There is a portion of a verse that is often quoted...

There is a portion of a verse that is often quoted using it to describe that God causes misfortune for the just as well as the unjust. God "sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust."
 

When put in context, this portion of scripture means quite the opposite. It is actually saying that God is merciful to both the just and the unjust and Jesus wants us to be merciful as well.

"Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." - Matthew 5:43-48 KJV

There are many verses in the Bible that speak of rain being a blessing. Here are just a few verses that speak of rain as a blessing:

"The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow." - Deuteronomy 28:12 KJV

"Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month." - Joel 2:23 KJV

"Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness." - Acts 14:17 KJV

"For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:" - Hebrews 6:7 KJV

(Also: 1 Kings 8:35-36/ 2 Chronicles 6:26-27, James 5:7)  

Water Baptism in Jesus Name - Sign of New Covenant

What does the Bible mean when it says, "The Spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to [is filled with] envy."? (James 4:5).

What does the Bible mean when it says, "The Spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to [is filled with] envy."? (James 4:5).

We become the temple of God when we turn our hearts away from the world of sin, and give our love to Jesus. We take on His name when we are baptized in Jesus name. Our sins are washed away. We receive His promise when we are filled with His Spirit, 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

Our loyalty is to Jesus who died for our sins and washed them away by His blood. Our love is for Jesus, for He filled us with His Spirit.

The Bible says,

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world [the things it offers you]. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust [desire for what is evil] of the flesh [carnal nature], and the lust of the eyes [desire to sin stirred by what we look at], and the pride of life [boasting of position and material possessions], is not of the Father, but is of the world." - 1 John 2:15-16 KJV

"Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with [makes you an enemy of] God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” – James 4:4

"Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth [forbidden desire] to envy?" - James 4:5 KJV

If we allow sin into our life, we are letting the world into our temple. When this happens, the Bible speaks of this as spiritual adultery. We have become unfaithful to Jesus. His Spirit that is in our temple becomes filled with envy (jealousy) because we have let the world in. (Numbers 5:11-31).

The Bible has a solution to our failure in our relationship with God. Here are the next verses - James 4:6-10:

"But he giveth [even] more grace [to stand against such evil desires]. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth [opposes] the proud, but giveth grace unto [favors] the humble.

"Submit [humble] yourselves therefore to [before] God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

"Draw nigh [come close] to God, and he will draw nigh [come close] to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded [for your loyalty is divided between God and the world].

"Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep [let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief.]: let your laughter be turned to mourning [Let there be sadness instead of laughter], and your joy to heaviness [and gloom instead of joy].

"Humble yourselves in the sight of [before] the Lord, and he shall lift you up [in honor]." - James 4:6-10 KJV

We become the Temple of God

We become the Temple of God

Just as Jesus referred to His body being a temple, when we have Jesus’ name called on us by baptism and we are filled with His Spirit, OUR body BECOMES the temple of God.

Just as God placed His name on the temple in Jerusalem (1 Kings 8:29), placed His name on the temple of Jesus’ body (Matthew 1:21, John 5:43), He also places His name on us as the temple of God.

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

"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 KJV

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

Just as God’s Spirit dwelt within the temple in Jerusalem in the days of Solomon (2 Chronicles 5:14), God’s Spirit dwelt in the temple of Jesus’ body (John 1:1, 14, Colossians 2:9), God’s Spirit also dwells in us as the temple of God.

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

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

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

Just as the temple in Jerusalem was a place of sacrifice (2 Chronicles 7:12), Jesus’ body was a place of (was the) sacrifice (Ephesians 5:2, Hebrews 9:26), our body as the temple of God is a place of sacrifice.

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." - Romans 12:1-2 KJV

The Body of Jesus as the Temple of God

The Body of Jesus as the Temple of God

"Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body." - John 2:19-21 KJV

Just as God’s Spirit dwelt within the temple in Jerusalem in the days of Solomon (2 Chronicles 5:14), so God’s Spirit dwelt in the temple of His body.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." - John 1:1, 14 KJV

"For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily [For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body]." - Colossians 2:9 KJV

Just as God placed His name on the temple in Jerusalem (1 Kings 8:29), God placed His name on the temple of Jesus’ body.

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

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

Just as the temple in Jerusalem was a place of sacrifice (2 Chronicles 7:12), Jesus’ body was a place of (was the) sacrifice.

