Why did they call Jesus, “Son of David”?

God spoke to King David through the prophet Nathan:

"And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever." - 2 Samuel 7:12-13

God promised David that Messiah – God manifest in flesh – would come through David’s lineage. The flesh of God would be David’s offspring. This Son of David would be the visible image of God reigning on God’s throne forever. This Son of David would bring the eternal kingdom of God on earth.

The angel Gabriel was sent to Mary to tell her that her son would be the Son of David.

"And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end." - Luke 1:30-33

Jesus established the kingdom of God on earth by the Gospel – by His death, burial, and resurrection. We become part of the kingdom of God by our new birth of water and of the Spirit (John 3:5, Acts 2:38, 1Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 6:1-4). The Son of David whose throne God would establish forever, “shall build an house for my name.” The angel revealed God’s name as JESUS. The child Mary would give birth to would be the house for His name. We see this as the body of Christ.

"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." - John 2:19-21 (1 Corinthians 6:19, 2 Corinthians 6:16, James 2:7)

"To wit, that God was in Christ..." - 2 Corinthians 5:19

"And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest." - Matthew 21:9 (Matthew 22:41-42, Matthew 12:22-23).

There is one God. His name is JESUS.

"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." - Matthew 1:21

"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

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

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

"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." - 1 Timothy 3:16

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

"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 5:20

"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;" - Acts 3:19

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

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

"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

Part 6 What do preachers preach when they preach the gospel of Jesus Christ?

We see in the Bible that they preached “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:” (1Corinthians 15:3-4)

We also see that next, they preached how to apply the gospel to our life by repentance, water baptism in Jesus name for the remission of sins, and by receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)

Philip preached the gospel in Samaria.

"Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them." - Acts 8:5 KJV

What were the results?

There were miracles that accompanied Philip’s preaching.

"And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city." - Acts 8:6-8 KJV

Philip preached Christ to them, then he preached how to apply the gospel to their life.

What was their response?

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

The people were water baptized in Jesus name but they were not receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost.

"Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (for as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost." - Acts 8:14-17 KJV

This provides an example that water baptism in Jesus name and the baptism of the Holy Ghost are two separate and distinct experiences not always occurring at the same time.

"And they [Peter and John], when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans." - Acts 8:25 KJV

The Bible says, “God is love.”

We know that God loves us, for He gave His life for us when He died for our sins.

"Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us..." - 1 John 3:16 KJV

Jesus made a way, when He paid the price of our sins with His own blood on a cross, for us to be filled with His love.

The love we find when we are full of God’s love is not the imitation love that we tried so hard to put on to be kind to others when we didn’t feel like it. The love of God is love on the INSIDE that flows out to everyone around us. It is not our fleshly attempt on the OUTSIDE to love others. The love of Jesus is REAL LOVE.

How can we be filled with this true love of Jesus WITHIN us?

We find His love when we receive the gift of His Holy Ghost, His Spirit in us.

"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 5:5 KJV

"And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." - 1 John 4:16 KJV

"Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit." - 1 John 4:13 KJV

On the Day of Pentecost, all of Jesus’ disciples were praying in the upper room, following His commandment to go to Jerusalem and wait for the promise of His Spirit. They would soon have Jesus on the inside, and the love that He had shown them by His suffering and death would be within them!

"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 2:2-4 KJV

Peter preached the gospel to all those that witnessed this outpouring of God’s Spirit. Peter told the people how they too could receive God’s promise of His Spirit within.

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

God’s promise of His Spirit is to us today – “all that are afar off.” God is calling ALL, that all may be filled with His love.

"And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come

salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." - Revelation 12:10-11 KJV

They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb: Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection.

And by the word of their testimony: their testimony of their repentance, baptism in Jesus name, and receiving the Holy Ghost.

They overcame him by the Gospel and by their obedience to the Gospel!

"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

When we leave “Egypt” - the place where we were in bondage to sin - we need to be careful to not rebuild our gods from our past.

Nehemiah described the children of Israel when they left Egypt:

"But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments, and refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.

