Church! Receiving the Promise

 Jesus told His disciples, before He ascended into heaven,

"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 24:46-47 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

Joel prophesied of the Father’s promise:

"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

Jesus commanded His disciples,

"…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, as promised, Jesus poured out His Spirit to those tarrying in an upper room.

"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

Peter, standing up with the eleven apostles, told the people that had gathered,

"This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;" - Acts 2:16 KJV

"Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear." - Acts 2:33 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

It is Time to Receive the Promise!

Accepted in the Beloved by our covenant of baptism

 When we turn our back on sin by repentance, and are water baptized in Jesus name for the remission (forgiveness/washing away/burial) of our sins, we have entered into a covenant with God. He promises us the gift of His Spirit, the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38) We have become His bride. We forsake all others – putting away the world with its lusts and all other gods in our life - and cleaving to Jesus. (John 3:26, 29).

"And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength…" - Mark 12:30

"To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;" - Ephesians 1:6-7

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

In our covenant, we are the bride of Christ. Our relationship is as a husband and wife.

"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;" - Ephesians 5:25

"For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: for we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church." - Ephesians 5:29-32 (John 14:20, John 15:4)

"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 8:38-39 KJV

Be ye therefore perfect

 

God is love (1 John 4:16). Jesus loves those that are good, as well as those that are evil.

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." - Romans 5:8 KJV

Rain is a blessing.

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

Because God LOVES the just AND the unjust, He gives the BLESSING OF RAIN to the just AND the unjust.

"Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness." - Acts 14:16-17 KJV

"Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." - Matthew 5:43-45 KJV

Jesus taught His disciples to love everyone – the good and the evil, the just and the unjust. We are to love everyone, as God does. (Luke 6:35).

"For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?

“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." - Matthew 5:46-48 KJV

Jesus baptized.

On the day of Pentecost, Peter preached to the people, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…”

When did Peter and the rest of the apostles get baptized in Jesus name, and who baptized them?

Jesus baptized them.

"After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized." - John 3:22 KJV

When did the rest of those that received the Holy Ghost in the upper room get baptized in Jesus name?

Looking back,

Some of John the Baptist’s disciples came questioning him. They apparently were concerned because Jesus’ ministry was growing. Jesus was baptizing.

"And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him." - John 3:26 KJV

Jesus’ disciples also baptized.

"When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,) He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee." - John 4:1-3 KJV

Thus, on the day of Pentecost, all the disciples of Jesus gathered in the upper room that received the Holy Ghost were already baptized in Jesus name. There were probably about a hundred and twenty disciples there all together. (Acts 1:15)

After Peter preached the gospel message, about three thousand MORE were baptized and ADDED to the disciples.

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

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

 

Jesus commands His disciples - Peter OBEYED Jesus' command

 

How do we follow Jesus?

"And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." - Mark 8:34 KJV

How do we follow Jesus?

Jesus denied Himself.

"Saying...not my will, but thine, be done." - Luke 22:42 KJV

Jesus took up His cross and was crucified.

"And he bearing his cross went forth into a place…where they crucified him..." - John 19:17-18 KJV

Jesus was buried.

"And laid it [His body] in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone..." - Luke 23:53 KJV

Jesus was resurrected.

"He is not here, but is risen…" - Luke 24:6 KJV

Then what?

Jesus was a witness.

"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

Then,

"He was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight." - Acts 1:9 KJV

How do we follow Jesus?

We deny ourselves.

"Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts [sinful pleasures]..." - Titus 2:12 KJV

We crucify our sinful nature by repentance.

"Knowing this, that our old man [old sinful self] is crucified with him..." - Romans 6:6 KJV (See also: Galatians 5:24, 6:14.)

We are buried by baptism in Jesus name.

"We are buried with him by baptism..." - Romans 6:4 KJV (Also: Colossians 2:12).

We are resurrected by the Holy Ghost.

"That like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." - Romans 6:4 KJV

Summary so far:

"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

Then what?

We are witnesses.

