Who is Jesus Christ? He is all man and all God – the Spirit of God dwelling in this world in a temple of flesh, in the form of man.

As God, Jesus healed the sick, raised the dead, forgave sin, answered prayers, raised His body from the dead, and lives forever. (Mark 2:7, John 11:42, Romans 8:11, John 2:19-21, John 11:25, Revelation 1:18).

As man, Jesus was hungry, thirsty, tired, prayed, and died. (Matthew 4:2, Hebrews 4:15, John 19:28, Mark 4:38, John 16:3, Luke 22:42, Mark 15:37).

God made Himself a temple of flesh to place His name upon, to dwell among His people, and for sacrifice.

"Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works." - John 14:10

"I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive." - John 5:43

"Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me." - John 10:25

"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

"But now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself." - Hebrews 9:26

"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

What is Repent?

Repent means, “to change one's mind for better, heartily to amend with abhorrence of one's past sins” (Thayer's Greek Lexicon). It is from the Hebrew word "shuv" which means "to turn."

We can change our mind, deciding to live right, in a moment. When we have repented, we not only have a changed mind about sin; the change can be seen in our actions.

We regret our sinful life, and tell Jesus through prayer that we are sorry for our sins.

As we praise and thank Jesus for His mercy and His love, He can fill us with His Spirit. When we totally surrender to Him, He can change our words of praise and adoration into another language, speaking through us.

This is the sign that we have given Jesus full control, putting aside our pride and trusting Him totally. Tongues is another word for languages.

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

When we have repented, we can get baptized in Jesus name so that His blood can wash away our sins. By the name of Jesus in water baptism, we have remission of sins. We can be water baptized before or after we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

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

When we have been baptized in Jesus name, and filled with His Spirit, we have a new life and a clean slate!

Christ and the Church

"I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine..." - Song of Songs 6:3

Jesus called us and we gave our heart to Him when we turned from the world to love Him with ALL of our heart, soul, and might.

We made a covenant with Him when we were water baptized, taking His name “Jesus” upon us. He then gave us the gift of His Holy Ghost, filling us with His Spirit. (Acts 2:38)

We are called, chosen, and faithful. (Revelation 17:14)

"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...to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved." - Ephesians 1:4, 6

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

"So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: for we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones." - Ephesians 5:28-30

"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 5:31-32

The Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail Against the Church

Matthew 16:18-19 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven…

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

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

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

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

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

When a person repents of their sins, is baptized in Jesus name for the remission of sins and receives the gift of His Spirit with the sign of speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives them utterance, they are set free from hell. (Acts 2:4, Acts 10:44-48, Acts 19:6, 1Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 6:1-11, Romans 8:9, Acts 2:38)

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

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

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

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

The gates of hell shall not prevail against the church.

Jesus is the Father, Jesus is the Son, Jesus is the Holy Ghost, and HE IS ONE.

The Son of God, which is the flesh of God, is Jesus. All the fullness of God is within this human body. (Colossians 2:8-9, Isaiah 9:6). At the same time, God fills the universe. (2Chronicles 6:18). God came to save us.

"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

"I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive." - John 5:43 KJV

"Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works." - John 14:8-10

The Holy Ghost is Jesus. The Holy Ghost is also called the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, the Spirit of Christ, Christ in you, the Spirit of God, the Spirit of your Father, the Spirit.

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

"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." - John 14:26

It is by the name Jesus, that our Heavenly Father brought salvation.

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

God robed Himself in flesh so that He could shed His holy, sinless blood to save us from our sins. (Luke 1:35, Hebrews 2:14-15, Hebrews 9:22, Acts 20:28). He did this so that we could return to Him, have our sins washed away by baptism in His name Jesus, and so that we could be filled with His Spirit, the Holy Ghost. God did this so we could be reconciled back to Him. (Colossians 1:19-23).

"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. 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

Adding and the Kingdom of God

"And when Rachel saw that she bare Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister; and said unto Jacob, Give me children, or else I die." - Genesis 30:1

To Rachel, to give birth to a child meant everything to her.

God desires fruitfulness.

God’s first commandment in the Bible to man was to Adam and Eve saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth… (Genesis 1:28).