“Yea, when they had made them a molten calf, and said, This is thy God that brought thee up out of Egypt, and had wrought great provocations; yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness: the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to shew them light, and the way wherein they should go." - Nehemiah 9:16-19 KJV

God is merciful. His love comes to us, not by righteous deeds we have done, but by His amazing grace and undeserved love for us, that while we were deep in sin, He died for us.

"For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him." - Romans 5:6-9 KJV

"But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour" - Titus 3:4-6 KJV

When we turn to Jesus, our sins can be washed away by His blood in water baptism in Jesus name. When He has cleansed us of our sins, He can fill us with His Holy Ghost. Even though we have stumbled in our walk with Him, when we reach out to Him, determined to live for Him, He forgives us, and refills us with His Spirit. Jesus loves us.

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

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

When we hear the preaching of the Word of God and recognize we have sinned, we feel sorrow. But God is a merciful God, and hears our prayers of repentance. When we decide to follow Jesus and turn our back on sin, our sorrow begins to turn to joy. Jesus offers to wash our sins away by baptism in His name, and promises to fill us with His Spirit. Our sorrow turns to joy and peace.

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

Back in Nehemiah’s day, when the people heard God’s word for the first time in a long time, and it was explained to them, they wept. But Nehemiah, and Ezra the priest, and the Levites told them it was Rosh Hashanah, a day holy to the Lord. They said, “Do not be sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." The people turned to God when they heard His word. As they began to follow His commandments (it was the time of the Feast of Tabernacles, which they began to observe), the Bible says there was exceedingly great joy! (Nehemiah 8)

When we turn to God, are filled with His Spirit and live for Him, joy comes into our life. (Acts 13:52, Romans 14:17, Romans 15:13, 1 Peter 1:8)

Isaiah prophesied of the salvation of Christ. (Isaiah 12:1-3)

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

Jesus told the woman at the well,

"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 4:14 KJV

It was on the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles that Jesus spoke of living water being poured out, speaking of the Holy Ghost. And what joy the Holy Ghost brings!

"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 KJV

On the Day of Pentecost, when the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Jesus was poured out, the Word of God was preached and the people felt sorrow, just like in the day of Nehemiah.

"Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and 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." - Acts 2:36-42 KJV

Just like in Nehemiah’s day, the people received the Word of God and became obedient to it. They gladly received the word, and responded by obeying the Word. With the washing away of our sins, and the infilling of God’s promised Spirit, there is joy! And the joy of the Lord is our strength!

Upon This Rock I Will Build My Church

"When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? ... And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." - Matthew 16:13, 16

"And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 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." - Matthew 16:17-18

In this verse, “Peter” means “a detached but large fragment” while “rock” means “the massive living rock.” In other words, Peter is like a chip off the massive rock, which is Christ.  (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon Matthew 16:18 (some interpretations regard the distinction between πέτρα, the massive living rock, and πέτρος, a detached but large fragment, as important for the correct understanding of this passage)

What is “this rock” that Jesus says “I will build my church”?

The Bible says that spiritual rock which the fathers did drink spiritual drink was Christ.

It appears the church is built on this rock, which is Christ.

"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." - 1 Corinthians 10:1-4

The Bible tells how this rock was smitten by Moses on two different occasions. Each time, water flowed out of the rock, supplying life sustaining water to the thirsty Israelites.

The first time the rock was smitten appears to be a type of baptism in Jesus name.

God told Moses to smite the rock with the rod that turned the river to blood. Thus, there was the remembrance of blood when the water flowed out of the rock.

"And the LORD said unto Moses, Go on before the people, and take with thee of the elders of Israel; and thy rod, wherewith thou smotest the river, take in thine hand, and go." - Exodus 17:5

When the people were slaves in Egypt, God told Moses to smite the river with his rod.

"And Moses and Aaron did so, as the LORD commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood." - Exodus 7:20

When we are baptized in water in the name of Jesus, symbolic of His death and burial, there is the remembrance of blood.

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

At Jesus’ death on the cross, there was blood and water.

