Why should I go to church?

I should go to church to HEAR the GOSPEL.

"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the GOSPEL which I PREACHED UNTO YOU, which also YE HAVE RECEIVED, and WHEREIN YE STAND; By which also YE ARE SAVED, IF ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, UNLESS YE HAVE BELIEVED IN VAIN. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SINS according to the scriptures; And that HE WAS BURIED, and that HE ROSE AGAIN the third day according to the scriptures:" - 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 KJV

We hear the gospel at church through PREACHING of the DEATH, BURIAL, AND RESURRECTION OF JESUS. We are SAVED BY THE GOSPEL, UNLESS we believed in VAIN. In other words, if we RECEIVE the GOSPEL, but we don’t OBEY THE GOSPEL,  we will have BELIEVED IN VAIN.

"For whosoever shall CALL upon the NAME of the LORD shall be SAVED. How then shall they CALL on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they BELIEVE in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they HEAR without a PREACHER? And how shall they PREACH, except they be SENT? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that PREACH the GOSPEL of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! BUT they have not all OBEYED THE GOSPEL. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?" - Romans 10:13-16 KJV

I should go to church to OBEY the GOSPEL.

How do we OBEY the GOSPEL? How do we OBEY Jesus’ DEATH, BURIAL, and RESURRECTION?

REPENTANCE is DEATH to sin; WATER BAPTISM IN JESUS NAME is BURIAL of old nature; HOLY GHOST INFILLING is RESURRECTION to new life!

Peter PREACHED THE GOSPEL OF JESUS on the Day of Pentecost. He preached of Jesus’ DEATH, BURIAL, and RESURRECTION.

When asked, “What shall we DO?” Peter replied how to OBEY THE GOSPEL.

"Then Peter said unto them, REPENT, and BE BAPTIZED every one of you in the NAME of JESUS Christ for the REMISSION OF SINS, and ye shall RECEIVE the gift of the HOLY GHOST.

“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." - Acts 2:38-41 KJV [caps my emphasis]

Those three thousand souls HEARD the PREACHING of the GOSPEL, they RECEIVED THE GOSPEL and they were SAVED BY THE GOSPEL, because they did not believe in vain! They OBEYED THE GOSPEL by REPENTING, being BAPTIZED IN JESUS NAME, and RECEIVING THE HOLY GHOST!

God, our Heavenly Father, loved us so much, that He made for Himself a body so that He Himself could die for our sins. (1John 3:16, Acts 20:28)

He overshadowed Mary to conceive in her a human body that would be born without sin, so that He could pay the price Himself of shedding blood by death for our sins. (Leviticus 17:11, Hebrews 9:22, Matthew 26:28, Colossians 1:12-23, 1John 3:5, Revelation 1:5)

This body that the Father dwelt in is called the Son of God. (Luke 1:35, John 14:7-11)

When Jesus died on the cross, it was not the Father that died, it was the Father’s very own flesh and blood that the Father dwelt in that died. It was that body that was buried and rose again on the third day. (Acts 20:28, Colossians 1:15, 2Corinthians 5:19). It was by the Spirit of God that His body was resurrected. (Romans 8:11)

Jesus foretold of the death, burial, and resurrection of His body by explaining that His body is the Temple of God the Father.

"And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. ... 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 2:16, 18-22 KJV

When we repent of our sins, are baptized in Jesus name for the remission of sins, and receive the Holy Ghost speaking in other tongues as the Spirit of God gives us the ability, we have received the same Spirit that raised Christ from the grave. (Acts 2:38-39, Acts 2:4)

"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. [so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God.] 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

"And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." - Acts 2:21 KJV

"Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:" - 1 Corinthians 1:2 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

"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

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

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

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

"When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus." - Acts 19:5 KJV

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

"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

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

["Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there." - Galatians 5:24 NLT]

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

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

When we have turned from sin by repentance, have our sins washed away by baptism in Jesus name, and have received the gift of His Spirit, we have access to the ways of God that we did not have before. (Acts 2:38, Romans 8:14)

By His Spirit, we can feel love for the unlovable, strength in temptation, forgiveness for the unforgiveable, patience in turmoil, wisdom and direction in the midst of confusion, and joy and peace no matter what the situation. The key is to stay full of His Spirit. (Romans 8:9)

"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." - John 15:5

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." - Galatians 5:22-23

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

"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy." - James 3:17 KJV

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

"And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost." - Acts 13:52

It is human nature to be affected by people, places, and things around us. Our choices of who our friends are, places we go, what we look at, and what we listen to affects the person that we are. It effects our attitudes, our vocabulary, our values, our lifestyle.

