EVERYONE can be thankful for the blessings and mercy of God!

The Lord told His people He would give their land rain from the heavens from his good treasure.

"The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow." - Deuteronomy 28:12

Jesus taught that He blesses with sunshine and with rain, no matter if we are just or unjust, because He loves EVERYONE. That is something to be thankful for! And, BOTH sunshine AND rain are blessings!!

"Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." - Matthew 5:43-45

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

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

When Philip asked Jesus to show them the Father,

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

Jesus is the image of the invisible Father.

"Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:" - Colossians 1:15 KJV

Isaiah prophesied that every knee shall bow to God. Every eye shall see Jesus – the image of the invisible God – seated on the throne as the Lamb of God – and all will bow before Him.

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

Our Heavenly Father humbled Himself by putting on human flesh to walk among His creation as a man. He did this so He could shed the sinless blood that was required in order to redeem mankind back to Himself. Our Father came in His name of salvation - “Jesus.” One day every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus is Lord – the Father manifest in flesh!

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

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

What is the hope of 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.

The Holy Ghost is the earnest of our inheritance until Jesus calls us to heaven to be with Him forever.

"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 KJV

Preachers, preach the word!

People, bring your mind into captivity, keep it from wandering, and hear the word of God!

"Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;" - 2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV

As Hosea said,

"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge …" - Hosea 4:6 KJV

God ordained that preachers sent by Him would proclaim His gospel that people might receive it, obey it, and be saved. [Note below: ‘calling on the name of the Lord’ is connected with putting the name of the Lord on a person, which takes place when a person obeys the gospel, having the name of Jesus called upon him in water baptism in Jesus name. (Acts 22:16)]

"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!" - Romans 10:13-15 KJV

We need to not only HEAR the word, but also OBEY the word.

"Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. ... But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." - James 1:21-22, 25 KJV

Another translation says,

"So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls. But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. ... But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don't forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it." - James 1:21-22, 25 NLT

As the rest of Romans 10 says,

"But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias [Isaiah] saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?" - Romans 10:16 KJV [Isaiah 53:1]

Obey the gospel today! Turn to Jesus and be baptized calling on 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 KJV

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

Life gives us trials.

Jesus leads us through them.

Hold His hand.

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." - Psalm 23:4 KJV

(In this verse, the Hebrew word for comfort “includes the notion of help put forth” (Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon). Jesus is with us when we walk through trials. He is our help and defender.)

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

"When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee." - Isaiah 43:2 KJV

"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 KJV

Because of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, we are able to be baptized in His name, have our sins remitted, AND receive His gift of His Holy Ghost. Jesus gives us peace that the world just does not understand.

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

Let us give thanks!

"O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms." - Psalm 95:1-2 KJV

"O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people." - Psalm 105:1 KJV

"I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving." - Psalm 69:30 KJV

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

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful." - Colossians 3:15 KJV

"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations." - Psalm 100:4-5 KJV

We know to pray about everything.

It is apparent that we have faith, because if we did not have faith, believing that Jesus hears and answers our prayers, we would not be praying.

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

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

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

"Be careful for nothing [Don’t worry]; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." - Philippians 4:6 KJV

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jesus spoke to Nathaniel.

"And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man." - John 1:51

Jacob (from the Old Testament) saw in a dream angels ascending and descending from heaven.

"And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran. And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep.

“And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.

“And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.

“And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.

“And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not. And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.

“And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it. And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city was called Luz at the first.

“And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, So that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God: And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee." - Genesis 28:10-22

Jesus made a correlation between Himself and Jacob’s dream. In his dream, Jacob saw where he was sleeping angels ascending and descending from heaven.

By this, Jesus reveals important things about Himself.

First of all, what God revealed to Jacob was that he was in the presence of Almighty God and did not know it!

The people of Israel were in the presence of Almighty God when Jesus walked among them and most of them did not know Him!

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

Jacob said, “How dreadful is this place!”

The meaning of “dreadful” in this verse according to Thayer’s is, “venerable, august,” which means, “commanding respect because of impressive dignity; inspiring reverence or admiration; of supreme dignity or grandeur; majestic:”

All the fullness of the Godhead is in Christ (Colossians 2:9), yet Israel as a whole did not “respect, reverence, or admire” Jesus. Rather, they sought to kill him.