"But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe." - John 19:34-35

"This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth." - 1 John 5:6

The second time the people cried for water, Moses was to SPEAK to the rock and water would flow out to the thirsting Israelites. This appears to be a shadow of Spirit baptism with SPEAKING in tongues. (Acts 2:4)

"Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink." - Numbers 20:8

Instead of BELIEVING that God would bring forth the water by Moses speaking, Moses decided he was going to bring forth the water, smiting the rock twice. For this reason, God did not allow Moses to enter the Land of Promise.

"And Moses took the rod from before the LORD, as he commanded him. And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock? And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also." - Numbers 20:9-11

"And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them." - Numbers 20:12

God demonstrated with Moses in the Old Testament, that in order to enter into God’s PROMISE, it takes believing. It is not by the work of man, but by the work of God.

"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

When we BELIEVE God for the promise of His Spirit, and SPEAK to Him, God fills us with His Spirit.

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

"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

Thus, when Jesus said, “Upon this rock I will build my church,” He was speaking of building His church upon Himself, the smitten spiritual rock out of which flows water and Spirit, building the church upon the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And the gates of hell shall not prevail against it!

"Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." - Isaiah 53:4-5

Peter not only preached the gospel on the Day of Pentecost. In the very next chapter, Acts 3, after the healing of the lame man at the gate Beautiful, Peter again preached the gospel.

"The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; and killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses." - Acts 3:13-15 KJV

Peter than told them how they must obey the gospel.

"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;" - Acts 3:19 KJV

What was the result?

"And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide.

“Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand." - Acts 4:1-4 KJV

What do preachers preach when they preach the gospel of Jesus Christ?

What did they preach in the Bible?

They preached “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:” (1Corinthians 15:3-4)

Peter preached the gospel on the Day of Pentecost when the church began. (Acts 2:22-24)

He concluded with:

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

What was the response to his preaching?

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

Peter answered:

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

After preaching how to obey the gospel, he continued:

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

What was the response?

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

Then what?

"And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." - Acts 2:42 KJV

 "Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." - Acts 2:47 KJV

The Power of the Holy Ghost

We are promised the gift of the Holy Ghost when we repent and are water baptized in Jesus name.

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.

Jesus said when we receive the Holy Ghost, we would receive power. This power is for the kingdom of God. It is the power to do the works of God. It is the power to live an overcoming life. It is the power to be witnesses of Jesus.

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

The works accompany our witness of Jesus that He is God.

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

Acts 14:3 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

Acts 6:8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

Romans 15:19 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.

1Corinthians 2:4-5 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

1Thessalonians 1:5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

We can expect the Holy Ghost to move in our life. Jesus is a healer and a deliverer. He is an awesome prayer answering God. He knows our thoughts, our questions, our fears, our needs, and He answers and supplies. We can go to church, hear the word of God, and God can speak to us personally. We can be prayed for in Jesus name and be healed and delivered. We can worship and others pray with us and we can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. We serve an awesome God! Jesus loves us and cares for us.

Ephesians 3:20-21 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

On the Day of Pentecost, the church began. Peter preached the gospel of Jesus Christ. He preached Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. At the conclusion of his gospel message, the people responded:

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

Peter had just preached the gospel to the people. Now he preached 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." - Acts 2:38-39 KJV

If we want to be saved, we must turn from sin, have our sins removed by baptism in Jesus name, and receive the gift of God’s Spirit in us.

We cannot continue in sin, and expect to be saved.

We cannot expect to stand before God blameless if we have not had our sins covered by His blood by baptism IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

Without the Spirit of God within us, we do not belong to Him.

"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." - Romans 8:9 KJV

Peter pleaded with the people:

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

How did the people respond?

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

The people were now part of the kingdom of God – they had been born again of water and of the Spirit!

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

Their spiritual journey did not stop with baptism of water and Spirit. They were born again and now needed to mature.

How would they grow?

"And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." - Acts 2:42 KJV

When we come to God, we take the first steps. We repent, we are baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of our sins, we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)

This is the beginning. Our new life in Jesus is a new walk and talk. Jesus, by His Spirit the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of truth, leads us and guides us, giving us greater understanding of Him and the choices we need to make to stay saved.

"Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." - John 14:17-18 KJV

"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth..." - John 16:13 KJV

When we are born again of the Spirit, like a baby that takes his first breath needs to keep breathing to stay alive, we need to keep getting refilled with the Holy Ghost to stay alive spiritually. We need to stay full of the Spirit. We can do this in our daily prayer life, and when we go to church. (Acts 4:31, Jude 1:20, Galatians 5:16, 25)

When we go to church, we not only go to worship Jesus, our Lord and Savior, but we also go to hear the preaching of the Word so we can grow spiritually.

"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:" - Ephesians 4:11-12 KJV

We begin bearing the fruit of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, longsuffering (patience), gentleness, goodness, faith (faithfulness), meekness (gentleness), temperance (self-control). (Galatians 5:22-23)

On the day of Pentecost, after those that were baptized were added to the church, they did not stop at that; they continued.

"And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." - Acts 2:42

As we live for Jesus, we look for His return for us, His church. We want to stay ready, keeping the victory over temptation, and keeping on the armour of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) so we don’t fall prey to the devices of the devil (2 Corinthians 2:10-11).

We want to be ready to meet Jesus - caught up together in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air, to ever be with the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

"Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless." - 2 Peter 3:14

What do preachers preach when they preach the gospel of Jesus Christ?

We see that preachers in the Bible preached “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:” (1Corinthians 15:3-4)

We also see that next, they preached how to apply the gospel to our life by repentance, water baptism in Jesus name for the remission of sins, and by receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)

Apostle Peter was the first preacher to preach the gospel to the Gentiles.

God sent Peter to the home of Cornelius where he, his kinsmen, and near friends had gathered to hear all things that were commanded Peter of God.

Peter realized from a heavenly vision that he had been chosen by God to bring the gospel message for the first time to the Gentile nation.

Peter then opened his mouth and began to preach the gospel of Jesus to them, His death, burial, and resurrection.

"How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;" - Acts 10:38-40 KJV

He then preached that those that believe in Jesus may receive remission of sins through His name.

"To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins." - Acts 10:43 KJV

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

The Gentiles received the gift of the Holy Ghost while Peter was preaching!

"And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 10:45 KJV

The believing Jews that came with Peter were shocked that God had accepted Gentiles into the church! When Peter first arrived at Cornelius’ house, he explained this to them.

"And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean." - Acts 10:28 KJV

How did Peter and the believing brethren that came with him know that God had filled the Gentiles with His Spirit?

"For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God." - Acts 10:46 KJV

Peter realized when he heard them speaking with tongues that God had given them the promise of the Holy Ghost. He knew now that God had granted them repentance and accepted the Gentiles. (Acts 11:1-18). Peter realized that he and the brethren must also accept them.

"Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?" - Acts 10:47 KJV

Peter also realized the Gentiles had received the PROMISE for entering into covenant with God, but they hadn’t entered into the COVENANT – they had not been WATER BAPTIZED IN JESUS NAME!

"And he COMMANDED them to be baptized in the name of the Lord." - Acts 10:48 KJV

Through Apostle Peter, the Gentiles first HEARD the gospel, and first OBEYED the gospel.

The Lord is good and His mercy endureth forever.

God is good and loves us very much. It is because of God’s goodness that we can turn to Him and find forgiveness. (Romans 2:4)

God is merciful – His love for us is steadfast love. It is because of God’s mercy and love that He fills us with His Holy Ghost.

"For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee." - Psalm 86:5 KJV

When all the work that Solomon made for the house of the LORD was finished, and the priests brought in the ark of the covenant into the most holy place, as the singers as one lifted up their voice and praised the LORD, saying, “For he is good; for his mercy endureth forever,” the house of the LORD was filled with a cloud so that the priests were not able to stand to minister. For the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God. (2 Chronicles 5:1-14).

When the goodness and enduring mercy [steadfast love] of the LORD was declared, His glory filled the house!

