The Eyes - I will set no wicked thing before my eyes

The Eyes

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

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

Yet some of the things we see that impact us are from what we call "entertainment." Some images, often with dramatic music, instill fear. Some are disturbing images; others are violent images. Others sexual and lustful. Other images are of immoral, abominable acts.

Seeing images repeatedly can begin a programming process to cause moral values to deteriorate into immoral values. Images can gradually make the unacceptable to become acceptable "in our eyes" and then in our minds.

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

"I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me." - Psalm 101:3 KJV [I will not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it. NIV]

"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 2:16-17 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

"Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you," - 2 Corinthians 6:17 KJV

Praying in the Holy Ghost - quenching the fiery darts of the wicked

Jesus said we would receive power when we are filled with His Spirit, the Holy Ghost. (Luke 24:49).

"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

"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

This power we receive gives us power over sin so that we can be witnesses of a changed life. It is also power to be bold to testify of the gospel. (Acts 4:31, Ephesians 6:18-19). And, the Holy Ghost gives us power to withstand spiritual attacks and trials in our life.

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

Jesus gives us power through His Spirit to deal with what comes against us.

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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. 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 6:10-13 KJV

We build up our faith praying in the Holy Ghost.

"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

And again, "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit [Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion], and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;" - Ephesians 6:18 KJV

What can come our way that we need to pray in the Holy Ghost to shield us? Doubt, fear, discouragement, depression, oppression. Praying in the Holy Ghost will displace doubt and fear with faith. Praying in the Holy Ghost will displace discouragement, depression, and oppression with the joy of the Lord, peace, and victory in Jesus.

You shall know the truth, and 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

We are made free from sin by the truth.

"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." - Romans 6:17 KJV

What is the truth that makes us free from sin?

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." - John 14:6 KJV (2Corinthians 5:19).

By the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, we are made free from sin. This is the gospel. (1Corinthians 15:1-4). Through His name “JESUS” His blood is applied to our life by water baptism in the name of Jesus (Acts 10:43, Acts 4:12, Acts 2:38).

"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

"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

We receive the Spirit of promise (the Holy Ghost) when we 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

"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

"Whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:" - Colossians 1:5-6 KJV

"Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures." - James 1:18 KJV

 

They were pricked in their heart and said, What shall we do?

Peter preached the Gospel on the Day of Pentecost.

"Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?" - Acts 2:37

"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

As Ananias said to Paul,

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

When Peter preached Acts 2:38, they did not tarry - they were baptized that same day!

"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

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

Why does the devil, the enemy of our souls, want to keep us from obeying the gospel?

Why does the devil, the enemy of our souls, want to keep us from obeying the gospel?

Because when we obey the gospel, we have forgiveness of sins. The devil no longer has the power of death over us.

"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

By Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, the gospel, Jesus destroyed the devil and his power of death. (2Tim.1:10, Eph.1:13-14, Rom.1:16).

How do we obey the gospel? By faith in Jesus we repent, becoming dead to sin. We are buried in water baptism in Jesus name for the remission of sins. We receive the gift of God’s Spirit, the Holy Ghost, to live a new, holy life. (1Cor.15:1-4, Rom.6:1-4, Heb.4:2, 1Pet.4:17, 2Th.1:3-12).

"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 KJV

When we obey the gospel, we are justified [made righteous in God’s eyes] by the name and blood of Jesus. We are sanctified [made holy, separated unto God] by His Spirit, the Holy Ghost. We are redeemed [set free from wrath by Jesus paying the price] by His blood. Our sins are forgiven. (1Cor.6:11, Eph.1:7, Col.1:14).

"But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 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 4:3-4 KJV

"To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness [the wrath of God] to light [the mercy of God], and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified [made holy, separated unto God] by faith that is in me." - Acts 26:18 KJV

After we have obeyed the gospel, the devil can no longer accuse us of the sins we have repented of - they have all been washed away by the blood of Jesus. (Rom.1:16, Rev.12:10, Rev.1:5).

