Baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus

John the Baptist was sent by God to prepare the way for Him. Isaiah prophesied of John:

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

"In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight." - Matthew 3:1-3 KJV

John the Baptist’s baptism was the baptism of repentance. John the Baptist did not baptize in the name of Jesus.

In the book of Acts, which describes the beginning of the church with the outpouring of the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost and the spread of the gospel, Apostle Paul came upon some disciples of John the Baptist.

These men had not heard that the Holy Ghost was being poured out. They had been baptized by John the Baptist’s baptism of repentance. They had not been baptized in the name of Jesus.

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

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

“And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.

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

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

“And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied." - Acts 19:1-6 KJV

If you haven't been baptized in the name of Jesus, be re-baptized, like they were in the Bible!

The Gospel

The Bible teaches that a person is saved when they not only believe, but when they take action on that belief. (Mark 16:15-16)

According to the Bible, it is necessary to repent, to be baptized in Jesus name, and to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost to be saved. These actions are what take place when a person truly believes! (1Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 6:1-13, Acts 2:38, 2Thessalonians 1:7-12, 1Peter 4:17, 1Corinthians 6:9-11, John 3:5, Romans 8:6-9)

Peter preached the gospel on the Day of Pentecost, then answered the people’s question, "…Men and brethren, what shall we do?" - Acts 2:37

The people had heard Peter preach that Jesus is the promised Messiah. He preached Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. The people at this point believed the gospel message.

Yet, they were not saved. They asked the essential question that a person that believes the gospel should and does ask, “What shall we DO?”

"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

Peter then answered the people’s question. Peter told them what they needed to do since they believed.

"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

THEN Peter said, “SAVE YOURSELVES.”

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

Here is the important response of the people: THEY WERE BAPTIZED.

"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

True believing results in action which brings salvation.

The people heard the gospel, they believed the gospel, but then they needed to respond with the action of baptism in order to be saved. They then OBEYED the gospel.

Notice, it was those that were baptized that were added to those that had already been baptized in Jesus name and filled with the Holy Ghost that were in the upper room. It was because of their obedience to the gospel, they were then counted as those that “BELIEVED.”

"And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common;" - Acts 2:42-44

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

He must increase, but I must decrease

When John the Baptist baptized Jesus, He gave a sign to John that He is the Christ.

"And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God." - John 1:32-34 KJV (The Son of God is the body/flesh of God. 2Corinthians 5:19).

"Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; and looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus." - John 1:35-37 KJV

"After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.

"And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. For John was not yet cast into prison. Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.

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

"John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.

"He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease. He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all." - John 3:22-31 KJV

John the Baptist’s mission was thus complete. Jesus began to baptize, and His ministry began. Shortly thereafter, John was cast into prison and then killed.

 

The Baptism of Jesus - to fulfill the righteousness of the Law

John the Baptist’s mission included a very important act in the life and death of Jesus. John the Baptist was to fulfil the Law, which required a sacrifice to be washed by a priest before it was offered.

John the Baptist called Jesus, “the Lamb of God.” Jesus came as a sacrifice for our sins.

"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

"And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!" - John 1:36 KJV

John the Baptist’s father was a priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia. His mother was of the daughters of Aaron. Priests were the sons of Aaron. Thus, John the Baptist was of the priestly lineage. (Luke 1:5, 57-60).

Jesus chose John the Baptist to do his part as a priest to fulfill the righteousness of the Law. Jesus, before He was offered as our sacrifice on the cross as the sinless Lamb of God and sacrifice for our sins, asked John the Baptist to wash Him by water baptism.

Priests washed the sacrifices before they were offered.

"And he shall kill the bullock before the LORD... And the priests, Aaron's sons, shall lay the parts, the head, and the fat, in order upon the wood that is on the fire which is upon the altar: but his inwards and his legs shall he wash in water: and the priest shall burn all on the altar, to be a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD." - Leviticus 1:5a, 8-9 KJV

"Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?" - Matthew 3:13-14 KJV

“And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer [allow] it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered [allowed] him." - Matthew 3:15 KJV

"And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour." - Ephesians 5:2 KJV

JESUS - None other name whereby we must be saved

"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

The Whole Armour of God - With all perseverance and supplication for all saints

"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

Church!

A time and place to be perfected, to mature in Christ. To become equipped to do God’s work by the ministry of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, as they build up the church, the body of Christ.

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

Self-Control - Victory over the desires of the flesh

One of the things we need in living for God is temperance. Temperance is self-control. A person that has accomplished self-control in his life has mastered his desires and lusts. He has crucified his evil emotions and sinful nature.

When we were a child, our parents recognized the areas in our life that needed to be corrected and gave us discipline. In our walk with God, our heavenly Father steps in to correct us. Self-control and discipline are necessary in anyone’s life to function in society, and absolutely necessary for a child of God to belong to Christ and to serve in His kingdom.

