Acts 20:28 KJV

What is the gospel and how do we become part of the church of God?

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

“And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. ... praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." - Acts 2:38-42, 47 KJV

Time for church!

We gave thanks to Jesus for our many blessings on the day of Thanksgiving. Many gave thanks throughout the month, recalling blessings from God in their life. Yet, we should not let our praise and thanksgiving to Jesus end with our holiday. The Bible says, Let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God CONTINUALLY…giving thanks to His name.

"By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name." - Hebrews 13:15 KJV

Another translation:

"Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name." - Hebrews 13:15 NLT

Let us remember ALWAYS to give thanks to Jesus for all things every day!

"Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing." - Psalm 107:21-22 KJV

"As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving." - Colossians 2:6-7

Our time is a precious commodity of unknown quantity.

"Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." - Ephesians 5:16 KJV

"Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time." - Colossians 4:5 KJV

What does Strong’s lexicon say “redeeming” means?

2) to buy up, to buy up for one's self, for one's use

a) to make wise and sacred use of every opportunity for doing good, so that zeal and well doing are as it were the purchase money by which we make the time our own

If we use every moment of our day for God’s will, a witness to everyone that the Lord brings across our path, and doing whatever the Lord would have us to do, our time is redeemed giving it eternal value that cannot be taken away.

"By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name." - Hebrews 13:15 KJV

"Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place." - 2 Corinthians 2:14 KJV

In EVERYTHING give thanks!

When things are going good, it is easy to give thanks to Jesus. What about when things are going not so good?

There is a story about a certain Rabbi (From: Jewishhistory.org):

"Rabbi Akiva’s favorite maxim was, “All that God does He does for the good.” Once, after he was unable to find any place to sleep in a certain city, he passed the night alone in the forest and repeated his maxim calmly, “All that God does is for the good.” Then, one after another, a lion devoured his donkey, a cat killed his rooster and the wind extinguished his candle. Each time he said, “All that God does is for the good.” When dawn arrived he discovered that a band of robbers had fallen upon the city and carried its inhabitants into captivity. Only he had escaped because his donkey and rooster were not around to make any noises and his extinguished candle did not give away his location (Berachos 60b)."

If we think about it, we can remember events in our life that appeared bad at the time, but later worked out to be a blessing! Some of these events were financial. Some of these events were spiritual. People that have turned their back on God, their life going in a bad direction, can experience a catastrophe in their life that turns them back to God and saves their life and soul from destruction. God has a purpose, and ALL things work together for our good.

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28 KJV

This is why we can and should give thanks in everything! God is working things out in our life for a purpose and for our good.

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." - 1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV

We know to pray about everything. It is apparent that we have faith, because if we did not have faith, believing that Jesus hears and answers our prayers, we would not be praying.

Something we might leave out when we pray, however, is thanksgiving!

We try to remember to thank Jesus when He answers our prayers, but what about giving thanks WHEN we pray? This is what the Bible says! It says to pray WITH THANKSGIVING!

"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

When we make our requests to God, we show COMPLETE faith when we give thanks WHEN we pray.

Why would we thank Jesus when we don’t know if he is going to answer our prayer?

Another important thing we are to include when we pray, is to ask ACCORDING TO GOD’S WILL.

"And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:" - 1 John 5:14 KJV

Jesus knows the future, He knows what is best for us and best for everyone. WE imagine what is best for what we are praying about, but Jesus KNOWS what is best.

This is why we can give thanks when we pray. We know that Jesus is going to answer our prayer according to what is best!

And this is why we can have peace – that passes all understanding! It is because we have faith that Jesus is going to answer our prayers the best way there is.

"Be careful for nothing [Don’t be anxious]; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7 KJV

Church!!

"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

“Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

"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.

“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

“For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations." - Psalm 100:1-5 KJV

We have heard the good news that Jesus died for our sins. He was buried, and on the third day He rose from the dead with victory over sin and death. We have obeyed this gospel and have repented of our sins, have been baptized in Jesus name, and have received the gift of His Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38).

Then we stumbled and sinned. What are we to do?

When we realize we have failed God, we repent. We turn our back on that sin and commit to live a holy life for Jesus. When we repent, it is not just saying we are sorry, but SINCERELY meaning it and ACTING upon it. 

The Bible says true repentance is with godly sorrow.

It came to Apostle Paul’s attention that there was sin going on in the church in Corinth. Paul wrote a letter, they were sorry, and repented.

