Atonement and Pitch

 

It is interesting that the Hebrew word for “atonement” (Strong’s H3722) is the same Hebrew word that is translated as “pitch.”

"Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch[H3722] it within and without with pitch." - Genesis 6:14 KJV

The word “atonement” means “to cover, to cover over,” “to cover sins, i.e. to pardon.” (Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon).

The interesting thing is that Apostle Peter spoke of Noah’s ark being a type and shadow of baptism.

"By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:" - 1 Peter 3:19-21 KJV

We find that in water baptism in Jesus name that our sins are covered; we are pardoned; there is atonement.

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

"And Aaron shall make an atonement upon the horns of it once in a year with the blood of the sin offering of atonements: once in the year shall he make atonement upon it throughout your generations: it is most holy unto the LORD." - Exodus 30:10 KJV

"But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come…neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us." - Hebrews 9:11-12 KJV

"For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect... But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins." - Hebrews 10:1, 3-4 KJV

The Day of Atonement - Yom Kippur

 

Part 2 Monday, September 28^th was the continuation of the celebration of the Day of Atonement. It began Sunday, September 27^th several minutes before sunset and ended after nightfall on the 28^th. The Day of Atonement is called “Yom Kippur” in Hebrew.

On the Day of Atonement, in the days of the Temple, the High Priest would make his yearly journey through the tabernacle to go behind the vail of the Holy of Holies to offer the blood of a goat sacrifice for the sins of the Jewish people. This sacrifice would not take away their sins, but would push them forward for another year, in which the Day of Atonement sacrifice would be made once again. (Hebrews 10:4, Leviticus 16:15).

"And this shall be an everlasting statute unto you, to make an atonement for the children of Israel for all their sins once a year. And he did as the LORD commanded Moses." - Leviticus 16:34 KJV

"And he shall take the two goats, and present them before the LORD at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for the scapegoat. And Aaron shall bring the goat upon which the LORD'S lot fell, and offer him for a sin offering. But the goat, on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before the LORD, to make an atonement with him, and to let him go for a scapegoat into the wilderness." - Leviticus 16:7-10 KJV

It is interesting that Pilate put Jesus and Barabbas before the people to choose which would be crucified and which would be set free. The name “Barabbas” is a Hebrew name which means “son of the father.” So, the choice to the crowd was Jesus, the Son of the Father, or Barabbas, the son of the father.

The crowd chose Barabbas to be set free, and Jesus to die. It appears the sacrifice of the goat on Yom Kippur was a shadow of the sacrifice of Jesus: one was set free, and the other was to die.

To be continued…

The Day of Atonement - Yom Kippur

 

Beginning on Sunday night, September 27, from several minutes before sunset, to after nightfall on Monday, September 28, Jews all over the world are observing the Day of Atonement by a fast. The Day of Atonement is also called Yom Kippur. As the Bible says, “ye shall afflict your souls.” They abstain from food and drink, do not wash or anoint their bodies, do not wear leather footwear, and abstain from marital relations. They spend their time in prayer to God.

The Bible talks about the Day of Atonement.

"And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD. And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the LORD your God. 

"

For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people. And whatsoever soul it be that doeth any work in that same day, the same soul will I destroy from among his people." - Leviticus 23:26-30 KJV

Because the Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed in 70AD, the Jews have not been able to offer animal sacrifices as required by the Law.

"For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins." - Hebrews 10:1-4 KJV

"For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." - John 1:17 KJV

To be continued…

True Worshippers

 

Church!

When we have obeyed the truth – the gospel of our salvation (Acts 2:38), and are filled with the Holy Ghost, we can be part of the true worshippers of God. (Galatians 3:1-3, Romans 2:7-9, Colossians 1:5-6).

"But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." - John 4:23-24 KJV

 [Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.]

"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

"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

Paul was led by the Spirit

 

"Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost." - Acts 20:16 KJV

"And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church [to come and meet him]." - Acts 20:17 KJV

"And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:" - Acts 20:18-19 KJV

"And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem [compelled by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem], not knowing the things that shall befall me there: save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me." - Acts 20:22-23 KJV

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

“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 20:24-25 KJV

"And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all. And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him, sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship." - Acts 20:36-38 KJV

Traveling on, they landed at Tyre.

