"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

Church!!

Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed? (Acts 19:2)

"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

Do you really know what the gospel is?

We need to hear it, obey it, and share it.

We hear the gospel - the good news that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and that he rose again the third day.

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

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

We obey the gospel by crucifying our sinful life, burying that sinful "old man" in water baptism in Jesus name, and receiving God's resurrection power of His Holy Ghost to live a new life walking in His Spirit. (Ephesians 4:22, Colossians 3:9).

"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

We share what Jesus did for us - that He shed His blood for us - and we give our testimony - that we repented of our old life, applying the blood of Jesus to us personally when we got baptized in Jesus name, and how that Jesus filled us with His Holy Ghost, with us speaking in tongues as His Spirit gave us utterance.

Just like on the Day of Pentecost when the church began!

"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 KJV

Then Peter preached the gospel - Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection - to all the Jews that had gathered when they saw and heard the believers receive the gift of God's Spirit.

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

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

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

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

“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." - Acts 2:37-42 KJV

Later, God poured out His Spirit on the Gentiles, when He sent Peter to preach to them the gospel message.

"While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.

"Then answered Peter, 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." - Acts 10:44-48 KJV

The apostle John testified in the book of Revelation of those that heard the gospel, obeyed it, and shared it.

"And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

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

There is only one God and His name is Jesus. The name of Jesus is above all other names because by the name of Jesus, God revealed Himself in flesh and paid the price of death for the sins of all mankind.

God is a Spirit. He is holy. He is the Holy Spirit. He is the Spirit of Christ because His Spirit is in the body of Christ. God fills believers with His Spirit, which is also called the Holy Ghost (a ghost is a spirit). God is not a person, He is Spirit. And He certainly is not two or three persons! He is One Spirit and His name is Jesus.

Deuteronomy 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:

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

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

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.

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

Isaiah 43:3 For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour…

John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

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.

One of the things we need in living for God is self-control. Self-control is temperance. It is a fruit of the Spirit. A person that has accomplished self-control in his life has mastered his desires and lusts. He has crucified his evil emotions and sinful nature.

When we were a child, our parents recognized the areas in our life that needed to be corrected and gave us discipline. In our walk with God, our heavenly Father steps in to correct us.

Self-control and discipline are necessary in anyone’s life to function in society, and absolutely necessary for a child of God to belong to Christ and to serve in His kingdom.

Jesus corrects us by His Word, by the preaching of His Word, and by His Spirit within.

With His Holy Ghost, God’s Spirit in us, Jesus can further guide us in areas that we need self-control. As we grow, we learn to recognize His voice.

The Holy Ghost also gives us divine strength we didn’t have before that we can call on when we need self-control of temper and self-control to refrain from lusts.

As the Lord reveals the areas we need to discipline, and we repent, the blood of Jesus that we applied to our life when we were baptized in Jesus name cleanses us in these areas.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." - Galatians 5:22-25 KJV

"My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: for whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth." - Proverbs 3:11-12 KJV

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

"Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." - James 4:17 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

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

"For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter." - 2 Corinthians 7:10-11 KJV

(Godly sorrow works repentance that leads to salvation. It is not something that is regretted. The sorrow of the world, being sorry for sin without repentance, results in spiritual death. You were sorry with godly sorrow. You were so careful, you desired to clear yourself in the matter, you felt anger, fear, a longing, zeal, determined to punish the wrong. In every area you have cleared yourself in this matter.)

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

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

"In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;" - Ephesians 1:7 KJV

"For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven." - Colossians 1:19-20 KJV

"And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." - Revelation 12:10-11 KJV

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

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

We apply His blood for the remission of sins through His name Jesus in water baptism.

"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.”]

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

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

The Bible says,

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

How were souls added to the church?

Peter preached the gospel on the Day of Pentecost. He preached that Jesus died for our sins, that He was buried, and that on the third day He rose again.

