Church!

 

When I have repented of my sins, been baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of my sins, and have been filled with His Spirit (obeyed the gospel Acts 2:38), I have become a member of the body of Christ.

By repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus, I have applied His blood through His name in baptism, making peace with God.

"And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven." - Colossians 1:20 KJV

IF -

"And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;" - Colossians 1:21-23 KJV (1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 6:1-4, Acts 2:38, Acts 2:4, Romans 8:9).

It is important that I come together with the other members of the body of Christ to hear the preaching and teaching of the word.

"For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. ... 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 1:18, 21 KJV

"But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;" - Titus 1:3 KJV

When I come together with the rest of the body, it is also a good time to sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with a thankful heart.

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." - Colossians 3:15-16 KJV (Hebrews 10:25).

John the Baptist and the sign from God

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

JESUS - Neither is there salvation in any other

 

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

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

"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

John the Baptist baptizing Jesus to fulfil all righteousness

John the Baptist baptized with the baptism of repentance. (Acts 19:4).

Jesus asked John to baptize Him. (Matthew 3:13).

Why would Jesus, that had no sin, ask John to baptize Him? (1 John 3:5).

Jesus told John, “To fulfil all righteousness.” (Romans 10:5).  "And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now [permit it just now]: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. [“It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.”]  Then he suffered him [So John agreed to baptize him]." - Matthew 3:15 KJV (Matthew 5:17).

Aaron’s sons, the priests, washed the sacrifices before they were offered.

 John the Baptist was of the priestly lineage by virtue of both his father and mother. (Luke 1:5).

John the Baptist’s mission included a very important act: As a son of Aaron and of the priestly lineage, Jesus called on John to do his part as a priest and fulfill the righteousness of the Law.

According to Jewish Law, a sacrifice must be washed by a priest before it is offered. John, as a son of Aaron and of the priestly lineage, qualified to complete this task.

Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God and sacrifice for our sins, asked John to wash Him by baptism. (1 John 3:5, Isaiah 53:6-7).

 "The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." - John 1:29 KJV

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

 Jesus was baptized "to fulfil all righteousness." He is the Lamb of God washed before he was offered as our sacrifice on the cross. (Leviticus 1:10-13).

 "Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him." - Matthew 3:13-15 KJV

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

John the Baptist - Prepare ye the way of the LORD... a highway for our God

 

                                        

John's baptism is the first baptism mentioned in the New Testament because God sent John to prepare the way of His coming. John the Baptist did this by preaching and baptizing the baptism of repentance. John the Baptist’s message is that we need to prepare the way for Jesus in our life by turning from our sins and turning to God. His baptism, however, was strictly for preparation for Jesus. When Jesus was revealed as the Christ at His baptism, John the Baptist’s ministry was accomplished.

"And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose." - Acts 13:25 KJV

Isaiah prophesied of the mission of John the Baptist: to prepare the way of the LORD God - Jesus Christ.

"The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it." - Isaiah 40:3-5 KJV

"I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:" - Matthew 3:11 KJV

Before Jesus could pour out the Holy Ghost, it was necessary that He die for the sins of the world. Only Jesus, the Creator of the universe revealed in flesh, could pay the requirement of a sinless, holy sacrifice, which was the price for our sins. Jesus is the Lamb of God, the perfect, holy sacrifice of the Father Himself revealed in a human body.

"The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water." - John 1:29-31 KJV

Self-Control - Victory over the desires of the flesh

 

One of the things we need in living for God is self-control. Self-control is temperance. It is one of the fruits of the Spirit. A person that has accomplished self-control in his life has mastered his desires and lusts. He has crucified his sinful nature.

When we were a child, our parents recognized the areas in our life that needed to be corrected and gave us discipline. In our walk with God, our heavenly Father steps in to correct us.

Self-control and discipline are necessary in anyone’s life to function in society, and absolutely necessary for a child of God to belong to Christ and to serve in His kingdom.

Jesus corrects us by His Word, by the preaching of His Word, and by His Spirit within.

With His Holy Ghost, God’s Spirit in us, Jesus can further guide us in areas that we need self-control. As we grow, we learn to recognize His voice.

The Holy Ghost gives us divine strength that we didn’t have before that we can call on when we need self-control of temper and to refrain from lusts.