"And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour." - Ephesians 5:2 KJV

"But now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself [But now, once for all time, he has appeared at the end of the age to remove sin by his own death as a sacrifice]." - Hebrews 9:26 KJV

"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

To be continued…

The Temple of God

The Temple of God

Jesus compared His body to the Temple.

"Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body." - John 2:19-21 KJV

God’s name was on the Temple.

"That thine eyes may be open toward this house night and day, even toward the place of which thou hast said, My name shall be there: that thou mayest hearken unto the prayer which thy servant shall make toward this place." - 1 Kings 8:29 KJV

God filled the Temple with His Spirit.

"It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD; so that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God." - 2 Chronicles 5:13-14 KJV

God said the Temple would be a place of sacrifice.

"And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice." - 2 Chronicles 7:12 KJV

To be continued…

What does the Bible say about sons of God?

What does the Bible say about sons of God?

We become sons of God when we are born of God (John 1:10-13). We are born of God when we are born of water and of the Spirit (John 3:3-6), water baptized in Jesus name, and baptized with the Spirit which is the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38).

As sons of God, we are full of God’s Spirit, and God’s name of salvation which is above every name – Jesus - is called upon us. (James 2:7). Just as Christ as the Son of God is the body of God, when we become sons of God, we become the body of God. (1 Corinthians 6:20, Ephesians 4:4, Ephesians 1:22-23).

"But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ." - Galatians 4:4-7 KJV

"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not [But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s sons because they don’t know him]." - 1 John 3:1 KJV

"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 [give life to] your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you...

“For if ye live after the flesh [dictates of your sinful nature], ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify [put to death] the deeds of the body [your sinful nature], ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." - Romans 8:11, 13-14 KJV

Sons of God

We know that when Jesus dwelt among us, He was called the Son of God. (Luke 1:35). He is full of God’s Spirit, and God’s name of salvation which is above every name – Jesus - is called upon Him. (Luke 4:1, Matthew 1:21).

The Bible tells us that when we are born of God, WE BECOME sons of God.

"He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." - John 1:10-13 KJV

We are born of God when we are born of water and of the Spirit.

"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." - John 3:3 KJV

"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." - John 3:5-6 KJV

We are born again when we are water baptized in Jesus name and Spirit baptized with 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

As sons of God, we are full of God’s Spirit, and God’s name of salvation which is above every name – Jesus - is called upon us.

To be continued…

The Spirit of Jesus

God foretold through the prophet Joel, that He was going to pour His Spirit out on all flesh.

"And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: and on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:" - Acts 2:17-18 KJV

There is one God. He is Spirit. His Spirit is called my Spirit, the Holy Spirit, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit, the Spirit of truth, the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ, the Spirit of your Father, the Spirit of the Lord, the Spirit of Jesus Christ, the Spirit of His Son.

Here are a few verses that are speaking of the Spirit of Jesus, using some of the other descriptions above.

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

"And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you." - Matthew 10:18-20 KJV

"But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost." - Mark 13:11 KJV

Jesus is the Comforter

Jesus tells us He is the Comforter. The Comforter is also called the Spirit of truth.

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

Jesus is explaining that the Comforter (the Spirit of truth) was with them when Jesus was dwelling with them because the Comforter (the Spirit of truth) Jesus’ Spirit. He then let His disciples know that His Spirit would come to them and be in them. We see that what Jesus told His disciples, He fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost.

"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. ... And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:1, 4 KJV

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

When Jesus poured out His Spirit (the Comforter, the Spirit of truth, the Spirit of your Father, the Holy Ghost, all descriptions of the Spirit of Jesus) on the Day of Pentecost, what Jesus said happened. The Spirit testified of Jesus when the believers were speaking in tongues.

The believers didn’t know what they were saying, because they were speaking words of languages they didn’t know. But the Jews from all nations that heard them, each recognized the language of the country they were from, hearing the believers speaking “the wonderful works of God.”

"And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven...Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? ...we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God." - Acts 2:5, 7-8, 11 KJV

To be continued…

Jesus is the Father

Jesus is the Father.

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

“Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works." - John 14:8-10 KJV

Jesus is the Father’s name that 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; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." - Philippians 2:10-11 KJV [See Isaiah 45:22-23]

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

Jesus is the Father’s name of salvation.