It is no wonder that God calls us to come out from influences that affect us in a negative way, and to concentrate our time, the things we do, and the people we choose to spend time with, that are positive influences.

Our decisions lead us either to Jesus, His love and righteous, and ultimately life and heaven, or to the world and its web and its rulers, ultimately leading to darkness and death.

The devil is a liar, deceiver, murderer from the beginning, and the god of this world with its systems. We can choose to be programmed by the world or by God. We make this choice by what we read, watch, and listen to.

"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 6:17-18 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." - 1 John 2:15 KJV

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

How can we escape? Jesus offers a fresh start to anyone that will turn from the world and choose to live for God. We have this new start when we are born again of water and of His Spirit by baptism in Jesus name for the remission of our sins, and receiving the gift of His Spirit, His Holy Ghost. (John 3:5, Acts 2:38)

It is called a new birth because it is a fresh start with a brand-new life. Jesus gives us power to live for Him giving us His Spirit to lead and guide us. He is with us and in us and will never leave nor forsake us, with our destiny now being heaven. (Acts 1:8, Luke 24:49, Acts 2:38-39, John 14:17, Hebrews 13:5)

Trials and testing develops our patience. It also gives us experience, and through this wisdom. If God didn’t love us, as He does love us, I don’t believe He would bother perfecting us through trials and testing. We are His children. We have covenanted with Him to turn our back on the world and live for Him. He has washed away our sins when we were baptized in His name Jesus. And He has filled us with the most precious gift on earth, His Holy Ghost. Yes, Jesus loves us! (Acts 2:38-39)

Through our faith in the power of Jesus blood to take away our sins, faith in the power of His name that applies His blood to our life by baptism, and faith in the resurrecting power of His Spirit that gives us new life, we are brought into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand. We have great joy, looking forward to the hope of His glory! (Romans 5:2 NLT)

"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 KJV

["We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love." - Romans 5:3-5 NLT]

"Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:" - Colossians 1:26-28 KJV

And this is the mystery – when we have received the gift of His Holy Ghost, Christ lives in us. This gives us assurance of sharing His glory. And by the preaching of His word, along with tests and trials, we can be presented perfected in Christ.

Old Things Are Passed Away – Part 1

We have repented of our sins, been baptized in Jesus name for the remission of our sins, and have received the gift of the Holy Ghost with the sign of speaking in other tongues as the Spirit of God gave us the utterance. (Acts 2:38, Acts 2:4)

2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV - Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Our old nature became dead, and all the sins that we repented of were buried when we were baptized in Jesus name. When we received the gift of the Holy Ghost, we were resurrected to live a new life in Christ.

Romans 6:3-4 KJV - 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.

Our old nature, the “old man” has passed away. God has wiped the slate clean of our past sins. He has forgotten them.

Psalms 103:12 KJV - As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

Isaiah 43:25 KJV - I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.

Romans 8:1 KJV - There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Our old nature, the “old man” with his sinful deeds has passed away. We must walk daily in the “new man”, the new nature that Jesus has given us when He filled us with His Spirit.

Colossians 3:9-10 KJV - Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him [be renewed as you learn to know Jesus and become like him]:

Ephesians 4:22-23 KJV - That ye put off concerning the former conversation [former behavior] the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind [let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes];

Ephesians 4:24 KJV - And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

There is so much truth to this –

When I hold my peace, let the Lord fight my battle, victory shall be mine!

What Part Do We Have in the Kingdom of God?

God has called us. (Matthew 22:14) We have answered. (Revelation 17:14) We have turned from the pleasures of sin and committed ourselves to a life of pleasing God. (Hebrews 11:25 Colossians 1:10, 1John 3:22)

We have repented and had all our sins washed away in the name of Jesus. (Acts 22:16) God has mercifully filled us with His Holy Ghost so we can walk in His Spirit (Titus 3:5, Galatians 5:16, 22-25).

