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

Church!

 

The Blessing of Rain on the Just and Unjust

EVERYONE can be thankful for the blessings and mercy of God!

The Lord gives the land rain from the heavens from His good treasure.

"The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand..." - Deuteronomy 28:12

Both sunshine AND rain is a blessing! Jesus taught that He blesses both the just people and the unjust people with sunshine and with rain, because He loves and blesses EVERYONE. That is something to be thankful for!

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

Let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God CONTINUALLY…giving thanks to His name.

We gave thanks to Jesus for our many blessings on Thanksgiving Day. Many gave thanks throughout the month, recalling blessings from God in their life. Yet, we should not let our praise and thanksgiving to Jesus end with Thanksgiving. The Bible says, “Let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God CONTINUALLY…giving thanks to His name.” (My emphasis).

"By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name." - Hebrews 13:15 KJV

Let us remember ALWAYS to give thanks to Jesus for all things every day.

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

"Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing." - Psalm 107:21-22 KJV

"As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving." - Colossians 2:6-7

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

With THANKSGIVING

 

The Bible says, “in everything by prayer and supplication with THANKSGIVING let your requests be made known unto God.” (my emphasis).

Why should we make our prayer requests with thanksgiving? Don’t we give thanks to God AFTER He answers our prayer request? Why give thanks at the same time we make our request?

One might say, what if my prayer isn't answered? Or what if it doesn't turn out as I prayed it would?

"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

Why wouldn't we thank God when He is answering our prayer according to what is good for us? (James 4:3, 1 John 5:14-15).

How many times have we prayed and asked God for something and our prayer was answered, but we forgot we prayed so didn’t give Jesus thanks? (Sometimes it takes a while before our prayer is answered, so we forget we prayed about a situation. God has His timing.) Jesus answered our prayer and we didn't give Him credit for it, or thanks? If we give Him thanks WHEN we pray, He will get the thanks He deserves.

Us being thankful means a lot to God…

"And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: and they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. 

"And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. 

"And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. 

"And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. 

"And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?" - Luke 17:12-17 KJV

In EVERYTHING give thanks!

When things are going well, it is easy to give thanks to Jesus. What about when things are going not so well?

Here is a story about a Jewish Rabbi:

“Rabbi Akiva’s favorite maxim was, “All that God does He does for the good.” Once, after he was unable to find any place to sleep in a certain city, he passed the night alone in the forest and repeated his maxim calmly, “All that God does is for the good.” Then, one after another, a lion devoured his donkey, a cat killed his rooster and the wind extinguished his candle. Each time he said, “All that God does is for the good.” When dawn arrived he discovered that a band of robbers had fallen upon the city and carried its inhabitants into captivity. Only he had escaped because his donkey and rooster were not around to make any noises and his extinguished candle did not give away his location (Berachos 60b).”

If we think about it, we can remember events in our life that appeared bad at the time, but later worked out to be a blessing. Some of these events were financial. Some of these events were spiritual. There have been people that have turned their back on God, their life going in a bad direction, who experienced a catastrophe that turns them back to God, saving their life and soul from destruction.  

"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

This is why we can and should give thanks in all things - in everything. God is working things out in our life for a purpose and for our good.

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

Church!

"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

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

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations." - Psalm 100:1-5 KJV

The Sound of the Spirit

Some people say, “I have received the Holy Ghost, but I didn’t speak in tongues because I don’t have the gift of tongues.”

This is not what the Bible says.

When a person receives the Holy Ghost there is a sound, and that sound is speaking in other tongues as the Spirit of God gives them the ability.

Jesus told us there would be a sound when we are born of the Spirit.

"The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit." - John 3:8

This is what happened on the day of Pentecost.

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

Peter and the brethren knew Cornelius and those gathered in his house (Gentiles) had received the Holy Ghost because they heard them speak in tongues.

"While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God." - Acts 10:44-46

When the disciples of John the Baptist got re-baptized in the name of Jesus, they received the Holy Ghost speaking in tongues.

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

Speaking in tongues as the Spirit of God speaks through us is the sign that we have been filled with the Holy Ghost. (1 Corinthians 14:22)

Everyone that receives the Holy Ghost speaks in tongues. It’s the Bible way, which is the only way.

Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God

 A lot of people think if they “keep the Ten Commandments” they are going to heaven.

"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

Cornelius was a just man, a man of prayer, helping the poor. His righteousness, however, was not enough to save him. He needed to be born of water and of the Spirit, as Jesus said.

The Lord loved Cornelius so much, that He sent an angel telling him to send for a man named Peter. While men from Cornelius were on their way, the Lord gave Peter a heavenly vision to make sure Peter would accept the mission. (Read Acts 10).