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

"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." - Acts 2:38 KJV

To be continued…

Part 4 The Kingdom

Part 4 The Kingdom

Now that we have been reconciled to God and have entered His kingdom by being born of water and of the Spirit (John 3:5, Acts 2:38), He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

"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

The word of reconciliation is the preaching of the word of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus was made flesh to dwell among us and die for our sins, He was buried, but on the third day He rose again. We obey His Gospel by dying to our old life by repentance, buried with Him in water baptism, and receiving His Spirit to walk in a new life in Christ. [Acts 15:7, Ephesians 1:13, Colossians 1:5, Hebrews 4:2, 1 Peter 1:25, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, John 1:14, Acts 2:38].

"Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." - 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 KJV

God made peace with man by the blood of His cross. He has paid the price of our sin, so we can come back into His favor and have communion with Him by His Spirit.

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

"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: 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 1:21-23 KJV

"Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:" - Colossians 1:13-15 KJV

Part 3 The Kingdom

Part 3 The Kingdom

We see in our day what the Bible says, "But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse…” (2 Timothy 3:13)

"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;" - 2 Timothy 3:1-4 KJV

What is the answer to this?

God’s solution for this evil world is for His kingdom to come and for His will to be done in earth, as it is in heaven.  (Matthew 6:10). This is how Jesus said we are to pray.

The Bible says that the Lord has not returned yet because it is not His will that any perish. It is His will that all will return to Him by repentance.

"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." - 2 Peter 3:9 KJV

It is God’s desire that the evil people of this world repent and come into His kingdom. It is by the Gospel – being born of water and of the Spirit – that evil people will become washed of their sins, sanctified, and justified by the blood of Jesus through His name in baptism, and by the infilling of His Spirit. (John 3:5, Acts 22:16, Romans 15:16, Acts 2:38).

"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.

“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 6:9-11 KJV

To be continued…

Part 2 The Kingdom

Part 2 The Kingdom

When Adam sinned in the garden, the communion he had with God was broken. (Isaiah 59:2).

"And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?" - Genesis 3:8-9 KJV

God loved us from the beginning of time. It has been His desire to restore the communion He originally had with man. (2 Peter 3:9 – ‘repent’ to ‘return’ to God).

It was because of God's desire to restore His communion with man that He robed Himself in flesh and paid the price of death for our sin. (2 Corinthians 5:19).

"But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared [was revealed], not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;" - Titus 3:4-5 KJV [He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through His Spirit.]

Because He Himself stepped into humanity to pay the price, our sins are able to be taken away. When we repent of our sins and are baptized in Jesus name, we are able to receive God's Spirit in us - communion restored as at the beginning. (Acts 20:28, Acts 2:38).

This is the kingdom of God. Born of water and of the Spirit. The kingdom of God within us. (John 3:5, Luke 17:20-21, Romans 14:17).

This is why Jesus taught us to pray, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10).

To be continued…

Part 1 The Kingdom

What does the Bible say about God’s kingdom?

The first thing Jesus began to preach was His kingdom.

"From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." - Matthew 4:17 KJV

"And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom..." - Matthew 4:23 KJV

When Jesus answered His disciples how to pray, one of the first things He mentions in His prayer is His kingdom.

"Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." - Matthew 6:10 KJV

God wants our priority in life to be to seek His kingdom.

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." - Matthew 6:33 KJV

Jesus taught many things about His kingdom. He told Peter He would give him the keys to the kingdom.

"And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." - Matthew 16:19 KJV

On the Day of Pentecost, Peter used those keys and preached the gospel of the kingdom.

"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

Jesus spoke of the gospel of the kingdom, and that we were to repent and believe the gospel. (Mark 1:14-15, Mark 16:15-16, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4)

Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is within you.” (Luke 17:20-21).

"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 His disciples asked Him if He at that time would restore again the kingdom to Israel, He told them, "Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you..." - Acts 1:8 KJV

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

"For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power." - 1 Corinthians 4:20 KJV

To be continued…

Don't be anxious - pray about EVERYTHING with THANKSGIVING

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7 KJV

"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7 NLT

What do I need to do to be saved?

What do I need to do to be saved?

If you truly love Jesus, you are going to want to do what pleases Him.

