Church!

The Lord promised he would be back for His church. We can see the signs of the times.

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

"But the day of the Lord will come [as unexpectedly] as a thief in the night…" - 2 Peter 3:10 KJV

"Be diligent [make every effort] that ye may be found of him in peace [with God], without spot [pure], and blameless [in His sight]. And account that the longsuffering [patience] of our Lord is salvation [gives people time to be saved]…" - 2 Peter 3:14-15 KJV

The Lord gives us the fivefold ministry to grow in Christ and equip us to do His work. This is one important reason to go to church.

"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: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:" - Ephesians 4:11-13 KJV

To begin the journey –

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

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

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

Tongues and Baptism in the name of Jesus

Cornelius was "A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway." - Acts 10:2 KJV

You would think by this description of Cornelius that he was saved. But he was not. Cornelius needed to hear and obey the gospel so that he could be saved.

God gave Cornelius a heavenly vision. An angel of God came to him.

"And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter…he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do." - Acts 10:4-6 KJV

When Peter arrived at Cornelius’ house, Cornelius had gathered his kinsmen and friends “to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.”

Peter then preached the gospel of Jesus to them - His death, burial, and resurrection. (Acts 10:39-40).

Peter then preached that those that believe in Jesus shall receive remission of sins through His name. (Acts 10:43, Acts 2:38).

"While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word." - Acts 10:44 KJV

"And they of the circumcision (Jews) 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." - Acts 10:45 KJV

How did Peter and the believing brethren that came with him know that God had filled the Gentiles with His Holy Ghost?

"For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God." - Acts 10:46 KJV

"Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?" - Acts 10:47 KJV

Peter realized the Gentiles had received the GIFT for entering into covenant with God, but they hadn’t entered into the COVENANT – they had not been WATER BAPTIZED IN JESUS NAME!

"And he COMMANDED them to be baptized in the name of the Lord." - Acts 10:48 KJV

The Gentiles heard the preaching of the Gospel by Peter, sent by God. The Gentiles OBEYED the gospel, by repentance, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and being baptized in Jesus name for the remission of their sins.

How shall they hear without a preacher?

Above all else, we must be saved!

"For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe." - 1 Corinthians 1:21

We need a true man of God to preach the gospel.

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?" - Romans 10:13-16

How do we obey the gospel?

On the day of Pentecost when the church first began, Peter preached the gospel - the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

"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 explained what to do 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

When we have gone to church, heard the preaching of the gospel, repented of our sins, are baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins, and have received the gift of the Holy Ghost, we have obeyed the gospel.

The next reason we need a preacher is so that we can grow from a born again baby to a spiritual adult in Christ.

God gives us pastors, teachers, evangelists, prophets, and apostles to not only preach to us the gospel of Jesus Christ, but also to teach us how to grow in the Word and the Spirit. (Ephesians 4:11-12).

To be saved we need to go to church, not only to hear the gospel, not only to obey the gospel, but to grow up in Jesus!

 

What must I do to be saved?

Life Instruction Manual

What must I do to be SAVED?

Be Baptized (Change In State/Condition)

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

"Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;" - Colossians 2:12-13 KJV

"The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:" - 1 Peter 3:21 KJV

*Placed into Christ - "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." - Romans 6:3-6 KJV

"For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." - Galatians 3:26-27 KJV

"For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." - 1 Corinthians 12:13 KJV

*Raised a child of God - "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." - Romans 6:3-6 KJV

"For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." - Galatians 3:26-27 KJV

"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 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? 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 3:3-5 KJV

One with God

 In the garden, Adam had communion with God. When sin entered into the picture, that communion was lost.

God gave man a promise when that happened. He would robe Himself in flesh (the Son) as our Redeemer and Savior.  

"And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." - Genesis 3:15 KJV

"But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father." - Galatians 4:4-6 KJV

With the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, we have the opportunity for communion once again with God. (Acts 2:38).

We find this communion when we become a son of God by repenting of our sins, being baptized in His name Jesus for the remission of our sins, and by receiving the gift of His Holy Ghost, which is His Spirit.