Jacob said, “This is none other but the house of God…”

The man Jesus is the house of God; His body is the temple of God’s Spirit.

"Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. ... But he spake of the temple of his body." - John 2:19, 21

Jacob said, “This is the gate of heaven.”

"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

When Jacob woke up, he “took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it.” Then he said, “And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house.”

“Christ” means “anointed.”

"And he poured of the anointing oil upon Aaron's head, and anointed him, to sanctify him." - Leviticus 8:12

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

Jesus is called, “The stone that the builders rejected.”

"Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?" - Matthew 21:42

Jacob called the place of his dream, “Bethel,” which means “house of God.” Jesus’ body is the house of God. It is the temple of God.

"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy." - 1 Peter 2:9-10 KJV

Because we have entered the new covenant, obeying the gospel (Acts 2:38) and filled with His Spirit, we are a chosen generation.

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

"According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:" - Ephesians 1:4 KJV

We are a royal priesthood –

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

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

We are a holy nation –

"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 5:27 KJV

"If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." - 1 Corinthians 3:17 KJV

We are a peculiar people –

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

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

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

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

"To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved." - Ephesians 1:6 KJV 

Church!

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

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

"I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High." - Psalm 9:2

"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

“Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

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

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

"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

What should we pray for?

The Lord is soon coming. There are many that have not heard the gospel of Jesus Christ that are unprepared. Jesus told his disciples that the harvest out there of souls is truly great, but there are few labourers that are bringing them the gospel (Acts 2:38).

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

Living in these last days, we are in perilous times. There are evil men doing evil deeds.

"But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived." - 2 Timothy 3:13

Yet, it is not God’s will that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. We can pray that conviction comes upon evil doers, that God will send them dreams, visions, and witnesses that will lead them to repentance.

"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." - 2 Peter 3:9

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

Jesus had mercy on Saul of Tarsus. Saul turned around from persecuting Christians unto the death to become an Apostle of Jesus.

"And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women." - Acts 22:4

"Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus." - 1 Timothy 1:13-14

There are many temptations. Those of us who are living for God need one another’s prayers. Praying in the Spirit is powerful praying. We should stay alert to pray for everyone and everything that the Lord puts on our minds.

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

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

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

By keeping an attitude of prayer and being sensitive to pray for all that Jesus would have us pray for, we can be used by the Lord to have a part in bringing about His will on earth.

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

With God all things are possible. The stress and worries that those in the world are weighed down with are for us replaced with God’s peace, trusting that Jesus is working everything out according to His purpose. Our part is in everything to pray.

"Be careful [anxious] 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

Sober and Vigilant

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

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

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

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

When we repent of our sins, are baptized in Jesus name for the remission of our sins, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, God has given us power over sin. If we allow Him, He will set us free from the habits and addictions of intoxicants, and gives us the power to stay off them. We become witnesses of the power of Jesus in our life.

"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

With the Holy Ghost within, Jesus opens our eyes and directs our paths so we won’t fall into sin. (Romans 8:13-14)

Jesus is the Comforter, the Holy Ghost within us. He is our Advocate and Defense Attorney. (John 14:16-18). When we have been baptized “IN JESUS NAME” the blood of Jesus has washed away our sins. (Revelation 1:5, 1 Corinthians 6:11, Acts 22:16). Jesus pleads His blood upon us when satan the Prosecutor accuses us of sin in our life.

When we have repented of our sins, been baptized in Jesus name, and are filled with His Spirit, we have purposed to completely turn our back on sin. If we stumble and sin, we still have hope. We ask Jesus to forgive us and we start out fresh, with even greater determination to not sin. (1 John 2:1)

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

We shouldn’t think it strange that we have fiery trials. (1 Peter 4:12-13) Our brothers and sisters throughout the world go through this just like we do.

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

It is by trials and temptations that we all are perfected, maturing in Christ, strengthened, standing firm and steadfast in Jesus.