 

Exploring God's Word Bible Study Chart with Verses - "The Birth of the Church"

 Verses from Exploring God’s Word Bible Study – "The Birth of the Church":

And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost

"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:1-4 KJV

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

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." - Acts 1:8 KJV

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

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." - Acts 1:8 KJV

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

"Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:" - Jeremiah 31:31 KJV

"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

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

The rest and refreshing for our souls

In this weary world of trials, temptation, stress, and crises, Jesus offers us the promise of rest for our souls through His Spirit.

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

We come to Jesus when we turn from the world of sin by repentance. We take His yoke upon us when we enter into covenant with Him by water baptism by immersion in JESUS name. We find rest for our souls when we receive the gift of His Spirit, the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is the Spirit of Jesus in us.

When the disciples received God’s Spirit on the day of Pentecost, they spoke with tongues.

"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

The prophet Isaiah foretold of the pouring out of God’s Spirit.  He described it as the rest for the weary. We would speak in tongues as God speaks through us when we receive God's rest. God's Spirit, which is the Holy Ghost, is rest and refreshing for our souls.

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

The rest and refreshing of the Holy Ghost is for everyone, for Jesus is calling all to come to Him.

"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;" - Acts 3:19

"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

There is a promise to receive from Jesus - the rest and refreshing for our souls.

For us today...

 

Apostle Paul wrote to the church,

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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.

“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.

“Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

“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, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;" - Ephesians 6:10-18 KJV

Today, May 23, 2021 is Pentecost Sunday!

"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

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

"And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? ...we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?  Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

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

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

"Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: 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...

"Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

"Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

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

"And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved."

- Acts 2:1-8, 11-18, 22-24, 36-42, 47 KJV

 

And began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance

On the Day of Pentecost, Jesus poured out His promised Spirit on all those gathered in the upper room in Jerusalem.

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

Because it was Pentecost [Sukkot], there were Jews from all over the world celebrating this holy day.

"And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven." - Acts 2:5 KJV

It is only because God chose this holy day in which Jews from all over the world were present, that they realized this was the miraculous power of God. Otherwise, this great event of the outpouring of His Spirit would have been dismissed as nothing but a group of drunken Galilaeans.

"Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? ...we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?  Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine." - Acts 2:6-8, 11-13 KJV

"But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them...these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh…" - Acts 2:14-18 KJV

In what language was the Gospel preached on the day of Pentecost?

The Jews that were gathered in Jerusalem that day not only knew their native language from the country they were from, but as religious Jews, they also knew the Hebrew language. As members of the Roman Empire, they probably knew Greek and Latin as well, as these seem to have been the universal languages at that time.

Because all those that were gathered were religious Jews, it is most likely he was preaching in the Hebrew language.

The gospel message on the day of Pentecost was preached by Peter, not by the hundred and twenty speaking in tongues. The Bible clearly records the preaching that day, and it was by Peter. (Acts 2:14-40)

“But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:” – Acts 2:14 KJV

To be continued…

The New Marriage Covenant - The Bride of Christ

On the very first Pentecost (Shavuot/Festival of Weeks), God made a covenant of the Law between God and the Jewish people. It was a marriage covenant. God became their husband. (Exodus 19:5-8, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Jeremiah 3:14, Isaiah 54:5).

The Apostle Paul explained how God made a way of escape for His people the Jews out of their binding covenant of the Law, which brought death. (Romans 8:2).

"Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband." - Romans 7:1-2 KJV

The way that God would release His people from the binding covenant of the Law was for Him to die. But how could God die?? God robed Himself in flesh, born of a woman, and died on the cross. God released His people from their marriage covenant with Him by His death, burial, and resurrection.

Paul explained,

“So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man." - Romans 7:1-3 KJV

Jesus, God manifest in flesh, came to die for His wife. (Acts 20:28, Ephesians 5:25-27, 31-32).

The Jewish people become God’s new wife through His new covenant, which also began on the Day of Pentecost. (Shavuot). God released the Jewish people from the Law so they could enter into His new covenant by repentance, baptism in Jesus name for the remission of sins, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38-39, John 3:29-30, 2Corinthians 11:2).

"Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God." - Romans 7:4 KJV

The Jewish people became free to enter the New Covenant of grace by marriage to their very own husband that now brought them grace, Jesus Christ - God manifest in the flesh - that rose from the dead. (John 1:17)

Pentecost - I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts

 

The day of Pentecost was the beginning of the New Covenant, God's Covenant of Grace.

