"Remember Me" and Communion

The Bible speaks of types and shadows (i.e., Romans 5:14).

When Joseph was sold into slavery, and eventually wound up in prison, Pharaoh’s Chief Butler and Chief Baker were also cast into prison.

The Butler and Baker each had a dream which God gave Joseph the interpretation.

The Butler dreamed of a vine with three branches that brought forth ripe grapes which he pressed into Pharaoh’s cup in his hand. Joseph interpreted that in three days, the Butler would be restored to his position.

Joseph then requested of the Chief Butler, “But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house: For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.”

The Baker dreamed he had three baskets of white pastries stacked on his head and that birds ate from the top basket all the special breads he had made for Pharaoh. Joseph interpreted that in three days, the Baker would be hung. (Genesis 40:1-19)

The Butler and the grapes seem to be a type and shadow of the blood and Spirit of Jesus. The Baker and his bread seem to be a type and shadow of the body of Jesus.

The body of Jesus hung on a tree and died. But in three days, His Spirit resurrected Him to life.

"And the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." - John 6:51 KJV

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

On the third day, Pharaoh restored the Chief Butler to his position, but he hung the Chief Baker, just as Joseph had interpreted their dreams. (Genesis 40:20-22).

On the third day, after His death and burial, Jesus rose again. (Luke 24:46).

The Butler, as the cup bearer, seems to be a type and shadow of the Life that is in Jesus.

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

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

Joseph had asked the Chief Butler to remember him.

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

Jesus told his disciples to remember Him when they would take the cup.

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

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

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

Before we take the cup, we are to remember our faults.

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

When we first come to God we repent. We crucify our flesh, just as the baker was hung on the tree.

When we apply the blood of Jesus in water baptism for the remission of sins and receive the Holy Ghost, we are restored to God, as the Butler was restored to his position with Pharaoh. (1Corinthians 15:22).

In communion, we examine and judge ourselves, as the Butler remembered his faults.

When we remember Christ and His death, He is loosed and elevated in our life to a position of power, salvation, and provision, as the Butler remembered Joseph, who ascended from a place of being bound, to rule all the land of Egypt, providing for and saving the world from famine.

"Repentance is U-turning from sinful ways to God’s way"

What is Repent?

Repent means, “to change one's mind for better, heartily to amend with abhorrence of one's past sins” (Thayer's Greek Lexicon). It is from the Hebrew word "shuv" which means "to turn."

We can change our mind, deciding to live right, in a moment. When we have repented, we not only have a changed mind about sin; the change can be seen in our actions.

We regret our sinful life, and tell Jesus through prayer that we are sorry for our sins.

As we praise and thank Jesus for His mercy and His love, He can fill us with His Spirit. When we totally surrender to Him, He can change our words of praise and adoration into another language, speaking through us.

This is the sign that we have given Jesus full control, putting aside our pride and trusting Him totally. Tongues is another word for languages.

"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

When we have repented, we can get baptized in Jesus name so that His blood can wash away our sins. By the name of Jesus in water baptism, we have remission of sins. We can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost before or after we are water baptized in Jesus name.

"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

When we have repented of our sins, have been baptized in Jesus name and filled with His Spirit, we have a clean slate and a new life!

Death to Sin, Life to Obedience

 "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

When we repent and are baptized in Jesus name and receive the gift of His Spirit, we belong to Jesus.

It is like we have nailed our old sinful nature to His cross, putting that old nature and sin to death. When we were baptized in Jesus name, it is like that old sinful nature was buried. When we were baptized in Jesus name, the blood Jesus shed for us washes away all our sin. When we received the gift of His Spirit, it is like we were resurrected to a new life. Jesus gives us His power to live for Him and overcome any sin that tries to come our way. Our life is a witness to others of His life changing power and what He has done for us.

"And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts." - Galatians 5:24 KJV ("Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there." - Galatians 5:24 NLT). "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." - Galatians 5:25 KJV ("Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives." - Galatians 5:25 NLT).