"And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem." - Acts 21:4 KJV

"And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed." - Acts 21:5 KJV

Traveling on, they came to Caesarea.

"And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said,

“Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.

“And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.

“Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." - Acts 21:10-13 KJV

The Apostles Were Led by the Spirit

 

"Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away." - Acts 13:1-3 KJV

Later, Paul and Silas went out to minister.

"Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, after they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas. 

"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. 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 16:6-10 KJV

While they were in Macedonia, they met a woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, whose heart the Lord opened, and she and her household was baptized. (Acts 16:14-15). 

"They also met the jailer where they were imprisoned. When they spake to him the word of the Lord and to all that were in his house, he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. (Acts 16:32-33).

When Paul came to Corinth, the Lord spake to Paul in the night by a vision, “Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: for I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.” Paul continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. (Acts 18:9-11).

And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou has obeyed my voice (conclusion)

 

The Binding of Isaac – Conclusion

"And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son." - Genesis 22:13 KJV [A ram is a male sheep.]

The beautiful fulfillment of this is God taking on the form of man to be the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world – Jesus Christ. Taking our place of death, we, like Isaac, become a living 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." - Romans 12:1 KJV [And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice--the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.] As Abraham said, “I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you.” (Genesis 22:5)

It is said that the spot that God provided the ram caught in the tree to take the place of Isaac as a sacrifice, is the same spot that the temple in Jerusalem was built, on Mount Moriah. Today it is known as the Temple Mount. (Genesis 22:2, 14, 2 Chronicles 3:1, Luke 13:33).

The word for “ram’s horn” is the same word for jubilee. (‘yowbel’ – Strong’s H3104). (Exodus 19:13, Joshua 6:5-13). On the jubilee, the captives were set free. (Leviticus 25:10, Isaiah 61:1, Luke 4:18).

"And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: [Yahweh-Yireh -which means “the LORD will see (to it)”] as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen." - Genesis 22:14 KJV

"And the angel of the LORD called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time, and said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: that in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess [conquer] the gate of his enemies; And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice." - Genesis 22:15-18 KJV

"Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ." - Galatians 3:16 KJV

"And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed...For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." - Galatians 3:8, 27-29 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." - Matthew 16:18 KJV (“And thy seed shall possess [conquer] the gate  of his enemies”).

In the Binding of Isaac, while Isaac is like the People of God, the Ram is like Christ

 

(Continued)

In the Binding of Isaac, while Isaac is like the people of God, the ram is like Christ. (Genesis 22:1-19).

Abraham prophesied when he answered Isaac’s question,

"…Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?" - Genesis 22:7 KJV

"And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering." - Genesis 22:8 KJV

There were two fulfillments to this prophecy, as there usually are two fulfillments to prophecies: the first fulfillment at that time, and the second fulfillment in the distant future.

The first fulfillment was at the point Abraham built an altar, bound Isaac his son, laid him on the altar on the wood, and picked up the knife to kill his son as a sacrifice.

"And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me." - Genesis 22:11-12 KJV

"And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son." - Genesis 22:13 KJV

The second fulfillment to Abraham’s prophecy occurred years later.

God did indeed provide Himself a Lamb, robing Himself in flesh to die in our place, taking away the sin of the world.

"The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." - John 1:29 KJV

Peter wrote to the church,

"Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you," - 1 Peter 1:18-20 KJV

"Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree..." - 1 Peter 2:24 KJV

Just as the ram died in place of Isaac, Jesus, the Lamb of God, died in our place.

To be continued…

The Binding of Isaac - A Shadow of Things to Come

 

In the Binding of Isaac, we see a “shadow” of things to come. (Colossians 2:16-17, Hebrews 8:5, Hebrews 10:1).

"Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual." - 1 Corinthians 15:46 KJV

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

“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 24:44-49 KJV

Isaac is a shadow of God’s people. Just as Isaac carried the wood on his back for his sacrifice, we are to take up our cross and follow Jesus.

"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." - Matthew 16:24 KJV

 Isaac willingly laid down his life as an offering to God. Because the ram took Isaac’s place, Isaac become a living 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." - Romans 12:1 KJV

It appears that the wood that Isaac carried on his back represents the cross and the death of our flesh (sinful nature). We crucify our sinful nature by repentance.

"Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." - Romans 6:6 KJV

It appears the knife represents the spiritual circumcision of our heart by Christ, which is baptism in Jesus name.

"At that time the LORD said unto Joshua, Make thee sharp knives, and circumcise again the children of Israel the second time." - Joshua 5:2 KJV

"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, [When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature. For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized.]" - Colossians 2:11-12 KJV

It appears the fire represents the baptism of the Holy Ghost.

"I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:" - Matthew 3:11 KJV

Thus, the wood, knife, and fire representing our obedience to the gospel as a living sacrifice for Jesus.

"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

Rosh Hashana and the "The Binding of Isaac"

 

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year is being celebrated by the Jewish people, September 18 -20, 2020.

On the first day (Saturday – “Shabbat”), they read about Isaac’s birth and then the birth of Samuel. Both readings contain the theme of prayers for children being answered, and both of these births took place on Rosh Hashanah.

On the second day (Sunday – “Yom Rishon,” “Day One”), they read about the Binding of Isaac.

The Binding of Isaac is the account in the Bible of when God tested Abraham. 

"And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of." - Genesis 22:2 KJV

[Abraham did not delay obeying the voice of God.]

"And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his [donkey], and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him." - Genesis 22:3 KJV

[The third day is significant throughout the Bible, most notably of the resurrection of Jesus in the New Testament. (Luke 24:44-46)]

"Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off." - Genesis 22:4 KJV

[Abraham then prophesied that his son of promise would not die. (Hebrews 11:17-19).]

"And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the [donkey]; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you." - Genesis 22:5 KJV

[Isaac - a shadow of us - a living sacrifice]

"And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together." - Genesis 22:6 KJV

"And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?

[A lamb - a shadow of Christ – God will provide Himself.]

“And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together." - Genesis 22:7-8 KJV

[Isaac allowed his father to bind him. In rabbinical tradition, the age of Isaac at the time of binding is taken to be 37.]

"And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood." - Genesis 22:9 KJV

“And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.

“And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket [thick trees] by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son." - Genesis 22:10-13 KJV [A ram is a male sheep.]

To be continued…

Rosh Hashanah - the Jewish New Year and the blowing of trumpets (shofars)

 

"And in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work: it is a day of blowing the trumpets unto you." - Numbers 29:1 KJV 

This Jewish celebration is called Rosh Hashanah, meaning Head of the Year. It is the Jewish New Year. Rosh Hashanah 2020 begins at sundown on September 18 and continues through nightfall on September 20. It is the birthday of the universe, the day God created Adam and Eve. Prayer services include the sounding of the ram’s horn (shofar).

 The blowing of the shofar represents the trumpet blast that is sounded at a king’s coronation. The shofar is also a call to repentance and a love call of God for His people to return to Him.

 The shofar itself recalls the Binding of Isaac, an event that occurred on Rosh Hashanah in which a ram took Isaac’s place as an offering to God. The shofar is a ram’s horn. One of the customs of the day is the reading of The Binding of Isaac.

 To be continued…

The Glory of the LORD Revealed

We see that one meaning of glory is, “Shekinah, the glory of the Lord…” (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon).

We see in the Old Testament that “the glory of the LORD abode upon mount Sinai,” “the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle,” and “the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD'S house.” (Exodus 24:16, Exodus 40:34-35, 2 Chronicles 7:2).

Isaiah prophesied,

"And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it." - Isaiah 40:5 KJV

In the New Testament, we find this prophesy fulfilled: the glory of the LORD is revealed.