By the Spirit of God we become one with God.

"And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are." - John 17:11 KJV

"Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us..." - John 17:20-21 KJV

"And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one..." - John 17:22-23 KJV

"Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God." - 1 Corinthians 2:12 KJV

"For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ." - 1 Corinthians 2:16 KJV (1Corinthians 2:6-16).

There is only One God and beside Him there is no other. His name is JESUS.

 

There is only one God. He is Spirit. He revealed Himself in flesh in His name of salvation – Jesus. (Matthew 1:20-21, Acts 4:12).  

This flesh of God is called the Son of God. When the Spirit of God is in us, and when we take on His name of salvation in baptism, we are called a son of God. (John 1:12-13).

The Bible says that God created all things. (Genesis 1:1). The Bible also says that the Son created all things. (Colossians 1:15-16). This is because God is in the Son. (Colossians 2:9-10).

The Bible says that God is the redeemer. (Luke 1:68). The Bible also says that the Son is the redeemer. (Revelation 5:9). This is because God is in the Son.

God is Spirit. He is holy. He is the Holy Spirit. Ghost is another word for Spirit. God is the Holy Ghost.

The word regeneration means: “new birth,” “the production of a new life consecrated to God,” “the restoration of a thing to its pristine state.” Titus 3:5 (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon).

The new birth consists of water baptism in the name of Jesus, and Spirit baptism. It is by the blood of Jesus that there is restoration to a pristine state, washing away our sins in baptism. (Acts 22:16).

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

"But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;" - Titus 3:4-6 KJV

God is One, not three. Or four, or five, or six. He is One. His name is Jesus.

The Temple of God and the Son of God

The Temple of God is similar to the Son of God. The Temple of God and the Son of God both refer to the body of God. 

"Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. ... But he spake of the temple of his body." - John 2:19, 21 KJV

"To wit, that God was in Christ," - 2 Corinthians 5:19 KJV

When we repent of our sins, are baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, we become the temple of God as well as a son of God. (Acts 2:38).

In the following verses, the Bible speaks of us being a temple of God as well as sons of God.

"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 6:16-18 KJV (See also: 1Corinthians 3:16-17, 1Corinthians 6:19).

"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is." - 1 John 3:1-2 KJV

"Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;" - Philippians 2:14-15 KJV (See also: Romans 8:19, Galatians 4:6, Hebrews 12:7).

"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." - Romans 8:14 KJV

Son of God

 

The Bible speaks of Jesus as being the only begotten son of 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 1:14 KJV

When Jesus was born as a baby, He was holy, and without sin.

"And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." - Luke 1:35 KJV

He was full of the Father’s Spirit.

"For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;" - Colossians 1:19 KJV

He was given His Father's name - Jesus.

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

Jesus was the only one that was BORN the Son of God.

We BECOME sons of God when we are BORN AGAIN.

"He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." - John 1:11-13 KJV

We are born of God and become a son of God when we are water baptized in the name of Jesus and are Spirit baptized with His Holy Ghost. (James 1:18).

When we are born again of the water, baptized in the NAME of JESUS for the remission of sins, we become without sin, as Jesus is. (Acts 2:38).

"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

We are given the Father’s name – JESUS – when we are water baptized in the name of Jesus. (James 2:7, Acts 15:17).

When we are born again of the Spirit, filled with His Holy Ghost, we become holy, as Jesus is.

"And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father." - Galatians 4:6 KJV

To be continued…

The Temple of God

The Temple of God

The Temple of God was a place of sacrifice. God placed His name on the Temple and filled it with His Spirit. It was a place of worship. (2Chronicles 6:20, 7:1-3).

When the people worshiped at the Temple, it was not the Temple they were worshiping but rather they were worshiping the Spirit of God that dwelt in the Temple

Jesus said,

"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

The body of Jesus was a place of sacrifice. When people worshiped Jesus, they were worshiping the Spirit of God that was within Him, and at the same time fills the universe. God placed His name on the man Jesus. All the fullness of God was within Him. (Hebrews 9:26, Colossians 1:19, 2:9).