At creation, the first commandment God gave to Adam and Eve was to be fruitful and multiply. (Genesis 1:27-28)

When we are in Christ (Acts 2:38), we are a new creation (2Corinthians 5:17 NKJV, Eph.4:24). The first command God gave to us as the newborn church is to be fruitful and multiply. (Mark 16:15-16, Acts 1:8, John 20:21-23)

The church is fruitful and multiplies by the gospel. (Acts 2:38-39, Mark 16:20, 1Corinthians 4:15, Acts 2:41, Acts 4:4, Acts 5:14, Acts 6:7, Acts 8:12, Acts 9:31, Acts 11:23-24)

We are laborers together with Jesus. (1Corinthians 3:9) When we are in Christ we have obeyed the gospel, taking His yoke upon us. (Ephesians 3:6, Matthew 11:28-30, 1Peter 4:17)

Yoked together with Jesus by the gospel, we labor together with Him in the field of souls in the world (Matthew 13:37-38, 1Peter 1:23) bringing them the gospel of salvation. (Ephesians 1:13-14)

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

"Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." - 2 Corinthians 5:19-20 KJV

Every child of God has a testimony. (Acts 22:18, Revelation 6:9, Revelation 12:10-11, Revelation 19:10)

Every child of God can be a witness of Jesus. (Acts 1:8)

Every child of God can pray for souls to be saved. (Galatians 4:19, Ephesians 6:18-20)

Peter asked Jesus this question:

"Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?" - Matthew 18:21 KJV

Jesus answered:

"I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven." - Matthew 18:22 KJV

"Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.

“The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.

“But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, pay me that thou owest.

“And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.

“So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.

“Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?

“And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him." - Matthew 18:23-34 KJV

Then what did Jesus say?

"So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses." - Matthew 18:35 KJV

Even though the king had forgiven the servant his huge debt, when the servant did not forgive his fellowservant, the huge debt was put back on him, and he was delivered to the tormentors until it was all paid back.

This shows that we cannot take for granted to remain gone the huge dept of sin that the Lord has forgiven us of, if we will not forgive our brother the sin he has done against us.

Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you”. What is a yoke?

It is a wooden crosspiece that is fastened over the necks of two animals and attached to a plow or cart that they are to pull. It is normally used between a pair of oxen to enable them to pull together on a load when working in pairs, as oxen usually do.

It is used to describe any burden or bondage. (Acts 15:10, Galatians 5:1) It describes servants or slaves. (1Timothy 6:1)

Jesus is our Lord and we are His servants. Yet, Jesus desires a relationship with us that is reflected in the closest relationships we have in life – a friend relationship, a father-son relationship, a husband-wife relationship.

John 15:15 KJV - Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

Galatians 4:7 KJV - Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:2 KJV - For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

When God gave His commandments to the Jewish people on Mount Sinai, He considered their relationship to be as a husband and wife. (Jeremiah 31:32, Jeremiah 3:14, Isaiah 54:5)

In His New Covenant of the Gospel, He likewise considers Himself as a husband and the church as His wife, the bride of Christ. (Romans 7:4, John 3:29, 2 Corinthians 11:2, Ephesians 5:22-32)

When Jesus said, take My yoke upon you, it had additional meaning.

When a Jewish boy comes of age and assumes the spiritual responsibilities of an adult, it is said that he “takes on the yoke of the commandments.” He becomes a “Bar Mitzvah,” which means, a “Son of the Commandments.”

Taking on the yoke of the commandments means committing to obey the 613 commandments. This is a burden that is heavy to bear. (Acts 15:10, Galatians 5:1)

The yoke that Jesus brought with the new covenant is a yoke that is easy and the burden is light.

Matthew 11:28-30 KJV - Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

When we take the yoke of Jesus, we find rest for our souls. (Isaiah 11:10, Isaiah 28:11-12, John 7:37-39)

We take the yoke of Jesus by repenting of our sins and being baptized in Jesus name for the remission of sins. Baptism in Jesus name is a covenant with Him. We are joined together with Jesus. (Acts 2:38)

When we have taken His yoke upon us, He promises rest unto our souls. This promise is the gift of His Holy Ghost. His Spirit is a strength to us that gets us through life. (Acts 2:39)

We become laborers together with Jesus, accomplishing His will in our life and in this world. We walk with Jesus through this life and with Him into life everlasting. (1Corinthians 3:9, Matthew 9:37, 2Corinthians 6:1)

When we repent of our sins and are baptized in Jesus name for the remission of sins, our sinful nature - the lusts of the flesh - is cut off. (Acts 2:38, Galatians 5:24)