Then King Solomon kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven, praying a prayer asking the LORD to forgive the people when they would turn from their sin, praying toward the LORD’s house that was built for His name, confessing His name. At the end of his prayer, Solomon reminded the LORD of His mercy [His unfailing love] towards his father David. (2 Chronicles 6:1-42).

"O LORD God, turn not away the face of thine anointed: remember the mercies of David thy servant." - 2 Chronicles 6:42 KJV

Once again, the LORD’s mercy was declared and the glory of the LORD filled the house.

"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.

“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 7:1-3 KJV

Jesus hears us when we call His name. "For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee." - Psalm 86:5 KJV

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

Jesus was not only the sacrifice, but the high priest as well. Jesus offered Himself to take away the sin of the world.

"For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself." - Hebrews 7:26-27 KJV

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

After Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, it was necessary for Jesus, as the high priest, to offer His blood on the mercy seat in heaven to fulfill the tabernacle plan of salvation. Sin, from the beginning with Adam, had separated us. Jesus’ offering of His sinless blood in the heavenly Holy of Holies brought peace between Himself and man.

“Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you." - John 20:17-19 KJV

"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." - Colossians 1:20 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." - 2 Corinthians 5:19 KJV (John 20:21-23)

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

Our Heavenly Father put on a human body and dwelt among His creation. He came in His name Jesus, 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;" - Philippians 2:10

"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

"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." - 1 Timothy 3:16

The Holy Ghost that was poured out on the Day of Pentecost, is the Spirit that is in Christ.

"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 7:38-39

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

The Father is Spirit. The Father is revealed in flesh (humanity). The Father’s human body is called by His name, Jesus. The Father is in us when we are filled with His Spirit.

"For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you." - Matthew 10:20

"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

Jesus was speaking to His disciples. They knew Him. He dwelt with them. When He said He would be in them, Jesus was talking about His Spirit being in them.

"But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:" - John 15:26

"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him." - John 14:21

Jesus is the Father. Jesus is Spirit. Jesus has a body (the son of God/the flesh of God).

There is only one Spirit, referred to as the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Christ, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Spirit of your Father, the Spirit.

"Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him." - John 14:23

"I and my Father are one." - John 10:30

The Father, the Spirit of God, is in Christ.

"There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." - Ephesians 4:4-6

How can we avoid falling into temptation?

The Bible puts temptation into three categories - lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and the pride of life.

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

Another translation reads,

"Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever." - 1 John 2:15-17 NLT

The best way to keep from falling into temptation, is to not take that very first step. This means that the moment an ungodly thought comes to mind, we must dismiss it. We must not take that first step down a path that leads to destruction.

What is the process?

"But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." - James 1:14-15

What kind of thoughts are ungodly? We should be on guard of unforgiving, judgmental, lustful, hateful, jealous, proud, or angry thoughts.

We must stop such thoughts and let them go immediately. It is when we keep thinking an ungodly thought, or allow our mind to go from one thought to another in the wrong direction, that it gets worse.

Unforgiving thoughts can escalate as we build a case against someone instead of forgiving them.

Prayer is always in order, asking God to forgive us of such thoughts, and to help us to clear our minds of them.

Prayer is also in order if the thought involves another person, praying for their salvation, their situation, as well as if they have committed any offenses against us, asking God to forgive them and to clear their account with Him of what they have done against us, which is true forgiveness.

Besides guarding our thoughts, we must guard what we look at, listen to, and where we go. Just as with our thoughts, the moment we recognize something as a temptation, we need to immediately turn from it to prevent being consumed by it.

Wisdom tells us to keep a distance from these things. If we allow ourselves to draw near to temptation, or to go where temptations are present, we set ourselves up for a fall. We must resist and distance ourselves from such places so we can keep the victory.

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

We have the assurance that with every temptation that our flesh is responding to, God has provided a way of escape. We also have the assurance that the temptations we are facing are not unique to us, but others are facing such temptations as well.

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

Another translation,

"The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure." - 1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT

Most of all, we have the assurance that through the power of the Holy Ghost, we can be victorious.