When Jesus died, and was buried, on the third day it was the Spirit of God that was within Him that raised His body back up to life. (John 2:19).

The Bible says that we are the Temple of God. We become His Temple when we repent of our sins, are baptized in His name Jesus, and are filled with His Spirit, the Holy Ghost. (1Corinthians 3:17, 6:19-20, 2Corinthians 6:16-18).

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

We become a place of sacrifice - a living sacrifice. (Romans 12:1). God's name is upon us when we are baptized in His name Jesus. God's Spirit is within us when we receive the gift of His Spirit, the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:4, 38). Our Temple is a place of worship when we worship the Spirit of God that is within us and at the same time fills the universe. Just as the Spirit of God raised up the body of Jesus, that same Spirit in us will also raise us up.

"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

There is One God His Name is Jesus

Our Heavenly Father is Spirit. He has a body that He had Mary and Joseph call “Jesus.” This name of God the Father is above every name. (Luke 1:31, Matthew 1:21).

"That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." - Philippians 2:10-11 KJV

It is by His name “Jesus” that God brought salvation to the world. We now know God’s name as “Jesus.”

"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

There is only one Spirit, referred to as the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Christ, the Spirit of Jesus, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, the Spirit of your Father, the Spirit.

The Holy Ghost that was poured out on the Day of Pentecost, is this same One Spirit.

"And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 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 14:16-18 KJV

"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

God has one name – Jesus.

"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." - John 14:26 KJV

The Father, the Spirit of God, is in Christ, and in us when we receive His Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:4, Acts 2:38-39 see above).

"There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." - Ephesians 4:4-6

Jesus - The image of the invisible God

 There is only one God. He alone created the universe.

"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." - Genesis 1:1

"For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else." - Isaiah 45:18

In the book of Colossians, it speaks of the Son creating all things. How can this be if there is only one Creator, and that is the Lord God?

Colossians explains that the Son is the image of the invisible God. The invisible Spirit of God put on the flesh of humanity and became visible. This human is called the Son of God. All the fullness of the godhead is within this man.

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

It is the One True God that dwells in the body of the Son that created all things. Thus, in the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth. The same God that dwells in the Son is the One True God that created all things.

"For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: and he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;" - Colossians 1:16-19 KJV

The Father – who is Spirit – dwelt in the Son – which is flesh. God revealed His name of salvation is Jesus.

The reason the Father, Creator of the universe, put on flesh was so that He could pay the price of sin for mankind. This took the shedding of sinless blood, which only God could provide.

"Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:" - Colossians 1:13-15 KJV

He that hath see Me hath seen the Father

Our Heavenly Father put on a human body and dwelt among His creation as a man. He came to bring salvation.

"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

He was born without sin, because He bypassed man, the Holy Ghost causing conception in Mary. This is how God Himself could pay the price of man’s sin, shedding sinless blood on the cross.

"And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." - Luke 1:35 KJV

The Son of God is the human body of God.

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

The Father is Spirit. The Son is flesh. The Father is in us when we are filled with His Spirit.

"For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you." - Matthew 10:20

"Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.

“Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?

“Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works." - John 14:8-10 KJV

It was the Father in Christ that did the miracles.

"And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 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 14:16-18 KJV

Jesus was speaking to His disciples. They knew Him. He dwelt with them. When He said He would be in them, Jesus was talking about His Spirit being in them.

The Holy Ghost that was poured out on the Day of Pentecost is the Spirit of Jesus.

"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

 

Is the gospel important?

Jesus began preaching the gospel at the beginning of His ministry.

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

Preaching the gospel was part of the scripture Jesus fulfilled from the prophet Isaiah.

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised," - Luke 4:18 KJV

"Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick....And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where." - Luke 9:1-2, 6 KJV

In the great commission, Jesus told His disciples to preach the gospel.

"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." - Mark 16:15 KJV

Jesus told His disciples,

"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 (Mark 13:10).

Apostle Paul preached the gospel.

"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain." - 1 Corinthians 15:1-2 KJV

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

"For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance..." - 1 Thessalonians 1:5 KJV

On the Day of Pentecost 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

…And the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God

"…And the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:" - Ephesians 6:17 KJV

In this verse, “word” is the Greek “rhema” - an utterance. (Strong’s #G4487).

