Friday March 30, 2018 is what is commonly called “Good Friday.” It is on "Good Friday" that Jesus suffered and died, crucified on a cross. Jesus, the Lamb of God, shed His blood so that we could have life.

Friday March 30, 2018 at sunset is when Passover begins. In Egypt during the time of Moses when the Israelites were enslaved, they were to sacrifice a lamb and apply its blood to their house to save them from the final plague of death.

"For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD." - Exodus 12:12 KJV

"And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt." - Exodus 12:13 KJV

It was not enough to simply BELIEVE the blood of the lamb would save them from death, the Israelites had to APPLY the blood to their house.

The Bible calls Jesus our Passover Lamb. (1Corinthians 5:7) We too are saved when we APPLY the blood of Jesus to “our house” WHEN WE ARE BAPTIZED IN JESUS NAME.

It is not enough to simply BELIEVE the blood of Jesus will save us, we must APPLY His blood by baptism in Jesus name.

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

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

The night before Jesus was crucified, Jesus’ disciples followed Him to the garden of Gethsemane, which means, “an oil press.” There Jesus prayed with intensity, committing His flesh to be the sacrifice that would satisfy the death requirement for our sins.

Just as Jesus crucified His flesh, we also are to crucify our flesh by repentance. We are to purge out sin by recognizing we have sinned, regretting the sin, and committing to never do it again. Our sins are then buried with Him by baptism in Jesus name. (Romans 6:4, Acts 2:38, Colossians 2:11-12)

"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 (old man of sin)

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

From there, after accepting the cup of suffering, Jesus was betrayed and taken by the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders to the high priest’s house where He was mocked and smitten. (Luke 22:54, 63-65)

Then they led him to Pilate, who sent Jesus to Herod. After mocking Him, Herod sent Jesus back to Pilate. (Luke 23:11) Pilate said he found no fault in Jesus of the things He was accused. (Luke 23:14)

“I will therefore chastise him, and release him.” - Luke 23:16

The Romans had no legal limit as to how many lashes they could administer. Only the Jews were limited by God’s commandment to 40 stripes. (Deuteronomy 25:3)

Pilate turned Jesus over to receive the whipping that was called the “half way death.” The Roman whipping shredded the back in which there was so much blood loss, that the victim was left half way dead.

“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” - Isaiah 53:5

It is said it was not usually done that a person would suffer both the whipping of the half way death as well as crucifixion. Pilate, intending to release Jesus, had Him scourged, thinking this would surely satisfy the Jews. (John 19:1-16)

“But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him.” - Luke 23:21

Because Jesus would become cursed for us, it was necessary that He also be crucified, hanging on a tree. (The cross was fashioned from a tree).

“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:” - Galatians 3:13 (Deuteronomy 21:23)

"Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." - 1 Peter 2:24

“And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.” - Luke 23:33

“Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth.” - John 19:29

Jesus was crucified the day before Passover. In Egypt during the time of Moses, when the Israelites were enslaved, the Passover lamb was sacrificed and its blood applied to the house to save them from the final plague.

"For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD." - Exodus 12:12 KJV

"And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt." - Exodus 12:13 KJV

It was not enough to simply BELIEVE the blood of the lamb would save them from death, the Israelites had to APPLY the blood to their house!

The Bible calls Jesus our Passover Lamb. (1Corinthians 5:7) We too are saved when we apply the blood of Jesus to “our house” by baptism in Jesus name. It is not enough to simply BELIEVE His blood will save us, we must APPLY His blood by baptism in Jesus name!

Not a bone was to be broken of the Passover lamb. (Exodus 12:46) While the legs of thieves on the other crosses had their legs broken, because Jesus was already dead, His bones were not broken. (John 19:36)

It appears that the Passover lamb was slain the same hour that Jesus died on the cross.

The Passover supper was eaten with bitter herbs along with the lamb to remind them of their bitter bondage in Egypt. (Exodus 12:8)

Jesus ended our bitter bondage to sin and death when He died on the cross.

