Prayer - Never Underestimate What God Will Do Through Your Prayers

 

Prayer

Hannah prayed, and the Lord gave her a son, Samuel.

"And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore. ... For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him:" - 1 Samuel 1:10, 27 KJV

Solomon prayed, and the fire came down from heaven, and the glory of the LORD filled the house.

"Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house." - 2 Chronicles 7:1 KJV

Daniel prayed, and God gave him understanding of the end times.

"Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel…informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding." - Daniel 9:21-22 KJV

The church prayed and Peter was miraculously delivered from prison.

"Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. ... And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews." - Acts 12:5, 11 KJV

Through prayer, things can be accomplished that we could never do. Souls can be reached that we could never reach. Miracles can happen. Never underestimate what God will do through your prayers.

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." - Philippians 4:6 KJV

Church! And So Much the More, As You See the Day Approaching

 

Church!

Now is the time to draw closer to Jesus.

"And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof." - Romans 13:11-14 KJV

["This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don't participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don't let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires." - Romans 13:11-14]

"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. [And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do…especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.] " - Hebrews 10:25 KJV

And so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Part 7 Making our Calling and Election Sure

 

Peter spoke about the kingdom in His epistle.

"Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." - 2 Peter 1:10-11 KJV

Peter began this by telling us that by God’s divine power, He has given us everything we need for living a godly life. By His Spirit, the Holy Ghost, we have grown to know Him. He called us out from the world of sin to become His sons and daughters. We repented of our sins, and we were baptized in His name Jesus for the remission of our sins. When He filled us with His Spirit, He gave us His power to escape the sin of this world. (2 Corinthians 6:16-18, 2 Corinthians 7:1, Acts 2:38, Acts 1:8).

"According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." - 2 Peter 1:3-4 KJV

So what things are we supposed to do so that we shall never fall?

"And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance [self-control]; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity [love]." - 2 Peter 1:5-7 KJV

"For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged [cleansed] from his old sins." - 2 Peter 1:8-9 KJV

"Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established [standing firm] in the present truth [truth you have been taught]." - 2 Peter 1:12 KJV

The Kingdom Part 6 This Gospel of the Kingdom

The Kingdom Part 6

Our Heavenly Father, in His compassion for His creation, robed Himself in flesh with His name of salvation “Jesus,” and dwelt among His people with the ultimate purpose of bringing His kingdom on earth. (Luke 1:32-35, Matthew 1:21-23, John 1:10-11, Matthew 6:10).

He accomplished bringing His kingdom on earth by giving His life and shedding His blood to reconcile us back to Himself. (John 12:27, John 18:36-37, 2 Corinthians 5:19-21, Acts 20:28, Colossians 1:20).

Because of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, we are able to enter His kingdom by repentance, baptism in His name Jesus for the remission of our sins, and by receiving the gift of His Holy Ghost. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Mark 8:31-37, Romans 6:1-23, John 3:5, Matthew 16:19/Acts 2:38, Luke 17:20-21, Romans 14:17, Romans 8:1-14).

The Kingdom Part 5 - The Followers of Jesus preaching the Kingdom

The Kingdom Part 5

While Jesus preached His kingdom throughout His ministry and after His resurrection, His followers also preached the things concerning the kingdom of God.

Philip preached the things concerning the kingdom of God in Samaria, resulting in them getting baptized in Jesus name and then receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 8:14-17).

"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

During his entire ministry, Paul preached the things concerning the kingdom of God.

"And when they had preached the gospel to that city [Derbe], and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God." - Acts 14:21-22 KJV

"And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God." - Acts 19:8 KJV

When Paul said his goodbye to the elders of the church of Ephesus, Paul spoke how he had preached the kingdom of God to them. (Acts 20:17-38).

"And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more." - Acts 20:25 KJV

Paul went to Jerusalem, where he was accused of the Jews, then appealed to Caesar, and was taken to Rome. In Rome, in his last years, he continued to preach the kingdom of God. Paul was permitted to have his own private lodging, though he was guarded by a soldier. (Acts 28:16).

"And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening." - Acts 28:23 KJV

"And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him." - Acts 28:30-31 KJV

The Kingdom Part 4 - The Commission

 

The Kingdom Part 4

In Acts chapter one, it is recorded that during the forty days between Jesus’ resurrection and His ascension to heaven, Jesus spoke of the things “pertaining to the kingdom of God.”

"To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:" - Acts 1:3 KJV

It was during this forty-day period that Jesus gave His commission to His disciples that instructed how to enter the kingdom of God.

"Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, and said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. 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 24:45-49 KJV

Jesus explained this promise of power from on high is the Holy Ghost.

"For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." - Acts 1:5 KJV

The new birth into the kingdom would include repentance, remission of sins in His name (baptized with  water), and the Holy Ghost (baptized with the Spirit).

His disciples followed through with Jesus’ instructions. (Luke 24:49).

"Then returned they unto Jerusalem…And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room…These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication…" - Acts 1:12-14 KJV

Jesus did as He promised. (Luke 24:4).

"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

The apostles did as Jesus commanded, that “repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” (Luke 24:47).

"But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice…" - Acts 2:14 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

The keys to the kingdom were revealed. (John 3:5).

"And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter…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 [Thayers Greek Lexicon: “to declare lawful: Matthew 16:19”] on earth shall be loosed in heaven." - Matthew 16:18-19 KJV

The Kingdom Part 3

The kingdom of God is in power.

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

When we enter the kingdom of God by being born of water and of the Spirit, we receive the power of the Spirit that is life changing. (John 3:5, Luke 17:21, Romans 14:17).

"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

The power of the Holy Ghost gives us a life changing experience that we become witnesses of. By the Holy Ghost and baptism in Jesus name we are washed, sanctified, and justified.

BEFORE the transforming of the gospel, we were not able to enter the kingdom of God. (Romans 3:23, Romans 5:12).

"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

Another translation:

"Don't you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don't fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin [sex outside of marriage], or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people--none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God." - 1 Corinthians 6:9-10

And such WERE some of you!

"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

By the gospel, being born of water and of the Spirit, we are transformed, able to enter into the kingdom! (John 3:5).

The Kingdom Part 2

 

The Kingdom Part 2

Jesus went everywhere, preaching the kingdom of God.

"And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him," - Luke 8:1 KJV

When we enter the kingdom of God by being born of water and of the Spirit to live our lives for God (John 3:5), we must not look back to the world of sin.

"And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." - Luke 9:62 KJV

If we went to be secure in the kingdom, we must forgive others, just as Jesus forgave us when we repented of our sins and was baptized in His name for the remission of sins. (Acts 2:38, Mark 11:26).

"Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants." - Matthew 18:23 KJV (Matthew 18:35). (See the whole story).

We find that to be in the kingdom of God, we must not only initially get oil in our lamps (born of the Spirit - John 3:5), but we must keep full of oil (full of the Holy Ghost - Acts 6:3).

"Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom." - Matthew 25:1 KJV (See the whole story).

The kingdom of God is not a physical kingdom; it is a spiritual kingdom. We enter the kingdom by repentance, baptism in Jesus name, and receiving the Holy Ghost. His kingdom is within us.

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

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

Church!

"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. 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. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations." - Psalm 100:1-5 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." - Psalm 16:11

The Kingdom

 

The Kingdom

When the angel Gabriel came to Mary, he spoke to her about her son and His kingdom.

"And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end." - Luke 1:33 KJV

At the beginning of His ministry, Jesus preached about the kingdom. During His ministry, Jesus taught many, many things about the kingdom.

"Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel." - Mark 1:14-15 KJV

Jesus taught His disciples to pray about the kingdom.

"After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. ... And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." - Matthew 6:9-10, 13 KJV

Jesus taught we must seek first the 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 told Peter,

"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

Jesus spoke of the gospel of the kingdom when His disciples asked Him about the end of the world.

"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." - Matthew 24:14 KJV

Jesus told His disciples the kingdom was a mystery, but the mystery was revealed to them.

"And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:" - Mark 4:11 KJV

To be continued…

"Compare the Difference"

"Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, and said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." - Luke 24:45-47 KJV

Verses from the photo: 

Acts 2:38, 41 "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. ... Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls."

Acts 8:16 "(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)"

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

Acts 19:4-5 "Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus."

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

Romans 6:3 "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?"

1 Corinthians 1:13-15 "Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name."

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

Colossians 2:11-12 "In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead."

Thy kingdom come

 

We learn Jesus’ priorities by how He taught His disciples to pray. Jesus began by saying,

 

"After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." - Matthew 6:9-10 KJV

 

The beginning of His prayer is about His name, His kingdom, and His will. This is what should be our first concern.