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon has this to say about the meaning of “word” in Ephesians 6:17:

καθαρίσας... ἐν ῤήματι, according to promise (properly, on the ground of his word of promise, viz. the promise of the pardon of sins; cf.[compare to] Mark 16:16), Ephesians 5:26 (others take ῤήματι here as equivalent to 'the gospel,' cf.[compare to] Ephesians 6:17, Romans 10:8; (see Meyer at the passage));

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon is saying that, in the verses below, others take the Greek word here for “word” as equivalent to ‘the gospel.’

"That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, ^G4487" - Ephesians 5:26 KJV

"And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word ^G4487 of God:" - Ephesians 6:17 KJV

"But what saith it? The word ^G4487 is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word ^G4487 of faith, which we preach;" - Romans 10:8 KJV

Thayer’s again mentions Ephesians 6:17:

 doctrine, instruction (cf. Winer's Grammar, 123 (117)): (τό) ῤῆμα (τοῦ) Θεοῦ, divine instruction by the preachers of the gospel, Romans 10:17 (R G; but L T Tr WH ῤήματος Χριστοῦ; others give ῤήματος here the sense of command, commission; (cf. Meyer)); saving truth which has God for its author, Ephesians 6:17; also τοῦ κυρίου, 1 Peter 1:25;

The verses mentioned above are:

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word G4487 of God." - Romans 10:17 KJV

"And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word G4487 of God:" - Ephesians 6:17 KJV

"But the word G4487 of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word G4487 which by the gospel is preached unto you." - 1 Peter 1:25 KJV [And this word is the gospel that was proclaimed to you. (CSB)]

Thus, it appears that the sword of the Spirit, which is the “word” of God, is the gospel.

The gates of hell cannot prevail against it.

 

We need the helmet of salvation to stand against the wiles of the devil!

"And take the helmet of salvation…" - Ephesians 6:17 KJV

What is a helmet?

According to Strong’s, a helmet is an “encirclement of the head, i.e. a helmet: —helmet.”

What is our salvation?

The Bible says we are saved by the gospel, unless we have believed in vain – for we must also obey the gospel. (1Corinthians 15:1-2, 1Peter 4:17, Romans 10:16, 2Thessalonians 1:8).

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

Jesus did His part: He died for our sins, He was buried, and on the third day He raised up His body from the grave. This is the gospel.

He then was a witness of the gospel of the kingdom for 40 days before He ascended into heaven. (John 2:19-21, Acts 1:3, 9, Matthew 24:14).

We must do our part: To follow Jesus by repentance (death to sin), burial (burial of our old nature by being buried with Him by water baptism in the name of Jesus), and resurrection (resurrection to new life by the infilling of the Holy Ghost). Apostle Peter preached this on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2:38. This is obeying the gospel.

We then live a new life of holiness, witnessing to others of the gospel of the kingdom, as Jesus did. (Acts 1:8).

(Acts 2:38, Acts 2:4, Romans 6:1-6, Romans 8:11, Romans 6:22, Ephesians 4:24, 2Corinthians 7:1, 2Corinthians 5:19-20, Matthew 24:14).

The Bible says that to put on the whole armor of God, we are to also put on the helmet of salvation.

We have turned our back on sin and in the name of Jesus, we are walking in His Spirit daily. This is our salvation. It is our helmet.

When we are walking in His Spirit, our eyes are protected, because we guard what we watch. Our ears are protected, because we guard what we listen to. Our mouth is protected, because we guard what we say. Our mind is protected, because we guard our thoughts.

We need the helmet of salvation to stand against the wiles of the devil!

The Shield of Faith Quenching the Fiery Darts of the Wicked

Along with having our loins girt about with truth, a breastplate of righteousness, and our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, we are to also take up the shield of faith as part of our armour of God.

"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

The following is said to be the meaning of faith: (Larry Pierce)

“The conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things, the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ”

“A strong and welcome conviction or belief that Jesus is the Messiah, through whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God”

“The religious beliefs of Christians”

The Bible tells us,

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

How do we acquire a “shield of faith”?