Here are some verses:

"For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season. Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter." - 2 Corinthians 7:8-11 KJV

Another translation of these verses:

"I am not sorry that I sent that severe letter to you, though I was sorry at first, for I know it was painful to you for a little while. Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways. It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way. For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There's no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death. Just see what this godly sorrow produced in you! Such earnestness, such concern to clear yourselves, such indignation, such alarm, such longing to see me, such zeal, and such a readiness to punish wrong. You showed that you have done everything necessary to make things right." - 2 Corinthians 7:8-11 NLT

What do we do to get the sin we have fallen into out of our life?

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up." - James 4:7-10 KJV

"So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor." - James 4:7-10 NLT

Jesus gave us power when we first received His Holy Ghost. When we stumble, we must repent and get refilled with His Spirit. We need to continually be refilled with His Spirit because it is by His Spirit that we have power over sin.

"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 we have stumbled and failed God, we have hope through repentance. By His goodness, Jesus accepts our true repentance. By His mercy, we can find in Jesus forgiveness and the blessed renewing of His Holy Spirit.

Chosen

"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

Because we have entered the new covenant, obeying the gospel (Acts 2:38) we are a chosen generation -

"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

"According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: ... to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved." - Ephesians 1:4, 6 KJV

We are a royal priesthood –

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

We are a holy nation –

"Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ." - 1 Peter 2:5 KJV

We are a peculiar people –

“Peculiar” in this verse means, “possession, one’s own property”, according to Thayer’s Greek Lexicon.

We are God’s possession. By the covenant of the gospel, God has purchased us with His own blood.

"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." - Acts 20:28 KJV

"For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." - 1 Corinthians 6:20 KJV

"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." - Titus 2:13-14 KJV

Sober and Vigilant

The Bible says we must sober - “Be free from the influence of intoxicants” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words). An intoxicant is “an intoxicating agent, as alcoholic liquor or certain drugs” (dictionary.com).

We must be vigilant - “Metaphor: to watch i.e. give strict attention to, be cautious, active: - lest one fall into sin” (Thayer's Greek Lexicon).

Our adversary is the devil, also known as the Prosecutor, “the accuser of our brethren” (Revelation 12:10).

A lion roars when he finds a victim. (Amos 3:4 NLT) The devil, as a roaring lion, walks about looking for victims.

When we repent of our sins, are baptized in Jesus name for the remission of our sins, and receive the gift of His Holy Ghost, God has given us power over sin. (Acts 1:8, Acts 2:38) We can be free from the habits and addictions of intoxicants, and stay off them, if we allow God’s power to work in our life. (Romans 6:6, Galatians 5:24, Galatians 6:14)

With the Holy Ghost within, the Lord opens our eyes and directs our paths so we won’t fall into sin. (2 Corinthians 4:3-6, John 16:13-14, John 14:17-18)

The Comforter, the Holy Ghost within us, is our Advocate and Defense Attorney. Jesus pleads His blood upon us when satan the Prosecutor accuses us of sin in our life. When we have been baptized “IN JESUS NAME” the blood of Jesus has washed away our sins. If we stumble and sin, we should be quick to repent with godly sorrow, so the blood of Jesus may be applied, and so we can continue on the path to live our life for God. (2 Corinthians 7:8-11, 1 John 2:1-2)

We have submitted our life to Jesus when we obey His gospel (Acts 2:38). When we resist the devil, he will flee. (James 4:7)

We shouldn’t think it strange that we have fiery trials. (1 Peter 4:12-13) Our brothers and sisters in the Lord go through this just like we do. It is by trials and temptations that we all are perfected, maturing in Christ, strengthened, standing firm and steadfast in Jesus.

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world." - 1 Peter 5:8-9

"Son of man" refers to Jesus’ humanity - He was born of a woman. 

"Son of God" refers to Jesus' spirituality - He is the Father revealed in flesh.

For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body.

"For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;" - Colossians 1:19 KJV

"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." - Colossians 2:8-9 KJV

As a man, He was hungry, tired, thirsty, and prayed.

As God, He multiplied the fish and loaves, healed the sick, raised the dead, and answered prayers.

(When Jesus prayed, it was His flesh praying to the Spirit that is not only within Him, but also is everywhere in the universe.)

The flesh of Jesus died on the tree.

The Spirit of Jesus raised His flesh out of the grave.