God desires spiritual children.

"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

Similar to His commandment to Adam and Eve, Jesus commanded His disciples, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature… (Mark 16:15). And, Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations… (Matthew 28:19 NKJV)

It is by the gospel that souls are born into the kingdom of God.

"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

Paul the Apostle travailed in prayer for souls to be born into the kingdom of God.

"My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you," - Galatians 4:19

Paul had many sons in the gospel. (Titus 1:4, Philemon 1:10, 1 Timothy 1:18)

"I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel." - 1 Corinthians 4:15

With the same attitude and deep desire for children that Rachel had, our travailing prayers can affect the birth process of souls into the kingdom of God.

"They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." - Psalm 126:5-6

"And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb. And she conceived, and bare a son; and said, God hath taken away my reproach: and she called his name Joseph; and said, The LORD shall add to me another son." - Genesis 30:22-24

Rachel’s first-born son Joseph is a type of Christ. The name Joseph means “adding.” Just as God took away Rachel’s reproach with her first-born son Joseph, God took away our reproach with His first-born son Christ (the body/flesh of God). God took away our reproach from our sin by His death on the cross.

"For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me." - Psalm 69:9

"For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings." - Hebrews 2:10

By our obedience to the gospel by repentance, water baptism in Jesus name, and receiving the Holy Ghost, we become a son of God. Christ was born the son (body/flesh) of God. We are born again of water and the Spirit and become a son (body/flesh) of God.

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

"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." - John 1:12-13 (Philippians 2:15, 1 John 3:1-2, Galatians 4:4-7).

As Rachel’s son Joseph means “adding,” after God was born in flesh as the only begotten Son of God, souls were added when they became sons of God by being born again of water and of the 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. 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

"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

"…And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." - Acts 2:47 KJV

It’s not about, “Is that a heaven or hell issue?”

If we love Jesus, our actions will not be based on, “I don’t think doing this will take me to hell.” If we love Jesus, our actions will be based on our desire to please Him in all that we do, say, and think.

It’s about wanting to please Jesus because I love Him, and He loves me.

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." - Romans 5:8 KJV

"If ye love me, keep my commandments." - John 14:15 KJV

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

We are the bride of Christ. (John 3:29). We are the body of Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:27).

"So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: 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 5:28-32 KJV

Part 3 Conclusion Esther - A Book in the Bible - and Purim

Haman gloried in his riches, his promotions, and that he alone was invited to a banquet with the king and queen. Because of his irritation with Mordecai the Jew because he would not bow down to him, Haman took the advice of his wife and friends, and caused gallows to be made to hang Mordecai. The next day, Haman had a second invitation to a banquet with the queen and king.

That night, the king could not sleep. So, he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles to be read to him. In the chronicles it was found written, that Mordecai had told of two of the king's chamberlains, who tried to kill king Ahasuerus. When the king asked, What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this? They responded, Nothing has been done for him.

"And the king said, Who is in the court? Now Haman was come into the outward court of the king's house, to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him." - Esther 6:4 KJV

The king asked Haman, what shall be done to the man the king wants to honor? Of course, Haman thought, To whom would the king delight to do honour more than to myself?

So Haman said, dress him in the kings royal apparel, put him on the kings horse with the royal crown on his head, and let one of the king's most noble princes lead him through the streets, proclaiming, and proclaim before him, Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delighteth to honour.

"Then the king said to Haman, Make haste, and take the apparel and the horse, as thou hast said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew, that sitteth at the king's gate: let nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken." - Esther 6:10 KJV

After this, Haman went home mourning, telling his wife and friends all that had befallen him that day.

Then said his wise men and Zeresh his wife unto him, If Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews, before whom thou hast begun to fall, thou shalt not prevail against him, but shalt surely fall before him.

Just then, it was time for Haman to go to the banquet.

Again, the king asked Esther, What is thy petition?

"Then Esther the queen answered and said…Let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request: for we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish." - Esther 7:3-4 KJV

"Then the king Ahasuerus answered and said unto Esther the queen, Who is he, and where is he, that durst presume in his heart to do so?" - Esther 7:5 KJV

"And Esther said, The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman." - Esther 7:6 KJV

The king went outside in a rage. Meanwhile, Haman pleaded for his life with Queen Esther.