 

The conclusion of the prayer is,

 

"For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." - Matthew 6:13 KJV

 

The kingdoms of this world are temporary. The kingdom of God is an everlasting kingdom. (2 Peter 1:11). Our prayer for the kingdoms of this world is that the Lord's will be done. Our utmost prayer is that His kingdom come, His will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

 

When people enter the kingdom of God, they enter by repentance, taking on the name of Jesus that gives remission of sins at water baptism, and being filled with His Spirit to live a holy life. (John 3:5, Acts 2:38, Acts 10:43, Hebrews 12:14, Galatians 5:16).

 

We can see the change that comes when souls enter His kingdom.

 

"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

 

What this world needs is the kingdom of God. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Jesus - the image of the invisible God

 Jesus is the Father and the Son, the Creator and the Savior. 

How could this be? 

God made Himself a body when He overshadowed Mary and she conceived (Luke 1:35). At this point, the Father was in the Son - God was manifest in the flesh (John 14:9, 1Timothy 3:16). He is all powerful God that humbled Himself and felt the pain and temptations of a human (Philippians 2:8, Hebrews 4:15). 

The man Jesus is the image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15). All the fullness of the Father is in this man, the “Son of God” (Colossians 1:19). Through the blood of this flesh that the Father dwelt in, He reconciled all humanity back to Himself (Acts 20:28, Colossians 1:20).

By the gospel, His death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus brought salvation. We claim His salvation by crucifying our sinful nature, burying it in water baptism in the name of Jesus, and receiving the gift of the Spirit of Jesus, the Holy Ghost. (1Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 6:1-6, Acts 2:38, Acts 4:12).

"Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 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: for by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: and he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

“And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 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.

“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 1:12-23

Photo by: Ziel Gabrielle

He shall be called -

 

The Mighty God, who is the Everlasting Father, robed Himself in the flesh and blood of a human body and walked among us as the Son of God. The Great Creator is our Savior! His Name is JESUS!

 "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.

 “Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this." - Isaiah 9:6-7 KJV

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

Jesus told Nicodemus there is a sound when a person is born of the Spirit

 

Jesus told Nicodemus there is a sound when a person is born of the Spirit.

 

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

 

We cannot see where God’s Spirit is coming from, and we cannot see where God’s Spirit is going, but we hear the sound when a person is born of the Spirit. As God fills them with His Spirit, we hear the person speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives them utterance.

 

On the Day of Pentecost, when the Holy Ghost was first poured out, there came a sound like the wind, just as Jesus told Nicodemus! What was this sound? It was the speaking of tongues as the Spirit spoke through all the believers in the upper room! Just like Jesus said would happen to everyone that is born of the Spirit.

 

"And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:2-4

 

*photo from Exploring God's Word Bible study

What does it mean, “to KNOW them which labour among you”?

 

What does it mean, “to KNOW them which labour among you”?

 

"And we beseech you, brethren, to know 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." - 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 KJV

 

The definition from Thayer’s Greek Lexicon of this word “know,” is the following:

 

“Hebraistically, εἰδέναι τινα to have regard for one, cherish, pay attention to: 1 Thessalonians 5:12”

 

"Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. [Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.]" - Hebrews 13:7 KJV

 

"Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. [Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.]" - Hebrews 13:17 KJV

 

"For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God." - 1 Thessalonians 2:9 KJV

 

"Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest." - Luke 10:2 KJV

 

"Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward." - 1 Timothy 5:17-18 KJV

 

"And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church... 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 20:17, 28 KJV

Paul said, I die daily - Putting his life at risk for the gospel on a daily basis

 

When Paul said I die daily he was not talking about repentance; he was talking about every day putting his life at risk of death for the gospel. 

"Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness." - 2 Corinthians 11:23-27 KJV

 "And why stand we in jeopardy every hour? I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily." - 1 Corinthians 15:30-31 KJV

 Thayer’s Greek Lexicon says, “I meet death daily, live daily in danger of death, 1 Corinthians 15:31, cf. 2 Corinthians 6:9.

 "But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; ... as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;" - 2 Corinthians 6:4-5, 9 KJV

 Paul was willing to risk his life on a daily basis because of his faith in the resurrection.

 "Behold, I shew you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? ...Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." - 1 Corinthians 15:51-55, 58 KJV

Part 18 I am baptized in Jesus name to take His yoke upon me

 

Part 18 I am baptized in Jesus name to take His yoke upon me

 

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

 

The yoke of Jesus is His New Covenant.  When we yoke ourselves together with Him by baptism in His name Jesus, He promises the gift of His Holy Ghost rest.

 

"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

 

Isaiah prophesied,

 

"And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious." - Isaiah 11:10

 

When we receive His rest, we speak in another tongue.