"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 God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." - 2 Corinthians 4:6 KJV

"And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

“And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

“Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel." - Luke 2:25-32 KJV

 

The Glory of the Lord

                                                

There appears to be several meanings for the word “glory.”

One meaning is, “dignity, glory(-ious), honour, praise, worship.” (Strong’s Definitions)

Another meaning is, “Shekinah, the glory of the Lord, and simply, a bright cloud by which God made manifest to men his presence and power on earth.” (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon).

"And the glory of the LORD abode upon mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days: and the seventh day he called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud." - Exodus 24:16 KJV

"And the sight of the glory of the LORD was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel." - Exodus 24:17 KJV

"And there I will meet with the children of Israel, and the tabernacle shall be sanctified by my glory." - Exodus 29:43 KJV

"Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle." - Exodus 40:34-35 KJV

"And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of the LORD, So that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of the LORD." - 1 Kings 8:10-11 KJV

"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.

“And the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD'S house.

“And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever." - 2 Chronicles 7:1-3 KJV

Jesus Teaches the New Birth - 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 of Jesus gives them utterance. (Acts 2:4).

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 as 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

The Birth of the Church

 

The church began on the Day of Pentecost. In obedience to Jesus, one hundred and twenty of His followers were gathered in the upper room awaiting the promise of the Holy Ghost. When the Day of Pentecost was fully come, Jesus poured out His Spirit and they all began to speak in other tongues as His Spirit gave them the utterance.

Filled with the Holy Ghost and with the keys of the kingdom of heaven given to him by Jesus, Peter preached the first gospel message. At the conclusion, he declared what we must do to be saved – “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.”

From that point on, the church continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers, and the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

*This chart is from the Bible Study, "Exploring God's Word."

The Holy Bible

Read it often.

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Time to go to Church! Shrek the sheep

 Time to go to Church!

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This is Shrek the sheep. He became famous several years ago when he was found after hiding out in caves for six years. Of course, during this time his fleece grew without anyone there to shorn (shave) it. When he was finally found and shaved, his fleece weighed an amazing sixty pounds. Most sheep have a fleece weighing just under ten pounds, with the exception usually reaching fifteen pounds, maximum. For six years, Shrek carried six times the regular weight of his fleece. Simply because he was away from his shepherd.

This reminds me of John 10 when Jesus compares Himself to a shepherd, and His followers are His sheep. Maybe it’s a stretch, but I think Shrek is much like a person who knows Jesus Christ but has wandered. If we avoid Christ’s constant refining of our character, we’re going to accumulate extra weight in this world—a weight we don’t have to bear.

When Shrek was found, a professional sheep shearer took care of Shrek’s fleece in twenty-eight minutes. Shrek’s sixty pound fleece was finally removed. All it took was coming home to his shepherd.

I believe Christ can lift the burdens we carry, if only we stop hiding. He can shave off our ‘fleece’—that is, our self-imposed burdens brought about by wandering from our Good Shepherd.

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

For more story, please visit http://missgreenwalt.tumblr.com/post/33818608623/this-is-shrek-the-sheep-he-became-famous-several

We need His Spirit, the Holy Ghost

 

Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost (Spirit) is not just something nice to have; it is essential to our salvation and our walk with God.

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

Peter preached the gospel to the Jews gathered in Jerusalem for Pentecost.

"Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:37-38 KJV

Peter preached that they must repent of their sins (turn from their sinful nature), be baptized in Jesus name for the remission of sins (bury their sinful nature Romans 6:4, Colossians 2:12), and be filled with the Spirit of Jesus (speaking with other tongues, as the Spirit gives the utterance Acts 2:4).

The Bible says quite frankly,

"So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 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 8:8-9 KJV

When we are full of the Holy Ghost (the Spirit of Jesus) we can walk in the Spirit.

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

When we are baptized in Jesus name and full of His Spirit, then we can be led by His Spirit.

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

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." - Romans 8:1 KJV

"For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." - Galatians 6:8 KJV

Peter was led by the Spirit, the Holy Ghost

 

Peter was led by the Spirit, the Holy Ghost.