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me..." - Acts 1:8 KJV (See also: 2 Corinthians 5:19-20)

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

Then,

"Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." - 1 Thessalonians 4:17 KJV

The Gospel - the power of God unto salvation

 "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." - Romans 1:16 KJV

What is the gospel?

"For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:" - 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV

To be saved by the gospel, we must not only BELIEVE the gospel; we must also OBEY the gospel. (1 Corinthians 15:2).

To obey the gospel, we must be baptized with water and with the Spirit. (John 3:5).

On the Day of Pentecost, Peter preached the gospel of Jesus.

"Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it." - Acts 2:23-24 KJV

The people asked Peter and the rest of the disciples, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”

Peter then preached how to obey the gospel.

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

The gospel, that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again, is the power of salvation. If we BELIEVE the gospel and OBEY the gospel by repenting of our sins, applying the blood and Spirit of Jesus to our life by being baptized in water in Jesus name and baptized with His Spirit (speaking in tongues as His Spirit gives us the utterance). (John 3:5-8, Acts 2:2, 4, Acts 10:45-48, Acts 19:5-6).

Jesus told His disciples to preach the gospel. Those that BELIEVE the gospel and OBEY the gospel by being baptized shall be saved.

"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

Church!

"I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD." - Psalm 122:1 KJV

"To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name." - Psalm 63:2-4 KJV

"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing." - Psalm 100:1-2 KJV

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

"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 100:4-5 KJV

And whatsoever you do, in word or deed...

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

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

ACTS 2:38 The Original Plan of Salvation is JESUS - Acts 4:12

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

"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

The following is from the photo above: ACTS 2:38 The Original Plan of Salvation is JESUS - Acts 4:12

 

Jesus died - Matthew 27:35-38, Hebrews 7:24-27

Jesus was buried - Matthew 27:57-61, John 20:1-10

Jesus rose again - 1 Thessalonians 4:14, 1 Corinthians 15:3-8

Death - Repentance:  We must "Die" - Romans 6:2

Burial - Baptism:  We must be "Buried" - Roman 6:3-4

Resurrection - Holy Ghost:  We must "Rise Again" - Romans 6:4; 8:2

JESUS CHRIST IS LORD!

There is one God – His name is Jesus. He is our Father. He is Spirit. He is our Saviour.

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

"There is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me. Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else." - Isaiah 45:21-22

"And all flesh shall know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob." - Isaiah 49:26 KJV

The Father took on the form of flesh and blood as our Saviour to deliver us from death from our sins. He did this by dying in our place. He was buried, and rose again the third day. (Colossians 1:14-15, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Acts 20:28, Hebrews 2:14-15). 

"But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:" - 2 Timothy 1:10 KJV

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

"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

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." - Luke 2:11

How do we find salvation?

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

“For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." - Acts 2:38-42 KJV

 

Rebaptism in the Name of the Lord Jesus and Receiving the Holy Ghost Speaking in Tongues

There were twelve men in Ephesus that had been disciples of John the Baptist. They were met by Paul the Apostle. They had heard of the baptism of the Holy Ghost from John the Baptist, but had not heard that the Holy Ghost was already being poured out. (Mark 1:7-8)

When they heard Paul preach Christ, they were RE-BAPTIZED IN JESUS NAME. They then received the gift of the HOLY GHOST, SPEAKING IN TONGUES AS THE SPIRIT GAVE THEM UTTERANCE. This is another place in the Bible where it is recorded that when people receive the Holy Ghost they speak with tongues. (Acts 2:4, Acts 10:45-46, Acts 19:6).

"And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?

“And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.

“And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized?

“And they said, Unto John's baptism.

“Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

“When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

“And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

“And all the men were about twelve." - Acts 19:1-7

What does the word “conversation” mean in the following verses?

 It actually means a person’s behavior, not the words the person says. “Conversation” in the following verses means a person’s walk, not just their talk. It means their "manner of life, behavior, conduct."