As a man, Jesus faced all the temptations that any man could face, and yet was without sin. How? By the power of His Spirit. This is why as our heavenly Father Jesus put on a human body and died for our sins – so that we too could be filled with His Spirit.

When we turn to Jesus by repentance, covenant with Him by baptism in Jesus name, and receive the gift of His Holy Ghost, we receive the authority of Jesus name, and the power of His blood and Spirit to overcome any temptation that can come our way.

"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 whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." - 1 John 5:4

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

Many things that Jesus spoke and did were in fulfillment of the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms concerning Him.

"And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures," - Luke 24:44-45 KJV

"Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." - John 1:45 KJV

Moses foretold that God would raise up a prophet like himself.

"For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you." - Acts 3:22 KJV

"Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world." - John 6:14 KJV

Moses inaugurated Aaron and his sons into the priesthood first by washing them. The law describes the washing of the priests at the golden laver.

"When they go into the tabernacle of the congregation, they shall wash with water, that they die not; or when they come near to the altar to minister, to burn offering made by fire unto the LORD: so they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they die not: and it shall be a statute for ever to them, even to him and to his seed throughout their generations." - Exodus 30:20-21 KJV

When Moses inaugurated Aaron and his sons into the priesthood, God commanded him to wash them.

"And Moses did as the LORD commanded him; and the assembly was gathered together unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. And Moses said unto the congregation, This is the thing which the LORD commanded to be done. And Moses brought Aaron and his sons, and washed them with water." - Leviticus 8:4-6 KJV

He then clothed them with their priest’s clothing, anointed them, and then made offerings for them. Finally, Moses applied blood from the altar on Aaron and his sons and on their garments, then instructed them boil the remaining meat offerings at the Tabernacle entrance, and eat it there, along with the bread that is in the basket of offerings for their consecration.

Just as Moses inaugurated Aaron and his sons into the priesthood of the Old Covenant of the Law, Jesus inaugurated His disciples into His new priesthood of the New Covenant of mercy, grace, and servanthood.

"To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, 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. ... 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 2:4-5, 9-10 KJV

It appears Jesus inaugurated this new priesthood the night of the last supper.

"He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me." - John 13:4-8 KJV

"And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body. And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it. And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament [new covenant], which is shed for many." - Mark 14:22-24 KJV

During the ministry of Jesus, He revealed His Mercy. He opened blind eyes and deaf ears, raised the dead, fed the hungry, made the lame to walk, cleansed lepers, cast out demons, AND FORGAVE SINS.

This time period appears to be a separate dispensation from that of the Law and of Grace. Rather, it is a transition from the Law to Grace, from God’s Divine Attribute of Justice/Judgment to God's Divine Attribute of Mercy – revealing mercy through His Name Jesus.

A notable verse is Matthew 9:2-8. Jesus as the Son of man, a human (but without sin), with all the fullness of God in Him, forgave a paralytic man’s sins.

"And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee." - Matthew 9:2 KJV

Some of the scribes thought Jesus was blaspheming, because only God can forgive sins, not recognizing that Jesus is God robed in flesh.

"And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth." - Matthew 9:3 KJV

Because Jesus is God, He knew what they were thinking.

"And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?" - Matthew 9:4-5 KJV

Jesus revealed next that He had given MAN authority 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. And he arose, and departed to his house." - Matthew 9:6-7 KJV [my emphasis]

"BUT WHEN THE MULTITUDES SAW IT, THEY MARVELED, AND GLORIFIED GOD, WHICH HAD GIVEN SUCH POWER UNTO MEN." - Matthew 9:8 KJV [my emphasis]

Jesus declared this power and authority to forgive sins to His disciples in the great commission as recorded by John. “Remit” is another word for “forgive.” “Remission” is another word for “forgiveness.”

In the following verses, Jesus is sending out His disciples (As in Mark, “go ye.”) He speaks of receiving the Holy Ghost, and of remission of sins, which we see to be by water baptism in Jesus name in Luke (Luke 24:46-49) and in Acts (Acts 2:38).