“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

“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.” - John 19:30

The bondage to sin and death is finished for us when we apply Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection to our own life. When we repent of our sin, are baptized in Jesus name for the remission of our sins and receive the gift of His Holy Ghost, we are set free from sin and the fear of death.

"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

Jesus Cleaning House Before Passover.

"And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, and found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: and when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; and said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise." - John 2:13-16 KJV

"And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up." - John 2:17 KJV [“Passion for God’s house will consume me.”]

Passover is also called the feast of unleavened bread.

"Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel." - Exodus 12:15 KJV

This is accomplished in Jewish homes throughout the world by their intensive cleaning and inspecting of their homes before Passover, and gradually eliminating leaven from every room and crevice.

In the Bible, we see Jesus accomplishing an intensive cleaning of His house, the temple, and eliminating the “leaven” that He found there.

What does leaven represent?

Jesus spoke of leaven on several occasions.

"Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. ... Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees." - Matthew 16:6, 12 KJV

"Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known." - Luke 12:1-2 KJV

Paul spoke of leaven.

"It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you…and ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. ... Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth." - 1 Corinthians 5:1-2, 6-8 KJV

While Jesus cleaned His house, the Temple, we are to clean our house, our temple (our self). We do this by self-examination and repentance.

Jesus is the Lamb of God that shed His blood so that our sins could be remitted. He is our Passover Lamb that is sacrificed for us.

We can be baptized in His name and apply His blood to our lives after we have cleansed our temple (our life) by repentance. With a repented life and the blood of the Lamb applied to our temple by baptism in Jesus name, we can receive the gift of His resurrecting Spirit to walk in newness of life in Jesus.

Right after Jesus cleansed the Temple, He spoke of His death.

"Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body. When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said." - John 2:18-22 KJV

Jesus died for our sins. We take up our cross and follow Him by repentance. We are buried with Him by baptism in Jesus name. We rise to a new life in Christ when we receive the gift of His Spirit. We become the temple of God as part of the body of Christ.

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." - 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 KJV

"Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." - 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 KJV

The Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail Against the Church Part 2

Matthew 16:18-19 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…

The rock that the church is built upon is Jesus. It is built upon Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, which is the gospel. (1Corinthians 10:4 the smitten Rock, 1Corinthians 15:1-4)

The “gates” of the larger sort were found in the wall of a city, a palace, a town, the temple, the wall of a prison, and of Hades. It is for access or entrance.

Jesus said the gates of hell shall not prevail against the church. “Prevail” means “superior in strength” or “able to overpower”. Thus, the gates of hell shall NOT be superior in strength or able to overpower. In other words, the gates of hell cannot stand when the church comes against them.

Hell has no power to keep the souls it is claiming. The keys that release souls and bring them into the kingdom of God is the gospel. Jesus paid the price to set them free by his death, burial, and resurrection. Jesus has the keys of hell and death.

Revelation 1:18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

When a person repents of their sins, is baptized in Jesus name for the remission of sins and receives the gift of His Spirit with the sign of speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives them utterance, they are set free from hell. (Acts 2:4, Acts 10:44-48, 1Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 6:1-11, Romans 8:9, Acts 2:38)

The keys Jesus gave to Peter of the kingdom of heaven were given to the church when Peter preached the gospel message on the Day of Pentecost.  

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.

By the gospel, the church has the keys to release souls from hell and death.

Jesus suffered and died for our sins, was buried, and rose again. Through repentance, baptism in Jesus name for the remission of sins, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost, hell has no hold on a soul. Hell’s prisoners are released by the gospel.

The gates of hell shall not prevail against the church.


To be continued...

Principalities and Powers in the Gate (Part 1)

Satan is referred to as the Prosecutor. We know him as the accuser of our brethren.

Revelation 12:10 KJV - And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

When Jesus died, was buried, and rose again, he triumphed over principalities and powers.

Colossians 2:15 KJV - And having spoiled {disarmed} principalities and powers, he made a shew {shame} of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

God clothed himself with flesh and blood so that through death he could break the power of the devil who had the power of death.