Our baptism in Jesus name is a blood covenant. The blood that Jesus shed for the remission of our sins (the cutting off of our sins) is applied to our life. (Revelation 1:5, Matthew 26:28)

At water baptism we are given the name of Jesus. (Acts 15:17, James 2:7)

If we are not baptized in Jesus name, we are cut off from the people of God. (Mark 16:16)

Peter compares our water baptism with the eight souls on Noah’s ark. He says just as those eight souls were saved by water, we too are saved by water by water baptism in Jesus name. (1Peter 3:20-21)

It is said the number seven symbolizes perfection – perfection that is achievable via natural means – while eight symbolizes that which is beyond nature, above and beyond this world (in the spiritual realm). Peter tying the number eight to baptism reminds us that baptism in Jesus name is above and beyond this world, in the spiritual realm.

Our water baptism in Jesus name is compared to circumcision. (Colossians 2:11-12)

All the features of the covenant of circumcision correlate with our covenant of water baptism in Jesus name.

In circumcision, the flesh is cut off. (Genesis 17:11) Circumcision has the legal requirement that at least one drop of blood is to be shed in the procedure. It is considered a blood covenant. (Genesis 17:11) At circumcision, the child is given his name. (Luke 2:21) If circumcision is not administered, his soul is considered cut off from the Jewish people. (Genesis 17:14)

When God first commanded circumcision to Abram, God changed his name to Abraham.

The Hebrew letter that God added to Abram’s name is the same letter that occurs twice in God’s name Yahweh. This name is called the tetragamaton because it is the four Hebrew letters – “yud,” “hey,” “vav,” “hey.” It is the letter “hey” that was added to Abram to make it Abraham. God shared His name with Abraham at circumcision, just as He shares His name Jesus with us at baptism in Jesus name.

The Hebrew form of the name Jesus – Yĕhowshuwa,` translated as Joshua (Exodus 17:9), shares three letters from the tetragrammaton - the "yud", the "hey", and the "vav." The root of the name Joshua (Greek - Jesus) is from the tetragrammaton (Yahweh) along with the word "to save, deliver."

(https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H3091&t=KJV)

The name Jesus is interchanged for the name Joshua in Acts 7:45 and Hebrews 4:8.

Circumcision is to be administered when an infant is eight days old.

When God commanded Abraham to be circumcised, Abraham was circumcised the selfsame day. (Genesis 17:23, Genesis 17:26) This shows the importance to not delay obeying God’s command of such an important covenant.

The disciples likewise did not delay in water baptizing in Jesus name.

When those that heard the gospel received it, they were baptized the selfsame day. (Acts 2:41, Acts 8:36-38, Acts 9:17-18, Acts 10:47-48, Acts 16:33, Acts 19:5)

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

What is righteousness? And what is the breastplate of righteousness?

"Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;" - Ephesians 6:14 KJV

The breastplate covers the vital organs of the body. The righteousness of God is our breastplate that protects our very life. By His death on the cross, Jesus has made us right with Him, having our sins washed away by baptism in Jesus name and filling us with His righteous holy Spirit, giving us victory over sin and death.

“Righteousness,” according to Thayer’s Lexicon, is “…The condition acceptable to God…The doctrine concerning the way in which man may attain to a state approved of God.”

We find that by the doctrine of salvation through the gospel that we can obtain righteousness.

The gospel declares the death of Jesus on a cross paying the penalty for our sins, his burial, and resurrection. (1Cor.15:1-4)

"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." - 2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV

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

When we obey the gospel, we repent, are buried with Him in baptism in the name of Jesus for the remission of our sins, and resurrected to a new life in righteousness by the infilling of His Spirit. (Acts 2:38, Romans 6:1-4)

"For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)" - Romans 5:17 KJV

Another translation: “For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.” - Romans 5:17 NLT

When we have obeyed the gospel, our old sinful nature is buried. We put on a new nature when we are filled with God’s Spirit, righteous and holy.