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

Peter then told the people what to 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 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. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation." - Acts 2:39-40 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

That day, those that were water and Spirit baptized were added to the church. (John 3:5). They were water baptized in Jesus name for the remission of sins (Acts 4:12), and were baptized with God’s Spirit speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance (Acts 2:4). This is how souls are added to the church. (Acts 10:44-48, Acts 15:3, Acts 19:1-7).

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

This is the church that Jesus founded, and this is how it began. And this is how souls today are added to the church.

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

When we covenant with Jesus by water baptism taking on His name, it is not simply a religious experience, it is a relationship. Jesus promises with our covenant with Him that He will fill us with His Spirit, and our new life together begins.

"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

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

Just as when we marry our spouse, we face together with Jesus the trials and tribulations of life, the good times and the lean times. In our commitment to each other, we remain true and faithful and our relationship grows stronger. (Ephesians 5:22-32)

Apostle Paul said, in everything we do and go through, we show we are faithful, true partners with Jesus, supplied with His armour, His power working in us through trials and tribulations, coming close to death, yet still alive, no matter what we go through having the joy of the Lord, as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. (2Corinthians 6:1-10)

"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 Note from Thayer’s Greek Lexicon for “word” in verse Ephesians 5:26: cleanse it with the washing of water by the “word”: “καθαρίσας... ἐν ῤήματι, according to promise (properly, on the ground of his word of promise, viz. the promise of the pardon of sins; cf. Mark 16:16), Ephesians 5:26 (others take ῤήματι here as equivalent to 'the gospel,' cf. Ephesians 6:17, Romans 10:8;”

"Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready." - Revelation 19:7 (John 1:29, John 3:28-30, Ephesians 5:22-32, 2Corinthians 11:2, Galatians 4:24-27.)

What is the gospel, and how and when does a person come to obey the gospel?

The gospel is "…How that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:" - 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV

A person obeys the gospel of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, by repentance – which is death to sin, by water baptism in Jesus name – which is burial of old nature, and by Holy Ghost infilling – which is resurrection to new life. (Romans 6:1-6)

On the day of Pentecost when the church first began, Peter preached the gospel – the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. When he got to the end of his message, the Bible says, "Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?" - Acts 2:37 KJV

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

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

When did they get baptized in Jesus name after they heard the preaching of the gospel?

It was the same day.

"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

When God opened the prison doors for Paul and Silas, the keeper of the prison was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried, Do not harm yourself - we are all here! Trembling, the prison keeper said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? (Acts 16:23-30)

"And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house." - Acts 16:31-32 KJV

When Paul and Silas preached unto the jailor and all that were in his house the word of the Lord, they all wanted to be baptized in Jesus name.

When did the prison keeper and his household get baptized? The same hour of the night.

"And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes [their wounds]; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway." - Acts 16:33 KJV

After Phillip preached Jesus unto the Ethiopian eunuch, the man asked Phillip if he could be baptized.

When did Phillip baptize the man?

"And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?" - Acts 8:36 KJV

"And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him." - Acts 8:37-38 KJV

After Saul was blinded by a great light, he heard the voice of Jesus speaking to him.

"And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do." - Acts 22:10 KJV

God sent Ananias to Saul.

"And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost." - Acts 9:17 KJV

"And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized." - Acts 9:18 KJV

Later in the book of Acts, Paul was testifying of his vision and the voice of Jesus, and how Ananias came to him, to heal his blindness and tell him how God had chosen him.

"For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard." - Acts 22:15 KJV

Paul then told how Ananias told him to be baptized.

"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

In Acts 10, God sent Peter to preach to Cornelius and his household, which were gentiles. While Peter preached the gospel to them, God filled them with His Holy Ghost.

When Peter saw that the Gentiles received the Holy Ghost (they began speaking in tongues), he then commanded them to be baptized.

"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." - Acts 10:47-48 KJV

When Paul came to Ephesus, he found disciples of John the Baptist. When Paul asked them how they were baptized, they told him “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." - Acts 19:4 KJV

When they heard they needed to be baptized in Jesus name, they were then baptized!

