What is Repentance?

 

What is Repent?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is the Gospel?

 

What is the Gospel?

Apostle Paul wrote:

"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 [My emphasis with CAPS]

We hear the gospel preached, we receive it, we stand in it. We are saved by the gospel, unless we believe in vain. It is in vain if we believe it and then do not obey it. We obey the gospel by baptism. Jesus made this clear in His great commission in the book of Mark.

"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

On the Day of Pentecost, Apostle Peter preached the gospel – the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

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

The people BELIEVED the gospel. Peter then answered their question and preached to 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

Then the people OBEYED the gospel!

"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

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.

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

There is only One God - Jesus is His Name!

 

Our Heavenly Father robed Himself in flesh to pay the price of death for our sins. It took a man without sin to pay this price, which only God, who is without sin, could pay. (Luke 1:35, Hebrews 2:14-15, Hebrews 9:22, Acts 20:28). God did this so that we could be reconciled to Him, having our sins washed away by water baptism in His name Jesus. (Colossians 1:19-23).

The flesh/body that our Heavenly Father robed Himself in is called the Son of God. God came in His name of salvation, which is 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

All the fullness of God is within this human body. (Colossians 2:8-9, Isaiah 9:6). At the same time, God fills the universe. (2 Chronicles 6:18).

Jesus told His disciples,

"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

The Comforter is the Holy Ghost, which Jesus poured out on the Day of Pentecost. When we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, we receive the Spirit of Jesus in us.

"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

Jesus promises the gift of His Spirit to all those that obey the gospel. This is what Peter preached 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. 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

Church! The Power of the Holy Ghost

 Church!

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

"But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him." - John 4:23

"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." - Hebrews 10:25

"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

Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He commanded His disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they were baptized with the Holy Ghost.

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

On the Day of Pentecost, the 120 disciples in the upper room were all filled with the Holy Ghost.

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

That day, Peter preached the gospel to all those that had gathered.

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

“For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

“And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." - Acts 2:38-42

To them gave He power to become sons of God

"And when Rachel saw that she bare Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister; and said unto Jacob, Give me children, or else I die." - Genesis 30:1

To Rachel, to give birth to a child meant everything to her.

It is by the gospel that souls are born into the kingdom of God. (John 3:5, Acts 2:38).

Paul the Apostle travailed in prayer for souls to be born. (Galatians 4:19).

With the same attitude and deep desire for children that Rachel had, our travailing prayers can affect the birth process of souls into the kingdom of God.

"They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." - Psalm 126:5-6

"And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb. And she conceived, and bare a son; and said, God hath taken away my reproach: and she called his name Joseph; and said, The LORD shall add to me another son." - Genesis 30:22-24

Rachel’s first-born son Joseph is a type of Christ. The name Joseph means “adding.” While Christ is the only begotten Son of God (born the Son of God from birth), we become sons of God when we are born again of water and of the Spirit. (John 3:5, Acts 2:38, Romans 8:29).

"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 1:12-13 (Philippians 2:15, 1 John 3:1-2, Galatians 4:4-7, Hebrews 2:10).

"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

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

Burning Bridges

What does the expression, “Burn your bridges” mean?

One definition is, “When you burn a bridge you can't cross it again. To burn a bridge means to be completely done with something.”

A preacher once said, “You need to burn your bridges.” He was speaking about destroying everything that could bring us back to sin and death.

When we first come to God, we repent of our sins. (Acts 2:37-38).

It has been said, “What is repentance? It is a change of mind, that leads to a change of heart, that leads to a change in actions. This change involves both a turning from sin and a turning to God.”

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon includes this in definition of “repent”: “…heartily to amend with abhorrence of one's past sins…”

It is feeling deeply sorry for our sins, truly hating sin and wanting to please God with our whole heart.

It is getting rid of everything that has to do with that sin, so it won’t be easy to begin it again.

It all needs to be “burned up” so that we are truly done forever with it.

