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

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

Jesus Christ is all man and all God.

As man He grew tired, hungry, thirsty, felt pain, prayed, and died.

As God He fed the multitudes, cast out devils, healed the sick, raised the dead, answered prayers, and lives forever!

"Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.

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

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

“Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake." - John 14:8-11

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

Pray, and Jesus will help you and give you strength.

"And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews." - Acts 17:10 KJV

"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." - Acts 17:11 KJV

"Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few." - Acts 17:12 KJV

Cornelius was "A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway." - Acts 10:2 KJV

You would think by this description of Cornelius that he was saved. But he was not. Cornelius needed to hear and obey the gospel so that he could be saved.

God gave Cornelius a heavenly vision. An angel of God came to him.

"And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter…he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do." - Acts 10:4-6 KJV

When Peter arrived at Cornelius’ house, Cornelius had gathered his kinsmen and friends “to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.”

Peter then preached the gospel of Jesus to them - His death, burial, and resurrection. (Acts 10:39-40).

Peter then preached that those that believe in Jesus shall receive remission of sins through His name. (Acts 10:43, Acts 2:38).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Gentiles heard the preaching of the Gospel by Peter, sent by God. The Gentiles OBEYED the gospel, by repentance, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and being baptized in Jesus name for the remission of their sins.

When the apostles and brethren that were in Jerusalem heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God, they "glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life." - Acts 11:18 KJV

Above all else, we must be saved!

"For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe." - 1 Corinthians 1:21

We need a true man of God to preach the gospel to us so that we can be saved.

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?" - Romans 10:13-16

How do we obey the gospel?

On the day of Pentecost when the church first began, Peter preached how to obey the gospel. He began by preaching Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. When the people felt conviction and asked what they should do, Peter explained what to do to obey the gospel.

"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." - Acts 2:37-39

When we have gone to church, heard the preaching of the gospel, repented of our sins, are baptized in Jesus name for the remission of sins, and have received the gift of the Holy Ghost, we are born again.

The next reason we need a preacher is so that we can grow from a born again baby to a spiritual adult in Christ.

The Bible speaks of this as “perfecting”. When we have obeyed the gospel, the Bible speaks of us as “saints”. God gives us pastors, teachers, evangelists, prophets, and apostles to not only preach to us the gospel of Jesus Christ, but also to teach us how to grow in the Word and the Spirit.

"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

We need to go to church, not only to hear the gospel, not only to obey the gospel, but to grow up in Jesus!

Philip was in the midst of preaching the gospel in Samaria when the Lord called him to go to the road in the desert that went from Jerusalem to Gaza.

"And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias [Isaiah] the prophet." - Acts 8:27-28 KJV

"Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot." - Acts 8:29 KJV

The Bible tells us a person needs a preacher so that they can hear and obey the gospel of Jesus.

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

God sent a preacher from a great revival in Samaria out into the middle of the desert so that one man might hear and obey the gospel. This tells us how much one single person means to Jesus. Jesus cares about each and every one of us!

Philip ran to the chariot and heard the man reading from the prophet Isaiah. Philip asked him if he understood what he was reading.

"And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him." - Acts 8:31 KJV

The man was reading a prophecy of Jesus in the book of Isaiah. He asked Philip who Isaiah was speaking of – of himself or of some other man? Philip then preached Jesus to him.

"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? 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. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing." - Acts 8:36-39 KJV

Philip preached the gospel in Samaria.

What did Philip preach?

Philip preached Christ unto them, the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus.

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

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

The people received the gospel message Philip preached to them, were baptized in Jesus name, but they weren’t receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Water baptism in Jesus name and the baptism of the Holy Ghost are two separate and distinct experiences.

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

Now the people had fully obeyed the gospel. They repented of their sins, they were baptized in Jesus name for the remission of sins, and they received the gift of the Holy Ghost. Just like Peter preached 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

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

The next day, after being put in jail for preaching through Jesus there is a resurrection from the dead, Peter had another opportunity to preach the gospel.

"And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, and Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem." - Acts 4:5-6 KJV

They asked Peter, by what POWER or by what NAME the lame man was healed!

"And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?" - Acts 4:7 KJV

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, preached to them the gospel.

"Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole." - Acts 4:10 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 KJV

What was their response?

"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus." - Acts 4:13 KJV

"And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus." - Acts 4:18 KJV

"But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." - Acts 4:19-20 KJV

After further threatening them, they let Peter and John go. Returning to the other believers, they told them what the chief priests and elders had said to them.

When they heard Peter and John’s report, they lifted up their voices together and prayed!

"And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness." - Acts 4:31 KJV

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

What did preachers preach in the Bible when they preached the gospel of Jesus Christ?

