When we obey the gospel we repent of our sins, are baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of our sins, and receive the gift of His Spirit, the Holy Ghost. Our old life is gone; our new life has begun! (Acts 2:38).

"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

"What is Repentance? It is a change of mind, that leads to a change of heart, that leads to a change in actions. This change involves both a turning from sin and a turning to God."

This change of mind is not something that goes back and forth every day, choosing God, then choosing sin. True repentance is a life change. When we repent, we do not continue in sin, saying to ourselves that grace will keep covering our sinful lifestyle.

What does Paul say about this?

"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? GOD FORBID. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should WALK IN NEWNESS OF LIFE.

“For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that HENCEFORTH WE SHOULD NOT SERVE SIN." - Romans 6:1-6 KJV (My italics.)

Jesus gives us the gift of His Spirit so that we CAN walk in newness of life. His Spirit leads us to make changes in our life to become holy. Jesus' Spirit gives us His power to overcome temptation and live a victorious life. With His Spirit, Jesus opens our eyes to see the way of escape from temptations. Praying in every situation, and being led by His Spirit, we keep the victory.

(Acts 2:38-39, Acts 1:8, Romans 12:1-2, John 14:26, 1 Corinthians 2:16, Ephesians 4:11-15, 1Corinthians 10:13, Romans 8:5-16, 1 John 5:4).

Lead me Jesus

When we turn from sin, take on the name of Jesus in baptism, and receive the Holy Ghost, we have God’s Spirit within us to teach, lead, and guide us.

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

We become God’s son. (John 1:12-13, Rom.8:15) We are led by His Spirit.

Romans 8:14 KJV - For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

The Lord spoke to Abraham, and he listened, the Lord leading him out from his family and homeland to the land God promised him. (Gen.12:1-4, Heb.11:8)

Because Abraham allowed the Lord to lead him, he was greatly blessed.

Joshua 24:3 KJV - And I took your father Abraham from the other side of the flood, and led him throughout all the land of Canaan, and multiplied his seed, and gave him Isaac.

When Abraham needed a wife for his son Isaac, Abraham sent his servant on a mission back to his homeland to find a wife from his kindred.

Knowing what a monumental task this was and that he needed God to lead him, the servant prayed.

Genesis 24:13 KJV - Behold, I stand here by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water:

Genesis 24:14 KJV - And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master.

Before he had done speaking, Rebekah came out with her pitcher upon her shoulder. The Lord answered his prayer. Rebekah gave the servant to drink and then told him she would water all his camels. When the servant asked whose daughter she was, she was of the house of Abraham’s brother.

God had led the servant to the wife God had chosen for Isaac. (Gen.24)

Genesis 24:26-27 KJV - And the man bowed down his head, and worshipped the LORD. And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I being in the way, the LORD led me to the house of my master's brethren.

Just like the servant, we can ask God to lead us, in all we do. (Philippians 4:6-7)

Psalms 25:5 KJV - Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.

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

Psalms 61:2 KJV - From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

When Jesus was speaking to His disciples, He was speaking to men that believe in God. They knew God is a Spirit. They knew God as their Heavenly Father. They knew there is only one God. (John 4:24, Isaiah 64:8, Malachi 2:10, Deuteronomy 6:4)

Jesus had been with these men for quite some time. They had seen His miracles. They had seen Him raise the dead, open blind eyes, heal the sick, cleanse the leper, multiply fish and loaves, even command the wind and seas and they obeyed Him. They even saw Him walk on water.

Yet, they were still having trouble grasp that this man Jesus, that grew tired, hungry, and thirsty, was their Heavenly Father in a human body. (John 1:1, 14)

It appears that in His attempt to bridge the span of their understanding, Jesus used language to transition His disciples thinking to understand He is the Almighty God operating within a human body. The invisible God was now revealed. (John 1:18)

"Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me." - John 12:44-45 KJV

"For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak." - John 12:49-50 KJV

Jesus communicated that He is a man, but at the same time the Spirit of God is within Him. He was letting His disciples know, His body/flesh is the image of their Heavenly Father. (Colossians 1:15, 2Corinthians 4:4-6)

Jesus said to Thomas,

"If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him." - John 14:7 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?" - John 14:8-9 KJV

Jesus let them know that the words He spoke was God speaking to them, for God is in Him. (2Corinthians 5:19)

He reminded them of all the works that He had done that only God can do.