 

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

 

The “acceptance of the yoke of the commandments” is the Covenant of the Law. For those who covenant to accept the yoke of the Law, they are given the gift to keep the Sabbath rest.

 

Jesus said, Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

 

When Paul and Barnabas reported to the apostles at Jerusalem the conversion of the Gentiles,

 

“There rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses." - Acts 15:5 KJV

 

Peter responded,

 

"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?" - Acts 15:10 KJV (Acts 15:11).

 

Paul later said,

 

"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." - Galatians 5:1 KJV

 

Jesus said,

 

“My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

 

“I will give you rest…Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me…and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”

 

"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

 

By taking the yoke of Jesus by baptism in Jesus name, we have the promise of the glorious rest and refreshing of the Holy Ghost.

Our battle is WON when our “enemy” falls under conviction, is converted, and is saved to live for Jesus.

 

Our battle is WON when our “enemy” - those that are being used by the devil to do evil – falls under conviction, is converted, and is saved to live for Jesus (Acts 2:38), and THEY JOIN the army of the Lord against the forces of evil.

 

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

 

There are demonic forces in this world that are using people as their puppets – people that are motivated to do evil by their fleshly lusts – power, carnality, money. We as the church have power over these forces through the name of Jesus and by His Spirit. We are the body of Christ; Jesus accomplishes His work through us as His vessel. (Ephesians 6:10-17, Acts 26:18)

 

"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

 

We pray against these forces, we pray for overpowering conviction to fall on those doing unnameable atrocities, we pray for these souls to repent, that they are baptized in Jesus name for the remission of their sins, and that they receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Our God is full of mercy, and His will is that none should perish, but that ALL come to repentance. We are also to pray for all saints, especially those that are waging spiritual warfare by prayer and by reaching the lost with the gospel. (2Corinthians 4:3-6, 2Timothy 2:25-26, 2Peter 3:9, Acts 9:10-18). As Paul requested,

 

"And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak." - Ephesians 6:19-20 KJV

 

Hell cannot stand against the Church. By the gospel – the blood, the Spirit, and the name of Jesus - hell cannot hold souls captive – souls are released. (1Corinthians 6:9-11, Romans 6:17-22).

 

On Christ the Rock, we the church stands. (1Corinthians 10:4).

 

"Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." - Matthew 16:18 KJV

He who does the will of God abides forever

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 (lust) 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.]

 

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

 

How can we resist our sinful habits and desires and please God?

 

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.

 

"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 are born of God, doing His will with the power of His Spirit, 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

We have choices

We choose what we are going to listen to, what we are going to spend our time looking at, and what we are going to spend our time doing. We choose where we are going to go, what we are going to talk about. At any point we can stop to go in another direction.

 

We choose what we think about. We choose if we dwell on certain thoughts. We have the power to stop thinking thoughts that we don't want to think about, to change our mind and to think about other things.

 

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

 

It is up to us to:

 

"Cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear [reverence] of God." - 2 Corinthians 7:1 KJV

 

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded [your loyalty is divided between God and the world]... Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up." - James 4:7-8, 10 KJV

 

"Save yourselves from this untoward [crooked] generation." - Acts 2:40 KJV

 

"Choose you this day whom ye will serve…" - Joshua 24:15 KJV

Part 17 – I am baptized in Jesus name so that I can fulfill the covenant of circumcision

It is by our obedience to the gospel that we fulfill the covenant of circumcision. We obey the gospel by repentance, by water baptism in Jesus name, and by receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost.

"In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands [not by a physical procedure], in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh [the cutting away of your sinful nature] by the circumcision of Christ [by a spiritual circumcision]: buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God [the Holy Ghost], who hath raised him from the dead." - Colossians 2:11-12 KJV

 “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh [and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away], hath he quickened together with him [made you alive with Christ], having forgiven you all trespasses [for He forgave all our sins];" - Colossians 2:13 KJV

 "He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant." - Genesis 17:13 KJV [All must be circumcised. Your bodies will bear the mark of my everlasting covenant. – NLT]

Physical circumcision is called a "brit milah" which means a “covenant of circumcision.” It is a blood covenant. Under Jewish law, a ritually trained surgeon must draw blood from the circumcision wound.

 Spiritual circumcision of baptism is also a blood covenant. It is the applying of Christ’s blood by baptism through the name of Jesus. (Acts 10:43, Acts 2:38).