"Then the king returned out of the palace garden into the place of the banquet of wine; and Haman was fallen upon the bed whereon Esther was. Then said the king, Will he force the queen also before me in the house? As the word went out of the king's mouth, they covered Haman's face." - Esther 7:8 KJV

"And Harbonah, one of the chamberlains, said before the king, Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mordecai, who had spoken good for the king, standeth in the house of Haman. Then the king said, Hang him thereon." - Esther 7:9 KJV

The king gave Esther Haman’s house, and upon hearing that Mordecai was Esther’s cousin, put him in the position that Haman had held, giving Mordecai Haman’s ring of authority.

Esther once again spake before the king, falling at his feet and begging him with tears to stop the evil plot of Haman the Agagite (Haman was a descendant of Amalek) against the Jews. Esther requested that the king reverse the letters of Haman, written to destroy the Jews throughout the king’s provinces.

"Then the king Ahasuerus said unto Esther the queen and to Mordecai the Jew, Behold, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and him they have hanged upon the gallows, because he laid his hand upon the Jews. Write ye also for the Jews, as it liketh you, in the king's name, and seal it with the king's ring: for the writing which is written in the king's name, and sealed with the king's ring, may no man reverse." - Esther 8:7-8 KJV

He wrote from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language.

"Wherein the king granted the Jews which were in every city to gather themselves together, and to stand for their life, to destroy, to slay, and to cause to perish, all the power of the people and province that would assault them, both little ones and women, and to take the spoil of them for a prey," - Esther 8:11 KJV

This the Jews did, but they laid not their hands on the prey.

"And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters unto all the Jews that were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both nigh and far, to stablish this among them, that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same, yearly, as the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor. ... And that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city; and that these days of Purim should not fail from among the Jews, nor the memorial of them perish from their seed." - Esther 9:20-22, 28 KJV

To this day, the Jewish people remember these days of Purim, many participating in the “fast of Esther” (dawn-to-nightfall fast held on the day before Purim) and the reading of the entire book of Esther (Megillah) in the synagogue on the day of Purim. There is celebration by children, as well as adults, masquerading as Mordecai, Haman, Queen Esther, and King Ahasuerus. There are gifts of food, charity, feasting, and merriment, as the Jewish people recall that God turned their sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day. Purim was celebrated this past week, beginning Wednesday night through Thursday. (For more information on Purim: https://www.chabad.org/holidays/purim/default_cdo/jewish/Purim.htm)

Part 2 Esther - A Book in the Bible - and Purim

Esther was faced with a decision that would determine the destiny of her people the Jews. She arose to her calling that she had come to the kingdom for such a time as this. She knew she with what she was about to do, she would need the strength and favor that could only come from God.

Esther made a request of her people to fast in preparation for what she was about to do.

"Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish." - Esther 4:16 KJV

Esther’s life was at stake. She took the risk for the sake of her people, the Jews, for if she didn’t, the lot was cast for their extermination.

"Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house." - Esther 5:1 KJV

The moment of truth. Would she be condemned by the law, because of her disobedience of entering the presence of the king without being summoned? Or, was it possible that she would find mercy in the eyes of the king?

"And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre." - Esther 5:2 KJV

It appears that the book of Esther has types and shadows of the coming new covenant of God’s mercy and grace.

To stand before God with the Law against us, meant certain death. Yet, because of God’s great love for His wife, He extended His mercy to us, just as the king did for his wife Esther.

Throughout all the book of Esther, there is not one mention of God. Rather, He is concealed throughout the account. The Jewish people recognize that it was the hand of God throughout, bringing a miraculous salvation of the Jewish people. Considering the Jews say Messiah is concealed, connects the types and shadows.

"Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom." - Esther 5:3 KJV

Esther’s request was that the king and Haman come to the banquet she prepared for them.

When at the banquet the king asked Esther what her request was, she asked the king and Haman to come to the banquet that she would prepare the next day, and then she would do as the king had said, telling her he would grant her request, even to the half of the kingdom.

Haman was so pleased that he was specially invited to a banquet with the queen and king. Yet, it was for nothing as long as he saw Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king's gate.

"Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and to morrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made." - Esther 5:14 KJV

To be continued…

Esther - A Book in the Bible - and Purim

The Book of Esther tells of a King of Persia, Ahasuerus. At a time of celebration, when the King called for Queen Vashti to appear before him, she refused. The King’s wise men counseled him to make the decree, “That Vashti come no more before king Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal estate unto another that is better than she.” (Esther 1:19).

Mordecai, a Jew who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity that Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away, cared for his cousin Esther as his own daughter. Esther was taken with the other maidens for the King to choose from among them his new wife.

"Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew it." - Esther 2:10 KJV

"And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti." - Esther 2:17 KJV

Later, the King promoted Haman, the Agagite, over all the other nobles, making him the most powerful official in the empire. While it was commanded that all the people bow down before Haman, Mordecai refused to bow. Thus, when Haman saw this, he was full of wrath.

Haman had learned that Mordecai was a Jew, so he decided it was not enough to lay hands on Mordecai alone. Instead, he looked for a way to destroy all the Jews throughout the entire empire of Ahasuerus.

Lots were cast in Haman’s presence (the lots were called purim) to determine the best day and month to take action. The day selected was the month of Adar (March 7), nearly a year later.

Haman convinced the King he should get rid of the Jewish people. Ahasuerus gave his authority and backing, and issued official letters from the King to carry out Haman’s evil plan. (Esther 3:8-13).

"And the letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey." - Esther 3:13 KJV

When Mordecai heard this, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry; and in every province, there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.

Mordecai told a messenger from Esther to tell her to go to the King to beg for mercy and plead for her people.

Esther responded, “Everyone knows that anyone that appears before the king in his inner court who is not called, will be put to death, unless the king holds out his golden sceptre that he may live: but the King has not called for me to come to him for thirty days.”

Mordecai sent this reply to Esther: “Don’t think for a moment that because you’re in the palace you will escape when all other Jews are killed. If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die.”

“And who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

To be continued…

"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

"How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

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

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

“For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:" - Romans 6:2-5

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

"If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." - Galatians 5:25 KJV

God’s Blood

God purchased His church with His own blood.

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

How could God – our Heavenly Father - have blood?

God robed Himself in flesh, becoming the sinless Lamb of God, so He could make the ultimate atonement for our souls. (Luke 1:31, 35).

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

Leviticus 17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. [for the life of the body is in its blood. I have given you the blood on the altar to purify you, making you right with the LORD. It is the blood, given in exchange for a life, that makes purification possible.]

Blood was necessary for remission of sins.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is the Gospel? And How do we Obey the Gospel?

"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the GOSPEL which I PREACHED unto you, which also ye have RECEIVED, and wherein ye STAND; by which also ye are SAVED, IF ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, UNLESS ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ DIED for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was BURIED, and that he ROSE again the third day according to the scriptures:" - 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 [Emphasis added]

To be saved, we must OBEY the gospel.

"How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the GOSPEL of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! BUT THEY HAVE NOT ALL OBEYED THE GOSPEL. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?" - Romans 10:14-16

"So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: ... 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 1:4, 7-8

"For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that OBEY NOT THE GOSPEL of God?" - 1 Peter 4:17

Paul preached the gospel - Christ died for our sins, he was buried, and rose again.

How do we OBEY the gospel – Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection? Here is the answer:

"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? GOD FORBID. How shall we, that are DEAD TO SIN, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were BAPTIZED INTO JESUS CHRIST WERE BAPTIZED INTO HIS DEATH? THEREFORE we are BURIED WITH HIM BY BAPTISM INTO DEATH: that like as Christ was RAISED UP from the dead BY THE GLORY OF THE FATHER, even so we also should walk in NEWNESS OF LIFE. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his RESURRECTION:

"Knowing this, that our old man [SINFUL NATURE] is CRUCIFIED with him, that the body of SIN might be DESTROYED, that henceforth we should NOT SERVE SIN. For he that is dead is FREED FROM SIN…

"Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be DEAD indeed UNTO SIN, but ALIVE UNTO GOD through Jesus Christ our Lord." - Romans 6:1-7, 11 [Emphasis added]

Paul explains that Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection is obeyed by crucifying our old sinful nature by repentance and becoming dead to a sinful life; by burying our old sinful nature and sins with Jesus by water baptism in the name of Jesus for the remission of our sins; and by being raised to a new resurrected life by the glory of the Father, which is the infilling of the Holy Ghost (the Spirit of Jesus).

When asked, “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." - Acts 2:38

"Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. ... praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." - Acts 2:41-42, 47

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Church!!

God is a Spirit. (John 4:24a) He is the Creator. (Genesis 1)

Because man sinned, God, for a time, accepted the innocent blood of animals to cover man's sins. (Genesis 3:21, Leviticus 17:11, Hebrews 9:22).

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

God saw there was no man without sin. (Romans 5:12). This is why God made Himself a human body, so God Himself could pay the necessary blood sacrifice that was without sin, to pay the price for our sins, and redeem us back to Himself. (Isaiah 59:16, Acts 20:28, Ephesians 1:7, Hebrews 9:12, 2Corinthians 5:19).

God’s body is called “the arm of the Lord.” God uses the metaphor (symbol) of an arm, because it is with our arm that we have power. (Compared to our eyes, our ears, etc.) The Bible speaks of the “arm” of the Lord when He redeemed Israel from Egypt, and when He redeemed all humanity from sin and death. (Isaiah 53; John 12:37-38; Romans 10:16, Hebrews 2:14-15)

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

Because God gave this overwhelming sacrifice of love for mankind by the offering of His own flesh, He gave His body a name that would be above all other names, the name JESUS. (Matthew 1:21, Philippians 2:9-11).

“JESUS” means the ‘Lord Our Salvation’ (‘Lord-Savior’). (Isaiah 12:2, Acts 4:12).

"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

"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 2:10-11 KJV

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." - 1 John 2:15 KJV

"No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." - Matthew 6:24 KJV

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

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

When Abraham went to offer Isaac as a sacrifice, he said they were going to worship.

"And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you." - Genesis 22:5 KJV

"And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together." - Genesis 22:8 KJV

"And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son." - Genesis 22:13 KJV

Isaac became a living sacrifice, for the Lord provided a ram caught in a thicket that took his place.

We become a living sacrifice. Jesus is the Lamb of God that took our place. Out of love, He gave His life for us. Out of love, we give our life for Him.

We repent and turn our back on the sinful pleasures of this world, our sins are washed away by Jesus name in water baptism, the transforming power of His Spirit makes us holy and acceptable to Him. This is our worship.

"And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice--the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." - Romans 12:1-2 NLT

"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. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." - Romans 12:1-2 KJV

How can bad traffic, impatient people, or kids testing your patience be situations to give thanks for?

These situations are tests so we may demonstrate our love for Jesus, and be a witness to others of His Spirit in us.

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." - 1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV

The easiest way to pass these tests is to be full of the Holy Ghost, which is God’s Spirit. (Acts 2:38)

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

In every trying situation, praying for ourselves and others, calling on Jesus for His help.

"Be careful for nothing [Don’t be anxious about anything]; 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 KJV

And in all situations, keeping the joy of the Lord in our hearts.

"… for the joy of the LORD is your strength." - Nehemiah 8:10 KJV

"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations [when you face trials]; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

“But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing [that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything]." - James 1:2-4 KJV

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

“The Kingdom of God is Within You”

When Jesus was explaining to Nicodemus about the kingdom of God and being born of the Spirit, He made a comparison to the wind.

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

Jesus said that you cannot tell when the Spirit comes and where it goes, except by the sound that you hear.

On the day of Pentecost, we see what Jesus was talking about to Nicodemus. This was the first time that God poured out His Spirit, the Holy Ghost.

Acts 2:1-4 ¶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.

Apparently, the sound of those in the upper room all speaking in tongues sounded like the wind. It does not say there was a wind; it says there came a SOUND from heaven AS of a rushing mighty wind. Just as Jesus said, they could not tell when the Spirit came or where it went, but they heard the sound – they were all speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. So is every one that is born of the Spirit.

Jesus explained similarly about the kingdom of God to the Pharisees.