Ten days after Jesus ascended up into heaven, He poured out His Spirit on those praying in an upper room on the holy day of Pentecost.

Jesus promises His Holy Spirit to all those that turn away from sin, and make a covenant with Him by being baptized in His name, the name “Jesus.”

"And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." - Luke 24:46-49 KJV

Peter preached repentance and remission of sins in Jesus name and the promise of the Holy Ghost to the Jews from all nations that had gathered that were in Jerusalem for Pentecost.

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

All our sins are washed away to start with a “clean slate,” walking with Jesus with a new life!

What should we pray for?

The Lord is soon coming. There are many that have not heard the gospel of Jesus Christ that are unprepared. Jesus told His disciples that the harvest out there of souls is truly great, but there are few labourers that are bringing them the gospel.

"Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest." - Matthew 9:38

Living in these last days, we are in perilous times. There are many temptations. Evil men and seducers are growing worse and worse. Those of us who are living for God need one another’s prayers. Praying in the Spirit is powerful praying. We should stay alert to pray for everyone and everything that Jesus puts on our minds.

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

With the turmoil that is going on today in the political arena, we must remember to pray for all those that are in authority.

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty." - 1 Timothy 2:1-2

By keeping an attitude of prayer and being sensitive to all that is going on around us, we can be used by the Lord to accomplish His will on earth. Knowing the Lord is working through us, the cares and worries that those in the world are weighed down with are for us replaced with God’s peace. We can trust that Jesus is working everything out according to His purpose. Our part is in everything to pray.

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

Longer Version With Verses

We may not want to admit it, but our biggest enemy is often our own sinful nature.

"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." - Galatians 5:17

When we repented of our sins, we crucified the sinful nature that was destroying us. We buried it in baptism in Jesus name, and were then resurrected to a new life in Jesus when we received the gift of His 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

"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

"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

Because we are still with a human nature, we need to be alert to keep that old nature from trying to resurrect itself in our life.

"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." - Ephesians 4:22-24

"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 3:8-10

One thing to watch for is bitterness. We can be living a victorious life, when something reminds us of a past bad experience…

"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 4:31-32 KJV

We keep the victory when we immediately turn this thought over to Jesus, asking Him to forgive others or ourselves in the situation, and praying for those that were involved, asking for God's mercy on them.

"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 10:5

"Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye." - Colossians 3:13

Stephen completely forgave those that murdered him by asking God to erase his murder from their account.

"And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep." - Acts 7:60

(The people killed Stephen by stoning after His testimony of Jesus. “Asleep” means he died living for Jesus and is asleep in the grave until the resurrection.)

The next step is for us to ask the Lord to take it from our minds and forget about it.

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:13-14

If we don’t do this, the alternative is to go down that side road, off the path of Jesus, and to focus on how we were hurt or offended and how wrong that person was, putting down a deep root of bitterness that defiles many.

"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

We must watch and pray and stay on the path of victory!

"Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." - Matthew 26:41

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

Shorter Version:

We may not want to admit it, but our biggest enemy is often our own sinful nature. (Galatians 5:17)

When we repented of our sins, we crucified the sinful nature that was destroying us. We buried it in baptism in Jesus name, and were then resurrected to a new life in Jesus when we received the gift of His Holy Ghost. (Romans 6:6, Romans 6:3-4, Acts 2:38, Romans 6:1-5)

Because we are still with a human nature, we need to be alert to keep that old nature from trying to resurrect itself in our life. (Ephesians 4:22-24, Colossians 3:8-10)

One thing to watch for is bitterness. We can be living a victorious life, when something reminds us of a past bad experience… (Ephesians 4:31-34)

We keep the victory when we immediately turn this thought over to Jesus, asking Him to forgive others or ourselves in the situation, and praying for those that were involved, asking for God's mercy on them. (2 Corinthians 10:5, Colossians 3:13)

Stephen completely forgave those that murdered him by asking God to erase his murder from their account. (Acts 7:60)

The next step is to ask the Lord to take it from our minds and forget about it. (Philippians 3:13-14)

If we don’t do this, the alternative is to go down that side road, off the path of Jesus, and to focus on how we were hurt or offended and how wrong that person was, putting down a deep root of bitterness that defiles many. (Hebrews 12:15)

We must watch and pray and stay on the path of victory! (Matthew 26:41, Philippians 4:13)

Church!

"Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." - Psalm 16:11 KJV

There are those that pervert the gospel of Christ by pulling verses out of context. Here are some more familiar verses that some that are NOT preaching the gospel preach as their message of salvation.

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." - Romans 10:9

"For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." - Romans 10:10

"For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed." - Romans 10:11

"For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him." - Romans 10:12

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." - Romans 10:13

The PROBLEM is, THIS IS WHERE THEY STOP with their “gospel.” These preachers leave off the REST of the story.

What is the REST OF THE STORY?

"How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?" - Romans 10:14-16

In the REST of the story, the Bible tells us that in order to be saved, we need to HEAR the GOSPEL preached from a PREACHER that is SENT FROM GOD. AND we need to OBEY THE GOSPEL.   

What is 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. 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

Paul preached how that Christ died for our sins, that He was buried, and that He rose again – the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

After we have HEARD the gospel from a preacher sent by God, to be saved we need to BELIEVE and then OBEY the gospel.

How do we OBEY the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus?

We crucify our sinful nature by repentance, we are buried with Jesus by baptism in a watery grave in Jesus name for the remission of our sins, and we are resurrected by receiving the Holy Ghost to live a new, holy life. (Romans 6:1-13)

THIS is how we OBEY the GOSPEL:

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

Jesus is the Father and the Son, the Creator and the Savior.

How could this be?

God made Himself a body when He overshadowed Mary and she conceived (Luke 1:35). At this point, the Father was in the Son - God was manifest in the flesh (John 14:9, 1Timothy 3:16). He is all powerful God that humbled Himself and felt the pain and temptations of a human (Philippians 2:8, Hebrews 4:15).

The man Jesus is the image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15). All the fullness of the Father is in this man, the “Son of God” (Colossians 1:19). Through the blood of this flesh that the Father dwelt in, He reconciled all humanity back to Himself (Acts 20:28, 2Corinthians 5:19, Colossians 1:20).

By the gospel, His death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus brought salvation. We claim His salvation by crucifying our sinful nature, burying it in water baptism in the name of Jesus, and receiving the gift of the Spirit of Jesus, the Holy Ghost. (1Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 6:1-6, Colossians 2:12, Acts 2:38, Acts 4:12)

"Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: for by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: and he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

“And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; and, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

“And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: if ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;" - Colossians 1:12-23

There are some that preach that a person is saved simply by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ. They quote the verse, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved..." - Acts 16:31. They pick this verse out of the Word, and disregard the rest. This is perverting the gospel of Christ.

As Paul said,

"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

Jesus said preach the gospel - he that believeth AND IS BAPTIZED shall be saved. (Mark 16:15-16)

This is the verse – but what is the REST of the story?

"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 16:29-30 KJV

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

The above three verses are taken from when Paul and Silas were in prison.

"And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. 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. 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." - Acts 16:25-27

"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? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." - Acts 16:28-31

The REST of the story says the preachers, Paul and Silas, spoke the word of the Lord to the jailor and his household. The jailor and his household believed. They were all baptized.

"And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house." - Acts 16:32-34

We are not saved by simply BELIEVING the gospel; it takes OBEYING the gospel to be SAVED. (2Thessalonians 1:8) Believing is only the first step. Because we believe, we obey by repenting, being baptized in Jesus name, and receiving the Holy Ghost. Apostle Peter preached how to obey the gospel when the church first began 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." - Acts 2:38

Now you know the REST of the story.

Why I am baptized in Jesus name - Part 15

I am baptized in Jesus name because I want to be added to the church.

How in the Bible were they added to the church?

On the Day of Pentecost, when the church began, Peter preached the gospel.

"Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it." - Acts 2:22-24 KJV

Peter preached to them the gospel of Jesus, of His death, burial, and resurrection.

"Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ." - Acts 2:36 KJV

They responded with repentant hearts.

"Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?" - Acts 2:37 KJV

Peter told them how to obey the gospel.

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

Peter told them of the promise 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 2:39 KJV

He urged them to obey the gospel.

"And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation." - Acts 2:40 KJV

They then received the gospel and obeyed it.

"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

This is how they were added to the church.

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

The Wrath of the Lamb

How could a lamb, the symbol of gentleness, have wrath?

Jesus is the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. (John 1:29). As the Lamb, His visitation to man is one of gentleness and mercy.

Yet God, the Creator of the universe, has two divine attributes. He has the Divine Attribute of Mercy as well as the Divine Attribute of Justice and Judgement.