"That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; ... And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." - Ephesians 4:22, 24 KJV

Another translation: “throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception… Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.” – NLT

"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

"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." - 2 Corinthians 5:19-21 KJV

We enter the kingdom of God when we are born of water – baptism in Jesus name, and of the Spirit – baptism of the Holy Ghost. (John 3:4-5, Acts 2:38)

We no longer belong to the world. (John 15:19)

By our new birth, we are sons and daughters of God. (John 1:12-13, 2 Corinthians 6:16-18)

Our battles are not physical; our battles are spiritual. We wrestle against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against the devil and demons of the darkness of this world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. We see the spiritual influences in our physical world and respond with the methods of the Spirit.

We are strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. We have the authority of the name of God – “JESUS,” and the power of God’s Spirit – the Holy Ghost, to combat any temptation, and any device of satan that might trip us up. By the name of Jesus and by His Spirit, we stand and we fight.

To do this, Jesus has equipped His children with armor. When we put on the whole armor of God, we can stand against the methods and deceptions of satan and advance the kingdom of Jesus.

We are commanded to “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth..”

In the physical, the loins are the place of reproduction. Thus, in the spiritual, the loins represent spiritual reproduction. We reproduce spiritually by preaching the gospel, which is the new birth experience. (Acts 2:38)

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

We are to go into all the world with the gospel and make disciples. (Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15-16, Luke 24:46-49, John 20:21-23, Acts 13:47)

"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

In the physical, to gird is “to fasten garments with a girdle or belt.” (Thayer’s) It has the meaning of being ready to serve. (Luke 12:35-37) Girding the loins metaphorically is, “of girding the "loins" in readiness for active service for the Lord.” (Vine’s)

"Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them." - Luke 12:35-37

To have our loins girt about with truth is figuratively, “to equip one's self with knowledge of the truth, Ephesians 6:14” (Thayer’s)

Thus, we are to equip ourselves with the knowledge of the truth in readiness for active service for the Lord. The truth is, there is only one God that robed Himself in flesh, suffered and died for our sins, and on the third day rose again. His name, which is above every name is Jesus. (Deuteronomy 6:4, 1Timothy 3:16, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Ephesians 1:21, Philippians 2:7-11)

"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

It is by this truth and spiritual reproduction - the new birth of souls by water baptism in Jesus name and the infilling of the Holy Ghost - that satan’s kingdom is defeated and the Kingdom of God goes forth into all the earth. “…And the gates of hell shall not prevail against it”. (Matthew 16:18-19)

"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…" - Ephesians 6:10-14

There is only one God. He is a Spirit. He was in Christ reconciling the world back to Himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them.

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

What did GOD do to reconcile us back to Himself?

He offered His flesh on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins. He was buried. On the third day, He rose again. The Father purchased us back with His own blood.

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

"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 1:20-23

What must WE do to be reconciled back to God?

We must obey the gospel by being sorrowful for our sins, turning away from them and turning to Jesus; we must be baptized by full immersion in water “in the name of Jesus” for the remission of sins; we must receive the gift of the Holy Ghost with the sign of speaking in other tongues as the Spirit of God gives us the utterance. (Speaking through us with words in a language we don’t understand. Acts 2:4, Romans 8:9)

On the Day of Pentecost, Peter preached to the people the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

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

"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

Upon This Rock I Will Build My Church

The Bible says that the Rock in the wilderness was Christ. (1Corinthians 10:1-4)

The Bible records that Moses smote this Rock on two different occasions. Each time that Moses smote the Rock, water flowed out, supplying life sustaining water to the thirsty Israelites. 

The first time that Moses smote the Rock, appears to be a type of water baptism in Jesus name; the second time Moses smote the Rock, appears to be a type of Spirit baptism of the Holy Ghost speaking in tongues.

When God told Moses to smite the Rock the first time, God told him to smite the Rock with the rod that had turned the Nile river to blood. (Exodus 7:20,17:5-6) Thus, there was the remembrance of blood when Moses struck the Rock with his rod and the water flowed out.

The second time, Moses was to SPEAK to the Rock for the water to flow out. (Numbers 20:8, Acts 2:4)

Thus, when Jesus said, “Upon this rock I will build my church,” He was speaking of building His church upon Himself, the smitten rock out of which would flow water and the Spirit.

Blood and water flowed from Jesus the Rock for water baptism:

John 19:34 KJV - But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.

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

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

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…

(See also: Zechariah 12:10,13:1)

Water flowed from Jesus the Rock for Spirit baptism:

John 4:10, 14 KJV - Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. ... But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

John 7:37-39 KJV - In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

That Rock was Christ:

1Corinthians 10:1-4 KJV - Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and did all eat the same spiritual meat; and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

Isaiah 53:4 KJV - Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

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.