Hebrews 2:14 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.

When we take up our cross and follow Jesus’ death by repentance, are buried with him by baptism in Jesus name, and are raised to Life by the Holy Ghost, we are delivered from death and the bondage of fear of death. We have power over the enemy and our names are written in heaven.

Luke 10:18-20 KJV - 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.

Matthew 16:18 KJV - 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.

The “gates” of a city not only stood for its access or entrance, but also stood for those who held government and administered justice there. (Vine’s) Thus, those with power and authority would sit in the gate. (2Samuel 18:24, 19:8, Ruth 4:1)

Powers and authorities sitting in the gate can be applied to the gates of hell.

When Jesus died on the cross, he spoiled principalities and powers, triumphing over them. Satan is the Prosecutor of Justice that accuses us of our past sins. Because Jesus paid the price for our sins when he died on the cross, when we apply Jesus’ blood to our life by baptism in Jesus name, our sins are remitted – blotted out. Satan can no longer rightfully accuse us. God has forgiven us, and satan no longer has power over us.

Because satan no longer has the power of death, he has lost his power in the gates of hell. He has no authority to administer justice to the church – we are under God’s mercy, not justice. We have been forgiven of all our sins, for Jesus took the judgment for our sins when he suffered and died.

Thus, the principalities and powers of hell shall not prevail against the church. Because Jesus is the rock that His church is built upon, satan has no strength or power against it.

To be continued…

Joseph had faith and trust in God knowing "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)

Joseph was envied by jealous brothers and thrown in a pit, hauled out and sold into slavery, falsely accused and thrown into prison. From start to finish, he was innocent, and faithful to God.

It was by these trials and tests that God perfected Joseph, preparing him to be used in a great way.

The Lord was with him through it all, elevating him in every situation. Finally, God elevated him from prison to rule over all of Egypt, making him a savior in a worldwide famine.

When Joseph was given the opportunity for vengeance upon his brothers, he responded with mercy.

Joseph's crowning statement:

"And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life... And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt. ... Moreover he kissed all his brethren, and wept upon them: and after that his brethren talked with him." - Genesis 45:4-5, 7-8, 15 KJV

"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

Jesus, our heavenly Father, King of the Universe, robed Himself in flesh. He revealed Himself as the chosen King that would sit on the throne of David forever, as He promised to David by the prophet Nathan.

"And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever. According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David." - 2 Samuel 7:16-17.

When people called Jesus, “Son of David,” they were recognizing that Jesus is the chosen King Messiah, God manifest in flesh.

The week before Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, as Jesus and His disciples were nearing Jerusalem, Jesus sent two disciples to a nearby village to bring Him a donkey and her colt. The disciples put their garments on them and Jesus sat on them. As Jesus approached Jerusalem, a very large crowd took their cloaks while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road for Jesus as He entered the city. The people before Him and following Him were shouting, Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the LORD! Hosanna in the highest! (Matthew 21:1-9)

The word for Hosanna is of Hebrew origin meaning, 'save, I pray.' This day is called “Palm Sunday” because it is recorded in John 12:13 that they "Took branches of palm trees…”

Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem was fulfillment of prophecy:

"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass." - Zechariah 9:9 KJV

Jesus triumphant entry into Jerusalem was also fulfillment of a type and shadow from the Old Testament of Solomon.

Solomon, the son of David, was chosen by God to be the next king after David. (1Chronicles 28:5)

When Adonijah, another son of David, attempted to crown himself king instead of Solomon, David revealed Solomon to be the chosen king of Israel by having him ride into Jerusalem on his personal mule. By this all Israel knew Solomon was the chosen king.

This account sheds light on Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on the donkey. His entry is a revealing that Jesus is the Son of David, the chosen King Messiah. [See 1Kings 1:1-48 for the complete account]

Jesus the King of the Universe and Son of David, God manifest in flesh and Savior of the world. His throne and His kingdom are forever.