The Bible says,

"A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump." - Galatians 5:9 KJV

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon includes in its definition of leaven:

"It is applied to that which, though small in quantity, yet by its influence thoroughly pervades a thing:"

Leaven is another word for yeast that multiplies in dough until it has taken over the dough.

We need to get rid of the smallest things in our life that have to do with sin that can multiply and take over again.

All must be eliminated.

To please God, we need to leave sin behind, “burning our bridges,” with no regrets and no ways of returning to it.

The Complete Experience of the Gospel as in 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

[1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 6:1-7]

Jesus spoke of relationship

 

Jesus spoke of relationship. He said,

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." - Matthew 11:28-29 KJV

When we yoke ourselves together with Christ, it is with our whole heart, soul, and might (Deuteronomy 6:5). We yoke ourselves together when we get baptized in the name of Jesus.

With our commitment of our heart, soul, and strength to Jesus, He gives us the gift of His rest. This gift of rest is for our souls. It is the gift of the Holy Ghost.

"For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear." - Isaiah 28:11-12 (1Corinthians 14:21-22).

The world with its sin brings turmoil to our souls.

Jesus offers us rest for our souls.

We pay a heavy price for indulging in the “pleasures” of sin the world has to offer. The sin we get trapped in brings commitment that is hard to bear.

Jesus requires commitment to turn from the sin of the world and give our all to Him. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Jesus’ Spirit in us brings us love, joy, and peace. His Spirit is refreshing. It is rest to the weary.

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

“For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

“And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." - Acts 2:38-42 KJV

Repentance - Death to Sin, Life to Obedience

 

We hear the good news of 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 put sin to death in our life.

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

"For if ye live after the flesh [sinful nature], ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify [put to death] the deeds of the body [sinful nature], ye shall live." - Romans 8:13 KJV

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

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

With Jesus, there is Hope for Everyone.

 Jesus loves us so much, that while we were sinners, He suffered and died in our place. (Romans 5:8).

The kingdom of God is not a place of unrighteousness. But Jesus made a way for us that are unrighteous so that everyone can enter God’s kingdom.

Jesus said if we are born again, born of water and of the Spirit, we can enter His kingdom. (John 3:5).

If we will turn our back on our sins and repent, we can be water baptized in His name Jesus for the remission [forgiveness] of our sins, washing them away and making us just. (Acts 2:38).

When we make this covenant by baptism with Him, He promises to fill us with the gift of His Spirit, making us sanctified, set apart and free from the guilt of sin. (Acts 2:39). When Jesus fills us with His Spirit we speak in tongues as His Spirit gives us the utterance. (Acts 2:4).

The Bible says,

"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?

“Be not deceived: neither fornicators [indulge in sexual sin], nor idolaters [worship idols], nor adulterers, nor effeminate [male prostitutes], nor abusers of themselves with mankind [practice homosexuality], nor thieves, nor covetous [greedy people], nor drunkards, nor revilers [verbally abusive], nor extortioners [cheat people], shall inherit the kingdom of God.

“And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." - 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 KJV

Everyone has a hope in Jesus!

Church! Sunday, the First Day of the Week

 

What is “the first day of the week”?

Most Christians go to church on the first day of the week. In the Bible, the first day of the week is Sunday. It is the day after the Sabbath.

On “the first day” of creation, God said, “Let there be light.”

"And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day." - Genesis 1:3-5 KJV

The light was not something that was created, for God is light. Rather, the light was manifested out of the darkness. The manifesting of light in the beginning is also described in the New Testament:

"For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." - 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV

Jesus is the Light, and we are to be a light to this world. The only way we can be the light of Jesus to the world, is to turn from sin, be baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission (washing away) of our sins, and to be filled with His Spirit, the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38).

It seems appropriate for us to gather together as the church on “the first day” of the week. The first day is when the light appeared, and church is where we can learn about the true Light – Jesus – and to become His light to the world! (Mark 16:9, John 20:19, John 20:26, Acts 20:7, 1Corinthians 16:2).