In the Old Testament, the day of Pentecost (“Shavuot”) was the beginning of the Old Covenant, when the Jewish people accepted God’s Law at Mount Sinai.

The Prophet Jeremiah prophesied of God's New Covenant.

"Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: but this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel;

“After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more." - Jeremiah 31:31-34 KJV

In God’s Old Covenant, His Law was written on tables of stone. (The ten commandments being a summary of the 613 commandments of the Law). In God’s New Covenant, God's Law would be written in the heart of His people. And, in His New Covenant, God would remit the sins of His people. (Acts 2:38, Hebrews 10:1-10).

Amazingly, the New Covenant that Jeremiah prophesied of began on the Day of Pentecost, the same day that the Old Covenant of the Law began at Mount Sinai. With the outpouring of God’s Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, God wrote His Law on the hearts of His followers. (Acts 2:1-4).

The Day of Pentecost - A Sound From Heaven

 The Day of Pentecost

"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place." - Acts 2:1 KJV

It is estimated that the Day of Pentecost was ten days after Jesus ascended up into heaven. Following the command of Jesus, the disciples (about a hundred twenty of them) were assembled in an upper room praying together. (Acts 1:15).

"These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren." - Acts 1:14 KJV

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

There came a SOUND FROM HEAVEN and it was AS a rushing mighty wind. The SOUND filled all the house.

Jesus foretold there would be a sound when a person is born of the Spirit. Jesus compared being born of the Spirit to the wind. You cannot tell where the Spirit comes from, or where it is going, but you can hear the sound. (The Greek word for Spirit is the same Greek word for 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

On the day of Pentecost when Jesus first poured out His Spirit, we find that the sound He is talking about is speaking in tongues. The sound of speaking in tongues filled all the house where the approximately one hundred and twenty disciples were praying.

"And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them." - Acts 2:3 KJV

Just as John the Baptist preached, "He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:" - Matthew 3:11 KJV

"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

To be continued…

Pentecost Sunday - The Promise of the Father

 

On Sunday, May 23, 2021, Christians will be celebrating Pentecost Sunday. Pentecost Sunday celebrates the first outpouring of the Holy Ghost.

Jesus spoke to His disciples before He ascended up into heaven.

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

Joel prophesied of the promise of the Father.

"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh…" - Joel 2:28 KJV

Jesus had explained to His disciples that His Spirit would dwell in them.

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

"Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." - John 14:17-18 KJV

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. 

"And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight." - Acts 1:8-9 KJV

"Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.

"And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. 

"These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren." - Acts 1:12-14 KJV

There were about an hundred and twenty disciples all together. (Acts 1:15).

Pentecost and Shavuot - the Feast of Weeks

Shavuot means “weeks.” It celebrates the seven weeks after the second day of Passover. It begins on the fiftieth day (the next day after the seven weeks following the second day of Passover.) It is celebrated on the anniversary of the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. It is also the celebration of the first fruits of the wheat harvest.

As Christians, we celebrate Pentecost. Pentecost is from a Greek word meaning “fiftieth.” It is the seventh Sunday after Easter.

Shavuot, also called the ‘feast of weeks,’ is one of the three times in a year that all Jewish males were to appear before the Lord at the temple in Jerusalem, bringing an offering.

"Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty:" - Deuteronomy 16:16 KJV

Shavuot is a 2-day holiday which began at sundown Sunday May 16, 2021 and ends Tuesday night. In Israel, it is a 1-day holiday.

The giving of the Law on Mount Sinai is compared by Jewish sages to a wedding between God and the Jewish people. Shavuot also means “oaths.”

"And Moses went up unto God, and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel; Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself. Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel." - Exodus 19:3- KJV

As a bride says, ‘I do,’ the people answered together ‘we will do.’

"And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the LORD commanded him. And all the people answered together, and said, All that the LORD hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the LORD." - Exodus 19:7-8 KJV

The Temple of God (Part Seven) - We are the Temple of God

Just as the Tabernacle in the wilderness, the Temple in Jerusalem, and the Body (Temple) of Jesus were all called by the name of the Lord, we too as the Temple of God are called by the name of the Lord.