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

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

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

What does the expression, “Burn your bridges” mean?

One definition is, “When you burn a bridge you can't cross it again. To burn a bridge means to be completely done with something.”

A preacher said, “You need to burn your bridges.” He was speaking about destroying everything that could bring us back to sin and death.

It is getting rid of everything that has to do with that sin, so it won’t be easy to begin that sin again.

It all needs to be “burned up” so that we are truly done forever with that sin.

It needs to be hated, so that it is completely out of our life and no longer desired.

Leaving just a tiny bit grows and sin takes over once again. ALL must be eliminated to please God.

What does the Bible say about this?

1 Corinthians 5:6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?

"Leaven is applied to that substance which is small in quantity, yet thoroughly pervades a thing by its influence." (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon)

Leaven is yeast that multiplies in dough until it has taken over the dough.

We must get rid of the smallest things in our life that can multiply and take over again, taking our soul back to death.

1 John 2:15 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.

2Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. NLT: 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.

What is repentance? It is feeling deeply sorry for our sins. It is a change of mind, turning around from the direction we were headed in sin and turning to living for God. It is truly hating sin and wanting to please God with our whole heart.

Proverbs 8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

Psalms 97:10 Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.

To please God, we need to leave sin behind, with no regrets and no ways of returning to it.

What name is able to heal, save, and deliver? Who died for our sins and rose from the dead bringing victory over death and hell? By what name are we saved? JESUS! Why is that name so powerful? Because JESUS is GOD!

"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

"Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, if we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." - Acts 4:8-12 KJV

When we believe on Jesus, that He is God that was made flesh and dwelt among His creation, and we are baptized in Jesus name, our sins are washed away. Jesus promises the gift of His Spirit, the Holy Ghost, so that we may have life eternal, and life more abundantly.

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." - Acts 2:38-42 KJV

Choices

"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

God calls us. (Matthew 22:14). We turn our back on the world and sin and turn to Jesus. We have answered His call and chosen to change our life from doing the things of the world, lustful, sinful pleasures. We are sorrowful for our sins and repent. We are baptized by immersion in water in Jesus name, the blood of Jesus washing away our sins (Acts 8:38, Acts 2:38, Revelation 1:5). We receive the gift of God’s Spirit, being filled with His Holy Ghost, speaking with other tongues, as His Spirit gives us utterance. (Acts 2:4, Acts 2:38) God has chosen us.

We have made choices. (Joshua 24:15). We love Jesus because He first loved us. (1John 4:19). He loves us very, very much. We were facing the darkness of judgment and justice for our sins, but Jesus paid the price of death for our sins and brought us into the light of His mercy. (1Peter 2:9-10). God chose us to be His beloved, filling us with His Holy Ghost. (2Thessalonians 2:13-14). We have made the right choice.

We should not be surprised if our friends turn their backs on us, when we quit sinning and start living for God.

"If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you." - John 15:18-19

We have chosen to live for Jesus. We have chosen eternal life. We have chosen to be faithful.

"These (the beast and those with the beast) 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

"And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." - 1 John 2:17

God is a Spirit (John 4:24a). He is holy (Leviticus 11:45). He is the Creator (Genesis 1). He is our Father (Isaiah 9:6, Matthew 10:20, John 14:9).

Because man sinned, God, for a time, accepted the innocent blood of animals to cover man's sins. (Genesis 3:21)

However, the blood of animals could not take away man's sin. (Hebrews 10:4) Only a man without sin could pay the price.

God saw there was no man without sin. (Isaiah 59:16) This is why God made Himself a human body.

God’s body is called “the arm of the Lord” because of its power to redeem humanity. (Isaiah 53; John 12:37-38; Romans 10:16)

Because God came as a sacrifice, He is called the Lamb of God. (Revelation 17:14) When John the Baptist saw Jesus he said, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29) God provided Himself a Lamb as a sacrifice to take our place. (Genesis 22:8, 13, 1 Peter 1:18-19)

Because God did this great thing for mankind, He gave His body a name that was above all His other names, the name JESUS. (Philippians 2:9)

“JESUS” means the Lord is become Salvation (‘Lord-Savior’). Jesus said, “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father” (John 14:19).