As the Lord reveals the areas we need to discipline, we make changes.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." - Galatians 5:22-25 KJV

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

"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent." - Revelation 3:19 KJV

"Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." - James 4:17 KJV

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

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

Forty Days - Being a Witness

 

There are some that have the misconception that Jesus went from the grave to the sky.

Jesus did not ascend to the sky until 40 days after His resurrection.

During these 40 days Jesus witnessed to multitudes of people showing them that He had overcome death and the grave and was alive – forevermore.

"To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:" - Acts 1:3 KJV

"For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: and that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: after that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep [have died]. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles." - 1 Corinthians 15:3-7 KJV

We obey the gospel by following Jesus’ death by repentance of our sins, we follow His burial by being buried with Him by baptism in the name of Jesus. We follow His resurrection by being filled with His Spirit to live a holy and overcoming life. (1Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 6:1-4).

We are then to be witnesses, that by the resurrecting power of His Spirit we have overcome sin and are living a victorious changed life.

During those 40 days, Jesus was a witness of the power of His Spirit. Before He ascended into heaven, Jesus let us know we are to be witnesses.

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

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

Jesus didn't ascend from the grave and rise straight to heaven, just as we don't ascend into heaven the moment we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. We, too, are witnesses of His resurrecting power. (Romans 6:4).

There is only one God - His name is Jesus

There is only one God and His name is Jesus. The name of Jesus is above all other names because by the name of Jesus, God revealed Himself in flesh and paid the price of death for the sins of all mankind. God is a Spirit. He is holy. He is the Holy Spirit. He is the Spirit of Christ because His Spirit is in the body of Christ. God fills believers with His Spirit, which is also called the Holy Ghost (a ghost is a spirit). God is not a person, He is Spirit. And He certainly is not two or three persons! He is One Spirit and His name is Jesus.

Deuteronomy 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:

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

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

Hebrews 2:14-15 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

2 Corinthians 5:19 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.

Isaiah 43:3 For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour…

John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Acts 2:38-39 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.

Baptism in the name of Jesus

What does the Bible say about water baptism in the name of Jesus? 

The church baptized all their converts in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins.

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

"But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. ... (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: [the Holy Ghost] only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)" - Acts 8:12, 16 KJV

"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 10:47-48 KJV

"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 19:4-5 KJV

"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?" - Romans 6:3 KJV

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

"Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?" - 1 Corinthians 1:13 KJV [We are baptized in the name of Jesus that was crucified for us.]

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

"And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized." - Acts 18:8 KJV

"One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." - Ephesians 4:5-6 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

 

Is it necessary for salvation to forgive?

 

Jesus told a story of a servant that owed the king ten thousand talents. He could not pay the debt, so the king ordered him and his family to be sold for payment.

The servant fell down and worshipped him, asking for patience and promising to pay all.

The king was moved with compassion, loosed him, and forgave him the debt.

The same servant went to a fellowservant, which owed him an hundred pence: he laid hands on him, took him by the throat and said, “Pay me what you owe.”

The fellowservant fell down begging him, asking for patience and promising to pay all, but he threw him into prison until he would pay the debt.

When his fellow servants saw this, they were very sorry, and told the king all that was done.

Then the king said to him, “You wicked servant, I forgave you all your debt, because you asked me. Shouldn't you also have had compassion on your fellowservant, even as I had on you?”

And the king was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.

"So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses." - Matthew 18:35 KJV

[See Matthew 18:23 – Matthew 18:35 for the complete Bible text of this story that Jesus told.]

When we could not pay our debt of sin, Jesus our King had compassion on us and forgave us. Our sins have been forgiven and washed away by the blood of Jesus when we repented and were water baptized in the name of Jesus.

Because Jesus forgave us, He expects us to forgive others.

"And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses." - Mark 11:25-26 KJV

"Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye." - Colossians 3:13 KJV

The Whole Armour of God – Ephesians 6:10-18

 

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

“Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

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

“Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;" - Ephesians 6:10-18 KJV

Habits

 

Some of the friends that we have are our friends because of the habits we share.  We go to the same places and do the same things, enjoying this habit.

When God shows us that a habit is hurting us and keeping us from a closer relationship with him, we need to change that habit.  We need to stop doing it.  Sometimes, that is easier than we thought it would be.  And then our friends find out about the change we have made in our lives.

Unfortunately, they often aren’t happy about our change.  They enjoy our company doing those old things we decided to quit doing.  Unfortunately, they don’t care that that habit is hurting us.  Unfortunately, they don’t care that that habit is keeping us from a closer relationship with God.