In the very next chapter after the Day of Pentecost, Peter had another opportunity to preach the gospel. While 3000 were added to the church by the preaching of the gospel on the Day of Pentecost, the Bible tells us that the result of Peter’s preaching the gospel after the healing of the lame man was 5000 believers!

When Peter and John were going to prayer, a lame man looking to them for alms, was healed by the power of Jesus through His name. (Acts 3:4, 6-8).

"And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering. And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?" - Acts 3:11-12 KJV

Peter took this opportunity to preach the gospel – the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

"But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; and killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses." - Acts 3:14-15 KJV

Peter then gave glory to Jesus and the power of His name for the healing of the lame man.

"And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all." - Acts 3:16 KJV

Finally, Peter preached how to obey the gospel – repentance, remission of sins through the power of Jesus name, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost (the refreshing Isaiah 28:11-12, Acts 2:38).

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

What was the result of Peter preaching the gospel?

"And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide." - Acts 4:1-3 KJV

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

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

What did they preach in the Bible?

"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

Peter preached the gospel – the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus - on the Day of Pentecost when the church began.

"Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:

“Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it." - Acts 2:22-24 KJV

What was the response to Peter’s preaching?

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

Next, Peter preached how to apply the gospel to our life.

"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

What was their response? They obeyed the gospel.

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

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

Church!

As we start the new year with goals and renewed consecrations, remember, the Lord can help you. Just call on His name JESUS.

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

"Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." - John 2:19 KJV

"Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?" - John 2:20 KJV

"But he spake of the temple of his body." - John 2:21 KJV

Jesus said in these verses that He Himself would raise up the temple of His body from the grave.

Jesus is the Father revealed in a human body. (John 14:7-10, John 8:19,29, John 10:30,38, John 14:20, 23, John 15:23-24, etc.).

Jesus told His disciples that after His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension, when He would no longer be with them in the flesh, He would come to them in the Spirit.

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

The Spirit of Jesus came to them on the Day of Pentecost.

"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

Just as Jesus raised His body from the grave, when He returns, He will raise our bodies from the grave by His Spirit that dwells in us. (Acts 2:38-39).

"But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you." - Romans 8:11 KJV

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

Why is the gospel called, “the gospel of peace”?

The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel...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, 3-4 KJV

The Bible says it is through Jesus’ shedding His blood on the cross for our sins, that we have peace between us and Jesus. Our sins separated us from Jesus. His blood reconciled us back to Jesus.

"And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven." - Colossians 1:20

We apply the blood of His cross to our life by obeying the gospel. We obey the gospel by repentance, baptism in Jesus name, and being filled with His Spirit.

This is why the gospel is called “the gospel of peace.” By the gospel, Jesus shed His blood for us; by obeying the gospel, we find peace with Jesus.

Peter preached the gospel on the Day of Pentecost. The people that heard him then asked, “What shall we do?”

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

Peter and Jesus’ followers were sent by Jesus to preach the gospel beginning on that Day of Pentecost. (Luke 24:46-49, Mark 16:15-16). Peter preached “the gospel of peace.”

"And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" - Romans 10:15

God worked a mighty miracle delivering Paul and Silas from the prison they were in by sending an earthquake that shook the foundations, opening the doors and loosing the bands of all the prisoners.

The keeper of the prison seeing the prison doors open and supposing that the prisoners had been fled, fell down trembling before Paul and Silas and said,

"Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" - Acts 16:30 KJV

"And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." - Acts 16:31 KJV

Is this the end of the story? NO!

"And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house." - Acts 16:32 KJV

What was the response of the keeper of the prison and all those that were in his house to the preaching of God’s word?

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

Just like on the Day of Pentecost, the prison keeper and his house heard the word of the Lord, received it. and were baptized. (Acts 2:38-41).

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

There is a popular saying, “I'm a sinner saved by grace.” If you have obeyed the gospel (Acts 2:38), and you are living for God, you are not a sinner. And besides that, the Bible tells us a sinner is not saved.

Thank Jesus, by His death, burial, and resurrection, we were able to repent of our sins, be baptized in His name Jesus for the remission of our sins, and by His grace be filled with His Spirit to live a new, overcoming life.

When we repent, we change. Repentance is not when you cry, but when you change.

"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God." - 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 KJV

"And such WERE some of you: but ye are WASHED, but ye are SANCTIFIED, but ye are JUSTIFIED in the NAME of the Lord JESUS, and by the SPIRIT of our God." - 1 Corinthians 6:11 KJV (Acts 2:38). [My emphasis.]

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

Jesus spoke to His disciples after His resurrection.

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

We need Jesus to open our understanding, so that we may understand the scriptures.

"Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures," - Luke 24:45 KJV

Jesus than told them the gospel, His death, burial, and resurrection:

"And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:" - Luke 24:46 KJV

Then Jesus foretold of Peter’s message he should preach in Jerusalem among all nations.

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

Jesus told His disciples,

"And ye are witnesses of these things." - Luke 24:48 KJV

He then told them the promise of the Father – the Holy Ghost – would be poured out.

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

His disciples were obedient to Jesus, tarrying in Jerusalem.

"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place." - Acts 2:1 KJV

They tarried there until they were “endued with power from on high.”

"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

Jesus said, “repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem."

"And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven." - Acts 2:5 KJV

"Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. ... And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?" - Acts 2:6, 12 KJV

"But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:" - Acts 2:14 KJV

Peter, with the other eleven standing with him, began preaching to them the gospel. At the end of his message, the people responded.

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

Fulfilling Jesus’ command, Peter preached “repentance and remission of sins” “in his name.”

Peter also preached of “the promise” – the Holy Ghost.

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

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

The people responded.

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

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

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

What is the Gospel?

The Bible tells us the gospel is that Jesus died for our sins, He was buried, and on the third day He rose again.

"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; ... 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, 3-4 KJV

The Bible says we are saved by the gospel.

"By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain." - 1 Corinthians 15:2 KJV

The Bible says that we not only need to hear the gospel, but we must obey the gospel to be saved.

"In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:" - 2 Thessalonians 1:8 KJV

How do we obey the gospel?

We obey the gospel by repentance, water baptism in Jesus name, and Holy Ghost infilling.

Repentance is death to sin. Water baptism in Jesus name is burial of old nature. Holy Ghost infilling is resurrection to new life.

"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." - Romans 6:2-4 KJV

This is what Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Ghost was first poured out.

"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

On that day, about 3000 were baptized with water and with the Spirit. (John 3:5).

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

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

As we are starting off this new year, we need to remember there are some things we must put on and some things we must put off.

When we first come to God, we put off our “old man” of sin, (our old sinful nature). We did this when we repented of our sins. (Repent – to be sorrowful for the sin in our life and making a commitment to God to turn our life completely to Him and away from sin.)

We buried our old sinful nature in a watery grave of baptism “in the name of Jesus.” By our baptism in Jesus name, our sins were washed away by the blood of Jesus. (Acts 2:38, Acts 24:47, Acts 10:43).

We then put on the “new man,” our new nature. By our baptism, we have put on Christ. (Galatians 3:27). By our water baptism in Jesus name, we took on the name of Jesus and applied His blood to our life. (James 2:7, Exodus 12:13, 1 Corinthians 5:7). By our baptism of the Holy Ghost, we were filled with the Spirit of Jesus. (John 14:17-18). We are renewed in the Spirit, learning to become more like Jesus. (Colossians 3:10, Romans 12:12, Romans 13:14).

These are some sins we put off when we put off our old nature:

"But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:" - Colossians 3:8-10 KJV

By our transformation by His Spirit, we become more and more the image of our Creator. [“As you learn to know your Creator and become like Him.” (Colossians 3:10)]

What do we put on?

"Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity [love], which is the bond of perfectness [which binds us all together in perfect harmony]." - Colossians 3:12-14

Our heavenly Father put on a human body and dwelt among His creation. This human body that the Father dwelt in is called the Son of God. The Father came and dwelt among us in His name Jesus, which is above every name.

"That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;" - Philippians 2:10

Philip did not realize that Jesus is the Father revealed in flesh.

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

Because Jesus came to give His life for us, He let His disciples know that He would no longer be with them in the flesh, but would not leave them comfortless – He would come to them in Spirit. (John 14:18). Jesus would die, be buried, on the third day rise again, then after forty days would ascend to heaven. (1 Corinthians 15:3-7, Acts 1:2-3). About a week later, Jesus – our Heavenly Father – would then come to His disciples in Spirit, filling them with His Holy Ghost. (Act 1:4-5, Acts 2:4).

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

Jesus – our Heavenly Father robed in flesh – came in Spirit to His disciples on the Day of Pentecost. He came filling them with His Holy Ghost. (Ephesians 4:6).

"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 Spirit of God is called many things - the Holy Spirit, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Christ, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Spirit of your Father, the Spirit. God is a Spirit. (John 4:24). He is our Father. His name is Jesus. (John 5:43). He is One. (Deuteronomy 6:4, 2 Corinthians 5:19).

When we are filled with the Holy Ghost, our Heavenly Father is in us.

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

When we are filled with His Spirit, and baptized in His name Jesus, we become the body of Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:27). The Bible then calls us the sons of God. (John 1:12-13, Romans 8:14, Philippians 2:15, 1 John 3:1-2).