"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, THEY ARE REMITTED UNTO THEM; AND WHOSE SOEVER SINS YE RETAIN, THEY ARE RETAINED." - John 20:21-23 KJV [my emphasis]

Although Jesus’ disciples were already baptizing in Jesus name during His ministry, the remission of sins fully took effect after Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.

On the Day of Pentecost, when the church began, Peter preached how a person may have their sins remitted/forgiven.

"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 [my emphasis]

The Son of man (body of Christ) – the church – fulfills its part of the gospel when it water baptizes people in Jesus name for the remission of sins.

God fulfills His part of the gospel when He baptizes people with His Spirit.

God has given the church power to forgive/remit sins. (And the church is given the choice whether they baptize a person or not - whether they forgive their sins or not. “Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.”) The church is to reveal mercy, as Jesus did.

The new birth: Water and Spirit, mother and Father. The mother (the church) water baptizes, the Father (Jesus) Spirit baptizes, and a soul is born again.

"And (Jesus) said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:

“And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things.

“And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." - Luke 24:46-49 KJV

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

“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...

“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 steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." - Acts 2:4, 38, 41-42 KJV

Forgiveness Part 4

Stephen is an example of forgiving others completely.

Stephen was baptized in Jesus name and filled with the Holy Ghost.

"And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people." - Acts 6:8

There were some that rose up against Stephen, disputing with him, stirring up the people, bringing him to the council, and setting up false witnesses against him.

When Stephen gave his testimony of Jesus, the leaders were furious and went into a rage. They threw him out of the city.

"And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep." - Acts 7:59-60

{“fell asleep” = he died, but would awake to life in the resurrection}

Stephen was innocent, yet they killed him. He did not ask God for justice. In fact, Stephen went beyond forgiving the people that stoned him to death: he asked God to not charge them with this sin.

Stephen did not want God to take vengeance on these people for their sin against him – Stephen wanted God to totally erase this from their record, not charging them for his murder.

This is mercy. This is true forgiveness.

Forgiveness part 3

Jesus is our example of the power of His Spirit giving ability to flesh to forgive.

After all the suffering He endured through false accusations, mocking, the horror and blood loss of Roman scourging, then finally the crucifixion, what did Jesus say before His final breathe?

As the man Christ Jesus, with all the authority, might, power and compassion of the Father’s Spirit within, He said,

“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." - Luke 23:34 KJV

Forgiveness part 2

Our heavy burden of sins are washed away by the blood of Jesus when we are baptized in Jesus name.

"And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood," - Revelation 1:5

Jesus forgives us. He does not give us justice, but instead He gives us mercy.

If we want to keep the great gift of His mercy, we must be merciful.

Jesus told of the servant who, like we are forgiven the great debt of our sins, was forgiven a great debt he owed the king. However, instead of forgiving his fellow servant of a very small debt, he wanted justice for him. He took his fellow servant by the throat demanding his money. Although his fellowservant begged him to give him time and he would pay it all, the servant threw him into prison until he would pay his debt.

This is what Jesus said about this unforgiving servant.

"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?" - Matthew 18:32-33

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

The enormous debt the servant had been forgiven was returned to him. Because he refused to forgive his fellow servant, he was no longer forgiven.

Jesus said,

"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

If we remember the huge debt of sin God has forgiven us of, we will not hesitate to forgive others.

"Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy." - Matthew 5:7 KJV

Forgiveness part 1

How do we forgive? If someone does wrong to us, do we want them to face justice for what they have done?

Are we willing to take justice from God for the wrongs we have done?

If we are willing to take justice from God for the wrongs we have done, than we are asking Him to give us the death sentence, for we all have sinned, and the wages of sin is death.

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" - Romans 3:23

"For the wages of sin is death..." - Romans 6:23 KJV

God in His mercy, does not want to give us the death we deserve. He wants to give us life, and He was willing to suffer and die in our place in order to give us life.

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

Jesus gives us eternal life by the gospel. When we repent of our sins, and are baptized in Jesus name, our sins are remitted, and He promises us the gift of His Spirit.

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