We received His name, JESUS, when we obeyed the gospel and were baptized in water in the name of Jesus.

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

This is how we are called by His name.

"That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things." - Acts 15:17 KJV

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

Just as the Tabernacle, the Temple, and the Body of Christ were all filled with the glory of God, we too when we receive the Holy Ghost are filled with the glory of God.

"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

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

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?" - 1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV

Just as there was fire with the Tabernacle with the pillar of fire at night, fire consuming the sacrifices in the Temple, and Christ baptizing with the Holy Ghost and fire, we receive the Holy Ghost and fire.

"He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:" - Matthew 3:11 KJV

"And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:3-4 KJV

The Temple of God (Part Six) The Church - the Body of Christ

God desires to dwell among His people. This time, He would dwell among them in a more intimate way. God’s Spirit that had been with them in the body of Christ, would be in them.

"Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you." - John 14:17 KJV

Because of God’s sacrifice of His temple of flesh, we can become a temple of God’s Spirit. (2Corinthians 5:19-21) When we repent, and are baptized in Jesus name for the remission of our sins, we can receive the gift of His Spirit in us. (Acts 2:38-39). We then become the temple of God.

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

Just as sacrifice was of essential purpose of the tabernacle in the wilderness, the temple in Jerusalem, and Christ, sacrifice is also essential for us. While Christ sacrificed and died for our sins, we are to be a living sacrifice.

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service [for all He has done for you. This is truly the way to worship Him.]

"And be not conformed to this world [copy the behavior and customs of this world]: but be ye transformed [into a new person] by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove [learn to know] what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God [for you]." - Romans 12:1-2 KJV

To be continued…

The Temple of God (Part Five) God was made flesh

 While God fulfilled His desire to dwell among His people by dwelling in the tabernacle in the wilderness and by dwelling in the temple in Jerusalem, God took a greater step and actually became a human being to dwell among His people.

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

The glory that filled the tabernacle in the wilderness and the temple in Jerusalem, also filled Christ.

While the tabernacle in the wilderness and the temple in Jerusalem were both places of sacrifice, the temple of Christ BECAME the sacrifice. (2 Corinthians 5:19).

The sacrifice of Jesus was supreme, complete, and final. His sacrifice was made so that whosoever would take up their cross and follow Him by obeying the gospel would be saved. (Acts 2:38, John 3:5).

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

"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

The temple in Jerusalem was called by the name of the LORD. (1 Kings 8:43). Jesus, the temple of God, is called by the name of the LORD. Jesus is the Son of David. (Matthew 21:9).

Nathan prophesied to King David:

"And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever...thy throne shall be established for ever." - 2 Samuel 7:12-13, 16 KJV (Luke 1:31-35, Hebrews 3:1-6).

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

To be continued…

The Temple of God (Part Four) The Body of Christ

Jesus revealed His deity to the Jews by speaking of His body being the temple of God.

"For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." - Colossians 2:9 KJV

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

Jesus was prophesying that when He was crucified (“Destroy this temple”), on the third day, He would raise His body from the grave by the Spirit of God within Him.

"Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again." - John 10:17-18 KJV (Acts 2:24, 32, Acts 3:15).

"But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you." - Romans 8:11 KJV

Just as the glory of God filled the tabernacle in the wilderness, and then filled the temple Solomon built, Jesus is filled with the glory of God.

The glory of the Father, speaking of the Holy Ghost, is in Christ.

"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." - Romans 6:4 KJV

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." - John 1:1, 14 KJV (John 14:7-10, 2Corinthians 5:19).

"And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:" - John 17:22 KJV (John 20:22, John 14:20, 1John 3:24).

The Temple of God (Part Three) - Solomon's Temple - Glory and Fire

King Solomon brought the ark of the covenant into the temple of God. There were sacrifices that could not be numbered there was so many. The singers wearing white linen played cymbals, psalteries and harps, and with them a hundred and twenty priests sounding trumpets all in one accord praising and thanking the LORD. (2Chronicles 5:2, 6, 11-14).

When they said, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever, the house of the LORD was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not continue to minister, for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God.