"But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof." - Romans 13:14 KJV ("Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don't let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires." - Romans 13:14 NLT).

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

Applying the Blood - Christ Our Passover

Saturday March 27, 2021 at sunset Passover began. In Egypt during the time of Moses when the Israelites were enslaved, they were to sacrifice a lamb and apply its blood to their house to save them from the final plague of death to the firstborn son.

"For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD." - Exodus 12:12 KJV

"And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt." - Exodus 12:13 KJV

It was not enough to simply BELIEVE the blood of the lamb would save them from death, the Israelites had to APPLY the blood of the lamb to their house.

The Bible calls Jesus our Passover Lamb. (1Corinthians 5:7) We too are saved when we APPLY the blood of Jesus to “our house” WHEN WE ARE BAPTIZED IN JESUS NAME.

It is not enough to simply BELIEVE the blood of Jesus will save us; we must APPLY His blood by baptism in Jesus name.

"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

Cleansing the temple

When Jesus made His triumphant entry into Jerusalem on the donkey, there were many people gathered in the city for Passover. (John 12:12-13).

"And the Jews' passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves." - John 11:55 KJV

“Purify” according to Thayer’s Greek Lexicon: “ceremonially: ἐμαυτόν, John 11:55 (to cleanse themselves from levitical pollution by means of prayers, abstinence, washings, sacrifices)”                 

On the very first Passover, when God delivered the children of Israel out of Egypt, He told them to remove any leaven (yeast) out of their house. (Exodus 12:15).

Leaven in the natural is yeast. Leaven in the spiritual is sin.

Matthew, Mark, and Luke next describe Jesus cleansing the temple. (Matthew 21:12–17; Mark 11:15–19; Luke 19:45–48). As God, Jesus was cleansing His house (the temple) before Passover. Next, Jesus became the Passover (Passover lamb).

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

As Christians, our ‘house’ (temple) is cleansed by Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection WHEN we repent of our sins and are baptized in Jesus name for the remission of sins. We purify our souls in obeying the truth (the gospel). (Acts 2:38, 1Peter 1:22-23, James 4:8-10).

John describes Jesus cleansing the temple earlier in Jesus’ ministry. Jesus compares the temple in Jerusalem to His body, speaking of His death and resurrection.

"And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up. Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body." - John 2:13-21 KJV 

Jesus the Chosen King

 

Jesus, our Heavenly Father, King of the Universe, robed Himself in flesh. He revealed Himself as the chosen King that would sit on the throne of David forever, as He promised to David by the prophet Nathan.

"And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever. According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David." - 2 Samuel 7:16-17.

When people called Jesus, “Son of David,” they were recognizing that Jesus is the chosen King Messiah, God manifest in flesh.

Five days before Passover, as Jesus and His disciples were nearing Jerusalem, Jesus sent two disciples to a nearby village to bring Him a donkey and her colt. The disciples put their garments on them and Jesus sat on them. As Jesus approached Jerusalem, a very large crowd took their cloaks while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road for Jesus as He entered the city. The people before Him and following Him were shouting, Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest! (Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1–11, Luke 19:28–40, John 12:12–19 ).

Hosanna is an exclamation of praise that literally means “save now.” (Or 'save, I pray', of Hebrew origin, from Psalm 118:25 - Thayer’s Greek Lexicon). This day is called “Palm Sunday” because it is recorded in John 12:13 that they "Took branches of palm trees…”

Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem was fulfillment of prophecy:

"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass." - Zechariah 9:9 KJV

Jesus triumphant entry into Jerusalem was also fulfillment of a type and shadow from the Old Testament.

Solomon, the son of David, was chosen by God to be the next king after David. (1Chronicles 28:5).

When Adonijah, another son of David, attempted to crown himself king instead of Solomon, David revealed Solomon to be the chosen king of Israel by having him ride into Jerusalem on his personal mule. By this all Israel knew Solomon was the chosen king.