"But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you." - 1 Peter 5:10

How can the Jewish people be released from their binding covenant of the Law? God and the Jewish people look at their covenant of the Law that took place at Mount Sinai as a marriage covenant. God became their husband and the Jewish people became God’s wife. (Exodus 19:5-8) [see post: The Gift]

"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." - Isaiah 54:5 KJV

"Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:" - Jeremiah 3:14 KJV

The Apostle Paul made reference to this covenant in Romans 7:1-6 He explained how, according to the Law, God made a way of escape for His people the Jews from their marriage with their binding contract to the Law.

"Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband." - Romans 7:1-2 KJV

The way that God, as their husband, would release His people from the binding covenant of the Law was to die. But how could God die? God robed Himself in flesh, born of a woman, and the human body He inhabited died on the cross. God released His people from their marriage contract of the Law by His death, burial, and resurrection. (Acts 20:28, John 1:1,14)

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

“So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man." - Romans 7:1-3 KJV

Jesus, God manifest in flesh, came to die for His wife. (Ephesians 5:25-32)

The church is God’s wife through His new covenant.

John the Baptist spoke of Christ as the bridegroom, when Jesus was baptizing people into His new covenant. (John 3:29-31) Apostle Paul spoke of Christ as our husband and the church as the bride of Christ through the new covenant. (2Corinthians 11:2)

The Jews enter into marriage with Christ – God manifest in flesh – by Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, and by their repentance, baptism in Jesus name, and the baptism of the Holy Ghost (God’s Spirit).

"Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:" - Jeremiah 31:31-32 KJV

By the gospel, the Jewish people are now free to enter the New Covenant of grace by marriage to their very own husband that has now brought them grace, Jesus Christ - God manifest in the flesh.

"For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." - John 1:17 KJV

"But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more." - Jeremiah 31:33-34 KJV

Jeremiah’s prophecy was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost. When the Jewish people were in Jerusalem celebrating the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai, the disciples were in the upper room awaiting the promise of the infilling of the Spirit. God would write His law in their hearts. They had already been baptized in Jesus name, and by Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, their sins were now washed away. God had forgiven their iniquity and would remember their sin no more. They were about to experience the next part of Jeremiah’s prophecy – ‘they shall all know me.” Jesus had told His disciples He was with them, but would be in them. They would all know God when they were filled with His Spirit.

"Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you." - John 14:17 KJV

By the death of their husband, the Jewish people were free from their marriage covenant of the Law. They are able to marry a new husband, which is God, who brought them a new marriage of grace. Just as their husband – God – died, when they repent, and are baptized in Jesus name, they also become dead to the law by the body of Christ. They are released to marry another – Christ – and through the union of the Spirit, bring forth fruit unto God.

"Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God." - Romans 7:4 KJV

"For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter." - Romans 7:5-6 KJV

"For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church." - Ephesians 5:30-32 KJV

The Gift

The Jews made a covenant with God at Mount Sinai. God gave them his law. The Jews count that there are 613 commandments in the law. They covenanted to keep all of them.

Exodus 24:3 And Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the LORD hath said will we do.

The Jews look at this covenant as a marriage covenant with God. Just as the bride says, “I do,” the Jewish people said, “We do.”

God recognizes this covenant as his marriage covenant with the Jewish people. In Jeremiah 31:31-34, God refers to the covenant he made when he brought them out of Egypt and refers to himself as their husband.

Jeremiah 31:31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:

Jeremiah 31:32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:

Jeremiah 31:33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Jeremiah 31:34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

Here God speaks of making a new covenant with Israel. We know the new covenant to be the gospel.

While the covenant of the law is God’s justice, his covenant of the gospel is a covenant of mercy. “For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” (Jeremiah 31:34).

Just as the covenant of the law was a marriage covenant, the covenant of the gospel is also a marriage covenant. Those that have obeyed the gospel become part of the bride of Christ.

The Jews say that God has a gift for those that enter into the marriage covenant of the law. This gift is the Sabbath.

The Sabbath is a day of physical rest for the Jewish people. It is a day that they spend devoted to prayer and study of God’s word. It is to be a day of peace. The greeting often said on the Sabbath is, “Shabbat Shalom,” which is Hebrew for “Sabbath Peace.”

God has a gift for those that enter into the marriage covenant of the gospel. This gift is the Holy Ghost.