"And the king turned his face, and blessed the whole congregation of Israel: and all the congregation of Israel stood." - 2 Chronicles 6:3 KJV

Solomon had placed a platform at the center of the Temple’s outer courtyard. He stood on it then knelt in front of all the congregation of Israel, and lifted his hands toward heaven. (2Chronicles 6:12-13).

Solomon prayed many things…

"Moreover concerning the stranger, which is not of thy people Israel, but is come from a far country for thy great name's sake, and thy mighty hand, and thy stretched out arm; if they come and pray in this house; then hear thou from the heavens, even from thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for; that all people of the earth may know thy name, and fear thee, as doth thy people Israel, and may know that this house which I have built is called by thy name." - 2 Chronicles 6:32-33 KJV

At the end, God’s mercy was again declared.

"O LORD God, turn not away the face of thine anointed: remember the mercies of David thy servant." - 2 Chronicles 6:42 KJV

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

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

The Temple of God (Part Two)

 David desired to build God a house.

"Now it came to pass, as David sat in his house, that David said to Nathan the prophet, Lo, I dwell in an house of cedars, but the ark of the covenant of the LORD remaineth under curtains." - 1 Chronicles 17:1 KJV

"And David said to Solomon, My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God:" - 1 Chronicles 22:7 KJV

"But God said unto me, Thou shalt not build an house for my name, because thou hast been a man of war, and hast shed blood." - 1 Chronicles 28:3 KJV

"And David said, Solomon my son is young and tender, and the house that is to be builded for the LORD must be exceeding magnifical, of fame and of glory throughout all countries: I will therefore now make preparation for it. So David prepared abundantly before his death." - 1 Chronicles 22:5 KJV

"And it came to pass in the four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon's reign over Israel, in the month Zif, which is the second month, that he began to build the house of the LORD." - 1 Kings 6:1 KJV

The temple that Solomon built would be a place of sacrifice. It would be a place where God's presence dwelt. It would be a place of prayer. It was a house called by the name of the LORD. (1 Kings 8:43).

"Thus all the work that Solomon made for the house of the LORD was finished: and Solomon brought in all the things that David his father had dedicated; and the silver, and the gold, and all the instruments, put he among the treasures of the house of God." - 2 Chronicles 5:1 KJV

To be continued…

The Temple of God (Part One)

 The Temple of God

When God made a covenant with His people at Mount Sinai, it was God's desire to dwell among them. The first temple that God dwelt in was actually a tent, just as His people were dwelling in tents as they traveled through the desert. (Exodus 25:8, 2 Samuel 7:6, 2 Samuel 7:6).

God gave Moses explicit instructions on how to build the tabernacle.  It would be a place of sacrifice.  It would be a place where God's presence would dwell. The glory cloud above the tabernacle would lead the people as they traveled through the desert. (Exodus 40:33-38).

"And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them." - Exodus 25:8 KJV

"Whereas I have not dwelt in any house since the time that I brought up the children of Israel out of Egypt, even to this day, but have walked in a tent and in a tabernacle." - 2 Samuel 7:6 KJV

"And he reared up the court round about the tabernacle and the altar, and set up the hanging of the court gate. So Moses finished the work. Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle." - Exodus 40:33-35 KJV

"And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys: But if the cloud were not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up. For the cloud of the LORD was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys." - Exodus 40:36-38 KJV

To be continued…

In Honor of Mother's Day

 A Woman of Valor – A Virtuous Woman - Proverbs 31:10-31

"Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

“The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

“She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

“She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

“She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

“Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

“She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

“Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

“Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates." - Proverbs 31:10-31 KJV

The Love of God - Two Trees

Some people ask, why did God put a tree in the garden of Eden that if they chose to eat it, would bring death to Adam and Eve?

"And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." - Genesis 2:16-17 KJV

Love isn’t love without free choice.

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

And what is death? God said they would surely die if they ate of the tree.

Spiritual death, which comes by sin, is separation from God.

"Wherefore, as by one man [Adam] sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:" - Romans 5:12 KJV

"But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear." - Isaiah 59:2 KJV (Colossians 1:20-23).

Yet, God loves us. He robed Himself in flesh so that He could pay the price of our sins and reconcile us back to Himself.