Here is the meaning of the word “conversation” in the following verses:

“Properly, 'walk,' i. e. manner of life, behavior, conduct:” (From: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon)

"For ye have heard of my conversation[G391] in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:" - Galatians 1:13 KJV

"That ye put off concerning the former conversation[G391] the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;" - Ephesians 4:22 KJV

"Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation,[G391] in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." - 1 Timothy 4:12 KJV

"Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation[G391] his works with meekness of wisdom." - James 3:13 KJV

"But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;[G391]" - 1 Peter 1:15 KJV

"Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation[G391] received by tradition from your fathers;" - 1 Peter 1:18 KJV

"Having your conversation[G391] honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation." - 1 Peter 2:12 KJV

"Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation[G391] of the wives; while they behold your chaste conversation[G391] coupled with fear.” – 1 Peter 3:1-2

“Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation[G391] in Christ." - 1 Peter 3:16 KJV

"And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation[G391] of the wicked:" - 2 Peter 2:7 KJV

 

The meaning in this verse is: “The ways in which holy living shows itself:” (From: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon)

"Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation[G391] and godliness," - 2 Peter 3:11 KJV

 

The meaning in this verse is: “Hence, life in so far as it is comprised in conduct”: (From: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon)

"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.[G391]" - Hebrews 13:7 KJV

 

“Conversation” in the following verses means, “to walk, of the manner of life and moral character, to conduct oneself, behave oneself, live:” (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon)

"For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation[G390] in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward." - 2 Corinthians 1:12 KJV

"Among whom also we all had our conversation[G390] in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others." - Ephesians 2:3 KJV

Be careful for nothing

 "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

Be careful for nothing…

When we stop trying to control everything, and instead turn to Jesus in prayer for everything, we are trusting in HIM to control everything.

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." - Proverbs 3:5 KJV

Add thanksgiving to the mix, and it brings us to the next verse:

"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:7 KJV

When we step back, turning every situation over to Jesus and trusting Him to handle it, we find a peace that passes understanding. Instead of stress and anxiety, we step away from the situations and into God’s peace.

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful." - Colossians 3:15 KJV

Jesus has all wisdom and all knowledge. He is all powerful, present everywhere at once, all knowing, and eternal. 

"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us," - Ephesians 3:20 KJV

"Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen." - 1 Timothy 1:17 KJV

"To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen." - Jude 1:25 KJV

Church! My beloved brethren...

"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 15:58 KJV

"Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar [His very own] people, zealous of good works." - Titus 2:14 KJV

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." - Galatians 6:9 KJV

"For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister." - Hebrews 6:10 KJV

The World

"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 (James 4:4).

"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." - 1 John 4:4 KJV

What is the world?

"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

These three things were what the devil tempted the woman with in the Garden.

"And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat." - Genesis 3:6 KJV

The woman saw that the tree was good for food – lust of the flesh, and that it was pleasant to the eyes – lust of the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise – the pride of life. Even though that was the only tree they were not to eat of…

It was Adam and Eve’s choice to sin that brought death and separation from God. (Romans 5:12, Genesis 3:23).

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

It is the devil that is “he that is in the world.” He is “the god of this world.” He blinds the minds of those that believe not, knowing that through the gospel we can overcome the world and once again have communion with God and eternal life. By the gospel, we can have God in us.

"In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." - 2 Corinthians 4:4 KJV

What is the gospel that the devil has blinded the minds of unbelievers to?

It is the good news (the great news!!!) that God robed Himself in flesh to dwell among humanity and die in our place for our sins, that He was buried, and that on the third day He rose again. (1Corinthians 15:1-4).

It is the good news (the great news!!!) that if a person will repent of their sins, be baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission (forgiveness) of their sins, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (the Spirit of Jesus in them), they will be saved. (Matthew 16:24-26, Galatians 6:14, Romans 6:1-5, Acts 2:38).

The lusts of the flesh are temporary “pleasures.” Living for God overcoming the world has its rewards in this life and in eternal life. (Hebrews 11:24-26, John 10:10).

"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

When we are born of God by obeying the gospel (John 1:12-13, John 3:5, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 6:1-13, Acts 2:38), we have the power of God within us to overcome the world and anything the devil throws at us. (Acts 1:8).