Peter was lodging with Simon a tanner, whose house was by the sea side.

And about the sixth hour (about noon) Peter went up on the housetop to pray. He became very hungry. While they were making ready to eat, he fell into a trance. He saw heaven open and what looked like a sheet descending to him filled with all kinds of animals, reptiles, and birds.

Then a voice said to him, Get up Peter, kill and eat them. But Peter said, No, Lord, I have never eaten anything that our Jewish laws have declared impure and unclean. The voice said, Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.

This was done three times, then the sheet ascended back to heaven. Peter was perplexed with the vision. (Acts 10).

Peter later told the story to the Jewish believers in Jerusalem:

"And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me." - Acts 11:11 KJV

"And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:" - Acts 11:12 KJV

"And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved." - Acts 11:13-14 KJV

"And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. ... Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?

“When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life." - Acts 11:15, 17-18 KJV

Led by the Spirit, the Holy Ghost

Jesus told His disciples about the Holy Ghost. He called the Holy Ghost the “Comforter” and the “Spirit of truth.” Jesus said, “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 14:8-11,16-18, 26). The Spirit of Jesus is the Holy Ghost.

"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you." - John 16:13-14 KJV

We find in the Bible those led by the Spirit.

Philip was led by the Spirit to preach to “a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians.” (Acts 8:26-28).

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

Philip obeyed, and preached to him Jesus. (Acts 8:30-35).

The Ethiopian man received the gospel message and asked Philip to baptize him.

"And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? ... And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him." - Acts 8:36, 38 KJV

When Philip completed His assignment from the Lord, being led by the Holy Ghost, the Spirit “caught away” Philip.

"And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea." - Acts 8:39-40 KJV

To be continued…

The Holy Ghost - the Spirit of Jesus

 Jesus spoke to His disciples letting them know He would not leave them. They could receive His Spirit, the Holy Ghost, and Jesus would be in them. He told them He would abide with them forever.

"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

We find that when we turn from our sins, giving our life to Jesus, covenanting with Him by baptism in His name, He promises He will fill us with His Spirit, the Holy Ghost. His Holy Ghost is a promise of the covenant we make with Him. (Acts 2:38-39).

Jesus told His disciples that His Spirit, the Holy Ghost, would give them power to be His witnesses.

"And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." - Acts 1:4-5 KJV

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

"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 (Power to live godly and be witnesses: 2 Timothy 3:5, 2 Peter 1:3; Power to do miracles and be witnesses: Acts 4:31, Acts 4:33, Romans 15:19).

"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:4 KJV

The Holy Ghost - the Promise of the Father

 

Jesus told His disciples that He would send the “promise of the Father,” which is the Holy Ghost.

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

"And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." - Acts 1:4-5 KJV

The outpouring of the Holy Ghost, the “promise of the Father,” was prophesied by Joel in the Old Testament.

"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: and also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit." - Joel 2:28-29 KJV

On the Day of Pentecost, when Jesus poured out His Spirit, Peter let the people know that the “promise of the Father” had been given.

"But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;

“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 2:14-18 KJV

After preaching the gospel to them, he told them how they, too, could receive the Holy Ghost, the “promise of the Father.”

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

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

What did Jesus say about receiving the Holy Ghost?

The Holy Ghost is the Spirit of Jesus. (John 14:16-18, 26). The Holy Ghost is also called the Spirit, Spirit of Truth, Comforter, Spirit of your Father, Holy Spirit, Spirit of Christ, Spirit of God.

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

Jesus let us know we need the Spirit, which is the Holy Ghost, to enter the kingdom of God.

He also let us know the Holy Ghost is like the wind, and there is a sound when we receive the Holy Ghost.

"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 KJV

We found this to be true on the Day of Pentecost.

"And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting." - Acts 2:2 KJV

The sound from heaven that was like the wind was the disciples speaking in tongues as they were born of the Spirit.

"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:4 KJV

Jesus also said His Spirit is like rivers of living water. He said those that believe on Him should receive His Spirit, the Holy Ghost.