If you haven’t been born again, Jesus loves YOU and is calling you to be born of water and of the Spirit.

How is a person born of water and of the Spirit?

When Peter arrived, Cornelius had gathered family and friends to hear Peter’s message from God. Peter preached to them the Gospel, that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose the third day.

Finally, Peter preached:

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

While Peter spoke these words, the Holy Ghost fell on Cornelius, his family, and friends he had gathered in his house and they all began to speak in other tongues (languages they did not know) as the Spirit of God spoke through them.

Peter and the men that came with him were astonished, for Jesus poured out the Holy Ghost on the Gentiles just like He had on them on the day of Pentecost! (Acts 2:4).

Cornelius and those at his house were all now born of the Spirit. Next, they were born of the water.

Peter then COMMANDED that they be water baptized in the name of Jesus.

"…Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord..." - Acts 10:46-48 (See also Acts 2:38).

Prayer

 What should we pray for?

The Lord is soon coming. There are many that have not heard the gospel of Jesus that are unprepared. Jesus told his disciples that the harvest out there of souls is truly great, but there are few labourers. They need the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Acts 2:38).

"Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest." - Matthew 9:38

Living in these last days, we are in perilous times. There are evil men doing evil deeds.

"But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived." - 2 Timothy 3:13

Yet, it is not God’s will that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. We can pray that conviction comes upon evil doers, that God will send them dreams, visions, and witnesses that will lead them to repentance.

"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." - 2 Peter 3:9

Anxiety, fear, depression, pressure, and temptations plague many. Our brothers and sisters need our prayers. Praying in the Spirit is powerful praying. We should stay alert to pray for everyone and everything that the Lord puts on our minds.

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;" - Ephesians 6:18

We must not live below our privilege to ask God to intervene and to help us in every situation that we face throughout our day, giving Him thanks and praise for everything He helps us with along the way.

As His children, we should be sensitive to every opportunity to be a witness for Him, letting His light shine through us. The world needs Jesus. He is their only hope, and we may be the only one that can reach them with His love and gospel.

"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

Added to the Church

 

I am baptized in the name of Jesus because I want to be added to the church.

How in the Bible were they added to the church?

On the Day of Pentecost, when the church began, Peter preached the gospel.

"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." - Acts 2:22-24 KJV

Peter preached to them the gospel of Jesus, of His death, burial, and resurrection.

"Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ." - Acts 2:36 KJV

They responded with repentant hearts.

"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 KJV

Peter told them how to obey the gospel.

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

Peter told them of the promise 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 2:39 KJV

He urged them to obey the gospel.

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

They then received the gospel and obeyed it.

"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

This is how they were added to the church.

"And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers...praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." - Acts 2:42, 47 KJV

Assimilated heathen practices

He preached against heathen practices that God’s people had assimilated into their lives. Jeremiah was not a popular prophet.

"Hear ye the word which the LORD speaketh unto you, O house of Israel:" - Jeremiah 10:1

"Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them." - Jeremiah 10:2

"For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe." - Jeremiah 10:3

"They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not." - Jeremiah 10:4

 

Church!

"Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouting, and with sound of the cornet, and with trumpets, and with cymbals, making a noise with psalteries and harps." - 1 Chronicles 15:28 KJV

The "Word" - the "Gospel"

“Word” is used many times throughout the New Testament. According to Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, some of the times that “word” is used, it is speaking of the “gospel.”   The following verses with “word” are said by Vines to be used of the “gospel.”

 “...Of the gospel, Act 8:25; 13:49; 15:35, 36; 16:32; 19:10; 1Th 1:8; 2Th 3:1;

The above mentioned verses are written out below.

"And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans." - Acts 8:25 KJV

"And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region." - Acts 13:49 KJV

"Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also. And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do." - Acts 15:35-36 KJV

"And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house." - Acts 16:32 KJV

"And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks." - Acts 19:10 KJV

"For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing." - 1 Thessalonians 1:8 KJV

 "Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:" - 2 Thessalonians 3:1 KJV

According to Vines:

“...In this respect it is the message from the Lord, delivered with His authority and made effective by His power (cp. Act 10:36) [cp. Means compare]

"The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)" - Acts 10:36 KJV

“...For other instances relating to the gospel see Act 13:26; 14:3; 15:7; 1Cr 1:18, RV; 2Cr 2:17; 4:2; 5:19; 6:7; Gal 6:6; Eph 1:13; Phl 2:16; Col 1:5; Hbr 5:13;”

"Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent." - Acts 13:26 KJV

"Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands." - Acts 14:3 KJV

"And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe." - Acts 15:7 KJV

"For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." - 1 Corinthians 1:18 KJV [RV: "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." - 1 Corinthians 1:18]

"For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ." - 2 Corinthians 2:17 KJV