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

It has been said, we are edified (built up) in our faith when we pray in the Holy Ghost, speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives us the utterance. (Acts 2:4).

Two verses down from “taking the shield of faith” is another verse that speaks of praying in the Holy Ghost: “Praying…in the Spirit.” Because the Spirit is the Holy Ghost, this verse is speaking of the same thing as “praying in the Holy Ghost.”

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit…" - Ephesians 6:18 KJV

Thus, praying in the Holy Ghost builds up our faith, enabling us to quench all the fiery darts directed at us from the wicked. With our faith built up, instead of being beat down and discouraged, we have a positive, encouraged attitude of faith.

 

Thank you, Jesus!

"Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms." - Psalm 95:2 KJV

"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name." - Psalm 100:4 KJV

"O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together." - Psalm 34:3 KJV

Thank you, Jesus!

And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace

When we take on the whole armor of God, we are to have our “feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;” (Ephesians 6:15).

Paul declared the gospel:

"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

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

The gospel is called the “gospel of peace” because by Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection Jesus made peace between Himself and man. (Colossians 1:20).

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

We are to have our feet shod with the PREPARATION of the gospel of peace.

Our preparation of the gospel of peace is by:

Repentance is death to sin. Water baptism in the name of Jesus is burial of old nature. Holy Ghost infilling is resurrection to new life. (Romans 6:1-11, Acts 2:38).

As Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:1, we STAND in the gospel. Having the preparation of the gospel of peace on our feet is absolutely necessary for us to “STAND against the wiles of the devil,” and to “be able to WITHSTAND in the evil day, and having done all, to STAND.” (My caps).

The Bible speaks of the FEET of those that preach the GOSPEL OF PEACE.

As it is written,

"…How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" - Romans 10:15b KJV (See also: Isaiah 52:7).

Jesus reconciled the world unto Himself, and then gave us the message of the gospel of peace and reconciliation to share with others.

"…And hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." - 2 Corinthians 5:19b-20 KJV [“word” of reconciliation: preaching the salvation obtained through Christ – Thayer’s Greek Lexicon.]

The Breastplate of Righteousness - How are we supposed to be righteous?

The Bible says we are to have on “the breastplate of righteousness” in our armour of God. (Ephesians 6:14).

How are we supposed to be righteous?

The Bible says,

"But we are all as an unclean thing [impure with sin], and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities [sins], like the wind, have taken us away." - Isaiah 64:6 KJV

Jesus made a promise to His people a long time ago, that He would “forgive their iniquity,” and He would “remember their sin no more.” Jeremiah 31:31-34. He did this when He died on the cross for our sins. When we are baptized in His name, we claim His death to wash our sins away. (Acts 22:16).

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

Jesus died for us so that “they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them…” Jeremiah 31:34.

Because Jesus died for our sins, we can know Him by receiving the gift of His Spirit, the Holy Ghost. When we are baptized in His name Jesus, and filled with His Spirit, we become no longer separated from Him by our sins.

"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them...." - 2 Corinthians 5:19 KJV [He made peace between us]

"For as by one man's disobedience [Adam] many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one [Christ] shall many be made righteous." - Romans 5:19 KJV

When we receive the gift of the Spirit of Jesus, we receive His righteousness in us. When we walk in His Spirit, we walk in His righteousness.

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh [sin], but after the Spirit." - Romans 8:1 KJV

"Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness..." - 1 Peter 2:24 KJV

A breastplate protects our vital organs, including our heart. We need the breastplate of His righteousness to be saved.

Stand Having Your Loins Girt About With Truth

When we take on the whole armour of God, so that we can withstand in the evil day, we are to stand having our loins girt about with truth.

"Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth…" - Ephesians 6:14a KJV

From Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

“With truth as a girdle, figuratively equivalent to to equip oneself with knowledge of the truth.”