"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 [entered into His glory].)" - John 7:37-39 KJV

"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 4:14 KJV

To be continued…

Church! In this day, we need exhorting!

 

Church!

Peter exhorted the people on the Day of Pentecost when he was preaching.

"And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation." - Acts 2:40 KJV (Acts 2:38).

In this day, we need exhorting!

"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." - Hebrews 10:25 KJV

What else did Jesus say about the Holy Ghost?

 

What else did Jesus say about the Holy Ghost?

"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." - John 14:26 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

"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come." - John 16:13 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

"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 10:19-20 KJV

"And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: for the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say." - Luke 12:11-12 KJV

Jesus let His disciples know that He is the Spirit of truth – the Comforter – the Holy Ghost - the Spirit of your Father - and that He would be in them.

"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

To be continued…

What did Jesus say about the Holy Ghost?

 

What did Jesus say about the Holy Ghost?

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him." - John 14:6-7 KJV

"Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us." - John 14:8 KJV

"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 14:9-10 KJV

"Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake. Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father." - John 14:11-12 KJV

Jesus revealed to His disciples that He is the Father robed in human flesh. He then revealed to them, “yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more;” Jesus would suffer and die for our sins, would be buried, but on the third day He would rise again. “Because I live, ye shall live also.”

Because Jesus paid the price of our sins, we can repent of our sins, be baptized in His name for the remission of our sins, and receive the gift of His Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38). By His Spirit, the Holy Ghost, we “shall live also.” (John 1:4, Romans 6:23, Romans 8:10). “Comforter” and “Spirit of truth” are other words for the Holy Ghost.

At that day, the Day of Pentecost, the Spirit of Jesus - the Holy Ghost - would be in them.

"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:4 KJV

"If ye love me, keep my commandments. 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 14:15-18 KJV

"Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you." - John 14:19-20 KJV

To be continued…

What does the Bible say about the Holy Ghost?

What does the Bible say about the Holy Ghost?

John the Baptist spoke about the Holy Ghost.

"I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:" - Matthew 3:11 KJV

John the Baptist was preparing the way for Christ – God manifest in flesh.

"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 bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me." - John 1:14-15 KJV

He said,

"I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias." - John 1:23 KJV

Isaiah prophesied of John the Baptist,

"The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God." - Isaiah 40:3 KJV

"And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost." - John 1:32-33 KJV

After Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, and before ascending to heaven, Jesus spoke to His disciples.

"And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." - Acts 1:4-5 KJV

On the Day of Pentecost, just as John the Baptist said, Jesus baptized them with the Holy Ghost and with fire.

"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 KJV

To be continued…

And let them make me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them

 

God is a Spirit. He inhabited a tabernacle in the wilderness, and then the Temple in Jerusalem, but now inhabits temples of human flesh so that He may dwell among His people.

The sanctuary in the wilderness -

"And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, ... And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them." - Exodus 25:1, 8 KJV

The Temple in Jerusalem -

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

"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

"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 1:14 KJV

"Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body. When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said." - John 2:19-22 KJV

By Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, we are able to become the temple of God when we repent, are baptized in Jesus name for the remission of sins, and receive the gift of His Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38).

"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

"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

"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

Part 19 I am baptized in Jesus name and filled with His Spirit because I want to be part of the body of Christ

 

Part 19 I am baptized in Jesus name and filled with His Spirit because I want to be part of the body of Christ.

Our physical body is a metaphor of the body of Christ. Our physical body has a name and a spirit. When we are baptized in Jesus name, Jesus’ name is called upon us. When we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, we are filled with His Spirit. Through the gospel, we become part of the body of Christ with His name and His Spirit.

"For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.  For the body is not one member, but many." - 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 KJV (See 1 Corinthians 12:15-27).

"That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:" - Ephesians 3:6 KJV

Jesus is the head of His body and we with others that also have His name and Spirit are members of His body.

"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." - Colossians 1:18 KJV

"Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular." - 1 Corinthians 12:27 KJV

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

"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:" - Ephesians 4:11-12 KJV