Jesus told His people when He dwelt among them that He did not come to walk among them in judgment; He came in mercy, love, and forgiveness.

"…for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world." - John 12:47 KJV

Jesus took up His cross and died for our sins, was buried, and on the third day He rose from the dead. After 40 days of witnessing of the power of His resurrection, His disciples watched Him ascend up to heaven. We will see Him again in the clouds at the time of the rapture.

"For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus [believers who have died] will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord [still living when the Lord returns] shall not prevent them which are asleep [will not meet him ahead of those who have died].

“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ [believers who have died] shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." - 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17 KJV

Those that are caught up to meet the Lord in the air, know Him in His Divine Attribute of Mercy.

Those that are left in the world shall meet the Lamb of God with His Divine Attribute of Judgment.

"And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; and said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: for the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?" - Revelation 6:15-17 KJV

"Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." - 2 Corinthians 6:2 KJV

"… Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:37-39 KJV

Jesus' First Miracle - Turning Water into Wine (A Comment)

The reason Jesus came to earth was to give His life for the marriage of Christ and the Church.

John 2:1   And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: 

[Throughout the gospels, the “third day” refers to Jesus resurrection, after His death and burial. It is meaningful the first miracle of Jesus begins with, “And the third day.”]

[It is also meaningful that "Cana" is mentioned twice - the first verse and the last verse. "Cana" means "place of reeds."]

Matthew 12:20 A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. 

"A bruised reed" represents souls that have been bruised by life and need a Savior. -Rev. R. Walker

John 2:2 And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.

John 2:3   And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. 

[Man wanted a savior – man could not save himself. It took God, robing Himself in flesh, to die for our sins. 

1 Peter 1:19 It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.]

John 2:4   Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.

[Jesus was speaking of the hour of His death. (John 7:30, 8:20, 12:23, 13:1)

John 7:30 Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come.

John 8:20 These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come.

John 12:23 And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.

John 13:1 Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. 

There are two places in the Bible that Jesus called His mother "woman." In this verse, John 2:4, and in John 19:26. The second time was at His death when He spoke to His mother from the cross, thus making another connection of the wedding at Cana with His death for His bride.

John 19:26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!

Here also, Jesus is making a disconnect from His earthly mother. She had fulfilled her chosen role of giving birth to the holy flesh of God by a virgin birth. She too would be in the upper room with the rest of the disciples, awaiting to receive the promised Holy Ghost.

John 19:27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.

Luke 22:20 Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.

John 19:34 One of the soldiers, however, pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out. (NLT) 

1John 5:6 This is He who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is truth.]

John 2:5   His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do [it].

[Luke 8:21 And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it. 

James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

Luke 6:47-48a Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock 

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

John 2:6   And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.

[Six is a number that is symbolic of man (man was created on the sixth day). 

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

“Before dishes and utensils can be used in the kosher kitchen, they must acquire an additional measure of holiness which is conferred through the ritual immersion in a pool of naturally gathered water, or mikvah.” Chabad.org “Immersion of Vessels” http://www.chabad.org/library/article.asp?aid=82673&jewish=Immersion-of-Vessels.htm  

This verse would be symbolic of our human vessel being baptized in Jesus name for the remission of sins. 

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


John 2:7   Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.

[This may be referring to being filled with the Holy Ghost. 

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.] 

John 2:8   And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare [it].

[Isaiah 12:3 Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. 

John 4:10 Jesus replied, "If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water." (NLT)

John 7:37-39 On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” 

By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. (NIV)]

John 2:9   When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,

[“Ruler of the feast” would represent the marriage supper of the Lamb. 

Matthew 22:2, 4 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son…Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and [my] fatlings [are] killed, and all things [are] ready: come unto the marriage.

Revelation 19:7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.]

John 2:10   And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: [but] thou hast kept the good wine until now.

["Thou hast kept the good wine until now”-  The wine represented the blood and Spirit of Jesus that He would give by His death.

Matthew 26:27-29 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”

Ephesians 5:18 Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, (NLT)

Ezekiel 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

Matthew 9:17 Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.

Acts 2:15-17 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is [but] the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh…

Jesus brought a new covenant of His Mercy and Grace with the gift of His Holy Spirit for those that enter into His covenant.

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.] 

John 2:11   This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him. 

[Jesus revealed His glory in a demonstration of His submission and humility to give His life for a marriage – of Christ and the church.]