"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. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake." - John 14:10-11 KJV

Then later Jesus told His disciples,

"He that hateth me hateth my Father also. If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father." - John 15:23-24 KJV

Jesus let them know,

"I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. ... They understood not that he spake to them of the Father." - John 8:24, 27 KJV (Exodus 3:14)

In the World but Not of the World

God is calling for people to come out of the world and become God’s people, walking in the name of Jesus and in His Spirit, shining His light of love and holiness.

2 Corinthians 6:17-18 KJV - Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

Philippians 2:15 KJV - That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

Ephesians 2:2-3 KJV - Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air [the devil], the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: among whom also we all had our conversation [conduct] in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath [headed for hell], even as others.

God is wanting to show His mercy on us, calling us to take up our cross and follow him.

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

Acts 2:39 KJV - 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 2:40 KJV - And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward [crooked] generation.

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

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

2 Peter 1:4 KJV - Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

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

What does it mean to be redeemed?

The definition of redeemed:

To release on receipt of ransom. Deliverance, especially from the penalty of sin. To buy.

In the Old Testament, the Lord redeemed the children of Israel out of bondage from Egypt and from Pharaoh king of Egypt. (Exodus 13:12-16)

Deuteronomy 7:8 But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.

Instead of the cruel bondage of Egypt, the Lord delivered them, and they served the Lord their God. (Leviticus 25:55, Numbers 3:41, 8:17, 33:4)

While the children of Israel were under physical bondage in Egypt to Pharaoh, we were under spiritual, emotional, and physical bondage to our enemies of sin and the devil.

Because the Lord loved us, as promised, He redeemed us from our enemies, so that we could live holy and righteous, walking in His Spirit. (Psalms 107:2, Genesis 3:15, Daniel 9:24, 1Corinthians 1:30)

Luke 1:68, 70, 74-75 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people… As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began…That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.

Hebrews 2:14-15 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.

Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar [His own] people, zealous of good works. [iniquity: ‘anomia’: "lawlessness," the bondage of self-will which rejects the will of God - Vine’s]

Colossians 1:14-15 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: (Acts 2:38, Ephesians 1:7, Romans 3:24)

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

1 Peter 1:18-19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

Revelation 5:9-10 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; and hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

Apostle Paul wrote to the church,

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

“Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;" - Ephesians 6:10-18 KJV

The LORD is my strength and song, and He is become my salvation.

"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 KJV

Jesus died for me, so that I could be saved.

"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

By His name Jesus in baptism, His blood has been applied to my life, and my sins have been remitted.

"Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins..." - Acts 2:38 KJV

He is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation.

I have turned my life to Jesus. My back is turned on sin. I have repented and buried my old sinful nature in water baptism in Jesus name. My sins have been remitted, washed away by the blood Jesus shed for me. Jesus didn’t do this just for me; He did it for the whole world.

By His death, burial, and resurrection applied to my life, I have prepared Him an habitation. I have received the gift of His Spirit in me, walking now in newness of life. (Romans 6:1-11, Ephesians 2:22).

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

"O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together." - Psalm 34:3 KJV

It’s not how we start the race, it is how we finish it.

Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, his son in the faith,

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." - 2 Timothy 4:7-8

We must not let the pain and regrets of the past bog us down, but rather keep focused on our new life and the love and joy we now have in Jesus. (Acts 2:38-39).

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:13-14 KJV

Paul gave counsel and encouraging words, instructing it is a necessity that we have self-control. If we want to be saved, we must not give into the lusts of the flesh – our old sinful nature. God has given us the gift of His Spirit to overcome evil. We overcome by walking in His Spirit.

"Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: but I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." - 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 KJV

Paul endured humbly many temptations and trials throughout his walk with God. (Acts 20:19). Towards the end of his life, with prophecies of bonds and afflictions awaiting him, not knowing what he faced ahead, he continued to face death so that he might be faithful to the ministry Jesus called him to. (Acts 20:20-24)

"But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God." - Acts 20:24 KJV

Paul lived his faith in Jesus, as he encourages us to live.

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." - 1 Corinthians 15:58

Change, Determination, Wisdom, and Strength from God

When we make a change in our life to live for God, there are places we need to stop going to. These places bring us into the environment of the sins we are no longer involved with. It is not wise to put ourselves in an atmosphere where everyone is doing what we have committed to God we would no longer do.

Why are we back in these places? If we do return to the places where we used to sin, we put ourselves in a position where it is natural for others to put the pressure on us to conform once again to the activities that we have turned from.

God have given us the power to turn away from sin, and be a witness to others of our new life in God. This power is His Spirit, the Holy Ghost in us. It takes strength to live for God. The Lord gives us His strength! (Acts 2:38-39).

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me…" - Acts 1:8 KJV

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

"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?" - 2 Corinthians 6:14

"And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people." - 2 Corinthians 6:16 KJV

"Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you," - 2 Corinthians 6:17

"And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." - Ephesians 5:11

"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 12:2

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." - Proverbs 3:5-6

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." - Ephesians 6:10-11 KJV

Jesus made us just [made us right] by His blood He shed for our sins.

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

"Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him." - Romans 5:9

Jesus spoke of the blood He would shed for the remission of sins, when He gave His disciples fruit of the vine at His last supper before His death.

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

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

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

It is through His name JESUS – called in water baptism in Jesus name – that we receive remission of sins and are made right with 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

The house of the Lord is more than just a place where the Gospel is preached and obeyed.

The house of the Lord is a place of praising the name of Jesus in spiritual songs with thankful hearts, leaping and dancing before the Lord, rejoicing in the Lord and the power of His might.

It is a house of prayer for all nations, of people lifting up holy hands, worshiping Jesus. It is shouting unto God with joy and with the voice of triumph. It is a place of giving thanks to God because He is good, for His mercy endures forever! It is a place where the Holy Ghost turns sorrow into joy, and mourning to dancing. It is where the preaching of the Word of God goes forth, encouraging, correcting, by love and patience, protecting from danger, instructing with understanding and wisdom. It is a place where repentance and forgiveness can be found, where tears can wash the soul, where sins can be washed away by baptism in the name of Jesus, and God’s Spirit can fill with mercy and love.

The house of the Lord is an awesome place!

When God made Himself a human body to dwell in, that flesh had the desires of flesh, just as our flesh has desires. Because the power of the Holy Ghost, God’s Spirit, was within His body, Jesus remained without sin.

Hebrews 4:15 KJV - For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

When we receive the Holy Ghost, we have the will of our flesh to deal with, just as when God made Himself a human body to dwell in, and there was the will of His flesh.

Flesh does not want to suffer. Because Jesus is the Father in a human body, He knew of the suffering and death that was ahead of Him when He was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane.

It was by prayer and by the power of the Holy Ghost that Jesus was able to overcome the will of His flesh and bring salvation to humanity by His suffering and death.

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus as a man prayed in heaviness and exceeding sorrow three times, asking the Father in Him to let the cup of suffering and death pass from His flesh. Each time He prayed “not as I will” – the will of His flesh – “but as Thou wilt” – the will of the Father’s Spirit within Him.

Finally, He said, “It is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.” (Matt. 26:39-44, Mark 14:33-41, Luke 22:44)

When we repent of our sins, are baptized in Jesus name for the remission of sins, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38), we face the same struggle as Jesus did – our flesh does not want to suffer and die. Rather, our flesh wants to continue in sin, enjoying the “pleasures” of sin for a season. (Hebrews 11:24-26).