Jesus suffered and died on a cross for us to be saved. He was buried, and on the third day rose to life again. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). This is the Gospel. The first step is to believe the Gospel.

Jesus is our Heavenly Father manifest in flesh. He is the Creator of the universe that became the savior of the world. He was born of a virgin, holy and without sin. Because of this, He was able to pay the price of death for our sins. (1 Timothy 3:16, Matthew 1:23, John 4:42, John 8:24/Exodus 3:14).

If we love Jesus, we will repent of our sins, and turn to Him with all of our heart and soul. Repentance is being sorrowful for and asking Jesus to forgive us for the bad things we have done in our life. Repentance is a commitment to change and to put Jesus first.

Being baptized by immersion in water with the name of Jesus called upon us is a lifelong covenant and commitment. In baptism, we are given the name of Jesus. All our sins are washed away by the blood He shed for us. We have turned our back on sin, and have chosen Jesus. Like a marriage, we become part of the Bride of Christ. With our commitment, Jesus promises to give us the gift of His Holy Spirit. (Romans 11:27, Ephesians 5:25-26 the word=the gospel).

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

"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. ... we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God." - Acts 2:4, 11 KJV

When we have been baptized in water in Jesus name and filled with His Spirit, we have been born again and are part of the Kingdom of God. (John 3:5, Romans 8:9, Acts 1:8, Galatians 5:16). We have a clean slate and the power of God within us to live a holy life. This is how we are saved. To stay saved, we remain faithful to Jesus.

"These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful." - Revelation 17:14 KJV

The Revelation of Jesus Christ The Lamb slain for our sins is also the Almighty God on the throne. The image of the invisible God.

The Eyes

We are impacted by the things we see. Images and scenes can become ingrained in our minds, even from childhood, lasting a lifetime.

Some of the things we see are a part of our daily life experience - home life, school, work, and social interaction.

Yet some of the things we see that impact us are from what we call "entertainment." Some images, often with dramatic music, instill fear. Some are disturbing images; others are violent images.

Other images are sexual and lustful. Others are of immoral, abominable acts. Seeing such images repeatedly can begin a programming process to cause moral values to deteriorate into immoral values. Images can gradually make the unacceptable to become acceptable "in our eyes" and then in our minds.

As a child of God, we need to be led by the Spirit as to what we look at. We are the temple of God. We must be careful what we see. We must guard our eyes so that we do not let evil enter into our minds and heart. We must not allow the world to program us with its immoral values. And we must protect the eyes of our children likewise.

"I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes…" - Psalm 101:3 KJV

Holy Ghost Power to be Witnesses Part 2

Before Jesus ascended up into heaven, He spoke to His disciples of the power they would receive from His Spirit He was about to give to them.

"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

Peter and John had healed a lame man through the name of Jesus. They were thrown in jail for preaching Jesus and the power and salvation that is in H name. When rulers of the Jews and the elders of Israel brought them out, by the power of the Holy Ghost, they witnessed to them of Jesus.

"But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.

“But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus." - Acts 4:15-18 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

"So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done. ... And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them." - Acts 4:21, 23 KJV

"And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord…" - Acts 4:24 KJV

They went to praying! (Acts 4:24-28).

"And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word," - Acts 4:29 KJV

"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

Another example of what Jesus told us - "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

Upon This Rock I Will Build My Church

The Bible says that the Rock in the wilderness was Christ. (1Corinthians 10:1-4).

The Bible records that Moses smote this Rock on two different occasions. Each time that Moses smote the Rock, water flowed out, supplying life sustaining water to the thirsty Israelites.

The first time that Moses smote the Rock, appears to be a type of water baptism in Jesus name; the second time Moses smote the Rock, appears to be a type of Spirit baptism of the Holy Ghost speaking in tongues.

When God told Moses to smite the Rock the first time, God told him to smite the Rock with the rod that had turned the Nile river to blood. (Exodus 7:20,17:5-6) Thus, there was the remembrance of blood when Moses struck the Rock with his rod and the water flowed out.

The second time, Moses was to SPEAK to the Rock for the water to flow out. (Numbers 20:8, Acts 2:4)

Thus, when Jesus said, “Upon this rock I will build my church,” He was speaking of building His church upon Himself, the smitten rock out of which would flow water/blood and the Spirit.

Blood and water flowed from Jesus the Rock for water baptism:

John 19:34 KJV - But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.

Matthew 26:28 KJV - For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins./ Luke 24:47 KJV - And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. /Acts 2:38 KJV - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins… (See also: Zechariah 12:10,13:1)

Water flowed from Jesus the Rock for Spirit baptism:

John 4:10, 14 KJV - Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. ... But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

John 7:37-39 KJV - In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

That Rock was Christ:

1Corinthians 10:1-4 KJV - Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and did all eat the same spiritual meat; and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

Isaiah 53:4 KJV - Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. (Moses smote rock).

Matthew 16:18 KJV - And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. [“Peter” – petros; “rock” – petra. “Some interpretations regard the distinction (generally observed in classic Greek; between πέτρα, the massive living rock, and πέτρος, a detached but large fragment, as important for the correct understanding of this passage” (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon) “Rock: denotes "a mass of rock," as distinct from petros, "a detached stone or boulder," or a stone that might be thrown or easily moved.” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary)]

The church began on the Day of Pentecost, with Peter preaching the first Gospel message.

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

Power to be Witnesses of Jesus

Before Jesus ascended up into heaven, He spoke to His disciples of the power they would receive from His Spirit He was about to give to them.

"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 Peter and John healed the lame man through the name of Jesus (Acts 3:1-10), they preached to the people the gospel, and the power and name of Jesus. (Acts 3:11-26)

Because of their preaching, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees put them in jail.

The next day they brought them before them to question Peter and John of the healing of the lame man.

"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, said unto them,

“Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; 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...

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." - Acts 4:8-10, 12 KJV

The Holy Ghost gave Peter and John power to be witnesses of Jesus.

"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

To be continued…

JESUS Commands His Disciples

The Blood Covenants of Pentecost 

The Day of Pentecost is the day in which the Holy Ghost was poured out on the followers of Jesus that were praying in an upper room in Jerusalem. This was the fulfillment of the promised new covenant. (Jeremiah 31:31-34)

The Day of Pentecost is also the Jewish holy day celebrating the giving of God’s Law at Mount Sinai.

Each covenant was confirmed with blood.

At Mount Sinai Moses said, “Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words." – Exodus 24:8 KJV

"And he sent young men of the children of Israel, which offered burnt offerings, and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen unto the LORD. And Moses took half of the blood, and put it in basons; and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar. And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient. And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words." - Exodus 24:5-8 KJV

In Jerusalem Jesus said, "For this is my blood of the new testament [new covenant], which is shed for many for the remission of sins." - Matthew 26:28 KJV

The blood of Jesus for the remission of sins fulfills the prophecy of Jeremiah of the new covenant.

"…For they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more." - Jeremiah 31:34 KJV

Peter preached the new covenant on the Day of Pentecost, which was on the same day that the Jews made their covenant of the Law years earlier. This time the blood applied would not be animal blood that could not take away sins. This time the blood would be God’s blood, applied through His name “Jesus” in baptism by immersion for the remission of sins.

"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 it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins." - Hebrews 10:4 KJV

"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

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

"To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. [“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 he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days." - Acts 10:43, 48 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

Those that entered into the new covenant on the Day of Pentecost confirmed it with the blood of Jesus by water baptism in Jesus name for the remission of sins.

"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 2:41-42 KJV

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." - 1 Timothy 2:1-4 KJV

The pleasures of sin are only for a season

The pleasures of sin are only for a season, and end in eternal death.

Hebrews 11:24-26 KJV By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

The pleasures of the Lord are forever, and through Jesus is eternal life!

Psalm 16:11 KJV Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

"Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." - James 4:14 KJV [“How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.]

It is not a question of when will the rapture come – “I want to be ready” – we must be ready at all times, because we do not know when our own last moment in our life will come.

"Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates [not standing the test, not approved]?" - 2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV

"In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise," - Ephesians 1:13 KJV (Acts 2:38).

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith." - Galatians 6:9-10 KJV

"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest." - Ecclesiastes 9:10 KJV

"Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;" - 1 Peter 1:13-15 KJV

"Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." - James 4:17 KJV [Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.] (Luke 12:47).

We must always be ready!

"And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful." - Colossians 3:14-15 KJV

"I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." - Psalm 34:4 KJV

“O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him." - Psalm 34:8 KJV

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7 KJV

"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