"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

 Circumcision is done when the baby is eight days old. It is said it “confirms the transition of the infant from being a child of Adam, as it were, to a member of the Jewish people.” [Judaism by Michael Fishbane].

 At circumcision, the baby is given his name.

 "And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb." - Luke 2:21 KJV

 At spiritual circumcision, which is baptism in Jesus name, we are given our spiritual name. We are given the name Jesus.

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

 Those that were not circumcised, were cut off from God’s people for breaking the covenant.

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

Those that are not spiritually circumcised by obeying the gospel by baptism are cut off from God’s people for breaking the covenant.

 "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." - Mark 16:15-16 KJV

 Physical circumcision is a cutting off of flesh.

 "And ye shall circumcise [cut off] the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you." - Genesis 17:11 KJV

 Spiritual circumcision is a cutting off of the lust of the flesh, our sinful nature by repentance and baptism in Jesus name for the remission of sins.

 Physical circumcision was for “EVERY MAN CHILD AMONG YOU.”

 "This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; every man child among you shall be circumcised." - Genesis 17:10 KJV

 Spiritual circumcision of baptism in Jesus name is for “EVERY ONE OF YOU.”

 "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

Church! Let us exalt His name Jesus together!

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

Part 16 - I am baptized in the name of JESUS because there is none other NAME under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved

 Part 16 - I am baptized in the name of JESUS because there is none other NAME under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.

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

Part 15 - I am baptized in Jesus name to apply the blood of Christ our Passover to my life

 Part 15 - I am baptized in Jesus name to apply the blood of Christ our Passover to my life

 

“For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:" - 1 Corinthians 5:7 KJV

 

When the children of Israel were in bondage to Pharaoh in Egypt, God delivered them. He sent plagues, attempting to cause Pharaoh to let His people go. Pharaoh kept changing his mind.

 

"Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover." - Exodus 12:21 KJV

 

"And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it." - Exodus 12:7 KJV

 

"For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you." - Exodus 12:23 KJV

 

Jesus is our Passover lamb that was sacrificed for us.

 

Jesus was crucified at Passover. (John 19:14-15). Like the bones of the Passover lamb, Jesus’ bones were not broken. (Exodus 12:46, John 19:33, 36). He was without blemish (Exodus 12:5, 1 Peter 1:19). Bitter herbs were eaten with the Passover to remember their bitter bondage. Jesus was given vinegar just before His death to remind us of our bitter bondage to sin and death. (Exodus 12:8, John 19:29-30, Hebrews 2:14-15).

 

It was not enough that the Passover lamb DIED to save them from the destroyer. The blood of the Passover lamb had to be APPLIED. (Exodus 12:23

 

Jesus DIED for our sins. Just as the blood of the Passover lamb had to be applied, we must APPLY the blood of Jesus for remission of sins to be saved. (Acts 2:38).

 

We APPLY His blood when we are baptized in Jesus name. (Romans 6:3-4).

 

"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?" - Romans 6:3 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

Part 14 - I am baptized in Jesus name to become a son of God - a light in the world

Part 14 – I am baptized in Jesus name to become a son of God – a light in the world

 

Our Heavenly Father, Creator of the universe, revealed Himself in human flesh and blood to reconcile the world back to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19). He came in His name of Salvation – “Jesus.” He was not recognized by His creation. His own covenant people, the Jews, as a whole did not receive Him. BUT those that do, He gives us power to BECOME His sons – to those that believe on His name, Jesus.

 

We, as sons of God, are not born sons of God at our natural birth, as Christ was. We must be born AGAIN of water and of the Spirit to BECOME a son of God. (John 3:5). Christ is the only one that was born from His natural birth as the Son of God – thus, the only begotten Son of God. (Luke 1:31, Luke 1:35, Matthew 1:20).

 

"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. 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 1:10-14 KJV

 

We are born a son of God when we are born again, born of water and of the Spirit. We are born of water by water baptism in Jesus name. We are born of the Spirit by the baptism of the Holy Ghost, speaking with other tongues, as the Spirit gives us utterance. (John 3:5, Acts 2:38, Acts 2:4).

 

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

 

[Philippians 2:12-15, 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, Galatians 4:3-7, Romans 8:13-23, 29-30, Hebrews 2:10, Hebrews 12:1-11, 22-23, 1 John 3:1-3]

Part 13 - I am baptized in Jesus name because Jesus is the One that was crucified for me

Part 13 - I am baptized in Jesus name because Jesus is the One that was crucified for me.