At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow and confess that Jesus is Lord. (Philippians 2:10, 11)

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

"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)

It Is Time to Awake Out of Sleep

You may have thought long ago, that Jesus would appear any day, any moment. It seemed all was in place for Him to call His church home. And now, things we never imagined have come to our world, supplying pieces for the finished plan that we didn’t realize were missing, making His appearing even more imminent.

If we have become lulled to sleep, thinking that the Lord has delayed His coming, falling into compromise and the pleasures of sin for a season, now time is running out. We must wake up. Our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.

Romans 13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

We must turn from those activities that God would condemn us for. When we have repented of these sins, by the blood of Jesus that has been applied to our life by water baptism in Jesus name for the remission of our sins, we may step back into God’s mercy, which shields and protects us from any fiery dart the enemy would throw at us with his accusations.

Romans 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

Because we walk in God’s Mercy, we are living a life pleasing to him, and an example to all those around us. Because of the Mercy of Jesus, we are merciful to others, which draws them to our heavenly Father. Because we are of the day and walking in the light of Jesus, we must separate ourselves from wild parties and drunkenness, from sexual promiscuity and immoral living, from quarreling and jealousy.

Romans 13:13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

We must remember that we carry the name of our Father, “Jesus,” and that we walk in His Spirit. Therefore, we must continually remind ourselves that sin is not worth shaming the name we carry, nor losing the Spirit of God that He has so graciously blessed us with.

Romans 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

Time is running out! It is time to wake up, and to live right, and take the opportunity to do all we can for the kingdom of God. Jesus IS coming soon!

When situations and people around us start going contrary, causing conflict, finding fault, creating irritation, jealousy, doubt, disappointment and distrust, this is the time to get our eyes off of the storm and back focused on Jesus. 

It is through looking to Jesus and reaching out to Him that we find peace in the midst of the storm. It is Jesus that keeps us from sinking into the depths of turmoil and raises us up to walk the walk with Him. We need to keep our focus on Jesus, and not on those around us.

He is faithful, constant, true, and steady. Call on His name.

"But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. ... And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?" - Matthew 14:24, 29-31 KJV

God’s Blood

God purchased His church with His own blood.

Acts 20:28 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.

How could the Spirit of God have blood?

He robed Himself in flesh so He could make the ultimate atonement for our souls.

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

Blood was necessary to free the offender from charge. (Atonement)

Leviticus 17:11 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.

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

Remission of sins is forgiveness, pardon, of sins (the letting them go, as if they had not been committed) remission of their penalty – Thayer’s Greek Lexicon

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

Jesus brought a new covenant by His death, burial, and resurrection. This new covenant supplied the blood that would remit sins once and for all.

Hebrews 9:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

God’s blood obtained eternal redemption for all of us – “all nations.”

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

On the day of Pentecost, the church began. The Gospel message proclaims remission of sins when we repent and are baptized in Jesus name, with the promise of the gift of the Holy Ghost because we have turned from sin to live for God. For he has purchased us with His own blood.

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

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

The Whole Armour of God – Ephesians 6:10-18

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

“Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

“And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

“Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;" - Ephesians 6:10-18 KJV

Are you drawing closer to God? Are you feeling pressure from peers to stay in the old rut? Is your old nature trying to bring you back to the things you have overcome?

The Lord can help you to resist temptation and be strong.

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

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." - James 4:7 KJV

"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; [throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.]  and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; [let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.] And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. [Put on your new nature, created to be like God--truly righteous and holy.]" - Ephesians 4:21-24 KJV/NLT

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." - 1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV

"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." - Ephesians 6:11 KJV [Read Ephesians 6:10-18]

When we have been baptized in Jesus name and filled with His Spirit, we have put on Christ.