The pressure is turned on by our supposed friends.  They tell us how wrong we are for making our decision.  They tell us how foolish we are in our decision.  They do everything they can think of to keep us in our old habit.

God knows how people are.  That is why he tells us we need to make a change in the people we hang out with whose lives are tied up with the habit we are quitting.  Jesus tells us,

2 Corinthians 6:17-18 KJV - Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

The “unclean thing” Jesus is talking about here is the habit he wants us to quit.

What it comes down to is we have choices to make in our life.  We can choose to listen to Jesus who truly loves us and cares about us, or we can choose to listen to the people we’ve run with that don’t really care about us.

When we make good choices, the pressure is on, but Jesus is with us to strengthen us and to help us get to a better place in our life. Jesus loves us.

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

Why Wait? Obey Acts 2:38!

 

Time for Church!

Now is the time to be strong in our faith, for God keeps His promises!

It is time for us to encourage one another to be witnesses and to do all God puts on our hearts for us to do for His kingdom.

Now is especially the time to stay faithful to church where we can be encouraged and taught by the preaching and teaching of the word of God and where we can have fellowship and encouragement from the other saints.

For we can see by what is happening in the world all around us that the day of the return of Jesus is drawing near!

 

"Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) [Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.]

“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: [Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.]

“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. [And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.]" - Hebrews 10:23-25 KJV

Life and Immortality through the Gospel

 

Our Heavenly Father manifested Himself in flesh, dwelling among His people when He was born as a human being. God humbled Himself and made the incredible sacrifice of His life so that He could save us from sin and death. He came in His name of salvation, Jesus, which is above every name. (Acts 4:12, Philippians 2:6-11).

"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." - Hebrews 2:14-15 

We are set free from sin and death when we obey the gospel.

"But is now made manifest [His purpose and grace] 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

 “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death." - Revelation 1:18

We use the keys when we obey the gospel – Acts 2:38 - and are set free from the sin in our life that brings death and hell.

"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

By obeying the gospel, we have applied the blood of Jesus to our life by water baptism in the name of Jesus, and have been filled with the Spirit of Jesus when we received the Holy Ghost.

 "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them [those that have the spirit of antichrist]: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." - 1 John 4:4

"And they overcame him [satan] by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony…." - Revelation 12:11

We overcome by the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus [the gospel - the blood of the Lamb], and by the word of our testimony of our repentance, baptism in the name of Jesus for the remission of our sins, and of our infilling of the Holy Ghost [our obedience of the gospel].

"Search me, O God..."

 

"Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." - Psalm 139:23-24 KJV

At the Name of 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

"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

Led by the Spirit

 

We have turned our back on sin, we have been baptized in the name of Jesus to wash our sins away, and we have received the gift of His Spirit (Acts 2:38, Acts 2:4).

To live a victorious life, overcoming sin and being used by God in His kingdom, we will learn to be led by His Spirit.

Jesus will lead us in our conversation - to not say what we were about to say, or led to say what the Lord is giving us to say.

Jesus will lead us in our actions - to do what He would have us to do, or to not do what we were headed to do.

Jesus will lead us in our thoughts - to stop thinking about something, or to put our thoughts on what he would have us think about.

Jesus will lead us in our prayers - putting a person on our mind, putting a situation on our mind.

"Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh [we have no obligation to do what our sinful nature urges us to do].

“For if ye live after the flesh [by the dictates of your sinful nature], ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body [put to death the deeds of your sinful nature], ye shall live.

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." - Romans 8:12-14 KJV

Baptized calling on 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

"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

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

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

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

Acts 2:38 The Original Plan of Salvation is 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

"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

Church! The Five Fold Ministry

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

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

Travailing Prayer - A Key to Revival

 Jesus said we must be born again to enter the kingdom of God.

"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

When a soul is born into the kingdom of God, the spiritual mother is the church, baptizing in water in Jesus name. The spiritual Father is Jesus, filling with His Spirit.

In the natural, travail is a word that describes a woman in labor giving birth to a baby. In the spiritual, it follows that the church must also go through travail. We can see this travail as being strong prayer.

"For as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children." - Isaiah 66:8

Travailing prayer is physically consuming prayer, prayer with tears, praying in the Holy Ghost, speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance. (Acts 2:4).

Travailing prayer not only births souls but also brings rebirth of backsliders.