 

Paul the Apostle wrote to the church in Corinth:

 

"For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ." - 1 Corinthians 1:11-12 KJV [I am a follower of Paul, I follow Apollos, I follow Peter, I follow Christ]

 

Paul asked them,

 

"Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?" - 1 Corinthians 1:13 KJV

 

"I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not [I don’t remember] whether I baptized any other." - 1 Corinthians 1:14-16 KJV

 

"For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect." - 1 Corinthians 1:17 KJV

 

We know Paul or Silas baptized the jailor and his household in Philippi. (Acts 16:29, 32-33). We also know Paul baptized about 12 men at Ephesus. (Acts 19:1, 5-7).

 

While we see that Paul DID baptize, his CALLING was to preach the gospel. Before the household of the Philippian jailer was baptized, Paul FIRST preached the gospel to them. When Paul baptized the 12 men at Ephesus, he FIRST preached the gospel to them.

 

Paul makes it clear, the one we are to be baptized in the name of is Jesus! We are to be baptized in the ONE that was crucified for us, Jesus Christ.

 

"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

Why I am baptized in Jesus name - Part 12 - To be called by His name

When we are baptized in Jesus name, the name “Jesus” is called upon us. God's holy, saving name, “JESUS” becomes our name.

 

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

 

When the Gentiles were converted to the church,

 

"There rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, that it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses." - Acts 15:5 KJV

 

"And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;" - Acts 15:7-8 KJV (Acts 2:4, Acts 10:45-47).

 

"And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: Simeon [Peter] hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name." - Acts 15:13-14 KJV (Acts 10, Acts 11:1-18).

 

"And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: 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 15:15-17 KJV (Amos 9:11-12).

 

How are the Gentiles called by the name of the Lord?

 

The Gentiles became called by the name of the Lord when they were baptized in Jesus name.

 

"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." - Acts 10:47-48 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

Part 11 - I am baptized in Jesus name to put on Christ

Why I am baptized in Jesus name – Part 11 – I am baptized in Jesus name to put on Christ

 

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

 

When I have repented of my sins, been water baptized in Jesus name for the remission of sins, and have been Spirit baptized by the infilling of the Holy Ghost, I have put on Christ.

 

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." - 2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV

 

With a new life in Jesus, I no longer make provision for the flesh, to fulfil the old sinful nature that I crucified and buried in baptism. (Romans 13:14).

 

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

 

"If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: that ye put off concerning the former conversation [conduct] the old man [sinful nature and formal way of life], which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind [your thoughts and attitudes]; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." - Ephesians 4:21-24 KJV (See also: Colossians 3:8-10).

 

We put on Jesus by repentance, baptism in Jesus name, and baptism of His Spirit. When we are joined with Jesus in baptism, we join Him in His death. We are buried with Him by baptism in Jesus name. Just as Jesus was raised from the dead by the Holy Ghost (the glory of the Father) we are filled with the baptism of the Holy Ghost to live a new life in Christ.

 

Since we have been united with Jesus in His death, we will also be raised to life as He was. Our old man of sin (our former life of sin) is crucified with Him. When we died with Christ by repentance and baptism in Jesus name, we were set free from the power of sin. Jesus died once to break the power of sin. Now He lives, to never die again.

 

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

 

"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead [dead to sin], and your life is hid with Christ in God." - Colossians 3:2-3 KJV

Why I am baptized in Jesus name - Part 10 - The Philippian Jailor

Why I am baptized in Jesus name – Part 10 – The Philippian Jailor

 Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into prison because they had cast a devil out of a girl that was being used for fortune-telling, ruining her owner’s ability to make money off from her. The jailer was ordered to make sure Paul and Silas didn’t escape. (Acts 16:24).

 

Before Paul and Silas went to Philippi, God had given Paul a vision. (Philippi is a city in Macedonia.)

 

"And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; there stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us." - Acts 16:9

 

"And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them." - Acts 16:10

 

At midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God. (Acts 16:25).

 

"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." - Acts 16:26

 

"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?" - Acts 16:27-30 KJV

 

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

 

BUT THAT IS NOT THE END OF THE STORY!!!

 

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

 

They were fulfilling the mission of the heavenly vision of preaching the gospel to the man of Macedonia!

 

AND IT DIDN’T STOP THERE. After HEARING the word of the Lord, the jailor and his household OBEYED the word of the Lord! The Philippian jailor and all his house were BAPTIZED.

 

"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

 

How were they baptized?

 

Paul baptized in the name of Jesus. (Acts 19:4-5)