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

"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 is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." - Romans 8:1-2

"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. ... And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." - Galatians 5:16, 24-25

He That Overcometh

We enter the kingdom of God when we are born of water – which is baptized in Jesus name - and when we are born of the Spirit – which us being baptized with the Holy Ghost.

"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

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

We have turned our back to the world and we are walking in God’s Spirit.

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

Because we are born of God, we overcome the world.

"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

"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God." - Revelation 2:7

"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death." - Revelation 2:11

"He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son." - Revelation 21:7

Judgment and Mercy Part 2

"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." - Genesis 1:1 KJV

The Hebrew word for “God” is “Elohim.” The word “elohim” is also the word for “judge.” This name for God is associated with God’s Divine Attribute of Justice. God refers to Himself as “Elohim” (“God”) throughout the first chapter of Genesis. It is by this name that God created the universe.

In Genesis 2:4 God’s name “LORD” is first mentioned.

"These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens," - Genesis 2:4 KJV

The Hebrew word for “LORD” is comprised of four Hebrew letters referred to as the Tetragrammaton. Jews do not pronounce this name, but rather substitute it with the name “Adonai” ("The Lord"), or “HaShem” ("The Name"). This name for God is associated with God’s Divine Attribute of Mercy.

While God created the heavens and the earth with His name “God” (“Elohim”), in Genesis 2:4 it is written that the “LORD God” made the earth and the heavens. It is said that God knew that the world could not endure under His Divine Attribute of Justice (“God”/”Elohim”); therefore He gave precedence to His Divine Attribute of Mercy (“LORD”/”Hashem”) joining it with His Divine Attribute of Justice (“God”/”Elohim”): “…in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens.”

The name "Jesus" is a combination of the first two letters of the tetragrammaton (God's name representing His Divine Attribute of Mercy) combined with the word salvation. Through His name Jesus, He brought Mercy and Salvation to mankind. His name Jesus is above every name.

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

"That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;" - Philippians 2:10 KJV

Judgment and Mercy Part 1

"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light." - Genesis 1:1-3 KJV

On the first day of creation, God said “Let there be light: and there was light.”

God did not create light, for He is light. Rather, light was concealed within darkness, and at His Word, was manifest out of the darkness.

"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 him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. ... For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." - John 1:4-9, 17 KJV

"Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them. ... I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness." - John 12:35-36, 46 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

"For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:" - Ephesians 5:8 KJV

Abraham’s Covenant and Baptism in Jesus name

The LORD appeared to Abram, saying to him, “walk before me, and be perfect”.

The LORD said he would make his covenant between him and Abraham. He promised he would multiply Abraham exceedingly, that Abraham would be a father of many nations, he would be exceeding fruitful, and nations and kings should come out of him. He told Abraham it would be an everlasting covenant between him and Abraham, and his seed, and that he would give him the land of Canaan for an everlasting possession.

What is Abraham’s covenant?

God told Abraham his covenant would be in Abraham’s flesh for an everlasting covenant. The “token” of this covenant would be circumcision.

Genesis 17:7 And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.

Genesis 17:10-11 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. And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.

The covenant of circumcision is fulfilled in water baptism in Jesus name.

Colossians 2:11-13 ¶In whom [Christ] also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

While circumcision removes the flesh of the foreskin, baptism removes the sins of the flesh.

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.

When we are baptized in Jesus name, we bury the “old man” of sin in our life.

Romans 6:6 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.

Just as with circumcision the flesh is cut off, when we have repented and been baptized in Jesus name we put off the sins of the flesh, the old man with his deeds and lusts.

Colossians 3:8-9 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;

Ephesians 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

The LORD told Abraham,

Genesis 17:14 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.

If we do not believe and are baptized, we are cut off from the people of God; we are damned.

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

When the LORD made his covenant with Abraham, he changed his name. He changed it from Abram to Abraham.