This account sheds light on Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on the donkey. His entry is a revealing that Jesus is the Son of David, the chosen King Messiah. [See 1Kings 1:1-48].

Jesus is King of the Universe and Son of David, God manifest in flesh and Savior of the world. His throne and His kingdom are forever.

"The complete experience of the Gospel as in the Day of Pentecost Acts 2:38"

 Repentance is death to sin

Water baptism in Jesus name is burial of old nature.

Holy Ghost infilling is resurrection to new life

"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

"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?  Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin." - Romans 6:1-7 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, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead." - Colossians 2:11-12 KJV

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

There is only one God - Jesus is His name!

 God is a Spirit. He is holy. He is the Holy Spirit. He is our Heavenly Father. (Malachi 2:10).

Because man broke his communion with God by sin, God desired to make peace. Only a holy God could pay the price for our sins and redeem us back to Himself. God robed Himself in human flesh and died for our sins. (Colossians 1:20, 2 Corinthians 5:19).

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

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

At the time of His birth, God revealed His name that would be above every name, the name of Jesus. (Matthew 1:21). By His name Jesus, God brought salvation to all mankind, whosoever would believe on Him and follow Him by the gospel. (1Corinthians 15:1-4, Philippians 2:5-11, Acts 4:12, Mark 16:16, John 3:5, Acts 2:38, 2Thessalonians 1:8).

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

Jesus suffered and died in our place for our sins, that we might have life. Jesus was buried, but on the third day He rose again. Forty days later, Jesus ascended to heaven. (1Corinthians 15:1-4).

Jesus commissioned His disciples to preach this gospel and how to follow Jesus.

On the Day of Pentecost, Jesus began pouring out His Spirit on His disciples.

"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 eleven apostles stood with Peter while he preached the gospel to all those that had gathered. At the conclusion of his message, Peter answered their question,

"Men and brethren, what shall we do?" - Acts 2:37 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

Pride goes before destruction

 "The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate." - Proverbs 8:13 KJV

"Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." - Proverbs 16:18 KJV

"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. 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. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." - 1 John 2:15-17 KJV

And upon the "first day" of the week - Let's have church!

In the Bible, what took place on the “first day” of the week?

The first mention of the “first day” is when God commanded the light to shine out of darkness. (2Corinthians 4:6). This was on the “first day” of the very first week.

"And God said, Let there be light: and there was light... And the evening and the morning were the first day." - Genesis 1:3, 5 KJV

In the New Testament, the first mention of the “first day” of the week is the day of Jesus’ resurrection.

"In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre." - Matthew 28:1 KJV

"Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils." - Mark 16:9 KJV

Next, the “first day” of the week is mentioned after Jesus’ resurrection when the disciples were assembled and Jesus appeared to them.

"Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you." - John 20:19 KJV

It was on this day, the “first day” of the week, that Jesus gave His disciples the ‘Great Commission,’ as recorded by John. (John 20:21-23).

Next, is when the believers were gathered together and Paul preached to them.

"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." - Acts 20:7 KJV

Next, it was on the “first day” of the week that the church in Corinth was to bring an offering for the saints in Jerusalem (NLT), according to Paul’s instruction.

"Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come." - 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 KJV (Another translation: “On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once.”).

In Revelation, John spoke of being in the Spirit on “the Lord’s day.” The Lord’s day sounds to be the “first day” of the week, the way Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes it. (As Christ’s resurrection was on the “first day” of the week.)

"I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet," - Revelation 1:10 KJV [“the day devoted to the Lord, sacred to the memory of Christ's resurrection, Revelation 1:10” - Thayer’s Greek Lexicon.] Another translation: “It was the Lord’s Day, and I was worshiping in the Spirit...”

The Jews know the “first day” of the week as, “Yom Rishon.” We know the “first day” of the week as Sunday.

Let’s have church!

Forgiveness

"Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:" - Hebrews 12:14

God made peace with us. 

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

"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them [no longer counting people’s sins against them]..." - 2 Corinthians 5:19 

God forgave us. Now it is our turn to forgive. (Matthew 5:9, Luke 6:36).

What if we do not forgive?

A servant owed a king ten thousand talents, but was unable to pay the debt. The king commanded that his family and possessions be sold to pay the debt. The servant begged for mercy.

"Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. 

“But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest." - Matthew 18:27-28 

The fellowservant begged for patience, promising he would pay. Yet the servant had no mercy, casting him into prison.

"Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. 

Because the servant had no mercy, the debt that he had been forgiven was put back on him.

Jesus said,

“So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses." - Matthew 18:33-35

We are the servant that had a debt we could not pay. Our Lord and King Jesus forgave us of our debt of sin. It is now our turn to forgive our fellow servants, and to follow peace with all.  

Repentance -- Death To Sin, Life To Obedience

"Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness." - Romans 6:16-18 KJV

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

"And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts [the passions and desires of their sinful nature]." - Galatians 5:24 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

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

"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 8:13 KJV

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

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

The Truth shall make you free

 

"Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." - John 8:31-32 KJV

What is the truth that makes us free? And what are we made free from?

We are made free from sin.

"But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness." - Romans 6:17-18 KJV

The truth that makes us free from sin is the gospel of Jesus. He is the way, the truth, and the life. We are made free when we believe and obey the gospel, “that from of doctrine which was delivered you.”

"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

The gospel is that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day. (1Corinthians 15:1-4). We repent of our sins, are baptized in Jesus name for the remission of sins, and receive His holy Spirit of promise, the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38).

"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

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

The Church was purchased with God's own blood.

"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." - Acts 20:28 KJV

How could the Spirit of God have blood?

God robed Himself in flesh so He could make the ultimate atonement for our souls. (1Timothy 3:16, 2Corinthians 5:19).

"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

Blood was necessary to free the offender from charge. (Atonement)

"For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul." - Leviticus 17:11 KJV

"And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission." - Hebrews 9:22 KJV

Remission of sins is forgiveness, pardon, of sins (the letting them go, as if they had not been committed) remission of their penalty – Thayer’s Greek Lexicon

"For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." - Matthew 26:28 KJV

Jesus brought a new covenant by His death, burial, and resurrection. This new covenant supplied the blood that would remit sins once and for all.

"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 9:12 KJV

God’s blood obtained eternal redemption for all of us – “all nations.”

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

On the day of Pentecost, the church began. The Gospel message proclaims remission of sins when we repent and are baptized in Jesus name, with the promise of the gift of the Holy Ghost because we have turned from sin to live for God. For he has purchased us with His own blood.

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

What is John 3:16 and what is the REST of the story?

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." - John 3:16 KJV

Many people use this verse as their doctrine for salvation. They say, ‘If you believe in Jesus, you will not perish but have everlasting life. Simply believe.’

What a lot of people do not realize, Jesus is speaking here to Nicodemus. Jesus had already told him, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3).

Just a few verses before John 3:16 Jesus further told Nicodemus "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." - John 3:5 KJV

We are born of water when we are baptized with water in Jesus name. We are born of the Spirit when we are baptized with the Spirit.

Jesus said we need to believe AND be baptized to be saved.

"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." - Mark 16:16 KJV

On the Day of Pentecost when the church began, Peter preached how to be born of water and of the Spirit.

"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. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." - Acts 2:41-42 KJV

Have you received the Holy Ghost?

 

Jesus said,

"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 said,

"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 said,

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

*The above lesson and below photo is from Exploring God's Word Bible Study

It's Sunday - Happy Church Day!

It’s Sunday!

We’re Blessed

Prayed Up

Full of Praise

Ready to Worship

Lord, We Love You

Happy Church Day!

So is every one that is born of the Spirit

When Jesus explained to Nicodemus about the kingdom of God and being born of water and of the Spirit, Jesus compared being born of the Spirit to the wind.

"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

Jesus explained by comparison, that you cannot tell when the Spirit comes or where it goes, except by the sound you hear.  

On the day of Pentecost, we see what Jesus was talking about to Nicodemus. This was the first time that God poured out His Spirit, the Holy Ghost.

"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 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

Apparently, the sound of those in the upper room all speaking in tongues sounded like the wind. It does not say there was a wind; it says there came a SOUND FROM HEAVEN AS of a rushing mighty wind.

Just as Jesus said, they could not tell when the Spirit came or where it went, but they heard the sound of the Spirit – they were all speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

As Jesus said, “So is every one that is born of the Spirit.”

Acts 2:38

 "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

What can wash away our sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus

 

Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sins.

This principle was established in the Old Testament:

"For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul." - Leviticus 17:11 KJV

"And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission." - Hebrews 9:22 KJV   

For a time, God accepted animal sacrifices.

"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

Only Holy God revealed in a body of sinless flesh could provide a sacrifice to take away our sins. (Hebrews 10:10, Hebrews 4:15, Hebrews 9:28, 1Peter 2:22, 1John 3:5).

"For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." - 1 Corinthians 15:21-22 KJV

"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them..." - 2 Corinthians 5:19 KJV

The blood of Jesus for atonement and remission of sins is applied through His name in water baptism.

He supplied it. We must apply it.

"For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." - Matthew 26:28 KJV

"To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins." - Acts 10:43 KJV

["He is the one all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name."" - Acts 10:43 NLT]

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

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

Compare the Difference!

"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

Walking in the Spirit

We have repented of our sins. We have been baptized in Jesus name for the remission of our sins. We have received the gift of the Holy Ghost. Now what?

"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid… we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." - Romans 6:1-4 KJV

How do we “walk in newness of life”?

We have received new life in Jesus when we received the gift of His Spirit. Now we need to walk in His Spirit. (2 Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 4:22-24, Ephesians 5:8, Colossians 3:10, 1 John 2:6).

"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 full of the Holy Ghost, we receive God’s power to overcome sin in our life and become a witness of our new life in Jesus.

"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 (Luke 24:49).

"If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." - Galatians 5:25 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 (Revelation 17:14).

Acts 2:38 Dissected (photo)

 

Church!

Get refueled with the anointed preaching of the Word of God. Get refilled with the Holy Ghost. Worship the Lord in Spirit and in Truth.

"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

"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

"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." - John 4:23

"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

"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

Building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost

The Bible says,

"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

The Bible then says,

"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." - Ephesians 6:13 KJV

Our defense against the “fiery darts of the wicked” is “the shield of faith.”

"Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." - Ephesians 6:16 KJV

How do we get this “shield of faith”?

We get the shield of faith to quench the fiery darts of the wicked by praying in the Holy Ghost.

The Bible says,

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

Two verses after “taking the shield of faith,” the Bible also says,

"And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit…" - Ephesians 6:17-18 KJV

How do we pray in the Spirit / pray in the Holy Ghost?

We pray in the Spirit, pray in the Holy Ghost the same way we received the Holy Ghost: we pray speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance.

"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 (Acts 10:45-46, Acts 19:6, 1Corinthians 14:18).

If you are feeling attacked by the fiery darts of the wicked, take a moment out and pray in the Holy Ghost. You will find joy and peace that passeth understanding.

"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus [Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus]." - Philippians 4:7 KJV

Cast All Your Care Upon Him, For He Careth For You

Jesus cares about you. Trust Him and love Him. He wants the best for you. Listen to His voice and He will lead and guide you. Cast your cares on Him and He will help you. Draw near to Him, and He will draw near to you.

"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." - 1 Peter 5:6-7 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

"And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might." - Deuteronomy 6:5 KJV

"Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him." - Psalm 91:14-15 KJV

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28 KJV

"He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake." - Psalm 23:3 KJV

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you..." - James 4:7-8 KJV

"Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day." - Psalm 25:5 KJV

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

All things

God gave Joseph dreams. (Genesis 37:7-10).  In his dreams, his brothers bowed down to him. When he told his brothers the dreams, they hated him. They conspired to kill him, and threw Joseph into a pit. Then, instead of killing him, they sold him as a slave to Midianite merchantmen that were passing by. Joseph was taken to Egypt and sold to Potiphar, Pharaoh's captain of the guard.