However, if we want eternal life in heaven with Jesus, and a more abundant life while living on this earth, we must take up our cross and follow Him, crucifying the lusts of our flesh (our old sinful nature). (John 10:10, Mark 8:34-38, Galatians 5:16-26, Ephesians 2:1-3).

In order to accomplish the will of our Father, the Spirit of God, we need to overcome the will of our flesh so that we can be saved. It is by prayer and the power of the Holy Ghost- the Spirit of God - that we too can accomplish God’s will and live a holy life.

We must pray as Jesus prayed “not as I will” - the will of our flesh – “but as You will” – the will of the Father’s Spirit within us.

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

We too can overcome the will of our flesh by prayer and the power of the Holy Ghost.

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

When Jesus forgives us, a load is lifted off our shoulders.

Jesus forgives us and lifts our load of sin when we repent of our sins and are water baptized by immersion with His name “JESUS” called upon 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." - Acts 2:38 KJV

The word “remission” means “forgiveness or pardon, of sins (letting them go as if they had never been committed), remission of the penalty” (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon).

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

"Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered." - Psalm 32:1

When WE forgive OTHERS that have sinned against US, we KEEP that load of sin lifted off our shoulders.

"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." - Ephesians 4:31-32

"And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." - Matthew 6:12 KJV ["and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us." - Matthew 6:12 NLT]

"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." - Matthew 6:14-15 KJV ["If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins." - Matthew 6:14-15 NLT]

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

Here are the verses:

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

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

"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;" - Colossians 2:12-13 KJV

"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:" - 1 Peter 3:21 KJV

"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." - Romans 6:3-6 KJV

"For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." - Galatians 3:26-27 KJV

"For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." - 1 Corinthians 12:13 KJV

"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." - John 3:3-5 KJV

God is a Spirit. His Spirit fills the universe. Yet, because of His love for His people, He desired to dwell among them.

God told Moses,

Exodus 29:45 KJV - And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God.

At first, He dwelt among them in a tent in the wilderness. Then, King Solomon built Him a magnificent Temple in the city of Jerusalem. Even though God dwelt in a temple on earth, His Spirit was not contained just within that temple, for at the same time, God’s Spirit filled the whole universe.

Solomon spoke before all the people in his prayer of dedication of the Temple he built.

1 Kings 8:27 KJV - But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?

Although God dwelt among His people in a tent and in the Temple, He desired a closer relationship with His people. The problem is, our sins separate us from God (Isaiah 59:2).

Only God could solve this problem. He did this by making Himself a temple of flesh and dwelling among His people as a man.

While the tent in the wilderness and the holy Temple in Jerusalem were both places of sacrifice (2Chronicles 7:12), God’s temple of flesh BECAME the sacrifice that would take away the sin of the world. (John 1:29, Colossians 2:14, 2Corinthians 5:19)

Because of God’s sacrifice of His temple of flesh and blood, WE can become a temple of God’s Spirit. (2Corinthians 5:19-20) When we love Jesus with all of our heart, soul, and might, turning away from sin, we can wash away the sin that separates us from God by being baptized in Jesus name. With a clean temple, we can receive His Spirit to live a holy life. (Acts 2:38) We become the temple of God.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 KJV - What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

With the first sin came the first shedding of blood.

"Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:" - Romans 5:12

God shed the blood of an innocent animal to cover Adam and Eve’s sin.

"Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them." - Genesis 3:21

By God’s mercy their physical lives were saved, and by God’s mercy He gave man the promise of redemption that would one day save men’s souls. God told the serpent (also known as the devil),

"And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." - Genesis 3:15

God put on flesh and blood to fulfill His promise.

"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

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

By the blood of Jesus, sins can now be remitted and removed, and by His resurrection we can be restored to eternal life.