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.

When we have obeyed the gospel, Jesus has given us a fresh start to live a new life. All our sins have been washed away by the blood of Jesus when we were baptized in Jesus name. He has given us the power to live above sin when He filled us with His Spirit, the Holy Ghost.

It is time to use the power of His Spirit, the authority of His name, and the new start He has given us to live a changed life. He has given us His Spirit, so we should walk in His Spirit and not give into temptations.

"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?" - Romans 6:1-3

"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

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

Jesus took up His cross and died, was buried, and rose again on the third day. This is the gospel.

We take up our cross and die to sin by repentance, are buried with Jesus by water baptism in Jesus name for the remission of our sins, and are raised from the dead by the infilling of His Holy Ghost, the glory of the Father, to walk a new life in the Spirit. This is how we obey the gospel. (Acts 2:38)

"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

"And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh [sinful nature] with the affections and lusts [passions and desires of the sinful nature]." - Galatians 5:24

When Christ died, He died once to break the power of sin. So we also should consider ourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God.

"For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof." - Romans 6:10-12

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

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." - Romans 8:1

"For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." - Romans 8:13-14

"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. ... If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." - Galatians 5:16, 25

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

The image of God

God is a Spirit. When God overshadowed Mary and she conceived the Son/body of God, the Spirit of God was revealed in flesh.

"In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:" - Colossians 1:14-15

When we are born again of water and of the Spirit, we take on the image of God. He has chosen us to be His representative in this world. We repent of our sinful ways, and our sins are buried/washed away/remitted by water baptism by immersion in Jesus name. We take on His name by water baptism in Jesus name, and are filled with His Spirit by receiving the gift of His Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)

"For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren." - Romans 8:29

"And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly." - 1 Corinthians 15:49

There are some things we are to put off, and some things we are to put on, in order for us to bear the image of our Creator. We no longer have our old lifestyle, but by our new birth have a new life in Jesus. Our affection should be set on Him, and on those things above, and no longer on the things of the world. (Colossians 3:1-17)

We must put off sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, for a greedy person worships the things of this world. We must get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. We must quit lying to each other, for we have repented and put to death our old sinful nature, the “old man” and all its wicked deeds, and put on a new self, the “new man”, with the Spirit of Jesus changing us into His Godly image.

As Gods holy people we must put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, making allowance for each other’s faults, and forgiving anyone that offends us, just as God has forgiven us. Above all we must put on the love of God, which brings true unity among the body. The peace and reconciliation we have found between us and God must rule our heart and actions towards others, for it is by His mercy that we are now in the body of Christ, and by our mercy and forgiveness of others that we will stay in the body of Christ, whose mercy we should be deeply thankful for.

"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." - 2 Corinthians 3:18

Jesus could come at any time. If you are not in the gospel ark of safety - the kingdom of God - now is the time to enter.

“But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

“For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

“Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

“Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.

“Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” – Matthew 24:37-44

Jesus told Nicodemus, to enter the kingdom of God a person must be born of water and of the Spirit.

“There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: the same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

“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.

“Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?

“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. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. 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 3:1-8

Jesus revealed that there is a sound that accompanies being born of the Spirit. This sound is speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance.

“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 there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” – Acts 2:1-4

Peter used the keys Jesus gave him (Matthew 16:19) to unlock the door to the kingdom. He stood up with the other eleven apostles and for the first time preached the gospel –the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

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

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

“For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call.

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

“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers… Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” Acts 2:37-42, 47

(1 Peter 3:18-21; 2 Peter 2:4-9; Hebrews 11:6-7)

*This chart is from the Bible Study, "Exploring God's Word." A FREE Teacher’s manual can be downloaded at: http://cgcmadison.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Exploring_Gods_Word_TE.pdf Color charts are available at: http://www.riveroflifeupc.org/our-beliefs.php The Bible study and charts are also available at: Pentecostal Publishing House: https://pentecostalpublishing.com/search.aspx?ProductType=&SearchType=Any&SearchText=Exploring+God%27s+Word+#resultsImage may contain: text

Jesus said we would receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon us. (Acts 1:8)

The Holy Ghost is a promise to us when we repent and are baptized in the name of Jesus.

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

The Holy Ghost – the Spirit of Jesus in us – is powerful!