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines “loins” as, “the (two) loins, where the Hebrews thought the generative power (semen) resided… hence, καρπός τῆς ὀσφύος, fruit of the loins, offspring, Acts 2:30…”

"Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;" - Acts 2:30 KJV

It is in the area of the loins that a girdle was worn. Hence, to “gird about the loins,” and to “gird up the loins.”

“to gird, gird up, gird about” is a metaphor for “to be prepared.”

"Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;" - Luke 12:35 KJV

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

“— a metaphor derived from the practice of the Orientals, who in order to be unimpeded in their movements were accustomed, when about to start on a journey or engage in any work, to bind their long and flowing garments closely around their bodies and fasten them with a leathern girdle;” Thayer’s

Our loins are to be “girt about with truth.”

One of the definitions of “truth” according to Thayer’s is:

“The truth which is the gospel or which the gospel presents, Galatians 2:5, 14.”

"To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you." - Galatians 2:5 KJV

In conclusion, it appears that to have our loins girt about with truth concerns the new birth of the gospel. (John 3:5, Acts 2:38).

"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

[“Word” in James 1:18 according to Thayer’s Greek Lexicon: equivalent to κήρυγμα, preaching, with the genitive of the object: λόγος ἀληθείας, 2 Corinthians 6:7; James 1:18; ὁ λόγος τῆς ἀληθείας, Colossians 1:5; Ephesians 1:13; 2 Timothy 2:15;].

If we are going to have part in the spiritual birth of souls, we must be prepared for ourselves and for others with the truth of the gospel.

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." - 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV [See: Galatians 1:6-7]

 

Starting the New Year with the Whole Armour of God

It is a good thing to be sure we have on the whole armour of God as we are starting out this new year!

The following verses are from Ephesians 6:10-20:

"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;

“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, for which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak." - Ephesians 6:10-20 KJV

My Strength is Made Perfect in Weakness

 Jesus spoke to Paul.

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." - 2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV

It is in situations where we are at our weakest, that Jesus works the miraculous. Look at Gideon and the great victory God wrought against the enemy with such a small army. (Judges 7).

Paul happily decided he would boast about his weaknesses, so that the power of Christ could be upon his life.

"Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities [weaknesses], in reproaches [insults], in necessities [hardships], in persecutions, in distresses [troubles that I suffer] for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." - 2 Corinthians 12:10 KJV

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." - 1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV

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

"But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you." - Matthew 10:19-20 KJV

"He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: but they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." - Isaiah 40:29-31 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

Don't Stress - Pray About Everything

Struggling with New Year's resolutions?

Don’t stress. Pray about everything. We are not ‘bothering’ God, when we need help with even small things. God is all powerful, loving and caring about our every situation. Jesus wants our success, and He wants to be part of that success. We can thank Him for that. (2Chronicles 16:9, Zechariah 4:10).

"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

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

"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." - John 15:5 KJV

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

The New Year - A New Start in Life - Water Baptism in the Name of Jesus!

If you haven't had your sins washed away by the name of Jesus in water baptism, what better time than the new year to get baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins. A new start in the year, a new start in life!

"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

 

Today is a good time to consecrate our life to God

What is consecrate?

Consecrate means to make holy or to dedicate to a higher purpose. Something consecrated is dedicated to God and thus sacred. It is one who is set apart, dedicated.

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God [because of all he has done for you], that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, [let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think] that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God [Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect]." - Romans 12:1-2

What more in our life can we do to please him?

What did we not accomplish for Jesus last year that we are more determined to accomplish this year?

What more can we allow God to do through us for His Kingdom?

What old bad habits are still in our life we need to get rid of, and what new good habits should we consider beginning?

Is there jealousy, envy, or covetousness that we need to let go of?

It is a good time to examine ourselves, making sure we have peace with God, and peace with one another.

How about forgiving those that have offended us? If we let go of our hurt feelings, ask Jesus to heal our spirit, and we pray for those that have offended us, our hearts are lifted of the weight of bitterness, and love floods our soul. Our spirit is set free of negativity.

We are here for a purpose.

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended [I have not achieved it]: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind [the past], and reaching forth unto those things which are before [looking forward to what lies ahead], I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:13-14

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