While the token of the covenant – circumcision - was only possible for the men to observe, water baptism, the fulfilment of the covenant of circumcision, is for both men and women. At the time of the giving of the covenant of circumcision, God changed the names of both Abraham and Sarah. In water baptism, we are given a new name, the name of Jesus.

Genesis 17:5, 15 Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. 15 And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be.

When we are water baptized, we are given the name of Jesus.

James 2:7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? (Aren’t they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear?)

Abraham is an example to us, that when God commanded him to be circumcised, he did not delay.

Genesis 17:26 In the selfsame day was Abraham circumcised, and Ishmael his son.

When the Lord sent Ananias to baptize Paul, Ananias did not want to delay to baptize him. He said to Paul,

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

Likewise Peter, when Cornelius and his household received the Holy Ghost, commanded them to be baptized in Jesus name.

Acts 10:47-48 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

"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

"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

“God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 

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

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

“For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." - Romans 6:1-6 KJV

“The Binding of Isaac” takes place when God tested Abraham, telling him to take his son Isaac and offer him as a burnt offering on a mountain that God would tell him of.

When Abraham was about to slay his son Isaac with a knife, the angel of the LORD called to him out of heaven, telling Abraham to stop and do his son no harm.

God provided a ram – which is an adult lamb – caught in a tree to take the place of Isaac as the sacrifice, setting him free (Jubilee).

We can see the ram as a type and shadow of Christ. Jesus is the Lamb of God that was caught by love on a tree, taking our place when we were destined to die.

Instead, we, like Isaac, were set free. Isaac is a type and shadow of us – we too are "a living sacrifice," set free by Christ.

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H3104&t=KJV

The Jubilee year was the fiftieth. Then by the Mosaic law, lands which had been sold reverted to their first owner, and slaves were to be set free.

יובל (yo•bāl') means BOTH "ram's horn" AND "Jubilee year." Yowbel (Strong’s 3104).

This Hebrew word for “ram's horn” is the same Hebrew word for “jubilee year”. The ram's horn was used as a trumpet, calling God's people to return to Him. It traces back to the ram caught in the thicket - a type and shadow of Christ, the Lamb of God (ram is a male sheep), that took our place on the tree to set us free. The ram caught in the thicket took Isaac's place as a sacrifice, ("the binding of Isaac") setting him free. (Jubilee). Isaac is a type and shadow of us - we are "a living sacrifice", set free by Christ.

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord. [The Jubilee Year]" - Luke 4:18-19 KJV

"Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: ... Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." - 1 Peter 2:22, 24 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." - Romans 12:1 KJV

Some people say, “I’m pretty sure I’ve been baptized in Jesus name…”

If there is any uncertainty as to whether or not the name of Jesus was called over you in water baptism by immersion, this is a reason to get re-baptized in Jesus name.

It is by baptism in Jesus name that our sins are remitted. If we were not baptized in Jesus name, our sins have not been remitted– we have not applied the blood of Jesus to our life.

Some say, “The pastor that baptized me did everything in Jesus name. I’m sure he baptized in Jesus name as well”. This is not necessarily true. I once asked a pastor if he baptized in Jesus name. He said, “We do everything in the name of Jesus.” I asked again, “Do you baptize in Jesus name?” His answer, “We do everything in the name of Jesus EXCEPT baptize in the name of Jesus.”

Find a pastor that believes, preaches, and obeys Acts 2:38, and you will find a pastor that baptizes in Jesus name.

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

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

Don’t risk your salvation to uncertainty. It is Biblical to be re-baptized in the name of Jesus if you know you weren’t baptized in Jesus name. (Such as being baptized in TITLES - “Father, Son, and Holy Ghost” instead of the NAME – “JESUS”) If you are not certain how you were baptized, be SURE of this most important decision in your life!! Be RE-BAPTIZED in JESUS name!!

"And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied." - Acts 19:3-6

When a person is baptized (immersed in water) in Jesus name, the name of Jesus is called upon them.

If titles (Father, Son, and Holy Ghost) are called upon a person, they are not baptized in Jesus name.