With the Holy Ghost, God’s Spirit in us, Jesus can guide us in the areas we need to discipline. As we grow, we learn to recognize His voice and follow His correction. The Holy Ghost also gives us divine strength we didn’t have before that we can call on to help us with temper and to refrain from lusts.

As the Lord reveals the areas we need to discipline – by His word, preaching, and His Spirit within – we repent. The blood of Jesus that we applied to our life when we were baptized in the name of Jesus washes us.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 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 5:22-25 KJV

"My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: for whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth." - Proverbs 3:11-12 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 KJV

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." - Philippians 4:13 KJV

Think on these things

The following verse gives us a list of things to think on. Each item has Thayer’s Greek Lexicon meaning in brackets. The key to this verse, in my opinion, is found in the meaning of “think,” which appears at the end of the verse. In addition, with this understanding, the following verse (Philippians 4:9) fits with this verse.

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true,

[“literally, not hidden, unconcealed”]

whatsoever things are honest,

[“to be venerated (to regard with deep respect or reverence) for character, honourable of deeds”]

whatsoever things are just,

[“that which regard for duty demands, what is right”]

whatsoever things are pure,

[“pure from every fault, immaculate”]

whatsoever things are lovely,

[“acceptable, pleasing”]

whatsoever things are of good report;

[“things spoken in a kindly spirit, with good-will to others”]

if there be any virtue,

[“any particular moral excellence, as modesty, purity”]

and if there be any praise,

[“approbation (act of approving formally or officially), commendation, praise”]

Think

[“to consider, take account, weigh, meditate on: τί, a thing, with a view to obtaining it”]

on these things." - Philippians 4:8 KJV

 

"Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you." - Philippians 4:9 KJV

 

Every time the blood of Jesus is applied there is victory

 When is the blood of Jesus applied?

We apply the blood of Jesus to our life when we are water baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of our sins. (Revelation 1:5, Acts 10:43, Luke 24:47, Acts 2:38, Acts 20:28).

What is the victory?

The victory is that one more soul is saved from hell.

Jesus told His disciples the gates of hell shall not prevail against the church. (Matthew 16:18).

When we apply the blood of Jesus by baptism in Jesus name, the gates of hell can no longer keep our soul captive. We have been set free! There is victory. (Hebrews 2:14-15).

Jesus came to set the captives free by the gospel. (Luke 4:18-19, Acts 2:38).

When we obey the gospel that Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost, the blood of Jesus is applied and there is victory:

"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 

Acts 2:38

 

Sin

One sure way to not make it to heaven, is to allow your flesh and your mind convince you that the sin you are doing isn't a sin.

"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

In these last days of perilous times, we must remember our privilege given to us from the Lord to pray for situations and authorities around the globe.

We ought to be faithful and fervent in prayer, talking to Jesus of our concerns, needs, and desires so that we can live peaceful, quiet, godly, and respected lives.

We must keep in mind to always pray for all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

We must remember to ask for His will in all our requests.

Because Jesus has filled us with His Holy Ghost, we can also pray in the Spirit.

We need not be anxious or worry, because Jesus hears and answers our prayers.

"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come." - 2 Timothy 3:1 KJV

"And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;" - Luke 18:1 KJV

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." - 1 Timothy 2:1-4 KJV

"And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: and if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him." - 1 John 5:14-15 KJV

"Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit." - James 5:17-18 KJV

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel," - Ephesians 6:18-19 KJV

"Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God." - Romans 8:26-27 KJV

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

"Be careful [anxious] for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7 KJV

God appoints men to determine where to 'draw the line'

God appoints men to determine where to ‘draw the line’ on His commandments.

When the Lord brought the children of Israel out of Egypt, they came to Mount Sinai. There God told Moses to put a boundary on the mountain. God told Moses to tell the people to not go up into the mountain, or touch the border of it. Whoever touched the mountain, would be surely put to death. (Exodus 19:12).

It was up to Moses where to draw the line on the mountain to put the boundary. It was a matter of life and death.

When God made Adam, He gave him a commandment.

"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

After this, God made woman. (Genesis 2:18, 22).

Adam must have been careful to set the boundary around the tree of the knowledge of good and evil for Eve, to be certain she wouldn’t eat of it and die. It appears Adam must have concluded she would be safe if he told her not to touch the tree.

"And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die." - Genesis 3:2-3 KJV

It seems Adam was watching for his wife’s life when he gave her God’s commandment, but Eve was deceived by the devil and did not obey. Adam chose to eat of the tree, and sin and death passed upon all mankind.

Today, God gives us pastors to teach us and to set boundaries. God appoints pastors to ‘draw the line,’ watching for our souls, knowing our falling into sin will destroy us.