While the rest of the Sabbath is one day a week, the rest of the Holy Ghost is twenty-four hours, seven days a week. It is a rest that you do not have to say goodbye to at the end of the day.

Matthew 11:28-30 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 a person enters into the covenant of the law, it is said that person takes on the “yoke” of the commandments.

When God took on the form of man to bring the new covenant of the gospel, he brought a new yoke. Instead of the written law of justice, of 613 commandments, God writes his law of love and forgiveness in our hearts. By the Holy Ghost, God’s Spirit within, Jesus teaches us and brings his word to our mind.

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

While the Sabbath has its peace, the gift of the Holy Ghost brings the peace of God, which passeth all understanding.

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

The peace that the covenant of the gospel gives, is the peace of reconciliation back to God through his perfect sacrifice of his flesh, “the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29).

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

[NLT: “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.]

The gift of the Holy Ghost is the presence of Jesus within us, who is with us always. The gift of the Holy Ghost is like a well of water springing up into everlasting life. It is joy unspeakable and full of glory. (John 4:14, 1 Peter 1:8).

Because of God’s perfect sacrifice that takes away the sin of the world, those that have repented of their sins and have been baptized in Jesus name can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost – Jesus within.

Under the covenant of the law, the offerings of bulls and goats could not take away sins. (Hebrews 10:4). Because sin wasn’t taken away, God could not dwell within his people. His Spirit could be upon them and with them, but not in them, until God came and brought the new covenant. By the new covenant of forgiveness, all may know God by the infilling of the gift of his Holy Ghost. “For they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” (Jeremiah 31:34b)

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

We turn our life to Jesus, apply the blood he shed for us and receive remission of sins by water baptism in Jesus name. This is how we enter into the new covenant. We become part of the bride of Christ. Because we enter into this marriage covenant, Jesus has a gift for us: the gift of his Holy Ghost.

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

We are baptized in the name of the One who was crucified for us - Jesus!

"Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name." - 1Corinthians 1:12-15

"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

"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

The disciples had become living temples of God.

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?" - 1 Corinthians 3:16

Jesus had placed His name upon them by water baptism.

"After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized." - John 3:22

They were with one accord, holy, living sacrifices.

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." - Romans 12:1

As holy, acceptable sacrifices, Jesus consumed them with the baptism of the Holy Ghost.

"John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:" - Luke 3:16

The cloven tongues LIKE as of fire, that sat upon each of them was a reminder of the dedication of Solomon’s Temple.

"Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house." - 2 Chronicles 7:1

"And the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD'S house." - 2 Chronicles 7:2

"And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever." - 2 Chronicles 7:3

The eyes of the LORD

The Bible speaks about the eyes of the LORD.

"For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. [The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.]" - 2 Chronicles 16:9 KJV

The eyes of the LORD are not spoken of here as physical eyes. The LORD had physical eyes when He walked among His creation in the form of man as Jesus Christ. Yet He was not limited to what He saw through His human eyes, for God was not limited within that body during the 33 years He dwelt on this earth.  That was His temple. (John 2:19-21). God still remained omnipresent [present everywhere] throughout the universe, and omniscient, knowing and seeing all things.

Solomon recognized that God could not be contained within a physical temple. When Solomon dedicated the magnificent temple He built, He said these words:

"But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have built!" - 2 Chronicles 6:18 KJV

Yet, the presence and glory of God dwelt within Solomon’s temple, the house of the LORD.

"Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house. And the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD'S house." - 2 Chronicles 7:1-2 KJV

Later, the presence and glory of God dwelt within Christ, His new temple that was made of flesh.

"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." - John 1:14 KJV

Both temples (Solomon’s temple, and Christ as God’s temple) had the name of the Lord placed upon them. They both were a place of sacrifice. They both were a place of God’s presence.

"And Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven: ... That thine eyes may be open toward this house night and day, even toward the place of which thou hast said, My name shall be there: that thou mayest hearken unto the prayer which thy servant shall make toward this place." - 1 Kings 8:22, 29 KJV

Because Jesus is God, He was not limited to His physical body of flesh. Nor was He limited to His physical eyes of His human body. Rather, Jesus as God saw all things.

"And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?" - Matthew 9:4 KJV

Peter spoke of the eyes of the Lord.