We are to be baptized in the NAME of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, which is JESUS. (Matthew 28:19, John 5:43, John 14:26, John 17:6, John 17:11-12, John 17:26, Acts 2:38, Acts 8:12, Acts 8:16, Acts 10:48, Acts 19:5, 1Corinthians 1:13-15).

We take on His name Jesus by baptism. By baptism, we become called by His name. (Acts 22:16, Acts 9:14, Acts 9:21, Acts 15:14, Acts 15:17, Romans 10:13, 1Corinthians 1:2, 2Timothy 2:19, James 2:7, Galatians 3:27).

It is by the name of Jesus that we have remission of sins. (Acts 10:43-48, 1John 2:12, Acts 22:16, 1Corinthians 6:11, Luke 24:47, Acts 2:38). His blood is applied to us by baptism in Jesus name. (1Corinthians 1:13-15, Romans 6:3-4, Colossians 2:12-13, Revelation 1:5)

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

If a person is baptized in another way besides in Jesus name, we find in the Bible people were re-baptized in Jesus name.

"And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus." - Acts 19:3-5

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

Devices of satan

Jesus said we need to be born of the Spirit to enter the kingdom of God.

John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

We need His Spirit to belong to Him.

Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

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

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

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

Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

The Spirit of Jesus acts as our Defense Attorney against satan, the Prosecutor. “Counsel for defense” is a meaning of the Greek word that is translated as “Comforter”.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

Because we need the Spirit of Jesus to be saved, there must be no confusion as to whether or not we have received His Spirit.

It makes sense that satan would try to deceive people as to whether or not they have received God's Spirit!

John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

Satan, the deceiver, would like a person to think they have received the Spirit of Jesus when they have not.

Thankfully, Jesus makes it clear when a person has received His Spirit: they speak in tongues (a language they have not learned) as the Spirit gives them the ability to speak.

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

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

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

James 3:3-8 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

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

In these verses, the tongue is described as an “unruly evil” among the members of the body. James declares, “The tongue can no man tame”. No man can tame the tongue, but by a repentant heart and our desire to receive the Spirit of Jesus, God can tame our tongue. With words of praise, worship, and thanksgiving, Jesus will baptize a person with His Holy Ghost and they will speak in another tongue (language) as the Spirit of Jesus speaks through them.

The tongue is the last thing to surrender to God when we are allowing Him to fill us with His Spirit. When the Lord controls our tongue, it is a sign that we have given Him full control of our life! Because the tongue is the last to surrender, it makes sense that tongues are the sign for being FILLED with the Holy Ghost.

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

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

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

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

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

Acts 10:45-48 And they of the circumcision [Jews] which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

Peter testified to Jewish Christians in Jerusalem:

Acts 11:15-18 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

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

Acts 19:1-6 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.

Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

Second, God uses tongues as one of the spiritual gifts. This gift is called, “divers kinds of tongues.”

1 Corinthians 12:4-7 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

1 Corinthians 12:8-10 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

The gifts are given to individuals for the profit of ALL. (1 Cor. 12:7) Thus, divers kinds of tongues is used to give a message to the whole church body.

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

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

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

The Bible gives rules of order for this.

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

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

Everyone speaks in tongues when they receive the Holy Ghost, but not everyone speaks with the gift of diverse tongues.

This can be compared with faith and the GIFT of faith.

Everyone that comes to God must have faith.

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

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

The key that distinguishes the GIFT OF TONGUES is that it is for the purpose of ministering to the church body, rather than to an individual.

This holds true for all nine gifts of the Spirit. They are designed to operate when the whole church is come together.

For example, the gift of prophecy includes anointed preaching, which is ministered to the “whole church” body.

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

Thirdly, God uses tongues in prayer.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Receiving the Holy Ghost is necessary to be saved. When we receive the Holy Ghost, we speak in other tongues as the Spirit gives us utterance. Satan would rather have us confused about this so that we would be lost, and not receive the promises and blessings God has for every one of us.

But we are not ignorant of satan’s devices!