"Obey them that have the rule over you [your spiritual leaders], and submit yourselves [do what they say]: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you." - Hebrews 13:17 KJV

"And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding." - Jeremiah 3:15 KJV

What we must do to be saved Part 2

Part 2

Jesus told His disciples to preach the gospel. He told His disciples that those that believe the gospel AND are baptized will be saved. Jesus said we must be born again of water and of the Spirit – baptized in water and baptized with His Spirit. (John 3:5, Luke 24:46-49, Acts 2:38).

You could call the gospel the good news package. It is BELIEVING the gospel – the good news that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day. It is also obeying the gospel by being BAPTIZED. It is the good news that when we repent of our sins, are baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of our sins, we can receive the gift of His Spirit to walk in new life.

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

Believing who Jesus is is also wrapped up in the good news package. It is good news that God paid for our sins, when only He could pay the price. He is our Saviour, there is no other Saviour beside Him. (Isaiah 43:11). While every man that was born after Adam is born in sin, only God is without sin. It took God, robing Himself in flesh and blood, to die for our sins. Jesus is God robed in flesh.

Only the Father in a sinless body could pay the price of our sins. And only the eternal Father could resurrect His human body from the dead. (Acts 2:24).

.

Jesus said from the beginning He is the Father. He told His disciples, “he that hath seen me hath seen the Father” and “the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.” (John 14:7-10).  If Jesus was only a man and not the Father, He could not pay the price of our sins. Believing that Jesus is the Father is part of the good news gospel package.

"I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins." - John 8:24 KJV [I AM Exodus 3:14].

What is the Gospel?

 You could call the gospel the good news package. 

The gospel is the good news that Jesus died for our sins, was buried and rose again the third day. (1Corinthians 15:1-8). 

The gospel is also the good news that when we repent of our sins, are buried with Him by baptism for remission of our sins, we can be filled with the baptism of His Spirit to walk in new life. (Romans 6:1-4). 

Jesus told a ruler of the Jews that to enter His kingdom a person must be born of water and of the Spirit. Jesus was speaking of water and Spirit baptism – the gospel. 

"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 

"Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?" - John 3:4 KJV 

Jesus explained that He was speaking of a spiritual birth, not our natural physical birth. 

"That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." - John 3:6 KJV 

Jesus also explained that when we receive His Spirit there would be a sound as we are filled. This sound is speaking in tongues as His Spirit gives us the ability. Jesus compared His 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 

On the Day of Pentecost, when God’s Spirit was poured out on the followers of Jesus, there was a sound like the wind. It was the believers speaking in tongues as they were filled with the Spirit. 

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

To be continued…

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

God came and dwelt among us when He overshadowed Mary and she conceived. (Luke 1:35). He was born the Son of God. (Colossians 1:15, 2:9).

"And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS." - Luke 1:31 KJV

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

God came in His name of salvation, JESUS, revealing His purpose on earth: He came to save us from our sins.

When Jesus began His earthly ministry, John the Baptist declared Jesus’ mission:

"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

Jesus as the Son of God (the flesh and blood body of God) fulfilled His ultimate purpose when He died for our sins on a cross, was buried, and on the third day rose from the dead.

Jesus paid the price that only God could pay - holy blood shed for our sins.

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

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

It is by His name Jesus in water baptism that we find salvation by remission of our sins.

Jesus told His disciples,

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

Peter preached repentance and remission of sins in the name of Jesus beginning in Jerusalem.

"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 preached,

"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

Have you received the Holy Ghost since you've believed?

 The Gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

"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: and that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: after that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep." - 1 Corinthians 15:1-6 KJV

Paul explained how we obey the Gospel:

"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 [the Holy Ghost], even so we also should walk in newness of life." - Romans 6:1-4 KJV

Peter preached 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

We can repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus first (Acts 8:15-17), or we can repent and be filled with His Spirit first (Acts 10:44-48), but it is essential that we are born BOTH of water and of the Spirit.  

"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

Those that had been baptized by John the Baptist needed to be re-baptized, because they hadn’t been baptized in the name of Jesus. After they were baptized in the name of Jesus, Paul laid his hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. (Acts 19:6).

Bless the Lord!

 

Thank you, JESUS, for your amazing blessings!

"O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand." - Psalm 95:1-7a KJV

(1Corinthians 10:4, Revelation 17:14, Mark 4:39, Colossians 1:16, John 10:11).

Plans

There is a verse in the Bible that says,

"Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow..." - James 4:13-14a KJV

Sometimes we think we have things all planned out, and then it starts falling apart. 

Then comes the next verse, we OUGHT to say, ‘If the Lord WILL…’

"For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that." - James 4:15 KJV

The Lord has a plan. He has His reasons. We may never know the ‘why’ for SOME things in the Lord’s plan. And sometimes it is very clear why the plans changed like they did.

The bottom line is this:

"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

Jesus has a better plan, and He definitely has His reasons. He is amazing. What a delight it is to live for God!!

Knowing these things, and seeing His plan unfold, gives us reason for the next verse!

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." - 1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV