"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

We are to be holy, set apart for God. He purchased us with His own blood so that we could come out of the world and become His holy, chosen treasure.

Holy – “Set apart for God, to be, as it were, exclusively his… Just as the Israelites claimed for themselves the title “holy ones,” because God selected them from the other nations to lead a life acceptable to him and rejoice in his favor and protection, so this appellation is very often in the N.T. transferred to Christians, as those whom God has selected ‘not of the world’ (John 17:14, 16), that under the influence of the Holy Spirit they may be rendered, through holiness partakers of salvation in the kingdom of God:” From: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon for the word “holy”

"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:" - 1 Peter 2:9 (Exodus 19:5-6) [“peculiar” – purchased possession, one’s own property]

"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

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

"In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory." - Ephesians 1:13-14

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." - 2 Corinthians 4:7

"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 6:19-20

"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." - 2 Corinthians 6:14-18

"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

It is essential that we know and obey sound doctrine. It is essential, not only for ourselves, but that we teach our children so that they may also know and obey sound doctrine.

What sound doctrine must we know? That the LORD our God is one LORD and His name is JESUS. (Deuteronomy 6:4, John 5:43, Isaiah 45:21-23, Philippians 2:10-11, Acts 4:12.)

That we find forgiveness of sins by Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection when we repent and are baptized in Jesus name. He promises He will then fill us with His Holy Spirit. (1Corinthians 15:1-4, Acts 2:38-39)

After we repent, are baptized in Jesus name, and receive the Holy Ghost, we continue in the apostles doctrine. (Acts 2:42, 2Timothy 3:16-17, 2Timothy 3:15)

"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: and thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might." - Deuteronomy 6:4-5 KJV

"And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." - 2 Timothy 3:15 KJV

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

"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. 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. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof." - Romans 13:11-14

"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." - Acts 2:38-40

"Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." - Acts 2:41-42

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

"While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.

“Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days." - Acts 10:44-48 KJV

[From: Search for Truth Bible Study] 

Be ye holy for I am holy

God has always been holy. When He made Himself a body to dwell among mankind, He was holy. He is Jesus.

Hebrews 13:8 KJV - Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

The devils know Jesus is holy, and that Jesus is God.

Mark 1:24 KJV - Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.

James 2:19 KJV - Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

Isaiah 43:3 KJV - For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.

Isaiah 54:5 KJV - For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.

The Jews did not recognize that Jesus was the Holy One of Israel. He came unto His own, but they did not receive Him. They desired that Barabbas, a murderer be let go, and that Jesus be crucified. They did not realize that Jesus, the One they wanted crucified, was the Holy One of Israel.

Acts 3:14 KJV - But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;

John 1:10-11 KJV - He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

We are His called and chosen, holy, filled with His Holy Spirit. We are faithful in that we live a holy life.

1 Peter 1:15-16 KJV - But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation [conduct]; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

If we want to commune with Him, if we want to see Him and be with Him in heaven, we must be holy.

Hebrews 12:14 KJV - Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

We must repent and be baptized every one of us in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and we shall receive the gift of His Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)

We must put off the old man with his sinful nature, and put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Ephesians 4:22-24 KJV - That ye put off concerning the former conversation [conduct] 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.

We were servants to uncleanness and lawlessness, but now servants to righteousness leading to holiness.

Romans 6:19 KJV - I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

Because we have obeyed the gospel (Acts 2:38), we are free from the power of sin. We do what leads to holiness and eternal life.

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

We are to present our bodies holy.

Romans 12:1 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.

We must be holy, not letting the world conform us to its unholy standards. We must let God transform us to holiness, as He said, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

Romans 12:2 KJV - And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Jesus chose His church to be His holy bride from the beginning.

Ephesians 1:4 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:

Jesus knew it would be necessary to give His life for His bride, to reconcile us to Himself, and so He could present us to Himself a holy bride.

Colossians 1:21-22 KJV - 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:

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

We are His church, washed in His blood, sanctified by His Spirit, holy and without blemish. (1Corinthians 6:11, Acts 22:16, Revelation 1:5)

The way, the truth, and the life.

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." - John 14:6

Jesus is the Father.

"If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him." - John 14:7

Jesus is the way.

The Father put on a fleshy, human body and dwelt among His creation for the purpose to die for the sins of the world. It is by His death, burial, and resurrection that we are able to once again come to Him.

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

Sin separated us from the Father, so that we could no longer have communion, as Adam and Eve did in the beginning.

"But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear." - Isaiah 59:2

By paying the price of our sin by His sinless body on the cross, Jesus removed this gulf of sin that separated us.

"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

By repenting of our sins, and burying them by water baptism in the name of Jesus, our sins are washed away so that we can be filled with His Spirit.

"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

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

The Father that was in Christ reconciled us to Himself.

"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

He made peace with us by His cross so that we could return to Him.

"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

Jesus is the truth.

"In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise," - Ephesians 1:13

The truth and the gospel of our salvation is that Jesus died for our sins, He was buried, and He was resurrected. We obey the truth – the gospel – by becoming dead to sin by repentance, buried with Jesus by water baptism in Jesus name, and resurrected to new life in Jesus by the infilling of His Spirit, the Holy Ghost, speaking in tongues as His Spirit gives us the utterance. (1Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 6:1-14, Acts 2:4, Acts 10:44-48, Acts 19:1-7)

Jesus is the life.

By the infilling of the Holy Ghost, we have eternal life in heaven, and an abundant life on earth, walking with Him in His Spirit.

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

Whatever bad habit we have allowed ourselves to get into, whatever addiction that may have crept into our life, if we give ourselves to Jesus, through Him we can overcome it and have victory.

"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." - 1 Corinthians 15:57

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

Because Jesus overcame the world, through obedience to the gospel (Acts 2:38), we can overcome the world.

"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." - Acts 2:38-40

We must settle in our mind that we are going to do all in our power to turn from sin.

"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

When we have been baptized in Jesus name, we have the authority of Jesus name to call on. When we have received the gift of the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Jesus in us, we have the power within us that goes beyond our own power, to turn from bad habits and addictions.

"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

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

"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. 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. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof." - Romans 13:11-14

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

"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? ... Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." - 2 Corinthians 6:14, 17-18

Being filled with the Holy Ghost, going to church and hearing the preaching of the Word of God, assembling and fellowshipping with those of like precious faith, we can receive the wisdom, instruction, and encouragement we need to overcome temptation.

"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." - Romans 8:37

"But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. ... But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life." - Romans 6:17, 22

Why go to church?

King David, the shepherd boy and psalmist wrote,

"I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD." - Psalm 122:1

We go to the house of the Lord to worship, give thanks, and commune with our Father that created us, loves us, and died for us. This should be enough reason right here.

"O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; to see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name." - Psalm 63:1-4

At church we find the love and mercy of God revealed in the message of the gospel. Preachers called by God preach the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. They call us to obey the gospel by repentance, baptism in Jesus name for the remission of sins, and to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

"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

"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

"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 10:15-16

"But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women." - Acts 8:12

At church we find the care of the Father for His children by the gifts to the church of the five-fold ministry of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers that labor among us to help us to grow into mature saints of 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

"Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. ... And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:" - Ephesians 4:8, 11-12

"Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:" - Colossians 1:28

"But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him." - John 4:23

"For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. ... For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe." - 1 Corinthians 1:18, 21

We go to church to prepare ourselves for the soon coming of the Lord so that we will be ready to meet Him at His return for His church.

"And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." - Hebrews 10:24-25

 How do we deny ourselves?

"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." - Matthew 16:24 KJV

Moses was an example of a man that was in a position in Egypt that he could indulge in the pleasures of sin, yet he denied himself.

"By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

“Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward." - Hebrews 11:24-26 KJV

[He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward.]