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

"And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied." - Acts 19:6 KJV

The Bible says,

"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

What does this verse mean?

The next verse explains.

"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." - 1 John 2:16 KJV

["Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world." - 1 John 2:15-16 NLT]

What hope do we have if we turn from the temptations 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 2:17 KJV

["And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever." - 1 John 2:17 NLT]

How can we resist such temptations and please God? (Our sinful habits and desires.)

We can receive the gift from God of His Spirit to overcome temptation and become a witness of His transforming power. Being renewed in His Spirit daily gives us victory.

"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 we choose to please God with our whole heart, God promises to give us the gift of His Spirit (the Holy Ghost). We do this by obeying the gospel. (Being born of God by 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

This is how we can please God, doing His will, overcoming the world in victory!

"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 KJV

Jesus spoke to Peter after His resurrection and before He ascended to heaven. He told Peter to feed His lambs and feed His sheep.

"This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead. So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

“He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

“He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep." - John 21:14-17 KJV

Peter had received a calling from the chief Shepherd.

"Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture." - Psalm 100:3 KJV

Jesus died for us, redeeming us back to Himself.

"Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls." - 1 Peter 2:24-25 KJV

Jesus appoints shepherds to oversee His flock (the church) to feed His sheep (the saints).

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

What do overseers (shepherds/pastors) feed the church?

"And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding." - Jeremiah 3:15 KJV

"And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?" - 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 KJV

"As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:" - 1 Peter 2:2 KJV

"For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." - Hebrews 5:12-14 KJV

"Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine." - 1 Timothy 5:17 KJV

"And we beseech you, brethren, to know [“to have regard for one, cherish, pay attention to” - Thayer’s Greek Lexicon] them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves." - 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 KJV (Another translation: “Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance.”)

Peter exhorted the elders (pastors).

"The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away." - 1 Peter 5:1-4 KJV [“Elder – among Christians, those who presided over the assemblies (or churches). They did not differ at all from the bishops or overseers. Presbyters. (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon)] (Acts 14:23, Titus 1:5)

There is only one God. He is our Heavenly Father, Creator of the universe, and Savior of the world. His NAME is JESUS.

"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

"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

"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

"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

Church!

A time and place to be perfected, to mature in Christ. To become equipped by the ministry of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to do God’s work, as they build up the church, the 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:" - Ephesians 4:11-12 KJV

Sin separates us from God.

"But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear." - Isaiah 59:2 KJV

Yet, because our Heavenly Father loves us so much, He robed Himself in flesh and paid the price of His very own blood to reconcile us back to Himself. (Acts 20:28).

"And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

“And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

How?

“If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;" - Colossians 1:20-23 KJV (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)

Peter preached the gospel 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.

“For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:37-39 KJV

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

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

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

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

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

God is very merciful. He is calling us with open arms. If He didn't love His creation, He would not have lowered Himself to become a man, subjecting Himself to pain and suffering, dying for our sins.

Yet, on the third day Jesus rose, with victory over death and the grave!

If we will make the decision to quit sinning, Jesus will forgive all our sins, washing them away by His blood when we get water baptized in Jesus name.

Not only that, He will fill us with His Spirit to give us the power we need to keep from sinning. With the Holy Ghost, Jesus can help us in all we do in our new life in Him.

"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: that in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus." - Ephesians 2:4-7

"Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." - Isaiah 55:7

"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

When the world is raging, its systems are collapsing, there is One we can look to for help - there is One that we can put our trust in. JESUS.

"And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee." - Psalm 9:10

When all fails, Jesus never fails.

"What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee." - Psalm 56:3

The world’s riches cannot save a soul, only Jesus can. (Acts 2:38, Acts 4:12).

"They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; none of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him:" - Psalm 49:6-7

"The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence." - 2 Samuel 22:3

"Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah." - Psalm 62:8

When we seek Jesus first, and His kingdom, we cannot fail. If we seek riches, they can fail. When JESUS is our riches, we cannot lose.

"Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;" - 1 Timothy 6:17

"And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!" - Mark 10:24

When we have put our trust in Jesus, we do not fear what the world can do to us.

"In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me." - Psalm 56:11

"The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" - Psalm 27:1

We trust in the name of Jesus. Oh how we love His name!

"But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee." - Psalm 5:11

What is the gospel?

Christ died for our sins, He was buried, He rose again the third day. (1Corinthians 15:1-4)

How are we saved by the gospel?

We are saved by the gospel when we follow Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. Repentance is our death to sin. Water baptism in Jesus name is burial of our old nature. Holy Ghost infilling is resurrection to new life in Christ. (Romans 6:1-11)

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

“And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 

“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. ... Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." - Acts 2:38-42, 47 KJV

Travailing Prayer - A Key to Revival.

Jesus said we must be born again to enter the kingdom of God.

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

When a soul is born into the kingdom of God, the spiritual mother is the church, baptizing in water in Jesus name. The spiritual Father is Jesus, filling with His Spirit.

In the natural, travail is a word that describes a woman in labour giving birth to a baby. In the spiritual, it follows that the church must also go through travail. We can see this travail as being strong prayer.

"For as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children." - Isaiah 66:8

Travailing prayer is physically consuming prayer, prayer with tears, praying in the Holy Ghost, speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance. (Acts 2:4).

Travailing prayer not only births souls but also brings rebirth of backsliders.

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

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

Revival!

“Choose you this day whom you will serve.”

Will you serve Jesus, loving Him with all of your heart, soul, strength, and mind?

"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 6:6 KJV

We choose to serve Jesus when we bury our sinful nature after repentance by being water baptized in Jesus name. Jesus gives us His power to keep from sin when He fills us with His Spirit. We need to walk in His Spirit daily to keep from serving sin. (Acts 2:38-39, Acts 1:8, Acts 2:4).

"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh." - Galatians 5:16 KJV

This kind of choice is a lifetime choice. It is a choice that takes commitment. It is not a choice that we have to decide each day if we are going to keep our commitment or not, it is a commitment that we make for a lifetime. (Acts 2:38). We need to stay full of His Spirit to overcome sin. (1John 4:4, 1 John 5:4).

“You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.” Ephesians 2:2-3

"Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: among whom also we all had our conversation 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, even as others." - Ephesians 2:2-3 KJV

"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)" - Ephesians 2:4-5 KJV

Everyone needs to make the choice, for our choice determines our future - in this life, and beyond this life. (John 12:26, Colossians 3:24, Ephesians 2:6-7, Matthew 6:24).

"And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:" - Ephesians 2:6 KJV

Choose you this day whom you will serve!

When we turned our life to Jesus, started a new life baptized in Jesus name, Jesus gave us the promise of His Spirit. (Acts 2:38-39) When we received His Spirit, the Holy Ghost, we received the joy of the Lord in our soul. The world didn't give us this joy, Jesus did, and the world can't take it away!

We have God's joy no matter how bad the circumstance, no matter how hard the trial. The joy of the Lord is our strength. When we hold on to His joy, and praise Him in our tribulation, it opens the door to great miracles. We have joy because God is good, we love Him, we have faith in Him, and trust Him. This is when God does great things.

"And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.

“And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

“And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.

“And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.

“Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

“And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.

“And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.

“And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house." - Acts 16:23-34 KJV

In the Song of Solomon, a book in the Bible of the love between God and His people, there is a verse that is in the midst of verses.

"Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes." - Song of Songs 2:15 KJV

Another translation reads,

"Young Women of Jerusalem Catch all the foxes, those little foxes, before they ruin the vineyard of love, for the grapevines are blossoming!" - Song of Songs 2:15 NLT

The definition of “foxes” is “burrowers.”

In the New Testament, Jesus describes the relationship of Him and His people as a vine and branches. If our relationship with Jesus is ruined, we cannot bear fruit. The little foxes need to be caught that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.