 "But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God." - 2 Corinthians 4:2 KJV

"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation." - 2 Corinthians 5:19 KJV

"By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left," - 2 Corinthians 6:7 KJV

"Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things." - Galatians 6:6 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

"Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain." - Philippians 2:16 KJV

"For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;" - Colossians 1:5 KJV

"For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe." - Hebrews 5:13 KJV

Also, according to Vine’s:

“...It is used of the Gospel in Rom 10:8 (twice), Rom 10:17, RV, "the word of Christ" (i.e., the "word" which preaches Christ); Rom 10:18; 1Pe 1:25 (twice);”

"But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;" - Romans 10:8 KJV

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." - Romans 10:17 KJV [RV "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." - Romans 10:17]

"But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world." - Romans 10:18 KJV

 "But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you." - 1 Peter 1:25 KJV

To be continued…

What Is The Gospel And How Do We Obey The Gospel?

The Bible says the gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of 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." - 1 Corinthians 15:1-2

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

The Bible says we obey the gospel when we become dead to sin by repentance, we are buried by water baptism in Jesus name, and we are resurrected by the baptism of 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 [the Holy Ghost], even so we also should walk in newness of life." - Romans 6:1-4

The Bible tells us we must not only BELIEVE the gospel to be saved, we must also OBEY the gospel by being baptized (by water and by the Spirit). (2 Thessalonians 1:8, 1 Peter 4:17, John 3:5, Acts 2:38).

"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

The Gospel - The Power of God Unto Salvation

The Gospel, with water and Spirit birth, is found in types and shadows from the beginning of creation. (i.e. Genesis 1:2).

Prophets prophesied of the gospel. (i.e. Isaiah 9:6-7, 53:1-12, 28:11-12, Daniel 2:35, 44).

Jesus preached the gospel of the kingdom. (i.e. Mark 1:14-15, Matthew 9:35, Luke 9:6, Luke 20:1, Matthew 16:21, Matthew 16:24, Matthew 17:22-23, Matthew 20:19, Mark 9:31, Mark 10:34, Luke 9:22, Luke 18:33; Matthew 10:38, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:21, Luke 14:27).

He brought it to fruition by His death, burial, and resurrection. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

It became fully tangible on the day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:4).

On the day of Pentecost, after the Holy Ghost was first poured out, the gospel was preached. (Acts 2:23-24, 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

The preaching of the gospel and obedience to the gospel is recorded throughout the book of Acts. (i.e. Acts 2:23-24, 38, 41; Acts 8:5, 12, 15-20; Acts 10:38-40, 43, 45-46, 48; Acts 16:30-32, 33-34).  

Instruction is given of the gospel throughout the epistles. (i.e. Romans 1:16, Romans 10:14-16, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, 2 Corinthians 4:3-4, Galatians 1:6-9, Ephesians 1:13, 2 Thessalonians 1:8, 2 Timothy 1:10, 2 Timothy 2:8, 1 Peter 4:17).

Jesus commanded that the gospel be preached unto all the world.

"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

"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." - Matthew 24:14 KJV

Entering the Kingdom

The gospel of the kingdom was the passion of Jesus. From the beginning of His ministry, Jesus preached and taught the gospel of the kingdom. The 40 days after His death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus continued speaking of the kingdom, until He was taken up into heaven. (Acts 1:1-9)

When Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, came to Jesus,

"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

On the day that Jesus was taken up to heaven,

"They asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you..." - Acts 1:6-8 KJV

The beginning of God’s kingdom was about to come.

"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

Devout Jews from every nation were present for the holy day of Pentecost.

"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 2:11-13 KJV

That day, Peter preached the gospel of the kingdom. (Acts 2:14-36).

To make clear exactly how to enter the kingdom (water and Spirit), Jesus had told Peter that He would give him the keys of the kingdom. (Matthew 16:19).

"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." - Acts 2:38 KJV

The Gospel of the Kingdom

 

Jesus came, the Father manifest in flesh, to establish His kingdom on Earth.

"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. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this." - Isaiah 9:6-7 KJV

He was born of the lineage of King David – the “Son of David.” He would be the fulfillment of His promise to David: 

"And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever." - 2 Samuel 7:16 KJV (2Samuel 7:8-17).

"And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary." - Luke 1:26-27 KJV

The angel told Mary that the son she would give birth to will reign forever, and His kingdom will never end.

"And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end." - Luke 1:31-33 KJV

From the beginning of His ministry, Jesus began preaching and teaching the gospel of His kingdom.

"And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom…" - Matthew 4:23 KJV

Church! Consumed by the fire of the Holy Ghost

When Solomon dedicated the Temple of God by sacrifices and prayer, fire came down from heaven consuming the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the house. (2 Chronicles 7:1).