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

Those that choose to love God will obey the gospel and have eternal life with Him.

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

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." - Romans 6:23 KJV

This is why those that were baptized in Jesus name and filled with His Spirit were said to have ‘fallen asleep,' not died.

"And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep." - Acts 7:59-60 KJV

And this is why Jesus said,

"I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." - John 10:10 KJV

Keeping our Peace with God by Forgiving

 

We have peace with God because he forgave us our huge debt of sins that we could never pay. If we want to keep our peace with God, we must forgive others.

Matthew 18:23-35 KJV:

Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.

And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

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. And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.

So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.

Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: 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.

So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

Baptized into Christ

How are we baptized into Christ?

We are sorrowful for our past sins, and turn our back on sinful living.

"But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof [to indulge in evil desires]." - Romans 13:14 KJV (Romans 8:1-14).

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

We are baptized into Christ when we are baptized in water and in the Spirit. (John 3:5, Acts 2:38, Romans 13:14). We are baptized in water in the name of “JESUS,” and in the Spirit when we receive the Holy Ghost, speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives us the utterance.  (Acts 2:4, Acts 10:44-48, Acts 19:4-60).

"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

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." - 2 Corinthians 5:17 (Also: Ephesians 4:24, Colossians 3:10).

We are baptized in the Spirit so that we may have the power of Jesus in us to overcome sin. (Acts 1:8).

"And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." - Galatians 5:24-25 KJV

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

Casting all your anxiety upon Him

God, the Creator of the Universe, neither slumbers nor sleeps. Heaven is His throne, and the earth is His footstool. He knows when a sparrow falls to the ground, He knows the number of hairs on our head, and He knows our thoughts. (Psalm 121:4, Act 7:49, Matthew 10:29, Luke 12:7, Matthew 9:4).

There is nothing too hard for the Lord. He doesn’t want us to be worried or have anxiety about anything. He wants us to not only take the big things to Him in prayer, but every little thing as well. Through His Spirit, Jesus gives our hearts and minds peace that is beyond comprehension. He wants us to give all our worries and cares to Him, for He cares about us. (Jeremiah 32:17, Act 7:49, Philippians 4:6-7, 1 Peter 5:7).

"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 [Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. NLT]

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

"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;" - Acts 3:19 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

"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." - 1 Peter 5:7 KJV [Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. NLT)

Repentance and Baptism in the Name of Jesus

 Repentance is absolutely essential and necessary to be saved.

Yet, repentance is not salvation in itself. Repentance is the door to 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." - Acts 2:38 KJV

We cannot say of a person that repents at the altar that their sins are forgiven because they have repented. It is only by water baptism in Jesus name that sins are forgiven when they first come to God.

Thayer's Greek Lexicon’s definition of the word "remission" (Strong’s G859) is "forgiveness, pardon, of sins (properly, the letting them go, as if they had not been committed…), remission of their penalty…”

The blood of Jesus which is applied through the name of Jesus remits sins in water baptism. (Matthew 26:28, Hebrews 9:22, Acts 2:38).

"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]

"I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake." - 1 John 2:12 KJV ["I am writing to you who are God's children because your sins have been forgiven through Jesus [‘Greek through his name’]." - 1 John 2:12 NLT]

"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 are you waiting for? Get up and be baptized. Have your sins washed away by calling on the name of the Lord.'" - Acts 22:16 NLT]

Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you

 

Church! The body of Christ TOGETHER to worship the Lord in one accord

We are the body of Christ.

"For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ." - 1 Corinthians 12:12 KJV

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

As one body, we come TOGETHER to worship the Lord in one accord.

That is what the believers were doing on the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Ghost FIRST fell. They were TOGETHER and in one place.

"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord [together/one mind] in one place.

“And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

“And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:1-4 KJV

"And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

“And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:" - Acts 2:17-18 KJV

Church!

The Birth of the Church

From: Exploring God’s Word – The Birth of the Church (photo)

Verses:

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

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." - Acts 1:8 KJV

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

"Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:" - Jeremiah 31:31 KJV

"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

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

And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost

"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:1-4 KJV

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

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." - Acts 1:8 KJV

 

"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