We deny ourselves when we turn our back on the world and live for Jesus.

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

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

“Follow me”

Jesus said to so many people, so many times, “Follow me.” What did Jesus mean?

"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." - Matthew 16:24 KJV

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

So how would we follow Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection?

The Bible tells us that we follow Jesus’ death by becoming “dead to sin.”

"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?" - Romans 6:1-2 KJV

"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. For he that is dead is freed from sin." - Romans 6:6-7 KJV

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

"For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God." - Colossians 3:3 KJV

"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 KJV

In other words, we repent of our sin. We turn from the world and its sin and lusts and turn our life to Jesus.

The Bible tells us that we follow Jesus’ burial by water baptism in Jesus name.

"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death..." - Romans 6:3-4 KJV

"Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead." - Colossians 2:12 KJV

Because we are “buried with HIM by baptism,” we are buried by baptism in HIS name JESUS. By water baptism in Jesus name, our old man of sin is buried. (Romans 6:6, Ephesians 4:22-24, Colossians 3:9-10, 2 Corinthians 5:17)

The Bible tells us that we follow Jesus’ resurrection by being filled with the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Christ that raised His body from the grave. (The glory of the Father.)

"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... Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord." - Romans 6:4-5, 11 KJV

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

Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost how we follow Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection.

"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

Jesus is God - He That Seeth Me Seeth Him That Sent Me

John 12:44 KJV - Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.

God – our Heavenly Father - created Himself a body without sin, born of a woman, to save humanity. When we believe on Jesus, we believe that He is God. We believe that Jesus was able to die in our place for our sins. We believe that through His death we are set free from the fear of judgment and hell, the devil no longer having any power over us.

Hebrews 2:14-15 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.

John 12:45 KJV - And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.

When we look at Jesus, we are looking at the image of God. God is a spirit. He made Himself visible when He made Himself a body (“Son of God”) to dwell in.

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

John 12:46 KJV - I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

The light that God brought us is His mercy. By the death of His body (“son”) we no longer fear the darkness of death and judgment for our sins, because we have been forgiven of our sins when we repented, were baptized in Jesus name for the remission of our sins and have received the gift of His Holy Ghost.

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

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

When we believe and are baptized, we are no longer in the darkness of condemnation, but have stepped into the marvelous light of God’s mercy.

Acts 26:18 KJV - To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

1 Peter 2:9-10 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.

Baptized by water and the Spirit – John 3:5, Acts 2:38

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

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

Our Heavenly Father put on a human body in His saving name “JESUS” to bring humanity His loving mercy. Satan’s desire is that all remain in the darkness of condemnation. Jesus came to bring the world the light of His new covenant of mercy through the gospel.

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

“For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. 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.

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." - 2 Corinthians 4:3-7

The gospel brings the light of God’s mercy. The apostles preached the gospel of Jesus beginning 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

Those that believed and obeyed came into salvation.

"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

Then the Gentiles [non Jews] were added in, beginning with Cornelius and his household.

"While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 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." - Acts 10:44-48

Both Jews and Gentiles came out of the darkness of condemnation to walk in the light of the mercy of the gospel.

"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

The Kingdom of God and His Will

Jesus told His disciples to pray,

"Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." - Matthew 6:10 KJV

The Bible teaches us,

"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." - Romans 14:17 KJV

Jesus tells us what we must do to enter the kingdom of God.

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

Jesus gave Peter the keys to the kingdom.

"And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose [declare lawful] on earth shall be loosed in heaven." - Matthew 16:19 KJV

 Peter gave explicit instructions on how to enter the kingdom 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 KJV

We are not only to pray for God's kingdom to come, but we are also to pray for God's will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:10, Luke 11:2)

It is God's will that all men be saved. (1Timothy 2:4) He is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (2Peter 3:9).

It is by repentance, baptism in Jesus name, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost that souls are saved. This is how a person is born of water and of the Spirit, and this is how a person enters into the kingdom of God.

We know that God has power over the rulers of the world.

"And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:" - Daniel 2:21 KJV

The Bible also says we are to pray for kings and for all 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. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." - 1 Timothy 2:1-4 KJV

It is of utmost importance in these days to pray for all those that are in authority around the world, that the church might have time for more souls to come into the kingdom. We must pray, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven!

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

We are to pray WITH THANKSGIVING.

What does that mean?

We give God thanks AS we make our requests because we have FAITH that God is going to answer our prayer.

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

Why would we pray if we didn’t believe that God is going to answer our prayers?

We believe Jesus is Almighty God. He is all powerful, knows all things, is everywhere at once, and is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance, who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

We pray that God’s will be done when we make our requests, because He knows what is best.

We not only believe He is ABLE to answer our prayers, we trust that He WILL answer our prayers.

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

We have faith that what we hope for is going to happen. We exercise our faith by visualizing what we are praying for happening, and then giving thanks and rejoicing in what we are seeing by faith.

Praying without faith can lead to discouragement, opening the door to the enemy that leads us to lose hope.

By giving thanks when we pray, we feel encouraged, full of faith, and the peace of God. Instead of anxiety, the peace of God insures that we keep our mind.

"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

Jesus spoke of being born again.

"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. ... 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 3:3, 5

We see from our human experience, that when a baby is born there is a sound. It is when the baby inhales his first breath that the sound is emitted – the baby lets out a cry. This is how we know the baby is alive outside the womb. He must take a breath, or he will die. If there is no sound, there is a panic: the baby must breath to live.

That breath that a baby receives when he is born in the natural is like the Spirit we receive when we are born again of the Spirit. The breath a baby receives gives him life. The Spirit we receive gives us eternal life.

When the baby takes his first breath and cries out, that is not the end of the story. If he is going to survive, he MUST continue to breath, and if he is a normal baby, he will continue to make sounds. (As the baby grows, his words become more articulate, then become sentences.)

So it is in our new birth experience. If we want to stay spiritually alive, we must continue to be filled with God’s Spirit. And, as Jesus said, there is a sound accompanying the Spirit. We see in the Bible and from our experience today that this sound is speaking in tongues.

Note: “Tongues” means “language” (specially, one naturally unacquired). Tongues as the sign of receiving the Holy Ghost is speaking in a language we do not know, as the Spirit of God speaks through us. We speak in other tongues as God is filling us with His Spirit, trusting and allowing Him to change our words of praise into a language we do not know.

Note: Speaking in tongues when receiving the Spirit is not to be confused with the gift of divers kinds of tongues, which is one of nine gifts of the Spirit given by God to MINISTER to the CHURCH BODY (along with the gift of the interpretation of tongues). The gift of faith is another of the nine gifts of the Spirit. Everyone might not have the gift of faith, and everyone might not have the gift of tongues, but EVERYONE must have faith to come to God, and EVERYONE speaks in tongues when they are filled with the Spirit.

Note: Interestingly, both the Hebrew and Greek words for “wind” is the same word used for “Spirit” and “breath.”

The Wind and the Spirit

"The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit." - John 3:8

Jesus is explaining that just as the wind has a sound that accompanies it, so likewise the Spirit has a sound that accompanies it. We learn later in the book of Acts, that speaking in tongues is the sound that we hear when a person is born of the Spirit. We cannot see God’s Spirit, but we hear the sound of a person speaking in tongues as God fills them with His Spirit.

"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. ... And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:1-2, 4

Later in the book of Acts when Gentiles received His Spirit,

"And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God." - Acts 10:45-46

Later, Paul witnessed to disciples of John the Baptist,

"And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied." - Acts 19:6

Church!!

Want more of God’s peace within?

Get a refilling of His Holy Ghost.

Want more of God’s love – shining from the inside out?

Get a refilling of His Holy Ghost.

Want more of God’s joy?

Get a refilling of His Holy Ghost!

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

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

"Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit." - Colossians 1:8 [He has told us about the love for others that the Holy Spirit has given you.]

"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. ... And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." - 1 John 4:7, 16

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

To be powerful witnesses, we need to stay full of the Holy Ghost!

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

Have you received the Holy Ghost?

The Holy Ghost was first poured out on the Day of Pentecost.

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

Peter preached the gospel that day, and what to do so we too can receive the Holy Ghost.

"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

Who is the son of God?

The Son of God is our Heavenly Father wrapped in a body of flesh and blood so that He could shed His very own blood to redeem mankind back to Himself. His name is JESUS!

"Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.

“Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? [Abraham lived approximately 2000 years earlier.]

“Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

“Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by." - John 8:56-59 KJV

Why did the Jews take up stones to cast at Jesus?

Because they understood that Jesus was letting them know He is God, the “I AM.”

"And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you." - Exodus 3:14 KJV

Ye Shall Be Witnesses unto Me

When Jesus rose from the dead on that Resurrection morning, He did not immediately rise to the sky. The next forty days were very important: Jesus was a witness of His resurrection.

Jesus appeared first to Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9) and to Peter (Simon). He then appeared to two on the road to Emmaus, and then to the disciples. (see: Luke 24:13-35)

"To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:" - Acts 1:3

It is said the number forty represents transition or change; the concept of renewal; a new beginning; a lifting of a spiritual state. We can see the number forty used in this way throughout the Old Testament as well as the New Testament. One example is the flooding of the earth in the days of Noah lasted for forty days and nights, the number forty relating to purification and rebirth. Peter compared the flood to our water baptism in Jesus name, which is purification and rebirth. (1Peter 3:20-21)

Paul spoke of the forty days that Jesus witnessed of His resurrection.

"For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: and that he was seen of Cephas [Peter], then of the twelve: after that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time." - 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 KJV

Because we follow Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, we also must follow His witnessing of His resurrection.

We witness of our death to sin in our life by our repentance, we witness of our burial with Jesus in our water baptism in Jesus name when He cleansed us by His blood of all our sins. And, we witness of our new life in Jesus, His resurrecting power in our life by the infilling of His Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38, Acts 2:4)

We can see that after we receive the Holy Ghost, we begin a lifelong transition of perfecting from the old life we lived to our new life in Jesus. Our new birth, of water and of the Spirit, brings a “new beginning.” This time period after we have been born again and when we see Jesus is a “lifting of a spiritual state.”

Just as Jesus had a forty-day interim between His resurrection and ascending to heaven, we too have this forty-day interim symbolically between our receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost (our resurrection) and when we meet Jesus in heaven (our ascension to heaven – the rapture) (1Thessalonians 4:15-16).

Just as Jesus was a witness of the power of His resurrection to those close to Him as well as great multitudes (1Corinthians 15:3-8), we too are witnesses to family and friends and many others of the power of the Holy Ghost in our life, that gives us resurrection from our old life to a new life in Jesus (1Corinthians 6:9-11).

Jesus said after we receive the Holy Ghost we shall be witnesses unto Him!

"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

Because Jesus lives we have a hope!

"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." - Revelation 1:18 KJV

The flesh and blood human body Jesus created for Himself when He overshadowed Mary and she conceived was without sin. This is why Jesus was able to pay the price of our sins.

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

When we repent of our sins, and we are baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins, we have confidence that His blood has washed our sins away. With our sins washed away, we have the promise we can receive the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Jesus within us.

"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

Jesus told His disciples before His death,

"Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also." - John 14:19 KJV

"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." - Hebrews 2:14-15 KJV

Because Jesus lives, we have no fear of death, for we have hope of eternal life with Jesus through the gospel.

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

"Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:" - Romans 6:4-5 KJV

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

"For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep [have died] in Jesus 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 shall not prevent them which are asleep [believers 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 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. Wherefore comfort one another with these words." - 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18 KJV