Jesus told His disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the baptism of the Holy Ghost. They were acceptable sacrifices: they were followers of Jesus, baptized in His name. (John 3:22, John 3:26, John 4:1-3).

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

John foretold that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Ghost and with fire.

"John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:" - Luke 3:16 KJV

"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

The glory of the Lord filled the house, and Jesus consumed them with the fire of His Spirit. The sign of His acceptance was their speaking in tongues as His Spirit gave them utterance.

By presenting ourselves to God with repentance from the world, baptized in His name, and filled with His Spirit, we are a living sacrifice, holy, and acceptable to Him, which is true worship.

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." - Romans 12:1 KJV

"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

So, let’s have church! Time to worship Jesus and be consumed with the fire of His Holy Ghost!

The Gift of God - Living Water

The Gift of God – Living Water

 

"There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink." - John 4:7

 

"Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am

a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans." - John 4:9 KJV

 

"Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give

me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water." - John 4:10 KJV

 

Jesus said, “If thou knewest the gift of God…”

 

Jesus has a gift for all humanity. He calls this gift “living water.” Jesus said whoever drinks the water

He gives them will never thirst. He said if a person asks Him, He would give them living water. Jesus

said this water will be inside them giving them eternal life!

 

"Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: but whosoever

drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be

in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." - John 4:13-14 KJV

 

What is this gift of living water?

 

"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

 

This gift of living water is the Spirit – the Holy Ghost.

 

How does it spring up into everlasting life (give eternal life)?

 

"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 [“give life to”] your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you."

- Romans 8:11

 

The Spirit gives us eternal life when the Spirit dwells in us. The Spirit dwells in us when we have received

the gift of the Holy Ghost.

 

"For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus [those dead that

are baptized in Jesus name and filled with His Spirit] will God bring with him. For this we say unto you

by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not

prevent [precede] them which are asleep [those that are dead]. For the Lord himself shall descend from

heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ

[those dead that are believers] shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain [believers] shall be

caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the

Lord [be forever with the Lord]." - 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17

 

Those baptized in Jesus name and full of the Holy Ghost when they die (“the dead in Christ”), will rise

first. Those baptized in Jesus name and full of the Holy Ghost and living when Jesus returns (“we which

are alive and remain”), will join those that rose from the grave, to be caught up together in the clouds,

to meet Jesus in the air. The gift of the Holy Ghost, the living water, gives us everlasting life with Jesus.

 

How do we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost?

 

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ

for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:38 KJV

 

"For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord

our God shall call." - Acts 2:39 KJV

The Complete Experience of the Gospel

 

Our words

"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." - Ephesians 4:29 KJV

Becoming the Temple of God - Part Two

"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

It is by Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection that WE are able to BECOME the temple of God. To become the temple of God, we must go through a similar process.

We must become dead to sin, crucifying our old sinful nature in repentance. We are buried in a watery grave of baptism in Jesus name. By the power of the Holy Ghost, which is the Spirit of Jesus in us, we are resurrected to live a new holy life in Jesus. (Acts 2:38)

Apostle Peter preached this on the Day of Pentecost.

"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

As the temple of God, we have the name of Jesus called upon us, and the Spirit of Jesus in us.

We are reminded in the scriptures that we have 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

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." - 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 KJV

"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." - 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 KJV

So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed

"Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. 

“And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 

“And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified." - Acts 19:13-17 KJV

A number of those that had been involved with witchcraft and satanic practices not only repented of their sins, were baptized in Jesus name for the remission of their sins and received the gift of the Holy Ghost (“have become believers” - Thayer’s Lexicon), but also responded to their faith by confessing their sinful practices. (Acts 2:38). Then, many of them that practiced magic brought their incantation books  and burned them at a public bonfire.

"Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver [several million dollars]." - Acts 19:19 KJV

What was the result?

"So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed." - Acts 19:20 KJV [So the message about the Lord spread widely and had a powerful effect.] 

Church!

Jesus has all power.

"And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all." - Luke 4:14-15

Jesus has power over satan.

"And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days. And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.

“And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice, Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God.

“And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not.

“And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out. And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about." - Luke 4:31-37

Jesus gave power to His disciples.

"And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease." - Matthew 10:1

"After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come." - Luke 10:1

"And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.

“And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.

“Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

“Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven." - Luke 10:17-20

Jesus has power to give eternal life. Even greater power than authority over the devil, is the power and authority to give eternal life to those that He has called, has chosen, and are faithful.

"As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him." - John 17:2

Because Jesus paid the price of our sins on the tree, we are able to receive eternal life by our repentance, our baptism in Jesus name for the remission of our sins, and by receiving His gift of His Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38).

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

Even greater than having power over satan, we may rejoice because our names are written in heaven!