Luke 17:20-21 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

How can the kingdom of God be within us?

The kingdom of God is within us when we are filled with the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of God.

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

On the Day of Pentecost, Peter preached how we can receive the Holy Ghost.

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

He That Overcometh

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

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

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

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

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

We have been born of God.

"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

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

"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 12:11 KJV

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

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

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

Even though it seems that you are the only one following God's Word, Jesus rewards those that are His that remain faithful.

When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were the only ones that stayed faithful to God's commandments, refusing to bow before a golden image, God miraculously saved them from a fiery furnace. The Babylonian king decreed no one was to speak anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and the king promoted them in the province of Babylon. You can read about it in Daniel chapter 3.

When Elijah thought he was the only one left serving the Lord, God told Elijah He had yet 7,000 that refused to bow their knee to Baal, a pagan idol. "Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him." - 1 Kings 19:18 KJV

You are not alone! Don't compromise your faithfulness to God just because it appears everyone around you is. Jesus sees your faithfulness to Him! And He will be faithful to you!

Church!

Be a part of the growing body of Christ -

"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:

“Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:" - Ephesians 4:11-15

The Lord promised He would be back for His church, but has delayed because it is not His will that any be lost, but that all repent. We can see the signs of the times. We need to be ready to meet Him -

"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.

“Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation…" - 2 Peter 3:9, 14-15 [See and obey Acts 2:38]

It is time to go to church!

Abraham’s Covenant and Baptism in Jesus
name

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

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

What is Abraham’s covenant?

God told Abraham his covenant would be in Abraham’s flesh for an everlasting covenant.

The “token” of this covenant would be circumcision.

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

Genesis 17:10-11 This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised. And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you. The covenant of circumcision is fulfilled in water baptism in Jesus name.

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

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

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

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

Romans 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

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

Colossians 3:8-9 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

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

The LORD told Abraham,

Genesis 17:14 And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.

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

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

When the LORD made his covenant with Abraham, he changed his name. He changed it from Abram to Abraham. While the token of the covenant – circumcision - was only possible for the men to observe, water baptism, the fulfilment of the covenant of circumcision, is for both men and women.

At the time of the giving of the covenant of circumcision, God changed the names of both Abraham and Sarah.

In water baptism, we are given a new name, the name of Jesus.

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

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

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

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

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

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

He said to Paul,

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

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

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

Godly Sorrow

It is not enough to be sorry for sin. We must turn away from sin, and not continue in it. Godly sorrow brings about a change in our life.

Godly sorrow brings repentance, which leads to salvation. For a person who is turning to Jesus, after repentance we need to be born of the water and of the Spirit by being baptized in Jesus name for the remission (washing away/burial) of our sins and receiving the gift of his Holy Ghost.

For a person that has already been baptized in Jesus name, the blood of Jesus cleanses us if we sin and repent of that sin. The Holy Ghost convicts us of sin so we can become more and more like Christ. The Holy Ghost also convicts us of sin that we have allowed into our life, enabling us to repent and stay clean before God.

The sorrow of the world results in spiritual death, because there is no repentance, no changed life. Because Jesus loves us and wants us to be saved, he wants our sorrow over our sin to lead us to change our actions.

2Corinthians 7:9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. ["Now I am glad I sent it [a severe letter], not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways. It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way."]

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

Revelation 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

James 1:23-24 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

2Peter 3:9 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.

Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

1Timothy 2:8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

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

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

The Great Commission and the Book of John

After Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, and before He ascended to heaven, Jesus gave a commission to His disciples to go into all the world preaching the gospel and baptizing in His name. He also promised He would fill them with His Spirit.

This commission is found in Matthew, as well as Mark and Luke. (Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-18, Luke 24:46-49).

Where is this commission found in John?

"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

Here in the book of John, Jesus is sending His disciples out into the world with the gospel. He is giving them the promise of the Holy Ghost, and He is giving them the authority to remit sins, which is accomplished by baptism in Jesus name for the remission of sins. (Acts 2:38-39)

The Bible says,

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." - Ephesians 6:12 KJV

The Bible then says,

"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." - Ephesians 6:13 KJV

Our defense against the “fiery darts of the wicked” is “the shield of faith.”

"Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." - Ephesians 6:16 KJV

How do we get this “shield of faith”?

I recently heard the answer to this question.

They said we get the shield of faith to quench the fiery darts of the wicked by praying in the Holy Ghost (speaking in tongues).

The Bible says,

"But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost," - Jude 1:20 KJV

Praying in the Holy Ghost can take away oppression, depression, and discouragement. There is a peace that comes from God, and a joy that brings a whole new outlook. It is amazing how praying in the Holy Ghost can change things!

Church!

Get refueled with the anointed preaching of the Word of God. Get refilled with the Holy Ghost. Worship the Lord in Spirit and in Truth.

"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

"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

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

"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 10:25

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

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

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

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

“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." - Acts 2:38-42

Baptism Saves Us – A New Life in Jesus

The Apostle Peter compared Noah and the flood to water baptism. Peter said that the eight people that were saved in the flood were saved by water. While the water washed away all the violent and wicked people that rebelled at the preaching of Noah, the water saved Noah and his family, eight souls, lifting them up in the ark above the destruction, and carrying them to safety.

1Peter 3:20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

God was longsuffering, tolerating the evil on the earth for many years before sending the flood of waters to destroy the wicked.

2 Peter 2:5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;

It is not God’s will for anyone to be lost but that all should be saved. However, each person in this world is given the freedom of their own will, which is many times in disobedience to our heavenly Father’s will. Jesus is very patient, delaying the promise of His return in hopes that people will repent of their sins to live a new life in Christ.

2Peter 3:9 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.

Just as water saved Noah and his family in the ark, water baptism saves us. The water of baptism in Jesus name is not to wash away the filth on our flesh, but rather to wash away our filthy sins.

1Peter 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ…

Our conscience is cleared when we turn to Jesus in repentance and are baptized in Jesus name for the remission of our sins.

Because Jesus is the eternal Father that dwelled among us in a human body, He has the power to save us, His holy blood cleansing us when we are water baptized in Jesus name. By our obedience, He promises to fill us with the gift of His Holy Ghost so that we can begin a new life, free from sin. (John 14:7-10, Ephesians 4:24).

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.

Just as Noah was saved by water, baptism now saves us. We are saved from sin and condemnation so that we may have eternal life, and a more abundant life now, by the resurrecting power of His Spirit.

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

What is the arm of the Lord?

God is a Spirit. The “arm of the Lord” is a metaphor for God’s power and strength. The arm of the Lord saves, delivers, and redeems.

[Capital letters added in verses:]

"Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a STRETCHED OUT ARM, and with great judgments:" - Exodus 6:6

"And the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and with an OUTSTRETCHED ARM, and with great terribleness, and with signs, and with wonders:" - Deuteronomy 26:8

"Thou hast with THINE ARM redeemed thy people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah." - Psalm 77:15

While the arm of the Lord was the power of God to save and redeem His people from the bondage of Egypt, there was the much greater need for all humanity to be redeemed from the bondage of sin and death.

God had looked for a man, but there was none that was without sin that could pay the price. Only God could save and deliver us.

"And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore HIS ARM brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him." - Isaiah 59:16

The Lord now spoke of power and redemption by His arm in a much greater way. His arm that saved and delivered His people from physical bondage in Egypt, defeating their enemies, was now going to save and deliver the souls of all humanity from the spiritual bondage of sin, defeating the devil.

The arm of the Lord would now be revealed in flesh and blood.

"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

Isaiah spoke of the arm of the Lord, foretelling of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection in Isaiah 53.

"Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?" - Isaiah 53:1 KJV

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

"The LORD hath made bare HIS HOLY ARM in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God." - Isaiah 52:10

Jesus, as the arm of the Lord, reaches out to humanity, redeeming us back to Himself from sin and death. There was no man that had the power to do this. Only the power and strength of God Himself, revealed in a human body - Jesus, the arm of the Lord, could deliver and save us.

John recognized that Jesus is the arm of the Lord. John wrote,

"But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him: that the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?" - John 12:37-38 KJV

God’s holy arm is revealed to the world. It is Jesus Christ, bringing salvation to all the nations, reaching to the ends of the earth, saving us from sin by His 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