When the lame man that sat at the temple gate was healed in the name of Jesus, Peter preached to the people, as they greatly wondered at the miracle.

Peter preached the gospel - the death, burial, and resurrection - and the name of Jesus.

"And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all." - Acts 3:16

The priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, being grieved that they taught the people and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead, laid hold on Peter and John and put them in jail until the next day.

About five thousand believed after hearing Peter preach!

"Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand." - Acts 4:4

The next day they were released from jail and brought before their rulers, and elders, and scribes, and Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest.

"And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?" - Acts 4:7

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them,

"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." - Acts 4:10-11

"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

The council then conferred. They wanted to stop the preaching of the name of Jesus!

"But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus." - Acts 4:17-18

After further threatening them, they let them go. And they returned to the other believers, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.

When they heard the report, all the believers lifted their voices together in prayer to God.

"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

There was power, so much so that the place was shaken where they were praying!

With this power came boldness to speak the word of God and the name of Jesus.

"And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all." - Acts 4:33

GREAT power was upon them after they prayed and were filled with the Holy Ghost – power to be witnesses for Jesus.

"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

"Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." - Hebrews 10:23-25 KJV

How can we be like Jesus?

Jesus is God (1Timothy 3:16, Philippians 2:5-6). He took on the form of man and dwelt among His creation on earth (John 1:1,10-11,14). His name “Jesus” is above all other names (Philippians 2:9-11). The Spirit of God is all powerful (2Chronicles 20:6). He is holy (1Peter 1:16).

To be like Jesus, we need His name and His Spirit (James 2:7, Acts 2:38, Rom. 8:9). We need to be holy, as He is holy (1Peter 1:15, Hebrews 12:14).

When we are born again, we receive Jesus name in water baptism, and receive His Spirit when we receive the Holy Ghost (John 3:3,5, Acts 2:38). With the Holy Ghost in us, we have the power of God to live a holy life (Acts 1:8).

To be like Jesus, we must not only be born a son of God (John 1:12-13), but we must grow up and become perfected, as Jesus is perfect (Galatians 4:5-6). To do this, we must assemble ourselves together so that we can hear the preaching of the word (Colossians 1:27-28). The word “perfected” and “perfect” in the Bible often refers to maturity.

Jesus gave us apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to perfect us so we can measure up and become like Jesus. He does not want us to be immature children tossed about by false doctrines, but rather to grow up (Ephesians 4:11-15).

Mature saints are skillful in the word and by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. They teach others. They have grown from milk to strong meat (Hebrews 5:12-14).

It is by going to church that we can be equipped to become like Jesus. We hear the preaching of the word, we can be baptized in Jesus name and receive the Holy Ghost. By hearing the word of God our faith is increased (Romans 10:17). It is essential to assemble together so we can play an active part in the kingdom of God, prepared and helping to prepare others for Jesus soon coming.

Hebrews 10:24-25 KJV - 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.

Prayer

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." - Philippians 4:6

We have many cares and concerns that we face each day.

Jesus can take care of life’s problems. We have the privilege of taking everything to Him in prayer. Every problem that we face, Jesus can help us through it, giving us the words to say, what to do, and giving us favor with those we need to face.

Every burden that we carry, Jesus can lift it. Jesus brings salvation, deliverance, and healing.

We can go to Him in prayer for everything, and we should. He is not only the Mighty God that can move mountains, He is also our Savior that humbled Himself and took our place on a cross, suffering and dying in our place because He loves us that much.

With our requests, we give Him thanksgiving: thanking Him for the prayers He has already answered in our life and in our loved ones lives, but also thanking Him in advance for what we are requesting, to make sure He gets the praise and the glory, lest we forget to give Him thanks after He has answered our prayer!

When we go to Jesus, we can give our burden to Him and have peace that the problem is being taken care of.

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

The world cannot understand the peace which comes from Jesus. His peace comes in the midst of our storms and trials. His peace can come in the midst of sorrow.

When we go to Jesus, praying in the Holy Ghost, problems are solved, there is salvation and deliverance, and Jesus gives us peace knowing He heard our prayers and is answering them. (Acts 2:38, Acts 2:4)

Our heart and our mind is in His hands of protection. He is our shield and defense, our comforter and strength, our ever present help in time of trouble.

"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." - 1 Peter 5:7