Water Baptism in the Name of Jesus with Scriptures Acts 2:38

When a person is baptized in the name of Jesus (immersed in water), the name of Jesus is called upon them.

If titles (Father, Son, and Holy Ghost) are called upon a person, they are not baptized in the name of Jesus.

We are to be baptized in the NAME of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, which is JESUS. (Matthew 28:19, John 5:43, John 14:26, John 17:6, John 17:11-12, John 17:26, Acts 2:38, Acts 8:12, Acts 8:16, Acts 10:48, Acts 19:5, 1Corinthians 1:13-15).

We take on His name Jesus by baptism. By baptism, we become called by His name. (Acts 22:16, Acts 9:14, Acts 9:21, Acts 15:14, Acts 15:17, Romans 10:13, 1Corinthians 1:2, 2Timothy 2:19, James 2:7, Galatians 3:27).

It is by the name of Jesus that we have remission of sins. (Acts 10:43-48, 1John 2:12, Acts 22:16, 1Corinthians 6:11, Luke 24:47, Acts 2:38). His blood is applied to us by baptism in the name of Jesus. (1Corinthians 1:13-15, Romans 6:3-4, Colossians 2:12-13, Revelation 1:5).

"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

If a person is baptized in another way besides in the name of Jesus, we find in the Bible people were re-baptized in the name of Jesus.

"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." - Acts 19:3-5

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

And We Know That All Things Work Together For Good

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pray

We are blessed with our relationship with our Heavenly Father in that He wants to hear from us. (Matthew 7:11).

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:" - Matthew 7:7 KJV

We find that He not only wants to hear from us with our praise and worship, but Jesus is also interested in answering our prayers.

We pray for healing, salvation, deliverance, and help in all situations.

We can also pray for God to give dreams and visions of who He is that will shake people up, like God did with Saul of Tarsus, impacting those that are persecuting believers.

God can go behind closed doors, behind closed countries, into the lives of foreign leaders, religious leaders, into prisons, hospitals, drug dens, places of human trafficking, anywhere in this world, there is no limit where God can go.

"The Lord is… not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." - 2 Peter 3:9 KJV

Just as God can harden hearts as He did with Pharoah (Exodus 4:21), He can give a heart to know Him, as He did with Israel. (1Corinthians 6:9-11).

"And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the LORD: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God..." - Jeremiah 24:7 KJV

When we make requests, we ask according to His will.

"And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:" - 1 John 5:14 KJV

We can also pray in the Spirit. (Praying speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives us the utterance Acts 2:4, Ephesians 6:18, Romans 8:26).

"Be careful [anxious] for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." - Philippians 4:6 KJV

Have you received the Holy Ghost?

Jesus said,

"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." - John 3:5 KJV

Peter said,

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

Paul said,

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

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

Sis. Vani Marshall's Testimony

 

https://fb.watch/bKPHYHFi6M/

Church! And so much the more, as ye see the day approaching!

We do not know the day nor hour of the return of Jesus! The Bible says watch and to be ready. (Matthew 24:42, 1 Peter 4:7). We have too much to gain to lose!

We can be ready by repenting of our sins, being water baptized in the name of Jesus to wash away our sins, and to allow God to fill us with His Spirit so that we can overcome sin and live a holy life pleasing to Him. (Acts 22:16, Romans 12:1-2).

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

“For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:38-39 KJV

"And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward [perverse, wicked] generation." - Acts 2:40 KJV (Philippians 2:15).

In this day and hour that we are living, we need to save ourselves from this untoward generation.

And so much more, as we see the day approaching!

"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." - Hebrews 10:25 KJV

It’s time to hear the preaching of the word!

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

Just like the Day of Pentecost…

"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

It’s time to receive salvation and be filled with His Spirit, the Holy Ghost! (Galatians 5:16, Romans 8:1).

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

It is time to go to church!

"Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD." - Psalm 134:2 KJV

What Can Wash Away My Sin? Nothing But the Blood of Jesus

 

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

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

For a time, God accepted animal sacrifices.

"For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect... But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins." - Hebrews 10:1, 3-4

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

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

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

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

He supplied it. We must apply it.

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

"To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins." - Acts 10:43 [everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name.]

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

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

Biblical Examples of Water Baptism in the Name of Jesus

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

"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

Walk in the Spirit

We have repented of our sins. We have been baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of our sins. We have received the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38, Acts 2:4).

Now what?

"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid.

“How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." - Romans 6:1-4 KJV

How do we “walk in newness of life”?

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

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

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

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me..." - Acts 1:8 KJV (Luke 24:49).

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

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." - Romans 8:1 KJV (Revelation 17:14).

A Willing Vessel for the Lord

 

Those that have obeyed the gospel – have repented of their sins, are baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins, and are filled with the Holy Ghost – have offered themselves as a willing vessel for the Lord.

To be used by God, we must keep our mind open to hear His voice and must stay full of His Spirit so we may have the courage and the boldness to do His will. Ananias was such a vessel.

"And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.

“And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, and hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.

“Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: and here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.

“But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: for I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.

And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

“And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized." - Acts 9:10-18

If we stay full of His Spirit and listen and courageously obey His voice, Jesus can do great things through us!

Praying in the Holy Ghost

 The Bible says,

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." - Ephesians 6:12 KJV

The Bible then says,

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

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

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

How do we get this “shield of faith”?

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

The Bible says,

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

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

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

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

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

"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:4 KJV (Acts 10:45-46, Acts 19:6, 1Corinthians 14:18).

If you are feeling attacked by the fiery darts of the wicked, take a moment out and pray in the Holy Ghost.

"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

Perfect Peace

 "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." - Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV

"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

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

"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

"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

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

Church!

 

There is only one God. His name is JESUS.

"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." - Colossians 2:8-9 KJV ["For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body."]

Just as Jesus said - so is every one that is born of the Spirit

 Jesus spoke to Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.

"There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: the same came to Jesus by night..." - John 3:1-2 KJV

Jesus spoke to Nicodemus about a spiritual rebirth.

"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." - John 3:3 KJV

Nicodemus had trouble understanding that Jesus was speaking of a spiritual birth, not a natural birth.

"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 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

Jesus further explained.

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

Jesus revealed that, like the wind, there is a sound that comes with the birth of the Spirit.

When Jesus poured out His Spirit on the day of Pentecost, there came a sound from heaven. This sound was compared to the wind.

"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." - Acts 2:1-2 KJV

That sound from heaven as of a rushing might wind was the hundred and twenty believers in the upper room speaking in tongues as they were born of the Spirit.

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

Just as Jesus said – “so is every one that is born of the Spirit.”

*Chart from Exploring God's Word Bible Study - The Birth of the Church

 

Taking Risks for a Greater Reward

A recent Home Group discussion began with how a study showed that successful people are willing to take risks for a greater reward.

 

This concept of the willingness to take risks for a greater reward reminds me of risks some in the church around the world are taking now for the name of Jesus and the gospel.

 

Some have the opportunity to minister to those that have the potential to harm them. They are taking the risk to be Jesus to them for the greater reward of bringing about the salvation of their souls.

 

I am reminded of the early church.

 

"…And when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ." - Acts 5:40-42 KJV

 

Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy,

 

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel [share with me in the sufferings for the gospel] according to the power of God;" - 2 Timothy 1:7-8 KJV (Also verses: 5-6, 11-12, Romans 8:16-18).

 

Apostle Paul wrote,

 

"And why stand we in jeopardy every hour? I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily." - 1 Corinthians 15:30-31 KJV

 

"Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft." - 2 Corinthians 11:23 KJV (see also verses 24-28).

 

The writer of Hebrews wrote,

 

"By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward." - Hebrews 11:24-26 KJV