"For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers..." - 1 Peter 3:10-12 KJV

Jesus as God is everywhere, seeing His people and hearing our prayers.

Call on His name, whatever you are going through. Jesus is our healer, our deliverer, our savior, our comforter, our strength and our every present help in time of trouble.

"The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry." - Psalm 34:15

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

How could this be?

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Wrath of the Lamb

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

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

Yet Jesus, the Creator of the Universe, has two Divine Attributes. He has the Divine Attribute of Mercy, as well as the Divine Attribute of Justice and Judgement.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The purpose of Jesus dwelling among us was to save the world.

The Lord is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." - 2 Peter 3:9 KJV

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

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

Like a roaring lion

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

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

Why?

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

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

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

"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 [give life to] your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you." - Romans 8:9-11 KJV

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

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

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

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

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world [your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are]." - 1 Peter 5:8-9

We are in the faith when we have repented, been baptized in Jesus name, and filled with His Holy Ghost. Jesus faced all of the same temptations and testings we do, yet he did not sin, because His flesh is full of His Holy Ghost. (Colossians 2:9-10) He understands our weaknesses. (Hebrews 4:15) Through Jesus, we are overcomers. (Acts 1:8)

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

What does the Bible say the gospel is?

It says the gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

"For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:" - 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

Does the Bible say the gospel saves us?

Yes, UNLESS we have believed in vain.

"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain." - 1 Corinthians 15:1-2

The word “vain” means “without success or effect” (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon).

If we believe but do not OBEY the gospel, the gospel will not be a success in our life, because we did not allow it to have an effect on our life.

How do we obey the gospel - Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection?

We obey Jesus’ death by becoming “dead to sin” by repentance, his burial by being “buried with him” by water baptism in Jesus name, and his resurrection by being “raised up” by his glory by the baptism of his Holy Ghost.

The Bible explains this:

"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 6:2-3

"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. 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 (See also: Romans 6:1-13)

What does the Bible say about those that do NOT obey the gospel?

"And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:" - 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8 (See also: Romans10:16, 1Peter 4:17)

How do we obey the gospel so that we are saved?

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

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

The Gift of God – Living Water

"There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink." - John 4:7

"Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.

“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." - John 4:9-10

Jesus said, “If thou knewest the gift of God…”

Jesus has a gift for all humanity. He calls this gift “living water.” Jesus said whoever drinks the water He gives them will never thirst. He said if a person asks Him, He would give him living water. Jesus said this water will be inside them giving them eternal life!

"Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 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 [“giving them eternal life”]." - John 4:13-14

What is this gift of living water?

"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.)" - John 7:37-39

This gift of living water is the Spirit – the Holy Ghost.

How do we 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." - Acts 2:38 KJV

How does it spring up into everlasting life (give eternal life)?

"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 [“give life to”] your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you." - Romans 8:11

The Spirit gives us eternal life when the Spirit dwells in us. The Spirit dwells in us when we have received the gift of the Holy Ghost.

"For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus [believers that have died] will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep [have died]. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ [believers that have died] shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord [be with the Lord forever]." - 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17

Those full of the Holy Ghost when they die, “the dead in Christ,” will rise first. Those full of the Holy Ghost when Jesus returns, “we which are alive and remain,” will join those that rose from the grave, to meet Jesus together in the air. The gift of the Holy Ghost, the living water, gives us everlasting life with Jesus.

God robed Himself in flesh, dwelt among us, and died for our sins, so that He could pour out the gift of His Holy Ghost. All those that obey the gospel by repentance and baptism in Jesus name for the remission of sins may receive God’s gift of the Holy Ghost, a well of water springing up into eternal life.

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

Every day we are one step closer to seeing Jesus face to face. To be ready, we must repent of our sins (being sorrowful for the wrongs we have done and turning our back to sin), be baptized by immersion in water in JESUS name for the remission of our sins, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (God’s Spirit in us, with the sign of speaking in another tongue/language as we allow God to take control of our words). (Acts 2:4, Acts 2:38)

We should not simply be ready by obeying the gospel, but also ready by being all that the Lord wants us to be. We should be fruitful by doing good works and shining the love of Jesus to others. We should be fruitful by bringing others into the kingdom of God through the gospel. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Acts 2:38)

In the day we are in, we must be faithful to assemble together by going to the house of God. We need the encouragement, and the exhorting (preaching) from the Word so that we can walk true and steadfast in Jesus. Through prayer and worship we can receive the communion and strength of His Spirit to make it through these end times.