Potiphar saw the Lord was with Joseph, so Potiphar made him in charge of everything he had. The Lord then blessed Potiphar.

One day, Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce Joseph. He refused her. Not willing to break his trust with Potiphar, he told her he could not do such great wickedness and sin against God. (Genesis 39:9).

At the end, she accosted him, he fled, and she falsely accused him with false evidence.

Potiphar believed her lies, and put Joseph in prison. (Genesis 39:7-20).

The Lord was with Joseph, and again he had favor. The keeper of the prison put him in charge of all the prisoners. (Genesis 39:21-22).

While he was there, Pharaoh’s chief butler and baker that were put in prison had dreams, which God gave Joseph the interpretation. When the chief butler was going to be released, Joseph asked him to tell Pharaoh of his false accusation. Two years later, the chief butler remembered Joseph.

The Pharaoh also had a dream. He brought Joseph out of prison to interpret it. God, once again, gave Joseph the interpretation. Pharaoh saw that God was with Joseph, and put him in charge of all of Egypt.

When a famine came to the land, Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt to buy bread. Just as Joseph dreamed, his brothers bowed down to him, not recognizing him. When Joseph finally revealed himself to them, they were terrified.

Joseph told them, God has sent me ahead of you to keep you and your families alive.

"So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt...Moreover he kissed all his brethren, and wept upon them: and after that his brethren talked with him." - Genesis 45:8, 15 KJV

There is only One God - His name is Jesus

 Jesus answered Philip,

"He that hath seen me hath seen the Father… 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

Jesus is the name of the Father.

"I am come in my Father's name…" - John 5:43 KJV

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

"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself…" - 2 Corinthians 5:19 KJV

Our Father robed Himself in flesh, born a baby without sin, to be the sacrifice for our sins.

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

When we repent of our sins, and we are baptized in His name Jesus for the remission of our sins, Jesus promises the gift of His Spirit. (Acts 2:38).

Jesus explained to His disciples, He had been with them, but would be in them. He would soon fill them with His Spirit.

"I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." - John 14:18 KJV

After the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, and after He ascended up to heaven, He kept His promise. Jesus filled His disciples with His Spirit on the Day of Pentecost.

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

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

Jesus keeps His promise.

"Baptism is Faith in Action"

 "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." - Mark 16:16 KJV

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

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

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

What is the gospel and how are we saved by the gospel?

 

The first four books of the New Testament are called the gospels. They are called the gospels because each one gives an account of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

We hear the preaching of the gospel, we believe the gospel, we obey the gospel, we are saved by the gospel.

"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

How do we obey the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus?

Simply stated,

"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

We become dead to sin by crucifying our old sinful nature by repentance.  Our old sinful nature is buried in water baptism in Jesus name.  We are resurrected with a new holy nature when we are filled with the Spirit of Jesus, which is the Holy Ghost.

"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?  Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

"Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life...

"Knowing this, that our old man [old sinful nature] is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin...

"Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord." - Romans 6:1-4, 6, 11

It is not enough that we simply believe the gospel, we must obey the gospel. (2Thessalonians 1:8). We cannot continue in sin and make it to heaven. (Romans 6:1-2).

It is not enough that we repent of our sins, we need to bury our sins in water baptism in Jesus name.  This is our covenant with Jesus. This is where His blood He shed is applied to our life to wash away our sins. (Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16).

It is not enough that we repent and are baptized, we need to be filled with His Spirit. Then, we are not controlled by our sinful nature, but are controlled by His Spirit. Without His Spirit, we do not belong to Jesus. (Romans 8:9). The Holy Ghost gives us power over sin making us a witness of our new life in Jesus. His Spirit will resurrect us when Jesus returns for His church. 

"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