"My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you," - Galatians 4:19 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

Revival!

“Choose you this day whom you will serve.”

 

Will you serve Jesus, loving Him with all of your heart, soul, strength, and mind?

"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 6:6 KJV

We choose to serve Jesus when we repent and bury our sinful nature by being water baptized in the name of Jesus. Jesus gives us His power to keep from sin when He fills us with His Spirit. We then need to walk in His Spirit daily to keep from serving sin. (Acts 2:38-39, Acts 1:8, Acts 2:4).

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

This kind of choice is a lifetime choice. It is a choice that takes commitment. It is not a choice that we have to decide each day if we are going to keep our commitment or not; it is a commitment that we make for a lifetime. (Acts 2:38, 1John 4:4, 1 John 5:4).

"Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world [you used to live in sin like the world], according to the prince of the power of the air [the devil], the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience [those who refuse to obey God]: among whom also we all had our conversation [used to live that way] in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind [our sinful nature]; and were by nature the children of wrath [headed to judgment], even as others." - Ephesians 2:2-3 KJV

"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us [gave us life] together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)" - Ephesians 2:4-5 KJV

Everyone needs to make the choice, for our choice determines our future - in this life, and beyond this life. (John 12:26, Colossians 3:24, Ephesians 2:6-7, Matthew 6:24).

Choose you this day whom you will serve!

Redeeming the time because the days are evil

 

Is there someone you haven't forgiven, even if they haven't told you they were sorry?

Jesus forgave, saying,

"Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots." - Luke 23:34 KJV

Stephen forgave, saying,

"And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep." - Acts 7:60 KJV

Do you have family, friends, loved ones, that you haven't told you love them?

Is there something the Lord has put on your mind to do for Him that you have ignored, delaying by “putting it on the back burner,” and haven't done it?

"Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. [Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.]" - Ephesians 5:16-17 

What is an Ambassador for Christ?

World English Dictionary defines “ambassador” as: 1. short for ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary; a diplomatic minister of the highest rank, accredited as permanent representative to another country or sovereign  2. ambassador extraordinary a diplomatic minister of the highest rank sent on a special mission  3. ambassador plenipotentiary a diplomatic minister of the first rank with treaty-signing powers.

These definitions truly describe us as an ambassador for Christ.

Jesus sent the church on a special mission when He said,

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

Jesus gave the church treaty-signing powers when He said,

"Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained." - John 20:23 KJV

On the day of Pentecost, the church began its mission and used its treaty-signing powers. 3000 received Peter's gospel message of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, then repented, were baptized in the name of Jesus, and baptized with the Holy Ghost. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 6:1-4).

After preaching the gospel, Peter preached 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

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

There was a treaty made: they were reconciled to God by repentance, baptism in the name of Jesus, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost.

"And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 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. [According to Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, “word of reconciliation” is “preaching.”]

“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 5:18-20 KJV

Walking in the Spirit

 

When we have turned from sin by repentance, have our sins washed away by baptism in the name of Jesus, and have received the gift of His Spirit, we have access to the ways of God that we did not have before.

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

By His Spirit, we can feel love for the unlovable, strength in temptation, forgiveness for the unforgiveable, patience in turmoil, wisdom and direction in the midst of confusion, and joy and peace no matter what the situation. The key is to stay full of His Spirit. "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

"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

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." - Galatians 5:22-23

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

"For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy." - James 3:16-17

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

"And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost." - Acts 13:52

Behold a throne was set in heaven, and One sat on the throne

 

God has only one throne in heaven, and a Lamb is sitting on His throne.

"And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne." - Revelation 4:2

"And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain …" - Revelation 5:6

Why is a Lamb on God’s throne?

God took on flesh and blood in the form of the man Jesus Christ to redeem all of humanity from death from their sin by His own death on a cross. (Hebrews 2:14-15)

"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." - Hebrews 2:14-15 KJV

Because God’s flesh was a sacrifice that was holy and without sin, it was called the Lamb of God.

"The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." - John 1:29

By the blood of JESUS, we have salvation when we repent, are baptized in Jesus name for the remission of sins, and receive the gift of His Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38, Acts 4:12, Acts 2:4)

Because God’s own flesh and blood was such a great sacrifice of the Creator of the Universe, and by it accomplished the means of salvation for all of humanity, we see God as a Lamb on His throne. His name is JESUS. (Revelation 17:14)

The Blood of Christ