"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

Hebrews 2:14-15

When Jesus made peace between us and Himself on the cross, Jesus also conquered the power of the devil - the power of death. “Only in this way could He set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.”

"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." - Hebrews 2:14-15 KJV

"Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; and having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it." - Colossians 2:14-15 KJV (Colossians 2:11-15).

"And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:  I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death." - Revelation 1:17-18 KJV

By the gospel - Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection - Jesus abolished death and brought us eternal life. God robed Himself in a human body, and paid the price we owe of death for our sins. (Romans 6:23). We are saved by His death, burial, and resurrection when we turn to Him in repentance to live a holy life, when we are baptized, with the name of Jesus called upon us for the remission of our sins, and when we are filled with His Spirit (speaking in tongues as His Spirit gives us the utterance).

Jesus saves us, not because we deserve it, but because this was His plan from before the beginning of time to bring grace and mercy by His manifesting Himself in flesh as our Savior.

"Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, but is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:" - 2 Timothy 1:9-10 KJV (Acts 2:38).

 

The Battleground

The battleground is not with flesh and blood; it is spiritual. Our victory begins with how we respond with our minds. We are strong soldiers of God by our belief, faith, and trust in Jesus. As long as we maintain these, we will not be defeated by unbelief, doubt, nor fear.

"Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." - Matthew 22:37 KJV

"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

"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." - Romans 8:37 KJV

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." - Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV

"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." - Hebrews 11:6 KJV

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;" - 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 KJV

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." - 2 Timothy 1:7 KJV

"Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;" - 1 Peter 1:13 KJV

"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

"That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; [instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes]." - Ephesians 4:22-23 KJV

"For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ." - 1 Corinthians 2:16 KJV

"If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." - Galatians 5:25 KJV

Facing temptation with victory

 How did Jesus face temptation with victory? He was full of the Holy Ghost.

"And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, being forty days tempted of the devil." - Luke 4:1-2 KJV

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you..." - Acts 1:8 KJV

"If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." - Galatians 5:25 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

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit...That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit...For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live." - Romans 8:1, 4, 13 KJV

"But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost," - Jude 1:20 KJV

And thou shalt teach them deligently unto thy children...

 Teaching children the Word of God, even from infancy, puts strength and communion with God in their hearts and minds.

"And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." - 2 Timothy 3:15 KJV

"And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." - Deuteronomy 6:7 KJV

"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." - Psalm 119:11 KJV

Church! TOGETHER! (my emphasis)

Just as we assemble together for church today, the disciples also assembled together in the early church.

When Peter and John responded to the healing of the lame man by preaching to the multitude that gathered, they were put in jail until the next day. They then “commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.” (Acts 4:18).

"And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord... And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word... And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were ASSEMBLED TOGETHER; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness." - Acts 4:23-24, 29, 31 KJV

King Herod killed James, the brother of John. When he saw it pleased the people, he then arrested Peter.

"Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him." - Acts 12:5 KJV

The angel of the Lord miraculously rescued Peter, leading him out to the street and then departing from him.

"And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were GATHERED TOGETHER praying." - Acts 12:12 KJV

The Lord answered the prayers of the church.

After their journeys, Paul and Barnabas finally returned to Antioch, where they had begun.  

"And when they were come, and had GATHERED THE CHURCH TOGETHER, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles." - Acts 14:27 KJV

The disciples assembled TOGETHER on the first day of the week. (“First day” of the week is Sunday.)

"And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came TOGETHER to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were GATHERED TOGETHER." - Acts 20:7-8 KJV

Let’s get TOGETHER and have church!

"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

In trials and tests - the called and chosen are faithful

 When trials and tests come our way, it is our time to prove that we really are among those God has called, chosen, and that are faithful.

Daniel’s companions, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, stood the test. (These were their Hebrew names, which gave honour to the LORD. However, while in Babylonian captivity they were renamed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, names given them to honour Babylonian gods.) 

When Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, commanded that everyone bow before the image of gold he made, these three men refused to bow.

They believed in and worshiped the one true God that we know as Jesus. They refused to bow before Nebuchadnezzar’s gold image.

"Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then they brought these men before the king. Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up?" - Daniel 3:13-14

"Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?" - Daniel 3:15

"Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.

“But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up." - Daniel 3:16-18

Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah testified to the king, that their God is able to deliver them from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver them out of the king’s hand.

They knew that God can work such miracles. But their faith was not limited to Him performing miracles for them. They were willing to die living for God. Rather than give up their faith for lack of a miracle and bow to an idol, they were willing to suffer burning in a fiery furnace.

We have been called and chosen. When trials and tests come our way, are we ready to give up our faith and go back to the world, sinning again? Or are we willing to stand for Jesus, no matter what we must go through, even if it means suffering and dying for our faith?

What happened to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah?

"Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated. And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace." - Daniel 3:19-20

Because the furnace was exceeding hot, the flame of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. (Daniel 3:22)

"Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king. He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. [God in a physical body was with the men in the fire. He is Emmanuel – God with us.]

"Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither.

"Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire. And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king's counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.

"Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.

"Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.

"Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province of Babylon." - Daniel 3:24-30

Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah stood faithful to God, testifying of His power and willing to give up their life for Him.

Jesus spared them from death and did the miraculous! The fire had no power on them. Not a hair on their head was singed, the fire didn’t touch their clothing, there wasn’t even the smell of smoke on them!

We have been called and chosen when we obeyed the gospel, our covenant with God. (Acts 2:38) Will we be faithful, even if we are faced with death?

"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

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

Image of the invisible God

"Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me." - John 12:44-45 KJV

"In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:" - Colossians 1:14-15 KJV

Our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace

"And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;" - Ephesians 6:15 KJV

There are a number of pieces to the whole armour of God. This armour is necessary for us as a believer to “stand against the wiles of the devil” and to “be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” We also need it to “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 6:11-13).

What is the gospel? How is it the gospel of peace? And what is the preparation?

According to the Bible, the gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and on the third day rose again.

"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:" - 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 KJV

According to the Bible, the gospel is preached and received. We stand in the gospel and are saved by the gospel.

The gospel is the gospel of peace because by the gospel, Jesus made peace between us and Him. By the blood He shed on the cross, Jesus reconciled us back to Himself.

"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 1:20-23 KJV

"And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" - Romans 10:15 KJV (Isaiah 52:7).

"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." - 2 Corinthians 5:19-20 KJV

What is the preparation of the gospel of peace and how are we reconciled to God?

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

“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

They ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ

 "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations" - Matthew 28:19 KJV

"And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ." - Acts 5:42 KJV

Jesus commanded His disciples to teach all nations. His disciples were faithful to follow His command. Even when they suffered persecution, they were determined to teach and preach Jesus.

When Jesus first poured out His Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, Peter preached the gospel. He then told the people what they should do.

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

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

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

They were called, chosen, and faithful. (Revelation 17:14).

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

The disciples continued to preach Jesus and through Him the resurrection from the dead. (Acts 4:2, Acts 4:10-12, 4:33, Acts 5:28). They were threatened and repeatedly put in jail. (Acts 4:3, 4:21, Acts 5:18-20, 5:33). They were commanded to not speak nor teach in the name of Jesus. (Acts 4:17,18, Acts 5:40).

"Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. 

“When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them." - Acts 5:29-33 KJV

Gamaliel spoke to the council. 

"And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go." - Acts 5:40 KJV

"And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ." - Acts 5:41-42 KJV

"Hear"

Jesus wants us to hear Him.

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

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

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

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

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

"And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given [Then he added, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given—and you will receive even more.]" - Mark 4:24

Philip heard the voice of Jesus to witness to the Ethiopian Eunuch that was traveling in the desert from Jerusalem.

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

Philip listened to Jesus and was used to bring salvation to the Eunuch, and perhaps many in Ethiopia.

"And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him." - Acts 8:38

Peter listened to the voice of Jesus.

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

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

"While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. ... And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days." - Acts 10:44, 48

Jesus tells us,

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

 

Read me

 "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge:" - Hosea 4:6 KJV

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." - 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV (Hebrews 5:12-14).