"For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." - 1 Corinthians 15:21-22

Our sins are remitted by our obedience to the gospel, with the promise of life through God’s 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

*This chart is from the Bible Study, "Exploring God's Word." Color charts are available at: http://www.riveroflifeupc.org/our-beliefs.php The Bible study and charts are also available at: Pentecostal Publishing House: [https://pentecostalpublishing.com/products.aspx?categoryid=158&layout=List&pagesize=20&sortcolumn=Date&sortdirection=DESC&fbclid=IwAR1U8fHEgpSDp3rFR927zBY-9rTD_74VIxhxT5fJMSp3jVDVF7cOgP0V5iM]

Genesis 30:1 KJV - 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.

Rachel desired children more than her life. Above all else, let there be new souls born into the kingdom of God!

How are souls born into the kingdom of God?

John 3:5 KJV - 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.

Born of water is water baptism in the name of Jesus. Born of the Spirit is receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance. (Acts 2:4)

The new birth of water and Spirit was preached on the day of Pentecost when the church began.

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

Acts 2:39 KJV - 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.

New souls were born that day.

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

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

It did not stop with three thousand born to the church; the Lord added new children to the church daily.

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

"She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness." - Proverbs 31:26 KJV

The Love of a Mother

A mother's desire for her children is for them to be safe, happy, and successful.

A woman of God knows that her children will find salvation (Ephesians 1:13, Acts 4:12), the joy of the Lord (1Peter 1:8), and will be fruitful in the kingdom of God (Colossians 1:10) , when they are in the church through obedience of the gospel. (1Corinthians 15:1- 2, Acts 2:38-42)

3 John 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

Mothers of Faith

The Bible instructs,

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." - Proverbs 22:6

Timothy is an example of a child that was trained up the way he should go, and he did not depart from it.

Timothy was an apostolic preacher that assisted Apostle Paul in establishing many churches in the faith. He had been taught from a child the Word of God.

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

Apostle Paul recalled the genuine faith in Timothy, for he shared the faith that filled his grandmother and mother. This strong faith impacted Timothy’s life and ministry.

"When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also." - 2 Timothy 1:5

These mothers of faith impacted the life of not only Timothy - their son and grandson - but also the lives of many, as Timothy went forth to minister with Paul the Apostle.

"And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily." - Acts 16:5

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." - Galatians 6:9

"Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase." - 1 Corinthians 3:5-6 KJV

"So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour." - 1 Corinthians 3:7-8 KJV

"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 KJV

Be encouraged!

When the disciples received God’s Spirit on the day of Pentecost, they spoke with tongues.

"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 prophet Isaiah foretold of the pouring out of God’s Spirit. He described it as the rest for the weary. We would speak in tongues as God speaks through us when we receive God's rest. God's Spirit, which is the Holy Ghost, is rest and refreshing for our souls.

"For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear." - Isaiah 28:11-12 (1Corinthians 14:21-22)

The rest and refreshing of the Holy Ghost is for everyone, for Jesus is calling all to come to Him!

"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. 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

We have a promise to receive from Jesus! The rest and refreshing for our souls!

In this weary world of trials, temptation, stress, and crises, Jesus offers us the promise of rest for our souls through His Spirit!

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

We “come unto” Him when we turn our back on the world of sin by repentance, and turn to Jesus. We take His “yoke” upon us when we enter into covenant with Him by water baptism in JESUS name. We “find rest” unto our souls when we receive the gift of His Spirit, the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38).

Baptized into Christ

How are we baptized into Christ?

We are baptized into Christ when we are water baptized in Jesus name.

We are sorrowful for our past sins, and turn our back on sinful living. We are water baptized in the name of “JESUS” to wash away/bury our sins. We receive the gift of God’s Spirit, speaking in other tongues (words in another language we haven’t learned) as the Spirit speaks through us. (Acts 2:4, Acts 10:44-48, Acts 19:6) We are baptized into Christ by water and by 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." - Acts 2:38

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

How do we become a new creature (a new creation) in Christ?

We become a new creature in Christ when we repent of our sins, we are baptized in Jesus name for the remission of our sins, and be are filled the Holy Ghost – the Spirit of Christ.

"Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting [wild parties] and drunkenness, not in chambering [sexual promiscuity] and wantonness [immoral living, lust], not in strife and envying [jealousy].

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

"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

"Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD." - Psalm 134:2 KJV

"And the king turned his face about, and blessed all the congregation of Israel: (and all the congregation of Israel stood;) ... And Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven: ... And it was so, that when Solomon had made an end of praying all this prayer and supplication unto the LORD, he arose from before the altar of the LORD, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven." - 1 Kings 8:14, 22, 54 KJV

"Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward thy holy oracle." - Psalm 28:2 KJV

"Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens." - Lamentations 3:41 KJV

"Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;" - Hebrews 12:12 KJV

Becoming the Temple of God - Part Two

"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 KJV

It is by Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection that WE are able to BECOME the temple of God. To become the temple of God, we must go through a similar process.

We must become dead to sin, crucifying our old sinful nature in repentance. We are buried in a watery grave of baptism in Jesus name. By the power of the Holy Ghost, which is the Spirit of Jesus in us, we are resurrected to live a new holy life in Jesus. (Acts 2:38)

Apostle Peter preached this on the Day of Pentecost.

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

As the temple of God, we have the name of Jesus called upon us, and the Spirit of Jesus in us.

We are reminded in the scriptures that we have become the temple of God.

"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 KJV

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." - 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 KJV

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

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

The Body of Jesus the Temple of God – Part One

"Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.

“Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?

“But he spake of the temple of his body.

“When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said." - John 2:19-22 KJV

Jesus’ body is the temple of God’s Spirit. All the fullness of God is in His body.

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

When we worship Jesus, we are not worshipping a man – flesh – but rather the Spirit of God that dwells within the man.

We are not worshiping the temple, but rather the Spirit of God that dwells within the temple.

Jesus said, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up”. This temple which Jesus spoke of is His body.

Jesus’ body was destroyed when He suffered the half-way death of the Roman whipping, and then hung on the cross to die.

They put His dead body in a tomb, and on the third day the Spirit of God raised His body from the dead.

Jesus, resurrected by His Spirit, showed Himself alive to many witnesses over the next forty days, and then ascended up to heaven.

Ten days later, on the day of Pentecost, the Spirit of Jesus returned to fill the hundred and twenty disciples that were praying in the upper room in Jerusalem.

On that day, their body became the temple of God. (To be continued, Part 2)

The Right Hand of God

The right hand of God represents God’s power.

"Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy." - Exodus 15:6

"And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven." - Mark 14:62 (Also: Matthew 26:64, Luke 22:69).

The right hand of God represents God’s saving power.

"Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand." - Psalm 20:6

"For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them." - Psalm 44:3

"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me." - Psalm 138:7

God’s right hand represents His righteousness.

"According to thy name, O God, so is thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of righteousness." - Psalm 48:10

"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." - Isaiah 41:10

When the Bible speaks of sitting on the right hand of God, it is not speaking of a physical location next to God, for God is Spirit and is everywhere at once, filling the universe. Rather, sitting on the right hand of God is speaking about being in the place of authority, honour, and power.

"So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God." - Mark 16:19

When Stephen, the first martyr, looked up to heaven, he saw the body of Jesus, the image of the invisible God. Jesus was not standing next to another god, for Jesus is God. The Bible refers to the right hand of God as the power of God. Stephen saw Jesus standing in the power and glory of God.

"But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, and said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God." - Acts 7:55-56

Stephen recognized that Jesus is God.

"And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." - Acts 7:59

The right hand of God is the authority of God.

"But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; from henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool." - Hebrews 10:12-13

"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." - Hebrews 12:2

"Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him." - 1 Peter 3:22

God did a greater work than creating the universe: He humbled Himself and became a man to pay the price of our sins on a tree and save us. He is the Lamb of God that sits in the throne. He is King of kings, Lord of lords, the all-powerful God Jesus Christ.