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

What can ruin our relationship with Jesus? We know, of course, sin ruins our relationship with Him.

What could be those little foxes that spoil the vines?

These “little foxes” could be the thoughts that enter our minds that can lead to sin.

Just a little thought. A little fox. Yet what begins as little thought can “spoil the vines.”

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

Thoughts that are ungodly, accusing, unforgiving, hateful, lustful, prideful, lying thoughts… so many little foxes that can spoil the vines.

"For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man." - Mark 7:21-23 KJV

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

"Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit." - John 15:2 KJV

"If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned." - John 15:6 KJV

To keep the little foxes out of our relationship with God, we must guard our mind.

"(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;" - 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 KJV

"Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober [think clearly and exercise self-control], and hope to the end for [look forward to] the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;" - 1 Peter 1:13 KJV

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

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

A yoke is a wooden crosspiece that is fastened over the necks of two animals and attached to a plow or cart. It is normally used between two oxen to enable them to pull together on a load as a pair.

A yoke is also used to describe any burden or bondage. (Acts 15:10, Galatians 5:1). “Under the yoke” describes servants or slaves. (1Timothy 6:1).

Jesus desires a relationship with us that is reflected in the closest relationships we have in life – a friend relationship, a father-son relationship, a husband-wife relationship.

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

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

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

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

When God gave His new covenant of the gospel, He likewise considers His relationship with His church to be as a husband and wife. (Romans 7:4, John 3:29, 2 Corinthians 11:2, Ephesians 5:22-32).

There is a third meaning of the word “yoke.”

When a Jewish boy comes of age (at 13) and assumes the spiritual obligations of Jewish adulthood, it is called “accepting the yoke of the commandments.” He becomes a “bar mitzvah,” which means, “son of commandment.”

Accepting the yoke of the commandments means accepting 613 commandments. When there was a council in Jerusalem over a dispute whether the gentile converts were obligated to keep the Jewish Law, Peter spoke to the multitude.

Acts 15:10 KJV Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?  (Galatians 2-6)

Jesus spoke of His yoke of His new covenant:

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

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

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

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

We become laborers together with Jesus, accomplishing His will in our life and in this world. We walk with Jesus through this life and with Him into Life everlasting. (1Corinthians 3:9, Matthew 9:37, 2Corinthians 6:1, John 10:10).

The Image Of The Invisible God

February 7, 2017 at 8:16 PM · 

Jesus Christ is the Father (The Almighty God) manifested in flesh.

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)

The Messiah is the Everlasting Father.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 9:6 (KJV)

There is only One Father.

Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us? - Malachi 2:10 (KJV)

One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. - Ephesians 4:6 (KJV)

Isaiah 9:6 calls the Son the Everlasting Father. Jesus is the Son prophesied about and since the Bible teaches there is only One Father, so Jesus must be God the Father.

Colossians 2:9-10 (KJV)
For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in Him, which is the head of principality and power:

Colossians 2:9 proclaims that all the fulness of the Godhead dwells in Jesu. The Godhead includes the role of the Father, so the Father must dwell in Jesus.

Jesus Himself taught that He was the Father.

Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also. - John:8:19 (KJV)

Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning. - John:8:25 (KJV)

They understood not that he spake to them of the Father. - John:8:27 (KJV)

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 (KJV)

I and my Father are one. - John:10:30 (KJV)

But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him. - John:10:38 (KJV)

And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me. - John:12:45 (KJV)

Jesus promised to be the Father of all overcomers.

And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. - Revelation:21:6-7 (KJV)

God (The Father) was manifest in the flesh for the purpose of self- revelation and redemption.

...Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore,... - Revelation:1:17-18 (KJV)

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

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

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

In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God,... - Colossians1:14-15 (KJV)

Matthew 1:21-23 (KJV)
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

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)

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

Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. - Revelation:1:7-8 (KJV)

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. - John:8:24 (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)

Obey 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.

#ThereIsOnlyOneGodAndHisNameIsJesus
#ThereIsNoTrinity