"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

A key to prayer is, “Thy will be done”

We can out think Jesus, having in our mind what the solutions are to all our problems, and be fooling ourselves. God knows the future, He knows the past, He knows the thoughts and the intents of man's heart. He knows what is best for us, and what is going to work out for our good. In fact, Jesus knows what is best for everyone and all of whom we are praying for. The key is for us to be in submission to His will.

"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do." - Hebrews 4:12-13 KJV

And why would we fight His will when we know that His will is what is best for us? (2 Peter 3:9).

To desire that our own will be done instead of the Lord’s will, may be a result of being carnally minded.

"Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts." - James 4:3 KJV

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

The things of this world that we might desire are only temporary. Do we have eternity on our mind when we pray? Do we have our priorities in perspective? Have our priorities become relationships that the Lord doesn't want us involved in? Going places the Lord doesn't want us to go to? Doing things the Lord doesn’t want us to do?

"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 [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. NLT]" - Hebrews 11:24-26 KJV

When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He said “After this manner therefore pray ye… Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”

When we have entered into covenant relationship with God, we acknowledge that He is the King of the universe, not us, and it is about HIS kingdom, not us building OUR kingdom. (Matthew 6:33).

When Jesus travailed in prayer in the garden of Gethsemane, He struggled with the will of His flesh. Jesus is God in a human body. He was tempted as we are, but with the power of His Spirit, He was able to overcome temptation. (Hebrews 4:15, Acts 1:8). Jesus prayed, “…not as I will, but as thou wilt.” (Not the will of His flesh, but the will of His Spirit/God).  

As God, He knew what He was facing. Three times He prayed, and each time He prayed “thy will be done.” Jesus did not give into the desire of His flesh. He submitted Himself to His Spirit.

Jesus is our example, that no matter what we face, we have the power of the Spirit of God in us to do His will, and not choose to give in to the will of our human nature. His will is what is best for us, and for a purpose.

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

The bottom line is, Jesus knows what is best, and if we believe this and trust Him, we will not push for our own will when we pray. Instead, we will pray asking according to His will. "If this is your will Lord, let it be."

"Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness [lead me forward on a firm footing]." - Psalm 143:10 KJV

"And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth." - Luke 11:2 KJV

Jesus has all power Part 2

Jesus has power to forgive sins.

"But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house." - Matthew 9:6 KJV

Just as Jesus gave power to His disciples against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of disease, Jesus gave power to His disciples on earth to forgive sins. (Matthew 10:1, Luke 10:17)

Matthew 9:6-8 "But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. And he arose, and departed to his house. But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men."

In the great commission found in the gospel of John, Jesus formally gave His disciples power to remit [forgive] sins.

John 20:21-23 "Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: whose soever sins ye remit [forgive], they are remitted [forgiven] unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain [withhold forgiveness], they are retained [it is withheld]."

It is through Jesus’ name that Jesus’ disciples have power to remit [forgive] sins.

Acts 10:43 "To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins." Another translation: "He is the one all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name." [NLT]

Later on in Matthew, after Jesus as the Son of man gave power unto men to forgive sins, we find the great commission according to Matthew. We see that Jesus has all power, and that Jesus gives men power through baptizing. The key, once again, is the power to forgive sins through Jesus’ NAME.

ALL POWER is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go YE THEREFORE…BAPTIZING them in the NAME of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost… [my emphasis]

Matthew 28:18-20 "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (John 5:43, Matthew 1:21, John 14:26).

The great commission found in Luke also emphasizes that repentance and REMISSION [FORGIVENESS] OF SINS should be preached in HIS NAME. Jesus commissioned His disciples, giving them the power to forgive sins through His name in baptism.

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

Repentance and remission [forgiveness] of sins in the name of Jesus was preached in Jerusalem by Apostle Peter after the disciples were filled with the Holy Ghost. (Acts 1:4-5, 8, Acts 2:4)

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 [forgiveness] of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."