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

When Jesus hears and answers our prayers, we are very thankful.

"Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms." - Psalm 95:2 KJV

"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name." - Psalm 100:4 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

Above all we must love the truth.

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." - John 14:6 KJV

By His gospel Jesus is the way, so that we can now come to Him in peace. (Colossians 1:20). The gospel of Jesus is the truth. (Ephesians 1:13). By the gospel of Jesus, He brought us life. (John 10:10-11, 17).

The Bible tells us that the truth is the gospel - that Jesus died for our sins, He was buried, and rose again the third day. (Ephesians 1:13, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4). The Bible tells us that we obey the gospel by becoming dead to sin (repentance), buried with Him by baptism in Jesus name for the remission of our sins, and rising to walk in new life with the infilling of His Holy Ghost. (Romans 6:1-6, Acts 2:38, Acts 2:4). We are saved by the truth - the gospel of Jesus.

The Bible tells us to “buy the truth and sell it not.” (Proverbs 23:23).

The Bible also tells us, if we are going to be saved, we must have the love of the truth.

"And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." - 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 KJV

Jesus wants us to hear Him.

The great commandment in the Law begins with “Hear.”

"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:" - Deuteronomy 6:4 (Mark 12:29)

Jesus repeatedly would say, "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear."

Jesus wants those that He is calling to hear, and those that have answered His call and are living for Him to hear.

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:" - John 10:27

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

Philip was led by the Spirit to witness to the Ethiopian Eunuch that was traveling in the desert from Jerusalem.

"Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot." - Acts 8:29

Philip listened to Jesus and was used to bring salvation to the Eunuch.

"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 8:38

Peter was also led by the Spirit.

"While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee… And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:" - Acts 10:19, Acts 11:12

Peter listened to Jesus and was used to bring salvation to the Gentiles.

"While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. ... 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

Jesus tells us,

"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." - Revelation 3:20

Church! Prepare yourself to face the new year.

"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

With the Armour of God, you can make it!

Reposting this…

"Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ." - Colossians 2:17 KJV

The Butler and the Baker and Communion

While Joseph was in prison, Pharaoh’s Butler and Baker were also cast into prison. The Butler and the Baker both had dreams. The Butler dreamed he was taking grapes and pressing them into Pharaoh’s cup. Joseph interpreted for him that in three days he would be restored to his position.

The Baker dreamed that birds ate all his bake goods that he had in a basket on top of his head. Joseph interpreted for him that in three days he would hang on a tree and die. (Genesis 40:1-19)

The Butler seems to represent the blood and Spirit of Jesus. The Baker seems to represent the body of Jesus. Jesus’ flesh hung on a tree, died, and was buried. But in three days, His Spirit resurrected Him to life.

"I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." - John 6:51 KJV

"And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body." - Mark 14:22 KJV

"And it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh's birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants: and he lifted up the head [summoned] of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants. And he restored the chief butler unto his butlership again; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand: But he hanged the chief baker: as Joseph had interpreted to them." - Genesis 40:20-22 KJV

As the fulfillment of the dreams take place in three days, Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection also take place in three days.

"Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:" - Luke 24:46 KJV

The Butler, as the cup bearer, seems to represent the Life that is in Jesus.

"And he [Jesus] took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it. And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many." - Mark 14:23-24 KJV

"For the life of the flesh is in the blood..." - Leviticus 17:11a KJV

After Joseph had interpreted the Butler’s dream, Joseph told him to remember him.

"But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house: For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon." - Genesis 40:14-15 KJV

"And he restored the chief butler unto his butlership again; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand: ... Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him." - Genesis 40:21, 23 KJV

Just as Joseph told the Butler to remember him, Jesus told His disciples to remember Him when they would take the cup with the fruit of the vine.

"After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me." - 1 Corinthians 11:25 KJV

"Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day:" - Genesis 41:9 KJV

For two years, the Butler had forgotten to tell Pharaoh there was an innocent Hebrew bound in prison. Then, the Butler remembered his faults.

Before we take communion, we are to remember our faults.

"But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup." - 1 Corinthians 11:28 KJV

When we repent, we crucify our flesh, just as the baker was hung on the tree. When we apply Jesus’ blood in water baptism for the remission of sins and receive the Holy Ghost, we are restored to God, as the Butler was restored to his position with Pharaoh. In communion, we examine and judge ourselves, as the Butler remembered his faults. When we remember Christ, He is loosed and elevated in our life to a position of power, salvation, and provision, as the Butler remembered Joseph, who ascended from a place of being bound, to rule all the land of Egypt, providing for and saving the world from famine.

With this new year, we have decided to make changes in our life. With God’s help, we can do it.

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

2020